The Economic Times

At 22, Bengaluru CA Meenal Goel earned Rs 20,000 a month and had just Rs 3,000 left after essential expenses. Instead of spending Rs 60 daily on an auto, she walked 4 km for three months, saving Rs 1,560 monthly, or 52% of her savings. Goel said the experience taught her self-reliance and resilience. She believes those daily walks proved she could handle difficult situations without depending on her parents.

The Delhi High Court has asked the government for its response on a plea. This plea seeks automatic tax deducted at source refunds for individuals not owing income tax. Currently, these individuals must file an income tax return to claim their refunds. The court is considering directing immediate processing of unclaimed TDS refunds up to 5,000. A permanent automatic TDS refund mechanism for future years is also being sought.

Today's Quote of the Day by Angela Merkel: Angela Merkels quote on freedom defines true liberty not merely as the absence of external political oppression, but as an active, personal commitment to lifelong learning and self-transcendence. Drawing from her youth in East Germany and her sixteen-year tenure as German Chancellor, Merkel illustrates that individual freedom requires us to continually test our limits and refuse intellectual stagnation, even after stepping down from power.

In 1941, a Black American scientist and industrialist and business magnate built a car with never-seen-before plastic made from soybean and other crops through the collaboration of George Washington Carver and Henry Ford. The Soybean Car used plant-based materials instead of a full steel body. The project aimed to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel use, and connect farming with manufacturing. World War II stopped further development before the concept reached production.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from Volvo car owners. They seek relaxation of a rule banning fuel for older vehicles. This rule prohibits vehicles exceeding age limits from plying roads. The court previously directed states to ban old diesel and petrol cars. Owners find it difficult to obtain fuel for their high-end vehicles.

The India-UK CETA agreement enhances agricultural exports by reducing tariffs on processed food products. This pact improves India's price competitiveness against non-FTA suppliers, supporting export diversification. Automotive exports will see UK tariffs eliminated, boosting Indian manufacturers' market access. India's import duties on passenger vehicles will also decline over fifteen years.

Supreme Court orders cameras to identify uninsured vehicles and issue automatic e-challans, tightening enforcement of mandatory vehicle insurance across India. The court found it shocking that more than 50 percent vehicles don't have insurance in India.

JSW Group plans a new entity for its Volkswagen alliance talks. This partnership will focus on mass-market VW and Skoda vehicles. Manufacturing assets and operations will transfer to the new standalone company. JSW aims for majority economic interest and leadership in the joint venture. Both companies target signing an agreement in the coming weeks.

As incomes rise and family earnings change, India's automotive market is poised for a notable shift. In the coming decade, middle-income households are expected to be the primary drivers of new car demand, while affluent consumers will foster trends in premium vehicles and multi-car ownership. The uptake of electric vehicles will hinge on income growth, necessitating that manufacturers adapt to this revamped, income-focused automotive landscape.

Total domestic sales increased 20 per cent to 2,20,192 units last month as against 1,83,143 units in the year-ago period, Bajaj Auto Ltd said in a regulatory filing. Two-wheeler sales in the domestic market increased 19 per cent year-on-year to 1,65,747 units from 1,39,279 units in July 2025.

TVS Motor Company saw electric two-wheeler sales jump 158 percent year-on-year in July. Overall sales increased 38 percent, reaching the highest monthly figure ever. India's electric car market also experienced substantial growth, nearly doubling its sales. Higher fuel prices and improved EV infrastructure are driving consumer interest. This trend supports the broader resilience of India's auto market.

Maruti Suzuki produced a record 2,48,845 vehicles in July, up 33% year-on-year, driven by strong demand across segments. Despite record output and sales, dealer inventory remained at just 16 days, well below the industry average, with pending bookings of around 1.6 lakh units.

Tata Motors reported a significant 37 percent growth in total commercial vehicle sales for July. Domestic sales increased by 28 percent compared to the previous year's figures. International business volumes saw a substantial rise of 128 percent during the same period. This growth reflects strong performance across its commercial vehicle segment. The company's sales figures indicate a positive trend in the market.

Passenger vehicle dispatches saw a significant 33 percent increase in July. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai led this growth with record domestic sales volumes. Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra also reported substantial double-digit percentage gains. These positive sales trends were fueled by GST 2.0 and tax relief measures. Several other automakers also experienced robust wholesale dispatch performances during the month.

Mahindra & Mahindra reported a twenty-six percent rise in total auto sales for July. Utility vehicle sales grew twenty percent in the domestic market last month. Commercial vehicle domestic sales increased by twenty-three percent, and exports rose forty-seven percent. This growth follows a strong June performance, with total auto sales exceeding one lakh units. Demand traction across the entire portfolio contributed to the positive sales figures.

JSW MG Motor India reported a twenty-two percent rise in dealer dispatches for July. The company achieved its highest-ever monthly wholesale numbers during this period. New energy vehicles contributed over eighty percent of the total sales volume. This strong performance reflects the company's diverse and appealing vehicle portfolio. Robust retail sales further demonstrated customer demand and satisfaction.

Coconut fiber car parts: Ford Motor Company and Scotts Miracle-Gro tested coconut fibers for vehicle components. Baylor University researchers also developed technology for using coconut fibers in automotive interiors. This initiative aimed to reduce petroleum use and create lighter vehicle parts. The projects sought to create new markets for coconut farmers and reduce waste.

Federal regulators are allowing robotaxis to operate without steering wheels and potentially brake pedals. Amazon's Zoox vehicles received approval to charge customers for rides in Las Vegas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is updating rules for autonomous vehicle technology. Concerns about safety data and reporting standards for robotaxis remain. The robotaxi industry is rapidly expanding nationwide with companies like Waymo and Tesla.

In 1898, an immigrant inventor created a remote-controlled boat powered by a battery and operated it with the help of radio signals while everyone thought it was magic as the real reason was yet to become popular. Nikola Tesla introduced one of the earliest wireless-controlled machines at Madison Square Garden. His invention surprised visitors, inspired future wireless technology, received a U.S. patent, and later became an important milestone in the history of remote control and radio communica

A 26-year-old Bengaluru professional with Rs 2 lakh monthly salary, zero debt, Rs 14 lakh in savings and retired parents says he still feels financially inadequate. His Reddit post about watching auto driver friends with loans appear happier and more content has resonated widely online.

Maruti Suzuki targets selling nine lakh CNG vehicles this fiscal year. This represents a significant thirty percent increase in sales volume. Demand for these vehicles has surged following recent geopolitical events. The company has observed increased interest in CNG options across various car segments. Maruti Suzuki currently offers fifteen CNG models to domestic consumers.

Bryan Johnson announced cloning himself as a newborn for future medical advancements. He believes this technology will revolutionize healthcare and reverse aging processes. The cloned cells could test therapies and grow replacement organs for transplantation. This ambitious project follows his recent autoimmune gastritis diagnosis.

An independent autopsy commissioned by Nolan Wells' family found his death undetermined. Forensic pathologist Dr. Robert Mitchell noted red discoloration but no fractures or bruising. Foul play has not been ruled out pending further investigation into the circumstances. Wells disappeared after a July 4 boat trip and his body was found two days later. The family continues seeking answers while authorities investigate the teenager's death.

Meta has restored the account of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das after it was mistakenly blocked by the company's automated moderation systems, ET has learnt. Sources said the suspension was an error triggered by automation, and the account was reinstated after the issue was identified on Wednesday.

Boeing displayed its Ghost Bat drone at Farnborough Airshow, highlighting its advanced autonomous capabilities. Rival companies also presented competing designs for this emerging multibillion-dollar defense market. The U.S. Air Force plans to procure over 150 combat-capable autonomous wingmen by the decade's end. European nations are also developing similar programs and forming partnerships with U.S. firms. This competition signifies a significant shift towards uncrewed combat aircraft in global

Nolan Wells Horn Island body: New details have emerged in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells after a search volunteer described finding his body on Mississippi's Horn Island. As investigators await official autopsy results, newly surfaced Fourth of July party footage is adding fresh questions to the ongoing case in the Nolan Wells' mysterious death case.

Grand Theft Auto 6's third trailer release remains unconfirmed by Rockstar Games. Fans anticipate new footage, focusing on gameplay and world details. Take-Two Interactive's upcoming earnings call may offer development progress updates. Pre-orders for the game are now open across multiple editions. Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for a November 2026 release.

In fiscal year twenty twenty-seven, CEAT Ltd is projecting a strong double-digit growth spurred by buoyant domestic demand and an expanding global presence. The company is heavily investing in boosting its production capabilities to match this expected growth. Despite the potential restraint from raw material price fluctuations, an upswing in margins is likely, with ambitious goals set for growth in international markets this year.

The Q1 FY27 earnings season gathers momentum this week, with 256 companies scheduled to announce their April-June quarter results. Key names include Infosys, Eternal, Bajaj Auto, UltraTech Cement, Nestl

The Madras High Court clarified that repeated sexual relations do not automatically imply consent. Courts must examine surrounding circumstances and the absence of free choice. The judges cautioned young people about dangers of technology-driven romance fraud. This warning came while upholding a conviction for sexual exploitation and extortion. Awareness and vigilance are indispensable to prevent technology-enabled sexual exploitation.

Karnataka's city governments received only a fraction of promised state finance commission grants. A significant portion of these funds were diverted to state welfare schemes and parastatal agencies. This leaves urban areas with less financial autonomy and fewer resources for essential services. Smaller towns are particularly impacted by this funding shortfall.

Renault plans seven multi-energy models in India by 2030. The popular Duster SUV will help attract customers to new products. Preparations are underway for a Duster hybrid launch around Diwali this year. The company is significantly expanding its dealer network across the country. Renault is making substantial investments for a long-term commitment in India.

China's export engine is posting a large trade surplus, defying global challenges and trade tensions. Chinese exports climbed significantly in June, driven by tech and surging automobile sales. Europe faces immense pressure from these imports and rising energy prices. German automakers are particularly impacted, considering job cuts and reduced sales. Policymakers are now examining exchange rates as a potential solution to these economic imbalances.

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches increased by 24.1 percent year-on-year in June. Two-wheeler sales also posted robust growth, rising 18.6 percent last month. Three-wheeler dispatches recorded the strongest growth among all segments. This reflects continued steady demand in the Indian automotive market. Industry body SIAM reported these positive sales figures on Wednesday.

BMW faces declining sales in China after two years of reduced performance. The automaker's new electric cars are set to launch in November. Chinese rivals are developing sophisticated electric vehicles much faster. BMW's management is accused of underestimating the dynamic Chinese market. The company's future success hinges on its new electric vehicle strategy.

Bryan Johnson revealed his Autoimmune Gastritis diagnosis, which he believes sparked global negative reactions. He suggests this response stems from a deep-seated human need for challengers of mortality to fail. Johnson draws parallels to ancient myths and religious figures who confronted death. He argues that people need the challenger to lose to maintain their own worldview. Johnson questions if he is an ally rather than a threat.

Volkswagen's CEO is pursuing cost cuts to improve automaker performance. He aims to avoid closing German plants while streamlining the model lineup. Factory costs in Germany have already seen significant reductions. The company acknowledges its products are popular but earn insufficient profits. Further reductions across all cost areas are now being pursued.

Globally, nearly 350 million connected cars are on the road. They account for about a fourth of cars in India and that number is rising. Between 2022 and 2026, features such as remote vehicle access, remote AC control and battery management, driven largely by electric vehicles, have seen rapid growth.

Luxury car prices in India are set to decrease significantly soon. This change follows the India-UK free trade pact taking effect July fifteenth. Customs duty on fully imported cars will drop to thirty percent. This reduction applies to an allotted quota of twenty thousand cars annually. Most companies are still preparing to announce their new pricing structures.

Nashik-based ESDS Software Solution has launched Swaraj Cloud, an AI-autonomous sovereign cloud platform. This platform runs entirely on Indian soil and is designed for critical sectors. It addresses rising data residency requirements under new Indian regulations. Swaraj Cloud offers over thirty services and eighty intelligent capabilities. The platform aims to accelerate digital transformation for businesses and government.

Bryan Johnson is pursuing an unprecedented research plan to cure his autoimmune gastritis. He aims to map his immune system and identify specific T-cells attacking his stomach. Johnson will develop an early warning system and preserve immune cells for laboratory testing. This approach involves creating a Bryan in a dish model for experimental therapies. The final stage focuses on developing targeted treatments to eliminate harmful immune cells.

Arvind Kejriwal has written to 29 auto manufacturers regarding E-20 fuel concerns. He questioned companies about compensation for mileage drops or component damage. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed reports of customer problems with E20 fuel. India is gradually increasing ethanol blending, with E20 already in use. The government is not rushing decisions on higher ethanol blends like E25.

Auto component industry grows 12.7%; ACMA to adopt lessons from China, banks on India-US deal

The government has extended additional National Pension System investment choices. These options are now available to employees of central autonomous bodies. Aggressive Life Cycle Fund LC-75-High offers up to seventy-five percent equity exposure. Balanced Life Cycle Fund provides a fifty percent equity cap. This move enhances subscriber flexibility and pension planning options.

The two-wheeler major launched its share buyback on July 1 as it aimed to buy back 46.94 lakh shares or 1.68% of the total paid-up share capital, with the record date being fixed on June 24.