The Economic Times

A Chandigarh consumer commission ordered a domestic help agency to refund Rs 17,727. The agency also must pay Rs 10,000 compensation for failing to provide services. Caregiver services were only provided for less than five months. This was against the agreed full term of eleven months. The agency was found guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

The Supreme Court will hear advocate Surendra Gadling's bail plea next week. Gadling has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years in the Elgar Parishad case. His bail plea has been adjourned eleven times previously in the Supreme Court. The case involves alleged Maoist links and provocative speeches delivered at a conclave. Gadling is accused of aiding Maoists and conspiring with co-accused.

Humans often conform to group opinions due to a desire for acceptance and to avoid conflict. Solomon Asch's experiments demonstrated how social pressure can override personal judgment. Normative and informational influences explain why individuals follow the crowd in various situations. Neuroscience reveals that social pressure can alter perception and brain activity.

Anurag Kumar has been appointed as the new Delhi Police Commissioner. He was serving as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau before this appointment. Kumar will take charge from the date he assumes office until further orders. He succeeds Satish Golcha, who has been directed to report to the Lieutenant Governor. This leadership change will take effect once Kumar formally assumes charge.

The Supreme Court permitted the film Mahaprabhu Jagannath's nationwide release. This release will occur on or after July twenty-eighth, following the Rath Yatra festivities. The court noted the film's basis in an existing web series and its CBFC certification. Producers sought the Supreme Court's intervention after the Orissa High Court's interim order. The High Court had initially restrained the film's screening pending judicial scrutiny.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea challenging a Kerala High Court order. This order restrains the state Waqf Board from making major decisions without permission. The High Court also directed the government to appoint its representative on the Board. These directions came while hearing public interest litigations alleging illegal functioning. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the urgent matter on July 20.

Global security risks are pushing defence to the forefront at Farnborough Airshow. Aerospace makers face demand for weapons while civil jet production recovers slowly. Boeing and Airbus will announce new orders, but deliveries remain a key focus. Supply chain issues continue to affect aircraft and engine production rates. Defence will represent half of the record exhibitors at the upcoming show.

The US National Transportation Safety Board will lead an investigation into a Ryanair Boeing 737 incident. A passenger was partly sucked out of a broken window after an engine piece broke off. This event had similarities to prior Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 NG flights. The FAA administrator stated early indications do not mimic the Southwest incident. The ongoing investigation prompts a reevaluation of the FAA's past response to similar issues.

The Indian Air Force contingent has arrived in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026. This multinational air combat exercise involves nineteen nations and enhances interoperability. Four Rafale fighter aircraft and two C-17 transport aircraft are participating. Over 120 Air Warriors will train alongside friendly Air Forces for three weeks. The exercise aims to sharpen combat flying skills and strengthen relationships.

China's oil imports have significantly decreased since April. This reduction has kept global prices stable and freed up supply. Analysts are uncertain about the permanence of this demand drop. Factors like electric vehicle adoption and industrial slowdown influence future consumption. Stockpiling and fuel export policies will also shape import levels.

The chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings resumed their journey to Gundicha Temple. Devotees pulled the chariots of the trinity after a delay in rituals. Lord Balabhadra's chariot stopped at Market Chhak after covering 700 metres. Devi Subhadra's chariot halted at Marichikote Chhak after covering 400 metres. Lord Jagannath's chariot was pulled only for a few yards near Singhadwar.

Luke Ronchi will depart New Zealand's coaching role after the India series. He will then become the head coach for Melbourne Renegades. Ronchi's tenure saw New Zealand win the World Test Championship. The team also achieved notable series victories against India and England. He expressed gratitude for his time working with the national setup.

Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Day 20 Update: Activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday with doctors warning his organs could be at risk if the fast continues. Despite losing over nine kilograms since 28 June, Wangchuk refused to call off the protest, vowing to lead a march to Parliament on 20 July and joking he would come back as a ghost if it failed.

Panshul Bansal and Aryan Gupta jointly secured the top rank in the Re-NEET UG 2026 examination. Bansal stated the mandatory re-examination helped him improve his score significantly. Aryan Gupta attributed his success to consistent hard work and strong family support. Women candidates demonstrated a higher qualification rate in the re-examination. The National Testing Agency conducted the re-examination after the original exam's cancellation.

Quote of the day by Julia Roberts: Celebrated Hollywood actress Julia Roberts has captivated audiences for decades with her diverse roles. Her breakthrough role in 'Pretty Woman' launched her into international stardom and critical acclaim. Roberts later won an Academy Award for her powerful performance in 'Erin Brockovich'. She also actively supports humanitarian causes and maintains a private personal life.

US airstrikes on Friday appeared to collapse a surveillance tower at Iran's Chabahar port. This key trade route for Afghanistan has been a repeated target of American strikes. Iranian state media acknowledged a third round of strikes on the facility. They described the tower as overseeing commercial traffic into the port. Iran's Revolutionary Guard also operates at ports across the country.

President Trump declassified intelligence to support his election fraud claims. He has repeatedly claimed the 2020 elections were rigged. These claims push for a restrictive voter ID law called the SAVE America Act. Intelligence reports and independent studies have undercut several of his claims. The SAVE America Act faces challenges in the Senate.

Rohit Sharma's potential final ODI match looms at Lord's this Saturday. Speculation suggests selectors are preparing for a younger top order. Sharma redefined ODI opening with his unique blend of power and grace. He holds numerous batting records and captained India to major trophies. His career journey from humble beginnings to cricketing legend is extraordinary.

Light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Strong surface winds up to 50 kmph are also expected in several districts. Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Warangal will see cloudy skies with rain on Friday. Authorities advise residents to monitor updates and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather. Preventive actions are being taken to manage potential disruptions from the weather.

Leaders of Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will meet on July 20 (Monday), the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, to chalk out a joint strategy for the session.

President Xi Jinping highlighted people-centered AI development at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. He stressed China's commitment to equitable AI access for developing nations. This initiative aims to prevent new historical injustices in artificial intelligence. China plans international cooperation with African and BRICS countries.

Japan's parliament enacted a historic revision to its Imperial House Law on Friday. This law insists only paternal-lineage men can become emperor, sparking fears for the imperial family. The revisions allow adoption of distant male relatives to father future heirs. Princesses will also be allowed to keep their royal status after marrying commoners. This move aims to preserve the male-only succession rule despite a shrinking royal family.

Chicago's air quality has become hazardous due to Canadian wildfire smoke. This pollution has affected over 125 million people across the Midwest and Northeast. Health officials advise residents to stay indoors and minimize outdoor exposure. The smoke is expected to persist through Friday before gradually improving. Authorities recommend monitoring air quality updates until conditions normalize.

Chhattisgarh reported 196 worker deaths in industrial accidents over 17 months. The state government denied lax safety enforcement was the cause. BJP MLAs alleged negligence, citing specific fatal incidents and unsafe conditions. Minister Dewangan detailed accident investigations and actions taken by the department.

Pakistan hired a US lobbying firm to boost security cooperation and minerals investment. The two-year agreement aims to convert goodwill into tangible bilateral benefits for Pakistan. The firm will engage with Congress and government officials, including the Pentagon. Efforts focus on restoring defense dialogue and attracting investment in Pakistan's minerals sector. This initiative seeks to institutionalize the relationship beyond personal connections.

Save America Act What is it? A Republican-backed bill, the SAVE America Act, mandates citizenship proof for registration and photo ID for voting. This legislation has passed the House but faces Senate filibuster challenges and requires bipartisan support. Supporters claim it enhances election security and restores public confidence in the process. Critics argue it creates significant barriers for eligible voters and disproportionately affects certain demographics.

Luxembourg-based LetterOne appointed Rahul Mukim to lead its India investments. The firm plans a significant $2 billion investment program in India. Mukim previously led private equity for Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan in India. LetterOne will focus on healthcare and energy sectors for its investments. This move establishes an on-ground presence for the European firm in India.

The FBI captured Nitish Kaushal, an alleged associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group, in Vermont. Kaushal was wanted by the FBI's Los Angeles field office for his alleged involvement in criminal activities. The Bhagwanpuria OCG is described as a transnational criminal organization involved in various illegal operations. This arrest follows a multinational law enforcement offensive targeting the syndicate's global operations.

PayPal's board considers a $53 billion takeover bid from Stripe and Advent International as undervalued. The company has not formally responded to the proposal from the consortium. Stripe and Advent have secured a $50 billion financing package for their offer. PayPal's board is evaluating the bid against its own turnaround strategy. Negotiations are expected to take time as both parties consider various factors.

Astronomers found a giant exoplanet, Beta Pictoris d, using Webb Telescope's spectroscopy. This planet was hidden within a dusty debris disk, making it hard to see. Its unique atmospheric chemical signature revealed its presence to scientists. This discovery marks a new method for finding planets around distant stars. Researchers will continue studying Beta Pictoris d for more atmospheric details.

Delhi anticipates a high of 40 degrees Celsius on Friday, remaining the hottest metro. Mumbai expects stable temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Hyderabad's forecast shows a gradual temperature increase over the coming week. Pune and Kolkata will experience their own distinct city-specific weather patterns. Chennai and Ahmedabad also face varied temperature forecasts for the upcoming days.

President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address questioning election integrity. He also released previously classified documents concerning past elections. Some television networks chose not to air the speech live. Democrats expressed concerns about Trump delegitimizing upcoming midterm elections. Trump began his speech by listing his administration's accomplishments.

The Puri Rath Yatra concluded successfully despite continuous rain and adverse weather conditions. Around nine lakh devotees participated in the world-famous festival this year. Two devotees died, but not due to stampede or crowd management issues. Elaborate arrangements were made by the state government for devotee safety and convenience. All scheduled rituals were completed as per plan, ensuring a peaceful conclusion.

Quote of the Day by Friedrich Nietzsche: One must pay dearly for immortality; one has to die several times while still alive. These words have challenged readers for generations because they reveal a truth many avoid: lasting greatness demands change. Learn why this timeless quote on reinvention, courage, resilience, and inner strength feels more relevant today than ever before

President Donald Trump stated China compromised election data during the 2020 cycle. This alleged breach reportedly secured 220 million United States voter files. The White House described this data loss as an election security nightmare. This incident is believed to be the largest compromise of election data historically.

United States airstrikes on bridges intensified, escalating tensions with Iran. Iran launched new missile attacks against allied nations, and the interim ceasefire collapsed. The ongoing conflict for control of the Strait of Hormuz has caused significant casualties. Iranian officials warned of widespread attacks if the US interfered in the strait. The situation has led to soaring oil prices and increased regional instability.

The White House on Thursday (local time) said that US President Donald Trump certainly agrees with Vice President JD Vance's assertion that foreign countries, particularly Israel, seek to influence American public opinion, after Vance alleged that certain elements within the Israeli government were attempting to shape US opinion to prolong the conflict with Iran.

Tata Sons and the Shapoorji Pallonji Group are currently negotiating the monetization of a stake but are at an impasse concerning the transaction's structure and valuation. Among the options discussed is a share-swap deal. The SP Group is eyeing this opportunity to tackle its significant debt. Their recent refinancing attempts indicate a solid confidence level in the pledged Tata Sons shares.

Businesses in India are hopeful that the forthcoming trade agreement with the UK will foster innovation instead of sparking fierce competition. Popular British items, including Scotch whiskey and chocolates, are set to become more wallet-friendly for Indian shoppers. The implementation of reduced tariffs over ten years will lead to a gradual shift in pricing.

Investors are grappling with confusion when it comes to reporting GIFT City fund investments in their tax returns. Fund houses provide varying guidance on whether these should be categorized as foreign assets. While GIFT City falls under the foreign category per FEMA regulations, it's treated as a domestic entity for income tax.

Psychology says people who use only free version of antivirus aren't always ignoring online safety. Their choice can reflect how they evaluate value, trust technology, manage spending, and balance risks. Psychology explains that people often make decisions based on personal experiences, confidence, available information, and perceived needs. Understanding this behavior can help explain why many users continue relying on free antivirus software despite the availability of paid security solutions.