AUSTRALIA IMPORT REGULATIONS
Another airline shuts down as US-Iran war keeps fuel costs high; hydrogen-electric air taxi startup abandons plans before launching passenger flights
Australia's Stralis, an airline startup, is shutting down after plans for hydrogen-electric air taxi flights failed to reach commercial readiness. The decision comes as high jet fuel prices linked to the US-Iran war continue to pressure airlines. Moreover, the company also faced regulatory costs, limited hydrogen infrastructure and a lack of funding
India-US ties are looking up, but the Russia and Iran sanctions bill, FCRA & BRICS will test reset
US-India ties have improved at the working level, particularly in defence, with a new 10-year framework and Javelin missile sales, while Indian exports to the US rose 5.5% to nearly $60 billion in the first nine months of FY26. However, uncertainty remains over Washington’s broader India policy.
ET World Leaders Forum: India set to be a growth market, but companies must up their game
India is poised to be a major global growth market over the next decade, driven by seven structural strengths including economic stability, a reform-oriented policy framework, a large consumer base, and a growing talent pool. The nation's technology and manufacturing sectors are gaining global relevance, supported by a widening trade architecture.
India’s rare earth push must go beyond magnets to build a China-independent supply chain
India’s rare earth strategy must extend beyond magnet manufacturing to build a resilient, China-independent supply chain, EY-Parthenon partners argue. Rising demand from EVs, air conditioners and wind turbines makes domestic capacity urgent, but dependence on imported feedstock, motors and components remains. Greater mining, processing, private participation and patient capital are essential.
In a 2023 Brazilian study, sheep under photovoltaic panels experienced 30% less radiant heat and up to 8°C lower wool-surface temperatures
A recent study shows sheep benefit from solar panel shade during hot weather. These animals experience significantly less radiant heat exposure and cooler body temperatures. This finding supports the growing trend of solar grazing in American agriculture. Sheep provide a natural, chemical-free mowing service for solar facilities. The practice offers a dual benefit of animal welfare and renewable energy development.
Mobility will stay resilient despite geopolitical shocks: VFS Global CEO
VFS Global is positioning itself for substantial growth in the realms of visa processing and citizen services. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the company aims to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations. A strategic priority includes expanding into related mobility and identity services. Additionally, VFS Global Academy is dedicated to cultivating future global talent, all while maintaining stringent oversight and evaluations from governmental clients.
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Chemical sector: Although long, there is a way around China trouble; combine 20 stocks to get your portfolio’s chemistry right
For the chemicals sector, it all depends on a transformation that is still unfolding and will take years to play out. Backward-integration projects, the PLI scheme, and other policies will help the sector, but not in a quarter or two. And the mix of headwinds and tailwinds – China, global demand, policy – will keep coming for a long time. Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, is a comprehensive report that evaluates five key components of 4,000+ listed stocks – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. The simple average of the above-mentioned five component ratings is normally distributed to reach an average score.

Nearly 600 California workers have developed an incurable lung disease while making ‘quartz’ countertops since 2019; 65 needed lung transplants and 31 died
California has seen nearly 600 engineered-stone workers diagnosed with silicosis since 2019. Many workers experienced severe lung disease, with some requiring transplants and others dying. Existing safety rules have not fully eliminated hazardous silica dust exposure for these workers. California is now considering a ban on engineered stone fabrication and installation. This action follows Australia's similar ban, which spurred the development of safer alternatives.

In 1818, British prisons adopted William Cubitt's treadmill as a tool of hard labor. 208 years later, the machine is a fitness staple, but its modern medical and exercise history evolved separately from the original punishment device
The treadmill has an unsettling place in the history of exercise: its story includes Victorian prisons, forced labor, physiological research and modern cardiac medicine. In the early 19th century, engineer William Cubitt adapted an older treadwheel into a machine that required prisoners to climb continuously, sometimes generating useful power and sometimes simply increasing exhaustion.

Sebi sees no manipulation in closing auction sessions so far, says Tuhin Kanta Pandey
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has confirmed that no manipulation exists within the newly established closing auction system. This session, which establishes closing stock prices, strives to meet international norms. Since its inception, participation in the closing auction has progressively increased. The regulator is actively considering feedback to amplify market participation. This reform is essential in reducing tracking discrepancies for passive investment funds.

States should mine more, not tax more: The fiscal lesson from Odisha
New legislation will remove state powers to levy taxes on minerals. This change is expected to encourage investment and increase mineral production significantly. States like Odisha and Jharkhand demonstrate how mineral wealth can drive fiscal gains. Focusing on auctioning more blocks will accelerate revenue generation for states. Increased mineral output is crucial for India's economic and national security.

In 2008, Spain began filling 300-metre-deep coal mine with 547 billion litres of water; four years later, the site looked nothing like it once did
A vast open-pit coal mine in As Pontes, Spain, has been transformed into a large artificial lake. Engineers filled the enormous excavation with billions of litres of water over four years. This ambitious project created a lake, beach, and nature trails, repurposing the landscape. The former industrial site now serves as a recreational and tourism destination for the community.

EU to crack down on AI deepfakes, illicit imagery and hacking with new team in Brussels
The European Union has launched a new team to regulate AI companies worldwide. This initiative aims to track AI model usage for violations of new regulations. Companies must now label AI-generated content, ensuring transparency for consumers. The EU seeks to foster AI that people and businesses can understand and trust. This move aligns with the bloc's strategy for greater tech sovereignty and independence.

Banking on gear shift for pickup: After cleaning up bad loans, banks now need a new reform push
India's banking sector requires reforms for sustained growth and improved credit access. Banks must grow significantly to meet microenterprise and retail credit demands. Regulatory recalibrations and revised lending frameworks are essential for this expansion. Wider adoption of digital tools will help close the MSME credit gap. These actions will boost economic growth and investor confidence.

Tracking pulses: Low kharif sowing sparks supply concerns; how big is the risk?
Experts say the next few weeks of monsoon will decide if the acreage shortfall stays manageable or turns into a bigger supply and price risk for pulses.

'Honey helps wounds, burns to heal faster': Study finds that it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Honey Wound Healing Properties: Honey has healed wounds since ancient Egypt. Studies now confirm its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help wounds and burns heal faster.

Digital nomad visas: Who should apply, who shouldn't, top countries for Indians
Digital nomad visas now offer professionals a new route for global mobility. These permits allow individuals to live abroad while working remotely for foreign employers. Remote work acceptance after the pandemic fuels the rise of these attractive new visas. Spain and Portugal are top destinations for Indians seeking this lifestyle. Careful tax planning and understanding local rules are crucial for applicants.

India must fix gas market, pipelines to unlock LNG opportunity: IGU report
India's natural gas growth requires infrastructure and industry investment. Market reforms and pricing changes are essential for sustained demand. Global LNG markets are expected to be well supplied, lowering prices. India must enable buyers to respond to short-term price opportunities. Infrastructure bottlenecks and market constraints need addressing for gas adoption.

Glenmark gets USFDA nod for expanded use of RYALTRIS nasal spray
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced US FDA approval for RYALTRIS nasal spray. This approval expands its use to children aged six to twelve years. The nasal spray treats symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis effectively. RYALTRIS combines antihistamine and corticosteroid in one formulation. This marks a significant step in expanding access to the treatment.

How Goodwind Moto Tours is taking India's motorcycle tourism global
Three former corporate executives transformed their passion for motorcycling into Goodwind Moto Tours, a premium experiential travel company that now operates across three continents.

Opposition to data centres grows in cramped urban Japan
The more Yoriko Kitagawa learns of a massive data centre to be built near her home in Hino on the outskirts of Tokyo, the more she worries. "As someone who lives next to the site, I'm most worried about a fire that could be triggered by the massive amount of batteries," said 69-year-old campaigner Yasuo Yamazaki.

Have all possible headwinds been priced in by the street? 7 agro-chem stocks with upside potential of up to 38%
June was one of the worst monsoon months since records began to be kept. That is bad news for agro-chemical companies, though better rains in July and August can still help improve the situation. As a sector, though, it has been struggling with a variety of challenges. Will these be overcome? And when?

The biggest prize in the India-UK FTA may not be export boost
The India-UK free trade agreement offers more than just export growth. It aims to build capabilities within Indian factories and deepen the export ecosystem. This agreement encourages existing exporters to upgrade and new manufacturers to enter global markets. A wider exporter base will benefit all of India's future trade agreements. The agreement's legacy will be measured by firms learning to sell worldwide.

Firm up farm product quality control
Indian basmati rice faces scrutiny in Australia after other exports were flagged abroad. Australian authorities suspended Indian fumigation service providers due to unmet requirements. Repeated findings of pesticide residues and heavy metals necessitate stronger food safety systems. India must implement science-based standards and traceability for its agricultural products. Meeting global food safety standards is crucial for India's export competitiveness and consumer health.

AI can't replace mental health therapists. But here's where it might make a difference
The appeal is easy to understand. Chatbots don't judge. Unlike stretched mental health services in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, they don't keep people on lengthy waiting lists.

Scientists thought the world's tallest trees would be the first to die in drought; New study reveals astonishing survival secret hidden inside their trunks
A new study has revealed that giant dipterocarp trees have evolved highly efficient water transport systems that help them move water through their towering trunks. Researchers found that these specialised hydraulic adaptations enable the trees to cope with the challenges of extreme height. The study also showed that taller trees did not experience greater growth declines during a recent drought than shorter ones.

India-Indonesia sign BrahMos, ASTRA deal; expand bilateral ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held talks to strengthen strategic ties. They have signed around eight agreements covering health, education, technology, and defense. India and Indonesia will seal a long-discussed BrahMos missile agreement, enhancing regional security. India will also support Indonesia in developing specific EVMs and invest in critical mineral supply chains.

EU tells France to amend social media ban law
The EU on Monday ruled that a French draft law to ban social media for under-15s would infringe the bloc's rules if approved in its current form. But the European Commission, the bloc's executive, said in a formal written opinion that the French draft law overlaps with the EU's online content law known as the Digital Services Act (DSA), giving too much power to French regulators, sources close to the matter told AFP. The EU's opinion does not prevent France from introducing a minimum age, but it must now amend the draft law to make it compatible with EU rules.

School Assembly News Headlines for July 7: Top national, international, business and sports news, along with the thought of the day for students
School assembly news headlines July 7: Prime Minister Modi embarks on a crucial three-nation visit to bolster India's Act East Policy. Meanwhile, the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust faces internal discussions amid donation allegations, and the Indian Navy prepares to commission the INS Mahendragiri. Heavy monsoon rains continue to disrupt life across several states, while the NSE eyes a September IPO.
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