The Economic Times

In an assertive stance, the Congress party has condemned the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, calling it a disturbing constitutional infringement by the central government. This bill is criticized for transferring grant distribution authority from education professionals to politicians, potentially undermining the operational freedom of elite institutes like IITs and IIMs. The party is calling on states to voice their dissent against this initiative.

Afghanistan's Agriculture Minister sought Indian technical help for modernization. He highlighted centuries-old ties and deep cultural parallels between both nations. Eighty percent of Afghanistan's population relies on agriculture and livestock farming. India offered cooperation in seeds, research, and crop productivity enhancement. This collaboration aims to strengthen Afghanistan's agricultural sector and regional stability.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay spoke about the Karur stampede tragedy. He stated the incident remains a deep wound in his political journey. Vijay alleged police failed to manage the crowd adequately during the event. He also accused the previous DMK government of shifting blame onto him. A memorial will be built in Karur to remember the victims.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the war is not over yet with Iran following the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire. Netanyahu emphasised that Israel is preparing for all scenarios to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while military leaders affirmed readiness for major upcoming operations.

England Women vs India Women Live Streaming: England and India women commence a one-off Test match today at Lord's. Key players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will lead their teams. The pitch is expected to offer early assistance to pacers and later to spinners. Cricket-friendly weather with warm conditions and sunshine is forecast for the match. Fans in India can watch the game live on Sony LIV and Sony Sports.

An Air Canada flight veered off the runway after landing at Montreal International Airport. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft carried 156 passengers and six crew members onboard. No injuries were reported following the incident which occurred on Thursday afternoon. The runway closure caused operational delays at the busy Montreal airport.

In a bid to salvage pride, India gears up for the final test against England in Southampton, hopeful to avoid a 4-0 series sweep. Captain Shreyas Iyer seeks his first victory amidst a challenging phase marked by inconsistent batting and difficulty facing pace bowling. The pressure mounts as England's players have shown their prowess, demanding an improved effort from the Indian lineup.

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans a return from India. She intends to surrender to Bangladeshi authorities around December. Hasina faces a death sentence and her party is currently banned. She believes her return will test the nation's justice system. Hasina seeks to prove the court proceedings are farcical.

A Himachal Pradesh consumer commission has ordered Reliance Retail to refund the purchase price and pay Rs 20,000 in compensation and litigation costs after a customer's daughter fell ill following consumption of Korean instant noodles that had expired three months before they were sold. The commission rejected Reliance's argument that customers should check expiry dates themselves.

BSNL has launched a satellite phone in India for Rs 1,34,166. This device offers direct satellite connectivity for voice and SMS services. It is designed for professionals in remote and emergency situations. The high cost reflects specialized technology and smaller production volumes. Users must obtain government approval and subscribe to costly satellite plans.

India has extended anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese tubes and pipes. This measure will protect domestic manufacturers from cheap inbound shipments until January 2027. The government also continues anti-dumping duties on Normal Butanol imports. These duties apply to products exported from Malaysia, South Africa, and the United States. Anti-dumping measures ensure fair trade and a level playing field for domestic industries.

Three former Thai sailors filed a lawsuit against their shipping operator for labor rights violations. They allege unfair dismissal and inadequate compensation after their ship was attacked. The crew members are seeking over one million baht each in damages. The attack occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane. This incident highlights the human cost of ongoing regional conflicts for seafarers.

The BJP nominated three former TMC MPs for Rajya Sabha bypolls after their induction. These nominations signal the ruling party's focus on consolidating its position in state politics. The BJP comfortably crosses the required MLA support mark to win all three seats. This move reinforces the BJP's confidence in showcasing legislative dominance and attracting opposition leaders.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath announced renaming of Khiloni-Suchitaganj nagar panchayat to Maa Jwala Ji Nagar Panchayat. The municipal town of Bhadarsa will henceforth be known as Bharat Nagar, honoring Lord Ram's brother. This renaming reflects the cultural legacy and devotion of Bharat. The chief minister also mentioned recent conduct of Samajwadi Party representatives in Bhadarsa. Previously, other local areas and tehsils have also been renamed.

Bayer secured three billion euros in equity from Apollo-managed funds. This deal involves its long-acting reversible contraceptives business. Apollo funds will take a minority stake while Bayer retains control. The financing strengthens Bayer's capital structure and financial flexibility. This transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

One more body was recovered from the Wayanad landslide site on Friday. This recovery brings the total number of persons killed in the disaster to seven. Search operations continued on the fourth day since the Anakkompoyil Meppadi tunnel project landslide. Teams used heavy earthmovers to clear mud and locate missing individuals. Officials are still working to identify the recovered body and find the last missing person.

US private equity firm Apollo has made a higher offer for EasyJet. This new bid surpasses Castlelake's previous proposal for the British airline. EasyJet's board now favors Apollo's offer, signaling a potential bidding war. Apollo must finalize its offer by August 7 under UK regulations. The airline reported increased losses earlier this year due to soaring fuel prices.

Volkswagen management showed little progress from stakeholder talks on Thursday. The company repeated known targets for streamlining operations and investment. Analysts noted a lack of agreement on job cuts and plant closures. Volkswagen faces high costs and rising competition from China. The German auto giant is under pressure to restructure its business model.

Maharashtra ATS launched a statewide operation questioning 112 individuals. These persons are allegedly linked to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti. Bhatti is suspected of using social media to influence youths towards anti-national activities. Teams from all 14 ATS units simultaneously carried out this morning's operation. The ATS is verifying alleged links and gathering further evidence in this ongoing probe.

The Kerala High Court ordered timely ex-gratia payments for Wayanad landslide victims. It also directed the swift handover of deceased individuals to their families. The court sought a government report on work stoppage at the tunnel project site. Ex-gratia payments and injured treatment costs can be charged to the tunnel project. The government stated work was stopped on May 25 and July 5.

Assam's budget has tripled to Rs 2,00,782 crore for 2025-26. Fund utilization stands at a strong 85 percent, indicating efficient management. Per capita income has tripled, reaching Rs 1,85,429 by 2025-26. The state's own tax revenue has significantly increased to Rs 39,294 crore. This budget aims for inclusive growth and a self-reliant Assam.

Google has introduced a special animation celebrating Erling Haaland's World Cup heroics. The feature showcases a Viking-inspired tribute to Norway's iconic supporters' celebration. Haaland's impressive goal-scoring record at the tournament has captured global attention. His efficiency in scoring goals has also set new historical benchmarks. Norway's unique Viking Row celebration has gained widespread popularity across social media platforms.

Cancer affects nearly everyone globally, with one in five developing the disease. The world recorded over twenty million new cases and ten million deaths last year. Financial hardship and mental health struggles impact many affected individuals and families. Survival rates significantly differ between high-income and low-income nations. Preventable risk factors and policy choices drive these stark global disparities.

The Indian women's hockey squad for the Asian Games has been announced. Salima Tete will continue to captain the experienced and junior players. This team aims to secure Olympic qualification by winning gold. The squad features a balanced mix of players with good recent form. They are confident and ready for the upcoming Asian Games challenge.

The Supreme Court has expanded the definition of knowledge under the POCSO Act. Anyone aware of a sexual offense against a child must report it. Failure to report can lead to prosecution under the law. A headmistress will now face charges for not informing police. This ruling aims to better protect children from sexual offenses.

New York City is experiencing extreme heatwave conditions, prompting officials to urge conservation. Residents are advised to set air conditioners to 78 degrees to reduce grid strain. Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized saving electricity by turning off unused lights and electronics. Government buildings are also implementing similar energy-saving measures to manage demand. The city is providing cooling centers for those without reliable air conditioning.

India now offers Awiqli, a new once-weekly basal insulin for diabetes patients. This drug reduces annual injections from 365 to just 52 for many individuals. Experts suggest Awiqli is an additional option, not a complete replacement for daily insulin. It is best suited for patients who still produce some insulin naturally. This innovation aims to improve treatment adherence and manage blood sugar levels effectively.

The Karnataka High Court has requested a response from the Union government concerning a petition that challenges a tax exemption clause. This clause grants gift exemptions solely to married heterosexual couples, neglecting same-sex partners. Arguing for constitutional equality, the petitioners seek change, with the next hearing set for July fifteenth.

The Reserve Bank of India is poised to keep its policy rates steady in the short term. Nonetheless, BofA Securities predicts that rising concerns over domestic inflation could lead to increased rates in the future. Revisions to FY27 economic growth projections indicate a stronger demand trend, while external accounts are anticipated to show improvement with a reduced current account deficit.

Ethanol blending shields Indian consumers from volatile global oil prices. This program reduces dependence on imported crude oil significantly. It also strengthens the country's long-term energy security and foreign exchange reserves. The initiative has already saved over one lakh ninety-seven thousand crore rupees. Continued blending promises greater fuel price stability and farmer income.

India's focus on critical mineral self-reliance is shifting mining governance priorities. Companies now need stakeholder confidence and social license for project success. Boards must integrate communication and stakeholder intelligence into strategic decisions. This approach strengthens governance and improves the execution of strategic initiatives. Transparent communication builds public trust and reinforces investor confidence in the industry.

Five more arrests were made in West Bengal's mob violence case. This brings the total number of arrests to thirty-five following a girl's death. The violence included an attack on police personnel and damage to public property. Police are examining the roles of all individuals involved in the unrest. Investigations continue to apprehend further accused persons in the ongoing case.

The SHANTI Act 2025 explained: India's nuclear power expansion is gaining momentum through new legislation. The SHANTI Act 2025 allows private participation across the civilian nuclear sector. This law replaces older acts and modernizes the nuclear framework for future growth. Australia's uranium exports will also support India's expanding nuclear generation capacity. Manufacturers are preparing to scale up equipment production for rising demand.

El Nio explained: The southwest monsoon has regained strength across India after a weak start. Multiple weather systems are now actively influencing the country's rainfall patterns. Climate change is making India's rainfall more erratic and extreme. Longer dry spells are now interrupted by very heavy rain events. Adapting to these changing patterns requires resilient farming and better water management.

Dhamaal 4 has hit theatres, bringing back its popular ensemble cast for more comedy. Early reviews show a mixed reception, with many enjoying the family-friendly humour. Some viewers found the film relied on familiar formulas, while others praised its laugh-out-loud moments. Read on

The World Bank committed USD 890 million for India's solar rooftop initiative. This funding aims to bring clean energy to millions of homes nationwide. The program will also create significant job opportunities across the renewable energy sector. India seeks to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 and increase non-fossil fuels. This support will help scale residential solar and reduce household electricity costs.

In a new regulatory change, medications with alcohol content exceeding twelve percent will require a prescription from a doctor. This decision treats these products like standard prescription drugs, compelling manufacturers to obtain the necessary licenses. Furthermore, pharmacies are now tasked with rigorous record-keeping to mitigate potential abuse and ensure that genuine medical use is preserved under enhanced scrutiny.

A distant planet, LHS 3844b, shows one side perpetually scorched and the other frozen. Researchers suggest its internal geology could circulate heat, creating habitable zones. This internal circulation mirrors Earth's mantle heat transport mechanisms. Such planets are common, and their internal processes might foster life. The study indicates that extreme temperature differences do not automatically preclude habitability.

Lois Lowry's quote talks about how loneliness amplifies painful memories more than the actual hurt. Carrying difficult experiences alone creates isolation and misunderstanding among people. Sharing these memories allows others to offer comfort and support. This connection helps individuals move forward in their healing process. Read on to know why it feels relatable.

Countries using E20 fuel: India has achieved its nationwide E20 ethanol blending target ahead of schedule. This transition significantly reduces import dependence and strengthens national energy security. Domestic ethanol production capacity has expanded substantially to meet fuel demand. While new vehicles are E20 compatible, older ones remain on the road. India now joins global leaders like Brazil in adopting renewable fuel standards.

India's diamond exports have declined over recent financial years. Retail giants are increasing investments in both natural and lab-grown diamonds. This domestic focus targets a growing demand from younger Indian consumers. Retailers are expanding offerings to cater to evolving preferences for lightweight jewelry. Natural diamonds continue to hold a significant position in premium portfolios.

The battle for Punjab's 2027 opposition leadership is intensifying among key parties. Congress faces internal friction after recent leadership appointments and decisions. The BJP is stepping up its outreach efforts with planned visits by top leaders. The Shiromani Akali Dal fights to regain its former political relevance. This contest shapes up as an opposition struggle before the main election.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister announced a Rs 13,000-crore flood mitigation plan for Mumbai. This comprehensive proposal integrates traditional and nature-based drainage improvement methods. The plan aims to address chronic flooding issues, particularly in low-lying city regions. Funding will be shared by the National Disaster Response Fund, state government, and BMC. Detailed project reports are currently being prepared after initial approvals from central authorities.

The Admission Committee for Professional Courses will release the Gujarat PGCET 2026 provisional merit list today. Candidates can check their merit rankings on the official ACPC Gujarat admission portals. This provisional list will determine eligibility for the upcoming counselling and choice-filling process. The final answer key for various engineering subjects was released on July 8. Applicants should monitor official portals for further admission schedule updates.

HFCL has secured a significant export order valued at Rs 495.8 crore. This order is for supplying optical fibre cable to an international data centre company. The execution of this substantial order is scheduled to be completed by December 2026. This follows HFCL's recent launch of its OptiQ AI data centre solution portfolio.

Meta's new AI tool can generate images using public Instagram photos. Users can opt out of this feature through Instagram's settings menu. The Indian government is examining the legality of using public Instagram data. Officials will review responses to notices before deciding on further action. This rollout occurs as social media platforms integrate more generative AI tools.

Emirates will introduce its A380 aircraft on the Dubai-Delhi route starting October 25. This move expands the airline's double-decker service to a third Indian city. Premium Economy will also become available on six Indian destinations by month's end. The airline cites strong demand as a reason for these network enhancements. Emirates is also opening new retail travel stores and a call centre in India.

A student's JEE preparation was interrupted by a collapsed lung and surgery. His mother stepped in, attending online classes and creating study notes for him. Gunjan Kumar recovered and used his mother's notes for revision before the exam. He achieved a good percentile in JEE Mains and cleared JEE Advanced. This success led to his admission at IIT Delhi's Abu Dhabi campus.