The Economic Times

In 1847, a Scottish obstetrician showed the world the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic during childbirth and surgery. Sir James Young Simpson tested the substance with colleagues in Edinburgh and later used it to reduce pain. His work helped spread anaesthesia in medicine and changed how doctors approached childbirth and surgical procedures.

In 1893, Rudolf Diesel published his design for a compression-ignition engine that aimed to improve engine efficiency and reduce dependence on existing steam and gasoline systems. His work later became the basis of diesel engines used in ships, trains, trucks, generators and industrial machines. Diesel also explored vegetable oils as fuel. His career later faced financial problems before his disappearance at sea in 1913.

The road transport ministry has mandated that motor vehicle aggregators eliminate any tipping prompts that appear before or during trips. This decision is based on the need for adherence to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, especially after instances of deceptive tipping practices were noted. Tips should only be suggested post-trip to ensure all funds go directly to drivers without any reductions.

US stock markets closed higher on Wednesday, driven by strong AI infrastructure company earnings. Mild inflation data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady. CoreWeave and other AI firms reported upbeat quarterly results, boosting their stock prices. Data center operators and chipmakers also saw gains following positive company forecasts. Traders now anticipate a 62% chance of the Fed maintaining current interest rates next month.

European proverb of the day: A fair face may hide a foul heart teaches that physical beauty and a pleasant appearance do not reveal a person's true character. The proverb warns against judging people through looks, smiles or polite words. It says that actions, behaviour and time are better ways to understand intentions, character and motives.

The MSME ministry is set to announce new regulations for small businesses next month. These amendments focus on improving invoice financing through the Trade Receivables Discounting System, ultimately aiming to bolster cost efficiency and global competitiveness. As Parliament has recently addressed issues of delayed payments, digital platforms will play a crucial role in overseeing the effective implementation of this law.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the challenges faced by BRICS nations in mobilizing private capital. She urged multilateral institutions to draw investors into infrastructure projects, as India needs ample private investments alongside its public capital. A substantial pipeline of infrastructure projects is being cultivated through public-private partnerships, allowing the group to target resilient and sustainable growth through meaningful cooperation outcomes.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will depart her role in August. She wishes to dedicate more time to her young children and family. Leavitt will continue serving as a top outside advisor to the President. She has been praised for her work since 2018 and her influence. Leavitt will also assist the Republican Party in upcoming midterm elections.

A Supreme Court bench will hear a key question on September 22. This concerns states' power to impose an additional sales tax levy. The Odisha government amended its Sales Tax Act in 1997. This amendment allowed levying extra taxes on dealers based on turnover. The three-decade-old issue now awaits the court's decision.

Arabic proverb of the day explains how promises gain value through action. The saying compares a promise with a cloud and fulfillment with rain. It teaches that words can create hope, but actions create results. The proverb also connects trust with accountability, consistency, reputation and past behavior. Its message remains useful in relationships, work and daily life.

N Chandrasekaran's tenure as Tata Sons chairman faced significant challenges and delays. Ratan Tata's passing in October 2024 preceded leadership shifts within Tata Trusts. Noel Tata conveyed displeasure, putting Chandrasekaran's reappointment on hold in May 2026. Several trustees announced their departures from key Tata Trusts positions. Ultimately, N Chandrasekaran decided not to seek a third term as chairman.

Tata Group company shares declined significantly on Wednesday after the chairman's decision. Several group stocks experienced drops of up to four percent following the announcement. Analysts suggest businesses remain fundamentally strong despite the leadership transition. Most of the twenty-six listed Tata Group companies saw their stock prices fall. Market sentiment reacted negatively, though some recovery is anticipated in coming days.

Quote of the Day by Ed Sheeran: Ed Sheerans quote, I want to have a career that evolves as I go on, explores the importance of growth, adaptability, creativity, and continuous development in professional life. The quote suggests that a successful career does not have to remain fixed, but can change naturally as a person gains experience, discovers new interests, and embraces new opportunities.

Quote of the day by Blake Lively focuses on women becoming agents of change instead of only receiving the benefits of progress. Her statement about female empowerment, self-advocacy and active leadership explains why women can take ownership of their narratives, question limits, use their voices and take part in decisions that shape workplaces, industries and society.

A UN report attributes the 2025 Red Fort attack to Al Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent. The group also shows interest in establishing cells within Bangladesh. Terror groups continue to pursue chemical and biological weapons development. Instructions for creating toxins like ricin have been widely shared online. Indian authorities arrested individuals involved in a ricin plot linked to a global terror network.

Shivakumar retains some important portfolios - info, law & parl affairs, town & country planning, and oversight of urban bodies under BDA & BMRDA

Quote of the Day by Charlie Munger: Munger's famous quote, Nothing has served me better in my long life than continuous learning. The sentence is simple, but the idea behind it is much larger. He was not talking only about collecting degrees, reading financial reports or becoming an expert at work. He was describing a habit of staying mentally active and becoming a little wiser through experience, reading and curiosity.

Opposition parties rejected Home Minister Amit Shah's debate offer on student protests. They continued to stall Parliament's monsoon session, which is scheduled to end soon. Congress demanded the FCRA bill's withdrawal, while other parties welcomed its move to a joint committee. Opposition leaders sought answers regarding the use of force against students. Protests are expected to continue on Parliament's final day.

Karnataka will wait for the Supreme Court's decision on Cauvery water release. Tamil Nadu has petitioned the court seeking compliance with water authority directives. The state government consulted legal experts and officials on Wednesday. Karnataka's cabinet will discuss the issue further on Thursday. The government may appeal an adverse outcome from the court.

Takam Mising Porin Kebang initiated an economic blockade against Arunachal Pradesh. This action followed a border firing incident which injured eleven people. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma requested an inquiry into the event. Protesters blocked several key routes, demanding arrests of those responsible. The group vowed to continue their agitation until justice is served.

JLKM leader Devendra Mahto is seeking hospital discharge to rejoin a student protest. He has been on a hunger strike for eleven days over recruitment exam irregularities. Mahto was hospitalized after his health deteriorated during a student march to the assembly. He stated his soul remains with the agitating students at the protest site. Thousands of students are supporting his fight for their future rights.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed a two-day debate regarding the NEET protests, urging the opposition to formally approach the Speaker. Shah reinforced that the government is transparent and open to dialogues on this matter. However, the proposal met with rejection, further complicating the ongoing deadlock in the Lok Sabha, as the parliamentary affairs minister reaffirmed the government's willingness to engage.

The Lok Sabha has referred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a joint parliamentary committee. This decision follows a heated debate where the opposition demanded the bill's withdrawal. Opposition members alleged the proposed law unfairly targets minorities and non-governmental organizations. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed these accusations as false and baseless. He challenged the opposition to identify any discriminatory provision within the bi

Kannada groups are divided on a bandh call for Thursday regarding the Cauvery water dispute. Some groups insist on a bandh to protest water release directions to Tamil Nadu. Other pro-Kannada organizations have reversed their stand due to improved rainfall and reservoir storage. Schools are offering moral support by asking staff to wear black badges. The differing opinions reflect the complex situation surrounding the water sharing issue.

A judicial inquiry committee has concluded that former Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma is guilty of misconduct. The allegations against him include unexplained cash transactions and interfering with evidence, leading to a chaotic investigation. After almost 200 MPs demanded his removal, Justice Varma chose to resign before any impeachment could finalize, making the removal process irrelevant.

Quote of the day by W. Somerset Maugham: W. Somerset Maugham viewed old age as a burden of memories. He believed memories, not failing faculties, made aging difficult. These memories can bring comfort or sadness from past experiences. The quote teaches accepting the past without letting it overshadow today.

In Tokpa Naga village, a fresh surge of violence led to the destruction of ten homes and a church. Armed attackers reportedly infiltrated the area, leaving devastation in their wake. The Liangmai Naga Council strongly condemned the outrage, raising alarms about the security personnel's actions, demanding an investigation into potential negligence, and insisting on prompt arrests along with assistance for those affected.

Quote of the Day by Jennifer Lawrence: Jennifer Lawrences quote, My career is one thing in my life that I dont plan, explores the importance of flexibility, spontaneity, and allowing professional opportunities to develop naturally. The quote suggests that while planning can provide direction, a career can also grow through unexpected opportunities, experiences, and choices without requiring every step to be carefully predicted in advance.

Shubman Gill faces significant captaincy challenges beyond batting prowess. He must navigate squad selection and player availability issues. The coach Gautam Gambhir appears to hold considerable influence in team decisions. Gill needs to assert his authority and make difficult playing XI choices. Taking ownership of his role is crucial for his captaincy success.

South Korean chipmakers rallied significantly after a media report surfaced. Temasek Holdings reportedly plans direct investments in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. This news boosted investor confidence, which had waned after a July selloff. The chipmakers' shares saw substantial gains, and the benchmark Kospi index also climbed. Analysts view this as a positive signal, though not the sole driver of the rebound.

Billionaire Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are set to buy the Lakers. This reported $12.5 billion deal would be the most expensive sports team sale ever. The transaction follows Mark Walter's acquisition of controlling interest last year. NBA Board of Governors approval is still required for the ownership change. Kushner and Iger aim to build on the team's established foundation.

US President Donald Trump was secretly moved to a different aircraft during his Turkey visit. This extraordinary operation occurred due to a credible missile threat against Air Force One. Officials devised last-minute plans to conceal the president's movements from potential adversaries. Trump and aides used a catering truck to switch planes discreetly. Senior officials and the press corps traveled on the original presidential aircraft.

During the Apollo missions, astronauts noted peculiar flashes of light occurring inside their spacecraft. These experiences were later attributed to energetic cosmic rays penetrating their vision. NASA played a pivotal role in investigating these occurrences, establishing a firm link between the light flashes and cosmic radiation. This foundational work is vital for preparing future astronauts against the hazards of long-duration space exploration.

India's defence ministry has embarked on a pivotal initiative to procure new military transport aircraft, with an investment of around one lakh crore rupees. This ambitious program aims to manufacture sixty aircraft locally, with competition spanning between American company Lockheed Martin and Brazil's Embraer. Indian firms like Tata, Adani, Mahindra, and HAL will spearhead local manufacturing efforts alongside international partners.

'Fauci knew it's a lab leak': DeSantis torches ex-NIAID chief after vaccine-pregnancy texts surface

Wont pay for these barbaric surgeries: Trump bans federal medicaid funding for trans youth care

West Bengal STF apprehended a suspected Pakistani national in North 24 Parganas. The arrested individual, Wahab Alam, allegedly holds links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. He reportedly entered India through Nepal in 2012 and lived under forged documents. Another person, Muhammad Izaz, was arrested in East Kolkata for providing these documents.

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A parasite enters fish through gills and replaces their tongues. This isopod, Cymothoa exigua, attaches to the tongue stump and functions as a new tongue. Juvenile isopods mature as males and some later become female, which is biologically determined. Fishing pressure can worsen the impact of these mouth parasites on fish populations. These unsettling parasites are found in ordinary fish markets and kitchens worldwide.

The Congo Ebola outbreak is projected to exceed the 2014-2016 West African epidemic. This outbreak is currently the fastest-growing in recorded history. Health authorities believe the outbreak began months earlier than initially declared. Experts note challenges in tracking and managing the disease due to conflict and poor infrastructure. The World Health Organization anticipates the outbreak's peak within six months, with a longer duration possible.

Global investors TPG and Temasek sold nearly thirteen percent of Dr Agarwals Health Care. They collectively offloaded over four crore equity shares for two thousand eight crore rupees. Several mutual funds and investment firms purchased a significant stake in the eye care chain. This stake sale occurred after the company reported strong quarterly financial results. Dr Agarwals Health Care shares saw a decline following the large block deal.

A Maumelle High School football player in Arkansas got a terrifying surprise when he discovered a 2-foot cottonmouth hiding inside his helmet. The venomous snake, known for its dangerous bite, had reportedly been inside the headgear for nearly an hour before animal control officers safely removed it.

Quote of the Day by Katharine Hepburn: Katharine Hepburns quote, If you need a helping hand, you can find one at the end of your arm, explores the importance of self-reliance, personal strength, and taking responsibility for your own actions. The quote suggests that people often have the ability to help themselves by using their own determination, confidence, and resources rather than always waiting for assistance from others.