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Rahul Gandhi alleges E20 is damaging vehicles, vows Congress protest.

Rahul Gandhi's next plan of action is regarding the E20 issue: 'We’re going to'

The E20 petrol rollout, featuring 20% ethanol, aims to reduce crude imports and emissions, supporting farmers and energy security. However, concerns arise among vehicle owners about compatibility, reduced mileage, and consumer choice. The Aam Aadmi Party demands transparency while the government defends E20 as crucial for India's biofuel strategy, amid rising political opposition.

Diverting food grains toward fuel raises questions about whether scarce agricultural resources should be used to produce energy rather than food (HT Archive)

Ethanol and the political power of crops

In "The Omnivore’s Dilemma," Michael Pollan argues that crops like maize and sugarcane have effectively shaped human agriculture to suit their growth. This is evidenced by government subsidies that bolster corn and sugar ethanol production, despite negative environmental impacts and questions about food security. Policymakers must evaluate whether short-term gains justify the long-term risks.

Guru Randhawa in the music video of Fine Shyt.

Internet cringes at Guru Randhawa's new song Fine Shyt, calls it noise pollution

Guru Randhawa's latest song, "Fine Shyt," is facing backlash for its controversial themes and poor reception, with viewers dubbing it "noise pollution." The music video features adult actors portraying office professionals, followed by a disclaimer stating all participants are above 18. Critics voice outrage over the song's perceived low quality and inappropriate context amidst recent scrutiny of Randhawa’s previous work, “Azul.”

Private member’s Bills propose age verification for children online

BJP MP to propose bills seeking age checks for children, curbs on AI deepfakes

A proposed bill, the SHIELD Bill, 2025, seeks to safeguard minors online by barring children under 13 from creating accounts on social media without parental consent and prohibiting targeted advertising. It mandates age verification, parental controls, and restricts data retention. Infringing platforms could face penalties or services suspended. The bill aims to enforce stronger digital protections for minors.

A Google employee shared a workplace perk that helped her quickly replace a forgotten mouse.

Google employee forgets mouse, office vending machine comes to rescue

A Google employee in Bengaluru showcased a unique workplace perk: a vending machine stocked with essential tech accessories. After forgetting her mouse, she easily retrieved a replacement, impressing many social media users with the convenience. Comments highlighted the practicality of such benefits, reflecting Google's commitment to employee support beyond traditional perks. This illustrates the innovative workplace culture at Google.

Exclusive | Zaid Darbar on Kushal Tandon: I wanted to hate him but…

Exclusive | Zaid Darbar on Kushal Tandon: I wanted to hate him but…

Sure! Please provide the article you would like me to summarize using the inverted pyramid approach.

An individual's oral health can suffer due to chronic stress, warns Dr Jaineel Parekh.

Link between stress and oral health: Orthodontist Dr Jaineel Parekh explains…

Chronic stress significantly impacts oral health, according to orthodontist Dr. Jaineel Parekh, who warns that sleep deprivation exacerbates inflammation and increases the risk of gum disease. Anxiety can disrupt dental habits, leading to plaque buildup and decay. Early detection of symptoms, like bruxism, is crucial; good hygiene and stress management are key to a healthier smile.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath hands over a certificate and award cheque to a handloom artisan during the National Handloom Day programme, in Lucknow on Friday. (@myogiadityanath X/ANI Photo)

Dynasty politics derailed UP’s development before 2017: Yogi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized previous governments for nepotism and neglect of development during a speech at the National Handloom Day. He emphasized improvements in law enforcement, infrastructure, and support for local artisans since 2017. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's rich handloom heritage, he noted the government's commitment to empower workers, particularly women, in this vital sector, which sustains millions.

Shashi Tharoor stresses the need to engage with the young generation.

‘Must listen and engage with youth’: Shashi Tharoor's message to politicians

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the need for political leaders to actively listen to young people's concerns, pointing out their growing significance in the electorate. His comments followed Rahul Gandhi's "Ask Me Anything" session on Instagram, aimed at engaging Gen Z. Tharoor believes this engagement is crucial as young voters will dominate the 2029 elections, reshaping political dynamics.

Know the early warning signs of liver damage.

Can diabetes damage your liver? Doctor flags early signs and prevention tips

Diabetes can silently lead to liver damage, with early signs like fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and blood sugar fluctuations often overlooked. Dr. Lubna Chingili emphasizes the importance of routine liver function tests to catch fatty liver early. Effective diabetes management through diet, exercise, and regular check-ups is crucial to protect liver health and prevent severe complications.

Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised Supreme Court over Mahua hearing remarks.

'SC wants everyone to take bullets?': Dipke on 'fear eggs' jibe at Mahua Moitra

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticized the Supreme Court for its comments during a hearing concerning TMC MP Mahua Moitra's video conference plea for police interrogation regarding her provocative Facebook posts. The court insisted she appear in person, referencing historical sacrifices. Dipke questioned the implications of such remarks on opposition figures and the general public, highlighting an FIR filed against Moitra in West Bengal.

Grammy-winning artist William Orbit, known for his collaborations with Pink and Blur, died at 69 on July 23. His family confirmed his death in an Instagram post, expressing sorrow and asking for privacy during their time of loss.

William Orbit cause of death: How did Grammy-winning producer die at 69?

William Orbit, the Grammy-winning artist famous for collaborations with icons like Madonna and Blur, passed away at age 69 on July 23, 2026. His family announced the news via Instagram, expressing their deep sorrow. The cause of death remains unknown. Orbit, born William Mark Wainwright in 1956, had a significant impact on music as both an artist and producer.

Construction on the new ballroom extension of the White House in Washington, DC.

Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project stopped

A US federal appeals court has halted President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project, marking a significant legal setback for the administration over presidential authority. The ruling upheld a preliminary injunction from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, citing unauthorized demolition of the East Wing. The court allows a 14-day window for Trump to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Kunal Kapur's potato soup and cheese toast recipes take approximately 40 minutes to prepare.

Chef Kunal Kapur shares recipes for creamy potato soup and crispy cheese toast

Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur shared a comforting recipe for creamy potato soup paired with crispy cheese toast on Instagram. The soup features sautéed garlic, ginger, and onions blended with potatoes, milk, and cheese, creating a velvety texture. The cheese toast is topped with mozzarella and Italian seasoning, perfect for a rainy day. A simple yet hearty meal.

Ramashish Rai submitted his resignation to RLD president Jayant Chaudhary. (File)

RLD UP chief Ramashish Rai quits, to reveal next move later

Ramashish Rai, the Rashtriya Lok Dal’s Uttar Pradesh president, resigned on Friday, attributed to his reduced role ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. His departure follows an organizational reshuffle that diminished his responsibilities. Rai has been seeking a party ticket but faced uncertainty due to ongoing seat negotiations with the BJP, raising concerns about RLD's expansion in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Previously a BJP member, Rai joined RLD in a bid to strengthen its influence.

During the custodial interrogation, the alleged middleman was questioned on multiple aspects of the case. (For representation)

LDA bribery probe: Vigilance grills alleged middleman, scans ‘professional complainants’

The Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Establishment is expanding its investigation into a ₹7.5 lakh bribery case involving the Lucknow Development Authority, following the arrest of middleman Shravan Kumar, who allegedly facilitated extortion from property owners. Investigators are examining connections between habitual complainants, middlemen, and LDA officials, as digital evidence reveals possible misconduct within the enforcement wing. The case stemmed from a property owner's complaint on alleged corruption.

Former West Virginia football player Stedman Bailey was arrested in Pembroke Pines, Florida, for allegedly engaging in sexual activity inside Pembroke Lakes Mall.

Stedman Bailey: Why did police arrest former NFL player in Florida?

Former West Virginia football player Stedman Bailey was arrested in Pembroke Pines, Florida, for allegedly engaging in sexual activity in a shopping mall. The incident, reported by witnesses and captured on surveillance footage, occurred at the Round1 arcade. Both Bailey and his companion, Karina Manderson, claimed intoxication influenced their actions but denied sexual intercourse.

The number of aircraft accidents, however, remained limited over the five-year period. (Representative photo)

Airline technical defects hit five-year high in 2025: Govt data

In 2025, reported technical defects by Indian scheduled airlines surged to a five-year high of 889, up from 692 in 2024, as stated by Civil Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol. Despite this, accidents remained low. Additionally, safety violations rose, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to reinforce oversight and compliance measures through audits and penalties.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug 6, 2026.

Donald Trump's 'scalp reduction' memes go viral

Donald Trump’s hairstyle is trending again as social media users share memes following his appearance in Las Vegas, with many noting its volume. Speculation revived around claims of scalp reduction surgery, first mentioned by his ex-wife Ivana. Trump’s hairstyle has long been integral to his public image, becoming a humorous subject online.

In Dolan’s Cadillac (2009), a bereaved husband devises an elaborate plan that takes years to execute, centred on a gangster’s prized car.

Scream therapy: 10 Stephen King films you probably haven’t watched – and should

Ten lesser-known Stephen King adaptations explore themes of loss, guilt, and the hidden darkness within ordinary lives. Each film presents psychological complexities, from *The Night Flier*'s vampire reporter to *Gerald’s Game*'s trauma survival. These adaptations, often overshadowed by more famous works, delve into the moral dilemmas of love and personal choice amid horror.

The move is aimed at reinforcing India’s absolute sovereign and legal jurisdiction over these territories.

India issues names for 27 Arunachal locations in response to China’s renaming moves

India named 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday, reinforcing its claim over territories disputed by China, including Longju, which China has controlled since 1959. This formal recognition on Survey of India maps aims to clarify territorial claims and counter China's previous renaming efforts, part of ongoing tensions over their border dispute since 2020.

 Bottles of Dabur honey at a supermarket in India,

Delhi HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur selling food products with '100%' claims

The Delhi High Court has stayed an FSSAI order prohibiting Dabur India from selling food products falsely labeled as "100 per cent." Noting the absence of a hearing prior to the directive, the court will hear the case on August 24. Dabur argues the FSSAI has overstepped its authority and violated natural justice principles in issuing the order.

India will play two-match Test series in Sri Lanka.

SLC's bold move to fill stadiums before blockbuster India Test series

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced free entry for spectators during the two-Test series against India, starting August 15 in Galle, to boost attendance. This initiative aims to attract cricket fans amidst declining crowds at matches. The series is vital for India as it navigates player transitions and solidifies its standing in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Trump's new hairstyle ignited social media debates regarding its authenticity, with some jokingly comparing him to Mrs. Doubtfire.

What's beneath Trump's ‘hamster’ hair: All we know about ‘brutal’ scalp surgery

Trump's recent Las Vegas appearance has sparked social media chatter about his hair, with some suggesting he uses makeup and likening him to Robin Williams’ Mrs. Doubtfire. Author Michael Wolff discussed Trump's hair, revealing he might have undergone scalp reduction surgery, a claim made by his ex-wife. Trump's hairstyle remains central to his identity and public image.

Jugal Hansraj and Shekhar Kapur on Masoom

Exclusive| Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur for Masoom sequel

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur is reviving his 1983 classic, Masoom, with a spiritual sequel titled Masoom: The Next Generation, featuring original cast members Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Jugal Hansraj. The film will delve into evolving family dynamics and relationships, with music by A. R. Rahman. This project marks a nostalgic reunion, celebrating the enduring impact of the original.

MEA dismissed as fake news viral claim India sought Israel defence pact against Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey alliance.

'Fake News': MEA rejects report that India approached Israel for defence pact

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement," enhancing military cooperation and defining collective security among the nations. The pact asserts that any armed attack against one will be treated as an attack against all, with aims for deeper defence collaboration. India has expressed its intention to closely monitor this evolving situation.

Keerthy Suresh and Nani have acted together in 2 films but have been friends for years.

Keerthy Suresh's hilarious comeback to claim that she lacks ‘substantial roles’

Nani and Keerthy Suresh, who previously collaborated on successful films, reunite in the upcoming project The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela, set for a September 24 release. The teaser launch didn’t confirm Keerthy's involvement. She's also busy with multiple projects, while humorous interactions with fans showcase her lightheartedness amid career speculations.

A founder urged aspiring entrepreneurs to gain work experience first, saying it helped them learn how ideas were executed.

Founder says aspiring entrepreneurs should get a job before starting a business

A founder named Akash Singh advises aspiring entrepreneurs to gain professional experience before launching their businesses, emphasizing that exposure to a workplace helps translate ideas into reality. Social media reactions largely support his views, with users agreeing on the importance of understanding business operations. His insight highlights the debate on prioritizing experience over immediate entrepreneurship.

UPI payments have remained free for consumers since their launch in 2016.

Can banks charge for UPI payments now? Here is what we know

Amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act could allow for the introduction of a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions; however, small shopkeepers and kirana stores are protected, ensuring users will not face transaction fees. UPI remains free for consumers since 2016, as it handles billions of transactions monthly, promoting digital payments.

The final electoral roll will be published on October 27, more than two months after the start of the house-to-house verification exercise.

Karnataka SIR: Draft electoral roll publication deferred to August 24

Karnataka's draft electoral roll publication under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is postponed to August 24, with the final roll set for October 27. This change follows an Election Commission directive. House-to-house verification continues through August 17, with claims due by September 23. SIR began June 30, encouraging public participation, including from Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.