The Economic Times

Iran's foreign minister stated diplomacy is possible if the US abandons coercion and builds trust. He also held productive discussions with Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister. US President Donald Trump ruled out immediate talks with Tehran, citing Iran's limited capabilities. Trump cautioned that military operations targeting Iran might not have ended. The Strait of Hormuz remains open, but the US maintains all available options.

The West Bengal Police registered an FIR against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O'Brien and others over alleged obstruction and assault on police personnel during the removal of an unauthorised hoarding at 9, Camac Street, Kolkata.

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy expressed readiness to resign for statehood. He reminded the Centre that the Union Territory cannot continue without powers. Opposition leader also called for a unified protest to press the statehood demand. Assembly members announced they too would quit their posts to support the cause. Statehood is considered absolutely necessary for Puducherry's speedy development.

India intends to purchase the battle-tested Javelin anti-tank missile system from the United States. This proposed acquisition signifies a deepening of defense cooperation between the two nations. The deal could also open avenues for joint production opportunities between India and the US. Previously, the US approved a sale including Javelin systems and artillery projectiles. This development further strengthens the robust defense partnership India shares with the United States.

'PM has set goal for all, youth top priority': Amit Shah on Modis 3-phase vision for India

In 1989, the space shuttle Discovery transported thirty-two fertilized chicken eggs into microgravity. Although younger embryos did not endure the five-day trip, the older ones hatched successfully, exhibiting slight alterations in their inner ear development. Initiated by a student's curiosity, this experiment provides valuable insights for future space endeavors, highlighting the necessity for the vestibular system to adapt to varying gravitational environments.

Nepal authorities issued a fresh flood warning after water levels rose significantly. Rising water mixed with mud increased the risk of another dangerous flood event. A water dam on the Tibetan side reportedly burst again, raising further concerns. Rescue teams continue searching for missing people while monitoring the new flood risk. The warning covers areas around the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.

A federal judge blocked President Trump's executive order concerning mail-in ballots. This ruling came just days after the Supreme Court lifted a previous block. The order sought to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections. Judge Indira Talwani cited the impracticality and potential unconstitutionality of the directive. The Trump administration is expected to appeal this significant judicial decision.

India engages key partners, focusing on border management and energy security. Discussions with China now include investment alongside boundary talks. Russia talks address energy supplies and a widening trade imbalance. Japan and Canada visits seek investment and manufacturing partnerships. These engagements align with India's upcoming hosting of the BRICS summit.

True honey boasts a rich and viscous nature that flows at a leisurely pace. You can initially gauge its quality with simple home tests like the thumb and water tests, which assess its consistency and response to water or skin. However, these techniques fall short of conclusively verifying purity. For accurate results, laboratory testing stands as the most dependable approach to identify any adulteration.

Neelam Kothari starts her morning with warm saffron and lemon water, which she credits as part of her skincare routine. She then has freshly prepared amla juice, a natural source of vitamin C. For breakfast, she opts for a simple, protein-rich omelette made with egg whites and a yolk. Her morning routine reflects her preference for keeping wellness simple and consistent, offering a glimpse into the everyday habits she follows to feel good and stay energised.

Norway's King Harald, Europe's oldest monarch, died peacefully at age eighty-nine. He reigned for over three decades, modernizing the monarchy's ceremonial role. His death occurs during multiple challenges facing the Norwegian royal family. Support for the monarchy has seen a slight decline in recent polls. Crown Prince Haakon will now ascend the throne as Norway's fourth king.

The Centre assures good quality of its onion buffer stock, refuting spoilage claims. Dedicated rail rakes are transporting onions to major cities to boost supplies. This initiative is expected to help rein in rising retail onion prices soon. The kharif and rabi crop outlooks are also promising for future availability. Onion availability remains comfortable to meet domestic demand in the coming months.

C J George has been elected honorary president of the Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce Kerala for 2026-28. The new governing council will focus on expanding Kerala-Japan trade and investment ties, with a 20-member Japanese business delegation scheduled to visit Kochi in November.

Nepal has declined foreign assistance for flood rescue operations. Security agencies are managing the search and rescue efforts effectively. Several countries offered help after hundreds of foreign nationals went missing. South Korea will continue negotiations regarding rescue team acceptance. Humanitarian aid of one million dollars has been pledged by Seoul.

Assam is moving to expand its agarwood industry by simplifying regulations, speeding up export permissions and strengthening cultivation, processing and quality testing. The state plans an International Agar Trade Centre and wants to promote high-value products such as perfumes, essential oils and cosmetics. The measures aim to boost farmer incomes, attract investment, increase exports and establish Assam as a global agarwood hub.

Lake Ontario News: United States President Donald Trump has ordered Lake Ontario to be renamed Lake America, a move that Canadian officials have rejected. The name Ontario is believed to have Indigenous roots and is derived from an Iroquois word meaning sparkling water. Indigenous place names carry significant historical and cultural importance for local communities. The renaming dispute highlights differing national perspectives over shared geographical features.

A Bengaluru family returned home to discover that their domestic help had allegedly fled with 1.5kg gold jewellery worth over Rs 2 crore and Rs 25,000 cash. She had worked with the family for nearly three years and stayed at their home. Police are examining CCTV footage and suspect she had help from others.

India secured a 1-0 series victory over Sri Lanka after winning the opening test. The team felt disappointed after the second test ended in a draw. Young players like Manav Suthar and Devdutt Padikkal showed promising performances. Shubman Gill acknowledged the team played good cricket for most of the series. India needs more wins to reach the World Test Championship final.

Sanjeev Sanyal stressed that true reform simplifies governance, not just digitisation. Operational bottlenecks must be identified and redesigned before technology is applied. Prioritising difficult processes improves business and living ease for citizens. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar should develop its own tourism model for sustained economic activity. The region can become a leading industrial centre by combining heritage and modern capabilities.

A catastrophic flash flood and landslides struck Nepal's Rasuwa district, causing widespread destruction. Survivors recounted harrowing escapes from raging floodwaters and collapsing homes in Timure. Rescue teams are searching for hundreds still missing after the disaster hit the Nepal-Tibet border. Many foreign nationals are also among the unaccounted for after the event. Rebuilding efforts and relocating survivors to safer areas will require significant time.

Extreme heat poses a significant economic threat to India's workforce and GDP. Lost labor hours and reduced productivity impact both workers and businesses nationwide. Proposed solutions include infrastructure upgrades and strategic work hour adjustments. Climate-hardened supply chains and financial safety nets are also crucial for resilience. India must plan for heat as a recurring constraint, not just an emergency.

Sugar stocks rallied as domestic sugar prices surged sharply over the past month. Government data showed retail prices rising from Rs 48.18/kg on July 20 to Rs 55.70/kg on August 20, with current prices around Rs 70/kg. Balrampur Chini Mills, Dhampur Sugar, Uttam Sugar, Triveni Engineering and EID Parry were among the key gainers.

PC Musthafa left school to work but later returned to education, studying engineering before earning an MBA. He eventually returned to India and co-founded iD Fresh Food with his cousins. The business began in a small kitchen making idli and dosa batter. Today, iD Fresh Food generates more than Rs 681 crore in annual revenue and operates across India as well as several international markets.

Around 2.7 lakh Delhi construction workers will soon receive free healthcare services. This new scheme offers 24x7 medical assistance and annual health check-ups. Beneficiaries can get treatment worth up to two lakh rupees annually. Mobile medical vans will also visit construction sites for immediate assistance. Digital health records will be maintained for all eligible workers.

Nepal floods Day 3: A devastating flash flood swept through Nepal's Himalayan river valleys after a glacial collapse. Scientists are investigating the precise trigger for the ice and rock avalanche near Langtang Lirung. The resulting debris flow travelled nearly 100 km, causing significant destruction downstream. While some communities received early warnings, others were impacted before alerts arrived. Authorities continue to monitor the situation for further flooding and search for missing per

Toyota's global vehicle sales and production experienced a decline in July. Sales fell by 4.8 percent, while production dropped by 2.1 percent. A significant 24.3 percent plunge in China dragged overall sales down. Sales in the United States also slipped, which offset a rise in Japan. Production was pulled down by sharp drops in China and the United States.

On August 28, 2026, players of Garena Free Fire MAX in India will have the opportunity to claim exclusive redeem codes. These codes unlock exciting in-game rewards, including valuable diamonds and unique weapon skins. It's a chance for dedicated players to enhance their gaming experience without the need for real money. Ensure to redeem swiftly, as these codes are available for a limited time.

Indian IT stocks surged sharply, led by gains in largecap names, after Nvidias strong results and upbeat revenue outlook revived optimism around the global AI spending cycle. The rally came despite lingering concerns over AI disruption and mixed brokerage views on the sector.

Tejas Networks shares rose sharply on Friday after the company received a Rs 1,537-crore Letter of Intent from TCS to supply RAN equipment for BSNLs indigenous 4G rollout. The proposed project covers 18,685 sites, adding to Tejas Networks role in the telecom operators nationwide 4G network deployment.

Yatharth Hospital shares jumped over 5% after reports that Aster DM Quality Care, backed by Advent International and Blackstone, is negotiating to acquire a controlling stake in the hospital chain. Yatharth denied being in any sale discussions, while the stock hit a fresh 52-week high and has gained around 50% in 2026.

The US Treasury plans to address global trade imbalances and boost economic growth. Secretary Bessent will urge major economies to cut remaining ties with Iran. He will also discuss sovereign debt and US borrowing costs with counterparts. Washington seeks international compliance with its Iran sanctions campaign. This meeting aims to advance US priorities on global economic matters.

The United States has offered Nepal assistance following devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district. President Trump stated the US is providing aid and speaking with Nepalese leadership. Dozens of Americans were reported missing in the affected areas, prompting a rescue focus. The US State Department deployed a disaster advisor and offered financial aid for relief efforts. Nepal's death toll has reached 389, with many foreign nationals still missing.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 20 states across the United States, with health authorities reporting more than 11,000 cases and nearly 500 hospitalisations. The intestinal infection has been linked to processed iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico, with some of the affected lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. The recalled lettuce has been removed from the market, while health authorities continue to investigate the outbreak and trace its source.

Disposing of old mattresses calls for responsible actions. Instead of roadside dumping or burning, think about donating, reusing, or employing certified recycling services. Your local municipal corporation may even provide options for bulky waste collection. Remember, most mattresses have a lifespan of seven to ten years, and if you wake up with discomfort, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Pakistan's Foreign Office stated Army chief Asim Munir's Iran visit aimed at regional de-escalation. He met Iranian leaders to discuss preventing conflict escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Islamabad refuted claims that Munir visited Iran as an envoy for the United States. Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Quote of the day by Khalil Gibran: Renowned Lebanese-American poet Khalil Gibran captured the hearts of readers worldwide with his insightful writings. 'The Prophet,' his most famous work, addresses universal concepts such as love and the purpose of life. Infusing his artistry with both Lebanese and American cultural elements, Gibran encourages profound introspection and a deeper understanding of relationships and nature, ensuring his messages remain relevant across generations.

Nepal's flash flood death toll has reached 469 after a glacier collapse unleashed torrents of water. Nearly 1,000 people remain missing in Nepal and neighboring Tibet following the disaster. A massive glacier section broke free, plunging into a valley and triggering a devastating surge downstream. The flood wiped out settlements and damaged vital infrastructure, including hydropower projects and border crossings.

Nepal received information about the deadly flood around 16 minutes after it crossed the Tibet border, by which time it had already reached settlements in upper Rasuwa. Officials say earlier cross-border information could have reduced casualties, though subsequent alerts helped evacuate some downstream communities.

Deadly floods swept through the Nepal-Tibet region, impacting pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash. Entire villages were wiped out by a tsunami-like wall of water and mud. Over 470 people are confirmed dead and more than 1,400 others are missing. Spiritual leaders and families are expressing deep anguish and seeking information. Rescue efforts are underway amidst blocked roads and down telecommunications.

Wipro's stock experienced an uptick following its announcement of an enhanced partnership with Google Cloud. The goal of this collaboration is to foster greater enterprise integration of Gemini Enterprise and agentic AI. Wipro plans to arm over ten thousand AI-certified professionals with cutting-edge resources, while launching the LIFT framework to streamline AI transformations, aiming to evolve from mere automation to fully autonomous AI capabilities.

Lenskart Solutions shares fell 3% after Alpha Wave Ventures sold up to 2.1 crore shares, or a 1.2% stake, worth Rs 1,313 crore through a block deal. The transaction comes days after SoftBank sold a 2.6% stake worth about Rs 2,888 crore in the eyewear retailer. Spark Institutional Equities and Kotak Securities are handling the Alpha Wave transaction.

Nepal police arrested two men after a video showed them stealing gold earrings. The incident occurred after devastating flash floods swept a woman away in the Narayani River. Authorities identified the suspects as Madan Gurung and Umesh Chaudhary. These arrests come as Nepal grapples with severe flood and landslide disasters. Rescue operations continue for over fourteen hundred people reported missing.

A China-Nepal warning system had successfully issued seven alerts for glacial hazards, but Wednesdays deadly ice-rock avalanche exposed its limits. Experts say cross-border monitoring gaps and the speed of such disasters can leave downstream communities with as little as 20 minutes to respond.

For many employees, the act of refusing work requests proves surprisingly challenging. This difficulty is often rooted in a fear of being judged negatively and the innate desire for validation. The dynamics of power in the workplace, along with distinct personality traits, further complicate things. Consistently saying 'yes' can lead to overwhelming stress and exhaustion. Mastering the art of setting boundaries is vital for sound professional decision-making and personal well-being.

Great Eastern Shipping experienced a surge in its stock prices following the announcement of its inaugural share buyback scheme. The company has proposed to repurchase equity shares worth up to Rs 900 crore via the open market at a set maximum price. Additionally, GE Shipping reported a net profit more than doubling for the June quarter, attributed to strong growth in its shipping sector and enhanced operating margins.