The Economic Times

Fifty-two prominent Uttar Pradesh leaders received bulletproof jackets for security. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Akhilesh Yadav are among those protected. Several state ministers and BJP leaders also received enhanced security measures. The BJP is preparing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Party leaders are focusing on social equations and candidate assessments.

Sugar stocks surged on strong pre-festival demand, with Balrampur Chini, Bajaj Hindusthan, Uttam Sugar and others hitting 52-week highs. Gains moderated after duty-free raw sugar imports were announced, though several stocks still delivered strong weekly and year-to-date returns.

From UCC to new expressways: Dhami outlines Uttarakhands development plan | ET WLF 2026

The BJP national team held its first meeting chaired by Nitin Nabin. New office bearers were introduced, and nationwide programs were discussed. Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal continue as National General Secretaries. Piyush Goyal takes charge as National Treasurer, while BL Santhosh remains General Secretary (Organisation).

Ten stocks saw the biggest month-on-month decline in mutual fund holdings in July, led by HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and L&T. Varun Beverages, Dr Reddys Labs, BOB and Avenue Supermarts also recorded significant reductions, reflecting mixed buying and selling activity among mutual funds across major stocks.

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Swades' co-star Gayatri Oberoi has moved into a sprawling 75,000 sq ft Juhu mansion designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni. The nine-storey home features a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea, private theatre, spa, grand entertaining spaces, a chef-ready kitchen and an art collection.

Mitchell Starc took six wickets for twelve runs as Bangladesh was bowled out for sixty-four. He became the first bowler to take a wicket on the opening ball nine times. Captain Pat Cummins also contributed three wickets to the visitors' low score. Australia lost early wickets in reply, reaching fifty for three at tea. Steve Smith and Cameron Green steadied the innings after early setbacks.

Boris Johnson has claimed that Britain had the capability to sidestep a potential US trap in Iran. He insisted that UK intelligence should have flagged the dangers of escalating conflict and the likelihood of Hormuz's closure. Johnson believes that the UK, maintaining its close alliance with the US, ought to have critically assessed American war plans and anticipated potential Iranian reactions.

The top three smallcap funds delivered over 26% one-year returns, with six common holdings including City Union Bank, MCX, Radico Khaitan, Sky Gold, Syrma SGS Technology and WeWork India.

Sebi

CleanMax targets 1.5 GW capacity additions in FY27 and over Rs 3,000 crore EBITDA by FY28. Growth is driven by data centres, AI, Make in India and manufacturing demand. An AA credit rating and planned Rs 2,500 crore bond issue will strengthen funding access as the company scales its renewable portfolio.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson condemned new United States economic sanctions as unlawful.He stated these sanctions represent an extraterritorial assertion of sovereignty over UN members.Secondary sanctions lack foundation in international law and violate sovereign equality principles.Economic coercion aimed at altering policy choices constitutes an internationally wrongful act.Such actions erode state sovereignty and risk a return to colonialism.

The Supreme Court has redefined the term 'industry' for new labor cases. This ruling will not affect past or pending cases under the old law. The Congress party expressed concern over this significant change. They believe it weakens essential safeguards for many workers. This new interpretation creates uncertainty for industrial peace.

NRIs investing in India should assess their global portfolio, existing India exposure, liquidity, risk appetite, taxes and repatriation needs before investing. For a Rs 1 crore portfolio, an illustrative allocation is 5565% equities, 1520% fixed income, 510% gold and 510% alternatives, complemented by real assets and diversification.

Regular SIP investing helps investors benefit from compounding, rupee-cost averaging and financial discipline. While missing one instalment may have limited impact, repeatedly skipping SIPs can reduce long-term wealth, disrupt investment habits, affect financial goals and potentially interrupt mandates. Investors facing difficulties should consider temporarily reducing or pausing SIPs rather than stopping investments altogether.

David Foster Wallace cautioned against idolizing limited aspirations such as wealth or intelligence, arguing that these pursuits can yield a sense of inadequacy and anxiety. He proposes that adult life should focus on fundamental desires, as prioritizing superficial aims like social standing can be self-sabotaging. He emphasizes the importance of being consciously aware to choose values that foster growth rather than deplete it.

Foreign investors are cautiously returning to Indian equities, but a durable FPI reallocation remains unconfirmed. HSBC Mutual Fund

India and Finland are strengthening business and technology ties in the circular economy. Companies from both nations explored resource-efficient and sustainable growth opportunities at a forum. This event served as a precursor to the World Circular Economy Forum in Gandhinagar. Discussions focused on building competitive value chains through circularity and sustainable practices. Finnish companies see significant opportunities to collaborate with Indian partners for growth.

BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan accused Congress of appeasement politics regarding the Vande Mataram song. He stated the party's true face has been exposed to the nation. West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar rejected these allegations from the BJP. Sarkar asserted the Congress party's deep connection with the national song. This exchange occurred amid a political row over the song's recitation.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Saturday took cognisance of allegations that the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case. The complaint states that these allegations were made by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh.

Over fifteen million barrels of oil moved through the Strait of Hormuz with US military assistance. Total shipments leaving the region, including pipeline volumes, neared twenty million barrels. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the confrontation between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. Oil markets remain on edge due to concerns about sustained flows and potential escalation. The key question is whether these flows can continue without ongoing military intervention.

Dubai

Pune police registered a case against Youth Congress workers following a violent clash. The incident occurred at a university hostel campus ahead of a Congress event. ABVP members alleged Congress workers pressured female students to register for an event. Congress leaders claimed ABVP workers threatened female students over scholarship issues. The police deployed significant numbers at the college campus after the confrontation.

The Food and Drug Administration suspended a Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar establishment's license due to hygiene issues. Inspectors found foul-smelling paneer and unlabeled food items during a surprise inspection. Vegetables were chopped near toilets, and cooking oil was repeatedly overheated.

Gold prices have surged sharply in August, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar, expectations of monetary easing, geopolitical tensions, and sustained central-bank purchases. Strong Chinese demand and India

The U.S. government is set to implement hefty tariffs on imports from Canada, which will influence roughly five percent of Canadian exports each year. Following failed negotiations aimed at finding common ground, the administration emphasized that its priority is to protect American jobs. This initiative is a response to disputes surrounding tariff exceptions for particular Canadian items.

The real old Madras was never about monuments. It was about the people who kept the city running from the canal banks to the fishing harbour to the street corner where a political movement was born. These five places carry that story on Madras Day 2026 and every day after.

The National Investigation Agency conducted raids in Anantnag district on Saturday. These searches occurred at two locations in Bijbehara and Dooru. NIA officers were accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Police during the operation. Residential houses were thoroughly searched as part of the ongoing terror case probe. Details regarding the outcome of these searches are still awaited by officials.

India

Modern life conditions us to control every outcome, causing stress and burnout. Rainer Maria Rilke's quote encourages embracing uncertainty and trusting life's flow. This perspective helps us accept unexpected turns with grace and find calm. It means viewing setbacks not as enemies but as opportunities for growth. Surrendering control actually frees energy to adapt and thrive in challenging situations.

While foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have remained net sellers over the past two years amid Indias premium valuations and an earnings slowdown, Avinash Agarwal, Senior Vice President & Head Equity at Bandhan Life, believes the tide could turn as India offers a diverse pool of large companies with consistent growth and greater earnings visibility.

At the same time, the RBI remains watchful of risks from geopolitics, crude oil prices and global monetary policy developments.

Canada will match United States tariffs dollar for dollar after talks broke down. Washington plans to impose fifty percent duties on nearly twenty billion dollars of Canadian imports. These United States tariffs are set to take effect at midnight on Saturday. Canada suspended negotiations after the latest United States proposals failed to meet objectives. The country will match the United States tariffs dollar for dollar.

The Jackson Hole symposium is just around the corner, bringing together central bank chiefs to tackle the pressing issue of global inflation amidst soaring oil prices. Nvidia's earnings report is anticipated to unveil key trends in AI expenditure. Meanwhile, South Korea's central bank might deliberate a fresh interest rate hike, and Icelanders face an important vote on rekindling talks about joining the European Union.

President Donald Trump clarified that he had not influenced Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's decisions in the market. Bessent made choices independently, guided by his grasp of existing economic conditions. In a surprising announcement, the government revealed plans to buy back double the amount of bonds initially anticipated. This unexpected action led to a significant drop in bond yields, although these declines were mostly corrected by the end of the week.

Nvidia's upcoming earnings report, alongside the Fed's crucial Jackson Hole symposium, may redefine current market expectations. The recent spike in global bond yields is putting pressure on stocks, raising alarms about borrowing costs for investors. Attention is focused on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's policy discussions, as Nvidia's performance might unlock vital insights into the growing AI infrastructure needs.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold key meetings in Siliguri on Saturday. He will review border security arrangements and discuss the Siliguri Corridor's strategic importance. Shah is also expected to meet Darjeeling leaders regarding long-pending political issues. The discussions will focus on a permanent political solution for the region. These engagements follow his previous day's review of security infrastructure.

US Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily allowed construction of President Donald Trumps $400 million White House ballroom to continue while the Supreme Court considers the administrations emergency appeal. Lower courts had sought to halt aboveground construction over the lack of congressional approval.

Fairfax County authorities have arrested Alexis Antonio Cedillos Campos in connection with the shocking stabbing death of co-worker Carmen Lizet Puch. The two had an 'intimate relationship' that turned deadly at Difficult Run Park, where Cedillos Campos allegedly arrived with a stolen knife and gasoline. He reportedly stabbed Puch numerous times and tried to set her ablaze. Currently, he awaits extradition from Maryland.

Natalie Harp leak: Laura Loomer fiercely defended Donald Trump aide Natalie Harp against media scrutiny. She accused unnamed staffers of leaking private information and photographs to damage Harp. Newly published images show Harp running after Trump's golf cart at Turnberry. Loomer stated Trump appreciates Harp's dedication and work ethic. She warned those leaking stories that Harp is not leaving Trump's side.

Chhattisgarh signed pacts with BISAG-N and NLDSL to enhance geospatial technology use. These agreements aim to foster sustainable economic growth and attract new investments. The state has onboarded over 35 departments onto the PM GatiShakti platform. GIS-based identification of road black spots improves road safety interventions. Chhattisgarh is recognized as a high performer in operationalizing PM GatiShakti.

Students are protesting for basic school improvements like teachers and safe roads. Government data reveals significant infrastructure and staffing disparities across states. Many schools lack adequate toilets and internet access, impacting learning environments. Teacher deployment shows imbalances with many students in single-teacher classrooms. These issues translate into immediate barriers for children attending school.

Neeraj Chopra missed out on Lausanne Diamond League gold by just nine centimetres after Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage threw 88.14m to beat his 88.05m effort. The defeat was Chopra's third against Pathirage this season, but the silver medal gives him valuable points in the Diamond League Final qualification race.

President Donald Trump will lead a ceremonial lap at an upcoming IndyCar race. This event is part of Washington's 250th anniversary festivities this weekend. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will feature racing cars on city streets. Organizers are managing the significant logistical challenges for this unique race. Spectators will pass through metal detectors for security during the event.

Goldman Sachs has begun its assessment of fourteen Indian banks, pinpointing its top selections. ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank stand out with Buy ratings that indicate substantial upside potential. The firm anticipates a cyclical recovery in earnings across the banking sector. It forecasts that private banks will surpass their state-owned counterparts in performance over the next two years, buoyed by loan growth and enhanced liquidity.

Putrada Ekadashi 2026 date: Sawan Putrada Ekadashi 2026 falls on August 23 for most devotees, while Vaishnava followers observe it on August 24. Know the Ekadashi Tithi, fasting date, parana timings, why the dates differ and the religious significance of this important Vishnu vrat.

Trump calls Strait of Hormuz 'American territory', says Iran will 'never' have nuclear weapon

Skyways Air Services plans a