The Economic Times

Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra will be among the major Indian athletes in action at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Thursday as he begins his campaign in the men's javelin throw qualification event.

Bengaluru startup Moonrider is developing electric tractors for Indian farmers. The company aims to replace diesel-powered machines with sustainable alternatives. Moonrider has secured significant funding and pre-orders for its innovative vehicles. Their tractors offer extended battery life and rapid charging capabilities. This initiative promises reduced operational costs for agricultural practices.

Vilayati babul, introduced during colonial times, remains a subject of ongoing debate. This invasive tree provided fuelwood and livelihoods but now threatens native vegetation. Its rapid spread consumes groundwater and restricts grazing areas for local communities. Research indicates a significant decline in plant diversity where it has invaded. The species presents a complex ecological and economic challenge for India.

American refineries are processing crude oil at their highest rates since before the pandemic. Global fuel supplies remain critically low due to ongoing conflicts and disruptions. Despite increased production, consumers face persistently high gasoline and diesel prices. US commercial crude stockpiles have fallen to their lowest levels since 2018.

India is rushing to secure alternative edible oil supplies as Black Sea attacks disrupt sunflower oil shipments from Russia and Ukraine, causing delays and higher prices. Importers are increasing purchases from Argentina and switching to palm, soy and canola oils.

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma emphasized the need for more AI champions in India. He stated that artificial intelligence is crucial for the nation's future development. Sharma urged greater investment and capability building in emerging technologies. Businesses should focus on creating future technologies instead of existing models. This approach will help build India's long-term economic development and nationhood.

Bengaluru hotels will suspend business with Swiggy from August 15. They demand transparency in payment statements and opt-out options. Unauthorised deductions have caused significant financial hardship for many establishments. The association seeks resolution of these longstanding issues within fifteen days. Hotels will ensure customer inconvenience is minimized if services are discontinued.

Madhya Pradesh farmers ended their protest after the government agreed to procure sixty percent of their moong crop. The state also extended the procurement deadline and halted the e-token system for fertilizer distribution. These decisions were made following extensive talks between farmer representatives and government officials. Thousands of farmers had marched to the state secretariat demanding better procurement policies.

US Central Command forces conducted significant strikes against dozens of Iranian targets. These actions followed Iran's attempted missile attacks on American forces in West Asia. The strikes aimed to reduce threats posed by Iran and its proxies. US President Donald Trump reaffirmed threats of military action against Tehran. This development follows an explosion at Egypt's Damietta Port.

President Trump stated he would be disappointed if China supplied weapons to Iran. He recalled President Xi Jinping's personal assurances against such arms transfers. Reports indicated Iran might receive Chinese missiles and air defense systems soon. Trump also mentioned similar assurances from Russian President Putin regarding Iran. He trusts these leaders will not disappoint him on this matter.

Weather Hyderabad Today July 30: Hyderabad experiences heavy rainfall and thunderstorms after recent downpours. The Met Centre issued a red alert for sixteen districts across Telangana. Hyderabad city faces an orange alert with moderate rain and strong winds expected. Authorities advise avoiding travel and taking precautions due to waterlogging. Rainfall is expected to gradually taper off over the coming days.

Mumbai weather today: Mumbai and nearby areas anticipate fresh rainfall starting Thursday, July 30. The India Meteorological Department issued yellow alerts for Mumbai and Thane. Palghar district faces an orange alert for Friday with heavy rainfall expected. A deep depression system over Odisha has triggered this monsoon revival. Maharashtra districts are under various weather alerts due to these conditions.

Sony anticipates significant gains from the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI release. However, rising memory chip prices present a considerable challenge for the company. The highly anticipated game will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 consoles. This launch aims to boost PS5 hardware and software sales this year. Sony may adjust production volumes next year due to ongoing memory costs.

Britain announced an eight-point-four billion pound investment for its nuclear submarine program. This significant funding will support twenty-two thousand apprenticeships over the next decade. BAE Systems will receive the majority of the funds for submarine construction. The first submarine, HMS Dreadnought, will enter service in the early 2030s. This investment secures the nation's defense commitment and supports British industry.

Voting commenced for by-elections in Bihar's Bankipur and Madhya Pradesh's Datia constituencies. Gujarat's Manjalpur Assembly seat also saw polling begin on Thursday. The counting of votes for all three by-elections is scheduled for August 3. BJP leaders expressed confidence in securing victories in these crucial contests. Opposition parties also voiced optimism about their electoral prospects in the bypolls.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated the World Cup stake sale is a proposal. This plan to sell stakes in the World Cup provoked a furious response. Infantino clarified it is an opportunity but not an obligation for investors. He emphasized strengthening the commercial side of the game is a natural evolution. FIFA will continue governing football without external interference, he insisted.

Ishan Kishan will lead the East Zone team in the upcoming Duleep Trophy season. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed as the vice-captain for the tournament. Experienced players like Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar will bolster the bowling attack. Riyan Parag and Akash Deep are unavailable as they recover from surgeries. The squad features a mix of established and emerging talent for the competition.

China vows strong retaliation if the United States proceeds with its import ban. The commerce ministry urged the US to withdraw these discriminatory and suppressive measures. The US Federal Communications Commission announced measures to protect national security and reshore industries. China stated the FCC ignored its representations and intensified restrictive actions. Beijing accused the US of generalizing national security and engaging in unilateral bullying behavior.

Airbus paid over six million pounds to UK authorities for export control violations. This settlement resolves a two-year investigation into British entities of the European planemaker. The probe focused on anomalies concerning cross-border A400M military airlifter parts transfers. Airbus voluntarily disclosed these issues and cooperated fully with the review.

President Trump wants Iran tariffs added to a Russia sanctions bill. This move could delay the legislation's approval in the House. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill with bipartisan support earlier. The bill grants broad tariff powers against nations aiding Russia. Trump's request introduces significant hurdles for the bill's advancement.

Delhi anticipates the highest temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Mumbai and Pune are expected to experience comparatively cooler weather conditions. Several cities will see temperature fluctuations throughout the coming week. Forecasts indicate varying maximum temperatures across these major urban centers. Weather patterns will differ significantly from north to south India.

South Carolina bid farewell to Senator Lindsey Graham in a final service. Friends and colleagues remembered his dedication to the state and his work ethic. Graham was eulogized as a dealmaker and a man who cared deeply for people. His funeral included a horse-drawn caisson and a military jet flyover. His sister now seeks to fill his vacant Senate seat.

An explosion rocked an LNG vessel at Egypt's Damietta Port after a drone strike. This incident raises fears of conflict spreading to energy hubs. US and Saudi forces conducted strikes targeting Iran-backed groups in Iraq. Iran confirmed missile launches against US military sites and maritime operations. Global oil prices surged over eight percent following these developments.

An investigation at Interlochen Center for the Arts uncovered many sexual misconduct allegations. Dozens of alumni reported inappropriate conduct by nearly fifty faculty and staff members. Jeffrey Epstein, a major donor, also faced allegations of sexual conduct from two women. The school removed Epstein's name from a lodge after his 2008 conviction for sex offenses. Interlochen has apologized and is cooperating with authorities regarding the serious findings.

The US Army awarded Lockheed Martin a significant contract for Patriot interceptor missiles. This deal aims to bolster depleted weapons stockpiles due to ongoing global conflicts. The agreement converts a previous one-year deal into a seven-year procurement plan. Lockheed will triple production capacity and increase jobs at its Arkansas plant. This move supports efforts to increase missile output and modernize facilities.

Japanese camera lens maker Tamron received an acquisition proposal from Sony Group. Sony made a non-binding offer to turn Tamron into a wholly owned subsidiary. Tamron established a committee to review its strategic options and potential transactions. Sony, a camera and image sensor maker, seeks to enhance its imaging business. Tamron supplies lenses for Sony, Nikon, and Canon cameras.

The Ministry of External Affairs used a meme to counter misinformation in J&K. India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the nation. Pakistan's electoral exercise in the region was called cosmetic and an attempt to hide violations. Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir highlight economic exploitation and rights denial.

US President Donald Trump announced a $22 billion plan to rebuild Washington Dulles Airport. The project will replace concourses and add a large parking garage. This overhaul aims to transform the airport into one of the world's best facilities. The plan includes 5 million square feet of new or renovated airport space. Funding will come from municipal bonds and public-private partnerships.

Australia's internet regulator has begun legal action against Telegram. This action targets alleged failings to remove pro-terror posts from the platform. The regulator cited videos linked to Christchurch and Buffalo terror attacks. Telegram faces potential civil penalties of up to fifty-four point six million Australian dollars. The messaging app has over one billion monthly active users globally.

Commonwealth Games 2026: India secured three medals, including a gold and two silvers, on Wednesday. Six boxers advanced to semifinals, guaranteeing at least six more podium finishes for the nation. Dilip Gavit won gold in the men's T47 100m, setting a new Games record. Murali Sreeshankar earned his second consecutive silver medal in the long jump event. India's total medal count reached fifteen after day seven of the competition.

US Iran war news: The United States resumed air strikes inside Iran following a ballistic missile attack on a Jordan base. Iran's attempted surprise attack on American assets was thwarted by US forces. Joint air raids with Saudi Arabia targeted Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. These actions follow recent drone sorties against American troops and Saudi energy sites.

Quote of the Day by Donald Trump presents a provocative challenge to the conventional idea of work-life balance. Rather than constantly asking how to separate work from pleasure, people can also ask whether their work reflects something they genuinely value. Can it provide purpose? Can it encourage growth? Can it offer opportunities to create, contribute, compete, learn, or connect? The answer will not be the same for everyone. But the search itself can lead to a more thoughtful approach to care

Shailesh Jejurikar will assume the additional role of chairman from August. He recently became the first Indian-origin president and chief executive. Executive chairman Jon Moeller will retire from the board on July 31. Moeller ends a 38-year career with the consumer goods giant. This marks a generational leadership change at the company.

Quote of the day by Benjamin Netanyahu ultimately points toward a universal human aspiration. Regardless of political identity or nationality, people who experience war often discover that peace has an extraordinary value precisely because it allows ordinary life to return. Peace creates room for families to reunite, children to learn, businesses to reopen, communities to recover, and societies to imagine a future beyond conflict.

Quote of the day by Judi Dench offers a simple lesson about work-life balance, humility, hard work and self-importance. Her advice is about doing your job with care while keeping your ego under control. The quote also explains why commitment, dedication, reliability and approachability can help people build better relationships and handle mistakes without losing perspective.

In 1882, an American woman inventor, Maria E. Beasley, received a patent for a life raft with collapsible metal floats, airtight containers, and features that allowed use after overturning. Her work followed an 1880 raft patent and formed part of her invention career. Beasley secured 15 U.S. patents between 1878 and 1898, including devices linked to barrel making, transport safety, manufacturing, and other practical problems of her time in industry.

Speaking at the theme launch of the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC), scheduled for October 7-10 in New Delhi, Scindia said India must look beyond its domestic market and focus on taking its innovations, technologies and standards to the world.

Given the explosion of interest on Instagram in the past few weeks, we are allocating at least 25% more ad and promotional spends on the platform compared to last month, one executive said.

Indian Premier League valuations have increased significantly year-on-year. Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first franchise to surpass $300 million brand value. The league's overall business value has seen double-digit growth for two consecutive years. Landmark franchise acquisitions reflect growing investor confidence in the league's potential. IPL's per-match valuation ranks second globally, behind the NFL.

Quote of the Day by Monica Bellucci: Monica Belluccis quote, I have a lot of adrenaline. I have a naturally fast system. But I love to eat, and I am not skinny, explores the importance of body confidence, self-acceptance, and embracing individuality. The quote suggests that beauty is not defined by unrealistic body standards but by confidence, authenticity, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. It highlights how accepting your natural body, enjoying life without guilt, and focusing on health

Japanese proverb of the day highlights the meaning of the saying, An ant's nest could bring down a hill. The proverb teaches that small problems should never be ignored because they can grow into major challenges. It also explains how steady effort, early prevention, teamwork and consistency create lasting results. The proverb remains relevant in work, health, relationships and daily life, offering practical lessons for people of all ages.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated no bullets were fired during student protests. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded Rahul Gandhi apologize for his allegations. The Lok Sabha approved amendments to the anti-paper leak law. Singh defended the legislation as a government learning from experiences. Fifty-two FIRs were registered since the original law's enactment.