The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' remark sparked political debate. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified the Prime Minister's statement. He specified that the term targets those supporting Maoists and separatists. Opposition leaders and Congress MP Pawan Khera responded to the clarification. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram proudly identified himself as a 'dimagi naxal'.

Former West Bengal deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee was found dead in his party office. Mamata Banerjee expressed distress, citing immense mental and emotional pressure on him. She stated he was repeatedly maligned and falsely accused despite his public service. Political parties are now seeking a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death. Police are examining a purported suicide note and his mobile phone as part of the probe.

Iran's army announced a bounty for capturing or killing American soldiers. The reward offered is thirty thousand US dollars for each successful action. This financial incentive is doubled for any courageous Iranian women who complete the task. The announcement follows numerous requests for participation in this program. This bounty comes after recent sporadic exchanges of fire between the nations.

India's women's hockey team began their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought draw. They took an early lead against China, the Olympic silver medallists. China equalized from a penalty stroke before India regained their advantage. The Chinese team leveled the score again in the third quarter. India will now face South Africa in their next Pool D match.

An enterprising eighteen-year-old American has turned his love for treasure hunting into a thriving business venture. Operating under the name Mike's Unique Treasures, Michael Haskell purchases abandoned storage units and artfully resells the hidden gems he uncovers. So far, his efforts have yielded over two hundred thousand dollars in revenue, including a striking piece of artwork valued at thirty-six thousand from a single unit.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari criticised Sonia Gandhi's alleged objection to Vande Mataram. He stated this action was an insult to nationalism and the song's creator. The Congress party denied any attempt to stop the national song's full rendition. Adhikari demanded an apology from the Congress for appeasement politics. He highlighted the country witnessed Gandhi's alleged irritation during the event.

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar linked festival restrictions to urban Naxalism. He spoke at a Dahi Handi event, defending traditional Hindu celebrations. The government supported Govinda groups in legal battles over festival rules. Shelar stated concerns should not curb cultural events. He pledged to protect Marathi and Hindu festivals with precautions.

Sohail Khan candidly shared his reality show journey, highlighting his significant weight loss and the challenges he faced, including a stomach infection during his first week. The support from his fellow contestants compelled him to endure five weeks in the house. Notably, Sohail refused claims of using Ozempic or fat burners for his transformation, while his brother Salman Khan previously mentioned a twelve-kilogram weight loss.

Aluminum foil is a versatile tool for gardeners, offering a range of cost-effective solutions. For instance, reflective ground cover enhances sunlight exposure for plants, while strips hung around the garden can keep pesky birds at bay. By creating foil collars, gardeners can shield tender seedlings from crawling pests and minimize soil moisture loss.

In 1994, two hikers stumbled upon enormous bones in South Dakota's Badlands, igniting a wave of scientific exploration that lasted years. This serendipitous discovery led to the unearthing of over 19,000 fossils from a site believed to be an ancient watering hole, where animals converged during a severe drought around 34 million years ago. The Big Pig Dig provides valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems and shifts in climate.

A CPI(M) leader refuted claims about a new Vande Mataram law. He stated Parliament did not mandate singing the song in full. The legislation instead penalizes disruption of its rendition. This move is seen as an attempt to legitimize an RSS agenda. The debate continues regarding the law's actual provisions for citizens.

'He has lot to hide': Fauci refuses another Senate appearance; Johnson plans big move in COVID probe

Psychology explains why some people finish kitchen chores before sleeping. Unfinished tasks can cause intrusive thoughts and affect cognitive performance. Visual clutter in homes is linked to lower well-being and life satisfaction. Completing household rituals offers a sense of control and completion. These habits are not necessarily perfectionism but varied personal preferences.

Kerala's opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan supports Chief Minister VD Satheesan's stance. They oppose the Centre's mining bill, fearing weakened state fiscal powers. The bill restricts states from imposing certain mineral-related taxes and levies. This legislation could also negatively impact Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd.

Student groups ABVP and NSUI clashed at EFLU campus, injuring seven students. The conflict arose after an ABVP protest regarding hostel facilities and alleged slurs. NSUI accused ABVP of casteist remarks and assault, while ABVP cited disruption. Police registered cases and arrested members from both student organizations. Seven ABVP members were sent to judicial custody and seven NSUI members received station bail.

Quote of the Day by Tim Allen: Tim Allen's quote, The world's a mean place. It's unfair, then it's fair... captures a difficult truth: life rarely follows a single moral pattern. Good things happen without warning, unfair moments can reshape us, and love can appear where we least expect it. The deeper lesson is not to expect perfect fairness, but to accept life's contradictions without becoming cynical. The quote opens a wider reflection on resilience, human nature, faith, uncertainty and the st

West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari firmly rejected any claims linking the BJP to a recent assault incident. He emphasized that those implicated in the FIR are criminals who will inevitably face the law. This grave incident unfolded following a government school inspection by a CJP volunteer, whose father tragically died after suffering severe head injuries during the attack. Authorities have apprehended three of the five suspects so far.

Italian Proverb of the Day: The tongue has no bones, but it breaks bones offers a timeless lesson on the power and consequences of speech. The proverb warns that words can cause deep emotional harm despite having no physical force. Its enduring message encourages people to think before speaking and recognise the lasting impact careless or hurtful words can have.

After undergoing a heart transplant, a survivor encountered steep increases in medication costs, initially losing her insurance coverage only for it to be reinstated at a premium rate of $1,000. Her story spead on social media and in a generous move, billionaire Mark Cuban's pharmacy stepped in to provide the necessary medication at a lower price, with a supportive nonprofit now stepping forward to handle the patients medication costs.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy urged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the NICE project. He called for an immediate halt to unauthorized toll collection on Bengaluru's NICE roads. The minister cited alleged violations of agreements and requested corrective actions and investigations. The Karnataka High Court had previously made strong observations regarding the project's implementation. Both leaders seek a comprehensive review of the controversial infrastructure project.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated the BJP government faced a setback regarding the women's reservation bill. He mentioned the government failed to achieve the required two-thirds parliamentary majority for the legislation. Opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK, advocated for immediate implementation.

Skoda will launch the Slavia facelift on August 18 with exterior and interior revisions. The updated sedan may feature revised headlights and a redesigned front grille. Inside, a larger digital display and new upholstery are anticipated for the cabin. The 1.0 TSI engine could receive an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission. This facelifted Slavia will continue its rivalry with established segment competitors.

Ten Rajya Sabha members have been elected to various statutory bodies, including AIIMS institutes nationwide. Ashok Kumar Mittal and Rajneesh Kumar Agrawal secured positions within AIIMS institutions. Birendra Prasad Baishya and Sat Paul Sharma were also elected to AIIMS memberships. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Tiruchi Siva joined the Committee on Public Accounts. Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha and others were elected to the OBC Committee.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy urged Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar to take over the NICE road project. He also requested an immediate halt to unauthorized toll collection by the concessionaire. The minister cited High Court observations on alleged project irregularities and sought corrective state action. Kumaraswamy detailed issues with land reconfiguration and farmer compensation delays. The government stated it would act strictly according to the law.

Six food companies have corrected misleading labels and trademarks after FSSAI notices. Livyor Ventures Pvt Ltd withdrew its 'vegan and healthy' claims on edamame beans. Honest Innovations For You Pvt Ltd and Heliostone Specialities Pvt Ltd revised their trademarks. Rajasthan Agro and General Industries removed all misleading claims and stopped PPM usage. Iota Nanotechnology Pvt Ltd removed claims and stopped non-standardized water production.

Sensex and Nifty ended last week lower amid range-bound trading, with broader markets also under pressure. Analysts identified four key factors that could drive Dalal Street this week, placing Nifty support at 24,200-24,230 and resistance at 24,500-24,550.

Rahul Gandhi praised students for their courage against the government. He lauded girls who faced alleged violence and abuse from BJP supporters. Gandhi stated that these young voices cannot be silenced now. An upcoming event in Pune will exclusively feature girls speaking. The country will now listen to the voices of these young women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of his morning routine before his Independence Day address. He was seen feeding cows and peacocks at his official residence in New Delhi. This ritual is a daily practice for the prime minister at his residence. Modi also made several announcements for youth during his Independence Day speech. These announcements included free coaching and AI training for young people.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will lead an official delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai from August 31 to September 3 to deepen trade, investment, education and cultural ties with India. The visit will focus on sectors including clean energy, critical minerals, technology, tourism, agri-food and advanced industries.

German companies drastically cut investments in the United States during early 2026. This investment level reached its lowest point since 2023, showing a sharp decline. Trump administration policies created uncertainty for transatlantic trading partners, impacting business decisions. German direct investments plunged by nearly two-thirds year-on-year to 4.3 billion. Companies are reinvesting profits but hesitate to commit new capital to the US.

Delhi airport plans a ten-year master plan to increase passenger capacity. The airport aims to handle 116 million passengers by April 2030. Passenger handling capacity will further rise to 125 million by 2032. Pier E will be constructed at Terminal 3 by April 2030. Future plans for Terminal 4 and an automated people mover are under consideration.

German Proverb of the Day: Children and drunk people always tell the truth explores the traditional belief that people with fewer social inhibitions may speak more openly. The proverb connects children and intoxicated people with uninhibited speech, while its deeper lesson concerns honesty, restraint and the difficulty of expressing uncomfortable truths in everyday life.

Aluminum foil is much more than a kitchen staple; it provides a plethora of practical solutions for everyday chores. Use it to scrub stubborn burnt pots or eliminate rust from metal cookware. This adaptable material can also enhance the performance of your scissors and make ironing a breeze. Plus, it offers protection for young trees and helps reduce static cling in the dryer, showcasing its remarkable utility.

Bangladesh said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India until New Delhi extradites former premier Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka said a suitable environment for the visit depends on progress over its extradition request, which India says remains under examination.

India confronts England in a vital Hockey World Cup pool match on Monday. This game is crucial as India seeks to end a 32-year World Cup win drought. Both teams aim for top positions in Pool D, carrying forward first-round results. India must improve open play finishing and intensity against a strong England side.

Isaac Newton, known primarily as a ground-breaking scientist, was also an inquisitive theologian. His reflections imply that thoughtful contemplation of the natural world can evoke questions regarding a divine creator. Newton regarded science and faith as complementary rather than contradictory, asserting that the study of natural philosophy unveils divine qualities through universal principles. This viewpoint continues to inspire profound inquiry into the nature of existence.

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia, with Moscow saying it destroyed 822 drones. At least six people were killed in Russia, while separate Russian strikes on Ukraine killed three people and injured several others.

Surrendered CPI (Maoist) leader Tippiri Tirupati, alias Devji, plans to approach Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the lifting of the ban on the outfit, saying surrendered Maoists want to work legally on people's issues. Tirupati, a former top commander, also sought freedom of movement for surrendered cadres from Telangana police.

Firefighters battled Belgium's largest wildfire, which burned 3,000 hectares of land. The blaze in the High Fens nature reserve spread towards the German border. European reinforcements arrived to assist with containing the significant and ongoing fire. Cooler, humid weather offered hope for efforts to control the flames. Residents evacuated from villages remained unable to return to their homes.

K C Venugopal stated the Vande Mataram singing was a communication matter. He accused the BJP of using the issue to divert attention from real problems. Venugopal mentioned the Congress respects both Vande Mataram and the national anthem. He urged the BJP to address land issues in Arunachal Pradesh first. The party will decide on the KPCC reshuffle soon.

Ranveer Singh has started shooting for his upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller, Pralay. This ambitious project also marks the actor's debut as a producer. Jai Mehta, known for Scam 1992, is directing the Mumbai-based film. Kalyani Priyadarshan joins the cast of this survival and action thriller. The production schedule was shifted to Mumbai to keep Ranveer close to his wife.

A person in Svalbard received a substantial fine for deliberately disturbing a polar bear. The incident involved sounding a foghorn, which woke the sleeping animal aboard a vessel. Environmental regulations strictly prohibit such unnecessary disturbances of protected polar bears. Svalbard rules mandate specific minimum distances for approaching these animals. Previous fines have also been issued for disturbing other wildlife in the region.

People frequently feel ensnared in their daily habits, losing sight of the joy that life's journey can bring. Echoing Victor Hugo's reflections, we recognize the poignancy of a life devoid of fervor. Genuine living means daring to explore unfamiliar territories and wholeheartedly pursuing our interests. By committing to daily acts of bravery and prioritizing meaningful engagement, we can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

After the retreat of Russian forces from Latvia, a concealed Soviet-era radio telescope came to light. Astronomer Juris Zhagars dedicated his efforts to repairing the damaged equipment for research purposes. Alongside his wife, he revitalized a forsaken structure within the old military zone. Now, this telescope supports international scientific initiatives, focusing on terrestrial measurements and astronomical exploration, thriving as a modernized radio astronomy hub.

Lunar eclipse: On August 27-28, 2026, a deep partial lunar eclipse will grace our skies, although it won't be visible from India during the day. As the Earth's atmosphere refracts light, the Moon will take on a beautiful reddish-orange hue. Skywatchers across many regions, including parts of the Americas, Europe, and Africa, will witness this celestial event. Don't worry if you miss it; the next lunar eclipse awaits on February 20, 2027.

In a post on X, Das emphasised that Question Hour serves as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, questioning why Home Minister Amit Shah did not address Parliament directly regarding police actions during the weeks of protest.

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the legendary