The Economic Times

Unilever will protect European and British food business jobs for two years. This guarantee follows the planned merger with U.S. spice maker McCormick. The agreement locks in terms until at least mid-2029 for employees. This protection exceeds typical legislative requirements for such deals. Unilever continues constructive engagement with works councils regarding these commitments.

Who is eligible for Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Delhi cabinet has approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a scheme promising Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women in the capital. Registrations begin August 1 and the government aims to release the first instalment on Raksha Bandhan, August 28. The scheme targets 17 lakh women and has a budget of Rs 5,110 crore for 2026-27.

Shubman Gill has reclaimed the number one ODI batting ranking from Daryl Mitchell. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi jumped 230 places to reach 48th in T20I rankings. Ishan Kishan leads T20I rankings with a high rating, surpassing other Indian players. Ravi Bishnoi advanced 31 spots to 41st among T20I bowlers. Justin Greaves also made gains in Test bowler and all-rounder rankings.

Israelis are scheduled to hold a national election on October 27. Polls indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a clear defeat in this upcoming vote. His security credentials were significantly impacted by the October 7 Hamas attacks. Several rivals, including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, are emerging as contenders. Israel's parliamentary system necessitates coalition governments, making elections complex.

Lamborghini's operating profit declined over eight percent in the first half. This reflects sector-wide fragility spurred by tariffs and Middle East conflict. Revenue grew while vehicle deliveries saw a slight decrease compared to last year. Adverse exchange rates and increased U.S. tariffs impacted the company's performance. Despite market volatility, Lamborghini achieved its highest revenue in history.

When Israel goes to the polls this year, voters will weigh in on conscription, the economy and how the state should investigate its inability to prevent Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. - Accountability for October 7 - Many Israelis have demanded an independent state commission of inquiry into the failures that allowed Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the death of more than 1,200 people.

The Medical Counselling Committee has updated its online counselling procedures for medical admissions. Candidates seeking upgrades will no longer need to physically report to colleges. Seat resignations can now be completed entirely through the online MCC portal. NRI quota applicants can submit their required documents digitally for easier processing. Authorities are now required to provide clear seat and fee details to all aspirants.

FIFA plans a twenty billion dollar subsidiary for World Cup events. This move offers external investors up to twenty percent stakes. UEFA criticizes this proposal, calling it a sale of the game's soul. FIFA aims to democratize sport by sharing financial benefits widely. This initiative seeks to shift football's financial center away from Europe.

US and Saudi forces conducted strikes on Iraq, killing at least twenty former paramilitary members. These attacks targeted bases across seven Iraqi provinces, causing significant damage. The strikes followed accusations of Iran-backed groups attacking Saudi oil facilities. Iraq's Prime Minister vowed to disarm pro-Iran armed groups amid rising tensions. The situation highlights Iraq's ongoing role as a proxy battleground.

German scientists have identified a gene that governs task allocation within bee colonies. This gene, doublesex, controls neural circuits responsible for behavioral changes in worker bees. Researchers found that deactivating specific brain areas prompted older bees to resume younger bee duties. This discovery offers insights into how social organizations manage labor without central direction. The findings highlight nature's efficiency in repurposing existing genetic mechanisms for new functions

Raj Kumar Pal replaces Aditya Arjun Lalage in India's 20-member hockey squad. Harmanpreet Singh will continue to lead the experienced team in Japan. The squad blends established stars with promising young players for the tournament. India aims to win gold and qualify for the LA 2028 Olympics. The team begins its campaign against Indonesia on September 20.

Toshiva Yadav, an MBA student, suffered injuries during a protest march. She is now seeking an independent judicial inquiry into police actions. Yadav alleges disproportionate force was used against students during the Parliament march. Her petition calls for safeguards to regulate crowd-control measures by police. She desires accountability for alleged police brutality during the demonstration.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut and CJP spokesperson Saurav Das traded sharp barbs. Ranaut called Gen Z Generation gutter and questioned their upbringing. Das criticized Ranaut's language and questioned her mental stability. Ranaut dismissed Das as useless and unemployed, highlighting her career achievements. The exchange occurred amid protests over NEET examination irregularities.

Fitch Ratings forecasts Indian corporate revenue to grow nine percent in the current fiscal year. This growth is expected to keep credit metrics for Indian companies stable. Geopolitical tensions and climate risks could impact oil prices and demand for certain sectors. Chemical companies may face higher costs and softer demand from these factors. The broader economy could also suffer from food inflation and lower rural income.

Hang Ten Systems, a new enterprise AI startup, has secured significant seed funding. The company aims to guide businesses in leveraging artificial intelligence for transformation. It will expand its engineering team and strengthen its AI platform capabilities. Hang Ten will advise chief executives on AI strategy and implementation across various functions. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between AI potential and enterprise adoption.

Rahul Gandhi stated Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation was superficial as the RSS controls the education ministry. He claimed RSS influences all Indian universities and burdens poorer families significantly. Gandhi criticized the government's handling of student protests and the home minister's absence. He also dismissed the RSS's historical perspectives as nonsensical and hollow. Gandhi categorized people as students, idiots, and andhbhakts to frame his arguments.

A village cricket match saw a fielder allegedly fake a wicket with a finger snap. Footage of the incident went viral online, sparking widespread debate. Investigators are now examining the suspicious circumstances surrounding the dismissal. The wicketkeeper's unusually high catch count also raised significant questions. This unusual event has captured global attention within the cricketing community.

India faces significant energy security risks from chokepoint disruptions. A dual closure could push Brent crude prices to $130-135 per barrel. This scenario threatens inflation and the Indian rupee's stability. Smaller businesses are particularly exposed to rising costs and liquidity stress. Global supply chains and India's trade balance would experience severe impacts.

The Lok Sabha recently saw the introduction of a pivotal Bill focused on enhancing the regulations for the registration of births and deaths. This initiative aims to urge citizens to report these vital events without delay. Instances of registration lagging by one to two years will require a magistrate's consent, while delays surpassing two years will necessitate directives from a judicial magistrate.

In a recent statement, Arvind Kejriwal highlighted the apprehensions of auto manufacturers regarding the Centre's E20 fuel initiative. He asserts that these manufacturers, fearing backlash due to compensation demands, have confided that E20 could damage older cars. Kejriwal challenges the Centre's endorsement of E20, emphasizing that ethanol is not just pricier, but it also yields inferior mileage compared to traditional petrol.

A newly built Dehradun bridge lost its approach road just seventeen days after its opening. Overnight rainfall eroded the soil supporting the road, causing a significant collapse. Officials stated the bridge itself remained structurally safe, and traffic was rerouted. An investigation has been ordered to fix responsibility for the construction quality issues. Temporary repairs have since restored traffic flow on the affected stretch.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, has postponed his marriage plans. He is currently focused on his studies and achieving financial independence. Dipke is leading a campaign demanding the withdrawal of FIRs against student protesters. The party has threatened nationwide protests if their demands are not met. The Cockroach Janta Party seeks assurances against retaliatory action and examination reforms.

Prof V Kamakoti, director of IIT-Madras and the man behind India's first indigenous microprocessor, has been named to PM Modi's exam reform task force led by Nandan Nilekani. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi's decision to call him a gaumutra expert in Lok Sabha, a reference to his 2025 remarks on cow urine's medicinal properties, has since triggered a sharp parliamentary row.

BMW plans voluntary redundancy for nearly half its German workforce. This move aims to reduce approximately eight thousand jobs by the end of 2027. Desk-based employees in Germany will receive these offers starting in October. The company faces slimmer margins and intense competition, especially in China. BMW's vehicle deliveries in China have already seen a significant decline.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has surpassed a $300 million brand value milestone. The Indian Premier League's overall business valuation climbed to $20.6 billion this year. This growth underscores the tournament's increasing commercial appeal and global investor confidence. Recent franchise transactions have reset valuation benchmarks for the league. Global investors now view franchises as scalable sports and entertainment businesses.

The Indian women's hockey team has departed for Germany for final World Cup preparations. They will play practice matches against Germany before heading to the Netherlands. The team aims to fine-tune combinations and adapt to European conditions. India begins its World Cup campaign against China on August sixteenth. Captain Salima Tete expressed confidence in the squad's determination.

Sabeer Bhatia booked a high-end apartment in India back in 2012. The property's construction remains unfinished after more than a decade. Builders now project a handover date of 2032, which is twenty years later. This situation highlights concerns about trust in commercial dealings across the country. The entrepreneur expressed disappointment with the prolonged and uncertain property delivery.

Fast-track courts were established to clear case backlogs and address public outrage. These courts have disposed of millions of cases over two decades. However, systemic issues continue to hinder speedy justice delivery. Investigations, prosecution, and forensic capacity also need improvement. Courtroom reform alone has not ensured faster justice for all.

The Supreme Court has closed a criminal case against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This decision follows the acceptance of a closure report filed by the CBI. The court found no reason for the trial court judge to reject the CBI's findings. Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and ex-coal secretary P C Parakh were also involved. The Supreme Court's intervention stayed the earlier court directive summoning the accused.

The Trump administration missed a deadline to ask the Supreme Court for a rehearing. This request concerned the president's birthright citizenship restrictions which were rejected. The Supreme Court's decision in June struck down the executive order. Three justices had supported the president's plan while one found it violated federal law. The court has not granted a rehearing petition in over fifty years.

An Indian expat in Paris shared challenges of moving abroad. Social media often omits financial burdens and job search difficulties. Adapting to new languages and cultures requires significant personal effort. Leaving family behind also presents emotional and practical hurdles. Clear goals, not online perceptions, should guide such life decisions.

Mondelez International exceeded revenue and profit expectations for the second quarter. Steady demand for biscuits and chocolates, along with higher pricing, boosted results. The company raised its annual organic revenue growth forecast to at least two percent. North America saw pricing increases and modest volume growth during the period.

K Raheja Group has appointed Vijayta Nikhil Raheja as its new chief executive officer. She brings sixteen years of experience and previously served as chief operating officer. Vijayta Raheja will now drive the group's strategic direction and business operations. Her role includes overseeing governance and implementing best-in-class systems. This appointment signifies the group's commitment to strengthening institutional leadership.

The Supreme Court dismissed Odisha's plea against the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' release. Animation is a new art form for children and should not be curtailed. The court allowed the film's release after the Jagannath Yatra festivities concluded. Earlier, the High Court had stayed the movie's screening due to objections. Filmmakers invested heavily and faced significant financial losses if delayed.

A Kerala consumer commission has ordered Abhi Bus Service India and its partner operator to pay Rs 30,000 in compensation and refund the ticket fare after a couple, including a woman recovering from surgery, were sent to a wrong pickup point in Ayodhya, travelled 10 km by auto to the correct location, and still found no bus running at that hour.

Hyrox anticipates India becoming a top three market within five years. The fitness race company expects significant growth driven by young populations. Global revenue is projected to reach 300 million in 2026. India currently contributes 4-5 million annually to Hyrox's revenue. Investment will focus on scaling events and strengthening gym partnerships.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove content allegedly used for terrorism, sabotage and cyber-fraud inside Russia. The FSB has also issued an international arrest warrant. Telegram has not commented, while Durov continues to deny wrongdoing in separate investigations by French authorities.

Misir Besra, a senior CPI (Maoist) politburo member carrying a reward of over Rs 1 crore and wanted in 141 cases, has been arrested from Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, police said. Two other Maoists were also held during the operation, while 16 Maoists, including members carrying combined rewards, surrendered before Jharkhand Police on Tuesday.

A special court accepted the CBI's chargesheet concerning the NEET-UG paper leak. Thirteen individuals face charges including conspiracy and cheating under new laws. The agency informed the court about extensive annexures requiring scanning and submission. Further proceedings in this significant case are scheduled for August third. Public prosecutors have been appointed to represent the CBI's interests.

Artificial sweeteners, discovered by chance, offer temporary sugar relief for many individuals. Experts suggest long-term use can negatively affect insulin processing and increase cravings. Some sweeteners may interfere with brain hunger signals, leading to increased appetite. While reducing sugar intake is a short-term victory, long-term goals are crucial.

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans a December return to her country. She faces arrest, imprisonment, or even death, but insists the decision is hers. Hasina fled to India after a student-led uprising ended her fifteen-year rule. A Dhaka court convicted her of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death. She rejects extradition requests and defends her government's human rights record.

India's organ transplant situation is dire, with 3.9 lakh needed just in 2021, emphasizing the escalating demand. Unfortunately, only a fraction of necessary kidney and liver transplants were executed, and the distribution of these surgeries is heavily skewed towards a few states. Additionally, while women participate in organ donation, they receive significantly fewer transplants than their health conditions require.

The US FCC has banned imports of Chinese humanoid robots due to security concerns. This move targets China's dominant position in the global robotics market. Analysts estimate Chinese robots hold an 85 percent global market share. The decision could strain US-China technological competition and future collaborations. China's domestic manufacturing base supports its continued development and other export markets.