The Economic Times

Rahul Gandhi slams E20 fuel policy, says 'The Entire Thing Is Rotten

Psychology says people who offer food to animals aren't simply feeding a stray or a pet. Research suggests this behavior reflects empathy, emotional balance, caregiving instincts and a desire for meaningful connection. Experts explain that helping animals can support emotional well-being while creating a sense of purpose. Several psychology theories also explain why many people feel satisfied after caring for animals without expecting anything in return.

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.

Today's Quote of the Day by Desmond Tutu: Desmond Tutus famous quote on forgiveness redefines how individuals and society approach post-conflict healing and restorative justice. Rather than defining forgiveness as deliberate memory erasure, Tutu frames it as an intentional act of remembering past injustice while explicitly surrendering the right to seek revenge.

Shikhar Dhawan lauded Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's exceptional batting skills at a young age. Sooryavanshi achieved significant success in recent T20I and IPL matches. Dhawan also inaugurated a new STEM lab at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Pitampura. This initiative aims to enhance technology-enabled education for over 2,500 students. The Shikhar Dhawan Foundation supports digital education and critical thinking development.

An Indian woman shared a video of US private preschool fees reaching nearly nine lakh rupees annually. This cost covers personalized learning with a low teacher-to-child ratio for young students. She noted that public schooling in the United States is free from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The video sparked online debates comparing education expenses between India and the United States. Viewers discussed the value of specialized early childhood programs and their financial implications.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi calls E20 fuel a significant issue. He claims the blended fuel is stealing from citizens and damaging vehicles. Gandhi alleges widespread corruption is present throughout the system. The Congress party plans to address this matter extensively. This issue directly impacts people's vehicles and their livelihoods.

European prisons are struggling with extreme heat and overcrowding issues. Inmates in France, Italy, and Belgium face inhumane conditions during heatwaves. Overcrowding exacerbates problems, leading to increased tensions and health concerns for prisoners. Authorities are implementing measures like extra showers and fans to mitigate the heat. However, underlying issues of aging infrastructure require long-term solutions.

Approximately 66 million years ago, a colossal asteroid struck Earth, generating catastrophic global temperatures. As superheated debris rained down, it transformed the environment into an unbearable furnace, leading to mass fatalities among various animal species. However, life deep underground and in oceanic depths faced better odds for survival. This calamity marked the initial phase of a significant extinction event.

Guatemala's 1990 mahogany restoration program changed the future of the country's forests. Instead of losing more rainforest, the Maya Biosphere Reserve became Central America's largest tropical forest through sustainable forestry and community management. Today, Guatemala's forest conservation model protects wildlife, supports certified mahogany harvesting, and inspires global climate action. More than 35 years later, the Petn success story remains one of the world's strongest examples of balan

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.

Quote of the Day by Yoko Ono: Yoko Ono's wisdom highlights life's transient nature and the importance of cherishing moments. Accepting change allows for fuller experiences and deeper gratitude for what is present. Resisting change often causes emotional struggles and hinders genuine joy and connection. This perspective encourages appreciating people and experiences without the need for possession. Embracing impermanence fosters resilience, compassion, and a more peaceful approach to living.

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran urged financial institutions to prioritize AI security. He warned against waiting for AI threats to materialize before strengthening defenses. Recent AI agent breaches highlight the urgent need for robust security frameworks. Institutions must secure existing assets before leveraging AI at scale. Wider adoption of cross-border payments depends on substantial bilateral trade volumes.

Texas parents are shopping early for school supplies, bypassing the tax-free weekend. Houston families anticipate spending significantly more than the national average this year. The state's tax holiday offers savings on clothing and traditional school items. However, technology costs are rising and excluded from the current tax exemption. Lawmakers are considering expanding the tax holiday to include electronics and textbooks.

UN experts express concern over Bai Zhaodong's detention in Thailand. They warn his extradition to China risks persecution and torture violations. Thai authorities are urged to uphold non-refoulement principles for asylum seekers. New Thai deportation regulations may increase risks for refugees and defenders. Robust human rights safeguards are essential for any deportation framework.

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for deadly attacks this week. These actions escalated the conflict and raised regional concerns about wider escalation. The attacks targeted civilians and troops, and also impacted Red Sea shipping. Shipping data shows fewer tankers passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait recently. This disruption affects global trade and the oil supply chain.

In 1989, scientists proved bright light therapy resets your biological clock. It changed sleep medicine overnight. Timed light exposure shuts down melatonin and resets your circadian rhythm fast. Whether you suffer from insomnia, jet lag, or shift-work sleep disorder, timing is everything. The secret isn't more sleep. It is getting the right light at the right time.

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.

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.

Wealth manager Aarti Gupta urged women to diversify beyond physical gold by building goal-based, multi-asset portfolios with SIPs, index funds and ETFs. She also advocated financial independence through personal bank accounts, emergency savings and shared household financial planning.

BSE Index Services has launched the BSE REITs Index to track the performance of listed Real Estate Investment Trusts in India. The index comprises six REITs and has delivered an 18.54% one-year return on a total-return basis. Embassy Office Parks REIT has the highest weight at 32.18%.

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.

Jharkhand's government tabled a supplementary budget of Rs 8,399 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The Rural Development Department received the largest allocation of Rs 4,258.67 crore. School Education and Literacy Department secured Rs 946.30 crore for its initiatives. The state's credit-deposit ratio has increased to approximately 55 percent. The assembly session will conclude on August 12.

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.

Learning to pronounce someone's name correctly is a simple yet meaningful way to show respect and promote inclusion. Research in organizational psychology suggests that making the effort to say a person's name accurately can strengthen trust, foster a greater sense of belonging, and build stronger interpersonal relationshipsfar more effectively than relying on first impressions alone.

Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England's new Test coach. He will take over for the upcoming tour of South Africa. Fleming, a former New Zealand captain, brings extensive IPL coaching experience. Brendon McCullum expressed confidence in his successor's abilities. Both coaches aim for success across all three formats of the game.

India's Ministry of External Affairs stated proposed FCRA amendments are an internal legislative matter. US Congressman Riley Moore criticised the bill as an attack against Christians. The proposed amendments empower the government to manage foreign contributions and assets. This legislation aims to ensure religious character of places of worship is maintained. The government also reduced penalties for violations of the Foreign Contribution Act.

Chandan Prabhakar and Rajeev Thakur successfully auditioned for a comedy show, but it was Kapil Sharma who struggled initially. Thanks to the duo's dedication, Kapil got a second opportunity which ultimately led to his selection. Meanwhile, Chandan's path took a turn as he stepped back into engineering briefly before heartily returning to the comedy scene, making a notable appearance on India's Got Talent season two.

India's residential property sector remains robust, driven by consistent demand and advancements in infrastructure. The Reserve Bank of India's choice to hold the repo rate steady bolsters this positive trend, allowing homebuyers and property developers to make informed, future-focused decisions. With favorable financing conditions, developers can efficiently organize their project timelines and pricing, reinforcing a thriving residential market.

Sangeetha wife of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, has decided to withdraw her divorce petition. Participating through video conference, she shared her reasons for this change of heart with the family court in Chengelpattu, which subsequently dismissed her case.

Success doesnt happen overnight. It starts with a dream, or an all-consuming desire, and then is followed by a meticulous plan and years of perseverance. In an old interview, pop icon Bruno Mars explained his approach to success.

An ink-throwing incident occurred during a protest march to the Jharkhand Assembly on Friday. Neha Bora, the All India Students' Association president, was targeted by a man. The man accused Bora of being anti-national and supporting Umar Khalid. Bora stated she would not be intimidated by the act. Police detained the man who threw the ink at the protest.

Jairam Ramesh countered Nirmala Sitharaman's claims regarding a new taxation bill. He stated government assurances do not replace statutory safeguards for UPI. Ramesh argued that MDR charges would inevitably affect consumers and small businesses. He questioned why RBI's capacity to support UPI without charges is ignored. The bill removes zero-MDR guarantees, raising concerns about foreign platform dominance.

After her husband's health issues, a Mumbai woman rose to become the family's main financial support, working 10 years as a food delivery agent. Her hard-earned income has facilitated her daughters wedding dreams and her sons first car. With a history of diverse jobs to support her parents, she remains devoted to achieving homeownership while balancing her relentless work ethic.

Ariha Pangambam secured India's first gold medal in the senior women's individual Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships. She achieved a winning score of 19.100, surpassing all continental competitors in the final round. Pangambam earned points for artistry, execution, and difficulty to claim the prestigious title. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian gymnastics.

BJYM protested outside Kerala Secretariat for PSC rank holders demanding jobs. Protesters on hunger strike alleged recruitment irregularities and faced water cannons. Kerala Home Minister stated PSC irregularities are being examined by the Cabinet. A detailed inquiry has been directed by the Chief Minister for submission.

Thirty-four BSE stocks doubled in six months, with 12 delivering returns of 169% to 923%. Retail investors raised stakes in several multibaggers while booking profits in others during June 2026 quarter.

Jennifer Garner uses a greywater recycling system to water her home garden and miniature orchard in California. As reported by People, she grows plums, peaches, cherries, apricots, apples, figs and vegetables including potatoes and tomatoes. During an Architectural Digest tour, Garner explained that wastewater from her washing machine, dishwasher and shower is filtered and redirected to specific plants, helping conserve water.

Homebuyersgot no compensation for more than 2-year delay in possession of flat, MahaRERAorder; Know how accepting possession without protest cost them the delaycompensation. Know why homebuyers lost this case.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Uttar Pradesh government. He shared Governor Anandiben Patel's concerns about a Gorakhpur university's issues. Yadav alleged that the state's governance model and Gujarat's model both showed corruption. He stated that the double engine government had become a rouble engine. The BJP had not yet responded to these allegations.

Arvind Kejriwal claims the Centre tightened IT Rules to suppress criticism. He stated governments should focus on governance and public discourse. The government announced amendments reducing content takedown times to two hours. Kejriwal believes suppressing criticism will increase public resentment. People will support those who do good work, he added.

Ajinkya Rahane discussed his challenging two-year wait as 12th man before his Test debut. He used this time to observe senior players and improve his own game. Rahane chose to improve himself rather than seek sympathy for being left out. Patience developed through his experiences in local trains and domestic cricket. This period significantly shaped his approach and mindset as a cricketer.

An AIMIM corporator was arrested for allegedly aiding an accused in a TCS sexual harassment case. Mateen Patel provided shelter to Nida Khan, who is now out on bail. Police summoned Patel for an inquiry, but he failed to appear. A special team brought Patel to Nashik for further investigation. The Nashik police are probing nine cases related to the TCS incident.

In a significant legal development, the Calcutta High Court has turned down the urgent hearing request made by Sumit Roy regarding four newly filed FIRs in West Bengal. Previously, the Supreme Court had intervened to stay Roy's arrest tied to a land-grabbing case, and he successfully obtained anticipatory bail concerning a cash-for-jobs scandal. The court has decided to address his petition during regular proceedings.

New trade deals offer Arunachal Pradesh farmers and manufacturers global market access. Nine agreements spanning thirty-eight countries create wider export opportunities for producers. These pacts aim to lower tariffs and reduce trade barriers for Indian exporters. Arunachal Pradesh's agriculture and horticulture sectors hold significant export potential. Strengthening infrastructure and market linkages will boost the state's export growth.