The Economic Times

From rail electrification to hydrogen trains: PM Modi highlights Indias railway leap

Karnataka will introduce AI education from Class VI onwards in all schools. The state plans to establish its first public AI University in Bengaluru. One thousand government schools will be upgraded with modern infrastructure and facilities. These initiatives aim to equip youth with 21st-century skills and bridge the digital divide. Free bus travel has also been extended to school and college students across the state.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has lifted the long-standing cap on television advertisement durations, enhancing competition and streamlining business operations. Previously, channels were bound to a limit of twelve minutes of ads per hour. This notable change reflects the broadcasting sector's growth and digital evolution, while also affecting ongoing legal matters and industry standards related to advertising.

India is increasing efforts to secure critical minerals and forge partnerships. The nation is strengthening access to vital resources for technology and clean energy. A National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched with significant government funding. Four dedicated processing parks will be established across different states. These initiatives aim to boost domestic processing and value addition capabilities.

Raja Shankar Shah and his son Raghunath Shah were executed by the British in Jabalpur in 1857 after poems invoking goddess Chandi against colonial rule were recovered from their residence. Their story shows how poetry, letters and personal networks became powerful instruments of resistance during the uprising against British rule.

R Praggnanandhaa remained in contention for a podium finish at the Sinquefield Cup after drawing with leader Wesley So in the fifth round. The Indian Grandmaster has three points from five games and remains among the leading contenders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged a collective effort to make India drug-free. He called for families to join the 100-day nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan. This campaign aims to tackle drug addiction, a significant challenge for the nation's youth. The initiative involves various organizations and community engagement programs across the country. The government launched this anti-drug awareness campaign to foster a healthier future generation.

PM Modi hails Indias 12-year transformation, pushes Atmanirbhar Bharat & semiconductor growth

India faced a significant balance of payments deficit in the first quarter, reaching $8.1 billion. This setback was predominantly due to capital account dollar outflows. Furthermore, the current account deficit increased to $3.1 billion, largely influenced by rising fuel import expenses which intensified the merchandise trade deficit. Although services and remittances saw strong performance, they weren't enough to balance the deficit.

Ind vs SL Test Live Streaming: India and Sri Lanka begin their two-match Test series in Galle on August 15, 2026. Here are the live streaming details, squads, predicted playing XIs, weather and pitch reports, and the head-to-head Test record.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a new framework called 'Sapta Dhara' for India. This framework identifies seven key areas to accelerate the nation's development. Modi stated these streams of strength will guide India towards becoming a Viksit Bharat. He believes this initiative can achieve decades of progress in just five years. The Prime Minister emphasized a holistic approach for national advancement.

Independence Day India's First Flag Hoisting in 1947: Jawaharlal Nehru did not hoist the Tricolour at Red Fort on India's first Independence Day in 1947. He unfurled the flag at Princess Park near India Gate on August 15, while his first flag-hoisting ceremony at Red Fort took place on August 16, 1947.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to India on its 80th Independence Day. He stated that the bilateral relationship between the United States and India is stronger than ever. This enhanced partnership is attributed to the personal connection between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Collaboration spans defense, energy, critical minerals, and space cooperation between the two nations.

On Independence Day, Batwara 1947 kicked off with a moderate collection globally. This film offers a moving perspective on the personal stories behind India's Partition, revealing its deep emotional scars. Director Rajkumar Santoshi marks a reunion with Sunny Deol, who returns to the big screen after nearly three decades. Read on to know how much it earned on day 1.

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.

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.

India is actively chasing bilateral trade agreements with vigor and determination. However, its approach to multilateral trade is characterized by hesitation and caution. This dichotomy leads to misunderstandings and hampers India's global image. Despite considerable economic advancements, old policies linger. A reassessment of these traditional positions is essential for aligning with contemporary trade objectives.

Current government procurement policies can obstruct innovation, often favouring established firms. Furthermore, major Indian corporations frequently seek excessive credentials from startups prior to engaging with their technologies. For sustainable growth, entrepreneurs should prioritise global opportunities and product excellence.