The Economic Times

SpaceX's latest Starship test flight delivered more than another launch, introducing engine fixes, advanced Starlink satellite deployment and what SpaceX called its best re-entry yet. The mission also advanced heat shield testing, supporting NASA's Artemis Moon programme while moving SpaceX closer to building a fully reusable rocket for future Moon and Mars missions.

Jhandu Kumar secured India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. He won a bronze in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting final. Kumar achieved this with a successful lift of 190 kilograms. Other Indian para powerlifters narrowly missed podium finishes in their events. This bronze medal opened India's medal tally at the Glasgow Games.

Madhya Pradesh High Court has designated four special fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases. These courts will aim to dispose of all cases within three months of charge sheet filing. This decision follows the central government's assurance to establish similar courts for exam malpractices.

The history of a thousand years is unknown. Based on a few great men, that entire tradition was rebuilt... After that, a series of invasions began. Because of this, we had to accept many things that were not part of our tradition, not in our thinking, Bhagwat said.

US President Donald Trump joked about serving a third term while speaking at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner, saying the third time will be better yet before clarifying he was only kidding.

Jhandu Kumar secured India's first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. He won a bronze in Men's Heavyweight Para Powerlifting in Glasgow. Kumar, son of a vegetable vendor, overcame significant financial and physical challenges. He trained rigorously after long workdays to achieve his sporting dream. This bronze medal marks a life-changing achievement for the determined athlete.

A Spanish region is using rescued donkeys to prevent devastating wildfires because these animals graze on dry vegetation, creating natural firebreaks across forests. The Tivissa Donkeys Firefighters initiative rescued abandoned animals, and this sustainable approach combines animal welfare with environmental conservation efforts. Canada is also exploring similar grazing methods to reduce wildfire risks.

Ahmedabad-Viramgam Highway closed due to excessive water flow from heavy rainfall. Authorities are maintaining extra vigilance in Dholka and Viramgam areas. Rescue operations have relocated hundreds of people as a precautionary measure. South Gujarat, especially Valsad, received extremely heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has been diagnosed with typhoid but vowed protests will continue. Nationwide demonstrations demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation will persist. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving government assurances. The CJP seeks a written commitment and a neutral venue for discussions. They maintain that Pradhan's resignation is the only acceptable outcome.

The Trump administration admitted cancelling grants based on state political identity. This action targeted sixteen states which had voted for Democrat Kamala Harris. Officials previously claimed cancellations were due to project viability and national energy needs. Democrats criticized the move as weaponizing government and punishing families for political views.

Vozinha, Cape Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 hero, has agreed to join Chilean giants Colo Colo after emerging as one of the tournament's biggest breakout stars. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, previously linked with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, completed a remarkable journey from free agent to FIFA Dream Team selection following his stunning World Cup performances.

The Railway Recruitment Board has released the Group D exam city intimation slip. Candidates can now check their allotted examination city for August 2026. This slip provides crucial details before the official admit card issuance. The Computer-Based Test will cover General Science, Mathematics, Reasoning, and Awareness. Approximately 22,195 vacancies are available through this recruitment drive.

Delhi woke to a warmer Saturday morning after experiencing light overnight rain. Minimum temperatures saw a slight increase across several city weather stations. Scattered showers are anticipated throughout Saturday and into Sunday. The weather office forecasts maximum temperatures between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. Delhi's air quality remained in the satisfactory category on Saturday morning.

The Kerala High Court denied parole to a man convicted of rape. He sought leave to attend his wife's post-funeral ceremony. The court cited the grave nature of the offences committed. Granting parole would send a wrong message to society, it stated. Maximum leniency was already shown by allowing funeral attendance.

Howard University unenrolled over five hundred incoming students this week. These students did not meet financial and enrollment obligations by deadlines. Many affected students shared their distress on social media platforms. The university stated it will review each case for potential reinstatement. This situation has caused significant anxiety for aspiring scholars.

Two workers died in a firecracker factory explosion in Saharanpur's Kunda Basi village. Local authorities immediately rushed to the site and began a thorough investigation. Earlier this week, fourteen women workers were hospitalized after an ammonia gas leak. This incident occurred at a meat processing plant in Saharanpur's Gagalheri area. Work at the plant was temporarily halted as officials launched a formal probe.

Bijendra Kumar Gupta, the main accused in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case, was apprehended. Bhiwandi Police arrested Gupta from Bihar on Saturday, officials confirmed. Gupta has now been brought to Pune Airport for further legal proceedings. He will subsequently be taken to Pune for continued investigation. Police identified Gupta as the prime accused in the paper leak.

Commonwealth Games Schedule July 25: India secured a bronze medal in para powerlifting on Day 2 of the Games. Swimmers and boxers also advanced, showing strong performances. Day 3 features gymnastics, boxing, and swimming events for India. Sachin Siwach begins his boxing campaign in the men's 60kg category. Medal prospects on Day 3 depend on qualification for finals.

OnePlus N6x price: OnePlus will launch its new N6x budget smartphone in India next week. The device is scheduled to debut on July 31 at 12 pm IST. This new handset will join the brand's affordable N-series lineup. The N6x will feature a design similar to the OnePlus Nord 5. It will be available in Burgundy Red and Ice Blue colour options.

Bihar Bandh news: A Bihar bandh has been called today by AISA and student groups over education reforms and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Heavy security is in place across the state, including capital Patna, with some student leaders detained. Commuters should expect potential disruptions and traffic diversions in various areas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United States next week. He is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Tuesday. This meeting follows President Trump's remarks at a White House dinner. Netanyahu will also attend Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral during his visit. The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran will be a key topic.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre. He feared a crackdown and wanted to prevent violence against protesters and students. Wangchuk emphasized his primary goal was protecting students from legal consequences and violence. Union ministers met him and agreed to consider compensation and parliamentary discussion. He expressed confidence that the movement would continue pressing for the minister's resignation.

The US has expanded its air campaign against Iran over the past two weeks after a ceasefire collapsed amid renewed fighting over the Strait of Hormuz. Initial strikes targeted Iran's naval assets, coastal defences and missile sites before widening to include bridges, transport links, communications towers, water infrastructure and military facilities deeper inside the country.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin owns a $450 million superyacht named Dragonfly. This impressive vessel features a dedicated business deck with an office and gym. The yacht also includes a concealed helicopter hangar for convenient arrivals and departures. Dragonfly's hybrid propulsion system enhances fuel efficiency and offers quiet operation. Brin's work ethic is reflected in this yacht, which serves as a mobile workspace.

The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed from Jammu after a six-day suspension due to bad weather. Over six thousand pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar base camp for Baltal. The yatra was halted due to persistent rainfall and adverse weather conditions across the region. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway reopened after landslides and shooting stones caused closure. This pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

The United States will restart importing Mexican cattle after a year-long ban. This halt had previously driven American beef prices to record highs. The ban was initially imposed to prevent the screwworm pest from entering the country. However, the pest was later detected in Texas and New Mexico farms. Imports will resume in Douglas, Arizona, in thirty days with phased reopenings.

Prime Minister Modi raised Indian maritime worker safety with President Trump. He also highlighted this issue at the G7 Summit Outreach Session. The ongoing West Asia conflict disrupted global maritime trade and caused seafarer losses. Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the India-US partnership. They also welcomed progress in defense, technology, energy, and trade.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran will not yield to American pressure or intimidation. He asserted that the United States relies on coercion, which is the main barrier to dialogue. Araghchi emphasized protecting Iranian interests and people as a core principle for the nation. He urged SCO members to counter Washington's unilateralist agenda and dominance. Iran's armed forces and diplomats are executing complementary roles for the nation.

President Donald Trump attended a rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner. The event occurred with enhanced security measures and a smaller attendance. Journalists received awards for their reporting on the administration. The dinner aimed to reaffirm the importance of a free press. Tensions between the media and the president remain high.

President Donald Trump has implemented new tariffs on sixty trading partners. These duties were imposed using previously utilized legal authorities. Additional tariffs target Canadian goods under an untested justification. Analysts suggest these actions could prove more durable to legal challenges. This move generates significant trade uncertainty for global economies.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Devshayani Ekadashi in 2026 falls on Saturday, July 25, beginning Chaturmas. This sacred period signifies Lord Vishnu's divine sleep for four months. Devotees observe fasts and prayers for spiritual growth and blessings. The Ekadashi Tithi begins on July 24 and ends on July 25. Fasting concludes on July 26 after sunrise, marking the end of this observance.

President Trump has not decided on major Iran strikes, citing ongoing serious talks. The renewed conflict has widened as Saudi Arabia struck Yemen's Houthi rebels. Iran conducted attacks on US military assets in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. President Trump trusts Russia and China are not arming Iran currently. Yemen's Houthis attacked oil tankers after declaring a blockade of Saudi Arabia.

Weather Today, July 25: The India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across many Indian states. Gujarat expects the most intense showers, while other regions will experience thunderstorms and strong winds. Active monsoon conditions are driven by a low-pressure system over Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Delhi-NCR and Mumbai anticipate increased rainfall activity over the next few days. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and remain cautious.

Assam's flood death toll has reached sixty-one after fourteen more people perished. Over seven lakh people are affected across twelve districts, with Sivasagar being the worst hit. Agricultural lands and livestock have also suffered significant losses due to the ongoing deluge. Rescue operations are underway to evacuate marooned individuals to safer locations. The Chief Minister described the situation as serious and anticipates further fatalities.

The Trump administration faces two new lawsuits challenging its latest global tariffs of 10%-12.5%, imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act. Small businesses argue the tariffs unlawfully revive measures previously struck down by the US Supreme Court and fail to justify country-specific actions. The cases add to ongoing legal disputes over billions of dollars in refunds from earlier invalidated tariffs.

The US disabled a second merchant vessel enforcing its blockade of Iranian ports as Iran targeted US-linked bases across the Gulf. Fighting intensified for a 13th consecutive night, with Saudi-Houthi clashes worsening regional tensions. Despite renewed diplomatic contacts, no breakthrough emerged, while disrupted shipping, rising oil prices and mounting casualties deepened the crisis.

US missiles struck targets across Iran on Friday, escalating regional tensions. President Trump vowed major military punishment for Tehran and its Houthi allies. Iran responded by firing at US bases in neighboring Arab countries. The conflict has disrupted global oil prices and shipping routes significantly. Pakistan is exploring a path towards resuming stalled talks between the US and Iran.

Paramount Skydance has agreed to pause its$110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discoveryuntil a court rules on a lawsuit filed by 12 states challenging the deal.

The cabinet approved a bill proposing stricter punishments for paper leaks. Union ministers met with CJP leaders to discuss the NEET examination paper leak. Both sides agreed to meet again on Saturday for further discussions. The government is considering compensation and withdrawal of FIRs against students. This follows recent steps like fast-track courts and a secretary replacement.

Private equity firm Bain Capital has agreed to acquire UK-based nutraceutical company Vitabiotics, expanding its presence in the global wellness and supplements market. The deal covers Vitabiotics UK business, Indias Meyer Organics and operations in Africa. The transaction value was not disclosed, but sources said the company was valued between $850 million and $900 million.

African proverb of the day highlights the saying, Anxiety will not let you die of hunger. The proverb explains how worry can encourage people to take action and meet their basic needs. It also reminds people that while concern can support survival, too much anxiety can affect peace of mind, appetite and health. The saying continues to remain relevant because it reflects human behaviour, survival instinct and emotional balance.

Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan submitted that a petition had been filed. There is urgency. Police excess is going against students. Something has to be done... the court is standing in between, the senior lawyer submitted. Speaking for the bench, CJI Kant said that the bench will take up the plea on Monday.