The Economic Times

Praj Industries shares surged 6.5% after Q1FY27 net profit more than doubled year-on-year to Rs 12 crore, while revenue rose 12% to Rs 716 crore. The company reported Rs 1,000 crore in order intake and ended the quarter with an order backlog of Rs 4,589 crore, providing strong execution visibility.

Aluminum pans can become blackened due to heat and food residue. Proper cleaning techniques can restore their original luster and appearance. Baking soda and salt are effective natural cleaning agents for stubborn stains. Rinsing and thoroughly drying pans prevents future discoloration and damage. Following a few easy steps can easily ensure that your aluminum cookware remains in good condition.

Big Techs AI capex surge is putting pressure on free cash flow, with Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta spending $165 billion in Q2 against just $7 billion in free cash flow. Jefferies Chris Wood warns that growing reliance on cash-burning AI firms OpenAI and Anthropic could pose a hidden risk.

Unlike millennials, Gen Z workers are in no mood to sacrifice work-life balance at the cost of their own well-being. A viral post on X shared a funny anecdote about how a clever employee exploited an unfair company policy for his own benefit.

Ordnance Survey maps, once for defense, now track climate change impacts. Detailed mapping helps identify flood and wildfire risks across Britain. Drone footage updates maps, aiding emergency services in critical situations. This data allows authorities to plan responses and evacuations effectively. The agency's work highlights the growing importance of accurate geographic information.

Three Russian men robbed a Canadian Pacific train in Alberta during 1920. The robbers escaped with little money and valuables, triggering a manhunt. Two robbers and two police officers died in a shootout five days later. The third fugitive was eventually captured years later in Montana. A stolen pocket watch helped authorities track down the final robber.

WATCH: Class 12 student breaks down before CM Dhami over missed Taekwondo tournament abroad

Kotak Mahindra Bank has been ordered to pay Rs 1.5 lakh in compensation after the Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found it raised a demand of Rs 19,788 against a customer who had already cleared all 12 EMIs totalling nearly Rs 45,000 for a Samsung TV purchase, and then threatened to damage his CIBIL score when he refused to pay.

Police busted a counterfeit currency unit in Nashik, arresting five alleged gang members. Specialized chemicals were allegedly used to manufacture fake Rs 500 notes. Authorities seized genuine currency and printing equipment valued at Rs 12.2 lakh. The interstate group included suspects from Telangana and local Nashik residents. Investigations are ongoing into the gang's distribution network and operations.

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed displeasure over a BCI circular banning enrolment of NALSAR University of Laws 2026-batch graduates as advocates. CJI Surya Kant said students have a right to protest, questioned the BCIs intervention and said no punitive action should be taken against NALSAR students or faculty.

Sammaan Capital reported a 27% YoY decline in consolidated profit to Rs 243 crore in Q1FY27, while revenue from operations also fell. The company reported Rs 56,239 crore in AUM and Rs 3,875 crore in disbursements, with plans to accelerate growth and reduce funding costs.

Chinese and Hong Kong stocks declined Friday as tightening liquidity, cautious positioning ahead of corporate earnings and property-sector weakness weighed on sentiment. The CSI300 fell 0.1%, Shanghai Composite 0.2%, and Hang Seng 0.9%. Hong Kong technology stocks dropped sharply, led by JD.com, while concerns over cross-border taxation and weak domestic demand further pressured markets.

Zetwerk Manufacturing Business Ltd has updated its IPO papers to initiate a substantial Rs 2,600 crore offering. The funds raised are earmarked for paying off debts and making strategic acquisitions. Over recent fiscal years, the company has seen remarkable revenue growth and its order book has doubled. Functioning as a tech-driven manufacturing network with global reach, Zetwerk caters to various sectors, including renewable energy and defence.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced a mandatory Credit Risk-o-Meter for debt securities, aiming to enhance investor awareness regarding credit risk. This user-friendly tool features a standardized, colour-coded scale, similar to those used in mutual funds. Issuers and online platforms are required to showcase this meter in relevant documents, with public feedback on the proposal expected by September 3.

Vedanta Aluminium, Hindalco and NALCO fell as aluminium prices retreated after Norsk Hydro resumed Alunorte refinery production, easing supply shortage concerns.

Indian government bonds remained firm in early trade on Friday. The benchmark 10-year bond yield held above the key 6.75% level. Investors awaited a weekly debt auction for fresh market cues. Lower oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields offered some support. India's overnight index swap rates dipped without strong trends.

American woman Kristen Fischer, who lives in India, compared moving homes in India and the USA. She said Indian households can hire affordable packers and movers for around Rs 10,000-Rs 30,000, while professional movers in America can cost thousands of dollars. As a result, DIY moving is more common in the US, where people often rent trucks, call friends and family, and offer pizza in return for help.

Galaxy Surfactants shares hit a 20% upper circuit after the company reported a 109% year-on-year jump in Q1FY27 net profit to Rs 165.9 crore. Revenue rose 38.5%, while EBITDA surged 87% to a record Rs 252.5 crore, supported by stronger volumes, product mix and speciality care demand.

Japans coordinated yen-buying intervention with the U.S. and South Korea has heightened expectations of faster Bank of Japan rate hikes. Markets now price a 76% chance of a September hike, up sharply from 24%. With the yen weakening after initial gains, policymakers face pressure to tighten policy and reinforce currency stability.

Scientists developed an acoustic anti-drone system to disable unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles. This technology uses sound waves to disrupt drone balance sensors, causing instability and potential falls. The system targets internal sensors, making it effective against automated drones without remote control signals. India faces a growing threat from drones used for smuggling and warfare operations. This acoustic system offers a complementary layer to existing counter-drone technologies.

India's Census 2027 will ask 40 questions during its population enumeration phase. Respondents will provide details on their Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe status. This census marks the first comprehensive caste enumeration since 1931. The exercise will also be India's first fully digital census.

India's batters face a significant spin challenge in the upcoming Galle Test series. Head coach Gautam Gambhir's position relies heavily on the team's performance in this crucial series. Sri Lanka's spinners have historically made Galle a difficult venue for visiting teams. Indian bowlers must also find their rhythm on the Lankan pitches to secure success. This series presents an opportunity for the Indian squad to reignite their Test cricket journey.

Manipur observed Patriots' Day, honoring heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urged preserving history and strengthening community unity. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also paid homage to fallen patriots. The day celebrated sacrifices and inspired future generations toward progress. Police medals for gallantry and devotion to duty were also announced.

Jubilant FoodWorks shares rose to Rs 521 after Q1 FY27 revenue increased 14% year-on-year to Rs 2,570 crore, while EBITDA grew 10% to Rs 360 crore. Dominos India posted 2.5% LFL growth, while Popeyes delivered 97% revenue growth. Bernstein and Motilal Oswal retained positive ratings, citing Popeyes momentum and prospects for improved margins and growth.

SpaceX shares have surged significantly after a major lockup expiration. Early investors were permitted to sell millions of shares on August sixth. The stock price has climbed thirty-five percent in just five trading sessions. This rise has added approximately five hundred billion dollars in market capitalisation. Investors now feel optimistic about future stock lockup expirations.

Iraqs oil marketing company SOMO says Abu Dhabis Adnoc is one of the companies buying Iraqi crude and moving shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Adnocs trading arm is also offering Iraqi oil to Asian buyers, while Iraqs crude exports through Hormuz have risen to around 2 million barrels per day. The increase underscores how heavily Iraqs oil trade with Asian markets depends on the strategically important waterway.

In a notable rise, Welspun Living shares gained traction following the announcement of solid Q1FY27 earnings, showcasing an eighty-five percent increase in profit year-on-year and a twenty-four percent boost in revenue. Financial experts, including those from Motilal Oswal and JM Financial, have reiterated buy recommendations, forecasting ongoing revenue and margin improvements. Significant contributions are expected from the home textiles division and the emerging US pillow segment.

In July, mutual funds increased their allocation to the IT sector to 6.6 per cent, marking a positive shift after an extended period of minimal investment from fund managers. Analysts believe this surge is mainly driven by valuation factors, highlighting a cautious approach from growth investors who are wary of AI's potential effects on IT services. Current SIP investors are encouraged to remain invested, while newcomers should adopt a strategic method.

Viktor Frankl's quote encourages living as if making a second attempt. This perspective fosters greater consciousness of current decisions and their consequences. It offers a constructive way to learn from past actions and improve future outcomes. Frankl's ideas emphasize meaning and responsibility even in difficult circumstances. His philosophy remains relevant for navigating modern life's rapid pace.

Sonam Wangchuk has called for a peaceful revolution in Indias political leadership and urged citizens to suggest selfless, fearless men and women of character and substance for his proposed second Independence movement.

Quote of the day by Hannah Arendt: Hannah Arendt, renowned for her significant contributions to 20th-century philosophy, dissected the 'banality of evil', suggesting that ordinary individuals can engage in heinous acts devoid of malicious intent. Her analysis traversed totalitarian regimes, urging the necessity of critical thought and ethical decision-making. Arendts insights inspire a continuous dialogue about questioning authority and recognizing individual accountability, cementing her legacy

South Korean shares were poised to end a seven-week losing streak, with the Kospi rising 0.82% to a three-week high, supported by AI-driven chip gains and stronger U.S. technology stocks. SK Hynix and automakers advanced, while Samsung Electronics slipped. Foreign investors bought stocks, while easing U.S. inflation boosted market sentiment.

Gold and silver prices declined on the MCX as investors booked profits after a sharp rally, with silver falling Rs 5,000 over two days and gold down Rs 2,600 per gram. Analysts expect near-term profit booking in gold, while silver could move towards Rs 2,40,000 per kg amid strong investment demand and geopolitical uncertainty.

In a devastating weather event, heavy rains in eastern Japan have claimed four lives, while one person is reported unresponsive. The torrential rain has unleashed significant flooding, triggering high-level emergency alerts. Flooded roads have inundated neighborhoods, necessitating urgent safety measures and evacuation orders for countless residents. Thousands are also grappling with power outages, compounding the challenges posed by this severe weather adversity.

Karnataka's Cabinet has approved a new Bill to regulate government property use. This legislation aims to safeguard public assets and prevent their misuse. The Bill will establish clear guidelines and procedures for property usage. It also includes provisions for penalties in case of damage. The government plans to table this Bill for legislative passage soon.

Fitch Ratings affirmed the US sovereign credit rating at AA+ with a stable outlook, citing economic resilience and the dollars reserve-currency status. However, the agency flagged persistent fiscal deficits, elevated inflation, rising interest costs and weakening labour demand as key risks, with the US deficit forecast at 7.4% of GDP in 2026.

Elon Musk owns a 48.4% stake in SpaceX, according to a regulatory filing, giving him more than 82% of the companys voting power. His holding is valued at over $900 billion, highlighting his dominant control over the space and AI-focused company.

Japans Nikkei 225 rose nearly 1% on Friday and was on track for a strong weekly gain, supported by softer-than-expected US producer prices, easing concerns over an imminent Fed rate hike and stronger global risk appetite. Technology stocks led gains, while lower oil prices also supported sentiment.

Delhi NCR weather today, August 12: On Friday, August 14, Delhi and its surrounding regions are forecasted to have overcast skies. Temperatures will hover in the high 20s and low 30s Celsius range. Areas like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad are likely to experience rainfall or thundershowers, with Gurugram reaching the highest temperature of 33 degrees Celsius. Generally, residents in Delhi and nearby cities should expect cloudy weather with intermittent light rain.

Honasa Consumers shares rose after Q1FY27 PAT surged 116.5% YoY to a record 90 crore, while revenue grew 27% to 756 crore and EBITDA jumped 141% to 110 crore.

Bill Bryson quote of the Day: Bill Bryson captures an inspiring truth about our existence, urging us to marvel at the unlikelihood of life itself. He suggests that our modern-day busyness often distracts from the extraordinary nature of simply being alive. Bryson's insights, rooted in his personal journey, remind us to cherish the present and recognize the beauty surrounding us in every moment.

Indian rice export prices have reached their highest level in nearly a year. Vietnam's rice prices also increased for a third consecutive week. Bangladesh plans to import one hundred thousand tons of parboiled rice from Vietnam. Malaysia and the Philippines have increased their rice imports due to El Nino concerns.

Multiple brokerages have begun analyzing selected Indian stocks, anticipating considerable growth in the future. Jefferies has given Kalyan Jewellers a Buy rating with a specific target price. Similarly, Systematix Institutional Equities has rated Vedanta Aluminium as a Buy, while ICICI Securities placed Add ratings on Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda. Nuvama has set a target price for KPR Mill that suggests significant upside potential.

Goldman Sachs is negotiating with investors for Nvidia's massive AI financing initiative. U.S. insurers and money managers will likely form the core investor base. This plan aims to raise over $500 billion for AI infrastructure development. Nvidia's CEO approached Goldman Sachs with this innovative financing idea. The structure aims to create an asset-backed market for AI compute.