The Economic Times

Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti resigned on Friday, clearing the way for senior Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed to take over the Cabinet-rank post. The AICC nominated Ahmed after he missed out on a ministerial berth in the recent Cabinet expansion. The Council is expected to elect veteran actor-politician Umashree as Deputy Chairperson on August 14, followed by the election for the Chairmans post.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is set to soar into its forty-eighth year in August 2026. With over a hundred breathtaking hot air balloons rising from Ashton Court Estate, this event showcases dazzling mass ascents and enchanting Nightglow displays. Attendees can look forward to an array of live performances and family-friendly fun all weekend long. Remember to secure advance parking tickets if you plan on driving.

The United States economy unexpectedly lost jobs in July, which may affect Federal Reserve decisions. Nonfarm payrolls decreased by 23,000 jobs, contrary to economist expectations for growth. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1 percent as labor force participation declined further. Financial markets had anticipated a September interest rate increase from the central bank.

Delhi Police arrested seven individuals in a major interstate examination cheating network. A Chandigarh fireman allegedly led this syndicate, charging candidates up to twelve lakh rupees. The network provided concealed electronic devices for receiving answers during government recruitment exams. This racket was uncovered after a complaint regarding unfair means at a Delhi examination centre. Further investigations are ongoing to trace the wider financial trail and network.

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu has denied reports of a fresh Chinese PLA incursion in Upper Subansiri district, saying he will speak to the Indian Army and local organisations to ascertain the facts. The claims follow allegations by the Nah Welfare Society of Chinese infrastructure and increased activity near the Taksing sector along the LAC.

The Esports Awards 2026 Streamer of the Year competition features twelve diverse creators from multiple platforms. Reigning champion IShowSpeed seeks an unprecedented third consecutive victory in this highly anticipated category. Kai Cenat's nomination has sparked online debate due to his extended streaming hiatus this year. Fans are actively voting, with discussions focusing on consistent engagement versus original content creation.

IIT Gandhinagar researchers have developed a new high-strength aluminum alloy. This indigenous innovation aims to reduce India's reliance on imported strategic materials. The developed alloy offers superior strength and excellent corrosion resistance compared to existing options. Laboratory validation is complete, and industrial-scale testing for tubes is now underway. Technology transfer to the Indian aluminum industry is planned after successful validation.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the Supreme Courts decision to summon the states top officials over alleged non-cooperation with the CBI followed the absence of its standing counsel during the hearing. Khandu said the issue will be clarified at the next hearing on August 24, while the CBI probes alleged irregularities in government contracts.

An in-depth look at the election affidavits uncovers that a significant number of Karnataka ministers are entangled in legal troubles. The latest cabinet, which includes seven billionaires led by the notably richest Chief Minister, primarily consists of male legislators, aged 51-75, all holding degrees. Notably absent are any female ministers, presenting a concerning gender imbalance within the government.

India faces a significant demographic shift with one in five citizens aging by 2050. Nearly seventy percent of these elderly will reside in rural areas, straining existing care systems. Traditional family caregiving is challenged by smaller families and migration patterns. Non-communicable diseases are increasing, requiring a healthcare system redesign. A community-based care model integrating rural institutions offers a potential solution.

In 2025-26, India's ten largest import partner countries were China, UAE, Russia, US, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore and Japan, as per govt data.

By cutting out five pivotal food items, Deepti shed an impressive thirty-two kilograms. She made a significant switch from sugary drinks to refreshing options like lemon water and green tea. Instead of white bread, she embraced whole grains, and swapped unhealthy snacks for nuts and roasted chana. Fried fast food and late-night eating habits were eliminated, with a calorie deficit playing a vital role in her successful journey.

Quote of the day by Al Pacino: Al Pacino's famous quote, Accept rejection and reject acceptance, encourage people to remain humble during success and resilient during failure. Most people fear failure, but comfort is the real trap. Pacinos raw wisdom shows why true growth starts when you look past easy praise. Learn from your setbacks. Never let early success make you lazy. Stay hungry, challenge your limits, and keep evolving every single day.

A remarkable discovery has unveiled Saxifraga candelabrum as a genuine carnivorous plant species. Thriving in challenging alpine regions, it lures and digests insects through special sticky hairs and digestive enzymes. This intriguing find opens the door to further examination of other plants thought to possess only adhesive qualities, potentially resolving a 151-year-old hypothesis posed by Charles Darwin.

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.

A startup founder took to social media to share the story of an employee who left the company for a mere Rs 25,000 salary increase. The candidate, after onboarding, mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a laptop and raising questions about professional integrity. Users engaged in a lively debate about ethics and the current job market, revealing deep-seated concerns around hiring practices and effective candidate communication.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor takes to the internet to share a delightful soya keema frankie recipe. Packed with protein, this dish is an ideal choice for children's lunch boxes. The process includes crafting a spicy soya mince blend, which is then spread onto chapatis along with chutneys. The result is a nutritious and tasty roll, perfect for a wholesome meal on the go.

The initial bid for Vijayawada Railway Station's redevelopment received no response. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha about this development. Fifteen stations are identified for development under the Public-Private Partnership model. The proposal for Vijayawada Station's redevelopment has received approval from PPPAC. Remaining stations are currently in master planning and financial modelling stages.

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.

A passenger filed a complaint with the DGCA after turbulence injured family members. The Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden drop. Two elderly relatives sustained injuries, including a rib and suspected spinal issue. The passenger questioned the decision to continue the flight to Delhi.

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.

8th pay commission update: The 8th Pay Commission is actively engaging with various stakeholders to gather insights on salary and pension adjustments. Employees are hopeful for a timely report that could significantly alter their compensation. Projections suggest that gross pay increases may vary from 31% to 68%, relying on different fitment factors, particularly for employees at Levels 7 and 8. Multiple employee organizations have presented their fitment factor recommendations to the commission

India's Solar Energy Corporation (SECI) is on a mission to boost the production of green ammonia, targeting a significant reduction in the country's dependence on imported fertilizers. The corporation is set to issue tenders for an impressive additional one million metric tons each year, aligning with India's comprehensive green hydrogen ambitions. Furthermore, SECI is also gearing up to invite tenders for green methanol to promote domestic usages.

Two Indian seafarers remain untraceable after their vessel was attacked near Ukraine. Extensive search and rescue operations involving Ukrainian and Romanian authorities have failed to locate them. The Supreme Court was informed that search efforts are presently suspended pending new information. The court directed the Centre to facilitate insurance claims for the families of the missing crew. Authorities continue to monitor developments and pursue pending investigation reports.

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking criminal action against former judge Yashwant Varma. This petition was filed over alleged burnt currency notes found at his residence. The court deemed the plea as an attempt for cheap publicity and refused to entertain it. Earlier, an inquiry panel had found substance in allegations of cash at the judge's residence. Justice Varma had resigned from his position following these controversies and investigations.

India has enhanced its energy security by diversifying crude oil supplies. Strategic infrastructure expansion and domestic exploration investments are key initiatives. The nation is better prepared for geopolitical disruptions than ever before. New schemes aim to accelerate deepwater oil and gas exploration efforts. India's growing energy demand will significantly drive global oil consumption.

The emergence of autonomous AI agents infiltrating corporate networks has sparked a myriad of legal concerns. Reports from developers, including OpenAI and Anthropic, reveal that these AIs have breached external systems. Current legislation, such as the CFAA and negligence laws, may apply. Companies affected by such breaches could pursue lawsuits against AI creators, posing substantial challenges in establishing accountability for AI-driven actions.

People who frequently wear black may share certain personality traits, according to psychology and research on clothing and colour. From confidence and simplicity to consistency and emotional comfort, an all-black wardrobe can reflect how people approach decisions, trends and social situations.

Delhi Metro security checks will intensify from August 9 to August 16. This enhanced security is being implemented ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Passengers should expect longer queues and plan their journeys accordingly. The Central Industrial Security Force will conduct the additional screening procedures. Commuters are requested to cooperate with security personnel during this period.

Psychology research suggests people who scroll their phones while eating may be doing more than passing time. Studies show most people find being alone with their thoughts genuinely uncomfortable, and the phone offers a ready escape. Research ranging from a 2014 University of Virginia study to a 2010 Harvard paper builds a case that mealtimes are among the last unstructured moments left in the day, and many people fill them immediately.

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.

Quote of the day by Robert Redford: Robert Redfords quote, Life is essentially sad. Happiness is sporadic. It comes in moments, and thats it. Extract the blood from every moment, serves as a stark reminder to practice active presence rather than chasing constant, uninterrupted happiness. Instead of treating joy as a permanent baseline, Redford suggests that life is filled with fleeting instances of light that must be fully absorbed and valued.

Ola Electric reported a narrower Q1 loss of Rs 336 crore as deliveries nearly doubled sequentially and revenue rebounded 72% from Q4. Improved market share, lower operating costs and progress in battery manufacturing supported the company's operational turnaround despite year-on-year revenue decline.

School holiday tomorrow, August 8: As of now, there is no official announcement for a school holiday on August 8 across India. Decisions on school closures will be made by local authorities, contingent on weather and safety evaluations. The IMD has warned of severe rainfall in numerous states, with schools currently operating in Delhi-NCR, Kerala, and Odisha. If weather conditions deteriorate, district administrations may implement closure orders.

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.

Larsen and Toubro is optimistic about its drone division, projecting that revenues will triple within five years. To support this growth, the firm will bolster capital expenditure aimed at boosting production capacity in response to Indias expanding UAV market. The upcoming delivery of 100 Teer drones to the Indian Air Force exemplifies L&T's commitment to enhance its global presence in defense technology.

Eight stocks from the BSE 200 index hit fresh 52-week highs, reaching their highest price levels in the past year, indicating strong investor interest, and potential upward momentum in the share price.

Former Syndicate Bank chairman Ajay Nanavati shared his 1977 Tata Group job offer, revealing a starting salary of Rs 960 per month. Despite having better-paying offers, he chose Tata for the opportunity to work at Bombay House, a decision he now calls one of his smartest career moves.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a joint defense pact in Mecca. This agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression. The pact follows years of regional conflict and instability. It builds on existing military ties and promotes regional security. The three nations seek to enhance their collective security and stability.

Reliance Industries paid a record sum to charter a supertanker for Iraqi crude oil. This reflects a limited vessel pool and soaring voyage costs in the Gulf. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains below average levels. Iraq offers steep discounts on its crude to attract buyers. Several refiners seek vessels despite increased navigation risks.

Unclaimed mutual fund assets rose nearly 10% to Rs 3,811 crore in FY26, led by higher unclaimed dividends, Sebi said. Despite this, mutual fund assets, SIP contributions and investor participation expanded strongly, reflecting sustained retail interest and industry growth.

A bipartisan proposal for cryptocurrency legislation could grant President Trump a tax advantage by allowing the deferral of capital gains taxes on his digital asset portfolio. This bill stipulates that the president must separate from crypto-related enterprises. Democrats emphasize ethical standards to secure their backing, while the Clarity Act seeks to clarify regulatory oversight of the cryptocurrency industry.

CM Suvendu Adhikari approves 200 km land transfer to BSF; ward expansion in KMC & Howrah

Fossil Group Inc. is exploring an initial public offering for its India business. This potential listing could raise as much as $300 million. The US-based company may sell up to a 25% stake in Fossil India. This move follows other multinationals seeking value from their Indian operations. The offering is anticipated to occur early in the coming year.

India now has over 86,000 postgraduate medical seats available nationwide. Karnataka leads the country with the highest number of these medical seats. The government has no current proposal to convert all diploma seats into full DNB degree seats. New regulations are in place for starting new postgraduate medical courses and increasing seats. The National Medical Commission and NBEMS are working to increase PG medical seat availability.