Not your ordinary vegetable: Study reveals 7 incredible facts about lauki that may make you think twice before ignoring it

Economic Times - Sep 24, 2026

Bottle gourd, or lauki, may be an everyday vegetable, but its history and uses are far more fascinating than they seem. From being used as containers thousands of years ago and potentially travelling across oceans to serving as a resonating chamber in musical instruments, the humble gourd has played several roles beyond the kitchen. Its high water content, use in traditional desserts and an important safety warning about unusually bitter bottle gourd make these seven lesser-known facts worth knowing.

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Centre seeks prospective application of SC verdict on OBC creamy-layer criteria
Sep 24, 2026
Centre seeks prospective application of SC verdict on OBC creamy-layer criteria

The Supreme Court has agreed to review the Centre's request for prospective application of its March 11 verdict. The verdict determined that parental income alone cannot exclude candidates from the OBC creamy-layer. The Centre seeks a two-year window to implement the court's ruling without disrupting current recruitment processes. Aishwarya Bhati argued that immediate application could lead to administrative chaos and affect candidates not involved in litigation.

Centre seeks prospective application of SC verdict on OBC creamy-layer criteria
Sep 24, 2026
Centre seeks prospective application of SC verdict on OBC creamy-layer criteria

The Supreme Court has agreed to review the Centre's request for prospective application of its March 11 verdict. The verdict determined that parental income alone cannot exclude candidates from the OBC creamy-layer. The Centre seeks a two-year window to implement the court's ruling without disrupting current recruitment processes. Aishwarya Bhati argued that immediate application could lead to administrative chaos and affect candidates not involved in litigation.

Mercury direct brings a much needed break on September 25 as life gets easier for these 3 zodiac signs
Sep 24, 2026
Mercury direct brings a much needed break on September 25 as life gets easier for these 3 zodiac signs

If you have been feeling low for a long time, then your luck is expoected to change. Three zodiac signs may witness a change in their fortune as Mercury starts moving direct from September 25

SIR row: What's basis of Rahul Gandhi's allegations, asks BJP
Sep 24, 2026
SIR row: What's basis of Rahul Gandhi's allegations, asks BJP

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi challenged Rahul Gandhi's claims about the Election Commission's functioning and decision-making processes. Trivedi questioned Gandhi's reliance on unverified media reports without substantial evidence. He also highlighted Congress's historical electoral failures in various states to argue transparency in elections has affected their performance. Additionally, Trivedi called for clarification on the involvement of opposition leaders in the selection of chief electoral officers.

TMC name-symbol row: Supreme Court asks ECI for timeline
Sep 24, 2026
TMC name-symbol row: Supreme Court asks ECI for timeline

The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India to provide a realistic timeframe for resolving a party dispute. Rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress are contesting over the party's name and election symbol. The court emphasised that proceedings should not be prolonged indefinitely and suggested daily hearings.

Scientists found something T. rex bones could never show: First known trackway reveals how the dinosaur actually walked 66.5 million years ago
Sep 24, 2026
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In 2025, Kent Hups discovered unusual impressions in North Dakota's Hell Creek Formation believed to be T. rex footprints. Paleontologists excavated the area and found a trackway of four large three-toed footprints. This trackway, estimated to be about 66.5 million years old, provides insights into the movement of T. rex. The study indicates the dinosaur walked at a speed of 1.5 to 2 meters per second.

Which states could be hit hardest by Social Security cuts in 2032? These 10 face the biggest potential economic impact
Sep 24, 2026
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If you live in one of these 10 states, a Social Security cut by 2032 could hit your local economy harder than elsewhere. The biggest potential impact is in West Virginia, Mississippi and Vermont, according to the CRFB scenario.

CJP demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation in 48 hours
Sep 24, 2026
CJP demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation in 48 hours

The Cockroach Janta Party, under the leadership of Abhijit Dipke, is calling for the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, threatening a nationwide protest if this ultimatum is ignored. Through their 'Election Thik Karo' initiative, they aim to combat alleged election rigging, asserting that young voters' rights are at stake. Dipke further advises opposition parties to abstain from elections they believe to be unjust.

Only 80s kids will remember these school treats: Foods that cost less than Rs 5 in 1980s & made ordinary afternoons feel like a celebration
Sep 24, 2026
Only 80s kids will remember these school treats: Foods that cost less than Rs 5 in 1980s & made ordinary afternoons feel like a celebration

80s nostalgic foods: The 1980s had a special kind of school-time indulgence, when a few coins were enough to buy treats such as Phantom cigarettes, Poppins, paan-flavoured toffees, Pepsi cola ice tubes and cream rolls. These inexpensive snacks were more than just food, they were part of everyday childhood rituals that turned an ordinary school day into a memorable one.

Election Commission SIR row: Rahul Gandhi urges Gyanesh Kumar to 'turn approver', praises two ECs
Sep 24, 2026
Election Commission SIR row: Rahul Gandhi urges Gyanesh Kumar to 'turn approver', praises two ECs

Rahul Gandhi has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over mounting allegations of electoral fraud. He lauded two election commissioners who dissent against Kumar’s management of the electoral process. Gandhi raised alarms regarding 'vote chori', stressing its dangerous implications for democracy in India.

Sugar imports likely for second year
Sep 24, 2026
Sugar imports likely for second year

The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.

What's on menu at White House dinner for Xi Jinping: Here's the state dinner lineup
Sep 24, 2026
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan to the White House for a formal state dinner showcasing American ingredients with subtle Chinese influences. From Schramsberg “Blanc De Noir,” to yellow squash velouté will feature presidential traditions and also shape the evening in the East Room.

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