The Economic Times

Karnataka's Congress government has ordered singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram. This directive applies to state-organized programmes, excluding those with top dignitaries. The Union Home Ministry had previously directed singing all six stanzas of the national song. This decision aligns with the Congress Working Committee's 1937 resolution on the matter. The state order aims to maintain uniformity and appropriate protocol for national song renditions.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale opposed calls to bar Muslims from garba events. He stated India is governed by the Constitution, ensuring equal rights for all religions. Athawale believes people of different faiths should participate in each other's festivals. He cited Ajmer Sharif Dargah as an example of interfaith harmony. Such exclusionary stands are against the Constitution, he asserted.

Apple is on the brink of unveiling its foldable iPhone, a remarkable leap in mobile design that has been in the works for years. Spearheaded by Tim Cook, this innovation draws inspiration from the foldable craze in Asia. Boasting a striking dual-screen layout and positioned at a high price tier, this product release is poised to redefine Apple's technology landscape.

Using a simple sheet of aluminum foil can dramatically enhance your soap dish's cleanliness. This unassuming kitchen staple serves as an effective barrier against moisture and mess. By placing foil beneath the soap bar, you prevent slimy residue from accumulating. Additionally, wrapping a wet bar with foil promotes quicker drying time post-bath, ensuring that your soap remains intact and your bathing area stays spotless.

The dusty coating on blueberries is a natural protective wax. This bloom shields the fruit from disease and prevents drying out. Researchers are studying this wax to breed hardier blueberry varieties. Anthocyanins, which give blueberries their color, offer significant health advantages. Washing blueberries just before eating preserves their natural protective qualities.

Reef Balls are designed artificial reef modules mimicking natural structures. These concrete units provide habitat and shelter for marine species. Thousands of coral colonies were propagated and rescued during a major project. The initiative created breakwater reef systems and fish spawning sites. This project demonstrated effective and ecologically sound marine environmental solutions.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has called an alliance meeting for September ninth. Senior TVK ministers are openly promoting Vijay for Prime Minister in 2029. This has caused friction with the Congress party, which backs Rahul Gandhi. TVK ministers invited Congress president Manickam Tagore to the upcoming alliance meeting. Left parties CPI and CPM have not yet decided their attendance.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's 7.8% growth amid global economic challenges. He contrasted the current situation with past pessimism and policy paralysis. The Prime Minister addressed students at Shri Ram College of Commerce's centenary. He noted improvements in manufacturing, defense, and internal security. India is now the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Reflecting on India's economic journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought attention to 2013, a year when the nation faced the bleak 'Fragile Five' label. Weak GDP figures, sky-high inflation, and an unprecedented current account deficit overshadowed the landscape. Widespread corruption, along with security challenges and stagnant policy measures, complicated matters. He proudly contrasted these struggles with today's vibrant economic growth, highlighting the progress achieved.

PM Modi participates in the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC)

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced teachers can use the 'Tr' prefix. This honor recognizes their invaluable societal contributions and dedication to shaping young minds. The prefix is a mark of respect, similar to professional titles like 'Dr' or 'Prof'. This decision was made on the occasion of Teachers' Day in Karnataka. The government aims to acknowledge teachers' lifelong service and impact on the nation.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad will prevent Muslims from participating in Navratri garba and dandiya events. Organizers must verify Hindu identity through Aadhaar cards and tilak application. The organization states these are precautionary measures to protect cultural character. VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair questioned Muslim participation in idol worship festivals. He suggested Muslims organize their own Navratri celebrations separately.

'So much food, and so delicious: Belgium PM Bart De Wever's remark on Indian food

From screen addiction and drug abuse: PM Modi's candid chat with national awardee teachers

'Excellent for diplomacy, not for travel': Belgian PM's chocolate gift for PM Modi melts en route

Teachers Day 2026 will be observed in India on September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Indias second President. The day was linked to teachers after Radhakrishnan reportedly suggested celebrating his birthday by honouring educators instead. A philosopher, academic and statesman, he held senior university posts, served as Vice President and President, and received the Bharat Ratna.

AI prompts: AI image tools can merge separate photos to create a special Teachers' Day picture featuring you and your teacher. You can create natural-looking images of both of you together in different settings and styles. Several AI prompts can help you experiment with unique and creative looks. For the most realistic results, use clear photos of both people with their faces clearly visible. These prompts can help you create a memorable Teachers' Day picture with your teacher.

Handmade gift for teachers: This Teachers' Day, take the opportunity to create a meaningful greeting card that comes straight from the heart. Using just five common household materials, you can make beautiful paper flowers to decorate the front of the card. Add a personal note inside to make it even more special, turning this simple craft into a thoughtful and unique Teachers' Day gift.

AI prompts: Teachers' Day 2026: On September 5, 2026, India will celebrate Teacher's Day, a time to honor the dedication of educators. This article showcases innovative AI tools that offer creative prompts for personalized messages and content. From heartfelt greeting card ideas to inspiring speeches and engaging social media posts, discover 20 unique AI-generated prompts to elevate your celebrations and express gratitude to teachers.

Uzbekistan supports India's permanent UNSC membership bid and will establish a Foreign Ministers-led oversight mechanism. Both nations condemned terrorism and agreed to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation through joint working groups. They also committed to strengthening coordination at international forums for Global South interests.

After an illustrious thirty-nine years, Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma has retired from the Indian Army. He was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ARTRAC in Shimla, notable for his leadership and bravery. Commissioned into the SCINDE HORSE armoured regiment in 1987, he received the Sena Medal for gallantry during counter-insurgency operations and commanded various formations throughout his distinguished career.

Russia has submitted a proposal for five more S-400 air defence squadrons. India is processing this significant defense acquisition estimated at over fifty thousand crore rupees. Deliveries for these new systems are expected to commence approximately three years after the deal is signed. India has already received four S-400 squadrons from a previous contract.

Bishnu S. Atal, an accomplished engineer from India, made remarkable contributions to the fields of digital telephony and cellular technology. His groundbreaking research concentrated on speech processing and data compression, which significantly minimized the requirements for data transmission. He pioneered innovations like linear predictive coding and code-excited linear prediction, which laid the groundwork for cellular systems such as TDMA, CDMA, and GSM.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Uzbekistan's highest honor, the Oliy Darajali Do'stlik Order, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This accolade underscores the international recognition of Modi's leadership and the elevated status of India on the global stage. During his visit to Uzbekistan, he aims to reinforce bilateral relationships and collaboration, dedicating this honor to the strong partnership shared by the two nations.

New rules mandate Indian Standard Time as the single national reference. These rules will come into force 180 days after their official gazette publication. The move aims to synchronize digital and technology-based systems across India. It also reduces dependence on foreign satellite-based time sources. A pilot demonstration network is currently testing this initiative.

An agreement focusing on collaboration has been finalized between legal groups in Singapore and India. This exciting partnership aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and enhance professional development. A unique cross-border immersion program will allow law students to gain practical in-house legal experience, equipping them with essential contemporary skills while strengthening the regional legal landscape.

India and Uzbekistan will deepen cooperation in the mining sector. Discussions also focused on critical minerals and uranium exploration opportunities. Both nations are exploring ways to quickly implement a new memorandum of understanding. Agricultural collaboration will expand to include seed production and drip irrigation. Indian and Uzbek agricultural centers are cooperating in these key areas.

The event was part of WDS's ongoing effort to provide Indian MMA fighters with opportunities to compete against international opposition.

India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. A long-term arrangement for uranium supply was also established between the two nations. This upgrade aims to deepen cooperation in key strategic sectors. A Coordination Council at the foreign minister level will now guide bilateral cooperation. Business leaders will also jointly organize a summit to foster engagement.

Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkaras Galle Fort home combines heritage and luxury. The 120-year-old villa sits inside UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and features three courtyards, coral walls, four bedrooms and a rooftop swimming pool with views of the Indian Ocean and Galle Lighthouse.

Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath was spotted travelling on Bengaluru's Namma Metro with a trolley bag, leaving cricket fans impressed by his simple and unassuming lifestyle. The viral photograph has drawn comparisons with other Karnataka cricket legends and reminded fans of Srinath's illustrious career.

India's Finance Minister confirmed achieving fiscal deficit targets for 2025-26. The government plans to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to fifty percent by 2030. Domestic economic growth sustained over seven percent despite global headwinds. India managed fertilizer shortages and shipping risks through government intervention. Bilateral trade agreements are advancing due to slow multilateral progress.

India's economic outcomes show distortions, not solely free-market forces at play. Company earnings and asset valuations are influenced by government interventions and incentives. Production Linked Incentive schemes support profitability in manufacturing sectors. Rural spending persists due to direct government transfers, not productivity gains. Policy interventions reshape outcomes, making growth seem stronger than it is.

India has sent 68.5 tonnes of relief materials and technical teams to Nepal. Specialized teams are assisting in search and rescue operations within hydropower tunnels. Forensic experts are also present to aid in DNA analysis following the disaster. Equipment for modular steel bridges has arrived to restore transport links. Nepali security forces have rescued many workers from affected hydropower projects.

Indians missing in Nepal floods: India has intensified rescue and relief operations following Nepal's devastating Bhote Koshi River floods. One hundred eight Indian nationals have been safely rescued from affected areas in Nepal so far. India has dispatched multiple flights carrying essential relief materials and equipment to Kathmandu. Efforts continue to locate missing Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in the region.

Indias 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka offered plenty to ponder, from the limitations of two-Test series to Gills growing authority as captain.

Prime Minister Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek next week. This meeting precedes President Xi's visit to India for the BRICS Summit. The Bishkek discussions will prepare for substantive outcomes in New Delhi. India will also push for stronger anti-terror measures and connectivity initiatives. Discussions will focus on financial mechanisms and counter-terrorism efforts.

On March 31, Oracle executed a massive layoff, affecting thousands of employees worldwide. Notices were sent through email, indicating that numerous positions had been removed. Many workers found their system access terminated almost immediately. Additionally, speculation arises about another significant round of layoffs potentially hitting around September 1, largely attributed to Oracle's major investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The government has achieved about 78% of its 80,000-crore FY27 disinvestment and asset monetisation target within five months. It has raised 62,124 crore so far, led by a 31,515-crore LIC stake sale, while the strategic sale of IDBI Bank remains on the table.

Around 2.7 lakh Delhi construction workers will soon receive free healthcare services. This new scheme offers 24x7 medical assistance and annual health check-ups. Beneficiaries can get treatment worth up to two lakh rupees annually. Mobile medical vans will also visit construction sites for immediate assistance. Digital health records will be maintained for all eligible workers.

India and Canada aim to deepen economic ties, expanding beyond goods and services. They plan to scale up bilateral trade to seventy billion dollars annually by 2030. Discussions focused on investment, financial sector cooperation, and critical minerals. Canadian investors were urged to leverage India's growing economy and talent. Both nations seek to build more resilient and inclusive economies together.