The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey predicted Abhijeet Dipke will contest elections on a Bhim Army ticket. He stated that mass movements often produce political leaders and Dipke could be one. Thousands joined the Cockroach Janta Party's march demanding the Education Minister's resignation. Dubey claimed the movement's supporters are also linked to the Bhim Army and anti-CAA protesters.
Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted for a second day due to opposition protests. Members raised concerns about the NEET paper leak and other alleged irregularities. The House faced repeated adjournments as opposition members continued their demonstrations. Despite assurances, the disruptions prevented any legislative business from taking place. This marks the second consecutive day of no work in the Monsoon Session.
A Gurugram cook earns more than government school teacher. This disparity highlights urban India's disconnect between income and social deference as many service workers now out-earn their rural relatives back home. However, their informal work lacks the security of formal jobs. This situation reveals a quiet gap between precarity and established professions.
Mamata Banerjee accused BJP miscreants of vandalizing her faction's Martyrs' Day rally stage. The Trinamool Congress party has now divided into three separate segments for rallies. Mamata Banerjee urged the INDIA Bloc to unite and fight against the BJP. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari presented a commission report on past events. The report noted Mamata Banerjee did not record her statement before the commission.
Samsung Galaxy Card reward: Samsung has launched its first branded credit card, the Samsung Galaxy Card, in the United States. This new Visa card, developed with Barclays, offers cashback rewards on Samsung purchases and everyday spending. Cardholders can earn up to five percent cashback on eligible Samsung purchases and three percent on Samsung Wallet transactions. The card features no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees for users.
A video shared on X showing passengers on the Kolkata to Sairang train carrying personal trash bags to collect their own waste has drawn widespread praise online. Most passengers in the clip were from Mizoram. The spotlessly clean sleeper coach floor prompted thousands of reactions, with many calling it a lesson for the rest of the country.
IIT Roorkee clarified a social media advisory was not a new directive. This communication is an internal advisory issued annually to students and staff. The advisory was misinterpreted as a ban on supporting student protests online. The Cockroach Janta Party organized a protest demanding accountability for the NEET exam leak. Police arrested several protesters after they attempted to breach barricades.
Mamata Banerjee urged INDIA bloc partners to unite against the BJP in West Bengal. She firmly rejected raitors within her own Trinamool Congress party. Rebels were challenged to directly join the BJP and fight elections. Banerjee asserted that expelled members would never be welcomed back. She also announced upcoming district tours across West Bengal.
Coca-Cola's global brand refresh is more than a design update. The beverage giant is strengthening its iconic identity to protect pricing power, accelerate Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, improve AI-driven marketing, ensure global brand consistency and support long-term growth as competition intensifies and consumer attention becomes increasingly fragmented.
Haryana Police blocked Punjab farmers heading to Delhi for a protest. Farmers gathered at the Shambhu border to oppose the proposed India-US trade deal. Authorities erected barricades and imposed prohibitory orders in Ambala district. Farmer leaders criticized the Haryana government for preventing their peaceful demonstration. The protest aimed to scrap the trade agreement, which farmers believe harms agriculture.
West Bengal's Chief Minister blamed the prior administration for lost air connectivity and state debt. His government plans to rejuvenate transport infrastructure and introduce a Water Metro service. New electric and CNG buses will be introduced with central government assistance. Metro rail expansion beyond Kolkata is also a key focus for development. Plans include a new greenfield airport and improved regional air connectivity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged NDA MPs to dedicate themselves to national welfare. He emphasized the nation's progress and prosperity, highlighting India's growing global stature. Modi encouraged MPs to connect with people and address youth challenges proactively. He also stressed the importance of discussing national achievements in science and infrastructure. Preparations for Independence Day celebrations were also discussed during the meeting.
Philippines Ambassador to India Josel F Ignacio on Tuesday said India's BrahMos missile system has strengthened its deterrence against China in the South China Sea, with Manila calling India a leading future defence supplier. The landmark $375 million missile deal has deepened India-Philippines defence ties as New Delhi expands its defence exports across the Indo-Pacific.
One more death was reported in Assam floods, bringing the total to eleven. Over 3.10 lakh people remain affected across eleven districts in the state. Several major rivers are flowing above danger levels, impacting many areas. Rescue operations are underway by multiple agencies, and train services are disrupted. Over 9,000 people have been evacuated to relief camps.
Hockey India announced the 20-member Indian Men's Squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the team, which includes experienced and young players. The squad will compete in Pool D against England, Pakistan, and Wales. Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the team's potential for success. India begins their campaign against Wales on August 15, 2026.
Actor Javier Bardem's decade-old quote about denial and truth remains relevant today. He noted that people avoid uncomfortable realities and struggle to discern facts. The digital age amplifies misinformation, making critical thinking essential for everyone. Bardem's words encourage questioning information and confronting reality directly. This message calls for intellectual humility in navigating a complex world.
The Delhi High Court has proposed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta Hospital. This decision followed a plea filed by his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, for his treatment. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike since June 28, protesting NEET paper leaks. Police had previously moved him to a hospital against his wishes. The court's intervention came after his wife alleged illegal detention.
Lebanon's president will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss long-term calm. Rare direct talks between Lebanon and Israel are currently being mediated by Washington. Lebanon hopes for Israeli troop withdrawal and military support to assert control. The U.S. State Department announced operations in three villages have begun. Washington will continue to endorse the Lebanese agreement and support its full implementation.
Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of student protests. He stated the Prime Minister had not apologized for Monday's events. Students are protesting the country's education and testing system, which Gandhi called hollowed out. He alleged that young people in India are being denied opportunities. Gandhi demanded the Prime Minister apologize and stop the mistreatment of students.
Who is Abishek Porel? Abishek Porel, a 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Bengal who has played for Delhi Capitals in the IPL and travelled with India A, has been ordered to be arrested by the Calcutta High Court in a rape case filed by a woman who alleged he engaged in a physical relationship with her under the false promise of marriage.
Noreen Niazi claims Pakistan's military fabricated a victory narrative after India's Operation Sindoor. She stated the army covered up a battlefield defeat, not celebrated a win. Niazi suggested Israel played a role in preventing further escalation of the conflict. She also mentioned Donald Trump intervened to provide Pakistan's leadership a way out. Pakistani authorities summoned Niazi for allegedly spreading false and inflammatory content.
The United Arab Emirates expressed solidarity with India over recent flood and landslide victims. Heavy monsoon rains have caused significant damage and dozens of deaths across several Indian states. Jammu and Kashmir reported at least twenty-three deaths and seven people remain missing. Assam has seen nearly three lakh sixty-three thousand people affected by ongoing flood situations. The Indian Embassy in the UAE deeply valued this expression of friendship and support.
Hindustan Unilever Limited faced liability for an underweight Surf Excel detergent pouch. A consumer had purchased a packet that was significantly lighter than advertised. The state commission upheld the company's liability but reduced the awarded compensation. HUL's appeal resulted in a revised payout for the consumer. The company was directed to pay a reduced amount for mental agony and litigation costs.
CJP protest: Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Central government's actions against protesters. He stated the police brutality exceeded that of the British era. The Aam Aadmi Party has launched a helpline for injured protesters. This number will provide medical and legal assistance to affected families. Kejriwal also visited a hospital and a police station later.
India's economic growth faces significant risks from a widening Middle East conflict. Rising oil prices and a potentially weak monsoon pose challenges for the nation. The International Monetary Fund has slightly adjusted its growth forecasts for upcoming years. The Fund will also reassess India's national accounts quality later this year. These assessments follow concerns raised about the country's statistical methods.
The tension is building as Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza eyes the impending T20I series, confident it will be fiercely competitive. He believes both teams boast a fair shot at winning. While India is in the midst of a team transition, Zimbabwe is also introducing fresh talent, ensuring a captivating series for cricket enthusiasts.
Mumbai rains weather forecast: Mumbai faces an upgraded weather warning from the India Meteorological Department. Intense showers are forecast for Mumbai and neighboring districts starting Tuesday. An orange alert is issued for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad until Wednesday morning. Disruptive rain is expected through Wednesday morning, with heavy showers continuing until Saturday. The alert level will then be downgraded to yellow for the affected regions.
Shawshank Redemption actor beehive: Hollywood star Morgan Freeman has transformed his ranch into a bee sanctuary and created this safe habitat after learning about declining bee populations worldwide. Freeman planted various flowering plants and trees to provide a reliable food source. He does not harvest honey, focusing instead on the bees' survival.
Official figures confirm 5,278 people died in Venezuela's dual earthquakes last month. The powerful tremors significantly impacted the nation's northern coastal regions and near the capital. Over 16,700 individuals sustained injuries from the devastating seismic events. More than 850 buildings suffered damage, and 190 completely collapsed. Over 23,500 displaced residents are now living in temporary camps.
France experienced a severe heatwave, causing many excess deaths and straining funeral services. Funeral director Gautier Caton rented refrigerated containers to store bodies arriving at high rates. Authorities acknowledge lessons learned from 2003 but face structural vulnerabilities in public facilities. The government plans cooling investments while balancing deficits and defense spending needs. Elderly care homes lack adequate air conditioning, highlighting a critical need for upgrades.
Ukrainian companies are developing faster interceptor drones to counter Russian jet-powered Shaheds. SkyFall unveiled its P1-SUN Jetkiller, which has downed over a dozen jet-powered Shaheds. General Cherry is also working on a faster Bullet interceptor, aiming for 500 kph speeds. Firebolt Engineering has developed a jet-powered Griffen interceptor drone for this purpose.
Mallikarjun Kharge canceled his birthday celebration due to government actions against protesters. Students demanding justice faced lathicharges and tear gas shells yesterday. The Congress president demanded accountability and the restoration of democracy. He called for the Union Education Minister to resign immediately. Kharge also advocated for a student-centric examination system.
Chandra Shekhar Azad staged an overnight protest on Parliament premises demanding the Education Minister's resignation. He criticized police action against youth protesters and urged dialogue with the government. A delegation met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, pressing demands for compensation and activist release. The protest march towards Parliament turned violent, with injuries reported on both sides. Sonam Wangchuk continues treatment in hospital while declining intravenous fluids.
LIC rejects five life insurance claims saying policyholder hid diabetes: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered LIC to pay over Rs 60 lakh to a Mumbai woman whose son died of a cardiac arrest in 2013, after the insurer rejected all five of his life insurance policies claiming he had hidden a diabetes diagnosis. The commission found that the diabetes was detected only after all five policies had already come into force, and that there was no link between the condition and
The new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will cut taxes on electricity bills. This move aims to ease the ongoing cost-of-living crisis for citizens. The government plans to remove value-added tax from domestic electricity bills starting October 1. This financial action will be funded by cancelling a digital ID programme. Burnham seeks to improve living standards and demonstrate effective governance.
The AIIMS Resident Doctors' Association appealed to President Murmu for an inquiry. They raised concerns about the handling of peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar. Videos showed police personnel with covered faces and name badges. Reports suggest activist Sonam Wangchuk was not allowed to leave Safdarjung Hospital. The association seeks to protect citizens' rights and ensure the rule of law.
India summoned the Russian charge d'affaires to protest the killing of four Indian seafarers. The civilian vessel was attacked by Russian cruise missiles near Ukraine's coast. Four Indian nationals tragically lost their lives in this incident. One Indian national is currently hospitalized in critical condition. India condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian crew members.
Andy Burnham begins his premiership by unveiling plans to ease living costs. He aims to improve public finances and end political uncertainty. Measures may include capping bus fares and reducing energy expenses. Investors will monitor his finance minister's funding strategies closely. Burnham seeks to demonstrate effective governance and voter support.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer believes tariff measures reduced trade deficits and encouraged business reshoring. The Trump administration is planning new tariffs on countries using forced labour. Greer indicated broad tariffs helped the US negotiate new trade arrangements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the government acted swiftly on the NEET paper leak. Thirteen individuals were arrested and imprisoned following the alleged leak incident. The Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to protecting students' interests. He highlighted stringent measures taken to prevent future paper leaks effectively. The government seeks the strictest punishment for those involved in the racket.
A rare Titanic lifejacket worn by survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli sold for 670,000, and this historic flotation device fetched more than double its estimated value at auction. The vest bears signatures of Francatelli and seven other survivors from Lifeboat Number One. It remained in her family for decades before entering a private collection.
One Indian national received a jail sentence in Singapore for a diamond theft. He and his accomplice planned to steal a valuable diamond from a Chinatown store. The men commissioned a counterfeit diamond in India before traveling to Singapore. They were apprehended at Changi Airport while attempting to depart the country. The genuine diamond was later recovered from one of the accused individuals.
Goldman Sachs has warned Brent crude could rise above $120 a barrel if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist. For India, which imports most of its crude oil, a sustained oil price rally could increase the import bill, weaken the rupee, fuel inflation, widen the current account deficit and raise petrol and diesel prices.

29 C