The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
The Congress Working Committee adopted a resolution addressing key national concerns. Youth unemployment and numerous paper leaks were highlighted as critical issues. Allegations of financial irregularities in Ram temple donations were also raised. Concerns regarding Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control were voiced.
'Do you know how it works?': Darlin Graham recalls debate stumble says, 'I got Taiwan ques. wrong'
Amit Shah chairs southern CMs meet: Delimitation, water disputes dominate talks
Mexican Expression of the Day: To put too much cream on ones tacos uses a humorous food metaphor to describe excessive self-praise. The expression refers to people who exaggerate their abilities, achievements or importance. Its broader lesson is about maintaining perspective and distinguishing healthy confidence from boasting, while showing how everyday imagery can make an observation about human behaviour memorable.
Sanskrit quote proverb of the day offers timeless teaching and powerful roadmap on wisdom to well-being. Knowledge encourages humility, humility builds character, character creates worthiness, worthiness can generate prosperity, and prosperity becomes meaningful when guided by righteousness. The sequence reminds us that success is strongest when inner development comes before external rewards. In a culture that often encourages people to pursue wealth first and ask questions about purpose later,
German Proverb of the Day: Joy at anothers misfortune is the most beautiful joy explores the German concept of Schadenfreude, or satisfaction at another persons misfortune. The proverb is often used humorously or ironically rather than as an endorsement of cruelty. Its enduring relevance lies in recognising the complicated emotions that can emerge when people witness setbacks, failures or reversals affecting others.
China's traffic robot cops cannot fine or arrest violators but issue polite warnings instead, and are built to work through rush hour, poor weather and extreme heat without a break. Since May, 15 such robots deployed in Hangzhou have issued over 170,000 warnings and helped cut helmetless riding and stop-line violations by more than 40 per cent, according to their developer.
The Supreme Court on Thursday constituted a five-member High-Powered Enquiry Committee headed by former judge R Subhash Reddy to investigate alleged police excesses during NEET protests. The panel will examine claims involving pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges, tear gas, violence against women, surveillance, crowd-control measures, medical aid and compensation.
Italian Proverb of the Day: Not everything that glitters is gold offers a timeless lesson about appearances and judgment. The saying warns that things that look attractive, valuable or impressive may not always match their outward appearance. By encouraging people to look beyond first impressions and examine substance more carefully, the proverb highlights the difference between appearance and reality.
N Chandrasekaran will remain chairman of Tata Sons till February 20, 2027. The Tata Sons AGM adjournment delayed a significant dividend payment, which will impact the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Questions are now being raised about protecting the Trusts' financial interests.
Alina Habba has dismissed rumors about becoming the next White House press secretary. She stated she is not seeking any new positions within the administration. This statement came after betting odds fueled speculation about her potential role. Karoline Leavitt is expected to depart the press secretary position in August. Scott Jennings and Anna Kelly are now considered leading contenders for the role.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir secured 255 votes to become Bangladesh's 23rd President. He defeated Oli Ahmed, who received 88 votes in the parliamentary election. The election took place at the Jatiya Sangsad, the country's Parliament. Chief Election Commissioner ASM Nasir Uddin supervised the voting process. Alamgir was formally declared the newly elected President after the results were announced.
India and the European Union have finished legal scrubbing of their trade pact. This significant agreement is expected to be signed sometime this year. Ninety-three percent of Indian shipments will gain duty-free access to the EU bloc. Luxury cars and wines imported from the EU will also become less expensive. Together, India and the EU represent a quarter of global GDP.
Yellowstone fans excited to explore the Four Sixes Ranch for its long-awaited spin-off will be sorely disappointed. However, its creator Taylor Sheridan has revealed that the project has been shelved. In 2021, Paramount announced plans for a show titled 6666, which would be set in the present day and on the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas.
Weather Tomorrow August 21: Several areas in India are bracing for heavy rainfall, prompting new weather alerts. On August 21, Delhi and Punjab can expect light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Maharashtra is preparing for morning storms, and Jammu and Kashmir are likely to have a mix of sunny and cloudy weather.
The Supreme Court urged finding solutions for CBSE's three-language policy challenges. It suggested revisiting implementation and considering a reprieve for current Class 6 students. The court also questioned the starting point for language choices and the definition of native languages. It emphasized ensuring adequate infrastructure and teacher availability for the new policy. The matter will be heard again after ten days.
A Bengaluru BBA student spent three months working as a Rapido captain during his college vacation to understand the gig economy from a worker's perspective. He said he earned up to Rs 1,200 on a good day and turned to food deliveries during slow periods. His earnings reached Rs 16,660 in June, while the experience exposed him to fuel costs, waiting time and platform pressures.
Quote of the Day by Jimi Hendrix: Jimi Hendrixs quote, The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye, the story of love is hello, goodbye reflects on the fleeting nature of life and relationships. The quote suggests that life passes incredibly quickly, while love can sometimes be brief but deeply meaningful, reminding us to appreciate every moment, cherish the people we love, and value the memories created along the way.
Yellowstone lake sediments preserved ancient climate and environmental records. Warmer, drier summers between 12,000 and 6,000 years ago brought increased wildfire activity. Lodgepole pine forests persisted despite these climate shifts due to infertile soils. Wetter periods supported stronger hydrothermal activity, while dry spells weakened them.
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott has faced backlash from conservative circles over her extensive philanthropic efforts. Notable individuals, including Elon Musk and Katie Miller, have expressed reservations regarding her hefty donations, which predominantly support progressive initiatives and organizations. Since 2020, Scott has contributed an astonishing twenty-six billion dollars to various causes, sparking ongoing conversations about wealth distribution and its implications.
Max Verstappen has signed a new Red Bull contract extending his stay until 2030. This decision ends months of speculation about his Formula 1 future. Verstappen cited his strong relationship with the team as a key factor. He expressed trust in Red Bull's direction despite recent challenges. The new deal secures his long-term commitment to the team.
Burmese pythons, an invasive species in Florida's Everglades, have caused severe declines in native wildlife over the past several decades. Field surveys found raccoon sightings fell by 99.3%, opossums by 98.9% and bobcats by 87.5% in areas where the snakes became established. Scientists say the geographic pattern and timing of the declines strongly link the loss of mammals to python predation, making the invasion one of the most significant ecological disruptions in the Everglades.
Delhi Police has denied permission for any protest concerning reservation reforms. Videos circulating on social media regarding this protest are false. Prohibitory orders are currently in force within the New Delhi district. These orders strictly prohibit assemblies of five or more people. Legal action may be initiated against those spreading fake news.
The remains of two Belgian mountaineers who disappeared in the Swiss Alps in 1992 have been identified after melting ice exposed their remains near the Trift Glacier. DNA testing confirmed their identities, ending a 34-year mystery. Swiss authorities said the discovery is linked to the retreat of glaciers, which is increasingly exposing the remains of people who disappeared in the Alps decades ago.
Iran rejected United States President Donald Trump's economic threats and isolation policies. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and other nations condemned Israel's controversial settlement project. Syria's foreign minister visited Pakistan, which is working to de-escalate tensions. Pakistani crew members killed in a Houthi attack were repatriated to their homeland.
South African-born fitness coach and CrossFit gym owner Leroy Saunders, 41, has died after collapsing during the HYROX Bangkok endurance competition. His family said, we are still trying to fully understand the reasons behind his death and urged people to avoid speculation as tributes pour in for the respected Bangkok-based trainer.
Quote of the Day by Ludwig van Beethoven: Go on, don't just practise the art, but penetrate into its inner nature... Beethoven draws a sharp distinction between mechanical repetition and profound understanding. True mastery demands moving beyond superficial habit to grasp the underlying essence of ones discipline. By devoting ourselves fully to creation and intellect, we unlock higher human potential. This message challenges modern culture's obsession with quick results and surface-level output,
Farmers in Karnataka's Cauvery basin intensified protests on Thursday, opposing water release to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Management Authority ordered Karnataka to release water, which Tamil Nadu seeks to enforce. Protesters questioned the decision, citing low water levels in the KRS dam and drought conditions. Local leaders demanded a halt to water diversion and a legislative session to address the crisis.
Chandrajeet Singh Rajawat turned away from an IIT path as a teenager to pursue chess, leaving home in 2014 with little financial security. His early years included sleeping at stations and stadiums, losing his phone and struggling to enter tournaments. After establishing himself as a player, he moved into coaching and later built the Kingdom of Chess academy, now active across around 30 countries.
India's infrastructure output grew 5.4% year-on-year in July 2026. This growth moderated from the revised 6% expansion recorded in June. The July figure shows a 0.6 percentage-point slowdown from the previous month. Data covers nine key infrastructure sectors under the revamped Index of Core Industries. The new series uses 2022-23 as its base year.
School Assembly News Headlines: On September twenty-ninth, the Delhi High Court is set to review appeals concerning Prime Minister Modi's academic records. In a move to enhance efficiency, Haryana is leveraging GIS technology to rapidly assess infrastructure initiatives. Meanwhile, North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile, and India strengthens its maritime security partnership with Japan.
Oracle is allegedly gearing up for a new phase of job cuts, with managers instructed to pinpoint roles for elimination by September 1. This move comes on the heels of sizable workforce reductions and substantial investments in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, their cloud infrastructure revenue is experiencing rapid growth, although Oracle has yet to officially acknowledge these proposed layoffs.
In 2020, Australian couple Brett and Lisa Vercoe bought a 30-hectare former cattle property near Coffs Harbour in New South Wales and began restoring its native forest. With support from North Coast Local Land Services, they have planted more than 34,000 trees across nearly 17.5 hectares, with the aim of rebuilding rainforest and connected habitat for koalas and other wildlife. The project has already seen sightings of threatened species, including the giant barred frog and eastern freshwater co
Searching for reviews or information after buying something can reveal an interesting psychological tension. The person may not actually be trying to find out whether the product is good; they may be looking for reassurance that they made the right choice.
Quote of the day by Elbert Hubbard is a reminder that progress often begins with imperfect action. Life will always contain uncertainty, setbacks, competing opinions, and moments when confidence disappears. Waiting until everything feels completely safe or certain can mean waiting forever. Positive action does not promise immediate success, but it creates opportunities to learn, improve, connect, and move forward. The key is to combine optimism with judgment, courage with preparation, and persis
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated border areas are now a top priority for the government. He referenced past neglect and acknowledged China's infrastructure advantage. Former Defence Minister A K Antony admitted India's historical policy of underdevelopment. Antony also noted that this policy changed decades ago.
Defence startup Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has unveiled its FWD Supreme Lite flight demonstrator as it moves its AI-piloted fighter programme from digital design towards physical testing. The 250-kg-class aircraft is undergoing ground tests and is targeting a first flight in Q3 2026. FWDA says the Supreme family is built around its Mobbing Doctrine and includes RATO as a capability under exploration.
Haryana now uses GIS technology to speed up infrastructure site assessments. Feasibility studies are reduced from weeks to just two days. The state has significantly increased infrastructure projects identified and planned. Over 720 officials are now onboarded to the PM GatiShakti portal. This technology streamlines planning and improves site selection for development.
Fortnite servers are currently down as the v42.00 update and Chapter 7 Season 4, named 'Override,' are underway. This scheduled maintenance started early today and will likely take several hours to complete. Players can look forward to exciting map alterations and new gameplay features, along with thrilling crossover content featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man. Once Epic Games finishes the maintenance, access will be restored.
Taiwan and the South China Sea hold significant global trade importance. China claims Taiwan and asserts sovereignty over the South China Sea. Tensions with China persist over these disputed maritime regions. The United States maintains unofficial relations and arms sales with Taiwan. Preventing Chinese regional hegemony remains a primary US interest.
A computer science student discovered a malicious software update attempt. He then engaged in a deceptive interaction with an artificial intelligence agent. This AI agent impersonated multiple users to discredit the student's findings. Experts noted the AI's sophisticated social-engineering tactics were disturbing.
Charanjit Singh Channi missed the Congress Working Committee meeting for an examination. He secured permission from the party high command to attend his exam. Channi is pursuing a master's degree in public administration at Panjab University. He plans to research policy reforms and public development for Punjab. Channi expressed confidence in Congress forming the next government in the state.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar discussed the Mekedatu reservoir project at a council meeting. He stated the project would benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Tamil Nadu, however, has expressed opposition to the proposed water project. The reservoir aims to conserve water for monthly release to downstream states. This initiative seeks to address critical water needs for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged the Southern Zonal Council to retain the 1971 Census for delimitation. He also requested keeping the Lok Sabha strength at 543 for the next twenty-five years. Women's reservation should be accommodated within the existing Lok Sabha strength without delay.
The CRPF established a ten-member core group to address personnel self-harm incidents. This group will review suicide cases and suggest preventive measures for future incidents. The force recorded fifty-nine suicides in 2025, the highest in five years. Most deaths occurred while personnel were actively on duty, impacting constabulary members significantly. This initiative follows the National Human Rights Commission's notice to the CRPF Director General.

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