The Economic Times

New import restrictions on low-priced PVC resin will affect foreign suppliers. Domestic prices for this key raw material are expected to increase significantly. India relies heavily on imports for its PVC resin needs. Domestic production capacity meets only a fraction of the country's demand. This measure will likely increase import costs without substantially reducing overall imports.

Who is eligible for Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: Delhi cabinet has approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a scheme promising Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women in the capital. Registrations begin August 1 and the government aims to release the first instalment on Raksha Bandhan, August 28. The scheme targets 17 lakh women and has a budget of Rs 5,110 crore for 2026-27.

Shubman Gill has reclaimed the number one ODI batting ranking from Daryl Mitchell. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi jumped 230 places to reach 48th in T20I rankings. Ishan Kishan leads T20I rankings with a high rating, surpassing other Indian players. Ravi Bishnoi advanced 31 spots to 41st among T20I bowlers. Justin Greaves also made gains in Test bowler and all-rounder rankings.

Israelis are scheduled to hold a national election on October 27. Polls indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a clear defeat in this upcoming vote. His security credentials were significantly impacted by the October 7 Hamas attacks. Several rivals, including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, are emerging as contenders. Israel's parliamentary system necessitates coalition governments, making elections complex.

Lamborghini's operating profit declined over eight percent in the first half. This reflects sector-wide fragility spurred by tariffs and Middle East conflict. Revenue grew while vehicle deliveries saw a slight decrease compared to last year. Adverse exchange rates and increased U.S. tariffs impacted the company's performance. Despite market volatility, Lamborghini achieved its highest revenue in history.

When Israel goes to the polls this year, voters will weigh in on conscription, the economy and how the state should investigate its inability to prevent Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. - Accountability for October 7 - Many Israelis have demanded an independent state commission of inquiry into the failures that allowed Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the death of more than 1,200 people.

The Medical Counselling Committee has updated its online counselling procedures for medical admissions. Candidates seeking upgrades will no longer need to physically report to colleges. Seat resignations can now be completed entirely through the online MCC portal. NRI quota applicants can submit their required documents digitally for easier processing. Authorities are now required to provide clear seat and fee details to all aspirants.

Rahul Gandhi stated Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation was superficial as the RSS controls the education ministry. He claimed RSS influences all Indian universities and burdens poorer families significantly. Gandhi criticized the government's handling of student protests and the home minister's absence. He also dismissed the RSS's historical perspectives as nonsensical and hollow. Gandhi categorized people as students, idiots, and andhbhakts to frame his arguments.

A village cricket match saw a fielder allegedly fake a wicket with a finger snap. Footage of the incident went viral online, sparking widespread debate. Investigators are now examining the suspicious circumstances surrounding the dismissal. The wicketkeeper's unusually high catch count also raised significant questions. This unusual event has captured global attention within the cricketing community.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, India's economy witnesses a comprehensive recovery across sectors, coupled with an increase in industrial credit. Private sector investment is perking up, fueled by proactive government policies. Indicators reflect stable or improving growth trends in different economic domains. Nonetheless, macroeconomic uncertainty looms from external elements like oil prices and seasonal monsoon rains, but these risks remain manageable, revealing a complex landscape of gro

India faces significant energy security risks from chokepoint disruptions. A dual closure could push Brent crude prices to $130-135 per barrel. This scenario threatens inflation and the Indian rupee's stability. Smaller businesses are particularly exposed to rising costs and liquidity stress. Global supply chains and India's trade balance would experience severe impacts.

The Lok Sabha recently saw the introduction of a pivotal Bill focused on enhancing the regulations for the registration of births and deaths. This initiative aims to urge citizens to report these vital events without delay. Instances of registration lagging by one to two years will require a magistrate's consent, while delays surpassing two years will necessitate directives from a judicial magistrate.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has surpassed a $300 million brand value milestone. The Indian Premier League's overall business valuation climbed to $20.6 billion this year. This growth underscores the tournament's increasing commercial appeal and global investor confidence. Recent franchise transactions have reset valuation benchmarks for the league. Global investors now view franchises as scalable sports and entertainment businesses.

The Indian women's hockey team has departed for Germany for final World Cup preparations. They will play practice matches against Germany before heading to the Netherlands. The team aims to fine-tune combinations and adapt to European conditions. India begins its World Cup campaign against China on August sixteenth. Captain Salima Tete expressed confidence in the squad's determination.

Sabeer Bhatia booked a high-end apartment in India back in 2012. The property's construction remains unfinished after more than a decade. Builders now project a handover date of 2032, which is twenty years later. This situation highlights concerns about trust in commercial dealings across the country. The entrepreneur expressed disappointment with the prolonged and uncertain property delivery.

Fast-track courts were established to clear case backlogs and address public outrage. These courts have disposed of millions of cases over two decades. However, systemic issues continue to hinder speedy justice delivery. Investigations, prosecution, and forensic capacity also need improvement. Courtroom reform alone has not ensured faster justice for all.

The Supreme Court has closed a criminal case against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This decision follows the acceptance of a closure report filed by the CBI. The court found no reason for the trial court judge to reject the CBI's findings. Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and ex-coal secretary P C Parakh were also involved. The Supreme Court's intervention stayed the earlier court directive summoning the accused.

The Trump administration missed a deadline to ask the Supreme Court for a rehearing. This request concerned the president's birthright citizenship restrictions which were rejected. The Supreme Court's decision in June struck down the executive order. Three justices had supported the president's plan while one found it violated federal law. The court has not granted a rehearing petition in over fifty years.

An Indian expat in Paris shared challenges of moving abroad. Social media often omits financial burdens and job search difficulties. Adapting to new languages and cultures requires significant personal effort. Leaving family behind also presents emotional and practical hurdles. Clear goals, not online perceptions, should guide such life decisions.

Mondelez International exceeded revenue and profit expectations for the second quarter. Steady demand for biscuits and chocolates, along with higher pricing, boosted results. The company raised its annual organic revenue growth forecast to at least two percent. North America saw pricing increases and modest volume growth during the period.

The Supreme Court dismissed Odisha's plea against the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' release. Animation is a new art form for children and should not be curtailed. The court allowed the film's release after the Jagannath Yatra festivities concluded. Earlier, the High Court had stayed the movie's screening due to objections. Filmmakers invested heavily and faced significant financial losses if delayed.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove content allegedly used for terrorism, sabotage and cyber-fraud inside Russia. The FSB has also issued an international arrest warrant. Telegram has not commented, while Durov continues to deny wrongdoing in separate investigations by French authorities.

India's organ transplant situation is dire, with 3.9 lakh needed just in 2021, emphasizing the escalating demand. Unfortunately, only a fraction of necessary kidney and liver transplants were executed, and the distribution of these surgeries is heavily skewed towards a few states. Additionally, while women participate in organ donation, they receive significantly fewer transplants than their health conditions require.

Dolly Parton inspires by refusing external limitations on her capabilities. She consistently breaks molds and proves identity is not confined. Parton's career spans music, acting, and philanthropy, showcasing reinvention. Her journey challenges conformity and encourages embracing versatility as a strength. The life lesson emphasizes pursuing passions unapologetically and honoring one's own vision.

The US FCC has banned imports of Chinese humanoid robots due to security concerns. This move targets China's dominant position in the global robotics market. Analysts estimate Chinese robots hold an 85 percent global market share. The decision could strain US-China technological competition and future collaborations. China's domestic manufacturing base supports its continued development and other export markets.

Manu Bhaker expressed mixed feelings about her recent 25m pistol bronze medal win. She acknowledged potential for improvement while noting her hard work is showing results. Bhaker secured a 10m air pistol mixed team silver earlier this year in Munich. She is now preparing for the Asian Games in Japan. Bhaker previously won a team gold at the last Asian Games.

New Zealand's government has issued its first offshore petroleum exploration permit. This action follows the reversal of a ban previously imposed by the former Labour government. Resources Minister Shane Jones stated the permit signifies the nation's openness for business. Australian company EnZed Energy received the permit for the Taranaki Basin. Several other companies have applied for exploration rights ahead of elections.

A Kerala consumer commission has ordered Flipkart to pay Rs 38,990 to a Kannur woman after finding that the Xiaomi phone delivered to her in March 2023 carried a warranty start date of July 2022, eight months before she received it. The commission ruled Flipkart had sold a previously used, defective phone as new and rejected its claim that it was merely an intermediary.

The FAA is proposing new rules to speed up commercial space mission approvals. These changes aim to simplify licensing by waiving environmental law requirements. Currently, license applications can take up to thirty-six months for full approval. The agency seeks to reduce duplicative processes and needless delays for launch operations. This move follows a presidential executive order to accelerate the licensing process.

Odisha launched a massive evacuation drive for over one lakh flood-affected people. Rescue and relief operations are underway in four north Odisha districts. Senior officials are overseeing flood management efforts across vulnerable regions. Educational institutions in six districts have been closed for safety.

International graduates are increasingly considering returning to India after their studies abroad. Students cite India's economic growth and investor confidence as key influencing factors. A salary of fifty lakh rupees in India offers similar savings as one hundred fifty thousand pounds in London. Growth opportunities and stability appear stronger in India for these graduates. This trend suggests a potential everse brain drain is emerging for the nation.

China's central bank injected significant funds into the banking system. The People's Bank of China conducted overnight and seven-day reverse repo operations. This move aimed to manage short-term liquidity conditions flexibly. The borrowing cost for overnight operations remained unchanged from previous actions. Seven-day reverse repo rates are considered the primary policy rate.

Kazakhstan's ambassador expressed keen interest in expanding business engagement with West Bengal. The nation views West Bengal as a crucial gateway to northeast India and Southeast Asia. Cooperation is sought across pharmaceuticals, mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors. A high-level business delegation will visit India in September for discussions. Kazakhstan offers a conducive environment for entrepreneurs exploring new opportunities.

A Kannur consumer commission has ordered Parle Biscuits and a local hypermarket to jointly pay Rs 50,000 in compensation and litigation costs to a Kerala man who bought a Rs 25 packet of Parle 20-20 Butter Cookies advertised as 150 grams, only to find it weighed just 125 grams. A government lab confirmed the shortfall.

Iran has rejected Oman's proposal for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian official stated the plan has no chance of success. The official added that the US and Saudi Arabia are pressuring Oman. They are trying to advance their unrealistic plans for the strategic waterway. Tehran believes these plans are not feasible for regional cooperation.

Championing a 'maximum pressure' strategy on Cuba, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reveals a personal and professional commitment to the cause. The United States has ramped up sanctions and economic blockades against the country. Rubio highlights the Cuban government's failures and mismanagement while voicing his hope for an improved future for its citizens.

Ukraine and Iran's foreign ministers spoke by phone on Tuesday regarding an attack. Kyiv stated its goal is to avoid unnecessary escalation after the incident. Iran had previously warned of unforeseen consequences following the Caspian Sea vessel strike. Ukraine emphasized its actions defend against Russian aggression, not target civilians. Both nations aim to prevent further provocations and support for Russia's war.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged officials to accelerate Amaravati capital city construction. He stressed speed, quality, and timely delivery for all ongoing projects. The Chief Minister reviewed 95 projects valued at over Rs 50,000 crore. He directed departments to coordinate for resolving land and funding issues. Naidu also emphasized integrating Amaravati with Vijayawada and Guntur for broader development.

Escalating tensions with Iran have severely drained the stock of U.S. missile interceptors, notably affecting the inventory levels of Patriot and THAAD systems. This depletion raises alarms about the safety of American personnel deployed in the region. Despite the Pentagon's acknowledgment of the costs associated with warfare and its request for increased funding to replenish munitions, officials are confident about the overall readiness for current operations.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to maintain current interest rates on Wednesday. Analysts anticipate some policymakers may dissent, advocating for a rate increase. Surging inflation, fueled by President Donald Trump's actions, is a significant concern for many. Policymakers worry about inflation expectations becoming unmoored from the two percent target. The central bank aims to prevent a repeat of past inflation episodes.

Parliamentarians incorporated popular Gen Z expressions during a debate on examination reforms. BJP leaders utilized terms like 'clock it' and 'delulu' to critique the opposition. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Lata Eknath Shinde described the opposition as 'MIA' and experiencing 'FOMO'. Congress MP Deepender Hooda mentioned students using the viral phrase 'waste-guna-huiya'. Opposition leaders urged a focus on serious issues rather than slang.

Bhopal Farmers' Protest News Today: Thousands of Madhya Pradesh farmers are marching to Bhopal over a bumper moong crop. They demand full procurement of their harvest at the Minimum Support Price. Farmers also face issues with the e-token system for selling produce. Timely access to affordable fertilizer is another key demand. The state has requested increased procurement from the central government.

Uttar Pradesh administration has implemented a comprehensive route diversion plan for the Kanwar Yatra. Heavy vehicles will be prohibited from entering Muzaffarnagar district during the festival period. Uttarakhand has also completed all preparations to welcome devotees to Devbhoomi. Extensive police arrangements and security measures are in place along key routes. Officials have ensured facilities for collecting holy water and maintaining cleanliness.

Thirty-seven commodity ships passed through the Bab el-Mandeb strait on Tuesday, a notable increase. Only a few vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a shift in shipping routes. Yemen's Houthis claimed missile attacks on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea. China has engaged in direct talks with the Houthi movement regarding tanker passage. Oman proposed joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, but the US opposes tolls.