The Economic Times

Shah Rukh Khan once revealed that he stayed away from Kashmir for years because his father had wanted to take him there himself. Despite travelling around the world, he kept refusing invitations to visit the Valley until Yash Chopra convinced him to go there while shootingJab Tak Hai Jaan.

India sugar price hike explained: Why prices rose and why India is importing sugar

Vehicle owners in India cannot alter a car's appearance or specifications without prior permission, according to Delhi Traffic Police, which flagged common violations including tinted glass, loud aftermarket exhausts, pressure horns, unauthorised lights and fake Press stickers as offences under the Motor Vehicles Act. The rules came into focus after a Gwalior man was fined Rs 5,500 when his girlfriend covered his car in roughly 3,400 lipstick kiss marks, sparking viral attention and a police cra

A contingent of nine players from the Kabaddi Champions League is set to don the Indian colors at the upcoming Asian Games. Under the guidance of Dronacharya Awardee Balwan Singh, the team looks to make a mark on the international stage. KCL players expressed immense pride and a sense of obligation to deliver their best, underscoring the league's impact on nurturing kabaddi talent in India.

The Indian Navy is set to welcome its second Diving Support Vessel, Nipun, on August 31. This vessel, developed domestically, significantly boosts India's capacity for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations. With advanced diving systems and reliable station-keeping features, Nipun will facilitate intricate underwater missions that align with India's maritime objectives, underscoring the robust growth of the nation's shipbuilding capabilities.

Chandra Grahan 2026 Date: The last lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on August 28 as a deep partial Chandra Grahan. The eclipse will not be visible from India because it will take place during daytime, and the traditional Sutak period is therefore not applicable in India. The eclipse will be visible from parts of North, Central and South America, as well as some regions of Europe and Africa.

India aims for a $55 trillion economy by 2047. This ambitious goal relies on leveraging its young demographic in artificial intelligence. Strategic capital deployment and sustained growth will unlock value across core sectors. Attracting foreign investment and expanding manufacturing are vital for this economic expansion. Dominance in sunrise sectors like space and defense tech will drive this future growth.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for boundary talks. These discussions are significant before President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to India. Both officials are designated Special Representatives for the boundary dispute mechanism. They discussed strengthening peace in border areas and improving bilateral ties. The talks aim to address recurring tensions and maintain peace in border regions.

The 3-5 defeat to Argentina, which ended India's semifinal hopes, exposed weaknesses that have repeatedly surfaced since the Paris Olympics.

In a passionate plea, Indian women's hockey players are advocating for the continuation of the Women's Hockey India League, which has played a pivotal role in instilling confidence in the young World Cup squad. Unfortunately, the league faces significant financial obstacles that jeopardize its future and the nurturing of promising athletes.

India has mobilised about $73 billion in foreign currency in under 11 weeks, largely through FCNR(B) deposits, yet the rupee remains near 95-96 per dollar. The inflows are primarily strengthening RBIs foreign-exchange buffers rather than being used to push the currency higher.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent approval to transfer missile technology from DRDO to Indian businesses marks a pivotal step towards enhancing local defence manufacturing. This initiative encourages Indian companies to produce advanced missile systems that comply with regulatory norms. By strengthening domestic capabilities, the government is not only fostering self-reliance but also enriching the country's defence sector and enhancing production efficiency.

Dhruv Jurel commemorated his remarkable century with a heartfelt tribute to his family heritage. His unbeaten innings of 115 propelled India to a commanding total of 503 for nine declared. Contributions from players like Devdutt Padikkal and Rishabh Pant further bolstered the scoreboard. Drawing on his India A experience, Jurel adapted the challenging Sri Lankan conditions, earning enthusiastic praise from Mohammed Siraj as he celebrated this significant achievement.

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies over their alleged involvement in Iran-related petroleum and petrochemical trade and procurement networks, according to a release by the US State Department.

Milad Un Nabi 2026 Date in India Holiday: Milad un Nabi 2026 will be observed in India on Wednesday, August 26. While the festival is a holiday in several states and government institutions, school, college, bank and office closures may vary by state, city and organisation. Students, employees and customers should check their local holiday calendar before making plans.

Citizens can book parcels, check their savings and get insurance services under a single interface without visiting a post office. Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India Post is being modernised for the needs of the 21st century.

After losing to the Netherlands in their previous match, India were almost out of the race for the last four from Pool E. However, Argentina's victory over England had technically kept their qualification hopes alive. India needed to win by at least three goals to advance, but conceded twice in the opening six minutes and struggled to recover. Poor passing, frequent loss of possession and a leaky defence compounded their problems.

Pant's batting was best encapsulated by a falling pull off Lahiru Kumara in the 90th over. The contact with the ball was so clean that it disappeared in the gap between the Col. FC de Saram Pavilion and the Members' Enclosure and landed onto Gregory's Road. The shot was identical to the one he attempted on Sunday when he was hit on the wrist and forced to retire hurt.

Dubai seeks to become a hub for Indian AI talent to access wider markets. An AI corridor between Dubai and Bengaluru is being developed. This initiative aims to boost productivity and profitability across various industries. Dubai's regulatory approach supports new technology adoption and business growth. The number of Indian businesses operating in Dubai continues to increase significantly.

The India-UAE growth corridor presents substantial trade and investment opportunities for both nations. UAE executives highlighted India's need for improved dispute resolution and infrastructure. India received over $25 billion in UAE investments during the past decade. Experts noted talent and technology exchange is increasing between the two countries. Energy, urban growth, and AI make India an attractive investment destination.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. He conveyed a personal communication from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions focused on boosting economic and defense cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders anticipate upcoming meetings at SCO and BRICS summits. Further annual summits are planned later in the year.

Indias Sports Ministry has ruled out adding athletes who fail the announced Asian Games selection criteria, despite pressure from supporters and parents. The 492 member contingent for the 2026 Aichi Nagoya Asian Games includes 73 athletes from athletics. The ministry says only athletes with a realistic medal chance and those ranked among Asias top six will be selected.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced its new national office-bearers team. Several new faces have been assigned key organisational responsibilities within the party structure. Prominent leaders like Sunil Bansal and Vinod Tawde continue in their national general secretary roles. The party has appointed thirteen national vice presidents and sixteen national secretaries. These appointments, effective immediately, signify a reshuffling of party leadership.

The Ministry of Defence has contracted General Atomics for two Sea Guardian drones. These advanced remotely piloted aircraft systems will serve the Indian Navy for thirty months. The contract, valued at approximately Rs 1,943 crore, was signed on August 17, 2026. These drones will significantly boost the Navy's maritime domain awareness capabilities. Persistent surveillance will strengthen India's monitoring across the Indian Ocean Region.

Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the government regarding the China border situation. He asked if the PLA blocked army patrols from accessing certain areas. Owaisi also inquired if the PLA destroyed temporary structures in Indian territory. He questioned if the government is hiding border issues from the public. The AIMIM president stressed territorial integrity cannot be compromised.

Operation Sindoor tested India's military capabilities against Pakistan in May 2025. The nation has since focused on enhancing its defense systems and strategic partnerships. New indigenous technologies and expanded defense production are key developments. India is also strengthening its cyber defenses and intelligence gathering capabilities. These efforts aim to bolster national security and project regional influence.

Concluding their first innings at 462 runs on the third day, India showcased a remarkable performance with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 runs. Asitha Fernando, who took the final Indian wicket, added to his figures. The standout bowler for Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, achieved four wickets, especially after rain had caused disruptions on the second day.

BGMI Lite Krafton: Battlegrounds Mobile India Lite is set to make its debut in India by the end of 2026, as confirmed by Krafton India. This streamlined version aims at catering to gamers using budget-friendly and older smartphones. Insights from PUBG Mobile Lite suggest exciting features for BGMI Lite. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches.

India's economy likely grew over seven percent in the first quarter of fiscal year twenty twenty seven. Resilient consumption and exports supported this robust economic expansion during the period. Government capital expenditure also played a significant role in driving overall economic activity. High frequency indicators suggest healthy domestic volume growth across sectors. Economists anticipate a slight moderation in growth during subsequent quarters.

India will host the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on August 18. Senior officers will meet on August 17 to discuss environmental working group priorities. Ministers will deliberate on an outcome document and thematic discussions for cooperation. Priority areas include sustainable lifestyles, afforestation, and disaster resilience. The circular economy and climate adaptation will also be key discussion points.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat described youth as a demographic dividend for India. He stressed that India must frame its own development yardsticks. Bhagwat advised youth to consider future generations and not just themselves. He also highlighted the need for entrepreneurship and a unique thought process. The Lokmat Media Group organized this interaction in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

2026 Independence Day: India's public sector, initially built for industrial necessity, is now undergoing a significant transformation. The government is increasingly selling stakes in state-owned companies to raise capital. This shift reflects a changing role from direct ownership to strategic shareholding. Public sector enterprises remain vital in key strategic and infrastructure sectors. The future focuses on optimizing ownership rather than complete divestment.

India remains one of the world's fastest-growing economies, demonstrating significant resilience. Strong credit and deposit growth indicate a robust financial sector performance. Foreign currency inflows are bolstering the nation's economic standing. Improved monsoon outlook and better irrigation support the rural economic outlook. The number of high-income taxpayers continues to show a notable increase.

India's 80th Independence Day: International ambassadors and diplomatic missions celebrated India's 80th Independence Anniversary with profound greetings. The US Embassy emphasized the remarkable and impactful nature of their ongoing collaboration. Celebrations at consulates in Shanghai and Atlanta included community involvement and vibrant displays of lights. Bangladesh and Israel joined in with warm wishes, acknowledging shared historical struggles and developing ties.

On India's 80th Independence Day, China's Ambassador Xu Feihong offered heartfelt congratulations, showcasing international camaraderie. Despite the rainy weather, the Indian Embassy in Beijing conducted a dignified ceremony. In Shanghai, Consul General Pratik Mathur celebrated with an enthusiastic crowd, undeterred by typhoon conditions. These gestures highlighted India's rising significance on the global stage.

From rail electrification to hydrogen trains: PM Modi highlights Indias railway leap

Karnataka will introduce AI education from Class VI onwards in all schools. The state plans to establish its first public AI University in Bengaluru. One thousand government schools will be upgraded with modern infrastructure and facilities. These initiatives aim to equip youth with 21st-century skills and bridge the digital divide. Free bus travel has also been extended to school and college students across the state.

India is increasing efforts to secure critical minerals and forge partnerships. The nation is strengthening access to vital resources for technology and clean energy. A National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched with significant government funding. Four dedicated processing parks will be established across different states. These initiatives aim to boost domestic processing and value addition capabilities.

Raja Shankar Shah and his son Raghunath Shah were executed by the British in Jabalpur in 1857 after poems invoking goddess Chandi against colonial rule were recovered from their residence. Their story shows how poetry, letters and personal networks became powerful instruments of resistance during the uprising against British rule.

R Praggnanandhaa remained in contention for a podium finish at the Sinquefield Cup after drawing with leader Wesley So in the fifth round. The Indian Grandmaster has three points from five games and remains among the leading contenders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged a collective effort to make India drug-free. He called for families to join the 100-day nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan. This campaign aims to tackle drug addiction, a significant challenge for the nation's youth. The initiative involves various organizations and community engagement programs across the country. The government launched this anti-drug awareness campaign to foster a healthier future generation.

PM Modi hails Indias 12-year transformation, pushes Atmanirbhar Bharat & semiconductor growth

Indias payments ecosystem has evolved dramatically, from hundis and merchant networks that moved value across long distances to formal banking, electronic transfers and the digital infrastructure behind UPI. Each technological leap solved the same fundamental challenge: enabling money to travel securely and efficiently without physically moving cash from one place to another.

Ind vs SL Test Live Streaming: India and Sri Lanka begin their two-match Test series in Galle on August 15, 2026. Here are the live streaming details, squads, predicted playing XIs, weather and pitch reports, and the head-to-head Test record.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a new framework called 'Sapta Dhara' for India. This framework identifies seven key areas to accelerate the nation's development. Modi stated these streams of strength will guide India towards becoming a Viksit Bharat. He believes this initiative can achieve decades of progress in just five years. The Prime Minister emphasized a holistic approach for national advancement.