The Economic Times

India's exports saw a 15 percent increase during the first four months of this fiscal year. The Commerce Minister expressed optimism about reaching the $1 trillion export target by 2026-27. Nine free trade agreements have been concluded in the past four years. These agreements have opened many new possibilities for domestic industries.

India's fencing team achieved significant success on day three of the championship. They secured three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in various events. Kanaglakshmi won gold in women's foil, and Rajendran Shanthimol Sherjin took gold in men's epee. Singh Karan Singh clinched another gold medal in the men's sabre competition. This performance brought India's total medal count to twenty-nine at the event.

The North American Punjabi Association has requested detailed reports from Punjab's Chief Minister. They seek verifiable data on the government's progress in combating drug abuse. The association also demands transparency regarding job creation for unemployed youth. NAPA wants specific figures on drug seizures and rehabilitation efforts. They also require year-wise data on employment opportunities and vacancies filled.

An inquiry report concerning Justice Yashwant Varma was tabled in Parliament. This report investigated allegations of unaccounted cash found at his residence. Justice Varma resigned after a fire revealed burnt currency in a storeroom. Removal proceedings against him have now become infructuous. His resignation has not yet been officially notified by the law ministry.

Lining fridge shelves with aluminium foil is a simple, low cost habit that catches spills, reduces bacterial buildup, and keeps food fresher for longer. Backed by research on fridge contamination and foil's barrier properties, it is one of those kitchen habits that makes more sense the more you understand it.

India is considering sweeping health insurance reforms to standardise treatment rates, coverage and billing, while expanding a nationwide claims exchange, sources said. A regulatory panel is expected to submit recommendations by year-end as authorities seek to curb medical inflation, reduce fraudulent claims and encourage greater insurance coverage across the country.

NEET-PG aspirants continue to face varying eligibility rules across states despite a Supreme Court ruling barring domicile-based preference in postgraduate medical admissions. Differences in state counselling requirements, reservation benefits and eligibility conditions have prompted parents to seek uniform implementation, a common counselling portal and clearer national guidelines for admissions.

Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala is launching nineteen LHB broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway. These custom-designed coaches feature advanced amenities and crashworthy design meeting European standards. The rake includes AC sleeper, AC chair, and Non-AC chair coaches along with power cars. This initiative builds upon a successful cooperation that began in 2015-16.

The government has initiated a proposal to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Committee of Parliament. This significant bill will engage thirty-one members from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, tasked with scrutinizing its contents and offering recommendations, with a report expected by the Winter Session of 2026.

India has recently enhanced its maritime relations with Seychelles by providing five laser radial boats aimed at improving seamanship training for personnel in the Seychelles Defence Forces. This handover coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June visit to the country and underscores Indias ongoing dedication to strengthening defense cooperation and capabilities within this vital island partner.

With flood damage repair estimated beyond Rs 1,000 crore, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has received assurance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for full support in the relief and rehabilitation efforts. Initial assessments indicate that more than 8,000 families face damages totaling Rs 150 crore. The assessment process will extend until August 30.

Ceiling fans can gather dust over time, necessitating routine cleaning to ensure a comfortable environment. An old pillowcase is a clever tool for trapping dust from fan blades while a dry microfiber cloth effectively clears away loose dust. For stubborn grime, a mild soap solution can do the trick. Additionally, keeping the surrounding area tidy helps minimize the buildup of airborne dirt.

In a significant move, the Supreme Court has requested responses from the Centre and other relevant organizations over a plea that claims the distribution of fraudulent legal degrees and fake advocates. The plea also raises serious concerns about the commercialization of judicial remarks, noting that parts of court proceedings have been cut and shared as memes. The court is actively looking into the potential misuse of oral observations from hearings.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an influential 19th-century philosopher, strongly advocated for self-reliance and original thinking. His work inspired people to follow their instincts and forge their own paths. Emerson's musings on old friendships emphasize the joy of being free from societal pressure, where trust and authenticity create meaningful connections. His timeless ideas continue to empower those in search of inspiration and deeper understanding.

Ill even discuss why they didnt want debate: Amit Shah challenges Opposition, Rahul Gandhi

A dashcam video has emerged depicting Abaan Ahmed's vehicle dangerously speeding before it crashed. The car swerved past a pickup truck only to collide with a road divider, resulting in the tragic deaths of both Abaan and his friend Sonu. Meanwhile, three other passengers suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital. Authorities are currently reviewing the footage to ascertain the reasons behind this devastating accident.

FanCode has secured exclusive digital rights to stream India's upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. The three-match series will be played in Delhi on September 13, 15, and 17. This acquisition significantly strengthens FanCode's expanding cricket coverage and digital offerings. Fans can watch the matches live on the FanCode app and through various distribution partners. Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO expressed pleasure in extending the partnership for this landmark series.

Prince William was reportedly fuming after King Charles and Queen Camilla suggested Catherine, Princess of Wales, change the spelling of her name to Katherine to avoid adding another C to royal monograms. Author Christopher Andersen described Williams reaction as insulting, while royal commentators debated the branding-driven request and Catherines attachment to her name.

India's Global Capability Centres are becoming AI hubs, but leadership AI literacy remains low. Most leaders are confident India will lead globally through 2030. However, less than 30% of leaders possess sufficient AI literacy for strategic decisions. GCCs must reskill over 40% of their workforce for this AI transformation.

The Cockroach Janta Party is recruiting unpaid technology volunteers for its website development. Abhijeet Dipke leads the party's organizational expansion efforts and its new National Working Committee. The party also voiced support for student protesters in Jharkhand facing alleged police brutality. Founder Abhijeet Dipke criticized the police action and spoke with an injured student leader.

Citi Bank has been ordered to refund Rs 12,91,248 to a home loan borrower after the Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found it charged interest at rates up to 16.5 per cent against an agreed rate of 12 per cent, and withheld information about an RBI circular that gave the borrower the option to switch to a lower rate system. The bank has also been directed to pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation and Rs 50,000 in litigation costs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned that tensions are building in the Arctic and accused NATO of infiltrating the Asia-Pacific region. He also called the seizure of Russian trade vessels by EU countries piracy, warning that Russia would respond in kind if Western countries seize Russian commercial ships.

Calico, a once-thriving town in California, saw its fortunes rise with a silver rush that began in 1881. Unfortunately, the gold rush faded by the 1890s as silver prices plummeted, causing miners and businesses to abandon the area. In the 1950s, Walter Knott took it upon himself to restore this ghost town. Today, Calico stands proud as a lively historic park, immortalizing its rich mining heritage.

Kunal Ganjawala, the well-known singer, has shed light on the interesting legacy behind his surname, which relates to his family's historical involvement in marijuana cultivation for medicinal purposes. During the British colonial era, they supplied this crop to the government until the practice ceased around the time of the Quit India Movement. His surname often sparks intrigue and humor, while his family was recognized as licensed pharmacists in those times.

Retail traders are observing a proposed No Trade Day on August 12 to protest the newly introduced Closing Auction Session (CAS), higher securities transaction tax and changing market rules. The campaign follows concerns over increased volatility and divergence in closing prices since CAS was introduced.

An ex-army doctor has shared a child safety plan for parents to follow if children get separated in a crowded public place. The advice includes teaching children to stop and stay, yell for help, approach trusted adults, memorise a parent's phone number and use a family code word.

The Supreme Court will hear Tamil Nadu's plea on August 17. This hearing concerns Karnataka's compliance with Cauvery water release orders. The matter was postponed due to a judge's illness, which caused a delay. Tamil Nadu seeks enforcement of the Cauvery Water Management Authority's directives. The court aims to ensure Tamil Nadu receives its rightful water share.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea concerning essential service disruptions during protests. Counsel informed the bench about disturbances to ingress and egress. The court questioned how to issue a specific direction for such issues. This petition was tagged with a pending plea regarding Jantar Mantar protests.

Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear has become a significant social media phenomenon. The book explores themes of American fantasy and the performance of womanhood. Anne Hathaway acquired film rights before the novel's official publication date. Yesteryear has spent seventeen weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Rahul Gandhi rejected Amit Shah's debate offer on student protests, demanding accountability. He questioned who ordered the alleged police action against students during recent protests. Amit Shah stated the government is ready for a detailed parliamentary discussion on the matter. He countered accusations of absence, citing opposition disruptions in Parliament. The standoff has caused repeated disruptions in both houses of Parliament.

N Chandrasekaran resigned as Tata Sons chairman, ending his nearly decade-long tenure, with his term set to expire in February 2027. His reappointment had received support from Tata Trusts, the nomination committee and board but stalled after opposition from one director. Under Chandra, Tata expanded into aviation, semiconductors, electronics, batteries and digital businesses, while group revenues and profits rose sharply.

Quote of the day by Ed Harris, You cant betray yourself too often, or you become somebody else, explains how repeated compromises can affect personal identity. The quote focuses on self-respect, authenticity, personal values and the choices people make in careers, relationships and personal growth while seeking approval from others.

Character AI down: On August 12, Character AI faced considerable access issues, leaving numerous users unable to log in or fully utilize its chatbot features. Some encountered surprise restrictions on their accounts when trying to access the service. The reason behind these disruptions is still unknown, and Character AI has not provided any official update about the ongoing situation.

Independence Day 2026: Butto Kristo Paul & Co. started as a modest establishment focused on importing foreign medicines. Over time, it blossomed into a prominent Indian pharmaceutical giant in colonial Calcutta, dedicating resources to manufacturing while actively supporting the Swadeshi movement. However, shifting market dynamics and rising competition ultimately resulted in its decline, leaving behind only one heritage pharmacy that remains to this day.

Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency conducted multiple raids across the Union Territory. These searches are connected to the 1990 abduction and murder of Sarwanand Koul Premi and his son. The writer and his son were killed by terrorists thirty-six years ago in Anantnag. This investigation is part of reopened cases involving minority community members' killings.

As protective eclipse glasses fly off the shelves, people are seeking alternative ways to experience the beauty of the Sun. Pinhole projectors present a clever and safe option for observing solar events. It's vital to keep in mind that standard sunglasses don't provide adequate protection for direct solar observation. Additionally, specialized filters are necessary for photography and telescopes. Safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays during your viewing adventure.

Smaller steel firms in India can reduce electricity bills by one-third and cut carbon emissions by adopting renewable energy, which will offer substantial annual cost savings for these companies. For them, joint investments in clean power projects present a practical and viable solution. High costs and regulatory hurdles currently make this essential clean energy transition slow.

Claude watermark explained What Indian users need to know

Home Minister Amit Shah has offered a detailed parliamentary discussion on student protests. He challenged the opposition to submit a letter to the Speaker by 2 pm. The government is ready for a 24-hour debate, starting today at 3 pm. Shah stated he would personally answer all questions raised by the opposition. The opposition must now decide between discussion or continued ruckus.

Lindsay Clancys murder trial could end with a conviction, a not-guilty verdict based on criminal responsibility, or a hung jury. Heres what could happen next in each scenario, including the possible legal and mental-health consequences.

R Madhavan, who will next be seen in GDN, recently celebrated Bhawana Kanth's groundbreaking accomplishment as the first woman FCL pilot. Kanth previously made headlines by participating in India's Republic Day parade and was among the first three women fighter pilots commissioned in 2016. Madhavan once aspired to join the army but exceeded the age limit, having gathered military experience during his NCC training with British forces.

Husband claims Rs 20 lakh debt and lost his earning capacity due to the hostile atmosphere and false complaints by wife; HC rejects wifes higher maintenance claim but orders him to pay Rs 46 lakh for daughters education. Know why he lost the case in Madhya Pradesh High Court.