29 C 
Left AAP as I wasn't being heard, don't care about labels: Harbhajan
Harbhajan Singh explained his move from AAP to BJP citing unaddressed concerns within his former party. He felt his ideas for sports promotion were not heard by the Aam Aadmi Party leadership. Protests occurred at his home after he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party this April. Singh questioned AAP's unfulfilled promises regarding Punjab's significant drug abuse problem. He emphasised his commitment to India and Punjab's welfare above political discourse.
Tata Chairman Chandrasekaran's exit fuels concerns over power of controlling charity
N Chandrasekaran's resignation as chairman of Tata Sons highlights rising tensions with the controlling Tata Trusts, which owns 66% of the holding company. This shake-up raises alarms over potential instability within the conglomerate. Investors express unease regarding the group's capacity to pursue independent goals, especially as it navigates losses in aviation and e-commerce while striving to launch global products.
An Indiana Tim Hortons employee will not face criminal charges after a fight with a 75-year-old customer who later died. Prosecutors explained why the workers injuries, including facial scratches, bruising and hair pulled from her scalp, played a key role in the decision. The employee's use of force during the altercation at Tim Hortons was justified as 'defense', the prosecutors said.
Whats a black hole star? Astronomers spot a strange red object bigger than our entire solar system
Black Hole Star Discovery: Astronomers using Nasas James Webb Space Telescope may have discovered a new type of cosmic object called a black hole star. The strange red object, known as MoM-BH*-1, appears to combine features of stars and black holes and could offer new clues about how galaxies and supermassive black holes formed in the early universe.
As India grows, so does its appetite for credit. But who is being left out?
Borrowing has evolved into a strategic financial decision in India, driven by strong credit growth and the rise of digital lending. This shift is transforming lending practices, making credit more accessible across demographics and regions, though significant untapped potential remains.
An X user recently shared how he deftly turned the tables on an HR who tried to punish him by cutting off his bonus for using his personal phone during office hours
The port expects the Shaheen Express service to remain suspended through FY27, but a new Maersk service and transshipment opportunities could cushion the impact.
Christopher Nolans The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson, hit theatres on July 17. While its official OTT release date remains unconfirmed, reports suggest it could arrive on JioHotstar in India. A PVOD release may come in the last week of August, though Nolans Oppenheimer took around four months to reach streaming platforms after its theatrical run.
The minimum EPS-95 pension remains 1,000 per month, with pensioners demanding an increase to 7,500. The governments latest Lok Sabha response on 10 August did not announce a hike and cited pension fund sustainability and future liabilities.
India's trade deficit widens to six-month high of $31.98 billion in July
India's trade deficit widened to a six-month high in July as goods imports surged 17.5 per cent to $76.22 billion, while merchandise exports rose 19.6 per cent to $44.24 billion
Centre seeks more US LPG to cut reliance on West Asia, aid trade deal
Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL are negotiating US term contracts as India seeks to diversify LPG supplies and narrow its trade surplus with Washington
Air India makes psychoactive substance testing mandatory for pilots after Phuket incident
Air India now mandates psychoactive substance testing for all pilots. This new internal measure enhances safety protocols beyond DGCA requirements. Previously, the airline followed DGCA rules for random testing of personnel. The Phuket incident prompted Air India to tighten its internal safety checks.
Aditya Birla Real Estate reports consolidated net loss of Rs 38.55 crore in the June 2026 quarter
Sales rise 30.40% to Rs 188.05 crore
Fourth rail line approved through strategic 'Chicken's Neck' corridor: Official
A fourth railway line has been approved for the strategically important Chicken's Neck corridor. This crucial link connects the Northeast with the rest of India. Infrastructure initiatives include a nearly 29-km double-line underground project near Bagdogra. New local train services are planned from Jogbani, Radhikapur and Balurghat soon.
The government has warned Air India to take responsibility for safety after the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight scare and ordered DGCA to tighten aviation personnels drug-testing rules. The regulator has been asked to expand mandatory testing and impose tougher penalties for genuine drug violations while allowing more chances in medicine-related positive tests.
JioStar banks on Premier League fandom with Humara Long Distance Love campaign
JioStar launches a new campaign celebrating Indian Premier League football fans. The campaign features Tiger Shroff and cricketers Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag. It highlights the passion and loyalty of fans supporting their favorite clubs. The 2026/27 Premier League season begins August 22 and runs until May 30.
India Inc shows earnings resilience in June quarter, aggregate revenues grow 22%: ICRA
Excluding oil and gas, operating margins remained stable at 19% and net profits grew more than 20% year-on-year, the rating agency said.
Indias July trade deficit widens to $31.98 bn from $30.43 bn in June
Indias merchandise trade deficit widened to $31.98 billion in July from $30.43 billion in June, exceeding economists estimate of $30.20 billion, according to a Reuters poll. Merchandise exports rose to $44.24 billion from $40.41 billion in June, but imports increased more sharply to $76.22 billion from $70.84 billion.
ITA backs 11 Indian projects; to advance over $18 billion in clean industry investment
The selected projects, led by companies including Jindal Steel, JSW Steel, ACME Group, Yamna, Circular Urban Energy (CUE) and ReNew
Henry Fords quote, Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice, highlights the happiness that comes from hard work and self-reliance. The saying suggests that effort brings a double reward: the practical result and the satisfaction of achieving it yourself. Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, transformed the automobile industry with the Model T, making cars accessible to middle-class Americans.
Do NRIs have to pay tax on interest earned in NRE, FCNR and NRO accounts? Know the rules
An NRI having NRE, NRO and FCNR accounts may have to pay tax on interest income. Here's when it applies and when it is exempt from tax as per income tax rules.
Indias gem and jewellery exports rise 0.38% to $2.35 billion in July
Indias gem and jewellery exports remained nearly flat in July 2026, rising 0.38% year-on-year in dollar terms to $2.35 billion, while rupee-denominated exports increased 11.68% to Rs 22,511.64 crore, according to GJEPC data. Gold jewellery drove growth, with exports rising 8.73%, while studded gold jewellery jumped 21.36%.
UK economy grows between April and June but experts warn of challenges in coming months
The UK economy grew by 0.4% with some firms reporting hot weather and sports helped growth in June.
China to keep imposing anti-dumping duties on Indian single-mode optical fibre imports
China will continue anti-dumping duties on Indian optical fibre for five years. This decision follows a review which concluded dumping could harm China's industry. Existing tax rates will remain unchanged for various Indian exporters. Duties were first imposed in August 2014 and extended previously. The measures will remain in effect starting this Friday.
Jennifer Anistons Japanese-inspired garden offers budget-friendly ideas for creating a calm outdoor space. Beginners can recreate the aesthetic with layered greenery, natural stones, bamboo, simple pathways and a small water feature instead of expensive landscaping. Keeping colours restrained and leaving open spaces can make even small gardens feel peaceful. Rather than copying Anistons entire garden, choose one focal area and adapt its Japanese-inspired elements to your space and budget.
China extends anti-dumping duties on Indian optical fibre for 5 years
The tax rates will remain unchanged from previous rulings, ranging between 7.4 per cent and 30.6 per cent across different Indian exporters
ITA backs 11 Indian projects; to advance over $18 bn in clean industry investment
Eleven Indian clean industrial projects will receive tailored support from the Industrial Transition Accelerator. These initiatives represent over eighteen billion dollars in potential investment and significant carbon abatement. Companies like Jindal Steel and JSW Steel are developing carbon capture technologies. ACME Group and ReNew are advancing green ammonia and methanol production facilities. Circular Urban Energy will produce sustainable aviation fuel from waste materials.
Filed your ITR before July 31? Here are 3 reasons the Income Tax Department may still send a notice
Filing your ITR before the 31 July deadline does not guarantee that you will not receive an income tax notice later. Mismatch in AIS/Form 26AS, incorrect tax claims and errors in the return can still trigger a communication from the Income Tax Department.
Motilal Oswal commits Rs 1,500 crore to Inox Clean in hybrid private credit deal
Motilal Oswal Group has committed Rs 1,500 crore to Inox Clean Energy Ltd through compulsorily convertible debentures to fund acquisitions and growth. The initial Rs 1,000 crore has been deployed, with the remaining Rs 500 crore expected soon. This hybrid capital investment aims for an equity conversion upon Inox Clean's potential IPO within 12-24 months, offering downside protection and equity upside.
Ankur Warikoo recalled flying to the US in 2002 with a Rs 55,000 loan taken by his father, hoping to become a space scientist and join NASA. He later realised he was good at his chosen path but did not love it and dropped out. Twenty years later, Michigan State invited him back as an alumni speaker. Warikoo said he succeeded because he never gave up on himself.
Indian economy remains on a resilient footing, industrial activity firming up
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) stated in a monthly update that most recent data for 2Q26 suggests that the Indian economy remains on a resilient footing overall. Consumption indicators held up, unemployment was broadly stable, industrial production growth remained firm and non-food credit growth strengthened further, while the services sector continued to provide steady momentum. Renewed geopolitical tensions have nonetheless revived external downside risks via the energy import bill and the currency. The rupee has been among the weaker major emerging-market currencies, weakening to record lows against the dollar as higher energy costs weighed on the external balance. Inflation risks have risen accordingly, while a weak monsoon and second-round cost pressures point to rising food and core inflation, although the retreat in precious-metals prices has provided a partial offset.
Indias e-bus operators face higher funding needs as government subsidies decline
The financing challenge comes as falling battery costs and lower operating expenses improve the long-term economics of electric buses
In an interview, Anderson Taylor, the worlds youngest museum curator, explained how he discovered his passion for fossils at the tender age of three and how he eventually established a museum at the age of 9. He now is the curator of the Cambridge Natural History Museum in Illinois.
Smaller FMCG brands struggle to expand consumer reach
Indias FMCG market is becoming more difficult for smaller brands, with only 56% of low-penetration brands growing their consumer reach in 2025, compared with 83% of highly penetrated and 78% of mid-sized brands. Overall FMCG consumer choices rose 5.1% to 129 billion, while brands such as Balaji, Rin, Sunrise and Exo gained ground.
Harrison Fords Arizona State University commencement speech offered a powerful lesson on living without regrets. The Star Wars actor urged graduates to use their talents, find their voice, recognise opportunities and make every moment count. His thought-provoking question, What could be worse than getting to the end of your life and realizing that you haven't fully lived it?, encouraged students to stop waiting, embrace their potential and live life fully.
How sustainable is Indias E20 push? | Explained
In August, the government told the Lok Sabha that the ethanol blending programme had helped save around 2 lakh crore in foreign exchange. However, Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, have launched campaigns against E20, saying it harms vehicles and that the government is forcing it on people
L&T secures mega order to build Indias largest NVIDIA B300 AI Factory
Larsen & Toubro will build India's largest single-cluster artificial intelligence infrastructure facility. This project marks the company's entry into the AI Factory business. The facility will house ten thousand NVIDIA B300 GPUs for AI workloads. It will combine hyperscale data center infrastructure and accelerated computing capabilities.
Paperboard makers seek immediate anti-dumping duty on Indonesian imports
The paperboard makers said Indias virgin paperboard industry suffered estimated losses of 242 crore in FY25 due to indiscriminate dumping by Indonesian manufacturers
Tamil Nadu's government signed ninety-seven new MoUs totaling over sixty-seven thousand crore rupees. These agreements were exchanged at the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investors Conclave 2026 event. The pacts are expected to generate employment for more than one lakh individuals across various sectors. Key industries benefiting include automotive, renewables, and life sciences. Electronics, R&D, and data centres also represent significant investment areas.
Parliament passes MMDR Amendment Bill 2026 to boost critical mineral exploration
Parliament has approved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This legislation aims to enhance mineral exploration and development across India. It provides greater flexibility for mining lease holders regarding additional mineral inclusions. The bill also removes restrictions on the sale of minerals from captive mines.
Passenger vehicle dispatches rise 34.3% as auto sales set July record: SIAM
2-wheeler sales rose 22.6% to 19,23,483 units last month, as against 15,69,120 units in July last year
Vibrio Vulnificus Louisiana Outbreak: Louisiana has reported five deaths linked toVibrio vulnificusinfections, raising concerns about the flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters. Here is what to know about the outbreak, oysters, symptoms and safety precautions.
Madrasa students join Tiranga Rally in J&Ks Poonch ahead of Independence Day
Gambhir is 'badhiya banda' but people can't digest his style sometime: Harbhajan
Harbhajan Singh defends Gautam Gambhir against criticism for his coaching methods. He acknowledges Gambhir's straightforward approach may be difficult for some to accept. Gambhir's coaching saw India win major tournaments while facing Test defeats. Harbhajan believes Shubman Gill is an ideal leader for the Indian cricket team. He rates Gill highly as a cricketer and a human being.
Tata Trusts said Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) cannot participate in its meeting due to restrictions imposed by the Charity Commissioner, preventing SRTT and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust from jointly nominating three members to the search committee for N Chandrasekarans successor. Tata Trusts may seek urgent legal relief, while Tata Sons reviews whether its August 18 AGM can proceed.
Kitchen cabinet shelves often attract dust and sticky residues, turning cleaning into a difficult task. However, a clever hack using aluminum foil creates a barrier over these shelves, capturing spills and crumbs before they cling to the surface. Once the foil gets dirty, simply peel it off and lay down a fresh piece. This technique streamlines kitchen upkeep and prolongs shelf cleanliness, making your space more manageable.
Marathi mandatory for cab drivers in Maharashtra? New rules may suspend licences
Maharashtra plans to make Marathi language knowledge mandatory for all cab drivers. Drivers failing to meet this requirement face potential license suspension or cancellation. The state transport minister confirmed the August 15 deadline for compliance. This rule aims to improve communication and ensure safer journeys for passengers.
Josh Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, is set to buy the Los Angeles Lakers alongside former Disney CEO Bob Iger in a reported $12.5 billion deal. The blockbuster transaction has put Kushner in the spotlight, raising interest in the businessmans career, multibillion-dollar fortune, family background and rise from tech investor to NBA team owner.
US says more oil is leaving Middle East. Is it really?
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claims nearly nine million barrels daily leave the Strait of Hormuz. Vessel tracking services, however, report volumes closer to half this amount. Total Middle East crude exports remain below pre-conflict levels, according to tracking data.
UK economy unexpectedly grows by 0.3% in June, ONS says
Britain's economy saw unexpected growth in June, with gross domestic product rising. The economy expanded by 0.4% during the second quarter, exceeding forecasts. Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister amid political uncertainty during this period. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to lower business costs and address household expenses. The Iran war is expected to slow future growth due to rising energy prices.
Loan recovery gets a rulebook: What RBI now bars lenders from doing
RBIs new recovery framework bars lenders and agents from harassment, threats and surprise visits, while setting rules for call timings, field visits, agent conduct and borrower grievances.
Passenger vehicle dispatches jump 34.3% YoY to 4,57,810 units in July: SIAM
Indias domestic passenger vehicle dispatches to dealers rose 34.3% year-on-year to 4.58 lakh units in July, according to SIAM. Two-wheeler sales increased 22.6% to 19.23 lakh units, while three-wheeler dispatches grew 33.4% to 92,560 units compared with July 2025.
Maruti, Tata, Mahindra raised E20 fuel contamination concerns, emails show
Automakers privately expressed concerns about E20 fuel contamination, citing chloride and moisture issues. This data emerged after the auto lobby withdrew a complaint to the government. Industry tests found high chloride and moisture levels in many fuel samples. These contaminants are reportedly harming vehicles and reducing performance.
RBI turns upbeat as worst of Iran war shock recedes
Indias economy is showing resilience five months after the Iran war sparked fears of inflation and a downturn. Inflation remains within the RBIs tolerance band, while vehicle sales, credit growth and GST receipts point to firm demand. Strong corporate balance sheets and festive-season spending are further bolstering optimism despite renewed oil and currency risks.
Bengaluru techie explains why landing Rs 30 LPA job was bittersweet: Thats part of the game
A Bengaluru-based techie revealed how he underwent months of gruelling interviews when he landed a great job in Hyderabad, advising engineers to be patient and focus on learning from every interview, good or bad.
RBI turns upbeat as worst of West Asia war shock recedes, demand holds up
Five months after the Iran war stoked fears of an oil-driven inflation surge and economic slowdown, resilient demand and easing price pressures are giving RBI officials more confidence
Delhi High Court halts processing of ITRs filed by SC and HC judges under new tax regime here's why
The Delhi High Court has instructed the income tax department not to process tax returns of high court and Supreme Court judges due to a dispute over allowances. Here's what happened.
IMD: Heavy rainfall to lash WB, odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand for next 3 days
Heavy to very heavy with isolated extremely heavy rain forecast for eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand over next two to three days
An ITAT Delhi ruling has upheld a 1.86 lakh penalty against a taxpayer for failing to disclose his UAE bank account and foreign shareholding in his ITR. The tribunal rejected his explanations and held that the undisclosed foreign assets could be assessed under the Black Money Act for AY 2020-21.
Rupee falls 7 paise to 95.40 against US dollar during early trade
The rupee depreciated 7 paise to 95.40 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday pressured by elevated crude oil prices and lingering geopolitical risks. Forex traders said investor sentiment remains fragile as the standoff between US and Iran does not seem to be coming to an end with Iran warning of keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed till 2029 while the US President saying that the Hormuz is in US's command. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.40, registering a fall of 7 paise from its previous close. On Wednesday, the rupee closed at 95.33 against the American currency. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading at 100.01. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading lower by 1.22 per cent at USD 87.89 per barrel in futures trade. With oil prices near to USD 88 a barrel but the dollar index higher at 100.01, the rupee opened at 95.40 on Thursday, after rising to 9
Oman says oil spill from grounded tanker has reached its coastline
Crude oil from a grounded tanker has reached Omani mainland beaches. The sanctioned vessel, Caroline Bezengi, is leaking nearly one million barrels. Contamination has spread north of Qabiliyah Island, endangering a marine protected area. Southern coasts of Masirah Island may also be affected soon. Satellite images show the spill covers over six hundred square kilometers.
A Bengaluru techie named Tanuj shared how a fresher earning Rs 2.5 LPA while friends made Rs 610 LPA stopped comparing salaries and focused on building technical skills. Over three years, he learned databases, cloud, distributed systems and system design before landing an Rs 18 LPA offer. The story resonated with users, who praised his focus on skills, patience and long-term growth.
UPI costs Rs 20,700 crore, government allocation just Rs 2,000 crore: Parliament Panel
A parliamentary committee suggests a self-reliant revenue model for UPI's financial sustainability. Amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act now permit transaction charges on digital payments. The committee noted a significant funding gap between allocations and operational costs. Future merchant discount rate charges will be nominal and apply to limited high-value transactions.
Women generally notice a decline in health after 30, both due to ageing and from hormonal imbalances. An endocrinologist recently shared five natural drinks to restore hormone balance and keep you healthy after you hit 30.
A Gen Z employee was suspended for 30 days after repeatedly arriving late and was told not to report to work or contact his manager. He used the time to leave the country. Ten days later, HR asked him to return early because the company was understaffed. He refused without written confirmation, saying his plans were based on the original suspension. The story sparked social media debate, with many users backing him.
Fines, management liability and enhanced surveillance measures cannot be ruled out
Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced technical warnings on August 4. The Airbus A320 aircraft suffered a sudden 300-foot altitude drop over Odisha. This incident resulted in injuries to twenty passengers and four cabin crew members. A post-flight maintenance report revealed multiple system warnings and alerts.
The 8th Pay Commission has 18 months from its constitution on 3 November 2025 to submit its recommendations, putting the deadline in May 2027. The government has clarified that it has not confirmed an early submission.
NaBFID plans $3-4 billion ECB raise to support infrastructure financing
The infrastructure financier expects domestic long-term savings to play a bigger role in funding projects and other long-duration assets
R Madhavan, who portrays G.D. Naidu in G.D.N., highlighted five inventions by the Coimbatore-based innovator: a 1925 mechanical calculator, 1936 vote recording machine, 1935 Rasant electric razor, 1937 electric motor and coil spring juicer. Naidu reportedly also developed electronic calculators, radios, vending machines and other devices. G.D.N., based on his life, released worldwide on August 7, 2026.
American Airlines shakes up leadership as CEO faces pressure to close profit gap
American Airlines is reorganizing its senior management team. New roles are being added to broaden oversight and boost performance. A former Spirit Airlines executive will now lead technical operations. The airline aims to close its profit gap with competitors like Delta and United. These changes are the first step in strengthening the team and accelerating execution.
Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that the RBI's proposal to introduce 10 and 20 plastic banknotes has been approved by the government. Here's what she said about the launch timeline.
'Repeated claims don't change reality...': Iran refutes Trump's claim of 'total control' over Hormuz
The RBI has proposed a common framework for loan pricing, including benchmark-linked rates, board-approved pricing policies and tighter rules on loan spreads. The draft also proposes APR caps for small-value and microfinance loans.
Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion: Check ticket rules and drawing time
Powerball draw: The Powerball jackpot has soared to approximately one billion dollars, marking it as the eighth-largest prize ever in the games history. The last winning jackpot was awarded to two fortunate players on May 2. Drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evening, with tickets available in forty-five states and additional territories.
Donald Trump is making a rare Western trip to raise cash for Republicans and talk about the economy
President Trump visits California and Nevada to contrast his economic policies with Democrats. He aims to bolster Republican support in upcoming November elections. Trump will discuss the economy and criticise Democratic policies during his trip. California's governor criticizes the president's visit as a fundraising and attack mission.
Paytm CEO, CFO get Sebi notice over 2023 disclosure curbing small loans
The company, in a statement on December 6, 2023, said it would issue fewer sub-50,000 (about $525) personal loans, after the Reserve Bank of India tightened rules on consumer lending
Karnataka bandh today: Are banks open or closed in Bengaluru on Thursday, August 13?
Essential services are expected to remain operational during the statewide bandh in Karnataka on Thursday.
Quote of the day from George Bernard Shaw is a famous observation on marriage that takes a witty and unconventional look at why people continue to be drawn to the institution. Taken from his 1903 play Man and Superman, the quote, Marriage is popular because it combines the maximum of temptation with the maximum of opportunity, reflects Shaw's habit of using humour and sharp social commentary to question everyday beliefs.
Ride-hailing aggregators told to remove tipping prompts
The road transport ministry has mandated that motor vehicle aggregators eliminate any tipping prompts that appear before or during trips. This decision is based on the need for adherence to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, especially after instances of deceptive tipping practices were noted. Tips should only be suggested post-trip to ensure all funds go directly to drivers without any reductions.
Green and Neglected Grass Economy of Rural Kashmir
Kashmir's agricultural identity has been built around a handful of familiar images: the paddy fields of Pulwama and Anantnag turning gold before harvest, the apple orchards of Shopian, Sopore and Baramulla that anchor the Valley's cash economy, and the saffron fields of Pampore that lend it a distinct global identity. Horticulture today makes up a significant share of Jammu and Kashmir's economic output, and a very large proportion of rural households depend, directly or indirectly, on orchards, paddy and allied farming for their livelihood. This is the Kashmir agriculture that gets discussed in policy circles, covered in newspapers, and celebrated in government schemes. But beneath this visible economy runs a quieter one grass. It does not appear in horticulture department press releases, it has no mandi, no minimum support price, and no season of celebration. Yet from the alpine meadows of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam to the modest grazing patches along village roads, grass sustains a rural economy that is every bit as real as an apple orchard, just far less visible. An Economy Hiding in Plain Sight Call it hidden, because that is exactly what it is. Every village household that keeps a cow tied behind the house, every family that sends a few sheep up to the marg above the settlement each summer, every horse used to ferry tourists across a meadow all of this rests on grass, yet none of it shows up in the way Kashmir's economy is usually described. Milk, ghee, wool, meat and manure move through informal local markets every day of the year, and the entire chain begins with a resource nobody thinks to count. The clearest example of this hidden economy is the Gujjar and Bakarwal community, whose way of life is built entirely around the seasonal rhythm of pasture. Each summer, these pastoralist families walk their flocks from the plains of Jammu up into the high meadows of Kashmir a migration that can take over a month on foot, timed to the melting of snow and the opening up of grass at higher altitudes. Once they reach these high pastures, herds graze on the lush grasses of the Himalayan ridges at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,500 metres, close to the snowline. For a very large tribal population in Jammu and Kashmir, this is not a supplementary activity it is the entire economic base of the household, hidden from view for much of the year in remote dhoks and bahaks that most of the Valley never sees. And the output is substantial, even if uncounted. Gujjar families rearing cattle sell milk and dairy products such as ghee and cheese as their primary source of income, alongside wool and mutton. Multiply that across thousands of households scattered through forests and meadows across the Valley, and what emerges is a genuine rural industry one that has simply never been mapped, registered or valued the way an apple orchard is. Why It Stays Hidden Part of why this economy remains hidden is structural, not accidental. Unlike an orchard or a paddy field, the land grass grows on is rarely owned outright by the people who depend on it. Meadows, forest floor, roadside verges and riverbanks are commons used, but not possessed by any one household. And land that belongs to no one in particular tends to be improved by no one in particular either. Encroachment, unplanned tourism infrastructure, and the slow conversion of grazing land to other uses eat steadily into pasture area, with no single stakeholder positioned to stop it. There is also a record-keeping problem that keeps this economy hidden even from those meant to plan for it. Land records across Jammu and Kashmir, as in most of India, track cultivated area, orchard area and forest cover not pasture condition or fodder productivity. A decline that never shows up in an official number is very difficult to argue exists at all. So fodder scarcity does not announce itself as a headline statistic; it shows up quietly, as thinner cattle, falling milk yields, and herders selling off animals they can no longer feed. Climate change is now pulling this hidden crisis into the open, whether policy is ready or not. Pastoralist families have reported that natural resources, their only source of income, appear to be shrinking, with flocks having to make do with less grass each day. Erratic snowfall, early heatwaves and unpredictable rainfall are disrupting the very timing that transhumant pastoralism depends on. Researchers studying Gujjar and Bakarwal communities note that their climate-dependent lifestyle faces unprecedented challenges from shifting temperature and precipitation patterns, and argue that adaptive strategies are urgently needed to protect this way of life. When the grass fails, there is no crop insurance to fall back on; only a family with fewer animals than it had the year before. What Staying Hidden Costs The consequences of this invisibility are not abstract. Herding families across the Valley increasingly report reduced cattle numbers and declining fodder quality, forcing hard trade-offs between feeding animals and meeting other household needs. In some areas, traditional barter arrangements around grazing herders exchanging wool and ghee for access to land have already begun shifting toward cash payments, a sign that even this informal economy is being monetised, often to the disadvantage of those with the least bargaining power. There is an ecological cost hidden in here too. Healthy alpine meadows are not just fodder banks; they anchor soil on steep Himalayan slopes, regulate the water that eventually irrigates paddy fields downstream, and sustain the biodiversity that draws tourists to Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam in the first place. Degrade the grass, and the apple orchards, paddy fields and tourism economy downstream eventually feel it too. Kashmir's agricultural economy is far more interconnected than the neat line drawn between farmland and grazing land in official records suggests. Bringing It into the Light None of this calls for reinventing the wheel, only for noticing what has been there all along. Protecting common grazing land from encroachment, investing in improved and drought-tolerant fodder grass varieties, developing silvipasture models that combine trees and grass on degraded slopes, and most fundamentally, actually counting pasture area and condition in land-use surveys would go a long way toward bringing this hidden economy into policy view. So would extending to the dairy and wool economy the same institutional attention horticulture already receives: cooperatives, market linkages, veterinary support. Kashmir's rural economy has always run on more than what is harvested from a field. The grass on the hillside above a village is not empty land waiting for something else to happen to it; for a great many families, it already is the economy. It has simply been hidden from the story Kashmir tells about itself. (The author is Assistant Professor, University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab)
MSME rules next month, focus on global value chains
The MSME ministry is set to announce new regulations for small businesses next month. These amendments focus on improving invoice financing through the Trade Receivables Discounting System, ultimately aiming to bolster cost efficiency and global competitiveness. As Parliament has recently addressed issues of delayed payments, digital platforms will play a crucial role in overseeing the effective implementation of this law.
Nirmala Sitharaman calls on multilateral banks to lay BRICS for private infra investment
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the challenges faced by BRICS nations in mobilizing private capital. She urged multilateral institutions to draw investors into infrastructure projects, as India needs ample private investments alongside its public capital. A substantial pipeline of infrastructure projects is being cultivated through public-private partnerships, allowing the group to target resilient and sustainable growth through meaningful cooperation outcomes.
From reels to episodes: 80% Indians embrace microdrama as new entertainment habit
Microdrama is now a mainstream Indian entertainment format, with most audiences preferring it. Viewers spend over fifteen minutes daily watching these short, episodic stories. Social media feeds are the primary source for discovering new microdrama content. This format shows strong brand recall and purchase intent for advertisers. Microdrama offers creators and brands opportunities for deeper audience engagement.
SAT reserves interim relief order in Zee, Punit Goenka-SEBI case
The Securities Appellate Tribunal reserved its order on interim relief for Zee Entertainment and Punit Goenka. They are challenging a Securities and Exchange Board of India order which they deem punitive. Lawyers argued the order should not take effect until future resolutions are completed. These resolutions are for the company's overall benefit and future operations. Parties must file their replies and submissions within the next six weeks.
Hotels, cafes ramp up expansion, set to unleash hiring boom in H2 2026
Hotel chains plan substantial expansion, expecting many new openings soon. This growth will create thousands of new jobs across India. Radisson Hotel Group anticipates a 75% increase in hotel openings. ITC Hotels aims for over 2,000 new hires for its upcoming properties. IHCL's guidance indicates about 6,000 direct employment opportunities.
Drug formulations & biologicals keep India's pharma exports healthy in Q1
During the first quarter of fiscal 2027, India's pharmaceutical exports soared to $8.10 billion, showcasing remarkable strength in drug formulations and biologicals, which together made up roughly three-quarters of the total. Both bulk drugs and vaccines saw substantial double-digit growth. North America and Europe served as vital markets for Indian medicines, indicating a promising future for the nation's pharmaceutical sector.
TV ad demand weakens as ratings blackout enters festive season
Television broadcasters anticipate a challenging festive advertising season ahead. This comes as ratings remain withheld following a ministry directive. Advertising demand is already subdued due to economic pressures and digital shifts. Free commercial time consumption has fallen to a three-year low. This situation impacts the entire TV broadcasting ecosystem significantly.
Supreme Court rulings set to raise insurers' third-party liability
General insurers face higher motor third-party claim reserves due to Supreme Court rulings. A recent ruling fixes homemakers' notional income, increasing claim payouts. This interpretation is expected to raise claim outgo significantly over eighteen months. Insurers also face policy standardization for occupant and pillion-rider coverage. Motor third-party insurance remains challenging with rising claim costs and slow premium growth.
