The Economic Times

FCRA 2.0: Terror funding vs minority targeting; BJP-Congress clash over purpose of Bill

The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on pleas challenging an Allahabad High Court order. The Sambhal Jama Masjid committee filed these pleas against a survey order. The apex court had previously restrained courts from entertaining new lawsuits on religious places. This order was passed while hearing challenges to the Places of Worship Act. The high court had dismissed the mosque committee's plea against the survey.

President Murmu has approved a bill protecting the national song Vande Mataram. This amendment mandates its full rendition at official functions. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor raised concerns about the extended duration. He noted the significant increase in time audiences must stand. The new law aims to foster greater respect for the national song.

Chinas July ballistic-missile test has exposed divisions among Pacific island nations over growing militarisation and competing U.S.-China influence. Despite concerns voiced by several leaders, Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint condemnation, underscoring tensions between the regions Ocean of Peace ambitions and the security benefits offered by external powers.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed anguish over repeated disruptions in parliamentary proceedings. He urged the government and opposition to find common ground for debating key Bills. The Speaker noted the government agreed to a response from the Home Minister on student protests. Other opposition issues can also be discussed if the House functions without disruptions.

The JD(U) party has rejected any review of Bihar's prohibition law. This law was implemented in April 2016 by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had previously raised concerns about its implementation. He suggested adopting the Gujarat model for better enforcement of the ban.

The first week of a dietitian-led nutrition plan is less about restrictions and more about building sustainable habits. By focusing on personalised consultations, realistic meal planning and ongoing expert guidance, healthy eating becomes easier to maintain, helping individuals create routines that support long-term wellness instead of short-lived diet trends.

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response regarding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's ashes. His daughter, Anita B Pfaff, filed a plea for their return from Tokyo. The ashes are reportedly preserved at Tokyo's Renkoji temple. Many theories surround Netaji's disappearance in August 1945. The court issued a notice to the Centre for its reply.

A patient was left paralysed after a lumbar drain procedure at a Punjab hospital. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found no direct surgical error but still ordered the hospital and two doctors to pay Rs 15 lakh in compensation, ruling that their collective failure to monitor and respond urgently to the patient's repeated complaints of pain and numbness through the night amounted to a deficiency in service.

Independence Day 2026 Red Fort seat booking: India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day at Delhi's Red Fort on August 15, 2026. Check where to book Red Fort tickets online, the Aamantran portal, seating details and important entry instructions.

Student protests over Jharkhand recruitment exam irregularities persist for eighteen days. The BJP observed a state-wide bandh while ABVP planned a march to the assembly. Authorities used water cannons and lathi-charged protesters attempting to reach the assembly. The Jharkhand CID arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte in connection with irregularities. The state government agreed to cancel some examinations and proposed reforms for transparency.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details on electoral roll appeals. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury filed a plea for expeditious disposal of these cases. The court ordered the establishment of independent appellate tribunals headed by former judges. These tribunals will hear appeals from voters whose names were excluded during the revision.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is preparing for the new domestic season after a successful Zimbabwe tour. He was named vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, marking a significant career step. Sooryavanshi will open the innings alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran in the tournament. The Duleep Trophy commences on August 23 with an East Zone match. Ishan Kishan will lead the East Zone team as captain.

Paper Towel Roll in Fridge: A paper towel roll can be placed inside the refrigerator door for convenience. This hack allows for quick wiping of small spills and condensation. Paper towels absorb minor moisture but do not significantly reduce overall fridge humidity. The trick does not create more storage space but encourages better organization. This tip is for quick cleaning and not a substitute for regular refrigerator maintenance.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated Rahul Gandhi met students protesting in Jharkhand. NDA MPs protested in Parliament, accusing the opposition of avoiding discussions. The Jharkhand student agitation intensified after clashes with police forces. Priyanka Gandhi demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement. The opposition seeks government response and addressing protester concerns.

Assam teenager Janmoni Konwar went from living in a flood shelter to winning karate gold in Delhi after PhysicsWallah founder Alakh Pandey helped her reach the championship. Despite her familys home being submerged, the 17-year-old won all three bouts, including a 10-2 victory in the final.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to apologize for crude remarks. He made jokes about a gift from Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Opposition leaders called for an apology over the disrespectful comments. Albanese stated he rejects the assertion that his behavior was insulting. Foreign Minister Penny Wong also defended the prime minister's intentions.

Vijay Singh has resigned as a trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. He will continue serving the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust for another year. The Sir Ratan Tata Trust faces regulatory issues and internal disagreements. Singh's departure follows earlier exits from another trust board. This marks a significant shift within the prominent Tata philanthropic organization.

Oil India shares jumped over 5% after strong Q1FY27 results prompted Emkay Global to upgrade the stock to

Innocent children and those who disregard social conformities often share truths without a filter. A well-known Greek proverb reveals that such candidness uncovers hidden truths. These unanticipated voices provide valuable insights and understanding. Blunt honesty can shatter the shields of social pretenses we encounter daily. By listening to these authentic expressions, we can gain a clearer perspective on reality.

UP Scholarship 2026-27: UP Scholarship registration for students in Classes 9 to 12 opens today, August 11, 2026. Renewal applicants for Classes 10 and 12 can apply until August 25, 2026. Fresh applicants in Classes 9 and 11 have until September 21, 2026, to register. Students pursuing higher education can register for Dashmottar scholarships from September 15. Scholarship payments will be directly transferred to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

NDA MPs welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with slogans and flags. The coalition's weekly parliamentary party meeting, 'Mangal Milan', was held Tuesday. Ministers and leaders from constituent parties attended the gathering. The Monsoon Session has seen adjournments and limited legislative business. Opposition protests focused on the NEET paper leak and temple donations.

Jubilant Pharmova shares fell after Q1 profit plunged 45% YoY to Rs 56 crore, despite revenue rising 17% to Rs 2,229 crore. The profit decline was attributed to weaker operating profitability and higher depreciation, while strong growth across segments, led by CDMO Sterile Injectables, boosted revenue.

PM Modi, Amit Shah wave Tiranga with NDA leaders at Mangal Milan, mark 150 years of Vande Mataram

A Bengaluru man allegedly killed his two minor daughters and attempted suicide inside a room at a five-star hotel near Kempegowda International Airport on Monday. A note recovered from the room referred to a marital dispute and an alleged extramarital affair. The father remains hospitalised while police are investigating.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma relaunched a subsidized masoor dal and sugar distribution scheme. This initiative will benefit over 2.48 crore National Food Security Act beneficiaries across the state. Masoor dal is now available at Rs. 70 per kg and sugar at Rs. 30 per kg. The scheme was temporarily paused for two months due to the Vote on Account budget.

PC Jeweller shares rose sharply after Q1FY27 profit jumped 37% year-on-year and revenue grew 21%. The jewellery retailer also reported a sharp improvement in operating profitability, continued progress on debt repayment and increased FII holding. With plans to become debt-free and raise up to Rs 1,000 crore via QIP, key triggers remain.

In Bihar, police apprehended an individual masquerading as both an IAS officer and a National Security Agency agent. During a raid on his home, they discovered a Tesla vehicle and a stash of imported liquor. He had produced counterfeit documents to validate his misleading assertions of government affiliations. Investigators are delving into the origins of his wealth and potential accomplices in these fraudulent activities.

A vast open-pit coal mine in As Pontes, Spain, has been transformed into a large artificial lake. Engineers filled the enormous excavation with billions of litres of water over four years. This ambitious project created a lake, beach, and nature trails, repurposing the landscape. The former industrial site now serves as a recreational and tourism destination for the community.

Arvind Kejriwal accused BJP MPs of spreading falsehoods regarding a video purportedly from Punjab. The Punjab Police clarified the circulated video actually originated from Rajasthan. Kejriwal also criticised the Modi government's E20 fuel policy implementation. He stated the government suppresses voices critical of its fuel initiative. AAP advocates for transparency and consumer choice regarding fuel options.

As competition in the Chinese automotive sector intensifies, German car manufacturers are witnessing a decline in sales and profitability. Homegrown brands like Xiaomi and BYD are making significant inroads with consumers. The challenge for these foreign automakers lies in adjusting their pricing strategies and keeping pace with swift advancements in electric vehicle technology. To reclaim their luxury status and financial health, German firms need to innovate at an accelerated pace.

NEET PG 2026 Exam City Intimation Time: NEET PG Exam City Intimation Slip 2026 is scheduled to be released on August 11. Candidates can check their allotted exam city through the official NBEMS website using their login credentials. The NEET PG 2026 exam will be held on August 30, while the admit card is scheduled for August 27.

Afghanistan has secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. This victory means the West Indies must now enter the qualifying tournament. They are ranked tenth and cannot improve their position before the deadline. The 2027 event will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Bruce Willis shared how acting roles made exercise feel like work. Many people relate to enjoyable hobbies becoming obligations due to professional demands. This shift occurs when activities are tied to deadlines and performance expectations. The pressure surrounding an activity often matters more than the activity itself. Separating personal enjoyment from professional requirements is a valuable life lesson.

From marketing homes to building them smarter, AI is moving into the core of India's real estate business.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased recently. This decline coincides with fading hopes for a peace deal between the United States and Iran. President Trump presented new demands for compensation and an end to sanctions. The Iranian demands were similar to a preliminary peace deal signed earlier. Shipping traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb strait remained largely unchanged.

Apple Inc. plans a glass-centric iPhone overhaul for its 20th anniversary next year. New iPhone Pro models will feature a new glassy look with glass curving into sides. This design approach faced challenges connecting glass panels and large-volume production. The company expects to make a splash with an evolution of the original idea. Apple's product roadmap remains unchanged, refuting recent analyst reports and stock downgrades.

Surya Grahan 2026 Time in India: Surya Grahan 2026 will occur on August 12, but the total solar eclipse will not be visible in India. Check the eclipse timing in IST, visibility across the world, Sutak Kaal status in India and the key dos and donts for safely viewing a solar eclipse.

A summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict has failed. Diplomatic initiatives have stalled, and both sides are now escalating attacks. This has resulted in more civilian deaths than at any point since the war's early months. Russia's demands for territorial concessions and sanctions relief remain unmet by Ukraine. The spirit of Anchorage has dissipated, leading to a brutal escalation of the conflict.

Will UPI transactions cost extra? FM Nirmala Sitharaman clarifies

Traffic Alert: Delhi-NCR commuters face traffic congestion as the Kanwar Yatra concludes today. Rain exacerbates slow traffic and waterlogging on several key Delhi-Ghaziabad corridors. Specific routes like GT Road between Apsara Border and Yamuna Bridge are closed to general traffic. Commuters should check traffic advisories and consider alternative routes for their journeys. Pilgrims' movement and temporary camps continue to impact traffic flow across the region.

The parent company of President Donald Trump's Truth Social platform reported a ten-fold increase in losses for the second quarter on Monday, linked to declines in values of its digital assets. The president routinely uses Truth Social to make official announcements.

Strong earthquake strikes Colombia, damaging homes & buildings across Pereira and other cities