The Economic Times

As people age, declining social invitations often signals increased selectivity, not unfriendliness. Psychology suggests this shift stems from prioritizing meaningful connections, valuing autonomy over obligation, and a realistic assessment of personal energy. Rather than being antisocial, this selective approach allows individuals to invest their time and emotional resources more intentionally in relationships that truly matter, leading to richer inner lives.

Psychology says people who leave generous tip for the waiters at any restaurant and bar aren't always trying to show wealth or gain attention. Psychology suggests this behavior can reflect gratitude, empathy, fairness, and social responsibility. Tipping can also strengthen social bonds and encourage positive interactions. Different psychological theories explain why some people willingly reward good service even when they may never meet the server again.

Quote of the day by J. D. Salinger: J.D. Salinger believed books offer more than entertainment; they forge emotional bonds. He cherished stories that felt like conversing with a close friend, highlighting humor's role in connection. This profound connection, where readers feel understood by the author, is a rare but powerful literary achievement.

People who order takeout several times a week aren't always avoiding cooking. Psychology suggests this habit can be linked to time management, decision fatigue, stress, convenience, and changing lifestyles. Ordering food may help people save mental energy, manage busy schedules, or seek comfort after long workdays. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior helps explain why many people choose takeout without it reflecting their motivation or personal discipline.

The Reserve Bank of India has firmly rejected requests for special exemptions from concentration norms for government-owned NBFCs, emphasizing a principles-based regulatory approach. The central bank also denied calls to raise single counterparty limits for public sector enterprises. While allowing grandfathering of residual breaches and specific conditions for temporary limit breaches, the RBI has tightened rules to ensure regulatory clarity and stability.

Government pensioners will now have stronger protection against unexpected deductions from their accounts. The Reserve Bank of India has mandated that banks must inform pensioners and obtain their consent before recovering any excess pension payments. This new directive ensures that individuals are aware and agree to any adjustments, preventing abrupt debits and requiring a written undertaking from pensioners for future recoveries.

Despite mandatory auditor rotation, India's largest audit firms are consolidating their dominance, auditing 66% of Nifty 500 companies. Grant Thornton and BDO are gaining ground, fueled by Big Four conflicts. While companies rotate auditors, they largely select from a small pool of established firms. Rising auditor resignations and increasing audit fees are also noted trends.

Idiom of the Day: Ever felt the need to address an issue with someone? The idiom one to pick perfectly captures this common human experience, signifying a grievance or unresolved matter requiring discussion. Originating from the image of meticulously picking meat from a bone, it highlights the importance of open communication. This phrase reminds us that confronting issues, even uncomfortable ones, is vital for strengthening relationships and fostering understanding, rather than letting resentm

Best Chinese proverb of the day: Experiencing both prosperity and hardship cultivates a deeper understanding of life's impermanence and builds resilient character. This proverb highlights how difficult experiences, rather than just comfort, shape invaluable insight and make individuals uniquely qualified to guide others through life's unpredictable journey.

Inspirational proverb of the day highlights the meaning of He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg. The Chinese saying reflects how overthinking, hesitation, and excessive caution can sometimes prevent people from moving forward in life. It suggests that constant analysis of every possible outcome may lead to delay, causing missed opportunities for growth and progress.

Economists are split on how a weak monsoon will affect food prices, with some believing falling oil prices will offset any hikes. Others warn of El Nino's impact on sowing and food costs. The Reserve Bank of India is unlikely to raise interest rates soon, preferring to wait for clarity on the monsoon's agricultural and inflation effects.

A significant fire at a New Delhi data centre, a joint venture between ST Telemedia and Tata Communications, has caused extensive damage, complicating data recovery efforts. One affected client, Matrix Cellular, reports losing two decades of crucial data. The incident also appears linked to recent intermittent Google Cloud network issues in India, leaving server rooms in ruins.

A Madhya Pradesh farmer transformed her income by cultivating turmeric, reportedly earning 12 lakh in one cycle. Her success stems from organic methods, leveraging monsoon conditions, and adding value by processing raw turmeric into powder. The article also provides practical tips for growing turmeric at home, highlighting its potential as a profitable home garden crop.

Authorities are intensifying scrutiny on Rajesh Exports. The Serious Fraud Investigation Office will probe the gold refining giant following allegations of financial irregularities by Sebi. The Enforcement Directorate also recently searched company premises, citing significant deviations from commercial practices and a lack of documentation for foreign transactions. The company denies any wrongdoing, attributing discrepancies to number interpretation.

Psychology says people who drink from oversized reusable water bottles all day aren't simply following a hydration trend. This daily habit can reflect planning, routine, health awareness, and the use of environmental cues to build consistent behaviors. Psychology suggests that keeping a large water bottle nearby can reduce decision-making, encourage regular water intake, and support habit formation. The behavior is less about the bottle and more about the routines people create.

Flash floods in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district have left at least five people missing and damaged around 20 homes following incessant rainfall. Road connectivity has been severely impacted by landslides in multiple locations, disrupting crucial routes between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and also in Manipur. Rescue operations are underway with SDRF and NDRF teams deployed, and an IAF chopper aiding in personnel airlift.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two key suspects, Asfar and Entajul Middya, in West Bengal's Amta for their alleged involvement in a 2022 bomb blast. The explosion, which occurred during illegal crude bomb manufacturing, resulted in one death and three injuries. The NIA took over the case in April 2024 and believes the duo orchestrated the operation to instill fear in the region.

Chinas exports of electric vehicles hit a record $9.2 billion in May, rising nearly 50% year-on-year, as global demand for cleaner transport strengthened amid higher oil prices linked to the Iran conflict.

Best Proverb of the Day: A powerful proverb highlights how one act of kindness can ignite countless others, much like a single candle lighting thousands. This wisdom emphasizes the profound ripple effect of compassion and positivity, proving that even small gestures can profoundly impact lives. In a world often filled with negativity, this message encourages individuals to be the spark that illuminates others, fostering stronger communities through consistent, small acts of light.

The 2027 summit in Geneva will centre on the application of international law, fundamental rights and ethical development of AI governance to ensure smaller nations have an active voice in global policy, as Switzerland takes a cue from the Indian focus on global south and vision for 'Technology for All', according to people familiar with the matter.

Paramount Skydances proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery is reportedly moving closer to approval from the European Union, after the company indicated it is willing to address regulatory concerns around film distribution.

India's economic growth is projected to slow to 6.6% in 2026-27 due to energy pressures, a weaker monsoon, and global slowdown, S&P Global Ratings reported. Retail inflation is expected to climb to 5.1% this fiscal year. Despite near-term challenges, GDP growth is anticipated to rebound to 7.2% in 2027-28, with oil prices expected to stabilize.

A devastating collapse of a three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area claimed five lives and left many injured, with some still trapped. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a halt on all new commercial construction projects on filled water bodies until July 2026 and mandated an audit of existing under-construction buildings. Three individuals, including the project supervisor, have been arrested.

Jaskaran Singh said the case registered by the Haryana Police regarding the preparation of a fake forensic report - in connection with the alleged objectionable video with the intent to deceive the Sikh community and the people of Punjab and to prove Akal Takht wrong - is a very serious matter.

Three candidates backed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won Democratic primary elections for seats in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, according to US media projections. In the 7th Congressional District, Claire Valdez, another Mamdani-backed candidate, won against Antonio Reynoso for outgoing Nydia Velazquez's seat.

In a notable shift, EVM memory check applications were absent in four of the five recent assembly election states, a stark contrast to previous trends. Only Tamil Nadu saw a handful of such requests, while election petitions also remained minimal. This decline in EVM scrutiny suggests a potential shift in focus towards electoral roll revisions as the new battleground for political parties.

A government panel is set to meet industry leaders on June 30 to explore ways to boost India's Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Discussions will center on the impact of free trade agreements and strategies for import substitution. Key proposals include allowing SEZ units to sell goods domestically at concessional duties and enabling job work for local firms, aiming to enhance SEZ effectiveness and competitiveness.

Life Lesson of the Day by Robert De Niro: Robert De Niros quote, I think it's important to have had at least a few years of obscurity, where people treat you like everybody else, explores the value of humility, patience, and real-world experience before achieving recognition. It suggests that periods of anonymity are not setbacks but important phases that help shape character, discipline, and emotional strength.

Switzerland not only hosted the talks between US vice president JD Vance and Iranian negotiators but senior officials in the Swiss foreign ministry were also deeply involved in facilitating an understanding between the two sides in the runup to the meeting on Sunday and Monday, ET has learnt.

Quote of the Day by Ray Bradbury: Some of life's most valuable lessons do not come from success, comfort, or happiness. They come from disappointment, failure, heartbreak, and unexpected setbacks. Ray Bradbury's wisdom reminds us that every experience that deeply affects us has the potential to teach, shape, and strengthen us.

Aber Kawas Senate: Aber Kawas, a Palestinian-American activist, has secured a significant Democratic primary win for a New York State Senate seat in Queens. Backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, her progressive platform champions social justice and immigration rights. Kawas' victory, however, has ignited debate due to past remarks concerning 9/11, drawing scrutiny alongside her extensive community organizing background.

Why do some people reply to almost every message with a thumbs-up emoji? Psychology suggests the habit may be linked to cognitive efficiency, digital communication styles, emotional energy conservation and social signaling.

Ants carrying oak galls study: A backyard discovery by an eight-year-old boy has unveiled a surprising interaction between ants, oak trees, and wasps. What appeared to be seeds were actually oak galls, structures created by wasps. Researchers found ants carrying these galls, consuming a fatty cap called 'kapllo,' and leaving the gall behind.

PAC chairman KC Venugopal said the official, who had been summoned by the panel, informed the committee on Tuesday night that he would not attend the meeting. He sought permission, which I did not grant, he said. He said the panel would seek explanation from the Union home secretary.

At the meeting on 'Bridging the Implementation Gap: Security Council Resolutions and Maintenance of International Peace and Security', India's permanent representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, objected to remarks made by Pakistan, which is also the co-chair.

Indian onion exporters are urging the government against imposing export curbs, citing a surge in wholesale prices at Lasalgaon market. Delayed sowing and adverse weather have impacted production, pushing prices up. Exporters warn that restrictions could jeopardize markets painstakingly regained after previous bans, potentially shifting buyers to competing nations and damaging India's trade reputation.

The function, delayed due to the conflict, will begin with the body lying in state at Tehran's Grand Mosalla complex. The erstwhile Supreme Leader of Iran will be buried in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9. Delegations are expected from Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, China, and several Central Asian states, ET has learnt.

Motivational Quote of the Day: Actress Keira Knightley's words highlight the diverse realities of childhood, acknowledging that not everyone benefits from loving and supportive parents. This profound observation underscores the importance of recognizing the varied emotional foundations individuals carry into adulthood. The quote prompts gratitude for fortunate upbringings while validating the resilience of those who faced challenges, fostering empathy and understanding in our interactions.