The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Two teachers and a 15-year-old student drowned in a pool beneath a waterfall near Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday, while three other students were rescued and hospitalised, police said.
Engaging in regular walking provides numerous health benefits for individuals. Brisk walking aids in weight control and enhances heart health. Studies show that optimal step targets differ according to age and physical activity levels. Experts recommend a gradual increase in daily steps instead of aiming for a specific figure. This strategy encourages consistency in walking, ultimately promoting better overall health and wellness.
Aston Villa faces potential player exits as Ollie Watkins attracts significant transfer interest. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martnez has also expressed a desire for a new challenge this summer. The club has already turned down multiple offers for striker Ollie Watkins from Al Hilal. Manager Unai Emery confirmed the team is preparing for Martnez's potential departure. Aston Villa is actively involved in the transfer market with about ten days remaining.
Kazakhstan on Sunday voted in its first elections for the 145-member Kurultai, the countrys new unicameral Parliament created under a Constitution that took effect on July 1. Voters chose from seven registered party lists in a single nationwide constituency.
West Bengal is set to unveil Arjun Vahini, its new disaster management force, starting operations in September. This strategic response is a direct reflection of lessons learned from previous disasters and cyclones. The state will provide advanced equipment and vehicles for the unit, aiming to recruit ex-servicemen and Agniveers. With this move, the government seeks to bolster disaster preparedness and response capabilities across the region.
Billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos once asked ace investor Warren Buffett why more people don't follow his simple investment strategy. Buffett's get-rich-slowly answer stayed with Jeff Bezos, whose latest $7 billion Liverpool FC investment reflects a similar long-term approach to building value. A consortium including Jeff Bezos has agreed to buy a minority stake in Liverpool FC.
Bathroom tiles can quickly lose their luster due to the accumulation of residue and grime. To restore their shine, use white vinegar to eliminate water stains and mineral deposits. Baking soda paste is excellent for stubborn grime, while dishwashing liquid tackles soap scum effectively. Utilize an old toothbrush to scrub tile grout, and make a habit of wiping tiles dry after showers.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is taking measures to manage sugar availability and rising prices ahead of the festival season, including temporary imports of raw sugar. He attributed the fall in production to red rot disease and El Nino conditions.
Sugar prices have surged to 75-80 per kg in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar amid falling sugarcane production and heavy stockpiling by traders. Experts said the rise is driven by lower cane output, shorter crushing seasons and stockpiling, rather than diversion of sugar for ethanol production.
Recent findings reveal that severe sunburns can dramatically increase the chances of developing skin cancer in adulthood, particularly a type known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Alarmingly, children who experience frequent sunburns face heightened future cancer risks. While the dangers of ultraviolet rays are clear, sunscreen application often varies widely among individuals. Preventing further sunburns is imperative since any prior damage is irreversible and cannot be corrected.
Anveshana 2026, a student research initiative, concluded with 20 projects presented by students. Prime Minister Modi highlighted this program in his Mann Ki Baat address. Top projects explored molecular docking, pesticide residues, kitchen waste conversion, and natural latex composites. Experts praised the program for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This initiative democratizes research access for school students across India.
Cheese is not the enemy of weight loss, believe it or not. There are some varieties of cheeses which are not just low in calories but also low in sodium, which makes them a great snack to have in your weight loss journey, especially if you are unwilling to make your diet completely plant-based.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a 200-member business delegation to Japan from August 24-27 to boost bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, AI, clean energy and other emerging sectors.
People pursue happiness and fulfillment through varied life choices and definitions of success. Social media often fuels comparisons, making it difficult to avoid judging others' paths. It is important to remember that different roads do not necessarily mean someone is lost. Respecting individual decisions, even those unlike your own, is crucial for a good existence. Focusing on your own journey allows for personal meaning and contentment.
The Youth Run Punjab 2026 event showcased the state's progress away from drug use. Thousands of young participants joined the 5-kilometer run organised by the AAP's youth wing. This marathon symbolised Punjab moving beyond despair and a mindset of giving up. The state is now emerging as a vibrant and active region through its youth. This initiative reflects growing enthusiasm among young people for constructive activities.
Ox Alpha, an unidentified AI model that recently appeared on OpenRouter as a stealth model, is drawing attention from developers because of its large context window and multimodal capabilities. The system can process text, images and video and has been offered free with near-unlimited usage for a week. Its anonymous launch has triggered speculation over who built it and why.
In a significant move, Maharashtra intends to regulate private coaching centres by mandating their registration. The forthcoming law stipulates that classes cannot exceed five hours per day and establishes fee guidelines. Additionally, it prohibits the enrollment of children below thirteen years old and bans misleading promises. Coaching centres are now required to prioritize student safety, offer counselling services, and maintain acceptable infrastructure.
Apple cider vinegar shows modest weight reduction and BMI improvements in some studies. However, research limitations and a retracted study question its effectiveness. ACV may help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type two diabetes. It can also increase feelings of fullness by slowing digestion. Ultimately, ACV is not a shortcut for sustainable weight management.
Devdutt Padikkal scored his second century of the series as India reached 300 for five. Sri Lanka missed two early chances which could have altered the match's direction. Captain Shubman Gill also contributed a calm half-century before his dismissal. Asitha Fernando took three wickets, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Ravindra Jadeja made 43 before being bowled in the final over of the day.
You don't need a footpath to hit your daily movement goal. From stair climbing and burpees to dancing and yoga, several indoor exercises burn more energy than 10,000 steps of walking. Science backs each of these, and most need no equipment, no gym, and no more than 30 minutes.
School Holiday Tomorrow: With the southwest monsoon actively delivering heavy rainfall on August 24, 2026, parents and students are advised to stay alert for any school closure announcements. Particularly in Odisha and Bihar, where significant rain is anticipated, local authorities will assess safety before making decisions. As of now, no school holidays have been officially declared, so keep an eye on local updates to ensure safety for everyone involved.
Hawaii wildlife crews recently discovered Blackburn's Sphinx Moth caterpillars on Lnai. These endangered insects were also found in Halawa Valley and Kalae on Molokai. These sightings mark the first on Molokai since the 1940s. The discoveries provide crucial information for conservation efforts.
17-year-old Texas student Iris Shen won $150,000 and third place at the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search for testing potential cancer drugs in clams. Her research found that one drug produced effects similar to those seen in human cells, while other drug combinations slowed tumor growth, suggesting clams could potentially serve as a new model for blood cancer drug discovery.
People who doodle while listening may not necessarily be ignoring what is being said. In some situations, doodling can act as alow-demand attentional activity, especially when the main task feels boring or repetitive. However, in other cases, free-form doodling may compete for attention with the information a person is trying to absorb or remember.
Kidney stones affect roughly one in ten people globally and the numbers are rising. The good news is that what you eat plays a significant role in whether they form at all. Here are seven everyday foods backed by research that can make a real difference.
Delhi Police received new guidelines from a central agency regarding protest management. Personnel are advised to remain calm and avoid provocation from demonstrators filming them. These directions follow allegations of police excesses during a recent protest at Jantar Mantar. Officers must assume their actions are recorded and exercise restraint during interactions. The guidelines also stress maintaining law and order while ensuring public safety.
A moderate earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday morning. At least thirty-seven people sustained injuries from panic and falls. Train services experienced disruptions, and a water pipe ruptured in Tokyo. Authorities confirmed no tsunami threat and no issues at nuclear facilities. Residents are advised to remain cautious of possible aftershocks.
Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday. He leads a delegation to strengthen bilateral cooperation and regional peace. Islamabad seeks to mediate a resolution to the Middle East war. Pakistan previously brokered a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States. This visit occurs as peace negotiations currently appear stalled.
Alex Lanier secured a historic singles title at the badminton World Championships. Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue also claimed a world title in mixed doubles. Lanier defeated Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the men's singles final. This victory caps a year of strong performances for French badminton. The French team also won the continental championships this year.
A Delhi court has permanently stopped Sainus Pharmaceutical Private Limited from using the 'Udaan' trademark. This ruling came after RSPL Health Private Limited filed a case alleging trademark infringement. RSPL Health, known for its 'Ghari' detergent brand, had registered its 'Udan' mark earlier. The court found Sainus Pharma's mark to be identical and deceptively similar to RSPL's registered trademark.
During her train journeys, Arunika Yadav demonstrated her innovative remote work setup, utilizing three SIM cards from different carriers to ensure reliable internet connectivity. A dedicated phone for internet purposes guarantees seamless access for virtual meetings and tasks. Additionally, she appreciates the ease of ordering meals at station halts, enhancing her travel experience.
Britain once had roughly 200,000 coypus after the rodents escaped from fur farms and spread across East Anglia, damaging crops and wetlands. In 1981, the country launched a scientific eradication campaign using intensive trapping, research and population tracking. Six years later, the invasive rodents had almost disappeared from Britain.
Urban Company has sued Kent RO Systems in the Delhi High Court, alleging that its advertisements and social media posts made false and misleading claims about Urban Companys Native water purifiers. The dispute centres on Natives two-year filter and service life features, which Kent RO allegedly called a marketing gimmick and described the purifiers as unsafe and risky.
Robert Downey Jrs home in East Hampton, New York, is a more than 141-year-old playhouse turned into a cosy windmill cottage. Despite its old age, the house gives off anything but stately and vintage vibes. The interior is an eclectic mix of quirkiness and elegance, with sturdy wooden floors and several interesting artworks.
Prof. Subhash Khanna served as international faculty for Sri Lanka's inaugural live robotic surgery workshop. He performed complex procedures, including a bilateral TAPP groin hernia repair. The event marked Sri Lanka's first robot-assisted cholecystectomy. India's SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System was formally launched at the hospital. This collaboration signifies a new era for surgical innovation in Sri Lanka.
Harry Kane earned Germany's player of the year award for 2026. He scored sixty-one goals for Bayern Munich in all competitions. Vincent Kompany received the coach's accolade after another successful season. Kane helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title and German Cup. The England forward also contributed to the new season's German Supercup victory.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in remarks made public Sunday that it would be too dangerous for Ukraine to hold an election while it fights Russia, after a call by his former defence minister to organise a vote. Then days ago, the ousted Fedorov made a surprise call to find a way to organise elections.
An Ohio manufacturing company has filed a defamation lawsuit against a woman over a one-star Google review, alleging she made false claims about its quality and manufacturing practices. Starr Manufacturing Inc. is seeking more than $25,000 in damages, while the company's attorney claims the review stemmed from a personal dispute rather than an actual customer experience.
India's ICMR assures citizens that there is no new strain of H1N1, encouraging public calm during the current situation. In Kolkata, protests arise regarding a political office constructed on Waqf land. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu amplifies efforts to capture a tiger linked to two fatalities. In international news, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister is set to visit the UK for official engagements.
Inventing stories about strangers does not necessarily mean someone is nosy, judgmental or disconnected from reality. It may simply reflect the way social cognition, mentalizing and spontaneous thought work together, as the mind naturally tries to imagine other peoples experiences, intentions and possible stories.
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retired hurt during the second Test match. He sustained an injury to his left arm after being struck by a short ball. The Sri Lankan bowler Lahiru Kumara delivered the delivery which hit Pant. He was attended by the team physiotherapist and later walked off the field. Ravindra Jadeja replaced Pant and joined Devdutt Padikkal at the crease.
This financial year, Senco Gold and Diamonds aims to achieve more than twenty-five percent revenue growth. The company intends to launch approximately twenty new stores by 2026-27, including both franchise and company-owned locations in tier II and III areas. By enhancing their presence in eastern and northern regions, Senco is making significant strides, although their overseas expansion efforts in Dubai are facing delays due to regional instability.
Kanye West's verses resonate with a crucial message: appreciate your loved ones now. Timing is everything when it comes to gratitude. While heartfelt acknowledgments might unfold in private exchanges, social media often dilutes these moments into superficial gestures. Instead, take the time to 'give people their flowers' today, creating genuine, lasting connections with those you cherish.
India and Japan will enhance cooperation in semiconductors and electronics. Memorandum of Understandings are expected during the ongoing business mission. A large delegation is visiting Japan to strengthen bilateral business relations. Discussions will focus on deepening engagement and addressing business priorities. This initiative reflects the ambition of both nations' strategic partnership.
An Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru experienced a significant delay. The aircraft had to arrange oxygen cylinders from Delhi for the return journey. This delay occurred after a passenger required oxygen during the inbound flight. The flight, number IX 1244, eventually departed for Bengaluru after the cylinders arrived. Passengers waited for approximately five hours at Birsa Munda Airport.
Sadhgurus message on happiness centres on finding joy within rather than depending on external circumstances. He says that when you no longer need something to happen to feel happy, your perception, behaviour and decisions can change. Without constantly chasing specific outcomes, you may become less attached to validation and results. His philosophy suggests that cultivating inner joy can create greater freedom, helping you approach life and its challenges from a more stable state.

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