The Economic Times

The US goods trade deficit narrowed in June as imports declined more sharply. Imports fell across most major categories, reflecting scaled-back business stockpiling efforts. Exports also weakened during the month, though automotive and consumer goods shipments increased. Economists anticipate trade will remain a drag on second-quarter economic growth. Inventories remained stable, suggesting businesses maintain cautious stock levels.

Apple has launched Apple Upgrade, a new device leasing service in the United States. This program allows customers to lease iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Customers can return, purchase, or upgrade devices after their lease concludes. The new leasing option replaces the older iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments. Existing users will transition to new purchasing methods after their current plans end.

Tribeca Film Festival 2026: Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence, Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, Martin Scorsese, Rami Malek, George Lucas, and Danny Boyle were reportedly caught up in an alleged cyber leak. The personal details of A-listers were leaked after the Tribeca Film Festival database was accidentally made public, exposing phone numbers, email addresses, and device information.

According to psychology, people who hold on to grudges for years are often reacting to more than a single conflict. Their response may be shaped by factors such as rumination, difficulties with emotional regulation, attachment experiences, and the lasting impact of past emotional wounds.

Quote of the Day by Macaulay Culkin: Macaulay Culkins quote, I've led a very isolated existence since I was 6 years old. It's kind of been me and my mind, explores the importance of solitude, self-reflection, and personal identity. The quote suggests that spending significant time alone can shape how individuals understand themselves, process experiences, and develop emotional awareness. It highlights that isolation can bring challenges, but it can also create opportunities for creativity, indep

Public sector firms want the RBI's forex swap facility extended by three months. This facility helps government companies hedge dollar costs for external borrowing. Banks have already mobilized over twenty billion dollars through this special swap scheme. The inflow of dollars is expected to ease pressure on the Indian rupee. This concessional hedging cost supports government companies opting for ECBs.

Omar Khayyam, a Persian mathematician and poet, offers timeless wisdom on appreciating today. His quatrains emphasize that tomorrow is never guaranteed, urging us to act now. Khayyam's scientific contributions included calendar reform and algebraic solutions. His poetry, popularized by FitzGerald, explores life's uncertainties and simple pleasures. This ancient philosophy encourages gratitude and full engagement with the present moment.

D-Propulse successfully demonstrated India's first indigenous 5 kN air-breathing RDE. This engine uses pressure-gain combustion for improved efficiency and simpler design. The technology achieved Technology Readiness Level-5 validation in a relevant environment. The company targets a flight-ready engine by December 2027. This advancement strengthens India's indigenous propulsion capabilities for future defense platforms.

British forces detonated nineteen underground mines during the Battle of Messines in 1917. This created the largest man-made explosion known before the atomic age. The powerful blasts shattered German defenses along the Messines Ridge. Allied troops then advanced and captured the strategically important terrain within hours. Several large mine craters remain visible in Belgium today as memorials.

India and China reaffirmed border peace during Foreign Secretary Misri's Beijing visit. Discussions covered bilateral relations and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. Both nations recognized the importance of preserving peace along their shared border areas. Recent months have seen measures aimed at restoring normalcy in bilateral ties. Diplomatic momentum follows troop disengagement from eastern Ladakh friction points.

More than 85 years after researchers first began following hundreds of participants in 1938, the Harvard Study continues to deliver a powerful message. People flourish when they feel connected. In an age dominated by digital communication and fast-paced lifestyles, genuine human connection remains one of the most valuable resources for physical and emotional wellbeing.

Europe might sit on its own green energy goldmine. Deep in central Spain, a major rare-earth deposit was discovered. It holds enough critical monazite to supply one-third of Europes needs. That could finally cut reliance on China for EV magnets. But there is a big catch. Severe drought and local opposition have stalled the mine. Can Europe save its electric future? Here is what is really happening right now.

India stated Pakistan is responsible for hindering SAARC cooperation efforts. New Delhi favors strong regional cooperation and has worked towards it for decades. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu called for resolving differences through dialogue. The SAARC grouping has been ineffective since 2016 due to stalled summits. India has focused on BIMSTEC as SAARC initiatives have not progressed.

Quote of the Day: Fred Rogers' quote Love and trust, in the space between whats said and whats heard in our life, can make all the difference in the world highlights love, emotional bond, and trust in communication in relationships. Understanding requires listening with empathy and responding with kindness, according to Fred Rogers' quote.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have reportedly bought a luxury apartment. This sea-facing property in Versova is valued at Rs 18.29 crore. The spacious 2,644-square-foot residence includes three dedicated parking spaces. The purchase follows their recent spiritual visit to Vrindavan seeking blessings. This acquisition expands their existing real estate portfolio.

Tata Sons Executive Chairman N Chandrasekaran earned Rs 158.66 crore in FY26. This represents a slight increase from the previous financial year's earnings. His compensation primarily consists of a substantial profit-linked commission. The Tata Group reported significant revenue and profit growth for FY26. Chief Financial Officer Saurabh Agrawal was the second highest-paid executive.

The government is considering easing foreign direct investment norms for downstream investments. This move aims to boost overseas fund inflows and create new jobs. Most sectors are already open to 100 percent foreign investment under the automatic route. India has attracted significant FDI inflows between 2014-15 and 2025-26. Continuous policy reviews ensure India remains an attractive investment destination.

Japan earthquake 2026: A powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu island, damaging Kumamoto Castle. The quake injured dozens and disrupted transport and power supplies across the region. Stone walls at the historic landmark suffered damage, recalling the 2016 disaster. Authorities issued a tsunami advisory which was later lifted after no waves were observed. Emergency response was activated, and aircraft surveyed the affected area.

India's imports grew significantly, reflecting domestic demand and manufacturing expansion, the govt said. The trade deficit highlights development needs and energy dependence for economic growth, it added.

Japanese proverb of the day explores the traditional Okinawan saying, Forgetting your native tongue means forgetting your native country. The proverb explains the connection between language, identity, heritage, homeland and family traditions. It also highlights how language preserves memories, values and cultural history. Even in a world where people migrate and learn new languages, keeping one's mother tongue alive helps maintain cultural roots and strengthens connections across generations.

Weather Tomorrow, July 29: A deep depression is forecast to bring widespread heavy rainfall across India on Wednesday. This system will move inland from eastern India, influencing central and eastern regions significantly. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, expects extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Northern states like Delhi and Rajasthan will also experience widespread showers and thunderstorms. Fishermen are warned against venturing into the northwest Bay of Be

Quote of the Day by Miley Cyrus: Miley Cyruss quote, Anyone that hates on you is always below you, because theyre just jealous of what you have, explores the importance of self-confidence, resilience, and refusing to let negativity define your worth. The quote suggests that unnecessary hate and criticism often stem from envy or personal insecurity rather than anything lacking in the person being criticized. It encourages people to stay focused on their goals, value their achievements, and avoid

Suneil Anand, son of Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik, has died at seventy. He passed away in London after suffering a heart attack on July twenty-sixth. Suneil Anand made his acting debut in his father's film Anand Aur Anand in 1984. He also ventured into filmmaking, directing the martial arts movie Master in 2001. The family has confirmed the news and requested privacy during this difficult time.

Appleton Tornado: A tornado struck Wisconsin, damaging homes and toppling trees and power lines. Thousands of residents lost electricity as severe storms swept through the state. Authorities assessed the destruction across Winnebago and Outagamie Counties after the storm. Homes in Appleton suffered significant damage, with roofs and siding torn away. Menasha experienced a major power outage after a transmission line fell.

Sak Tahn Waax, a Maya mathematician-astronomer, authored a complex formula in AD 781. This inscription tracked celestial movements and Maya calendar cycles with precision. The discovery reveals advanced scientific calculations centuries before later Maya codices. It highlights intellectual authorship being valued and recognized by name. This finding reshapes understanding of Maya scientific culture and individual experts.

Tanzanian proverb of the day: A Tanzanian saying highlights the importance of remembering past struggles. Leaders should not forget their experiences as beginners while guiding others. This understanding fosters patience, empathy, and respect for those learning. Humility allows leaders to connect with their teams and build trust.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has ordered Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka plans to challenge this directive, citing severe water scarcity and low reservoir levels. Officials argue existing storage is only sufficient for drinking water needs. Tamil Nadu disputes Karnataka's claims and points to a significant water deficit. The state faces challenges in meeting the mandated flow due to transmission losses.

Tech billionaires such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page are among high-profile names who are flocking to Miami despite soaring costs in the US city. Tax proposals in California and New York are pushing billionaires to Florida. No state income tax, warm weather, international travel connections have made Miami a favourite.

Kiss may last only a moment, but its evolutionary history could span millions of years. That simple gesturetoday associated with love, friendship, family, and trustmay represent one of the oldest expressions of connection ever shared by our ancient ancestors, reminding us that the foundations of human relationships were laid long before written history began.

Thirty-five postal courier bags were allegedly looted and burned by unidentified individuals in Ukhrul district. A convoy escort team was stopped and threatened at gunpoint by armed volunteers near Shangkai Village. The courier items were then unloaded and destroyed.

HCL celebrated its 50th anniversary in Chennai with a viral video. Employees chanted 'We want hike' as CEO C Vijayakumar took the stage. The event featured a performance by singer Anirudh Ravichander for employees. C Vijayakumar has led HCL as CEO since 2016. This article is based on a user-generated post on X.

Psychology suggests that people who panic before a problem begins are not necessarily weak or pessimistic. More often, their minds are trying to protect them from uncertainty by predicting possible threats.

Walter Benjamin believed memories appear in brief flashes and cannot be perfectly recalled. His insights offer lessons on appreciating meaningful moments as they unfold. He viewed history as constantly reinterpreted through evolving human understanding. Benjamin's life and work explored culture, technology, and urban life ahead of his time. His profound ideas continue to resonate, emphasizing understanding over mere remembrance.

New chemical analysis of ancient dental plaque from a burial site in Thailand revealed preserved traces of betel nut alkaloids. Remarkably, the womans teeth showed no visible stains. This discovery provides the earliest direct biomolecular proof of betel nut consumption in Southeast Asia, proving humans were getting high off the plant millenia ago.

Quote of the day by Bill Murray highlights a message about self-awareness, common sense, human behavior, intelligence, true wisdom, and mindful action. The quote explains why people often fail to notice their own mistakes while easily recognizing the mistakes of others. It also encourages readers to examine their own actions, think before making decisions, and develop better habits that support personal growth and responsible daily behavior.

Elon Musk's net worth has dropped below seven hundred billion dollars. This significant wealth reduction stems from SpaceX and Tesla stock performance. SpaceX shares have experienced a substantial selloff, impacting Musk's holdings considerably. Tesla's stock also faces pressure after disappointing quarterly earnings reports. Despite these losses, Musk remains the world's wealthiest individual by a wide margin.

India stated Pakistan's local body elections in PoK are a camouflage for illegal occupation. The ongoing elections are also an attempt to hide grave human rights violations. India reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are its parts. Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir stem from economic exploitation and oppression. India also dismissed Pakistan's claims to shared cultural legacy due to its actions.

Assam's Chief Minister flagged off Purabi Dairy's first ice cream export to Bhutan. This significant consignment marks the state's initial dairy product export to the neighboring country. Purabi ice cream, made from local milk, will now be available in major Bhutanese markets. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority facilitated this important export process. This initiative opens new opportunities for Assam's dairy cooperatives and rural producers.

Bengaluru gets all the traffic and none of the scenery during monsoon. But drive two to five hours in almost any direction and everything changes. Waterfalls thunder, coffee estates turn impossibly green, and misty hilltops look like something out of a film. Here are seven destinations worth every kilometre.

NASA is exploring a new mission concept called PRAXIS. This robotic explorer aims to directly sample particles from Saturn's rings. Artificial intelligence will enable autonomous navigation and safe particle collection. This mission could answer key questions about ring origins and composition. PRAXIS represents an ambitious step in planetary science exploration.