The Centre has notified the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, creating a fully digital compliance framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Existing EPF members will continue automatically, while new employees will be enrolled from the applicable date. The scheme introduces a dedicated framework for international workers, covering foreign employees in India and eligible Indians working in countries with Social Security Agreements. Employers must digitally upload employee records, UAN details and statutory returns, while employees will submit Aadhaar, PAN and bank details online. Electronic nominations, digital claim processing, automated fund transfers and e-passbooks become standard. Principal employers will share EPF compliance responsibility for contract workers, with delays attracting penalties. (PC: Times Bull)

The central government is reviewing WhatsApp's new username feature over concerns about impersonation and digital safety. Sources said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is examining the feature and may issue a notice if needed. WhatsApp's new option lets users connect without sharing their phone numbers. The company said the feature is designed to improve privacy and will roll out in phases. Users can reserve usernames before the official launch. WhatsApp said there will be no public username directory, and people must know a user's exact username to start a chat.

State-run oil marketing companies have retained the prices of domestic 14.2-kg LPG cylinders across major Indian cities from July 1, with no change for household consumers despite the monthly revision. However, commercial users received significant relief as the price of 19-kg LPG cylinders was reduced by ₹183.50, marking the first cut in 2026 following easing tensions in West Asia and softer global energy prices. The revised commercial rates benefit restaurants, hotels and other businesses, while domestic cooking gas prices remain stable. Consumers can check city-wise LPG rates through official oil company websites, as prices vary depending on local taxes and transportation costs. The new rates took effect immediately. (PC: Money Control)

Nayara Energy, India’s largest private fuel retailer, has reduced petrol prices by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹3 per litre across its network of over 7,000 fuel stations, following a decline in global crude oil prices as tensions in West Asia eased. The revised rates came into effect on Wednesday, marking the first retail fuel price cut by any company in more than two years. Nayara had earlier raised petrol by ₹5.30 and diesel by ₹3 during the US-Iran conflict amid supply concerns. State-run Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL have not revised prices. Pump rates may vary by state due to VAT. Nayara operates a 20-million-tonne refinery at Vadinar, Gujarat. (PC: X)

Eight people were killed and 22 others injured after a passenger bus rammed into a truck and caught fire on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Dausa district early Wednesday. The bus, carrying around 37 passengers, was travelling from Rishikesh to Indore when the accident occurred at around 3:30 am. The impact triggered a massive blaze, trapping several passengers inside the vehicle. Police, fire brigade personnel and rescue teams rushed to the scene, launched relief operations and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash while rescue and recovery operations were completed at the accident site.

Eleven-year-old Vihan Shrivastav was killed after a tree collapsed onto his school bus in Mumbai's Chembur on Tuesday while students were returning home from Universal School. Four other children sustained minor injuries and remain in stable condition, hospital authorities said. Neighbours described Vihan as a bright child who dreamed of becoming a professional cricketer and often sought cricket lessons from friends. Hours after the tragedy, his mother, Juhi, was seen holding his cricket bat, unable to accept his death and repeatedly saying he had to go play cricket. The bus carried 13 children, all rescued by the conductor and passersby before emergency responders reached the scene. (PC: X)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned that the country's economy remains vulnerable to energy price shocks and supply-chain disruptions due to its heavy dependence on imported oil amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. In its latest Financial Stability Report, the RBI said India's financial system remains resilient, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, healthy capital buffers and low non-performing assets. However, geopolitical uncertainty has pressured the rupee through weaker capital inflows and higher import-related hedging demand, while rising energy prices have weighed on government bond yields. The central bank noted that easing regional tensions have reduced immediate market stress but cautioned that fresh geopolitical shocks could again unsettle financial markets. (PC: Passionate in Marketing)

An 11-year-old student was killed and 10 others injured after a large roadside tree collapsed onto a school bus in Mumbai's Chembur on Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred on Road No. 11 while 13 children were travelling in the vehicle, triggering a major rescue operation. Injured students were rushed to a nearby hospital, while emergency teams worked to free those trapped inside the damaged bus. Residents alleged they had repeatedly warned the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) about dangerous trees in the locality, claiming similar incidents had occurred earlier without action. The tragedy comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rain and thunderstorms across Mumbai.

Around 100 auto-rickshaws in New Delhi are displaying posters of US President Donald Trump and the Statue of Liberty as part of a campaign marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The campaign was launched by the US Embassy in India. "Freedom is on the move... literally!" the embassy said while announcing the initiative. Many drivers said they accepted the posters for practical reasons, such as receiving a packet of tea or covering damaged vehicle roofs. The campaign comes as the United States works to improve ties with India following trade tensions over tariffs. (PC: AFP/Getty)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is evaluating answer sheets for the Re-NEET 2026 exam. More than 10,000 objections to the provisional answer key are being reviewed by experts before the final result is announced. The re-exam was held on June 21 for over 20 lakh candidates after the original test was cancelled over a paper leak. "Results would also be processed faster than one would expect," NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said. The agency said special arrangements were made to help candidates with disabilities and medical conditions appear for the examination. (PC: TN Innovations)