The Economic Times

Exiled author Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nearly two decades of absence. She stated her fight remains for women's rights and freedom of expression. Nasreen expressed hope for a future where writers are not forced into exile. She lamented not finding a permanent home in either Bengal.

A Harvard study highlights positive relationships as key to happiness and health. Aristotle identified three friendship types: utility, pleasure, and perfect connections. Utility friendships offer practical benefits and shared goals for advancement. Pleasure friendships stem from mutual enjoyment and shared interests. Perfect friendships, built on mutual care, foster virtue and lasting joy.

The air officer succeeds Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, who superannuated on Friday after 39 years of distinguished service to the nation.

Addressing a felicitation programme for Nasreen at Rabindra Sadan here, Adhikari said it was the duty of his government to ensure her safety whenever she came to West Bengal.

Psychology suggests that people who never watch a movie without popcorn are often responding to strong psychological associations rather than simple hunger. Habits, classical conditioning, sensory cues, familiar rituals, and nostalgic memories can all combine to make popcorn feel like an essential part of the movie-watching experience.

BESCOM is relocating electrical infrastructure to clear footpaths as part of a citywide cleanup initiative. This effort aims to improve pedestrian safety and reclaim public spaces across Bengaluru. Damaged poles and transformers obstructing pathways are being removed or repositioned. Compact transformer units will replace some structures on major roads. The utility is also clearing vegetation and waste around its installations.

The Medical Counselling Committee has announced the NEET UG Counselling 2026 schedule for admissions. Candidates qualified for NEET UG 2026 can register online through the official MCC portal. The counselling process will be conducted entirely online based on NEET UG 2026 ranks. Applicants must carefully read the information bulletin and meet all eligibility criteria for admissions. Original documents will be required for verification at the time of admission to colleges.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged pro-Kannada groups to halt planned protests against releasing Cauvery water. He stated Karnataka is legally obligated to comply with the water-sharing order from the CWMA. Overflowing reservoirs necessitate water release, making it impossible to hold back excess inflows. An all-party meeting is scheduled to decide the state's future actions on this matter.

Quote of the Day by Keith Urban: Keith Urbans quote, I dont want to impress, I want to inspire, explores the importance of authenticity, purpose, and creating a meaningful impact on others. The quote suggests that true success should not be measured only by gaining attention or admiration but by encouraging, motivating, and positively influencing people. It highlights that genuine influence comes from sharing passion, staying true to oneself, and using personal talents to inspire growth and conf

West Bengal Police arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed operative named Hamim Mondal. He allegedly targeted state minister Suvendu Adhikari and another minister. Links to Pakistan handlers and money trails are currently under investigation. His close aide, Arpita Sarkar, was also apprehended in Jharkhand. The operatives used encrypted communication methods for their planning.

West Bengal anticipates widespread rainfall over the next seven days. North Bengal is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rain until August sixth. South Bengal districts will receive moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds. Residents in vulnerable areas should remain cautious due to intense monsoon activity. The India Meteorological Department issued this forecast for the coming week.

Rahul Gandhi stated Prime Minister Modi should apologize to students. He criticized the prime minister for not meeting grieving parents of students. Gandhi mentioned leaked papers and cancelled exams destroyed years of preparation. India's students do not need forgiveness but an apology from the prime minister. The Congress leader met families of students who lost their children.

Famed mountaineer Nirmal Purja tragically died in an avalanche on Broad Peak. His expedition company confirmed his passing after a summit push on Thursday. The avalanche swept away ten climbers, including Purja, hundreds of meters downhill. Purja held the record for the fastest ascent of the world's 14 highest peaks. This expedition marked the end of his distinguished mountaineering career.

Psychology suggests that people who frequently change their hair color are often expressing identity, embracing novelty or marking important life experiences rather than revealing a fixed personality trait.

A special NIA court framed charges against former policemen Sachin Waze and Pradeep Sharma. They will now face trial for murder and unlawful activities charges. An SUV with explosives was found near Mukesh Ambani's residence in 2021. Businessman Mansukh Hiren, who claimed the SUV was stolen, was later found dead. Waze was arrested and accused of parking the SUV to terrorize and extort money.

Quote of the Day by Jason Momoa: Jason Momoas quote, I have my ups and my downs like anyone. All I can do is be me, explores the importance of authenticity, self-acceptance, and embracing lifes challenges. The quote suggests that everyone experiences moments of success and struggle, and true confidence comes from accepting oneself without pretending to be perfect. It highlights that being genuine, recognizing personal imperfections, and staying true to ones identity can help build emotional stre

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu pledged project completion by specific future dates. The Polavaram irrigation project will be finished by 2027, he stated. Amaravati's first phase is scheduled for completion by 2028. North Andhra is projected as an emerging investment destination with improved infrastructure. The state government will invest significantly in irrigation projects for regional development.

Jadumani Singh secured a silver medal after a boxing final loss to Jye Dixon. The Indian boxer fought determinedly but was outscored by his Australian opponent. Dixon's disciplined counter-punching proved decisive in the closely contested gold medal bout. Jadumani's journey began with football before transitioning to boxing with family support. He bravely moved weight categories, achieving national success and securing Commonwealth Games qualification.

Soman Rana secured a gold medal in para shot put for India. Praveen Chitravel and Selva Prabhu Thirumaran earned silver and bronze in triple jump. Chitravel achieved a distance of 16.58 meters for his silver medal win. Thirumaran's bronze medal came with a jump of 16.52 meters. Other Indian athletes also competed in various para athletics events.

An Indian student's STEM OPT authorization was revoked after their employer lacked a physical US presence. The company only maintained a mailing address and failed a USCIS audit. This incident highlights the risks of joining fraudulent companies for international students. Many such cases of OPT fraud have been identified by US authorities. Students are urged to verify employers and their physical operations in the United States.

Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Time is money, and it is difficult for one to use money to get time. The saying emphasizes that time is life's most valuable resource because, unlike money, it cannot be earned back once it is lost. It reminds us that while wealth can provide comfort and opportunities, it can never replace missed moments or recover wasted years. The proverb encourages people to value every moment, make thoughtful decisions, and use their time wisely, recognizi

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the armed forces to enhance AI use. He called for building an intelligent military system and deepening network information development. Combat capabilities are the key testing criterion for modernisation efforts. The PLA aims for decisive progress towards its 2027 centenary goals. Xi also emphasised strengthening the Party's absolute leadership over the military.

Nirmal Purja, a renowned mountaineer, has been confirmed dead following an avalanche. The avalanche struck his expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday. His expedition company, Elite Exped, announced his tragic loss on Saturday. Purja's climbing partners and several other expedition members also perished in the incident. Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to poor weather conditions.

People who constantly feel that something is about to go wrong are often responding to deeply rooted cognitive and emotional patterns rather than an actual or immediate threat. Their expectations are frequently shaped by the way they process uncertainty, past experiences, and emotional responses, rather than by objective danger.

Unnati Sharma secured a quarterfinal spot in the women's 63kg judo competition. She defeated Eswatini's Lamulela Magagula with an impressive ippon victory. The Round of 16 match concluded swiftly in under two minutes. Sharma, hailing from Dehradun, achieved this dominant win through successive waza-ari scores. She will now face New Zealand's Qona Christie later today.

Praveen Chitravel secured silver and Selva Prabhu Thirumaran earned bronze in the men's triple jump. Chitravel's best jump measured 16.58 meters, improving his previous performance. Thirumaran achieved his first major international medal with a jump of 16.52 meters. Jordan Scott of Jamaica claimed the gold medal with a jump of 16.72 meters. Ramesh Shanmugam finished seventh in the men's T54 1500m final.

Activist Tehseen Poonawalla alleged house arrest by Delhi Police on Saturday. He was prevented from protesting the government's E20 fuel policy. Police cited potential law and order issues for their actions. Poonawalla planned a solo march and hunger strike against the policy. Journalists reported internet jammers installed near his residence.

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response to a PIL challenging Muslim polygamy. This petition argues the practice violates fundamental constitutional rights. It also seeks stronger legal protection for women in such situations. The court will hear this plea alongside other challenges to Muslim personal law. This development follows the ongoing examination of talaq-e-hasan petitions.

Jaismine Lamboria secured a gold medal in the women's 57kg boxing category. She defeated Michaela Walsh from Northern Ireland in the final match. Earlier, Lamboria had advanced to the final with a dominant semi-final victory. This win had already guaranteed India at least a silver medal. Lamboria expressed her determination to win gold for her country.

Preeti Pawar secured the gold medal in the 54kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Pawar showcased her prowess by defeating Zambia's Catherine Mwape in the semifinals and going on to beat Canada's Scarlett Delgado in the final. This gold medal complements her recent successes at the World Cup and Asian Championships, marking a stellar year for the athlete.

Psychology suggests that constantly feeling as though an invisible clock is ticking is rarely a sign of poor planning or personal weakness. Instead, it often reflects a combination of overlapping psychological processes, including stress, time pressure, anxiety, perfectionism, and the way the brain perceives urgency.

Ancient earthwork centers reveal a sprawling Aquiry civilization once thrived. This society supported millions across a vast Amazonian region. Researchers used laser technology to map hidden structures beneath the canopy. The forest itself was engineered by these ancient inhabitants for cultivation. This discovery significantly rewrites the history of the Amazon basin.

SpaceX's initial public offering allocated shares for retail investors. Shareholders submitted popular questions about Starship's lunar mission and mascot. Investors also inquired about orbital refueling and rocket aesthetics. While business outlook questions were less popular, AI data centers were discussed. Musk's long-term vision for abundance prompted investor queries about share value.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval urged India's youth to prioritize national interest over personal gains. He emphasized seizing a crucial window of opportunity for strengthening the nation. Doval accepted the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune. He praised Lokmanya Tilak's sacrifices and contributions to India's freedom struggle. Doval expressed confidence in India's future success and historical achievements.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday. Shah highlighted Doval's significant role in strengthening India's foreign policy and national security. Doval has provided crucial advice behind Prime Minister Modi's security decisions. The Home Minister also spoke about India's path of cultural nationalism. He noted Doval's contributions to modernizing armed forces and defense preparedness.

US President Donald Trump has issued a warning of more military responses directed at Iran as regional conflicts intensify. Kuwait has reported drone attacks on essential facilities, with a tanker being struck in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Israeli forces launched powerful strikes on Gaza following disarmament talks from Hamas. In Yemen, the Houthi rebels have forced Saudi vessels to navigate around Africa.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court about deportation procedures for foreign nationals. Nationality verification and acceptance by the home country are mandatory steps. Deportation cannot proceed without confirming an individual's nationality and travel documents. State authorities can deport individuals after completing sentences and legal proceedings. This process ensures proper procedures are followed before any deportation occurs.