The Economic Times

Indian exporters need to integrate intellectual property protection with FTAs, customs, compliance, contracts and supply chains before entering overseas markets, a TPCI-RNA Technology report said, as IP increasingly influences market access, business valuation, partnerships and global competitiveness.

Indian Railways has implemented strict measures to address violations related to food quality and hygiene. The initiative includes imposing fines amounting to Rs 5.13 crore and the termination of contracts. By conducting regular inspections and surprise checks, they aim to enhance food safety compliance. The introduction of modern base kitchens, along with the installation of CCTV cameras, is intended for vigilant monitoring.

Travis Head secured his second consecutive Allan Border Medal award. He narrowly defeated close friend Alex Carey by a single vote. Mitchell Starc received the Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award. Mitchell Marsh was named ODI Player of the Year. Tim David earned the T20I award for his performances.

India has formally identified twenty-seven places in Arunachal Pradesh on its official map. This action aims to ensure accurate recognition and public awareness of these locations. China has repeatedly renamed places in Arunachal Pradesh, which India rejects. India asserts Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the nation. These efforts aim to counter China's attempts to create baseless narratives.

The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated that inspections be carried out on numerous Boeing 737 Max aircraft due to potential cracks detected in older models. This concern has been known since Boeing flagged the issue and collaborated with operators over the last six years. In response, inspections for Max jets will now be enforced by the FAA, highlighting ongoing safety and quality challenges Boeing has encountered.

Indian airlines Akasa Air and Air India Express confirmed their Boeing 737 fleets are not impacted by a recent FAA directive. This directive mandates inspections for potential fuselage cracks on certain Boeing 737 aircraft models. Akasa Air stated its young fleet will not reach inspection thresholds for many years. Air India Express also confirmed its approximately eighty Boeing 737 planes are unaffected by the order.

An insightful Native American saying conveys that life is like a river, moving forward and never returning to its origin. It teaches us to appreciate our roots while embracing transformation and progress. Our journey is marked by lessons learned and choices made in the present. This proverb echoes the truth that every great success is initiated by taking a single, purposeful step into the future.

Brazilian proverb of the day highlights the saying, Between the beginning and the end there is always a middle. The proverb explains that every journey has stages and that growth happens during the middle phase. It teaches patience, presence, resilience, hard work and steady progress. The saying reminds people to value daily efforts instead of thinking only about the starting point or the final result.

A proposed US sanctions bill targeting Russian oil buyers could affect trade talks with India. White House officials stated negotiators will decide any impact on ongoing discussions. Senators are advancing legislation that could impose tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. This measure aims to curb revenues supporting Russia's military actions in Ukraine. India and the US continue trade negotiations despite evolving tariff structures.

Known by the British codename Silver, Talwar operated across German, Italian, Soviet, British and Japanese intelligence networks while maintaining links to Indias freedom movement. His shifting loyalties, including his work for British intelligence under Peter Fleming, have made his legacy controversial.

A Bengaluru resident spent approximately twelve lakh rupees over two years. His monthly expenses as a bachelor in the city reached nearly fifty thousand rupees. Rent constituted a significant portion of his monthly budget, amounting to twenty-eight thousand rupees. Food and daily expenses added another twenty-two thousand rupees to his monthly outgoings. This highlights the substantial cost of living for individuals in India's technology hub.

Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador, underscores the robust trust and teamwork that characterize US-India relations. With American businesses pursuing investments in India, bilateral trade has surged to over $240 billion. Additionally, India's military collaboration with the US is unmatched globally, while a remarkable 40% of the generic drugs consumed in the US are sourced from Indian manufacturers.

Pension funds collect and invest money contributed by employees and employers to build a large financial pool with an endeavour to pay regular income streams to workers after they retire.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a new digital survey training program aimed at accurately assessing flood damage across four districts. Starting on August ninth, trained surveyors will carry out digital evaluations, with a comprehensive two-stage verification process ensuring reliable data by September tenth. This initiative lays the groundwork for structured rehabilitation efforts following the assessment.

Country music mourns Tommy Detamore, a respected pedal steel guitarist and producer. His wife confirmed his passing at the age of seventy on Wednesday, August 5. Detamore shaped country music's sound for over four decades with his collaborations. He worked with legendary and contemporary artists, influencing new generations. His legacy will continue through the music and recordings he helped create.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has approved four new pension funds. This expansion brings the total number of available pension funds to fourteen. Subscribers to the National Pension Scheme can now choose from these additional investment options. The authority aims to significantly increase non-government NPS subscribers over the next five years.

Reaching a major goal can bring a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, but that feeling is often short-lived. Steady progress, on the other hand, creates ongoing opportunities to build confidence, maintain motivation, and cultivate hope. By acknowledging and celebrating small wins along the way, we can lift our mood, reinforce positive habits, and stay inspired to pursue our bigger goals.

India's GeM portal has facilitated over twenty lakh crore rupees in procurement. This platform has seen millions of sellers and enterprises participate actively. Micro and small enterprises now hold over forty percent share on GeM. The number of registered sellers has significantly increased over the years. These enterprises have fulfilled substantial orders, contributing to the portal's success.

Outgoing Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff supports India's permanent UNSC membership bid. He emphasized defense manufacturing and innovation as key partnership pillars. Swedish companies are increasing manufacturing facilities in India under Make in India. The bilateral relationship has evolved significantly over recent decades. Both nations advocate for a rules-based world order and diplomacy.

A federal appeals court has ordered the Trump administration to stop White House ballroom construction. The court upheld a preliminary injunction against the $400 million project. This ruling tests the presidential authority of Donald Trump. The administration must now seek congressional authorization for the ballroom. The court placed its ruling on hold for fourteen days.

Senator Bill Cassidy will support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. This decision likely ensures Blanche's confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Opposition from two other Republicans had previously cast doubt on the nomination. Concerns centered on a settlement involving tax audit immunity and a proposed fund. Cassidy stated his vote was a specific decision regarding Mr. Blanche.

India has amended foreign direct investment regulations to boost e-commerce trade. These changes will help small businesses, artisans, farmers, and fishermen access wider markets. BRICS ministers discussed enhancing trade, investment, and industrial cooperation among member nations. Discussions also focused on creating jobs through emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. India aims to leverage e-commerce for connecting small-scale products with vast global markets.

State-run oil companies have dismissed concerns regarding E20 petrol quality. Extensive nationwide testing found no evidence of excessive moisture or chloride contamination. Fuel quality consistently remained within prescribed standards across the entire supply chain. Isolated instances of elevated chloride levels were immediately addressed and rectified. Consumers can confidently use E20 petrol, which meets all quality specifications.

Psychology says us that happiness is not reserved only for life's biggest achievements. Our minds are remarkably responsive to movement, growth and evidence that today's efforts are making tomorrow possible.

Spain has threatened reciprocal measures against Italy over border controls. Rome imposed these checks after a migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spain called Italy's decision unjustified and discriminatory against its population. Italy justified its move to prevent migrants from reaching its territory. The dispute highlights differing migration policies between the two EU allies.

An anonymous Meta employee has gone viral after revealing that fears of future layoffs have made her postpone having children. In a candid post on Blind, she said the lack of job security, shifting company priorities and uncertainty about returning from maternity leave have left her unwilling to start a family. The post sparked a wider online debate about how instability in the tech industry is influencing major life decisions, including marriage and parenthood.

Religare Enterprises' demerger plan has been rejected by the Reserve Bank of India. The company received official communication regarding the rejection on August 6, 2026. Religare Finvest Ltd also received a similar communication from the regulator. However, stock exchanges have provided their no objection and observation letters. The company will engage with the regulator for further clarifications.

Rekha has been synonymous with grace and sensuality for decades. However, there was a time when she underwent much trolling and hostility for being overweight and not conforming to the prevalent beauty standards. In an old interview, Rekha revealed some unconventional diets she followed to lose weight.

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new leverage ratio requirements for banks. Globally systemic important banks will face a minimum 3.5% ratio plus a buffer. Domestic systemically important banks will continue with their 4% ratio mandate. Other commercial banks will maintain the existing 3.5% leverage ratio. These proposals align with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's framework.

India imported goods worth $131.63 billion from China in FY26, accounting for nearly 17% of total merchandise imports, the government told Rajya Sabha. It said Chinese imports include critical minerals, intermediate goods, capital equipment and technologies required by sectors such as clean energy, electronics, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

BLS International reported a 25% year-on-year rise in Q1 revenue to Rs 891 crore, while net profit increased 11.4% to Rs 202 crore. EBITDA grew 23.6% to Rs 252 crore. Visa and consular services revenue rose 21.6%, while digital services recorded 32.2% growth. The company processed 11.3 lakh visa applications during the quarter, with net revenue per application increasing 11.2% to Rs 3,521.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced an exemption for loans against specific foreign currency deposits, particularly fresh FCNR(B) and NRE term deposits. This strategic shift ensures these loans will not factor into the mandatory priority sector lending requirements. Such measures have notably enhanced foreign exchange inflows. Additionally, there is a special facility available for banks to swap these deposits with the RBI.

Non-Banking Financial Company gold loans surged significantly by June 2026. Retail credit remained the primary driver for NBFC lending growth. Housing and vehicle loans also showed robust expansion during this period. Agriculture credit accelerated sharply, while industrial sector growth slowed down. Services sector lending moderated as trade and transport operators expanded credit slower.

Conceptualised by Ogilvy and crafted by music duo Maati Baani, the campaign brings together folk musicians and regional artists to reinterpret the brand's signature line, Isko laga dala toh life jingalala, in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bangla, Awadhi and Gujarati.

State Bank of India reported a strong first quarter with net profit rising over ten percent. Gross advances surpassed fifty lakh crore rupees, marking significant growth for the bank. Asset quality indicators showed marked improvement year-on-year, with GNPA declining. The bank maintained its full-year credit growth guidance at fourteen to fifteen percent. SBI is deploying Responsible AI Policy to enhance cybersecurity and operational efficiency.

Vegetarian thali costs rose four percent year-on-year in July. Non-vegetarian thali prices increased nine percent due to higher chicken costs. Onion and vegetable oil prices also contributed significantly to these increases. Potato and tomato prices fell, partially offsetting the overall rise. Month-on-month, vegetarian thali costs saw a two percent jump.

The West Bengal government plans a ring road and a new flyover for Kolkata. These infrastructure projects aim to ease traffic congestion and boost business growth. The state is also upgrading urban services like drainage and water supply systems. Renewable energy use will expand significantly by 2030. New mortuary facilities and electric crematoria will be established across districts.

The Kochi-based microfinance company received sanction letters from overseas investors in January and it has time till September to draw down the funds.

Flipkart's much-anticipated Freedom Sale kicks off on August 7th, showcasing an exciting lineup of four new tablets. Among these, the Asus Pad stands out with its vibrant OLED display, enhancing your viewing pleasure. The HP OmniPad 12 offers versatility, easily shifting between tablet and desktop functions. Huawei returns with a duo of tablets designed to meet varying consumer preferences and budgets.

MahaRERA has granted an automatic four-month extension to eligible real estate projects in Maharashtra due to disruptions linked to the West Asia situation. The relief covers registered projects with completion dates on or after February 28, 2026, but excludes projects registered on or after August 1, 2026. Developers will not need to file separate applications for the extension.

India and Russia reviewed industrial cooperation and explored new collaborations. Discussions focused on railway infrastructure and the Vande Bharat train project. Both nations also discussed opportunities in aircraft production and unmanned aerial systems. Cooperation in critical minerals and lithium mining was a key agenda item. The meeting concluded with a protocol reaffirming deepened bilateral economic ties.

To bolster India's medical device industry, a strategic pivot toward international markets and enhanced global presence is essential. Fostering local component production and value addition is a vital pathway to not only create jobs but also to improve supply chain durability. This transition signifies a shift from reliance on imports to a focus on homegrown manufacturing. Streamlined regulatory processes are key to facilitating this significant industry evolution.

Much as we crave permanence and for good things to be long-lasting, sometimes they leave our lives without any warning. An old Irish proverb cautions us that many things we crave, including success, may sadly be a fleeting experience.

IndiGo parent InterGlobe Aviation is reportedly in early talks with Brazils Embraer for a potentially large order of E2 regional jets. The aircraft could replace IndiGos ATR turboprops and add capacity. A deal could be worth billions of dollars and become Embraers biggest order in India, while supporting its plans for aircraft manufacturing in the country.

India currently lacks a well-defined legal framework for virtual digital assets, even though these assets are recognized for tax purposes. In contrast, regions like the EU and US have established robust regulations. The establishment of a self-regulatory organization could provide essential industry standards, offering a bridge during the development of comprehensive legislation. This approach would create a supportive and innovation-friendly policy environment for India's digital asset sector.

In 2025-26, India's ten largest import partner countries were China, UAE, Russia, US, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore and Japan, as per govt data.

Singapore's Surbana Jurong will prepare the Mumbai 3.0 new town master plan. This new town will span over 323 square kilometers across Raigad district. The planning process involves detailed analysis and stakeholder consultations for development. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister highlighted global expertise for this project. Mumbai 3.0 aims to be a sustainable and investment-ready global growth center.

India's hydrogen train has run nearly 2,500 km in commercial operations since its launch. This pilot project aims to assess hydrogen propulsion's viability for wider railway network adoption. The train operates on the Jind-Sonipat route and produces no carbon dioxide emissions. Future expansion depends on resource availability and operational feasibility assessments, Minister Vaishnaw said.

The initial bid for Vijayawada Railway Station's redevelopment received no response. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha about this development. Fifteen stations are identified for development under the Public-Private Partnership model. The proposal for Vijayawada Station's redevelopment has received approval from PPPAC. Remaining stations are currently in master planning and financial modelling stages.

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant rise of over ten billion dollars. This surge pushed the nation's reserves to their highest point in more than two months. Foreign currency assets, the largest reserve component, increased substantially during the reporting week. Gold reserves also registered a notable gain, contributing to the overall increase. Special Drawing Rights and reserve position with the IMF also saw modest growth.