At least four to five privately placed infrastructure investment trusts (Invits) are expected to transition to public listings by the end of the 2026-27 financial year, significantly increasing the number of publicly traded Invits to 12-14, according to N S Venkatesh, CEO of the Bharat Invits Association (BIA).
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has signed an MoU with the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to enhance its counter-drone capabilities. This partnership aims to strengthen security at vital installations like airports, nuclear facilities, and oil refineries by fostering engagement with Indian drone startups and technology companies for capacity building, research, and operational readiness against aerial threats.
The Supreme Court will hear petitions on August 17 seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, after deferring the original hearing due to the Solicitor General's UN engagement.
Indian cricketers Manav Suthar, Auqib Nabi, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mayank Agarwal showcased strong performances in the English County Championship, with Suthar's seven-wicket haul leading Warwickshire to an innings victory.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the new season of the Indian Women's League (IWL) will commence in October, alongside IWL 2. The federation also revealed significant changes including higher coaching licence requirements, revised disciplinary rules, and an ambitious long-term expansion strategy aiming for 12 teams by 2032 to professionalise women's football in India.
The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit has strongly criticised Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for advocating the restoration of Article 370, asserting that the constitutional provision has been permanently abrogated and such calls aim to disrupt peace. The party emphasised that Kashmir has moved beyond past conflicts and is focused on development, while reiterating that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, distinct from Article 370.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has pledged support for promoting sporting talent and improving infrastructure in Mizoram, particularly for boxers. This assurance came during a meeting with BJP youth wing leaders who highlighted the state's sporting potential and the need for modern facilities, including a boxing hall, especially with India's 2036 Olympic bid in mind.
A five-storey boys' paying guest (PG) accommodation in Satya Niketan, South Delhi, collapsed, resulting in one fatality and trapping several individuals. Rescue operations are ongoing in the congested area, with locals citing ongoing basement construction and the building's age as potential factors.
India's foreign exchange reserves surged by USD 11.475 billion to a new record high of USD 740.803 billion for the week ended August 28, driven by the RBI's concessional forex swap initiatives.
A Pakistani national and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Yasir, involved in multiple terror incidents including the 2024 Poonch IAF convoy ambush, has been neutralised by the Indian Army in Yusmarg, central Kashmir. An extensive search operation is underway in the high-altitude Pir Panjal range for a second terrorist, Musa, amidst challenging weather conditions.
'India is trying to project that it can engage with the world in a different way too.'
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the state government adheres to Central protocol for Vande Mataram recitation when the President, Vice-President, or Prime Minister attend official functions, despite his party's internal policy. This clarification follows a controversy and protests from the CPI(M) and SFI regarding the full rendition of the national song at a recent state event.
Forty-nine-year-old Meloni has been Italy's prime minister since October 22, 2022.
Harshitha Samarawickrama's unbeaten 48 off 37 balls led Sri Lanka to a four-wicket victory over Bangladesh, securing their spot in the women's Asia Cup semi-finals.
Amidst ongoing ethnic tensions, a new political alignment in Manipur sees Meitei and Naga groups uniting to demand an update to the National Register of Citizens with a 1951 base year, a move fiercely opposed by Kuki-Zo communities who fear it will disenfranchise them.
On National Sports Day, political leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and several Chief Ministers paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and lauded Indian sportspersons for their contributions to the country.
Nepal has launched a diplomatic initiative to secure climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, asserting that post-disaster assistance for recent deadly flash floods should be viewed as a moral and legal liability, not charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted Nepal's disproportionate suffering from global warming despite negligible emissions, citing rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. The country has formally approached the Loss and Damage Fund board for urgent financial aid following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin.
'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'
Celebrations marking India's 80th Independence Day in the New York tri-state area culminated in a world record, with more than 1,300 US flags surrounded by Indian tricolours arranged to form the number "250", in a tribute to America's semiquincentennial anniversary.
A survivor of a recent ambush in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, which resulted in the deaths of four Naga civilians, has described the attackers as wearing full camouflage uniforms. Gaikamang Ringkangmai, who sustained a bullet injury, recounted how militants ambushed their vehicle, killing four colleagues. The United Naga Council has accused Kuki militant outfits of involvement, while the Chief Minister has ordered action against the perpetrators.
Donald Trump announced a landmark agreement with Venezuela, claiming it to be the 'biggest oil deal in world history'. The deal reportedly grants the US majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven crude oil reserves, aiming to double American oil reserves and lower domestic gasoline prices.
The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has strongly denied reports of violating land lease conditions for the R K Khanna Tennis Complex, asserting that all facilities comply with government norms. The association suggested that the allegations are "mala fide" and strategically timed to influence the upcoming All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections. DLTA also defended its commercial subletting practices, stating they are approved by the L&DO and are essential for generating revenue as it receives no government funding for maintenance.
The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) has received regulatory approval from SEBI for its long-awaited Rs 30,000-crore initial public offering (IPO), positioning it to potentially become the country's largest-ever public issue.
A US Congress-constituted advisory body on religious freedom, the USCIRF, has urged the Trump administration to revoke the visa issued to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, citing concerns over alleged violent attacks against religious minorities by RSS subgroups.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that Washington has launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. They come after what Trump claimed was in retaliation for Iran attempting to add sea mines to the Strait.
India continues to lead the Athletics Integrity Unit's (AIU) global list of dope offenders with 162 names, highlighting a significant problem in the country's sports. The nation has been re-categorised to 'Category A' by the AIU, indicating an "extremely high" doping risk and requiring more stringent anti-doping measures.
Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.
Indian athletes are undergoing a unique acclimatisation process at NSNIS Patiala and Bengaluru, spending nights in makeshift shipping container rooms. This initiative by the Sports Authority of India aims to prepare them for the unusual container-style accommodation awaiting them at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, ensuring logistical issues do not distract from their performance.
India has expressed firm opposition to attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing Iran conflict, revealing that several Indian nationals have died or are missing due to these incidents. The nation also called for restraint, de-escalation, and prioritising civilian safety in the region.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying dialogue and trust are better than confrontation to resolve the crisis pertaining to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
US President Donald Trump indicated that American military operations targeting Iran might not have concluded, while firmly rejecting immediate talks with Tehran. He asserted that Iran is facing severe military and economic difficulties and possesses limited capabilities, despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
India's national Pokemon UNITE team achieved a remarkable runner-up position at the AESF-sanctioned Pokemon UNITE Asia International Tournament in Bangkok, showcasing strong strategic play and resilience against 11 national teams from across Asia.
Who is running the show in Dhaka? This kind of flip-flop, culminating in a last-minute decision to skip a maiden visit, can happen only when the remote is in the hands of one of the competing lobbies within the BNP -- one that appears determined to play a game of chess with India.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has clarified his recent remarks about Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron ki goonj' programme and the Cockroach Janata Party's protest, stating that the media misinterpreted his comments as an attack on his party or its leadership. He insisted he was advocating for political parties to engage more with the next generation.
Zlatko Dalic, former Croatia manager, has been appointed as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates national football team. He previously led Croatia to a World Cup final and returns to the UAE where he won a league title with Al Ain.
Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have collapsed, leading to the US imposing 50% tariffs on nearly $28 billion worth of Canadian imports, with Canada immediately vowing to retaliate dollar-for-dollar.
A massive flash flood near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left hundreds missing and caused significant casualties. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected Gyirong Township to oversee rescue and relief operations, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and rescue.
'China wants to control and divert rivers.'
Non-resident Indians are increasingly investing in luxury homes in India, driven by geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the Iran war. This trend is observed across major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and the National Capital Region, with developers noting a significant rise in NRI pre-sales. While some see it as a temporary shift, others believe India is becoming a stable, long-term investment destination for NRIs, especially those from West Asia.
Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.
