The Economic Times

Jammu and Kashmir Congress will join the National Conference's statehood protest in New Delhi. The party president stated that the movement for statehood was originally initiated by Congress. Congress plans a march from Lakhanpur to Lolab if the Centre fails its commitments. The party distanced itself from Saifuddin Soz's remarks regarding Article 370.

Easing commodity prices are expected to boost Indian manufacturers' operating margins. Global supply is improving and demand from China remains weak. US crude oil exports have risen, offsetting supply disruptions. OPEC+ agreed to increase output, further stabilizing oil prices. Manufacturing margins historically recover with a lag after commodity prices ease.

Saudi Arabia has rolled over its USD 3 billion debt to Pakistan. Pakistan's finance minister confirmed the debt rollover was completed. The country's foreign exchange reserves currently stand at USD 18.5 billion.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured strict action against those responsible for the Murshidabad train accident that claimed three lives, including two school students. He said negligence in duty would not be tolerated and directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the injured and affected families. State minister Gouri Sankar Ghosh visited the hospital and is overseeing relief efforts.

Pele's 1958 World Cup final shirt fetched USD 4.9 million at auction. This iconic jersey was worn during Brazil's first World Cup victory. The shirt is now the second most expensive football jersey ever sold. It trails only Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup shirt. Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, passed away in 2022.

People wore black armbands protesting mosque access denial at Kolkata airport. Security was heavily deployed near the Bankra mosque following a protest call. The mosque's location within the airport zone sparked significant backlash and concern. Officials cited security and runway expansion as reasons for restrictions. The mosque committee was urged to discuss relocation with airport authorities.

A 22-year-old man died after his head got trapped between the iron grills of a cage lift and the building wall at a hotel in Bengaluru's Jayanagar on Thursday morning. Police have registered a negligence case against the hotel owner, building owner, and lift maintenance staff.

Fear often stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding. Uncertainty can make situations seem more intimidating than they truly are. Seeking facts and gaining clarity helps replace anxiety with confidence. Experience builds confidence as individuals confront and overcome their fears. This proverb remains relevant in today's world of rapid information spread.

Kuwait said an Iranian attack damaged a power and water desalination plant, triggering a fire and widespread damage to electricity generation units.Authorities extinguished the blaze and are assessing the damage, as the disruption threatens water supplies in the desert nation, which relies heavily on desalination.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance called the Economic Affairs Secretary to seek clarifications on the proposed Securities Market Code Bill as it works to finalise its draft report, with 26 residual clauses yet to be incorporated before the panel submits its recommendations to Parliament during the first week of the upcoming Monsoon Session.

MBA vs Govt job: Amit Soni left his government post for an MBA program at IIM Ahmedabad. This career change incurred significant expenses, totaling seventy-four lakh rupees. The costs included tuition, living expenses, and a resignation bond. He also forfeited a year's government salary and benefits, which was a major factor. Soni pursued this path for personal growth over guaranteed comfort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth 14,700 crore in Haryana, focusing on road infrastructure, rail connectivity and healthcare.

China's J-20 stealth fighter fleet has significantly expanded, with estimates suggesting around 500 aircraft delivered. This rapid growth reflects increasing domestic manufacturing capabilities and continuous aircraft upgrades. Analysts project the J-20 fleet will continue to grow substantially in coming years. China is also developing other advanced combat aircraft programs alongside the J-20. This expansion highlights China's growing military aviation ambitions and aerospace prowess.

The DMK will study the proposed delimitation Bill when tabled in Parliament, and a decision will be made based on merits to protect Tamil Nadu's interests. Discussions will include a fifty per cent seat increase and retaining current seat proportions. The DMK will decide this matter independently without consulting the Congress party.

Regional T20 leagues are developing into a new cricket economy beneath the IPL. These competitions aim to produce future IPL stars and become commercially viable businesses. Leagues like the T20 Mumbai League and Andhra Premier League showcase diverse development strategies. Broadcasters and sponsors are increasingly investing in these regional platforms. Ultimately, these leagues serve as crucial talent pipelines for Indian cricket.

New World Health Organization guidelines highlight preventing dementia through lifestyle changes. Addressing factors like air pollution and chronic diseases can delay dementia cases. The agency now advises against routine vitamin and omega-3 supplements for prevention. These updated recommendations are crucial as dementia cases are expected to rise. India faces a growing burden with millions already living with this brain disorder.

A tragic bus crash in Uganda claimed at least twenty-one lives. The accident occurred Thursday night in Kapchorwa District, eastern Uganda. The bus, belonging to King David Junior School, was returning from an educational tour. Police reported the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.

At least five people, including schoolchildren, were killed after a passenger train collided with a school van and a bicycle at a level crossing near Karnasubarna station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. Several children and the van driver were injured, the railway gateman has been arrested, and authorities have ordered an inquiry while announcing compensation for the victims' families.

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.

HDFC Life rejects Rs 50 lakh insurance claim over two existing policies: A Kurnool consumer commission has ordered HDFC Life Insurance to pay Rs 50 lakh to the widow of an ICU doctor who died of cardiac arrest while on night duty. The insurer had rejected the claim citing non-disclosure of other policies, but the commission found the proposal form's questions were ambiguous and no fraudulent intent was established.

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.

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.

The Supreme Court will hear Somnath Bharti's plea challenging his election defeat. Bharti contests the victory of Satish Upadhyay from Malviya Nagar constituency. He alleges corrupt practices and a deliberate strategy to divide secular votes. The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed his petition due to a technical defect. The apex court's decision will impact the popular mandate and electoral fairness.

A Bengaluru man who owns a Mercedes-Benz failed to get a divorce from his wife after the Karnataka High Court found that photographs from social media showed him with another woman and a child allegedly born from that relationship. The court also dismissed his challenge to a Rs 20,000 monthly maintenance order, noting that a man who could afford a Mercedes had no business calling the amount excessive.

Scientists discovered superheated water deep beneath the seabed near Lost City. This water's chemical makeup matches the vents, indicating a hidden energy source. Researchers drilled over a kilometer below the ocean floor to gather crucial evidence. These findings offer insights into life's survival without sunlight and early Earth conditions. The study also provides clues for potential life on other planets.

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.

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.

A bipartisan bill introduced in the US Senate proposes 100% tariffs on imports from the top five buyers of Russian oil or gas, including India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan, to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine.

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.

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.

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.

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.