The Economic Times

Wimbledon 2026 kicks off June 29th with defending champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek aiming to retain their titles. Novak Djokovic eyes a record eighth men's singles crown, while tennis icon Serena Williams makes a highly anticipated comeback. The tournament promises thrilling matches, featuring top stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, culminating in the finals on July 11th and 12th.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has called for the defeat of the BJP government, accusing them of looting the nation and even Lord Ram, dismissing their achche din slogan as false. His remarks come amid allegations of donation embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram temple, leading to an SIT investigation and the arrest of eight individuals.

Sneeze Psychology: The common reflex to say God bless you after a sneeze stems from ancient beliefs about souls leaving the body and fears of illness, particularly during historical plagues. While science now explains sneezes as a reflex, the phrase persists as a social ritual, a small gesture of care and politeness.

A groundbreaking development has emerged as the State Investigation Agency has lodged a comprehensive 700-page chargesheet against Yasin Malik, the head of JKLF, along with four others for the tragic kidnapping and murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat in 1990. Filed 36 years post-incident, this document underscores the relentless pursuit of justice for terrorism's victims and asserts that time does not shield offenders from accountability.

BJP President Nitin Nabin asserted that India's Gen Z are constructive nation-builders, not those challenging the Constitution or culture. Interacting with students, he emphasized that Indian youth are pro-establishment, contributing to economic growth through startups and sports, unlike those with divisive mindsets. He urged countering misinformation and highlighted the positive transformation of Kashmir's youth under PM Modi's leadership.

Israel and Lebanon have reached a U.S.-brokered peace framework, aiming for mutual recognition and an end to hostilities. Key points include the gradual disarming of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army, eventual Israeli withdrawal, and international aid for Lebanon's reconstruction. However, Hezbollah has rejected the terms, viewing them as a surrender, following a renewed conflict after a previous ceasefire failed to fully materialize.

Eight individuals accused of embezzling donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya have been placed in 14 days of judicial custody. A local court ordered the remand after their previous custody expired. Officials confirmed that police did not seek further custody of the accused, who were previously held for three days. This development follows their arrest in connection with the alleged financial irregularities.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has begun an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar, citing unfulfilled promises and stalled dialogue with the Centre regarding Ladakh's constitutional safeguards. He expressed sadness at having to protest again, emphasizing his commitment to dialogue despite the risk. Wangchuk hopes his hunger strike will revive meaningful engagement and urged political parties to support the movement for future generations.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Monday reiterated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying it has remained part of the party's declared agenda since its inception and enjoys support from several sections of society, including minorities.

America's 250th birthday is proving divisive, mirroring the nation's deep political schisms. While some, like Betsy Halsey, refuse to celebrate due to President Trump, others, such as Dan Marrazzo, see it as a moment to honor a thriving nation. The official commemoration, led by Trump's initiatives, faces criticism for politicization, leaving many Americans grappling with how to separate patriotism from partisan divides.

A Karnataka village boy, Awais Ahmed, once reliant on encyclopedias for space knowledge, co-founded Pixxel, a company now orbiting Earth with its advanced satellites. This venture, born from childhood curiosity and a gap in satellite data, monitors vital environmental changes like crop health and pollution. Pixxel's innovative hyperspectral imaging technology has garnered global recognition, including a NASA contract, showcasing how humble beginnings can fuel groundbreaking space exploration.

India's industrial production surged by 5.1% in May 2026, largely propelled by strong manufacturing activity despite a decrease in mining operations. This data, which utilizes a new base year of 2022-23 and refined measurement approaches, paints a clearer and more accurate picture of the country's industrial progress. The revised index also factors in emerging sectors, providing essential economic insights for decision-makers and businesses alike.

India's Kidambi Srikanth secured a runner-up finish at the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament, losing a hard-fought final to Chinese Taipei's Su Li-yang. Despite a strong comeback in the second game, Srikanth couldn't overcome the pace and intensity of his younger opponent, ultimately falling in three games. This marks his second final appearance this season.

India's Women's T20 World Cup exit has ignited a debate over captain Harmanpreet Kaur's future, with the team facing a significant reset. Despite pre-tournament expectations, the side struggled with unsettled combinations, a conservative approach, and poor fielding, leading to an early departure. Head coach Amol Muzumdar backed Kaur, but selectors face tough decisions regarding the team's direction.

Whirlpool's drastic decision to cut over half its Iowa plant's workforce throws a wrench in President Trump's tariff strategy designed to bolster U.S. manufacturing. The company argues that modernization justifies the layoffs, yet workers and investors are concerned about rising imports from Mexico and China, alongside the company's troubled stock performance.

Comcast is set to divide into two separate, publicly traded entities, spinning off its NBCUniversal and Sky media assets. This strategic move will create distinct companies: one focused on broadband and wireless services, and the other on theme parks, film, TV studios, and European media. The separation aims to adapt to evolving consumer habits and the dynamic streaming landscape. Shareholders will hold stakes in both new ventures.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the government has no involvement in retired diplomats and military officials attending overseas discussions on India-Pakistan relations. These are private events organized by private parties, and participants speak for themselves, not representing the official Indian government stance. New Delhi does not officially acknowledge or assign value to such deliberations, emphasizing that they cannot represent the government's views.

Europe is grappling with extreme weather as temperatures soar to 40C in some areas, while France reports nearly 1,000 excess deaths due to a relentless heatwave. The continent's infrastructure and healthcare systems are under immense strain. Meanwhile, weather forecasts show a mixed picture, with scorching heat in Italy and Spain, pleasant warmth in the Netherlands, and cooler conditions in higher altitudes of Switzerland.

Kerala's Ancy Sojan has shattered a 22-year-old national record, leaping 6.88 meters in the women's long jump. This historic achievement in Bhubaneswar eclipses Anju Bobby George's previous mark, crowning Ancy as India's new long-jump queen. Her journey from a humble fishing village, fueled by her father's dreams and her coach's belief, now sets her sights on the 7-meter barrier, inspiring a nation.

India's sporting narrative is expanding beyond cricket, with athletes achieving historic milestones in diverse disciplines. A recent gold medal in rowing at the World Cup exemplifies this shift, showcasing growing talent and institutional support. This progress, fueled by improved infrastructure and investment, signals a broader sporting ambition for the nation, with champions now emerging from unexpected arenas.

Muthukumaran was previously chief financial officer of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone but had quit the assignment in February as per a stock exchange disclosure by the Adani group company at the time. He had spent over four years with Adani group as per his profile on a professional networking website.

In a strategic move, INERA Crop Science has teamed up with CropNXT Solutions to tap into a Rs 500 crore opportunity in biological agri-inputs across northern and eastern India. This collaboration aspires to assist over 65 lakh farmers in five states by providing sustainable substitutes for traditional fertilizers, addressing concerns over soil health and soaring prices.

India's economy is demonstrating remarkable resilience against global challenges, according to Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI. He highlighted that initial economic indicators suggest continued growth, with the government actively leveraging administrative data for informed policymaking. The ministry is focused on harmonizing data to enhance interoperability and accessibility, ensuring a robust data ecosystem for future decision-making and the nation's development goals.

Ending a 27-year legal fight, the Orissa High Court ordered a public sector bank to pay Rs 20 lakh each to two daily-wage sweepers. The court rejected their plea for service regularisation, citing previous judgments. Judges acknowledged the workers' nearly three decades of service, their advancing age, and limited future employment prospects, deeming the compensation a just resolution.

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu expressed no surprise at India's 0-2 loss to Ireland, citing the team's lack of preparation for slower wickets. He highlighted Tilak Varma's struggles with footwork against such bowling and the difficulty of transitioning from flat IPL tracks. Rayudu also advised against rushing young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the side, emphasizing the importance of experience. He believes the upcoming England series will present different, better conditions.

Kerala lottery results today: Kerala Lottery Bhagyathara BT-60 results for Monday, 29 June 2026, have been officially declared. Ticket holders can now check their numbers for the Rs 1 crore first prize and other attractive cash rewards. Full list of other winning numbers here.

A 15-year-old district topper from Madhya Pradesh, Anjali Sondhiya, defied societal norms and an arranged marriage to pursue her education. Facing three UPSC exam failures and personal tragedy, her mother's unwavering support became her strength. Anjali's relentless determination culminated in an impressive All India Rank 9 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2024, rewriting her destiny.

Randstad India has appointed Narayan Iyer as its new managing director and chair of the management council. With over three decades of experience in IT services and consulting, Iyer will spearhead the company's four specialisations and shared service centres in India. His leadership aims to drive growth, enhance digital capabilities, and solidify Randstad's role as a key talent partner in the rapidly evolving Indian market.

Moody's Ratings believes India can manage a wider fiscal deficit this year without jeopardizing its investment-grade credit rating. Despite elevated oil prices posing risks, the agency views their impact as temporary and trusts New Delhi's commitment to fiscal consolidation. While high debt servicing remains a concern, Moody's remains confident in India's steady financial improvement and conservative fiscal path.

A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of ten individuals implicated in the NEET UG paper leak case until July 11. These accused, including Yash Yadav and Mangilal Biwal, are alleged to be part of a chain that facilitated the leak for a significant sum. The Central Bureau of Investigation is actively pursuing the case, with question papers reportedly recovered from one of the accused's mobile phones.

Maharashtra has mandated Marathi language teaching and examinations for all schools, from Classes 1 to 10, across all mediums. Institutions failing to comply face escalating penalties, including a Rs 1 lakh fine and potential recognition cancellation. The School Education Minister emphasized strict enforcement, urging legislators to ensure compliance and warning officials of action for dereliction of duty. Discussions also touched upon textbook revisions and promoting the state song.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced Monday that Qatar will release USD 6 billion of frozen Iranian assets, a move he stated is part of ongoing negotiations with the United States. This development comes amidst escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, with Iran launching attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait following US airstrikes. US officials, however, have yet to confirm any release of these funds.

Following two surprising defeats against Ireland, India faces a pressing dilemma: how to integrate generational talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into their established lineup. Despite public demand, the team management has prioritized process, but recent results necessitate a review. Legendary Sunil Gavaskar strongly advocates for Sooryavanshi's inclusion in the upcoming England series, suggesting dropping out-of-form batsmen to accommodate him.

Despite ambitious spending and notable player acquisitions, Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar experienced disappointing World Cup exits. This indicates that financial clout does not ensure triumph in the game. Saudi Arabia is now prioritizing homegrown talent for their hosting in 2034, while Qatar, despite fervent investment, cannot seem to elevate its football status on the global stage.

Delhi's electoral roll revision is underway, with over 13,000 booth-level officers conducting door-to-door verification for 1.45 crore voters. Residents will receive forms for acknowledgement and updates, with online submission also an option. The process, spanning July and August, aims to finalize the electoral roll by October 7. Concerns regarding voters affected by demolitions are being addressed.

As temperatures soar across India, air conditioners run for hours every day, quietly producing litres of water that usually end up going straight down the drain. While AC water isn't suitable for drinking, it can still be surprisingly useful around the house. Instead of wasting it, here are seven practical ways to put AC water to good use and save a little water in the process.

India's Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championship journey concluded with a narrow 1-2 quarterfinal defeat against Hong Kong. Despite a strong start and early leads, India couldn't maintain momentum. Key singles and doubles matches proved crucial, with Hong Kong ultimately clinching the tie in a hard-fought contest. The team's campaign ended on a disappointing note after a spirited performance.

Ram temple donation case: Ayodhya lawyers have resolved not to represent eight individuals arrested for alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, imposing a Rs 5 lakh penalty for any violation. The Bar Association also demanded that three temple management officials leave Ayodhya within three days, threatening a city blockade if they refuse. This decision stems from hurt sentiments over the alleged theft of offerings.

BT and Verizon are merging their international enterprise operations into a new 50:50 joint venture, aiming to serve multinational clients with a combined annual revenue of $4 billion. Verizon will pay BT $625 million as an equalisation payment. BT's CEO sees this as a potential catalyst for wider industry consolidation, highlighting the fragmented nature of the market. Martijn Blanken has been appointed as the CEO-designate for this new venture.

Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: An economist's unique model, which accurately predicted the last three World Cup winners, has made a stunning forecast for FIFA World Cup 2026. Joachim Klement's econometric analysis suggests Japan will upset tournament favorites Brazil in the Round of 32. This bold prediction, which also foresaw the Brazil-Japan clash, challenges traditional expectations and hints at a potential Dutch triumph in the final.