The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Aluminum foil serves as an effective and economical trick for maintaining the cleanliness of kitchen sink edges. By fashioning pieces of foil to fit snugly along the sink, you create a temporary shield that guards against food debris and grease. Swapping out the foil regularly keeps it fresh and functional, making it a smart choice for easy kitchen upkeep and splash control.
A 1967 NASA mission sent parasitic wasps into orbit around Earth. These wasps showed surprising resistance to radiation damage while in space. Ground experiments failed to replicate this protective effect observed in orbit. This old experiment raises questions about spaceflight's impact on living cells. The findings remain relevant for future long-duration space missions.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, has become Norways heir apparent after her father, King Haakon VIII, succeeded King Harald V. Her position is historic as she is the first adult heir apparent in modern Norwegian royal history and could become the countrys first reigning queen in more than 600 years.
Cricket players at the Asian Games will receive hotel accommodation, unlike other athletes. This decision comes after concerns were raised by Sri Lankan officials regarding facilities. Organizers are using a mix of accommodations, including a cruise ship and containers. Japanese cricket officials stated they had limited preparation time for the event. The playing surface is being prepared by a renowned international curator.
Actor Sonu Sood arrived in Kathmandu with his foundation team. They are delivering critical assistance to flood-affected communities in Nepal. The foundation plans to provide sustained, long-term support to the region. Immediate focus includes distributing essential items and assessing ongoing needs.
Authorities in Uttar Pradeshs Kaushambi district demolished the three-storey house of Naushad, the main accused in a cracker factory blast that killed 13 people, including 11 children. The Prayagraj Development Authority and Kaushambi Police carried out the 11-hour operation, citing construction without required approvals. Naushad and two women have been arrested.
India and Afghanistan have agreed on follow-up measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including enhanced customs and data-sharing cooperation, improved trade connectivity and regulatory coordination in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday.
Delhi High Court has ordered HashiCorp to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to Rakhi Bisht, a Chartered Accountant who returned from maternity leave in 2024 to find her managerial role and reporting team gone, and was instead placed in a clerical-level treasury job. The court held that maternity protection under law covers a woman's actual duties and authority, not just her salary and title, and has directed the Centre to frame a national implementation framework within six months.
FSSAI met with leading five-star hotels regarding food safety violations. The authority emphasized zero tolerance for any breaches of hygiene standards. Recent inspections at Delhi hotels revealed significant deficiencies and expired products. These findings included pests and foul odors in kitchen areas. Expired food items were promptly destroyed during the inspections.
In today's eco-conscious world, many families are turning to natural cleaning solutions for their homes. A simple blend of lemon peel, eucalyptus, and vinegar provides an effective cleaning power. This mixture combats odors while imparting a delightful fragrance. It works wonders on ceramic, porcelain, and tile floors, though it should be avoided on natural stones. Boiling lemon peels combined with eucalyptus infuses the water with their refreshing aromas.
Dark Matter Discovered? Scientists conducting the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment deep underground in South Dakota have detected a rare particle interaction that could potentially be linked to dark matter. Researchers say the event resembles the expected signature of a WIMP, a leading dark matter candidate, but caution that a single event is not enough to confirm a discovery.
Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has upgraded Indias sovereign rating by one notch to A- from BBB+, with a Stable outlook, citing sustained economic growth, stronger financial-sector soundness and policy measures supporting development. India grew 7.7% in real terms in FY2026, while its fiscal deficit narrowed and banking-sector asset quality improved.
Congress criticizes the government's GDP figures citing former finance secretary Subhash Garg. Garg stated real GDP growth is closer to 2.6 percent. He explained that revising previous year's numbers inflated current growth. The opposition demands the government acknowledge economic realities and implement reforms. They believe PR cannot fix the actual economy's condition.
Iran fires missiles toward Jordan in retaliation for US strike, releases dramatic video
India's fiscal position remains comfortable in early FY27 months. Slower nominal GDP growth could pressure the fiscal deficit target. Government spending increased significantly, and capital expenditure rose nearly thirty percent. Tax collections remained strong, with income and corporate tax showing growth. Rising subsidy costs and disinvestment receipts will need close monitoring.
Piyush Goyal targets $200 billion inflow to make India global data centre hub
Britain has endured its hottest summer on record, marked by successive heat waves, drought, destructive wildfires and water restrictions. The Met Office said the 16.5C mean temperature surpassed last years record. Scientists say human-caused climate change made such extreme heat 130 times more likely, underscoring a deepening climate crisis.
TBZ shares jumped 16% after GRT Jewellers announced plans to acquire the jewellery retailer
BEML shares gained nearly 2% after the company secured a Rs 180.60 crore order from Integral Coach Factory for manufacturing and supplying Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets. The order adds to BEML
'We need to impeach Trump now...': Sen. Ed Markey delivers victory speech
Swiggy shares fell sharply on Wednesday, extending their two-session decline to 6% and erasing nearly Rs 5,000 crore in market value. The stock faces potential foreign outflows after entering the NSDL red-flag list and possible exclusion from MSCI and FTSE indices. Jefferies, however, retains a Buy rating with a Rs 435 target.
Hero MotoCorp shares fell after August dispatch data showed year-on-year declines in motorcycle and export volumes, despite strong scooter sales keeping overall dispatches positive. The stock
The Delhi High Court has sought a response from police regarding Tahir Hussain's appeal. Hussain challenges his conviction and life sentence for the murder of Ankit Sharma. The court admitted his appeal and scheduled it for further hearing. Sharma's father had reported him missing during the 2020 riots. Hussain and four others were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder.
United States forces conducted strikes against Iranian military targets in West Asia. Iran's Foreign Ministry reported civilian casualties from strikes on a wedding celebration. Iran's IRNA news agency claimed retaliatory ballistic missile and drone attacks on US bases. Bahrain and Kuwait reported responding to Iranian drone attacks and missile interceptions. The events follow US President Donald Trump's announcement of strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Kwality Walls shares dropped on Wednesday as Reliance Consumer Products entered India
Kapil Sibal alleges the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision manipulates voter lists. He claims this exercise aims to help the BJP win upcoming elections. BJP agents reportedly target minority voters for bulk deletions in Jharkhand. Congress leaders also criticized the Election Commission, calling it the Vote Chori Aayog.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived in Thailand after a long deployment. Its hull showed rust, and crew morale was reportedly affected by shortages. US officials disputed claims of deteriorating conditions and excessive deployment length. Admiral Brad Cooper inspected the vessel and praised the crew's resilience. Navy representatives stated no rise in suicide attempts was documented.
Security forces were heavily deployed in Srinagar on Wednesday to manage planned protests. The BJP planned to gherao the Civil Secretariat over unfulfilled electoral promises. The National Conference announced a counter protest outside the BJP office. Roads were sealed and entry points restricted to prevent gatherings. Both parties aim to highlight their respective concerns regarding governance and statehood.
R Madhavan shared insights into his unique parenting approach, treating his son Vedaant as an equal from a young age. He fosters an environment where Vedaant feels free to express his opinions and learn from his own errors. Notably candid, Vedaant critiques his father's performances as well. Madhavan emphasizes the importance of instilling values and self-assurance over mere physical presence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping may hold a trilateral meeting. This potential meeting could occur at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The summit is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, in November. Both leaders are expected to attend the APEC summit as planned. The White House has not yet confirmed President Trump's attendance at this event.
Russia reportedly aids Iran in developing advanced supersonic cruise missiles since 2023. This covert program involves Russian missile specialists and ramjet propulsion technology. The technology could significantly enhance Iran's military capabilities and threaten naval vessels. This cooperation deepens existing strategic and military ties between Moscow and Tehran. The development occurs amid ongoing military confrontations in the region.
Mutual fund units can be held in Statement of Account or demat form. SoA mode offers simplicity for mutual fund-only investors avoiding extra charges. Demat mode suits those holding various securities and preferring consolidated management. Investors can switch between SoA and demat forms as needed. SWP and STP availability narrows the convenience gap between these modes.
United States forces struck two Iranian government tankers on Tuesday. These strikes were part of a new policy aimed at deterring attacks. Approximately one hundred targets, including military sites, were hit by US drones. Iran's retaliation involved ballistic missiles and drones, which were largely intercepted. Shipping continued through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing exchanges.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was winning the war in Ukraine, claiming its battlefield advances were accelerating and warning that Ukrainian forces would eventually crumble. He rejected reports of another Russian mobilisation as utter nonsense, while calling Ukraines leadership terrorists but maintaining Moscow remained open to talks aimed at ending the war.
Social media outrage is driving India's food-safety crackdown across the nation. Viral posts expose hygiene issues, prompting increased government inspections of food businesses. Regulators are stepping up checks, leading to suspensions and product seizures nationwide. This enforcement drive targets restaurants, hotels, and quick-commerce operations. The heightened scrutiny occurs amid growing international concerns over Indian food standards.
Apple Maps has renamed Lake Ontario Lake America for US users following President Donald Trumps executive order, while Canadian users will continue seeing Lake Ontario and users elsewhere will see both names. The change mirrors Google Maps and highlights how US technology companies are being drawn into geopolitical disputes over naming decisions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned airlines and insurers that Russian airspace was becoming increasingly dangerous because of Ukrainian drone activity and was effectively closing. His warning comes amid intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine and frequent Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia, raising concerns over risks to civilian aviation and airspace safety.
Young people in Latin America are participating in real-world aura battles. These events involve creative dancing and performances for audience recognition. The trend, originating online, has moved offline and gained popularity. Competitions are occurring in various cities across South America and Spain. Some officials have raised concerns, while others embrace the phenomenon.
Chinese President Xi Jinpings Egypt visit is deepening Beijings ties with a key US ally while advancing Chinas bid for greater Middle East influence. The three-day trip highlights expanding economic, diplomatic and strategic cooperation, including Belt and Road projects and Suez Canal access, as regional tensions reshape longstanding geopolitical alignments.
Rescue teams continued searching debris-strewn areas along the Nepal-China border for thousands missing after catastrophic Himalayan floods killed more than 1,000 people. Nepal reported 1,003 deaths and 3,916 missing, while China recorded 16 deaths and 546 missing.
Five Tamil Nadu pilgrims stranded in Nepal after devastating flash floods returned safely to Chennai on Tuesday, with state minister D Sarathkumar receiving them at the airport. The MEA said 163 Indian nationals had been rescued. Nepals death toll reached 1,050, while nearly 3,916 people remained unaccounted for amid continuing rescue operations.
Nepal's prime minister faces his first major test after a glacial collapse disaster. This catastrophe killed over one thousand people and left thousands more missing. Reconstruction costs are estimated to be in the billions of dollars for the nation. The disaster threatens the prime minister's reform agenda and economic development plans. This event also highlights Nepal's environmental fragility and climate change challenges.

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