The Economic Times

Educator Sonam Wangchuk enters his thirteenth day of an indefinite hunger strike. He feels his hunger has stabilized while supporting the CJP's protest. Wangchuk asserts his constitutional right to protest peacefully at Jantar Mantar. He seeks accountability for examination irregularities and Ladakh's issues. The CJP plans a march to Parliament if demands are not met.

Atelier Expressions will acquire a majority stake in Khoya. This luxury handcrafted mithai brand was founded by Sid Mathur in 2016. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. Mathur will continue to lead Khoya's operations and team. This partnership aims to expand Khoya's reach across India.

The Education Ministry has ordered a probe into NCERT's decision to blacklist a paper supplier. NCERT blacklisted Bafna Global Venture Private Limited for two years on June 22. The firm moved the Delhi High Court, which granted it impunity from coercive action. The court also restrained NCERT from invoking the firm's bank guarantee of over Rs 6 crore. The minister directed strict action against officials responsible for this administrative lapse.

Elite footballers are playing longer due to scientific and medical advancements. Players in their mid-thirties and older are now common in major tournaments. Improved training and recovery methods help athletes maintain peak physical condition. Lucrative contracts and sponsorships also incentivize extended careers for these stars. This trend allows athletes to perform at high levels well into their late thirties.

Japan's wholesale inflation surged at its fastest pace in over three years. This acceleration was driven by rising fuel and metal prices, and a weak yen. The Bank of Japan warned of potential higher consumer inflation later this year. Government officials assured markets that monetary policy decisions remain with the central bank. These factors will influence the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy meeting.

China's Tianwen-2 spacecraft has reached Kamo'oalewa, a temporary quasi-moon of Earth. The mission faces challenges due to the asteroid's small size and fragile structure. Sample collection will be significantly more difficult than initially anticipated by scientists. Successful sample return would make China the third nation to achieve this feat. The mission aims to provide insights into the early Solar System and asteroid origins.

Rishabh Agrawal, an IIT Bombay alumnus, has clarified reports about his departure from Meta. He stated the offer was higher than reported, but he chose to build his own venture. After seven years at Google and Meta, Agrawal felt the pull to take a different risk. He is now fully committed to his AI startup, aligning with his long-term goals.

Chinese scientists have identified an active fault line beneath the Yarlung Tsangpo dam construction zone. This geological finding raises significant concerns for India regarding water security and ecological damage. The dam, intended as the world's largest hydropower project, faces potential structural instability issues. India has long sought greater transparency and consultation from Beijing on this vital river. The new scientific evidence strengthens India's position for increased data shari

Monsoon is great for the weather but terrible for insects. Mosquitoes, flies, and moths find their way indoors the moment the rains arrive. These seven plants won't replace a net or repellent entirely, but they do help, and science backs most of them up.

Actor Rajpal Yadav faces three months in jail following a Delhi High Court ruling. He was ordered to pay over one crore rupees in seven cheque bounce cases. The court reopened the matter after the actor cited significant film production losses. Yadav stated his case involves Rs 17 crore in incurred losses, not just Rs 5 crore. He explained a person invested more after seeing seventy percent of his film.

Most fitness plans fail because they depend on private motivation. Running is taking hold for a different reason. It turns fitness into a calendar, a community and a story people want to keep living.

Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh experienced heavy rainfall for 36 hours. Authorities opened all Giri Jaton Dam gates as water levels rose significantly. Widespread damage occurred, including a retaining wall collapse and blocked roads. Educational institutions remained closed due to the adverse weather conditions. The State Disaster Management Authority reported numerous road closures and infrastructure disruptions.

The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi government for its stance on private schools' petitions. These schools challenge a Directorate of Education circular regarding fee regulation committees. The court deferred a hearing on the main case until July 20. Schools are seeking protection from coercive action if they fail to comply.

The road stretch had been blocked due to landslide debris accumulation, disrupting movement along the highway. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya has directed the deployment of a permanent JCB machine at the location.

French billionaire Xavier Niel will soon be Vodafone's largest shareholder. UAE's e& group is selling its entire stake for nearly six billion dollars. This acquisition makes Niel the biggest investor in Britain's largest mobile operator. Vodafone has recently undergone significant restructuring and exited two markets. The company welcomes Niel as a supportive and long-term shareholder.

Wimbledon's iconic towels are now produced in India after an Indian textile giant acquired Christy. Planning for these towels begins eighteen months ahead of the tournament each year. Men's towels maintain a classic colour palette while women's towels feature new designs annually. These absorbent and durable towels are made with premium cotton yarn for longevity. Their appeal extends beyond the tennis court to everyday use at home and leisure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.