‘Spite might be greatest incentive’: Bengaluru CEO on employees working weekendsA Bengaluru-based CEO has revealed that his employees are voluntarily working late nights and weekends — not for better incentives, but to spite a rival company Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
Tim Cook was happy at Compaq. One meeting with Steve Jobs changed his mindIn a 2014 interview with journalist Charlie Rose, Tim Cook had recalled how he ended up at Apple. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:54:20 IST By Sanya Jain Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link On Monday
From Greater Noida to Delhi: 47-km bus ride ends in gang-rape of 16-year-oldThe Class 11 student, who lives in Mainpuri, left home on August 3 without informing her parents, the Delhi Police said. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:53:15 IST By Hemani Bhandari Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The
In August last year, Rafikul Biswas was picked up from his home in Bengaluru, and accused of being an undocumented migrant from Bangladesh. Biswas, who is originally from Nadia district in Bengal, spent four months in a detention centre in the city
IMDbPro is providing free premium memberships to Indian entertainment professionals. This initiative removes financial barriers for actors, directors, and crew members. Eligible professionals can access career tools and networking opportunities
Ram Gopal Kothari becomes first Indian to complete marathon at Geographic North Pole
Kolkata's Ram Gopal Kothari made history as the first Indian to complete the North Pole Marathon, overcoming sub-zero temperatures and treacherous ice conditions. Enduring severe cramps and an injured toe, he finished the race in just over eight hours, driven by a promise and the belief in India's global presence.
Kolkata-born entrepreneur and explorer Ram Gopal Kothari etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to complete a full marathon at the Geographic North Pole -- a feat achieved by only a rare few worldwide.
The North Pole Marathon is a race like no other, held on drifting sheets of sea ice only a few metres thick, floating above frigid Arctic waters. Athletes face temperatures around minus 8-degree Celsius, piercing winds that cut through layered clothing, and even the possibility of polar bears straying near the course. With an icebreaker ship on standby, armed patrols for safety, and a dedicated medical team, the event feels less like a marathon and more like a true Arctic expedition.
This edition saw participants depart from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, aboard the French icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. The voyage spanned from 78°N to 90°N across dense sea ice, providing remarkable wildlife sightings of polar bears, seals, walruses, and blue whales along the way, as per a press release.
For Kothari, who was attempting his first-ever full marathon, the race was a trial of willpower. The first 21 kilometres went smoothly in two hours and 45 minutes. But from the 28th kilometre onwards, slushy melting ice caused his legs to sink with every step, soaking his shoes and sparking severe cramps. He suffered nine muscle cramps and an injured toe, but refused to stop. "I was not just running on ice," he later said.
"I was running on a promise, and on the belief that India has a place everywhere -- even at the top of the world." He finished in just over eight hours," he added.
What makes Kothari's feat even more inspiring is the story behind it. Growing up in Burrabazar, Kolkata, in a modest two-room home with an asbestos roof, he shared a single toilet with his extended family. He studied at Shree Maheswari Vidyalaya, where his success is now a source of pride for the community. Though he calls himself an average student, he acknowledges that the strength and determination instilled by his parents became the foundation of his extraordinary journey.
In 2012, his world seemed to collapse. Crushed by financial losses and mental strain, he came close to ending his life. Then came a call from his wife, Shipra, asking him to hold on for their children -- a moment that changed everything. Picking himself up, he restarted with door-to-door insurance sales on the footpath. Slowly, grit turned into growth, and today his enterprise spans five offices across India. Travel gradually became central to Kothari's pursuits. He completed his first half-marathon at the Tata Mumbai Marathon in 2018 and, by 2022, had visited all seven continents, including Antarctica, reached via the challenging Drake Passage.
Kothari's explorations cover some of the most extreme destinations on the globe. They include staying in an igloo in Greenland, experiencing the Polar Night in Svalbard with its 24 hours of darkness illuminated by the northern lights, visiting Yakutia, the coldest inhabited city, and skydiving in Empuriabrava, Spain. He has also been to Ushuaia, the southernmost settlement on Earth, and swum with whale sharks and humpback whales in the Pacific Ocean, even making physical contact while scuba diving. Closer to danger, he once fell nearly 100 metres while attempting Mount Elbrus in Europe, yet survived to continue climbing and running.
Following his North Pole achievement, Kothari has outlined ambitious future goals; completing the World Marathon Challenge of seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, summiting the highest peaks on each continent, and travelling to 100 countries by 2027. He has currently visited 70 nations.
For Kothari, who had once faced life's lowest moments, completing the North Pole Marathon was not just a sporting milestone but a testament to perseverance and conviction. In recognition of this achievement, he was recently felicitated by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, at her residence.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: World champion cueist and India chief coach Manoj Kothari dies at 67 Neelam Kothari shares harrowing flight experience Ram Gopal Varma announces ‘Sarkar 4’ Aamir Khan texts Suriya on Karuppu success Ram Gopal Varma hails Obsession Ram Gopal Varma calls his tweet about Kiara Advani's bikini scene a ‘compliment’ Ram Gopal Varma feels Dhurandhar 2 could send South films ‘for a toss’ Ram Gopal Varma says Mamata is ‘attacking democracy’ by not resigning as CM Why Ram Gopal Varma never directed Shah Rukh Khan Filmmaker reveals Ram Gopal Varma says he ‘hates
Victoria Beckham's fashion and beauty business has made an operating profit for the first time since she founded it in 2008, the company has said. Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd, which is led by the former Spice Girl as creative director, made an operating profit of £7.3m in 2025, accounts show
2 hours ago
Wendell Berry dies at 92: Cause of death, wife, children, famous quotes, poems and moreThe Kentucky farmer-poet Wendell Berry, who championed small farms and criticised industrial agriculture, died at his Port Royal home. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
2 hours ago
As per reports, no new domestic LPG connection has been provided since March 2026 in the wake of the Middle East crisis. New Delhi: As September is about to begin, key changes related to LPG and PNG, including price changes, connections, e-KYC updates, and more, are up for implementation
2 hours ago
Stock market falls as Iran tensions return; Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq dropUS stocks fell as Iran tensions returned, pushing oil prices higher. Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropped, while August gains remained intact. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 21:00:52 IST By Durva More Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
2 hours ago
India's commerce minister Piyush Goyal led the country's largest-ever business delegation to Japan last week in a bid to expand trade and investment ties between the two countries. His visit came as Japan's deepening push into Asia's third largest economy has become increasingly more apparent
2 hours ago
Below normal rain likely in September after warmest August since 1901: IMDThe overall monsoon deficit stood at 14% on August 31, with this expected to increase through September. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:53:27 IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok, Pallavi Singhal Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The
2 hours ago
‘Rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi’: Ex-Pakistan batter drops bombshell behind ‘ruining of cricket’Babar Azam had an outing to forget at Lord's, returning with two single digit scores. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:47:32 IST Written by Vishesh Roy Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
2 hours ago
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday (August 30, 2026) he will encourage G20 members to re-examine terms of trade with China to shrink global imbalances and press Beijing to rebalance its economy away from exports and toward domestic consumption.U.S
1 days ago
Step inside Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth's first home in Chennai: 18th-floor gem that blends vintage and modern styles Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:10:07 IST By Krishna Pallavi Priya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A look inside Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth's first home in Chennai
1 days ago
Goa nightclub fire case: SC upholds HC order cancelling bail of club ownersGoa nightclub fire case: SC upholds HC order cancelling bail of club owners Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:03:27 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link New Delhi
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Add a little shine and sparkle to your lips with these 5 glitter lipsticksIf you are bored of your regular lipsticks then its time to switch to glitter lipsticks
1 days ago
Techie lands in Bengaluru from US via Amsterdam, calls out Delta, KLM over missing bagA techie landed in Bengaluru from the US via Amsterdam, only to discover his checked baggage was missing. Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 12:10:34 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A techie
1 days ago
Grand Canyon flash flood update: Scary visuals emerge as 1 dies and 15 remain unaccountedVideos and images from Grand Canyon National Park show helicopters rescuing stranded hikers and damaged trails which forced major closures across the park. Published on: Aug 31, 2026
1 days ago
A heartbreaking video from flood-hit Nepal has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention to the plight of two young siblings amid the devastation. The children were reportedly separated from their parents and were seen trying to find them in the aftermath of the disaster
1 days ago
The summer transfer window may have been open since 15 June but several Premier League clubs are still scrambling to get key deals over the line before Tuesday's 23:00 BST deadline. From Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez to Cody Gakpo and Ismaila Sarr
1 days ago
₹2.8 crore trauma care upgrades planned for hospitals in Gurugram, FaridabadThe facilities will get HEPA-filtered systems, sealed doors, laminar airflow and specialised infrastructure for emergency and surgical care. Published on: Aug 31, 2026
1 days ago
Marital status can't disqualify daughters from compassionate jobs: Chhattisgarh HCMarital status can't disqualify daughters from compassionate jobs: Chhattisgarh HC Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 13:42:55 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bilaspur
1 days ago
Daughter takes mother to movie theatre for the first time with her own earnings: ‘This is priceless’A daughter used her own earnings to give her mother her first movie theatre experience. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 13:36:14 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A daughter
1 days ago
In the run up to the Global Fintech Fest 2026, Madhusudanan R, co-founder of M2P Fintech, spoke to The Economic Times Digital about the new frontiers of challenges for India in the age of AI, how fintechs have to walk a tightrope and why India is a better market than the US
1 days ago
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced a milk procurement price increase to Rs 44 per litre. He also revealed plans for a semiconductor park and new electricity corridors in Kanchipuram. Meanwhile, Mumbai's milk prices will rise by Rs 9 per litre starting September 1, 2026
1 days ago
Novak Djokovic broke down in tears during a US Open first-round defeat by Argentina's Mariano Navone which provided further evidence age is fast catching up with the 39-year-old great. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was overcome by emotion in the deciding set of a dramatic match where he struggled
1 days ago
Jenny Lupton death: Southwest Airlines flight attendant's nephew reveals unusual circumstances, ‘Her bed was untouched’In a conversation with HT.com, Jenny Lupton's nephew, Samuel, described her as a “very friendly person” who knew “exactly how to make anyone laugh or smile
1 days ago
The government has notified the scheme with an outlay of Rs 1.27 lakh crore to boost the in the country.The scheme has been divided into six segments covering designing of chips by Indian firms, setting up units for capital equipment required for chip production, semiconductor fabs, chip assembly
1 days ago
Four suspected members of an armed group were killed in a gunfight with the Meghalaya Police in the East Garo Hills district on Sunday. Two pistols, along with live and used rounds of ammunition, were recovered from them, said the East Garo Hills Police
1 days ago
Anti-conversion bill won’t be tabled in Goa assembly: BJP lawmakerRuling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Michael Lobo said the government acted in haste in having the bill cleared in the Cabinet Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:06:30 IST By Gerard de Souza Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
1 days ago
An FIR was filed against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on a purification ritual. The Congress party criticized the Uttarakhand government for this action. They questioned why no case was filed against those who performed the ritual. The Congress stated they would respond through democratic and legal
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed a case against Dehradun gym owner Deepak Kumar, who had opposed the harassment of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper by alleged Bajrang Dal members in January, Live Law reported. The bench also stayed the Uttarakhand High Court’s March order restraining Kumar from
1 days ago
