The Economic Times

India's women's cricket team prepares for their first Test match at Lord's. This historic encounter follows their T20 World Cup campaign and a training camp. The team aims for a strong performance in this traditional red-ball format. Several players may make their Test debut for India against England. Tammy Beaumont will retire from international cricket after this significant match.

Harohalli is now a fourth potential site for Bengaluru's second airport. The Karnataka government has deferred a final decision on the airport's location. A comprehensive technical feasibility report will guide the final site selection process. The proposed airport is expected to require around 3,500 acres of land. Officials aim to control land acquisition costs and minimize displacement of villages.

Veteran actor Rajesh Sharma suffered an insect bite while filming Prabhas' upcoming movie. He experienced severe pain and fever after the incident occurred on set. Sharma was then flown to Kolkata for urgent medical attention and treatment. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition as an infection spread. The AICWA has demanded an investigation into workplace safety protocols.

Aluminium foil protects chocolate from heat, moisture, and light. This material became standard in the early twentieth century for its superior barrier qualities. Foil prevents oxidation and moisture loss, maintaining chocolate's smooth texture. It also blocks odours and minimizes temperature changes during storage. Modern packaging combines foil with other materials for enhanced protection and branding.

Tamil Nadu will distribute attractive and comfortable dhotis and sarees to nearly 2.23 crore ration cardholders. These garments will feature new golden, silver, or copper colored polyester zari borders. Sarees will also be available in brighter greens and other colors, offering enhanced comfort. The government has allocated 642.88 crore for the procurement of over 2.27 crore pieces. This initiative aims to support poorer sections and provide employment to textile workers.

Connor Murphy news: Popular fitness influencer Connor Murphy died in a drowning incident in Thailand. A widely shared video falsely claimed to be his last recording is going viral, in which he can be heard saying I feel like I'm dying every second. Community Notes later clarified the video was several years old. Thai authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Autopsy and toxicology results are pending for further clarity.

Apollo Micro Systems is nearing a deal to acquire Premier Explosives for Rs. 2,300-2,500 crore. This acquisition includes an open offer to minority shareholders of the target company. Premier Explosives manufactures explosives for defense and industrial applications, including TNT. India's defense expenditure is projected to rise significantly, creating opportunities for private players. Other companies like Adani Defense and Tata are also expanding their defense sector investments.

German auto giant Volkswagen's management meet Thursday to thrash out plans for what could be the biggest ever restructuring in the global auto industry, with unions set to protest any mass job cuts. IG Metall is organising protests by VW workers outside plants across the country Thursday, when the carmaker's bosses will present the restructuring plans to the supervisory board.

Microsoft offers up to 39 weeks of pay and continued benefits to laid-off workers. This generous package includes stock vesting and health insurance coverage for employees. The company is restructuring its workforce while investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure. These layoffs primarily impact the sales and Xbox divisions of the technology giant.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will attend a public interaction program in Karur on Friday. He will distribute government job appointment orders to legal heirs of tragedy victims. The Chief Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a new manufacturing factory. He is scheduled to issue compassionate appointment orders to 32 individuals. Business owners have complained about restricted access due to security barricades.

US strikes on Iran killed three people and wounded several others in the country's west, official news agency IRNA reported on Thursday, quoting a local official. Valiollah Hayati, the deputy governor of Khuzestan for security and law enforcement, told reporters that three people were killed and several wounded in the American attack on the outskirts of city of Ahvaz, the IRNA report said. bur-abs/tc

The National Testing Agency faces new allegations of a paper leak for the UGC-NET June 2026 examination. This controversy follows recent issues surrounding the NEET-UG examination paper leak. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government over these alleged irregularities. Candidates also reported spelling errors and translation issues in the Sociology paper. These events raise concerns about the integrity of national competitive examinations.

Costco Orgain protein powder: Consumers are suing Costco over its Orgain protein powder for failing to disclose toxic heavy metals. The class-action lawsuit alleges lead, cadmium, and arsenic were present in the product. Plaintiffs claim Costco misled them by marketing the powder as clean and healthy. Orgain maintains its products are safe and comply with food safety standards. The lawsuit seeks financial compensation and disclosure of heavy metal levels.

Quote of the day by Seneca: Ancient Roman philosopher Seneca believed youthful enthusiasm should be retained. He argued that experience and wisdom enhance youthful curiosity and optimism. Seneca, a Stoic thinker, emphasized controlling emotions and using time wisely. His writings, like Letters to Lucilius, remain influential today. Seneca's philosophy encourages inner strength and engagement with life's opportunities.

South Korea's supreme court upholds lower court ruling in ex-president Yoon's obstruction case.

A flight instructor died after jumping from a moving aircraft during training. His student successfully landed the plane alone after his final words. The flying school stated there were no warning signs of his intentions. The experienced instructor had previously worked in Argentina and Chile. This incident draws comparisons to the 2015 Germanwings crash.

A massive fire erupted at Sukh Steels factory in Hapur early Thursday morning. Firefighters recovered the body of one worker, Gulfam, aged fifty. Another worker, Shavez, sustained burn injuries and was hospitalized. The blaze was confined to shed number four after nearly two hours. Preliminary investigation suggests a short circuit may have caused the fire.

Hyderabad rain today: Hyderabad residents can expect light rain and gusty winds today. The India Meteorological Department forecasts cloudy skies and temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius. Isolated areas across Telangana may experience thunderstorms and stronger winds. Light to moderate rainfall is predicted for the state over the next seven days. Residents are advised to stay updated with weather advisories and remain cautious.

Gautam Adani is set to file a sworn affidavit with a US court this week to confirm his awareness of any investment agreements connected to the dismissal of indictments. The justice department has petitioned to dismiss the case due to its lack of legal merit. However, the presiding judge seeks guarantees that no undisclosed arrangements affected this ruling. Adani's response is due by July 15, detailing any negotiations.

Actor Tanmay Vekaria, who plays Bagha, experiences persistent back pain from his character's movements. He is also coping with the recent passing of his father and mother. Tanmay previously appeared in cameo roles before landing the popular Bagha character. His career significantly changed after auditioning for this beloved role. Despite challenges, Tanmay continues to entertain viewers with his performances.

A significant skilled worker shortage could delay new US semiconductor plant construction. This talent crunch threatens major investments by companies like TSMC and Samsung. By 2030, the gap could reach 157,000 workers, impacting manufacturing and engineering roles. Sustained government support and expanded education are recommended to address this challenge. Without intervention, federal funding and private investment plans face significant risks.

Ghaziabad received heavy rainfall, causing waterlogging in several key areas. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for more showers. Schools across Ghaziabad were ordered to remain closed for student safety. Many districts in Uttar Pradesh are also under a heavy rain alert. Residents are advised to remain alert during these intense rain spells.

Michigan faces its largest-ever Cyclospora outbreak with nearly one thousand infections reported. This significant outbreak has also spread into neighboring Ohio, affecting hundreds more. Health officials are actively searching for the source of these widespread parasitic infections. Cyclospora causes severe diarrhea and other digestive issues, often linked to contaminated produce. Practicing good hygiene remains the best method for preventing this illness.

Seven people died and two were seriously injured in a road accident. A multi-utility vehicle collided head-on with a lorry near Balagara Cross. The vehicle was traveling from Dharwad to Dharmasthala and Chikkamagaluru. Police stated the driver was speeding and driving negligently. An investigation is currently underway following the incident.

Assam Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Pijush Hazarika, on Wednesday clarified in the Assam Legislative Assembly that the recent incident involving alleged collection of Rs 110 per household from villages in the Uriamghat border area was the handiwork of a few identified miscreants and should not be linked to the Naga community or the Government of Nagaland.

The Asian Development Bank has lowered India's FY27 growth forecast to 6.6 percent. Higher oil prices and transportation costs are impacting consumer sentiment and private demand. The ADB retained its FY28 growth forecast at 7.3 percent, expecting policy support. South Asia's growth projection for 2026 was also lowered by 0.3 percentage points. India's FY26 inflation forecast was raised to 5.2 percent due to oil and food prices.

India opener Pratika Rawal is out of the historic Lord's Test due to a knee injury. Priya Punia has been added to the squad as her replacement. Rawal sustained the injury during a recent India A match requiring stitches. Punia earned her maiden Test call-up after strong India A performances. She impressed with 171 runs in a recent one-day series.

Rain in Gurgaon: Gurugram experienced significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions after receiving heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for the region. Authorities deployed personnel and machinery to manage the severe waterlogging and traffic congestion. Residents faced extensive delays and several rain-related incidents occurred across the city. The city's drainage infrastructure was severely tested by the intense downpour.

NCP MLC Amol Mitkari expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He noted the omission of Ajit Pawar's contribution to the Missing Link project. Fadnavis had credited himself and Eknath Shinde for the infrastructure initiative. Mitkari requested the project be named after the late Ajit Pawar. This action would honor Pawar's significant role and friendship.

Bruce Willis achieved global stardom with iconic action roles and diverse film performances. He also shared a life lesson about learning from past mistakes. His family announced his retirement from acting due to aphasia and dementia diagnoses. They now raise awareness for frontotemporal dementia and support affected individuals. Willis's influential filmography continues to entertain audiences worldwide.

Rafael Marquez will lead Mexico's national football team. He succeeds Javier Aguirre as head coach for the 2030 World Cup. Marquez previously served as Aguirre's assistant coach for the team. The federation cited continuity and development as reasons for his appointment. Marquez brings extensive playing and coaching experience to the role.

The Chief Minister said the two-day conclave is expected to generate investment proposals worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore, with participation from investors not only from across India but also from several foreign countries.

One more body was recovered from the Wayanad landslide site, bringing the total fatalities to four. Search operations will continue in zones one and two, focusing near the river. The landslide occurred on July 7 at the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site. Of the ten injured, three were discharged while seven remain hospitalized. Four persons are still reported missing following the disaster.

New Zealand may join a new defence alliance between Australia and Fiji. This treaty, the Ocean of Peace Alliance, was signed earlier this week. The agreement allows other Pacific states to join the growing regional security pact. New Zealand's foreign minister noted this alliance underscores Pacific-led security responses. The government will now discuss membership with Australia and Fiji.

Heavy monsoon rains have caused significant waterlogging across Delhi-NCR today. Authorities are managing the situation while issuing advisories for commuters. Several key roads and railway stations are experiencing severe traffic disruptions. Gurugram has renewed its work-from-home advisory for corporate employees. Rain activity is expected to continue for the next two days.

Rescue operations are ongoing at the Moshi building collapse site in Pune. Nine people have been rescued alive, while several others remain trapped under debris. Heavy rainfall caused a waste mound to collapse onto an administrative building at the plant. Restoration work on the Mumbai-Pune railway section is also progressing after disruptions.

During a recent kayaking event, Greenlanders voiced strong opposition to President Trump's persistent calls for US control over their island. They emphasized that decisions regarding Greenland's future should reside solely with its own citizens. Many spectators felt that Trump's focus was driven by the potential for natural resource extraction, rather than respect for the people's will.

President Donald Trump called Spain very generous at the NATO summit. This statement came hours after he criticized the European country. He had previously ordered a halt to trade with Spain. Trump made these remarks aboard Air Force One. He was returning from the NATO summit events.

Heavy rains inundated the HPCL Patalganga LPG plant in Raigad district. Approximately three thousand LPG cylinders were swept into the Patalganga River by floodwaters. Authorities issued a public safety advisory urging caution regarding the floating cylinders. Residents were warned against touching or collecting any cylinders found washed ashore. The district administration is actively monitoring and working to recover the lost cylinders.