EXPLAINED: 62 | Vintage Vibes

The Guardian view on humanities cuts in universities: academic departments are more than cost centres

Editorial: Literature, the arts and social sciences must not be sacrificed as higher education funding is squeezed

The Guardian - UK · Jul 20

Energy shock vs AI boom: RBI should act as and when external shocks push domestic data in a direction, not until then

Global growth faces pressure from an energy shock and a tech boom. The energy shock stems from conflict, impacting oil prices and shipping routes. Meanwhile, an AI boom supports growth, particularly in the United States. India's monetary policy must navigate these conflicting external conditions. RBI's MPC will likely adopt a…

The Economic Times · Jul 20

Don't put a toll on UPI: Why merchant discount rate isn't the answer

A proposal to introduce a merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above ₹2,000 for businesses with annual turnover of ₹1-1.5 crore aims to address the cost of maintaining the payments ecosystem. While banks and payment providers need a sustainable revenue model, the article argues that reintroducing MDR would undermine…

The Economic Times · Jul 20

Vamos España? Why this World Cup victory for Spain feels so different from the others

The success belongs to many more people around the world from Gaza to Latin America – even if the collegiate spirit of the team has yet to be mirrored in our public life, says journalist María Ramírez

The Guardian - UK · Jul 20

The trouble with Trump’s latest nominees lies in one word: integrity

As Todd Blanche, Erica Schwartz and Jay Clayton face the Senate, a fundamental disconnect becomes clear

The Guardian - US · Jul 20

Two new tortoises have hatched. Now we have seven – and it’s chaos

The males have to be separated or they attack each other. The tiny new arrivals are a constant source of anxiety. Yet, despite all this, my husband is considering adopting more, writes Emma Beddington

The Guardian - UK · Jul 20

House Democrats are finally shifting on Israel. Party leaders must listen

More than 100 Democratic lawmakers voted against arms for Israel. They’re listening to the people – their bosses are behind

The Guardian - US · Jul 20

A company in the UK offering rape testing kits faces widespread criticism – but shouldn’t we ask why it exists at all?

Sexual violence is hugely under-reported and cases rarely make it to court. These are the facts that should shock us, says Guardian columnist Zoe Williams

The Guardian - UK · Jul 20

Feel guilty after gossiping? You’re clearly not doing it right

Some social media users claim they get a horrible sinking feeling called ‘post-gossip clarity’ after dishing the dirt, writes Polly Hudson. May I suggest they try harder?

The Guardian - UK · Jul 20

Burnham will need all his political skill to manage both Labour’s factions and the public

THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: Labour having won the general election in part on a pledge to ‘end the chaos and confusion’, now it is Andy Burnham’s turn to manoeuvre through a difficult metamorphosis

The Independent UK · Jul 20