The Economic Times

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.

In a significant response to the NEET-UG paper leak scandal, the National Testing Agency has dismissed forty-seven officials. To tackle examination fraud, Delhi Police has inaugurated a Special Task Force, tasked with investigating leaks in central government recruitment exams.

Quote of the day by Mark Wahlberg reminds people that women often do important work without receiving equal recognition. The statement highlights respect, hard work, strength, self-worth, internal validation, and resilience. It also explains why appreciation matters in families, workplaces, and society. The message encourages people to value contributions based on impact instead of public praise and to understand the importance of recognizing women's efforts.

In his new role as head coach of Germany, Jurgen Klopp has set definitive expectations, emphasizing that his resignation would be on the table if his family's privacy is compromised. He is committed to revitalizing German soccer to reignite fan enthusiasm. With a contract lasting until the 2030 World Cup, Klopp steps in for Julian Nagelsmann following a lackluster World Cup showing.

Congress leader Kumari Selja questioned Gitanjalai J Angmo's criticism of Rahul Gandhi-led protests over paper leaks, asking why the government was not being targeted instead. Selja defended Congress' decision to protest near the Prime Minister's residence, saying parties have the democratic right to choose their method and location of dissent while continuing to support protesting students.

Quote of the Day by Charlize Theron: Charlize Therons quote, I have been working a lot, and I like it. And you know, it's hard for me not to. I guess I've been working a lot because I get to play with brilliant people, explores the importance of passion, collaboration, and continuous learning in professional life. The quote suggests that meaningful work becomes more enjoyable and rewarding when it allows you to collaborate with talented, inspiring people who encourage creativity, personal growth

Japanese mindset of the day: Today's choices shape tomorrow's experiences and future lessons learned. Past decisions and events offer valuable information for present actions. Mistakes teach us what needs changing, while successes build confidence. Understanding this connection helps us make more thoughtful decisions now.

Today's Quote of the Day by Colin Farrell shares a powerful lesson about childhood innocence, emotional maturity, and understanding people. His words remind us that growing older should bring awareness, not bitterness. This inspiring life quote explores kindness, trust, human nature, and the importance of keeping an open heart while becoming wiser through life experiences.

Assam's chief minister reported forty-seven flood-related deaths and eight missing persons. Exceptionally heavy rainfall in Nagaland and Charaideo districts triggered the severe flooding. Water from Nagaland flowed downstream while Charaideo experienced extreme rainfall simultaneously. The India Meteorological Department ruled out a cloudburst, citing excessive rainfall instead. An inter-ministerial team will visit Assam on July 25 to assess flood damage.

Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted for the fifth consecutive day as Opposition MPs continued demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the paper leak issue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged Rahul Gandhi to support a discussion in the House. Gandhi rejected the appeal, reiterated the resignation demand and raised allegations of pellet gun use during student protests.

Intermittent rainfall has swollen rivers and streams, triggering a flood scare across Jammu and Kashmir. The Srinagar-Jammu highway remains closed for the third consecutive day due to damage. Pilgrimages to major religious sites are suspended, advising devotees to stay at base camps. In Jammu, relentless rain has claimed 26 lives, with six people still missing. Rescue teams are intensifying their search efforts in the worst-hit border districts.

India, holding the BRICS chair, plans outreach to regional groups for its summit. Key organizations like BIMSTEC and ASEAN may receive invitations to attend. Leaders from these groups could visit New Delhi for the September summit. This initiative aims to champion the Global South's agenda effectively. All eleven BRICS members and partner countries will also participate.

The Centre and Cockroach Janta Party held their third round of talks over the NEET paper leak protests but remained divided over the demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. CJP leaders called the demand non-negotiable, while government sources indicated it was not under consideration. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on Saturday to address other demands.

The CBI has successfully facilitated the deportation of two fugitives from Gulf countries. Muhammedali Kanneer Palliyalil, wanted for murder, was deported from Saudi Arabia and is now in NIA custody. Avinash Arjun Rathod, accused of large-scale financial fraud, was deported from the UAE and taken into custody by Maharashtra Police. Both individuals were brought back in coordination with various government agencies and Interpol.

Verizon has sealed a major agreement with Google, focusing on dark fiber connectivity, with a staggering value exceeding one billion dollars dedicated to their data centers. This collaboration has prompted the telecom giant to increase its annual adjusted profit forecast significantly. Anticipation builds for additional multi-billion dollar contracts as they navigate this transformative phase under new leadership.

Daily vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz remained steady at three. This data covers the period from July 22 to July 24. Shipping risks continue to be a concern in West Asia. One very large crude carrier appeared off Fujairah outside the strait. Its specific destination remained unknown to observers.

UNESCO has placed Beaufort Castle in Lebanon and Sebastia in the West Bank on its endangered list. The Lebanese castle faces threats from ongoing conflict and Israeli military actions. Sebastia's integrity is endangered by Israeli expropriation and development plans. These sites were added after votes by all 196 member states of the UN agency. The decision highlights concerns over cultural heritage preservation amidst regional tensions.

Recent urban flooding in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat featured in discussions at the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi, where India showcased its urban flood mitigation and preparedness measures. The meeting focused on climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster financing, technology and stronger international cooperation.

Glasgow's Commonwealth Games medals are now designed with inclusivity in mind, incorporating braille and tactile features for athletes with visual impairments. Inspired by the citys coat of arms, the unique Reuleaux triangle shape, alongside patterns reminiscent of the Finnieston Crane and Scottish tartan, represents a notable advancement in making sports awards more accessible for all competitors.

Argentina's Javier Milei is attending a convention in Brazil to support Flavio Bolsonaro. This event occurs while Bolsonaro faces a bank fraud investigation by Brazil's Supreme Court. The probe threatens Bolsonaro's candidacy against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Milei seeks to influence the global right by backing Bolsonaro's challenge. This high-stakes regional bet aims to counter leftist influence in Latin America.

The Supreme Court said it will focus on permanent systemic reforms to protect the integrity of NEET rather than temporary measures. The bench said it will monitor the matter through the year and asked the Centre to respond on preventing paper leaks and shifting the exam to a computer-based format. The government said it is considering broader reforms.

Measles cases in the United States for 2026 have now exceeded last year's total. This year's infections have reached a level not seen since 1991. Forty-three states and Washington, DC, have reported at least one case. Vaccine policy changes occurred after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became secretary. CDC scientists were fired and local health funding was frozen.

US business activity expanded at its fastest pace in eight months during July. Strong domestic demand for services offset cooling factory production and rising costs. Service providers saw their highest activity levels since November 2025. Manufacturing gauges fell to their lowest point since March. Supply chain delays and price pressures intensified, impacting growth and demand.

Ten CRPF companies have been airlifted from Chhattisgarh to Delhi to strengthen security amid ongoing student protests over examination paper leaks. The move comes as around 150 CAPF companies are set to be deployed in the national capital ahead of Independence Day. The CISF has also restricted leaves for its Delhi Metro security unit due to heightened security requirements.

The Supreme Court has proposed setting up special courts to conduct day-to-day trials in cases linked to the Manipur ethnic violence, while directing the CBI and Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to speed up pending investigations. The court noted that investigations have progressed slowly, with charge sheets filed in only 301 of over 3,000 cases being probed by SITs.

At Denmark's Spottrup Castle, armour-clad fighters from 30 countries are battling it out with blunted swords and axes at the medieval combat world championship, a sport that blends historical technique with modern safety rules and scoring.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned civilians to avoid US military sites. The Iranian army claimed drone strikes hit facilities in Bahrain and Jordan. These actions were reportedly in retaliation for recent US attacks. Bahrain stated it intercepted Iranian aerial aggressions targeting civilians. No US confirmation of any targeting was provided.

Guptipara's centuries-old Rath Yatra showcases Bengal's rich Vaishnav heritage alongside its Shakta traditions, blending devotion, history, community rituals and the enduring cultural legacy of Lord Jagannath.

New United States tariffs on China may irk Beijing without provoking retaliation. These duties are in line with proposed levels citing inadequate efforts to address forced labor. China opposes unilateral tariffs but has not announced specific countermeasures against these levies. Chinese officials seek clarity from Washington on upcoming artificial intelligence summit expectations. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu visited Washington to discuss the scope of AI dialogue.

China has added fourteen European organizations to its export control list. This action is a direct response to the European Union's sanctions against Chinese firms. Chinese companies cannot export dual-use items to these European entities. Foreign companies are also barred from supplying Chinese-made dual-use items to them. These measures aim to safeguard China's national security and interests.

The government has ordered GitHub to remove the Bitchat application. This offline messaging app may be misused by criminal and terrorist groups. The order cited concerns about lawful interception and investigation difficulties. Bitchat uses Bluetooth mesh networks and requires no internet connection. Jack Dorsey shared the government's directive on the X platform.

Spanish Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Its By Doing and Undoing That We Learn. The saying reflects how experience, mistakes, and continuous improvement shape personal growth and understanding. It suggests that people gain true knowledge not only through observation or theory, but also by taking action, making adjustments, and learning from their experiences. The proverb emphasizes that mistakes are not simply failures but valuable opportunities to improve, adapt, and develop new sk

Sweden's powerful Vasa warship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The ship was found in 1956 after a two-year search. Divers raised the Vasa from the seabed in 1961 after 333 years. Preservation efforts took seventeen years to stabilize the ancient timber. Today, the Vasa is a central exhibit in Scandinavia's most visited museum.

Today's Quote of the Day by Lewis Carroll shares a powerful reminder about courage, choices, and lifes missed opportunities. His famous words, In the end, we only regret the chances we didnt take, inspire us to move beyond fear. This timeless wisdom encourages personal growth, bold decisions, and a life filled with meaningful experiences.

Chinese proverb of the day explains how people often change their behavior based on another person's financial status. The saying shows that poverty can lead to isolation, while wealth attracts attention from friends, relatives, and acquaintances. The proverb explores human nature, self-interest, fake relationships, humility, and true human connection. Its message remains relevant in modern society and encourages people to value genuine relationships over material success.

Japanese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Check seven times before doubting someone. The saying reflects the importance of careful judgment, patience, and understanding before forming opinions about others. It suggests that doubts and assumptions can often be influenced by incomplete information, emotions, or misunderstandings. The proverb encourages people to examine facts, consider different perspectives, and avoid making quick conclusions about someones actions or intentions. It r

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a new selfie video thanking young people for their feedback. His previous video on examination reforms gained significant views and followers overnight. The Prime Minister acknowledged the positive and insightful suggestions received from viewers. This engagement follows nationwide protests and demands for examination reforms. The government has also announced stricter measures against paper leaks.

Delhi Metro Closures, July 25: Eighteen Delhi Metro stations will be closed from Saturday morning due to security arrangements. These closures are in place because of the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protest near Jantar Mantar. Commuters face disruptions for a fourth consecutive day with these extensive travel restrictions. Security remains heightened around the Jantar Mantar protest site as authorities monitor the situation. Passengers are advised to check service updates before commencing the

United States President Donald Trump criticized the European Union's decision to fine Alphabet's Google. He announced an immediate probe into the bloc's practices against American companies. The European Commission imposed an 890 million fine on Google for violating EU rules. Trump stated the European Union would pay a significant price for this conduct. This action reflects ongoing trade tensions between the United States and the European Union.

Today's Quote of the Day by Pablo Picasso is more than a famous saying. It is a practical guide for modern life. The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. These words remind us that success alone is never enough. Real purpose begins when our talents help others. That timeless wisdom still inspires millions searching for a meaningful, lasting life.