The Economic Times

Indian banks have sought RBI approval to spread mark-to-market losses on investment portfolios across the remaining three quarters, citing bond-market volatility triggered by the West Asia crisis. Rising government bond yields have weighed sharply on banks treasury income.

The Supreme Court suggested forming special courts for Manipur violence cases. These courts would exclusively handle investigations by the CBI and NIA. The Gauhati High Court Chief Justice was urged to establish these separate courts. The court also directed security agencies to ensure uninterrupted investigations by federal agencies. Details of cases will be shared with affected families and their lawyers.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said UPI transactions will remain free for consumers, with most low-value payments also staying free. Any future MDR would apply only to limited merchant transactions above a prescribed threshold, with its scope to be decided later.

The corporate affairs ministry plans to implement an evidence-based methodology for the upcoming Digital Competition Bill. A thorough market analysis is currently being conducted to establish benchmarks for major tech firms. Systemically impactful digital entities will be subjected to preventive regulations enforced by the antitrust authority. This proposed legislation aims to curb undesirable practices proactively. The ministry's responses contributed to a parliamentary committee's findings.

India Independence Day 2026: Youth power will be a central theme at the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Young achievers and innovators will be honored as special guests at the event. The national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung from the Red Fort ramparts for the first time. Military bands will perform across India, and flower petals will be showered. Approximately five thousand special guests, including students, have been invited to the function.

A US judge dismissed criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The Justice Department decided to abandon the fraud and bribery case against him. Adani denied any agreement was made for the dismissal of the indictment. He had previously pledged a ten billion dollar investment in the United States. The Adani Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing in this matter.

Quote of the Day by Kate Hudson: Kate Hudsons quote, Being active and good health is the most important beauty regime because that will affect you for the rest of your life, explores the importance of physical activity, healthy living, self-care, and long-term well-being. The quote suggests that true beauty should go beyond appearance and that maintaining good health can support confidence, energy, and a better quality of life for years to come.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari suspended an investigating officer and transferred an inspector. He visited the family of a Trinamool worker who died in custody. The Chief Minister ordered a magisterial inquiry into the custodial death. He provided compensation and a job to the deceased worker's wife. Adhikari admitted to police negligence while awaiting post-mortem results.

The Supreme Court voiced serious concern regarding escalating drug abuse and trafficking nationwide. Justices noted the gravity of the situation and its widespread impact across the country. A petition seeking reforms in enforcement measures under the NDPS Act was heard by the bench. The plea highlights drug abuse's threat to youth health and national security. The court issued notices to the Centre and state governments for their response.

Indias payments network is shifting towards software-based channels, with UPI QR codes and online card transactions growing while ATMs and other hardware-based infrastructure stagnate or decline. UPI QR codes rose 16.9% year-on-year to 792.6 million in June.

Eight people from Assam were injured in firing from Arunachal Pradesh on Monday. The incident occurred along the inter-state border due to an alleged land encroachment dispute. Injured individuals were admitted to local hospitals, with some in critical condition. Assam's chief minister stated the matter is almost resolved and is being addressed. Both states have previously agreed to resolve their long-standing border disputes.

Iran's Supreme Leader appointed six senior commanders to key military and IRGC posts. Ali Abdollahi became Chief of Staff while Kioumars Heydari is Deputy Chief. Ahmad Vahidi now commands the IRGC, and Mostafa Izadi is his deputy. Ali Azmaei leads the IRGC Navy, and Hossein Taeb heads the Basij. These appointments follow recent news about the Supreme Leader's health and other personnel changes.

NBFCs outpaced banks in retail lending growth in June, with loans rising over 20% year-on-year compared with 16% for banks. Growth was driven by jewellery and consumer durable loans as banks remained cautious in unsecured and low-ticket lending segments.

Delhi has recorded a sharp increase in H1N1 influenza cases this season. Infections have risen to 1,344 from 229 during the corresponding period last year. Doctors caution against dismissing H1N1 as routine seasonal flu, as it can become serious. Vaccination and basic precautions remain key measures for reducing severe illness. Vulnerable groups should pay close attention to symptoms and seek timely medical care.

Bangladesh requested Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India during a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner. The meeting also covered important bilateral issues and strengthening relations between the two nations. Bangladesh expressed outrage over Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, calling her a convicted genocider. The prime minister also sought the extradition of suspects in a student leader's murder case.

Quote of the day by Jesus Christ exhorts believers and readers alike to reconsider the relationship between what they have and what they are willing to share. If you want to be perfect is therefore not simply a statement about giving away possessions. It is an invitation to examine the heart, loosen the grip of material attachment and discover whether genuine abundance might be found in generosity.

Two separate passenger incidents on US flights prompted emergency responses and law enforcement involvement. A United Airlines flight diverted to Milwaukee after a passenger allegedly made a threat. An Alaska Airlines flight returned to the gate in Miami due to disruptive passengers. The FAA has reported over 830 unruly passenger cases this year. Violators face significant civil penalties and potential criminal charges for their actions.

Indian stock markets opened muted this week as global worries tempered investor sentiment. Strong first-quarter earnings provided some support, offsetting geopolitical tensions. Analysts noted softer US jobs data, shifting focus to inflation readings for rate direction.

Milky Mist Dairy Food raised 465.29 crore from anchor investors ahead of its IPO opening on August 11. The 1,553 crore issue offers shares priced at 133-140, with a minimum investment of 14,980. The IPO closes August 13, targeting a listing on August 18.

HDFC Bank reduced its lending rates by five basis points across maturities. Bank of Baroda will increase its three-month lending rate by ten basis points. HDFC's new rates became effective from August seventh for various tenors. Bank of Baroda's revised rate will take effect from August twelfth. The banks are adjusting their marginal cost of funds based lending rates.

NSE Indices announced major semi-annual rejig changes across Nifty 500, Nifty 100 and Nifty Next 50, effective September 30. BSE, Polycab, Hitachi Energy India, Vodafone Idea and Wipro will enter key indices, while several companies face exclusion.

Vodafone Idea Q1 Results: Debt-ridden telco Vodafone Idea on Monday narrowed its consolidated losses in the first quarter to Rs 3,754 crore. The loss stood at Rs 6,608 crore in the last year quarter. Revenue from operations increased 6% YoY to Rs 11,689 crore.

A Cheyenne proverb expresses that wisdom fosters a gentle spirit akin to a dove. While awareness and vigilance may mirror a serpent, they don't necessitate aggressive behavior. Genuine strength stems from the ability to embrace peace rather than engage in conflict. Exhibiting restraint often reflects deeper confidence than overt displays of force. This age-old wisdom continues to guide us through today's complex challenges.

Scientists using mosquitoes to fight dengue: Singapore has embarked on an ambitious project, deploying Wolbachia-infused male mosquitoes to tackle the rise of dengue fever. This specific bacterium disrupts reproduction, reducing the potential for disease spread. Successful programs in Colombia, Indonesia, and Brazil echo promising results.

A significant earthquake struck Colombia's Choco province on Monday morning. The tremor caused injuries and considerable damage to buildings in Quibdo. Its epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar, officials reported. The quake was felt across Bogota and even into Venezuela. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage.

Heavy rains have led to the closure of over 100 roads across Himachal Pradesh, disrupting traffic and impacting essential services. Officials reported 106 roads blocked, along with disruptions to water supply schemes and transformers. The state has also recorded significant rainfall and substantial financial losses since the monsoon began, with a wet spell predicted to continue.

The Caroline Bezengi's crew first reported difficulties on June 8 off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, two maritime security sources said, adding that initial assessments indicated that a blast occurred onboard.

Beneath the ancient soil of Romes Caelian Hill, just steps from the iconic Colosseum, archaeologists stumbled upon a stunning two-thousand-year-old secret. An excavation revealed an eight-room structure featuring delicate wall frescoes and a remarkable floor layout. For months, researchers believed they were uncovering an opulent residential palace for wealthy elites. However, a stunning marine-life floor panel changed the entire narrative.

Wifi signal hacks: Placing a coin on a Wi-Fi router does not improve internet connectivity. Experts state metal objects can block Wi-Fi waves and restrict ventilation. Proper router placement in a central, elevated location is recommended for better signal distribution. Keeping the router away from obstructions and other equipment also enhances performance. Restarting the router and upgrading older equipment are effective solutions.

President Donald Trump advocates for permanent daylight saving time across the United States. The House of Representatives has approved the Sunshine Protection Act for this change. However, the Senate has not yet voted on the measure, creating uncertainty. Opponents express concerns about darker winter mornings and children's safety. Until legislation passes, Americans will continue changing clocks twice annually.

Organizers have upgraded the Indira Gandhi Stadium for the upcoming BWF World Championships. Extensive anti-bird measures and structural improvements were implemented to prevent past embarrassments. New systems and non-toxic gels will keep birds and insects away from the venue. Officials are also coordinating with local authorities to manage stray animals on campus. The Badminton World Federation expressed satisfaction with the completed venue preparations.

Project Plowshare aimed to revolutionize construction by utilizing nuclear explosions for large-scale projects such as canals and harbors. This revolutionary idea caught the imagination of scientists and engineers alike. However, environmental hazards and the risk of radioactive contamination overshadowed its potential. As conventional methods progressed and became more viable, the idea lost its financial attractiveness, leading to the program's termination in 1977, illustrating the constraints

Zee Entertainments Q1 FY27 profit fell 48% to Rs 74.3 crore, while EBITDA plunged 65% despite 5% revenue growth. Advertising faced pressure from Middle East tensions and cricket, partly offset by FIFA rights, subscription growth and higher digital ARPU.

Professor Deepak Dhar has been honored with the 2026 Dirac Medal for his remarkable contributions to the realm of statistical mechanics. Sharing this accolade with three other eminent scientists, Dhar's innovative work explores the applications of equilibrium statistical mechanics in diverse complex systems. His research on sandpile models unveils how simple interactions can lead to intricate behaviors, underscoring the profound influence of theoretical physics across various scientific arenas.

Russia is exploring a rail link to India through Central Asia and Iran as an alternative to maritime routes vulnerable to disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and Bosphorus. The proposal comes amid expanding India-Russia energy and bilateral trade ties.

2026 Independence Day of India: India's 80th Independence Day will feature Vande Mataram sung from Red Fort ramparts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the ceremonial sequence, followed by flag unfurling. The celebrations will highlight youth power and their significant contributions. This focus on young citizens was planned well in advance. The Leader of the Opposition received a formal invitation to the national event.

Laughter isn't always a reaction to something funny. It can also help regulate social tension and ease uncomfortable moments. When someone is faced with a difficult question, answering requires careful cognitive processing, and emotional discomfort can make that process more challenging.

Coastal erosion in New Jersey is changing as Sandy Hook now faces damaging storm conditions twice as often as 1979. Researchers used 47 years of storm records, buried sediment layers, wave data and computer simulations to uncover the hidden pattern. The study found that high water and powerful waves increasingly cross an erosion threshold, even as North Beach continues growing. The finding offers new clues about shoreline change, storm damage and future coastal risks along New Jerseys vulnerable

Justin Greaves, Harry Brook, and Tanzid Hasan are July's ICC Player of the Month nominees. Greaves excelled with bat and ball for West Indies in Test matches. Brook was sensational for England in T20Is against India. Tanzid Hasan performed consistently for Bangladesh in white-ball series. These players earned nominations for their outstanding July performances.

A consortium, including Jeff Bezos and Eduardo Saverin, is nearing a deal for a stake in Liverpool FC. This investment group is reportedly led by Amit Bhatia, and a deal could be announced this week. The acquisition would value the Premier League club at approximately 4.4 billion. Fenway Sports Group, which bought Liverpool in 2010, has been exploring outside investment options.

Six BSE 100 stocks, including Paytm and TVS Motor, hit fresh 52-week highs on Monday. The stocks have gained up to 23% over the past month.

Parliament has passed the Taxation and other Laws (Amendment) Bill. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed UPI will remain free for consumers. The legislation removes the linkage between payment systems and income tax. It also provides legal backing to modify zero-MDR frameworks for digital transactions. The bill aims to attract foreign capital and promote domestic manufacturing.

NOPD senior officer Brandon Coleman faces 350 charges in an alleged overtime fraud case after Louisiana State Police said he collected more than $111,000 in fraudulent overtime payments. There were discrepancies between the hours he reported and the hours investigators believe he actually worked. The allegations include false public records, payroll fraud, theft and malfeasance in office. Coleman's attorney has strongly denied the accusations, calling the charges absolutely baseless.

Bee pheromones: New research reveals queen bees use chemical signals to guide daughters. These pheromones influence whether daughters remain home or reproduce independently. Queens producing more signals demonstrate higher reproductive success and egg-laying. This chemical communication helps organize simple insect societies over time.

Quote of the Day by Steve Martin: Steve Martin's quote highlights humor found in unexpected disruptions. Chaos amidst order creates amusement, unlike chaos in existing chaos. Life rarely follows plans, presenting opportunities for laughter. A sense of humor offers distance from stressful situations. Embracing disorder can make life feel lighter and more manageable.

Hayley Matthews, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nat Sciver-Brunt are nominated for the ICC award. Matthews showcased exceptional all-round performances with bat and ball in ODIs. Samarawickrama played a key role in Sri Lanka's ODI series victory over Pakistan. Sciver-Brunt's crucial knocks helped England reach the T20 World Cup final. These players earned nominations for their outstanding international cricket achievements.

Sigma Advanced Systems secured Rs 460 crore through preferential allotment for expansion. Spark Capital led the fundraising, placing funds with family offices and UHNIs. The company recently acquired Bromford Precision Solutions in the UK. Sigma also secured a Rs 3,800 crore contract from Rolls-Royce. This capital will support global manufacturing and evolving customer requirements.

Two men posing as prospective tenants assaulted a 59-year-old Bengaluru woman and robbed her of a 40-gram gold mangalya chain after gaining her trust through an acquaintance who set up the meeting. Police have since secured all three accused, identifying the acquaintance as the mastermind who had the woman under surveillance for nearly two weeks before the robbery.