The Economic Times

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.

One person died and four others sustained injuries in a park shooting incident. Police responded to reports of shots fired and discovered five victims at the scene. Two children, aged four and fourteen, were among those wounded in the shooting. Authorities stated there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lexington police department.

A young immigrant arrived in America at a time when starting over meant leaving behind everything familiar and facing a very uncertain future. What followed was a difficult life far from the cities, shaped by family, survival and the challenges of settling in a new part of the country. Decades later, her own words would offer a rare glimpse into a world that had almost completely disappeared.

WiFi signals can now do more than connect devices. Researchers showed that ordinary wireless networks can detect and identify people without cameras, special sensors, or a phone. In a study of 197 people, the system achieved nearly 100% identification accuracy. It read changes in radio waves as they moved around human bodies. The finding raises a new privacy concern. Everyday WiFi could quietly become a powerful surveillance and human recognition tool.

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.

Believe it or not, water is not the most hydrating drink you can have. In a recent interview, eminent nutritionist Joy Bauer revealed that water and not milk can do a much better job in keeping you hydrated than water here's why.

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.

The new actions also include replacement of water tanks and strict compliance on regular water quality testing at source and outlet points. There will also be centralised monitoring and accountability, besides scheduled cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks.

School Assembly News Headlines: NITI Aayog has put forth a significant proposal aimed at enabling interstate licence portability for healthcare professionals throughout India. In a separate global landscape, Iran has announced a bounty for capturing US soldiers. Meanwhile, a Swiss resort has recently experienced a carriage crash. Sports news highlights Devdutt Padikkal achieving his first century, and the return of the BWF World Championships to India.

Connor Hill, a 17-year-old from Pennsylvania, has won the top $250,000 prize at the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search after using a custom computer algorithm to classify complex geometric shapes. His breakthrough identified two infinite families and exactly 146 isolated noble polyhedra. Hill plans to continue studying computational mathematics at MIT.

The Amazon rainforest has a surprising lifeline. Each year, about 27.7 million tonnes of Sahara dust travel nearly 5,000 kilometres from Chads Bodl Depression across the Atlantic Ocean. The dust carries around 22,000 tonnes of phosphorus, a vital plant nutrient. Amazon soil loses phosphorus through heavy rainfall and flooding. African dust helps replace part of that loss. An ancient lakebed in Africa is quietly helping sustain the worlds largest rainforest.

Nearly four hundred infrastructure projects have been recommended for approval under the PM GatiShakti initiative. These projects, valued at approximately eighteen lakh crore rupees, aim to boost national connectivity. The Network Planning Group has evaluated these proposals, with many already sanctioned and under implementation. This initiative seeks to integrate infrastructure and reduce overall logistics costs across the country. Experts believe Gati Shakti will enhance business competitivene

You do not need to have a crash diet or diet at all to lose weight or maintain a great figure. Taking to Instagram, Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai star Saumya Tandon revealed five rules she follows without fail to keep slim and look young.

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.

A 28-year-old man earning 2.5 lakh a month says he feels poorer and more stressed than when he earned 30,000, sparking a Reddit debate over whether rising responsibilities, higher expectations and the cost of living are behind the feeling. His experience has led users to discuss savings, lifestyle choices, job insecurity and whether earning more actually brings greater financial freedom.

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'.

In a memorable quote, Elvis Presley equated ambition with the power of a V8 engine, underscoring its dynamic force. Born into modest conditions as a truck driver, he climbed the ladder to worldwide acclaim. His story exemplifies how ambition transforms dreams into reality, marking a lengthy journey of dedication. Presley's experience stands as a powerful example of talent, opportunity, and relentless perseverance.

Tripura Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that the PRTC would no longer be mandatory for candidates applying for Tripura government jobs. Instead, job aspirants would be required to prove that they have studied for five consecutive years in any school in the state, he said.

Solar power once cost a staggering $1,865 per watt in inflation-adjusted terms. Today, solar panels can cost only a fraction of a dollar per watt. That extraordinary collapse changed the energy market. The first practical solar cells found a home in spacecraft because ordinary electricity could not justify their price. Decades of better manufacturing, larger factories and higher efficiency turned solar energy into one of the cheapest sources of new electricity.

Iran's army announced a bounty for capturing or killing American soldiers. The reward offered is thirty thousand US dollars for each successful action. This financial incentive is doubled for any courageous Iranian women who complete the task. The announcement follows numerous requests for participation in this program. This bounty comes after recent sporadic exchanges of fire between the nations.

In a tragic incident, eighty bodies have been retrieved from Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe following the capsizing of an overloaded passenger ferry. The vessel, which was licensed for ninety passengers, was found carrying over a hundred individuals during turbulent waters on Tuesday. Search efforts led to twenty-five additional recoveries on Saturday, bringing the total to seventy-two. This disaster marks one of the deadliest ferry accidents in the nation's history.

Bangladesh requires India to create a favorable environment for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit. This condition is tied to Dhaka's pending extradition requests for deposed Premier Sheikh Hasina. Hasina's recent virtual press conference from New Delhi has strained bilateral relations between the two nations. India maintains that Hasina's extradition request is under examination according to legal procedures.

India's women's hockey team began their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought draw. They took an early lead against China, the Olympic silver medallists. China equalized from a penalty stroke before India regained their advantage. The Chinese team leveled the score again in the third quarter. India will now face South Africa in their next Pool D match.

An enterprising eighteen-year-old American has turned his love for treasure hunting into a thriving business venture. Operating under the name Mike's Unique Treasures, Michael Haskell purchases abandoned storage units and artfully resells the hidden gems he uncovers. So far, his efforts have yielded over two hundred thousand dollars in revenue, including a striking piece of artwork valued at thirty-six thousand from a single unit.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari criticised Sonia Gandhi's alleged objection to Vande Mataram. He stated this action was an insult to nationalism and the song's creator. The Congress party denied any attempt to stop the national song's full rendition. Adhikari demanded an apology from the Congress for appeasement politics. He highlighted the country witnessed Gandhi's alleged irritation during the event.

New research suggests that when gut bacteria do not get enough fibre and certain plant-based nutrients, they may begin breaking down the protective mucus lining of the intestines. The studies also found that indigestible plant proteins can give these microbes another food source, potentially shifting them towards producing more beneficial compounds.

NITI Aayog suggests interstate licence portability for healthcare professionals. This system would allow professionals to practice in different states without new registrations. A national licence registry supported by Mutual Recognition Agreements is proposed. This aims to improve mobility and access to healthcare services. The report also calls for implementing the National Exit Test and allied health professions act.

Bianca Adler, an enterprising eighteen-year-old from Australia, has successfully summited Mount Everest, achieving a long-held dream after turning back just 400 meters shy on a previous attempt. With this triumph, she not only became the youngest Australian to conquer Everest but also built on her record as the youngest woman to summit Mount Manaslu. Now back in the classroom, Adler is focused on completing her Year 12 studies.

Sohail Khan candidly shared his reality show journey, highlighting his significant weight loss and the challenges he faced, including a stomach infection during his first week. The support from his fellow contestants compelled him to endure five weeks in the house. Notably, Sohail refused claims of using Ozempic or fat burners for his transformation, while his brother Salman Khan previously mentioned a twelve-kilogram weight loss.

In 1994, two hikers stumbled upon enormous bones in South Dakota's Badlands, igniting a wave of scientific exploration that lasted years. This serendipitous discovery led to the unearthing of over 19,000 fossils from a site believed to be an ancient watering hole, where animals converged during a severe drought around 34 million years ago. The Big Pig Dig provides valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems and shifts in climate.

A carefully built reputation can be destroyed within minutes through a rumour. An old Korean proverb warns us about the power of words. Just like a great underground buzz can help an upcoming artiste, rumours of problematic behaviour can destroy a reputation within minutes.

Sometimes ambitious projects that start with great hype often fizzle out midway or crash and burn. An old Japanese proverb explains why it is not just important for a project to have a promise; you also need to have consistency for it to work.

A CPI(M) leader refuted claims about a new Vande Mataram law. He stated Parliament did not mandate singing the song in full. The legislation instead penalizes disruption of its rendition. This move is seen as an attempt to legitimize an RSS agenda. The debate continues regarding the law's actual provisions for citizens.

'He has lot to hide': Fauci refuses another Senate appearance; Johnson plans big move in COVID probe

Psychology explains why some people finish kitchen chores before sleeping. Unfinished tasks can cause intrusive thoughts and affect cognitive performance. Visual clutter in homes is linked to lower well-being and life satisfaction. Completing household rituals offers a sense of control and completion. These habits are not necessarily perfectionism but varied personal preferences.

Kerala's opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan supports Chief Minister VD Satheesan's stance. They oppose the Centre's mining bill, fearing weakened state fiscal powers. The bill restricts states from imposing certain mineral-related taxes and levies. This legislation could also negatively impact Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd.