A $300 billion reconstruction fund may be part of a preliminary deal between the US and Iran to end the war, but conflicting statements from US officials, including President Trump calling it "fake news," cast doubt on its validity. The deal includes Iran's agreement to halt nuclear weapon pursuits and stop funding terrorist groups, and has been electronically signed over the weekend.
India has become an important part of the Trump administration’s public diplomacy plans, according to Sarah Rogers, the US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
It was a funny week in the world of AI. Just when Brother Sam was enjoying all the attention from his mischievous AI model breaking containment, Uncle Dario said, “uh uh, you can’t hog all the fame”. Hence, Anthropic was on social media, revealing how its Claude did the same thing, but it breached three parties.
Telangana has experienced a remarkable growth in its MSME sector, particularly in the aerospace and defence industry. With a target to become the top aerospace and defence capital in India by 2030, the state is providing policy incentives and investments to support MSMEs and enhance the supply chain. Telangana aims to become a leading destination for defence manufacturing and increase its exports.
Six months into the US-Iran war, the fighting has caused major disruption in global energy supplies. But while drivers, airlines and families are paying more for fuel, some of the world’s biggest oil companies are making record profits.
India has reacted to reports that the Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international students who want to work in the US after finishing their studies.
In 2023, Hero MotoCorp launched Hero Premia to change its image from a commuter player to a high-end motorcycle company. However, their flagship model, Mavrick 440, was discontinued due to low sales. Other luxury models like Karizma XMR and Xtreme 250R also faced challenges in attracting customers, possibly due to Hero's reputation as a frugal commuter brand.
The trend of trekking in India is on the rise, with domestic adventurers, especially Gen Z, millennials, solo travelers, and families, driving the growth. Popular destinations like Leh, Kasol, and McLeod Ganj are attracting more tourists. Trekking is now more than just reaching a summit, it's about the overall outdoor experience.
The NFHS-6 report by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows a rise in alcohol consumption in India, particularly among men aged 15 years or above. However, there has been a decrease in alcohol consumption among women in the same age group.
Ryan Fox's victory at Royal Birkdale may no longer be breaking news, but it remains a masterclass in perseverance. Golf is rarely about your swing, but the conversation happening between your ears. Fox's Saturday round was a lesson in mental strength, accepting today's score without letting it write tomorrow's story.
In July, India saw a significant increase in domestic passenger vehicle dispatches, with Maruti Suzuki India leading the market and crossing the 2 lakh-unit milestone. Other major players like Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Kia also reported strong sales, driven by demand for SUVs and new energy vehicles.
Indian two-wheeler manufacturers saw a boost in domestic sales in July, thanks to rural demand, festival stocking, and continued momentum. Hero MotoCorp remained at the top with a 21.6% increase in dispatches, while Honda, Suzuki, and Royal Enfield also reported positive growth. However, Royal Enfield's exports declined by 13%.
GST collections in July reached a 3-month high of Rs 2.11 lakh crore, with a 15.4% year-on-year increase. Net GST revenue also rose by 15.8%, indicating a strong economic activity despite external uncertainties. The growth was driven by a 28.8% increase in import revenue and a 10.1% rise in domestic collections.
The Ladakh Biennale, covering 230 km of the Leh-Kargil corridor, features 12 artists and focuses on the theme 'Signals from Another Star'. It highlights the connection between art, environment, and community in a delicate region. The event aims to create a sustainable institution through collaboration and education, with a non-ticketed approach.
The book "A World of Resistance" discusses the harmful effects of antibiotic overuse in India. Authors Assa Doron and Alex Broom, an anthropologist and sociologist, examine the manufacturing, prescribing, and distribution of antibiotics in India. They also explore their use in hospitals, food production, and by unregistered medical practitioners.
Filmmakers capture India's beauty through bustling bazaars and serene fishermen, but this hides the dangerous truth of pollution from vibrant colors. Toxics Link found harmful chemicals in the rivers and soil, prompting a call for natural dyes. Scientists and entrepreneurs are working towards a sustainable solution, as consumers can make a difference with their choices.
"Travel for inspiration: Norway's Future Library project and Finland's Tree Mountain showcase the intersection of literature, patience, and ecology. Climate change has given rise to commemorative walks and symbolic funerals for disappearing glaciers. England's Eden Project educates on sustainable practices, while Senegal's Great Green Wall Initiative promotes land restoration and conservation.
Mahua, once a survival food for tribal communities, has now become a popular ingredient in modern cuisine. It is used as a natural sweetener in traditional dishes and has been observed to have various health benefits. Chefs have also started incorporating mahua into their dishes, creating innovative preparations like mahua ice cream and chutney.
Vintage motoring events, like the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, celebrate innovation, craftsmanship, and style. They showcase rare and valuable cars and are gaining interest from younger enthusiasts and families. These events preserve automotive heritage and serve as a marketplace for collectors and investors. The global classic cars market is expected to grow.
The rise of generative AI has propelled smart speakers as the next big computing platform dominated by Amazon, Google, and Apple. Creating a successful voice assistant demands significant investment in software and an ecosystem of apps and developers. Companies are now prioritizing controlling the entire technology stack for personalized AI experiences with the emergence of large language models.
Coal India Ltd, a state-owned miner, recorded a record supply of 64.19 million tonnes of coal in July, the highest ever for the month in any financial year. Despite monsoon-related mining difficulties, the company reported an 18.38% increase in dispatches to power plants and non-regulated consumers.
Hyundai Motor India is introducing a new mid-size SUV and a mass-market electric compact SUV in the festive season and by the end of FY27. The company is focused on increasing its market share in India's passenger vehicle segment and is prioritizing SUVs, with another mid-size SUV in the works.
State-owned oil marketing companies have decreased commercial cooking gas prices by ₹192 per 19-kg cylinder, bringing relief to hotels and restaurants. However, aviation turbine fuel rates have increased by ₹5 per litre. This marks the second consecutive monthly reduction in commercial LPG prices, with a total decrease of ₹375.50 in two months.
Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay has allocated Rs 340 crore to tackle severe water scarcity caused by a monsoon deficit in 20 districts, including Chennai. He has instructed officials to speed up infrastructure projects and provide financial aid to farmers. Weekly reviews and field monitoring have been implemented to prevent future water shortages.
Uttar Pradesh is on track to become India's digital powerhouse with the creation of a 'Data Corridor' - the first of its kind in the country. Led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state plans to become a global center for digital infrastructure, innovation, and employment opportunities.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the 'Lakshmi Yojana' on August 1, providing monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to eligible women in the national capital. The scheme aims to promote women's dignity, financial security, and self-reliance, with the first instalment expected to be disbursed by August 28.
PM Modi to inaugurate Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Andhra Pradesh on August 1, 2026. The Greenfield Airport, costing Rs 5,640 crore, will handle 60 lakh passengers annually in its first phase. It will boost tourism, trade, exports, and is designed to be sustainable with advanced technology and modern facilities.
An F-35B fighter jet crashed at a California air station, causing a massive explosion and smoke. The pilot ejected and is stable, but the reason for the crash is unclear. The F-35B is a single-seat stealth aircraft, considered the most advanced in the world and worth $135.8 million.
PM Modi calls for restraint and compassion towards abusive children on social media, while acknowledging anger over incident at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, cooperates with authorities over objectionable content targeting the PM.
Indian Oil Corporation has raised $500 million through a discounted foreign-exchange swap window and may seek more funds before the facility closes in December. Their borrowing needs have increased due to low fuel sales and under-recoveries on domestic cooking gas. To protect against West Asia conflict, they have diversified their crude oil sources.
Madhya Pradesh CM Dr Mohan Yadav boosts women-led rural livelihoods by disbursing Rs 300 crore in loans to self-help groups. The State Rural Ajeevika Mission distributes Rs 10.8 crore to 215 SHGs in Jhabua district. The CM emphasizes the impact of women in the state's progress and announces various development projects.
Tata Steel has been given the go-ahead by the Dutch government to resume operations at its Ijmuiden mill for a limited time. The company plans to use this trial period to gather data and secure longer operations. However, their future investments in the Netherlands will depend on regulatory certainty, policy support, and a social license to operate.
Tata Steel shifts focus to downstream businesses like automotive, oil & gas, and shipbuilding for better value. Expansion of Neelachal Ispat plant to be funded internally, not seeking project financing. Growth in automotive segment driven by new facilities at Kalinganagar, aims to compete with few qualified suppliers. Company also foresees potential in these industries.
The World Bank predicts that extreme heat in Indian cities will harm economic growth and jobs, with a projected 7% decline by 2050. Unsafe working conditions in cities like New Delhi and Mumbai could result in job losses. However, investing in sustainable cooling technology could create millions of jobs. The report recommends implementing heat early warning systems.
Sensex and Nifty bounced back this week, with Sensex seeing its biggest weekly gain in four months and Nifty settling at a high. The decrease in Brent crude oil prices eased inflation worries and boosted market sentiment. Global markets, domestic earnings, and foreign inflows also played a role in the rally, with all sectoral indices ending the week in the green, led by IT.
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹84,084-crore scheme called Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme to boost offshore hydrocarbon drilling. This scheme aims to increase domestic oil and gas production, expand India's hydrocarbon resources, and reduce dependence on imported energy. It could also save nearly ₹1 lakh crore annually in crude oil imports after the removal of no-go areas.
Cabinet approves 5-year extension of PM-KISAN scheme with a budget of Rs 3.15 lakh crore. Scheme provides Rs 6000 annually to 100 million smallholder farmers through DBT. Since its launch in 2019, over Rs 4.47 lakh crore has been disbursed. Scheme has helped farmers invest in agriculture, reduce reliance on informal credit and improve income.
India's exports have seen a significant structural transformation, reaching $863 billion in 2025-26. Electronics and engineering goods are driving this growth, with exports to new markets like Africa and Latin America. Services, especially software and IT, have also contributed.
IndiGo, India's biggest airline, will halt wide-body operations due to difficult conditions and geopolitical tensions. Flights to and from London Heathrow will be paused and Mumbai-Amsterdam flights will use Airbus A321XLR. The first Airbus A350-900 is expected in 2027. IndiGo will assist affected customers and plans to start its own wide-body operations in the future.
The central government's fiscal deficit in Q1 of FY27 was 18.2% of the full-year target, driven by increased capital expenditure. However, spending was halted in June due to tensions in West Asia. Economists warn of potential strain on the fiscal position with renewed hostilities and rising crude oil prices.
IMD forecasts below-normal monsoon rainfall for August-September due to El Nino, but some regions may receive normal to above-normal rainfall. Sowing of kharif crops has improved with July's normal rainfall, but there is a 4% deficit in total cropped area compared to last year. El Nino may persist in August and strengthen in September, but India remains hopeful.
FPI inflows into Indian government bonds have decreased in July due to geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices, and a smaller interest rate gap between the US and India. The decline from June's record levels is attributed to RBI actions and hopes for India's inclusion in the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index.
To ensure financial security while studying abroad, it is crucial to have a sponsor protection rider in your student travel insurance. This provides assistance in case of sponsor's death or disability. It is also important to have personal liability and emergency family visit add-ons. Some insurers offer sponsor protection as a built-in benefit.
The Indian government's plan to upgrade 1,000 government-run ITIs is making progress with 822 institutes identified for upgradation. Implementation is in early stages with only 6 strategic investment plans approved. Industry partners will help redesign curriculum and improve training delivery.
In July, the US became India's top LPG supplier with a 73% share, as India aims to diversify its energy sources and reduce trade deficit. Traditional West Asian suppliers, like the UAE, have seen a decrease in their share, with a 34.9% drop in shipments. In the April-June quarter, India's LPG imports were half of its domestic consumption.
Embassy Group disputes allegations by Sterling & Wilson and other petitioners, stating that Sebi's position has weakened the case. Sebi is unlikely to support relief sought by petitioner due to lack of evidence. Embassy questions timing and motives of investment, citing changes in Sebi's regulations. Court directs Sebi to file affidavits by August 27, with next hearing scheduled.
The 2026 Blue Dragon Series Awards took place in South Korea, hosted by Lim Yoona and Jun Hyun Moo for the fifth year. Notable nominees included Park Ji Hoon and Hu Deok Ju, and Jin Sun Kyu and Park Bo Kyung were the first married couple to be nominated. Netflix's "When Life Gives You Tangerines" dominated, with Ju Ji Hoon and IU winning Best Actor and Actress.
The Maharashtra government is launching a pilot project for the Electric Rapid Transit System in Pune, a road-based public transport system that runs on electric vehicles. The 17-km route will connect residential, industrial, and commercial areas and provide seamless connectivity with Pune Metro and Indian Railways. The system will offer a comfortable travel experience.
Electric two-wheeler sales in India continue to surge, with a 77% year-on-year increase in July, driven by higher fuel prices and consumer preference for electric vehicles. TVS Motor reported a 121% growth in sales, expanding its market share to 27%. Bajaj Auto and Ather Energy also saw significant growth, while Ola Electric's sales declined.
Motilal Oswal, a domestic brokerage house, recommends three stocks for potential growth in defence, apparel, and electronics manufacturing sectors. These stocks, MTAR Technologies, Go Fashion (India), and Syrma SGS Technology, have 'Buy' ratings and expected upside of 28% to 38%.
Jefferies says Eternal remains the execution leader across food delivery and quick commerce, but sees Swiggy as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity with around 40% upside if Instamart successfully replicates its food delivery turnaround.