National / The Economic Times
Delhi Police arrested Pawan alias Praveen in Shahdara. He tried to extort Rs 50 lakh from a Gandhi Nagar businessman. Pawan, a former employee, threatened to report the businessman to Income Tax. The businessman received threatening WhatsApp messages. Police used technical surveillance to track Pawan. He confessed to the crime, wanting quick money. Further investigation is ongoing in this case.
Indias growth trajectory will remain strong regardless of the outcome of the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting, says Mehul Pandya, MD & Group CEO of CareEdge Ratings. While a resolution to the war could ease tariff pressuresespecially on oilIndia remains resilient.
Netflix has raised subscription prices in Australia across all plans, increasing the Premium tier to $28.99 per month. The changes, effective Aug. 8 for new members and in the next billing cycle for existing subscribers, follow similar moves by rival platforms and come amid strong Asia-Pacific revenue growth
Punjab Police have stopped a big terror plan. They arrested two members of Babbar Khalsa International. The group planned to attack government buildings with grenades. Harwinder Singh Rinda, who is in Pakistan, planned the attack. He is supported by Pakistan's ISI. The arrested men were taking orders from people in the UK, USA, and Europe.
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide details on the documents considered during Bihar's 2003 intensive electoral roll revision. This directive follows challenges to the ECI's decision to conduct a special intensive revision in the state, with concerns raised about the validity of the 2003 date and the process of voter registration.
Enforcement Directorate froze Rs 110 crore in mule accounts. They also seized 1,200 mule credit cards. This action follows searches against Parimatch's Indian operations. Parimatch is a Cyprus-based online betting platform. The platform allegedly used aggressive marketing. It lured investors with high returns. The agency conducted searches in multiple cities.
A Lancet Global Health study reveals that nearly 40% of Indian diabetics are unaware of their condition, with a 20% prevalence among adults aged 45 and above. Urban areas show double the diabetes rates compared to rural regions. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved prevention, detection, and management strategies, especially given inadequate rural healthcare infrastructure and medicine shortages.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticized the BJP. He questioned the Uttar Pradesh Assembly's 24-hour session. Yadav accused the government of prioritizing event management over governance. He posted a selfie of SP legislators during the session. Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh dismissed Yadav's criticism. Singh affirmed the government's commitment to impartial justice.
A massive cloudburst hit Chosoti in J&Ks Kishtwar, with casualties feared, prompting immediate rescue efforts. This marks the region's first major weather event this season. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh continues to battle severe monsoon damage, reporting 126 deaths, 36 missing, and Rs 2,031 crore in losses due to flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides since June 20.
The Supreme Court overturned actor Darshan's bail in the Renukaswamy murder case. Renukaswamy's family expressed relief and renewed faith in the justice system. Darshan, along with Pavithra Gowda and others, faces charges of abduction and murder. Security has been increased at Ballari prison, anticipating Darshan's transfer. The trial is expected to proceed swiftly following the court's decision.
The Election Commission has issued notices to LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Veena Devi and her husband, JD(U) MLC Dinesh Singh, following allegations by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav that they each possess two voter ID cards. The EC has requested a response from the couple by August 16.
During World War I, Indian revolutionaries and German agents conspired to incite an armed revolt against British rule. The Hindu-German Conspiracy, originating in the U.S., aimed to exploit Britain's wartime vulnerability. Revolutionaries sought resources from Germany, planning coordinated uprisings in India. However, British intelligence thwarted the plot, leading to arrests and the trial in San Francisco.
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing regarding Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse facing a death sentence in Yemen for a murder case, by eight weeks. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta deferred the decision after being informed that there is no immediate execution threat. Negotiations are currently in progress to resolve the case.
The United States government is silent on whether Pakistan lost F-16 fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. This is unlike previous instances where the US confirmed the status of Pakistan's F-16 fleet. India claims to have shot down Pakistani aircraft and damaged an F-16 hangar. Pakistan denies these claims and suggests a third-party review.
Congressman Ro Khanna has launched an online petition against Roblox, accusing the platform of insufficient child safety measures. This action follows concerns about inappropriate content, online predators, and a YouTuber's ban for exposing alleged predators. Khanna aims to pressure Roblox into stricter regulations, citing multiple negligence lawsuits involving child exploitation on the platform.
Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle jeans ad has triggered a debate. A poll reveals partisan and gender splits in reactions. Democrats find the ad out of touch. Republicans view it as authentic. Many women are less likely to buy the jeans. A small percentage see eugenics promotion. Donald Trump praised the ad, boosting American Eagle's stock.
Former diplomat Vikas Swarup attributes US President Trump's tariff hike on Indian goods to three key factors. These include Trump's disapproval of India's BRICS membership, his frustration over India's lack of acknowledgment regarding his claimed role in the Operation Sindoor ceasefire, and India's resistance to US trade demands, particularly concerning agriculture and dairy sectors.
The UK economy demonstrated resilience in the second quarter, surpassing expectations with 0.3 percent growth, although it marked a slowdown from the previous quarter's 0.7 percent. This growth was fueled by the service and construction sectors, offsetting a decline in production.
Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee might reduce policy rates. This could happen if GDP data is lower than expected. Aggressive rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve could also trigger this. The RBI expects government security rates to remain stable. Corporate bonds are currently offering favorable spreads. The central bank will likely maintain ample liquidity.
The Election Commission addressed Rahul Gandhi's claims of voter fraud. It refuted allegations of 'vote chori'. The EC urged Gandhi to provide concrete evidence. They asked for affidavits instead of broad accusations. The commission defended the integrity of Indian voters and election staff. Gandhi alleged voter data manipulation in Bengaluru.
Your hands and feet can reveal early signs of liver damage. Spotting these changes quickly can help in timely diagnosis, treatment, and preventing serious liver-related complications.
Medical Counselling Committee has declared the final results for the first round of NEET UG Counselling 2025. Candidates can report to their designated colleges. Round 2 offers another chance for those seeking admission or upgrades. Registration details for Round 2 will be announced soon.
Scientists have discovered PelV-1, a giant virus with an unprecedentedly long tail, in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. This virus infects Pelagodinium plankton and possesses a 2.3-micrometer tail, potentially aiding in host cell attachment. Its genome contains genes typically found in living cells, suggesting a complex interaction with its host's metabolism and energy production.
The Election Commission of India addressed concerns regarding Bihar's voter list. After a special revision, the ECI received over 23,000 complaints. They have addressed a small portion of these. The Supreme Court is reviewing petitions challenging the revision process. The court clarified that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship. The final voter list release will happen after reviewing all claims.
India's market regulator, SEBI, faced challenges in investigating Jane Street for alleged market manipulation in derivatives trading, despite early warnings from the NSE. The probe, initiated after surveillance alerts, was complicated by the firm's trading practices and the explosion of retail participation in the derivatives market.
The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to respond to a petition advocating for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. This directive comes after the court acknowledged Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's statement regarding the complexities involved in the decision-making process.
Political pressure from the Trump administration on government statisticians and private forecasters raises concerns about data integrity and potential bias. Recent actions, including criticism of the BLS and Goldman Sachs, risk distorting economic data and forecasts. This could lead to a false sense of calm in markets, masking underlying economic weaknesses and ultimately resulting in a significant market correction.
India is in the middle of a Swadeshi 2.0 moment. Trade tensions abroad and a booming consumer market at home are pulling global manufacturers to set up shop here. Indian companies are seizing the moment with joint ventures and strategic stakes. Apple, VinFast, and Tesla are ramping up local operations, while the country pushes into high-value sectors like semiconductors.
Rahul Gandhi announced the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar on August 17, declaring a direct fight against vote chori to protect democracy and the Constitution. He asserted the need for a clean voters' list nationwide and urged citizens to join the mass movement.
RuPay and BookMyShow collaborate for a 'Live Events Passport'. This partnership offers RuPay customers exclusive access to events like Sunburn and Lollapalooza India. Cardholders get early ticket access, priority seating, and VIP perks. The collaboration aims to enhance RuPay's brand engagement. It also targets digitally savvy consumers. This alliance aligns with RuPay's strategy to connect with high-engagement segments.
Logan O'Hoppe's clutch two-run single in the eighth inning propelled the Los Angeles Angels to a 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, completing a historic six-game Freeway Series sweep. The Angels' triumph pushed the Dodgers out of first place in the NL West. Ward homered, while Ohtani tripled and pitched for the Dodgers.
Nitin Gadkari advocated for India to become a superpower and vishwaguru, emphasizing that global recognition hinges on strength across all sectors. He addressed a gathering, recalling the 1947 partition and expressing a resolve for a unified India. Gadkari highlighted Prime Minister Modi's vision for a $5 trillion economy and self-reliant nation, urging collective effort to achieve these goals.
Rajinikanth's Coolie has premiered, igniting celebrations. Fans are dancing and performing rituals outside theaters. Screenings are briefly paused due to excitement. Social media shows fans celebrating the film. Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, features a large cast. The film involves a man fighting a corrupt syndicate. Coolie has crossed 100 crore in pre-sales and sold many tickets.
New tariffs from Donald Trump may impact seventy percent of India's exports. ICRIER suggests policy changes and trade talks with the US. Focus areas include agriculture and GM crops. Textiles and gems are vulnerable sectors. The report urges modernisation and diversification. It proposes re-engagement with the US and FTAs with other nations.
The Tamil action film Coolie is screening in select theaters across the US and Canada under Prathyangira Cinemas distribution. Premiering August 1314, 2025, the Rajinikanth starrer will later stream on Amazon Prime Video, with a digital release expected by mid-October. Heres where and when to watch
Meghalaya government has requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to persuade Bangladesh for border fencing. This fencing will be closer to the international boundary. The goal is to secure a 40 km unfenced stretch. This move aims to protect villages without compromising their safety. Recent infiltration attempts prompted the government to enhance border security.
Pakistan has announced the creation of an Army Rocket Force to oversee missile combat capabilities in conventional warfare, a move widely seen as aimed at countering India, according to Reuters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the plan during a ceremony in Islamabad commemorating the May military conflict with India the worst in decades.
The Union government, via the Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS), has introduced cow milk products and co-branded items, expanding its dairy offerings across Delhi-NCR. This initiative, announced after Wednesday's launch, aims to strengthen the dairy ecosystem and create opportunities. Twenty-two new booth allotments were distributed, fostering employment and connecting rural dairy farmers with urban consumers.
Miguel Amaya, the Chicago Cubs catcher, is back on the injured list after spraining his left ankle during Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, just a day after returning from a previous injury. The Cubs are calling up their No. 2 prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, to fill Amayas roster spot.
Helen Hunt and Dan Bucatinsky won $125,000 for charity on *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire*, benefiting St. Joseph Centre and The Trevor Project. They strategically walked away from a $250,000 question, securing their winnings. In contrast, Adam Devine and Anders Holm's riskier approach resulted in a drop to $32,000 after a wrong answer.
The Indian Army's Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II, mounted on a TATRA 6x6 vehicle, enhances minefield marking efficiency. This semi-automatic system erects pickets at adjustable intervals, rolling out ropes with minimal manual intervention. Capable of covering 1.2 kilometers per hour, it uses a linear motor for picket placement and supports up to 15 kilometers of fencing per run.
Pakistan's National Assembly has passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, reinstating a provision allowing military and civil armed forces to preventively detain terrorism suspects for up to three months. Originally part of a 2014 law that expired in 2016, the clause was revived to strengthen counterterrorism efforts amid current security challenges.
From humble street snacks to royal kitchen treasures, these nine dishes were loved during Indias freedom era, carrying flavors that fueled spirits and connected people in a time of change.
Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical, Vietnam, will buy one million barrels of U.S. crude for November. This marks Vietnam's first U.S. oil purchase in 2025. The light-sweet crude is from Mercuria. Vietnam committed to buying more U.S. crude in deals with Washington. WTI has become more competitive in Asia. Vietnam mainly buys crude from Kuwait, Brunei and Libya.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska, a potentially pivotal moment for the Ukraine war and their complex relationship. Trump's past admiration for Putin contrasts with recent frustrations and threats of sanctions. The summit offers Putin a chance to mend ties with Trump and ease Russia's isolation, though critics worry about the impact on Ukraine.
The Indian Army is using a three-layer strategy to stop infiltration along borders. This involves technology, barriers, and soldiers. Surveillance equipment, mines, and patrols are key. The Army also introduced the Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment Mk-II. DRDO designed it, and BEM Ltd manufactured it. This system enhances combat capabilities and promotes self-reliance. It is built on the TATRA 6x6 platform.
Rhyne Howard's stellar 25 points propelled the Atlanta Dream to an 85-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, marking their sixth consecutive win. Allisha Gray contributed a significant 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Brittney Griner added 11 points. Despite Nneka Ogwumike's game-high 29 points, the Storm suffered their sixth straight loss as Howard's late-game surge secured Atlanta's triumph.