The Economic Times
Elections 2026Business / The Economic Times
A moderate earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday morning. The tremor injured at least five people across several prefectures. Express train services experienced delays while bullet trains ran normally. Power was restored to affected homes after brief blackouts occurred. No tsunami danger was reported following the seismic event.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor revealed that the US-India trade agreement is on the verge of finalization, clarifying that Congress's push for tariffs differs from the previous Trump administration. He underscored Trump's admiration for Modi, while also stressing the urgency of resolving the Russia-Ukraine crisis, highlighting India's critical role as evidenced by numerous high-ranking visits from US officials.
Boris Johnson reflected on Queen Elizabeth II's observation regarding India's robust ties with Russia, a bond that traces back to 1952 during Prime Minister Nehru's tenure. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between India, the US, and the UK, lauding India's pivotal role in supplying COVID-19 vaccines to Britain. Additionally, he mentioned the positive implications of Brexit for trade relations between India and the UK.
Indias passenger vehicle market has seen a sharp rise in the number of variants offered by automakers, making cars more customisable but also making purchase decisions more complicated.
Scarlett Johanssons quote about looking good highlights that fitness does not come from quick fixes or miracle solutions. Speaking while preparing to play Black Widow in Iron Man 2, Johansson stressed the importance of commitment, consistency, healthy eating and regular exercise. The remark also came as she pushed back against tabloid claims about extreme weight loss and crash dieting.
Japanese proverb of the day: Discipline involves quiet, everyday choices for long-term benefits. Regret often arises later when opportunities are missed and cannot be changed. Consistent small actions build self-trust and turn intentions into tangible results. The pressure for quick success obscures the value of sustained, private effort. Choosing present discipline reduces future regret and shapes positive outcomes.
Confucius stressed examining personal faults before judging others. This ancient wisdom remains relevant in today's fast-paced digital world. Self-reflection requires honesty and accountability, which is often harder than outward criticism. Applying this teaching involves pausing to consider one's own actions and learning from reactions. True personal growth stems from confronting one's own weaknesses first.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the Manusmriti and the patriarchal system in India. He urged women to believe in themselves and stand up for their rights. Gandhi stated that women are India's biggest asset and should not face restrictions. He attacked the BJP and RSS for their alleged mindset towards women. The event faced controversy with clashes and allegations of student coercion.
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) accused SpiceJet of spreading misinformation by blaming bad weather for recent flight disruptions from Kochi.
Indian women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships. This achievement marks a significant return for Indian women's doubles on the world stage. The unseeded duo overcame strong opponents to confirm their medal position. Their performance offers a bright spot amidst a challenging tournament for Indian players. This success may encourage further development in Indian doubles badminton.
A five-member committee has been formed by the Gujarat government to create a promotion reservation policy. This panel will examine central guidelines and court judgments on the matter. It will also assess policies adopted by other state governments. The committee's mandate includes studying fair promotion reservation and implementation steps. The government will use these recommendations to establish a clearer policy framework.
In 2025, astronomers discovered 3I/ATLAS, only the third confirmed interstellar object. 1 year later, its heavy water revealed clues to a cold alien planetary system. ALMA and the James Webb Space Telescope found high deuterium levels in its water. The result suggests that its ice formed below about 30 kelvin and preserved chemical evidence from another planetary system for billions of years before entering the Solar System.
India secured a victory in Galle, which demanded hard work from players. Coach Gautam Gambhir desires a balanced Test wicket for future matches. He also advocates for three-match Test series over shorter formats. India plans to select the best bowling attack to secure twenty wickets. The team will adapt to the playing surface and not pre-judge conditions.
The BJP has formed a special team to focus on outreach to Gen Z voters. This new initiative aims to understand and engage with young people's concerns. The party also passed a resolution condemning the Congress Working Committee's Vande Mataram stance. A nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will mark Prime Minister Modi's 25 years as Gujarat CM. This month-long campaign will begin soon to honor the milestone.
Quote of the day by Khalil Gibran asks readers to think about wisdom, philosophy and greatness through compassion, joy and humility. His words explain why understanding human pain matters, why laughter can keep ideas open, and why true greatness requires respect for children, innocence and curiosity.
Police registered a case against Abhijeet Dipke and others in Latur district. They allegedly entered a government school without permission and disrupted official duties. The complaint stated Dipke filmed the school and made defamatory claims on social media. Teachers alleged he threatened them with suspension and defamation. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway by officials.
While journeying back to her new city, a woman got a delightful surprise in the form of her beloved ghee parathas and moong dal, thoughtfully packed by her mother. This delicious gesture brought nostalgic memories of home and parental love, warming her heart. She couldn't help but share her gratitude online, resonating with many who also appreciate similar family touches from afar.
A Panama-flagged cargo ship sank Saturday in the Bay of Bengal. The vessel was carrying iron ore from Odisha towards Singapore. Twenty-four crew members were on board the ill-fated vessel. Indian Coast Guard and Navy launched a joint rescue operation. Other nearby ships were alerted to assist in the rescue efforts.
The imposition of President Donald Trump's tariffs has profoundly impacted trade ties between the United States and Canada, leading to a tit-for-tat response from Canada. As new import taxes emerged, negotiations for the USMCA trade agreement became mired in uncertainty. Additionally, certain Supreme Court decisions influenced these emergency tariffs, perpetuating a cycle of disputes that hampers businesses across both nations.
The discovery does not prove that the Ryukyu Islands are home to countless undiscovered species living underground. However, it highlights an important scientific lesson: even familiar landscapes can hide biodiversity that researchers have yet to uncover.
Pakistan's government blamed Imran Khan's party for his hospital transfer. The information minister stated PTI workers disrupted the planned private hospital visit. This disruption forced authorities to move the former prime minister elsewhere. Khan's sister had petitioned the Supreme Court regarding the hospital transfer. The government asserted it fulfilled all court obligations for his medical checkup.
President Trump has voiced his strong opposition against the BBC's attempt to depose his family, claiming that the broadcaster aims to obtain political advantage through its legal actions. The BBC is looking to issue subpoenas to Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Trump's legal battle contends that the BBC improperly edited his January 6, 2021, speech, a claim the BBC disputes while apologizing for the edit yet denying any defamation.
Rahul Gandhi passionately asserted that women are independent individuals who do not belong to their male relatives. He denounced the outdated perspectives of the Manusmriti that enforce female dependence. With the dreams and aspirations of seventy crore women, India's true potential can be unlocked. He stressed that women represent the nations greatest strength and should empower themselves with self-belief and confidence.
Three FIRs were filed against fourteen named and over two hundred unnamed persons. These FIRs relate to a clash between police and job aspirants in Ranchi. Students protested alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations on Friday. The High Court stayed notifications cancelling appointments for several examinations. This action followed student protests and effigy burning incidents.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has publicly criticized the Congress Working Committee's recent stance on Vande Mataram, deeming it a disregard for national pride. To counter this, the BJP launched a pan-India campaign emphasizing the significance of the National Song, asserting its role in India's fight for freedom. Additionally, BJP leaders discussed ongoing community service projects and outlined future outreach plans.
Dreaming of a high-paying job? While the most common ways of securing a position that pays the big bucks are working in tech or business, mastering a skill namely another language can really improve your chances of landing a dream job that pays big! Research says mastering another language can not just improve decision-making skills but actually make you a more attractive candidate for the six-figure salary jobs.
Assam cab operators have lifted their blockade on Meghalaya-registered vehicles after receiving safety reassurances from a ministerial-level meeting. In response to the recent violence, the Meghalaya government has established a Special Investigation Team to investigate the incidents. Operators are now waiting for the results of the investigation and compensation for their damages, with a delegation set to meet with Assam government officials this Sunday.
Actor Parul Gulati recently showcased her spacious Mumbai duplex to Archana Puran Singh and family. Her journey began in a 1 BHK apartment after moving to Mumbai for acting. Gulati's home reflects her transition from acting to entrepreneurship with personal memorabilia. The residence features a modern kitchen, workspaces, and an expansive terrace for entertaining guests. She also owns hospitality ventures in Goa, including Malkin Hostel.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that India's dedication to peace should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness. He underlined the crucial responsibility of protecting national security and sovereignty. Additionally, Singh shared the government's proactive measures to uphold the Jain tradition, noting the recovery of over twenty Tirthankara idols from abroad, and expressed that military service represents a poignant labor of love and historic narratives.
BJP leaders in Jharkhand have voiced strong accusations against the state government, claiming undue force was used against aspiring job candidates. They are calling for a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Reports indicate that JMM workers and police clashed with protesters across multiple districts. Senior BJP officials highlighted serious corruption issues in job recruitments and reiterated their demand for a comprehensive investigation into all relevan
During the Apollo 14 mission, astronauts Edgar Mitchell and Alan Shepard showcased their playful spirit while traversing the lunar surface. Mitchell demonstrated his javelin skills by hurling a solar-wind experiment pole, while Shepard notably took swings with a golf club he had stowed away. These artifacts lie undisturbed in a lunar crater, illustrating the lighter, human aspect of space exploration.
During the Apollo 17 mission, astronauts stumbled upon intriguing orange soil at Shorty Crater, revealing a treasure trove of microscopic glass beads created by ancient volcanic activity on the Moon. Contemporary studies of these samples have unveiled hidden insights about past lunar eruptions, while also illuminating the possible presence of water ice deposits on our celestial neighbor, showcasing the enduring mysteries of our lunar exploration.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune was not a genuine student gathering but a politically planned programme aimed at creating controversy and giving Gandhi a e-launch. He further alleged that social media influencers were being paid 30,000 to attend or promote the event.
A significant 40% of Indian office tenants express concerns about securing quality office space by 2028. As companies prioritize improved employee experiences alongside growth, established business districts continue to be their top choice for future office needs. Leasing trends indicate a strong demand for investment-grade assets in major micro-markets, prompting occupiers to plan their office relocations and expansions well ahead of time due to limited availability.
India has received $72.8 billion in dollar inflows through FCNR(B) deposits, external commercial borrowings and overseas foreign currency borrowings under the RBIs special swap facility as of August 21.
Marcus Trescothick desires to continue his role with England's Test team. He currently leads the side on an interim basis. Mike Hussey revealed an approach from new coach Stephen Fleming. Hussey is considering an offer for Trescothick's batting coach position. Trescothick respects Fleming and awaits a decision on his future.
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj sees Manav Suthar as a future Indian Test star. He believes Suthar possesses excellent control and subtle variations in his bowling. Maharaj ranks himself third among left-arm spinners, placing Jadeja first. He also commends Prabath Jayasuriya for his consistent performances. Maharaj expresses excitement for Suthar joining the orthodox left-arm spinners.
Keshav Maharaj expects Indian stars Ashwin and Rahane to boost the European T20 Premier League's profile. Their participation will attract fans and create awareness for the inaugural competition. Maharaj respects both cricketers for their talent and leadership qualities. He is excited to play in unfamiliar conditions and test his skills. The league aims to grow the game and inspire young cricketers.
Indian defence sector leaders highlight the need for stronger funding and indigenous innovation. Private players are at a turning point, seeking to develop products in India. Leaders stressed that licensed technology and transfers are not sustainable solutions. Owning sovereign intellectual property is seen as the path to improvement. Preference should be given to private sector emulation capabilities for national interest.
We are keen to prevent Iraq from becoming involved in the war. The country most affected by the war is Iraq. We do not accept the use of Iraqi territory to attack any country, and everyone wants weapons to be exclusively in the hands of the state. We speak frankly to all countries that Iraq comes first, he said.
Why India could lead next neurotechnology revolution: Alexander Panov explains
Quote of the day by Jamie Foxx, You are what you repeatedly do when things get hard, focuses on character, resilience, action and values. The quote suggests that a person's response during difficult moments can show more about their character than their intentions. It also offers lessons about staying calm, taking action, learning from failure and continuing despite setbacks.
Indias telecom equipment exports remain small at about $0.6-1 billion a year, while imports are four to five times higher. A new NITI Aayog assessment says India could turn this imbalance into an opportunity and become a $50 billion telecom equipment export hub by 2035.
Sebi is tightening the reins on advertising practices for online bond platforms, aiming to protect investors from hasty decisions. New rules mandate that promotional content provides standardized information about specific securities. Terms such as 'fixed returns' must be accompanied by explicit risk disclaimers, while ambiguous claims like 'high yield' will also be subject to regulatory restrictions.
The Bharatiya Janata Party will initiate a month-long campaign to honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years. This 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will commence after the annual 'Seva Pakhwada' event. The initiative aims to connect beneficiaries with government welfare schemes through 'Seva Setu Abhiyan'. A 'National Innovation Challenge' will encourage youth to develop local problem solutions.
India's sugar production estimate has fallen significantly, impacting opening stocks for the new season. This lower output is expected to meet domestic demand until fresh supplies arrive. Retail sugar prices have risen sharply due to several contributing factors. The government has allowed duty-free imports of raw sugar to address availability concerns. Diversion of sugar for ethanol production has also seen a recent decline.

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