The Economic Times

Two Hong Kong activists were convicted of inciting subversion under the national security law. Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung led vigils commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown. Their convictions highlight the erosion of freedoms in the territory. Lee brought donations to Beijing and was detained upon return. Chow, a Cambridge graduate, faced charges for seditious posts online.

A Maharashtra-based employee has described spending around six hours each day commuting between Badlapur and Goregaon for a Rs 35,000 monthly salary. The worker says the journey involves local trains, a train change at Dadar and a 30-minute shared-rickshaw wait, with work and travel consuming most of the day. Reddit users suggested cheaper stays, relocating or changing jobs.

An earlier peace deal between the sides expired this week, with neither side making efforts to resume talks. U.S. President Donald Trump also threatened economic retaliation against countries supporting Iran.

Princes William and Harry remain estranged despite their mother's dying wish for unity. Their relationship fractured after Harry's marriage and subsequent move to California. Revelations in Harry's book and interviews have deepened the rift between the brothers. King Charles's cancer diagnosis did not immediately spur a reconciliation between them. Harry expresses a desire for reconciliation, but William reportedly opposes it due to deep hurt.

The death of 26-year-old Bharati Mukhi in an Aston Martin crash outside Hyderabads Inorbit Mall has brought 21-year-old Lingamaneni Sanjush into focus. Police have named him in the case and served notices, but no arrest has been made. Sanjush, son of Jana Sena Rajya Sabha MP Lingamaneni Ramesh, is linked to two energy-sector companies and studied computer science.

The dollar faced a decline on Friday, ending the week lower amid investor worries. Concerns arose over the U.S. Treasury's bond buyback, which many viewed as merely a stopgap. This situation heightened fears about government intervention affecting fiscal health. As a result, both the euro and sterling appreciated against the dollar, prompting investors to explore safer assets like gold and bitcoin during these turbulent times.

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd said in a regulatory filing on Friday it is considering various measures for U.S. shipbuilding participation, including acquiring U.S. shipyards or taking a stake

Former Army chief General Manoj Naravane stated China will be India's main competitor. This competition will span political, economic, trade, and military spheres. India must maintain strong military deterrence while resolving differences through dialogue. Stability in neighboring countries is essential for India's peace and development. Preparing for war is necessary to ensure lasting peace.

US-Iran war: United States Vice President JD Vance emphasized that applying economic pressure constitutes Washington's strongest measure against Iran. He described this tactic as a complex maneuver that could have broader implications. Reacting to the recent US sanctions, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned them as acts of economic terrorism and humanity's crimes. US President Trump revealed exceptional economic operations aimed at disrupting Iran's financial networks.

Nancy Kissinger, the beloved spouse of former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, has sadly passed away at the age of 92 in her Connecticut residence. Known for her support during numerous international diplomatic efforts alongside her husband, Nancy's legacy lives on through her two stepchildren and five step-grandchildren. Her four-decade-long marriage was marked by significant historical moments and personal warmth.

Indian ministers promoted agricultural exports in Singapore through a special roadshow event. This initiative aims to expand Indian farmers' and food manufacturers' market presence. The event focused on diverse products including organic items and millets. This effort supports strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Singapore. Discussions also covered enhancing digitalization and sustainability partnerships.

Augmont Enterprises plans a

Rescue operations are underway after soil collapsed at an under-construction private hospital. Two labourers were rescued and sent to the hospital while two others are feared dead. An earthmover was used to recover the body of one deceased worker. A Special Investigation Team will be formed to probe the incident thoroughly. Officials confirmed that all individuals have now been rescued from the site.

Canada and the United States are very close to agreeing a trade deal. This agreement could help reduce months of tariffs and counter duties. More work remains to be done before the Saturday deadline. A deal would mark a detente in tense relations between the allies. This would allow broader negotiations on renewing the trade agreement to move forward.

A 15-year-old girl dropped her lawsuit against Meta, Google, and Snap Inc. She had alleged social media addiction and mental health issues. Her attorney stated the dismissal allows her client to resume her life. TikTok had previously settled her claims, while other cases proceed. Companies deny allegations and state they protect young users.

With government bond yields now at attractive levels, treasury heads are actively thinking about making purchases. After the RBI's FCNR(B) scheme ended, the five-year bond yield closed at 6.52%. Although there's speculation about a delay in renewed buying due to upcoming policy minutes, the banking sector's liquidity remains robust, with funds ready to be invested shortly.

President Trump signed a memo to significantly increase U.S. commercial space launches. The directive aims for one thousand launches and re-entries annually by 2030. It also calls for identifying new federal launch and re-entry sites. The policy encourages private sector partnerships for space infrastructure development. This initiative supports returning astronauts to the moon by 2028.

Guatemala reports receiving nearly 2,300 deported Mexicans from the United States this year. These individuals are flown to Guatemala and then transferred to Mexico within 24 hours. Mexico officially opposes this practice and is working to repatriate its citizens. U.S. authorities reaffirm commitment to Trump-era immigration policies and ending illegal immigration. This tactic may aim to deter illegal reentry by moving migrants farther from the border.

In FY26, an alarming trend emerged in India's equity derivatives market, with nearly 90% of traders facing financial losses. Retail participation saw an unexpected decline of 18%, marking a significant shift not seen in a decade. Regulatory changes pushed numerous new traders out, leading to a notable concentration in short-dated options, where the highest risks burdened younger investors with smaller portfolios.

The Trump administration is increasing economic penalties on Cuban industries. New sanctions target mining, metal, and construction companies, and friendship organizations. Americans visiting Cuba face stricter enforcement of laws barring dealings with state-owned businesses. This action follows recent detentions of citizens returning from Cuba. These measures aim to further isolate Cuba amid its economic crisis.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved to a hospital in Islamabad. This transfer followed a Supreme Court order and a long-standing demand from his supporters. Khan's party stated his health had deteriorated significantly while imprisoned for over three years. The move is seen as a potential step towards easing political tensions in Pakistan. His party continues to demand access and speedy hearings for his cases.

In a progressive move, the capital markets regulator has allowed foreign investors to adopt digital signatures, streamlining the onboarding experience. This change eliminates notarisation and apostillisation for power of attorney documents, thus accelerating onboarding times and enhancing regulatory processes. The goal is to invite more international capital into the Indian market landscape.

Asian bonds and equities faced a downturn, reflecting the declines witnessed on Wall Street. An uptick in US Treasury yields dampened investor enthusiasm surrounding debt repurchases. Meanwhile, the yen held steady, suggesting that inflation trends could lead to a rate increase by the Bank of Japan. Bitcoin soared past seventy thousand dollars following discussions with crypto leaders, while technology stocks gained attention due to Samsung's announcement of shareholder return strategies.

Quote of the Day by Jamie Dimon: Some of your success will be how you deal with the failure... challenges the idea that resilience means staying strong every minute. Dimon acknowledges that failure can hurt, shake confidence and leave people needing time to process what happened. But he also draws a firm line between feeling the loss and becoming trapped by it.

Global fund managers hold the highest equity proportion since late 2021. Rising bond yields are seen as a significant threat to stock markets. Stronger earnings expectations and economic outlooks support investor optimism. The US Treasury's debt buyback plan offered some temporary relief. Analysts watch the yield curve, finding current conditions favorable for stocks.

Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the US to promote the state. He presented Gujarat's vision for becoming a global hub for AI and finance. Patel briefed World Bank officials on GIFT City's development and AI adoption. He also urged for concessional financing for development-oriented projects in Gujarat. The Chief Minister highlighted GIFT City's growing ecosystem for attracting global capital.

Canadian provincial leaders express strong criticism of President Donald Trump. They urge Canada to resist making further concessions in ongoing trade talks. Restoring American alcohol sales remains a key point of contention for provinces. Federal officials report significant progress toward finalizing a trade agreement. Tariffs on Canadian imports have been postponed until Saturday morning.

The Indian stock market rebounded on Thursday, marking the end of a downward trend. Major indices Nifty and Sensex enjoyed notable gains, supported by a robust response in midcap and smallcap sectors. A weakening dollar index alongside declining US bond yields positively impacted emerging markets. Nonetheless, bond yields in India increased, influenced by recent hawkish policy discussions.

Quote of the day by Usain Bolt offers a timeless reminder that manners are among the simplest ways to demonstrate respect. Saying good morning may take only a moment, but the habit represents something much larger: awareness of others, humility, kindness, and a willingness to contribute positively to everyday life. Success and achievement may attract attention, but character is often revealed through ordinary interactions when no audience is watching.

Overseas investors showed strong buying in early August, marking four consecutive fortnights of inflows. Financial services and automobiles attracted the highest foreign investment during this period. Broader markets demonstrated resilience, with investors favoring mid-cap names within key sectors. Foreign investors net bought shares worth

Quote of the day by Demi Lovato offers a timeless lesson about facing adversity, embracing growth, and building a happier life. Difficult experiences are unavoidable, but they do not have to become permanent barriers to fulfillment. By acknowledging what happened, learning from it, making healthier choices, and continuing forward, people can gradually transform hardship into wisdom and resilience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will headline the Economic Times World Leaders Forum this Friday. Global business leaders and policymakers will gather for two days of discussions. The forum will explore AI, geopolitics, and demographic shifts impacting global business. India's role in the evolving global economy will be a central theme. Discussions will focus on shared futures and navigating a changing world order.

India is creating a dedicated channel to ease European and British company investments. This mechanism will offer dedicated support and help investors navigate government approvals. The initiative aims to facilitate capital flow beyond just trade agreements. Senior officials will directly monitor this new investor facilitation process. This move follows recent liberalizations in sectors like insurance and banking.

Quote of the day by Amy Adams offers a timely lesson about optimism, intelligence, resilience, and the power of perspective. A positive attitude should not automatically be confused with ignorance, just as pessimism should not automatically be mistaken for wisdom. The strongest outlook often combines realism with hope: seeing problems clearly while remaining willing to search for solutions.

Denmark's Re-Match facility recycles artificial turf, recovering up to ninety-five percent of materials. This process separates plastic fibers, sand, and crumb rubber for reuse. The company aims for a circular system, upcycling plastic into new turf resin. The United States lacks comparable recycling infrastructure for its many fields.

Millions of hectares of protected tropical forests were lost to wildfires between 2001 and 2024. Wildfire destruction inside protected areas has significantly accelerated since 2016. The tropical Americas, especially Brazil, experienced the vast majority of these losses. Protected areas offered some reduction in fire risk, particularly in Africa.

The S&P 500 consumer discretionary sector was one of the biggest drags on the benchmark index, with megacaps including Amazon and Tesla among its biggest index-point weights. Big percentage decliners included Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corp, which are sensitive to fuel prices.

Quote of the day by Maya Angelou: Maya Angelou, a celebrated poet and activist, overcame childhood trauma to become an influential voice. Her autobiographical works offered deep insights into resilience and the human experience. Angelou also championed civil rights, advocating for equality and justice throughout her life. Her wisdom emphasizes pursuing passions for true accomplishment and fulfillment. This legacy continues to inspire people worldwide with courage and hope.

Quote of the Day by Johnny Depp: Johnny Depps quote, My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story, explores the importance of personal expression, memories, and identity. The quote suggests that tattoos can represent meaningful experiences, emotions, relationships, and important moments in a persons life, turning the body into a visual record of their personal journey.

As the Scorpio Moon rises on August 21, 2026, expect previously concealed emotions to emerge, inspiring couples to foster candid and meaningful dialogues. The intensity will vary across zodiac signs, with some experiencing profound moments and others encountering tests of endurance. Singles are encouraged to take their time to build trust before investing emotionally, as the day highlights the need for deep connections and clarity in love.

The saying 'Do as they say, not as they do' underscores the importance of critiquing advice irrespective of the advisor's behavior. This proverb encourages individuals to assess the validity of the counsel based on its intrinsic value rather than the credibility of the messenger. It's a reminder that wisdom can come from imperfect sources; thus, we must refine our discernment skills to foster personal growth and understanding.

Manipur remains tense as groups demand NRC completion before Census and delimitation. Schools and colleges are closed, and Census training has been suspended in several districts. A delegation is heading to New Delhi seeking the Centre's intervention on these critical issues. They aim for dialogue to address people's concerns and ensure citizen identification precedes delimitation. Efforts are underway to take the matter directly to the central government for resolution.

The Sagittarius Moon on August 21, 2026, offers a confidence boost for three zodiac signs. Virgo may stop doubting their potential and embrace new financial opportunities. Pisces will see their previous efforts finally feel worthwhile and productive. Leo's patience will start paying off as their ambition becomes practical. This celestial event encourages optimism and belief in long-term financial goals.

A Congress delegation petitioned the Election Commission regarding voter list irregularities. They alleged eligible voters' names were struck off electoral rolls. People were declared absent and young individuals marked deceased without cause. Notices were not reaching recipients, and no action was taken. Deletions occurred based on complaints from unknown individuals.

India is poised to be a major global growth market over the next decade, driven by seven structural strengths including economic stability, a reform-oriented policy framework, a large consumer base, and a growing talent pool. The nation's technology and manufacturing sectors are gaining global relevance, supported by a widening trade architecture.

In 1712, an English inventor and ironmonger invented the first atmospheric engine, creating a machine that used steam and atmospheric pressure to pump water from mines. Thomas Newcomen developed the engine with John Calley after years of experiments. The machine helped mines reach deeper coal and tin deposits and became part of the development of steam power and the Industrial Revolution.