The Economic Times

In Chandigarh, a unique petrol langar has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain. According to social media videos, devotees were promised fuel coupons for chanting Jai Mata Di. However, the petrol pumps featured in the promotional videos have distanced themselves from the initiative. The organiser, Raja, who identifies himself as a devotee from Amritsar, continues to share details about the proposed event on social media, although the claims remain largely unveri

A Bangladesh military intelligence delegation visited Pakistan on August 15. This visit signals repeated attempts by ISI to influence the intelligence body. DGFI Director General previously visited Islamabad in April 2026. Since August 2024, Pakistan Army and ISI have made inroads into Bangladesh. India desires positive relations with Bangladesh based on mutual interests.

US President Donald Trump announced a pause on upcoming tariffs against Canada. These tariffs were scheduled to begin on Thursday for a short duration. He stated that both nations have reached an agreement, pending final document completion. The potential revival of the Keystone XL Pipeline was also mentioned in his announcement. This development suggests a positive shift in trade relations between the two countries.

The three-day IPO will remain open until August 21, 2026, with the company offering shares in a price band of Rs 152160 apiece.

Delhi-NCR is expected to see monsoon rain spells on Wednesday, August 19, with light to moderate showers likely across the region from morning through night. Temperatures are expected to remain stable in the low to mid-30s Celsius. The wet spell is likely to continue into Thursday, with similar weather conditions forecast. Residents should monitor local weather updates and plan their travel accordingly during the rain spells.

The 200 DMA is used as a key indicator by traders for determining the overall trend in a particular stock.

Gold prices edged up slightly during the early Asian trading session, buoyed by a retreat in U.S. Treasury yields from their recent highs. Market players are now looking ahead to the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes for guidance on upcoming policies. Other precious metals displayed mixed trends in the market as key economic data is set to be released throughout the day.

The U.S. dollar slipped against leading currencies on Wednesday, influenced by a decline in treasury yields from their recent highs. Investors are keenly awaiting the Federal Reserve's minutes, anticipating guidance on interest rate trends. The euro and sterling gained ground slightly as they approached critical inflation reports. Additionally, oil prices surged to nearly three-week peaks amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

India-Japan trade at USD 27.5 billion in FY 2025-26 still a fraction of potential: Piyush Goyal

South Korean and U.S. militaries are shortening their joint drills as requested by the United States. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises will now conclude on Friday instead of August 27. President Donald Trump ordered the reduction, citing his relationship with North Korea's leader. Experts believe this move may weaken combined military readiness and the alliance. North Korea has denounced the drills as dangerous and a rehearsal for war.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks while responding to questions on demands for an increase in the number of pilgrim visas and the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

Mumbai-based Milky Mist Dairy Foods made a strong debut on the NSE, listing at

Pune Police withdrew religious conversion law sections from two cases. The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act had not yet come into force. Officials mistakenly assumed the law was operational when registering offences. Investigations will continue under other applicable legal statutes. The Act is scheduled to officially commence on August 26, 2026.

Oman faces US President Trump's threats amid ongoing talks with Iran. These discussions concern managing the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Trump expressed anger over a potential Oman-Iran deal regarding the strait. Oman has historically pursued engagement and mediation in the region. The sultanate is now navigating complex geopolitical pressures from both sides.

Gaja Alternative Asset Management plans a

Iran has warned Donald Trump that his claims over the Strait of Hormuz will be corrected. Iranian officials dismissed Trump's assertions as delusions and stated their resolve. Trump had shared an AI-generated image claiming the waterway as new US territory. Iran insists the strait will remain closed until US commitments are met. Tensions remain high over the critical global energy route.

Online platforms now offer retail investors access to corporate bonds. These securities provide mid-teen yields with low minimum investments. Retail investors are increasingly participating in the corporate bond market. This trend is driven by flat equity markets and regulatory changes. Online platforms and reduced face values ease investor access to debt.

The UAE has announced a complete shutdown of all trade, commercial dealings, and financial transactions with Iran. This significant move is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice, signaling a major shift in bilateral economic relations between the two nations.

Indian markets faced pressure as the Nifty declined for a sixth consecutive trading session. Rising oil prices and ongoing West Asia conflict kept traders cautious throughout the day. The Nifty closed lower, reflecting broader market weakness and investor concerns. Domestic institutional investors provided some buying support, while FPIs also bought shares. Technical indicators suggest a period of consolidation for the indices in the near term.

President Donald Trump has chosen Heidi Overton to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Overton currently serves as deputy director of the White House domestic policy council. She previously worked at the America First Policy Institute think tank. Kyle Diamantas has been acting chief since Marty Makary resigned in May. The White House and FDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are steadily becoming a preferred choice for seasoned investors, accumulating an impressive 95,000 folios. Unlike traditional equity mutual funds, which focus solely on long positions, SIFs offer the flexibility of both long and short strategies. With a minimum investment threshold set at ten lakh rupees, these funds have successfully managed assets valued at twenty-three thousand, one hundred seventy-seven crore rupees.

German construction sites have regularly unearthed unexploded World War II ordnance.

The unofficial grey market shows increased activity with rising share prices. Recent strong IPO listings have boosted investor confidence and expectations for future gains. Several upcoming initial public offerings are experiencing significant grey market premiums. This heightened investor appetite is driven by recent successful stock market debuts. Companies are now pricing their offerings more conservatively to ensure strong subscriptions.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor will speak at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on August 22. He will focus on Indo-US strategic ties and building a global power partnership. The forum will also feature discussions on the global economy and trade. Yuvraj Narayan and Kumar Mangalam Birla will share their business insights. These leaders will present diverse perspectives on India's global role.

BRICS countries are considering a Russian-backed proposal to create a grain exchange that would allow producers and buyers to trade directly and reduce dependence on major global commodity exchanges. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13.

Quote of the day by Jim Carrey encourages us to recognize opportunity, respect fear, and choose action when the moment is right. Life will present countless crossroads, and not every path will be appropriate. But refusing to act solely because the outcome is uncertain can keep people permanently inside the boundaries of what they already know. The most meaningful opportunities often require preparation, vulnerability, persistence, and a willingness to accept imperfect outcomes. Fear may always b

Quote of the day by Leila Hormozi offers a timely lesson about choosing relationships that support personal growth and future success. We cannot change everything about our past, and we should not try to pretend that it never happened. But we can decide how much influence it has over the person we are becoming. Surrounding ourselves with people who see possibility can help us develop confidence, ambition, and resilience, while constantly returning to an outdated identity can make growth unnecess

Quote of the day by Jensen Huang offers a simple but profound lesson about focus, intelligence, and success. Being smart is not merely about solving difficult problems or possessing vast amounts of knowledge. It is also about recognizing which problems are worth solving in the first place. The ability to identify priorities, eliminate distractions, make thoughtful choices, and sustain attention can turn limited resources into meaningful results.

The Calcasieu Pass vessel, constructed in 1982 for oil operations, has made a remarkable transition to become a key component of Delaware's artificial reef ecosystem. Initially serving in the menhaden fishing fleet, this vessel's end-of-life has been embraced through a thoughtful conversion process, funded federally.

Wall Street faced a downturn as escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered a surge in bond yields. A steep decline was particularly evident in technology stocks, with semiconductors taking the brunt of the losses. Investors pivoted from growth-focused sectors to safer bets like healthcare. Additionally, oil prices rose amidst geopolitical instability and changes in military strategies.

Quote of the day by Euclid: Euclid's quote on equality provides a simple yet profound life lesson. This ancient mathematical axiom states that things equal to the same thing are equal. His foundational work, Elements, structured geometry and mathematical reasoning systematically. Euclid's deductive reasoning methods influenced mathematicians for over two millennia.

Certain birth months possess unique talents for offering sincere and impactful compliments. October-born individuals excel at knowing precisely what words will uplift others. August natives use their charisma to make praise feel naturally contagious and encouraging. December's optimism helps turn self-doubt into powerful motivation for those around them. July's empathy allows for deeply personal compliments that resonate with individual struggles.

On August 19, 2026, five zodiac signs stand on the brink of transformative change. Scorpio, Gemini, Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius will resonate with the numerological energies that signal fresh starts and the conclusion of old cycles. This period embraces the idea that endings pave the way for new opportunities, fostering confidence and aligning with personal aspirations for a brighter future.

Life presents powerful challenges which require understanding and adaptation. Ignoring problems often makes them more difficult to manage effectively. Confronting overwhelming forces without a strategy can lead to defeat. Learning to ide the dragon means adapting to change and using its strength. This approach offers a path to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

An easy aluminum foil technique allows you to monitor wall moisture levels. Affix the foil securely to the wall, ensuring the edges are tightly sealed. After waiting for about forty-eight hours, check the foil's inner surface for any signs of moisture, indicating potential dampness within the wall. If dampness or mold persists, it may be time to call in a professional for a thorough evaluation.

A Blandings turtle vanished into the wild for more than a decade. Ivy was released in Massachusetts in 2011 after being raised at Stone Zoo. Researchers feared they might never see her again. Then, in 2023, Ivy returned as a healthy adult. In 2025, she laid eight eggs. Now, two of her captive-raised offspring have been released into the same Great Meadows marsh, marking a major step for turtle conservation.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated it may quash FIRs against student protesters involved in last months nationwide agitations over examination paper leaks, saying their future was at stake. The court said protesters with serious criminal antecedents would be excluded, while a panel will examine allegations of police excesses and violence.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging hanging as the method of executing death sentences, while leaving the door open for future reconsideration based on compelling scientific evidence. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said the Centre could examine alternative execution methods scientifically.

Quote of the day by Jennifer Aniston focuses on authenticity, self-acceptance, peace, boundaries and the need to stop seeking external approval. The quote explains why trying to satisfy everyone can cause stress and drain energy. It also offers life lessons about self-respect, personal values, mental health, authentic happiness and accepting that people will not always agree.

Delhi Police told the Supreme Court it used maximum restraint but minimum required force during student protests at Jantar Mantar over exam paper leaks. In an affidavit, it defended facial recognition technology, saying it identified only people with prior criminal records and was followed by field verification before any action.

A New York Harbor dredging project became an opportunity to restore Jamaica Bays declining marsh islands. Beginning in 2006, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used 250,000 cubic yards of dredged sand to rebuild Elders Point East Island and restore 40 acres of wetlands. The effort followed decades of federal research into the environmental management and beneficial use of dredged material.

Most Indian companies show a persistent gender pay gap, with women earning less than men. Only a small percentage of companies reported progress towards pay parity in the recent fiscal year. New labor codes strengthen legal foundations against wage discrimination for equal work. Structural career drivers and representation in high-value roles remain unchanged for women. Women are concentrated in junior roles and underrepresented in core business functions.

Aromatic plants such as mint, lavender, and rosemary are known to repel garden rats with their potent scents, making outdoor areas less inviting for these pests. Additionally, keeping garbage bins securely closed and managing food waste can further diminish rodent presence. Removing their hiding spots and sealing possible entry points are also effective strategies. However, while these natural remedies offer some assistance, engaging professional pest control ensures a comprehensive solution.

Psychology says people who save money all year long to live the dream of enjoying the luxury lifestyle at least once aren't necessarily careless with money. This behavior can reflect a desire for emotional rewards, social validation and relief from routine. People may accept months of saving because they expect one luxury experience to create a strong memory. However, research on hedonic adaptation suggests that this happiness often decreases after the experience ends.

Mark your calendars for August 19, 2026, when four zodiac signs will thrive with abundance. Aries individuals will flourish through their artistic flair and firm self-assurance. Libras will reap good fortune through cherished and supportive connections. Capricorns will benefit from their chosen family's essential backing. Conversely, Cancers should focus on preserving their energy to cultivate an environment ripe for blessings.

Simple kitchen hacks can make everyday cooking more organised and save time. Freezing cheese before grating prevents it from sticking to the grater. Chopping onions becomes tear-free when they are frozen or soaked in water. Burnt utensils can be cleaned using a mixture of lemon juice, salt, and baking soda. Cleaning as you cook prevents dishes and clutter from piling up.

The government calls for upgrading consumption channels in counties, including renovating township commercial centres, rural markets and local fairs. It includes encouraging domestic and international brands to open regional debut stores and promote the revitalisation of existing land resources to improve services, according to the guideline issued by the Ministry of Commerce.