The Economic Times

The Supreme Court has denied journalist Tarun Tejpal's request to be exempted from surrendering. Following his conviction, he is required to surrender within a two-week timeframe. The Bombay High Court has imposed a ten-year rigorous imprisonment sentence on him, reversing a prior trial court acquittal. Tejpal's appeal contesting the conviction is set to be addressed in the future.

The Supreme Court advised Tamil Nadu to approach the Cauvery Water Management Authority. This follows Tamil Nadu's plea for Karnataka to release its due water share. The court noted Tamil Nadu had previously received more water than allocated. Tamil Nadu's counsel argued the authority had not directed proportionate water release. The matter will be heard again on August 31.

The Supreme Court has directed a committee to prioritize sexual assault complaints. This committee was established to investigate police violence during recent NEET protests. Senior advocate Shobha Gupta requested the court to take suo motu cognisance of these allegations. The High-Powered Enquiry Committee will examine these serious matters on a priority basis.

In a significant move, the Supreme Court has issued a notice relating to alleged discrepancies in the JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Prompted by a Public Interest Litigation from a dedicated social worker, the petition calls for a thorough investigation into the evaluation process and raises concerns over a viral OMR answer sheet.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sharply criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. He accused Gandhi of undermining India's traditions and democratic institutions. Adityanath referenced Gandhi's recent comments regarding the Manusmriti and past remarks on Lord Ram. The Chief Minister also questioned Gandhi's commitment to democracy and his role as opposition leader. He suggested Gandhi study ancient texts for a better understanding of Indian heritage.

Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' program focused on young women in Pune. Congress leaders stated the program's message reached Delhi, causing visible panic. Supriya Shrinate highlighted the platform provided for women to voice their concerns. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol criticized the program, calling it ineffective and alleging payments. The campaign aims to address student issues like exam irregularities and unemployment.

Sunny Deol financial debt: Sunny Deol discussed his career struggles following the success of Gadar and Indian. He faced challenges finding suitable film subjects and directors. His directorial and production projects added to his financial difficulties. Despite debt, Deol expressed happiness and contentment with his life. Aamir Khan approached him for Batwara 1947 after Gadar 2's success.

Indian Army chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by President Ramchandra Paudel during his Nepal visit. The honour reflects a longstanding reciprocal military tradition between India and Nepal. Seth also held talks with Nepali Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and discussed strengthening bilateral defence ties.

India and Armenia explored new avenues to bolster defence cooperation. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Armenia's Defence Minister Suren Papikyan. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen the defence partnership. Singh's visit aims to chart the course for future strategic cooperation. The meeting took place in Yerevan on Monday.

Rice grain contaminated with toxic metals: Rice cultivation faces contamination from toxic metals like arsenic and cadmium. Researchers propose altering soil chemistry to immobilize these harmful elements. This strategy aims to prevent metals from entering the edible rice grain. The approach targets low to moderate contamination levels in rice paddies.

Deep underground, bacteria may offer a new answer to uranium contamination. In a 130-day laboratory experiment, microbes fed with glycerol removed about 95% of dissolved uranium from contaminated mine water. The bacteria did more than trap the radioactive metal. They helped form FeU(V)O, a rare and unusually stable uranium compound. The finding could reshape research into uranium bioremediation, groundwater cleanup, and radioactive waste control.

India has facilitated fresh agricultural and processed food exports in July. These items found buyers in new overseas markets, widening the country's export palette. Shipments included mangoes, cherries, French fries, and turmeric to various nations. Exporters are stepping up efforts to diversify markets beyond traditional commodities.

India's reverence for snakes goes far beyond mythology. From Agumbe's king cobra research forests to Chennai's historic snake park, these seven destinations let you see these creatures in their actual element. This Nag Panchami, that might be the most fitting way to truly appreciate what the festival is about.

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth received the Honorary General rank from Nepal's President. He arrived in Nepal for a four-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart. General Seth met with Nepalese Army officials to discuss strengthening bilateral military relations. He also met with the Indian Ambassador to further comprehensive relations between the two nations.

Indrajaal Autonomous Defense Systems and Sigma Advanced Systems have announced government orders worth approximately Rs 155 crore for the Indrajaal Ranger mobile counter-drone platform. The orders include Rs 145 crore for border-security deployment and around Rs 10 crore for urban police and VVIP security, expanding the system's intended use beyond fixed installations.

Yoga guru Ramdev said Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan would eventually reintegrate with India and urged patience. He also said no major religion was under threat in India, while calling for stronger national unity and opposing religious conversions.

India and Thailand are conducting Exercise Maitree from August 18 to August 31. This joint military exercise will enhance combined capabilities in counter-insurgency operations. Troops from the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army will participate in this event. The exercise focuses on operations in jungle and semi-urban environments.

A Haryana consumer commission has ordered Apple India to refund Rs 45,500 for a faulty iPhone 15. The device allegedly suffered repeated overheating and connectivity issues after purchase. Apple denied any manufacturing defect and attributed the problems to alleged unauthorised modifications to the handset. However, the commission found insufficient technical evidence to support Apple's claim. The company must also pay Rs 10,000 towards compensation for mental agony and harassment, and litigatio

Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi emphasized dialogue for resolving bilateral challenges between neighbors. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's India visit should occur much sooner. Uncertainty surrounds the proposed visit amid recent strains in bilateral ties. Officials have been in contact for weeks, seeking a propitious environment for the trip. The envoy aims for a golden period of relations between India and Bangladesh.

BGMI Lite Krafton: Battlegrounds Mobile India Lite is set to make its debut in India by the end of 2026, as confirmed by Krafton India. This streamlined version aims at catering to gamers using budget-friendly and older smartphones. Insights from PUBG Mobile Lite suggest exciting features for BGMI Lite. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches.

Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indians on Independence Day, highlighting historical ties and offering Balochistans seaports for trade with India. He also proposed deeper economic cooperation involving Make in India and Balochistans mineral resources.

India faces Sri Lanka in a Test series with no current player knowing defeat. The team's bowling attack shows significant inexperience in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. Batting also appears shaky despite Shubman Gill's recovery and Yashasvi Jaiswal's hunger. This series is crucial for India's World Test Championship qualification hopes. Victory is not guaranteed, and defeat remains a distinct possibility.

Afghanistan Cricket Board will host India for a three-match T20I series. These matches are scheduled to take place in New Delhi during September. This confirmation casts doubt on India's proposed tour of Bangladesh. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has officially confirmed the dates and venues. An official public announcement regarding this event is still pending.

Youth unemployment in India remains a significant concern, with joblessness rates increasing. Female youth unemployment has sharply risen to 19.6 percent, indicating a growing disparity. The gender gap in labour force participation has also widened considerably across many states. Twelve states and union territories are reporting unemployment rates above the national average. Overall labour force participation has slipped to 40.7 percent as female engagement declines.

India's net direct tax collections surged 23.09 percent to 8.11 lakh crore as of August 10. Non-corporate tax collections rose significantly, reaching 5.07 lakh crore from 4.11 lakh crore a year ago. Corporate tax collections also climbed to 2.70 lakh crore, showing a 19.83 percent increase. Securities transaction tax collections delivered a strong performance, rising by 51 percent to 33,823.74 crore. Gross direct tax collections increased by 19.

India's External Affairs Ministry stated border issues reflect larger bilateral ties with China. The ministry cautioned that maintaining peace in border areas is of utmost importance. Reports of Chinese troops crossing the Line of Actual Control were addressed by officials. Beijing's criticism of naming places in Arunachal Pradesh was dismissed by the MEA. Sources denied any slow encroachment by China in Arunachal Pradesh.

Fitch Ratings kept India's sovereign credit rating at BBB- with a stable outlook. Robust growth and solid external finances balance fiscal weaknesses and energy shocks. India's macroeconomic stability and policy credibility could underpin continued robust growth. High deficits and debt constrain the rating, despite recent fiscal consolidation efforts. The agency forecasts 6.4% GDP growth for India over the medium term.

Astronomers observed a unique spectral line during an 1868 solar eclipse in India. This unexplained yellow line suggested an element unknown on Earth at that time. Norman Lockyer later named this element helium, derived from the Greek word for Sun. William Ramsay finally discovered helium on Earth by extracting it from a mineral. This discovery confirmed the element's existence, linking solar observations to terrestrial findings.

National headlines include Parliament clashes and a resolution on NEET. International news features earthquake fatalities and drone strikes in Russia. Sports updates highlight World Cup qualification and player arrests. Netaji Bose's ashes and Netaji Bose's ashes are subjects of a Supreme Court plea. These updates inform students about current global and national events.

Bangladesh's new government prioritizes a Bangladesh First foreign policy approach. This policy aims for constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with India. Dhaka seeks to address border management and water-sharing agreements professionally. The government desires respectful treatment and acknowledgement of its rights. Both nations should contribute to long-term regional stability and cooperation.

India is closely examining the new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. This trilateral pact establishes a collective defence framework for the three participating nations. The agreement aims to strengthen regional and global peace, stability, and security. India remains committed to safeguarding its own national interests and will take necessary actions. The Ministry of External Affairs is assessing the pact's impact on India's security.

India's Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral part of India. This statement counters China's repeated efforts to assign Chinese names to places within the state. India officially identified 27 locations by their standard names on the Survey of India map.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss strategic cooperation. This meeting followed Ambassador Gor's discussion with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with US Vice-President JD Vance about deepening partnerships. Both leaders noted sustained momentum in high-level engagements and cooperation. Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Minister S Jaishankar met in Manila.

India's economy reached sixth globally with a $3.92 trillion GDP in 2025-26. Government strategies focus on agricultural productivity and manufacturing growth. Infrastructure and logistics are strengthened through public investment and new policies. Foreign investment remains substantial, and bank bad loans have significantly fallen. Unclaimed bank deposits now total over Rs 86,917 crore.

Know about history of Indian rupee: India's currency evolved from diverse regional money to a unified rupee. The Reserve Bank of India was established in 1935 to manage currency issuance. Decimalisation in 1957 changed how Indians counted their money. Today, digital payments and CBDC are transforming transactions. Polymer banknotes are now being trialled for future use.

An article in Italian geopolitical platform Formiche defended Indias proposed FCRA amendments, saying they are aimed at protecting sovereign rights and regulating foreign influence, in line with measures in the US, UK, EU and Australia.

Who is Manav Sardana: Entrepreneur Manav Sardana has bought a penthouse at DLF's ultra-luxury project The Dahlias in Gurugram for Rs 271 crore, in what is described as the costliest single-unit residential transaction in India. Sardana was associated with Imperial Auto Industries, which was acquired by global private equity firm Warburg Pincus.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah met Indian envoy Naveen Srivastav, ending his ban on individual foreign envoy meetings. Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also met Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi in Dhaka. Bangladesh again sought the extradition of Sheikh Hasina for student leader Osman Hadi's murder. Rahman will attend the BRICS summit outreach meeting as BIMSTEC chair.

British administrator Herbert Hope Risley used nose measurements and other physical traits to classify Indians by supposed race and caste. His theories influenced the 1901 Census and colonial administration but were later discredited as racial pseudoscience that oversimplified Indias complex social identities.

India condemned the defacement of its embassy premises in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly raised the issue with Slovenian authorities. Perpetrators of these reprehensible acts must be held accountable for their actions. The ministry also urged law enforcement agencies elsewhere to note the propaganda. Pro-Khalistani elements are reportedly involved in this unfortunate incident.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah met Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava on Monday. He stressed the importance of deepening Nepal's historic relationship with India. The envoy conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Modi and expressed commitment. This meeting occurred despite Shah's prior policy of avoiding one-on-one foreign engagements. Shah also planned separate meetings with Chinese and US envoys.

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday. This meeting occurred amid diplomatic friction following Sheikh Hasina's recent virtual address. Hasina's remarks from India on August 5 sparked strong objections from Dhaka. India stated it had no involvement in the private media event. The meeting also comes as Rahman received an invitation to the BRICS Summit.