The Economic Times

A senior IPS officer, Deepak Gahlawat, posted at the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has been arrested by the CBI in connection with a Rs 3 crore bribery case. Gahlawat allegedly promised a businessman favorable outcomes in a CBI probe into a fake drug manufacturing racket in exchange for the bribe. Searches at his premises yielded digital devices and documents, with the investigation stemming from an FIR registered earlier.

New Delhi is scrutinizing WhatsApp's upcoming username feature, exploring legal avenues to regulate its launch. Officials express concerns that the system, designed to enhance privacy by hiding phone numbers, could inadvertently facilitate impersonation and identity fraud. Discussions are ongoing to assess potential safeguards before the feature rolls out, aiming to prevent misuse.

France has officially set its next presidential election for April 18, 2027, with a run-off on May 2. As President Macron exits after two terms, the race is wide open. Current polls suggest the far-right National Rally is in a strong position, and a diverse field of candidates could lead to a final showdown between extreme political factions.

An Oxford PhD student, Matthew Hopkins, analyzed 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object possibly older than our Sun. This visitor, the third confirmed, may originate from a star system formed around 7 billion years ago, originating from the galaxy's thick disc. Its chemical composition offers a unique glimpse into the early universe, providing valuable data for scientists studying cosmic history.

Assuming charge as the 31st Chief of Army Staff, General Dhiraj Seth on Wednesday pledged to modernise the Indian Army into a technology-driven, future-ready force and outlined his strategic vision under the acronym VIJAY, emphasising vigilance, innovation, jointness, self-reliance, and prioritising soldiers.

The family of Avinash Shukla, arrested in connection with alleged theft of Ram temple offerings, seeks justice, stating he should be punished if guilty but freed if innocent. Avinash, involved in cash reconciliation, was reportedly questioned in jail, with Rs 20 lakh recovered from him. His father expressed distress over village questions, while his mother emphasized their values of honesty.

Five Surat Municipal Corporation officials are suspended following the 'mysterious' demolition of around 80 shanties. The civic body initially denied involvement but has now launched a departmental inquiry after an internal probe. This action follows controversy and allegations of political influence and builder interests behind the May 30th razing. Residents are seeking legal recourse, citing procedural irregularities.

Schools affiliated with CBSE are now mandated to champion cyber safety. This initiative, part of a national campaign, encourages students, teachers, and parents to complete a cyber hygiene course and form cyber clubs. Monthly awareness activities, including quizzes and pledge drives, will be organized to combat online risks like grooming and cyberbullying, fostering a safer digital environment for all.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India reported a robust 23% surge in total sales for June, reaching 5,28,281 units. Domestic sales climbed 21% to 4.68 lakh units, while exports saw an impressive 47% jump. The first quarter of the fiscal year also witnessed a healthy 17% growth in total vehicle sales.

Ancient Roman wisdom, encapsulated in 'Non ducor, duco' ('I am not led, I lead'), champions self-leadership and accountability. This philosophy urges individuals to actively shape their destiny rather than be dictated by circumstances, failures, or external opinions. Embracing this mindset means taking responsibility for choices and actions, focusing on learning and improvement instead of blame. It's about becoming the driver of your own life's narrative, leading to true success.

The Union Cabinet has greenlit two significant road projects totaling Rs 14,115 crore. A new six-lane tunnel in Delhi, costing Rs 6,970 crore, will connect Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Marg, aiming to ease traffic. Additionally, a 242-km, four-lane highway in Uttar Pradesh, valued at Rs 7,145 crore, will boost connectivity and economic growth across Bundelkhand.

Coal India Limited (CIL) reported a 7.5% dip in production to 169.6 million tonnes during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, despite soaring power sector demand. While some subsidiaries saw declines, overall sales increased by 7.5% in June and 3.5% for the quarter. This comes as India gears up for increased power demand, highlighting CIL's crucial role in national energy security.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles witnessed a remarkable 69% surge in June sales, reaching 63,083 units, propelled by strong demand and a doubling of electric vehicle sales. Domestic passenger vehicle sales also saw a significant 67% jump. The company's leadership in electric mobility continues to strengthen, with EV volumes more than doubling year-on-year. Tata Motors remains optimistic about sustaining growth, citing a healthy order book and positive customer response.

Psychologist Carl Jung's profound insight reveals how parents can unconsciously burden children with their own unfulfilled dreams and regrets. This 'unlived life' creates immense pressure, forcing kids to sacrifice their individuality to meet parental expectations. In today's competitive world, this pattern is amplified, leading to anxiety and identity crises. Jung's work underscores the importance of parents living their own lives fully to truly benefit their children.

Global banking giant HSBC has secured a massive 1.2 million sq ft office space in Bengaluru's Prestige JRC Signature Towers. This significant deal, valued at over Rs 3,000 crore for a 20-year lease, highlights Bengaluru's appeal for multinational financial firms. The under-construction campus, set for completion in October 2027, underscores the strong demand for integrated, high-quality office spaces in India's tech and finance hub.

Hindustan Copper Ltd has appointed Anupam Misra as its new Chairman & Managing Director, taking over from Sanjiv Kumar Singh. Misra, an IIT Kharagpur and IIM Lucknow alumnus with extensive experience in marketing and international trading, joins HCL as the company embarks on a significant Rs 7,189 crore expansion to triple its mining capacity.

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, reported a significant 29.3% surge in total sales for June 2026, reaching 9,519 units. This impressive growth was driven by strong performance in both domestic and export markets for Eicher-branded trucks and buses. The company sold 8,595 Eicher-branded vehicles domestically and exported 674 units, showcasing robust demand.

Yash's upcoming film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' unveils a powerful ensemble of female leads, including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Tara Sutaria, Rukmini Vasanth, and Huma Qureshi. A new promotional video, 'Ladies & Ladies,' hints at a mature narrative exploring ambition, conflict, and rebellion, with these women potentially wielding significant influence alongside Yash's action-packed character. The film promises a complex exploration of love, power, and betrayal.

Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed strong optimism for an India-US trade agreement within weeks, highlighting its importance for industry. Speaking at the USISPF Leadership Summit, where he received an award, Mittal also emphasized the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties. The forum recognized Mittal, V. Prem Watsa, and Christopher T. Calio for their contributions to the India-US economic partnership.

A tech professional's decision to pursue a master's abroad backfired, leaving him jobless overseas and facing limited prospects upon returning to India. Despite strong academic performance and prior high earnings, he now finds himself struggling to secure roles offering comparable salaries to his previous 25 lakh annual package. Reddit users urged him to be pragmatic and accept available opportunities.

Paramount Skydance Corp has offered solutions to EU competition watchdogs regarding its massive Warner Bros Discovery acquisition. The company expressed confidence these remedies will swiftly clear the deal, which a source indicated is likely to gain European Commission approval. While the US Department of Justice has given its nod, Paramount faces potential challenges from US states and Britain over the proposed merger.

A significant portion of Indian homes need electrical upgrades to safely charge electric vehicles, a new study reveals. This infrastructure gap could hinder the government's ambitious EV adoption goals, despite policies phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. The research highlights overlooked challenges in residential charging, from inadequate wiring to parking issues, underscoring the need for robust electrical infrastructure alongside policy support for a successful electric mobility transiti

Billions of mRNA vaccine doses administered globally confirm their safety and effectiveness against infectious diseases, including severe COVID-19, across all age groups and health conditions. Researchers emphasize that serious side effects are rare, with benefits far outweighing risks. This technology, now proven, holds immense promise for future vaccines and personalized treatments, though equitable global access remains crucial.

Cyclospora infection symptoms: A widespread foodborne parasite outbreak, Cyclospora, has impacted at least 145 people across 17 US states, with a separate surge in Michigan sickening over 150. Health officials are investigating a potential domestically sourced contaminated food product, as infections are typically linked to international travel. Symptoms include prolonged diarrhea and digestive issues. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the exact source of contamination.

Metro safety chief has ordered Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) to investigate three years of service disruptions following a complaint by MP Tejasvi Surya. The directive mandates a report on corrective measures for incidents like the recent June 23rd failure caused by a Current Collector Device fault. Surya emphasized passenger safety as paramount, urging the state government to address systemic issues impacting commuter confidence and reliability.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor witnessed a robust 7% surge in total sales for June, reaching 31,016 units. This growth was fueled by an 8% rise in domestic sales to 28,441 units and a 7% increase in exports to 2,575 units. The company attributes this success to sustained market momentum and a strong customer-centric approach, aiming to further enhance its market presence with quality products and services.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the first installment of the Annapurna Yojana, a financial aid scheme for women, has reached approximately 1.1 crore beneficiaries. He also revealed that 26 lakh applications were rejected due to citizenship and domicile concerns, emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny before disbursing public funds. The scheme offers a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 to eligible women.

India's provident fund system has undergone a significant overhaul with the introduction of the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 2026, replacing the 1952 version. This modernization prioritizes digital compliance and simplified processes, aligning with new labor codes. Key changes include easier partial withdrawals for members and enhanced governance for employers, aiming for wider social security coverage and improved benefit delivery.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is on a four-day visit to France to bolster the India-France Strategic Partnership and economic ties. A key focus is the Economic and Financial Dialogue, co-chaired with her French counterpart, to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation and investment.

Hero MotoCorp saw a slight dip in June wholesale dispatches, primarily due to weaker domestic sales, though exports surged significantly. While motorcycle sales declined, scooters experienced robust growth. The company's electric mobility arm, VIDA, also showed impressive gains. Despite the monthly slowdown, Hero MotoCorp kicked off the financial year strongly with a substantial 23% rise in first-quarter dispatches, driven by demand across its diverse product range.

Dwayne Johnson, set to star in the live-action Moana, revealed his unique approach to productivity. Despite a demanding schedule, the actor prioritizes 3-5 hours of sleep, waking before dawn for 'me time.' This allows him to meditate, plan, and exercise, ensuring he's mentally and physically prepared for long filming days. This intentional solitude is key to his unwavering focus and energy, even with minimal downtime.

India's state owned Indian Renewable Energy Devlopment Agency (IREDA) on Wednesday, says its director of Finance, Bijay Kumar Mohanty who has assumed additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director on July 1. He's a fellow member at of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and has 27 years of experience in the Indian power sector, where he worked with the Central Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (CESCO) and Grid Corporation of Odisha Ltd (GRIDCO).

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu shared an anecdote where a customer secured a 90% discount on Microsoft Office licenses after mentioning Zoho as an alternative. Vembu highlighted how competition benefits consumers, referencing Microsoft's past antitrust issues. He also expressed strong optimism for India's AI development, citing progress in academia and initiatives like BharatGen, suggesting India is poised to become a significant player in AI.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor. A distinguished officer with extensive experience, including a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal Dixit previously served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff. His tenure at HQ IDS was marked by significant contributions to integrated defence strategies and the formulation of future military roadmaps.

XLRI has appointed Fr. Antony R. Uvari, SJ as the new Director of its Delhi-NCR campus, effective July 1, 2026. An XLRI alumnus with extensive academic and administrative experience, Fr. Uvari will focus on enhancing academic excellence, industry ties, and student development. His appointment signals a new phase for the relatively new Delhi-NCR campus, aiming to build on XLRI's legacy of nurturing responsible leaders.

Beyond cricket, Sachin Tendulkar champions books fostering personal growth and resilience. His recommendations span his mother-in-law's memoir of adapting to India, his niece's poetry collection, a chronicle of Mumbai's COVID-19 response, and his father's literary works. These selections highlight perseverance, compassion, and lifelong learning, offering readers profound insights into life's challenges and triumphs.

GAIL (India) has appointed S K Sinha as its new Director (Finance), stepping into the role after a distinguished career spanning over three decades with the state-owned gas utility. Sinha, a seasoned Cost and Management Accountant, brings extensive experience in corporate finance, treasury, and investor relations. His appointment follows the retirement of R K Jain, marking a significant transition for the company's financial leadership.

India's economic outlook has improved as falling crude oil prices ease inflation, strengthen the balance of payments and prompt economists to raise GDP growth forecasts. But the optimism comes with fresh risks, including an uneven monsoon, food inflation, geopolitical tensions in West Asia and uncertainty over global commodity prices, making the recovery far from assured.

Former India cricketer S Sreesanth's three-year ban by the Kerala Cricket Association has been lifted. The decision came after Sreesanth submitted an unconditional apology for remarks that had brought disrepute to the association. This revocation allows him to continue as co-owner of the Aries Kollam Sailors franchise in the Kerala Cricket League. The KCA has cautioned him against future misconduct.

Indian smartwatch maker FireBoltt is set to launch its Boltt brand of 4G and 5G smartphones in August, targeting consumers priced out by recent hikes. Priced between Rs 12,000-17,000, the company is investing over $50 million, aiming for 0.5-1 million unit sales initially. This strategic move follows a slump in the smartwatch market, with FireBoltt aiming to replicate its wearable success in the affordable smartphone segment.

India's primary long-term hurdle is generating enough productive jobs to harness its demographic advantage, according to Bank of America's Rahul Bajoria. He highlighted underemployment as a significant concern, urging a collaborative, decade-long effort from government, private sector, and households. Bajoria also noted that while AI presents challenges, proactive responses can mitigate risks, emphasizing the crucial need to revamp skilling and education to prepare the workforce for the future.

Flash storage maker MiPhi is capitalizing on the global memory chip shortage to secure lucrative deals in India's electronics and automotive sectors. The joint venture between Taiwan's Phison and India's Micromax is supplying high-density storage solutions, leveraging Phison's micro-controllers.

Volkswagen's aggressive cost-cutting measures are a stark warning to Europe's auto sector, according to BYD's European advisor. Alfredo Altavilla stated this signals a crucial moment for the industry as Chinese manufacturers like BYD aim for greater market penetration. BYD is actively considering Spain and France for a significant brownfield investment to expand its European production capabilities, with a decision imminent.