The Economic Times

A Delhi court permitted the CBI to conduct further investigation into the NEET paper leak. Fresh digital evidence and CFSL reports necessitated a deeper look into the case. The agency seeks to investigate individuals not yet listed as accused in the ongoing probe. The court had previously taken cognisance of the charge sheet against thirteen accused individuals. This development follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam amid paper leak allegations.

The BJP criticized Rahul Gandhi's comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi called Gandhi's remarks arrogant and indicative of madness. He questioned if Gandhi's actions were childish or part of a conspiracy. The BJP stated that Gandhi's language was rude and indecent.

PlayStation Plus subscribers receive new games this August, including Helldivers 2 and Kingdom Come. Vampire Survivors and Hell Is Us also join the Game Catalog for members. Premium subscribers can enjoy classic titles Onimusha and Disney's Atlantis. Helldivers 2 is available immediately, with other games arriving later. This month offers a varied selection of gaming experiences for all players.

France's top court has blocked a bill banning social media access for minors. The Constitutional Council cited infringement upon freedom of expression as its reason. The court stated the law failed to specify necessary legal safeguards for age verification. This decision prevents the implementation of the proposed age restriction for online services. The ruling impacts how minors can access certain digital platforms in France.

Quote of the Day by Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatras quote, The best revenge is massive success, explores the power of turning criticism, rejection, disappointment, and setbacks into motivation for personal achievement. The quote suggests that instead of seeking revenge against those who have doubted or hurt you, true strength comes from focusing on success, self-improvement, and building a fulfilling life. It encourages people to let their accomplishments speak for themselves and to transform nega

India's defence exports reached Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, a substantial increase. This surge reflects a strong push towards indigenous defence production and manufacturing. The Defence Acquisition Council approved projects exceeding Rs 8.75 lakh crore recently. These initiatives aim to modernize the military and strengthen border areas. India is now an emerging power in global defence manufacturing and exports.

India and Japan are enhancing skill development cooperation for workforce mobility. Discussions focused on preparing Indian youth for employment opportunities in Japan. This includes industry-relevant training and Japanese language preparation. The partnership aims to build structured pathways with strong industry participation. Both nations seek to translate intent into clear action for youth.

On Saturday, the monsoon continues to be vigorous in various parts of India. Multiple states and Union Territories are predicted to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall along with widespread thunderstorms. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant due to the potential for strong winds and travel delays that may arise from the persistent monsoon conditions.

Eight workers died and five are missing after a toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard. The incident occurred on Friday at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Chittagong. Authorities have formed a committee to investigate the fatal accident and ordered an audit. Safety procedures were reportedly flouted before cutting began on the vessel. The shipbreaking sector in Bangladesh faces ongoing scrutiny over its safety standards.

Natco Pharma has reported a stark profit decline in the first quarter, largely driven by reduced sales of its leading cancer drug, lenalidomide. This led to a pronounced drop in consolidated revenues compared to the prior year. On a brighter note, the core business showed some positive growth, and total expenses saw a decrease, providing a silver lining to the financial report.

The World War Two memorial in Washington was vandalised with soap and graffiti. Police and National Guard troops responded to the desecrated sacred place of remembrance. Investigators are working to identify the individuals responsible for this unacceptable act. The Interior Department stated the vandalism will not be tolerated by authorities. This incident occurred while the United States grapples with national pride and unity.

In a bizarre turn of events, a student orchestrated his own abduction as a means to settle online gaming debts. Crafting an AI-generated image, he sent alarming ransom texts to his father. Swift police investigation located the teen at a friends residence within mere hours. Confronted by authorities, he confessed to concocting the scenario under intense pressure. He was returned home safely after a thorough questioning process.

The iPhone X has officially become an obsolete product for Apple. This device established a premium design language for subsequent iPhone generations. Apple is now reportedly planning a major redesign for the iPhone's 20th anniversary. The 2027 models may feature a new glass-heavy design with curved edges.

India Independence Day 2026: Indias oldest listed companies offer a rare window into the evolution of Indian business, markets and capitalism. From Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, founded in 1863, to Balmer Lawrie, Bombay Dyeing, Britannia, ITC, Tata Steel, Kirloskar Brothers and Century Textiles, these vintage stocks survived colonial rule, Independence, liberalisation and the digital era by adapting, diversifying and redeploying capital.

S&P Global Ratings has assigned IDFC FIRST Bank an inaugural investment-grade rating of BBB- for the long term, with a Stable Outlook. The rating is expected to strengthen the lenders access to global funding markets and support international operations. S&P also highlighted strong capitalization, improving profitability, stable asset quality and funding.

Bharat Dynamics reported a strong Q1 FY27 performance, with standalone net profit rising more than sixfold year on year to Rs 118.79 crore, while revenue from operations jumped 131%. The stock remained largely flat after the results, despite delivering strong gains over the longer term.

Tata Sons has begun the search for N Chandrasekarans successor after he announced plans to step down as chairman in February. Tata Steel CEO TV Narendran, Tata Power CEO Praveer Sinha, Tata Motors Shailesh Chandra and Tata Chemicals Ramakrishnan Mukundan are among contenders. Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tatas children Neville and Maya are also being considered, alongside potential external candidates.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled against the imposition of blanket debit freezes in cybercrime cases, emphasizing that such measures must be proportionate to the suspected proceeds of crime. Banks are directed to unfreeze accounts beyond the disputed transaction sum, and investigators are now required to furnish specific details when seeking a lien. This ensures that enforcement actions remain just and within legal frameworks.

Pirojsha Godrej, the youngest of Adi Godrejs three children, has taken a winding path from politics to property and now the Godrej Industries Groups corner office. From building Godrej Properties into a real estate powerhouse to founding Godrej Capital and Godrej Ventures, his journey blends family legacy, business ambition and a distinctly individual imprint.

Pakistan celebrates its 79th Independence Day as the KSE-100 index delivers a 23% return over the past year despite geopolitical tensions and market volatility. From a record high in January, the index has slipped around 6%. Meanwhile, younger investors are increasingly entering Pakistans stock market, boosting participation and account openings.

Stocks held by more than 100 mutual fund schemes showed strong gains in CY26, with 15 stocks rising 50% or more through July. Welspun Corp, Apar Industries and Ather Energy emerged as the top performers, each more than doubling during the period.

LEAP India shares dropped from their listing price, slipping below the IPO issue price after a modest debut. While analysts highlight the company's leadership in pallet pooling and long-term growth potential, demanding valuations and modest return ratios have led to a Neutral view, with a stop-loss suggested at Rs 155.

Svatantra Microfin has filed for a Rs 3,000 crore IPO, comprising Rs 1,500 crore fresh shares and Rs 1,500 crore OFS. Promoter Ananya Birla owns nearly 60%, while Advent and Multiples plan to pare holdings. The microfinance lender reported Rs 21,093 crore AUM as of March 2026, making it Indias second-largest MFI.

Zee Entertainment's shares experienced a surge following the Securities Appellate Tribunal's grant of interim relief. The tribunal has put a hold on SEBI's order, permitting promoters to issue preferential warrants. Additionally, ZEEL is allowed to utilize mutual fund units for dividend distribution. However, this relief comes with the condition of paying the penalty that SEBI has imposed, which the company disputes based on claims over property document titles.

Manorama Industries shares surged after Q1FY27 net profit jumped 67.6% YoY to

On Rakesh Jhunjhunwalas fourth death anniversary, his investment philosophy continues to offer valuable lessons for investors. From patience and discipline to respecting market dynamics, learning from mistakes and avoiding unreasonable valuations, these principles remain relevant for navigating equity markets.

Sugar stocks rallied for a second session on Friday as domestic sugar prices climbed 8-10% over the past month to a seven-year high. Rising global prices, supply concerns in Brazil and Thailand, higher ethanol demand and expectations of tighter Indian exports have strengthened the outlook for sugar producers.

Praj Industries shares surged 6.5% after Q1FY27 net profit more than doubled year-on-year to Rs 12 crore, while revenue rose 12% to Rs 716 crore. The company reported Rs 1,000 crore in order intake and ended the quarter with an order backlog of Rs 4,589 crore, providing strong execution visibility.

Big Techs AI capex surge is putting pressure on free cash flow, with Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta spending $165 billion in Q2 against just $7 billion in free cash flow. Jefferies Chris Wood warns that growing reliance on cash-burning AI firms OpenAI and Anthropic could pose a hidden risk.

Sammaan Capital reported a 27% YoY decline in consolidated profit to Rs 243 crore in Q1FY27, while revenue from operations also fell. The company reported Rs 56,239 crore in AUM and Rs 3,875 crore in disbursements, with plans to accelerate growth and reduce funding costs.

Zetwerk Manufacturing Business Ltd has updated its IPO papers to initiate a substantial Rs 2,600 crore offering. The funds raised are earmarked for paying off debts and making strategic acquisitions. Over recent fiscal years, the company has seen remarkable revenue growth and its order book has doubled. Functioning as a tech-driven manufacturing network with global reach, Zetwerk caters to various sectors, including renewable energy and defence.

Vedanta Aluminium, Hindalco and NALCO fell as aluminium prices retreated after Norsk Hydro resumed Alunorte refinery production, easing supply shortage concerns.

Galaxy Surfactants shares hit a 20% upper circuit after the company reported a 109% year-on-year jump in Q1FY27 net profit to Rs 165.9 crore. Revenue rose 38.5%, while EBITDA surged 87% to a record Rs 252.5 crore, supported by stronger volumes, product mix and speciality care demand.

Jubilant FoodWorks shares rose to Rs 521 after Q1 FY27 revenue increased 14% year-on-year to Rs 2,570 crore, while EBITDA grew 10% to Rs 360 crore. Dominos India posted 2.5% LFL growth, while Popeyes delivered 97% revenue growth. Bernstein and Motilal Oswal retained positive ratings, citing Popeyes momentum and prospects for improved margins and growth.

In a notable rise, Welspun Living shares gained traction following the announcement of solid Q1FY27 earnings, showcasing an eighty-five percent increase in profit year-on-year and a twenty-four percent boost in revenue. Financial experts, including those from Motilal Oswal and JM Financial, have reiterated buy recommendations, forecasting ongoing revenue and margin improvements. Significant contributions are expected from the home textiles division and the emerging US pillow segment.

Honasa Consumers shares rose after Q1FY27 PAT surged 116.5% YoY to a record 90 crore, while revenue grew 27% to 756 crore and EBITDA jumped 141% to 110 crore.

Multiple brokerages have begun analyzing selected Indian stocks, anticipating considerable growth in the future. Jefferies has given Kalyan Jewellers a Buy rating with a specific target price. Similarly, Systematix Institutional Equities has rated Vedanta Aluminium as a Buy, while ICICI Securities placed Add ratings on Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda. Nuvama has set a target price for KPR Mill that suggests significant upside potential.

In the first quarter of FY27, LG Electronics India showcased impressive profit growth alongside significant operational revenue increases from April to June. The surge stemmed from robust demand for premium products across various categories. Analysts remain optimistic, highlighting the company's solid earnings potential and market stance, bolstered by strategic investments focused on enhancing manufacturing and export capacities.

Tata Motors Q1 FY27 net profit plunged 80% YoY to 775 crore due to supply disruptions, Middle East tensions and Jaguars wind-down, while revenue rose 9% to 95,799 crore and EBITDA margin narrowed to 7.4%.

Indian stock markets opened lower on Friday, with Sensex falling over 300 points and Nifty declining 68 points, remaining range bound despite stable oil prices near $87 a barrel. Metal and auto stocks led losses, while broader markets stayed muted. Market breadth remained positive, with advances outnumbering declines on NSE.

Optimystix Entertainment is set to list on the NSE SME platform today after its Rs 108.5-crore IPO received 2.05x subscription. With the shares trading at zero GMP, a muted debut is expected. The company raised Rs 29.23 crore from anchor investors and plans to deploy IPO proceeds mainly towards working capital requirements and business operations.

On August 13, five Nifty500 stocks that gained over 4% appeared on the White Marubozu bullish scanner, according to StockEdges technical scan data. The bullish candlestick pattern indicates strong buying pressure throughout the trading session and can signal potential continuation of upward price momentum.

Four Nifty500 stocks surged over 4% on August 13, featuring in StockEdges RSI Trending Up scan, signaling strengthening momentum as RSI crossed above 50 from below.

Navneet Munot, MD and CEO of HDFC AMC, writes on how Indian households are building financial freedom through capital markets, UPI, and systematic investment plans. With mutual fund assets crossing Rs 82 lakh crore and strong domestic flows, Indian investors are steadily securing their future, one SIP at a time.

Foreign investors sold nearly Rs 1 lakh crore from ten Indian stocks. Eight of these companies saw their stock prices increase despite the selling. Bajaj Finance led the gains with a twenty-five percent jump during the quarter. Strong earnings results helped most stocks defy the foreign selloff. FIIs turned net buyers in July after months of significant outflows.

Skyways Air Services will launch its 582.8 crore IPO on August 24, with the price band set at 131138 per share. The issue will close on August 27 and comprises a 398.8 crore fresh issue and 184 crore OFS. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to strengthen the balance sheet, reduce debt and meet working capital needs.

Behari Lal Engineerings Rs 302-crore IPO enters its final bidding day with strong investor demand and a 28% grey market premium. The issue was subscribed 7.78 times on Day 2, led by NIIs and retail investors. Allotment is expected on August 17, with listing scheduled for August 19 on NSE and BSE.