The Economic Times

Numerous American governors and state leaders have expressed their admiration for India's 80th Independence Day, proclaiming August 15, 2026, as 'India Day' across various states. These official declarations highlighted the invaluable contributions made by the Indian-American community and celebrated the strengthening ties between India and the United States. In a show of solidarity, numerous prominent landmarks were illuminated in the vibrant colors of the Indian national flag.

BJP MP Ananta Maharaj publicly apologized for his controversial comments regarding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which the West Bengal leadership welcomed as a sign of accountability. Nevertheless, the police have filed an FIR against him, and the state government has rescinded his Banga Bibhushan award. Maharaj expressed his regret and reassured the public that he would exercise more caution in his future remarks.

The worlds second-richest country Singapore is set to give more than 2.4 million adult citizens up to S$600 in September 2026 under an enhanced cost-of-living support scheme. Eligible citizens will automatically receive the Enhanced B2026 COL Special Payment. Heres who qualifies, how much they can receive and when the payment arrives.

The Reserve Bank of India recently announced a revised timeline for the swap facility associated with FCNR(B) deposits, now set to end on August 31, 2026. This adjustment follows an unexpected increase in foreign currency inflows noted until August 13. Meanwhile, borrowers utilizing ECB and OFCB options will continue to benefit from an extended scheme, running through December 31, 2026.

President Droupadi Murmu is addressing the nation on the eve of Indias 80th Independence Day, which will be celebrated on August 15, 2026. This years focus is on the vision of a Developed India, with emphasis on indigenous technology, green transition and Atmanirbhar defence.

Troy Lock and Dam: Troy's Federal Dam, built in 1913, supported river navigation for over a century. This engineering project connected the Hudson River to the state's canal system. The dam's construction involved Army engineers and laborers from the Panama Canal project. Troy's industrial history included steel production and the Erie Canal's impact.

A Delhi court permitted the CBI to conduct further investigation into the NEET paper leak. Fresh digital evidence and CFSL reports necessitated a deeper look into the case. The agency seeks to investigate individuals not yet listed as accused in the ongoing probe. The court had previously taken cognisance of the charge sheet against thirteen accused individuals. This development follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam amid paper leak allegations.

The BJP criticized Rahul Gandhi's comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi called Gandhi's remarks arrogant and indicative of madness. He questioned if Gandhi's actions were childish or part of a conspiracy. The BJP stated that Gandhi's language was rude and indecent.

PlayStation Plus subscribers receive new games this August, including Helldivers 2 and Kingdom Come. Vampire Survivors and Hell Is Us also join the Game Catalog for members. Premium subscribers can enjoy classic titles Onimusha and Disney's Atlantis. Helldivers 2 is available immediately, with other games arriving later. This month offers a varied selection of gaming experiences for all players.

France's top court has blocked a bill banning social media access for minors. The Constitutional Council cited infringement upon freedom of expression as its reason. The court stated the law failed to specify necessary legal safeguards for age verification. This decision prevents the implementation of the proposed age restriction for online services. The ruling impacts how minors can access certain digital platforms in France.

Quote of the Day by Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatras quote, The best revenge is massive success, explores the power of turning criticism, rejection, disappointment, and setbacks into motivation for personal achievement. The quote suggests that instead of seeking revenge against those who have doubted or hurt you, true strength comes from focusing on success, self-improvement, and building a fulfilling life. It encourages people to let their accomplishments speak for themselves and to transform nega

India's defence exports reached Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, a substantial increase. This surge reflects a strong push towards indigenous defence production and manufacturing. The Defence Acquisition Council approved projects exceeding Rs 8.75 lakh crore recently. These initiatives aim to modernize the military and strengthen border areas. India is now an emerging power in global defence manufacturing and exports.

India and Japan are enhancing skill development cooperation for workforce mobility. Discussions focused on preparing Indian youth for employment opportunities in Japan. This includes industry-relevant training and Japanese language preparation. The partnership aims to build structured pathways with strong industry participation. Both nations seek to translate intent into clear action for youth.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks. Singh called Gandhi's comments on Prime Minister Modi extremely low-level. He stated such conduct was a serious concern for India's democracy. Gandhi had questioned the government's stance on Chinese incursions and foreign policy. The Defence Minister also questioned the Congress party's legacy.

On Saturday, the monsoon continues to be vigorous in various parts of India. Multiple states and Union Territories are predicted to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall along with widespread thunderstorms. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant due to the potential for strong winds and travel delays that may arise from the persistent monsoon conditions.

Eight workers died and five are missing after a toxic gas leak at a shipbreaking yard. The incident occurred on Friday at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Chittagong. Authorities have formed a committee to investigate the fatal accident and ordered an audit. Safety procedures were reportedly flouted before cutting began on the vessel. The shipbreaking sector in Bangladesh faces ongoing scrutiny over its safety standards.

Always finishing a glass may reflect a small example of a broader human tendency to prefer actions that have a clear sense of completion. However, this behavior alone doesn't mean that someone necessarily has a high need for closure.

Jemimah Rodrigues is out of the Asia Cup and Asian Games with a hamstring injury. She sustained the injury on August 3rd while playing in England's The Hundred tournament. Medical assessments confirmed a high-grade tear, ruling her out of upcoming events. Pratika Rawal will replace Rodrigues in the Asia Cup squad. The Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Japan later this year.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, the chief of the Shiromani Akali Dal, was released from a Nanded hospital on Friday following surgery for injuries sustained in a kirpan attack at a gurdwara. After the operation, which addressed a tendon injury and nerve damage, he traveled to Delhi. Authorities are currently probing the motive behind the assault by a gurdwara volunteer.

At Rorke's Drift, a valiant group of British soldiers held their ground for an incredible twelve hours against a fierce onslaught of Zulu warriors, resulting from the crushing defeat at Isandlwana. They cleverly built temporary defenses to withstand relentless attacks, and their extraordinary courage was honored with eleven Victoria Crosses, solidifying this battle as a legendary tale of resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Prichard Colon, the boxer who suffered a devastating brain injury after his 2015 fight with Terrel Williams, has died at 33 after spending 221 days in a coma. There is little reliable public information about Terrel Williams life since retirement. The Colon fight remained the defining event of Terrel Williams career.

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce will partner for India's advanced combat aircraft engine. They plan to establish a dedicated aerospace gas turbine complex in India. This alliance combines Rolls-Royce's engine expertise with Reliance's manufacturing capabilities. The goal is to build an end-to-end Indian capability for aero-engine development. This initiative supports India's strategic autonomy and defense manufacturing goals.

The Cockroach Janta Party will launch its 'School Thik Karo' campaign on Independence Day. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and accountability in rural government schools. The campaign begins in Abhijeet Dipke's village in Hingoli district of Maharashtra. Teams will visit villages and request participation from people and sarpanchs. The CJP seeks to ensure basic amenities for students studying in these institutions.

A SEBI study of 242 mainboard IPOs found anchor investors sell gradually after lock-in periods, with about 51% of original allotment value exiting within a year. FPIs recorded the highest one-year exit rate, while smaller IPOs saw faster selling.

Saying actually before a correction does not necessarily reveal that someone is anxious, conflict-avoidant or unusually polite.But it can demonstrate an interesting feature of human communication: people do not simply exchange facts; they also manage relationships while exchanging them.

Rahul Gandhis act on Indias Foreign Policy, PM Modi and Italian PM gets slammed from all sides

Quote of the Day by Mel Gibson: Mel Gibsons quote, You know what happens when you dont take a risk? Nothing, explores the importance of courage, action, and stepping outside your comfort zone. The quote suggests that avoiding risks may also mean avoiding opportunities for growth, change, and success, reminding us that sometimes taking a chance is necessary to discover what is possible.

July saw a surprising dip in US retail sales, reversing the trend of recent strong performances. The earlier surge in consumer spending, fueled by generous tax refunds, has now dwindled. Additionally, lower gasoline prices have played a role in this decline. On a brighter note, a stock market upswing is enhancing household wealth, paving the way for potential future spending as affluent families leverage these gains for their purchases.

Quote of the day by Yoko Ono encourages us to reconsider the relationship we have with our own reflection. The person in the mirror is someone we will accompany through every success, mistake, disappointment, transition, and new beginning. Learning to meet that person with kindness can be one of the most valuable habits we develop.

To efficiently cool down hot cars, start by opening windows and a door on opposite sides to encourage airflow. Additionally, roll down the other windows before driving to facilitate further heat escape. As you drive, switch on the air conditioning, pulling in outside air. As the interior of the car cools, gradually close the windows for ongoing comfort.

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce have announced their strategic intent to partner on developing an indigenous combat engine for Indias AMCA programme, with plans to explore an Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India. The proposed partnership aims to combine Rolls-Royces advanced propulsion expertise with Reliances manufacturing and industrial capabilities to build end-to-end domestic engine capabilities and strengthen Indias push for defence self-reliance.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly nearing a deal to buy a major minority stake in Liverpool FC as part of a billionaire-backed investment consortium. The proposed deal could see Bezos join investors including Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin in acquiring more than 30% of the Premier League club from Fenway Sports Group. The investment could value Liverpool at around $6 billion.

An alert police officer prevented a kirpan attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal. Inspector Santosh Kendre sustained a palm injury while disarming the assailant. Badal underwent surgery after the incident and was discharged. The attacker was identified as Jaspal Singh, a Nihang order member. Kendre's quick action significantly reduced the blow's intensity.

The Takam Mising Porin Kebang has suspended its economic blockade against Arunachal Pradesh. Assurances were given regarding the arrest of four accused in a recent firing incident. Normal vehicular movement resumed between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on Friday. Injured individuals are receiving treatment and are out of danger. Discussions facilitated by civil society aim for border issue resolution.

The Bureau of Indian Standards is revising national flag specifications for larger sizes. New provisions will allow for very large flags up to 9,000 mm x 6,000 mm. Color measurement norms are also being updated to align with current practices. These revisions aim to modernize standards while preserving the flag's essential identity. Certification for the national flag standard remains voluntary for manufacturers.

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing Harvard University of failing to protect Jewish students. The government did not show an ongoing violation of federal civil rights law. This ruling adds to legal disputes between the Trump administration and the university. The lawsuit sought to recover billions in federal research grants awarded to Harvard. This decision represents another court victory for the university in its ongoing confrontation.

The US Department of War is ramping up missile interceptor production in collaboration with essential partners. Contracts with Boeing and RTX are set to expedite manufacturing processes for vital defense systems. This initiative will bolster supply chains and elevate fleet readiness for the US Navy, while significantly increasing the production rate of SM-3 Block IB and Block IIA interceptors, ensuring a robust defense industrial base.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca provided no assurances regarding Rodri's future at the club. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly set to depart after just one season with the team. Rodri will miss Sunday's Community Shield match due to rehabilitation from surgery. Maresca acknowledged that player transfers are possible as the window remains open. He also stated that Reijnders is convinced about leaving for more playing opportunities.

An FIR was registered against Aishwarya, daughter of Karnataka BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda, for allegedly assaulting a woman police sub-inspector. The incident occurred at Maramma Temple in Mandya during Bhima Amavasya celebrations on August 12. Aishwarya reportedly sought direct entry to the sanctum, which the Sub-Inspector denied, leading to an argument. The MLA has apologised for his daughter's conduct and called for a fair inquiry into the matter.

Insurer rejected Rs 50 lakh claim after mans death: A consumer commission has directed Cigna TTK to pay Rs 50 lakh after finding that the insurer wrongly rejected a critical illness insurance claim. The insurer has also been ordered to pay interest and litigation costs, with the commission finding no evidence to support the allegations of fraud. Cigna TTK has been given two months to comply with the order.

Awfis Space Solutions has announced a remarkable uptick in its financial performance for the June quarter, with consolidated net profit skyrocketing to Rs 23.93 crore, more than double compared to the previous year. During the same timeframe, total income surged to Rs 448.87 crore. Operating 251 coworking centres across eighteen cities, the company boasts a robust portfolio occupancy rate of seventy-six percent.

Insurers in India are showing significant interest in sovereign green bonds, aiding in the establishment of a substantial greenium. With market confidence in the ability to absorb a larger supply, theres a push for enhanced issuance of these bonds. Insurers need them for optimal asset allocation and regulatory advantages, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this demand in Indias financial landscape.

Supriya Sule urged that legitimate foreign donations for education should not be obstructed. She stated the government should not rush the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill. Concerns were also raised about the condition of Maharashtra's old ashram schools. An average of nearly one student died daily in these schools over two years. She also highlighted issues faced by companies in Pune's Chakan industrial area.

Karnataka's one-year ban on gutkha has met with opposition from the BJP, who warn that the decision could adversely affect nearly 1.5 crore families that depend on areca nut agriculture. With Karnataka contributing a large portion of India's areca nut production, the local government justifies the ban on public health grounds, focusing on tobacco and nicotine dangers.