The Economic Times

The UAE's non-oil private sector expanded at its fastest pace in four months in July, driven by stronger new orders, a rebound in export business and improved trade conditions, an S&P Global survey showed. Employment returned to growth, while business confidence weakened for a third consecutive month amid continued uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Tamil Nadu Budget 2026: Tamil Nadu's new government has unveiled its first Budget, outlining major investments in education and welfare schemes. Key announcements include free bicycles and laptops for students, gold rings for newborns, and wedding assistance for women. The Budget also focuses on modernising schools and tackling substance abuse, while setting a target of making Tamil Nadu a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2036.

2026 RBI MPC Meeting: The Reserve Bank of India maintained its repo rate at 5.25 percent on Wednesday. This decision marks the fourth consecutive meeting without a change in the key interest rate. The central bank cited sticky inflation and geopolitical risks as reasons for its cautious approach. Global economic instability and trade uncertainties also influenced the committee's deliberations. The Monetary Policy Committee retained its neutral policy stance, reflecting ongoing external uncertain

The Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others, marched from the Gandhi statue at Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar in Parliament in protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over 'police action' against CJP protestors on 20th July, the issue of alleged Ayodhya Ram Mandir donations embezzlement and other issues.

United States officials are continuing discussions about Ukraine producing Patriot interceptor missiles. This initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian ballistic missile attacks. Options include Ukraine building components for assembly elsewhere in Europe. President Trump's earlier doubts have caused surprise among Ukrainian leaders.

Trump described negotiations with Iran as very good. Mediators in Qatar indicated progress toward ending the Iran war, though Tehran denied talks. Trump warned Iran would face severe consequences if they backed out of any agreement. He also stated the Strait of Hormuz would reopen soon or Iran would be hit.

Aluminum foil serves as an innovative solution for safeguarding cash against moisture and environmental effects in your home. While it effectively preserves money temporarily, it does not prevent theft. To improve humidity control, pair foil with airtight bags and silica gel packets. For ultimate security, merge this technique with safes and cleverly concealed storage options.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh raised concerns about mandatory E20 petrol implementation. He highlighted potential vehicle damage and reduced fuel efficiency for consumers nationwide. Singh cited a consumer court ruling which ordered a vehicle replacement due to E20 fuel damage. The Attorney General's description of E20 as an experiment was also noted.

India's services sector growth slowed significantly in July, reaching its weakest pace in over four years. New business expansion was moderate, posting the softest growth in nearly four-and-a-half years. Hiring activity saw a modest increase after a six-month low, marking continued job creation. Input cost inflation eased, but firms raised selling prices to clients. Business confidence declined to a seven-month low, reflecting concerns about future demand.

Ankur Warikoo reveals how his hourly earning rose from 134 to around 2 lakh in two decades. He revealds that one investment really changed his life. He said he now works nearly 3 hours per day in a week but earns 1500 times more what he was getting two decades away even after working more.

The Reserve Bank of India will resume licensing for urban cooperative banks. A comprehensive review of credit monitoring for rural cooperative banks is also planned. The central bank proposed standardizing lending rate frameworks for all regulated entities. This move aims to enhance transparency and strengthen consumer protection measures. Global risks like the West Asia conflict continue to impact India's economic outlook.

Maharashtra Resident doctors' strike: The statewide strike is against the government's decision allowing homoeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines. Emergency services will continue for twenty-four hours while other services remain suspended. The doctors demand a halt to the registration process until a court verdict.

A North Korean missile unit is deploying to western Russia. This unit could be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. Ukraine faces a significant threat due to its air defense shortages. Russia has already fired North Korean missiles at Ukraine since late 2023. This deployment expands existing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

GACM Technologies has signed a pact with Meridian Intelligence to enhance its software development portfolio. This collaboration is valued at fifteen rupees and will continue until September 2028. The partnership establishes a framework for future software development agreements. It supports GACM Technologies' long-term technology and business expansion strategy. This association will enable scalable technology solutions and unlock new growth opportunities.

Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti received a resignation request from the Chief Minister. He will consult opposition leaders before making a final decision on the matter. Horatti stated that electing council chairman is the House's prerogative, not a party's high command. He mentioned that no chairman has resigned since 1956 and all completed their terms. The Congress party has nominated Saleem Ahmed for the chairman's post.

The Cockroach Janta Party plans to deepen its reach beyond conventional politics. Their movement focuses on societal awakening and building conscious resistance from the ground up. The party will announce its future strategy and plans on August sixth. Leaders criticized dictatorial governance and emphasized the need for genuine dialogue. They also highlighted the impact of public agitations and youth movements on political discourse.

The Tamil Nadu government will present its first budget on Wednesday morning. Finance Minister N Marie Wilson will table the budget for the upcoming financial year. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has directed the budget to be exemplary and visionary. The opposition DMK MLAs may boycott the session due to an arrest. This potential boycott is expected to lead to a walkout or absence from proceedings.

Nineteen-year-old Savitha Shri joins India's Chess Olympiad team for the upcoming event. Her journey began by observing her elder brother play chess at home. Financial hardships saw her family pawn jewellery and her father quit his job abroad. Savitha now replaces Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli in the national women's team. She is set for the biggest challenge of her career in Samarkand.

Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant economic growth and development over seven years. The Union Territory achieved full literacy status and is becoming a startup hub. Investments in tourism and infrastructure have boosted the region's economy. Handicrafts and handloom sectors provide substantial employment opportunities for many. The government has focused on improving infrastructure and creating jobs for youth.

Assistant Secretary S. Paul Kapur will visit India and Central Asian nations from August 5 to 12. His trip aims to advance key bilateral and regional economic priorities for the administration. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, and strengthening supply chain resilience across the region. Kapur will meet with senior government officials and private sector leaders during his tour.

Supreme Court orders cameras to identify uninsured vehicles and issue automatic e-challans, tightening enforcement of mandatory vehicle insurance across India. The court found it shocking that more than 50 percent vehicles don't have insurance in India.

Voters in five US states cast ballots in primary elections on Tuesday. These contests are expected to shape the battle for control of Congress next year. Several Democratic primaries featured contests between incumbent lawmakers and progressive challengers. Redistricting played a key role in the races across these states. Missouri and Virginia saw significant redistricting efforts influencing their primary elections.

The Lok Sabha will consider two key financial bills on Wednesday. These include the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill and the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill. An adjournment motion seeks a new anti-defection law to curb mass political defections. Another adjournment motion calls for a discussion on police action during a student protest. This motion demands a statement from the Union Home Minister on the incident.

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India announced June 2026 exam results. Intermediate Group II saw a higher pass percentage than Group I. Final examination results showed Group IV performing better than Group III. Raunak Jain and Mokshit Vamsi Krishna Mattupalli secured top ranks. Candidates can check their scorecards on the official ICMAI website.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed negotiations with Iran on two key objectives. These talks focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz for safe maritime navigation. The ultimate goal remains the complete denuclearization of Iran, which is a long-term objective. Mediated by Oman, progress has been made in these crucial diplomatic discussions. Qatar also confirmed that efforts to resolve the standoff have entered very progressive stages.

A curious study in Togo unveiled rainbow lizards choosing four-cheese pizza instead of their usual insect diet. Observations made near a southern beach resort resulted in researchers earning an Ig Nobel Prize for nutrition. This intriguing finding emphasizes the extent to which animals can shift their diets in reaction to human influences in their habitats.

US President Donald Trump's move to charge for early access to his often market-moving Truth Social posts is raising eyebrows a year and a half into an administration that has already seen unprecedented enrichment for the First Family. Subscribers to the paid service are supposed to get almost instantaneous access to Trump's messages on Truth Social -- crucial seconds ahead of the general public.

The Election Commission has removed seventeen unrecognised political parties from Uttarakhand's registered list. These parties did not contest elections after 2019 and had untraceable office addresses. Six other parties were previously removed by the poll body for similar reasons. This action impacts several parties registered in districts like Haridwar and Dehradun. The removal follows a physical verification process conducted by election officials.

The United States revoked Brazil's ambassador's visa in retaliation for visa denials. Brazil had refused entry to two American diplomats ahead of its elections. This action also addresses Brazil's delay in approving the US ambassador nominee. The United States stated the decision could be reversed if Brazil acts appropriately. Brazil accused the US of violating international law and politically influencing its election.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for many Indian regions on Tuesday. Assam and Meghalaya anticipate isolated extremely heavy rainfall events. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds will affect numerous states. Squally weather conditions are expected over parts of the Arabian Sea. The Bay of Bengal will also experience squally weather conditions.

Michigan's Democratic Senate primary is a key test for the party's future direction. The contest pits a progressive against a moderate, highlighting divisions over Israel. Voters are deciding between an anti-establishment message and a more moderate approach. This race could influence future presidential candidates' stances on foreign policy. The outcome will signal voter sentiment on economic issues and party leadership.

Gujarat health officials reported twenty-two deaths and thirty-five Chandipura virus cases. Seven patients remain in intensive care units requiring ventilator support. The virus progresses rapidly, particularly affecting children's brains and nervous systems. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for this illness. Preventive measures focus on reducing sandfly bites and maintaining sanitation.

SpaceX plans to build a terrestrial mobile service using acquired spectrum licenses. This move could challenge established wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T. The company aims to integrate its satellite network with ground infrastructure for broader coverage. Analysts caution that building a nationwide network will require significant investment and time. Investors are watching closely as SpaceX pursues ambitious expansion in connectivity services.

Quote of the day by Franz Kafka: Franz Kafka believed that appreciating beauty keeps people young. This ability to notice wonder sustains optimism and a rich life. Staying young at heart is a daily choice we actively make. Protecting curiosity and finding joy keeps the human spirit alive. Kafka, a 20th-century writer, explored themes of anxiety and isolation.

US lawmaker Riley Moore voiced concerns regarding India's proposed FCRA amendments. These changes could allow government takeovers of religious charities and impact bilateral relations. The amendments seek to empower a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and assets. The proposed legislation also reduces penalties for FCRA violations. India's Parliament is considering these amendments to its foreign donation laws.

A SpaceX rocket stage is set to impact the moon early Wednesday morning. This four-metric-ton object is traveling at high speed toward the lunar surface. Cosmic forces and solar activity have nudged the debris onto this unexpected trajectory. While the impact is unintentional, it highlights concerns about space junk disposal. NASA and SpaceX are discussing methods to prevent similar future lunar collisions.

Gaslighting psychology: Recent studies indicate that gaslighting operates as a gradual learning mechanism, undermining ones grasp of reality. Individuals begin to place their trust in unexpected and unconventional behavior from others, prompting mental adjustments in expectations and resulting in confusion.

Chewing gum that targets cancer-linked oral bacteria: Researchers developed bioengineered chewing gum targeting head and neck cancer microbes. This gum significantly reduced human papillomavirus levels in laboratory tests. Harmful bacterial species were also brought down to almost zero levels. The treatment did not harm beneficial oral bacteria found in the mouth.

Quote of the day by Gwyneth Paltrow, The best way to mend a broken heart is time and girlfriends, focuses on emotional healing after a breakup. The quote explains how time can reduce emotional pain and how friends can provide support, listening, distraction and validation. Gwyneth Paltrows career, personal life and experience also give context to the quote and its lessons about patience, acceptance and friendship.

Quote of the day by Victoria Beckham is less about expecting effortless success and more about respecting the power of commitment. A goal becomes more attainable when belief is supported by preparation, patience and action. Hard work cannot control everything, but it can transform potential into ability and intention into progress. For anyone standing at the beginning of a difficult journey, that may be one of the most useful reasons to keep going.

Norse proverb of the day: Our emotions and lived experiences are the lens through which we view the world. The Norse saying, 'The head only knows what lies nearest the heart,' encapsulates this idea. The things we hold dear capture our focus and shape our comprehension. This emotional connection significantly influences our decision-making processes.

Quote of the day by Ringo Starr: Ringo Starr believes great music lasts for generations. He notes that younger people know Beatles music, which is the important part. Starr's words emphasize the lasting power of meaningful art over fleeting trends. This reminds us to focus on creating valuable work with lasting impact.

Quote of the Day by Kate Winslet serves as a timely reminder that living well is not necessarily about doing more. It can be about noticing more, appreciating more and choosing more intentionally. The future will always contain something to prepare for, but the present is the only place where life can actually be lived.