The Economic Times

Psychology says people who have a special kind of handshake for their friends, children or family aren't emotionally distant. Research shows these shared rituals help build trust, strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create lasting memories. From family traditions to friendship greetings, these simple actions support emotional bonding and social connection. Psychology explains why these routines matter, the theories behind them, and the lessons people can learn from this everyday

A Japanese proverb highlights that shared joy amplifies happiness and fulfillment. Even the finest experiences lose their savor when enjoyed in isolation. Meaningful relationships provide essential emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. This timeless wisdom emphasizes connection over material wealth for a richer life. Modern technology connects us globally but genuine companionship remains paramount.

African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of If you are looking for a fly in your food it means that you are full. The saying reflects how people often begin to focus on small faults and imperfections only after their basic needs have been met. It suggests that excessive criticism, unnecessary complaints, and fault-finding usually come from a place of comfort rather than genuine need, reminding us to practice gratitude, appreciate what we have, and keep minor problems in perspective.

Donald Trump stated both leaders desire an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He mentioned speaking with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend. Trump repeated his assertion of ending eight previous wars successfully. He claimed the India-Pakistan conflict could have involved nuclear weapons. The former president believes the Ukraine situation is nearing resolution.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization's independent judicial process. He confirmed receiving a call from US President Donald Trump regarding Folarin Balogun's suspension. Infantino explained that FIFA's disciplinary bodies operate autonomously and apply established regulations. He stated that such calls are regular and do not influence ongoing legal proceedings. Respecting independent institutions and the rule of law protects FIFA's integrity always.

Are you eligible for the COVID tax refund? That's the question many Americans are asking as the July 10 deadline approaches. It's not a new stimulus check. But it could protect your right to recover IRS penalties or interest paid during the pandemic. Here's who may qualify and why waiting could cost you.

Psychology says people who believe in fairy tales are often viewed as unrealistic, but psychology presents a different explanation. Research shows that stories about magic, hope, and happy endings can shape thinking, emotional growth, creativity, and resilience. This explainer looks at what psychology says, why people enjoy fairy tales, the theories behind this behavior, lessons from research, and what these stories can teach people in everyday life.

Humphrey Bogart's quote emphasizes preventing problems through thoughtful decisions. He famously stated that things are never so bad they cannot be made worse. This highlights the importance of careful judgment and avoiding impulsive actions. Bogart, a renowned Hollywood actor, starred in many classic films. His legacy continues to inspire audiences and actors alike.

Pune schools and colleges closed on July 7? Schools and colleges in Pune will remain open on Tuesday, July 7. The district administration has confirmed normal operations for educational institutions. Government offices are also expected to function as usual without any holiday. Heavy monsoon rain continues to affect Maharashtra, with an alert issued for Pune. Residents are advised to monitor weather conditions and follow official advisories.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now claimed over 500 lives. World Health Organization figures show 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths in the DRC. Two deaths have also occurred in neighboring Uganda, with 16 patients recovering there. This outbreak is driven by a rare Ebola species lacking approved vaccines or treatments.

Unconditional cash transfer schemes for women need periodic review for adequacy. Maharashtra and Odisha programs show significant improvements in savings and consumption. These schemes boost household finances and reduce family spending outflows. Spending patterns shift towards lifestyle, medical, and educational purposes. Over fifteen states now implement such direct income support programs.

Quote of the Day by Hippocrates: Hippocrates quote, Before you heal someone, ask him if he's willing to give up the things that make him sick explores the role of personal responsibility in the healing process. The quote suggests that true healing requires willingness to change habits, behaviors, or environments that contribute to illness, since recovery is not only about treatment but also about commitment to transformation and self-discipline.

Proverb of the day highlights the wisdom behind the saying, Any weapon is dangerous even to a person handling it. The proverb teaches that power, anger, harmful words, and force can harm the person using them. It comes from ancient Indian literature and remains relevant in modern life. Its message encourages responsibility, discipline, careful decision-making, and awareness of unintended consequences in personal and professional situations.

Nestle announced its new Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, India. This center will operate under Nestle Business Services India in partnership with Genpact. The move strengthens Nestle's global business services network and future capabilities. Hyderabad's ecosystem and Genpact's expertise will drive value and innovation. This expansion aligns with India's growing role as a hub for multinational corporations.

Mahindra Group CEO Anish Shah advocates for large-scale artificial intelligence integration. He stresses the need for decisive action and continuous learning across the organisation. Global uncertainties like supply chain issues and cost volatility are reshaping industries. The company is well-positioned to accelerate growth despite these challenging conditions.

The NDA has asked the Election Commission for fresh voter enumeration in Karnataka. They allege the Congress government engineered irregularities during electoral roll revisions. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar rejected these accusations, calling them baseless claims. He stated the government is only creating awareness about the ongoing revision process. The Congress plans to challenge the revision timeline in court.

Portugal vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal and Spain will clash in a significant FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match. Spain enters the game with strong momentum after a decisive victory over Austria. Portugal advanced to this stage following a dramatic late win against Croatia. Key players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal are expected to feature prominently. This Iberian derby promises an exciting contest for football enthusiasts worldwide.

Quote of the Day by Tom Hanks: Tom Hankss quote, Some people go to bed at night thinking, 'That was a good day.' I am one of those who worries and asks, 'How did I screw up today?' explores the importance of self-reflection, humility, and continuous personal growth. The quote suggests that honest evaluation of ones mistakes can be a valuable tool for learning, improvement, and building greater self-awareness.

James Stewart quote today: Actor James Stewart championed authenticity in performance, believing that genuine portrayals resonate more deeply than overt displays of skill. His philosophy, that great acting should be almost invisible, allowing the story and message to shine, extends beyond Hollywood.

Dogs spin in circles before lying down for a reason, not by accident. Animal behavior experts say this common dog habit comes from wild ancestors that flattened grass, checked for predators, and chose safe sleeping spots before resting. The instinct survived domestication and still appears in millions of pet dogs today. The American Kennel Club says this pre-sleep routine is usually normal.

Erling Haaland's sensational second-half brace propelled Norway to a stunning 2-1 upset over Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The prolific striker's goals not only eliminated the South American giants but also etched his name in World Cup history with a record-breaking debut.

US services sector activity saw a slight dip in June as the impact of Middle East war-driven order rushes faded. However, employment rebounded strongly, signaling continued labor market stability. While new orders decreased, order backlogs grew. Falling oil prices helped slow inflation, though underlying price pressures persist due to AI investments. Despite slower economic growth, the Federal Reserve is still expected to raise interest rates.

China's rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific has alarmed Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. This demonstration of growing undersea nuclear capabilities, occurring amid regional security shifts and US unpredictability, signals Beijing's expanding reach. Regional powers are now actively strengthening their own security networks, seeking greater self-reliance in a changing geopolitical landscape.

IMD weather update: India braces for a deluge as the Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across numerous states on Tuesday, July 7. A depression over Jharkhand is driving widespread showers, with thunderstorms and gusty winds also expected. The monsoon's advance is anticipated to cover more regions, including Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan, over the next three days. Residents are urged to stay alert for potential flooding and disruptions.

Pioneering biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's timeless words highlight nature's unhurried yet powerful approach to creation. In our fast-paced world, his quote, Time is insignificant and never a difficulty for Nature, serves as a profound reminder that significant achievements, from personal growth to grand natural phenomena, unfold gradually. Embracing patience and trusting the process are key to realizing lasting success, mirroring nature's own steady rhythm.

Karnataka is actively seeking to boost economic ties with Hong Kong, focusing on key sectors like semiconductors, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. The state plans to highlight its strengths in chip design and startups to attract investors and venture capital. This initiative aims to leverage Hong Kong's global financial hub status to secure international funding and foster expansion for Karnataka's businesses, building on existing trade relationships.

School assembly news headlines July 7: Prime Minister Modi embarks on a crucial three-nation visit to bolster India's Act East Policy. Meanwhile, the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust faces internal discussions amid donation allegations, and the Indian Navy prepares to commission the INS Mahendragiri. Heavy monsoon rains continue to disrupt life across several states, while the NSE eyes a September IPO.

Saudi Arabia has significantly slashed its August Arab Light crude oil price for Asia, setting it at $1.50 a barrel below the Oman/Dubai average, the lowest since June 2020. This substantial reduction, far exceeding market forecasts, follows a sharp decline in spot crude markets amid increased Middle Eastern supplies. The previous month's price stood at a $9.50 premium.

The Assam government has passed legislation to exempt the Chief Minister's Political Secretary and Political Advisor from the 'office of profit' disqualification for MLAs. This move, replacing a recent ordinance, ensures these positions do not prevent individuals from holding seats in the State Legislative Assembly. The government deemed this necessary in the public interest to allow these key roles to function without legislative impediment.

Protests demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over examination irregularities continue at Jantar Mantar. Activist Sonam Wangchuk is on his ninth day of hunger strike, having lost significant weight. The Cockroach Janta Party alleges government surveillance of women volunteers. Students' groups are also protesting paper leaks, with some participants hospitalised due to hunger strikes.

Pythagoras quote today: Greek philosopher Pythagoras emphasized that true mental strength stems from self-control, not impulsive reactions. He believed that maintaining a clear, reasoned mind, free from the cloud of passion, is crucial for making sound decisions. This discipline allows individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater wisdom and achieve better outcomes.

Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, emphasized that knowing the names of things is crucial for understanding and preserving knowledge. His system of binomial nomenclature revolutionized biology, allowing precise communication and organization of the natural world. This foundational principle remains vital today, underscoring how identification and accurate naming are the bedrock of all learning and discovery, ensuring that valuable insights are not lost to time.

The National Investigation Agency has submitted a forensic report concerning the 11 individuals deceased in last year's Red Fort car bomb explosion. A special judge will now review the findings. Meanwhile, the judicial custody of nine accused has been extended. This follows a chargesheet filed earlier, with a supplementary one adding three more individuals, including a pediatrician linked to a terror module, bringing the total charged to 13.

Quote of the day by Helen Mirren reminds people that difficult times do not last forever. The message encourages resilience, patience and hope during challenging situations. Although the quote is widely linked to Helen Mirren, it originally appeared in H. Jackson Brown Jr.'s Life's Little Instruction Book. The message continues to inspire people to face hardships, learn from setbacks and believe that better days are ahead.

Sawan 2026 Date: The sacred month of Sawan, dedicated to Lord Shiva, begins on July 30, 2026, and concludes on August 28. Devotees will observe auspicious Mondays (Sawan Somwar) on August 3, 10, 17, and 24, alongside Tuesdays dedicated to Goddess Mangala Gauri on August 4, 11, 18, and 25. The Kanwar Yatra and Jalabhishek rituals are central to this period of devotion and seeking blessings.

The government has significantly eased rules for verifying large weighing instruments, those with a capacity of one tonne or more. This move aims to boost business ease by reducing the need for heavy standard weights during checks. The revised regulations now require only 20% of the instrument's maximum capacity in standard weights, down from 50%, streamlining operations and cutting costs for industries and weighbridge owners.

NHS England is set to launch a scheme early next year that will reward people for walking roughly 30 minutes a day, which adds up to a marathon a month. Users will log walks through a phone or smartwatch and become eligible for incentives and discounts. The scheme, developed with Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster, aims to sign up over 100,000 people.

The weekend shopping rush has become a hallmark of urban Indian life, with discretionary spending nearly doubling as shoppers flock to malls and entertainment centers. This trend is particularly pronounced in larger metropolitan areas, where categories like fashion, dining, and electronics witness substantial growth. It reflects not only the increasing appetite for aspirational spending but also the pivotal role of major cities in shaping Indias economic consumption patterns.

Dogs tilt their heads for more than an adorable photo. The behavior reveals how dogs process human speech, recognize familiar words, and focus on important sounds. Animal behavior experts believe many dogs adjust their head position to hear voices more clearly while reading facial expressions at the same time. This small habit reflects canine intelligence, attention, and communication.

As Mumbai battles severe flooding, industrialist Anand Mahindra highlighted IAS officer Avishyant Panda's work in Gadchiroli. Panda's district-wide water conservation program, featuring thousands of structures to capture and store rainwater, offers a crucial lesson. Despite heavy downpours, Mumbai's reservoirs remain critically low, underscoring the need for proactive water management and conservation, not just abundant rainfall.

The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, has formally responded to the Election Commission, refuting claims by a rival faction regarding party leadership. The TMC asserts its organizational committees are valid until 2027, citing constitutional amendments that extended their tenure. They argue the rebel group's actions, including a recent special session, are unconstitutional and fraudulent, questioning their legitimacy after contesting elections under the party symbol.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a three-nation tour in Indonesia, aiming to bolster India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision. Welcomed by President Prabowo Subianto, Modi highlighted the strong civilizational ties and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The visit includes engaging with the Indian diaspora and a cultural excursion to the Prambanan Temple, underscoring deep-rooted connections. This trip precedes visits to Australia and New Zealand.