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FIFA World Cup 2026: France, Spain, England and Argentina Set Up Blockbuster Semi-finals

/ Article/Stories

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its decisive stage, with four of international football’s biggest powerhouses—France, Spain, England and Argentina—booking their places in the semi-finals after a series of high-intensity quarter-final encounters. The final four promise two heavyweight clashes that could shape the legacy of this expanded World Cup, as Europe and South America renew one of football’s greatest rivalries. The semi-final lineup features France against Spain, while England will face defending champions Argentina. The winners will progress to the World Cup final, while the losing teams will compete in the third-place playoff. France and Spain Renew a Historic Rivalry The opening semi-final will see France take on Spain on Wednesday at 12:30 a.m. IST. Both nations have displayed consistency throughout the tournament and enter the contest with strong momentum. France secured their place in the last four with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals. The French side combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing to overcome a spirited Moroccan challenge, reinforcing their credentials as one of the tournament favourites. Spain, meanwhile, advanced after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a closely contested quarter-final. The Spaniards controlled possession for long periods and demonstrated their trademark passing style while capitalising on crucial opportunities to edge past a determined Belgian side. The encounter promises to be a tactical battle between two European giants, with France relying on pace and attacking efficiency, while Spain will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. England Face Defending Champions Argentina The second semi-final, scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 a.m. IST, will feature England against defending champions Argentina in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches. England earned their place after defeating Norway 2-1 in extra time. The victory highlighted England’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure as they overcame a stubborn Norwegian defence to secure qualification. Argentina progressed with a convincing 3-1 win over Switzerland, producing another composed attacking display. The reigning world champions have continued to showcase their experience and tactical maturity throughout the competition, making them one of the strongest contenders for the title. The fixture also carries significant historical importance, adding another chapter to one of football’s most storied international rivalries. With both teams boasting world-class talent and championship ambitions, the contest is expected to attract global attention. Road to the Final The two semi-final winners will meet in the FIFA World Cup final on July 20 (IST) at New York New Jersey Stadium, where football’s most prestigious trophy will be at stake. The defeated semi-finalists will compete in the third-place playoff on July 19 (IST) in Miami. With four former world champions remaining in contention, the tournament is guaranteed to crown a nation with a rich footballing heritage. France will be chasing another World Cup title, Spain aim to add a second crown to their history, England continue their pursuit of a first title since 1966, while Argentina seek to successfully defend their championship. A Tournament Nearing Its Climax As the World Cup enters its final week, expectations are soaring among fans across the globe. Each of the remaining teams has demonstrated quality, resilience and consistency throughout the tournament, setting the stage for two compelling semi-finals. The coming days will determine which two nations earn the opportunity to compete for football’s biggest prize. Whether it is France’s balanced squad, Spain’s possession-based approach, England’s determination, or Argentina’s championship pedigree, the semi-finals promise elite football and unforgettable moments as the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title reaches its climax.  

FIFA World Cup 2026: France, Spain, England and Argentina Set Up Blockbuster Semi-finals Read More »

Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships

/ Governance Community

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has begun a five-day official visit to Spain, Belgium, and Finland, aimed at expanding India’s economic engagement with key European partners. The visit, which runs until July 17, will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The first stop is Spain, where Goyal will participate in a business roundtable alongside representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Indian and Spanish business leaders are expected to discuss collaboration across sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy, railways, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, food processing, and tourism. The minister will then travel to Belgium on July 14 and 15 for a series of high-level engagements. His itinerary includes meetings with senior officials from Thales Group and Silox Group, as well as participation in the India-EU Business Roundtable and the Trade and Technology Council Plenary. Key discussions will centre on boosting foreign investment, easing trade, promoting sustainable technologies, and strengthening resilient global supply chains. The final leg of the tour will take Goyal to Finland on July 16 and 17. He is scheduled to attend the India-Finland Business Roundtable and visit leading Finnish companies and research organisations, including Nokia, Kone, Kemppi Group, and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The discussions will explore opportunities for collaboration in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, and innovation. Source: News on AIR

Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships Read More »

TCS Adds Over 9,200 Employees in Q1 FY27 as Hiring Rebounds; Reports 5% Rise in Net Profit

/ Human Resource Community

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recorded a strong rebound in hiring during the first quarter of FY27, adding more than 9,200 employees and taking its total workforce to 593,798 as of June 2026. The company’s headcount stood at 584,519 at the end of the previous quarter, marking a significant recovery after three consecutive quarters of workforce reductions. TCS had seen its employee count decline from a peak of 613,069 in Q1 FY26 to 582,163 by Q3 FY26, before returning to growth over the last two quarters. The company’s voluntary attrition rate in its IT services business remained stable at 13.6% on a last-twelve-months basis. The company also highlighted continued progress in workforce diversity and employee development. Women now account for 35% of TCS’s global workforce, representing employees from 148 nationalities. During the quarter, employees completed 14.6 million learning hours, acquired 1.3 million new competencies, and more than 3.12 lakh employees enhanced their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Chief Financial Officer Samir Seksaria said the company has implemented annual salary hikes, expanded its partner ecosystem, and made strategic investments to strengthen long-term competitiveness. He added that TCS remains focused on building, acquiring, and partnering to expand its AI-driven capabilities while maintaining healthy profitability and returns. Financially, TCS reported a 5% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit, reaching ₹13,349 crore in Q1 FY27, compared to ₹12,760 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Revenue from operations grew 14% year-on-year to ₹72,275 crore. The company’s board also approved an interim dividend of ₹12 per equity share for FY27, with July 15 fixed as the record date for eligible shareholders. TCS reported a $9.5 billion order book for the quarter, driven by several major wins, including an $800 million AI-led transformation deal with SKF, a multi-million-dollar strategic partnership with ServiceNow, and another significant contract with a Europe-based Fortune Global 50 company. Source: Economic Times

TCS Adds Over 9,200 Employees in Q1 FY27 as Hiring Rebounds; Reports 5% Rise in Net Profit Read More »

Delhi University Receives Over 1.9 Lakh UG Applications; First CSAS Seat Allotment on July 16

/ Education Community

Delhi University (DU) has recorded an overwhelming response for undergraduate admissions for the 2026–27 academic session, with more than 1.90 lakh students registering through the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). According to the university, 1,90,645 applicants have completed registration, while 1,64,098 candidates have successfully finished Phase II by submitting their programme and college preferences. The university has set 11:59 pm on July 11 as the final deadline for both registration and preference submission. A one-time correction window, opened on July 10, also remains available until the same deadline, allowing applicants to rectify errors in their submitted details following requests from students. The UG admission process began on June 26, while Phase II, covering subject mapping and preference selection, commenced on July 3. University officials have advised candidates to carefully verify their programme and college choices before the deadline, as preferences will be automatically locked once the window closes. For the current admission cycle, DU is offering 73 undergraduate programmes across 69 colleges and departments, with a total intake of 71,624 seats. Students can choose from nearly 150 BA programme combinations, and the complete seat matrix is available on the university’s official website. Admissions under supernumerary categories, including sports and extracurricular activities, will also follow the preference-based allocation process. The first CSAS seat allocation list is scheduled to be published on July 16. After accepting an allotted seat and paying the admission fee, candidates can either confirm their admission or opt for an upgrade in subsequent rounds. Those seeking upgrades will have the opportunity to reorder their higher preferences before the next allocation. To simplify fee payments, Delhi University has introduced a virtual wallet system, enabling automatic adjustment of fees if a candidate is upgraded to a different programme or college, eliminating the need for multiple payments. The university plans to complete two rounds of undergraduate admissions before the new academic session begins on July 28. On the postgraduate front, DU released the third allocation list for two-year PG programmes, including performance-based courses such as MFA, B.P.Ed, M.P.Ed, and Music, on July 10. The latest round includes 1,765 fresh allocations, comprising 1,551 regular PG admissions and 214 performance-based admissions, while 5,848 candidates have already confirmed their seats. Additionally, 8,823 candidates have applied for the university’s one-year postgraduate programmes designed for students graduating under the UGCF 2022 framework aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. DU also continues its BTech admissions through the second allocation list, while the first spot admission round for its five-year integrated law programmes has been announced with 18 vacant seats available. Source: Indian Express

Delhi University Receives Over 1.9 Lakh UG Applications; First CSAS Seat Allotment on July 16 Read More »

Novo Nordisk Introduces Once-Weekly Insulin Injection ‘Awiqli’ in India for Adults with Diabetes

/ Health & Wellness Community

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli, its once-weekly basal insulin injection, in India, offering adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes an alternative to conventional daily insulin therapy. The company announced the launch on July 9, with the product set to become available across the country next week. Awiqli, also known by its generic name insulin icodec, is the world’s first clinically approved once-weekly long-acting basal insulin. By requiring just 52 injections annually instead of 365, the treatment aims to improve patient convenience and adherence to insulin therapy. Novo Nordisk has priced the weekly dose of 70 insulin units at ₹261. The product will be available in two pre-filled pen formats: a 1 ml pen containing 700 units priced at ₹2,611, and a 3 ml pen with 2,100 units priced at ₹7,833. According to the company, this makes the therapy competitively priced compared to existing daily basal insulin options, which cost between ₹345 and ₹453 for an equivalent weekly dose. The company highlighted the significant diabetes burden in India, where more than 101 million people are living with diabetes, while another 136 million are estimated to have prediabetes. It also noted that insulin therapy is often initiated 7–9 years later than recommended, largely due to concerns over frequent injections, pain, and treatment costs. India currently has around 6 million people receiving insulin therapy, and Novo Nordisk expects that figure to increase to 9 million in the coming years as awareness and access improve. According to market estimates by IMARC, India’s insulin market is projected to expand from $660.5 million in 2025 to $916.4 million by 2034, supported by the rising prevalence of diabetes driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and genetic factors. Earlier this year, Awiqli received regulatory approval in the United States and has also been cleared for use in the European Union and several other countries. India becomes the seventh country to introduce the once-weekly insulin. The new therapy is expected to compete with established basal insulin brands, including Sanofi’s Lantus, as well as insulin glargine products marketed by Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Biocon, Eris Lifesciences, and Lupin. Novo Nordisk is also strengthening its presence in India’s rapidly growing obesity treatment market, where it faces competition from Eli Lilly and several domestic drug manufacturers. Source: REUTERS

Novo Nordisk Introduces Once-Weekly Insulin Injection ‘Awiqli’ in India for Adults with Diabetes Read More »

Private Universities Drive India’s Higher Education Expansion, Growing Three Times Faster Than Public Institutions Over a Decade

/ Education Community

India’s higher education landscape has witnessed a major transformation over the past decade, with private universities emerging as the primary drivers of institutional growth. According to the Ministry of Education’s All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24, the number of private universities increased from 219 in 2013-14 to 546 in 2023-24, registering a remarkable 149.3% growth. In comparison, government universities rose from 504 to 733 during the same period, reflecting a comparatively modest 45.4% increase. Overall, the total number of universities in the country climbed from 723 to 1,279, marking a 76.9% rise over the decade. The data indicates that private universities expanded at more than three times the pace of their government counterparts. At the state level, Gujarat recorded the highest increase in private universities, adding 51 institutions to reach 67 private universities in 2023-24, overtaking Rajasthan, which now has 57. Madhya Pradesh followed with 52 private universities, while Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra reported 45 and 42, respectively. Government universities, however, continued to maintain a strong presence across the country. Uttar Pradesh remained the leading state in terms of public universities, increasing its count from 35 to 58, followed by Karnataka, which expanded from 32 to 51 government institutions. Despite the rapid rise in private universities, public institutions continue to educate the majority of university students. Government university enrolment increased from 51.9 lakh students in 2013-14 to 73.9 lakh in 2023-24, although their share of total enrolment declined from 81.3% to 68.1% over the decade. Private universities, on the other hand, recorded a much sharper increase in student numbers. Enrolment nearly tripled from 11.9 lakh to 34.6 lakh students, representing a 191.8% growth. Their share of total university enrolment rose from 18.6% in 2013-14 to 31.9% in 2023-24, highlighting their growing role in India’s higher education ecosystem. The AISHE findings also point to broader progress in higher education participation. India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for the 18–23 age group improved from 23.0 in 2013-14 to 30.0 in 2023-24. Female participation continued to outpace that of males, with the female GER reaching 31.2, compared to the male GER of 28.9, marking the seventh consecutive year in which women recorded a higher enrolment ratio. Source: Indian Express  

Private Universities Drive India’s Higher Education Expansion, Growing Three Times Faster Than Public Institutions Over a Decade Read More »

Flipkart Approves Second ESOP Liquidity Event, Allows Employees to Cash Out Up to 5% of Vested Stock Options

/ Human Resource Community

Flipkart has approved the second phase of its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) liquidity programme, enabling eligible employees to sell up to 5% of their vested stock options accumulated over the last three years. According to an internal communication from Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, the approved buyback price has been set at ₹713.4 per stock option. The latest liquidity event is expected to be worth nearly $25 million and forms the second half of the company’s previously announced $50 million ESOP buyback initiative introduced in July last year. Employees who qualify under the programme are expected to receive their payouts in August. In his message to employees, Krishnamurthy noted that the company had initially committed to conducting two liquidity events, with the second contingent on achieving key business milestones. Following a review of the company’s performance, the board approved the second round, citing sustained business growth despite a challenging macroeconomic environment. The overall $50 million ESOP buyback programme is estimated to have benefited more than 7,000 Flipkart employees, providing them with an opportunity to unlock the value of their stock options. Source: Economic Times

Flipkart Approves Second ESOP Liquidity Event, Allows Employees to Cash Out Up to 5% of Vested Stock Options Read More »

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform

/ Governance Community

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit an annual interest rate of 8.25% for the financial year 2025–26 into nearly 34 crore EPF accounts by July 15. Announcing the development, Mansukh Mandaviya said that more than ₹1.44 lakh crore will be transferred to subscribers through the organisation’s newly launched Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) platform. The minister also confirmed that EPFO has successfully completed the migration of its member records from a decentralised system to a unified centralised database. This transition will provide members with access to a single online portal where they can check their PF balance, membership details, claim status, pensionable service records, and other benefits through one integrated interface. The new CITES platform introduces automated pre-validation of claims, allowing the system to assess eligibility, identify missing information, and notify members if their withdrawal request exceeds the permissible limit before it reaches an EPFO office. The automation is expected to reduce claim rejections and significantly improve first-time claim approval rates. The CITES initiative is part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernising service delivery through automation and rule-based processing. The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency while offering faster, more transparent, and citizen-centric services to EPF subscribers. Source: News on AIR

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform Read More »

AIIMS Delhi Completes Major Faculty Recruitment Drive Using Blockchain-Enabled Technology

/ Health & Wellness Community

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi has successfully concluded one of its largest faculty recruitment drives in recent years, announcing the results for nearly 460 teaching positions through a blockchain-enabled digital evaluation system. According to the institute, around 370 faculty members have been recruited for AIIMS New Delhi and the AIIMS–Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences campus. The appointments span more than 50 medical and allied health disciplines, covering roles from Assistant Professor to Professor. The recruitment process attracted over 3,200 applications for 265 faculty positions at AIIMS New Delhi and 199 positions at the AIIMS-CAPFIMS campus. The selection exercise was carried out over a period of six months. AIIMS stated that the use of blockchain-enabled digital technology ensured a secure, transparent, and efficient evaluation process. Candidate assessment scores were protected using one-time password (OTP) authentication, while final merit lists were generated through predefined algorithms, reducing manual intervention and enhancing the integrity of the recruitment process. The institute noted that adopting advanced digital technologies for faculty appointments reflects its commitment to strengthening institutional governance through innovation. The large-scale recruitment is expected to enhance patient care, medical education, research, and innovation across a broad spectrum of healthcare specialties. Source: Economic Times

AIIMS Delhi Completes Major Faculty Recruitment Drive Using Blockchain-Enabled Technology Read More »

IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN

/ Education Community

In a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between India and Indonesia, the Indian government has announced that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will set up its first international campus in Indonesia. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following bilateral discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during Modi’s official visit to the country. The proposed campus is expected to cater not only to Indonesian students but also to learners from across the ASEAN region, further enhancing India’s educational outreach in Southeast Asia. Alongside the education initiative, India and Indonesia signed several agreements aimed at deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, digital public infrastructure, startups, and innovation. Both leaders emphasised promoting technology-driven partnerships and creating greater opportunities for young innovators from both nations. The two countries also agreed to broaden cooperation in the space sector through joint research, technology exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, reinforcing their long-standing strategic partnership. The Indonesia campus marks another milestone in the global expansion of Indian management education. It follows the international debut of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, which became the first IIM to establish a full-fledged overseas campus in Dubai. Inaugurated in September 2025 at Dubai International Academic City, the campus currently offers a one-year full-time MBA programme for experienced professionals, reflecting India’s growing ambition to internationalise its higher education institutions. Source: Indian Express

IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN Read More »