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Tipra Motha MLA criticises Pradyot over Pushpabanta Palace hotel project

Chitta Ranjan Debbarma questions Tipra Motha founder’s participation in the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Taj Pushpabanta Palace project

FIFA World Cup 2026 venues: Full list

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun, and football fans around the world are preparing for what promises to be the largest edition of the tournament ever staged. For the first time in the competition's history, three nations—the United States, Canada and Mexico—will jointly host the World Cup, bringing the sport's biggest event to North America on an unprecedented scale.The tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 (June 12 to July 20 as per Indian time), will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the traditional 32-team format. With 104 matches spread across 16 host cities, the World Cup is expected to attract millions of spectators and generate a festival atmosphere across the continent.From iconic football grounds steeped in history to ultra-modern arenas equipped with cutting-edge technology, the host venues reflect the diversity and ambition of FIFA's vision for the 2026 tournament.FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities and StadiumsThe FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to make history as the biggest edition of the tournament ever staged. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the competition will feature 48 teams competing across 16 host cities and some of North America's most iconic stadiums.From Mexico City's legendary Estadio Azteca to the ultra-modern SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, each venue brings its own unique story, architecture and football heritage. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches spread across three nations and a diverse range of world-class stadiums.Host CityStadiumCountryCapacityNew York/New JerseyMetLife StadiumUnited States82,500Dallas (Arlington)AT&T StadiumUnited States94,000AtlantaMercedes-Benz StadiumUnited States75,000HoustonNRG StadiumUnited States72,000Kansas CityArrowhead StadiumUnited States73,000Los AngelesSoFi StadiumUnited States70,000MiamiHard Rock StadiumUnited States65,000PhiladelphiaLincoln Financial FieldUnited States69,000SeattleLumen FieldUnited States69,000BostonGillette StadiumUnited States65,000San Francisco Bay AreaLevi's StadiumUnited States71,000TorontoBMO FieldCanada45,000VancouverBC PlaceCanada54,000Mexico CityEstadio AztecaMexico83,000GuadalajaraEstadio AkronMexico48,000MonterreyEstadio BBVAMexico53,500FIFA Canada VenuesCanada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver, with both cities playing a key role in the expanded tournament.Toronto – BMO Field (Capacity: 45,000)BMO Field is one of the few purpose-built soccer stadiums among the World Cup venues. Opened in 2007, it previously hosted matches during the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and is home to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.The stadium will stage six matches, including Canada's opening game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12, along with a Round of 32 fixture.Vancouver – BC Place (Capacity: 54,000)Located on Vancouver's waterfront, BC Place is widely regarded as one of the most scenic venues in the tournament. Opened in 1983, the stadium is home to the Vancouver Whitecaps and the BC Lions.The venue also played a major role during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, hosting the final where the United States defeated Japan. BC Place will host seven matches, including two knockout-round encounters.FIFA Mexico VenuesMexico will host games in three cities, each boasting a rich football culture and passionate fan base.Mexico City – Estadio Azteca (Capacity: 83,000)Few stadiums can match the legacy of Estadio Azteca. Opened in 1966, it hosted the World Cup finals of 1970 and 1986 and witnessed unforgettable moments from legends such as Pele and Diego Maradona.In 2026, the stadium will become the first venue in history to host matches in three different FIFA World Cups. It will also stage the tournament opener on June 11 when Mexico takes on South Africa.Guadalajara – Estadio Akron (Capacity: 48,000)Recognized for its distinctive volcano-inspired design, Estadio Akron is among the most visually striking stadiums selected for the tournament.Since opening in 2010, the venue has hosted major events including the Copa Libertadores final and the Pan American Games ceremonies. Four group-stage matches will be played here, including Spain's clash against Uruguay.Monterrey – Estadio BBVA (Capacity: 53,500)Nicknamed "El Gigante de Acero" or "The Steel Giant," Estadio BBVA combines modern architecture with breathtaking mountain views.The stadium, which opened in 2015, is regarded as one of Mexico's finest football venues and will host four matches during the World Cup.FIFA United States VenuesThe United States will host matches in 11 cities, featuring some of the largest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.Dallas – AT&T Stadium (Capacity: 94,000)The largest venue of the tournament, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, can accommodate around 94,000 spectators. Home to the Dallas Cowboys, the stadium has previously hosted Super Bowls, major boxing events and international football matches.It will stage nine World Cup games, including a semi-final.New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium (Capacity: 82,500)MetLife Stadium will be the centerpiece of the tournament, hosting eight matches, including a semi-final and the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19.Home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, the venue has previously welcomed major football events such as the Copa America Centenario final and the Club World Cup final.Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Capacity: 75,000)Known for its retractable roof and massive 360-degree video display, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is considered one of the world's most advanced sports venues.The stadium will host eight matches, including one of the two semi-finals.Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium (Capacity: 70,000)Often described as one of the most expensive stadiums ever built, SoFi Stadium reportedly cost around $6 billion. Home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, it will host eight matches, including the first World Cup game played on U.S. soil.Other Key U.S. VenuesSeveral other American stadiums will play important roles during the tournament:Gillette Stadium, Boston (65,000): Seven matches, including a quarter-final.NRG Stadium, Houston (72,000): Features a retractable roof and steep spectator stands.Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (73,000): Famous as one of the loudest sports venues in the world.Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (65,000): Hosts seven matches and has extensive experience staging major football events.Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (69,000): Hosts six matches, including a fixture on U.S. Independence Day celebrations.Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (71,000): Home of the San Francisco 49ers and a frequent host of major international sporting events.Lumen Field, Seattle (69,000): Renowned for passionate crowds and will host six matches, including knockout-round fixtures.A Tournament of Historic ScaleWith 16 host cities, 48 participating nations and a record number of matches, FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be unlike any previous edition. The combination of historic venues such as Estadio Azteca and modern architectural marvels like SoFi Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium highlights the blend of tradition and innovation that will define the tournament.As preparations continue across North America, football fans can look forward to a month-long celebration of the world's most popular sport in some of the most spectacular stadiums ever assembled for a FIFA World Cup.

Malayalam actor Salim Kumar cremated with State honours

Funeral of the 57-year-old actor, who died due to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi on June 6, was conducted on the premises of Laughing Villa, his residence at Chittattukara in Ernakulam

Chennai-born Trump AI architect quits White House

Prime Minister Modi’s Security Doctrine Builds On Lessons From Operation Blue Star

From the intelligence gaps of Operation Blue Star to the precision of Operation Sindoor, India’s security architecture has changed dramatically.

Chittoor prepares for June 28 pulse polio drive

Safeguarding nature is an integral part of Indian culture, says Chittoor Collector

Industry leaders reflect on leadership in times of chaos, disruption and volatility

The Hindu Huddle’s session on ‘The Architecture of Leadership: Designing blueprints for a volatile world’

India takes big moves to attract foreign investments in bonds: How will this impact stock market?

As India sees incessant FII selloff so far this year, the government and RBI announced a slew of measures to ease foreign investments in government securities, with analysts suggesting that these may provide some short-term support for Dalal Street.India scrapped the long-term capital gains tax on investments by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in government securities through an ordinance issued on Friday. The government has now exempted FIIs from tax on any interest income from government securities, as well as capital gains arising from their sale, exchange or transfer, according to an official gazette. Separately, while announcing the outcome of the MPC meeting, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra also unveiled a series of measures to boost FPI investments, including expanding the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) to cover new issuances of 15-, 30- and 40-year government bonds.Limits on investments by NRIs and OCIs in equity instruments without Sebi registration are being raised, allowing them to invest larger amounts without regulatory registration. The facility is also proposed to be extended to all Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs), bringing them on par with NRIs and OCIs. This came as the RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%What does this mean for Indian stock market?The proposal to increase investment limits for NRIs and OCIs in listed equity instruments without Sebi registration, and to extend the same facility to all individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs), is a significant step toward broadening participation in Indian capital markets, which is expected to improve market depth, liquidity and long-term capital inflows, said Arun Poddar, CEO of Choice International.He highlighted that equally important is the removal of capital gains tax on government securities investments for foreign investors. “This move strengthens the attractiveness of India's bond market and could encourage greater foreign participation in government debt. At a time of heightened global volatility, these measures reinforce investor confidence, support capital inflows, and reaffirm India's commitment to building deeper, more globally integrated financial markets, with the policy rate expected to remain low for an extended period,” he said.The government's move to exempt Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) from capital gains tax on any interest earned from government securities is “highly positive” for the capital markets, said Sumit Singhania, Head of Research at Bajaj Broking. “This fiscal cushion arrives at a crucial time, offering a strong shield to domestic markets as the RBI chief warned of volatile forex markets driven by shifting global sentiments,” he added.The policy is distinctly positive for bond markets and well-capitalized Banks and NBFCs, which benefit from targeted hedging subsidies and systemic stability, according to Archit Doshi, Senior Vice President at PL (Prabhudas Lilladher) AMC. “Conversely, one should be underweight rate-sensitive sectors, which remain highly vulnerable to margin compression, higher inflation expectations, and the threat of the RBI reaching its tightening tipping point,” he said.Rajeev Radhakrishnan, CFA, CIO of Fixed Income at SBI Mutual Fund, also said that the announcements aimed at enabling more dollar inflows are more significant in the near term, even though the overall policy stance has been broadly in line with expectations. “The concessional swap facility should help stabilise short end market rates and the foreign exchange market in the near term,” he said.For equities and debt markets, the measures to attract FII inflows are supportive of liquidity and inflows, while for the rupee, they signal a clear intent to anchor expectations and reduce volatility amid global oil shocks and sustained foreign selling pressure, said Ajit Mishra, Senior VP of Research at Religare Broking.Sachin Bajaj, Chief Investment Officer at Axis Max Life Insurance, also said that the initiatives are expected to support capital inflows, deepen domestic bond markets, and provide support to the Indian rupee over the short to medium term.RBI’s hawkish tone and the Indian stock marketWhile the measures taken to attract FII inflows in the debt market will likely provide short-term support for Dalal Street, analysts advised caution over the RBI’s hawkish policy stance. While the RBI maintained its policy repo rate as per expectations, the tone was much more cautious than in previous meetings.Sachin Bajaj highlighted that the policy emphasised preserving macroeconomic stability amid the prevailing global macroeconomic environment. “We believe there are significant risks to inflation in the coming months due to the pass-through of higher commodity prices to consumers and elevated food prices resulting from a below-normal monsoon. Going forward, there is a risk of an upward revision in inflation projections, and given the evolving global backdrop, we believe the RBI is likely to maintain a prudent, data-dependent approach. Future policy actions will be contingent on evolving growth-inflation dynamics and global developments,” he added.Also read: Explained: Sebi's Rs 15.15 lakh crore revenue inflation allegations against Rajesh ExportsWhile hawkish rhetoric without an accompanying rate hike provides a temporary respite for equity markets, it does not constitute an unequivocal endorsement of investment, particularly in highly rate-sensitive sectors such as real estate, automotive, and consumer discretionary goods, said Vipul Bhowar, Senior Director, Head of Equities at Waterfield Advisors.“Should inflation necessitate a rate increase later this year, these sectors are likely to experience pressure on both margins and demand. For investors, the current strategy emphasises capital preservation by focusing on high-quality equities with strong pricing power. This cautious approach is designed to navigate the prevailing geopolitical uncertainties until conditions stabilise,” the analyst added.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

From Schitt's Creek to Desi Bling: Is cringe-binge actually about self-care?

Hero MotoCorp shares rise 3% as firm unveils India's first 100cc flex-fuel motorcycles. Check details

Shares of Hero MotoCorp gained 3% to their day’s high of Rs 4,980 on the BSE on Thursday after the company unveiled its first flex-fuel motorcycles, marking its entry into a segment aimed at supporting India's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions.The country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer launched flex-fuel versions of its flagship Splendor+ and HF Deluxe motorcycles, making them India's first flex-fuel motorcycles in the 100cc category. The motorcycles are compatible with ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E85 and are designed for everyday commuting without compromising on performance or affordability.Hero MotoCorp said the new range is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of daily transportation while aligning with India's goal of lowering economic carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.The motorcycles were unveiled in New Delhi ahead of World Environment Day in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Hero MotoCorp Chief Executive Officer Harshavardhan Chitale.Speaking at the event, Gadkari said the introduction of flex-fuel motorcycles in the mass-market segment would support ethanol adoption, help reduce crude oil imports, strengthen farmers' incomes and contribute to the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.Puri said the launch represents another milestone in India's efforts to build a mobility ecosystem powered by cleaner and domestically produced fuels. He added that wider adoption of such vehicles could improve energy security, lower carbon emissions and reduce dependence on imported crude oil while strengthening the country's biofuels ecosystem.Chitale said the flex-fuel-ready Splendor+ and HF Deluxe were developed at the company's Centre for Innovation & Technology in Jaipur and reflect Hero MotoCorp's focus on future-ready and locally relevant technologies. He added that the motorcycles have minimal-to-no import content and reinforce India's manufacturing capabilities.Hero MotoCorp said the flex-fuel portfolio will be introduced in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra in July 2026, followed by a nationwide rollout. The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has been priced at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Splendor+ Flex Fuel will be available at Rs 82,710 (ex-showroom Delhi).(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Comeback Architect: 'Rebel' Ritabrata Banerjee's Rise To Bengal's Opposition Leader

Ritabrata's transition from a staunch Left ideologue to a pivotal TMC operator, and now leader of a massive breakaway faction, underscores a rare mastery of political realpolitik

Chittoor Collector calls for coordination between pulp units and mango farmers

Highlighting the need for quality-based procurement, Sumit Kumar urges farmers to harvest fruits only after they reach proper maturity, as well-ripened mangoes are likely to fetch better prices

GST ruling may cast wider tax net over casinos

The recent Supreme Court (SC) judgment on online gaming and betting is expected to have wider implications across gambling, horse racing, and casinos, experts feel. The court clarified that the GST valuation framework is not confined to any one segment but applies across betting and gambling activities.The ruling makes it clear that the tax framework cannot be read narrowly. “Rule 31A… applies broadly to all betting, gambling and horse racing… Limiting its applicability only to horse racing would render parts of the rule otiose,” a PwC India note on the SC ruling said.Nitin Vijaivergia, partner at Pricewaterhouse & Co LLP, said the judgment upholds the imposition of the top GST slab on online gaming platforms, triggering significant retrospective tax exposure. The court’s reasoning also centres on how such transactions are structured. It has been clarified that in betting and gambling, valuation can be based on the full amount staked and not merely on a narrower measure.“Section 15(1)… permits valuation based on the entire stake,” and “merely because a different method of valuation… may also have been possible, it does not render the Rule unconstitutional,” the note added.For online gaming and casinos, the judgment clarifies when tax liability arises. The court held that the taxable event is triggered when players commit funds to participate in games with uncertain outcomes and no longer retain control over those funds.This also alters the treatment of player funds. The ruling notes that once amounts are committed for participation, “such arrangements cannot be considered deposits or entrustments,” and “the entire staked amount is treated as consideration for the supply.”In the case of casinos, the position is very clear. The court held that tax would be levied on each instance of staking money on an uncertain outcome, and not on the operator’s net earnings or gross gaming revenue.“The mention of staking money on ‘uncertain future outcomes’ may have broader implications for promotional and skill contests with deterministic scoring, and similar other formats. Key operational elements such as wallet architecture, re-deposits, and cashback will be crucial to determine tax demands, especially considering amendments to GST Rules 31 and 31B affecting valuation,” Vijaivergia said.Tax experts say that, broadly, the GST law will now apply where money or money’s worth is staked on uncertain outcomes, and such amounts are treated as consideration for the supply.

Nifty IT logs best run in a year at 4%; TCS, Infosys lead way

Mumbai: Domestic IT stocks extended rally for the third straight session on Tuesday, driving the Nifty IT index to its biggest single-day gain in a year. Analysts said the index's chart structure remains constructive, signalling continued positive momentum in the near term.The Nifty IT index ended 4.2% higher at 31,116.6 on Tuesday, its highest gains since May 2025. The index is up 7.6% in the past three sessions, against Nifty 50's fall of 1.8%. TCS was the top gainer on Tuesday, up 6.7%, followed by Infosys, HCL Technologies and LTM, which were up 4-6% each."Indian IT stocks continue to extend gains, supported by improving global software sentiment and growing evidence that enterprise AI adoption is expanding technology spending opportunities rather than disrupting incumbent service providers," said Kunal Bajaj, research analyst at Choice Institutional Equities.Bajaj said other factors like rupee depreciation, strong orderbook and improving outlook for discretionary tech spending, are supporting the current rally in IT stocks.131473558IT stocks look strong on technical charts too. "The Nifty IT index has formed a bullish hammer pattern on the monthly chart, signalling a trend reversal," said Ruchit Jain, vice-president, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. "Within the sector, recent moves suggest a mix of short covering in stocks such as TCS and HCL Tech, along with fresh long build-up in Infosys and Coforge over the past three sessions." Despite the recent rebound, domestic IT stocks have underperformed the broader market in 2026, with the Nifty IT index declining 17.9% so far this year against a 10.1% fall in Nifty 50.Jain expects the IT benchmark's up move to extend towards 32,000-32,100, near its April highs. According to Bajaj, tier-2 IT firms have historically gained market share during tech transitions due to their agility. "With valuation premiums cooling, we see better relative risk-reward in Coforge, Persistent Systems and Happiest Minds. Among the tier-one companies, we like Infosys and Tech Mahindra," he said.

No 'clean chit' to PM over NEET: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on paper leak

The Congress leader criticised the administration for their “system” which has affected examinations conducted by the CBSE as well

AAP's Punjab architects now powering BJP's 2027 poll push

AAP's Punjab architects now powering BJP's 2027 poll push

Two more arrested in foetal sex determination racket in Chittoor

So far, six persons have been arrested and 14 pregnant women have been identified as victims, say police

Congress cries foul over fire at Education Ministry office: ‘Very concerning, very fishy,’ says Jairam Ramesh

The fire erupted on the second floor of the Ministry of Education's office located within the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) campus in Delhi's ITO area. According to officials, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Fire breaks out at School of Planning and Architecture near Delhi's ITO

A fire erupted on the second floor of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) building in Delhi's ITO area on Monday morning. The Delhi Fire Service was alerted after smoke was observed, and eight fire tenders were dispatched. Firefighting operations are ongoing, with no casualties reported thus far.