27 C 
LIC weighing plans to invest in health insurance, fintech: R Doraiswamy, MD, LIC
LIC said the governments 31,552-crore offer for sale reflects investor confidence and helped achieve 10% public shareholding. The insurer will focus on growth, margins and distribution, while the government must raise public shareholding to 25% by 2032.
Government explores incentives for polysilicon manufacturing to boost solar energy production
The government is exploring a new incentive scheme for polysilicon manufacturing. This initiative aims to bolster domestic production capabilities within the sector. Currently, a production-linked incentive scheme supports solar module manufacturing. That program covers modules, cells, ingot-wafers, and polysilicon production. This new exploration follows earlier discussions on supporting polysilicon manufacturing.
Delhi HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100% purity' claims
While issuing notice to the government and Fssai, Justice Amit Mahajan said Dabur has made out a prima facie case for grant of stay of Monday's ban order, as such sudden restrictions could not have been imposed without issuing a show-cause notice or hearing the company.
High on India growth, Diageo gives region 'Standalone' tag
Diageo is taking a bold step by designating India as a distinct operational region, separating it from the Asia-Pacific hub. This strategic choice is driven by the projected growth in India's spirits market. In tandem, the company is revamping its packaging network for Indian spirits, which is set to yield significant and recurring cost savings.
The sector's rising cash burn, coupled with the relatively limited size of the addressable market, is beginning to concern investors tracking the space. The category is economically viable primarily in urban catchments, where high order density supports efficient fulfilment and worker utilisation. Expanding into lower-density neighbourhoods is significantly more challenging, another industry executive said.
Renewable energy bid discovers record low tariff of 5.25 per unit in SECI tender
A competitive tariff of 5.25 per unit was discovered for round-the-clock renewable energy. This price emerged from a tender by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. The discovered tariff aims to compare with firm power sources like thermal and nuclear. Renewable energy must be supplied reliably on a round-the-clock basis. This development highlights the growing competitiveness of renewable energy sources.
Pay wall: On a charge on UPI transactions
Removing UPIs free nature will not only be unpopular but also unfair
Prudent approach: On the RBIs interest rate-setting committee meeting
The RBI did well to hold interest rates, but inflationary pressures remain
AWL Agri business penalised for substandard O=oil
FSSAI has secured an order against AWL Agri Business for substandard fortified sunflower oil. Laboratory tests found the product failed to meet prescribed vitamin fortification standards. A penalty was imposed after tests revealed vitamin levels were below prescribed standards. This rendered the product substandard under the Food Safety and Standards Act. FSSAI did not disclose the specific penalty amount imposed.
NBFC credit surges 14.4% to 59.3 lakh crore in June, retail loans lead growth: RBI data
Non-banking finance company credit grew 14.4 percent year-on-year in June. Retail loans saw the fastest expansion, increasing by 20.3 percent. Housing and vehicle loans, and gold jewellery loans showed robust growth. Credit to industry expanded by 6.7 percent, while services sector credit grew 17.6 percent. Agriculture and allied activities credit increased significantly by 17.9 percent.
Quote of the day by Christopher Walken says, At its best, life is completely unpredictable. The line looks at uncertainty as part of life. It suggests that people cannot plan every event or outcome. The quote encourages people to accept change, remain open to unexpected experiences, value the present and adjust when plans change.
Shakespeare's timeless insight sheds light on how fragile reputation is in today's world. Public opinion can easily elevate or tarnish an individual's status without justice. This guidance advocates for a commitment to integrity and sincerity in daily life. Authentic self-worth and character are not dictated by others' views, urging us to cherish genuine growth over transient applause.
Shah Rukh Khan has been to many restaurants but only considers one to be a temple: When I came here
Vikas Khanna has become a true-blue sensation in the world of cuisine today. His restaurant, Bungalow, which is located in NYC, is one of the most thriving eateries in the US. However, one heartfelt compliment from superstar Shah Rukh Khan has remained with him over the past few years.
Minister Deepak Prakash can remain minister after MLC nomination, Bihar government informs SC
Bihar government informed the Supreme Court about minister Deepak Prakash's MLC nomination. He has now taken his oath as a Member of the Legislative Council. This development addresses the plea seeking his removal from the ministerial post. The court was informed that Prakash is no longer barred from continuing as minister. His nomination ensures he meets the constitutional requirement for holding the position.
Popular TikTok star Sydney Towle lost the battle to cancer at the age of 26. Taking to X, an oncologist explained what makes bile-duct cancer the particular cancer that claimed her life so dangerous.
IHCL's Ginger targets Rs 3,000 crore enterprise revenue by 2030
Ginger is set to exceed 1,000 crore in enterprise revenue in FY27 from 814 crore the year ago. As of July 31, Ginger had a portfolio of 260 hotels, including 165 operational properties and 95 in the pipeline. Ginger's operational footprint spans more than 110 locations across the country. Enterprise revenue for Ginger stood at 301 crore in the first quarter of FY27.
Evergreen diva Marilyn Monroe was celebrated not just for her ethereal beauty but also for her perfect hourglass figure. In an interview, the superstar stated that she did not follow any strict diet or heavy workout regimen for her perfect ten-body.
Godrej Consumer margins hit hard by oil prices
Godrej Consumer Products said surging LPG, kerosene and LABSA costs hit its India margins in the June quarter despite healthy volumes. Consolidated revenue rose 18.3% and profit 11.5%, while the company expects commodity pressures to ease in the second half.
Oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismisses concerns about fuel adulteration
Hardeep Singh Puri addressed the issue of fuel adulteration, asserting that concerns over it are baseless. A nationwide investigation uncovered only four instances at various petrol stations. He emphasized that oil marketing firms implement strict testing protocols. Analysis results indicate that chloride levels remain safe and do not support allegations of excessive chloride presence.
Britannia sees demand rise, but sugar and palm oil costs bite
Britannia Industries said consumer demand strengthened in the June quarter, helping revenue rise 9.5% and profit nearly 14% year-on-year. However, rising sugar, palm oil and fuel costs are pressuring margins, prompting the company to consider further pricing measures.
Handloom's Fashion Reset: Next fillip for Indias handmade textiles must come from the young
Younger Indians are showing renewed interest in handloom textiles and their heritage. Social media and indie labels are making handloom fabrics fashionable and sustainable. Designers are creatively reinterpreting traditional handloom patterns for modern clothing. This shift brings new understanding and respect for weavers' skills and livelihoods. The future of Indian handloom will be shaped by this younger generation's engagement.
CBIC directs CGST zones to track illegal mining, curb tax evasion
Central tax authorities are taking proactive measures by partnering with state mining departments to address the issue of illegal mineral extraction and transportation. This collaboration will involve setting up a comprehensive information-sharing system across all CGST areas. This directive is a result of a CAG report identifying critical gaps in intelligence sharing, with the goal of significantly reducing tax evasion in the mining sector.
Telangana: Handloom Sector Key To Economy: Kishan Reddy
The minister said the textile sector was among the largest employment generating industries after agriculture, providing jobs to nearly five crore people across the country: Reports
IP protection, FTA utilisation, contractual safeguards integration key for Indian exporters: Report
Indian exporters need to integrate intellectual property protection with FTAs, customs, compliance, contracts and supply chains before entering overseas markets, a TPCI-RNA Technology report said, as IP increasingly influences market access, business valuation, partnerships and global competitiveness.
Can a 15,000 monthly SIP build a 5 crore corpus in 30 years? Heres the maths
Investing 15,000 every month for 30 years, assuming an average annual return of 12%, can potentially build a corpus of around 5.29 crore.
PhonePe launches fixed deposit (FD) distribution allowing customers to compare and book high-yield fixed deposits with partner banks and NBFCs online. Here's a stepwise guide on how to book deposits using the app
Would your family know where your money is? Why every investor needs a financial inventory
A Will and nominees alone may not be enough to help your family access your assets. Estate planning experts explain why every investor should maintain a financial inventory, what it should include, and how it can save loved ones time, confusion and legal hassles.
Telangana HC Warns Freebie Culture Could Weaken Economy
Court urges targeted welfare, flags rising burden of indiscriminate government sops
U.S. accounts for 67% of Indias LPG imports, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri
Before the conflict broke out in West Asia, India imported about 60% of its LPG requirement of which 90% transited through the Strait of Hormuz.
Food fraud costs UK economy up to
Food fraud is costing the UK economy up to
Travis Head wins second straight Allan Border Medal, joins elite list
Travis Head secured his second consecutive Allan Border Medal award. He narrowly defeated close friend Alex Carey by a single vote. Mitchell Starc received the Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award. Mitchell Marsh was named ODI Player of the Year. Tim David earned the T20I award for his performances.
India identified 27 places, features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names on official map
India has formally identified twenty-seven places in Arunachal Pradesh on its official map. This action aims to ensure accurate recognition and public awareness of these locations. China has repeatedly renamed places in Arunachal Pradesh, which India rejects. India asserts Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the nation. These efforts aim to counter China's attempts to create baseless narratives.
FAA orders crack inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets
The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated that inspections be carried out on numerous Boeing 737 Max aircraft due to potential cracks detected in older models. This concern has been known since Boeing flagged the issue and collaborated with operators over the last six years. In response, inspections for Max jets will now be enforced by the FAA, highlighting ongoing safety and quality challenges Boeing has encountered.
Akasa Air, AI Express say their B737 planes are not impacted by FAA directive
Indian airlines Akasa Air and Air India Express confirmed their Boeing 737 fleets are not impacted by a recent FAA directive. This directive mandates inspections for potential fuselage cracks on certain Boeing 737 aircraft models. Akasa Air stated its young fleet will not reach inspection thresholds for many years. Air India Express also confirmed its approximately eighty Boeing 737 planes are unaffected by the order.
An insightful Native American saying conveys that life is like a river, moving forward and never returning to its origin. It teaches us to appreciate our roots while embracing transformation and progress. Our journey is marked by lessons learned and choices made in the present. This proverb echoes the truth that every great success is initiated by taking a single, purposeful step into the future.
Brazilian proverb of the day highlights the saying, Between the beginning and the end there is always a middle. The proverb explains that every journey has stages and that growth happens during the middle phase. It teaches patience, presence, resilience, hard work and steady progress. The saying reminds people to value daily efforts instead of thinking only about the starting point or the final result.
White House adviser declines to link Russia sanctions bill with India trade talks
A proposed US sanctions bill targeting Russian oil buyers could affect trade talks with India. White House officials stated negotiators will decide any impact on ongoing discussions. Senators are advancing legislation that could impose tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. This measure aims to curb revenues supporting Russia's military actions in Ukraine. India and the US continue trade negotiations despite evolving tariff structures.
Code Name Silver: The Indian spy who played 5 sides in World War II
Known by the British codename Silver, Talwar operated across German, Italian, Soviet, British and Japanese intelligence networks while maintaining links to Indias freedom movement. His shifting loyalties, including his work for British intelligence under Peter Fleming, have made his legacy controversial.
Bengaluru bachelor reveals he spent Rs 12 lakh in 2 years on living expenses
A Bengaluru resident spent approximately twelve lakh rupees over two years. His monthly expenses as a bachelor in the city reached nearly fifty thousand rupees. Rent constituted a significant portion of his monthly budget, amounting to twenty-eight thousand rupees. Food and daily expenses added another twenty-two thousand rupees to his monthly outgoings. This highlights the substantial cost of living for individuals in India's technology hub.
Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador, underscores the robust trust and teamwork that characterize US-India relations. With American businesses pursuing investments in India, bilateral trade has surged to over $240 billion. Additionally, India's military collaboration with the US is unmatched globally, while a remarkable 40% of the generic drugs consumed in the US are sourced from Indian manufacturers.
Indias supply-side potential strengthened amid repeated global shocks: CEA Nageswaran
CEA Anantha Nageswaran cautions next 20 years will be more challenging
Lok Sabha approves MSME Bill to speed up payments, improve ease of business
The Lok Sabha passed the legislation without a debate amid continued protests by Opposition members over various issues
OMCs began rigorous testing for E20 fuel contamination at pumps from Mid-July: Oil Minister
The Minister reveals that only 4 cases of contamination of E20 fuel was found
Claims of 500 ppm chloride and presence of moisture in E20 fuel not validated: PSU OMCs
A dedicated task force having members of the three OMCs and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) checked ethanol samples from 80 distilleries across India in the last 10 days
Pension funds collect and invest money contributed by employees and employers to build a large financial pool with an endeavour to pay regular income streams to workers after they retire.
Assam CM inaugurates digital survey training prog for flood assessment
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a new digital survey training program aimed at accurately assessing flood damage across four districts. Starting on August ninth, trained surveyors will carry out digital evaluations, with a comprehensive two-stage verification process ensuring reliable data by September tenth. This initiative lays the groundwork for structured rehabilitation efforts following the assessment.
IndiGo positions international expansion as next growth engine after consolidating domestic market
Long-haul aircraft, MRO investments and digital capabilities to support airlines global ambitions
TruAlt Bioenergy Q1 net zooms to 59.27 crore on higher revenues
The company reported a PAT of 59.27 crore for Q1FY27 over same period last years 4.73 crore; revenues for the quarter were up 96% at 641.41 crore against corresponding last quarters 326.63 crore
Indian govt asks sugar dealers to hold maximum 400 tonnes stock till Nov
Centre mandates traders to liquidate excess stock by August 1 from when the order will come into force
Tommy Detamore dies suddenly at 70, wife pays heartfelt tribute
Country music mourns Tommy Detamore, a respected pedal steel guitarist and producer. His wife confirmed his passing at the age of seventy on Wednesday, August 5. Detamore shaped country music's sound for over four decades with his collaborations. He worked with legendary and contemporary artists, influencing new generations. His legacy will continue through the music and recordings he helped create.
Groundnut acreage up 9% as farmers in UP, MP expand area
Area in Gujarat, the largest producer, trails by over 3 per cent; widespread rains, favourable prices support area expansion
Indias oilseeds acreage rises 3% on good rains, may attain Centres coverage target
According to official sources, the area until Friday under groundnut was 46.82 lh, up by 8.6%, that of soyabean was 119.92 lh, up by 0.2% and sesamum at 9.96 lh, up by 16.9%
PFRDA approves 4 new pension funds to join NPA system
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has approved four new pension funds. This expansion brings the total number of available pension funds to fourteen. Subscribers to the National Pension Scheme can now choose from these additional investment options. The authority aims to significantly increase non-government NPS subscribers over the next five years.
Psychology says sharing embarrassing stories often builds trust faster than sharing achievements
Reaching a major goal can bring a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, but that feeling is often short-lived. Steady progress, on the other hand, creates ongoing opportunities to build confidence, maintain motivation, and cultivate hope. By acknowledging and celebrating small wins along the way, we can lift our mood, reinforce positive habits, and stay inspired to pursue our bigger goals.
Indias cotton area expands as monsoon gathers pace, coverage tops 100 lakh hectares
Cotton sowing is taking place in about 50,000 hectares every day, Atul Ganatra said, adding that in Andhra the area has increased by 31% and by 4% in Telangana
Outgoing Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff supports India's permanent UNSC membership bid. He emphasized defense manufacturing and innovation as key partnership pillars. Swedish companies are increasing manufacturing facilities in India under Make in India. The bilateral relationship has evolved significantly over recent decades. Both nations advocate for a rules-based world order and diplomacy.
US appeals court blocks Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project
A federal appeals court has ordered the Trump administration to stop White House ballroom construction. The court upheld a preliminary injunction against the $400 million project. This ruling tests the presidential authority of Donald Trump. The administration must now seek congressional authorization for the ballroom. The court placed its ruling on hold for fourteen days.
Donald Trump's attorney general pick clears key hurdle as GOP senator backs Blanche
Senator Bill Cassidy will support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. This decision likely ensures Blanche's confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Opposition from two other Republicans had previously cast doubt on the nomination. Concerns centered on a settlement involving tax audit immunity and a proposed fund. Cassidy stated his vote was a specific decision regarding Mr. Blanche.
India has amended foreign direct investment regulations to boost e-commerce trade. These changes will help small businesses, artisans, farmers, and fishermen access wider markets. BRICS ministers discussed enhancing trade, investment, and industrial cooperation among member nations. Discussions also focused on creating jobs through emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. India aims to leverage e-commerce for connecting small-scale products with vast global markets.
Delhi HC issues notice to Govt on ISMAs petition on artificial sugar use
ISMA seeks stricter labelling, warnings, and India-specific studies on artificial sweeteners health risks
Oil companies reject E20 fuel contamination claims, say nationwide tests found no quality issues
State-run oil companies have dismissed concerns regarding E20 petrol quality. Extensive nationwide testing found no evidence of excessive moisture or chloride contamination. Fuel quality consistently remained within prescribed standards across the entire supply chain. Isolated instances of elevated chloride levels were immediately addressed and rectified. Consumers can confidently use E20 petrol, which meets all quality specifications.
Psychology says making progress, even small progress, can improve mood more than reaching a goal
Psychology says us that happiness is not reserved only for life's biggest achievements. Our minds are remarkably responsive to movement, growth and evidence that today's efforts are making tomorrow possible.
IndiGo added 330 pilots in FY 26
IndiGos pilot numbers were a topic of regulatory scrutiny following massive disruption of its flights last December.
Spain threatens retaliation on Italy if border controls not lifted
Spain has threatened reciprocal measures against Italy over border controls. Rome imposed these checks after a migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spain called Italy's decision unjustified and discriminatory against its population. Italy justified its move to prevent migrants from reaching its territory. The dispute highlights differing migration policies between the two EU allies.
An anonymous Meta employee has gone viral after revealing that fears of future layoffs have made her postpone having children. In a candid post on Blind, she said the lack of job security, shifting company priorities and uncertainty about returning from maternity leave have left her unwilling to start a family. The post sparked a wider online debate about how instability in the tech industry is influencing major life decisions, including marriage and parenthood.
RBI rejects Religare's proposal for demerger
Religare Enterprises' demerger plan has been rejected by the Reserve Bank of India. The company received official communication regarding the rejection on August 6, 2026. Religare Finvest Ltd also received a similar communication from the regulator. However, stock exchanges have provided their no objection and observation letters. The company will engage with the regulator for further clarifications.
Paradeep Phosphates Q1 net up 24% at 393 cr on higher sales
Board approves Rs 250-cr investment in aluminium flouride plant at Paradeep
Rekha has been synonymous with grace and sensuality for decades. However, there was a time when she underwent much trolling and hostility for being overweight and not conforming to the prevalent beauty standards. In an old interview, Rekha revealed some unconventional diets she followed to lose weight.
RBI proposes leverage ratio buffer for G-SIB branches
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new leverage ratio requirements for banks. Globally systemic important banks will face a minimum 3.5% ratio plus a buffer. Domestic systemically important banks will continue with their 4% ratio mandate. Other commercial banks will maintain the existing 3.5% leverage ratio. These proposals align with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's framework.
El Nino strengthens, eyes strongest levels since 1950, says Australian Met body
Positive IOD looms as record ocean warmth reshapes global weather patterns
Ahmedabad Air India crash probe: AAIB to submit draft final report to Supreme Court in October
The Centre informed the apex court that the draft final report into the June 2025 Air India Ahmedabad crash will be submitted in a sealed cover in the first week of October.
Indias import dependence continues to be shaped by economic growth, manufacturing base: Govt to Parl
India imported goods worth $131.63 billion from China in FY26, accounting for nearly 17% of total merchandise imports, the government told Rajya Sabha. It said Chinese imports include critical minerals, intermediate goods, capital equipment and technologies required by sectors such as clean energy, electronics, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.
GMR Aero Technic signs pact with Honeywell Aerospace for MRO Services
Under this agreement, GMR Aero Technic will undertake comprehensive MRO services for seven Honeywell aerospace LRUs installed on LEAP engines powering Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Merchant discount rate on UPI transactions: What is MDR, will customers have to pay, who bears operating costs, who invests in infrastructure, why are discussions happening now? Check top FAQs answered
BLS International reports revenues of Rs 891 cr for Q1FY27, PAT at Rs 202 cr
BLS International reported a 25% year-on-year rise in Q1 revenue to Rs 891 crore, while net profit increased 11.4% to Rs 202 crore. EBITDA grew 23.6% to Rs 252 crore. Visa and consular services revenue rose 21.6%, while digital services recorded 32.2% growth. The company processed 11.3 lakh visa applications during the quarter, with net revenue per application increasing 11.2% to Rs 3,521.
India's tobacco exports jump 166% in value over past decade to 17,192.04 crore
Commerce Ministry says improved agricultural practices, transparent e-auctions and welfare schemes have boosted farmer incomes alongside record export growth.
Loans against FCNR B deposits exempt from priority sector
The Reserve Bank of India has announced an exemption for loans against specific foreign currency deposits, particularly fresh FCNR(B) and NRE term deposits. This strategic shift ensures these loans will not factor into the mandatory priority sector lending requirements. Such measures have notably enhanced foreign exchange inflows. Additionally, there is a special facility available for banks to swap these deposits with the RBI.
Air India turnaround could take up to a decade: N Chandrasekaran
The comment comes as the country's second largest airline grapples with air space closures, higher fuel costs from the conflict in West Asia, and the fallout from a deadly plane crash last year
Keralam jewellers seek review of gold, silver import duty structure
Government data presented in Parliament indicate a sharp rise in gold and silver smuggling following the increase in import duty on the precious metals from 6% to 15%
Keralam deploys ANNAM.AI smart weather stations for climate-smart farming
The initiative is aimed at improving farmers access to reliable weather information, enabling better planning, reducing input costs and promoting informed farming practices
NBFC gold jewellery loans jump 69 pc in June, fastest across segments: RBI data
Non-Banking Financial Company gold loans surged significantly by June 2026. Retail credit remained the primary driver for NBFC lending growth. Housing and vehicle loans also showed robust expansion during this period. Agriculture credit accelerated sharply, while industrial sector growth slowed down. Services sector lending moderated as trade and transport operators expanded credit slower.
Tata Play brings back 'Life Jingalala' in folk-inspired campaign marking 20 years
Conceptualised by Ogilvy and crafted by music duo Maati Baani, the campaign brings together folk musicians and regional artists to reinterpret the brand's signature line, Isko laga dala toh life jingalala, in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bangla, Awadhi and Gujarati.
SBI Chairman Setty rules out asset quality stress in Q1, says seasonality distorts sequential NPAs
State Bank of India reported a strong first quarter with net profit rising over ten percent. Gross advances surpassed fifty lakh crore rupees, marking significant growth for the bank. Asset quality indicators showed marked improvement year-on-year, with GNPA declining. The bank maintained its full-year credit growth guidance at fourteen to fifteen percent. SBI is deploying Responsible AI Policy to enhance cybersecurity and operational efficiency.
CMFRI develops digital tools for awareness on protected sharks
The app will benefit fishermen, fisheries officials, wildlife enforcement officers, researchers, students, and the general public, offering information on accurate identification of protected sharks and rays
India rejects US lawmakers criticism of proposed FCRA Bill amendments
MEA says legislation is Parliaments prerogative, notes that countries including the US also regulate foreign funding
India sees record EV retail sales in July
Total registrations neared 3.28 lakh units, jumping over 66% from the year-ago levels, according to FADA
Akasa Air to ramp up operations with aircraft addition, loyalty programme
Akasa Air said its loyalty programme will enable members to earn points on flights and ancillary products
Air India to soon start inbound Hub and Spoke flights to Amritsar
The initiative aims to streamline the travel experience for international passengers, allowing them to finalize immigration and baggage processes in Amritsar, enhancing Indias role as a global transit hub.
Government plans 44 airports for Hub and Spoke flights to boost global connectivity
Air India on Tuesday launched flights under the Hub and Spoke model from Amritsar, the second airport after Varanasi from where such fights have been started
US, India expanding cooperation in defence, civil nuclear sector: Senior US official
Last year, India and the US signed a framework for a major defence partnership to strengthen interoperability across all domains, including land, sea, air, space and cyberspace
