The Economic Times

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Mamata Banerjee for delaying border fencing land acquisition. He praised Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for promptly providing necessary land for border security. Shah announced a new border security administration headquarters in Siliguri. He also highlighted the importance of the national song Vande Mataram.

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A scuffle erupted when villagers and BJP workers allegedly blocked a CJP team's school inspection. The CJP team reported being attacked and pelted with stones by the group. Vehicles were damaged and CJP volunteers sustained injuries during the confrontation. Villagers claimed government funds were sanctioned for school repairs.

BMW X1 LWB launched at 49.90 lakh with more rear space, 156 hp turbo-petrol engine

Paras Defence anticipates its export revenue will double this fiscal year. This growth is driven by Middle East conflict and rising geopolitical tensions. The company expects exports to reach Rs 120-130 crore by fiscal 2027. Orders from Israel and the UAE have increased, while European demand also rises.

In 1971, a hidden aluminum tribute was installed on the Moon, commemorating the bravery of fourteen astronauts and cosmonauts who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Crafted by Belgian artist Paul Van Hoeydonck for the Apollo 15 mission, this poignant memorial serves as a reminder of the shared human commitment to transcend earthly barriers, honoring heroes from both American and Soviet space endeavors.

Jerry Garcia's poignant quote encapsulates a well-rounded strategy for confronting lifes trials. It advocates a proactive stance towards challenges while nurturing a positive attitude. This principle skillfully addresses both mundane obstacles and grand ambitions. Celebrated as a symbol of the Grateful Dead, Garcia exemplified this belief through his musical journey, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom that is crucial for navigating the unpredictable nature of today's world.

Delhi will ban all construction from December 10 to January 20. This measure aims to tackle worsening air pollution during winter months. Larger construction sites will be monitored using AI cameras and a special portal. Authorities will take action against any violations detected during this period. Citizens are encouraged to report any construction work they observe.

In a groundbreaking experiment, corn seeds grown in space exhibited unusual growth patterns, with roots growing sideways and shoots curling due to the absence of gravity and possibly inadequate light cues. These developments highlight the challenges future Mars agriculture must overcome, as plants need to consistently identify their orientation. Such findings serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in ambitious plans for space colonization.

A dead carp spotted in Tasmania's Lake Crescent in 1995 triggered a 28-year campaign to eradicate invasive European carp from Lake Crescent and Lake Sorell. Authorities removed 49,301 carp using radio-tagged Judas fish, nets, electrofishing and genetic testing. By 2025, surveys found no remaining carp, allowing officials to declare the invasive species functionally eradicated and paving the way for the lakes' native ecosystem to recover.

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Scientists have created an innovative mesh tailored for capturing water from fog, enhancing water yield dramatically over current nets. This breakthrough focuses on optimizing fiber diameter, spacing, and surface coatings to boost efficiency. Field experiments in Chile highlighted the mesh's remarkable capabilities, promising a cost-efficient, energy-free water source vital for dry regions.

Jefferies retained its Buy rating on Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals with a Rs 330 target, implying nearly 29% upside. The brokerage expects the companys premiumisation strategy, market share gains, new product categories and margin expansion to drive a 12% revenue CAGR and 18% EPS CAGR through FY29.

A CJP convenor criticized Rajasthan police after their team faced resistance during a school inspection. Villagers and BJP workers reportedly pushed CJP volunteers out of Rampura Kanwarpura village. The CJP team was inspecting government schools, one of which was declared unsafe. Classes were being held in a cattle enclosure near the unsafe school building. The CJP alleged police inaction while their volunteers were attacked.

Ladakh now uses ninety million litres of glacier water daily for irrigation. This water previously flowed untapped into the Indus River system. The initiative aims to bring irrigation to over one thousand acres of dry land. Twelve villages will now receive water on a daily basis. This project serves as a blueprint for future water management in Ladakh.

In 1971, the Apollo 15 mission led astronauts to discover a remarkable lunar rock, affectionately termed the 'Genesis rock' due to its age of roughly four billion years. Made up of anorthosite, this specimen serves as a crucial element of the Moon's original crust. Its unearthing highlights the meticulous planning and thorough training undertaken by the astronauts, further buttressing theories concerning the Moons cooling from a molten state.

On Friday morning, Indian government bonds found stability as oil prices leveled off. The market reacted to hawkish minutes from the central bank and a sudden spike in crude prices. Later today, a major debt sale will gauge investor interest in bonds. As retail inflation surpassed the Reserve Bank of India's target, rising oil prices and global yields will influence the upcoming market direction.

Saket Gokhale, a former MP, has alleged that the Election Commission is withholding information about CEC Gyanesh Kumar's official travel. The commission has referred to personal information provisions under the RTI Act to deny sharing financial details, which Gokhale contests. He expressed that expenses related to public duties should not fall under personal privacy, criticizing the Election Commission for a lack of transparency and accountability since Kumar took over.

In the realm of TikTok, comedian Courtney O'Donnell has birthed the enchanting character Chanty Beluga. This charming persona thrives in relatable, everyday contexts, inspiring fans to contribute their interpretations and weave an ever-expanding narrative. The widespread fascination has even drawn in Major League Baseball, showcasing the character's allure and cultural significance across diverse audiences.

Gandhari, featuring Taapsee Pannu, is all set to arrive on OTT. Directed by Devashish Makhija and penned by Kanika Dhillon, this action thriller explores a mother's relentless drive to shield her child from harm. Alongside Taapsee, Gandhari features Ishwak Singh, Swastika Mukherjee and others. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.

In the heart of Manhattan, Eleven Madison Avenue has adopted an innovative cooling method utilizing an ice battery. This system freezes water at night when electricity is more affordable, allowing the stored ice to provide cooling during the hot afternoon hours. This technique not only lightens the load on the power grid but also enables substantial savings on energy costs associated with cooling.

Tech billionaires and leaders are investing heavily in longevity research and technologies. They aim to reverse aging and extend healthy human lifespans significantly. Historical attempts at rejuvenation have yielded limited success, but new science shows promise. This pursuit raises concerns about inequality as only the wealthy may afford early treatments.

Tata Consultancy Services will partner with the European T20 Premier League. They will develop an AI-powered digital ecosystem for the new cricket league. This partnership aims to enhance fan engagement and live match experiences. Technology will be central to the league's audience and commercial strategy. The league's inaugural season is scheduled for August and September.

Bharat Coking Coal shares surged over 7% to Rs 37.70 as global coking coal prices soared 18%. The rally follows supply disruptions and strong long-term demand forecasts, offsetting the company's weak Q1 FY27 results where it posted a net loss of Rs 68 crore amid falling production.

Microsoft has opened a Legal Engineer position that blends legal experience with AI and technology, placing the role within its Corporate, External & Legal Affairs organisation. The selected professional will work with engineers, attorneys and paralegals to build AI capabilities, track adoption and system performance, and shape future investment decisions. The listed base salary ranges from USD $185,900 to $278,900 annually.

India is set to approve a $1.2-billion incentive scheme to boost domestic production of high-value construction equipment, including tunnel boring machines, and reduce import dependence on China. The programme is expected to attract $1.8 billion in investment over seven years.

India's digital economy growth requires empowering small enterprises, farmers, and workers. Artificial intelligence must reach beyond large corporations to benefit all citizens. Companies are moving past AI experiments towards actual deployment and integration. AI can significantly enhance cybersecurity efforts for users and enterprises. India needs compute capacity and infrastructure for widespread AI adoption.

MCX shares rose in three sessions to Rs 3,211, tracking a third straight session of gains in gold and silver prices amid a weaker US dollar and easing concerns over long-term yields. The stock has gained 15% in a month, 45% so far this year and 101% over the past year, while delivering a staggering 932% return in three years and 970% in five years.

Delayed and lost baggage caused the most passenger dissatisfaction in July. This issue accounted for nearly one-third of all airline complaints received. Flight delays and refund problems followed as significant passenger concerns. Airlines resolved most complaints, while IndiGo carried most domestic passengers. Overall passenger traffic showed slight growth from the previous year.

In a significant update, the Centre has informed the Supreme Court about the President's Medal granted to Vivek Singh Chouhan, honoring his extraordinary courage in a 2003 anti-dacoity mission. The Supreme Court had shown concern over the award's postponement. Following the Presidents sanction, the Ministry of Home Affairs will cease contempt actions against the Home Secretary involved.

Rahul Gandhi protested outside a Delhi police station on Friday. He alleged police refused to register his complaint regarding student protests. Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of authorizing force against students. He linked the protests to systemic failures in education and employment. The Congress leader demanded a formal investigation into the alleged incident.

Rahul Gandhi protested outside a Delhi police station on Friday. He alleged police refused to register his complaint regarding student protests. Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of authorizing force against students. He linked the protests to systemic failures in education and employment. The Congress leader demanded a formal investigation into the alleged incident.

West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh has spoken out against the rise of anti-national activities on the campus of Jadavpur University, advocating that educational institutions must remain free of such disruptions. He highlighted the vice-chancellor's duty to ensure a secure and orderly environment. This comes in the wake of violent confrontations among student groups last Thursday, prompting the university to implement a restriction on external visitors after evening hours.

China has sent its 49th naval escort fleet to the Gulf of Aden as African countries prepare a regional task force against piracy and armed robbery. The developments come amid renewed security concerns around the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea corridor. China has maintained escort missions in the area since 2008, while the proposed African force is yet to become operational.

Jefferies Christopher Wood sees gold as the second-best hedge for investors amid rising geopolitical and fiscal risks linked to the Iran conflict. While he prefers oil and energy stocks as the primary hedge, Wood expects gold and gold miners to benefit from renewed monetary easing expectations, geopolitical shocks and persistent fiscal concerns.

Jaquie Brown, the renowned comedian from New Zealand, has disclosed that she is battling breast cancer. Following a mastectomy necessary due to invasive lobular breast cancer, she is now focusing on her recovery. The diagnosis, which she received in April 2026, came as a surprise. This type of cancer often evades early detection, with around 450 women in New Zealand being diagnosed each year.

Billionaire Bill Ackman and wife Neri Oxman have pledged $400 million to launch the Ackman Oxman Institute, a brain research and rehabilitation centre in New York, after their 26-year-old daughter Lucy survived a massive brain haemorrhage in February. Ackman said he wants cures and treatments for patients, not academic accolades.

Deepinder Goyal revealed his experimental Temple wearable is now significantly smaller. This device tracks cerebral blood flow and neurological markers. The company plans to start taking pre-orders for a limited edition soon. Shipments of the Temple wearable are anticipated before the end of 2026. Interested individuals can join the mailing list for future updates.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Siliguri for a three-day visit to West Bengal. He will attend inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for various Sashastra Seema Bal projects. Shah will also interact with SSB personnel and participate in a traditional community meal. The visit includes a review of security arrangements around the strategically important Siliguri Corridor. He is also scheduled to attend an exhibition on India's new criminal laws.

Fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee opened his new flagship store in New Delhi. He believes craftsmanship will outlast artificial intelligence, which should only support creativity. Mukherjee also celebrated his multi-year collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This partnership will draw inspiration from the museum's vast collection for new designs.

India faces a major test against co-hosts and Olympic champions the Netherlands on Saturday. The Indian team must improve defensive lapses after strong starts in previous matches. The Netherlands won all their initial group games convincingly, showing strong attacking form. India has defeated the Netherlands recently in the FIH Pro League, which offers hope. Captain Harmanpreet Singh acknowledges the need for better deep defense against tough opponents.

Indian CEOs must build real AI products and solutions, moving beyond simple chatbot experiments. Companies are accelerating AI adoption and need to identify complex problems for dedicated task forces. Anthropic India is collaborating with major banks and institutions on various AI initiatives. McKinsey estimates AI's economic value at $4.4 trillion, with India investing billions.