The Economic Times

An Israeli minister advocated for killing dozens in Gaza nightly. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made these controversial remarks on a podcast. He criticized the prime minister's approach to the ongoing conflict. These statements have surfaced amid rising political tensions. Such comments often draw international condemnation and scrutiny.

Prime Minister Modi encouraged MSMEs to utilize India's numerous free trade agreements. These pacts offer significant opportunities for small businesses to expand globally. Exporters believe converting agreements into actual export orders is now the key. India has finalized trade pacts with approximately forty countries since 2014. This expansion aims to increase the global reach of Indian products.

The government is discussing a 50 basis point reduction in interest subvention for Kisan Credit Card loans. This move aims to align subsidies with recent policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India. Banks currently receive a 1.5% subsidy to offer loans at a 7% interest rate. Discussions are preliminary and part of extending the scheme until 2031-32. Farmers repaying promptly will continue to receive additional interest benefits.

A Chinese container vessel has begun a new weekly service to Europe. This route through the Arctic significantly cuts shipment times in half. The Dubai Tower vessel departed Ningbo on Saturday evening heading north. It is expected to reach the United Kingdom on September 7. Environmental groups express concerns about potential acceleration of polar ice melt.

For those lacking in manan or deep thinking, the best alternative is to grasp the significance of 'chai pe charcha' or tea party. Ideas flow freely during 'chai pe charcha'. Every participant feels they have an equal right to express their views. At that moment, it's the 'chai' that wields authority. Every sip is thought-provoking.

On Sunday, student protesters gathered at the Directorate of Census Operations in Imphal, calling for the NRC's implementation prior to any census activities. The situation escalated when police employed tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in minor injuries for one protester. This demonstration took place in Porompat, Imphal East, highlighting the growing unrest among students regarding census preparations.

Five Arab nations, along with Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia, on Sunday criticised Israel for rejecting a US proposal for Gaza. In a joint statement, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE said Israels rejection could undermine US President Donald Trumps renewed efforts to bring the war in Gaza to an end.

Tragedy struck in Rudha Dhamrua village as 95-year-old Indrawati, mother of IPS officer Ashutosh Mishra, was discovered murdered in her home. The scene revealed signs of robbery, with gold jewellery missing. A domestic worker found her lifeless body on a cot, prompting her son, stationed in Lucknow, to immediately file a murder and robbery report. Authorities are currently investigating the case against unknown suspects.

Hamas sources expect to meet US envoy Jared Kushner in Egypt soon. Kushner is pushing a Gaza peace plan which Israel has rejected. Mediators informed Hamas about the upcoming meeting with Kushner in Egypt. Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya is also in Egypt for these important discussions. The US seeks clarifications on weapons and Hamas governance in Gaza.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into two alarming incidents, marking the August 13 attack in Nanded as a shocking assassination attempt involving party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Additionally, she has pushed for an investigation into another assassination attempt that occurred in December 2024, urging Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene.

Quote of the Day by Han Fei: Han Fei's quote, No benefit is more constant than simplicity; no happiness more constant than peace draws a line between what feels valuable for a moment and what remains valuable over time. Simplicity reduces the noise created by endless wants, while peace protects the mind from needless conflict. The deeper lesson is not to reject ambition, but to question what deserves our energy. The quote remains relevant to modern life, where consumption, comparison and constan

The latest guidance from the US emphasizes the importance of identifying and treating abnormal blood fats earlier. This proactive strategy seeks to mitigate the lifelong chances of heart attacks and strokes. For certain children, cholesterol screening may now commence in their youth, while adults will be utilizing a new calculator designed to assess cardiovascular disease risk. Reducing LDL cholesterol levels provides enhanced protection against potential future health issues.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress of insulting the national song Vande Mataram. He demanded an apology from the party to the people and its writer. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari also called the alleged objection an insult to nationalism. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh responded by criticising Shah's past actions and ideology. Ramesh stated Shah's demand aims to divert attention from current significant issues.

The Italian saying, 'Better alone than in bad company,' underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences. It encourages us to choose uplifting relationships over toxic ones, affirming that solitude can be more fulfilling than negative interactions. In a world where social connections are often pressured, prioritizing meaningful bonds can significantly enhance our happiness and well-being.

The BJP is on the verge of completing its organizational reset, emphasizing a fresh leadership team selection. This initiative hints at significant political shifts ahead of the upcoming election cycle, with an emphasis on inclusion of younger leaders and increased representation for women. The reconstitution of the Parliamentary Board, the party's apex decision-making entity, will set the course for the BJP as it approaches the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Struggling like many other European automakers, Opel is expanding its partnership with Leapmotor to build a new SUV, tapping the Hangzhou-based company's expertise on electric vehicles and low-cost production -- while leaving Opel's local engineers to perform more old-fashioned vehicle design work.

BJP president Nitin Nabin met with Uttar Pradesh MPs to discuss upcoming elections. Discussions focused on caste equations and strengthening cadre morale across the state. MPs shared constituency-level assessments and highlighted policy interventions for strengthening the party.

India reached 460 for 9 after two days of play in Galle. Devdutt Padikkal scored 167, his highest score in Sri Lanka. Dhruv Jurel provided stability with a crucial 51 runs. Rain interruptions limited play, impacting the overall match duration. India remains confident in their bowling attack to secure a result.

Quote of the Day by Simon Bolivar: Simon Bolivar's famous quote, Spirit cannot be compared with matter captures a sharp contrast between material power and the human will to resist it. At its simplest, the quote argues that superior resources do not automatically determine the outcome of a struggle. Its deeper idea is about courage, freedom and psychological resilience: people can endure unequal odds when they believe their cause has meaning. Bolivars words remain relevant beyond war, raising qu

For a natural cleaning alternative, combining baking soda and orange juice creates a powerful paste that effortlessly removes kitchen grease and sticky messes. This eco-friendly mixture also deodorizes household drains, leaving them fresh. Remember to wear gloves for protection and steer clear of porous stones like marble and granite. Additionally, never combine this solution with bleach or ammonia to ensure safety.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has scrapped plans for new Muslim foot-washing stations following a review initiated by Governor Greg Abbott. The governor raised concerns about potential religious discrimination and called for a federal investigation into similar facilities at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Ablution stations support ritual cleansing for Islamic prayer, yet the airport cited operational advantages and public interest as key factors in their ultimate decis

Soon, a concrete barrier currently obstructing fish migration in Fresh Brook will be dismantled. This ambitious restoration initiative seeks to reinstate a vital connection between the stream and its tidal waters, as well as restore access to historic spawning areas. This crucial step will enable sea-run brook trout and various species to return to their home waters after years of isolation.

Iran's parliament has approved a bill criminalising interviews with hostile media outlets. Violators of this new legislation could face imprisonment for six months to two years. The bill also requires notification for interviews with other foreign media organizations. It aims to counter foreign intelligence influence and protect national security interests. This move follows a previous law imposing tougher penalties for cooperation with hostile states.

Hamas officials were present at some of the meetings between mediators and with Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, the diplomat said. A senior Israeli official said Kushner and Mladenov were scheduled to meet on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on August 9 said Trump's latest roadmap for Gaza peace was 'unacceptable'.

A traditional Mexican proverb serves as a critical reminder against complacency in our ever-evolving world. It underscores the importance of seizing opportunities to avoid future regrets and being outpaced by change. By recognizing moments that demand action, we can adapt and thrive amidst the shifting tides of modern life. This timeless wisdom still resonates today, highlighting the necessity of awareness and prompt decision-making in navigating lifes challenges.

Mehbooba Mufti 'dimaagi Naxal' comment came after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously warned about 'dimaagi Naxals' in his Independence Day speech.

Sheeps wool may soon have a surprising medical purpose. Scientists at Kings College London turned wool-derived keratin into a bone regeneration scaffold. In rat skull injuries, the material helped new bone grow with a more organized structure than conventional collagen scaffolds. The finding gives regenerative medicine a sustainable biomaterial from an abundant agricultural resource. It also raises a bigger possibility: waste wool could become a useful tool for future bone repair and tissue engi

He claims Fauci was right: Donalds targets Jolly over his past praise of Faucis COVID leadership

Authorities are searching for three Indianapolis residents accused of a multi-state cemetery theft spree. These suspects allegedly targeted mausoleums and cremation niches across nine eastern states. Investigators believe jewelry and family heirlooms were stolen from resting places. More than thirty-five thousand dollars was reportedly stolen in Florida alone. The investigation continues as authorities seek to identify additional victims and recover property.

Quote of the day by Paris Hilton offers a broader lesson about authenticity: there is value in being memorable for the right reasons, expressing yourself with confidence, and refusing to let fear of judgment dictate every choice. Being different does not mean being better than everyone else, and standing out should never require putting others down.

BJP leaders filed a complaint against Sonia Gandhi in Mangaluru. This action followed a controversy during Vande Mataram recitation at Congress headquarters. BJP leaders alleged disrespect towards the national song by Congress leaders. Congress asserted Sonia Gandhi was ensuring correct song arrangements were followed. The incident occurred during an Independence Day program in New Delhi.

In a strategic escalation, the BJP has significantly increased its scrutiny of the Congress party over the rendition of the national song. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, has called for an apology from Sonia Gandhi in light of the reported incident. Complaints have been filed by BJP officials, prompting requests for investigations in various jurisdictions. The Congress party countered these accusations, terming them diversionary maneuvers.

Cristiano Ronaldo believes this year is likely his final professional football season. He aims to leave a spectacular legacy after a 25-year career. His future plans after football are already mapped out. Ronaldo recently married his partner Georgina Rodriguez in Portugal. He will link up with Al Nassr for the new Saudi Pro League season.

Ancient Canadian Shield rocks are quietly producing white hydrogen, a naturally occurring gas that could reshape the clean energy market. Scientists measured hydrogen escaping from mine boreholes near Timmins, Ontario. Each borehole released about 8 kilograms a year. Across nearly 15,000 boreholes, that could exceed 140 tonnes annually. The finding gives natural hydrogen exploration something it lacked before: long-term, real-world evidence that underground hydrogen production can persist for ye

Karnataka's Chief Minister D K Shivakumar grapples with a complex challenge around Cauvery water management. He is determined to safeguard the livelihoods of local farmers while fulfilling the state's legal obligations for water release. Furthermore, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the Mekedatu project. Addressing concerns regarding a new bill on public property usage, Shivakumar clarified that it is not intended to target any particular organization.

Chewing gum, high heels and soft-drink stains have become unlikely culprits behind the grime covering Athens iconic Panathenaic Stadium. The all-marble landmark, known as the Kallimarmaro, is undergoing its first systematic cleaning in more than a century, with conservation workers carefully removing dirt and organic material without damaging the historic stone.

The National Testing Agency will conduct re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology papers. These examinations were scheduled after complaints regarding errors in the original question papers. The English and Commerce re-tests are set for September ninth in separate shifts. Sociology paper re-examination will take place on September tenth in the morning. These re-tests are for the UGC-NET June 2026 examinations.

The excavation of a Roman-era grave in York unveils insights into a woman's wealth and societal standing, illustrated by the luxury artifacts buried with her. Scientific studies of her dental structure suggest she hails from a warmer Mediterranean locale, while genetic analysis points to possible North African roots for the Ivory Bangle Lady. This remarkable find underscores the Roman Empire's extensive networks and the movement of diverse peoples.

Chef Kunal Kapur shared a quick recipe for besan chilla using a sandwich maker. This easy breakfast option is perfect for busy Monday mornings. The recipe involves mixing besan with spices and water to create a batter. Baking powder is added to ensure the chilla becomes fluffy and light. This delicious chilla is best served with a side of green chutney.

India will host the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on August 18. Senior officers will meet on August 17 to discuss environmental working group priorities. Ministers will deliberate on an outcome document and thematic discussions for cooperation. Priority areas include sustainable lifestyles, afforestation, and disaster resilience. The circular economy and climate adaptation will also be key discussion points.

Haryana Police prevented farmers from reaching Delhi during their march on Sunday. Talks between farmer representatives and Haryana officials remained inconclusive regarding their demands. Farmers insisted on meeting the Union agriculture minister to discuss the India-US trade deal. They announced a peaceful sit-in at the Khanauri border point after being stopped. The march aimed to protest the proposed India-US trade deal and seek MSP legal guarantee.

Jinny Lu, a once-overlooked pug rescued from South Korea, took home the title of World's Ugliest Dog in a competition that values uniqueness and highlights the importance of adopting pets in need. Having previously placed second, her triumphant win showcases that a dog's worth transcends mere appearances. This event not only celebrates diverse beauty but also advocates for providing every dog with a loving forever home.

Iran's economy shows signs of recovery from recent war impacts. Economic activity is gradually resuming, according to the Iran Chamber of Commerce. Purchasing Managers' Index reports indicate relative improvement in economic conditions. Private sector efforts and government engagement are contributing to this positive trend. Sustaining this recovery requires greater international engagement from Iran.

Quote of the Day by Quentin Tarantino: Quentin Tarantino's quote, You dont have to wait for someone to give you permission... explores a simple but difficult truth: becoming yourself often requires ignoring the pressure to follow a predetermined path. The deeper lesson is not merely about creativity, but about self-belief, failure and the courage to develop an authentic voice. Tarantinos career reflects that idea through unconventional storytelling and persistence. The quote remains relevant bec

Bernie Marcus was fired from Handy Dan in 1978, a setback that helped push him toward cofounding Home Depot and building an $11 billion fortune. Now, decades later, his foundation is putting nearly $30 million into stem cell research for heart attack recovery, carrying forward the medical dream he could not pursue as a young man.

Weather Tomorrow August 17: The Meteorological Department has released a new weather alert for Monday, August 17. Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms in Delhi and Punjab, while Gujarat and Bihar are warned of intense showers alongside lightning strikes. In Himachal Pradesh, light to moderate rain is likely, with localized heavy downpours. On the other hand, Maharashtra and Haryana will enjoy partly sunny skies, though afternoon thunderstorms could develop.

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'.