The Economic Times

Visuals of Pakistan High Commission after security perimeter removal

Indian ministers met Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday. They discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across several key areas. Discussions focused on economic cooperation, digitalization, and skills development. The meeting aimed to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. This engagement precedes the upcoming India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable event.

Quote of the day by Gwyneth Paltrow: Renowned Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow has artfully carved a niche beyond the silver screen. With the inception of Goop, her innovative lifestyle and wellness brand, she has ventured into the realm of commerce. Paltrow's extensive filmography has earned her significant accolades. She advocates for self-acceptance and personal comfort, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between her business ambitions, family life, and her prominent public image.

Researchers explored if beards offered protection during male-to-male fights. Their study examined how hair absorbs and redistributes impact energy. Sheep skin samples showed furred material absorbed more energy than plucked ones. This suggests facial hair could protect vulnerable facial structures from damage. The findings support the pugilism hypothesis for beard evolution.

Retail inflation in India may briefly surpass 6 percent in late 2024. This rise is expected before easing to approximately 5 percent by early 2026. Improving food supply conditions and monsoon recovery will help contain inflation. The Reserve Bank of India awaits more inflation data before adjusting policy rates. Global market implications arise from US Federal Reserve actions on treasury yields.

In a notable shift, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making their way back to the United Kingdom accompanied by their children, Archie and Lilibet. This return hints at a reconciliation with the British royal family. The children are gearing up for education in British schools, while the couple will retain their non-working roles within the royal framework, planning to live in a secluded home beyond London.

The leaseholder of Hotel Shikha Inn was arrested following a devastating fire. Nine people, including a child and five Bangladeshi nationals, died in the blaze. A Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Rescuers saved approximately sixty individuals from the burning hotel premises. The state government plans to inspect hotel permits and fire licenses across Kolkata.

The VHP has criticized the Congress party's decision regarding Vande Mataram. The opposition party will now sing only two stanzas of the national song. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal stated this decision reflects appeasement politics. He further alleged the Congress party is driven by a foreign mindset. This stance, according to VHP, shows a lack of loyalty to the nation.

Companies are deferring investments due to uncertain demand and volatile commodity prices. Large capital projects require confidence in future cash flows and pricing. The next investment cycle, FY27 to FY31, expects higher annual expenditure demand. Public investment is key to stimulating private capital expenditure and infrastructure growth. Banks and other financial institutions must prepare for increased funding needs.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lauded Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy. Murthy transformed Indian enterprise and inspired a generation with new corporate values. The nation salutes Murthy for his accomplishments and principles. Ramesh recalled his first meeting with Murthy forty-nine years ago.

Bhubaneswar: The final decision on claims and objections submitted during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Odisha will be taken by September 17, and the voter list will be published on September 21, an official statement said.The deadline for filing claims and objections for registration and revision ended on Wednesday, they said.A statement issued by the office of Odisha's chief electoral officer (CEO) said the final decision on all claims and objections will be take

An X user's criticism of affluent Indian parenting has triggered a debate over whether generational wealth encourages dependence among some young adults. The post argued that passive income, family businesses and comfortable lifestyles can discourage work, relocation and risk-taking, while users offered sharply different views on independence, inheritance, parental support, ambition and whether financial security helps or harms the next generation.

New Zealand's Opportunity Party proposes a universal basic income for residents. This policy would be funded by a new annual land tax. The party leader believes this plan will also curb rising house prices. Recent polls suggest the party could hold significant power after the election. The party aims to influence finance or tax collection portfolios in government.

A tanker driver allegedly filled 9,800 litres of milk worth Rs 7.6 lakh from a Karnal dairy plant after completing a routine paneer whey delivery, connecting his vehicle directly to the plant's milk tank before attempting to exit. A security guard accused of helping facilitate the theft has been granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which noted his custody had already served its purpose.

Natalie Harp reportedly worked over a year without required security clearance. Concerns arose due to her close access and information filtering role. She eventually completed the necessary paperwork and received clearance recently. Harp's role as an information gatekeeper for President Trump is notable. Her access to sensitive information and unfiltered material is under scrutiny.

The NSUI has criticized the NCERT's reconstituted textbook development team. They allege members have direct or indirect links to the RSS-affiliated ecosystem. This inclusion raises questions about academic neutrality and ideological diversity in textbooks. The NSUI demands the team's dissolution and reconstitution with independent educationists. They also seek public disclosure of member qualifications and draft textbook reviews.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated the anti-narcotics drive is apolitical. Operation Toofan will treat all individuals equally, regardless of affiliation. The minister highlighted significant changes achieved during the operation's duration. He also commented on the ED's probe into a case involving the former Chief Minister's daughter.

Hemant Kumar Bhukar transitioned from Intel engineer to ISRO scientist after diligent preparation. He secured All India Rank 7 for Scientist 'A' while working full-time. Bhukar's journey highlights dedication and leveraging prior experience for new goals. His success inspires students from rural backgrounds towards science careers. This achievement brought pride to his family and Rajasthan village.

Milky Mist Dairy Food shares came under profit-booking pressure after gaining 42% over two sessions following their market debut. Despite strong revenue growth, improving profitability and a leadership position in value-added dairy, analysts cautioned against chasing the stock after its sharp post-listing rally and premium valuation.

Zorcha co-founder Archit Mehrotra went viral after his mother interrupted his team meeting to remind him to eat, unaware that his microphone was still on. The candid exchange has resonated with social media users, who are sharing their own experiences of parents interrupting work or online calls.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in Mumbai for his first official visit to India. He inspected a Guard of Honour and laid a wreath at the Naval Dockyard. Koizumi held strategic discussions with Indian Navy officials on operational capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet Koizumi in New Delhi to bolster bilateral defence relations. Both nations aim to enhance maritime security and technology collaboration.

The Khasi Students Union held a black-flag bike rally in Shillong. Several vehicles were torched and vandalised during the protest event. The union demanded cancellation of a proposed cement project hearing. They also sought implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. Enforcement of migrant worker amendments and job reservation were also key demands.

An X user named Bhawna has opened up about the financial hardship her family faced during her teenage years and how watching her father struggle changed her ambitions. Unable to pursue engineering then, she committed herself to working harder. Years later, she said her family bought back their old land without debt and built a home there, turning a painful chapter into a personal milestone.

Shares of gold loan companies Muthoot Finance, Manappuram Finance and IIFL Finance rose as much as 4% as gold prices surged following the US Treasurys decision to increase longer-dated bond buybacks. Rising gold prices can boost the value of collateral pledged against gold loans.

Congress leaders criticized the RSS and BJP regarding the Vande Mataram controversy. They questioned the RSS's role during India's freedom struggle. Congress reiterated its adherence to historical party decisions on the national song. The party stated the BJP was politicizing emotional issues for its own gain. This controversy arose after footage from Independence Day celebrations.

Protests and a bandh continued for a second day demanding the National Register of Citizens. Tyre burning and tear gas were used as protestors intensified their agitation. The Chief Minister and opposition Congress supported the implementation of the NRC. A delegation of MLAs will visit New Delhi to discuss the NRC updation. The Census self-enumeration phase was scheduled to begin on August 17.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted Rajiv Gandhi's legacy on his birth anniversary. Gandhi lowered the voting age to eighteen, empowering young citizens across India. He also declared January twelfth as National Youth Day, honoring Swami Vivekananda's birth. The former prime minister introduced the 1988 New Education Policy and established Navodaya Vidyalayas. Gandhi decisively led India into the IT era, creating numerous new employment opportunities.

Dont wait for the Diwali sale: Smartphones may get more expensive

An Indian couple in the US has sparked debate by urging young Indians to reconsider immigration, arguing that staying in India can now offer comparable opportunities without the costs of moving abroad. Suhas and Priyanka also highlighted green-card delays, visa dependence, family separation and career disruptions, with Suhas saying he would not choose America if he were making the decision today.

Manav Suthar, the son of a physical education teacher from Sri Ganganagar, has risen through Rajasthans domestic cricket system to become Indias latest Test spin hero. His journey includes a strong Ranji Trophy debut, limited IPL opportunities and a seven-wicket haul on Test debut before his 10-wicket match haul against Sri Lanka.

Manipur's government has postponed census enumerator training due to ongoing protests. Protesters are demanding a National Register of Citizens update before the census. Teachers assigned to the census face harassment and obstacles during training sessions. The state government also closed educational institutions for three days. This action reflects the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

'Congress will abide by Gandhi, Nehrufirst two stanzas': Venugopal on Vande Mataram row

Delhi-NCR regulations will mandate electric light goods vehicles from 2027. Only electric N1 light goods vehicles will be allowed to be registered in Delhi from January 1, 2027, with the rules extending to Gurugram and other high-vehicle-density NCR districts from July 1, 2027. N2 goods vehicles will also face phased restrictions on new registrations, with electric vehicles being mandated in Delhi from January 1, 2028. Stricter dust-control measures for stone-crushing units in the NCR have also

'Most impactful sanctions': Trump issues fresh warning to Iran

Israel's military announced criminal probes into troop conduct in Gaza. These investigations focus on the deaths of Hind Rajab and Palestinian paramedics. However, three other attacks on aid workers will not be criminally investigated. The military reviewed 150 incidents and made decisions on five cases. Families and aid groups are calling for international investigations into these events.

The Pentagon is assessing options to reduce its military presence in the Persian Gulf. Extensive damage from the Iran conflict has prompted this re-evaluation of regional security. Officials are considering repositioning forces further west to minimize exposure to strikes. This potential drawdown carries significant implications for Gulf partners who rely on US security. The war's cost and infrastructure damage present a choice about future base restoration.

Israel's spy chief Roman Gofman spoke with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani last week. They discussed Turkey's increasing military presence and weapons sales within Syria. This high-level contact occurred just days before Israel bombed a Syrian airbase. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned against Turkish troops threatening Israel's security. Turkey rejected Israel's allegations and vowed cooperation with the Syrian government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targets Turkey amid a tough election fight. Warplanes bombed a Syrian base near the Turkish border after warnings were ignored. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a strong critic of Israel's Gaza offensive. Turkey, a NATO member, has powerful allies and a complex relationship with Israel. This action risks wider confrontation and strains relations with key international partners.

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor reviewed the city's readiness for the BRICS Summit 2026. He emphasised seamless cooperation and time-bound execution among all agencies. Security protocols and traffic management were directed to be fortified. Civic infrastructure and emergency medical readiness will be robust. Delhi is prepared to welcome international delegates warmly and securely.

'Iron Man' star Gwyneth Paltrow has shared her latest breakfast routine featuring Indian besan chilla, eggs and pudina chutney, amid buzz around a dinner party involving OpenAI founder Sam Altman.

England's new era started strongly with pacers Robinson and Tongue taking five wickets each. Pakistan collapsed from 117-3 to 171 all out, giving England an advantage. England reached 112-2 by stumps, trailing by just 59 runs. Joe Root captained the side and remained unbeaten at the close of play. This performance marks an encouraging start for the team's future.

Israel warned Turkey against establishing a military foothold in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military presence moving south. These remarks followed Israeli airstrikes on an airport in Syria's Idlib province. Turkey rejected Israel's claims and accused Netanyahu of destabilizing policies. International bodies expressed concern over the strikes and Syria's sovereignty.