The Economic Times

Best Quote of the Day: Albert Einstein's quote highlights the importance of observing the world carefully while thinking independently. It encourages people to question ideas rather than blindly following popular beliefs or opinions. Developing this habit can lead to better decisions, stronger judgement and a deeper understanding of the world. In today's fast-paced, information-driven age, critical thinking is more important than ever. Applying this wisdom means questioning what you see, verifyi

More than 5.9 crore income tax returns were filed by the July 31 deadline. This figure represents filings for assessment year 2026-27 by individuals and HUFs. Last year's extended deadline saw over 7.3 crore returns filed by September 16. Taxpayers typically file a substantial share during the final week before the deadline.

In preparation for the upcoming Test series, Rishabh Pant is honing his skills alongside MS Dhoni in Ranchi. Pant is integral to India's Test lineup, while reports suggest Dhoni could extend his career in a mentorship capacity with Chennai Super Kings, despite stepping back from the game due to injuries. With the Sri Lanka series approaching, a formidable showing is critical for India's World Test Championship ambitions.

A piece of SpaceX rocket debris is set to crash into the Moon at nearly 9,000 kmph. Here's why scientists are interested in the impact and what it could reveal.

Kerala, India's fastest-ageing state, is emerging as a blueprint for tackling the country's ageing population and elderly care challenges. With low fertility, rising life expectancy and migration reshaping families, the state is introducing dedicated elderly welfare policies, geriatric healthcare, caregiver training and senior living models that could shape India's response to a projected 230 million elderly population by 2036.

A 15-year-old girl issued an apology video after appearing in a clip abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She stated that friends influenced her to repeat objectionable language against the Prime Minister. The girl expressed deep embarrassment and shame, appealing to the nation for forgiveness. This apology came after a police complaint was filed regarding the viral video's circulation.

A Delhi content creator found that using cash for daily expenses reduced her impulse spending. She believes this simple shift made her more aware of where her money was going. Sadaf now keeps eighty percent of her spending money in cash for better budgeting. Digital payments are still used for twenty percent of expenses when cash is inconvenient.

2026 sawan maha shivaratri date and time: Sawan Shivratri in 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, August 11. The auspicious Chaturdashi Tithi begins early on August 11 and concludes after midnight. Devotees will fast and perform night-long prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. This observance is distinct from the major Maha Shivratri festival. The festival falls during the sacred Shravan month.

The Election Commission of India has extended the special intensive revision schedule for Telangana's electoral rolls. Final electoral rolls for Telangana will now be published on October 19, 2026. House-to-house enumeration and polling station rationalisation will continue until August 10. Andhra Pradesh has published its draft electoral rolls after completing its enumeration phase. This revision exercise identified many deceased and permanently shifted electors across both states.

Life lessons: Ram Gopal Kothari overcame repeated job losses, business failures and financial hardship to achieve a remarkable feat. He went on to become the first Indian to complete a marathon at the Geographic North Pole, running across floating Arctic ice in extreme conditions. His journey is a powerful story of resilience, determination and the belief that even after life's darkest moments, new beginnings are possible.

Sharvi Mahajan, a 14-year-old Indian-American student, is a finalist in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. She developed an AI system using EEG to detect driver fatigue before accidents occur. This innovative technology monitors brain activity for early signs of sleepiness. Sharvi aims to refine her project and make a significant real-world impact. She aspires to a career combining neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

India's GST collections reached Rs 2.11 lakh crore in July 2026, reflecting a 15.4% growth year-on-year. The surge in revenue was largely driven by strong domestic performance, alongside a significant 28.8% leap in import tax collections. Together, these key elements propelled the remarkable fiscal results, underscoring the continuing upward trend in the nation's economic landscape.

The Godavari river flood intensity is expected to increase steadily due to heavy upstream rainfall. Water levels at Bhadrachalam and Kunavaram are rising, with inflow and outflow at Dowleswaram Barrage exceeding 5.3 lakh cusecs. Authorities have alerted district administrations and kept disaster response teams ready for emergencies. People in low-lying areas and lanka villages should relocate to safer locations and rehabilitation centers.

Young Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharma advanced to the Taipei Open final. She secured a straight-game victory over Chinese Taipei's Huang Yu-Hsun. The 17-year-old from Punjab won the semifinal match decisively. Tanvi Sharma has achieved a rapid rise in badminton over recent years. She will compete for the title against another Indian or Vietnamese player.

A wild Himalayan spice known as Khagi is transforming lives in Arunachal Pradesh. Indigenous communities are using the native spice to generate sustainable income while protecting forests and biodiversity. The community-led initiative has benefited more than 200 families and generated around Rs 39 lakh in revenue. It has also created a valuable additional source of income for rural households, demonstrating how conservation and sustainable livelihoods can go hand in hand.

Pakistan's interior minister declared the nation's governance system has collapsed. He called for sweeping constitutional reforms and new administrative units to address crises. Young Pakistanis seek merit-based jobs and equal opportunities, not financial assistance. A united Generation Z could significantly disrupt the existing political landscape. Business leaders must actively engage in politics and address mounting national debt.

Russian forces launched intense missile and drone attacks on Kyiv overnight. At least nine people were killed and twenty-two civilians were injured in the capital. A five-story residential building sustained damage from falling debris and a fire. Seven people died in another district after attacks caused widespread damage. Ukraine continues to seek advanced Patriot missile defense systems from Western partners.

Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened an office in Manchester. This new hub aims to decentralize government power and foster economic growth. The initiative seeks to balance London's political influence with regional development. Mayors will now retain a greater share of local tax revenue. This move represents a significant shift in national governance and investment.

A 21-year-old woman died of rabies despite taking all five anti-rabies vaccine doses and rabies immunoglobulin after a dog bite. An ex-Army doctor explains why rabies treatment can sometimes fail and the critical mistakes people must avoid.

Samsung Galaxy F70 Pro 5g Pricing and Specs Confirmed in India: Samsung's Galaxy F70 Pro 5G will launch in India on August 3. The new smartphone will be available for purchase through Flipkart and Samsung's online store. Pricing for the device starts at 25,999 for the base model. This mid-range phone features a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 6,000mAh battery. Samsung promises six years of OS updates and security patches for this device.

Delhi-NCR Rain Alert: Delhi-NCR residents woke up to overcast skies and pleasant weather on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light rainfall and cloudy conditions throughout the day. While temperatures have eased, high humidity is expected to persist, causing discomfort. Similar weather conditions are likely to continue until August 4. Meanwhile, the IMD has also issued heavy rainfall alerts for 19 other states.

Kulgam shooting: According to officials, the victim had been undergoing treatment at a local hospital after terrorists opened fire on non-local labourers yesterday. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he passed away early this morning.

China's Commerce Ministry said US sanctions lacked factual basis and might disrupt global supply chains, calling US actions economic coercion harming legitimate company rights. China denied forced labour in Xinjiang, calling the region stable and prosperous. Beijing urged the US to cease attacks and unfair pressure on Chinese firms.

CWG 2026 India Medal Tally: India's medal count reached twenty-three at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Ten Indian boxers advanced to gold medal bouts, guaranteeing more medals for the nation. Weightlifting and judo contributed significantly to India's medal collection during the competition. Tejaswin Shankar and Neeraj Chopra secured medals in athletics events. India was placed tenth in the overall standings before the final day's events.

Friendship Day 2026 falls on Sunday, August 2, following India's established tradition. The United Nations officially recognizes July 30 as International Day of Friendship. Bollywood's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai popularized the August date for exchanging friendship bands. Modern celebrations involve digital messages and personal gifts among friends. Both dates are valid, with India preferring its own August observance.

Ollanta Humala, the former President of Peru, has been released from prison following the annulment of his money-laundering conviction by the Constitutional Court. The decision was based on legal arguments that questioned the legitimacy of his sentence for allegedly accepting illegal campaign funds from Odebrecht. His wife, Nadine Heredia, who faced similar charges, is currently residing in Brazil.

A woman died in Idukki after a landslide destroyed her home on Saturday as heavy rains caused floods and fresh landslides across central Kerala. Several people are feared trapped under debris in Kottayam district. Rescue operations are underway in affected areas of both districts. Authorities have issued alerts for continued heavy rainfall.

LPG cylinder prices today: Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been reduced by up to Rs 209 from August 1. This price adjustment offers relief to restaurants and hotels dependent on this fuel. Domestic cooking gas prices, however, remain unchanged for households across the nation. The reduction applies only to the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders. This revision follows a high-level meeting reviewing regional preparedness.

Assam has launched its first government-owned GPU cluster for AI. This secure infrastructure will power the next generation of public services. The state aims to become an AI-first region, enhancing governance capabilities. Office files and notifications will now be accessible through an AI assistant. This initiative marks a significant first step in Assam's technological advancement.

Zubair Baloch, brother of jailed gang leader Uzair Baloch, was critically injured in Karachi. Unidentified gunmen opened fire on him outside his home, hitting him in the chest and stomach. The attack has revived old gang rivalries and violence in the Lyari area. Zubair had recently been released from jail after facing several criminal cases. His brother Uzair remains imprisoned for espionage charges.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter pilot ejected safely before the jet crashed. The aircraft went down Friday near the Miramar air base in San Diego. Aerial video showed smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field. The pilot sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken for treatment. This incident is classified as a severe Class A mishap by the Marines.

Singaporean student Siti Aishah Siregar was found safe by Cambodian police after vanishing from her family. She arrived in Cambodia and met an online gaming friend at the airport. Aishah explained she left home due to strict parental control and a desire for independence. Emails revealed she transferred money to an unknown person before her disappearance. The investigation continues into the money transfer and the nature of the online friendship.

China's military conducted joint air and naval drills near Scarborough Shoal. These exercises were described as a necessary response to regional instability. The drills aimed to test combat readiness and territorial defense capabilities. China claims the shoal as Huangyan Dao, while the Philippines calls it Bajo de Masinloc. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced the drills on Saturday.

Kerala Weather Update: Eleven Kerala districts are under an orange alert for heavy rainfall today. Authorities have declared holidays for educational institutions in four districts. An offshore trough is causing continuous moisture-laden winds to reach the coast. Fishermen are advised to stay off the rough seas due to squally winds. Residents in vulnerable areas should remain alert and follow official advice.

Neeraj Chopra secured silver and Yashvir Singh claimed bronze in the javelin throw event. This marked a historic medal double for India on the Commonwealth Games podium. Chopra expressed happiness sharing the podium with Singh after his personal best performance. He noted his season-best throw indicates a successful comeback with more competitions ahead. Singh was overjoyed winning his first international medal with a final attempt personal best.

The Trump administration's latest initiative focuses on improving policies for Mexican train crews by mandating that they grasp key safety information in English. Alongside this, stricter licensing standards for train operators will be introduced. Rail unions have expressed support for these measures, highlighting their importance for both safety and job security, as the government seeks to bolster safety at the border.

Yemen's Houthi-run maritime body denied plans to impose fees on ships. Passage through the Bab el-Mandeb strait remains free, they stated. This follows a report citing regional sources about potential fees. The Houthi center confirmed its safe transit service is voluntary and cost-free. Shipping companies are urged not to pay unauthorized individuals or entities.

Iran has warned of retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US energy assets. This warning follows reports of potential military operations coordinated by Washington and Tel Aviv. President Trump has reportedly ordered preparations for renewed strikes on Iranian targets. The United States indicated substantial military measures would be taken unless Iran re-entered negotiations. This escalating rhetoric raises concerns about a wider regional conflict impacting vital energy supplies.