India’s economy delivered a surprise 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 FY26 (April–June), outperforming forecasts of 6.7% and maintaining its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This marks an uptick from 7.4% in the previous quarter, driven by front-loaded government spending, soft deflator effects, and early exports to the U.S. before the impact of 50% tariffs. Agriculture grew 3.7%, and manufacturing rose 7.7% year-on-year. Economists warn that tariff effects may soon dampen exports, employment, and private investment. Meanwhile, India’s fiscal deficit reached ₹4.68 lakh crore by July, or 29.9% of the full-year target, signaling pressure on public finances despite strong growth. (PC: Business Standard)

Old archival photographs have resurfaced, capturing a pivotal 2007 moment when Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, stepped into the cockpit of a Japanese bullet train. Shared by the Modi Archive amid his 2025 visit to Tokyo for the India-Japan Economic Forum, the images underscore his early fascination with Japan’s advanced rail technology and foreshadow the later Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. (PC: The Times of India)  

The Times Group has officially partnered with the Government of Gujarat to host the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025, marking the second consecutive year the prestigious event returns to the state. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Times Group MD Vineet Jain, filmmaker Karan Johar, and actor Vikrant Massey. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed to formalize the collaboration. Vineet Jain emphasized Filmfare’s legacy of celebrating cinematic excellence for 70 years and expressed pride in continuing the partnership. The awards will once again unite Bollywood’s biggest stars, directors, producers, and technicians in a grand celebration of Indian cinema. (PC: The Quint & Times Now)

In Minneapolis, a gunman opened fire on children praying inside Annunciation Church, killing 2 and injuring 18. Officials said the attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, was “obsessed with killing children” and left hate-filled writings on weapons. Victims were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Families remembered them as joyful and loving. Police said the suspect had no known mental health treatment and used legally purchased guns. FBI called it domestic terrorism. Witnesses described children running out, bleeding and begging for help. The attacker died from a self-inflicted shot. Officials urged action against assault weapons. (PC: BBC) 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that ISRO will collaborate with Japan’s space agency JAXA on the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 lunar mission. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s space diplomacy, combining ISRO’s lunar expertise with JAXA’s advanced technology. The announcement was made during Modi’s visit to Japan, reinforcing Indo-Japanese cooperation in science and innovation. Chandrayaan-5 is expected to build on the success of Chandrayaan-3, which achieved a historic soft landing near the Moon’s south pole. The joint mission aims to deepen scientific research and expand global collaboration in space exploration. This move signals India’s growing leadership in space and its commitment to multilateral innovation. (PC: Firstpost & Newsclick)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Japan during the G7 outreach summit, emphasized that India and China can play a pivotal role in stabilizing the global economic order. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between major Asian economies amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation. Modi’s remarks come at a time when global supply chains and financial systems face disruption due to conflicts and protectionist policies. While India and China have ongoing border disputes, the PM’s message signals a strategic call for economic pragmatism. His statement aligns with India’s broader push for multipolarity and inclusive growth in global forums like BRICS and the G20. (PC: NDTV & Mint)

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered flood alerts in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula as water levels in the Ghaggar river rose sharply. In Mohali’s Dera Bassi, discharge crossed 70,000 cusecs, prompting deployment of police, revenue, and drainage teams, with nine nearby villages put on high alert. Authorities are monitoring embankments, including Dehar–Alamgir–Tiwana, which breached in 2023. In Chandigarh, two floodgates of Sukhna Lake were opened early morning after water crossed the danger level of 1,163 feet—the sixth such instance this monsoon. A control room and 24/7 CCTV monitoring have been activated to coordinate emergency response. (PC: The Tribune)

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Tokyo Friday morning for his eighth Japan visit, beginning a crucial diplomatic journey that includes Japan (August 29-30) followed by China for the SCO Summit (August 31-September 1). The 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with PM Ishiba focuses on defense, security, trade, technology, and regional cooperation. Modi pitched for enhanced partnerships, highlighting that Japanese companies invested $13 billion in India over two years, with bilateral trade reaching $22.8 billion in 2023-24. He emphasized combining "Japanese excellence with Indian scale" for technological advancement, positioning India as the world's fastest-growing major economy set to become third-largest globally. Cultural exchanges included Japanese artists performing mantras and bhajans, demonstrating deep people-to-people connections strengthening strategic ties. (PC: NDTV)

Tesla stock trades at $345.75, down 1.1%, amid consolidation between $330-$360. European vehicle registrations plummeted 40% in July to 8,837 units, marking seven consecutive months of decline, while Chinese rival BYD surged 225% to 13,503 registrations. Tesla's aging Model 3/Y lineup lacks novelty against affordable competitors, with no major European launches this year. Technical indicators show neutral RSI at 48, with support at $329 and resistance near $370. Forward P/E of 189 maintains premium valuation despite automotive margin pressures. Institutional investors show reduced exposure through recent 13F filings. Future outlook depends on AI/robotics speculation versus core automotive performance, with bear case targeting $280-$300 support levels.(PC: Financial Times & Traders Union)

Lollapalooza India 2026 tickets sold out within 30 minutes of general sale opening, driven by massive excitement over Linkin Park's announced India debut. The legendary rock band will headline the festival at Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse on January 25, 2026, as part of their From Zero World Tour. This marks Linkin Park's first-ever performance in India, creating unprecedented demand among fans who have waited years for this opportunity. The lightning-fast sellout demonstrates the immense popularity of both the festival and the band in the Indian market. The announcement represents a milestone moment for India's music festival landscape, with Linkin Park's signature high-energy performance style promising to deliver an unforgettable experience for Indian rock music enthusiasts. (PC: Linkin Park & Bloomberg)