The Economic Times

Volkswagen's works council will host staff assemblies with CEO Oliver Blume in August. Workers can question him about plans that threaten up to 140,000 jobs. Blume has stated that 50,000 job cuts are underway to improve cost competitiveness. Plant closures after 2030 could endanger an additional 40,000 positions. Volkswagen declined to comment on the specific job cut figures.

The Supreme Court heard a plea to seize symbols or deregister parties promising freebies. Lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay urged an early hearing for the PIL filed in 2022. The court had previously sought replies from the Centre and Election Commission. The petition argues freebies unduly influence voters and disturb the electoral process. It seeks a law or ECI condition against such promises from public funds.

DS Group introduced protective filters for women farmers in Uttar Pradesh. These nano-fibre filters are designed to be stitched into traditional attire. The initiative includes awareness campaigns and free health check-ups for participants. Mobile vans and street plays will also spread safety messages. This program aims to make agricultural work safer and healthier for women.

Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh Playing 11: Zimbabwe seeks to clinch the T20I series after a commanding opening victory. Bangladesh must win this second match to keep their series hopes alive. The game is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Live streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website for viewers. Both teams have announced their predicted playing elevens for the encounter.

Former India player Parthiv Patel anticipates Rohit Sharma's return to form. He expects Sharma to score a defining century in his potential final match. Sharma has reportedly been informed he is not in future World Cup plans. Anil Kumble discussed the effortless scoring styles of top batters.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government's potential Delimitation Bill introduction. He alleged the move aims to secure a two-thirds majority and weaken opposition parties. The government is reportedly eyeing the 2029 general elections with this legislative proposal. Concerns were raised about the bill's impact on the federal structure and population control achievements. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge requested an all-party meeting to discuss the proposals.

Preliminary discussions for Karnataka's cabinet expansion have begun. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah met party leadership regarding the expansion. The Congress high command will finalize the list of candidates soon. All 20 vacancies are expected to be filled before the assembly session. Selections will consider caste, religion, region, and youth representation.

A bill to punish insults to Vande Mataram will be introduced in the Lok Sabha soon. The government also plans to tighten birth and death registration rules. The Supreme Court's judge strength will increase after Parliament approves an ordinance. Discussions continue regarding delimitation and women's reservation in legislative bodies. Other proposed legislation includes amendments to foreign contribution regulations.

Fresh cracks have surfaced within the Nationalist Congress Party following a recent meeting. Senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Party chief Sunetra Pawar was reportedly not informed about this late-night discussion. Tatkare dismissed the controversy, stating the meeting concerned his constituency issues. This episode highlights ongoing leadership tussles within the NCP after Ajit Pawar's death.

Ancient philosopher Epicurus founded a school in Athens. He taught simple living and the pursuit of peace of mind. Epicurus believed wise people resist pleasures, while fools are enslaved. This wisdom emphasizes self-control and balance for a fulfilling life. His teachings guide discussions on ethics and human behavior today.

Covid Cases in AP? Twelve COVID-19 cases and four deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh recently. These infections appeared across four districts without a clear outbreak zone. Officials have sent five samples for variant identification to Pune's National Institute of Virology. Most deceased individuals had pre-existing serious health conditions before contracting the virus. Authorities are urging basic precautions while assuring the public there is no need to panic.

The Delhi High Court will hear a PIL alleging continuous police surveillance of protesters. Aishe Ghosh filed the petition challenging the Delhi Police's actions at Jantar Mantar. Protesters claim they are subjected to constant photography and monitoring. The petition argues this surveillance violates fundamental constitutional rights. The court agreed to list the matter for hearing on Monday.

India has launched its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a milestone in its push for cleaner and greener rail transport. Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the train will run on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana as a pilot project. Here's a look at its route, schedule, stoppages, speed, capacity and other key facts.

The Delhi High Court will hear a PIL regarding surveillance at Jantar Mantar. Protesters allege continuous and intrusive surveillance by police personnel. This action is claimed to violate fundamental rights of privacy for students. The PIL seeks to suspend mass surveillance until a real threat is proven. The court agreed to an urgent hearing on Monday, July 20.

Sri Lankan police arrested an Indian LPL team co-owner on Friday. He was apprehended for attempting to bribe a player with a significant sum. The player had alerted authorities about the bribery approach ten days prior. This incident occurred just before the Lanka Premier League tournament commenced. The tournament has previously faced corruption allegations and convictions.

Israel's parliament dissolved early Friday, ending Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition government. Controversial bills were passed in marathon sessions before the dissolution occurred. Elections are now scheduled for October 27, following a period of political instability. Opposition parties are showing increased support in recent opinion polls. This dissolution marks a rare end to a full four-year parliamentary term.

The Indian women's hockey squad for the upcoming World Cup has been announced. This same 20-member team will also compete in the Asian Games later this year. Salima Tete will lead the well-balanced squad coached by Sjoerd Marijne. The team recently won the FIH Nations Cup, earning promotion to the Pro League. India faces China, England, and South Africa in its World Cup pool.

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.

A YouTuber was arrested again for allegedly posting defamatory social media content. Rajan Joseph was arrested by Adoor police for fresh defamatory videos. He was previously arrested and released on bail last week. Police stated a fresh video targeting the complainant was uploaded on bail day. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest a co-accused named Sibi.

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.

Filmmaker Kiran Rao voiced support for activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk is protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination results. Rao expressed distress over the government's silence on the ongoing protest. She urged authorities to engage in dialogue with the concerned protestors. The activist's hunger strike has continued for nineteen days.

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.

The Delhi High Court has sought the police response on Sharjeel Imam's bail plea. Imam is challenging a trial court order that dismissed his second bail application. He was arrested in August 2020 and accused of masterminding the 2020 Delhi riots. The Supreme Court had previously refused bail to Imam and Umar Khalid. The court noted a prima facie case against them under the UAPA.

Aamir Khan stated his 3 Idiots character is not based on Sonam Wangchuk. He called the connection a misconception and expressed concern for Wangchuk's health. Wangchuk is currently on an indefinite hunger strike protesting India's education system. His health has deteriorated, losing over nine kilograms since starting the fast. Several celebrities have also voiced concerns regarding Wangchuk's well-being.

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.

Senior CPI(M) leader M M Mani criticised the UDF government's vision for addressing the power crisis. He stated that Kerala has never met its power demand independently. Mani claimed that sufficient power purchase agreements were not made by the current administration. This comes after the Electricity Minister cited low rainfall and dam levels for power cuts. The state must also return borrowed power, prolonging the current situation.

Speaking to reporters, Sharma stated that the bill has been passed by the state assembly, publication in the official gazette, followed by the notification of the rules and guidelines. He noted that the first step is complete, while the second stage is currently underway and will be finalised as quickly as possible to enforce the law.

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the BJP of new tactics to boost parliamentary strength. He alleged the BJP manipulates Rajya Sabha elections through timed resignations and defections. Koel Mallick's resignation and expected BJP induction were highlighted as a strategic move. Banerjee criticized defections, calling them a dirty picture of West Bengal's political culture. He stated that the people of West Bengal will deliver the final verdict on these actions.

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.