The Economic Times

Blind chess player from Ahmedabad, Rahul Vaghela has won the Gujarat University chess tournament, beating over 100 sighted competitors from 50 colleges. His friend Dhruv Bhuva, who has partial vision, finished third. Three visually impaired players featured in the top 10. Both train at the Blind People's Association in Ahmedabad.

Weather Tomorrow, August 3: Monsoon activity will remain strong across India on August 3. Northern, central, and northeastern regions anticipate heavy to very heavy rainfall. States like Madhya Pradesh and Kerala will experience intense showers and thunderstorms. Delhi-NCR and Gujarat will see cloudy skies with light to moderate rain. Maharashtra and Rajasthan also expect intermittent showers and potential thunderstorms.

Chile's Atacama Desert serves as Earth's closest Mars analogue due to its extreme dryness. This arid environment, with minimal rainfall and biological activity, aids planetary research. Scientists study its soil chemistry and extreme conditions to prepare for Mars missions. Discoveries there have refined strategies for detecting life on the Red Planet. The Atacama Desert continues to be a vital natural laboratory for space exploration.

Vincent Pastore death: Actor Vincent Pastore, famous for his role as Big Pussy, has died. He passed away at his home in The Bronx at the age of 80. Pastore had recently celebrated his 80th birthday with close friends and colleagues. He was remembered as a loyal friend and a passionate actor with his aide saying he was totally fine and healthy.

The National Highways Authority of India executed controlled blasting operations on Sunday. Massive boulders blocked the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Chenin Udhampur district. Traffic was temporarily suspended for public safety and risk mitigation. The targeted blast shattered the boulders into manageable debris for clearance. The highway reopened after a thorough safety inspection, restoring vital connectivity.

Many consumers using weight-loss drugs are now shopping more in physical stores. Sizing changes prompt shoppers to try on clothes, increasing in-store visits. Retailers are adapting their strategies to accommodate these evolving customer needs. Some businesses are enhancing styling services and fitting room experiences. This trend suggests a potential shift back towards brick-and-mortar retail environments.

The government plans to advance its legislative agenda during the monsoon session. Two bills are scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha next week. The Finance Minister will present Demands for Excess Grants for the previous year. The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill will also be presented. Parliament's monsoon session continues until August 13.

School holiday tomorrow, August 3: Heavy monsoon rains are forecast for several Indian states on Monday, August 3. Authorities are monitoring weather conditions closely for potential school closures. No nationwide school holiday has been announced for this date yet. District officials will decide on local closures based on rainfall intensity. Students and parents should check for updates from local authorities.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor has delegated land-use approval powers to officials. This move aims to decentralize decision-making for development projects outside municipal committees. Divisional commissioners and chief secretaries will now approve proposals for various land parcel sizes. This initiative promotes citizen-centric governance and eases development processes. The framework ensures faster approvals until statutory plans are notified.

India's strength lies in its young population, with nearly sixty-five percent below thirty-five years old. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged youth to contribute to nation building efforts. The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan aims to guide youth towards healthy lifestyles. This campaign is a social movement against the drug menace, involving over one crore youth. Jammu and Kashmir has registered thousands of FIRs and seized significant narcotics.

Of the total amount, Rs 2.47 crore has been released to research institutions that conserved and shared the rice varieties with the company. ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, has received the largest share of Rs 2.43 crore, while Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, has received Rs 3.26 lakh for the specific rice variety it contributed, the release said.

At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after a ferry caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island. Search and rescue teams are continuing operations as authorities investigate the incident.

Andhra Pradesh and Australia signed four MoUs expanding bilateral cooperation. These agreements cover clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and inclusive education initiatives. Student mental health and skill development also form key areas of collaboration. The partnerships aim to foster innovation and workforce development in the state. These collaborations follow recent discussions and visits between the two regions.

The Indian Army has introduced a new diesel fuel for extreme cold conditions. This specialized fuel ensures vehicle operations at minus 42 degrees Celsius. It is compatible with the existing Army vehicle fleet without modifications. High-altitude maintenance facilities also boost combat readiness in challenging terrains. This fuel will also benefit civilians in severe winter regions.

India's weightlifting contingent returned to New Delhi after a successful campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, with Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu expressing pride in winning Gold, her third successive yellow metal for the country and overall the fourth medal since the 2014 edition of the multi-sport event. She had won Silver in the 2014 edition of the CWG.

The Delhi High Court has protected Yuvraj Singh's personality rights. AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorised exploitation damage his reputation and commercial value. The court issued an interim injunction against creating and publishing such content. This order reinforces celebrity rights in the age of artificial intelligence. Violators of these rights will be dealt with severely.

Colonoscopy performed without the patient's informed consent at a Thrissur hospital led to a bowel perforation and emergency surgery, a Kerala consumer commission has ruled, ordering Mother Hospital and its doctor to pay Rs 1.03 lakh to the complainant. The case took 14 years to reach its final order.

President Donald Trump's foreign policy is reshaping global alliances as allies question US reliability and rivals exploit uncertainty. From the Middle East to Asia, Europe and Latin America, countries are recalibrating security and economic ties amid growing doubts over Washington's consistency and long-term commitments.

WestJet flight attendants commenced a strike on Sunday after contract negotiations failed. The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents thousands of affected cabin crew members. This action highlights broader efforts by flight attendants seeking better compensation structures. WestJet confirmed the work stoppage and will refund or re-accommodate affected passengers.

Best German proverb of the day: A German proverb teaches that delaying action leads to missed opportunities and regret. Opportunities are often time-sensitive, requiring prompt decisions and adaptability. Hesitation can result in losing valuable chances that may never return again. The saying encourages thoughtful action without unnecessary delay and fear. This timeless lesson on valuing time remains highly relevant today.

Maharashtra CET Cell will declare MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 seat allotment on August 2. This allotment is for engineering admissions based on MHT CET performance and preferences. Candidates must log in to view their allotment status and download the letter. Seat acceptance and reporting to institutes are scheduled from August 3 to August 5. Admissions are for BE/BTech programmes offered by participating colleges.

The Reserve Bank of India will likely maintain its benchmark repo rate unchanged this August. Elevated inflation risks and the FCNR(B) deposit scheme closure influence this decision. The central bank will adopt a hawkish tone while monitoring monsoon progress and global factors. Most economists anticipate future rate hikes if inflationary pressures intensify significantly. The RBI prioritizes inflation control, balancing growth with supply-side price pressures.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has authorized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to select their presidential nominee. This significant decision was made during a National Standing Committee meeting on Saturday. The party chairman will determine the candidate after the election schedule is announced. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is currently serving as the acting president of Bangladesh. The presidential election must be held within ninety days of the vacancy.

Goa elections 2027: Congress and Goa Forward Party are discussing a potential alliance for 2027. The Aam Aadmi Party has also indicated its willingness to join such a tie-up. These preliminary talks aim to strategize against the ruling BJP government. The opposition parties will meet again to finalize seat-sharing arrangements. The 2027 Goa assembly elections are anticipated in early 2027.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with President Donald Trump on Saturday. He voiced concerns regarding potential United States escalation of conflict with Iran. The Saudis fear Iranian retaliation against their energy infrastructure. Prince Mohammed sought clarity on President Trump's potential actions against Iran. The United States issued new security alerts for Americans in ten regional countries.

The Supreme Court will hear pleas alleging police brutality during recent protests. It previously restrained states from taking coercive action against protesters. The court indicated it might form an SIT to probe allegations of violence. It also ordered the preservation of all digital evidence related to the protests. The government agreed to compensation and no FIRs against protesters after the agitation.

The Indian Navy successfully launched its fifth Diving Support Craft, DSC A24, in Kolkata. This vessel represents a significant advancement for indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and the Make in India initiative. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Alok Ananda assumed command as the 13th Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy. He succeeded Vice Admiral Manish Chadha after a distinguished tenure. The academy continues its commitment to quality training for naval officers.

Chaiwalaz founder Rohit Sharma died by suicide at his Dausa residence on Saturday. Family members found the 30-year-old entrepreneur hanging and rushed him to the hospital. Sharma, who started his business at seventeen, had seven tea outlets. He closed all his businesses six months ago and turned to spirituality. The police are currently investigating the reason behind his death.

The E20 blending program is part of the central government's strategy to reduce fuel imports and provide a stable market for surplus food grains. By diverting excess paddy and broken rice toward ethanol production, the initiative ensures that farmers receive timely payments and a consistent demand for their produce.

A Noida IT worker's video shows a nearly ten-hour weekend work meeting. This viral clip revealed the intense demands of remote IT employment. The employee described minimal breaks during the extended and continuous work session. He emphasized that working in the IT sector is not easy. The video sparked discussions about the challenging nature of such jobs.

Customs officials in Kerala seized eight kilograms of gold worth over eleven crore rupees during recent enforcement actions. Last week's coordinated operations resulted in the indictment of fourteen individuals, leading to the arrest of nine, including six from Kerala and three from Tamil Nadu. The smugglers have resorted to using intricate techniques, like body cavities and paste, to hide their illegal goods.

Sri Lanka deployed hundreds of troops and elite commandos on Sunday to contain riots at an overcrowded prison in which an inmate was killed and six others wounded, police said. In November 2020, a riot erupted at the facility in which 11 inmates were shot and killed, and nearly 120 others wounded.

Odisha Police successfully rescued 17,590 missing individuals during a special drive. This significant operation reunited 12,177 women and 5,413 children with their families. Puri district reported the highest number of women and children rescued during this period. The drive also included individuals whose disappearances were previously unreported. Authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of women and children across the state.

Smartphones can overheat due to external heat sources and prolonged usage. Aluminium foil can act as a temporary heat shield by reflecting sunlight away. This method is most effective in outdoor or high-heat environments like car dashboards. However, completely wrapping the phone or covering ports should be avoided. Better cooling solutions include keeping the device in shade and closing unused applications.

Hungarian business magnates are shifting operations to smaller projects. This change follows a new government's move to end alleged cronyism. Firms linked to the former ruling party face a more competitive landscape. Some companies may not survive the significant corporate shake-up. Investors anticipate a market-friendly environment under the new premier.

An aspiring influencer from Jharkhand was arrested for alleged terror module involvement. She reportedly helped her boyfriend, a suspected Jaish operative, with honey-trapping activities. Digital evidence, including Instagram conversations, played a key role in the investigation. The module allegedly targeted VIPs and planned to create unrest in Delhi. The woman was sent to STF custody for further investigation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide anti-drug campaign for youth. More than one crore young people took a drug-free pledge during the event. This initiative aims to build a developed India with healthy and confident citizens. The campaign involves various organizations and weekly awareness activities across the country. Collective societal efforts and awareness are crucial for combating substance abuse effectively.

Assam's flood situation shows slight improvement as affected people decrease. Seven districts remain inundated, impacting 1.78 lakh individuals across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is visiting the worst-hit areas to assess relief efforts. The central government has sanctioned over Rs 370 crore for disaster response. Damage assessment for educational institutions and Namghars is also underway.

Friendship Day Images: Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August each year. This occasion honors the meaningful bonds that enrich our lives. People express gratitude and cherish moments spent with close friends. Various wishes and quotes highlight the importance of true friendship. The day offers a chance to celebrate these valuable relationships.

Former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar urged policymakers to engage with India's youth. He highlighted youth frustration over job prospects due to Artificial Intelligence advancements. Kumar stressed India must grow above eight percent to achieve upper-middle-income status. He advocated for state-specific export policies to boost manufacturing and employment. Strengthening the domestic economy is also seen as India's best foreign policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian athletes for their Commonwealth Games achievements. Indian boxers secured a record nine medals, including seven gold, in Glasgow. Shubham Juyal and Soman Rana achieved a historic one-two finish in shot put. These performances highlight India's growing strength in various sports disciplines. The nation's overall medal tally at the games reached thirty-seven.

Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha expressed pride in the nation's Commonwealth Games achievements. She specifically lauded the boxers for their exceptional mental fortitude and determination. Indian athletes secured a significant medal haul, with track and field also contributing wins. Government support and encouragement are credited for the continuous growth in sports. This collaboration aims to elevate Indian sports to world-class standards very soon.

Iran's leaders exhibit unity on war strategy but differ on the ultimate objective. Ultra-hardliners seek total victory, while pragmatists pursue a negotiated deal with the United States. The Supreme National Security Council backed a ceasefire, which later crumbled amid escalating strikes. Hard-liners use state media to rally support and denounce any compromise with America. Both factions jockey for power, anticipating the nation's postwar future and the new supreme leader's stance.

Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia are now recognized innovation hubs. These Baltic nations boast a significant number of successful startups and unicorns. Their entrepreneurial spirit flourished after regaining independence from Soviet rule. Strong STEM education and a shift in role models fuel future growth. This region's startup success creates jobs and attracts foreign investment.

Kerala experienced significant rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 320 mm. Waterlogging affected roads and low-lying regions across several districts of the state. Rains caused inundation and damage to homes, prompting rescue operations. While rainfall subsided, floodwaters remained in many affected areas. Some dam water levels dropped, but others stayed in red alert status.

Author Amish Tripathi emphasises that the protests led by Gen Z are a natural part of civic life, advocating for change through constitutional methods. He calls for a re-examination of how Indian history is taught in schools, promoting a decolonised approach. Tripathi's latest book aims to make history captivating for children, using storytelling to connect them with the past, much like previous generations who stood up for change.