The Economic Times

Natalie Harp reportedly worked over a year without required security clearance. Concerns arose due to her close access and information filtering role. She eventually completed the necessary paperwork and received clearance recently. Harp's role as an information gatekeeper for President Trump is notable. Her access to sensitive information and unfiltered material is under scrutiny.

The NSUI has criticized the NCERT's reconstituted textbook development team. They allege members have direct or indirect links to the RSS-affiliated ecosystem. This inclusion raises questions about academic neutrality and ideological diversity in textbooks. The NSUI demands the team's dissolution and reconstitution with independent educationists. They also seek public disclosure of member qualifications and draft textbook reviews.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated the anti-narcotics drive is apolitical. Operation Toofan will treat all individuals equally, regardless of affiliation. The minister highlighted significant changes achieved during the operation's duration. He also commented on the ED's probe into a case involving the former Chief Minister's daughter.

Hemant Kumar Bhukar transitioned from Intel engineer to ISRO scientist after diligent preparation. He secured All India Rank 7 for Scientist 'A' while working full-time. Bhukar's journey highlights dedication and leveraging prior experience for new goals. His success inspires students from rural backgrounds towards science careers. This achievement brought pride to his family and Rajasthan village.

Zorcha co-founder Archit Mehrotra went viral after his mother interrupted his team meeting to remind him to eat, unaware that his microphone was still on. The candid exchange has resonated with social media users, who are sharing their own experiences of parents interrupting work or online calls.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in Mumbai for his first official visit to India. He inspected a Guard of Honour and laid a wreath at the Naval Dockyard. Koizumi held strategic discussions with Indian Navy officials on operational capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet Koizumi in New Delhi to bolster bilateral defence relations. Both nations aim to enhance maritime security and technology collaboration.

The Khasi Students Union held a black-flag bike rally in Shillong. Several vehicles were torched and vandalised during the protest event. The union demanded cancellation of a proposed cement project hearing. They also sought implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. Enforcement of migrant worker amendments and job reservation were also key demands.

An X user named Bhawna has opened up about the financial hardship her family faced during her teenage years and how watching her father struggle changed her ambitions. Unable to pursue engineering then, she committed herself to working harder. Years later, she said her family bought back their old land without debt and built a home there, turning a painful chapter into a personal milestone.

DTDC CEO Abhishek Chakraborty discusses how the new DTDC Bharat One Hub in Rathiwas will reduce dependence on Delhi-NCR, support rapid commerce, and strengthen the companys focus on MSMEs and new-age businesses.

Shares of gold loan companies Muthoot Finance, Manappuram Finance and IIFL Finance rose as much as 4% as gold prices surged following the US Treasurys decision to increase longer-dated bond buybacks. Rising gold prices can boost the value of collateral pledged against gold loans.

Congress leaders criticized the RSS and BJP regarding the Vande Mataram controversy. They questioned the RSS's role during India's freedom struggle. Congress reiterated its adherence to historical party decisions on the national song. The party stated the BJP was politicizing emotional issues for its own gain. This controversy arose after footage from Independence Day celebrations.

Samsung Electronics plans a shareholder return policy exceeding one hundred trillion won. This significant announcement follows record profits driven by an AI chip supercycle. The company will allocate fifty percent of its free cash flow to this new program. This move comes after rival SK Hynix unveiled a forty trillion won share buyback. Samsung will hold a board meeting later this month to approve the plan.

Protests and a bandh continued for a second day demanding the National Register of Citizens. Tyre burning and tear gas were used as protestors intensified their agitation. The Chief Minister and opposition Congress supported the implementation of the NRC. A delegation of MLAs will visit New Delhi to discuss the NRC updation. The Census self-enumeration phase was scheduled to begin on August 17.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted Rajiv Gandhi's legacy on his birth anniversary. Gandhi lowered the voting age to eighteen, empowering young citizens across India. He also declared January twelfth as National Youth Day, honoring Swami Vivekananda's birth. The former prime minister introduced the 1988 New Education Policy and established Navodaya Vidyalayas. Gandhi decisively led India into the IT era, creating numerous new employment opportunities.

Dont wait for the Diwali sale: Smartphones may get more expensive

Shiprocket shares rose sharply on Thursday, extending gains after a blockbuster market debut. The rally came amid strong institutional interest, with Goldman Sachs buying shares worth Rs 52.7 crore in a bulk deal. Analysts remain positive but advise existing investors to consider partial profit-booking and fresh buyers to await dips.

An Indian couple in the US has sparked debate by urging young Indians to reconsider immigration, arguing that staying in India can now offer comparable opportunities without the costs of moving abroad. Suhas and Priyanka also highlighted green-card delays, visa dependence, family separation and career disruptions, with Suhas saying he would not choose America if he were making the decision today.

Manav Suthar, the son of a physical education teacher from Sri Ganganagar, has risen through Rajasthans domestic cricket system to become Indias latest Test spin hero. His journey includes a strong Ranji Trophy debut, limited IPL opportunities and a seven-wicket haul on Test debut before his 10-wicket match haul against Sri Lanka.

The US Treasury has doubled planned buybacks of longer-dated bonds to at least $4 billion per operation, seeking to ease liquidity pressures after the 30-year Treasury yield hit its highest level since 2007. The move comes amid rising fiscal concerns, elevated borrowing costs and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Manipur's government has postponed census enumerator training due to ongoing protests. Protesters are demanding a National Register of Citizens update before the census. Teachers assigned to the census face harassment and obstacles during training sessions. The state government also closed educational institutions for three days. This action reflects the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

'Congress will abide by Gandhi, Nehrufirst two stanzas': Venugopal on Vande Mataram row

Delhi-NCR regulations will mandate electric light goods vehicles from 2027. Only electric N1 light goods vehicles will be allowed to be registered in Delhi from January 1, 2027, with the rules extending to Gurugram and other high-vehicle-density NCR districts from July 1, 2027. N2 goods vehicles will also face phased restrictions on new registrations, with electric vehicles being mandated in Delhi from January 1, 2028. Stricter dust-control measures for stone-crushing units in the NCR have also

Newly released emails reveal U.S. immigration officials worked with Iran to deport Iranians in 2025 and 2026. Iranian officials influenced deportation lists and expedited removal processes for detainees. These flights occurred after a recent war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The deportations marked a shift from past U.S. policy towards Iranian dissidents. Human rights activists criticized the deportations to a country with a history of persecution.

'Most impactful sanctions': Trump issues fresh warning to Iran

Post Malone and Christy Lee have taken a big step in their relationship by getting engaged. Lee recently flaunted her stunning 15-carat oval cut engagement ring in social media photos. Their romance blossomed in March 2025 during a visit to Paris. This happy news comes on the heels of Malone's prior engagement to Jamie Park, with whom he shares a child, while he continues his global tour.

Jefferies initiated coverage on Bajaj Housing Finance with a Hold rating and Rs 92 target, citing limited upside from premium valuations despite strong growth prospects. It expects AUM to grow at a 23% CAGR and earnings per share at 20% through FY29, while return on assets stays near 2% and return on equity improves to 13.6%.

Israel's military announced criminal probes into troop conduct in Gaza. These investigations focus on the deaths of Hind Rajab and Palestinian paramedics. However, three other attacks on aid workers will not be criminally investigated. The military reviewed 150 incidents and made decisions on five cases. Families and aid groups are calling for international investigations into these events.

As tensions rise in the US-Iran conflict, oil prices remain steadfast above ninety-two dollars per barrel. Concerns loom over the security of shipping routes through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. While analysts predict a steady increase in oil prices amid ongoing regional instability, institutions like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs suggest sharp price surges could happen if disruptions continue.

Gold prices rose above Rs 1.58 lakh per 10 grams on the MCX as US Treasury yields fell and the dollar remained subdued following increased liquidity support. With geopolitical uncertainty, crude prices and upcoming US economic data in focus, analysts expect gold to remain volatile while long-term demand stays supportive.

The Pentagon is assessing options to reduce its military presence in the Persian Gulf. Extensive damage from the Iran conflict has prompted this re-evaluation of regional security. Officials are considering repositioning forces further west to minimize exposure to strikes. This potential drawdown carries significant implications for Gulf partners who rely on US security. The war's cost and infrastructure damage present a choice about future base restoration.

OCBC has priced 1 billion of covered bonds due in 2029 under its $10 billion Global Covered Bond Programme, with proceeds earmarked for general corporate purposes as the Singapore lender diversifies its funding base.

Oil prices have rocketed to nearly $92 per barrel in response to rising tensions in the Middle East. President Trump declared that negotiations with Iran are off the table, leading to heightened concerns over supply. Iran has signaled a shift to aggressive military readiness amid ongoing diplomatic deadlock, resulting in strong rhetoric from both sides regarding the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Credent Connect N Care shares are set to list on the NSE SME platform with a 49% GMP, pointing to a potentially strong debut after the IPO was subscribed 153.13 times overall.

Israel's spy chief Roman Gofman spoke with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani last week. They discussed Turkey's increasing military presence and weapons sales within Syria. This high-level contact occurred just days before Israel bombed a Syrian airbase. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned against Turkish troops threatening Israel's security. Turkey rejected Israel's allegations and vowed cooperation with the Syrian government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targets Turkey amid a tough election fight. Warplanes bombed a Syrian base near the Turkish border after warnings were ignored. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a strong critic of Israel's Gaza offensive. Turkey, a NATO member, has powerful allies and a complex relationship with Israel. This action risks wider confrontation and strains relations with key international partners.

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor reviewed the city's readiness for the BRICS Summit 2026. He emphasised seamless cooperation and time-bound execution among all agencies. Security protocols and traffic management were directed to be fortified. Civic infrastructure and emergency medical readiness will be robust. Delhi is prepared to welcome international delegates warmly and securely.

Krystal Integrated Services Limited has announced an order worth Rs 134 crore for providing facility management services to MSRTC. This agreement, effective for three years, will cover operations in both Mumbai and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, focusing on essential services such as housekeeping, sanitation, and technical maintenance support.

'Iron Man' star Gwyneth Paltrow has shared her latest breakfast routine featuring Indian besan chilla, eggs and pudina chutney, amid buzz around a dinner party involving OpenAI founder Sam Altman.

England's new era started strongly with pacers Robinson and Tongue taking five wickets each. Pakistan collapsed from 117-3 to 171 all out, giving England an advantage. England reached 112-2 by stumps, trailing by just 59 runs. Joe Root captained the side and remained unbeaten at the close of play. This performance marks an encouraging start for the team's future.

Israel warned Turkey against establishing a military foothold in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military presence moving south. These remarks followed Israeli airstrikes on an airport in Syria's Idlib province. Turkey rejected Israel's claims and accused Netanyahu of destabilizing policies. International bodies expressed concern over the strikes and Syria's sovereignty.

Japans Nikkei rose 1% to 65,982.49 as falling global bond yields improved investor sentiment and revived risk appetite. U.S. Treasury plans to double long-duration debt buybacks helped ease borrowing-cost pressures. Gains broadened beyond AI and semiconductor stocks, led by Sumitomo Metal Mining, Sumitomo Pharma and Kansai Electric Power, while technology-related shares declined.

District collectors in Gujarat and other regions can now grant Indian citizenship. The government notified new rules authorizing these officials to process applications. Applicants must be deemed fit and proper persons by the collector. All pending applications will be transferred to the relevant district collector. Applicants must appear in person to take the oath of allegiance.

Bill Maher, the sharp-tongued comedian, delivers a cheeky jab at relationship blunders, implying that women need to rethink their romantic choices before airing grievances. Known for his acerbic commentary on 'Politically Incorrect' and 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' he cleverly highlights the importance of self-awareness in the face of recurrent disappointments in love.