The Economic Times

Indian equities ended lower as the Closing Auction Session continued creating divergence between Sensex and Nifty. Banking and financial stocks dragged benchmarks, while auto and IT outperformed. Analysts said Niftys 24,500 support remains crucial despite easing momentum and continued profit booking.

The Centre opposes a Supreme Court petition for income-based reservation sub-quotas. It argues reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs is based on social backwardness. The government stated framing reservation policy falls within executive domain. The creamy layer principle, applied to OBCs, is not relevant for SCs and STs. Any policy change requires comprehensive data and review.

'Don't interrupt the chair': Rand Paul, Gary Peters clash over Dr Anthony Fauci's contempt vote

Indian markets found support from easing crude oil prices and the RBI's stable policy outlook despite range-bound trade. Analysts said Nifty holding above 24,600 keeps bullish momentum intact, with improving earnings expectations and stock-specific buying supporting broader market resilience.

A Chinese proverb emphasizes that the best time to act was yesterday, but today is the next best. Dwelling on past chances delays future progress and hinders personal development. This wisdom encourages releasing regret and focusing on achievable goals starting today. Small actions taken now will eventually lead to significant and flourishing future results. Embracing this philosophy allows for continuous growth and the pursuit of worthwhile endeavors.

Gold price today: On August 6, 2026, gold prices surged dramatically throughout India, as Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds displayed increased rates. The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association confirmed the striking rise in both gold and silver values, impacting major metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Consumers were quick to notice these changes in pricing on Thursday.

TASMAC Online Booking: TASMAC has launched an online liquor booking portal in Tamil Nadu, allowing customers aged 21 and above to check stock, pay digitally and collect orders from selected outlets using a QR code. However, the service does not offer home delivery.

Today Weather Delhi: Delhi anticipates moderate rainfall and thunderstorms on Thursday, with a yellow alert issued. Active monsoon conditions are expected to continue over the national capital until August 10. Residents are advised to stay updated with official weather advisories and exercise caution. Neighboring states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh also face weather warnings from the IMD. People should monitor weather updates before undertaking any travel plans.

The Cockroach Janta Party will announce its future strategy on Thursday. This announcement follows a two-day strategy meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The group will function as a pressure group for institutional accountability and neutrality. Discussions also covered unemployment and strengthening state presence nationwide. The movement's mentor, Sonam Wangchuk, will continue to offer guidance.

Baking soda offers a simple home trick for bathroom freshness. It effectively absorbs unwanted moisture and neutralizes unpleasant odors around the toilet. This natural absorbent helps keep the toilet area drier and cleaner. Using baking soda reduces the need for harsh chemical cleaning products. The ingredient is easy to apply and commonly found in households.

Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal shared how Atal Bihari Vajpayee aided the company's London Stock Exchange listing. This pivotal decision allowed Vedanta to become the first Indian firm listed on the FTSE 100 index. The company is now planning to demerge its real estate business into a new entity. This new company will also seek separate listings on the BSE and NSE.

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, gold prices surged, catching the attention of both buyers and investors alike. Tanishq and Malabar Gold & Diamonds, two prominent names in the jewellery industry, announced increased rates across their collections. According to the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association, both gold and silver witnessed considerable gains, indicating a remarkable shift in the market for precious metals.

NEET UG Counselling 2026 registrations begin today for 15% AIQ admissions. Candidates can register online through the official MCC counselling portal at mcc.nic.in. This year, a one-time physical reporting system simplifies the admission process for candidates. Online document verification and an online resignation facility are also introduced. Eligible candidates must prepare all required documents before registration and choice filling.

The Lok Sabha will consider two key financial bills on Wednesday. These include the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill and the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill. An adjournment motion seeks a new anti-defection law to curb mass political defections. Another adjournment motion calls for a discussion on police action during a student protest. This motion demands a statement from the Union Home Minister on the incident.

Delhi weather today: Delhi anticipates moderate rainfall on Wednesday, August 5, with a yellow alert issued. Cloudy skies and continued rain are forecast for Delhi until August 10. Noida and Gurugram will experience warm, humid weather with scattered rain spells. Ghaziabad also expects warm and humid conditions with intermittent rain showers. These weather patterns are predicted for the upcoming week.

McDonald's replaced its U.S. business head after missing sales growth expectations. Skye Anderson, a company veteran, now leads McDonald's USA effective immediately. The CEO cited execution lapses and overwhelmed restaurant crews for the performance. A new under-$3 menu and digital discount cuts also impacted sales negatively. Anderson will now steer the company's turnaround strategy called McDonald's > NEXT.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring trade options for Klay Thompson. Dallas Mavericks are also considering moving Thompson and P.J. Washington. Thompson previously considered joining the Lakers before signing with Dallas. Washington played alongside Luka Doncic during the 2024 NBA Finals. These potential moves could significantly reshape both teams' rosters.

Top Quote of the Day by Socrates, Plato and Aristotle: Classical Greek philosophy provides a timeless blueprint for human flourishing, rational thought, and moral integrity. Through the direct intellectual lineage of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, Western thought was forged on the principles of relentless self-examination, structural ethics, and empirical discipline. Their collective insights offer modern readers actionable clarity on overcoming ignorance, cultivating productive daily habits, a

The Trump administration is drafting a ban on new Chinese data center component imports. This measure aims to protect critical infrastructure underpinning the AI boom. The Federal Communications Commission is working on this restriction for optical transceivers. Officials hope to publish the ban this year, taking effect soon after. China stated it will take necessary measures if its interests are harmed.

Quote of the Day by Frederick the Great: Frederick the Greats wisdom sheds light on the importance of strategic focus in goal attainment. He argued that trying to defend every aspect dilutes strength and hampers effectiveness. In today's fast-paced world, discerning priorities is essential for success. Mastering the art of saying no opens up opportunities for more meaningful pursuits. By concentrating on key objectives, we pave the way to achieve remarkable results.

School Assembly News Headlines Today, August 5, 2026: Engaging with news is essential for students, and this program provides updates on national and global events. Daily highlights will feature critical political situations and public safety issues. Students will also learn about pivotal scientific achievements and notable sports wins, promoting a comprehensive understanding of worldwide challenges. This assembly is intended to bridge students' experiences with the pressing societal concerns of

Samsung will offer affordable purchase options and festive discounts to Indian customers. The company aims to absorb rising material costs as much as possible. Memory chip shortages and increased demand are impacting the electronics market. Samsung's Indian R&D centers are developing popular AI features for local users.

Gold prices experienced a slight dip across major brands today. Tanishq and other leading jewelers reported lower rates for 22k gold. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas also followed this trend.Consumers can compare rates from various brands for potential purchases.

Bengaluru minister directed officials to prepare action plans for vehicle removal. Footpath encroachments are being cleared to improve pedestrian access and ease congestion. Abandoned vehicles will be towed and auctioned after a 15-day unclaimed period. Police and city corporations will coordinate efforts and monitor field staff closely. Footpath repairs will proceed alongside encroachment removal and penalty imposition.

Delhi anticipates generally cloudy skies with light rain spells throughout the week. Noida and Ghaziabad may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning on Tuesday. Gurugram expects similar cloudy conditions with intermittent rain until Thursday. Temperatures will remain moderate across these regions during the forecast period. Rain activity is expected to ease in Delhi by Sunday.

India recorded its highest-ever annual organ transplant count in 2025. Organ donation pledges verified by Aadhaar have now crossed five lakh. The nation ranks third globally in total organ transplants performed. Sustained awareness campaigns and digital platforms have boosted organ donation. Government initiatives are strengthening the organ donation and transplantation ecosystem.

Parliamentary proceedings faced disruptions as Opposition parties demanded statements. They insisted on discussions regarding alleged theft at the Ram temple. Opposition members also sought a statement on police action against students. Two key bills, the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill and the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, were passed. The government criticized the Congress for boycotting debates on important legislation.

Skipping squats and lunges may mean missing more than a chance to build stronger legs. Experts explain how regular leg exercises can support heart health, healthy blood sugar, stronger bones, better balance and mobility as people age. If you train your legs regulary and maintain your lower-body, then it may help protect independence later in life.

Karnataka's Congress government has expanded its cabinet with twenty new ministers. The high command approved the list, filling all remaining ministerial vacancies. New presiding officers for the Legislative Assembly and Council were also appointed. This expansion balances regional, caste, and factional interests within the party. The full council of ministers is now ready for the upcoming legislative session.

Gold price today: Gold prices remained steady on Monday, August 3, 2026, across major Indian jewelry brands. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association provided indicative rates for various gold purities. These rates may fluctuate based on location and taxes.

Haldiram's Leicester Square restaurant has temporarily closed its doors for essential electrical works. The popular Indian eatery shut down operations on July 21, 2026, as confirmed by its management. This closure follows a highly anticipated and successful launch just weeks prior. The brand assured customers that updates regarding the reopening date would be shared soon. Customers are eagerly awaiting the restaurant's return to service.

Quote of the day: German philosopher Helmuth Plessner believed misunderstanding causes deep human suffering. He argued that complete understanding between individuals is often impossible. Plessner's ideas remain relevant in today's interconnected digital world. Modern social media can amplify feelings of isolation despite constant connection. Genuine recognition from others remains a fundamental human emotional need.

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee begins its meeting this week. Market participants widely expect the benchmark repo rate to remain unchanged. Experts believe the central bank will focus on domestic inflation and growth. Global uncertainties and elevated crude oil prices are closely monitored. Future policy decisions will consider these evolving domestic and external factors.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav faced an attack during a press conference at his residence when a man threw a slipper at him. The incident occurred after Yadav defended his controversial skit regarding alleged theft of Ram temple donations, leading to a scuffle. Yadav, who faces an FIR in Varanasi, claims the event was a plot to kill him, questioning his alleged crime for raising concerns about the donation row.

Delhi NCR weather today, August 2: Delhi-NCR anticipates cloudy skies with light to moderate rain activity on Sunday. Maximum temperatures will range between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius across the region. Minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 30 to 31 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Several cities including Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Noida will experience these weather patterns. A gradual dip in temperatures is forecast later this week before warming again.

Here is a look at the latest 22k gold rates at leading jewellery brands and 14k, 18k, 20k, 22k and 24k indicative retail selling gold prices and the 999-purity silver rate at the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association's (IBJA) today.

Samsung Galaxy F70 Pro 5g Pricing and Specs Confirmed in India: Samsung's Galaxy F70 Pro 5G will launch in India on August 3. The new smartphone will be available for purchase through Flipkart and Samsung's online store. Pricing for the device starts at 25,999 for the base model. This mid-range phone features a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 6,000mAh battery. Samsung promises six years of OS updates and security patches for this device.

Delhi-NCR Rain Alert: Delhi-NCR residents woke up to overcast skies and pleasant weather on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light rainfall and cloudy conditions throughout the day. While temperatures have eased, high humidity is expected to persist, causing discomfort. Similar weather conditions are likely to continue until August 4. Meanwhile, the IMD has also issued heavy rainfall alerts for 19 other states.

CWG 2026 India Medal Tally: India's medal count reached twenty-three at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Ten Indian boxers advanced to gold medal bouts, guaranteeing more medals for the nation. Weightlifting and judo contributed significantly to India's medal collection during the competition. Tejaswin Shankar and Neeraj Chopra secured medals in athletics events. India was placed tenth in the overall standings before the final day's events.

LPG Price August 2026: From August 1, the prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders have been reduced by up to Rs 209, bringing relief to restaurants, hotels and other businesses that rely on the fuel. The latest revision marks the second consecutive monthly cut in commercial LPG prices and comes amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and concerns over global LPG supplies.

Kerala Weather Update: Eleven Kerala districts are under an orange alert for heavy rainfall today. Authorities have declared holidays for educational institutions in four districts. An offshore trough is causing continuous moisture-laden winds to reach the coast. Fishermen are advised to stay off the rough seas due to squally winds. Residents in vulnerable areas should remain alert and follow official advice.

All scheduled and non-scheduled banks observe holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays. Banks remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays unless a holiday is specified.

Opposition members' persistent sloganeering disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings for a second week. This prevented the crucial Question Hour from functioning as intended by MPs. The Monsoon Session has seen no meaningful business during this parliamentary hour since it began. Speaker Om Birla expressed regret over what he called pre-planned disruptions by MPs. The House did pass a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law after brief debate.

President Trump signed an order to block old electronic waste exports. This aims to boost domestic recycling and critical mineral recovery efforts. The move seeks to counter China's dominance in vital material supply chains. Recapturing minerals already in the US offers a faster solution. This action supports national security and defense industry needs.

Delhi-NCR Weather Today, July 31, 2026: Delhi-NCR anticipates mixed weather with cloudy skies and light rain on Friday. Temperatures will largely remain in the mid-30s across the region. Noida and Ghaziabad may experience partly cloudy conditions with moderate winds. Faridabad expects cloudy skies and possible thundershowers throughout the day. Stable temperatures are forecast through the weekend before a slight dip next week.