The Economic Times

The Bharatiya Janata Party will initiate a month-long campaign to honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years. This 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will commence after the annual 'Seva Pakhwada' event. The initiative aims to connect beneficiaries with government welfare schemes through 'Seva Setu Abhiyan'. A 'National Innovation Challenge' will encourage youth to develop local problem solutions.

The Faizabad Bar Association is demanding an FIR against Champat Rai and others for alleged donation irregularities. Lawyers allege government protection for those accused in the Ram Mandir donation case. A delegation met the Senior Superintendent of Police seeking urgent action on their complaint.

Unconsciously matching someone elses walking pace is not a hidden psychological code that can reveal exactly how you feel about them. However, it does highlight something more fascinating: human interaction extends beyond words, with our bodies often adjusting and coordinating with the people around us.

Sri Lanka simplified immigration procedures for refugees returning from India. The United Nations welcomed this significant decision for their safe return. Many refugees fled ethnic violence which began in nineteen eighty-three. Around ninety thousand refugees still reside in India's Tamil Nadu state. The UNHCR will facilitate the return and resettlement of these displaced individuals.

Chief Justice Surya Kant introduced 'Nyaya Setu' and 'Nyay-nomics' at the BRICS Plus Legal Forum. These concepts aim to foster judicial cooperation and economic prosperity among member states. He proposed a judicial fellowship and a shared jurisprudence repository for legal professionals. These initiatives seek to deepen understanding and collaboration across diverse legal traditions. The Bar Association of India is also establishing a BRICS arbitration centre in New Delhi.

Checking your phone after hearing someone else's notification can be a small but revealing example of howlearning, attention, and habit interact in everyday life. A familiar notification sound can instantly grab your attention because it stands out from surrounding sounds, while repeated experiences can teach your brain to associate that cue with a message or alert.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Pakistan's terrorism impact on India's views. He stated public sentiment influences foreign policy decisions significantly. India has developed its own relationship with the United States independently. Pakistan's systematic terrorism against a neighbor makes it unique. The government must consider public opinion when shaping foreign policy.

Imran Khan's sister filed a Supreme Court petition alleging contempt of court. The government allegedly violated an order to transfer him to a private hospital. Khan was instead taken to a state-run facility for medical examinations. The government cited security concerns for its decision regarding the transfer.

Margaret Qualley once opened up about finding her person after past loneliness. She feels safe and comfortable with musician Jack Antonoff now. Companionship and emotional connection are not always the same thing. Finding a relationship where one feels safe is important. Read on to know why today's quote felt relevant.

Puri's Jagannath Temple authorities will conduct the Ratna Bhandar inventory on August 31 and September 1. These dates were finalized to avoid disrupting daily temple rituals and devotee darshans. The process will meticulously document valuables following the Odisha government's standard operating procedure. Gemologists and RBI officials will join expert goldsmiths for this important verification exercise.

Minor wooden furniture damage can be fixed using a simple walnut. The natural oils in nuts act as a wood stain and conditioner. Rubbing the nut meat over scratches helps oils penetrate the exposed grain. This method works best on light scuffs on finished wood surfaces. Avoid using this trick on precious antiques or very dark woods.

BTS India Visit: BTS has sparked fresh excitement among Indian fans after members discussed the possibility of visiting India and meeting ARMYs in a new Google India video. Jin, Suga and J-Hope featured in the promotional clip, with Jin greeting Indian fans and saying, We missed you, while Mumbai emerged as a possible destination.

Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the need for 'Nyaya-nomics' for national progress. Consistent adjudication and trust in legal processes reduce transaction costs. Strong institutions, especially the judiciary, are crucial for economic resilience. Development in BRICS+ nations correlates with commitment enforceability.

Kerala's Chief Minister has criticized the Railway Board's decision to shift Mangaluru from the Palakkad division. This move was made unilaterally without consulting the state government or its elected representatives. The decision is expected to significantly reduce the Palakkad division's revenue and development prospects. Kerala plans to approach the central government seeking immediate reconsideration of this objectionable move.

Mediterranean landscaping is a stylish way to garden in hot climates and for inspiration we have actress Penelope Cruz. It uses plants that don't need much water and love the sun, making your yard beautiful and eco-friendly. Think tall palms, fragrant herbs, and potted lemon trees for a cool, relaxing outdoor space that thrives even in the heat.

Genuine honesty serves as a breath of fresh air, steering us away from the confines of polite deception that often govern social interactions. By expressing unfiltered truths, we nurture authentic connections, especially in todays digital realm. Renowned poet Emily Dickinson exemplifies this value in her works, demonstrating that transparency is not merely uplifting but essential for mental well-being and the strengthening of interpersonal bonds.

The Delhi High Court ruled that predicate offence protection does not extend to money laundering cases. Anticipatory bail was denied to a businessman facing Enforcement Directorate prosecution. The court emphasized economic offences require a distinct and serious approach for bail. Proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 26.18 crore were traced to the petitioner. The petitioner's non-cooperation with the investigation led to the dismissal of his plea.

Mallika Sherawat's journey from Haryana to Bollywood included bold career choices. Her film Murder brought huge fame and box office success. She later moved to Los Angeles, establishing a new home there. Her mansion features a bright, all-white interior with a swimming pool. Currently, she is gaining attention on The Traitors Season 2. Read on!

Mohammed Kaif criticized Shubman Gill for not giving Kuldeep Yadav longer bowling spells. He believes this shows a lack of faith in the unique wrist-spinner. Kaif emphasized that wrist spinners need extended spells to find rhythm and correct errors. He agreed with Ravi Shastri that Kuldeep is India's premier overseas spinner. For the next match, Saransh Jain might debut against Sri Lanka's left-handers.

A Supreme Court petition challenges the Bar Council of India Chairman's prolonged tenure. The plea argues his decade-long leadership violates governing rules and statutory limits. It seeks to quash a gazette notification extending his term until 2030. The petition also requests fresh elections and a cumulative cap on leadership duration.

Vivo V80 Lite launch date: Vivo V80 Lite is set to launch in Malaysia on September 3 with a 10,000mAh battery, making it the company's first smartphone with a battery of this size to launch outside China. The phone is expected to feature a 50MP camera, AMOLED display and 44W charging, while India availability remains unconfirmed.

In July, India's merchandise trade deficit climbed to $31.98 billion, the highest in six months, largely attributed to increasing oil and electronics imports.

BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan accused Congress of appeasement politics regarding the Vande Mataram song. He stated the party's true face has been exposed to the nation. West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar rejected these allegations from the BJP. Sarkar asserted the Congress party's deep connection with the national song. This exchange occurred amid a political row over the song's recitation.

India secured a dominant 6-1 victory over South Africa in the Hockey World Cup. This commanding performance marked India's largest-ever win in the tournament's history. Navneet Kaur and Sushila Chanu extended India's early lead to three goals. Deepika Sehrawat, Lalremsiami, and Sakshi Rana added further goals in the second half. India now leads Pool D and is well-positioned for the next round.

An Israeli minister advocated for killing dozens in Gaza nightly. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made these controversial remarks on a podcast. He criticized the prime minister's approach to the ongoing conflict. These statements have surfaced amid rising political tensions. Such comments often draw international condemnation and scrutiny.

India plans a national sports medicine framework for preventive athlete care. This initiative aims to standardize injury protocols and link medical institutions. The government considers a phased rollout by 2028 for this new system. This framework will improve athlete availability and long-term career sustainability. The proposal supports India's potential 2036 Olympic Games bid.

Prime Minister Modi encouraged MSMEs to utilize India's numerous free trade agreements. These pacts offer significant opportunities for small businesses to expand globally. Exporters believe converting agreements into actual export orders is now the key. India has finalized trade pacts with approximately forty countries since 2014. This expansion aims to increase the global reach of Indian products.

The government is discussing a 50 basis point reduction in interest subvention for Kisan Credit Card loans. This move aims to align subsidies with recent policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India. Banks currently receive a 1.5% subsidy to offer loans at a 7% interest rate. Discussions are preliminary and part of extending the scheme until 2031-32. Farmers repaying promptly will continue to receive additional interest benefits.

Ferrari's first all-electric vehicle sold for forty million dollars at auction. This sale established a new record for the most expensive new car ever sold. The Luce, a tailor-made electric model, faced criticism upon its unveiling in May. Ferrari's share price saw a drop after the initial announcement of the vehicle. The company recently raised its full-year guidance due to strong demand for limited-run models.

A Chinese container vessel has begun a new weekly service to Europe. This route through the Arctic significantly cuts shipment times in half. The Dubai Tower vessel departed Ningbo on Saturday evening heading north. It is expected to reach the United Kingdom on September 7. Environmental groups express concerns about potential acceleration of polar ice melt.

Bankers said some lenders now plan to borrow more short-term funds, possibly at a higher rate, to finance the promised leverage to FCNR(B) clients after the Reserve Bank of India advanced the deadline for swap support. These funds will have to be replaced with a long-term loan or bond later, leading to a temporary mismatch between banks' foreign deposits and borrowings.

For those lacking in manan or deep thinking, the best alternative is to grasp the significance of 'chai pe charcha' or tea party. Ideas flow freely during 'chai pe charcha'. Every participant feels they have an equal right to express their views. At that moment, it's the 'chai' that wields authority. Every sip is thought-provoking.

Goods and services tax cuts offer carmakers a crucial buffer against rising commodity prices. Companies are employing various strategies to minimize product price increases and sustain demand. Internal cost reductions and selective price adjustments help absorb commodity shocks. Automakers are working to further reduce production costs for future resilience. Industry growth is expected to moderate from October onwards.

The modules are electronic measurement book (e-MB) and electronic billing (e-billing), replacing the paper-based measurement and billing system that had been in use for two decades. The modules, developed by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), went live on Friday.

Draft rules for the SHANTI Act are now public, opening India's nuclear power sector. A single licence will cover building, operating, and decommissioning nuclear plants. Private companies must provide mandatory insurance and financial security for waste management. Foreign reactors require certification from their country of origin or another trusted nation.

On Sunday, student protesters gathered at the Directorate of Census Operations in Imphal, calling for the NRC's implementation prior to any census activities. The situation escalated when police employed tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in minor injuries for one protester. This demonstration took place in Porompat, Imphal East, highlighting the growing unrest among students regarding census preparations.

Senior representatives of some of the country's largest NBFCs met on August 14 to discuss the issues they intend to raise with the RBI. The lenders will make a formal representation through the Finance Industry Development Council, the industry body representing NBFCs, this week, according to the people.

Five Arab nations, along with Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia, on Sunday criticised Israel for rejecting a US proposal for Gaza. In a joint statement, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE said Israels rejection could undermine US President Donald Trumps renewed efforts to bring the war in Gaza to an end.

Blue Dart Express plans a new international cross-border ecommerce delivery product. This initiative aims to capture a larger share of India's growing global trade. The company will initially focus on major ecommerce corridors with strong existing trade flows. Regulatory changes, like the removal of a value cap, support this expansion. Blue Dart expects this new venture to become a meaningful contributor within five years.

Parag Sharma expects the company, India's second-biggest non-bank lender by market value, to sustain 18-20% credit growth annually and maintain 8.5% margins, without having to raise capital every few years to expand its asset base.

Between 2020 and 2025, more than 1,100 society-level redevelopment agreements were recorded in Mumbai, unlocking around 432 acres of land. The financing requirement begins before construction, including society payouts, transit accommodation, premiums and approvals, while banks and NBFCs typically participate later at the construction finance stage.

The financial services landscape is evolving, emphasizing the importance of software and data infrastructures. In India, digital payments are surging, showcasing a strong shift toward online transactions. However, institutions grapple with legacy systems and fragmented data. As global account ownership climbs, theres a pressing need for speed and security in financial systems. The future hinges on leveraging AI and building robust infrastructures for continued growth and innovation.

Tragedy struck in Rudha Dhamrua village as 95-year-old Indrawati, mother of IPS officer Ashutosh Mishra, was discovered murdered in her home. The scene revealed signs of robbery, with gold jewellery missing. A domestic worker found her lifeless body on a cot, prompting her son, stationed in Lucknow, to immediately file a murder and robbery report. Authorities are currently investigating the case against unknown suspects.

Hamas sources expect to meet US envoy Jared Kushner in Egypt soon. Kushner is pushing a Gaza peace plan which Israel has rejected. Mediators informed Hamas about the upcoming meeting with Kushner in Egypt. Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya is also in Egypt for these important discussions. The US seeks clarifications on weapons and Hamas governance in Gaza.

The Reserve Bank of India has instructed rating agencies to refrain from categorizing it as the regulator overseeing bank deposits. This recent directive raises the possibility that these credit assessment organizations may halt the evaluation of bank deposits entirely. With threats of deposit outflows and potential bank instability stemming from any downgraded ratings, the landscape of retail deposit reactions remains mixed.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into two alarming incidents, marking the August 13 attack in Nanded as a shocking assassination attempt involving party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Additionally, she has pushed for an investigation into another assassination attempt that occurred in December 2024, urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene.

Quote of the Day by Han Fei: Han Fei's quote, No benefit is more constant than simplicity; no happiness more constant than peace draws a line between what feels valuable for a moment and what remains valuable over time. Simplicity reduces the noise created by endless wants, while peace protects the mind from needless conflict. The deeper lesson is not to reject ambition, but to question what deserves our energy. The quote remains relevant to modern life, where consumption, comparison and constan