The Economic Times
Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
A Washington clerk bought a sheet of stamps with an upside-down airplane design. This rare error, the Inverted Jenny, was later sold for a significant profit. Colonel Edward Green divided the sheet into individual stamps for distribution among friends. One stamp remained in a bank vault for a century before selling for over two million dollars. The Inverted Jenny's value stems from its unique printing mistake and fortunate discovery.
Indian Teqball players Declan Marshall Gonsalves and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg lost their group matches. They were eliminated from the men's doubles medal competition at the Asian Games. The duo lost both their matches 0-2 against Vietnam and South Korea. Teqball, a sport combining football and table tennis, debuted at these games. This event marks the sport's first appearance in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
European nations are increasing defense spending and exploring alternatives to American military technology. This shift occurs as doubts grow about the durability of United States support for NATO. While allies meet spending demands, uncertainty about future U.S. troop presence persists. Russia's actions test NATO unity and European defense capabilities. This situation prompts a strategic reevaluation of transatlantic security partnerships.
Quote of the day by Norman Cousins is about participation: even when circumstances cannot be completely controlled, there may still be choices about how to engage with the days ahead. His big gun is a metaphor for the will to remain connected to life, hope and possibility. His own experience showed how strongly he believed in combining personal determination with professional medical care rather than treating them as opposites.
A protest over Niphads stray dog problem took an unusual turn when Yuva Sena district chief Vikram Randhave and supporters released four to five dogs inside the Nagar Panchayat chief officers office. Protesters alleged repeated complaints about dog bites, public safety and rising stray numbers had not resulted in effective action. The civic administration later assured them that sterilisation and population-control measures were underway.
Bank of America has hired Srijith Nair from Goldman Sachs for key Asia roles. Nair will lead financial institutions group investment banking and insurance in the region. He brings nearly twenty years of extensive investment banking experience to his new position. This strategic hire aims to strengthen Bank of America's franchise across the Asia Pacific. Nair previously held significant roles at Barclays, Daiwa, and Citigroup.
Republican candidates face challenges balancing President Trump's trade policies and voter concerns. Michigan and Maine economies are closely tied to Canadian trade, raising stakes for Senate races. Senator Susan Collins criticizes tariffs, while candidate Mike Rogers supports the president's approach. Canada's retaliatory tariffs aim to exert political pressure on the United States. Voters largely blame Washington for the ongoing trade dispute and higher costs.
The Ukraine conflict highlights NATO's struggle to adapt quickly to modern warfare. Cheap drones are rendering traditional military assets like tanks increasingly obsolete. Ukrainian officials are now teaching NATO valuable lessons from the ongoing battlefield experiences. Europe faces a critical air and missile defense vulnerability, relying heavily on US systems. New European initiatives aim to develop independent air defense capabilities for greater security.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed a European Union associate membership proposal. He stated this deeper integration aims to build resilience for both sides. This move seeks to reduce vulnerability to economic and geopolitical pressures. Carney clarified the intention is not to create a rival power bloc. The goal is to enhance sovereignty and independent decision-making capabilities.
iPhone 17 Pro at Rs 69,990: The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB can be bought at an effective Rs 69,990 at Croma, but the price is available only after combining exchange value, an exchange bonus and eligible bank cashback. Here's how the offer works and who can actually get the phone under Rs 70,000.
Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals without playing their match. Pakistan secured their semifinal spot after a close match against Thailand. Their quarterfinal match was abandoned due to wet outfield conditions. Thailand posted ninety-one runs, and Pakistan chased it down with difficulty. Both teams now await their next opponents in the semifinals.
One person may be highly productive in the morning, take an afternoon nap and return to work feeling recharged. Another may avoid naps altogether because sleeping during the day makes them feel sluggish or disoriented. These different preferences reflect individual sleep patterns and responses rather than revealing a particular personality type.
A 34-year-old West Delhi woman allegedly lost around Rs 1.2 crore after fraudsters told her a diplomatic parcel containing 7 lakh was stuck at customs. The alleged scam continued for nearly a year, with fake bank, high commission and international officials demanding customs, tax and transaction payments while promising a parcel, cheque and bank transfer.
Rentomojos stock market debut has turned into a major windfall for early investors, with Nazara Technologies founder Nitish Mittersain set to clock a 152X return on his investment based on the IPOs upper price band. Several other early backers, including Accel India, Madison India and Rajeev Chitrabhanu, are also poised to unlock multi-fold gains following the companys listing on Thursday.
A unique Pok Ball hotel has opened its doors in Hokkaido, celebrating Pokmons 30th anniversary. This exceptional lodging experience features a round bed and interactive lighting, creating an enchanting atmosphere for guests. A social media lottery will choose ten pairs of Japanese locals to enjoy an unforgettable two-day, one-night stay, complete with meals, making it a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Pokmon fans.
The paper, titled the Ghost of Population Pastand co-authored by Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM, Aakanksha Arora, director, EAC-PM and Virat Singh, consultant, EAC-PM, said there is no need for India to suppress the total fertility rate (TFR) any further else we risk falling into a low-fertility trap sooner, citing historical experience of other countries.
The standard operating procedures laid out by the ministry comes after the Supreme Court directive to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in 2025 to devise a structured mechanism for the safe removal and coordination of stray animals on NHs and Expressways. As per the SOPs, the national highway agencies will be responsible for removal of stray cattle and other animals from NHs, and their transportation to a shelter or pound or gaushala, designated by the state government for the purp
Gen Z employee was reportedly denied permission to work from home for one day but later questioned by HR after missing an urgent client call at 10 pm. He pointed out the contrast between the companys refusal to offer remote-work flexibility and its expectation that he remain available beyond office hours, asking HR to clarify the after-hours requirements for his role.
Between early 2024 and mid-2026, India's power sector maintained consistent emissions levels while clean energy sources effectively managed the surge in electricity demands. The output from solar power dramatically increased, with added support from wind and nuclear energy. Conversely, emissions from the cement and steel industries rose significantly, spurred by investments in real estate.
According to the chief of the IEA, global electrification is hindered by issues related to grid capacity and affordability. The goal for 35% electrification in Asia by 2035 is jointly set by Seoul and the IEA. The Asian LNG market faces challenges due to supply disruptions from Qatar and demands from Europe, but new LNG projects are anticipated to stabilize the market soon.
Chinas growing number of people living alone is driving a $1 trillion singles economy, with businesses offering products and services tailored to solo consumers, from one-person meals and travel to pets, gaming and AI companions. The economy is likely to grow to $4 trillion by 2030. The trend is also reshaping spending habits, ageing concerns and Chinas wider consumer market.
New U.S. tariffs and sanctions legislation create a new flashpoint for India-U.S. relations. Washington imposed tariffs on Indian goods, citing continued Russian oil purchases by New Delhi. The U.S. also proposed tariffs on countries reducing dependence on Russian energy sources. India warned that these actions could negatively impact bilateral trade and engagement. Both nations are working towards a limited trade deal and aim to double bilateral trade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 76 as he completes nearly 12 years in office, a period that has reshaped Indias economic landscape through infrastructure expansion, digitalisation, financial inclusion and policy reforms. While India has emerged as a major global economy, private investment, manufacturing depth and quality employment remain key unfinished parts of the economic story.
Yemen's Houthi group now controls the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This group evolved into a formidable fighting force with Iranian support. They have disrupted vital shipping and struck critical oil facilities. Houthi missiles and drones have reached over 1,000 miles away. Their military tactics focus on infiltration and drone attacks.
A large majority of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are planning to increase their cybersecurity investments over the next 12-24 months, but gaps in preparedness, monitoring and skilled expertise continue to remain a challenge, according to a study by Tata Tele Business Services (TTBS) and CyberMedia Research (CMR).
India secured a 1.9 million tonne annual steel export quota to the European Union. Exporters anticipate an additional 0.9 million tonne from residual quotas. This agreement protects the EU's steel industry against global overcapacity issues. Indian steel exports will face the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The pact is expected to be implemented next year after signing.
India's Finance Ministry rejects claims of US influence on UPI payment charges. The new framework prioritizes RuPay credit cards for UPI transactions. This move aims to foster domestic competition and create a sustainable revenue model. Small merchants and certain transactions will remain exempt from the new charges. The government emphasizes protecting India's electronic payment ecosystem sovereignty.
Leaders from France, Lebanon, and Jordan met in Paris to discuss future support. They are planning a new force to replace the UN peacekeeping mission. This comes as the UNIFIL mandate concludes after nearly fifty years of operations. Lebanon seeks a European or other force to prevent a security vacuum.
The Feds rate hike could keep pressure on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by raising the appeal of safer assets and limiting cheap funding. ETF outflows, tighter liquidity, inflation risks and potential further hikes may shape investor demand. For Indian investors, currency movements add another layer to Bitcoins dollar-price volatility.
The Tata Sons board has approved N Chandrasekarans reappointment as executive chairman for another five-year term and initiated steps towards listing the group holding company, according to people familiar with the matter.
Anarocks H1 2026 survey shows homebuyers remain committed to residential property despite rising prices, with growing preference for larger homes, premium housing, new launches and established developers, while resale and rental potential are gaining importance.
A day after the government announced a revision in wage ceiling under the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to Rs 25,000 per month from Rs 15,000, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) AITUC demanding the wage ceiling to be fixed at Rs 30,000 per month to keep pace with increase in workers earnings.
Pakistan plans to request an increased swap line with China upon its 2027 expiration. The nation anticipates a U.S. response regarding a proposed $10 billion stabilization facility soon. Discussions are ongoing with U.S. entities for potential aircraft and refinery financing. Pakistan navigates elevated crude oil prices due to Middle East conflict concerns. The government currently sees its financial situation as manageable without additional IMF support.
Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi approached the Delhi High Court seeking intervention. She wishes to be a party in the Satya Niketan building collapse case. This incident tragically resulted in seven fatalities and several injuries. Authorities opposed her application and requested time to file objections. The court granted them three days to respond to Bedi's plea.
GIFT City has surged nine positions to secure the 37th spot in the Global Financial Centres Index, marking a significant achievement for India as it joins the top 15 financial hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. With its FinTech ranking also improving by three places to 26th globally, this leap underscores the city's commitment to enhancing its financial services ecosystem and integrating technology.
In 2020, Elon Musk made headlines by selling a lavish Bel-Air mansion at a hefty profit. This sale unfolded against a backdrop where countless young adults confronted an increasingly unaffordable housing market. With home prices spiraling, Musk's lucrative real estate dealings highlight a stark divide between his financial gains and the struggles of a generation unable to secure proper housing.
A nine-year-old Minecraft and Roblox creator reportedly used his fathers saved company card details to promote videos on his YouTube channel, resulting in $118,000 in advertising charges over three weeks. His father, marketing professional David Sarkisyan, said he had initially spent about $20 on promotion but failed to remove the payment information, allowing his son to access it later.
Jacqueline Kennedy, known for her role as First Lady, shared her insights on navigating life's obstacles. She emphasized the importance of distancing oneself from negativity while cherishing supportive connections as key to true happiness. Her experiences, marked by significant personal trials and unwavering dedication to public service, enhanced her wisdom.
A split within Tata Trusts is affecting Tata Sons' boardroom decisions regarding its impending listing. Sir Dorabji Tata Trust seeks to prevent its nominee director from supporting the public offering. The Reserve Bank of India has mandated that upper-layer NBFCs must list on stock exchanges. Tata Sons board is expected to accept this directive, prompting swift regulatory compliance preparations.
Indias mens hockey team will seek to put its disappointing World Cup campaign behind it as it begins its Asian Games title defence in Nagoya. Coach Craig Fulton said the team has identified areas for improvement and is focused on translating those lessons into action, with Sundays opener against Indonesia next.
Recent millennial gardening trends highlight a crucial oversight regarding tool sanitation, which can contribute to the spread of plant diseases. Many suggest using bleach for cleaning, though it risks damaging metal tools over time. A safer alternative is rubbing alcohol, ideal for daily upkeep. Still, bleach is vital for combating specific diseases like fire blight in fruit trees. Properly cleaning gardening tools promotes healthier plants and prolongs their longevity.
A senior coach voiced disappointment with Asian Games arrangements in Nagoya. Shooters face long commutes to the competition venue daily. Buses experienced significant delays, impacting training schedules for athletes. The coach noted Japan's image was somewhat tarnished by these issues. Despite challenges, the team must adapt and focus on their performance.
In an interview, superstar Akshay Kumar gushed about his son Aaravs commitment to living sustainably. Previously, the Khiladi had also praised his son for being completely self-sufficient and stated that he is not interested in following in his fathers footsteps but is determined to make a mark in the fashion industry.
The upcoming 95th Annual General Meeting of the BCCI promises to tackle significant issues including associate membership and ICC representative roles. Arun Dhumal's unopposed re-election to the IPL Governing Council will also be formalized. Moreover, the agenda encompasses a review of financial data, annual budgets, and selections for committees, while contemplating the direction of the chairman of selectors, addressing critical governance in Indian cricket.
A Virginia dairy farm is pioneering a method to convert food waste and cow manure into renewable energy. By producing renewable natural gas, the farm is able to support the operations of a local pharmaceutical company. This project not only diverts significant amounts of waste from landfills but also highlights the economic viability of sustainable energy solutions, aided by federal incentives and policies designed for environmental progress.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman became emotional at an event in Bengaluru. The program honored the 110th birth anniversary of Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi. Subbulakshmi's great-granddaughters performed some of her renowned compositions during the celebration. The minister reflected on Subbulakshmi's dedication and her significant musical legacy. M.S. Subbulakshmi received the Bharat Ratna and performed at the United Nations.

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