The Economic Times

In 2011, actor Manish Dayal was on a mission to boost awareness regarding bone-marrow donation among South Asians. His journey into this cause began after a television role triggered his passion for advocacy. In addition to this, he is passionately involved in enhancing rural education in India. Read on to know more about the actor.

Fred Rogers, better known as Mister Rogers, believed endings could create space for new beginnings. His message encouraged people to accept sadness while remaining open to what comes next. He viewed life as a mixture of delight, sadness, joy and wisdom rather than constant happiness. Rogers perspective remains relevant today, reminding people that losing a job, relationship or familiar chapter can also make room for new possibilities and experiences.

Charlie Chaplin's insightful quote talks about the importance of courage, creativity, and financial security for a meaningful existence. It suggests that while fear can obstruct progress, confronting it can unveil fresh opportunities. Moreover, imagination allows one to visualise possibilities that extend beyond current hardships, while financial stability serves as the foundation for pursuing aspirations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's rapidly advancing aviation sector. This growth creates significant employment for skilled workers in maintenance and overhauling. The nation is also achieving success in manufacturing Made-in-India aircraft. The SVAMITVA Scheme has benefited millions of families by unlocking property assets. These developments unlock financial opportunities for citizens to start new businesses.

Draft rules for the SHANTI Act, 2025, mandate financial security for nuclear damage. Operators must maintain insurance or financial security until spent fuel removal. Foreign reactor designs require certification by their country of origin's regulatory body. The licensing authority may grant in-principle approval for sites or technologies not yet selected. A single composite license will authorize building, owning, operating, and decommissioning nuclear plants.

True enjoyment in love is hampered by excessive caution, according to Bertrand Russell. Although there are emotional hazards, such as heartbreak, total self-defence results in loneliness and lost relationships.

Prime Minister Modi urged Indian pharmaceutical companies to reach global top five. The Indian pharma industry ranks third globally by volume and eleventh by value. This sector is projected to reach 130 billion dollars by the year 2030. Exports have grown significantly, reaching 30.5 billion dollars in 2024-25. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is poised to become a leading global player after an acquisition.

After eight years in the US Marine Corps, including an Iraq deployment, Travis Appel found a new calling in farming after studying at the University of Arkansas. An internship at a personal farm sparked his passion for growing crops. He began with strawberries and pumpkins before expanding into tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra, watermelon and cantaloupe. Speaking to USDA NRCS Arkansas, Appel also highlighted farming opportunities for veterans returning from overseas.

India's men's and women's hockey teams commence their World Cup journeys on August 15 and 16. Both squads compete in Pool D, facing strong international opposition in their opening matches. Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads the men's team, aiming for a historic World Cup victory. The women's team, under Salima Tete, also seeks a strong performance in the tournament. Live streaming and television coverage will be available for fans across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted significant railway electrification progress. Seventy percent of India's rail network was electrified in one decade. This initiative reduced diesel consumption and foreign exchange expenditure. India also launched its first indigenous hydrogen-powered train recently. Modern coach manufacturing has also seen a substantial increase.

The NCLAT upheld an NCLT order initiating insolvency proceedings against a personal guarantor. This decision involved Asif Ahmed Siddique, a guarantor for Nyka Steel. The tribunal found the guarantor's liability extended beyond the initial capped amount. It also noted the guarantor signed the credit facility renewal in 2018.

CA Nitin Kaushik says the first Rs 1 lakh in an emergency fund can offer more financial security than chasing higher returns. He warns that without savings, income loss can lead to debt and forced investment sales. Kaushik recommends automated savings, separate accounts and gradually building a three-to-six-month buffer. He also urges people to diversify income through additional skills or modest income streams.

Maharashtra's food safety chief has taken action by suspending 12 warehouses' permits for grocery giants including Eternal, Swiggy, and Zepto. Recent inspections exposed disturbing health violations such as cockroach infestations and spoiled produce. Moreover, inspectors uncovered rodent waste and unhygienic storage practices, while delivery personnel wearing street shoes increased contamination risks. This crackdown emphasizes the need for stronger food safety measures in the grocery sector.

India remains one of the world's fastest-growing economies, demonstrating significant resilience. Strong credit and deposit growth indicate a robust financial sector performance. Foreign currency inflows are bolstering the nation's economic standing. Improved monsoon outlook and better irrigation support the rural economic outlook. The number of high-income taxpayers continues to show a notable increase.

A new government scheme will open on August 16, 2026, for taxpayers to disclose foreign assets. This one-time voluntary disclosure scheme closes on December 31, 2026, for eligible individuals. Taxpayers can declare undisclosed foreign assets or income up to one crore rupees. Certain foreign assets already offered to tax can be declared if their value exceeds five crore rupees. The entire process for this disclosure scheme will be conducted online.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and Shubhra Shetty recently opened up about their relationship, emphasising the challenges posed by their 20-year age gap and initial reservations about public scrutiny. He expressed some self-awareness regarding the age difference, while she talked about his wealth of life experiences. Read on!

Delhi-based entrepreneur Kanika Jain shared how a Gen Z employee resigned after eight months despite being hardworking and never missing deadlines. During her exit interview, she revealed frustration over meetings running late, delayed salary and an ignored leave request. She had another offer with 35% higher pay but said she left mainly because she wanted to be treated better, highlighting how workplace culture can influence employee retention.

Sony Pictures Networks India is launching a new Tamil channel named Sony Vizha. This general entertainment channel will officially go live in October 2026. The channel aims to offer premium content deeply rooted in Tamil culture and language. Sony Vizha will feature original fiction, global reality formats, and movies. This launch signifies Sony Pictures Networks India's entry into the Tamil entertainment market.

Mahindra Racing will remain in Formula E through the Gen4 era until at least 2030, using the championship to develop electric vehicle technology. The team aims to transfer advances in software, powertrain efficiency and engineering expertise to Mahindras road cars.

Mahindra has launched the BE 6 SPORTEQ with a new three-screen cockpit, Google Gemini-powered TEQ_Talk, six TEQ Suites and added performance and personalisation features. Prices start at Rs 11.45 lakh under the Battery as a Service model, with deliveries beginning on August 26, 2026.

Ravi Kishans claim that the gut is our brain received support from Dr Pal, who explained the gut-brain connection. He noted that the gut contains about 500 million nerve cells and trillions of bacteria that can influence brain behaviour. Citing a mouse experiment, he explained how gut microbes were linked to changes in anxiety. NHS UK recommends hydration, fibre, less fatty food and moderation with spicy foods.

Actress Anupama Parameswaran recently detailed her difficult healing journey after a controlling relationship. She described experiencing narcissistic abuse which majorly impacted her mental and physical health. The actress explained how gaslighting and manipulation made leaving the situation very challenging. Her professional life was also affected. Read on to know more about it.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has lifted the long-standing cap on television advertisement durations, enhancing competition and streamlining business operations. Previously, channels were bound to a limit of twelve minutes of ads per hour. This notable change reflects the broadcasting sector's growth and digital evolution, while also affecting ongoing legal matters and industry standards related to advertising.

India is increasing efforts to secure critical minerals and forge partnerships. The nation is strengthening access to vital resources for technology and clean energy. A National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched with significant government funding. Four dedicated processing parks will be established across different states. These initiatives aim to boost domestic processing and value addition capabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his thirteenth consecutive Independence Day speech in 2026, delivering his address from the historic Red Fort in just seventy-eight minutes. This years speech was a departure from his longer addresses in the past. With this achievement, Modi surpasses Indira Gandhis record, while Jawaharlal Nehru remains the all-time leader in consecutive speeches.

Indias payments ecosystem has evolved dramatically, from hundis and merchant networks that moved value across long distances to formal banking, electronic transfers and the digital infrastructure behind UPI. Each technological leap solved the same fundamental challenge: enabling money to travel securely and efficiently without physically moving cash from one place to another.

Ankur Warikoo shared three parenting rules for raising his 15- and 9-year-old children. He teaches them to distinguish needs from wants instead of saying they cannot afford something. He avoids overprotecting them, encouraging independence and problem-solving. His third rule is about relationships: children may witness disagreements, but never disrespect. For Warikoo, these lessons build financial awareness, independence and healthy relationships.

A bank employee in Varanasi has built a tiffin business generating Rs 7.27 lakh in monthly revenue, according to social media user Ankit Pandey. Starting with 20 customers in January, the venture now serves 291 students and workers. After Rs 3.03 lakh in monthly expenses, it reportedly earns Rs 4.24 lakh in operating surplus. Despite earning far more through the business, she has no plans to quit her job.

Govinda is facing dating rumours after he was linked to newcomer Komal Rani Swarnkar. His wife, Sunita Ahuja, has publicly reacted to the speculation and questioned the actor's association with the young actress. However, Komal is set to make her Bollywood debut alongside Govinda in upcoming films, but neither of them has confirmed whether they are in a relationship.

The government has opened a limited window for taxpayers to disclose specified foreign assets and income. Two routes offer eligibility thresholds of 1 crore and 5 crore, with electronic declarations required by December 31, 2026, subject to prescribed payments and conditions.

In 1969, an American Vietnam veteran took personal belongings from a fallen North Vietnamese soldier and kept them hidden for 42 years. On Veterans Day in 2011, he returned the items to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. According to Janet Folkerts of the National Park Service, he reflected on the man's lost life and hoped to put his soul to rest. The Wall honours more than 58,000 dead or missing service members.

Awarapan 2 has kicked off with a phenomenal opening day collection, making it Emraan Hashmi's highest-grossing debut day. The film thrives on nostalgia and the audience's eagerness to see Shivam Pandit again. Read on to know how much it earned on day 1.

Suriya's latest film Vishwanath & Sons has now arrived in cinemas for audiences. The romantic family entertainer is expected to stream on OTT platform after the movie completes its theatrical run. Early viewers have shared encouraging reactions to the film's content. The movie combines romance, humor, and emotional family-oriented entertainment. Read on to know when and where to watch the movie online after its theatrical report.

On Independence Day, Batwara 1947 kicked off with a moderate collection globally. This film offers a moving perspective on the personal stories behind India's Partition, revealing its deep emotional scars. Director Rajkumar Santoshi marks a reunion with Sunny Deol, who returns to the big screen after nearly three decades. Read on to know how much it earned on day 1.

Independence Day 2026 Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch PM Modi Speech, Parade and Flag Hoisting Live: India's 80th Independence Day will be celebrated today on August 15, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the national flag at the iconic Red Fort. The much-anticipated address is expected to kick off around 7:30 AM IST and can be viewed live on television and online. Don't miss the live streaming provided by official broadcasters such as Doordarshan and PIB.

Feeling too attached to your worldly possessions? We all are. No one is a stranger to being overly obsessed with material pleasures. However, a German proverb reminds us that, like everything, our time on earth is short, and also we come on earth empty-handed and leave empty-handed.

An Air India flight experienced a rare hydraulic control loss, injuring 24 passengers. The aircraft's flight data recorders showed a sudden pressure drop across all systems. This incident caused the elevators and ailerons to briefly stop responding to pilot commands. While the captain is under scrutiny, initial data suggests no human error caused the event. Investigators are examining a hydraulic pressure switch to determine the exact cause.

Over the years, the economy has evolved dramaticallyfrom rising incomes and a larger global footprint to deeper integration with the world economy and a shift towards services. India has come a long way, but significant challenges remain. Anoushka Sawhney takes a look.

Quick commerce firms are engaging with manufacturers to boost sales of large appliances. Established e-commerce players are also striving for quicker delivery options. Some businesses are considering models that utilize manufacturer warehouses alongside retail locations. This strategic move is intended to elevate average order values and enhance profit margins, reflecting the evolving consumer demand for speedy delivery across various categories.

India has reduced windfall taxes on petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel exports. The duty on diesel exports is now 24 rupees per litre, while petrol duty is zero. Aviation turbine fuel exports will now face a 19.5 rupee per litre tax. These levies were first imposed in July 2022 and reintroduced in March 2026. India revises these export taxes every fortnight based on global oil prices.

The PM Internship Scheme is designed to bridge the gap between industry requirements and the skill sets of job seekers. Recognizing a significant shortfall in skilled labor nationwide, senior industry leaders emphasized the need for enhanced workforce readiness. Thus, the government upgraded the scheme, raising stipends to 9,000 and lowering the eligibility age to eighteen. Now, final-year undergraduates can participate in this initiative from the corporate affairs ministry.

In July, India's wholesale inflation decreased marginally to 9.8 percent, aided by falling energy prices which alleviated the pressures from increasing primary and manufactured goods costs. Conversely, retail inflation rose slightly to 4.5 percent, with food inflation peaking at a nineteen-month high, primarily due to hikes in prices of manufactured and primary food items. Predictions suggest wholesale price index inflation may dip below 9.5 percent next month.

The Supreme Court fined Reliance Industries ten lakh rupees for delaying a suit. NTPC filed the natural gas supply contract case against Reliance back in 2005. The court noted Reliance's continuous obstruction of the legal proceedings for two decades. This action came after the Bombay High Court's decision regarding witness affidavits. The apex court expressed strong disapproval of the prolonged litigation and its impact.

The New Development Bank is set to invest $7.5 billion in India, focusing on local currency financing aimed at strengthening emerging economies. By launching a rupee bond program, the bank aims to enhance India's domestic capital markets. This initiative reflects the bank's commitment to diversifying international financial structures, capitalizing on the substantial growth prospects that India's development presents.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is amplifying its investment footprint in India, driven by the strong anticipated growth in the biosimilars and innovative medicines sectors. With projections indicating a substantial rise in India's biosimilars exports by 2030, local pharmaceutical companies are pivoting towards advanced biologics and research initiatives. To foster scientific talent, Thermo Fisher has also established a bioprocess center in Hyderabad for comprehensive training.

Arizona State University launched a new bachelor's degree in content creation, sparking debate. Many universities are now offering similar programs to attract students seeking new careers. Content creation is a time-consuming and labour-intensive job, often with low initial pay. While the creator economy is growing, most revenue does not go to individual creators.