The Economic Times

A recent social media post highlighted a stark cost difference between domestic and international travel, with a friend opting for Sri Lanka over Rishikesh due to exorbitant hotel prices in India. The content creator claimed Sri Lanka offered comparable budgets with significantly lower rates for quality accommodation, raising concerns about the rising expense of Indian tourism and its potential impact on attracting travelers.

Two Surat teenagers, Shreyanshu Rana and Pratham Pengawala, transformed a school fair idea into a successful cold coffee business, Aes The Thick Coffee. Investing their savings into a custom cart, they offer affordable, caf-style drinks near a university. Within three months, their venture generated up to Rs 1.58 lakh, proving young entrepreneurship can thrive with a simple idea and hard work.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy has issued a stern warning to vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, insisting on the use of only Iran-approved routes. This declaration follows Oman's announcement of a new, temporary maritime corridor in coordination with the International Maritime Organization. The IRGC stated that any passage outside designated Iranian corridors is prohibited and dangerous, with mandatory communication with Iranian authorities.

For the first time, NCERT has introduced the Emergency of 1975-77 in a Class 9 textbook, labeling it a significant challenge to Indian democracy. The chapter details the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and arrests, alongside the role of Jayaprakash Narayan. This inclusion, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, aims to educate students on democratic strengths and challenges, including contemporary issues like fake news and social discrimination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed India's deep sorrow over the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Expressing heartfelt condolences to the Venezuelan government and its people, particularly those who lost loved ones, he assured them of India's solidarity. The Prime Minister also wished for the swift recovery of the injured and pledged all possible assistance during this challenging period.

A heated exchange erupted between Senator Bill Cassidy and President Donald Trump during a private GOP lunch. Cassidy recounted confronting Trump over a lack of transparency regarding Iran, leading to the President raising his voice and calling the senator a lunatic. Despite the public fallout, some Republicans downplayed the incident, framing it as a candid discussion.

Quote of the day by Coco Chanel: Coco Chanel, a revolutionary fashion icon, redefined women's style with her emphasis on comfort and freedom, breaking away from restrictive designs. Her enduring legacy, from the iconic little black dress to the timeless Chanel No. 5 perfume, continues to inspire. Chanel's philosophy, encapsulated in her quote about overlooking failure, underscores the power of unwavering determination and confidence in achieving success.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh will appear before a Special Investigation Team on Thursday to submit documents concerning alleged irregularities in Ram temple donations and land deals in Ayodhya. Singh claims to possess crucial evidence regarding the misappropriation of offerings and a land scam. The SIT was recently formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe these allegations, and Singh has previously called for an independent investigation.

The Trump administration is reportedly pushing ahead with a multi-million dollar sale of jet engines to Turkey, despite congressional objections. These General Electric engines are crucial for Turkey's indigenous combat jet project, Kaan. This move comes ahead of a NATO summit hosted by Turkey, signaling a significant gesture to Ankara amidst ongoing defense disagreements between the two nations.

An Israeli strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon killed two people on Wednesday, Lebanese state media reported, with militant group Hezbollah calling it another violation of a truce between the two sides. Hezbollah accused Israel of a new ceasefire violation on Wednesday after an Israeli drone killed two people in southern Lebanon a day after two people died in Israeli gunfire.

Ahead of Assam's 2026-27 State Budget, industry body FINER urges higher central fund devolution and tax net expansion. They praise the Professional Tax exemption hike but argue for full abolition or alignment with income tax, citing low revenue and high administrative costs. FINER also stresses the need for a State Land Bank and faster conversion of agricultural land for industrial use to address a major pre-production hurdle.

NATO chief Mark Rutte met with President Trump at the White House to ease tensions over the Iran war and U.S. troop withdrawal threats. Rutte presented data on increased defense spending by allies, calling concerns about support isolated cases. While Trump praised Rutte's efforts, he remained largely unconvinced about European allies' backing. The meeting aimed to manage Trump's skepticism towards NATO ahead of a key summit.

France on Wednesday announced its first confirmed case of Ebola identified on its territory, a doctor back from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is fighting a major outbreak. The health ministry confirms today the identification of a first positive case of Ebola virus disease on national territory, said a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 52nd PRAGATI meeting, reviewing infrastructure projects exceeding 30,000 crore to boost economic growth and connectivity. He stressed the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan for timely completion and discussed TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, leveraging digital tech. The PM also addressed concerns over cybercrime and digital arrests, urging coordinated action and faster grievance redressal to protect citizens.

President Donald Trump expressed deep concern over twin earthquakes in Venezuela, reporting a devastating loss of life. He pledged U.S. assistance to the nation's ew and great friends, with government agencies instructed to prepare for swift action. The powerful tremors, striking near Moron, caused buildings to collapse in the capital, Caracas, and led to the airport's closure. Early estimates suggest a significant death toll.

FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) with immediate effect, a significant setback for Nepalese football. This suspension bars national teams and clubs from international competitions and cuts off access to FIFA and AFC development programs. ANFA has lost all membership rights, and its teams cannot participate in global events until the suspension is lifted.

Aashna Doshi, a former Google engineer, has embarked on a new venture, launching her AI startup, Bounty. Driven by a desire for creative freedom and entrepreneurial spirit, Doshi left her secure tech job to build an outcome-based AI marketplace. Her journey, inspired by a successful podcast, highlights a bold leap from a large corporation to pursue a potentially great opportunity in the burgeoning AI landscape.

A Southern California events producer, Lauren Tetef, transformed a layoff into an opportunity, investing her savings to launch the Open House Creative Fest. This vibrant two-day event, held in a former craft store, celebrates local artisans and hands-on creativity. With free entry to the market and paid workshops, the festival aims to foster community connection and inspire attendees to create.

Eetha Real Story: A new film, 'Eetha,' starring Shraddha Kapoor, revives interest in the legendary Vithabai Narayangaonkar, the 'Empress of Tamasha.' Her life was a testament to resilience, marked by a famous childbirth incident during a performance and unwavering dedication to folk art, even over film opportunities. Despite facing financial struggles later in life, her legacy endures through an award in her name, celebrating her profound impact on Maharashtra's cultural heritage.

A chilling murder plot unfolded as a realtor's fiance and her alleged lover are accused of orchestrating his death after months of extensive communication. Investigators revealed multiple failed attempts, including a Bali trip sabotage and a near-fatal fall at Lohagad Fort, before the fatal push. A suspicious hoodie worn by the alleged lover in CCTV footage proved a key clue in cracking the conspiracy.

Venezuela's interim leader declared a state of emergency Wednesday as two massive earthquakes caused buildings in the capital to crumble and forced the closure of the country's main airport. We went out through the emergency stairs; that's how they got us out, the 42-year-old told AFP. Dozens more in the capital exited buildings and waited outside before returning to their offices and homes.

Millions globally embrace hair colouring, transforming their look for diverse reasons. From masking grey strands to embracing bold self-expression and following fleeting fashion trends, changing hair colour offers a psychological boost and a sense of renewal. This ancient practice has evolved into a powerful tool for identity, allowing individuals to reinvent themselves and stay current with evolving beauty standards.

Venezuela earthquake: The United States is mobilizing crucial assistance for Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that toppled buildings and trapped people. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed contact with Venezuelan authorities, while a disaster assistance team and task force are being deployed with search and rescue, medical, and humanitarian supplies. All U.S. personnel in Caracas are reported safe amidst these efforts.

A French court will rule Thursday on whether oil and gas giant TotalEnergies breached its legal duty to address environmental risks in a high-stakes climate case brought by NGOs and the city of Paris. But the four NGOs that took TotalEnergies to court say the law's reference to prevention of environmental risks encompasses both local pollution and climate change.

England stumbled to a goalless draw against Ghana, while Croatia kept their knockout dreams alive with a crucial 1-0 win over Panama. Colombia secured their Round of 32 spot with a victory over DR Congo. Elsewhere, Switzerland topped their group, Bosnia and Herzegovina reignited their hopes, Morocco advanced, and Brazil dominated Scotland to lead their group.

Earthquake in Venezuela: Venezuela was jolted by two powerful earthquakes, a 7.2 magnitude followed by a 7.5 magnitude just 39 seconds later, causing building collapses and road damage. Viral videos show panicked residents fleeing structures and streets cracking open. Tsunami alerts were issued across the Caribbean. These tremors are among the strongest to hit the nation in over a century, prompting widespread emergency response.

The Southwest Monsoon is making significant progress across India, reaching more areas of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. While heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for the West Coast and Northeast, heatwave conditions persist in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also expected in several states, with fishermen advised to stay ashore.

President Trump is convening with top defense executives to accelerate weapons production, addressing depleted U.S. stockpiles after extensive military operations. The White House is pushing for increased output of critical air-defense and precision-guided munitions. Recent Pentagon deals aim to significantly boost production of interceptors and cruise missiles, though industry leaders await congressional funding to fully commit to expansion.

Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Nirjala Ekadashi, a rigorous fast without food or water, offers the spiritual merit of all 24 Ekadashis. Linked to Bhima's struggle with hunger, this sacred observance in Jyeshtha month, as narrated in the Padma Purana, emphasizes devotion to Lord Vishnu. Observing its strict rules, including charity on Dwadashi, promises liberation from sins and a divine journey, making it a powerful gateway to spiritual growth and salvation.

Nobel laureate Toni Morrison's profound words suggest that life's beauty can be enough without the need for constant documentation. In an era of endless sharing, her wisdom champions mindful awareness and appreciating moments as they unfold. This perspective encourages finding contentment and peace by simply being present, rather than striving to capture or preserve every experience. Morrison's insights offer a powerful reminder of the value of quiet appreciation.

Earthquake in Venezuela: Strong earthquakes are unusual in Venezuela. While the country sits near multiple fault lines, its position straddling the South American and Caribbean plates makes earthquakes much less common than in other parts of Latin America.

Iran's Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad arrived in Delhi for BRICS energy cooperation talks, expressing readiness for enhanced economic ties with India. He highlighted historical relations and discussed potential collaborations in the oil and gas sector. This visit follows a meeting between Iran's Deputy National Security Chief and Prime Minister Modi, underscoring deepening bilateral engagement.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is showing a marked improvement following a US-Iran agreement, with an average of 22 commodity ships daily since June 15, a significant rise from pre-agreement levels. New IMO evacuation routes are also facilitating the passage of vessels, with hopes of evacuating around 50 seafarers daily. Large crude carriers are increasingly transiting, signaling a potential easing of regional tensions.

Gold rate fell below the key $4,000-per-ounce level for the first time since November 2025 and Gold prices are set for extending losses on Thursday, hovering near the more-than-seven-month low.

Americans have a limited window to claim up to $3,500 from a $2 million settlement with Alera Group Inc. The insurance firm faced accusations of inadequate data protection, leading to a breach in August 2024 that exposed sensitive personal information. To receive the maximum payout, individuals must provide documented proof of financial losses. The claim deadline is June 29.

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted northern Japan, shaking homes and disrupting bullet train services. While felt as far as Tokyo, authorities reported no casualties or tsunami threats. The quake, striking off Iwate prefecture, registered a strong intensity in Aomori. Japan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity, a reminder of past devastating quakes.

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's lawyers are pushing a U.S. judge to officially drop criminal charges after the Justice Department announced it would no longer pursue the case. Adani had been accused of bribery and misleading U.S. investors. The defense argues the charges were outside U.S. jurisdiction and unprovable. Separately, Adani's companies have settled civil charges with the SEC and Treasury over sanctions violations.

The White House has formally requested $87.6 billion, primarily to replenish the Pentagon following the U.S. war against Iran. This comes amid significant political opposition to further military action. The supplemental spending request also includes substantial funds for American farmers, the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, and infrastructure projects in Washington D.C., alongside other policy proposals.

Powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela, causing damage in the capital, Caracas, and prompting dire warnings from scientists about potential widespread destruction and significant loss of life. Residents fled shaking buildings, with some collapsing. While a tsunami threat was briefly issued, it was later withdrawn. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the devastation.

India's central bank has redefined systemically important NBFCs, setting a new asset threshold of 1 lakh crore for upper-layer companies. This move, rejecting industry calls for a higher cap, could mandate a public listing for entities like Tata Sons. The Reserve Bank of India will annually identify these firms, impacting their regulatory oversight and potentially altering control structures for major business groups.