The Economic Times

Billionaire investor Peter Thiel advocates backing truly unique businesses rather than merely better versions of existing firms. Drawing from his book Zero to One, his 7 core rules emphasize business philosophy, quality valuations, durable competitive moats, niche dominance, independent thinking, continuous reinvestment, and long-term conviction to spot potential multibaggers.

AI is creating more jobs than it destroys in India currently. However, entry-level hiring is declining significantly for young workers. Companies increasingly value experienced employees with deeper business knowledge. AI-related job losses are concentrated in financial services and technology sectors. India faces a unique challenge and opportunity with its large tech workforce.

Fourteen microcap penny stocks with market capitalisations below Rs 1,000 crore and trading prices under Rs 20 have witnessed sharp corrections of up to 50% over the past three months. While low entry prices lure retail investors, high volatility and thin liquidity make them highly risky.

India's IPO market is set for a busy week, with 10 companies, including Symbiotec Pharmalab, Skyways Air Services, Hy-Tech Engineers and Lumino Industries, looking to raise over Rs 3,300 crore. Mainboard IPOs will be accompanied by five SME issues, while grey market premiums point to strong investor interest in several upcoming offerings.

India's earnings recovery has begun to broaden across sectors, but the market is yet to fully price in the upcycle, says Hemant Kanawala of Kotak Life Insurance. In an interaction, he highlights large-cap valuation comfort, Q1 earnings growth, and top sector picks including financials and telecom.

Around 67 companies have scheduled dividends and other corporate actions for the week of August 24-28. The list includes NBCC, MCX India, Paras Defence, NALCO, Senco Gold and Power Finance Corporation, among others. Investors can track key record dates for dividends, bonus issues, stock splits, rights issues and share consolidation.

This week's Dalal Street movements are set to be heavily influenced by the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, alongside fluctuations in global oil prices. Rising bond yields are causing investors to adopt a cautious stance as they navigate market trends. Key economic data from the US and statements from the Federal Reserve will also play a significant role in trading decisions.

Women in India are actively reclaiming leisure time through various initiatives. New communities are forming around hobbies, sports, and social connections. These groups provide a much-needed space for women to prioritise personal time. Many women now schedule leisure as a non-negotiable part of their lives. This reflects a growing desire for self-care and identity beyond traditional roles.

The BJP has formed a special team to focus on outreach to Gen Z voters. This new initiative aims to understand and engage with young people's concerns. The party also passed a resolution condemning the Congress Working Committee's Vande Mataram stance. A nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will mark Prime Minister Modi's 25 years as Gujarat CM. This month-long campaign will begin soon to honor the milestone.

Weather Today: India braces for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms this Sunday, affecting regions from Uttarakhand to southern states. Major downpours are anticipated, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, where thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected. Odisha faces a dire warning for extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days. These widespread wet conditions are projected to persist through Thursday, impacting daily life across the country.

Knutsford tunnel boring machine Lily has just completed the first major drive beneath the English town, digging deep underground without tearing up the busy streets above. The 44-ton machine is helping build a 1.8-kilometer sewer tunnel designed to store 5.5 million liters of stormwater. The 48 million project aims to reduce pressure on aging sewers and protect local waterways, while keeping everyday life in Knutsford moving.

Israel conducted a strike in Syria, drawing criticism from US envoy Tom Barrack. Barrack slammed the attack as an unnecessary escalation, which Israel refuted. Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Turkey of seeking military presence at the air base. Syria reported an Israeli drone strike wounding a man near the Golan Heights. Israel vowed to maintain troops in a southern security zone.

Adventurous travelers are discovering the clever use of adhesive tape to shield suitcase wheels from grime. This nifty hack allows for a cleaner journey by acting as a protective layer against dirt and debris. Just remember to apply it carefully, steering clear of axles and swivel parts, and remove it afterward to maintain the suitcase's smooth functionality.

Adding white vinegar to your towel wash can help remove residue and mineral buildup. This acetic acid breaks down detergent traces, restoring natural absorbency and freshness. Use vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser or during the final rinse cycle. Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach or baking soda for effective cleaning. Consider avoiding vinegar for towels containing significant amounts of elastic fibers.

Serena Williams returns to competitive U.S. Open play in mixed doubles. She will partner with defending men's champion Carlos Alcaraz after receiving a wildcard. This marks Williams' first U.S. Open match since 2022. Aryna Sabalenka teams with Novak Djokovic, and Jessica Pegula partners Taylor Fritz. These notable pairings will compete in the upcoming mixed doubles tournament.

Why India could lead next neurotechnology revolution: Alexander Panov explains

Sebi is tightening the reins on advertising practices for online bond platforms, aiming to protect investors from hasty decisions. New rules mandate that promotional content provides standardized information about specific securities. Terms such as 'fixed returns' must be accompanied by explicit risk disclaimers, while ambiguous claims like 'high yield' will also be subject to regulatory restrictions.

India's sugar production estimate has fallen significantly, impacting opening stocks for the new season. This lower output is expected to meet domestic demand until fresh supplies arrive. Retail sugar prices have risen sharply due to several contributing factors. The government has allowed duty-free imports of raw sugar to address availability concerns. Diversion of sugar for ethanol production has also seen a recent decline.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh honored Commonwealth Games athletes. He also distributed appointment letters to National Games gold medal winners. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu received recognition for her weightlifting achievements. Cash rewards and certificates were given to various medalists and participants. This event celebrated sporting excellence and motivated future athletes.

Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Sabiha Baloch alleges identity is a mark of suspicion. Baloch communities face systematic repression and state persecution across Pakistan. Civilians in Balochistan experience drone attacks and airstrikes, while Karachi residents face raids. Forced disappearances and persecution are highlighted by a social media campaign. The campaign urges an end to enforced disappearances and persecution of Baloch people.

The Faizabad Bar Association is demanding an FIR against Champat Rai and others for alleged donation irregularities. Lawyers allege government protection for those accused in the Ram Mandir donation case. A delegation met the Senior Superintendent of Police seeking urgent action on their complaint.

A dispute over Vande Mataram and the National Anthem disrupted the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha session. The ruling Congress and opposition BJP protested outside the assembly premises on Saturday. Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur stated the Vidhan Sabha would not follow the Congress Working Committee's agenda. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accused the BJP of politicizing and disrupting assembly proceedings.

Unconsciously matching someone elses walking pace is not a hidden psychological code that can reveal exactly how you feel about them. However, it does highlight something more fascinating: human interaction extends beyond words, with our bodies often adjusting and coordinating with the people around us.

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani asked FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to avoid a youth tournament. Montagliani cited mounting opposition to Infantino's leadership as the primary reason. Infantino faces pressure from three confederations to resign from his position. His presence would overshadow the technical nature of the youth competition.

Aisha Wahab made history as the first Afghan-American elected to the U.S. Congress. Her victory highlights a significant leftward shift within the Democratic Party. This progressive surge is evident in other recent primary contest wins across the nation. The movement reflects a younger, more diverse, and immigrant-led political force.

Quote of the Day by Miley Cyrus: Miley Cyrus's famous quote, You dont have to stay the person you were yesterday just because people loved that version of you... highlights the quiet pressure to remain trapped in nostalgic expectations. True personal growth often requires abandoning the comfort of familiar approval to honor the person you are becoming today. Rather than viewing personal evolution as a betrayal of your past, Cyrus frames ongoing transformation as an act of necessary self-preserva

A significant power outage impacted the AIAPGET exam at Shri Satya Sai PG College in Jaipur, leaving 49 out of 192 candidates unable to finish their computer-based test. Reports from candidates suggested instances of copying during the outage. The National Testing Agency has announced a re-examination for those affected, scheduled for September 1, to ensure fair access to postgraduate programs in traditional Indian medicine.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir supports Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming Test match. He advised the spinner to focus on taking wickets while maintaining control. Gambhir also expressed his preference for three-match Test series over shorter formats. India secured a significant victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka. The second Test between India and Sri Lanka begins on Sunday.

Zubin Bharucha has joined Mumbai Indians as director of performance. He previously served Rajasthan Royals in various capacities since 2008. Bharucha will work with Indian players during the off-season at the franchise's facility. He is currently touring South Africa with young MI players and assistant coach Paras Mhambrey. Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title five times and are looking to improve.

Nifty remained range-bound, falling 0.47% to 24,252 amid subdued volatility. Resistance at 24,450

Commercial vehicle loans will grow significantly over five years. Used car loans are the fastest-growing segment, formalizing credit access. Two-wheeler financing maintains the largest borrower volume, introducing many new customers. Auto loan disbursements are shifting towards higher values, increasing average ticket sizes. Delinquency indicators are improving across most vehicle loan categories.

Tehran has allowed Iraqi oil tankers passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows repeated requests from Baghdad over the past six months. Iran asserts control over the vital waterway, requiring permission and transit fees. Iraq relies on this strait for exporting the bulk of its crude oil.

Coach Gautam Gambhir stated India is undergoing a Test cricket transition phase. He dismissed concerns over rankings, asserting the team is moving forward. Young players Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar made immediate impacts in the first Test. Gambhir praised their performances while noting the need for continued development. Building depth in red-ball cricket remains a key focus for the Indian team.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated there is no sugar shortage in the state. He assured consumers that ample sugar stocks are currently available with mills. Mills have sold significant quantities, which remain in the open market. Officials are directed to monitor stocks and take action against hoarding. Sugarcane cultivation is projected to increase for future production.

In a notable incident at a Bengaluru coffee shop, a customer was labeled as 'Little fat black shirt' on his bill, leading to accusations of body-shaming. The individual took to social media to voice his discontent. In response, Subko Coffee publicly apologized, denouncing fat shaming and confirming that they would implement discipline and reassess their customer service protocols to prevent future issues.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir prioritizes winning trophies over external criticism. He stressed that team success is the only measure that truly matters. Discussions are ongoing to ensure key players remain available for matches. Player availability and squad continuity will help achieve better results. India recently defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test.

Psychology does not suggest that everyone who edits a text fears being judged. However, research onself-presentation, impression management, self-consciousness and emotion regulationcan help explain why people sometimes adjust their messages when they become aware of how others might perceive or evaluate them.

Sri Lanka simplified immigration procedures for refugees returning from India. The United Nations welcomed this significant decision for their safe return. Many refugees fled ethnic violence which began in nineteen eighty-three. Around ninety thousand refugees still reside in India's Tamil Nadu state. The UNHCR will facilitate the return and resettlement of these displaced individuals.

Gemini Edibles & Fats India, maker of Freedom Oils, filed IPO papers with Sebi for an entirely offer-for-sale issue of up to 4.12 crore shares. Promoters and investors will sell stakes, while the company earns no proceeds. Revenue rose to Rs 12,650 crore in FY26, supported by strong branded oil growth.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has issued warrants to Sunbright Mauritius Investments Ltd, following the necessary board sanctions and regulatory approvals for their funding initiative. This move has attracted a subscription of Rs 659.76 crore, allowing Sunbright Mauritius to secure a substantial stake once the warrants are fully converted. Notably, these warrants are eligible for conversion within a period of eighteen months from the date of allotment.

Indian banks have raised over seventy-two billion dollars through overseas borrowings. These funds were secured from non-resident Indians and other loan sources. Banks have been permitted to use these foreign funds for lending to non-resident Indians. The Reserve Bank of India reported sixty-five billion dollars via FCNR deposits. A discounted forex swap facility for banks will close on August thirty-first.

BSE

India's women's hockey team plays Australia in a crucial World Cup match on Sunday. A win against Australia will secure India a spot in the semifinals. The team has shown strong defense, with goalkeepers making key saves. However, converting opportunities into goals remains a challenge for the Indian side. This match is considered a quarterfinal by coach Sjoerd Marijne.

Exam protesters in Jharkhand accuse the state government of betrayal. They are upset the government did not defend its exam cancellation decision. The opposition BJP supports the protesters and criticizes Rahul Gandhi's stance. The ruling JMM alleges the BJP is exploiting student issues for political gain. Protesters plan further demonstrations if the government fails to act.

The SS Gulfoil, a World War II tanker, has transformed into a stunning coral reef over the years. After resting on the seabed for decades, cold-water corals now blanket its wreckage. These shipwrecks act as artificial reefs bustling with life, prompting scientists to explore the impacts of petroleum pollution in deep seas. This oceanic revival highlights nature's resilience, urging us to pay attention.