India

CCPA Fines SpiceJet Rs 1 Lakh for Using Deceptive 'Dark Patterns'

India's Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on budget airline SpiceJet for employing so-called 'dark patterns' on its platform. Dark patterns are deceptive design tactics that manipulate users into making unintended choices or purchases. The CCPA determined that SpiceJet's practices undermined consumers' ability to make informed decisions and compromised their autonomy. The authority stated that such methods are incompatible with the principles of fair and transparent consumer engagement. The penalty reflects India's growing regulatory push to hold companies accountable for manipulative digital practices.

Gurugram cab driver killed as iron rod from e-rickshaw pierces windshield on Dwarka Expressway

A cab driver was fatally struck and a female passenger seriously injured in an accident on the Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram on Friday. An iron rod protruding from an overloaded e-rickshaw pierced the cab's windshield during a collision, directly hitting the driver. Police suspect overspeeding may have contributed to the crash. Authorities have detained the e-rickshaw driver and are reviewing CCTV footage to establish the full sequence of events. An official investigation is currently underway.

Apple reclaims world's most valuable company title as Nvidia shares slide

Apple Inc. has reclaimed its status as the world's most valuable publicly traded company after Nvidia's stock suffered a sharp decline, significantly reducing its market capitalization. Investor sentiment appears to be shifting away from AI-driven stocks toward companies with stronger long-term growth fundamentals. Apple's own share price has risen recently, bolstered by China's regulatory approval of its Apple Intelligence feature. Additionally, HSBC upgraded Apple's stock rating, pointing to an improved operational outlook for the tech giant.

Just chill: Bihar unveils 2 AC lounges in Patna for gig workers

UP Sub-Inspector Found Dead with Blood-Stained Clothes in Parked Car in Lucknow

A sub-inspector from Uttar Pradesh was found dead inside a parked car in Lucknow, with blood stains on his clothes. The deceased was identified as Sub-Inspector Ajay Thakur through an identity card recovered from his pocket. Thakur was posted at the Ghazipur police station at the time of the incident. Authorities discovered the body during a search of the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation.

Bengaluru Court Dismisses Drug Case FIR Against Siddhanth Kapoor

A Bengaluru court has quashed the FIR filed against actor Siddhanth Kapoor, brother of Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor, in connection with a 2022 drug case. The case originated in June 2022 when Bengaluru Police raided a party in the city and detained Siddhanth Kapoor along with several others. The detentions were made on allegations of drug consumption at the event. The court has now ruled in favour of Kapoor, effectively dismissing the legal proceedings against him.

Ex-NHL Player Floats Flyers as Possible Destination for Oilers Captain McDavid

Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, has resurfaced in NHL trade speculation after former player Todd Fedoruk suggested the Philadelphia Flyers as a potential destination. Fedoruk's comments have reignited debate about McDavid's long-term future with Edmonton. No confirmed trade discussions have been reported by any parties involved. The speculation persists despite McDavid being under contract and holding a no-movement clause with the Oilers.

Andhra family demands posthumous wedding after techie's suicide in Mumbai PG

A 24-year-old software engineer from Andhra Pradesh allegedly died by suicide at her paying guest accommodation in Mumbai after her boyfriend reportedly refused to marry her. Her family transported her body to the boyfriend's village in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, demanding he tie a mangalsutra around her neck before cremation, claiming it was her last wish. The unusual demand created significant tension in the village. Police were forced to intervene to restore order, after which the last rites were finally carried out.

Irish Oscar-winning actress Brenda Fricker dies at 81

Brenda Fricker, a celebrated Irish actress, passed away at the age of 81. She made history as the first Irish actor to win an Academy Award. Fricker was best known for her roles in 'My Left Foot' and 'Home Alone 2'. Her career covered several decades across film, television, and theatre. She is remembered for her deeply sincere and emotionally powerful performances.

Wildfire Smoke Threatens Air Quality Ahead of FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey

Wildfire smoke has blanketed New York and New Jersey, creating unhealthy air quality conditions in the region. The FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set to take place on Sunday. Despite the hazardous air quality, Spain proceeded with an outdoor training session on Thursday. Tournament organisers are closely monitoring the situation for any potential weather-related disruptions. Forecasters are optimistic, suggesting rainfall could clear the smoke before the scheduled match.

Robert De Niro figures in Tarun Tejpal’s arguments in court

Reliance Industries Q2 FY27: Profit drops 22%, revenue surges 25% YoY

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) reported a 22% decline in net profit for the second quarter of FY27, impacted by the absence of a one-time gain from Asian Paints recorded in the prior year. Despite the profit dip, the company's revenue from operations climbed 25% year-on-year to Rs 3.11 lakh crore, up from Rs 2.48 lakh crore in the same quarter last year. Quarterly EBITDA also grew 10% compared to the year-ago period, reaching Rs 54,067 crore. The results highlight strong top-line growth even as the base effect from last year's exceptional gains weighed on bottom-line performance.

Tamil Nadu CM Inspects Chennai Adi Dravidar Hostel After Students Flag Poor Conditions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay conducted an inspection of an Adi Dravidar hostel in Chennai following complaints from residents. Students at the facility reported finding worms in the food served to them. Residents preparing for competitive exams like TNPSC and UPSC also flagged that hostel gates were locked by 9:30 PM. This left students returning late from coaching classes or work with no option but to sleep outdoors, including in nearby parks. The visit highlights ongoing concerns about the living conditions in state-run welfare hostels.

Mehbooba Mufti slams Centre for ignoring Sonam Wangchuk's 20-day hunger strike

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has criticised the central government for remaining silent on Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk has been fasting for twenty days to demand action over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET examination. Medical professionals have raised serious concerns about his deteriorating health if the fast continues. Wangchuk has stated he will sustain his protest until July 20, pressing for an official government response.

Apple Overtakes Nvidia as World's Most Valuable Company After Share Shift

Apple reclaimed the title of world's most valuable company on Friday after a shift in both firms' stock prices. Nvidia shares fell 3.7 percent, pulling its market capitalisation down to approximately $4.8 trillion. Meanwhile, Apple's stock rose 0.4 percent, lifting its valuation to around $4.9 trillion. The movement was enough to push Apple ahead of the chipmaker in the global market cap rankings.

CBI Files Second Chargesheet in Reliance Communications Loan Fraud Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a second chargesheet in connection with an alleged loan fraud case involving Reliance Communications. The case was originally registered by the CBI following a complaint lodged by the State Bank of India (SBI). The chargesheet marks a significant procedural step forward in the ongoing investigation into the matter. Reliance Communications, the telecom company founded by Anil Ambani, has been under scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities related to bank loans.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train to start with Indian trains, Japan to provide E10 series in 2030: MEA

Sanctioned Russian billionaire's $300m superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz

Motor Yacht A, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz despite rising military tensions that have deterred commercial shipping in the region. Melnichenko has been subject to Western sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. After his Sailing Yacht A was seized by Italian authorities in March 2022, he moved his assets to the Gulf. The superyacht's passage through the strategically sensitive strait stands in contrast to commercial vessels that have delayed their transits due to security concerns.

Modi Targets Punjab Govt Over Drug Crisis and Tahir Hussain in Campaign Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Punjab, making drug menace and controversial figure Tahir Hussain central talking points. He alleged that the Punjab government had misused large sums of money sent by the Centre over the years. Modi's remarks appeared aimed at highlighting what he described as governance failures by the ruling state administration. The speech came as part of BJP's political outreach in the state, seeking to highlight law-and-order and financial accountability issues.

Chemical tanker blast in Mumbai's Chembur kills 1, injures 3 during maintenance

A chemical tanker exploded on Friday in Chembur, Mumbai, while maintenance work was being carried out on it. The blast left three people injured, one of whom later died from their wounds. Emergency services, firefighters, and multiple civic and ambulance authorities swiftly responded to the incident. Rescue and relief operations were coordinated by several agencies at the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.