The Economic Times

The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya have mastered the art of growing living root bridges using fig trees. These incredible engineering marvels, nurtured over decades, become stronger as their roots entwine across rivers and steep gorges. This remarkable tradition highlights indigenous ingenuity and eco-friendly construction, with the living root bridges of Meghalaya now recognized on a global scale with provisional UNESCO status.

Following a strong July, MVNs rapid August performance reflects growing demand for unique, luxury residences among families across Delhi-NCR.

We are living in a culture which supports challenging the status quo and questioning authority. An old Sicilian proverb advises that, contrary to popular beliefs, it is not always advisable to challenge authority and take the law into our own hands. Sometimes, all that accomplishes is a needless conflict and disruptions.

New indigenously designed mobile phones with Indian IP rights will launch in 10-14 months. The government will strictly screen brands, preventing copycats from benefiting. Companies must prove ownership of design intellectual property rights for scheme eligibility. The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme aims to boost domestic brands and production. This initiative seeks to establish technological sovereignty and capture greater economic value.

Linda Ronstadt made waves in 1975 with her captivating cover of 'Love Is a Rose,' a song initially recorded by Neil Young for an unreleased project. Her country-infused style resonated greatly, leading to substantial commercial success. This partnership marked another chapter in their long-standing musical relationship, showcasing how a forgotten melody can become an unexpected chart-topping favorite.

Lights that flicker might indicate underlying electrical issues, yet they don't all necessitate urgent professional help. Often, a quick fixsuch as tightening light bulbscan remedy these nuisances. If you notice persistent dimming from several fixtures, it may suggest an overload or a fault in the main panel. Tackling these early warning signs safeguards your household's electrical safety and functionality.

Limelight can be heady but also frightening, as it is very difficult for public figures to maintain privacy. Years ago, actor Warren Beatty explained in an interview that it is very important to set a boundary between your public and private life and maintain discretion. He explained how not everything worthwhile has to be shared with the public.

In a heartfelt move, a successful man with a Rs 25 LPA salary in Mumbai stepped away from his high-profile job to prioritise his family as his parents grew older. This transformative decision reflects a growing recognition that familial bonds often outweigh workplace accomplishments, as he embraced a new job opportunity in his hometown to become a source of support for his loved ones.

A thoughtful word can bring great comfort during tough moments. Little acts of kindness can have a far-reaching impact on people's lives. In the hustle of modern communication, we sometimes lose the essence of genuine connection. Nurturing positive relationships is essential for our well-being and joy. It's important not to overlook the significant ripple effect of our kind actions.

Portuguese proverb of the day: Engaging with toxic influences leads to a heavy toll on one's spirit and ethics. Such harmful decisions require exponentially more effort to regain balance and a clear conscience. In today's fast-paced world, many are lured into dubious shortcuts for immediate benefits. This ancient Portuguese proverb serves as a caution against compromising values and highlights the importance of setting boundaries to avoid future remorse and emotional exhaustion.

Quote of the day by Antonio Banderas: Antonio Banderas' quote inspires with his thoughts on hope and the possibility of second chances in relationships. He observes that the initial thrill of romance may wane but emphasises the importance of creating new, significant experiences together. Acknowledging that genuine hope is a universal human sentiment, he reminds us that joy can resurface when least expected.

The expression 'OK' has an interesting backstory, originating from a humorous misspelling in a Boston newspaper. It gained traction during a presidential election when supporters of Martin Van Buren proudly formed 'OK Clubs' using his initials. Unlike other bygone slang, 'OK' has proven its staying power and versatility, successfully adapting to convey different meanings in today's communicative landscape.

Leela Naidus Bollywood career was not long or glorious, but she did leave an impact on the audience with her exotic looks and versatile performances in films such as The Householder and Yeh Raastey Hain Pyaar Ke. Despite not being the #1 in Bollywood, she was music in demand by many directors, such as Raj Kapoor and Satyajit Ray. Despite all the adulation she enjoyed at her peak, her personal life was tumultuous and her twilight years marked by loneliness.

Emma Stones powerful words about life being over in the blink of an eye offer a reminder to stop waiting for perfect moments. Her philosophy highlights the importance of pursuing opportunities, embracing change, avoiding comparisons and making time for people and experiences that truly matter.

In a candid interview, actor R Madhavan, basking in the success of GDN, reflected on his inspiring journey and the significant figures who influenced him, particularly Ratan Tata. He emphasised the vital role of humility in truly understanding success and how it should serve as a beacon, encouraging others to chase their dreams. Madhavan believes in the power of motivation to guide people in discovering their own unique paths to success.

At a recent event, actor-politician Ravi Kishan humorously addressed his trending 'Gucci walk.' He clarified that the unique sideways movement was a product of the somewhat cramped stage space. Embracing his newfound internet fame, Kishan even performed the walk once more, thanking Gen Z for turning him into a cultural phenomenon and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their continued support and admiration.

CA Nitin Kaushik has warned Gurgaon homebuyers to look beyond the EMI when deciding whether they can afford a house. He said the real cost is the life buyers may have to sacrifice, including childrens education, parents, cars, investments, retirement and leisure. Kaushik asked whether people are buying homes to build better lives or gradually building their lives around paying for the house, urging buyers to rethink affordability.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, American music legend John Mellencamp offered a simple perspective on happiness, saying it is not our God-given right to be happy. He suggested that if someone can laugh out loud once or twice a day, that itself could be happiness. His words highlight the value of small, genuine moments of joy instead of constantly expecting life to deliver lasting happiness or waiting for major achievements.

Kate Warne became America's first female detective in 1856. She proved her skills investigating a major theft for the Adams Express Company. Warne later infiltrated secessionist circles to protect President-elect Abraham Lincoln. She disguised herself and helped Lincoln travel safely through Baltimore. Her groundbreaking career challenged societal assumptions about women's professional capabilities.

Anupama Parameswaran, who wowed the audience with her performance in films such as Premam, Karthikeya 2, etc., is the proud owner of a majestic home in Kerala. Although spacious, her home is devoid of excess when it comes to decor and is known for simple, elegant, minimalistic decor and subdued hues.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu has shared simple gardening tips for growing vegetables and microgreens at home. She recommends choosing healthy seeds, storing them properly, avoiding overwatering and planting seeds no deeper than 1-2 cm. She also advises keeping soil loose and transplanting seedlings after they develop three to four true leaves. Samantha has showcased her homegrown spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbage microgreens, parsley, basil, arugula and lettuce.

Ice Make Refrigeration has announced a significant revenue increase of 60.4% for Q1 FY27.

Sadhguru launched his new photography book, Disappearing Faces, documenting life in Nepal and Tibet. The book captures faces shaped by a life closely tied to nature and sensory experience. This visual documentation preserves an era that is disappearing due to modern influences. In an exclusive interview with ET, Sadhguru has advice for the next generation and wants them to focus on perception. Read on!

Paras Defence anticipates its export revenue will double this fiscal year. This growth is driven by Middle East conflict and rising geopolitical tensions. The company expects exports to reach Rs 120-130 crore by fiscal 2027. Orders from Israel and the UAE have increased, while European demand also rises.

Before he made a name for himself as a leading man with hits such as Dharti Ke Lal, Waqt, Kabuliwala, etc., Balraj Sahni had a brief stint as a teacher of English at Visva Bharati University, where he came across the great poet Rabindra Nath Tagore, who gave him advice he would never forget.

A Delhi-based entrepreneur shared the story of a candidate who was laid off three times in two years and applied to 50 companies over four months. He received 29 rejections and 15 unanswered applications, yet kept detailed records to remind himself he was still trying. During his interview, she found him sharp, experienced and composed under pressure. She hired him, believing the process had failed him, not his ability.

Gandhari, featuring Taapsee Pannu, is all set to arrive on OTT. Directed by Devashish Makhija and penned by Kanika Dhillon, this action thriller explores a mother's relentless drive to shield her child from harm. Alongside Taapsee, Gandhari features Ishwak Singh, Swastika Mukherjee and others. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.

A memorable dialogue from the movie Sarkar shares an important piece of financial wisdom for investors. It emphasises the importance of assessing long-term losses before getting caught up in near-term gains. Investors are encouraged to look past fleeting returns and market hype. Read on to know what the fund manager explained through this dialogue.

Marriages may, or may not be made in heaven, but life partners should not be selected in a hurry, believes Ankur Warikoo. The entrepreneur-motivational speaker who dated his wife, Ruchi, for seven years before they tied the knot, suggested five unconventional ways to find out if the special someone in your life really is compatible with you.

Sunscreen can leave stubborn greasy, yellow or orange marks on clothes, especially around collars and necklines. Fresh stains can be treated with liquid laundry detergent or dish soap before washing. For tougher marks, DIY options such as baking soda and dish soap, diluted white vinegar or lemon juice may help, depending on the fabric. Avoid hot drying until the stain disappears, and never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach.

The Malayalam film Bethlehem Kudumba Unit premiered today, August 21, and has been met with enthusiastic responses from audiences. Viewers are praising its straightforward narrative and relatable storytelling. The charming chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju stands out, while the mix of humour and romance keeps audiences engaged. Read on!

Harvard and AIIMS gastro doctor Dr Saurabh Sethi has shared seven dessert ideas that support gut health, offering sweet options beyond conventional treats. His list includes watermelon with lime, dark chocolate dates and walnuts, baked sweet potato, cinnamon apple yoghurt, cherry psyllium jelly, chocolate strawberries and kiwi yoghurt. The recipes combine fruits, Greek yoghurt, nuts, dark chocolate and fibre-rich ingredients for simple, satisfying treats.

Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga recently opened up about Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Spirit, stating that her demands regarding remuneration and working hours were pivotal in the decision. Reportedly, the actress sought a whopping ten per cent of the film's profits. Read to know more about the multiple reasons behind her exit from Prabhas starrer.

A Pune luxury restaurant reportedly keeps a Rs 5,000 dish on its menu despite nobody ordering it. Social media user Pratham shared that the restaurant owner uses the expensive dish as a psychological anchor, making Rs 1,500Rs 2,000 options appear more affordable. The strategy reportedly increased average order value by around 35%. The unusual dish also attracted Instagram posts, giving the restaurant free word-of-mouth publicity.

Jason Statham's high-octane thriller, Mutiny, briefly appeared on an OTT platform in the US before disappearing from the platform without warning. Anticipation builds as the film is set for a theatrical debut on August 21, 2026. This unexpected move led to speculation regarding its distribution tactics. Read on to know what exactly happened.

Ankur Warikoo shared the story of a Kolkata student who once felt his life was over after missing his dream college. Five years ago, the student wrote to Warikoo, questioning whether his hard work had been wasted. Warikoo encouraged him to move forward. Years later, the student joined St. Xaviers Kolkata, worked at McKinsey and secured admission to IIM Calcutta, saying he was grateful for how things turned out.

Irumudi, starring Ravi Teja, opened to positive audience reactions and first-day screenings. Fans praised Ravi Teja's performance, calling it a strong comeback for the actor. The film's social message and father-daughter relationship also resonated with viewers. Read on to know more about the movie and netizens' reaction to it.

Ankit Pandey shared on X that his friend quit a Rs 25 LPA Mumbai job and moved back to his hometown because his ageing parents mattered more to him. Despite working for years to build his career, he chose to find another job closer to home so he could spend more time with them. Pandey initially thought the decision was madness, but later wondered if it was simply knowing what matters before its too late.

With Vijay's Jana Nayagan, the crime thriller Facing El Chapo, Chennai Love Story and Pyaar Prema Kalyanam among the week's highlights, OTT viewers have several new options to choose from this Friday. Read on to know when and where to watch them online.

Prithviraj Sukumaran's latest action thriller, Khalifa, hit theaters on August 20 and made an impressive debut/ With Kerala leading the way as the top market, the film enjoyed substantial audience turnout, especially during late-night screenings across India. This movie is set to be part of a two-part franchise. Read on to know how much it earned on day 1.

Quote of the day by Seneca People waste their life preparing for a future that was never promised, while the only life they truly own passes quietly through their hands is a famous reflection on time as it warns against spending the present while constantly preparing for an uncertain future. The Roman Stoic philosopher believed that life is not measured simply by the number of years a person has, but by how wisely those years are used.

New psychology research is shedding light on a familiar habit that has gradually become less common in the digital age. While typing has become the preferred way to take notes for many people, researchers are looking more closely at how different note-taking methods may affect the way people learn and retain information. The findings could explain why the simple habit of putting pen to paper may still have an important role in classrooms and everyday learning.

A woman on a flight found herself repeatedly pawed by a medical alert dog, prompting its owner to explain that such behaviour could signal a potential heart problem. Following up with medical tests months later, she learned of her mildly irregular heartbeat. This incident underscores research indicating that certain dogs may be capable of sensing complex physiological changes, revealing their innate ability to detect hidden chemical signals in humans.

Lou Henry Hoovers journey to the White House was far from ordinary. After becoming the first woman to graduate from Stanford University with a geology degree, she married mining engineer Herbert Hoover in 1899 and began a life that took her across China, Europe and other parts of the world. Along the way, she raised two sons, supported humanitarian efforts, worked with the Girl Scouts and became an advocate for womens athletics.

While some people may be blessed by birth with raw physical power, this doesnt mean they will emerge victorious always. Those who have abundant intelligence can strategise and have tact; it can leave them behind. An old Turkish proverb cautions that physical strength is not always guaranteed to win.

ETs roundup of the wackiest whispers in corporate corridors

Bandar, starring Bobby Deol and directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a crime drama that follows a fading television actor whose life changes after his former partner accuses him of rape. The film explores how public opinion, media attention and social judgement can affect a person even before the legal process reaches its conclusion.

In August 1920, a heartfelt letter from a mother to her son, a legislator, played a critical role in the fight for women's suffrage. Harry T. Burn's decisive vote for the ratification of the 19th Amendment in Tennessee made history by achieving the necessary 36th state approval for this constitutional change.

Bengaluru is a city of not just opportunities and startups but surprises too. Recently, a LinkedIn member shared a funny incident on how she discovered that her flatmate was actually a pretty successful founder with a thriving business valued at multiple crores. She commented that this was a peak Bengaluru moment.