The Economic Times

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor has delegated land-use approval powers to officials. This move aims to decentralize decision-making for development projects outside municipal committees. Divisional commissioners and chief secretaries will now approve proposals for various land parcel sizes. This initiative promotes citizen-centric governance and eases development processes. The framework ensures faster approvals until statutory plans are notified.

India's strength lies in its young population, with nearly sixty-five percent below thirty-five years old. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged youth to contribute to nation building efforts. The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan aims to guide youth towards healthy lifestyles. This campaign is a social movement against the drug menace, involving over one crore youth. Jammu and Kashmir has registered thousands of FIRs and seized significant narcotics.

Of the total amount, Rs 2.47 crore has been released to research institutions that conserved and shared the rice varieties with the company. ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, has received the largest share of Rs 2.43 crore, while Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, has received Rs 3.26 lakh for the specific rice variety it contributed, the release said.

Petrol and diesel sales saw a significant increase in July. Below-normal monsoon rains boosted demand from farmers and motorists. Diesel sales, a key economic indicator, rose by 10.7 percent year-on-year. Jet fuel consumption also experienced a slight uptick during the month. However, LPG sales continued their downward trend, dropping 17.4 percent.

A Delhi court ordered charges against Vipin Chawla for possessing over 4,300 kg of cough syrup. Police recovered 36,238 bottles of the banned psychotropic substance during a raid. The court rejected Chawla's defense regarding his managerial role and firm licenses. Evidence suggests illicit disposal of remaining cough syrup bottles in the market. Forensic reports and invoices link Chawla to the illegal procurement and storage.

India's government will fund offshore oil and gas exploration directly from its national budget. The Samudra Manthan scheme allocates significant funds for deepwater drilling and infrastructure development. This initiative aims to reduce the country's growing dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas. The program supports private companies in undertaking risky exploration activities previously avoided. Shared infrastructure will accelerate the commercialization of any hydrocarbon discover

Global consumer product makers reported strong demand and market share gains in India. Companies like Mondelez and L'Oreal see India as a key growth market. They are expanding distribution and focusing on digital channels for future growth. Unilever and Nestle also noted accelerated growth and plan further investments. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are committed to India's long-term opportunities.

Douglas Jerrolds quote, Happiness grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers gardens, offers a timeless lesson on contentment. The English dramatist and journalist suggested that happiness comes from appreciating our relationships, family and everyday lives rather than comparing ourselves with others. His message feels especially relevant today, when social media encourages constant comparison. Known for works including Black-Eyed Susan and his association with Punch magazi

At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after a ferry caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island. Search and rescue teams are continuing operations as authorities investigate the incident.

Andhra Pradesh and Australia signed four MoUs expanding bilateral cooperation. These agreements cover clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and inclusive education initiatives. Student mental health and skill development also form key areas of collaboration. The partnerships aim to foster innovation and workforce development in the state. These collaborations follow recent discussions and visits between the two regions.

The Indian Army has introduced a new diesel fuel for extreme cold conditions. This specialized fuel ensures vehicle operations at minus 42 degrees Celsius. It is compatible with the existing Army vehicle fleet without modifications. High-altitude maintenance facilities also boost combat readiness in challenging terrains. This fuel will also benefit civilians in severe winter regions.

India's weightlifting contingent returned to New Delhi after a successful campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, with Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu expressing pride in winning Gold, her third successive yellow metal for the country and overall the fourth medal since the 2014 edition of the multi-sport event. She had won Silver in the 2014 edition of the CWG.

The Delhi High Court has protected Yuvraj Singh's personality rights. AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorised exploitation damage his reputation and commercial value. The court issued an interim injunction against creating and publishing such content. This order reinforces celebrity rights in the age of artificial intelligence. Violators of these rights will be dealt with severely.

The Dutch proverb Trust arrives on foot and leaves on horseback offers a timeless lesson about how slowly trust is built and how quickly it can disappear. Trust develops through honesty, consistency, reliability and keeping promises, often over months or years. Yet a single lie, betrayal or serious mistake can destroy it. The saying remains relevant in relationships, workplaces and online spaces, where reputations can be damaged almost instantly.

Unable to think straight because you are suffering excruciating pain from having hit your head? Dr M Shujat Rasool, an internal medicine specialist recently took to X to explain why you should never reach for an aspirin if you have hit your head and developed a painful hematoma...

India's coal production reached 69.75 million tonnes in July 2026, showing strong growth. Coal dispatch also grew significantly to 86.33 million tonnes during the same month. Coal India Limited contributed substantially to both production and dispatch figures. Cumulative coal production for the first four months of FY 2026-27 stood at 302.24 million tonnes. The ministry aims for sustainable growth and reduced import dependence.

Colonoscopy performed without the patient's informed consent at a Thrissur hospital led to a bowel perforation and emergency surgery, a Kerala consumer commission has ruled, ordering Mother Hospital and its doctor to pay Rs 1.03 lakh to the complainant. The case took 14 years to reach its final order.

President Donald Trump's foreign policy is reshaping global alliances as allies question US reliability and rivals exploit uncertainty. From the Middle East to Asia, Europe and Latin America, countries are recalibrating security and economic ties amid growing doubts over Washington's consistency and long-term commitments.

Emma Watson has spoken strongly about the importance of emotional expression, particularly for men. During a 2015 conversation at Facebooks London headquarters, she said, I get disturbed by the idea that men cannot cry, calling it the saddest thing in the world. Watson argued that expressing emotions is what makes people human, not something that defines gender. Her comments challenge traditional ideas of masculinity and highlight the importance of vulnerability, communication and allowing peopl

WestJet flight attendants commenced a strike on Sunday after contract negotiations failed. The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents thousands of affected cabin crew members. This action highlights broader efforts by flight attendants seeking better compensation structures. WestJet confirmed the work stoppage and will refund or re-accommodate affected passengers.

Best German proverb of the day: A German proverb teaches that delaying action leads to missed opportunities and regret. Opportunities are often time-sensitive, requiring prompt decisions and adaptability. Hesitation can result in losing valuable chances that may never return again. The saying encourages thoughtful action without unnecessary delay and fear. This timeless lesson on valuing time remains highly relevant today.

Maharashtra CET Cell will declare MHT CET 2026 CAP Round 1 seat allotment on August 2. This allotment is for engineering admissions based on MHT CET performance and preferences. Candidates must log in to view their allotment status and download the letter. Seat acceptance and reporting to institutes are scheduled from August 3 to August 5. Admissions are for BE/BTech programmes offered by participating colleges.

The Reserve Bank of India will likely maintain its benchmark repo rate unchanged this August. Elevated inflation risks and the FCNR(B) deposit scheme closure influence this decision. The central bank will adopt a hawkish tone while monitoring monsoon progress and global factors. Most economists anticipate future rate hikes if inflationary pressures intensify significantly. The RBI prioritizes inflation control, balancing growth with supply-side price pressures.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has authorized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to select their presidential nominee. This significant decision was made during a National Standing Committee meeting on Saturday. The party chairman will determine the candidate after the election schedule is announced. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is currently serving as the acting president of Bangladesh. The presidential election must be held within ninety days of the vacancy.

Goa elections 2027: Congress and Goa Forward Party are discussing a potential alliance for 2027. The Aam Aadmi Party has also indicated its willingness to join such a tie-up. These preliminary talks aim to strategize against the ruling BJP government. The opposition parties will meet again to finalize seat-sharing arrangements. The 2027 Goa assembly elections are anticipated in early 2027.

At 52, Hrithik Roshan maintains his lean, muscular physique through disciplined eating and fitness habits. His personal chef, Subham Vishwakarma, revealed that the actor eats small portions every 2.5 to 3 hours and finishes dinner by 9 pm. His protein-rich diet includes chicken, eggs, fish, lentils, nuts, quinoa and Greek yogurt, alongside vegetables and salads. Hrithik has also stressed that discipline and consistency matter more than appearance alone.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with President Donald Trump on Saturday. He voiced concerns regarding potential United States escalation of conflict with Iran. The Saudis fear Iranian retaliation against their energy infrastructure. Prince Mohammed sought clarity on President Trump's potential actions against Iran. The United States issued new security alerts for Americans in ten regional countries.

The Supreme Court will hear pleas alleging police brutality during recent protests. It previously restrained states from taking coercive action against protesters. The court indicated it might form an SIT to probe allegations of violence. It also ordered the preservation of all digital evidence related to the protests. The government agreed to compensation and no FIRs against protesters after the agitation.

Dia Mirza's fitness trainer recently shared her dedication to long-term health and resilience. She trains six days weekly, incorporating strength and mobility exercises consistently. Her diet emphasises vegetarian, alkaline foods while avoiding refined sugar and gluten. Hydration and simple, sustainable habits are key to her wellness approach. Read on to know more about her diet plan.

India's power consumption rose 10.93 percent year-on-year in July. High humidity levels increased cooling appliance usage across the country. Peak power demand also jumped significantly last month. Experts predict steady power demand through August due to monsoon conditions. This surge occurred as the nation experienced higher feel-like temperatures.

The Indian Navy successfully launched its fifth Diving Support Craft, DSC A24, in Kolkata. This vessel represents a significant advancement for indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and the Make in India initiative. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Alok Ananda assumed command as the 13th Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy. He succeeded Vice Admiral Manish Chadha after a distinguished tenure. The academy continues its commitment to quality training for naval officers.

Chaiwalaz founder Rohit Sharma died by suicide at his Dausa residence on Saturday. Family members found the 30-year-old entrepreneur hanging and rushed him to the hospital. Sharma, who started his business at seventeen, had seven tea outlets. He closed all his businesses six months ago and turned to spirituality. The police are currently investigating the reason behind his death.

India's textile sector faces its strongest opportunity in decades. Global apparel sourcing is shifting away from China, benefiting Indian manufacturers. Improved trade access and policy support enhance India's market position. Normalizing US retail inventories have resumed ordering activity for exporters. Structural challenges remain, but policy initiatives aim for integration and scale.

The E20 blending program is part of the central government's strategy to reduce fuel imports and provide a stable market for surplus food grains. By diverting excess paddy and broken rice toward ethanol production, the initiative ensures that farmers receive timely payments and a consistent demand for their produce.

The second edition of Handloom Hackathon 2. Weaving Innovations concluded successfully at the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles.

A Noida IT worker's video shows a nearly ten-hour weekend work meeting. This viral clip revealed the intense demands of remote IT employment. The employee described minimal breaks during the extended and continuous work session. He emphasized that working in the IT sector is not easy. The video sparked discussions about the challenging nature of such jobs.

Suffering a dog bite can be extremely painful. There is also the risk of becoming diagnosed with rabies, a fatal disease. However, there is one activity which can increase the risk of being diagnosed with rabies after you have been bitten, warned Dr Priyam Bordoloi, an internal medicine specialist on X.

Customs officials in Kerala seized eight kilograms of gold worth over eleven crore rupees during recent enforcement actions. Last week's coordinated operations resulted in the indictment of fourteen individuals, leading to the arrest of nine, including six from Kerala and three from Tamil Nadu. The smugglers have resorted to using intricate techniques, like body cavities and paste, to hide their illegal goods.

Leading Indian cigarette firms reported revenue and profit declines in the recent quarter. This downturn followed significant government tax increases on tobacco products. ITC, Godfrey Phillips India, and VST Industries experienced reduced sales volumes. Companies adjusted pricing strategies to mitigate the impact of the new tax regime. The revised tax structure has placed considerable pressure on the industry.

Dermatologists report increased hair loss among GLP-1 drug users experiencing rapid weight reduction. This side effect, often telogen effluvium, stems from nutritional deficiencies and metabolic stress. Many patients start these medications without proper medical supervision, influenced by social media trends. Studies show a high prevalence of hair shedding, particularly among women and significant weight losers. Doctors advise medical supervision and balanced nutrition to manage this temporary

Sri Lanka deployed hundreds of troops and elite commandos on Sunday to contain riots at an overcrowded prison in which an inmate was killed and six others wounded, police said. In November 2020, a riot erupted at the facility in which 11 inmates were shot and killed, and nearly 120 others wounded.

Odisha Police successfully rescued 17,590 missing individuals during a special drive. This significant operation reunited 12,177 women and 5,413 children with their families. Puri district reported the highest number of women and children rescued during this period. The drive also included individuals whose disappearances were previously unreported. Authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of women and children across the state.

Ankur Warikoo shared how his parents contrasting personalities shaped their family. When his father lost his job after taking a higher-paying opportunity, his mother supported the family through her teaching job and evening tuitions. Warikoo said her stability allowed his father, a risk-taker, to pursue opportunities while providing a predictable home. He believes she offered the stillness that a volatile life values.

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is training two thousand young Indians for hospitality careers. This program actively operates in twenty cities, empowering vulnerable youth with essential skills. Graduates gain practical experience and secure full-time employment after completing their training. The initiative aims to foster inclusivity and build a resilient workforce for the industry.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has earned over Rs 200 crore in India. The film collected Rs 72.44 crore gross on its opening day. It picks up four years after the events of No Way Home. The movie features Tom Holland and Zendaya in lead roles. This Marvel Cinematic Universe film is produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal.

Smartphones can overheat due to external heat sources and prolonged usage. Aluminium foil can act as a temporary heat shield by reflecting sunlight away. This method is most effective in outdoor or high-heat environments like car dashboards. However, completely wrapping the phone or covering ports should be avoided. Better cooling solutions include keeping the device in shade and closing unused applications.

Bank of Maharashtra has reduced its home loan interest rate to seven percent. This special offer includes a complete waiver of processing and documentation fees. The bank aims to provide attractive financing solutions for its valued customers. This move significantly lowers the monthly installment burden for borrowers. These competitive rates are among the lowest available in the current market.

From romantic comedies and office dramas to revenge sagas, military comedies and edge-of-the-seat thrillers, August 2026 has one of the strongest K-drama line-ups in recent months. Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting started with Korean entertainment, these seven titles promise plenty of reasons to keep your streaming queue full throughout the month. Read on to know when and where to watch them online.