The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Operation Toofan is making waves as Kerala Police detain 12,111 individuals in a comprehensive battle against drugs. This statewide initiative has led to 11,241 documented cases and substantial narcotics seizures. On Saturday, a swift response resulted in 198 arrests linked to 188 drug offenses. Furthermore, the operation is actively promoting awareness, having hosted over 10,000 informational classes and 804 counselling sessions, aided significantly by local schools and colleges.
Ryan Reynolds bought into Mint Mobile and turned himself into its unlikely spokesman; 4 years later, T-Mobile agreed to pay up to $1.35 billion for its parent company. Reynolds owned about 25% of the carrier and earned an estimated $300 million to $337.5 million from the sale. His role extended beyond ownership as his agency Maximum Effort created and starred in Mints ads, helping build the brand before T-Mobile completed the acquisition in 2024.
Eight-year-old Andrew Lun, a United States piano prodigy, has won multiple international competitions. He has performed at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and the Philharmonie de Paris. Lun was accepted into the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division in 2025. He received First Prize and a Judges' Distinction Award in 2021. This young musician continues to achieve significant recognition for his talent.
In 2010, a major change was taking shape at the Poplars waste site near Cannock, Staffordshire. Plans were being developed for a large anaerobic digestion facility that could process up to 120,000 tonnes of food waste each year. The plant was not yet operating at that scale in 2010; it opened in 2011. But the project marked an important shift in how food waste could be handled.
The October 7th attack has profoundly impacted Israeli Jewish identity and faith. Some secular Israelis are finding new meaning in religious practices and traditions. Others are questioning their beliefs and the role of God in such events. Many are exploring their Jewish heritage and spirituality in diverse ways. This has led to increased interest in community gatherings and traditional observances.
India and Bangladesh are discussing a joint task force to boost trade. This initiative aims to bring businesses and stakeholders closer together. The task force will focus on removing trade barriers and strengthening ties. Visa processing for Bangladeshis traveling to India has been eased. Both nations seek to expand investment in various key sectors.
Every year, major metropolitan hubs produce hundreds of thousands of tonnes of organic waste, a significant portion of which ends up decaying in municipal landfills where it generates potent greenhouse gas emissions. In Sydney, the industrial suburb of Camellia, tucked along a bend of the Parramatta River, offers a practical blueprint for intercepting this waste stream before it reaches the dump. The EarthPower facility was designed around a straightforward premise: treat food refuse not as a li
A recent international study reveals that current salt limits for freshwater lakes are inadequate. Zooplankton populations significantly declined at many sites, impacting the food web. This ecological damage occurred at salt levels considered safe by governments. The findings highlight the urgent need to reassess and lower existing sodium chloride thresholds. Reducing road salt use and finding alternatives are crucial for lake protection.
Qatar condemned Houthi missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and civilian infrastructure. The United States urged Americans to reconsider travel to West Asia due to escalating regional tensions. Missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi fighters prompted a worldwide caution from the US Department of State. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, with no casualties.
Seven judicial officers will take their oath of office for the Delhi High Court on Monday. Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya will administer the oath to the seven new appointees. These judicial officers were serving in the district judiciary before their elevation. The central government notified these seven new appointments after Supreme Court collegium recommendations. The high court's strength will rise to 50, with a sanctioned strength of 60.
Abhijeet Dipke of CJP demanded MPSC reforms and chairman Vivek Bhimanwar's resignation. He highlighted state unemployment and criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Dipke urged aspirants to post videos online for Bhimanwar's removal. He linked alleged corruption to Fadnavis and questioned fund usage for political gains. Dipke also cited examples of student protests leading to government action and resignations.
NASA's Curiosity rover has produced a stunning panoramic view of Mars, showcasing the planet's landscape in a transition from morning to evening. Captured on its remarkable 5,000th Martian day, or sol, these images have been artfully combined and color-enhanced for clarity. Curiosity continues to delve into the mysteries of Mount Sharp, located within Gale Crater, furthering our understanding of the Red Planet.
President Trump warned Iran of significant consequences for its behavior. He is considering options ranging from economic pressure to military action. Discussions at Camp David focused on potential strike options against Yemen. US embassies issued security warnings to citizens across the Middle East. World leaders will convene for the UN General Assembly amid these crises.
Iran has issued a stark warning of severe retaliation aimed at the United States and its allies, claiming to have intelligence about an impending attack. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels have targeted Saudi Arabia, striking both the capital and critical oil infrastructure. This escalation heightens tensions across the region, influencing global energy prices, amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict with no diplomatic solutions in sight.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, his wife Kyoko S Jaishankar, CBI Director Praveen Sood and former Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi are among the prominent people who have received notices from the Election Commission (EC) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi, according to media reports.Sood's wife Vanita Sood and mother Kamlesh Sood, along with Dwivedi's wife Sunita Dwivedi, have also received notices. The wife and son of CPM MP John Brittas are among
India's men's table tennis team lost to Iran 0-3 in their Group F encounter. The women's table tennis team also played, winning against Indonesia and Singapore. Elavenil Valarivan secured two silver medals in shooting events for India. India's women's hockey team achieved a dominant 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The women's cricket team advanced to the gold-medal match after a semifinal win.
On a freezing night in February 1959, nine experienced hikers disappeared from their tent in the northern Ural Mountains. They were part of a skiing expedition led by Igor Dyatlov. When rescuers finally reached the site, the scene raised more questions than answers. The tent had been cut from the inside, and the hikers had fled into temperatures that fell below 25C.
Guterres' remarks come as the UN General Assembly is set to bring together leaders from across the world for discussions on pressing global challenges, with Guterres urging renewed emphasis on dialogue, cooperation and collective action.
A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling was found in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This unusual developmental anomaly, known as bicephaly, marks a significant discovery for wildlife centers. The veterinary team is closely monitoring the hatchling's health and development. This is not the first such case, as another was found in 2021. Such rare occurrences offer valuable insights into animal anatomy and physiology.
The National Investigation Agency has arrested two individuals in Saharanpur for their alleged involvement. These arrests are linked to the circulation of counterfeit currency notes through a Punjab National Bank chest. The agency previously apprehended two other key accused in this ongoing investigation. Authorities discovered counterfeit notes with a face value of over seventeen crore rupees. The case was initially registered by local police before the NIA took over.
Nagaland's draft electoral roll was published with nearly 1.59 lakh voters excluded. The Chief Electoral Officer's office stated 11.99 lakh names are on the current draft list. The Special Intensive Revision exercise identified deceased and shifted electors from the previous list. Claims and objections regarding name deletions can be submitted until October 20. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on November 22.
Quote of the day by Meg Ryan focuses on the idea that ordinary people can contribute to the welfare of mothers and children around the world. The quote connects compassion, empathy, community action and shared responsibility. It suggests that people do not need wealth, fame or political power to help others and that small actions can contribute to change across families and communities.
Schools in Kerala and Rajasthan will close on September 21, 2026. Assam schools also observe a holiday for Srimanta Sankardeva's Janmotsav. Telangana schools are expected to remain open as no general holiday is listed. Many other states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have no September 21 holiday. Students and parents should verify local school notices for any changes.
When Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top Farm in 1905, she was doing much more than investing her book royalties. She was starting a quiet, decades-long campaign to protect the English landscape from encroaching commercial development. Over the next thirty-eight years, the author used her publishing wealth to buy up vulnerable farmland across the Lake District. She steadily outmaneuvered developers who wanted to build over the region's rolling hills and valleys. By her death in 1943, she had secured
Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DMRC, will make its global debut at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, showcasing its metro operations, consultancy and project management expertise. The company has submitted five international bids in three months and is exploring expansion opportunities across West Asia, Europe and North America.
Navies of India and Sri Lanka are currently engaged in a bilateral exercise. The thirteenth edition of the Sri Lanka-India maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is underway. This exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and foster interoperability between the two nations. The event commenced with a harbour phase and will be followed by a sea phase. SLINEX-26 reinforces India's commitment to a secure and inclusive maritime environment.
Karnataka's FDA raided a farmhouse, seizing spurious drugs and machinery valued at Rs 5.05 crore. The operation allegedly repackaged and relabeled low-cost medicines as expensive life-saving drugs. Licenses for sixteen entities were cancelled, and eight others were suspended by the department. This action follows a series of raids ordered by the new Health Minister UT Khader. Consumers are advised to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and report suspicious packaging.
In a profound reflection on human connections, actor Danny DeVito shares a poignant insight into the complexities of relationships. He articulates the struggle between desiring those who leave while grappling with the presence of those who remain. Born in 1944 and famed for movies like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' DeVitos observations resonate across generations.
The India Meteorological Department has issued forecasts for substantial rain and thunderstorms expected in various parts of the country. A developing weather system in the Bay of Bengal is set to impact southern, eastern, and central India. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is under alert for heavy rainfall and intense winds on Monday, while Kerala may see significant showers, helping alleviate its monsoon deficit.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated the Aravallis face grave threats. He alleged the Modi government seeks to redefine the hills for development projects. Ramesh hopes the Supreme Court's High Powered Committee will reject these central government moves. Decades of mining have already damaged the Aravallis and imperiled water security. Experts warn that continued mining dust is harming residents and the environment.
Powerful Quote of the Day by Dean Martin: Dean Martin sought a legacy of being a good entertainer and a nice guy. He believed success meant making people enjoy themselves and laugh. His early life included varied jobs before his entertainment career began. The Jerry Lewis partnership brought him widespread fame and movie success. Martin's solo career and television shows further solidified his lasting impact.
Steve Martin's insightful bread quote reflects the nuances of financial security and how it alters one's perception of value. Spending twenty-nine cents on bread can feel substantial in contrast to a more lavish expense of seventeen thousand dollars. This clever observation underscores a profound lesson about perspective on money.
Iranian authorities announced the closure of a French language center. The center, affiliated with the French embassy, was accused of illegal activities. Judiciary officials stated the center violated diplomatic conventions and abused its status. This action follows recent strains in relations between Iran and France. Two French diplomats were previously expelled by France from the Islamic republic.
In April 1984, NASA launched a satellite carrying 12.5 million tomato seeds into orbit to test how space radiation affects biological life. The mission was originally scheduled to last a single year. However, the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger grounded the fleet and stranded the payload in space. By the time astronauts finally recovered the satellite in 1990, the seeds had orbited the Earth over 32,000 times.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated his party is ready to work with others to prevent a third BJP term. He invited like-minded parties for discussions, emphasizing no single party can stop the BJP alone. Owaisi highlighted AIMIM's strengthened organization and grassroots leadership in Uttar Pradesh. He asserted the upcoming assembly elections will present different challenges and outcomes. The party is actively visiting constituencies to understand and address public issues.
Vaishnav Anand was 16 when he started building DeepTrust after experiencing a deepfake himself. The high school student developed AI technology aimed at detecting manipulated video, audio, images and satellite imagery. His work has since expanded into deepfake research, consumer-focused verification tools and school pilots, while earning recognition through research presentations and international student entrepreneurship competitions.
Two dozen Russian firms displayed industrial solutions at Innoprom.India in Delhi. The Russian Export Center facilitated business meetings and agreements with local partners. Several Russian companies presented advanced technologies and products to Indian businesses. Russian exporters signed ten agreements, fostering technological alliances and joint product development. This initiative highlights a growing collaboration between Russia and India in industrial sectors.
Karnataka is set to organize an all-party delegation to engage with Prime Minister Modi in the near future. The state government firmly rejects the notion of designating certain areas of the Western Ghats as Eco-Sensitive Zones. This decision comes ahead of a special legislature session dedicated to the Kasturirangan report.
President Donald Trump has announced plans for a grand memorial arch adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, which will serve as a unique military complex housing drones and snipers. Additionally, he envisions the revamped White House ballroom as another military site. These ambitious projects are part of Trump's commitment to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Washington D.C., all framed as vital for national security and defense.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for Adani Powers Rs 48,000-crore, 3,200 MW thermal power plant at Chapar in Dhubri, one of the largest single investments in the state. The project, comprising four 800 MW ultra-supercritical units, is expected to create up to 20,000 jobs during construction and around 5,000 once operational, while boosting Assams ambitions to emerge as a major energy hub in the Northeast.
Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said he rejects Periyars atheistic and anti-Brahmin ideologies while acknowledging the Dravidian stalwarts contributions to womens empowerment and caste eradication. Pointing to what he called numerous contradictions in Periyars history, Annamalai also reiterated that statues carrying atheistic inscriptions outside Hindu temples would be respectfully relocated if the BJP comes to power in Tamil Nadu.
NEET PG 2026 result is expected by September 30, with candidates also awaiting the provisional answer key and response sheet. NBEMS has confirmed that the response sheet will be released before the result, although the exact date is yet to be announced. The qualifying cutoffs remain 50th percentile for UR, 40th for SC/ST/OBC and 45th for UR PwD candidates.
India was trailing 1-2 at one point, just one match away from a loss. However, Sreeja Akula and Yashaswini Ghorpade fought it out to win the tie for India.

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