The Economic Times

Vivek Oberoi recalled a deeply emotional moment when he turned to his mother during one of the darkest periods of his life. Sitting with his head in her lap, he asked, Why me, Ma? Instead of offering sympathy, she reminded him to consider whether he had asked the same question while winning awards and receiving applause. Her response helped him see beyond his struggles and rebuild his strength.

Lupin's VISUfarma BV has secured exclusive rights for YUVEZZI in key European markets. This ophthalmic product treats loss of clear close-up vision in adults. VISUfarma will undertake regulatory activities and commercialization of the eye drop. The agreement includes a strategic investment and potential milestone payments. YUVEZZI represents a significant advancement in eye care for presbyopia.

The indie animated film 'Niu Lai' has captured the hearts of audiences across China, achieving unforeseen box-office success. About an endearing baby cow, this low-budget production has inspired a surge of merchandise sales. Its success stems from its heartfelt authenticity, steering clear of excessive marketing tactics, thus resonating with viewers who long for real connections.

Della Townships plans projects worth Rs 46,480 crore this financial year. Twelve developments are starting in Pune, Ahmedabad, Raipur, and Nagpur. Masterplans and building plans are progressing for these major township projects. International collaborations are deepening across wellness, sport, and design sectors. The company is expanding its business by partnering with developers nationwide.

India could miss a USD 5.1 trillion manufacturing GDP by 2047. Advanced manufacturing and frontier technologies are key to unlocking this potential. AI, automation, and digitisation will drive significant growth. India lags behind the US and China in deep-tech and semiconductor leadership. Adopting new technologies can add USD 1.1 trillion to manufacturing GDP.

A Japanese island's initiative to curb pests with cane toads resulted in unintended consequences. These invasive toads proliferated, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. Their toxic secretions wreaked havoc on numerous indigenous predators, including serpents. Surprisingly, a native eagle species demonstrated genetic immunity to the toads' venom. This scenario highlights the potential risks associated with the introduction of non-native species as makeshift solutions to ecological challenges.

Indian Hotels Company has opened its second Taj hotel in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the new 181-key Taj Palace hotel. This expansion reflects the state's growing economic and tourism prominence. IHCL now boasts a strong portfolio of sixty hotels across Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court on Thursday, by a 6:3 majority, held that the expansive, labour-friendly definition of industry laid down in its landmark 1978 judgment will not govern the interpretation of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.A nine-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant also, by majority, held that a reference seeking reconsideration of the 1978 judgment by a seven-judge bench was validly made.Also Read: Institutionalise NTA & introduce tech changes: Supreme CourtThe 1978

Eligible Indian college students can receive one year of Google AI Plus free. This offer includes Gemini Omni access and higher usage limits. Students will also gain access to new AI-powered study tools. Google Search is introducing interactive visuals and practice quizzes for learning. This promotion provides significant value for academic pursuits.

A Chinese technology company is testing robot traffic officers in Hangzhou to automate repetitive road-monitoring duties. Reuters reported that the machines can detect helmetless riding, traffic violations and pedestrians crossing against signals, while also answering questions and connecting users with police. SUPCON says dozens are already deployed, though the companys performance figures could not be independently verified by Reuters.

Prudential HCL Health Insurance has officially begun its operations today. The joint venture, backed by Prudential and HCL, enters the large Indian health market. It will leverage AI-powered experiences and a network of over 12,000 hospitals. The insurer plans an omnichannel model combining agency advice and direct-to-consumer digital platforms. Customers can select cover, manage policies, and access support through digitally enabled services.

In Shark Bay, Australia, some bottlenose dolphins use marine sponges as hunting tools, placing them over their beaks while searching for prey buried in sand. A study found that only about 11% of adult females use the technique, with most learning it from their mothers. Young dolphins typically begin carrying sponges at two to three years old, while researchers also documented another tool-using group that catches fish using seashells.

India could reach a $20 trillion economy by 2036 with broad reforms. A 20-point agenda covers infrastructure, capital markets, and human capital development. Services sector growth is crucial, aiming for over 65% of the economy. Productivity and innovation require increased research and development spending. Sustained execution across multiple areas will drive this ambitious economic expansion.

A digital creator from Delhi took her grandfather out on a coffee date, marking a special and heartwarming moment between a granddaughter and her grandfather. As they sipped on his first-ever cold coffee, they exchanged poetry and shared cherished memories. The grandfather was touched by the kindness of the restaurant staff, igniting a desire to make such outings a regular event. This experience serves as a wonderful reminder to cherish time spent with our elders and foster deep connections.

Hindusthan National Glass & Industries Ltd will invest Rs 280 crore in its Bahadurgarh plant. The company plans to double the facility's production capacity within the next ninety days. This significant investment includes capital and operating expenditures over three years. The expansion reflects confidence in Haryana as a manufacturing hub.

Quote of the day by Gwyneth Paltrow: Renowned Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow has artfully carved a niche beyond the silver screen. With the inception of Goop, her innovative lifestyle and wellness brand, she has ventured into the realm of commerce. Paltrow's extensive filmography has earned her significant accolades. She advocates for self-acceptance and personal comfort, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between her business ambitions, family life, and her prominent public image.

Researchers explored if beards offered protection during male-to-male fights. Their study examined how hair absorbs and redistributes impact energy. Sheep skin samples showed furred material absorbed more energy than plucked ones. This suggests facial hair could protect vulnerable facial structures from damage. The findings support the pugilism hypothesis for beard evolution.

Retail inflation in India may briefly surpass 6 percent in late 2024. This rise is expected before easing to approximately 5 percent by early 2026. Improving food supply conditions and monsoon recovery will help contain inflation. The Reserve Bank of India awaits more inflation data before adjusting policy rates. Global market implications arise from US Federal Reserve actions on treasury yields.

In a notable shift, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making their way back to the United Kingdom accompanied by their children, Archie and Lilibet. This return hints at a reconciliation with the British royal family. The children are gearing up for education in British schools, while the couple will retain their non-working roles within the royal framework, planning to live in a secluded home beyond London.

Ceigall India's joint ventures secured five Letters of Acceptance from MoRTH. These awards total Rs 2,423.70 crore for road construction on NH-913. The projects involve building approximately 278 km of Intermediate Lane roads. These wins significantly boost Ceigall India's order book and market presence. The company will deliver these projects with high standards of quality and safety.

The leaseholder of Hotel Shikha Inn was arrested following a devastating fire. Nine people, including a child and five Bangladeshi nationals, died in the blaze. A Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Rescuers saved approximately sixty individuals from the burning hotel premises. The state government plans to inspect hotel permits and fire licenses across Kolkata.

The Railway Ministry approved increasing train speeds to 100 kmph on the Katra-Banihal route. This enhancement will improve connectivity and travel comfort for passengers in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision follows the fulfillment of all necessary safety conditions by the railway authorities.

Companies are deferring investments due to uncertain demand and volatile commodity prices. Large capital projects require confidence in future cash flows and pricing. The next investment cycle, FY27 to FY31, expects higher annual expenditure demand. Public investment is key to stimulating private capital expenditure and infrastructure growth. Banks and other financial institutions must prepare for increased funding needs.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lauded Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy. Murthy transformed Indian enterprise and inspired a generation with new corporate values. The nation salutes Murthy for his accomplishments and principles. Ramesh recalled his first meeting with Murthy forty-nine years ago.

Bhubaneswar: The final decision on claims and objections submitted during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Odisha will be taken by September 17, and the voter list will be published on September 21, an official statement said.The deadline for filing claims and objections for registration and revision ended on Wednesday, they said.A statement issued by the office of Odisha's chief electoral officer (CEO) said the final decision on all claims and objections will be take

An X user's criticism of affluent Indian parenting has triggered a debate over whether generational wealth encourages dependence among some young adults. The post argued that passive income, family businesses and comfortable lifestyles can discourage work, relocation and risk-taking, while users offered sharply different views on independence, inheritance, parental support, ambition and whether financial security helps or harms the next generation.

A tanker driver allegedly filled 9,800 litres of milk worth Rs 7.6 lakh from a Karnal dairy plant after completing a routine paneer whey delivery, connecting his vehicle directly to the plant's milk tank before attempting to exit. A security guard accused of helping facilitate the theft has been granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which noted his custody had already served its purpose.

Delhi-based techie Bhawan Chauhan recalled seeing her father cry after the family lost their home when she was 16. Unable to afford engineering, she channelled the setback into hard work. Years later, colleges she could not attend invited her to speak. Last year, her family bought back the same land without debt or EMIs and built their dream home, giving her parents back the confidence they had lost.

Natalie Harp reportedly worked over a year without required security clearance. Concerns arose due to her close access and information filtering role. She eventually completed the necessary paperwork and received clearance recently. Harp's role as an information gatekeeper for President Trump is notable. Her access to sensitive information and unfiltered material is under scrutiny.

Merck and Moderna's personalized cancer vaccine shows promise for melanoma patients. This new treatment trains the immune system to target specific tumor mutations. The vaccine, combined with Keytruda, significantly reduced cancer recurrence in trials. Doctors are hopeful this approach will expand to treat many other cancer types. Further trials are underway for lung, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.

The NSUI has criticized the NCERT's reconstituted textbook development team. They allege members have direct or indirect links to the RSS-affiliated ecosystem. This inclusion raises questions about academic neutrality and ideological diversity in textbooks. The NSUI demands the team's dissolution and reconstitution with independent educationists. They also seek public disclosure of member qualifications and draft textbook reviews.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated the anti-narcotics drive is apolitical. Operation Toofan will treat all individuals equally, regardless of affiliation. The minister highlighted significant changes achieved during the operation's duration. He also commented on the ED's probe into a case involving the former Chief Minister's daughter.

Hemant Kumar Bhukar transitioned from Intel engineer to ISRO scientist after diligent preparation. He secured All India Rank 7 for Scientist 'A' while working full-time. Bhukar's journey highlights dedication and leveraging prior experience for new goals. His success inspires students from rural backgrounds towards science careers. This achievement brought pride to his family and Rajasthan village.

Zorcha co-founder Archit Mehrotra went viral after his mother interrupted his team meeting to remind him to eat, unaware that his microphone was still on. The candid exchange has resonated with social media users, who are sharing their own experiences of parents interrupting work or online calls.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in Mumbai for his first official visit to India. He inspected a Guard of Honour and laid a wreath at the Naval Dockyard. Koizumi held strategic discussions with Indian Navy officials on operational capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet Koizumi in New Delhi to bolster bilateral defence relations. Both nations aim to enhance maritime security and technology collaboration.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is offering spot crude oil in a tender. This tender is for Upper Zakum, Umm Lulu, and Das crude oil. Bids are due by August twenty-fourth and will remain valid until August twenty-sixth. Buyers can purchase on a free-on-board basis or arrange ship-to-ship transfers. The producer has sold over one hundred million barrels in previous tenders.

Financial advisor Prem Soni argues that excessive parental wealth may create a comfort trap for some Gen Z Indians. He identifies three challenges: refusing jobs below their social status, rejecting entry-level salaries that cannot fund their lifestyles, and avoiding family businesses deemed boring. Soni also criticises parents for providing passive income and discouraging independence, arguing that too much comfort can weaken ambition, work ethic and essential survival skills.

Banaras Hindu University's medical institute received significant funding for six research projects. These initiatives focus on crucial national health priorities and advanced diagnostics. The grants will support extensive studies and laboratory analyses across multiple university departments. University leadership highlighted the commitment to research and patient care improvements. This development reflects a surge in faculty research proposals and enthusiasm.

Krystal Integrated Services Limited has announced an order worth Rs 134 crore for providing facility management services to MSRTC. This agreement, effective for three years, will cover operations in both Mumbai and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, focusing on essential services such as housekeeping, sanitation, and technical maintenance support.