The Economic Times

The Trump administration abruptly lifted a months-long stop-work order on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, aimed at preventing invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes, hours after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke with President Donald Trump.

India-Japan trade at USD 27.5 billion in FY 2025-26 still a fraction of potential: Piyush Goyal

US Ambassador Sergio Gor will speak at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on August 22. He will focus on Indo-US strategic ties and building a global power partnership. The forum will also feature discussions on the global economy and trade. Yuvraj Narayan and Kumar Mangalam Birla will share their business insights. These leaders will present diverse perspectives on India's global role.

Indian Election Commission officials clarified voter identification procedures after US President Donald Trump's comments. Nearly 100 crore electors have received special Electoral Photo Identity Cards for voting. Polling in India relies on these photo identity cards for all registered voters. Electoral rolls are prepared and audited by booth-level officers and party agents. Vote counting also undergoes concurrent auditing by candidate-appointed counting agents.

India moved within sight of victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle after bowling Sri Lanka down to 84/4 while chasing 372. Sri Lanka now need a record chase to win, with India requiring only a significant rain interruption to be denied a 1-0 series lead.

India's commerce minister invited Japanese businesses to deepen investments and partnerships. He will visit Japan to strengthen trade and investment ties between both nations. Key sectors for collaboration include manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure development. Japan has set a significant investment target in India over the next decade. Bilateral trade between India and Japan holds substantial untapped potential for growth.

Around 100 West Bengal MLAs attended an ICAI workshop on public financial management and legislative oversight. The session focused on state budgets, government accounting, fiscal responsibility, sustainable financial management and transparency in public spending.

President Donald Trump has cited Indias election system as an example for the US while pushing for stricter voter identification and citizenship verification rules. In an August 18 Truth Social post, Trump pointed to Indias use of voter ID and limited reliance on mail voting to support his case for the SAVE Act.

Indian exporters may see revenue tailwinds from rupee depreciation fade soon. Elevated prices and currency depreciation supported export growth in the first quarter. These supportive factors are expected to diminish in the second half of FY27. The information technology sector's earnings accelerated due to the weaker rupee. Currency movements remain a significant risk for companies with overseas revenues.

India aims for top ten Olympic finish in 2036 and top five in 2048. The Khelo India Revamped Scheme has a budget of Rs 36,441 crores. This plan focuses on talent identification and sports infrastructure development. Athletes will receive increased support and training opportunities across the nation. Maharashtra will strengthen its sporting ecosystem to nurture emerging talent.

In a twist during the first Test, Pasindu Sooryabandara took the field in place of Dinesh Chandimal, who suffered injuries to his shoulder and neck while attempting to defend a boundary. Approved as a valid concussion replacement by the match referee, Sooryabandara now joins his teammates as India sets Sri Lanka a daunting target of 372 runs, facing a punishing chase on the deteriorating Galle pitch.

US Envoy Sergio Gor calls for stronger India-US economic ties, eyes $500 billion trade by 2030

India Exposition Mart has filed draft IPO papers with Sebi, comprising a fresh issue of up to 75 lakh shares and an offer for sale of 2.3 crore shares. The company plans to use Rs 63.8 crore for capital expenditure at India Expo Centre.

Ceigall India and Sushee Infra Mining received four road construction orders. These contracts are for building multiple road packages on NH-913 in Arunachal Pradesh. The total value of these four projects amounts to Rs 2,149.62 crore. The joint venture will construct intermediate lane roads across key sections of NH-913. These projects will strengthen the company's presence in India's strategic road infrastructure development.

Rishabh Pant achieved a significant milestone by hitting his 100th Test six. He became the first Indian batter and fourth player globally to reach this mark. Pant reached the landmark in his 51st Test, making him the fastest to do so. This achievement came during India's second innings against Sri Lanka in Galle. India maintained control of the match after building a substantial first-innings lead.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor urged India and the US to address trade and investment friction through predictable taxation, regulations and stronger intellectual property protections. Speaking at the IACC convention, he said bilateral trade has surged to $240 billion and both countries should work towards their $500 billion target by 2030.

India seeks to extend its unbeaten streak against Pakistan in the Hockey World Cup. A draw will secure India's progression to the tournament's second round. Pakistan must win to keep their World Cup campaign alive. Both teams aim to control emotions and focus on their natural game. Past records and rankings will have little bearing on this important contest.

India and Armenia signed a defense cooperation MoU on August 17, 2026. This agreement focuses on research, development, innovation, and shared production. Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Armenian officials to strengthen ties. Discussions explored new avenues for bilateral defense engagement and partnership.

Venkata Vasamsetty, a Green Card holder, has recently been detained by US immigration officials despite having previously won a case that ended her removal proceedings. Her prolonged absence from the US stemmed from her father's health issues and her own medical conditions. With her family's passionate push for her release, the situation underscores the challenges lawful permanent residents may face when dealing with detention.

India maintained control during the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. Spinners Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja took crucial wickets for the Indian team. Sri Lanka's Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella staged a strong recovery with their batting. Jadeja achieved a significant career milestone by reaching 350 Test wickets. India secured a substantial first-innings lead heading into the final stages.

India's defence ministry has leased two more MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics. These advanced drones will significantly boost the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance capabilities. The lease agreement covers upkeep and operational availability for thirty months. India has now leased a total of four such drones from the United States. Delivery of thirty-one additional drones ordered in October 2024 is expected next year.

A total of 210 Indian peacekeepers were honored with UN medals for their exceptional service in South Sudan. These brave soldiers showcased remarkable courage and compassion amidst crises and medical emergencies. India plays a crucial role in global UN peacekeeping efforts, with over 4,200 personnel actively involved in missions around the world.