The Economic Times

A special NIA court in Jammu issued a non-bailable warrant for Mohammad Yaqoob. He is an operational commander for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Yaqoob is a designated terrorist involved in terror activities in Kashmir. He coordinated financial and logistical support for other LeT cadres. The warrant is in connection with an ongoing investigation into a terror network.

Jack and Laura Dangermond have made a monumental donation of $165 million to The Nature Conservancy, ensuring the permanent protection of the stunning 24,000-acre Cojo/Jalama Ranch. This property boasts eight miles of pristine coastline and a rich variety of ecosystems. Renowned for founding Esri, a leader in geographic information systems, their generosity sets a positive example amidst ongoing controversies involving other tech moguls and their coastal estates.

The Supreme Court has directed an SIT to expedite its investigation into alleged donation embezzlement. This probe focuses on the Ram temple in Ayodhya and aims for a swift conclusion. The SIT must file a sealed status report detailing its progress to the court. The court will consider suggestions for improving the investigation's transparency and quality. After reviewing the report, the court may issue directions for donation management reforms.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Defence Pact: US President Donald Trump has welcomed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, calling it an important step towards stronger regional security. Describing the agreement as a BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP, he said he was very happy that Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan ecently, and finally signed the agreement. Heres what the pact means and what Trump said about the emerging defence alliance.

Thousands displaced by a powerful earthquake in eastern Indonesia await much-needed aid. Many residents slept outside for a second night, fearing aftershocks and damaged homes. Local residents expressed frustration with a perceived lag in government assistance and supplies. The Indonesian Air Force is airlifting emergency aid, including food and water. Rescuers continue searching the affected area for any potential victims.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a joint defense agreement. US President Donald Trump called this pact a significant first step. The agreement was signed by leaders of the three nations on August 7. India is now assessing the implications of this new regional pact. New Delhi will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.

President Trump directed the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military drills with South Korea. He expressed unhappiness with the United States agreeing to participate in these exercises. Trump cited South Korea's refusal to join actions against Iran as a reason. North Korea routinely denounces these drills as preparations for invasion. Recent North Korean missile launches and their use in Ukraine were also noted.

Jinny Lu, a once-overlooked pug rescued from South Korea, took home the title of World's Ugliest Dog in a competition that values uniqueness and highlights the importance of adopting pets in need. Having previously placed second, her triumphant win showcases that a dog's worth transcends mere appearances. This event not only celebrates diverse beauty but also advocates for providing every dog with a loving forever home.

Iran's economy shows signs of recovery from recent war impacts. Economic activity is gradually resuming, according to the Iran Chamber of Commerce. Purchasing Managers' Index reports indicate relative improvement in economic conditions. Private sector efforts and government engagement are contributing to this positive trend. Sustaining this recovery requires greater international engagement from Iran.

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.

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'.

Former West Bengal deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee was found dead in his party office. Mamata Banerjee expressed distress, citing immense mental and emotional pressure on him. She stated he was repeatedly maligned and falsely accused despite his public service. Political parties are now seeking a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death. Police are examining a purported suicide note and his mobile phone as part of the probe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Student groups ABVP and NSUI clashed at EFLU campus, injuring seven students. The conflict arose after an ABVP protest regarding hostel facilities and alleged slurs. NSUI accused ABVP of casteist remarks and assault, while ABVP cited disruption. Police registered cases and arrested members from both student organizations. Seven ABVP members were sent to judicial custody and seven NSUI members received station bail.

West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari firmly rejected any claims linking the BJP to a recent assault incident. He emphasized that those implicated in the FIR are criminals who will inevitably face the law. This grave incident unfolded following a government school inspection by a CJP volunteer, whose father tragically died after suffering severe head injuries during the attack. Authorities have apprehended three of the five suspects so far.

Italian Proverb of the Day: The tongue has no bones, but it breaks bones offers a timeless lesson on the power and consequences of speech. The proverb warns that words can cause deep emotional harm despite having no physical force. Its enduring message encourages people to think before speaking and recognise the lasting impact careless or hurtful words can have.

Navi Mumbai International Airport welcomed its first international freighter flight. This marks a significant expansion of its cargo operations. The airport is adding thirteen new freighter services to its network. These services will connect Navi Mumbai to key Asian and European markets. This development strengthens the airport's role as a major logistics gateway.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy urged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the NICE project. He called for an immediate halt to unauthorized toll collection on Bengaluru's NICE roads. The minister cited alleged violations of agreements and requested corrective actions and investigations. The Karnataka High Court had previously made strong observations regarding the project's implementation. Both leaders seek a comprehensive review of the controversial infrastructure project.

Amber Enterprises will begin smartphone production for Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme in 2027-28. The company plans to produce eight million units in the first year of operations. Production is expected to scale to sixteen million units in the subsequent year. This move aligns with Chinese brands deepening their asset-light manufacturing models in India. Amber also anticipates margin pressure in its bare printed circuit board business.

Haryana Police have established multi-layer barricading at the Khanauri inter-state border point. Farmers under the SKM (Non-Political) banner are planning a 228-km foot march to Delhi. This march aims to protest the proposed India-US trade deal and demand MSP legal guarantee. Farmers leaders claim the government's actions expose its anti-farmer stance. The march seeks to address agricultural sector concerns and farmer debt issues.

Cleaning gas stoves can be a challenge due to grease and residue buildup. Utilizing a mixture of warm water and dish soap can work wonders for fresh spills. For tougher burnt stains, a baking soda paste is effective, and a toothbrush can help clean those hard-to-reach spaces. Soaking the grates in soapy water will also assist in loosening debris. Immediate cleaning and avoiding abrasive tools help maintain the stove's integrity.

Construction on India's first bullet train corridor shows significant progress. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is nearing its August 2027 launch. Underground work at Mumbai's BKC station is nearing completion. Surat station's structure is finished, with interior work now underway. This corridor will connect major cities and industrial hubs across three regions.

Skoda will launch the Slavia facelift on August 18 with exterior and interior revisions. The updated sedan may feature revised headlights and a redesigned front grille. Inside, a larger digital display and new upholstery are anticipated for the cabin. The 1.0 TSI engine could receive an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission. This facelifted Slavia will continue its rivalry with established segment competitors.

The way you look at someone while speaking can influence how confident, attentive and comfortable you appear, especially when meeting someone for the first time. A simple technique that has recently gained attention on social media offers a different way to approach eye contact without making conversations feel forced or awkward. While it has often been discussed in the context of attraction, the idea can also be useful in everyday social and professional situations, where making a good impressi

Ten Rajya Sabha members have been elected to various statutory bodies, including AIIMS institutes nationwide. Ashok Kumar Mittal and Rajneesh Kumar Agrawal secured positions within AIIMS institutions. Birendra Prasad Baishya and Sat Paul Sharma were also elected to AIIMS memberships. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Tiruchi Siva joined the Committee on Public Accounts. Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha and others were elected to the OBC Committee.

Geneva: A horse-drawn carriage carrying tourists ran out of control in a Swiss resort killing one person and injuring 12, police said Sunday.About 40 people were on two carriages in woods in Val Roseg, near the border with Italy, on Saturday when the driver lost control, police said. A 73-year-old woman was killed and two of the injured were in serious condition.Also Read: Four Antonello da Messina artworks stolen in Renaissance painter's hometownOn a sloping stretch of the route, the driver rea

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy urged Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar to take over the NICE road project. He also requested an immediate halt to unauthorized toll collection by the concessionaire. The minister cited High Court observations on alleged project irregularities and sought corrective state action. Kumaraswamy detailed issues with land reconfiguration and farmer compensation delays. The government stated it would act strictly according to the law.

Geraldine Weiss built a disciplined value-investing strategy around buying financially strong blue-chip companies when their dividend yields rose above historical norms. Her approach combined reliable dividend growth, reasonable valuations, moderate debt and patience to generate income and identify undervalued stocks.

In an insightful revelation, Farhan Akhtar shared that Aamir Khan was initially sceptical about his directing prowess for the film Dil Chahta Hai (2001). Khan's doubts emerged because this was Akhtar's debut as a director. However, Akhtar's unwavering determination to helm the project ultimately won Khan over, leading to his participation in the film. This collaborative effort later earned the prestigious National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

The animated film 'The Ox Comes' from China has taken the internet by storm, captivating audiences with its uniquely crude computer-generated graphics. Initially struggling at the box office, its ticket sales have surged thanks to viral clips of its low-quality animation. This phenomenon showcases how social media can shape the success of modern films in unexpected ways.

The United States plans to impose severe economic measures on Iran soon. Washington is considering sanctions on Chinese refiners and banks that aid Tehran. The administration may also target entities helping Iran evade existing sanctions. A land blockade is another potential strategy to increase pressure on Iran.

Four artworks by Antonello da Messina were stolen from a museum. The theft occurred overnight on an Italian national holiday. Thieves took only works that never left the painter's hometown. This theft deprives Messina of unique Renaissance art pieces. Italian police recently recovered other stolen paintings.