The Economic Times

Hiten Dharpure, a talented teenager from Nagpur, has made waves by achieving a Guinness World Record for his incredibly small robotic arm, measuring just 39.25 mm. This intricate device performs remarkably precise movements. In addition to this feat, Hiten also holds the record for the smallest AI weather station and created HastaVaani, an offline translation app for Indian Sign Language.

Google's planned data centre in Visakhapatnam is facing considerable resistance from environmental activists. Concerns have been raised regarding the strain on local water resources and the sites closeness to a wildlife sanctuary. The government has denied allegations of hastening the project and is receptive to community input. Google is committed to utilizing innovative cooling and noise reduction strategies.

Surya Grahan 2026 Date: The 2026 solar eclipse officially occurs on August 12 worldwide. However, due to time zone differences, it will extend into August 13 for India. This celestial event will not be visible in India as its path is elsewhere. Europe and parts of North America will witness a partial eclipse. Indians can view the eclipse through live broadcasts online.

Tarun Tejpal will appeal the Bombay High Court's conviction in a 2013 sexual assault case. The High Court overturned his acquittal by a Goa sessions court five years ago. He faces charges including rape and sexual harassment under the Indian Penal Code. The case involves allegations by a former junior colleague from a 2013 event. Tejpal stated the order was wrong and will move the Supreme Court.

Opposition MPs protested alleged theft of Ram temple donations and police actions. They carried umbrellas and placards, raising slogans against the government. A symbolic donation box was placed to highlight the alleged theft issue. INDIA bloc leaders met to strategise on cornering the government. Parliament remained deadlocked due to these opposition demands.

A young student's curiosity about ants led to a significant scientific discovery. Seungah Chung investigated how ants navigate, questioning their reliance on scent trails. Her experiment with red harvester ants showed they use visual landmarks for direction. This research earned her a finalist spot in a prestigious science competition. Her findings could inspire advancements in autonomous robot navigation technology.

The Supreme Court has stayed the arrest of Sumit Roy in a land-grabbing case. Roy is the Personal Assistant to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee. The top court directed him to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The Calcutta High Court had previously rejected his anticipatory bail plea. The case involves alleged government land fraud and criminal conspiracy charges.

Two MDMK MLAs have refused to resign from their Assembly seats. They announced they will continue functioning as DMK legislators in the Assembly. This decision follows the MDMK severing ties with the DMK party recently. The MLAs stated they would not betray voters who elected them on the DMK symbol. They met with DMK leaders M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin for blessings.

Meet Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the Maharaja of Nawanagar who in 1942 opened his princely state to nearly 1,000 Polish children fleeing Nazi persecution, gave them shelter, education and dignity, and asked them to call him Bapu. Fifty years after his death, Poland named a square in Warsaw after him.

Saraswathi Rajamani joined the Indian National Army at sixteen years old. She disguised herself as a boy named Mani for espionage missions. Rajamani rescued a captured spy by entering a British camp as a dancer. She later donated her jewels and managed family mines for the cause. Her courage and patriotism are remembered as a significant historical contribution.

The Supreme Court deemed the initial mediation report in the Sunjay Kapur family trust dispute satisfactory. This dispute involves Sunjay Kapur's mother and his wife over trust assets. Former Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud was appointed as the mediator for this case. The court awaits another report in November before proceeding further.

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar called the gungi gudiya remark against Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar unfortunate. He stated that anyone using such language should express genuine regret and apologize. The controversy arose after Dhananjay Munde reportedly shielded Pawar from a journalist's question. The Maharashtra Congress posted a video labeling Pawar as a silent doll on social media.

Iran cautioned Gulf states about retaliation against energy infrastructure. This warning followed U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of striking Iran. Tehran aims to raise the cost of military action by targeting regional partners. Saudi Arabia and Qatar relayed Iran's message to Washington. Diplomatic efforts continue to avoid wider regional destruction and conflict.

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district early August 6. This was the biggest tremor in a series of quakes which occurred in quick succession. No immediate reports of casualties or damage to property were confirmed by officials.

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is set to chase two significant milestones in Test cricket when the hosts begin their two-match series against Bangladesh in Darwin on August 13, with the veteran left-armer closing in on the wicket tallies of Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn.

SA20 Season 5 will feature star players like Mitchell Marsh and Sam Curran. Joe Root and Phil Salt are also returning to their respective franchises. Several big names were released before the upcoming player auction on October 7. Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will face Pretoria Capitals in the opener. The tournament begins January 17 and concludes February 21.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor introduces a delightful carrot and beetroot cutlet recipe especially for children who are picky about their veggies. By grating boiled potatoes and blending them with a variety of ingredients, these cutlets take shape before a quick shallow-fry until they achieve a crispy golden hue. Once ready, they are enjoyed with tangy tomato ketchup and flavorful masala makhana for an enticing meal.

Arvind Kejriwal alleges the Centre plans to expand ethanol blending beyond petrol. He claims the government will increase ethanol content in petrol beyond the current E20 mix. Kejriwal also stated that ethanol blending will soon be introduced into diesel fuel. Sources indicate the Modi government plans to blend ethanol in aviation turbine fuel.

India has spent years negotiating free trade agreements with some of the world's biggest economies. But signing the deals was only half the battle. The bigger challenge now is helping Indian businesses turn preferential market access into exports, investments, manufacturing growth and global competitiveness.

The Gangotri and Yamunotri National Highways were blocked due to road obstruction and continuous rockfall in Uttarkashi. Meanwhile, authorities released around 39,000 cusecs of water from the Asan Barrage in Dehradun after rising river discharge clogged the barrage's trash rack screen.

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries landed a big deal with Svitzer A/S, building four cutting-edge TRAnsverse 3200 tugs. These super-efficient, biofuel-ready vessels will start shipping out in early 2028, boosting SDHI's global standing for top-notch shipbuilding.

The Supreme Court has denied Ashish Mishra's plea for relaxed bail conditions. Mishra is the prime accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. He sought relaxation to attend family functions and his daughters' birthdays. The court found no grounds to entertain the prayer at this stage. The violence on October 3, 2021, resulted in eight deaths.

Aluminum foil on a door handle is not just a quirky internet trend. It creates a replaceable germ barrier, reflects heat in summer, buffers cold in winter, alerts you to tampering, and simplifies painting jobs. Small, cheap, and surprisingly practical for everyday home use.

A king cobra and a python were found locked in a fight outside a house near the Gonouli forest office in West Champarans Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The residents were alerted by their pet dogs continuous barking and found the two large snakes struggling near their home. A forest department team led by snake rescuer Murari Kumar later captured both reptiles and released them inside the forest.

Tamil Nadu MPs wrote to Governor R N Ravi Arlekar regarding event protocol. They requested the state anthem precede other songs at official functions. This follows recent events where the anthem was placed third. The MPs cited past conventions and other states' practices. They seek assurance that no disrespect was intended towards the state.

The world's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than containment efforts. Health workers are striking over unpaid wages, worsening access to care in remote areas. New cases are doubling in some hot spots, overwhelming response capabilities. The United States has pledged an additional $242 million for immediate response efforts. Contact tracing is failing, contributing to a high fatality rate in the outbreak.

In a remarkable achievement, a woman secured a 38 LPA package as a fresher. Her journey to success was paved through dedicated internships in Hyderabad and Bengaluru which led to pre-placement offer (PPO). While some attribute her success to luck, her hard work and humility showcase the importance of perseverance and continuous learning.

The Bombay High Court convicted Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 sexual assault case. This verdict overturned a previous trial court acquittal of the former Tehelka editor. The Goa government had appealed the earlier acquittal judgment to the High Court.

Shakib Al Hasan's residence was targeted following his participation in Sheikh Hasina's media event. Hasina vowed to return to Bangladesh despite a death sentence hanging over her. Bangladesh has expressed disapproval of Hasina's media appearance and is pushing for her extradition from India, which is in the process of reviewing this request regarding the ousted leader.

Taiwan began annual military exercises simulating a Chinese invasion response. These drills test 24-hour defense capabilities and counter China's gray-zone tactics. Urban resilience drills will assess population response to internet disruptions during the exercises. The drills involve the largest team of reservists ever mobilized for active duty.

Indonesia's government will acquire a majority stake in the high-speed rail operator. This move aims to manage the project's outstanding loan obligations effectively. The transaction is expected to be finalized by mid-September this year. Chinese firms will retain a forty percent ownership in the venture. This railway connects Jakarta to the city of Bandung.

A major industrial fire involving sulphur storage has caused an emergency evacuation in Port Adelaide. Toxic smoke drifting across parts of Adelaide poses a serious health risk to residents. Emergency services issued an immediate evacuation order for people within a one-kilometre radius. Others outside the zone were advised to remain indoors and shut windows.

Jharkhand students will gherao the Vidhan Sabha on August 10 if demands are unmet. They are protesting alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC CGL recruitment examinations. Protesters demand cancellation of exams conducted by TDPL and CBI/ED investigations. The state government has formed a ministerial team to discuss student concerns. The government expresses commitment to youth welfare and justice for students.

Kerala Rain Alert: Kerala anticipates widespread rainfall starting Thursday, with intensified showers expected. The India Meteorological Department issued orange alerts for seven districts due to heavy rainfall. Northern Kerala may experience extremely heavy showers, prompting vigilance in vulnerable areas. Schools and colleges are closed in several taluks as a precautionary measure. Authorities urge residents to remain alert and follow official advisories closely.

'Compensation must cover a lifetime of suffering': The Supreme Court has nearly doubled the motor accident compensation awarded to an Odisha girl who was left with 90% permanent disability after a road crash when she was just six months old, raising the total payout to Rs 83.38 lakh from Rs 45.40 lakh and holding that injuries suffered in childhood must be assessed as a lifelong and irreversible loss.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey urged Tata to reconsider its Jamshedpur FC withdrawal. He believes Tata's decision was not purely financial, despite assurances. Chaubey respects Tata's long-standing contribution to grassroots football development. The AIFF hopes for Tata's continued presence in senior league football. The federation is ready to incorporate suggestions for a better outcome.

Ravi Kishan, the multifaceted actor and politician, emphasizes his dedication to fitness and a wholesome lifestyle. He opts for coconut milk as a healthier alternative to regular milk and promotes the importance of daily exercise, positive thinking, and self-love. Kishan integrates Tai Chi and an impressive 200 push-ups into his routine, while adhering to a strict vegetarian diet rich in raw vegetables for optimal nutrition.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sri Lankan leaders to review bilateral cooperation and projects. Agreements were finalized on social security and Indian Rupee-denominated credit lines for infrastructure. Discussions advanced updating the Free Trade Agreement and energy project implementation. Progress was noted on housing and disaster warning systems for Sri Lanka. Both nations affirmed commitment to security and a mutually beneficial development partnership.

A 4,000-kg SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crashed into the moon near crater Einstein after drifting through space since a January 2025 lunar mission. The impact produced a brief flash and a cloud containing sodium and lithium signatures detected by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.

The Presiding Officer shall be personally responsible and accountable for any violation of this direction, the Bench said, directing counsel appearing for the JDA to communicate the order forthwith to the Presiding Officer concerned.

Quote of the day: Ancient Greek poet Pindar highlighted affection's importance in gift-giving over two millennia ago. His words emphasize that small acts of kindness hold significant lasting value. These gestures create stronger bonds than material possessions often can. This timeless wisdom remains relevant in today's consumer-driven world. Genuine care and attention are the most precious gifts one can offer.

Tamil Nadu's Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 will be presented soon. The state budget outlined plans for economic growth and education sector improvements. Initiatives include school modernisation and laptop distribution for college students. The government also addressed financial liabilities and proposed new revenue streams. Welfare schemes and electoral promises will continue to be implemented.

A former Goldman Sachs manager received nearly 1.5 million after an employment tribunal ruling. The tribunal found his dismissal was unfairly linked to his parental leave. This discrimination had an insidious effect on the former employee's well-being. Goldman Sachs disputes the decision, stating it supports parental leave for all genders. The case highlights stigma damages and low shared parental leave uptake in the UK.