15, Aug 2026
Government Removes 12-Minute Ad Cap for Television Channels
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The government has decided to remove the long-standing 12-minute-per-hour limit on television advertisements, marking a significant change in the regulatory framework governing India’s broadcasting industry. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on August 14.
The advertising cap was introduced in 2006 under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, when India had only 62 television channels. The sector has since expanded to more than 900 channels, while digitalisation has transformed the distribution landscape through DTH, digital cable, HITS and IPTV platforms.
The government said the earlier restriction needed to be reconsidered as television broadcasters face growing competition from digital media, which does not operate under a comparable advertisement-duration ceiling. The move is intended to provide broadcasters greater commercial flexibility, promote fair competition and improve ease of doing business.
The change is expected to give television networks greater scope to optimise advertising inventory and revenue, although it could also lead to longer or more frequent commercial breaks for viewers.
The revised rule will take effect once the amendment to the Cable Television Networks Rules is formally notified in the Gazette.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Aug 2026
Government Cuts Export Duties on Petrol, Diesel and ATF
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The Centre has reduced export duties on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), with the revised rates coming into effect from Saturday. The move follows the government’s latest fortnightly review of petroleum product export levies.
Under the revised structure, the export duty on petrol has been brought down to zero from ₹3.50 per litre. The levy on diesel has been reduced to ₹24 per litre from ₹25.50, while the duty on ATF has been lowered to ₹19.50 per litre from ₹22.
The latest changes apply only to petroleum products cleared for export and do not alter the excise duty applicable to fuel sold in the domestic market.
The revision comes less than two weeks after the government had increased export levies on the three fuels amid volatility in international crude and refined fuel prices. Export duties are reviewed every fortnight based on prevailing global prices.
The policy is aimed at balancing export economics with domestic availability of petroleum products, particularly during periods of heightened global energy-market uncertainty.
15, Aug 2026
FM Sitharaman Meets 86 PM Internship Scheme Interns, Highlights Pathways to Jobs
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with 86 interns from 24 partner companies under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), discussing their workplace experiences, skills gained and career aspirations.
The interaction highlighted how industry exposure is helping young people move beyond classroom learning and develop practical, job-ready skills. Several interns who performed well during their assignments have also received full-time employment offers from their respective companies.
Sitharaman said the internship programme was developed after consultations with industry to address the gap between the skills employers seek and the practical exposure available to many young graduates. She encouraged interns to approach their work with professionalism, responsibility and attention to quality.
The event also featured success stories from interns who used the programme to explore new career fields. One beneficiary with an IT background gained experience in finance through an internship with the National Stock Exchange and is now looking towards a career in fintech. Another intern secured a full-time opportunity with Alkem after completing her internship.
The government has positioned PMIS as a key youth-focused initiative aimed at improving employability through hands-on industry experience, professional training and exposure to leading companies.
15, Aug 2026
Nifty, Sensex End Week Lower as Rising Crude Prices Pressure Markets
Mumbai, August 15, 2026: Indian equity markets ended the week on a weaker note, with the Nifty 50 declining 0.8% to 24,366 and the BSE Sensex falling 0.6% to 78,009.25. The decline ended a two-week run of gains for both benchmark indices.
Rising crude oil prices emerged as a key concern for investors, with Brent crude climbing about 4.6% to around $87 a barrel amid renewed geopolitical uncertainty and stalled peace negotiations in West Asia. Higher oil prices are particularly significant for India because of the country’s dependence on imported crude.
Market sentiment was also affected by weakness across several major sectors. Financial stocks declined around 1%, while metal stocks fell 1.9%. Reliance Industries and Tata Motors were among the notable drags, with Tata Motors declining sharply following a weaker quarterly profit performance.
Despite the weekly decline, strong corporate earnings, a relatively stable rupee and improved foreign investor participation offered some support to the market. Analysts are likely to closely track crude prices, geopolitical developments, global market cues and upcoming corporate results in the sessions ahead.
15, Aug 2026
Amit Shah Begins Rajasthan Visit, Rs.667 Crore Aid to Benefit 66.74 Lakh Farmers
Jaipur, August 15, 2026: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah begins a two-day visit to Rajasthan today, with a major focus on farmer support, employment generation and infrastructure development across the state.
A key highlight of the visit will be the transfer of ₹667 crore to 66.74 lakh farmers under the sixth instalment of the Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. The government will also release around ₹152 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, providing financial support to eligible farmers.
Shah is also scheduled to participate in the state-level Mukhyamantri Rozgar Utsav, where appointment letters will be handed over to 10,548 newly recruited personnel. The programme is expected to underline the government’s emphasis on expanding employment opportunities for Rajasthan’s youth.
The minister’s itinerary includes the inauguration and foundation-laying of a large number of development projects. In Nimbahera, Shah will unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and dedicate 944 projects worth ₹5,659 crore spread across 15 districts.
The visit will also take Shah to Alwar, where he is scheduled to address a public gathering and dedicate additional development works valued at around ₹6,453 crore.
With agriculture, jobs, infrastructure and cooperative development featuring prominently on the agenda, Shah’s Rajasthan visit is set to highlight the government’s broader push to strengthen rural incomes while accelerating development across the state.
15, Aug 2026
PM Modi Highlights Self-Reliance, Youth and Developed India Vision in Independence Day Address
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, calling for a renewed national resolve to build a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. He paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters and the nation’s security personnel.
In his address, the Prime Minister placed strong emphasis on manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, infrastructure, defence, the green and blue economy, and India’s soft power. He described these seven areas as key pillars of national strength and growth.
Youth empowerment and technology emerged as major themes. Modi announced plans to provide AI training to one crore young Indians over the coming year, along with free online coaching initiatives for competitive examinations. He also highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing, energy security and innovation in strengthening India’s economic resilience.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local, urging citizens and businesses to contribute to a stronger domestic production ecosystem. The address came as India marked 80 years of Independence, with the national song Vande Mataram being rendered at the Red Fort as part of celebrations marking its 150th anniversary.
15, Aug 2026
Surfshark helps create new official EU security standards for the whole VPN Industry
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Run strict no-logs deployments on RAM-only servers.
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Ensuring personal data stays on the device, make telemetry optional, and block permanent storage of user data on servers.
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Strip passwords from diagnostic logs and warn users before exporting settings that contain credentials.
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Enforce safe memory handling and secure encryption to block common attacks and protect stored data, even on a lost device.
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Undergo automated and manual testing for known exploits before updates reach users.
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Install critical security patches the first time the VPN is switched on.
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Ensuring VPN clearly labels the level of security and privacy offered to different use cases (from journalists to households).
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Extend protection to modern, decentralized infrastructure like mesh networks.
15, Aug 2026
Jason Prevelige Named Director of Sacred Heart University’s Doctor of Medical Science Program
FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University has appointed Jason Prevelige founding program director of its Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) program.
Prevelige, a Sacred Heart alum and longtime educator, returns to the University with more than 17 years of clinical experience and a distinguished record of leadership in physician associate (PA) education, health care advocacy, and professional organizations. As founding program director, he will provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the University’s newly established post-professional doctoral program, overseeing its launch, curriculum, faculty, assessment, and continued growth.
Before joining Sacred Heart full time, Prevelige played an integral role in developing the University’s physician associate studies program, serving on its founding advisory committee, developing the pediatric curriculum, and teaching pediatrics and emergency medicine since the program’s inaugural cohort. He also helped shape the foundation of the Doctor of Medical Science program alongside colleagues Reynold Jaglal, director of the physician associate studies program and Eric Nemec, clinical professor and director of research, assessment, and program development.
Throughout his career, Prevelige has practiced emergency medicine as well as pediatric hospital medicine, neonatology, and urgent care. He has held health care leadership positions for more than a decade and most recently served as assistant medical director in emergency medicine at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Nationally, he completed a three-year leadership succession culminating in his term as president and chair of the board of the American Academy of Physician Associates. He also served two terms as president of the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates and continues to chair its legislative committee.
“Dr. Prevelige is a visionary leader whose expertise spans academia, clinical practice, and national professional leadership,” said Karl Minges, dean of the College of Health Professions. “I am confident he will build a distinctive and innovative D.M.Sc. program that empowers physician associates to advance their careers and lead in an increasingly complex health care environment. We are excited to welcome him to Sacred Heart University and look forward to the impact he will have on our students and the profession.”
In a question-and-answer session, Prevelige discussed what drew him back to Sacred Heart University, his vision for the D.M.Sc. program, and how his experiences have prepared him to lead the University’s newest doctoral program.
What attracted you to Sacred Heart University and the D.M.Sc. program?
When the Doctor of Medical Science program was proposed, I was honored to be asked and jumped at the opportunity to assist my colleagues, Drs. Reynold Jaglal and Eric Nemec, in shaping the foundation of the program. When the position of program director was open, it seemed natural for me to apply. I feel now that I have come full circle in my SHU journey and am so thrilled to once again return in such a significant capacity to SHU.
What excites you most about leading the program?
While something new and different can be scary, it can also be exciting. For me, the opportunity to develop a world-class program, built for PAs who are looking for that next step in advancing their knowledge base and career, is an incredible one. I have had a variety of experiences, including my own education, that I am bringing with me, and to take the best of those experiences and share them with others is so unique and does not happen every day!
How have your previous experiences prepared you for this role?
I have been so fortunate in my career that I have been surrounded by phenomenal leaders who have mentored, supported, and helped shape my journey. After my PA education at Quinnipiac University, I quickly became involved in our state’s professional organization, the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates. I have held a variety of roles, including two terms as president, and I continue to serve as the chair of the legislative committee. That work has provided me the opportunity to help shape health care and health care education in our state through advocacy efforts that have included authoring and amending language that later became law and working closely with our state’s legislators.
That eventually led to my service to our national organization, the American Academy of Physician Associates, where I first served in the House of Delegates, which is the policy making body for the Academy, later as a director at large, and most recently was elected president and chair of the board of directors, with my term just ending June 30.
In that role I had the amazing opportunity to travel across the country and internationally where I engaged PAs, physicians, nurses, and other health care leaders. I advocated for patients and PAs at the federal level and even internationally, had the opportunity to engage the national media and do my part to shape health care in different ways.
Along the way I completed an MBA at Quinnipiac, and my own Doctor of Medical Science at University of the Pacific.
What do you hope students gain from their experience in the program?
I hope to see our students find their own areas of personal growth. My own doctoral education helped me to grow as a leader as I self-reflected, but my own education also grew my network which is where opportunities in leadership often come from. I want to help our students achieve their goals in life by enhancing their already solid foundations with new areas of focus that will allow them to provide even better patient care through a stronger ability to advocate, to lead teams, to educate the health care providers of tomorrow.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the program?
The opportunities for this program are endless in my opinion. With our SHU Dingle campus, there is an incredible opportunity to expose our students to international models of health care to help inform their work in our system. At the same time, there is opportunity to provide our education to international PAs and carry the SHU mission further abroad. I see the ability to grow relationships, not just among classmates in the program, but between our doctoral students and our PA students so we can create bonds between our PAs of today, with our PAs of tomorrow. Through the Doctoral Capstone, our students will have the ability to make real change in their workplaces, in the literature and in health care.
15, Aug 2026
Pristine Unreleased Version of Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt Leads Goldin’s 2026 Summer Pop Culture Auction
Auction house offers more than 1,000 collectibles tied to Nintendo, Pokémon, Superman, Metallica, among others
August 15, 2026 – Goldin, an internationally recognized auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, today opened its Summer Pop Culture Elite Auction offering over 400 trading cards, 280 video games, 270 comics and magazines–including 25 original artworks–alongside more than 250 pop culture toys, and 50 vinyl records and VHS tapes. Spanning franchises from Nintendo and Pokémon to beloved characters of Superman and Harry Potter to cultural figures like Metallica and Bob Ross, Goldin’s Summer Pop Culture Elite Auction encompasses memorabilia for all pop culture collectors.
Following the recent detection of a box containing unreleased versions of Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt, the auction brings the first of this astounding Nintendo Wire find to public auction. This 1988 NES Nintendo Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt (USA) Cartridge and Manual received a perfect 10 grading, a first in PSA history for any cartridge. The discovery is so rare that PSA leadership shared their shock with reporters covering the unearthing and pristine condition.
Additional videogame highlights include a 1999 GB Nintendo Game Boy Pokemon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition (USA) Sealed Video Game with a PSA 9.8/A+ as well as a 1997 PS1 Sony PlayStation Final Fantasy VII (USA) Sealed Video Game at CGC 9.9/A++.
The 1996 Pokémon Japanese CoroCoro Unpeeled Promo Sheets Collection stands at the front of the Pop Culture Elite trading card lineup. Featuring the undeniably iconic Pikachu and Jigglypuff promo cards, these glossy cards are widely regarded as the very first Pokémon TCG cards in history as published in Japan on October 15, 1996–predating the official Japanese Base Set retail launch by five days. Enthusiasts can further find several highly-graded Pokémon pieces such as 2014 Pokémon World Championships No. 2 Trainer with CGC GEM MINT 10, a 2014 Pokémon World Championships No. 3 Trainer at CGC PRISTINE 10, and a 1999 Pokémon Japanese Vending Masaki Promo Holo complete set (5), featuring Gengar, Golem, Alakazam achieving PSA MINT 9.
TV and film-adjacent trading cards feature a 2004 ArtBox Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban Card autographed by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint at PSA NM-MT 8, and a Millenial-favorite cartoon in a 2025 Topps Chrome SpongeBob SquarePants Red Refractor #25 with PSA GEM MT 10.
Graded magazine offerings span a Jul./Aug. 1988 Nintendo Power #1 (Newsstand) receiving a Pop 5 grading, with two higher copies in existence, alongside an instantly-recognizable Dec. 1953 Playboy First Issue featuring Marilyn Monroe’s first-ever cover (Newsstand) at CGC 7.5. Printed pages further include comics from both DC and the Marvel Universe with a 1939 Superman #1 – Origin of Superman at CGC Restored 5.0, a 1962 Amazing Fantasy #15, signed and inscribed by Stan Lee at CGC Signature Series 3.0, and a 1963 Tales of Suspense #39 featuring the first appearance of Iron Man with CGC 7.5.
Original artwork includes a 1984 He-Man Masters of the Universe Original William George Oil Painting, measuring 44.25″ x 34.75” as well as an original Bob Ross MTV Oil Painting on Canvas at 24” x 18”.
Heavy metal music lovers and members of Metallica Nation will be thrilled by multiple in-sleeve vinyl records in the Summer Pop Culture Elite Auction. A 1983 “Kill ‘Em All” from Megaforce Records is signed by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Cliff Burton, having received a VMG EX 8.0 with JSA LOA at Pop 1. Additionally, a 1986 “Master of Puppets” Elektra specialty pressing is signed by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Cliff Burton and includes a printed inner sleeve, graded VMG NM 9.0 with JSA LOA Pop 1.
The Pop Culture auction would not be complete without classic toys, and this summer’s rendition features a 2026 Stern Pinball x Pokemon LE (#646/750) Boxed, Sealed Pinball Machine and several 1970s-era Kenner Star Wars action figures such as Luke Skywalker with Telescoping Saber and a complete action figure set in a custom display case.
Goldin’s Summer Pop Culture Elite Auction is open for regular bidding through Wednesday, September 9. Extended bidding begins at 10 PM ET.
Concurrently, the company’s 2026 Sports Monthly Sports Elite Auction #7 continues through Saturday, August 15. Additionally, Goldin is set to open the Summer Goldin 100 Auction on Monday, August 17, the Monthly Sports Elite Auction #8 on Friday, August 21, and the 2026 Summer Movie Prop & Memorabilia Auction is scheduled to open Wednesday, August 26. Consignment inquiries can be sent to sell@goldin.com.
15, Aug 2026
VICTORINOX INDIA WELCOMES ABHAY DEOL AS A FRIEND OF THE BRAND
SHARED VALUES. AUTHENTICITY. CHARACTER.
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Victorinox India today announced actor Abhay Deol as a Friend of the Brand for its watch portfolio for the coming 18 months. Known for his authenticity, independent spirit and thoughtful approach to life, Deol reflects values that have guided Victorinox for more than 140 years.
The association will bring Abhay Deol across Victorinox’s watch portfolio, all collections including I.N.O.X., Maverick, Concept One Solar, Air Pro, Dive Pro and Concept One Automatic. Throughout this term, Deol will feature across all media touch touchpoints including digital, outdoor and retail touchpoints, celebrating a shared commitment to character, quality and enduring craftsmanship.
SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY, CELEBRATED THROUGH AN INDIAN LENS
At the Heart of the Collaboration Is Victorinox’s Global Watch Campaign – Spend Your Time Wisely. a Belief That Time Is Our Most Valuable Resource, and That How We Choose to Spend It Says Something About Who We Are.
For India, Victorinox is bringing this global philosophy to life through Abhay Deol, whose distinctive approach to life reflects the idea of making thoughtful, individual choices. Through his journey with the brand, Abhay will introduce audiences to Victorinox watches not simply as timepieces, but as companions to the moments that make time meaningful.
The campaign brings Spend Your Time Wisely to life across the most important festive occasions in India, from Diwali, Raksha Bandhan and the wedding season. Highlighting the importance of time during celebrations and milestones. Each occasion captures a different way of spending time with family, with loved ones, celebrating traditions, pursuing passions or simply being present in the moment.
In doing so, the Swiss heritage and craftsmanship of Victorinox embraces Indian festivities by being ‘The Ideal Gift – Time’ during these occasions and milestone moment.
Commenting on the campaign, Avirup Mukhopadhyay, Head of Marketing, Victorinox India, said:
“With Spend Your Time Wisely, we are bringing Victorinox’s iconic Swiss heritage and craftsmanship into the heart of Indian celebrations. Our ambition is to make Victorinox watches the ideal gift for every festive occasion and the important moments that define our lives, creating a meaningful bridge between Swiss excellence and the traditions of India.“
SHARED VALUES, MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Commenting on the announcement, Debraj Sengupta, Managing Director, Victorinox India, said:
“At Victorinox, every partnership is guided by shared values. Abhay Deol represents authenticity, thoughtful choices and quiet confidence – qualities that closely reflect our brand philosophy. As we continue strengthening our presence in India, this collaboration marks an important step in building deeper connections with consumers while staying true to our Swiss heritage and commitment to quality.”
More than a brand partnership, this collaboration brings together two philosophies rooted in authenticity, independence and long-term thinking. Throughout his career, Abhay Deol has been recognized for forging his own path, making deliberate choices and remaining true to his convictions. It is an approach that closely mirrors Victorinox’s enduring commitment to quality, purpose and staying true to its values.
Commenting on the collaboration, Abhay Deol said:
“I’ve always believed that the choices we make define who we become. What resonates with me about Victorinox is its authenticity, its strong sense of purpose and the integrity with which it has stayed true to its values for generations. There is a timeless quality to the brand that goes beyond products. I’m delighted to be part of this journey and to share that message with Indian audiences across the world.”
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ABOUT VICTORINOX
140+ YEARS OF BEING BEST PREPARED.
The origins of Victorinox date back to 1884, when Karl Elsener opened a knifemaking workshop in a village in central Switzerland. Elsener delivered his first soldier’s knife to the Swiss Army in 1891. Six years later, he created the Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife – now known as the original Swiss Army Knife™ – which would lay the foundation for a thriving global company.
Victorinox is now a fourth-generation family business operating in over 120 countries. In addition to its iconic pocket knives, Victorinox produces premium household and professional knives, watches and travel gear. Victorinox products embody the brand and ensure consumers are best prepared for everyday challenges by offering smart and masterful solutions. The enterprising spirit of the founder and a commitment to strong, values-based corporate governance live on until today.
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