Q&A - Interviews / The Economic Times
DOGE $21.7 billion waste: A Senate report reveals the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formerly led by Elon Musk, wasted $21.7 billion in taxpayer money. The funds were largely spent on a deferred resignation program and paying high-level staff for entry-level tasks. Despite claiming $199 billion in savings, DOGE faces criticism for prioritizing disruption over effective governance.
Coconut water offers many health benefits, but its not safe for everyone. Here are six types of people who should avoid drinking it due to potential health risks or medical reasons.
Ahead of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited citizens to contribute ideas for his address. He encouraged people to share suggestions via MyGov and the NaMo App. Modi's Independence Day speeches usually address key national issues. He also uses the platform to make important announcements. This year's speech is expected to be comprehensive.
The White House will soon have a new ballroom. US President Donald Trump announced the construction. The ballroom project will cost $200 million. Construction is set to begin in September. The new ballroom will accommodate 650 people. The East Wing will be modernized. Trump is also planning to remodel a bathroom in the Lincoln Bedroom.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed he has a reinforced underground basement at his home, driven by concerns about geopolitical instability rather than AI-related doomsday scenarios. This revelation aligns with a broader trend among Silicon Valley elites preparing for potential societal breakdown. Even within OpenAI, the idea of a 'bunker' has been mentioned, highlighting anxieties about the future.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that political parties and electors in Bihar will have a full month, from August 1 to September 1, to add eligible citizens to or remove ineligible names from the draft electoral rolls.
India has witnessed eight air accidents in 2025. These accidents involved a scheduled aircraft, trainee aircraft, and helicopters. The accidents have tragically resulted in 274 fatalities. The Air India plane crash alone caused 260 deaths. Investigations into the causes of these accidents are currently underway. Compensation for victims is governed by the Carriage by Air Act.
In a major verdict, all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case were acquitted. The special court cited insufficient evidence. Among those acquitted were Pragya Singh Thakur, a former BJP MP, and Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit. The blast, which occurred near a mosque, resulted in six deaths and numerous injuries. The prosecution alleged the involvement of right-wing extremists.
Matt Damon and Ken Jennings won $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, answering a question about the sound of wind through leaves, with 'Susurrus.' Their victory benefits Water.org, Damon's nonprofit, potentially reaching 200,000 people with clean water access. The episode also featured Damon playfully reigniting his long-running comedic feud with host Jimmy Kimmel.
Donald Trump addressed his severed ties with Jeffrey Epstein, stating he banned the disgraced financier from Mar-a-Lago for poaching spa employees, including Virginia Giuffre. Trump acknowledged Epstein's inappropriate behavior and denied visiting Epstein's island. He also addressed the possibility of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, deeming it inappropriate to discuss currently. Earlier, the White House said Trump cut ties with Epstein because he was a 'creep'.
In India, unclaimed deposits in banks are transferred to the RBI's DEA fund after ten years. The RBI launched the UDGAM portal to help individuals search for these unclaimed deposits across multiple banks in one place. As of July 1, 2025, over 8.5 lakh users had registered on the portal to find their unclaimed funds.
Typhoon Co-May hit eastern Zhejiang Province. Shanghai evacuated around 283,000 people from vulnerable areas. Almost 640 flights from Shanghai airports got cancelled. The city issued an orange rainstorm alert. Ferry services got suspended and speed limits imposed on highways. There were disruptions to metro and train services. China issued and then lifted a tsunami warning after an earthquake near Russia.
Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited prioritizes its employees. The company fosters a culture of freedom and trust. This encourages initiative and problem-solving. All employees benefit from an inclusive ESOP program. Career growth focuses on unlocking potential through upskilling. Lloyds Metals emphasizes community commitment. They prioritize local hiring and women's empowerment.
Following a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, tsunami warnings triggered across the Pacific prompted evacuations and disruptions in Hawaii on Wednesday. The first tsunami wave struck, leading to airport disruptions with flight diversions and cancellations. Emergency shelters opened as residents were urged to seek higher ground.
DMK MP Kanimozhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Pahalgam attack, stating that the Vishwaguru has failed the citizens of India. She questioned the repeated terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, despite intelligence warnings, highlighting incidents in Reasi, Srinagar, and Pahalgam. Kanimozhi also pointed out the Pulwama attack, questioning the government's actions and accountability.
Patrick Mulligan, a former partner at Buddle Findlay, has been identified after a suppression order lapsed, revealing his 15-month suspension for misconduct at firm Christmas parties in 2020. The incidents involved inappropriate comments, unwanted touching, and sexually suggestive behavior while under the influence of alcohol.
As New York reels from the violence, vigils are expected to be held for the victims in the coming days. Tamuras story, from promising athlete to deeply troubled shooter, is now a painful chapter in American history.
Sonia Gandhi criticizes Narendra Modi's government over its silence on the Gaza situation. She describes the situation as genocide and a betrayal of India's constitutional values. Gandhi urges Modi to speak out against Israel's actions. She highlights the humanitarian crisis and India's historical role as a champion of global justice.
Heavy rains and flooding in Beijing have killed at least 30 people, with the total regional death toll rising to 34. Most fatalities occurred in the Miyun district, a rural area northeast of the city. Over 80,000 people have been evacuated, including 17,000 in Miyun.
Arpita Das, a Google software engineer, shared her past job interview ordeal on X, where an interviewer from a mid-level startup doubted her abilities, claiming she wouldn't succeed in big tech companies. Das, now at Google, questioned such gatekeeping. Her post resonated widely, with many sharing similar experiences of bias and negativity during job interviews.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, in a conversation with Theo Von, addressed concerns about AI's impact on humanity. Altman acknowledged anxieties surrounding job displacement and data privacy, particularly regarding users sharing personal information with AI. He highlighted the lack of legal protections for AI conversations, creating a privacy risk.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday rebutted former Home Minister P Chidambaram's remarks, saying that people do not need any proof over Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack, noting instances of Islamabad's involvement in previous terror activities.
A software engineer in India was surprised to find many colleagues with long tenures. He questioned their reasons for staying, considering the trend of job-hopping for better prospects. Reddit users responded with various perspectives. Some valued stability and familiarity over higher pay. Others had financial or family obligations influencing their decisions.
The Amul Girl turns fifty
A passenger train derailed in the Biberach district of southwestern Germany on Sunday, resulting in injuries to several people. The incident occurred approximately 20 kilometers from the French border. Federal police reported that the extent of the injuries is currently unknown, and the cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
A search is underway for three individuals after their private plane crashed off the California coast near Pacific Grove. Emergency services were alerted by a lost radar signal and 911 calls reporting a plane engine and a splash. The Beech 95-B55 Baron, which departed from San Carlos airport, was last tracked near Monterrey.
Odisha grapples with a flood-like situation. Swollen rivers inundated Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. Subarnarekha, Baitarani, and Jalka rivers are flowing dangerously. Evacuations are underway in affected districts. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. A breach occurred in Mayurbhanj, but was contained. Landslides disrupted traffic in Sundargarh. Officials are working to provide relief and manage the crisis.
Research suggests that solitude and allowing the mind to wander are crucial for a better life, boosting creativity and strengthening cognitive abilities. Neuroscientist Joseph Jebelli's work emphasizes the importance of alone time for forging new connections in the brain. Examples like Bill Gates' Think Week and Leonardo da Vinci's thoughtful process highlight the benefits of solitude for innovation and problem-solving.
A shocking incident unfolded at a Traverse City Walmart on Saturday, leaving 11 people stabbed, with six in critical condition. Authorities have a suspect in custody, describing the attack as a seemingly random act. The community and officials are expressing their concern and support for the victims as the investigation continues into this brutal act of violence.
Samajwadi Party MLA Ziyauddin Rizvi sparked controversy by claiming that only uneducated and superstitious villagers participate in the Kanwar Yatra, questioning the absence of elites. Minister Dayashankar Singh countered, emphasizing that devotion to Lord Shiv is a matter of faith, transcending the need for formal education. He highlighted the dedication of devotees who travel long distances to offer Ganga water.
Congress opposes extending President's Rule in Manipur. They believe it weakens democracy. The party criticizes the BJP's failure to manage the state. Keisham Meghachandra Singh highlights the lack of a suitable leader. The Union government plans a six-month extension. Manipur has been under Presidents Rule since February 13. Ethnic violence has caused many deaths and displacement since May 2023.
Misri, while addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs on Prime Minister's visit to Maldives said that Network-to-Network Agreement between India's NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on UPI in Maldives was signed.
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan made a memorable appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, delivering a fervent pro-Trump speech. The 71-year-old Hogan, known for his theatrics, ripped off his jacket to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top, igniting the crowd. He praised Trump as a eal American hero, evoking nostalgia for his wrestling heyday.
A tragic plane crash occurred in Russia's Far East. Forty-eight people lost their lives in the accident. The An-24 passenger plane was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. The aircraft disappeared from radar and crashed into a hillside. Rescue teams discovered the burning wreckage in a dense forest.
India's employment landscape shows positive trends. Shobha Karandlaje informed Parliament about the rise in employed individuals. The number increased significantly between 2017-18 and 2023-24. Female Worker Population Ratio also saw growth during 2019-24. The Labour ministry dismissed doubts on official jobless data. Labour Force Participation Rate and Worker Population Ratio increased. Unemployment Rate and youth unemployment rate declined.
In the first half of 2025, National Highways witnessed a grim toll of 26,770 fatalities from road accidents. The previous year saw 52,609 fatal accidents on these routes, prompting the National Highways Authority of India to implement Advanced Traffic Management Systems on high-density corridors.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday raised concerns over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Identification and Revision (SIR) process for voter lists in Bihar, questioning its timing, impartiality, and feasibility, especially for the state's large migrant population.
Many gas stations in America are now famous for their tasty food. These stations offer diverse options like pizza, chicken, and sushi. Chains such as Casey's, Buc-ee's, and Kwik Trip are popular. People visit these spots for meals, not just fuel. These gas stations have become culinary destinations. They provide quality food and convenience for travelers across the country.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the Mizo DiasporaHub to connect with Mizo people worldwide. Developed by the Mizo Diaspora Cell and LushAITech, the platform aims to strengthen bonds with Mizo communities abroad, offering support and coordination. The government encourages Mizo welfare associations to register and utilize the portal's resources for collective action and assistance.
Bihar's election machinery is collaborating with political parties. They are working to finalize the electoral roll. Lists of electors with missing forms or unverified addresses have been shared. Parties are urged to connect with these electors. The goal is to ensure every eligible voter is included. Draft rolls will be published on August 1 for public review.