The Economic Times

Activated charcoal in fridge: A strange smell coming from the refrigerator can be surprisingly stubborn and difficult to remove. Activated charcoal offers a simple hack to help absorb unpleasant odours. Its porous structure can trap odour-causing compounds, unlike air fresheners, which mainly mask smells. However, thoroughly cleaning the refrigerator and removing the source of the odour is essential before trying this hack.

Goldman Sachs expects the Nifty 50 to rebound to 26,500 by June 2027, above its current record high, as Indias macro backdrop improves. Lower commodity prices, a stable currency, resilient domestic growth and better earnings prospects are supporting its bullish view. The brokerage expects a shift towards value stocks, with large caps and banks benefiting as foreign outflows reverse.

As global investors crowd into AI-linked markets in South Korea and Taiwan, India is re-emerging as an anti-AI portfolio diversifier. Moderating long-only fund redemptions, $3.6 billion in recent foreign inflows, strong domestic SIP contributions, and potential $25 billion reallocation from underweight EM funds are supporting Indian equities' relative resilience.

Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd expects its loan book to exceed two lakh crore rupees. The company plans to borrow seventy-five thousand crore rupees from domestic and overseas markets. HUDCO has already raised twenty thousand crore rupees in the first quarter of this fiscal.

Nearly 90 companies, including Jio Financial Services, Power Grid Corporation, HPCL, and Hindustan Aeronautics, will turn ex-dividend between August 10 and August 14. Investors holding these shares in their demat accounts on the respective record dates will be eligible to receive the announced corporate dividend payouts.

Hyundai Motor India anticipates a strong export recovery starting from the second quarter. This optimism stems from continued robust demand and a healthy order backlog. The company experienced a decline in first-quarter exports due to regional conflicts and supplier issues. New model shipments, including the Exter and Verna, will bolster export volumes.

In a notable surge, four leading Indian corporations experienced an impressive rise in market valuations, totaling Rs 1.43 lakh crore. The State Bank of India led the charge, boosting its valuation by Rs 63,922 crore. Other notable gainers included Reliance Industries, TCS, and Larsen

In early August, Foreign Portfolio Investors poured Rs 12,921 crore into Indian equities, building on their notable investments from July. This surge indicates improved investor sentiment and favorable macroeconomic conditions. Furthermore, foreign investors have displayed interest in India's debt market, resulting in additional inflows. However, it

Indian stock markets ended lower as benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty diverged. Investors face crucial triggers next week, including over 2,000 Q1 earnings announcements, crude oil price movements amid Middle East geopolitical tensions, US nonfarm payroll data influencing Federal Reserve interest rate policy, and ongoing foreign institutional investment trends.

Subtle workplace judgments, termed microsnobbery, stem from everyday choices. These judgments often involve food, clothing, and cultural consumption habits. Such behavior can make colleagues feel excluded and hinder team collaboration. Recognizing these habits allows for their conscious elimination and improvement. Openness and respect foster a more inclusive and productive work environment.

China's producer price inflation eased more than expected in July. Consumer inflation also cooled, reflecting weaker domestic demand in the economy. This slowdown is consistent with other economic activity data released recently. Chinese leaders pledged to accelerate fiscal spending on infrastructure projects. This policy response aims to bolster economic growth through year-end.

Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Today marks Kamika Ekadashi, a significant day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Devotees partake in this important fast with the intention to clear negativity from their lives while inviting wealth and prosperity. The vrat katha narrates the story of a man who, after killing a Brahmin, was encouraged to observe Kamika Ekadashi and seek forgiveness through the devotion of Lord Vishnu.

Firefighters extinguished a blaze at Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery on Sunday. The facility had previously been shut down following a Houthi militant attack. This incident raises concerns about potential disruptions to oil infrastructure. Recent attacks have caused some production interruptions for the company. Operations are expected to be restored quickly, with no material impact.

Indian family offices are transitioning from wealth protection to professional investment management. Finding and keeping skilled Chief Investment Officers presents significant challenges for these evolving entities. Many families struggle to grant the necessary authority and compensation to their investment leaders. Cultural differences and unclear mandates often lead to high executive turnover. This dynamic shift shapes the future of wealth management in India.

The finance ministry said any future MDR on UPI will be nominal and limited to merchant transactions above a specified threshold, while consumers and most merchants will face no charges. The move aims to support UPIs long-term sustainability, security and infrastructure.

Quote of the day by Katy Perry on humility is a reminder to protect the person we are becoming while pursuing the life we desire. Ambition and humility do not have to be opposites.

Hurricane warning alert: If the project succeeds, the data collected by sharks could help improve forecasts of how strong hurricanes will be as they approach the U.S. coast.

The larger lesson may be that environmental health risks are not always the loudest or most visible ones. Modern life has filled homes, offices, hospitals, transportation systems, and cities with mechanical sounds that previous generations encountered far less frequently. As scientists learn more about how the body responds to its surroundings, familiar background conditions may deserve a closer look.

PhonePe cofounder and chief executive, Sameer Nigam, and Razorpay cofounder and chief executive, Harshil Mathur, have argued in favour of a sustainable business model that echoes the position of the Payments Council of India (PCI). The industry association has sought to separate free everyday payments from charges on select merchant transactions to ensure commercial viability of the service.

US-Iran war news: The United States is pushing for secure passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are in talks to establish a temporary shipping lane for oil transport. However, the U.S. remains doubtful about Iran's commitments to maritime safety. Both countries aim for an agreement on this crucial waterway, which could pave the way for restoring halted oil exports in the near future.

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perrys high-profile romance has sparked fresh attention after Alabama Senator Katie Britt questioned how the unlikely celebrity couple first met. Britt also joked about seeing the former Canadian prime minister frolicking with Perry, saying, He used to be in charge of a whole country. Katie Britt's question remains one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the couple: How exactly did Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry meet?

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, had a cordial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday. During their discussion, he expressed how the Prime Minister's leadership motivates his commitment to effective governance. The Prime Minister's office later confirmed this warm interaction via a post on X, showcasing the importance of political collaboration and leadership dialogue in the current landscape.

Today's Quote of the Day by Joey Tempest: The famous quote by Joey Tempest explores a truth many people learn with time: independence does not mean living alone. The Europe frontmans words about being an island raise a deeper question about freedom, relationships and belonging. You can stand on your own, yet still need connection, purpose and a place that truly feels like home.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited flood-affected Bengabara and Naharbari villages. He assessed the damage and reviewed ongoing repair works on breached river embankments. The Chief Minister interacted with people taking shelter in relief camps and assured them of full support. He promised special measures to rebuild embankments with enhanced strength for better protection. The state's flood toll has reached 98, affecting 1.55 lakh people across 13 districts.

Quote of the day by Mark Twain carries a broader philosophical message. Human beings naturally seek certainty. We like schedules, predictions, routines, and expectations because they make an unpredictable world feel manageable.

Delhivery reported a 65% year-on-year decline in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 31.9 crore, despite a 28% rise in revenue to Rs 2,930.7 crore. EBITDA fell 4% as higher labour, fuel and operating costs weighed on margins. The logistics company expects pricing revisions and revenue growth to offset cost pressures.

Under the draft directions, a branch of a G-SIB operating in India will be required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 3.5 per cent, along with the leverage ratio buffer applicable to the parent global bank, including any additional buffer prescribed by its home regulator.

Quote of the day by Arnold Schwarzenegger: Arnold Schwarzeneggers iconic quote emphasizes that failure is not an endpoint, but an essential mechanism for personal transformation and strength. Drawing a direct parallel to resistance training in bodybuilding, where muscles must be strained to structural failure before they can rebuild stronger, Schwarzenegger argues that human character requires similar friction. Without encountering limits, individuals remain unaware of their true capabilities an

Billionaire Michael Moritz and his wife, artist Harriet Heyman, are offering up to $150 million through their Crankstart foundation to find bold ideas that could improve life in San Francisco. Their global Boundless San Francisco competition is seeking solutions to challenges including the citys housing affordability crisis, homelessness, public safety, transportation and post-pandemic economic decline. Up to three winning organisations could receive as much as $50 million each to turn their ide

An ADNOC vessel faced a missile attack while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, August 8, with no reported injuries. The company confirmed the situation has been brought under control by authorities. Official sources are the only recommended places for information. Rumors and unverified details should be avoided by the public.

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of The Hundred due to a hamstring injury. She was a key performer for Southern Brave, scoring 143 runs in six matches. Her absence is a significant blow as the competition enters its decisive phase. Australian allrounder Charli Knott has been signed as her replacement. This withdrawal also raises concerns for India's upcoming Asia Cup campaign.

Delhi's IT minister announced a new drone policy aiming to create over one thousand jobs. This comprehensive policy will focus on research clusters and flight testing facilities. It also plans to utilise drones for traffic management and surveillance purposes. The government will allocate a separate budget for infrastructure and implementation.

Iran has unveiled footage of what it claims is the wreckage of US and Israeli drones, demonstrating its air defense capabilities. However, these assertions regarding the downed drones remain unverified by independent sources. The drones featured, the US MQ-9 Reaper and Israeli Hermes 900, are both sophisticated surveillance systems, further emphasizing Iran's strategic military posturing amid ongoing regional tensions.

Apollo Micro Systems reported a 43% year-on-year rise in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 25.2 crore, while revenue surged 88% to Rs 251.3 crore. EBITDA rose 18% to Rs 48 crore, though margins moderated. The defence company said its best-ever first-quarter performance reflects strong execution and continued sector demand.

Jharkhand government held talks with protesting aspirants over alleged exam paper leaks. The government panel met with various factions of students demanding reforms. Protesters decided their stir would continue until all demands are met. Students seek cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination. The agitation entered its fifteenth day with no resolution reached.

Non-banking financial companies saw gold-backed lending grow nearly seventy percent year-on-year. This strong expansion continued into June 2026, outpacing overall retail loan growth. Housing and vehicle loans also displayed robust credit growth during this period. The Reserve Bank of India strengthened regulations for gold and silver collateral loans. Credit to industry and services sectors experienced a moderation in growth.

In a significant move, AGS Health, operating under Blackstone, has filed revised draft documents for its upcoming IPO in India, which is projected at 48 billion rupees. This offering features a new share release, as Blackstone aims to divest shares worth 30 billion rupees. Notably, AGS Health, known for its revenue cycle management services for U.S. hospitals, achieved a profit of 2.07 billion rupees last fiscal year.

Union Minister Amit Shah encouraged urban cooperative banks to view the RBI's support positively. He highlighted the central bank's proactive assistance to the sector recently. Shah also emphasized the safety of small borrowers for lenders. The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation will relocate its head office. This move aims to strengthen the cooperative banking sector across key states.

BSEs derivatives activity fell sharply in the first week of the Closing Auction Session, but higher premiums more than offset the decline in contracts. Premium per contract surged 74.8%, lifting average daily premium turnover 21.3% and pushing BSEs market share to 37.1%, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities.

State Bank of India chairman admits missing digital payments bus, while YONO app attempts to catch up. Banks and fintech firms argue UPI merchant payments may soon incur charges. UPI processes billions of transactions monthly, with rising infrastructure and cybersecurity costs. SBI reported a 13.73% rise in consolidated net profit for the June quarter.

An investigation team probing alleged donation embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram temple has completed its inquiry. The chargesheet is expected to be filed in court by the end of next month. A special investigating team, headed by IGP Kiran S, is coordinating the police investigation. Previously, the SIT had raised serious questions regarding a former trust member's role.

Police chiefs from seven western states met to devise a joint strategy. They finalized security arrangements for the 2028 Ujjain Simhastha Fair. Real-time intelligence sharing and synchronized anti-narcotics operations were resolved. Discussions also covered cybercrime and the use of modern policing technology. Future meetings will be held in Goa to continue these efforts.

Investor Mukul Mahavir Agrawals portfolio rose 12% to around Rs 7,720 crore by June 2026. Several holdings delivered strong CY26 gains, led by Apollo Pipes, Hind Rectifiers and KRN Heat Exchanger. The portfolio also saw a new addition, Arisinfra Solutions, highlighting Agrawals continued focus on high-growth stocks.

Five high-dividend-yield stocks include Vedanta, Gujarat Pipavav Port, Castrol India, TCS and Infosys. As of July 29, 2026, Vedanta topped the list with a 12.9% yield, followed by Gujarat Pipavav Port at 6.9%. Investors should consider fundamentals, valuation, sustainability of dividends and risks alongside dividend yield.

Molbio Diagnostics has successfully attracted Rs 281.5 crore from anchor investors ahead of its much-anticipated initial public offering. The company aims to raise between Rs 904 crore and Rs 940 crore through this public issue, with funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements and new equipment for manufacturing facilities. Additionally, current shareholders will participate by selling portions of their stakes. The company

Natural gas prices remain subdued despite Middle East tensions, as abundant U.S. production, rising LNG supplies and healthy inventories outweigh geopolitical concerns. Weather-driven demand has also weakened following the winter rally. While near-term prices may remain rangebound, growing LNG exports, Asian demand, power generation and natural gas

Fifteen BSE 500 stocks posted gains in each of the five sessions from August 3 to 7. Apar Industries led with a 16% five-day gain, followed by Welspun Corp and Authum Investment.

Jharkhand government officials met with protesting job aspirants on Saturday. The meeting occurred as Devendra Nath Mahto's fast entered its seventh day. Protesters demand cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination. They also seek an independent probe into alleged irregularities. Massive protests have occurred in Ranchi over the past two weeks.

South Africa marks seventy years since the 1956 Women's March against apartheid laws. Many women still face significant gender-based violence and economic inequality today. The Women's Jail, now a museum, honors activists who fought against oppression. Paralympic champion Kgothatso Montjane acknowledges the paved path for current generations. The past's lessons guide South Africa's ongoing journey toward true freedom and equality.