The Economic Times

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday. Shah highlighted Doval's significant role in strengthening India's foreign policy and national security. Doval has provided crucial advice behind Prime Minister Modi's security decisions. The Home Minister also spoke about India's path of cultural nationalism. He noted Doval's contributions to modernizing armed forces and defense preparedness.

US President Donald Trump has issued a warning of more military responses directed at Iran as regional conflicts intensify. Kuwait has reported drone attacks on essential facilities, with a tanker being struck in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Israeli forces launched powerful strikes on Gaza following disarmament talks from Hamas. In Yemen, the Houthi rebels have forced Saudi vessels to navigate around Africa.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court about deportation procedures for foreign nationals. Nationality verification and acceptance by the home country are mandatory steps. Deportation cannot proceed without confirming an individual's nationality and travel documents. State authorities can deport individuals after completing sentences and legal proceedings. This process ensures proper procedures are followed before any deportation occurs.

Quote of the day by Miley Cyrus: Miley Cyrus's quote reminds us that our potential extends far beyond our current circumstances. It suggests that pursuing our dreams helps uncover hidden strengths, resilience and confidence we may not realise we possess. By stepping outside our comfort zones, we create opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. In a world shaped by constant social comparisons, the message encourages us to focus on our own journey and embrace change, allowing us to bec

Anti-paper leak bill: President Murmu has assented to a new bill for public examinations. This legislation establishes fast-track courts in every state for paper leak cases. Investigations into such leaks must now be completed within two months. Individuals involved face a minimum five-year jail term and significant fines. Organised crime in examination malpractice carries even harsher penalties.

A library book borrowed in the 1870s has returned to Kiama, Australia. It was discovered sealed inside a fireplace during recent home renovations. The overdue fine for the Antiquities of Athens book would be substantial. However, the library will not collect any payment from the unknown borrower. The historical book will now be displayed permanently in the local history collection.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana portal on Saturday. Eligible women will receive Rs 2,500 monthly financial aid under this new scheme. The government has allocated Rs 5,100 crore for this significant economic empowerment initiative. Women aged 21 to 60 with family incomes up to Rs 2.50 lakh are eligible. However, certain conditions exclude taxpayers and women with more than three children.

A consumer commission has directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 1.64 lakh to a customer who lost money in an unauthorised online banking transaction. The commission ruled that the bank failed to prove any negligence on the customer's part and also ordered SBI to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation for harassment and Rs 10,000 towards litigation costs. It found the bank's investigation to be inadequate and unsupported by technical evidence.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award to Ajit Doval. Doval received the honour for his significant contributions to India's national security. The award ceremony took place in Pune on Saturday. Earlier, Shah paid tributes to Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe on his birth anniversary. Maharashtra leaders joined Shah in offering floral tributes at Sathe's statue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth nearly eighteen thousand crore rupees in Andhra Pradesh. He also laid the foundation stone for a semiconductor manufacturing facility at Visakhapatnam. Several renewable energy transmission projects were also inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Additionally, highway projects worth over one thousand eight hundred eighty crore rupees were dedicated. These initiatives aim to boost infrastructure and economic growth across the state.

South Africa released 11 elephants after years in captivity, and a five-year study found their behavior had become remarkably similar to that of wild elephants.

Carveann David, a woman from Trinidad, has successfully undergone advanced heart failure treatment in India, receiving a groundbreaking permanent transcatheter implant, marking a first in the Delhi-NCR region. This innovative procedure has alleviated her severe valve leakage and fluid accumulation, allowing her the simple joy of sleeping on her stomach after nearly a decade. Driven by her experience, she now seeks to enhance awareness of India's remarkable healthcare capabilities.

Best Quote of the Day: Albert Einstein's quote highlights the importance of observing the world carefully while thinking independently. It encourages people to question ideas rather than blindly following popular beliefs or opinions. Developing this habit can lead to better decisions, stronger judgement and a deeper understanding of the world. In today's fast-paced, information-driven age, critical thinking is more important than ever. Applying this wisdom means questioning what you see, verifyi

More than 5.9 crore income tax returns were filed by the July 31 deadline. This figure represents filings for assessment year 2026-27 by individuals and HUFs. Last year's extended deadline saw over 7.3 crore returns filed by September 16. Taxpayers typically file a substantial share during the final week before the deadline.

In preparation for the upcoming Test series, Rishabh Pant is honing his skills alongside MS Dhoni in Ranchi. Pant is integral to India's Test lineup, while reports suggest Dhoni could extend his career in a mentorship capacity with Chennai Super Kings, despite stepping back from the game due to injuries. With the Sri Lanka series approaching, a formidable showing is critical for India's World Test Championship ambitions.

A piece of SpaceX rocket debris is set to crash into the Moon at nearly 9,000 kmph. Here's why scientists are interested in the impact and what it could reveal.

Kerala, India's fastest-ageing state, is emerging as a blueprint for tackling the country's ageing population and elderly care challenges. With low fertility, rising life expectancy and migration reshaping families, the state is introducing dedicated elderly welfare policies, geriatric healthcare, caregiver training and senior living models that could shape India's response to a projected 230 million elderly population by 2036.

The Reserve Bank of India will likely keep its repo rate unchanged at 5.25 percent. Policymakers are expected to adopt a cautious wait-and-watch approach for now. Inflation risks remain elevated due to supply chain and oil price concerns. Financial conditions have tightened, reducing the immediate need for rate action.

A 15-year-old girl issued an apology video after appearing in a clip abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She stated that friends influenced her to repeat objectionable language against the Prime Minister. The girl expressed deep embarrassment and shame, appealing to the nation for forgiveness. This apology came after a police complaint was filed regarding the viral video's circulation.

West Bengal has launched its digital 16th Census self-enumeration on Saturday, allowing residents to submit their details online between August 1 and August 15. A subsequent phase for house-listing will take place from August 16 through September 14. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari called for community involvement, promising that all gathered information will remain private and protected by law.

2026 sawan maha shivaratri date and time: Sawan Shivratri in 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, August 11. The auspicious Chaturdashi Tithi begins early on August 11 and concludes after midnight. Devotees will fast and perform night-long prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. This observance is distinct from the major Maha Shivratri festival. The festival falls during the sacred Shravan month.

The Election Commission of India has extended the special intensive revision schedule for Telangana's electoral rolls. Final electoral rolls for Telangana will now be published on October 19, 2026. House-to-house enumeration and polling station rationalisation will continue until August 10. Andhra Pradesh has published its draft electoral rolls after completing its enumeration phase. This revision exercise identified many deceased and permanently shifted electors across both states.

Life lessons: Ram Gopal Kothari overcame repeated job losses, business failures and financial hardship to achieve a remarkable feat. He went on to become the first Indian to complete a marathon at the Geographic North Pole, running across floating Arctic ice in extreme conditions. His journey is a powerful story of resilience, determination and the belief that even after life's darkest moments, new beginnings are possible.

The Godavari river flood intensity is expected to increase steadily due to heavy upstream rainfall. Water levels at Bhadrachalam and Kunavaram are rising, with inflow and outflow at Dowleswaram Barrage exceeding 5.3 lakh cusecs. Authorities have alerted district administrations and kept disaster response teams ready for emergencies. People in low-lying areas and lanka villages should relocate to safer locations and rehabilitation centers.

Young Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharma advanced to the Taipei Open final. She secured a straight-game victory over Chinese Taipei's Huang Yu-Hsun. The 17-year-old from Punjab won the semifinal match decisively. Tanvi Sharma has achieved a rapid rise in badminton over recent years. She will compete for the title against another Indian or Vietnamese player.

Significant capital inflows have been recorded, thanks to the proactive measures taken by India's central bank. The Reserve Bank of India facilitated a total of $40.81 billion in foreign exchange influx, of which $36.7 billion derived from Foreign Currency Non-Resident deposits. Support also came through swap facilities for External Commercial Borrowings and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings, showcasing the sound financial strategies in place.

A wild Himalayan spice known as Khagi is transforming lives in Arunachal Pradesh. Indigenous communities are using the native spice to generate sustainable income while protecting forests and biodiversity. The community-led initiative has benefited more than 200 families and generated around Rs 39 lakh in revenue. It has also created a valuable additional source of income for rural households, demonstrating how conservation and sustainable livelihoods can go hand in hand.

Indian companies are preparing for price increases on various products soon as commodity costs rise due to ongoing global conflicts. Consumers can expect higher prices for everyday items ranging from toothpaste to tires. Demand is expected to remain stable during the upcoming festival season. Policymakers are closely monitoring inflation pressures and their impact.

India's ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met Allison Hooker. They discussed advancing the India-US bilateral partnership. The productive discussion occurred on Friday morning. Both officials exchanged perspectives on regional developments. This meeting aimed to strengthen existing ties.

Pakistan's interior minister declared the nation's governance system has collapsed. He called for sweeping constitutional reforms and new administrative units to address crises. Young Pakistanis seek merit-based jobs and equal opportunities, not financial assistance. A united Generation Z could significantly disrupt the existing political landscape. Business leaders must actively engage in politics and address mounting national debt.

A 21-year-old woman died of rabies despite taking all five anti-rabies vaccine doses and rabies immunoglobulin after a dog bite. An ex-Army doctor explains why rabies treatment can sometimes fail and the critical mistakes people must avoid.

Friendship Day 2026 falls on Sunday, August 2, following India's established tradition. The United Nations officially recognizes July 30 as International Day of Friendship. Bollywood's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai popularized the August date for exchanging friendship bands. Modern celebrations involve digital messages and personal gifts among friends. Both dates are valid, with India preferring its own August observance.

Ollanta Humala, the former President of Peru, has been released from prison following the annulment of his money-laundering conviction by the Constitutional Court. The decision was based on legal arguments that questioned the legitimacy of his sentence for allegedly accepting illegal campaign funds from Odebrecht. His wife, Nadine Heredia, who faced similar charges, is currently residing in Brazil.

A woman died in Idukki after a landslide destroyed her home on Saturday as heavy rains caused floods and fresh landslides across central Kerala. Several people are feared trapped under debris in Kottayam district. Rescue operations are underway in affected areas of both districts. Authorities have issued alerts for continued heavy rainfall.

LPG cylinder prices today: Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been reduced by up to Rs 209 from August 1. This price adjustment offers relief to restaurants and hotels dependent on this fuel. Domestic cooking gas prices, however, remain unchanged for households across the nation. The reduction applies only to the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders. This revision follows a high-level meeting reviewing regional preparedness.

Assam has launched its first government-owned GPU cluster for AI. This secure infrastructure will power the next generation of public services. The state aims to become an AI-first region, enhancing governance capabilities. Office files and notifications will now be accessible through an AI assistant. This initiative marks a significant first step in Assam's technological advancement.

Zubair Baloch, brother of jailed gang leader Uzair Baloch, was critically injured in Karachi. Unidentified gunmen opened fire on him outside his home, hitting him in the chest and stomach. The attack has revived old gang rivalries and violence in the Lyari area. Zubair had recently been released from jail after facing several criminal cases. His brother Uzair remains imprisoned for espionage charges.

Singaporean student Siti Aishah Siregar was found safe by Cambodian police after vanishing from her family. She arrived in Cambodia and met an online gaming friend at the airport. Aishah explained she left home due to strict parental control and a desire for independence. Emails revealed she transferred money to an unknown person before her disappearance. The investigation continues into the money transfer and the nature of the online friendship.

China's military conducted joint air and naval drills near Scarborough Shoal. These exercises were described as a necessary response to regional instability. The drills aimed to test combat readiness and territorial defense capabilities. China claims the shoal as Huangyan Dao, while the Philippines calls it Bajo de Masinloc. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced the drills on Saturday.