Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

25 Jul, 2026, 05:41PM IST, PTI


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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid NEET leak protests, sends letter to PMDharmendra Pradhan resigns amid NEET leak protests, sends letter to PM
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post. This resignation comes after significant political and public pressure mounted. The controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak fueled these demands. Protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party were central to this pressure. The Centre faced criticism for not addressing student concerns adequately. Read more
45% of India’s exports to US out of 10% section 301 tariffs: Govt45% of India’s exports to US out of 10% section 301 tariffs: Govt
The US has placed India in a lower tariff bracket of ten percent. Approximately forty-five percent of India's exports to the US remain outside this additional duty. The remaining fifty-five percent of exports will attract the ten percent additional duty. India continues to engage with the US on textile-specific measures. Both nations are negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement for early conclusion. Read more
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Adani seeks clearance to own airlineAdani seeks clearance to own airline
Adani Group seeks to dilute a clause preventing airport operators from holding airline stakes. This change would enable the conglomerate to launch its own airline operations. The government is consulting legal experts on amending the existing airport privatization agreements. Such a move could introduce competition into the domestic aviation market. However, rivals anticipate strong opposition and regulatory scrutiny over potential advantages. Read more
Crude oil prices rise 10% this week but China enters fray to push for end to Iran war. What’s next?Crude oil prices rise 10% this week but China enters fray to push for end to Iran war. What’s next?
Crude oil futures experienced a significant decline on Friday. This drop followed reports of China's initiative to restart stalled US-Iran peace negotiations. Despite the fall, both Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude are set for weekly gains. Geopolitical developments continue to heavily influence global oil prices and supply concerns. Experts warn of potential price surges if shipping disruptions persist in key waterways. Read more
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Scotch at a discount post UK FTA is only half the story for India's whisky marketScotch at a discount post UK FTA is only half the story for India's whisky market
India's import duties on Scotch whisky and gin have been halved by a new trade agreement. This change is expected to gradually lower prices for imported premium spirits over time. Indian distillers anticipate improved access to bulk Scotch for blending purposes. Domestic single malt producers remain confident in their quality and market position. The agreement aims to foster greater consumer choice and elevate market quality standards. Read more
Hyderabad emerges as India's next retail hotspot as developers, brands place big betsHyderabad emerges as India's next retail hotspot as developers, brands place big bets
Hyderabad is becoming a major retail investment destination with new malls planned. Developers are building over twenty destination and neighborhood malls across the city. International and Indian brands are seeking expansion opportunities in this growing market. The city's organized retail stock is projected to grow significantly by 2030. Rising incomes and housing sales are fueling this robust consumption growth. Read more
US imposes 10% tariff on India, Pak, Bangladesh, UK, others in forced labour probeUS imposes 10% tariff on India, Pak, Bangladesh, UK, others in forced labour probe
The United States has imposed 10% tariffs on goods from India and sixteen other nations. This action stems from their alleged failure to ban imports made with forced labor. India amended its foreign trade policy to prohibit such imports after the investigation began. Trading partners adopting and enforcing these prohibitions will face a 10% tariff rate. This move aims to address human rights abuses and distortive trade practices globally. Read more
'Massive conflict of interest' if airport operators allowed to own airlines: IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia'Massive conflict of interest' if airport operators allowed to own airlines: IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia
IndiGo's Rahul Bhatia stated airport operators owning airlines creates massive conflict of interest. He noted this situation lacks global precedent and raises significant concerns. The Adani Group, which operates eight airports, has proposed entering the airline business. This proposal seeks relaxation of current norms restricting airport operators' airline ownership. The government is reportedly considering these changes, with no official comments yet. Read more
Trump considering ‘massive attack’ on Iran bigger than previous strikes, Axios reportsTrump considering ‘massive attack’ on Iran bigger than previous strikes, Axios reports
President Donald Trump is seriously weighing a significant military strike against Iran. He indicated a decision is imminent and the operation would be larger than ever. Israel would join within minutes if requested by the United States. However, the US does not require Israeli involvement for this potential action. No timeline has been set for this major military decision. Read more
The second Chinese AI shock rattles US as China narrows the raceThe second Chinese AI shock rattles US as China narrows the race
China's Kimi K3 AI model has emerged, significantly narrowing the technological gap with American frontier systems. This development has prompted intense debate across Silicon Valley and Washington regarding China's AI capabilities. The model's performance, affordability, and open-weight release strategy are unsettling for American observers. Concerns are rising about cybersecurity and national security implications of these advanced Chinese systems. Read more
All 28 Indian crew safe after tanker attacked in Iranian waters: Indian Embassy in TehranAll 28 Indian crew safe after tanker attacked in Iranian waters: Indian Embassy in Tehran
All 28 Indian crew members aboard the LPG tanker Disha are safe following an attack. The Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed their well-being and is monitoring the situation closely. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed that attacks on seafarers are unacceptable. India's maritime administration advised against deploying seafarers in the Gulf region. This advisory follows recent attacks on merchant vessels and heightened security concerns. Read more
Govt moves on three fronts to defuse NEET protests; Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strikeGovt moves on three fronts to defuse NEET protests; Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike
The government initiated a three-pronged strategy to address examination paper leak concerns. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast after successful negotiations with ministers. Prime Minister Modi announced new legislation to strengthen actions against examination paper leaks. The Higher Education Secretary was replaced as part of administrative changes. These developments aim to restore public confidence in the examination system. Read more
DRDO successfully conducts maiden flight test of Kusha missileDRDO successfully conducts maiden flight test of Kusha missile
India's Defence Research Organisation successfully tested its new long-range missile. The Kusha missile system can counter various aerial threats effectively. This successful trial marks a significant milestone for India's defence capabilities. It reduces import dependency and boosts self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The missile system will soon be inducted into the armed forces. Read more
Trump announces new generic drugs tariff plan: No tariffs for 2 years, then 100%, and then 200%Trump announces new generic drugs tariff plan: No tariffs for 2 years, then 100%, and then 200%
For Indian exporters, the two-year tariff-free period offers additional time to reassess supply chains and investment plans. While the immediate impact on exports is likely to be limited, the proposed escalation to 100% and eventually 200% tariffs could significantly alter the economics of supplying generic medicines to the US if manufacturers do not establish a stronger local production footprint. Read more
No ethanol in premium petrol; no plans to restore E0/E10 petrol: GovernmentNo ethanol in premium petrol; no plans to restore E0/E10 petrol: Government
Premium petrol grades will continue without ethanol blending, the government stated. No decision has been made to increase ethanol blending beyond twenty percent. The government will not restore E0 or E10 petrol supply nationwide. Current E20 fuel has shown no widespread adverse engine impacts. Maintaining parallel fuel supply chains presents significant logistical challenges. Read more
Karnataka eyes Rs 5.5 lakh crore in software exports, pitches long-term tech partnershipsKarnataka eyes Rs 5.5 lakh crore in software exports, pitches long-term tech partnerships
Shivakumar said Bengaluru's biggest strength lies in its talent pool and innovation ecosystem, while Karnataka's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have evolved from back offices into global hubs for innovation, product development and high-value engineering. He added that Bengaluru continues to lead India's office market absorption. Read more
Three US law firms probe HDFC Bank over alleged Maharashtra deposit paymentsThree US law firms probe HDFC Bank over alleged Maharashtra deposit payments
HDFC Bank is facing fresh scrutiny in the US after three law firms launched investigations into whether the lender violated federal securities laws over allegations that it disguised ₹45 crore in payments to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) as marketing expenses. Read more
Trump says US to launch EU probe over 'illegal' Google fineTrump says US to launch EU probe over 'illegal' Google fine
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. Read more
Primus, HDFC Capital to set up Rs 2,000 crore senior living platformPrimus, HDFC Capital to set up Rs 2,000 crore senior living platform
Primus Senior Living and HDFC Capital have launched a Rs 2,000 crore investment platform to develop senior living communities across six major Indian cities, marking what they describe as the country's largest institutional investment in the segment. The partnership aims to expand purpose-built, institutional-grade senior housing through ownership and rental models, targeting a rapidly growing elderly population while addressing the sector's limited supply of professionally managed communities. Read more
From Gen Z to Boomers; Jantar Mantar protest draws support across generationsFrom Gen Z to Boomers; Jantar Mantar protest draws support across generations
Protests over paper leaks at Jantar Mantar have entered their seventh week. Senior citizens are now supporting the student-led agitation for examination reforms. Many older individuals have traveled long distances to join the ongoing demonstrations. They express concern for the future of the country's youth. This inter-generational movement highlights a shared commitment to educational integrity. Read more

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