The Economic Times

Hero MotoCorp has officially entered the German market through a new distribution partnership. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company in Europe's largest economy. The company will introduce its Euro 5+ compliant products, led by the XPulse 200 4V series. KSR Group will manage sales and service through over twenty-eight outlets across major German cities. This move makes Germany Hero MotoCorp's fifth European and fifty-third global market.

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.

India's passenger vehicle sales rose 24% year-on-year to 388,144 units in June, marking the third consecutive month of strong double-digit growth. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers also posted robust gains, helping the auto industry achieve record first-quarter sales despite geopolitical uncertainties, supported by steady demand, lower financing costs and new model launches.

Tata Motors has voiced concerns regarding a government proposal on CAFE II compliance credits. The company believes allowing direct credit purchases from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency could weaken the framework. Tata Motors insists the BEE should not originate or sell credits in its own capacity. This provision could offer a cheaper compliance option than statutory penalties. The manufacturer argues this undermines the technology-driving purpose of the CAFE regime.

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.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement takes effect on July 15, 2026. This pact grants nearly 99% duty-free access for Indian exports to the United Kingdom. Labour-intensive sectors like textiles and footwear will see significant export gains. India will also reduce tariffs on several British products, including alcoholic beverages. The agreement opens India's government procurement market to UK suppliers for the first time.

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.

India's automotive sector recorded its lowest quarterly deal volumes in three years. Deal values remained strong despite falling transaction volumes in the second quarter. Investment focused on businesses driving the future of mobility and electrification. Mergers and acquisitions prioritized technology-led capability building over scale. Capital continued flowing towards scalable mobility platforms and EV ecosystem players.

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.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India sees strong long-term potential in India's two-wheeler market. Rising personal mobility and workforce participation will support industry growth. New models are planned for launch in the second half of this year. The company remains committed to expanding its electric vehicle portfolio. Multiple technologies including ICE and EVs will coexist for the foreseeable future.

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.

Bryan Johnson autoimmune disease: Anti-aging personality Bryan Johnson's recent revelation of autoimmune disease has ignited public interest in these complex conditions. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. While causes are often a mix of genetics and environment, symptoms vary widely. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for conditions like autoimmune gastritis, impacting millions globally.

Waking up to a barrage of small decisions can drain your mental energy, impacting your ability to tackle important tasks. Psychologists suggest automating routine choices, like what to eat or wear, can preserve cognitive resources. This decision fatigue concept highlights how making numerous choices depletes self-control. By simplifying daily routines, you can free up mental bandwidth for more critical thinking.

Afghanistan's vital car parts trade in Spin Boldak has ground to a halt, crippled by escalating border conflicts with Pakistan and the recent Middle East war. Disruptions to key shipping routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, have sent import costs soaring and left businesses facing massive losses.

Businesses are moving beyond basic automation towards 'Agentic AI,' enabling autonomous systems to handle complex workflows and decision-making. This shift promises 'Zero-Human Ops,' freeing human talent for strategic tasks by automating mundane operations. Organizations can build this future by starting with small, high-volume tasks and ensuring clean data, ultimately leading to faster decisions and reduced costs.

Authorities are intensifying scrutiny of vehicle cybersecurity after blocking several mobile apps used to remotely disable electric two- and three-wheelers. The government is now reviewing safety protocols of all automakers, especially those with extensive tech integration, due to fears of hacking. Consultations with manufacturers are planned to assess and potentially upgrade existing safety measures.

An inspiring video shows entrepreneur Rakesh KNV swapping his Lamborghini for an autorickshaw with a driver who admired the supercar. The viral clip captures the heartwarming moment as both men experience each other's vehicles. Rakesh shared that the ride in the autorickshaw brought back memories of his own past struggles, resonating deeply with viewers who praised his generosity and humility.

Engineers have developed robotic fish that mimic real aquatic life, offering an aquarium experience without the upkeep. These miniature submarines, powered by Arduino and guided by an overhead camera and Raspberry Pi, autonomously navigate, interact, and even return to a wireless charging station. This innovation promises a maintenance-free aquatic display, blending technology with the tranquility of nature for a futuristic aquarium.

India's economy shows robust growth in Q1 FY27, with GST collections soaring 13.9% to Rs 1.95 lakh crore in June. Car sales surged 24%, and power consumption rose 11.6%. Despite a dip in manufacturing PMI, strong import revenues and UPI transactions highlight economic resilience. Experts anticipate continued momentum, with potential for monthly GST collections to reach Rs 2 lakh crore.

India's automotive exports to Japan have surged, becoming the primary growth engine and now representing 13% of shipments by FY26, up from 1% in FY21. This highlights deeper integration into Japan's auto supply chains. Meanwhile, Japanese firms continue to view India as a top investment hub, with most planning expansions. Despite rising exports, India's trade deficit with Japan has widened significantly due to faster import growth.

Kerala's Ancy Sojan has shattered a 22-year-old national record, leaping 6.88 meters in the women's long jump. This historic achievement in Bhubaneswar eclipses Anju Bobby George's previous mark, crowning Ancy as India's new long-jump queen. Her journey from a humble fishing village, fueled by her father's dreams and her coach's belief, now sets her sights on the 7-meter barrier, inspiring a nation.

Chinas 6-tonne autonomous tilt-rotor aircraft is one of the largest unmanned aircraft developed for low-altitude transport and heavy-lift operations. Unlike conventional drones, it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter before rotating its propellers to fly forward like an airplane. The successful test flight of the Lanying R6000 demonstrates how autonomous aviation is advancing toward carrying larger cargo over longer distances with greater speed and efficiency. This breakthrough coul

GTA 6 leaked gameplay: Excitement is soaring for GTA 6 as new reports unveil gameplay possibilities like fishing and car customization, alongside pre-order details. Rockstar's ambitious open world, set in a modern, expanded Vice City within Leonida, promises dual protagonists Lucia and Jason in a Bonnie-and-Clyde inspired narrative. While a full gameplay trailer is eagerly awaited, these hints suggest a more dynamic and interactive experience than ever before.

Rockstar Games has unveiled Grand Theft Auto VI's pricing and launch editions, with the Standard Edition set at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99. Pre-orders open June 25 for a November 19 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Early buyers receive the Vintage Vice City Pack, and digital pre-orders include a free month of GTA+. Physical copies will feature download codes.

GTA 6 or Grand Theft Auto VI could start breaking records months ahead of the game's November 19 release, as preorders open at midnight on Thursday this week.

A Mumbai lawyer's brand-new Skoda Superb refused to start just five months after purchase. The car spent 58 days at the service centre while the dealer waited for imported spare parts from Skoda Auto India. Despite emails, complaints to Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, and a decade-long legal battle, the Maharashtra State Consumer Commission has now ruled against both Skoda and its dealer, holding that a manufacturer cannot hide behind principal-to-principal clauses when its own supply chain fails its c

Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders commence on June 25, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the highly anticipated game. While Rockstar Games confirmed the date, pricing and edition details remain under wraps, fueling intense speculation. The game is slated for a November 19, 2026 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version unconfirmed. Leaked European prices suggest editions could range from 89.99 to 199.99.

Non-Marathi auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra must obtain a Marathi language proficiency certificate by August 15, 2026, or face action. A mandatory four-hour free communication course is being offered across 71 centers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The initiative aims to bridge language gaps, enhance service quality, and improve drivers' professional prospects. The transport department emphasizes this is an opportunity for free training, not punishment.

Chinese car companies are targeting wealthy buyers in right-hand-drive nations. They are introducing premium electric vehicles to new markets. This move comes as sales in China are slowing down. Brands like BYD and Zeekr are challenging established Japanese manufacturers. The Hong Kong auto show highlights these global ambitions. Chinese automakers aim for significant growth beyond their home country.

A nine-year-old Australian girl was killed in Pakistan after being shot at least five times during a police operation. The family was caught in crossfire when police mistakenly targeted their vehicle while pursuing armed robbers. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for a transparent investigation.

American shoppers spent more in May than anticipated. This boost came from tax refunds and a stock market rise. However, this spending has reduced savings. Higher gas prices also contributed to the sales jump. Experts predict a slowdown as the impact of tax refunds fades. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady.