The Economic Times

A government report reveals a substantial gap between school curriculum and entrance exam requirements. NEET-UG and JEE question papers are deemed too difficult for average students. Physics in NEET-UG is particularly challenging, impacting student performance significantly. This mismatch necessitates extensive coaching beyond formal school instruction. Aligning curricula and conducting exams more frequently are key recommendations.

Volkswagen employees express significant concerns over proposed job reductions and factory shutdowns as CEO Oliver Blume unveils restructuring strategies in response to intensified competition and dwindling demand. The company may cut up to fifty thousand positions while striving for cost efficiency. Labor representatives underscore the vital significance of German plants in Volkswagen's long-term vision. A pivotal board meeting is set to outline the automaker's future transformation.

Nepal floods: IAF's C-130J flies relief, 105 Indians missing; Bihar, UP brace for Gandak surge

Low-level ultraviolet irradiation and refrigeration can significantly boost resveratrol levels in grapes. This treatment can make wine a more potent source of beneficial antioxidants. Resveratrol is a compound found in grape skins with antioxidant and anticancer properties. Refrigerating grapes after picking further stimulates enzymes that produce these healthful effects. These findings suggest a way to increase potentially health-promoting compounds in grapes.

Psychology says people who try to get in an elevator or metro first and not let others disembark aren't always acting out of malice. The behaviour can be linked to stress, anxiety, egocentric bias, cognitive narrowing and a scarcity mindset. Understanding these factors can explain why some people ignore others while rushing toward an open door, seat or available space.

Hyperscalers are accelerating data-centre leasing as power constraints and lengthy development timelines limit supply. North American non-commenced leases reached 25.5 GW in Q2 2026, up sharply year-on-year, with third-party operators expected to deliver an increasing share of future capacity.

Quote of the Day by Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift offers a refreshingly honest take on what it means to be fearless. For her, fearlessness isn't the absence of fear or a state of complete confidence, it's something far more human. It means carrying fears and doubts, sometimes plenty of them, and choosing to move forward regardless. In her view, true courage isn't about feeling nothing; it's about acting in spite of everything that scares you.

A video shared on X showing an Indian family eating homemade food during an IndiGo flight has sparked an online debate over public behaviour and travel etiquette. The passengers are seen distributing disposable plates and sharing parathas, vegetables and snacks. While some users viewed the practice as a normal Indian custom, others argued that airline cabins require different standards of conduct.

FSSAI flagged serious food safety and hygiene violations at Delhi's JW Marriott hotel. Inspections revealed issues with sanitation, storage, and labelling practices across various kitchens. Regulatory samples were collected for further analysis after the inspection concluded. The hotel's FSSAI licence was also not prominently displayed on the premises. Similar food safety violations were also found at Andaz Aerocity in Delhi.

The indigenous AK-203 'Sher' rifle has successfully passed its firing trials at the Korwa facility, showcasing India's advancements in defense technology. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh is establishing itself as a vital defense manufacturing hub. In a separate initiative, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has introduced free bus travel for senior women to prioritize their dignity and convenience, emphasizing the government's commitment to honor maternal power.

Dolly Parton, who died at 80 in Nashville on August 25, came from a poor Tennessee family and often drew from her childhood experiences in her music. One of her most personal memories was being mocked at school for wearing a coat her mother had made from scraps of fabric. Years later, Parton turned that painful experience into Coat of Many Colors, a song about family, love and finding richness in what money cannot buy.

Dolly Parton, a legendary entertainer, passed away at eighty years old. Her career spanned nearly six decades, building an extraordinary legacy. Parton's wealth came from music, business ventures, and her stake in Dollywood. She launched the Imagination Library, a global literacy program for children. Her story highlights a transformation from poverty to a philanthropic icon.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has sadly passed away at the age of 80. Throughout her life, she bravely faced numerous health challenges while lovingly caring for her husband. Reflecting on her past struggles from the early 1980s, Parton exemplified resilience, continuing to chase her dreams. Her nephew Brian Seaver paid tribute to the cherished artist, celebrating her enduring legacy.

New U.S. sanctions and UAE trade suspension may disrupt Indian exports to Iran. Rice, tea, and pharmaceutical shipments routed through Dubai face potential severe disruptions. Exporters anticipate higher freight and payment processing costs due to these changes. Bilateral trade has already significantly declined from previous highs. Alternative payment and shipping routes are being explored by affected businesses.

Quote of the day by Nikola Tesla explores the difference between clear thinking and deep thinking. Teslas words connect logic, reality, curiosity and creativity. The quote also raises questions about how people approach complex ideas. His life and work show how scientific thinking can move between practical problems, abstract ideas and questions that challenge accepted views.

Quote of the Day by Franz Kafka: Franz Kafka's insightful observation reveals the struggle many face in conveying their internal emotional landscapes. This challenge is a universal human condition; people often find it hard to articulate their feelings, even to themselves. Despite these struggles, the authenticity of these emotions remains significant. Kafka encourages us to be patient and empathetic towards those experiencing profound inner conflicts. Understanding oneself unfolds gradually thr

Heavy rain caused significant waterlogging across Gurgaon on August 24. Key areas like Sohna Road and Golf Course Road experienced severe disruptions. Waterlogging occurred near Sikanderpur metro station and Rail Vihar after the downpour. An unidentified colony faced severe flooding, resembling a gutter. Gurugram's infrastructure faced questions amid the widespread waterlogging.

Heavy rain caused significant waterlogging across Gurgaon on August 24. Key areas like Sohna Road and Golf Course Road experienced severe disruptions. Waterlogging occurred near Sikanderpur metro station and Rail Vihar after the downpour. An unidentified colony faced severe flooding, resembling a gutter. Gurugram's infrastructure faced questions amid the widespread waterlogging.

Mamata Banerjee vowed to continue her political fight against the BJP government. She alleged the Census exercise was a backdoor attempt to implement the NRC. The state government is reportedly slashing beneficiaries of financial aid schemes. Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating vandalism at Jadavpur University campus. She plans to move the Supreme Court regarding illegal deletion of voters.

Suchitra Mohanlal initially approached actor Mohanlal as a fan and later expressed her marriage wish. Her father warned her about the actor's demanding profession and frequent absences. She accepted the marriage with understanding, acknowledging the realities of his career. Suchitra states she has no complaints about Mohanlal's work commitments over the years. Their enduring marriage is built on mutual respect and understanding.

A global energy event in New Delhi next month aims to unlock significant investment. The three-day Bharat Electricity, POWERGEN India & Indian Utility Week 2026 will attract professionals. Over 15,000 professionals and 250 exhibitors will explore smart grids and renewable energy solutions. This event is expected to advance a Rs 450 billion investment and partnership pipeline. International delegations will also explore manufacturing and market-entry opportunities.

India vs Argentina Hockey World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: India face Argentina in a crucial FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool E match on August 24 in Amstelveen, with their semi-final hopes on the line. Heres everything fans need to know about the India vs Argentina match, including start time, live streaming on JioHotstar, TV channels, squad details and qualification scenarios.

With releases spread across the week, viewers have everything from a Bobby Deol-led crime thriller and Prithviraj Sukumaran's latest film to a Michael Jackson biopic and the return of Dark Matter. Whether you prefer mysteries, romance, true-story-inspired dramas or sci-fi, the August last week's OTT lineup has something different waiting on nearly every major platform.

Shelley Fabares, the beloved The Donna Reed Show and Coach actress who died at 82, left behind a decades-long Hollywood career spanning television, movies and music. Heres a look at Shelley Fabares net worth, her $6 million fortune, career, Elvis Presley films, Johnny Angel hit, health struggles and cause of death.

The Indian women's hockey team's World Cup semifinal dreams ended in heartbreak. A goalless draw against Australia eliminated them on goal difference. Players expressed deep disappointment after missing this significant opportunity. Coach Sjoerd Marijne also conveyed his sadness regarding the outcome. The team now prepares to compete for fifth place in their final match.

India preferred not to hold a joint media interaction after Prime Minister Modi's talks with President Trump. This cautious approach stemmed from President Trump's unpredictable behavior towards foreign leaders. Discussions regarding leaders' public appearances are standard diplomatic practice and routine. The US envoy Sergio Gor mentioned India's preference for no questions before the meeting. This clarification came after Gor's remarks about the interaction in France.

Abhijeet Dipke of the Cockroach Janta Party has written to education ministers of all states regarding public school infrastructure. He demands transparency on school renovations, teacher vacancies, and financial accountability. Dipke highlighted that students lack basic facilities like functional toilets and safe drinking water. He stated that children are being treated worse than animals due to administrative neglect. The School Thik Karo campaign seeks community-led efforts for school improve

Indian Creek Country Club has reportedly turned away billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Snchez as they navigate the club's highly selective membership process. Similarly, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have reportedly yet to receive invitations to join. The club's exclusivity means that significant wealth alone is not enough; prospective members also need strong social connections, recommendations and support from existing members to gain entry.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu says companies face a trade-off between clear instructions and employee initiative. He argues that highly metric-driven workplaces can make people wait for directions, while initiative-driven companies may create more disagreements but encourage employees to think independently and respond to problems without waiting for senior leaders.

Badminton star Saina Nehwal expressed openness to future electoral politics and joining the BJP. She aims to contribute to national development beyond her sports career. Nehwal praised Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand for their bronze medal win. The duo secured a medal after a long wait for Indian women's doubles. Their performance showcased confidence and composure under significant pressure.

Indian-origin professional Kaish Ansari shared his father's heartwarming reaction after he was laid off from his UK job, winning praise online for the father's calm and supportive response.

Rishabh Pant has become India's leading wicketkeeper-batter in away Test matches. He surpassed the legendary MS Dhoni's long-standing run-scoring record during the recent match. Pant achieved this significant milestone while batting against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He continued to bat despite taking blows to his arm from short deliveries. Pant showed resilience and built a valuable partnership with Dhruv Jurel.

Digital payments and tax reforms have significantly altered middle-class spending habits. GST has streamlined consumption taxes, impacting everyday purchases and larger items. Real estate regulations offer homebuyers greater protection during significant financial commitments. JAM trinity and telecom reforms increased formal financial access for many citizens. Infrastructure upgrades and digital services have collectively saved valuable time and effort.

The European Commission has approved an additional 6.1 billion for Ukraine's defence. This new aid package will procure vital systems like air defence and missiles. It builds upon previously approved procurement plans totaling 16 billion. The European Union stands with Ukraine as Russia intensifies its attacks. This support aims to help Ukraine protect its people and skies.

American billionaires are increasing investments in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale basin. Harold Hamm's Continental Resources plans a $4 billion joint venture with Mercuria Energy Group. Peter Thiel's hedge fund acquired a significant stake in Vista Energy, a leading producer. These investments follow President Javier Milei's economic reforms and deregulation. Vaca Muerta's production and resource estimates have seen substantial growth.

Shell is reportedly seeking to sell its U.S. chemical assets for up to eight billion dollars. Several major companies and a private equity firm have expressed interest in these facilities. Potential buyers submitted non-binding offers last month for the entire business or parts. This divestment aligns with Shell's strategy to focus on upstream operations. The energy major recently sold its European renewables power business to TotalEnergies.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson expects a new phase in the Iran conflict soon. He believes allied nations will provide crucial support during this next stage. Johnson stated that President Donald Trump successfully prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also noted deep mistrust towards Tehran during diplomatic negotiations.

Torrential rains from Typhoon Narra have caused extensive flooding across China's Guangxi region. Tens of thousands of people have been relocated due to the severe inundation and rising river levels. Aerial footage shows submerged cities and rescue operations underway using rubber boats. Heavy downpours are expected to continue across southern China through Wednesday. The launch of China's Chang'e-7 lunar mission was postponed due to the typhoon.

Banks in India foresee a stable outlook for asset quality, driven by the reduction of unsecured lending which should prevent new stresses from emerging. The current crisis in West Asia is unlikely to significantly affect operations. Furthermore, with a strong government backing, microfinance loans provide more security, and although MSME loans continue to grow, they are still within safe limits for banks.

Modern life's distractions make it easy to drift through routines. Kevin Ngo's quote highlights the cost of inaction on future goals. Ignoring personal ambitions today leads to dealing with unwanted circumstances later. This requires choosing between present discipline and future regret. Taking charge of your schedule builds the reality you want to inhabit.

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanus journey from an Olympic failure to becoming a three-time Commonwealth Games champion has inspired Ankur Warikoo. At 21, she failed all three attempts at the 2016 Olympics and considered quitting. She later won World Championship gold, Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020 and Commonwealth golds in 2018, 2022 and 2026. Warikoos key lesson: a setback becomes an ending only when you accept it as one.

Get ready, as the Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $81 million. The draw on Saturday revealed no jackpot winner, boosting the prize even further. Notably, a recent victory in Illinois saw one-point-zero-four billion dollars awarded. Players have the choice between receiving the winnings in annuity form or as a one-time cash payout, with tickets sold across forty-five states and other territories.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said Bengal must emerge as a major investment destination as he highlighted the state's cooperation with the Centre in defence, infrastructure and industrial development. His remarks came as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Adhikari virtually performed the Bhumi Pujan for five GRSE and Yantra India Limited expansion projects worth around 3,500 crore.