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National News

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National / The Economic Times

Irdai opens NDB's Maharajah INR bonds to insurers

In a circular dated August 27, the regulator said that it had received representation from New Development Bank to permit Insurers to invest in Maharajah INR Bonds. NDB plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including financing or onward lending to sustainable development, sustainable infrastructure, green and social projects in India.

28 Aug 2026 5:38 am
Quote of the day by Kamala Harris, 'It's time for us to do what we have been doing and that time is every day' offers life lessons on discipline, consistency, confidence, validation, focus, purpose

Quote of the day by Kamala Harris is a reminder that meaningful progress is a practice, not merely an event. Dreams become more achievable when they are translated into repeated actions. Challenges become easier to navigate when people focus on the next step rather than the entire mountain. And long-term change becomes possible when commitment survives beyond moments of excitement or inspiration. The quotes enduring lesson is straightforward: the future is not created only during major turning p

28 Aug 2026 4:16 am
In 2013, a special medical research facility was started in Cologne, Germany to understand how humans adapt to extreme environments: How :envihab helps prepare astronauts?

In 2013, a special medical research facility was started in Cologne, Germany to understand how humans adapt to extreme environments. The facility studies how the human body responds to microgravity-like conditions. Its bedrest studies help researchers examine changes in bones, muscles, balance, vision and coordination and test measures that could protect astronauts during space missions.

28 Aug 2026 3:20 am
Quote of the day by Reba McEntire, 'To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone' shows purpose, philosophy, wisdom for success in career, work, reveals positive mindset, happiness, gratitude, optimism

Quote of the day by Reba McEntire remains powerful because it turns a complicated idea into an unforgettable formula: dream with your wishbone, stand strong with your backbone and keep your funny bone intact. Each quality serves a different purpose, but together they create a balanced approach to life. Dreams inspire movement, resilience sustains it and humor makes the journey more enjoyable.

28 Aug 2026 2:57 am
In 2021, a spacecraft was launched on a first-ever suicide mission to try to deflect an asteroid on impact in space in the revolutionary planetary defense experiment: How NASAs DART mission changed an asteroids orbit

In 2021, a spacecraft was launched on a first-ever suicide mission to try to deflect an asteroid on impact in space in the revolutionary planetary defense experiment. NASAs Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART, struck Dimorphos in 2022. The collision changed its orbit and showed that a kinetic impactor could alter an asteroids motion.

28 Aug 2026 2:51 am
Canada is worst to deal with: Trump signs order to change Lake Ontarios name to Lake America

Canada is worst to deal with: Trump signs order to change Lake Ontarios name to Lake America

28 Aug 2026 2:22 am
4 zodiac signs entering September with a clean slate after letting go of what no longer fits

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are entering September with a renewed sense of space. These signs are releasing responsibilities and the need for external validation. Scorpio is raising their standards in relationships and professional settings. Aquarius is moving from planning to active participation in life. This shift allows for new opportunities and healthier connections.

28 Aug 2026 1:21 am
Quote of the day by Robert De Niro: Sometimes if you have financial restraints, it's a benefit. It forces you to come up with a more creative way a lesson in how limitations can fuel creativity, encourage resourcefulness and inspire innovative solutions

Quote of the day by Robert De Niro: Robert De Niro believes financial restraints can be a benefit. This encourages filmmakers to find more creative solutions for their projects. Limitations often force people to think outside the box and experiment. De Niro's extensive career provides context for this observation. His insight applies to business, art, and everyday life.

28 Aug 2026 1:21 am
Quote of the day by Aristotle: 'The value of life lies in the power of contemplation and not mere survival.' Life lessons from inspirational quote on true happiness, distraction, awareness, existence, deep thinking and self-awareness

Quote of the day by Aristotle focuses on the value of life through awareness and contemplation. The quote says that existence alone does not define a meaningful life. Aristotle connects true happiness with reflection, thought, purpose and self-awareness. His ideas explain why people should look beyond mere survival, examine their choices, learn from experience and think about what gives their lives meaning and direction.

28 Aug 2026 1:20 am
Cricket: Sonal Dinusha, backed by the lower order, denies India series-sweeping win in second Test

India were on the hunt for World Test Championship points, but more critically, having enforced the follow-on, they would have believed they had the bowlers to take 10 Sri Lankan wickets. As it turned out, the Day 5 pitch was not quite as dry as anticipated thanks mainly to rain interruptions that kept the surface under covers for extended periods during the first four days. And yet, even without variable bounce or sharp turn, India would have fancied their chances when Sri Lanka began the fina

28 Aug 2026 1:11 am
Quote of the day by Tommy Lee Jones: The quality of ones emotional life changes over the years, doesnt it? But... Timeless life lessons from an inspiring quote on emotional growth, hope, creativity, self-understanding, purpose, and how changing emotions can reveal what truly keeps us moving forward.

Quote of the day by Tommy Lee Jones offers a thoughtful look at emotional growth, changing priorities, and the search for purpose. His perspective connects with a simple reality of life. Our feelings may change with age, but hope, ambition, and creativity can remain. For readers facing uncertainty, personal growth, career pressure, or changing relationships, the message feels practical and relevant.

28 Aug 2026 1:01 am
India needs Rs 30 lakh crore to hit 500 GW clean-energy target: Pralhad Joshi

India needs over 30 lakh crore investment for its 500 GW non-fossil fuel target. Domestic financial institutions and capital markets will fund much of this significant green-energy expansion. The nation has already surpassed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity. Renewable energy capacity grew substantially in the first four months of FY27. Maharashtra is urged to showcase projects and attract global developers at BRESE 2026.

28 Aug 2026 12:56 am
Philadelphia weather: Severe thunderstorm watch issued with flash flooding possible

Philadelphia faces dangerous thunderstorms and intense rainfall capable of causing flash flooding. Widespread storms are expected later Thursday, with the greatest chance arriving around 5 p.m. earlier storms prompted flash flood warnings in several nearby counties. A severe thunderstorm watch and flood watch cover the wider Philadelphia region. Sunny and warmer weather returns Friday after the storms move out.

28 Aug 2026 12:54 am
After 200+ applications and 15+ interviews, former corporate employee takes $11/hour dishwashing job

A 29-year-old former corporate employee laid off in April says he has submitted more than 200 applications and attended over 15 interviews without finding another job. Although he has enough savings to cover about five years, he has accepted an $11-an-hour part-time dishwashing role to restore structure and feel productive. Other users responded with stories of layoffs, career changes and unemployment.

28 Aug 2026 12:49 am
In Graphics: Kitchen basket inflation is back

Edible oils and eggs are also seeing higher prices. Demand for most commodities is elevated amid the onset of the festival season, even as poor monsoon rainfall and the second-order effects of the West Asia crisis continue to add pressure.

28 Aug 2026 12:45 am
3 zodiac signs find their hope again after the Pisces full moon on August 28, 2026

A powerful Full Moon and lunar eclipse set to unfold on August 28, 2026, will usher in delightful changes. Gemini will shed their uncertainty, embracing a hopeful outlook. Scorpio will cast aside gloom, reigniting their joyful spirit. Aquarius will unearth newfound strength and bravery within. As these astrological signs align, they are destined for a period brimming with good fortune and positive energy.

28 Aug 2026 12:43 am
US goods trade deficit widens 17% to $118.8 billion in July

The United States merchandise-trade deficit grew substantially in July. This shortfall reached its highest point since early last year. Inbound shipments of capital equipment saw a multi-decade surge, fueling the deficit. Goods imports climbed, while exports experienced a notable decline. The trade balance has fluctuated recently due to global demand and supply chain concerns.

28 Aug 2026 12:41 am
Kioxia, Sandisk plan $31.4 billion Japan investment to boost AI chip output

Kioxia and Sandisk will invest over $31.4 billion to increase chip production. This significant investment will occur over the next six years in Japan. A new facility in Kitakami will produce high-density 3D flash memory chips. These chips are essential for managing massive artificial intelligence workloads. The move aims to ease global shortages and reduce electronics costs.

28 Aug 2026 12:38 am
NASA's Apollo 12 survived two lightning strikes, then astronaut Alan Bean accidentally pointed its TV camera at the Sun, ending live broadcasts from the Moon

During Apollo 12s lunar mission, an incident occurred shortly after the astronauts landed on the Moon. Alan Bean unintentionally aimed the television camera at the Sun, resulting in irreversible damage to the camera's imaging tube. Consequently, the live broadcast from the Moon was halted for the duration of their stay, although the crew managed to fulfill their scientific objectives and returned to Earth without incident.

28 Aug 2026 12:35 am
Samsung ordered to pay Swatch $11.6 million over smartwatch brand apps

Samsung must pay Swatch Group eleven point six million dollars. This ruling came after apps mimicked luxury brands on Samsung smartwatches. The London High Court published the decision on Wednesday. Swatch Group had sought a much larger sum for brand display. Samsung argued for significantly lower damages in the case.

28 Aug 2026 12:34 am
Call all-party meet, give time to study delimitation: Mallikarjun Kharge to PM Modi

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge has formally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold an all-party meeting. He emphasized the Congress party's position on preserving the Lok Sabha's current size and highlighted the necessity for one-third reservation for women in elections. Kharge cautioned the Prime Minister against hastily pushing through the delimitation legislation. This statement follows comments by parliamentary affairs minister Kiran Rijiju regarding a potentially extended monsoon

28 Aug 2026 12:33 am
In 1853, an American industrialist invented the revolutionizing safety elevator giving birth to a whole new industry and solving a crucial problem being faced during industrial revolution: How Elisha Otis invention changed the world?

In 1853, an American industrialist Elisha Otis invented the safety elevator giving birth to a whole new industry and solving a crucial problem being faced during industrial revolution. His safety brake stopped elevator platforms from falling when ropes broke. The invention helped make passenger elevators safer, supported taller buildings and contributed to the growth of modern cities.

28 Aug 2026 12:32 am
'Ripped soul out of Lindsays body': Back-to-back defense vs. prosecutor in Clancy trial debate

'Ripped soul out of Lindsays body': Back-to-back defense vs. prosecutor in Clancy trial debate

28 Aug 2026 12:31 am
India, Canada set $70 billion trade target, widen economic partnership

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.

28 Aug 2026 12:29 am
Faster KYC, nods key to boosting FDI flows: Piyush Goyal

The minister was speaking at the end of his official visit to Japan, where he held a series of high-level engagements aimed at accelerating Japanese investment in India, strengthening industrial partnerships and expanding bilateral economic cooperation across emerging and strategic sectors. Our focus is on process and procedures... there are very few sectors where FDI is restricted but we are open to ideas whatever industry demands... during these engagements here, new ideas have come up, Goyal

28 Aug 2026 12:29 am
Pakistan & Kuwait sign defence Co-op Pact

Pakistan and Kuwait signed a defence cooperation agreement on Thursday. This pact aims to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance mutual capabilities. The agreement specifically covers training and capacity building initiatives.

28 Aug 2026 12:27 am
Delhi Race Club in ruins as bulldozer growl replaces hoofbeats amid demolition drive

The Delhi Race Club's century-old legacy ended with its demolition on Thursday. Historic structures were reduced to rubble after an eviction order came into force. Many thoroughbred horses have been moved to racing centers across the country. Nearly five thousand families depended on the racecourse for generations. This demolition marks a painful sight for those associated with the club.

28 Aug 2026 12:25 am
13 Karnataka residents stranded in Nepal, Tibet

Thirteen individuals from Karnataka are currently stranded in Nepal and Tibet. Eleven of these stranded people hail from Bengaluru Urban district.

28 Aug 2026 12:21 am
In 2000, Australian scientists tricked grapevines into conserving water by drying half their roots. 26 years later, PRD remains a technique that can maintain yields while cutting irrigation by 50%

Australian scientists developed Partial Rootzone Drying (PRD), an irrigation approach designed to reduce water use while maintaining commercial crop production. Developed at the University of Adelaides Waite campus by a team led by Dr Peter Dry and Dr Brian Loveys of CSIRO Plant Industry, the method alternates watering between different parts of a plants root system.Drying one portion while keeping another watered encourages the plant to conserve water through changes in stomatal activity, while

28 Aug 2026 12:20 am
Punjab Elections: Public posturing apart, BJP holds seat-sharing talks with Badal's party

BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal are discussing a potential pre-poll alliance. Seat-sharing formula and constituency allocation remain key negotiation points. Discussions also cover leadership arrangements and the chief ministerial post. Electoral arithmetic from recent polls drives these renewed alliance talks. The parties aim to combine votes for electoral success in Punjab.

28 Aug 2026 12:19 am
Glare on construction activity across China-Nepal highway

Recent GLOF floods in Nepal highlight construction impacts on fragile Himalayan regions. Hectic building along China-Nepal highways has increased ecological degradation and soil erosion. Studies show construction has led to significant vegetation loss and desertification in vulnerable areas. Nearly 2,688 glacial lakes exist near China-Nepal transport corridors, increasing GLOF concerns.

28 Aug 2026 12:19 am
Onion prices likely to stay firm till November despite Centres Rs 35/kg push

Onion prices will likely stay firm until November despite government sales. Inferior quality of stored onions and delayed fresh crop arrival are key factors. Global onion shortages are also supporting domestic price stability. The government's price control measures follow a significant wholesale price increase. The Kanda Express transports onions from Maharashtra to major cities.

28 Aug 2026 12:18 am
S&P retains India rating, keeps outlook stable on economic momentum

Last year, S&P, the biggest of the global ratings firms, had raised its rating on India to 'BBB' from 'BBB-' after 18 years, citing the country's economic resilience and sustained fiscal consolidation. However, Fitch has retained its sovereign rating on India at BBB- since 2006, while Moody's has retained the same lowest investment grade of 'Baa3' since 2020. As for short-term India credit rating, S&P has maintained it at A-2, indicating that the country's capacity to meet financial commitments

28 Aug 2026 12:15 am
Fresher saves company from Rs 30 lakh loss on first day, catches error senior team missed

A fresher joining a company from a top business school spotted a major calculation error in a client report on his first day, according to employer Abhishek Agarwal. The mistake could have caused Rs 30 lakh in losses and exposed the firm to possible legal action. The client renewed its contract after the error was corrected, while LinkedIn users praised the culture of speaking up.

28 Aug 2026 12:15 am
Blockbuster fixtures set: What the Champions League schedule reveals for Real Madrid, PSG, and Arsenal

The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase draw has been finalized. Thirty-six clubs now know their eight opponents in the new single-table format. Paris Saint-Germain faces Barcelona and Manchester City in tough early fixtures. Real Madrid and Arsenal are set for challenging matches against strong European rivals. The competition's road to the Madrid final begins with these preliminary league games.

28 Aug 2026 12:14 am
Government ignoring warnings & E20 spiked sugar prices: Randeep Singh Surjewala

The Congress party has sharply criticized the government's lack of action regarding soaring sugar prices. They argue that the administration disregarded prior alerts about dwindling sugar supplies. Allegations have emerged that sugarcane is being redirected for E20 fuel production, undermining availability. This shift has sparked a considerable price hike for consumers, with opposition leaders asserting that black marketeers are profiting from the turmoil.

28 Aug 2026 12:12 am
Nepal flash flood update: 31 West Bengali tourists missing and 1 rescued

Thirty-one West Bengal tourists, including Mukul Roy's daughter-in-law, are missing after a disaster. The group, which started their journey on August 21, was heading for Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. One tourist has been successfully rescued from the affected area so far. Sharmistha Bhowmik Roy was reportedly ten kilometers from the disaster zone. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sent reports to the PMO.

28 Aug 2026 12:11 am
Fadnavis gives auto, taxi drivers one year to learn Marathi

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has halted RTO actions against drivers. Auto and taxi drivers will now receive one year to learn Marathi. This decision came after a meeting with union representatives on Thursday. Fadnavis stated that no coercive action would be taken during this period.

28 Aug 2026 12:03 am
Eat, drink & fast: Maharashtra minister's advice to students

An NCP minister advised fasting tribal students to eat secretly while continuing their protest. The students expressed shock and questioned the minister's understanding of their agitation. Opposition leaders criticized the minister's insensitive and inappropriate remarks to the students. The tribal students vowed to continue their fast until their demands were met.

27 Aug 2026 11:57 pm
Chenab Valley shuts down over minor's rape-death

A shutdown was observed in sections of Chenab Valley on Thursday, following the heartbreaking death of a minor tribal girl due to pregnancy-related complications after a premature birth. Law enforcement has detained five people, including a government teacher and his sibling, deemed the main suspects. Local residents protested peacefully, urging for strong action against the accused.

27 Aug 2026 11:55 pm
Supreme Court seeks Police response on bail plea filed by Athar Khan

The Supreme Court has summoned a reply from the Delhi Police over a bail petition submitted by Athar Khan, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots. Khan is challenging a High Court ruling that denied his bail application, citing his extended detention and the need for parity with another co-accused. Last week, the court issued a notice to police regarding Khan's appeal.

27 Aug 2026 11:53 pm
A New Hampshire eighth grader with underdeveloped fingers couldn't use a VR controller normally, so he invented his own adaptive device that lets him play

At just fourteen, Scott Merrow engineered a groundbreaking adaptive VR controller to accommodate his symbrachydactyly condition. Featuring a custom 3D-printed sleeve armed with pressure sensors, this inventive device allows users to translate their arm movements seamlessly into game commands. Garnering second place in a regional contest, Scott is now on a mission to motivate others with physical challenges, championing resilience and the power of creative problem-solving.

27 Aug 2026 11:52 pm
WHO renews Science Council as AI, gene editing and emerging technologies reshape global health

The World Health Organization has renewed its Science Council with twenty-one global experts. This council will advise on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and gene editing. It aims to ensure scientific progress benefits all populations worldwide. Youth representatives will bring younger perspectives to these important discussions. The council will help WHO prepare for future global health challenges and opportunities.

27 Aug 2026 11:44 pm
Nilekani panel races to ready roadmap ahead of October deadline for 2027 rollout

A dedicated task force is devising a comprehensive action plan for NEET-UG and other entrance examinations. Their goal is to implement a multi-day computer-based testing system for NEET-UG. Engaging the public for feedback and consulting with relevant government agencies, they aim to finalize recommendations by mid-September, ensuring timely execution. This initiative is focused on bolstering the credibility of future assessments.

27 Aug 2026 11:39 pm