The Economic Times

Sania Mirza has joined Terra-Invest as a co-leader for key investment areas. She will focus on longevity, preventative health, and the sports economy. Mirza brings an operator's perspective to the firm's existing portfolio. Her expertise stems from a decorated two-decade tennis career and entrepreneurial ventures. Terra-Invest believes health and sport are converging markets.

An Israeli minister advocated for killing dozens in Gaza nightly. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made these controversial remarks on a podcast. He criticized the prime minister's approach to the ongoing conflict. These statements have surfaced amid rising political tensions. Such comments often draw international condemnation and scrutiny.

India plans a national sports medicine framework for preventive athlete care. This initiative aims to standardize injury protocols and link medical institutions. The government considers a phased rollout by 2028 for this new system. This framework will improve athlete availability and long-term career sustainability. The proposal supports India's potential 2036 Olympic Games bid.

Prime Minister Modi encouraged MSMEs to utilize India's numerous free trade agreements. These pacts offer significant opportunities for small businesses to expand globally. Exporters believe converting agreements into actual export orders is now the key. India has finalized trade pacts with approximately forty countries since 2014. This expansion aims to increase the global reach of Indian products.

The government is discussing a 50 basis point reduction in interest subvention for Kisan Credit Card loans. This move aims to align subsidies with recent policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India. Banks currently receive a 1.5% subsidy to offer loans at a 7% interest rate. Discussions are preliminary and part of extending the scheme until 2031-32. Farmers repaying promptly will continue to receive additional interest benefits.

Ferrari's first all-electric vehicle sold for forty million dollars at auction. This sale established a new record for the most expensive new car ever sold. The Luce, a tailor-made electric model, faced criticism upon its unveiling in May. Ferrari's share price saw a drop after the initial announcement of the vehicle. The company recently raised its full-year guidance due to strong demand for limited-run models.

A Chinese container vessel has begun a new weekly service to Europe. This route through the Arctic significantly cuts shipment times in half. The Dubai Tower vessel departed Ningbo on Saturday evening heading north. It is expected to reach the United Kingdom on September 7. Environmental groups express concerns about potential acceleration of polar ice melt.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham skillfully uses social media platforms like X and TikTok. He engages a broad audience by appearing on creator-led entertainment channels. Burnham's communications team demonstrates a strong grasp of the current media environment. He has featured in a TikTok series and jogged with a popular athlete. Teenage influencers were invited to his first speech outside Downing Street.

Bankers said some lenders now plan to borrow more short-term funds, possibly at a higher rate, to finance the promised leverage to FCNR(B) clients after the Reserve Bank of India advanced the deadline for swap support. These funds will have to be replaced with a long-term loan or bond later, leading to a temporary mismatch between banks' foreign deposits and borrowings.

For those lacking in manan or deep thinking, the best alternative is to grasp the significance of 'chai pe charcha' or tea party. Ideas flow freely during 'chai pe charcha'. Every participant feels they have an equal right to express their views. At that moment, it's the 'chai' that wields authority. Every sip is thought-provoking.

Goods and services tax cuts offer carmakers a crucial buffer against rising commodity prices. Companies are employing various strategies to minimize product price increases and sustain demand. Internal cost reductions and selective price adjustments help absorb commodity shocks. Automakers are working to further reduce production costs for future resilience. Industry growth is expected to moderate from October onwards.

The modules are electronic measurement book (e-MB) and electronic billing (e-billing), replacing the paper-based measurement and billing system that had been in use for two decades. The modules, developed by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), went live on Friday.

Two individuals perished in fires that erupted simultaneously on Greece's Salamis island. Hundreds of residents and bathers were evacuated from affected beach areas. The civil protection ministry issued multiple evacuation orders for southern and eastern parts. Firefighters deployed a substantial force to combat the difficult blaze. The fires broke out near inhabited areas, posing significant challenges.

Draft rules for the SHANTI Act are now public, opening India's nuclear power sector. A single licence will cover building, operating, and decommissioning nuclear plants. Private companies must provide mandatory insurance and financial security for waste management. Foreign reactors require certification from their country of origin or another trusted nation.

On Sunday, student protesters gathered at the Directorate of Census Operations in Imphal, calling for the NRC's implementation prior to any census activities. The situation escalated when police employed tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in minor injuries for one protester. This demonstration took place in Porompat, Imphal East, highlighting the growing unrest among students regarding census preparations.

Senior representatives of some of the country's largest NBFCs met on August 14 to discuss the issues they intend to raise with the RBI. The lenders will make a formal representation through the Finance Industry Development Council, the industry body representing NBFCs, this week, according to the people.

Five Arab nations, along with Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia, on Sunday criticised Israel for rejecting a US proposal for Gaza. In a joint statement, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE said Israels rejection could undermine US President Donald Trumps renewed efforts to bring the war in Gaza to an end.

Blue Dart Express plans a new international cross-border ecommerce delivery product. This initiative aims to capture a larger share of India's growing global trade. The company will initially focus on major ecommerce corridors with strong existing trade flows. Regulatory changes, like the removal of a value cap, support this expansion. Blue Dart expects this new venture to become a meaningful contributor within five years.

Parag Sharma expects the company, India's second-biggest non-bank lender by market value, to sustain 18-20% credit growth annually and maintain 8.5% margins, without having to raise capital every few years to expand its asset base.

Between 2020 and 2025, more than 1,100 society-level redevelopment agreements were recorded in Mumbai, unlocking around 432 acres of land. The financing requirement begins before construction, including society payouts, transit accommodation, premiums and approvals, while banks and NBFCs typically participate later at the construction finance stage.

The financial services landscape is evolving, emphasizing the importance of software and data infrastructures. In India, digital payments are surging, showcasing a strong shift toward online transactions. However, institutions grapple with legacy systems and fragmented data. As global account ownership climbs, theres a pressing need for speed and security in financial systems. The future hinges on leveraging AI and building robust infrastructures for continued growth and innovation.

Tragedy struck in Rudha Dhamrua village as 95-year-old Indrawati, mother of IPS officer Ashutosh Mishra, was discovered murdered in her home. The scene revealed signs of robbery, with gold jewellery missing. A domestic worker found her lifeless body on a cot, prompting her son, stationed in Lucknow, to immediately file a murder and robbery report. Authorities are currently investigating the case against unknown suspects.

Hamas sources expect to meet US envoy Jared Kushner in Egypt soon. Kushner is pushing a Gaza peace plan which Israel has rejected. Mediators informed Hamas about the upcoming meeting with Kushner in Egypt. Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya is also in Egypt for these important discussions. The US seeks clarifications on weapons and Hamas governance in Gaza.

The Reserve Bank of India has instructed rating agencies to refrain from categorizing it as the regulator overseeing bank deposits. This recent directive raises the possibility that these credit assessment organizations may halt the evaluation of bank deposits entirely. With threats of deposit outflows and potential bank instability stemming from any downgraded ratings, the landscape of retail deposit reactions remains mixed.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into two alarming incidents, marking the August 13 attack in Nanded as a shocking assassination attempt involving party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Additionally, she has pushed for an investigation into another assassination attempt that occurred in December 2024, urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene.

Quote of the Day by Han Fei: Han Fei's quote, No benefit is more constant than simplicity; no happiness more constant than peace draws a line between what feels valuable for a moment and what remains valuable over time. Simplicity reduces the noise created by endless wants, while peace protects the mind from needless conflict. The deeper lesson is not to reject ambition, but to question what deserves our energy. The quote remains relevant to modern life, where consumption, comparison and constan

In a recent proposal, a parliamentary committee has recommended that hospital room charges not exceed the rates of three-star hotels. The substantial growth of private healthcare as an industry has attracted considerable private equity investment, resulting in valuation spikes and shifts in ownership among hospital chains. However, this raises important questions about the accessibility of healthcare for the average person.

The latest guidance from the US emphasizes the importance of identifying and treating abnormal blood fats earlier. This proactive strategy seeks to mitigate the lifelong chances of heart attacks and strokes. For certain children, cholesterol screening may now commence in their youth, while adults will be utilizing a new calculator designed to assess cardiovascular disease risk. Reducing LDL cholesterol levels provides enhanced protection against potential future health issues.

According to the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, the copyright of a film expires 60 years after its release. After the copyright expires, an IP owner loses exclusive rights to the film, which then enters the public domain. This makes the film's IP vulnerable, as anyone can colourise the film.

Amid increasing concerns over food safety and hygiene, Indian malls are ramping up their oversight of restaurant operations. Major mall operators have sent out new warnings to food and beverage tenants, responding to recent enforcement actions by food and drug authorities across various states.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress of insulting the national song Vande Mataram. He demanded an apology from the party to the people and its writer. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari also called the alleged objection an insult to nationalism. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh responded by criticising Shah's past actions and ideology. Ramesh stated Shah's demand aims to divert attention from current significant issues.

The Italian saying, 'Better alone than in bad company,' underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences. It encourages us to choose uplifting relationships over toxic ones, affirming that solitude can be more fulfilling than negative interactions. In a world where social connections are often pressured, prioritizing meaningful bonds can significantly enhance our happiness and well-being.

Mahala Ashley Dickerson moved from Alabama to Alaska in 1958 after being drawn to the territory during a vacation. She became the first Black homesteader in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and, months later, Alaskas first Black woman lawyer. She went on to spend decades fighting racial and gender discrimination and advocating for poor and underprivileged people.

The BJP is on the verge of completing its organizational reset, emphasizing a fresh leadership team selection. This initiative hints at significant political shifts ahead of the upcoming election cycle, with an emphasis on inclusion of younger leaders and increased representation for women. The reconstitution of the Parliamentary Board, the party's apex decision-making entity, will set the course for the BJP as it approaches the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Struggling like many other European automakers, Opel is expanding its partnership with Leapmotor to build a new SUV, tapping the Hangzhou-based company's expertise on electric vehicles and low-cost production -- while leaving Opel's local engineers to perform more old-fashioned vehicle design work.

BJP president Nitin Nabin met with Uttar Pradesh MPs to discuss upcoming elections. Discussions focused on caste equations and strengthening cadre morale across the state. MPs shared constituency-level assessments and highlighted policy interventions for strengthening the party.

At just 16, Michal Sklar experienced a sudden medical episode that changed something about the way her brain worked. What she noticed in the days that followed was unusual enough to leave her confused, and even after years, the strange effect has not completely disappeared. Today, what began as a frightening experience has become an unexpected part of her daily life and something she has found a way to share with her family.

Quote of the Day by Simon Bolivar: Simon Bolivar's famous quote, Spirit cannot be compared with matter captures a sharp contrast between material power and the human will to resist it. At its simplest, the quote argues that superior resources do not automatically determine the outcome of a struggle. Its deeper idea is about courage, freedom and psychological resilience: people can endure unequal odds when they believe their cause has meaning. Bolivars words remain relevant beyond war, raising qu

For a natural cleaning alternative, combining baking soda and orange juice creates a powerful paste that effortlessly removes kitchen grease and sticky messes. This eco-friendly mixture also deodorizes household drains, leaving them fresh. Remember to wear gloves for protection and steer clear of porous stones like marble and granite. Additionally, never combine this solution with bleach or ammonia to ensure safety.

There are some diseases that are silent killers meaning, they often do not exhibit symptoms until it is too late. Taking to X, internal medicine expert Dr Priyam Bordoloi explained why kidney diseases scared him the most and five foods that can cause irrepairable damage to your kidneys.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has scrapped plans for new Muslim foot-washing stations following a review initiated by Governor Greg Abbott. The governor raised concerns about potential religious discrimination and called for a federal investigation into similar facilities at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Ablution stations support ritual cleansing for Islamic prayer, yet the airport cited operational advantages and public interest as key factors in their ultimate decis

Soon, a concrete barrier currently obstructing fish migration in Fresh Brook will be dismantled. This ambitious restoration initiative seeks to reinstate a vital connection between the stream and its tidal waters, as well as restore access to historic spawning areas. This crucial step will enable sea-run brook trout and various species to return to their home waters after years of isolation.

Iran's parliament has approved a bill criminalising interviews with hostile media outlets. Violators of this new legislation could face imprisonment for six months to two years. The bill also requires notification for interviews with other foreign media organizations. It aims to counter foreign intelligence influence and protect national security interests. This move follows a previous law imposing tougher penalties for cooperation with hostile states.

First of its kind in the country, the plant will be developed under HPL's subsidiary Adplus Polymers & Chemicals. The facility is set to house the country's first on-purpose propylene plant based on olefin conversion technology and the country's largest phenol production unit in West Bengal's Haldia.

UK households have made nearly one hundred million pounds from selling solar power, as Octopus Energy customers have reported collective earnings over the last year. This rise comes amid a surge in solar panel inquiries, driven by recent heatwaves. Climate advocates are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take action on escalating weather patterns, showcasing the growing trend towards renewable energy.

A video of an 88-year-old woman who is robust and at the peak of health, even at an advanced age, has gone viral on Instagram. In the video she talks about how eating healthy and removing sugar from your diet can help you live long.

Educated youth face a challenging job market with fewer middle-skill opportunities. Many new jobs are in low-productivity agriculture or informal services. AI threatens cognitive jobs, widening the existing skills divide. India must create productive non-farm work and expand tech-complementary roles. Targeted AI skilling is crucial to secure the demographic dividend.

Students across the nation have taken to the streets, drawing attention to the overwhelming resource deficit in education. With public funding stagnating and not meeting government commitments, many students are now gravitating towards private schools. This shift in enrollment is leading to the closure or merging of numerous government institutions. To enhance the quality of state schools and foster future development, a significant increase in public investment is imperative.

Global humid heat exposure has surged significantly, with India experiencing a nineteenfold increase. Poor urban planning and construction have intensified heat traps in Indian cities. This humid heat stress poses serious health risks, impacting vital organs and vulnerable populations. Productivity losses have risen dramatically, affecting workdays and wages for many. Addressing humid heat stress requires urgent policy and political prioritization for human health.

Genuine stupidity is presented as a revolutionary technology surpassing artificial intelligence. This concept requires no advanced infrastructure, relying solely on human ingenuity. Corporations and governments will embrace this trend, announcing strategic pivots and unrealistic promises. Investors will support startups focused on this concept, with delivery being secondary. Universities and consultants will also adapt, offering new degrees and explanations for its adoption.