The Economic Times

Parama Ekadashi ki katha: Parama Ekadashi, observed during Adhik Maas on June 11, 2026, is a sacred fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This powerful vrat, believed to bestow prosperity and spiritual merit, follows the story of Sumedha and Pavitra, a poor couple blessed by the deity.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday evening that Iranian leaders telephoned him directly and asked him to stop a bombing wave that was under way, Fox News reported. Iran's Revolutionary Guards however quickly denied that Tehran had asked Trump to halt the bombing, the IRNA state news agency reported.

Proverb of the day highlights the temporary nature of beauty, praise, and joyful moments. The traditional German saying compares human appearance, a forest echo, and a rainbow to show that many things in life do not last forever. The proverb encourages people to value character, wisdom, kindness, and inner beauty over external appearance and temporary success.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have surged. Iran struck American military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Strait of Hormuz was declared closed to all ships. The US Central Command denied the closure and Iranian claims of striking ships. President Trump accused Iran of delaying peace talks. Both nations exchanged strikes on military targets.

Monsoon 2026: India is set for a significant weather shift as rain-bearing systems become active across the country on June 11 and 12. Expect rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and dust storms, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures to North, East, Central, and South India. Several regions, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, are bracing for intense weather activity.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced strikes on bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The IRGC stated eighteen US Army targets were hit in Ali and Ahmad Ahmad Air Force bases. Sheikh Isa air bases were also reportedly destroyed. This action follows recent US strikes. Iranian media had previously reported an attack on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made it clear that American forces stand ready to target critical Iranian installations at President Donald Trumps direction. He noted that Iran missed its chance for a diplomatic resolution, and should talks falter, the US will take decisive military action to disrupt operations that threaten its strategic goals.

US authorities have begun refunding billions in customs duties. This follows a Supreme Court decision invalidating President Donald Trump's global tariffs. May saw $22 billion in refunds, matching duties collected. The government is processing repayments for $166 billion collected under a previous act. However, appeals could impact ongoing reimbursements. The budget deficit has also seen a reduction.

The US launched a new round of overnight strikes on multiple targets in Iran, with President Donald Trump warning of further attacks unless Tehran quickly agrees to a peace deal. The strikes targeted Iranian air defence and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz after a US helicopter was downed earlier this week.

Quote of the Day by Selena Gomez highlights the importance of self-acceptance, individuality, identity, confidence and personal growth. The quote, What makes you different is what makes you beautiful, encourages people to embrace their unique traits instead of comparing themselves with others. The message helps redefine beauty, promotes self-worth and teaches that challenges, experiences and personal qualities can become strengths that shape a persons life and future.

African proverb of the day highlights a Swahili teaching about relationships, hardships, struggles, human behavior, true love, and adjustment. The proverb explains that the early phase of marriage is temporary. Real commitment begins when people face challenges together. It teaches resilience, endurance, sacrifice, forgiveness, and emotional maturity. The saying remains relevant because modern relationships also face tests that require patience, understanding, and long-term commitment.

European proverb of the day highlights the idea that a mans true character is often revealed through his treatment of the women in his life. The proverb focuses on respect, relationships, emotional maturity, legacy, honesty, and human nature. It teaches that achievements alone do not define a person. Instead, actions, empathy, and behavior in close relationships become lasting measures of character and personal values.

Life lesson of the day comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American lecturer, poet, essayist and leader of New England Transcendentalism. His quote encourages self-forgiveness, acceptance, hard work, passion, work culture, achievements and success. Emerson advised people to finish each day, learn from mistakes and begin again without carrying the burden of past failures. His message continues to remain relevant for personal growth and daily life.

Quote of the Day by Elon Musk highlights a simple idea about success, work culture, hard work, struggle and human behavior. The statement encourages people to question limits that are created by society and focus on what is actually possible. Elon Musks words remind people that many barriers are not fixed rules. The quote remains relevant for students, professionals, entrepreneurs and anyone working toward a goal.

Quote of the Day by Stephen Hawking highlights a simple message about handling pressure and hardships in life. The quote, When the going gets tough, the tough take a coffee break, encourages people to pause, think, and recover before moving forward. The message reflects human nature, resilience, success, and the value of balance during difficult situations. It also connects with the life journey and achievements of Stephen Hawking.

Matshona Dhliwayo's quote, 'An angel who makes you cry is better than a devil who makes you smile,' highlights that genuine care often comes through challenging truths, not just comfort. This perspective emphasizes that painful honesty from someone with good intentions can lead to growth, while pleasant deception may be harmful.

Bitcoin price crash prediction 2026: Bitcoin hovers near a potential floor of $53,600, its realized price, but current market data suggests the bottom is not yet in. Demand has weakened significantly across spot, futures, and institutional ETF markets, with no clear capitulation in realized losses observed, indicating further downside pressure may be needed before a sustained recovery.

Veteran journalist turned politician Swapan Dasgupta was allotted finance while senior-most party leader Tapas Roy, with his long legislative and ministerial experience in the previous Trinamool tenure, has been allotted industry, commerce and enterprises, public enterprises, industrial reconstruction and non-conventional and renewable energy sources.

Ants, though small in size, offer surprisingly powerful lessons for human life. This article highlights the wisdom found in observing their behavior and how it connects to modern living. Solomon the Great, to whom it is said, God gave great wisdom and knowledge as vast as the sand on the shore, points us toward the ant as a teacher of discipline and order. Ant colonies function through unity, planning, hard work, sharing, persistence, and teamwork.

Prime Minister Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim extended his congratulations on the milestone and described it as a testament to Modi's years of dedicated public service and leadership. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for the people of both countries. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen in her message said that under Modi's leadership India has not just landed on the moon but is also shooting for the stars. From South Korea, P

Visa Mastercard swipe fee settlement explained: A major legal battle over credit card swipe fees has advanced. A US district judge has given preliminary approval to a $38 billion settlement involving Visa and Mastercard. This agreement aims to reduce processing fees for merchants. The settlement could also impact rewards cards and allow merchants to pass costs to customers.

The United Naga Council has announced a 24-hour shutdown across Naga areas after six Naga civilians abducted in May were found dead in Kangpokpi district. The body has demanded justice and action against those allegedly involved, while the Manipur government has condemned the killings and said the case is being investigated by the NIA.

UAE real estate magnate Hussain Sajwani is investing billions in data centers to capitalize on the AI boom, aiming for global leadership. His company, DAMAC Digital, has secured sites in 13 countries and plans to build 6,000 megawatts of capacity, costing $66 billion.

Reliance Foundation has won a legal battle against the Income Tax authorities regarding the 'charitable' status of its Mumbai hospital. A tribunal ruled that medical relief qualifies as charity regardless of pricing or facility levels, stating tax laws don't mandate affordability for average households. The decision upholds the hospital's registration, emphasizing that institutional excellence doesn't negate its charitable nature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the NDA Conclave, celebrating his tenure as India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He detailed the NDA government's work over 12 years and outlined ambitious plans for the future. Modi emphasised collective effort and India's economic progress, contrasting it with past governance. NDA leaders passed a resolution of gratitude for his leadership.

India has lodged a strong protest with the US. A US military strike off Oman's coast targeted a merchant vessel. Three Indian crew members are missing. Twenty-one others were rescued. The US summoned its senior diplomat in India. This is the second such attack in a week. India calls for de-escalation and unimpeded navigation.

A woman wanted in a violent assault case near Nancy Guthrie's home could offer vital clues, according to a retired detective. While no direct link is confirmed, authorities are casting a wide net, seeking information from anyone with knowledge of local criminal activity.

Households with at least one user of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs bought 299 million fewer food items in the year after adoption of the medication, with users reporting a dwindling number of cravings and cutting back on treats like chocolate and potato chips, the study from Worldpanel by Numerator published Wednesday showed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 11th Niti Aayog governing council meeting on Thursday. The agenda focuses on achieving inclusive human development. Discussions will revolve around a framework built on four key pillars. These include human capital, future-ready skills, productive employment, entrepreneurship, and decentralised growth.

Life advice of the day by George Clooney: George Clooney emphasizes the fundamental right to express opinions, highlighting that diverse perspectives are natural and valuable. He encourages individuals to share their thoughts respectfully, fostering learning and stronger connections, rather than fearing judgment or conflict.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Kuwait Investment Authority have each placed orders for shares worth $1 billion to $5 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. The $580 billion Qatar Investment Authority is also likely to make a significant commitment, the people said.

The Supreme Court voiced serious concerns regarding threats and attacks against judges and their families. This worry intensified following reports of retired Bombay High Court judge Justice G.S. Patel and his relatives facing intimidation. Such incidents undermine the justice system and could prevent judges from performing their duties impartially.

Following his exposure of technical gaps in CBSE's on-screen marking portal, 19-year-old ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary has been recruited by IIT Kanpur's national cybersecurity hub, C3i. He has joined as an OSINT and threat intelligence engineer, with potential for further roles in vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.

Manipur Police have recovered the bodies of six individuals, believed to be Naga men taken hostage on May 13. This discovery follows the release of 14 Kuki individuals abducted earlier. Tensions remain high as vehicular movement is blocked, with both Kuki and Naga communities imposing blockades amid ongoing investigations into the missing persons.

Religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq voiced deep concern over recent fatalities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over twenty individuals reportedly lost their lives following police actions against protesters. Mirwaiz emphasized that authorities should address public grievances through dialogue, not force. He urged for peaceful resolution and maturity in handling the situation. The leader expressed hope for a positive outcome.

India and the UAE are boosting energy security. Plans are underway to significantly expand India's strategic oil reserves with UAE-linked crude storage. New facilities will increase capacity from 5.8 million barrels to 30 million barrels. Both nations are also establishing a framework for strategic gas reserves. This initiative aims to provide greater flexibility and ensure stable energy supplies for India.

India's new light battle tank, Project Zorawar, faces a two-year induction delay. Developers are enhancing protection levels, a move that adds weight and technical hurdles. Originally planned for 2027 induction in high-altitude areas, the timeline is now extended. This tank, developed rapidly in response to Chinese deployments, aims for superior mobility and firepower.

An African proverb reveals that rain, like life's forces, touches everyone equally, regardless of status. This wisdom underscores the importance of humility, empathy, and recognizing our shared humanity in the face of life's unpredictable challenges and opportunities. It teaches that resilience and compassion stem from understanding these universal experiences.

European Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of No woman marries an old man for Gods sake. The saying reflects traditional social attitudes toward marriage, where relationships were often viewed through the lens of practicality, status, or personal gain rather than purely emotional or spiritual reasons. It suggests that society tends to question the motivations behind significant age-gap marriages and assumes they are influenced by material or personal considerations.

Space-time reveals a deeper picture of the universe beyond ordinary human experience. Einsteins relativity theory changed how we understand time, gravity, and cosmic events. This mysterious fabric of reality connects space and time into one structure, raising powerful questions about existence, the block universe, and the true nature of reality. Modern physics continues exploring whether space-time is a physical thing or a framework that describes everything happening across the cosmos.

A tense situation has emerged along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. Bangladeshi authorities have reportedly refused to accept a national pushed back by the Border Security Force. The individual, apprehended for illegal entry, is now stranded in no man's land. Border guards from both nations are in discussion regarding the person's identity and nationality.

A Delhi court has halted proceedings in two criminal cases. Accused individuals claimed bias and procedural issues. The District and Sessions Judge issued notices to the magistrate. Further hearings are stayed until July 31. This action follows allegations of unfair treatment and unusual urgency in the case handling. The court seeks comments before deciding on the transfer petitions.