The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Quote of the day by Maria Sharapova offers a simple but powerful philosophy: when you decide that something truly matters, give your decision the strength of consistent action. Life will inevitably bring distractions, uncertainty, and difficult moments, but commitment can provide an anchor. By learning to honor the promises we maketo others and to ourselveswe can build stronger relationships, greater self-confidence, and a life shaped not only by what we want, but by what we are willing to consi
Catching insects comes with a potential drawback. Many carnivorous plants depend on insects for pollination and risk trapping the very visitors needed for reproduction.
West Bengal's Chief Minister announced a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for 325 Emergency protesters. These individuals will also receive free travel on government buses and medical assistance. The state government recognized these protesters as 'Loktantara Senani' for their sacrifices. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of preserving nationalism and Indian culture for the youth. He also mentioned the government's focus on border security and stopping appeasement politics.
Epictetus' quote warns against letting passions control decisions. Self-discipline creates a pause, allowing for thoughtful responses to feelings. Uncontrolled emotions can lead to regrettable actions and lasting consequences. Modern life encourages immediate reactions, making deliberate responses crucial. Freedom comes from mastering one's own emotional responses.
Quote of the Day by Sheryl Crow: Sheryl Crows quote, The only person who can save you is you: Thats going to be the thing that informs the rest of my life, explores the importance of self-reliance, personal responsibility, inner strength, and taking control of ones own future. The quote suggests that although support from others can be valuable, meaningful change often begins when a person recognizes their own ability to make decisions, overcome challenges, and create a better direction in life.
Mauritius approved the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement Protocol on July 17. This decision introduces a principal purpose test to prevent tax evasion and treaty shopping. Genuine investors undertaking real economic activity should not be concerned about this change. The treaty benefits will continue to support real investment and business activities in Mauritius. This maintains the treaty framework's credibility in line with international standards.
Indias non-fossil power capacity has crossed 300 GW, reaching 60% of its 500-GW target for 2030. Solar leads with 164.59 GW, while non-fossil sources now account for more than 54% of the countrys total installed generation capacity.
Quote of the day by Florence Pugh offers words of wisdom and a refreshing way to think about work and progress. Every job does not have to be perfect to be valuable, and every experience does not have to produce an obvious achievement to matter. Sometimes the greatest outcome is simply becoming a little more capable, thoughtful, confident, adaptable, or self-aware than we were before.
Manav Sardana purchased a penthouse for 271 crore, setting a new record. This luxury unit boasts 17,200 sq ft of super area and 10,500 sq ft carpet area. DLF's The Dahlias project has seen significant sales, with prices exceeding 1 lakh per square foot. The developer noted strong interest from tier-two cities and NRI buyers. Earlier, Madhusudan Kela bought a flat in the same project for 120.7 crore.
Rakesh Wadhawan has accused Yes Bank of illegally assigning a Rs 600 crore loan. This loan was for a firm he promoted and was transferred in 2017. The complaint alleges the transfer lacked independent valuation and RBI compliance. This comes amid investigations into Suraksha ARC and former Yes Bank officials. The Enforcement Directorate is also probing similar alleged collusion.
Coal stocks at Indian power plants are expected to fall to 24-30 million tonnes by September-end from about 37 million tonnes currently, amid seasonal supply constraints, deficient monsoon and higher temperatures, before rebuilding from mid-November.
The government plans to revamp the five-decade-old Integrated Child Development Services programme by upgrading Anganwadi centres, strengthening nutrition delivery and empowering frontline workers. The proposed changes also include better remuneration and social security coverage for Anganwadi workers.
Proposed government rules may increase compliance burdens for India's OTT industry. Platforms could need to retrofit thousands of hours of existing films and shows. These new standards will apply to websites, mobile applications, and digital content. Larger platforms have one year to comply with non-negotiable provisions. All establishments must fully meet accessibility standards within two years.
Britannia Industries MD Rakshit Hargave backed FSSAIs crackdown on packaged foods and beverages, saying consumer interests should be protected. Britannia is also strengthening its regional strategy amid rising competition and plans price increases of 1.5-2% in the second quarter.
The German proverb highlights the futility of reason against stubborn ignorance. Even divine power struggles against those unwilling to learn or reconsider. True wisdom necessitates an open mind, allowing for growth and adaptation. This lesson applies universally, urging self-reflection on our own stubbornness. Intellectual humility, acknowledging potential error, fosters genuine learning and growth.
Government will meet state-owned lenders to attract foreign investment. This aims to stabilize the rupee and bridge the current-account gap. The meeting will also focus on deposit mobilization and supporting small businesses. Fresh foreign capital inflows will boost reserves and domestic manufacturing. Durable foreign direct investment is preferred over short-term deposits.
The Delhi High Court is expected to rule this week on Daiichi Sankyos long-running arbitration dispute with former Fortis promoters Malvinder and Shivinder Singh. The Singapore arbitration award, linked to the 2008 Ranbaxy sale, has risen to about 5,200 crore including interest.
A pilot is under scrutiny for substance use after a recent flight incident. Initial screening results were non-negative, requiring further confirmatory testing. Samples have been sent for analysis, and a final report is currently awaited. Aviation medicine specialists note that therapeutic treatments can also trigger such results. This follows a previous incident involving another Air India pilot in April.
The government has extended Enforcement Directorate Director Rahul Navin's tenure by one year. His service will now continue until August 13, 2027, after his superannuation. Navin, an IRS officer, has led the agency as full-time chief since August 2024. Under his leadership, the agency pursued high-profile money laundering investigations. The ED focuses on asset restitution and filing prosecution complaints in financial crime cases.
Ironhill has acquired its US namesake through bankruptcy proceedings, creating a 450-crore hospitality group. The Indian microbrewery chain has invested about $7 million in the US business and plans to expand its combined network to around 43 outlets by 2030.
Quote of the Day by Chris Rock: Chris Rocks quote, Wealth is not about having a lot of money; its about having a lot of options, explores the deeper meaning of financial freedom, independence, opportunity, and personal choice. The quote suggests that true wealth should not be measured only by the amount of money a person possesses, but by the freedom, flexibility, and choices that financial security can provide in everyday life.
NCP (SP) MPs will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday regarding Maharashtra-specific issues. Supriya Sule opposes proposed FCRA amendments in their current form. She also adopted a cautious approach to the women's quota bill. The party will consult INDIA bloc constituents before taking a final stance. This meeting is significant for building consensus on a constitution amendment bill.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with US Vice President JD Vance about deepening the India-US partnership. He also congratulated Vance and his wife on the recent birth of their son. This call occurred amidst discussions of US-Iran negotiations and regional defense pacts. The conversation also touched upon potential US tariffs on Indian oil imports. Concerns regarding India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act were also raised.
Gujarat forest department will house lions involved in human attacks in a special enclosure. Work has begun to create this designated area at Ambardi Safari Park. This initiative aims to reduce increasing lion-human conflicts across Saurashtra. Several fatal encounters have been reported in affected districts recently. The department periodically relocates wildlife to ensure conservation and safety.
Italian Proverb of the Day: An Italian proverb suggests that we often perceive bad luck as more frequent than good fortune. This insightful remark humorously reflects life's challenges, urging us to cultivate resilience. It indicates that while adversity may feel omnipresent, positive opportunities can eventually arise. Remembering that hard times do not last fosters hope, and adopting a light-hearted attitude can be beneficial during trying times.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will meet AICC leaders in Delhi on Monday. He plans to address discontent within the Congress party after the cabinet expansion. A minor reshuffle is being considered, potentially dropping and inducting new ministers. Portfolio allocations are also pending due to intense lobbying by some leaders. The AICC is now considering including a woman legislator in the proposed changes.
Jharkhand government continues talks with protesting students for a third day. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar urged students to trust Chief Minister Hemant Soren's assurances. The government proposed a two-pronged approach to address recruitment irregularities and backlog issues. Student leaders demand a CBI inquiry, vowing to continue their agitation. Three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission resigned amid the ongoing protests.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will deliver twelve new Su-30MKI fighter jets by 2029. These aircraft will feature over fifty percent indigenous content and advanced systems. An extensive upgrade of the current Su-30MKI fleet is also planned. This upgrade will incorporate new indigenous radars and electronic warfare capabilities. The project aims to enhance the fighter jets' detection and engagement abilities significantly.
Asset reconstruction companies bought twenty-six thousand three hundred four crore rupees of bad loans. This acquisition saw a fifty-six percent increase from the previous year's figures. The overall non-performing asset ratio in the banking system continued its downward trend. Banks have been resolving legacy stressed assets for several years now. Transactions are increasingly being settled in cash and through security receipts.
Jammu and Kashmir police attached property valued at seventy lakh rupees. Searches were conducted at twenty-six locations in Baramulla district. This action is connected to a UAPA case registered in two thousand eight. An arrest warrant was also obtained for another accused individual. The Jamaat-e-Islami outfit was banned by the central government.
Albert Camus quote, Everything is forgotten, even a great love. That's what's sad about life, and also what's wonderful about it, reflects on how love, pain and memories slowly change with time. The quote, from his early novel A Happy Death, explores the bittersweet nature of forgetting and is followed by a look at Camus life, major works, philosophy and lasting influence on literature.
Basant Kumar Meghwal secured silver in the men's high jump event. Shahnavaz Khan earned a bronze medal in the men's long jump competition. These medals brought India's total to three at the championships. Ashish Yadav had previously won silver in the javelin throw. This performance matches India's best-ever medal tally at the event.
West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi has asked all universities to observe August 14. This day will remember the horrors of Partition and its impact. The observance aims to educate the younger generation about this historical event. Bengal experienced immense suffering and disruption during the Partition. The state government is also distributing national flags for Independence Day.
The Territorial Army is expanding its role to include AI and cybersecurity experts. This initiative aims to infuse technical talent into the part-time military reserve force. Direct induction and honorary commissions are planned for specialized personnel. An innovation cell is already operational, conducting hackathons and internships. Future plans include national-level hackathons for cyber defense capabilities.
ACME Solar Holdings plans to invest 15,000-20,000 crore to expand its renewable energy business, with battery storage as a key focus. The company aims to deploy about 10 GWh of battery capacity this year and enter the data centre power market.
School holiday, August 10: In anticipation of heavy rainfall across multiple regions in India on August 10, 2026, district administrations are preparing to assess local conditions for possible school closures. It's important to note that Telangana's schools will be shut for the Bonalu festival, which is unrelated to the ongoing rain warnings. Additionally, states such as Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are on alert for similar weather developments.
Several offshore banks are becoming reluctant to issue or renew international credit cards for wealthy resident Indians due to Indias 180-day rule on deploying overseas funds. The requirement is also creating difficulties for minors holding foreign accounts under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
Govinda has recalled a candid conversation with Salman Khan before Partner, saying he advised the actor to focus on himself during a difficult phase and told him he would go on to rule Bollywood for 10 years. Govinda also remembered telling Salman, You are the hero, but you dont look like one right now, while encouraging him to exercise and regain his confidence.
Passengers on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi reported severe turbulence and concerns about the pilot's behavior. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the incident which caused passenger injuries. Initial screening tests for the pilot indicated a need for further confirmatory analysis. Passengers demanded accountability from aviation authorities and the airline for the incident. The flight experienced a sudden loss of altitude during its journey.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has surpassed Avatar: The Way of Water as India's top-grossing Hollywood movie. The film has collected 407 crore in India, exceeding its predecessor's lifetime earnings. Aggressive marketing and the character's multi-generational appeal significantly boosted audience interest before its release. Exhibitors and analysts predict a lifetime collection of at least 450 crore due to sustained audience engagement.
Does high blood sugar make you more susceptible to cancer or lead to more aggressive growth of cancerous cells? An article published in Stanford Medicine News Centre says the relationship between sugar and cancer is not cut and dried but complicated.
From August ninth to fifteenth, India anticipates significant rainfall across numerous regions. Thunderstorms, flashes of lightning, and brisk winds are set to accompany the downpours. The heaviest rains are predicted for the hill states, Northeast, and central and peninsular sectors. Coastal regions may encounter isolated thunderstorm activity and winds gusting up to sixty kilometers per hour. Individuals in vulnerable locations should exercise caution and remain alert throughout the week.
Jharkhand students allege government lies regarding recruitment exam demands being met. They state only three of thirteen competitive tests were cancelled by the administration. Protesters are seeking support for a peaceful Vidhan Sabha March on August tenth. They aim to expose irregularities in state examinations through a CBI probe. The students desire to remove the job-selling system through their non-violent agitation.
Quote of the Day by Bruce Lee: Bruce Lees quote, Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own, explores the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, individuality, and personal growth. The quote suggests that people should learn from useful ideas and experiences while letting go of what no longer serves them, ultimately creating their own approach to life rather than simply following others.
FBI Director Kash Patel plans an unusual trip to Russia in mid-October. This visit occurs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and heightened congressional scrutiny. Patel's history involves controversial Russia-related developments from Donald Trump's first term. Russian analysts suggest potential exchanges of information or political leverage. The FSB is expected to host Patel during his scheduled Moscow and Saint Petersburg stops.
Indian REITs could gain greater tax flexibility under the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which allows SPVs to opt for concessional corporate tax rates, avoid future MAT and use accumulated MAT credits while retaining tax-exempt dividends for unitholders.
Gill made a return to the action during the final day of the warm-up clash, scoring a quick 44 in 54 balls, laying the foundation of an easy 207-run chase for India that will give them plenty of morale ahead of the two-match Test series starting from August 15 onwards at Galle.

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