The Economic Times

The United States is imposing significant tariffs on imported drones and their parts. Heavier drones and those with specific capabilities will face the highest rates. These measures aim to decrease American dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China. Smaller drones and components will also be subject to various import duties. This action escalates trade tensions ahead of a meeting between leaders.

US President Trump directed the Navy to revert to steam catapults for new aircraft carriers. This design change will add hundreds of millions of dollars to taxpayer costs. The Navy will also be permitted to build ships overseas for the first time in decades. Foreign shipbuilders making investments in US shipyards can build up to two vessels.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a condition where one side of the heart is underdeveloped and prevents normal blood flow. If untreated, the condition causes severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, skin rashes, weak pulse and ashen or bluish skin.

Quote of the Day by Oliver Hardy of Laurel and Hardy: Oliver Hardys quote, You know, theres a right and wrong way to do everything, explores the importance of good judgment, responsibility, and approaching tasks with care. The quote suggests that success is not only about completing something, but also about understanding the proper way to do it. Hardys words remind us that thoughtful decisions, patience, and attention to detail can help people avoid unnecessary mistakes and achieve better resul

Extreme heat hours are rising faster than entire hot days globally. Hotter nights are becoming more common, extending heat exposure periods. Future projections show a significant increase in hourly heat extremes by 2100. Low-income nations face the most substantial rise in hot hours. People born today will experience more extreme heat over their lifetimes.

U.S. President Trump dismissed fears regarding the USS Abraham Lincoln's lengthy deployment, asserting that a nearly nine-month mission is manageable for the sailors. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers voiced concerns about the health and living standards of the crew. Despite their worries, the Navy reported no rise in suicidal thoughts on the carrier, and U.S. Central Command rejected claims of dire conditions onboard.

Happy Independence Day 2026: Vande Matram Lyrics in English: On India's 80th Independence Day, the timeless patriotic anthem Vande Mataram will take center stage, resonating from the Red Fort's ramparts for the very first time. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this historic ceremony will culminate in the unfurling of the national flag, followed by the stirring rendition of the national anthem to commemorate the occasion.

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.

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council opposes making Vande Mataram singing compulsory. Students' federation also asked institutions to avoid the full national song. They believe the complete version conflicts with the country's secular principles. The council respects national symbols but emphasizes freedom of conscience and identity. They urge sensitivity and dialogue over coercion for national unity.

On August 15, 2026, the cosmic spectacle of Mercury and Jupiter aligning heralds a time of great promise for three zodiac signs. Gemini will experience enhanced communication, enabling new opportunities to emerge. Libra's diligent patience is set to yield meaningful transformations and a boost in self-assurance. Meanwhile, Capricorns may finally see the results of their persistent efforts manifest as a long-awaited breakthrough.

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.

As India prepares for the Galle Test match, unpredictable weather threatens gameplay. The batting lineup is pivotal in restoring morale and achieving valuable runs. On match day, the team will finalize their strategy, likely deploying three spinners alongside two pacers. Captain Shubman Gill emphasizes the importance of adapting to Sri Lankas pitch dynamics as the team strives for series victories without succumbing to pressure.

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.

World Liberty Financial, along with its partners, has pushed back the launch of a digital token sale linked to a luxury Maldives resort. This token was designed to give investors a slice of the revenue generated from resort loans. Originally set for this spring, the event is now delayed due to ongoing travel disruptions caused by the conflict with Iran.

Russian Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of They meet you by your clothes, but see you off by your mind. The saying reflects how first impressions are often shaped by appearance, while lasting judgments are based on character, intelligence, and the way a person carries themselves. It suggests that although clothing and outward appearance may influence how others see us at first, it is our thoughts, actions, and personality that ultimately leave the strongest impression.

Indonesia is facing renewed wildfire concerns as a strong El Nio brings the prospect of reduced rainfall in 2026. The countrys devastating 2015 fires burned about 2.6 million hectares and sent pollution across Southeast Asia, highlighting the vulnerability of degraded peatlands. Restoration efforts established after that disaster have focused on rewetting peat through deep wells and canal blocking.

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.

80th Independence Day: The Economic Times wishes everyone a Happy Independence Day

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.

La Liga kicks off this weekend, even as several matches have been pushed back. The defending champions, Barcelona, along with Real Madrid, will launch their seasons next week. Celta Vigo faces a delay for their home opener due to a fungal issue on the pitch. In the meantime, Atletico Madrid will host Malaga amid speculations regarding Julian Alvarez's future.

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.

Saturday is a good time to identify habits, situations or routines that have stopped serving you. Releasing one outdated pattern could create room for something much better.

The government is actively considering a single-window system designed for space sector approvals, aiming to enhance efficiency in business operations and notably cut approval durations. Multiple departments have engaged in discussions to create this inter-ministerial platform for shared applicants, addressing the longstanding demand from the space industry for reduced regulatory difficulties. This system's implementation is set to streamline the application process for diverse space ventures.

The National Investigation Agency has made another arrest in the case of the targeted killing of Vikas Prabhakar, a prominent Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader. Manveer Ram, referred to as Ashu, was apprehended at Amritsar International Airport on Thursday. Investigators believe that the assassination plot was devised by Germany-based members of Babbar Khalsa International, leading to the filing of several chargesheets by the NIA as part of their probe.

Neo Wealth Partners acquired a 9.9% stake in Keertana Finserv for Rs 230 crore. This investment supports Keertana's expansion in the growing gold loan market. Other firms like Bain Capital and Tata Capital are also active in this sector. Keertana aims to grow its portfolio to Rs 6,000 crore by March 2027. The Indian gold loan market is projected for significant future growth.

The Master Plan 2047 has been greenlit by the Delhi Development Authority and is pending final approval from the government. This initiative seeks to clarify the landscape of real estate in the city, streamlining business operations by simplifying clearance processes. It tackles land scarcity issues with a focus on redevelopment in key zones, and experts predict it will greatly influence the property market in the national capital.

Throughout history, ancient Indian cultures embraced intoxicants such as toddy and cannabis, weaving them into the fabric of religious and martial practices. Under colonial rule, the British imposed taxes on distilled beverages while limiting local production to boost government revenue. In contrast, independence ushered in laws that prohibited traditional substances, disrupting long-standing community customs.

Millet prices are increasing as farmers plant less of these nutritious grains. Lower planting this year could further tighten supplies and raise food costs. Jowar prices saw an 11% year-on-year increase in July, while small millets rose over 21%. Inflation in ready-made food products also climbed to nine percent. Wholesale prices for jowar and ragi indicate higher input costs for manufacturers.

The Indian Army has contracted for domestically produced one-way attack drones. These drones will be acquired within the next twelve months under fast-track procedures. Tata Advanced Systems and Nibe will supply 840 long-range attack drones. These systems are designed to strike targets over one hundred kilometers away. The drones will be tasked to neutralize enemy artillery positions deep across borders.

Nvidia has unveiled a major financing initiative aimed at supporting artificial intelligence chip acquisitions. By collaborating with prominent financial institutions, the plan seeks to provide substantial debt solutions tailored for AI startups. This multifaceted financing strategy is designed to address the skyrocketing demand for computing power, ultimately fostering the essential digital and AI infrastructure development needed in the tech industry.

To effectively tackle child abuse material investigations, India might require a formal data-sharing agreement with the United States. US social media platforms typically direct reports to NCMEC, adhering to legal limitations. However, delays from NCMEC's CyberTipline in submitting reports to India have sparked debate. Experts propose the temporary sharing of metadata from additional tips. Collaborative dialogues among platforms, NCMEC, and I4C are essential to address these differences.

Mitsubishi is nearing an exit from NTPC's Farakka power project. The Japanese firm will compensate NTPC with 851 crore for the project. This agreement follows earlier compensation demands and offers between the two companies. Significant work remains incomplete on the flue gas desulphurisation equipment installation. The project was initially estimated at 1,000 crore when awarded six years ago.

ICICI Bank is seeking a substantial $1.45 billion loan from a banking consortium. Bank of America is leading the syndicate, which includes several international banks. This four-year loan aims to attract leveraged investors to the FCNR-B deposit program. The Reserve Bank of India is absorbing currency hedging costs for these deposits. Funds will support overseas clients making foreign currency deposits with the bank.

To commemorate the bravery of India's freedom fighters, plans are underway to create fifty tribal villages equipped with museums and memorials highlighting their heroic stories. Prior to the development of these villages, baseline surveys will be conducted to ensure community needs are met. Each location will benefit from an allocation of twenty lakh rupees, with the initiative set to commence in eleven villages soon.

The Securities Appellate Tribunal has granted Zee Entertainment and Punit Goenka the go-ahead for a convertible warrants issuance. However, this approval is contingent on the appellants depositing the entire penalty imposed by Sebi. The tribunal highlighted the strong approval from public shareholders for the investment proposal, indicating that this warrants issue could substantially benefit them. Additionally, the deadline for issuing these warrants has been extended by a week.

India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $14.1 billion to $707 billion. Foreign currency assets rose by $9.9 billion, and gold reserves gained $3.9 billion. These reserves have now declined from their earlier peak of $728 billion. Further inflows are expected from FCNR(B) and ECB schemes until August 31. The Reserve Bank of India received $56.8 billion in foreign currency inflows.

K Hospitality plans to open over one hundred Wagamama outlets across India. The company has allocated five hundred fifty crore rupees for this significant expansion. This investment will scale up the popular Asian fare chain throughout the country. Consumer feedback has been very positive since the brand's initial launch last year. The company anticipates continued strong growth in system-wide sales.

The government is increasing scrutiny of sugar stocks due to surging prices. Large industrial buyers are now providing consumption data to the food ministry. Sugar mills must now detail sales of 500 metric tonnes or more annually. Physical stock checks are being conducted at mills across various states. This action follows observations of discrepancies in reported sugar stock data.

The Supreme Court strongly disapproved the Bar Council of India's withdrawn order. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated the Bar Council had no business interfering. The court issued notice and prohibited punitive action against NALSAR students and faculty. Students were encouraged to enroll and join the Supreme Court bar. This action serves as a fitting answer to those causing impediments.

Bathware giant Kohler plans to invest at least $100 m over the next decade in the country, where it expects bathrooms to evolve with smart technology.

Mr President, we must bomb Paraguay: Rubio confesses near-psychotic experience of Keto diet

Water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. Nineteen workers were rescued after the incident, which claimed seven lives. Search operations continue for three missing individuals trapped inside the tunnel. Twelve rescued workers sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is supervising the ongoing rescue operations at the site.

On Independence Day 2026, a remarkable gathering honoured over a thousand personnel with Gallantry and Service Medals. Among them, 301 were awarded Gallantry Medals for their extraordinary bravery, particularly in challenging areas affected by Left Wing Extremism and in Jammu & Kashmir. Furthermore, 92 deserving personnel received the Presidents Medals for Distinguished Service, while others were recognised with Medals for Meritorious Service for their unwavering commitment to duty.

The individual accused of attacking Sukhbir Singh Badal has placed the blame on the escalating drug crisis in Punjab, asserting that the former SAD government did little to resolve the issue. Investigators are currently examining his statements to uncover the true motive behind the assault. At this time, there's no evidence linking the incident to extremist factions.