Veranda PHIRE Veranda PHIRE announces scholarships

Chennai, July 6: Veranda PHIRE, the BFSI skilling and placement vertical of Veranda Learning, has announced a special scholarship initiative for students who graduated in 2026, making its industry-focused Live Online Banking Career Program significantly more accessible.

Under this initiative, eligible graduates can enrol in Veranda PHIRE’s Live Online program for Rs. 15,000 or Offline classes in Chennai at Rs.20,000, against the regular course fee of Rs. 60,000 for Online and Rs.75,500 for Offline, enabling aspiring professionals to build job-ready skills and access placement opportunities in India’s fast-growing banking and financial services sector. Designed in collaboration with industry experts, the program equips learners with the practical knowledge, communication skills, and domain expertise required for entry-level roles across banks and BFSI organisations.

Veranda PHIRE has consistently partnered with leading BFSI employers and has facilitated more than 600 placements till March 2026 across marquee organisations, including Equitas Small Finance Bank, City Union Bank, HDB Financial Services, Jana Small Finance, RBL Bank and Axis Bank, among other leading financial institutions.

Speaking about the initiative, Pravin Menon, CEO, Veranda PHIRE, said,

“Many talented graduates are unable to pursue career-oriented training because of financial constraints. Through this scholarship initiative, we want to remove that barrier and provide deserving students with access to high-quality industry training and meaningful career opportunities in BFSI Sector. Our focus is not just on skilling learners but on preparing them for successful careers in the BFSI sector.”

The scholarship offer is available for a limited period and is applicable to eligible graduates from the 2026 batches.

Students interested in applying can visit Veranda PHIRE‘s official channels or contact the admissions team for eligibility details and enrolment.

Haaland Stuns Brazil Norway Pull Off Historic World Cup Shock to Reach Quarter-finals

New Jersey, July 06: Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Brazil 2-1 at the New York New Jersey Stadium to book a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Erling Haaland once again proved to be the difference, scoring twice in the second half as the Nordic nation sent the five-time champions crashing out of the tournament. 

The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, but it was far from lacking in drama. Norway thought they had made the perfect start when Sander Berge found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Brazil was then handed a golden opportunity after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the box. Bruno Guimaraes stepped up to take the first penalty of his international career, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Orjan Nyland, who went on to make two more crucial stops to keep the scores level. 

Despite enjoying only around 35 per cent possession, Brazil’s lowest share in a World Cup match since records began in 1966 the Selecao looked the more threatening side before the break. Vinicius Junior and Martin Odegaard both forced fine saves from their respective goalkeepers, while Brazil created the better openings, finishing the half with an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.13 compared to Norway’s 0.44. 

Norway continued to dominate possession after the restart, patiently searching for an opening against a disciplined Brazilian defence. Carlo Ancelotti’s men remained compact, sitting deep and looking to hurt Norway on the counterattack rather than pressing high up the pitch. 

Just before the hydration break, Ancelotti introduced Neymar in place of Gabriel Martinelli, prompting a huge roar from the Brazilian supporters. The veteran’s arrival injected fresh energy into Brazil’s attack, but Norway’s defence continued to stand firm. 

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute, and it came from the man who has carried Norway throughout the tournament. Andreas Schjelderup delivered a superb cross from the left, and Haaland rose above Gabriel to power an unstoppable header beyond Alisson. It was the striker’s sixth goal of the World Cup and his 14th consecutive goal in a competitive international, making him only the eighth European player to score in each of his first four World Cup appearances. 

Brazil pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Norway remained composed and delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. Schjelderup once again turned provider, picking out Haaland, who took one touch before drilling a low finish into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0 and spark wild celebrations among the Norwegian fans. 

Brazil did manage a late consolation when Neymar converted a penalty in what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance, but it was too little, too late for the South American giants.

Nyland was outstanding throughout the contest, with his first-half penalty save from Guimaraes proving especially significant. While Brazil’s xG eventually climbed to 2.61, much of it came from the two spot-kicks they were awarded, underlining Norway’s disciplined defensive display. The Norwegians, despite recording just 1.05 xG, were ruthless when their chances arrived. 

For Brazil, the defeat marks a bitter end to another World Cup campaign and this is their earliest exit from the tournament since 1990. For Norway, however, this is a landmark moment in their footballing history. After returning to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, they have now reached their maiden quarter-final and will face either England or Mexico with dreams of an even more remarkable run still alive.

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE and exclusively on Zee 5 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.

Gold Stable, Silver Under Pressure as Markets Bet on Softer Fed Policy

New Delhi, July 6: Gold prices remained steady in early trade on Monday, while silver edged lower as global investors adjusted their expectations of future interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve.

Market analysts said gold held firm due to cautious global sentiment and continued demand for safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty. In contrast, silver witnessed mild pressure due to profit booking and shifting investor sentiment.

Traders noted that easing expectations of aggressive monetary tightening in the United States have influenced movement in precious metals, as investors reassess growth and inflation trends.

Experts added that upcoming economic data and comments from the Federal Reserve will play a key role in determining the next direction for bullion prices.

Overall, the precious metals market remains sensitive to global policy signals and macroeconomic developments.

Food prices remain stable despite rainfall deficit: Report

New Delhi: Food prices have remained stable despite a rainfall deficit in several parts of the country, according to a recent report.

The report said adequate buffer stocks, smooth supply chains, and timely market interventions have helped maintain price stability in essential commodities. While uneven monsoon rainfall has raised concerns in some regions, there has been no significant disruption in overall food availability.

Officials added that the situation is being closely monitored to ensur

New Delhi, July 6: Food prices have remained broadly stable despite a rainfall deficit in several parts of the country, according to a recent assessment report on inflation and supply conditions.

The report highlighted that adequate buffer stocks of key staples, along with efficient supply chain management, have helped cushion the impact of uneven monsoon rainfall on market prices. Strong procurement operations in previous seasons and steady distribution through government channels have also contributed to maintaining overall price stability.

While some regions have reported below-normal rainfall, the report noted that there has been no major disruption in the availability of essential food items such as cereals, pulses, and vegetables at the national level. Temporary local fluctuations in prices were observed in certain areas, but these have remained limited and short-lived.

Officials stated that ongoing monitoring of rainfall patterns, crop conditions, and market supply is being carried out to prevent any potential inflationary pressures. They added that contingency measures are in place to ensure adequate supply if weather-related disruptions persist in the coming weeks.

e continued stability in supply and to prevent any inflationary pressure in the coming weeks.