The Economic Times

India's External Affairs Minister met his Chinese counterpart in Manila on Wednesday. Peace and tranquillity in border areas are a prerequisite for normal relations. New Delhi also raised concerns over market access and trade imbalances. Both ministers attended high-level discussions under the ASEAN framework. Recent measures aim to normalize ties strained by the Ladakh border standoff.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance approved mediclaim, then cancelled it before discharge: A Delhi consumer commission has ordered Aditya Birla Health Insurance to refund Rs 44,354 and pay Rs 30,000 in compensation and litigation costs after it revoked a cashless hospitalisation approval mid-treatment and later rejected the reimbursement claim, saying the admission was unnecessary. The insurer did not appear before the commission to contest the case.

The Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League saw record audience reach in 2026. Television watch time grew significantly, and digital views also increased. The league launched its inaugural women's competition this year. This initiative aims to strengthen the women's cricket ecosystem and create opportunities.

President Donald Trump has given generic drugmakers two years to shift manufacturing to the US or face 100% import tariffs from August 2028, rising to 200% a year later. The move threatens India's pharmaceutical exports, could disrupt low-cost medicine supplies, raise drug prices, and trigger shortages for millions of American patients.

Former Australian cricketer David Warner admitted to a drink-driving charge in Sydney. He was stopped during a routine breath test and recorded a high blood alcohol reading. His lawyer argued that having a drink was not the issue, but the decision to drive. Warner faces a potential driving ban, fine, and jail time. This incident adds to Warner's past controversies during his cricket career.

A Rapid Action Force personnel faced assault with swords amid protests in New Delhi. The officer was allegedly attacked by a mob while attempting to rescue another individual. Footage shows the personnel being chased and then beaten after falling to the ground. Police have confirmed the incident and registered an FIR, initiating a thorough investigation. Multiple FIRs were also filed across the district concerning the CJP protests.

Ukraine has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief of its armed forces following significant dissatisfaction with the former leader. Known for his battlefield prowess, Drapatyi previously commanded land forces and coordinated joint operations in vital regions. His elevation to the top post marks a pivotal strategic adjustment in Ukraines efforts amid ongoing conflict.

India's young T20I team seeks a series win against Zimbabwe starting Thursday. Captain Shreyas Iyer aims for his first victory after recent defeats. Youngsters Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma will open the batting lineup. The team faces selection challenges for its all-rounders and pace attack. India's bowling unit will be tested by Zimbabwe's potent fast bowlers.

Serhii Krynitskyi endured 346 days in a Ukrainian front-line foxhole. He documented the harsh realities of war and the constant drone threat. Krynitskyi survived by scavenging and killing enemy soldiers at close range. He received Ukraine's highest military award for his bravery and resilience. His experience highlights the evolving nature of modern battlefield warfare.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu stated Delhi protesters aim to cause chaos and halt national progress. Many social media users disagreed, asserting peaceful protest is a democratic right. They argued citizens need accountability between elections and dissent is not a conspiracy. The Supreme Court declined an urgent listing for a plea against police action. The court stated it was not interested in viewing videos at the mentioning stage.

India's External Affairs Minister reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Quad foreign ministers met in Manila to review regional developments. They discussed security, economic resilience, and emerging technologies with ASEAN. The ministers expressed unwavering support for ASEAN's unity and central role. This meeting occurred amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

Rescued donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary are wearing pyjama bottoms and don-gerees this summer. This creative solution protects their legs from painful fly bites during warm weather. The adapted clothing prevents irritation and sores, offering continuous protection to the animals. Old garments are being repurposed, reducing textile waste and giving clothes a new life. This initiative by the sanctuary supports animal welfare and promotes sustainability.

Apollo Micro Systems has secured a crucial contract with the Indian Navy for a cutting-edge autonomous maritime platform. This unmanned vessel will undertake vital intelligence and reconnaissance missions in support of anti-submarine warfare. The SAVIOR-ASW initiative underscores Indias advancing underwater defense capabilities, with prototype development occurring free of any governmental financial obligations in this initial phase. If successful, it could pave the way for future procurement an

The Houthis' threats to block Saudi ports signify a troubling development in the Iran war, potentially raising US military commitments in the region. With a history of withstanding coalition bombings, the Houthis may challenge military resources further, necessitating a redirection of naval support, which could lead to reduced US firepower and inventory for critical air defense applications.

Delhi Police are investigating the alleged use of Bluetooth messaging applications during the recent 'Sansad Chalo' march. Investigators are examining potential links to a larger conspiracy behind the reported violence and damage. The force's anti-terror unit is conducting a technical inquiry into the sequence of events. Facial recognition technology and IPDR analysis are being used to identify suspects involved.

IndusInd Bank ordered to refund after customer loses Rs 2.3 lakh to a KYC scam: A Delhi consumer commission has ordered IndusInd Bank to refund Rs 84,339 to an 80-year-old Dwarka resident after finding it failed to detect or stop 17 fraudulent transactions that drained Rs 2.31 lakh from her premium account in under 19 minutes. The court held that the burden of proving customer negligence lies entirely with the bank, not the victim.

Chaturmas Kab Se Lag Raha Hai: Chaturmas 2026 begins July 25 and concludes November 21, pausing auspicious ceremonies. Lord Vishnu's Yoga Nidra marks this four-month spiritual observance period. Sawan month honors Lord Shiva with special prayers and fasting rituals. Bhadrapada month celebrates Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha with devotion. Ashwin month focuses on Goddess Durga and ancestor remembrance, while Kartik month concludes with Diwali and Tulsi Vivah.

The Supreme Court declined an urgent plea regarding police action during a protest. The court refused to examine video footage at the mentioning stage. The petitioner's counsel sought an early listing of the case for students. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated the court was not interested in watching videos. The bench was not inclined to review the footage presented by the lawyer.

The United Arab Emirates aims to strengthen ties with Andhra Pradesh. Technology collaboration, especially in artificial intelligence, is a key focus area. Improved air connectivity will facilitate business and tourism between the two regions. Several UAE companies are exploring investment opportunities in food processing sectors. Andhra Pradesh's role in UAE food security is also being discussed.

Laura Loomer visited Ukraine and witnessed an air raid firsthand and admitted to being propagandized by Russian media for years. Loomer apologized for minimizing the struggle of Ukrainians and accepting false narratives and she accepted that it was not nice of her to make such remarks about Ukraine. Her visit prompted praise from Ukraine's presidential office for countering misinformation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila. They discussed trade, tariffs, energy, defence, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. Both diplomats attended high-level discussions under the ASEAN and Quad frameworks. They also exchanged views on the West Asia crisis and its global energy impact. These discussions focused on priority areas for the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Sixteen Delhi Metro stations are temporarily closed until further notice. Trains will not stop at these affected stations across the national capital. However, interchange facilities will remain operational at key locations. These include Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat stations. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation issued this advisory for commuters.

India aims for a top-five finish at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Organizers face challenges proving a scaled-down event's essence. India's medal prospects are altered by a pruned schedule and absent sports. Athletics, boxing, and weightlifting will carry the medal hopes. Para athletes are also expected to contribute significantly to the tally.

Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2, 2026. The opening ceremony will feature KT Tunstall and Nathan Evans. Indian athletes Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain will carry the national flag. Competition days will run from July 24 to August 1. Ahmedabad will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Police faced criticism for inaction during the 'Sandad Chalo' march. Intelligence reports warned of a large demonstrator build-up. On-ground personnel lacked clear orders from headquarters. This hesitation allowed crowds to breach security perimeters. Similar administrative hesitations occurred during past protests.

A Delhi man refused to pay a restaurant's service charge in October 2024. The consumer commission found the restaurant guilty of unfair trade practice. House of BOHO was ordered to refund the service charge with interest. The restaurant must also pay Rs 25,000 as compensation to the complainant. This ruling followed a complaint about staff preventing the man from leaving.

Corporate boards increasingly seek leaders with unconventional backgrounds for innovation. Kunal Shah's appointment at WhatsApp reflects this significant leadership shift. Leena Nair and Nikhil Ravishankar also exemplify this trend. Companies now prioritize perspective and adaptability over traditional credentials. This hiring evolution addresses rapid technological change and market unpredictability.

Lake Chad has lost nearly ninety percent of its surface area since the 1960s. This environmental decline severely impacts millions of people who depend on the lake. A decades-old Transaqua project proposes transferring water from the Congo River basin. This ambitious plan faces significant cost and feasibility challenges for implementation. Experts warn of unpredictable environmental consequences from diverting water from the Congo basin.

Quote of the day: Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of truth and nonviolence inspired global civil rights leaders. His movements mobilized millions against British colonial rule through peaceful resistance. Gandhi believed moral courage and truth could overcome oppressive systems. He taught that love and truth pursued together form an unstoppable force. History shows that truth and love ultimately prevail over temporary evil.

InsuranceDekho has secured prominent deal with Indian cricket team to elevate its brand visibility. Notably, they are the title sponsor for India's Test series in Sri Lanka and the co-presenting sponsor for the T20I series in Zimbabwe. This strategic move complements their 'Bharat, Khul Kar Khelo' initiative, with the goal of driving greater insurance awareness and accessibility across the nation.

Nolan Wells Horn Island body: New details have emerged in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells after a search volunteer described finding his body on Mississippi's Horn Island. As investigators await official autopsy results, newly surfaced Fourth of July party footage is adding fresh questions to the ongoing case in the Nolan Wells' mysterious death case.

The ongoing security issues have caused a notable drop in vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, with just three commodity vessels transiting on Tuesday compared to more the previous day. In a related development, two oil tankers re-routed through the Red Sea following threats from the Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen.

Around 46 active cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) surrendered to the Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, at the Mantripukhri Garrison, HQ Assam Rifles (South) in the Imphal East district

Marie-France van Heel, wife of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has a notable career. She met Burnham at Cambridge and worked in marketing for major companies and was the 'coolest' girl in college. Van Heel also underwent a preventative double mastectomy due to family history. She helped design her husband's campaign logo and even worked with Sky Digital and MTV Europe.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party's protest would intensify if the Centre did not accept its demands. Speaking to ANI, he claimed the July 20 march was just a trailer, reiterated the demand that no FIRs be lodged against protesters, and said the leadership was prepared to face arrest under the UAPA and NSA.

Panshul Bansal, a NEET-UG 2026 re-examination topper, stayed home and studied. He secured All India Rank 2 with a 99.9999 percentile. Bansal viewed the exam cancellation as an opportunity to improve his performance. He questioned the utility of attending protests over studying. His decision contrasts with ongoing nationwide demonstrations and demands.

Donald Trump is likely planning new import duties on many nations by Friday. These levies aim to continue his tariff regime after current ones expire. The administration proposed these tariffs citing lax forced-labor standards. Temporary charges are set to expire Friday, avoiding any tariff gap. The plan remains subject to change before its final implementation.

Today's Quote of the Day by Miguel de Cervantes reminds us that remarkable achievements begin long before successthey begin with the courage to try. His timeless words, In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the impossible, encourage us to move beyond fear, embrace uncertainty, and take meaningful action. More than four centuries later, this inspiring message continues to resonate with entrepreneurs, students, leaders, artists, and anyone determined to turn an ambitious dream into r

Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer released the draft electoral roll for the 2026 revision. Over 7.18 lakh electors submitted forms, showing strong public engagement in the process. The period for claims and objections will run from July 21 to August 20. Young citizens turning eighteen by July 1, 2026, are encouraged to register. Political parties were briefed on the revision findings and procedures.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission absolved Tata Motors of liability. A buyer purchased a demo car sold as brand new by Hind Motors. The district commission initially ruled only against the dealer for a refund. The state commission wrongly held Tata Motors jointly liable for the dealer's actions. The NCDRC restored the district commission's order and full compensation against the dealer.

Activists demonstrated in New York and San Jose supporting Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Protests occurred in London and Dublin, demanding fair treatment for students. The group urged the Indian government to address exam irregularities and student concerns.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam demands complete abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test. The party advocates for shifting education to the State List for full control. This move aims to provide a lasting solution to the medical entrance examination issue. The party also criticized others for appropriating its campaign ideas. Student protests over NEET in Delhi occurred amid these political statements.

A passenger window shattered on a Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany. The man was partially sucked out, but his wife and others pulled him back. He sustained injuries and is receiving hospital treatment after the terrifying incident. The aircraft returned to Thessaloniki shortly after takeoff due to the window issue. Passengers were later transferred to a replacement aircraft to continue their journey.