The Economic Times

The Union Cabinet has approved the Samudra Manthan mission with a financial outlay of Rs 84,084 crore, aimed at boosting deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas exploration in India.

The Union Cabinet approved three significant schemes on Thursday. One scheme aims to expand India's floating solar capacity significantly. Another initiative will extend crucial income support for farmers across the nation. The Khelo India Mission also received approval from the cabinet. These decisions will shape future development in key sectors.

A Noida salon employee faces a criminal case after a protest video went viral. The woman was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for alleged derogatory remarks. A Supreme Court advocate filed the complaint after seeing the viral footage online. The case was initially registered as a Zero FIR and then transferred to Delhi. Delhi Police will now investigate the matter and decide on further actions.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged a Rs 15,000 crore revenue leak in Birbhum. He stated this revenue loss was impossible without the previous government's support. Police recovered Rs 28.5 crore cash and 15 kg gold from a stone trader. Adhikari claimed institutional corruption occurred with former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's encouragement. Investigators have frozen bank accounts and are seizing numerous properties and vehicles.

Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders in football history, AC Milan captain, and 1982 FIFA World Cup winner with Italy, passed away on 31 July 2026 at the age of 66. AC Milan announced his death, describing the loss as one felt by every Rossonero.

Preeti Pawar secured a spot in the Commonwealth Games final after a dominant performance. She defeated Zambia's Catherine Mwape with a convincing 5-0 scoreline. The Indian boxer's effective counter-attacks proved too much for her opponent. Mwape faced multiple eight counts during the intense semifinal bout. Pawar will now face Canada's Scarlett Delgado for the gold medal.

ISRO job opening: ISRO and the Department of Space have announced a major recruitment drive with 746 vacancies. The hiring includes 336 regular posts for scientists, engineers and administrative staff, along with 410 apprenticeship positions for the 202627 training year. The recruitment aims to address staffing shortages while strengthening the organisation's future talent pipeline. Selected candidates will be posted across several key ISRO centres in India.

A Zero FIR was registered in Noida against a woman for alleged slogans. These slogans reportedly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The complaint stated the remarks lowered the dignity of the prime minister's office. This case has now been transferred to Delhi Police for further investigation. The police will examine the FIR and seek legal opinion on the next steps.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Episode 3 premieres on August 6, 2026, in the United States. The new episode will stream on HBO Max at 9 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. PT. Viewers in India can watch the episode from 6:30 a.m. IST on Friday, August 7. The upcoming episode is expected to explore a magical universe and new dangers.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported striking two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels were reportedly under the air escort of the United States military. Four other oil tankers quickly changed their course and returned to previous positions. Iran has controlled navigation through Hormuz since February 28, requiring permission and fees. Earlier, two tankers turned back after one caught fire during transit.

Safety lapses in India's explosives sector stem from poor enforcement of existing standards. Accidents must be eliminated, not just reduced, according to a top government official. Greater technology use is advocated to improve compliance and minimize manual supervision. India has a significant opportunity to expand its manufacturing capacity amid global demand. The government is simplifying regulations to facilitate faster establishment of manufacturing facilities.

Quote of the day by Voltaire: Voltaire's enduring quote highlights the risks of challenging established authorities with the truth. Throughout history, those who have spoken truth to power have often faced criticism, resistance or isolation. The philosopher championed independent thought and intellectual honesty over the blind acceptance of ideas. His advocacy for civil liberties helped shape modern democratic thought and the principles of free expression.

Star Health Insurance has been ordered by a Guntur consumer commission to pay Rs 47,356 to a policyholder whose Covid hospitalisation claim was only partially settled, with the court ruling that the insurer deducted amounts without citing specific policy clauses and acted on its own whims and fancies.

Rescuers found four bodies after an avalanche struck Broad Peak on Friday. They continue searching for six other climbers despite adverse weather conditions. The climbers lost contact with their base camp after the avalanche hit the mountain. The expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, America, and China. Accidents are common in northern Pakistan due to avalanches and changing weather.

Unnati Hooda secured a straight-game victory in her quarterfinal match. She defeated Devika Sihag to reach the Taipei Open semifinals. Hooda won the first game 23-21 after a close contest. The third seed then maintained her momentum to win the second game. She will now face her next opponent in the semifinals.

Raghav Chadha Rajya Sabha Speech: Raghav Chadha addressed the NEET exam controversy during a parliamentary debate. He explained his role changed from asking questions to finding solutions. Chadha acknowledged student frustration and detailed the scale of exam paper leaks. He highlighted the Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill, 2026, as a structural fix. This bill aims to address organized crime in national examinations.

Quote of the Day by Benjamin Franklin: Benjamin Franklin's quote highlights how easily a reputation can be damaged. Trust and credibility are built gradually through consistent honesty and integrity, but a single mistake can quickly undo years of earned respect. His wisdom remains relevant today, reminding us to protect our reputation through thoughtful actions and to uphold integrity in our daily lives.

Jasprit Bumrah has recovered from his impact injury and cleared fitness tests. He is now available for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. India needs a strong performance in these matches for World Test Championship contention. Several other players are currently sidelined with various injuries. The series begins on August 15 in Galle.

The Delhi government plans to extend the pink ticket facility for women passengers until August 15. This extension provides more time for women to obtain the Pink Saheli smart card. Approximately seventeen lakh cards have been distributed across the city so far. The government aims to increase card distribution before making it mandatory. Eligible women can obtain the Pink Saheli smart card from fifty authorized centers.

A personal secretary and his family face charges in a dowry death case. The victim's mother accused them of harassment and dowry demands after marriage. Relatives found the teacher in critical condition at a local hospital. She died during treatment before her mother could arrive. Police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for dowry death.

Euro zone inflation increased to 2.9% in July, driven by higher oil prices. Underlying inflation also accelerated, indicating broader price pressures are building. The European Central Bank is signaling another interest rate hike is likely soon. Economic growth remains robust, easing concerns about the impact of rate increases. Financial markets anticipate further rate hikes, though economists are more reserved.

The legal aid counsel for the accused in the Ram temple donation case will challenge police investigation methods. He alleges incorrect sections of the BNS were applied by the Ayodhya police. The counsel plans to approach the court seeking correct sections for the chargesheet. He also disputes the classification of accused as public servants in this matter. Bail applications will be filed next week after reviewing the case details.

India's government has criticized Meta for removing Prime Minister Modi's authorized content. A top official stated Meta's explanation for the removal was inadequate. Meta removed a video message from Prime Minister Modi regarding student exam irregularities. The government summoned Meta's global head of public policy for discussions. Parliamentary committees will also meet to discuss social and digital platform regulations.

Jos Flores Flores, a 119-year-old Costa Rican man, may be the world's oldest living person. He attributes his remarkable age to hard work, faith in God, and healthy eating. Researchers are studying his case, noting his sustained physical labor and strong community ties. His family provides him with full-time care at home, which is their preference. Jos enjoys watching classic Westerns while awaiting official age verification.

Kerala will upgrade Maveli Stores into Super Stores and launch 24x7 convenience outlets. Market intervention measures will intensify ahead of the Onam festival season. Subsidised rice allocation will increase, and trade fairs will be organised across the state. The government aims to ensure essential commodities are available at affordable prices. A new marketing strategy will improve Supplyco's financial sustainability and expand subsidy benefits.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to DMK leader V Senthil Balaji. This relief was provided until further orders in a new corruption case. The court imposed conditions including cooperation with the investigation and passport deposit. Balaji faces allegations of irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. The Madras High Court had previously dismissed his anticipatory bail plea.

The Supreme Court stated liberty depends on the prosecution's case. It rejected an appeal against bail granted to an accused in Banbhoolpura violence. The court questioned the invocation of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. It noted that bail orders do not always require detailed reasons. The court emphasized that liberty does not depend on court inaccuracies.

The 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This marks the tournament's return to Africa after a 24-year absence. Johannesburg hosted the official unveiling of the tournament's brand and venues. The event will feature 14 teams and a new three-stage format. This prestigious tournament aims to celebrate unity and diversity across the continent.

August 2026 Holidays List: August 2026 brings Independence Day, Milad-un-Nabi, and Raksha Bandhan holidays. Schools and banks will close nationwide for Independence Day on August fifteenth. Milad-un-Nabi and Raksha Bandhan will also cause closures in many states. Several state-specific festivals will lead to additional bank holidays across India. Students and employees should verify institutional calendars for exact closure dates.

Parliamentary sessions faced disruptions from Opposition members protesting over alleged paper leaks. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day due to continued uproar. The Lok Sabha managed to pass the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill's passage in the House. Both Houses are scheduled to reconvene on Monday and August 3 respectively.

The Supreme Court upheld an NCLAT order concerning Grasim Industries. This decision set aside a significant penalty previously imposed by the CCI. The fair trade regulator must now rehear the Aditya Birla Group firm's case. The NCLAT found that Grasim was not given a proper opportunity to present arguments. The CCI had imposed the penalty for alleged dominance in the viscose staple fibre market.

Exiled author Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nineteen years, feeling an emotional homecoming. Her visit precedes a literary event which has acquired political significance. Nasreen was forced to leave the city in two thousand seven due to protests. She expressed joy and pain recalling her previous life in Kolkata. Her return signifies a voice against fundamentalism and freedom of expression.

August 2026 Festival Calendar: August 2026 presents a rich calendar of Hindu festivals and observances. Devotees will celebrate significant events like Hariyali Teej and Nag Panchami. The holy month of Shravan includes four important Somwar Vrats for Lord Shiva. Major celebrations such as Onam and Raksha Bandhan also occur. Two eclipses, a solar and a lunar, will be visible.

Pro-Kannada groups have called for a statewide bandh on August 13. This protest aims to oppose developments in the Cauvery water dispute. Farmers and several pro-Kannada organisations are expected to participate. The Karnataka government will review the law and order situation. Police will likely step up security arrangements to prevent incidents.

AI companies are buying, cutting apart and scanning millions of physical books to train chatbots, according to a Washington Post report based on newly unsealed court filings. The documents reveal Anthropic's secret Project Panama and shed light on similar book-acquisition efforts by Meta, OpenAI and Google, as the AI industry's race for high-quality training data fuels an escalating copyright battle.

New insurance norms for hospital admission issued by the General Insurance Council advise that patients with uncomplicated fever be treated on an outpatient basis rather than admitted. While the council calls it advisory, doctors and nursing home owners fear insurers will use the guidelines to deny legitimate cashless claims, particularly at smaller hospitals.

A Mexican proverb offers a humorous lesson on avoiding actions that worsen existing problems. It highlights the importance of common sense and thoughtful decision-making in daily life. The saying reminds people to observe reality and learn from past experiences. This traditional wisdom encourages accountability and preventing small issues from growing larger. The proverb remains relevant today for its clear and timeless message.

Zubair Baloch, brother of Uzair Baloch, was critically wounded after being shot in Karachi's Lyari. Two passersby also sustained injuries during the violent shootout on Chakiwara Road. Suspects on a motorcycle shot Zubair Baloch while he sat outside his home and then fled. Police are investigating multiple angles, including gang rivalry and personal enmity in the incident.

Justice V Mohana recused herself from hearing V Senthil Balaji's bail plea. The Supreme Court will hear the urgent plea later today. Balaji seeks pre-arrest bail in a fresh corruption case involving TASMAC. The Madras High Court had previously dismissed his anticipatory bail petition. This case involves alleged irregularities and a cash-kickback scheme within TASMAC.

Seeking to tell heir side of the violence that broke out during the 'Sansad Chalo' march, they pressed for a discussion in Parliament on the injuries suffered by policemen on duty and the trauma endured by their families, saying the conversation so far had focused mainly on charges against the force.

The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Friday. This important bill was approved by voice vote without any debate. The legislation amends rules for delayed birth and death registrations. It introduces a two-tier system for magistrate approvals based on delay length. The bill also updates legal references to new Indian legal codes.

YesMadam co-founder Aditya Arya shared his marriage's airport reunion reality. He and his wife Garima Sharma met for just ninety seconds. This encounter sparked widespread discussion on entrepreneurship's personal relationship costs. Sharma views these brief meetings as deeply romantic and worthwhile sacrifices. Their nine-year journey suggests their relationship is strengthening through shared dreams.

Sarvam AI plans a trillion-parameter model to rival global AI leaders. The company's existing voice AI is cost-effective and performs well. An office in the US will recruit Indian-origin AI researchers. Sarvam AI aims to manufacture intelligence and achieve technological self-reliance. New products and platforms were unveiled at their developer conference.

Every marathon has two timelines. One begins when the starting gun goes off. The other begins weeks earlier, in ordinary moments that rarely look like preparation at all. With 12 weeks to go until the Hyderabad edition of the Times Internet Half Marathon, the race has already begun.

India's public examination system increasingly relies on private firms for various operational aspects. These firms manage centers, infrastructure, security, and manpower for millions of candidates. A new handbook aims to establish standards for service providers and enhance independence. However, the fragmented structure complicates accountability when technical issues or irregularities arise. Concerns persist regarding undertrained staff and sophisticated malpractice methods impacting exam int