The Economic Times

Shakib Al Hasan's residence was targeted following his participation in Sheikh Hasina's media event. Hasina vowed to return to Bangladesh despite a death sentence hanging over her. Bangladesh has expressed disapproval of Hasina's media appearance and is pushing for her extradition from India, which is in the process of reviewing this request regarding the ousted leader.

Taiwan began annual military exercises simulating a Chinese invasion response. These drills test 24-hour defense capabilities and counter China's gray-zone tactics. Urban resilience drills will assess population response to internet disruptions during the exercises. The drills involve the largest team of reservists ever mobilized for active duty.

Indonesia's government will acquire a majority stake in the high-speed rail operator. This move aims to manage the project's outstanding loan obligations effectively. The transaction is expected to be finalized by mid-September this year. Chinese firms will retain a forty percent ownership in the venture. This railway connects Jakarta to the city of Bandung.

A major industrial fire involving sulphur storage has caused an emergency evacuation in Port Adelaide. Toxic smoke drifting across parts of Adelaide poses a serious health risk to residents. Emergency services issued an immediate evacuation order for people within a one-kilometre radius. Others outside the zone were advised to remain indoors and shut windows.

Jharkhand students will gherao the Vidhan Sabha on August 10 if demands are unmet. They are protesting alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC CGL recruitment examinations. Protesters demand cancellation of exams conducted by TDPL and CBI/ED investigations. The state government has formed a ministerial team to discuss student concerns. The government expresses commitment to youth welfare and justice for students.

Kerala Rain Alert: Kerala anticipates widespread rainfall starting Thursday, with intensified showers expected. The India Meteorological Department issued orange alerts for seven districts due to heavy rainfall. Northern Kerala may experience extremely heavy showers, prompting vigilance in vulnerable areas. Schools and colleges are closed in several taluks as a precautionary measure. Authorities urge residents to remain alert and follow official advisories closely.

A 4,000-kg SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crashed into the moon near crater Einstein after drifting through space since a January 2025 lunar mission. The impact produced a brief flash and a cloud containing sodium and lithium signatures detected by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.

The Presiding Officer shall be personally responsible and accountable for any violation of this direction, the Bench said, directing counsel appearing for the JDA to communicate the order forthwith to the Presiding Officer concerned.

Quote of the day: Ancient Greek poet Pindar highlighted affection's importance in gift-giving over two millennia ago. His words emphasize that small acts of kindness hold significant lasting value. These gestures create stronger bonds than material possessions often can. This timeless wisdom remains relevant in today's consumer-driven world. Genuine care and attention are the most precious gifts one can offer.

Tamil Nadu's Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 will be presented soon. The state budget outlined plans for economic growth and education sector improvements. Initiatives include school modernisation and laptop distribution for college students. The government also addressed financial liabilities and proposed new revenue streams. Welfare schemes and electoral promises will continue to be implemented.

A former Goldman Sachs manager received nearly 1.5 million after an employment tribunal ruling. The tribunal found his dismissal was unfairly linked to his parental leave. This discrimination had an insidious effect on the former employee's well-being. Goldman Sachs disputes the decision, stating it supports parental leave for all genders. The case highlights stigma damages and low shared parental leave uptake in the UK.

A human rights official claims Bangladesh faces a severe economic crisis and people want Sheikh Hasina back. He stated that millions of supporters await her return to the country by December. The official alleged the nation's GDP growth has sharply slowed, impacting jobs significantly. Many citizens are comparing the current government with Hasina's previous administration. India's Ministry of External Affairs distanced itself from the press interaction.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato denied ending his hunger strike over recruitment exam issues. He stated his fast continues, only consuming water on advice from Sonam Wangchuk. Protesters reiterated Mahato has not withdrawn his protest, which continues until demands are met. The Jharkhand government initiated talks with protesting students regarding exam irregularities. A five-member delegation was invited to meet Chief Minister Hemant Soren for discussions.

Kazakhstan is expanding its transport infrastructure to link Europe and Asia. New highway construction and corridor expansions aim to boost transit capacity significantly. These projects will create thousands of jobs and improve national connectivity. The nation is also developing a digital transport ecosystem for freight carriers. Kazakhstan is simultaneously positioning itself as a leading Eurasian artificial intelligence economy.

Sometimes, LED bulbs can stop working early because of a single diode failure. A clever DIY tip involves using aluminium foil to circumvent the dud component, temporarily getting the bulb to light up again. However, professionals warn that this is merely a short-term fix and poses safety hazards. For a safer and more dependable long-term option, it's best to replace the bulb entirely.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Africa as a priority partner. He stated Africa's due place is essential for a multipolar world order. The minister expressed India's commitment to strengthening ties with the African Union. He looked forward to reconvening the deferred India-Africa Forum Summit. Human resource development remains central to this vital engagement.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry expressed outrage over Sheikh Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi. The ministry stated this event was an affront to Bangladesh's sovereignty and national dignity. Dhaka deeply regrets India permitted this public event despite prior concerns conveyed. Hasina announced her decision to return to Bangladesh in December, facing potential consequences. Bangladesh desires a constructive relationship with India based on mutual respect.

Jharkhand CID has arrested five more individuals in the JPSC exam irregularities case. This brings the total number of arrests in the ongoing investigation to nineteen. Chief Minister Hemant Soren briefed the Governor on the alleged irregularities and ongoing protests. The government assures students that their concerns will be seriously considered. The ruling JMM supports the aspirants and promises swift government action.

The Trump administration has refunded approximately $100 billion in tariffs. This action follows a Supreme Court decision that invalidated many of his duties. Importers who paid these tariffs have now received their refunds. The administration collected about $166 billion after invoking a specific economic powers act. President Trump continues to explore new tariff strategies despite these challenges.

A Salmonella outbreak has sickened 345 people across twenty-seven states in the United States. This widespread contamination has been linked to jalapeo peppers imported from Mexico. Thirty-six individuals have required hospitalization due to the bacterial infection, while no fatalities have occurred. Food safety agencies are actively investigating the source and distribution of the affected produce. Restaurants like Chipotle and QDOBA have already changed their suppliers to mitigate risks.

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, setting up a key general election contest. He will face Republican Mike Rogers in a swing state race. Democrats aim to unify behind El-Sayed after a divisive primary battle. Republicans are attacking El-Sayed as too extreme for the state. This election is crucial for Democrats seeking Senate control.

President Trump stated he prefers a deal with Iran to avoid conflict. He claimed Iran requested talks after the United States prepared for a major strike. The US president reiterated that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. He also compared US actions in Iran to those in Venezuela. Trump suggested Iran would be wise to reach an agreement soon.

US authorities are investigating a close call involving Marine One and a passenger jet. The incident occurred above Washington on August 4th, with air traffic control involved. White House officials stated President Trump was never in any danger during the flight. Safety regulations require significant separation between aircraft in this airspace. The NTSB is reviewing the reported loss of separation event.

Gurgaon is under a yellow alert today as moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to hit the area. Following previous widespread showers that led to traffic disruptions and significant waterlogging in Delhi and NCR, residents should brace for more rainfall. The monsoon conditions are still active, with various districts in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh facing orange warnings.

An oil tanker reported hearing two explosions while transiting the Hormuz Strait. The incident occurred approximately ten miles southeast of Kumzar, Oman. Maritime authorities confirmed the crew and vessel are safe and sound. No environmental damage has been reported following the explosions. Iran and Oman are currently holding talks to manage this key waterway.

Major Wall Street financial firms faced sophisticated cyberattacks recently. Hackers used phone calls to trick employees into granting access. Several large hedge funds and private equity firms were targeted by these attempts. Point72 Asset Management confirmed an attack but stated no customer data was stolen. Global companies are now battling a surge in AI-powered cyber threats.

The RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% for the fourth straight policy review, retained its neutral stance, raised its FY27 growth forecast to 6.7%, and lowered the inflation projection to 5%. It also announced revised loan pricing norms, plans to resume urban cooperative bank licences, and expressed confidence in India's economic resilience despite global uncertainties.

Leonardo DiCaprio and biologist Wes Sechrest met with the Amazon-founding billionaire Bezos and his wife, former TV news reporter and host Lauren Snchez Bezos in 2021.

New research suggests posture can influence emotions and decisions. Sitting upright led to more positive feelings and better risk-taking. Participants in the study did not realize their posture was being manipulated. This study aimed to address concerns raised by earlier posture research. Findings may have implications for everyday environments and workplace ergonomics.

Quote of the day by Mother Teresa describes joy as an active force rather than a passive feeling. Joy can inspire gratitude, strengthen resilience, deepen relationships and encourage compassion. It can make people more willing to notice others and respond to their needs. Perhaps that is why the message remains relevant across generations. Joy does not require perfect circumstances. It requires attention to what is meaningful.

Brain motivation: Researchers identified orexin neurons as key to sustained motivation during demanding tasks. These brain cells help maintain goal-directed behavior when increased effort is required. Studies with genetically modified rats demonstrated orexin neurons' direct influence on motivation levels. Activity in these neurons increased with anticipated rewards and required effort.

Quote of the day by Jude Law focuses on the place of family in a person's life. Law said success and life would not have value without his wife and children beside him. The quote explains why career goals, money and recognition can lose meaning when relationships are ignored. It also offers lessons about family, priorities, work, happiness and finding meaning beyond professional achievements.

Quote of the Day by Joan of Arc connects courage with action and faith with responsibility. When something matters, the first step may be difficult. Fear may remain. Doubts may continue. But taking that step can create momentum that was impossible while standing still. Sometimes the answer does not arrive before the journey begins. Sometimes the path becomes visible only after someone has the courage to walk it.

In 1909, a Black American entrepreneur, Garrett Morgan, was experimenting with a liquid to reduce friction from sewing machine needles when he noticed that it could straighten fibres. He tested the solution on animal fur and his own hair. The discovery led to a hair-refining business and became part of Morgans wider career as an inventor and entrepreneur.

Norse proverb of the day: A Norse saying teaches that our actions have lasting consequences. Mistreating others can damage trust and relationships significantly. Integrity and consistent good behavior build a strong reputation over time. Accountability for our choices is an essential part of life. Treating people with respect ensures future well-being and prevents regret.

Ancient Egyptian proverb of the day explains why balance between work and enjoyment matters in life. The saying from The Maxims of Ptahhotep teaches that spending every day working or worrying can remove happiness, while spending every day on fun can prevent responsibility, financial stability and a secure future.

World War II fluxgate magnetometer: A World War II device found new scientific purpose after the war. Oceanographers refitted the fluxgate magnetometer for seafloor magnetic anomaly measurements. These measurements revealed symmetrical patterns on either side of mid-ocean ridges. The magic profile provided strong evidence for seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.

The Rajya Sabha approved a bill to increase Supreme Court judges. This bill will replace the ordinance which previously raised the judge count. The passed bill was returned to Lok Sabha after its approval. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated the bill improves judicial efficiency. The house adjourned for Thursday after the bill's passage.

The Lok Sabha approved the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill 2026, modernizing banking record laws for digital practices. Extensive studies confirm E20 fuel is safe for use, showing improved performance and reduced emissions. Electric vehicle penetration has significantly risen, driven by lower operational costs and zero tailpipe emissions. Over 4.6 lakh vehicles have been scrapped under the new policy, with discounts offered.

The Reserve Bank of India plans to standardize interest rate rules for all regulated entities. This new principle-based framework aims to increase transparency and ensure uniformity across lending. The proposed changes are unlikely to affect EMIs or bring NBFCs into the external benchmark regime. Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated this move will improve consumer protection and rationalise existing norms.

Foreign-invested ecommerce firms must register as exporter-on-record for export inventory. These companies can only procure and stock goods against confirmed export orders. Speculative stockpiling for future outbound shipping will not be allowed by the government. Indian sellers can access overseas markets by delegating export tasks to the exporter-on-record. This framework aims to boost India's export capabilities and ensure timely payments.

Quote of the Day by Tommy Lee Jones: Tommy Lee Jones quote, In the political world, the only position I have is voter. I'm not a spokesman for anything explores the importance of personal independence, individual responsibility, and the freedom to maintain ones own opinions. The quote suggests that people can participate in political life and make meaningful choices without being defined as representatives of a specific cause, group, or ideology. It highlights the value of thoughtful citizenship