IBTimes

The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 without debate amid Opposition protests. The legislation extends tax incentives for electronics manufacturing, eases rules for foreign investors and cloud companies, and empowers the government to modify the zero-MDR framework for UPI and RuPay transactions.

The makers of Ramayana have released the English-dubbed trailer with Brahma AI-powered lip-sync technology. Ranbir Kapoor's English dubbing has won praise from fans, while Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed hope that Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana will bring home an Oscar.

PM Modi on Thursday spoke with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed recent developments in West Asia. The leaders reviewed progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and agreed to remain in touch.

The data provided by the ministry showed that a maximum expense of 17,46,50,390 was incurred during the visit to Norway in the second half of May. This was followed by 11,92,25,938 that was spent on the Prime Minister's visit to Israel in February. He has visited 13 countries this year so far.

The government said Indian coffee was exported to more than 140 countries in FY202526, with growing demand in markets such as the UAE, Australia, South Korea, Egypt, Kuwait, the UK, and new destinations including Djibouti, Micronesia and Timor-Leste. I

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rejected Congress' claims that the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, would make UPI transactions chargeable, clarifying that MDR applies only to merchants. She said UPI payments will remain free, and any future levy would require a separate government notification.

The Centre will hold fresh discussions with Meta on its recommendation algorithms and content moderation systems as it strengthens oversight of digital platforms. The talks will focus on tackling harmful content, deepfakes and child sexual abuse material while ensuring compliance with Indian laws

The Sensex fell 438.68 points to 78,516.08, while the Nifty slipped 97.10 points to 24,538.90. Banking, financial and cement stocks led the losses, whereas IT, auto, realty, FMCG and telecom shares gained

The action, taken under the 2023 dark patterns guidelines, targeted practices such as drip pricing, basket sneaking, confirm shaming and forced subscriptions. The government said the move aims to improve transparency and strengthen consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

Tukaram Mundhe, FDA Commissioner, Saoji cuisine, Nagpur, Vidarbha, Maharashtra, controversy, no apology, spicy food, oily food, public health, lifestyle diseases, regional cuisine, food heritage, Nagpur restaurants, Vishnu Manohar, cultural debate, Maharashtra news

Television host Mini Mathur emerged as the first-ever winner of Alliance; he took home a Rs 50 lakh prize. During the final week of the show, Salman Khan entered the Alliance HQ and had an emotional conversation with his brother Sohail Khan about his divorce from Seema Sajdeh, encouraging him to move on with his life.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, which governs how individuals, associations and organisations receive and use foreign donations.

The debate has also gained international attention after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that American foreign aid would increasingly be routed directly to national governments instead of NGOs, adding a new dimension to the discussion on regulating foreign funding

A Chandigarh district court has summoned Salman Khan, his sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri and the directors of Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd in connection with an alleged cheating case linked to a Being Human jewellery showroom.

The Sensex rose 374 points, or 0.48 per cent, to settle at 78,954.76, while the Nifty gained 11.35 points, or 0.05 per cent, to close at 24,636.00.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi recently met a group of student protesters in New Delhi, applauding their courage and determination in raising their voices for reforms in India's education system. Sharing moments from the interaction on social media, the Congress leader praised the students.

Farah Khan hosted a grand Lock Upp 2 success party after the finale, attended by several contestants namely Harshad Chopda, Akanksha Chamola, Sunita Ahuja, Apoorva Shreya Kalra, her boyfriend Rishabh Jaiswal. While Shilpa Shinde, Akanksha Choudhary and Sufi Motiwala were missing from the celebrations.

The food regulator alleged that the claims were misleading and violated advertising and organic food regulations, while also objecting to the use of the Jaivik Bharat logo on some products. Dabur has defended its labelling, saying it complies with existing laws and industry practices, and argued that it has never made misleading claims.

Authorities said deputies responding to the scene found several victims with gunshot wounds, while local officials reported that three family members, including the suspected shooter, were killed

He told us to value our seat in the House as there are thousands of people vying for that position, said a lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity. Modi asked the lawmakers to steer clear of vested interests posing as well-wishers.

Gold futures rose to an intraday high of Rs 1,49,700 per 10 grams, while COMEX gold also traded higher. Silver witnessed mixed trade after early gains. Analysts said easing geopolitical tensions and softer crude oil prices have reduced inflation concerns

The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 sexual assault case filed by his junior colleague, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a Goa Sessions Court.

Despite heavy rain, protesters continued their agitation and indefinite hunger strike, alleging corruption, bribery, paper leaks and irregularities in recruitment exams. A delegation of students is scheduled to hold talks with the Jharkhand government, with hopes of finding a resolution to their demands.

The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre, the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Revenue and the CBDT on a PIL seeking an automatic refund mechanism for excess TDS deducted from individuals who are not required to file income tax returns.

Sensex started the session at 78,782.43, up 0.25 per cent or 200 points, while Nifty opened at 24,632.65, an increase of 8 points or 0.03 per cent.

Actor Pradeep Rawat was laid to rest in Mumbai after passing away at the age of 74 following a relapse of cancer. Bollywood stars, including Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker and the Lagaan team, attended his funeral, while Salman Khan paid tribute on social media

The action, taken under the 2023 dark patterns guidelines, targeted practices such as drip pricing, basket sneaking, confirm shaming and forced subscriptions. The government said the move aims to improve transparency and strengthen consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

This year's biggest risers, the bartenders shaping the region, and how six days inside Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace celebrated Asia's bar scene at its best.

Gold futures rose for the second consecutive session, gaining Rs 2,165 to Rs 1.46 lakh per 10 grams on the MCX, tracking a sharp rally in global markets. Safe-haven demand, a weaker US dollar, easing inflation concerns due to lower crude prices, and the RBI's decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% supported bullion prices amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to empower the government to create a Designated Authority to take over the management of foreign contributions when an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled.

While JKLM has planned the march on August 6, All India Students' Association (AISA) and other people's organisation has planned on August 7. Common students, who are not associated with any political parties and do not want political interferences in students' movement, planned their march on August 10.

The Sensex settled 152.05 points, or 0.19 per cent, higher at 78,581.00, while the Nifty edged up 9.75 points, or 0.04 per cent, to close at 24,624.65.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly apologised over child sexual abuse material (CSAM), deepfake content and other lapses on Meta platforms during talks with Indian authorities, according to reports citing government and PTI sources.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, agreed to drink water after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk urged him not to risk his life during a video call.

Jiya Shankar shared dreamy photos from the proposal, where she proudly flaunted her diamond engagement ring and shared a romantic kiss with her fianc. Overcome with emotion, Jiya also broke down during the proposal and penned a heartfelt note about finding love when she least expected it.

Shreya Kalra emerged as the winner of Lock Upp 2, defeating Shivangi Joshi in the grand finale to lift the coveted trophy. Along with the title, she also took home a whopping Rs 1 crore cash prize after securing the highest number of jury votes.

For Jammu's Valmiki community, August 5 is a day of celebration as the abrogation of Article 35-A in 2019 ended decades of discrimination, restoring constitutional rights, domicile status, government job opportunities, land ownership, education, and equal citizenship after a 63-year struggle.

Marking the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the terror ecosystem has been dismantled to a large extent, discriminatory laws have been removed, and equal rights restored. He handed over appointment letters to 37 next of kin of civilians killed by terrorists, reaffirming the government's commitment to justice, peace, and inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre has informed Parliament that 32 institutions have been identified as fake universities, while some EdTech platforms are misleading students through advertisements promising 100 per cent placements and high-paying jobs. The UGC has warned against unauthorised franchise arrangements, advised students to verify institutions before admission, and initiated action against defaulting EdTech companies and fake educational institutions.

The Vijay-led TVK government unveiled its maiden Revised Budget for 2026-27, announcing an AI and innovation city called 'Arivagam', a new industrial policy, mobile healthcare units for senior citizens, and welfare schemes for the transgender community.

India, stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, categorically rejects the political absurdity and futile attempts by Pakistan to observe the so-called Youm-e-Istehsal to spread malicious propaganda against India.

In a statement, the MEA said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew. It also thanked Yemeni authorities for their assistance in the rescue operation.

Iran said it was prepared to strike three locations in Ukraine after accusing Kyiv of attacking an Iranian merchant ship in the Caspian Sea, but suspended its response after Ukraine claimed the strike was accidental.

As per a report in HT, Siddharth Tiwari confime the cause of Pradeep's death, he said, He was suffering from cancer, and it had relapsed. He has died a few hours back. He had been admitted to the hospital for over a month now.

While Iran confirmed consultations with Oman on a temporary arrangement to ensure maritime safety, uncertainty continues over the crucial shipping route, which handles around 20 per cent of the world's fossil fuel trade.

Under the directive issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the ban covers manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transport, distribution, wholesale, retail and sale of the product.

Loan demand remains strong across sectors, while the RBI has promised adequate banking liquidity and action against excessive movements in the rupee.

According to an official statement, Princess Eugenie gave birth to her daughter on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:20 pm at a hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. The newborn weighed 6 pounds 9 ounces at birth. Both the mother and baby are reported to be doing well.

The proposal, enabled by the Payment and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Bill, is expected to apply mainly to large merchants, with a possible MDR of 0.25-0.4 per cent. No final decision has been taken, and any implementation would require a government notification and RBI guidelines.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that trade uncertainties linger as US has imposed fresh tariffs. Crude oil and financial markets remain volatile amid West Asia crisis, he added.