The Economic Times

Donald Trumps Iran strategy has reached a dead end despite repeated military threats, exposing the limits of US power. The article argues that Americas inability to force Iran into submission stems from a technological shift in modern warfare, where drones, satellites and precision weapons have empowered weaker nations, making traditional US military dominance increasingly ineffective.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he would not engage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticisms. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of fomenting hate and creating fear among Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani emphasized his priority is ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers, especially Jewish residents. Netanyahu plans to visit New York in September to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday for talks focused on Iran, regional security and the Middle East. The meeting comes amid reports of recent tensions between the two leaders, who are expected to discuss Lebanon, Gaza and the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

India's wheelchair basketball team lost a close match to Nigeria. This defeat ended their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals at the Games. The team had previously faced losses against Scotland and Wales. They finished their debut Games appearance at the bottom of their pool. This marked the end of their Commonwealth Games journey.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said power plants built exclusively to supply electricity to data centers, and not connected to the public grid, may be exempt from key federal pollution rules. The move is aimed at accelerating AI infrastructure development, easing pressure on regional power grids, and supporting the rapid expansion of data centers across the United States.

French jet engine maker Safran reported strong first-half profits. This performance led the company to raise its financial targets. Demand for spare parts significantly boosted operating margins for Safran. The company's core Propulsion division saw substantial earnings growth. Safran now anticipates higher full-year revenue and profit figures.

Yemen's top diplomat stated Houthis aim to replicate Iran's Strait of Hormuz strategy. This action could disrupt shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb and Red Sea gateways. The Red Sea has become a new front in the Iran war, with escalatory approaches. Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes and vowed to protect commercial shipping. Yemen's government is prepared for escalation, with conflict potentially returning.

Meta restored Prime Minister Modi's Facebook video after an erroneous restriction. The video was briefly unavailable in India following a legal request notice. This content featured the Prime Minister's address to Gen Z students. The platform stated the restriction occurred due to an error. Access to the widely viewed video has now been fully reinstated.

Quote of the day by mystic poet Rumi: Persian poet Rumi's ancient words encourage people to overcome self-doubt. He taught that humans are not insignificant but part of a larger existence. Rumi's message challenges the tendency to see ourselves as limited when we are capable. His quote reminds us that life is dynamic and transformation is always possible.

Mercedes-Benz saw a profit increase but faces challenges ahead. The automaker now expects overall sales to decline in 2026. This forecast is due to ongoing problems within the Chinese market. Strong performance from financial services and vans supported recent earnings. The company plans further cost-cutting measures in the coming months.

A magisterial probe found the MCD primarily responsible for the Saket building collapse. The civic body failed to enforce building bylaws, leading to the preventable disaster. Unauthorised structural additions and inadequate enforcement caused the building's collapse, killing six people. The report also stated MCD fabricated records to mislead the inquiry after the incident.

India's new policy imposing a minimum import price on PVC resin is expected to result in higher domestic prices. This strategy supports local manufacturers but also elevates costs for downstream industries, putting additional financial strain on small businesses. Given the nation's substantial import reliance, this initiative is unlikely to lessen dependency significantly. The government's goal is to enhance local production in response to persistent market demand.

At least three suspects were involved in a shootout at Seattle's Bite of Seattle food festival, police said, revising their earlier assessment of two shooters. The gunfire left three people dead, including a 19-year-old suspected gunman, and injured four others, including a 2-year-old child. Investigators believe the violence may have been gang-related, while a 15-year-old suspect remains in juvenile detention as the investigation continues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bhogapuram airport on August 1. This international airport was built at a cost of nearly Rs 4,727 crore. It is designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase. The airport features a Code-E runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. Nearby aviation hub and university will foster significant investment and job creation.

Andrew and Tristan Tate will remain in U.S. custody until at least August 13 as they fight extradition to the U.K., where they face fresh allegations of rape, sex trafficking and related offences. The brothers deny all accusations, while a U.S. court considers whether they should be released during the extradition process.

Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine killed seven people and injured more than twenty. Donetsk Region reported three deaths near Kostiantynivka and one near Kramatorsk. Dnipropetrovsk Region suffered three fatalities and six injuries from drone and artillery attacks. Nikopol and Syneklykove towns were among the affected areas in Dnipropetrovsk. A Ukrainian drone strike in Russia's Belgorod Region killed one person.

Taylor Farms complained to White House and FDA officials about government inspections. The company suspended operations in central Mexico after lettuce was linked to an outbreak. Health authorities confirmed thousands of cases of the parasitic disease cyclosporiasis. Former FDA chief suggested other produce from central Mexico could be involved. The true scope of the outbreak is likely much larger than reported.

Manali hotel denied booking: A Gurgaon consumer commission has ordered The Allure Grand Resort in Manali to pay Rs 31,000 in compensation and litigation costs after it denied stay to a guest despite a confirmed booking, leaving him stranded in an unfamiliar hill station. The court ruled that returning the advance alone does not erase the mental harassment caused.

The Delhi government plans to significantly increase financial aid for Kanwar camps. Assistance for larger camps operating longer will see a substantial boost. Free electricity up to 1,200 units will continue for these religious sites. Various departments will ensure sanitation, medical aid, and water supply. Security and traffic management will be overseen by police for the upcoming Yatra.

Smoke was detected in a Mahalaxmi Express coach near Karjat on Tuesday morning. This incident briefly caused panic among passengers traveling from Kolhapur to Mumbai. No injuries were reported as railway authorities promptly addressed the situation. The train resumed its journey after the affected coach was inspected. The incident caused a slight delay for the train near Karjat station.

The NDA Parliamentary Party convened its 'Mangal Milan' meeting today in Parliament. The Nationalist Citizens Party of India, a new ally, also attended the significant gathering. Disruptions marked the Monsoon Session, with exam reforms and student protests being key issues. The Public Examinations Amendment Bill was introduced, aiming to prevent unfair means. The meeting occurred as the opposition continued to disrupt parliamentary proceedings.

Parliament will consider the Public Examinations Amendment Bill on Tuesday. The Rajya Sabha will introduce the MSME Development Amendment Bill. It will also pass the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill. The anti-paper leak legislation aims to strengthen existing legal frameworks. This bill addresses concerns over examination malpractices and paper leaks.

Opposition floor leaders will meet Tuesday to strategize on Parliament's ongoing deadlock. The meeting aims to coordinate approaches for both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings. Parliament has seen adjournments due to the NEET paper leak controversy and police actions. The Public Examinations Amendment Bill was introduced amid opposition protests and sloganeering.

Monsoon rains continue to disrupt normal life across Himachal Pradesh on Monday. One hundred and eight roads remain blocked due to landslides and debris from recent heavy rainfall. Fifteen people have tragically lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the state. Water supply schemes have also been affected, with thirty-eight now disrupted. However, power connectivity shows signs of improvement as restoration efforts continue.

Valluri Ajaya Babu secured a silver medal in the men's 79kg weightlifting event. He lifted a total of 330kg, narrowly missing the gold medal. Ajaya Babu set a new Games record of 149kg in the snatch discipline. His opponent from Malaysia edged him out in the clean and jerk section. This medal adds to India's successful weightlifting campaign at the Games.

Thirty-nine Amarnath Yatra pilgrims sustained injuries when their bus skidded off a road in Ganderbal. The speeding vehicle lost control on a curve and fell onto a house, causing damage. Locals and security personnel quickly evacuated the injured pilgrims for medical treatment. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inquired about their health and directed officials to provide care. He prayed for the swift recovery of all devotees injured in the unfortunate incident.

Indian para-athlete Shilpa Shyla was upgraded to the bronze medal in the women's shot put F57 event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Nigeria's Eucharia Iyiazi was disqualified. The revision gave India its first double podium finish of the Glasgow Games, with Sharmila Dhankar winning gold, and took the country's medal tally to 10.

Sajan Prakash and Aryan Nehra finished eighth in their respective swimming finals. Swatik Patil secured fifth place in the para swimming 100m breaststroke event. Prakash competed in the men's 200m butterfly final, while Nehra swam the 800m freestyle. Australia dominated the podium in both the men's 200m butterfly and 800m freestyle events.

Elon Musk's social media app X on Monday began offering its X Money banking service to all US subscribers of its paid Premium and Premium+ tiers, part of the multi-billionaire's ambition to turn the site into an everything app. Premium+ subscribers can earn the top rate directly, while Premium users must meet direct-deposit requirements, according to the company.

BYD has launched the Racco electric mini-car in Japan, priced below 2 million yen before subsidies, aiming to revive weak sales and boost brand recognition. The Chinese automaker is targeting 10,000 orders by end-2026, challenging Japanese rivals in the country's dominant kei-car segment.

President Trump rejected Israeli concerns over F-35 jet sales to Turkey. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program after buying Russian S-400 systems. Israel opposes the sale, viewing Turkey as a regional rival and security threat. Turkey's strategic location and NATO membership underscore its importance to Washington. US policy on Turkey's F-35 eligibility remains unchanged due to the S-400 issue.

IBPS Clerk notification 2026 out: IBPS has announced 9,788 vacancies for Customer Service Associate roles. Online applications will be accepted from August 1 to August 21, 2025. Preliminary exams are scheduled for October 2025, with main exams following in November. The provisional allotment for selected candidates is planned for March 2026. Uttar Pradesh leads with 1,315 vacancies, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The United States faces significant challenges building its domestic drone industry. Ukraine currently produces millions of small attack drones annually. New Pentagon rules require military drones to use American-made parts. This stricter standard complicates sourcing components like semiconductors for US manufacturers. Ukrainian companies are partnering with US firms to localize production and build capacity.

India's economic growth is projected to slow significantly this fiscal year. Private investment remains weak, and higher oil prices will impact domestic demand. Economists suggest official figures may overstate the economy's true underlying strength. Companies hesitate to expand capacity due to demand uncertainty and global factors. The Reserve Bank of India faces challenges balancing growth and inflation pressures.

Taiwan detected one Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating nearby. Earlier, three Chinese aircraft and seven naval ships were observed around the island. One aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's southwestern air defense zone. Taiwan's armed forces monitored these military movements and responded appropriately. China claims Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory.

The Tourism Ministry and Air India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration aims to promote India as a preferred global tourism destination. They will leverage digital platforms and extensive networks for enhanced visibility. Joint global promotional campaigns will be undertaken under the Incredible India brand. This partnership seeks to increase international tourist arrivals and strengthen India's global outreach.

Christopher Nolan's films now reach a wider Indian audience through dubbed versions. These dubbed releases contribute significantly to the total box-office collections in India. Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions of his movies are attracting new viewers. Universal themes and improved dubbing quality enhance cross-language appeal for his cinema. Nolan's films have become major events, drawing nationwide excitement beyond traditional fanbases.

Actress and Badshah's wife, Isha Rikhi, shared an emotional note on social media. She spoke about living in fear and staying silent for years. Her post comes amid ongoing speculation about her marriage to rapper Badshah. Fans are now waiting for the popular rapper's reaction to it.

Bank of Baroda said its recent data leak resulted from the compromise of a single employee's email account and did not affect its core banking systems. The bank has launched a forensic investigation, informed regulators, and notified a cyber insurance claim while authorities assess the impact of the alleged data breach.

The Centre has launched its hub-and-spoke aviation model at Amritsar airport, allowing passengers to complete check-in, immigration, customs and baggage formalities before flying to Delhi for onward international connections, as part of a plan to streamline overseas travel and expand the network across India.

US President Donald Trump secured a procedural win in his defamation lawsuit. A judge permitted his legal team to amend the $15 billion case. Trump accuses The New York Times of bias and actual malice. He intends to hold media organizations accountable for fake news. The lawsuit targets the newspaper and several authors and publishers.

Khajuraho airport has been named India's best-rated airport by the AAI at a time when the airport has suspended all commercial flight operations since July. The airport's customer satisfaction index is based on passenger feedback on various facilities. Flights are expected to resume operations in October after the current pause.

Jammu and Kashmir anticipates cloudy skies and moderate rainfall across several regions. Northern Railway has initiated special train services to aid stranded tourists and pilgrims. These trains offer a safe travel alternative amid ongoing road disruptions and landslides. Over fifteen hundred passengers have utilized these special train services for their journeys. Travelers are advised to check for train updates before commencing their travel.

Delhi flight status today: Parts of Delhi experienced rainfall on Tuesday as predicted by the India Meteorological Department. The weather office forecasts continued moderate rain throughout the day and night. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory for passengers due to the inclement weather. Flight operations at the airport are currently running normally and unaffected by the rain. Airport authorities are coordinating with stakeholders to ensure smooth passenger journeys

French police detained a man after he attacked three women with kitchen knives. Bystanders and an off-duty officer bravely intervened to stop the violent assault. Two of the victims sustained serious injuries during the shocking incident near Porte de Clichy. The suspect, who made incoherent statements, is under investigation by authorities. The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office is assessing the situation and potential charges.

The United States is reviewing its military presence in Europe. This analysis aims to ensure Europe takes primary responsibility for its defense. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed NATO counterparts about this planned review. Washington wants allies to increase their defense spending and contributions. This shift aligns with America's focus on China and a stronger alliance.

Vadhandhi, a crime thriller, returns for a second season. The new instalment premieres with a fresh investigation. Sasikumar takes the lead role as SI Moosa Raaza in Madurai. He reopens a complex political case after a shocking discovery. This season promises hidden secrets and unexpected twists for viewers. Read on to know when and where to watch the popular thriller series on OTT.