The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Penlope Cruz: Modern life pressures individuals to measure themselves through others' eyes. Spanish actress Penlope Cruz emphasizes defining oneself on personal terms. Her quote reminds us not to live life from another's viewpoint. This means building life around principles, not external definitions of success.

The Calcutta High Court granted interim protection from coercive action to Mahua Moitra. This protection is valid until October fifth in a hate speech case. Moitra must appear before the investigating officer on August fourteenth for questioning. The court directed her to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. Further proceedings in the matter will be heard again on October first.

The Supreme Court ordered a fresh trial for a death row convict in a 1996 bus blast case. It also acquitted a lifer and dismissed state appeals against six acquittals. The court cited ineffective counsel and passage of time for the retrial order. The new trial for Abdul Hameed will be conducted by a designated court. The apex court aims for the trial to conclude within one year.

Karnataka has launched doorstep delivery for Permanent Residence Certificates. Deputy tahsildars are now authorized to issue these important residency documents. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum ten-year residency. Aadhaar-based e-KYC and self-declaration are mandatory for all applications. The election commission's special revision of electoral rolls continues until August.

Lindt may implement selective price reductions to increase sales volumes. This strategy aims to meet growth targets in the second half of 2026. The company experienced slower organic sales growth in the recent period. Price hikes are expected to have a diminishing effect on sales. Lindt seeks to stimulate volume growth in key markets.

Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted for a second day due to opposition protests. Members raised concerns about the NEET paper leak and other alleged irregularities. The House faced repeated adjournments as opposition members continued their demonstrations. Despite assurances, the disruptions prevented any legislative business from taking place. This marks the second consecutive day of no work in the Monsoon Session.

A Gurugram cook earns more than government school teacher. This disparity highlights urban India's disconnect between income and social deference as many service workers now out-earn their rural relatives back home. However, their informal work lacks the security of formal jobs. This situation reveals a quiet gap between precarity and established professions.

Mamata Banerjee accused BJP miscreants of vandalizing her faction's Martyrs' Day rally stage. The Trinamool Congress party has now divided into three separate segments for rallies. Mamata Banerjee urged the INDIA Bloc to unite and fight against the BJP. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari presented a commission report on past events. The report noted Mamata Banerjee did not record her statement before the commission.

Samsung Galaxy Card reward: Samsung has launched its first branded credit card, the Samsung Galaxy Card, in the United States. This new Visa card, developed with Barclays, offers cashback rewards on Samsung purchases and everyday spending. Cardholders can earn up to five percent cashback on eligible Samsung purchases and three percent on Samsung Wallet transactions. The card features no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees for users.

A video shared on X showing passengers on the Kolkata to Sairang train carrying personal trash bags to collect their own waste has drawn widespread praise online. Most passengers in the clip were from Mizoram. The spotlessly clean sleeper coach floor prompted thousands of reactions, with many calling it a lesson for the rest of the country.

IIT Roorkee clarified a social media advisory was not a new directive. This communication is an internal advisory issued annually to students and staff. The advisory was misinterpreted as a ban on supporting student protests online. The Cockroach Janta Party organized a protest demanding accountability for the NEET exam leak. Police arrested several protesters after they attempted to breach barricades.

Mamata Banerjee urged INDIA bloc partners to unite against the BJP in West Bengal. She firmly rejected raitors within her own Trinamool Congress party. Rebels were challenged to directly join the BJP and fight elections. Banerjee asserted that expelled members would never be welcomed back. She also announced upcoming district tours across West Bengal.

Haryana Police blocked Punjab farmers heading to Delhi for a protest. Farmers gathered at the Shambhu border to oppose the proposed India-US trade deal. Authorities erected barricades and imposed prohibitory orders in Ambala district. Farmer leaders criticized the Haryana government for preventing their peaceful demonstration. The protest aimed to scrap the trade agreement, which farmers believe harms agriculture.

India's shooting team prepares for the Asian Games at the Hangzhou World Cup. This event offers a crucial test against China's dominant shooting prowess. Indian shooters will gain valuable match practice under familiar conditions. Key athletes like Suruchi Inder Singh and Esha Singh aim for strong performances. Experienced shooters seek to regain winning form before the continental championship.

A Kerala consumer commission found Qatar Airways guilty of service deficiency. The airline denied boarding to two children on a family's return journey. This occurred despite verified travel documents and issued boarding passes for all. The commission ordered the airline to pay ten lakh rupees compensation. The family suffered significant mental agony and financial hardship due to the incident.

Climate change and wildfires explained: Global temperatures are projected to remain at record highs, increasing extreme weather events. Rising temperatures and drought conditions create favorable environments for more frequent wildfires. These fires destroy habitats and release carbon dioxide, contributing to further warming. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to limiting long-term wildfire risk. Improved forest management and disaster preparedness can mitigate impacts.

A US couple who spent six years living in a trailer with a $600 monthly housing payment has built a 3,600-square-foot dream home for about $410,000, saving up to $350,000 by managing the project themselves. They turned it into an Airbnb that now generates more income than a regular 9-to-5 job, according to homeowner Allison Brown.

The Supreme Court will hear Venugopal Dhoot's plea against an NCLAT order. This order upheld separate insolvency proceedings for two Videocon group entities. The appellate tribunal had set aside an earlier NCLT order directing clubbing of these cases. Creditors intended the corporate insolvency resolution processes to run independently. This decision considered the distinct nature of their businesses and specialized resolution needs.

Philippines Ambassador to India Josel F Ignacio on Tuesday said India's BrahMos missile system has strengthened its deterrence against China in the South China Sea, with Manila calling India a leading future defence supplier. The landmark $375 million missile deal has deepened India-Philippines defence ties as New Delhi expands its defence exports across the Indo-Pacific.

One more death was reported in Assam floods, bringing the total to eleven. Over 3.10 lakh people remain affected across eleven districts in the state. Several major rivers are flowing above danger levels, impacting many areas. Rescue operations are underway by multiple agencies, and train services are disrupted. Over 9,000 people have been evacuated to relief camps.

Hockey India announced the 20-member Indian Men's Squad for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the team, which includes experienced and young players. The squad will compete in Pool D against England, Pakistan, and Wales. Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the team's potential for success. India begins their campaign against Wales on August 15, 2026.

Actor Javier Bardem's decade-old quote about denial and truth remains relevant today. He noted that people avoid uncomfortable realities and struggle to discern facts. The digital age amplifies misinformation, making critical thinking essential for everyone. Bardem's words encourage questioning information and confronting reality directly. This message calls for intellectual humility in navigating a complex world.

The Delhi High Court has proposed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta Hospital. This decision followed a plea filed by his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, for his treatment. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike since June 28, protesting NEET paper leaks. Police had previously moved him to a hospital against his wishes. The court's intervention came after his wife alleged illegal detention.

AMMA President Shwetha Menon stated her fight targets a power group facing serious Hema Committee report allegations. She vowed such individuals would never lead the artistes' association while she remains president. Menon responded to personal insults and diversion tactics from those accused in the report. She also raised concerns about financial irregularities and corruption within the organization.

US banks like JPMorgan are nearing financing agreements for Japan's investment pledge. Japanese banks face high costs for dollar funding, limiting their participation. Tokyo seeks to fulfill commitments made to the US government regarding these investments. Only a fraction of the needed financing has been secured for initial projects. Discussions continue as Japan seeks ways to facilitate dollar procurement for its banks.

The Supreme Court has directed CBSE to examine data protection concerns regarding the APAAR ID scheme. It also mandated that APAAR ID generation must remain strictly voluntary nationwide. This directive aligns with a previous ruling by the Orissa High Court. The court's observations came while hearing a petition challenging the APAAR ID framework. The petition argues the scheme violates fundamental privacy rights, including the Right to be Forgotten.

Warren Buffett credits luck and opportune circumstances for his extraordinary financial success. He believes being born in the United States provided him with significant advantages. Buffett is now changing his philanthropic approach, directing wealth to family foundations. He expects the vast majority of his fortune to be distributed by 2034. His legacy emphasizes hard work, timing, opportunity, and luck combined.

The Delhi High Court declined an urgent hearing for a petition alleging excessive police force. The court stated the matter would be listed for hearing on Wednesday. Thousands joined the Cockroach Janta Party's march demanding the Education Minister's resignation. The party accused police of preventing protesters from reaching Parliament and causing injuries.

With the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Mary Kom is hopeful for medal success for Indian boxers, although she acknowledges that securing a gold might be a tough feat this time around. The legendary six-time world champion has also criticized the Boxing Federation of India, emphasizing ongoing selection disputes and inadequate communication with the athletes.

Andhra Pradesh is investing Rs 20,884 crore in irrigation projects across Rayalaseema. These initiatives aim to enhance water security and modernise existing irrigation infrastructure. The Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project is a central focus, carrying Krishna waters to tail-end areas. Works are also progressing on Galeru-Nagari and Telugu Ganga projects for improved water distribution. The state is modernizing lift irrigation schemes and restoring traditional water bodies.

Ten people died and twenty-five personnel were trapped after a methane gas burst. The explosion occurred inside an under-construction tunnel at the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project. Rescue operations are underway with multiple agencies coordinating efforts at the site. Seven victims have been identified, with three bodies remaining unidentified.

The Supreme Court has directed AIIMS to form a medical board for Asaram. This board will assess his current health condition for an interim bail request. Asaram's conviction and life sentence were upheld by the Rajasthan High Court recently. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioned Asaram's medical claims, citing recent travels. The court awaits the medical report before deciding on bail.

West Bengal will see visible transport changes within one year under the new government. Kolkata will receive a Water Metro and two new inter-city metro services. The state plans to introduce more electric buses and charging stations across West Bengal. New roads, metros, and waterways infrastructure will be developed simultaneously. A new greenfield airport is planned for Kalyani, and 1000 new buses will be rolled out.

India is phasing out the Wholesale Price Index for a new Producer Price Index. This shift aims to capture prices closer to the factory gate. Both indices will run in parallel for five years to allow business adjustments. Contracts currently referencing WPI will need recalibration during this transition. The government seeks to align with international practices and improve economic data.

Kuwar Kapur shed sixty-two kilograms over two years through a phased walking routine. He advises beginners to start with manageable steps, avoiding burnout and quitting early. Kapur gradually increased his daily step count as his fitness levels improved over time. He emphasizes that strength training is crucial for maintaining weight loss results. This approach prioritizes persistence and gradual progression over aggressive initial efforts.

Justice Shree Chandrashekhar recused himself from hearing advocate Surendra Gadling's bail plea. This marks the third judge to recuse from the Elgar Parishad case matter. Gadling has been incarcerated for over seven years, seeking an urgent hearing. His bail plea has faced multiple adjournments in the Supreme Court. Gadling faces charges of aiding Maoists and conspiring in the Elgar Parishad case.

Some intercept drones attack Ukrainian cities, while others strike oil refineries hundreds of kilometres away in Russia. Liutyi, a deep-strike drone used in recent attacks on Russian oil refineries and displayed at Farnborough, means both February -- the month Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 -- and furious in Ukrainian.

Lebanon's president will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss long-term calm. Rare direct talks between Lebanon and Israel are currently being mediated by Washington. Lebanon hopes for Israeli troop withdrawal and military support to assert control. The U.S. State Department announced operations in three villages have begun. Washington will continue to endorse the Lebanese agreement and support its full implementation.

Who is Abishek Porel? Abishek Porel, a 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Bengal who has played for Delhi Capitals in the IPL and travelled with India A, has been ordered to be arrested by the Calcutta High Court in a rape case filed by a woman who alleged he engaged in a physical relationship with her under the false promise of marriage.

Noreen Niazi claims Pakistan's military fabricated a victory narrative after India's Operation Sindoor. She stated the army covered up a battlefield defeat, not celebrated a win. Niazi suggested Israel played a role in preventing further escalation of the conflict. She also mentioned Donald Trump intervened to provide Pakistan's leadership a way out. Pakistani authorities summoned Niazi for allegedly spreading false and inflammatory content.

The United Arab Emirates expressed solidarity with India over recent flood and landslide victims. Heavy monsoon rains have caused significant damage and dozens of deaths across several Indian states. Jammu and Kashmir reported at least twenty-three deaths and seven people remain missing. Assam has seen nearly three lakh sixty-three thousand people affected by ongoing flood situations. The Indian Embassy in the UAE deeply valued this expression of friendship and support.

Hindustan Unilever Limited faced liability for an underweight Surf Excel detergent pouch. A consumer had purchased a packet that was significantly lighter than advertised. The state commission upheld the company's liability but reduced the awarded compensation. HUL's appeal resulted in a revised payout for the consumer. The company was directed to pay a reduced amount for mental agony and litigation costs.

Garlic powder recall: Dollarama's Heavenly Spices Garlic powder is recalled nationwide due to possible contamination. Bacillus cereus bacteria can cause foodborne illness, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued this Class 2 recall notice on July fifteenth. Consumers are advised not to use the affected garlic powder product.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision. The Speaker approved the merger of six MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This decision was made on July 18, just before the Monsoon Session began. Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat mentioned the plea before the Chief Justice's bench. The court indicated it would consider listing the matter for a hearing soon.

Europe's heatwave is becoming a growing economic threat as extreme temperatures disrupt transport, reduce labour productivity, damage agriculture and strain power grids. Economists now see the thermometer as a key economic indicator, with climate change driving billions in adaptation costs, slowing growth and reshaping Europe's long-term economic outlook.