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The Economic Times

National / The Economic Times

Great Nicobar project 'commercial enterprise', not strategic: Jairam Ramesh to Rajnath Singh

Jairam Ramesh challenges the perceived strategic value of the Great Nicobar Islands development, asserting that its primary nature is commercial rather than military. He believes that the strategic justifications are mere fabrications aimed at downplaying significant environmental ramifications. The ambitious project envisions a transshipment port accompanied by a township, yet it faces serious backlash over threats to irreplaceable biodiversity.

25 Jul 2026 6:54 pm
Quote of the day by Sren Kierkegaard: 'Life has its own hidden forces which you can only...' - inspirational quote by father of existentialism will make You rethink why you dont need to have your whole life figured out and explains why you must start living first

Quote of the day by Sren Kierkegaard: Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard believed life's hidden forces are discovered through living. Important decisions and new paths reveal lessons only after personal experience. Individuals discover their strength and abilities when facing difficult situations.

25 Jul 2026 6:54 pm
Ishan Kishan, Tilak Verma lead India to 219/5 against Zimbabwe in 2nd T20I

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Verma spearheaded an impressive batting display, amassing 219 runs for five wickets in total. With Kishan scoring an explosive 81 and Verma standing firm with 60 not out, India effectively turned the tide after an early wobble. This significant total not only reflects their batting prowess but also creates a safe margin against Zimbabwe.

25 Jul 2026 6:45 pm
'Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is only the beginning': Rahul Gandhi accuses Amit Shah of authorising pellet guns, says issue will be raised in Parliament

Rahul Gandhi described Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as a victory for students across the country. He accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the use of lethal weapons, including pellet guns, against protesting students. Gandhi alleged that India's education system had been systematically weakened and captured over the years, linking the student unrest to rising unemployment and calling for comprehensive reforms.

25 Jul 2026 6:43 pm
Delhi Metro reopens all station entry gates after CJP withdraws agitation

Delhi Metro has reopened entry gates at all stations across its network after temporarily shutting 18 stations amid heightened security arrangements. The DMRC announced the restoration of normal access shortly after the CJP called off its protest.

25 Jul 2026 6:43 pm
Jantar Mantar filled with chants, dance and tricolours as protesters celebrate Pradhan's resignation

Thousands celebrated at Jantar Mantar after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. This resignation followed weeks of protests concerning the NEET paper leak issue. The Cockroach Janta Party announced the withdrawal of their agitation after the government accepted demands. Protesters expressed happiness that their efforts led to this significant outcome. The event highlighted the power of unity and democratic protest in achieving change.

25 Jul 2026 6:42 pm
Quote of the day by Benjamin Franklin, 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise' reveals psychology of successful individuals, teaches timeless life inspiring lesson on healthcare, positive lifestyle in modern hectic world

Quote of the day by Benjamin Franklin continues to inspire because it celebrates the power of everyday choices. Benjamin Franklin understood that lasting success is rarely built through dramatic shortcuts. Instead, it grows from consistent habits practiced over months and years. The timeless quote offers an encouraging reminder that the path toward better health, greater productivity, and lifelong learning often begins with simple daily routines. While technology and society continue to evolve,

25 Jul 2026 6:36 pm
CM N Chandrababu Naidu launches 'Sanjeevani' pilot project, unveils tech driven healthcare vision for Andhra Pradesh

Addressing a public meeting here after launching the pilot project of 'Sanjeevani', a digital health record programme, the CM said it aims to protect public health through predictive, preventive and curative means.

25 Jul 2026 6:36 pm
Famous Chinese proverb of the day: Learning is just like sailing against the current; if you dont advance, you will be... Inspiring life lessons on perseverance, self-growth, resilience, wisdom, and why continuous effort prevents stagnation by the timeless ancestral wisdom born from centuries of practice

Chinese Proverb of the Day carries a timeless message that speaks directly to modern life. Learning never stands still. Neither does the world. Every new habit, every lesson and every small improvement keeps you moving forward. This ancient Chinese wisdom encourages lifelong learning, continuous self-improvement and daily progress, making it as valuable today as it was centuries ago.

25 Jul 2026 6:33 pm
HVFI, Fortis Escorts launch Rs 50 lakh cardiac care initiative for Assam patients

The Heart Valve Foundation of India announced a Rs 50 lakh grant for cardiac treatment. This initiative will provide advanced cardiac care to eligible patients from Assam. Specialized training sessions will also be conducted for medical professionals in Guwahati. These programs aim to strengthen cardiac care infrastructure and expertise within the region. The partnership seeks to reduce financial barriers for patients needing complex procedures.

25 Jul 2026 5:57 pm
Gen Z showed what it means for India to be Vishwaguru: Gitanjali Angmo after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns

Gitanjali Angmo praised youth protests against the NEET-UG paper leak. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his ministerial position. He stated his resignation was in the larger interest of students. The government took prompt action after irregularities surfaced in the examination. Talks are ongoing between ministers and the CJP regarding the issue.

25 Jul 2026 5:56 pm
Americans rewire their grocery shopping routines while digesting the biggest price jump in 50 years

Americans are changing grocery shopping habits due to significant price increases. Many are now hunting for discounts and switching to store brands. Families are buying less meat and skipping nonessential food items. Some individuals are relying on food banks for essential provisions. These changes reflect the growing affordability challenges for households nationwide.

25 Jul 2026 5:56 pm
Quote of the day by Winston Churchill, 'To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often' reveals psychology of perfectionist, offers inspiring motivational timeless life lesson for success, growth

Quote of the day by Winston Churchill offers an inspiring philosophy for modern life. Winston Churchill reminds us that meaningful success is built not through resisting change but through embracing it with purpose and confidence. Former British Prime Minister's timeless message serves as a powerful reminder that growth is a lifelong journey. Whether pursuing professional success, stronger relationships, better health, or personal fulfillment, continuous improvement begins with the willingness t

25 Jul 2026 5:55 pm
Sunlight slowly damages solar panels; researchers think they have found a natural shield - a red onion

Solar power is growing fast across the US, but scientists say one hidden part of today's solar technology still depends on petroleum-based plastics. New research has revealed that red onion skins may offer a biodegradable alternative for UV protection in future solar-powered sensors and electronics. It's a small discovery with the potential to reshape how the next generation of solar devices is built.

25 Jul 2026 5:50 pm
Bridges and infrastructure are hit as US struck deeper into Iran

United States airstrikes against Iran have expanded over two weeks of conflict. Initial strikes targeted Iran's navy and coastal defenses in the Strait of Hormuz. Recent attacks now hit bridges and infrastructure deeper inside Iran. Iran has retaliated with intensified strikes on ships and Gulf countries. The conflict has pushed both nations back toward potential all-out war.

25 Jul 2026 5:45 pm
At least 35 killed in bus collision on Syria's Deir al-Zor-Damascus road, health ministry says

Tragedy struck on Syria's Deir al-Zor-Damascus road when a bus crash claimed at least 35 lives. The devastating collision occurred on the busy route, leaving authorities and the public in shock. The health ministry confirmed the grim toll, highlighting the severity of the accident.

25 Jul 2026 5:43 pm
Quote of the day by Norman Cousins: 'Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is...' - powerful quote by author of Anatomy of an Illness and Head First explains life lesson on what happens when you lose what makes you feel alive

Quote of the day by Norman Cousins: Norman Cousins believed the greatest loss is what dies inside us while living. Dreams and passions can fade due to life's challenges and responsibilities. Hope can diminish after prolonged periods of disappointment and failure. Life continues, but the inner spirit may feel diminished and lost.

25 Jul 2026 5:37 pm
CJP withdraws Jantar Mantar protest after Centre accepts key demands; JP Nadda says government will consider protesters' 5-point charter

The Cockroach Janta Party ended its protest after government talks. Key demands, including the minister's resignation, were accepted by officials. All legal cases against protesters will be withdrawn by the government. The party received assurances regarding future legal protections. Protesters nationwide are urged to end demonstrations peacefully.

25 Jul 2026 5:36 pm
Dharmendra Pradhan resignation: Want him to return home, say Abhijeet Dipke's parents as relief replaces weeks-long anxiety

Parents expressed relief and joy after Abhijeet Dipke's campaign concluded successfully. His mother shared sleepless nights and constant worry during the agitation. She stated his honesty and youth support led to this significant victory. His father recounted the family's fear and threats during the intense campaign. The family now hopes Abhijeet will return home after the events.

25 Jul 2026 5:33 pm
Meeting of CJP, Union ministers underway after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

A meeting occurred between the government and the Cockroach Janta Party. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union cabinet following protests. The CJP's main demand for his resignation has now been met. The government will address other CJP demands, including compensation and withdrawal of FIRs.

25 Jul 2026 4:57 pm
Sonam Wangchuk: The 59-year-old who rallied India's Gen Z against Modi govt

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following a vigorous youth movement that compelled the government to act. Focused on the widespread issue of exam paper leaks, this movement resonated with millions of students across the country. The pressure exerted led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

25 Jul 2026 4:49 pm
Rahul Gandhi says 'it's time to remove Modi govt' after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

Rahul Gandhi demanded the government's removal following Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. He hailed students' determination in protecting democracy and their future. Gandhi urged Prime Minister Modi to apologize to the youth. He also called for action against those responsible for alleged protest violence. The Congress leader encouraged other societal groups to assert their rights constitutionally.

25 Jul 2026 4:48 pm
Jammu court directs Pakistan-based terror handler to appear by August 21

Jammu and Kashmir Police executed a special court proclamation against a terror handler. The proclamation directs the wanted terrorist to appear by August twenty-first. This action relates to twin bomb blasts which occurred in Katra and Narwal. The accused is a cross-border handler believed to have crossed over to Pakistan. Police seek public cooperation in sharing information about the accused's whereabouts.

25 Jul 2026 4:48 pm
Fast-track courts fail to keep pace as 2.5 lakh rape, POCSO cases remain pending

India's fast-track courts have over 2.5 lakh cases pending as of December 2025. More than 1.4 lakh new cases were registered during 2025, while only 66,500 were resolved. The scheme, launched in 2019, has consistently seen over 2 lakh cases pending. The government has extended the scheme until September 30 this year.

25 Jul 2026 4:44 pm
Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation: Sonakshi Sinha, Vijay Verma, other celebrities react to Union Education Ministers departure

Public figures and film stars reacted to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Sonakshi Sinha shared clapping emojis and a humorous video clip on Instagram. Priyanka Chopra also reshared a news report about the minister's resignation. Vijay Varma posted a photo with a popular song lyric referencing the departure. These reactions highlight the widespread attention given to the controversy.

25 Jul 2026 4:43 pm
45% of Indias exports to US out of 10% section 301 tariffs: Govt

The US has placed India in a lower tariff bracket of ten percent. Approximately forty-five percent of India's exports to the US remain outside this additional duty. The remaining fifty-five percent of exports will attract the ten percent additional duty. India continues to engage with the US on textile-specific measures. Both nations are negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement for early conclusion.

25 Jul 2026 4:42 pm
SC voices concern over in-laws being dragged in criminal cases arising out of marital disputes

The Supreme Court expressed concern over in-laws being involved in marital disputes. It criticized the Bombay High Court for not examining case materials. The court quashed a POCSO case against a paternal aunt of a minor. This action followed allegations of sexual molestation by the aunt against her nephew. The Supreme Court found no substance in the complaint and ordered no further proceedings.

25 Jul 2026 4:39 pm
The ICC looks ahead after the ouster of its chief prosecutor

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor was removed from his post. This decision followed allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide. Member states voted decisively to oust Karim Khan from his position. His removal occurs amid challenges from the United States and Venezuela's withdrawal. The court's work will continue with deputy prosecutors leading the office.

25 Jul 2026 4:03 pm
Severe Rainfall Alert: IMD warns of heavy to extremely heavy rain across multiple states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra

India faces intense monsoon activity with severe rainfall alerts issued by the IMD. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthens monsoon rains across many states. Authorities warn of urban flooding, landslides, and traffic disruptions due to heavy downpours. Several regions including Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra are on high alert. Residents are advised to stay cautious and follow official advisories for safety.

25 Jul 2026 4:02 pm
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after NEET protests: What was the medical entrance exam controversy all about?

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following widespread youth protests. These demonstrations demanded accountability for alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities. The NEET-UG exam, crucial for medical admissions, faced cancellation due to paper leaks. Investigators are probing a multi-state network suspected of facilitating the leak. The resignation marks a significant outcome for the protesting students nationwide.

25 Jul 2026 3:38 pm
Quote of the day by Socrates: Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people. Ancient Greek philosopher's timeless lessons on conversations, intelligence and people

Quote of the day: Socrates' timeless quote Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people encourages reflection on conversation quality over quantity. Strong minds engage with ideas, fostering innovation and continuous learning. Average minds focus on current events, remaining superficial in their understanding. Weak minds discuss people, often fueling negativity and misunderstandings.

25 Jul 2026 3:37 pm
Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid NEET paper leak controversy: A look back at his four-decade political journey

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following widespread protests. Youth-led demonstrations escalated due to alleged NEET examination irregularities and paper leaks. His resignation follows weeks of public outrage and student demonstrations nationwide. Pradhan cited the need to protect the country's youth interests and democratic integrity. This marks a significant juncture in his four-decade political career.

25 Jul 2026 3:35 pm
If you stop the movement, it will grow across country: AAP on youth protests

The Aam Aadmi Party warned the central government against suppressing student protests. Senior leader Gopal Rai demanded the release of arrested student leaders in Patna and Gujarat. These arrests are happening while protests continue over the NEET examination system. The party stated that suppressing the movement will cause it to grow nationwide. The government faces a decision on how to proceed with the widespread demonstrations.

25 Jul 2026 3:34 pm
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation news: Sonam Wangchuk says its 'victory of democracy'

Sonam Wangchuk celebrated the Union Education Minister's resignation as a democratic triumph. He credited the Cockroach Janta Party and Gen Z for this significant outcome. Wangchuk described the event as a result of sustained, non-violent public pressure. He congratulated the protesters for shedding fear and rising up nationwide. The activist urged for broader reforms following this accountability measure.

25 Jul 2026 3:33 pm
Is ChatGPT down? Users report login issues as OpenAI confirms outage

Thousands of users worldwide report problems accessing OpenAI's popular AI chatbot. Many users cannot log in, send prompts, or view their chat history. The outage began recently, affecting users across multiple continents and countries. OpenAI has acknowledged the disruption and is actively investigating the ongoing technical issues.

25 Jul 2026 3:28 pm
Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation: Politicians react to education minister's exit after CJP protests

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post. This resignation follows widespread student protests and the NEET paper leak controversy. Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the youth, calling the resignation a victory for democracy. Telangana Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud also hailed the student's success. The minister's departure shows that persistent advocacy can force executive accountability.

25 Jul 2026 3:17 pm
'We will not go like this': CJP's Abhijeet Dipke has 2 more demands after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

The Cockroach Janta Party's agitation continues after Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. The party now demands one crore rupees compensation for affected families. They also seek action against police personnel for alleged protest force. The CJP stated their protest is far from over. The party awaits a formal call for further talks.

25 Jul 2026 3:17 pm
CM Suvendu Adhikari says strict action to be taken against those who attacked journalists during NEET protest rally

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari condemned attacks on journalists during a recent protest. He assured strict action against miscreants under the new Goonda Act. Around seventy individuals not connected to the protest were identified by authorities. Six journalists sustained serious injuries and received hospital treatment. FIRs have been lodged, and charges under the Goonda Act are included.

25 Jul 2026 2:59 pm
India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Pitch Report: Will rain play spoilsport in Harare as Shreyas Iyer & co. aim to clinch series?

IND vs ZIM Harare Pitch Report and Weather Update: India seeks to secure the T20I series victory against Zimbabwe today. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mayank Yadav starred in India's dominant seven-wicket win. Zimbabwe must perform strongly to extend the series and keep hopes alive. The Harare Sports Club pitch typically favors batters early before slowing down. Ideal weather conditions are forecast for the crucial second T20 International match.

25 Jul 2026 2:58 pm
Congress, SP ruined students' future: UP CM Adityanath at Fatehpur amid NEET paper leak row

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized opposition parties for student futures. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for stringent anti-paper leak actions. A new law proposes severe penalties for those involved in examination malpractices. The Chief Minister highlighted development initiatives and new opportunities for the youth.

25 Jul 2026 2:47 pm
'Long live student power': CJP celebrates Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This action follows over a month of student-led protests concerning the alleged NEET exam paper leak. The Cockroach Janta Party hailed the resignation as a significant victory for student activism. The party had consistently demanded the minister's departure as a non-negotiable condition.

25 Jul 2026 2:38 pm
BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar says exam leaks go beyond corruption, reflect 'shortcut culture'

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressed examination paper leaks and protest language. He described exam leaks as a crime and a culture of shortcuts. Chandrasekhar also criticized the abusive content in student protest videos. He urged students and parents to reject shortcuts and embrace hard work. The protests continue demanding accountability and the minister's resignation.

25 Jul 2026 2:01 pm
India vs Zimbabwe T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch IND vs ZIM match free in India?

India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Live Streaming: India secured a seven-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in their opening T20I match. This win marked Shreyas Iyer's first success as the team's captain. The Indian squad will now aim to clinch the series in the upcoming second match. Fans can watch the live telecast on Unite8 Sports and DD Sports. Live streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website.

25 Jul 2026 1:54 pm
Missiles targeting Saudi oil refineries shot down

Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles from Yemen targeting oil refineries in Yanbu. U.S. forces launched air strikes on Iran after Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers. President Trump vowed major military punishment for Iran and its Houthi allies. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key waterway, with Houthi actions disrupting oil supplies.

25 Jul 2026 1:49 pm