The Economic Times

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said Indias inflation remains elevated, with rising Middle East tensions and the possibility of a weak monsoon posing key risks. He attributed recent price pressures mainly to supply-side factors and said policymakers should remain in a wait and watch mode.

US trade uncertainty is prompting fresh calls for India to deepen economic ties with China. PM Modi's economic adviser Rakesh Mohan has urged New Delhi to attract more Chinese investment, rethink RCEP, join CPTPP and strengthen manufacturing, exports and Asian supply chain integration as geopolitical and trade dynamics shift.

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ruled that British Airways cannot claim India-UK tax treaty protection on income from providing ground handling and engineering services to other airlines in India. The tribunal said such receipts fall outside Article 8 of the India-UK DTAA and remain taxable, distinguishing the treaty from broader India-Germany and India-Netherlands provisions.

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.

The European Union plans significant changes to its carbon trading system. These revisions aim to balance climate targets with industrial competitiveness concerns. Free carbon permits will be extended for industries, and emissions limits will tighten slower. Financial support will link more closely to clean technology investments. Negotiations between member states and the Parliament will finalize these proposals.

India launched its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a move toward cleaner energy sources. This initiative signifies a shift from fossil fuel dependence for railways. Hydrogen trains will likely play a niche role on specific routes. Their long-term contribution depends on affordable green hydrogen availability. This technology supports India's climate goals and energy transition.

India's toll collections saw a modest increase in the April-June quarter. However, the pace of growth slowed significantly as toll transactions declined. Experts cite a higher base and softer freight movement as key reasons. Inflation-linked toll revisions also contributed to the moderation in growth. Toll collections are expected to rebound with changing economic factors.

India plans to launch a headline Index of Services Production (ISP) within the next few months, giving investors the country's first official monthly measure of services output. The statistics ministry has released trial indices for 19 service sub-sectors covering about 60% of the formal services economy.

Platform automates lesson planning, supports 22 Indian languages and aims to make classrooms more interactive through AI-powered learning experiences

The policy offers investors a secure return and protects them from currency fluctuations. These reforms will enhance financial viability and promote self-reliance in urea.

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.

An FIR was registered after a hoax bomb threat was found on an IndiGo flight. A handwritten note stating Bomb Hai! was discovered by a crew member in the lavatory. Security personnel conducted a thorough check of the aircraft, finding no suspicious objects. The airline lodged a complaint, citing disruptions and safety concerns for passengers. An investigation is currently underway to identify the person responsible for the false threat.

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.

GIFT City is drawing strong interest from multinational companies, with JPMorgan saying more than 100 firms are exploring banking and payment solutions for corporate treasury operations. GIFT City's tax incentives, single regulator, foreign currency capabilities and growing banking ecosystem are positioning it as India's global financial hub for multinational treasury centres.

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.

A surge of Indian hospitality professionals is migrating back from West Asia, driven by regional unrest and a decline in industry activity. These individuals are prioritizing job security and long-term growth prospects in India. Furthermore, architects and designers from associated sectors are also seeking employment back home, considering India a more secure and stable choice compared to resilient markets like Dubai.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway on Friday. This new expressway will significantly reduce travel times between major cities. He will also inaugurate India's first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana. Several other national highway and rail projects will be dedicated. These initiatives aim to boost connectivity and development across the region.

Rental growth is slowing in major Indian cities after sharp increases. Mumbai is an exception, showing significant rent increases this year. Many Indians now rent longer for flexibility and due to rising home loan costs. High security deposits hinder moves, locking significant wealth across top metros.

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.

Christopher Nolans The Odyssey has opened in Indian theatres to varied reactions. Matt Damons performance as King Odysseus and the films grand visuals have received widespread praise. However, some viewers have criticised the screenplay and sound mixing. Despite the divided response, many have called the final act powerful, emotional and one of the films biggest highlights. Read on!

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.

Tata Electronics will begin India's first chip production using older technology. The Dholera facility will initially focus on 90-nanometer process technology. This mature technology is suitable for industrial and automotive applications. The company plans to gradually introduce more advanced 28-nanometer chips later. This endeavor highlights India's ongoing efforts to build a domestic semiconductor industry.

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.

BTS is currently gearing up to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show. Besides them, Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber also join the star-studded lineup. The final match airs in India on July 20 at 12:30 AM IST. Read on to know where to watch the performances on OTT.

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.

This weekend brings a variety of new shows and movies to streaming platforms. Romance, action, and drama are featured in upcoming releases from Netflix and JioHotstar. Several Indian titles offer action-comedy and romantic drama for audiences. Read on to know when and where to watch them online.

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.