The Economic Times

Dressed in black and draped in the red, white and green flags of the Islamic Republic of Iran, mourners held up posters and A4 printed sheets with pictures of Khamenei and his son and successor as supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Iran is staging mass funeral processions for Khamenei, who was killed in February by the opening airstrikes of the war launched by the U.S. and Israel, in a show of public devotion to the Islamic Republic's theocratic state and revolutionary zeal.

India is intensifying its watch on glufosinate imports from China, a crucial herbicide. Authorities are investigating if Chinese exporters are trying to bypass anti-dumping duties by adjusting prices. This move aims to protect domestic manufacturers. Meanwhile, anti-dumping duties on butyl alcohol from the US, Malaysia, and South Africa have been extended. Additionally, a customs duty exemption is now in place for animals participating in international events under the India-UK CETA.

Novak Djokovic, at 39, continues his Wimbledon dominance, showcasing surgical grass-court tennis despite a limited season. His efficient play, marked by precision and strategic net approaches, has seen him overcome tough opponents. Djokovic appears to be enjoying the chase for history, even finding moments for lighthearted celebration, as he advances through the tournament with a clear, energy-conserving formula.

Norway's World Cup journey hinges on talisman Erling Haaland as they face a formidable Brazil in the last-16. Despite Haaland's modest prediction, Norway boasts an unbeaten record against the Selecao, offering historical encouragement. Coach Stale Solbakken believes his team can challenge Brazil, relying on Haaland's prolific scoring. However, Brazil counters with Vinicius Junior, their tournament top scorer, making for a thrilling encounter.

Indian travellers are increasingly favouring Asian destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan for summer holidays over Europe. This shift is driven by rising airfares to Europe, geopolitical concerns in West Asia impacting travel routes, and the appeal of shorter, more affordable, and visa-friendly Asian getaways. Travel companies report significant year-on-year growth in bookings to these popular Asian locales.

India and Israel's new investment pact is now active, aiming to boost trade beyond $1 billion by offering quicker dispute resolution and enhanced investor protection. This agreement, signed in September 2025, allows a three-year window for domestic legal remedies before international arbitration, while safeguarding India's policy-making autonomy. It covers a broad range of investments and replaces a previous accord.

England faces a daunting challenge at Mexico's Azteca Stadium, confronting a fervent home crowd and the ghosts of World Cup history. Co-hosts Mexico, undefeated and un-scored-upon at home, are brimming with confidence, while England, despite a nervy win, seeks to overcome the high-altitude disadvantage and a legacy of past defeats.

A significant counter-terror operation is underway in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, after two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were cornered in a dense orchard. Security forces, including Army, J&K Police, and CRPF, have cordoned off the Meemandar area. The trapped militants, identified as Latif and Zakir from Kulgam, opened fire, prompting a gunfight. Efforts are ongoing to prevent their escape and encourage surrender.

A timeless Russian proverb, There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out, champions intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. It emphasizes that admitting ignorance is the first step to growth, urging individuals to embrace questions and the pursuit of knowledge.

Social Security Check: While only U.S. citizens born during Trump's second administration will receive the $1,000 government contribution, Americans can open a Trump Account for their children under age 18 with a valid Social Security number.

Paraguay vs France FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming: France gears up for a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 showdown against a confident Paraguay in Philadelphia. Having dominated their group stage, the 2018 champions, led by Kylian Mbappe, aim to extend their unbeaten streak. Paraguay, buoyed by their stunning upset over Germany, presents a formidable challenge. Football fans in India can catch this exciting clash live on ZEE5 and Unite8 Sports.

India's trade deal with Peru faces delays due to market access issues, while progress is reported on agreements with Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. The India-EU FTA is expected by year-end. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured the toy industry that mandatory quality control orders will remain, urging a tenfold export increase and leveraging new FTAs for global reach.

Success hinges not on luck, but on smart decisions and seizing opportunities. This age-old wisdom, drawn from card games, emphasizes that even with an average hand, strategic thinking and skillful execution can lead to victory. It's about controlling your response to life's circumstances, making the most of what you have, and turning ordinary situations into extraordinary achievements through careful planning and timely action.

Bengaluru's Chamber of Industry and Commerce launched its Golden Jubilee year by honouring four distinguished individuals for their significant contributions. The 49th annual general meeting also saw new leadership take charge, pledging to boost industry-government ties, foster innovation, and support MSMEs. The chamber aims to strengthen its role as a vital link for Karnataka's economic progress and industrial development, preparing businesses for future opportunities.

Jewish Proverb of the Day highlights a timeless idea about human desire, satisfaction, and the way perception shapes emotional fulfillment in everyday life. The proverb What one has, one doesnt want, and what one wants, one doesnt have reflects how people often struggle to find contentment by constantly comparing what they already possess with what they still lack.

Afghanistan's Taliban regime faces a growing ISIS threat, with Kabul accusing Pakistan's ISI of backing the militants. This week, the Taliban launched cross-border drone strikes on alleged ISIS positions in Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. These actions escalate tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, highlighting regional instability and wider security concerns for India and Eurasian nations. The situation is further complicated by Afghanistan's recent defense pact with Mo

Psychology suggests that people who always upgrade to the latest smartphones aren't necessarily trying to impress others. For many people, a new phone isn't just another gadget, it's an opportunity to explore what's possible next.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are intensifying their engagement with Punjab, signaling a significant push by the BJP ahead of next year's assembly elections. Modi's upcoming visit to Jalandhar to inaugurate a renovated railway station, following his earlier visit for Guru Ravidas's birth anniversary, underscores this renewed focus. Shah is also slated to visit soon, strategizing with party leaders.

Union minister Chirag Paswan is set to address party workers in Lucknow, marking a significant shift from Bihar for his father's birth anniversary commemoration. This move underscores LJP (Ram Vilas)'s ambition to contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections as part of the NDA. The party aims to consolidate the Pasi-Paswan community's voter base, estimated at 9.5%, in favour of the ruling alliance, expanding its influence beyond Bihar.

The Election Commission has announced bypolls for assembly seats in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, with nominations closing July 15 and polling on July 30. The Bankipur seat in Bihar is a key contest, potentially seeing electoral debut of Prashant Kishor against the BJP. In Madhya Pradesh, the Datia seat is up for grabs after a Congress MLA's conviction, with both parties aiming to secure it.

Psychology suggests that some mothers-in-law who expect daughters-in-law to follow long-standing family rules may be repeating patterns they experienced themselves.

Mark Twain's humorous quote, 'A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way,' highlights that life's most profound lessons stem from direct experience, not just advice. True wisdom is earned through mistakes, failures, and personal trials, shaping character and resilience in ways theoretical knowledge cannot. Embrace life's challenges; they are often our greatest teachers, forging unforgettable insights.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will table the inquiry committee's report on former Delhi HC judge Justice Yashwant Varma on the Monsoon Session's opening day, July 20. This move allows Parliament to discuss impeachment proceedings, even after the judge's resignation. The panel investigated allegations following the discovery of unaccounted burnt cash at his residence in March 2025. Justice Varma resigned on April 9, 2026.

Manipur BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, a prominent tribal leader, was finally laid to rest in Churachandpur district, 134 days after succumbing to injuries from ethnic violence. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the funeral, marking a significant visit to the district since the unrest began. Valte, a three-time legislator, had been receiving treatment in Delhi following a brutal attack in Imphal last year.

England secured a commanding four-wicket victory in the second T20 against India, with Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 76 leading the charge. The match also marked the highly anticipated debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India. Despite a spirited effort from the young Indian side, England successfully chased down the target, with Sam Curran also impressing with the ball.

Prince Harry would fly in on Monday for a five-day visit marking the one-year countdown towards next year's Invictus Games, launched by the prince in 2014 for wounded veterans. The prince was also expected to attend engagements with his other charities during the trip.

Mizoram's electoral roll revision sees massive public engagement, with over 8.28 lakh electors submitting forms in the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision. This success stems from dedicated efforts by election officials, booth-level workers, and volunteers, including extensive awareness campaigns and house-to-house visits. Political parties were actively involved, ensuring broad participation and accurate voter lists.

Psychology says many doctors develop less legible handwriting because of time pressure, cognitive load, automaticity, motor learning, and years of repetitive documentation rather than carelessness.

On This Day in History, July 5 highlights pivotal moments that shaped politics, science, culture and global history. From Isaac Newton publishing Principia, Venezuela declaring independence and Algeria gaining freedom to the founding of Amazon, the establishment of the UK's National Health Service and Arthur Ashe's historic Wimbledon triumph, the date also marks milestones involving Elvis Presley, the Korean War, the bikini and the Beatles.

Quote of the Day by Confucius: Confucius quote, What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others. This insightful quote explores the importance of inner strength, self-awareness, and personal growth in shaping a meaningful life. The quote suggests that a truly wise and virtuous person focuses on self-development, inner values, and moral discipline rather than depending on external approval or validation. In contrast, those who lack inner stability tend to seek rec

Iran is preparing for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's funeral with extensive logistical plans, including mass grave preparations for up to 3,000 potential casualties amid extreme heat. Ceremonies span multiple cities, drawing massive crowds and raising security concerns due to past deadly stampedes. Political tensions are also high, with hardliners denouncing negotiations and calling for continued conflict, all while public frustration mounts over the event's significant cost.

A common misconception is that people who enjoy eating at restaurants or watching movies alone must be lonely or socially isolated. Psychology suggests a more balanced perspective. Many people who appreciate solo experiences also have strong friendships and fulfilling relationships.

Mumbai and Thane are under a red alert as heavy rainfall causes widespread waterlogging. Significant rainfall has been recorded across the city, with areas like Andheri Subway experiencing severe inundation. Authorities are urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and to stay away from the seafront. Rescue teams are deployed, and efforts are underway to clear traffic and address the waterlogging issues, including a permanent solution for the Andheri Subway.

A timeless French proverb, 'You often meet your fate on the road you take to avoid it,' reveals life's irony. Fear-driven avoidance can inadvertently lead us to the very situations we dread. This wisdom highlights that confronting challenges directly, rather than running, often proves to be the path to true freedom and fulfillment. Embracing courage and acceptance is key to navigating life's unpredictability.

Quote of the Day by Bruce Lee: Bruce Lees quote, I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times, explores the importance of focus, discipline, and mastery in achieving true success. The quote suggests that greatness is not built through scattered effort or surface-level practice, but through consistent repetition and deep dedication to a single skill.

Quote of the day by Nicolaus Copernicus life lesson on humility, wisdom, and personal growth. It encourages individuals to value their ideas while remaining open to constructive criticism and alternative perspectives. Intellectual humility strengthens education, scientific progress, leadership, relationships, and civic life. By listening with respect, thinking critically, and embracing lifelong learning, people develop not only greater knowledge but also stronger character. Ultimately, true wisd

Quote of the day by Homer offers a timeless philosophy for achieving meaningful success. It teaches that careful decision-making must be matched by steady perseverance. Wisdom helps individuals choose the right path, while patience gives them the strength to remain committed despite challenges and delays. Together, these qualities create the foundation for lasting accomplishment, strong character, and personal fulfillment. In every area of lifeeducation, careers, relationships, and personal deve

A common assumption is that people who prefer wearing glasses are simply afraid of touching their eyes. Psychology does not support such a broad conclusion. For many, the preference is shaped by comfort, familiarity, convenience, personal routine, or the greater sense of control that glasses offer in everyday life.

India's Finance Ministry has notified rules for determining the origin of goods under the India-UK CETA, effective July 15, 2026. This agreement grants duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports to the UK, boosting sectors like textiles and engineering. The rules ensure only genuine goods qualify for preferential tariffs, preventing misuse and strengthening the trade pact's integrity. Businesses must now align supply chains with these origin criteria for full benefit.

Canada vs Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 predicted lineup: Canada faces Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, aiming for a historic quarterfinal berth. The co-hosts, buoyed by home support, seek an upset against a favored Moroccan side that has impressed throughout the tournament. Fans in India can catch this exciting clash live on July 4th at 10:30 pm IST via Zee5 and Unite8 Sports.

After dedicating the country's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex to the nation in Rajasthan's Balotra area, Modi said an agreement for the project had been signed in 2017, but the work slowed considerably under the Congress government in Rajasthan between 2018 and 2023.

Ancient Greek wisdom warns, 'A word out of season may mar a whole lifetime.' This timeless proverb highlights the critical importance of timing and thoughtful speech, especially in our fast-paced digital age. Careless remarks, even if truthful, can inflict lasting damage. True wisdom lies in knowing not just what to say, but when to speak, emphasizing patience, emotional intelligence, and the profound impact of our words on relationships and lives.