Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

15 Aug, 2026, 06:39PM IST, PTI
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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
India may have found the key to unlock its $5 trillion sleeping fortuneIndia may have found the key to unlock its $5 trillion sleeping fortune
India plans to revamp its Gold Monetisation Scheme by involving jewellers, aiming to unlock household gold holdings estimated at 25,000-50,000 tonnes. Jewellers may get 0.75%-1% incentives, while cheaper domestic gold could lower financing costs. The scheme could reduce imports, which hit $71.9 billion in FY26. Trust, transparency and efficient gold tracking remain key challenges. Read more
India state food safety chief targets Eternal, Swiggy, Zepto in sweeping crackdown, suspends permits of 12 warehouses ​India state food safety chief targets Eternal, Swiggy, Zepto in sweeping crackdown, suspends permits of 12 warehouses ​
Maharashtra's food safety chief has taken action by suspending 12 warehouses' permits for grocery giants including Eternal, Swiggy and Zepto after recent inspections exposed disturbing health violations such as cockroach infestations and spoiled produce. Moreover, inspectors uncovered rodent waste and unhygienic storage practices, while delivery personnel wearing street shoes increased contamination risks. Read more
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Independence Day 2026: PM Modi invokes ‘Sapta Dhara’ vision for India’s future focusing on manufacturing to soft powerIndependence Day 2026: PM Modi invokes ‘Sapta Dhara’ vision for India’s future focusing on manufacturing to soft power
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. Read more
Tata Succession Plan: Senior executives and family scions seen in early list for top job after Chandrasekaran's exitTata Succession Plan: Senior executives and family scions seen in early list for top job after Chandrasekaran's exit
Tata Sons has begun the search for N Chandrasekaran’s successor after he announced plans to step down as chairman in February. Tata Steel CEO TV Narendran, Tata Power CEO Praveer Sinha, Tata Motors’ Shailesh Chandra and Tata Chemicals’ Ramakrishnan Mukundan are among contenders. Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata’s children Neville and Maya are also being considered, alongside potential external candidates. Read more
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Mahindra launches BE 6 SPORTEQ with BaaS, new three-screen cockpit: Check price and more featuresMahindra launches BE 6 SPORTEQ with BaaS, new three-screen cockpit: Check price and more features
Mahindra has launched the BE 6 SPORTEQ with a new three-screen cockpit, Google Gemini-powered TEQ_Talk, six TEQ Suites and added performance and personalisation features. Prices start at Rs 11.45 lakh under the Battery as a Service model, with deliveries beginning on August 26, 2026. Read more
Govt's Rs 7,280 crore rare earth magnet scheme draws 20 bids, including L&T, Coal India, ReNewGovt's Rs 7,280 crore rare earth magnet scheme draws 20 bids, including L&T, Coal India, ReNew
Twenty bids were received for the government's rare earth magnet manufacturing scheme. This initiative aims to establish 6,000 metric tonnes of domestic production capacity. The scheme will support industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors. It seeks to build a complete value chain from oxide to finished magnets. The program will run for seven years after facility setup and incentive disbursement. Read more
US visa for children: Minors of all ages must attend interview, US Embassy tells Indian parentsUS visa for children: Minors of all ages must attend interview, US Embassy tells Indian parents
Indian parents must bring all minor children to US visa interviews. This rule applies to every child, regardless of their age. Consular officers need to see each applicant personally during the process. This requirement ensures border security and national safety measures. Parents should plan for their child's presence at the scheduled interview. Read more
Independence Day 2026: The road to UPI — India’s payments revolution was centuries in the makingIndependence Day 2026: The road to UPI — India’s payments revolution was centuries in the making
India’s payments ecosystem has evolved dramatically, from hundis and merchant networks that moved value across long distances to formal banking, electronic transfers and the digital infra 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. Read more
A $67 bn tariff trail leads the US to India over China trade. Where's the proof?A $67 bn tariff trail leads the US to India over China trade. Where's the proof?
The White House has placed India among countries at highest risk of being used to circumvent US tariffs on Chinese goods, citing an estimated $67 billion in goods allegedly transshipped through India, Mexico and Vietnam in 2025. However, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), led by Ajay Srivastava, has challenged the evidence, noting that the report does not disclose India's share of the figure or identify any Indian exporter or specific fraudulent shipment. The story examines the US allegations, India's role in global supply chains, the distinction between legitimate manufacturing and tariff evasion, and the potential impact of tougher US checks on Indian exporters. Read more
Pesky call complaints rise steadily since 2022, over 82% against unregistered telemarketers, Governments tells ParliamentPesky call complaints rise steadily since 2022, over 82% against unregistered telemarketers, Governments tells Parliament
Grievances against pesky calls and messages have risen significantly since 2022. Most complaints are filed against unregistered telemarketers, data shows. Telecom connections of pesky callers were disconnected, but numbers fell recently. Action on sponsoring entities has seen a continuous rise in blacklisting. Registered telemarketers also faced blacklisting actions by authorities. Read more
Two earthquakes, two responses: How Venezuela and Colombia faced disasterTwo earthquakes, two responses: How Venezuela and Colombia faced disaster
Venezuelan civilians led rescue efforts after devastating earthquakes due to government delays and lack of equipment. Colombian officials quickly coordinated a robust response with multiple entities and heavy machinery. Venezuela's response was hampered by years of shortages and hyperinflation impacting state resources. Colombia's swift action saved hundreds of lives within a crucial 72-hour window. These events reveal stark differences in national disaster management capabilities. Read more
Maruti, Tata, Mahindra raised E20 fuel contamination concerns, emails showMaruti, Tata, Mahindra raised E20 fuel contamination concerns, emails show
Automakers privately expressed concerns about E20 fuel contamination, citing chloride and moisture issues. This data emerged after the auto lobby withdrew a complaint to the government. Industry tests found high chloride and moisture levels in many fuel samples. These contaminants are reportedly harming vehicles and reducing performance. Read more
Independence Day 2026: A 1968 gold ban that turned every Indian household into an underground vaultIndependence Day 2026: A 1968 gold ban that turned every Indian household into an underground vault
In 1968, the Gold (Control) Act restricted gold ownership and capped jewellery purity at 14 karats to curb imports and conserve foreign exchange. Instead of reducing demand, the law pushed gold underground, with households hiding jewellery and smugglers building a parallel market. Read more
RBI to close FCNR(B) forex swap facility early after strong dollar inflowRBI to close FCNR(B) forex swap facility early after strong dollar inflow
The Reserve Bank of India has closed its special forex swap facility early. This facility attracted significant foreign exchange inflows totaling $52.3 billion. The scheme for FCNR(B) deposits will now only accept funds mobilized until August 31. However, the swap facility for ECBs and OFCBs continues until December 2026. These channels collectively generated over $56 billion in forex inflows. Read more
Bombay House battles: How Ratan Tata once defeated the old guardBombay House battles: How Ratan Tata once defeated the old guard
Ratan Tata’s rise as Tata Sons chairman in 1991 triggered a dramatic power struggle with Tata Group’s old guard. Russi Mody, Darbari Seth and Ajit Kerkar had built powerful, autonomous empires within Tata companies. Through retirement policies, boardroom alliances and stronger central governance, Ratan Tata gradually asserted Tata Sons’ authority, reshaping the conglomerate and laying the foundation for its global expansion. Read more
Swadeshi 1.0 vs. Made in India 2.0: How India turned a 1905 boycott into a 2026 business strategySwadeshi 1.0 vs. Made in India 2.0: How India turned a 1905 boycott into a 2026 business strategy
Independence Day 2026: From the Swadeshi movement to Atmanirbhar Bharat. Early Swadeshi movements fostered indigenous industries against imperial rule. Modern policies like Make in India 2.0 drive global competitiveness and expansion. Production-Linked Incentive schemes have spurred significant investment and job creation. India now leads in mobile phone production and aims for high-tech manufacturing. This evolution showcases a renewed legacy of economic self-determination on a global scale. Read more
After Gen Z, its Gen Alpha's turn to seek accountability: Arvind KejriwalAfter Gen Z, its Gen Alpha's turn to seek accountability: Arvind Kejriwal
Gen Alpha is now demanding better facilities in government schools. Children across India are protesting for basic amenities like proper roads and teachers. Arvind Kejriwal noted damaged buildings and a lack of toilets in schools. He stated that people had accepted poor conditions as normal for years. Kejriwal claimed Punjab's schools improved significantly under his party's governance. Read more
UCIL eyes bigger uranium output to fuel India’s 100 GW nuclear pushUCIL eyes bigger uranium output to fuel India’s 100 GW nuclear push
UCIL aims to lead nuclear fuel supply for India's energy program. The company is enhancing mining and processing capacities for this goal. New mining activities are planned in other parts of the country. UCIL will utilize tailing ponds and expand its Tummalapalle plant. Environmental clearances are being sought for the Rohil project in Rajasthan. Read more
PM, Shah must respond on reports of Chinese aggression in Arunachal Pradesh, loss of territory: Mallikarjun KhargePM, Shah must respond on reports of Chinese aggression in Arunachal Pradesh, loss of territory: Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress leaders demand answers from Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah. They question reports of Chinese troops restricting Indian patrols in Arunachal Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi alleged the government is attempting to hide these border incursions. The Ministry of External Affairs stated border issues with China are most serious. China maintains the border situation is generally stable at the moment. Read more
Supreme Court quashes defamation case against Rahul Gandhi over Savarkar remarksSupreme Court quashes defamation case against Rahul Gandhi over Savarkar remarks
The Supreme Court quashed a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi. This action followed remarks made about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar during a rally. The court cited a lack of required sanction for the proceedings. A separate complaint was filed by Satyaki Savarkar, V D Savarkar's grandnephew. Read more

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