The Economic Times

The Supreme Court declined a petition for mandatory student biometric attendance. Justices Narasimha and Aradhe directed the petitioner to approach the high court. This court was not inclined to entertain the plea filed under Article 32. The petitioner also sought limits on coaching hours and a code of conduct. The plea aimed to dismantle dummy educational institutions and curb misleading advertising.

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has extended an olive branch to Karnataka regarding the Cauvery issue, underscoring the importance of dialogue. He steered clear of trivial political maneuvering, recalling the state's long-standing efforts dating back to 1969 in managing the conflict. Vijay insisted on a strong legal approach to the dispute while pledging to face any backlash for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Opposition MPs protested in Parliament over alleged Ram temple donation theft. They also demanded a statement regarding police actions against student protesters. Congress MP KC Venugopal called for the Home Minister's resignation or apology. The ongoing monsoon session has seen disruptions over these demands. A taxation bill was passed without discussion amid these protests.

A court in Canada has given the green light for an $8.7 million settlement arising from a privacy breach that occurred in 2020. Canadians whose Government of Canada accounts were compromised can file for compensation related to the unauthorized access and subsequent fraud resolution efforts. Valid claims for expenses might yield up to $5,000, with the filing period extending until February 3, 2027.

Vivo has launched its S2 smartphone in India with advanced cameras. The device features a 50MP Sony main camera and a 32MP selfie camera. It boasts a 7050mAh battery and a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo processor. The phone runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 with AI capabilities. Vivo S2 will be available from August 11, 2026, with attractive launch offers.

A fresh batch of 926 pilgrims departed Jammu's base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra. This convoy left early Friday morning in 42 vehicles, including 21 buses. The total number of pilgrims leaving Jammu has now reached 1,44,439. This significant annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine is ongoing. The 57-day pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28.

Zach Dell, son of Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell, is building Base Power into a major home battery company, with a goal of putting backup batteries in homes across the US. The Austin-based startup has installed more than 23,000 batteries, raised $1 billion in fresh funding and reached a $13 billion valuation. Its latest batteries can provide up to 36 hours of backup power and are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, from Texas summers to Chicago winters.

Difficult times test human strength and patience, yet hope persists. Charles Dickens' quote emphasizes that light is stronger in contrast to darkness. This message offers comfort and encourages looking beyond life's struggles. Recognizing goodness and kindness becomes more meaningful after periods of hardship. The quote inspires optimism and confidence to move forward with gratitude.

Congress MP KC Venugopal highlighted alleged financial fraud at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He cited revelations of embezzlement of public donations and theft of valuables. Venugopal alleged destruction of CCTV footage and removal of an accounts officer. He dismissed the state government's investigation as insufficient and called for a Supreme Court-supervised inquiry.

Four Indian Grandmasters will compete against Magnus Carlsen at the Esports World Cup. Nihal Sarin, Aravindh Chithambaram, and Pranesh M represent S8UL Esports. Arjun Erigaisi competes for Gen.G Esports, aiming for prize money. Indian participation has doubled this year, marking a significant presence. The tournament features a revised two-phase format for the chess competition.

Tamil Nadu's Revenue Augmentation Committee seeks public input for revenue enhancement. Suggestions are invited from the public and experts to boost state finances. The panel aims to improve tax and non-tax revenue efficiency and self-reliance. Stakeholders can email their proposals to tnrac@tn.gov.in before August 11. Broad categories for suggestions include GST, Stamp Duty, and Mining.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased this week. Markets are closely watching Iran and Oman talks for waterway reopening signs. Several Chinese and Indian refiners seek discounted crude oil from Iraq. However, shipowners remain wary of entering the waterway due to risks. Meanwhile, traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait on the Red Sea has increased.

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against thirteen individuals for a NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Three NTA subject experts allegedly accessed and shared confidential examination questions. A chain of intermediaries then distributed these leaked papers to candidates for money. Digital evidence, including chat records, confirms the circulation of leaked questions. The investigation uncovered a well-organized criminal conspiracy involving multiple states.

India captain Shubman Gill will miss the first day of the warm-up match due to a finger injury. The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress as a precautionary measure. This practice game is India's sole competitive outing before the Test series. The team aims to adapt to local conditions and fine-tune their game. Intermittent rain may also disrupt preparations for the upcoming Test matches.

LIC shares rose 2.5% after the state-owned insurer reported a 23% year-on-year jump in Q1 standalone net profit to Rs 13,492 crore, while net premium income grew 7% to Rs 1.27 lakh crore. LIC also retained its leadership in the domestic life insurance market, with a 60.1% share of first-year premium income, according to IRDAI data.

An SUV evaded a security checkpoint on the Jammu-Srinagar highway early Friday. Police opened fire at the fleeing vehicle, which was traveling from Srinagar towards Jammu. The driver subsequently abandoned the suspicious Scorpio near Dalwas and fled the scene. A massive search operation involving district police, CRPF, and the Army was launched. Further investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the incident.

Rockstar Games will reveal an extended look at Grand Theft Auto 6 on August 28. The highly anticipated game is officially slated for a November 19, 2026 console release. Indian PC players are still awaiting an official announcement for their platform. This extended look will offer more details about the game's world and characters. Fans should await official confirmation regarding any PC version release.

Britannia Industries shares rose 4% after the FMCG major reported a more than 14% year-on-year increase in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 591 crore. Despite higher input costs due to geopolitical tensions, the company delivered healthy revenue growth and margin expansion, prompting Nuvama and Nomura to reiterate their 'Buy' ratings on the stock.

Proposed US tariffs on polysilicon will harm domestic and allied solar industries. China dominates low-cost solar polysilicon production due to scale advantages. US solar manufacturing has struggled despite past protectionist measures. US companies pivot to more profitable chip manufacturing due to policy instability. China's polysilicon growth threatens US dominance in computer processors.

A student opened fire at a school north of Bangkok on Friday. Authorities confirmed an unknown number of people were killed in the incident. The shooting occurred in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province. Emergency workers were seen assisting students as ambulances arrived at the scene. This incident follows a similar school shooting in southern Thailand earlier this year.

Ola Electric shares have rebounded sharply from March lows, supported by improving sentiment, strong sales, and a BESS partnership. Analysts remain cautious, citing execution, competition, and cash-burn risks. Technical indicators suggest resistance near Rs 4550, with sustained operational improvement seen as essential for further upside.

Tennessee Republicans held primary elections on Thursday, selecting candidates for Congress. Charlie Hatcher defeated Andy Ogles in a key Republican primary race. Brent Taylor will face Justin Pearson in another reshaped Memphis district. These primaries tested a new congressional map drawn by state lawmakers. Voters also chose nominees for governor and U.S. Senate seats.

Kerala Rain Forecast: Heavy rainfall is on the horizon for Kerala, particularly intensifying on Friday. The state should see a reduction in rain intensity starting August 8, with lighter showers predicted for most districts by August 9 and 10. In addition, Lakshadweep may witness isolated instances of heavy rain on August 7, but overall, the rainfall is expected to ease significantly in the coming days.

African football leaders unanimously backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership. This support offers a boost as he seeks a fourth term in office. However, UEFA reaffirmed its boycott, citing unmet conditions for returning to FIFA competitions. FIFA apologized for mistakes in a World Cup commercial rights proposal. The organization will review processes after facing widespread criticism from federations.

Many people break weekday schedules on weekends, while some maintain consistent breakfast times. Breakfast choices are often driven by routine and practicality, not conscious decisions. Maintaining predictable eating patterns reinforces the body's internal clock and daily rhythms. These consistent habits become automatic responses to familiar morning cues. This regularity suggests a broader pattern of stable daily routines for individuals.

President Trump signs executive orders on protecting American citizenship, halting birth tourism

On August 7, 2026, India will proudly commemorate National Handloom Day, showcasing its vibrant handloom legacy. This year's celebration underscores innovation and sustainability in the handloom industry. A standout feature is the Handloom Hackathon 2026, aimed at integrating technology into traditional practices. The event will be graced by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, while awards will honor exceptional contributions to India's rich textile traditions.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated affirmative action must continue until social discrimination ends. He emphasized reservation exists for social reasons and should persist as long as needed. Bhagwat noted demands for categorisation and judicial observations reflect changing reservation dynamics. He criticized political manipulation of welfare systems for partisan gains. Bhagwat called for transparency and purity of intent in reservation policy execution.

The dollar surged on Friday, gaining strength over the yen and euro as uncertainties regarding a peace deal in Iran heightened demand for safe-haven assets. Support for the dollar was also found in increasing Treasury yields due to expectations of forthcoming rate increases. Market participants are eagerly awaiting the U.S.

Colombo is set for persistent rain, with wet weather threatening to disrupt India's crucial three-day warm-up match ahead of the Test series. The fixture is the visitors' only opportunity to adapt to Sri Lanka's spin-friendly conditions before the opening Test in Galle. Batters and bowlers alike will be eager to make the most of the match, while head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged the squad to maximise every training session and arrive fully prepared despite the challenging weather forecast.

President Trump faces difficult choices in the ongoing Iran conflict. He is caught between granting Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz or escalating military actions. Further airstrikes risk political backlash before the upcoming midterm elections. Maintaining the current blockade offers no clear path to ending the war. Analysts suggest Trump may need to accept a new reality in the strait.

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging a 2005 Delhi High Court order. This order had previously quashed criminal proceedings against the Hinduja brothers in the Bofors case. The court declined to adjourn the matter and refused further submissions during the hearing. The original Bofors deal between India and Sweden dates back to 1986. The CBI had alleged illegal payments connected to the howitzer contract.

Delhi-NCR experienced persistent heavy rainfall on Friday, August 7, following a night filled with showers. Thursday's intense rain resulted in significant waterlogging and severe traffic disruptions in Gurgaon. A yellow alert for thunderstorms and moderate rain has been issued for both Delhi and Gurgaon, while Noida and Ghaziabad may face intermittent showers without an alert. Residents should remain cautious and aware while traveling during these conditions.

President Trump believes the Iran conflict will end soon and stated the nation cannot continue. He expressed optimism regarding negotiations concerning the Strait of Hormuz trade route. The United States remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran's defense minister conveyed readiness to respond decisively to any threats. This comes amid ongoing uncertainty over renewed United States-Iran diplomacy.

An Iranian parliamentary committee is reviewing a bill to bar hostile vessels from the Strait of Hormuz. This preliminary legislation proposes significant fines for any ships violating these new restrictions. The draft bill is currently undergoing expert review and recommendations are being sought. Specialists have been invited to submit their suggestions before the draft is finalized. This proposed measure could impact international maritime transit through a vital waterway.

The White House has established price floors and a fifteen percent tariff on polysilicon products. This action aims to bolster domestic chip and solar supply chains for national security. The new trade protections will officially take effect on December fourth this year. Minimum import prices are set for polysilicon, ingots, wafers, cells, and modules. An incentive program will also encourage domestic production of polysilicon and its derivatives.

Quote of the day by Marlon Brando: Marlon Brando believed societies divide people based on status and background. His quote highlights how cultures create hierarchies and perceive others as inferior. Brando, a celebrated actor, redefined screen acting with his powerful performances.

Treasury futures inched lower in early Asian trading as higher energy prices revived concerns that the Federal Reserve may need to keep interest rates elevated. In the cash market, the Treasury 10-year yield held at 4.68%, after climbing seven basis points during the US session. Government bonds in Australia also fell, sending the yields on the 10-year higher by eight basis points.

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