The Economic Times

Roman will conduct one of the most comprehensive searches ever for exoplanets. It is expected to discover thousands of new ones and provide the first statistical census of planetary systems similar to our own. The telescope is named after Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first chief astronomer. Roman died in 2018 at age 93.

In 1958, US Air Force launched an Able 1 spacecraft to the Moon in humanitys first attempt to send a spaceship anywhere beyond Earth orbit. The spacecraft was designed to enter lunar orbit, but its Thor rocket exploded 73.6 seconds after launch. The mission later became known as Pioneer 0 and became the start of the Pioneer mission series.

Japanese financial institutions noted currency fluctuations and policy issues affecting investment decisions. They expressed confidence in India's long-term growth prospects and discussed boosting capital flow. Firms stressed simplifying profit repatriation and improving market access for investors. Greater regulatory predictability was also highlighted as important for long-term commitment. Discussions occurred during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit.

Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood: Clint Eastwood, a celebrated filmmaker, shares insights on aging and doubt. He believes experience helps manage uncertainty without letting it control decisions. His career reflects this decisive approach, favoring authenticity in filmmaking. Eastwood's enduring legacy spans over seven decades in Hollywood. He continues his work as a director and producer.

The Supreme Court requested detailed data from the Election Commission regarding pending appeals. These appeals challenge voter list inclusions and exclusions in West Bengal. The court directed the Election Commission to provide a breakdown of disposed and pending cases. All appeals must be decided before the next parliamentary elections in 2029. This directive aims to streamline and expedite the disposal of appeals.

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is a key breeding site for the black-necked stork. Researchers confirmed four active nests, each producing two fledglings successfully. The sanctuary supported a peak seasonal population of twenty-one birds during the study. Nests were built on invasive gando baval trees at moderate heights. This study provides detailed breeding ecology information for the species.

The Maharashtra government has removed the age limit for tribal students' hostel admissions. This decision followed a hunger strike and a letter from Rahul Gandhi. Tribal students had been protesting the imposed age restriction for twelve days. While the age limit is gone, other demands remain unmet by the government. Students continue their hunger strike seeking increased allowances and insurance for all.

Bihar's industries minister Shreyasi Singh is working to change the state's negative perception. She detailed policies designed to attract businesses and create jobs. The minister highlighted swift land allotment and production startup times. Singh also spoke about her father's lasting influence and inspiration. She aims to build respect and trust through her public service.

Dolly Parton, the cherished 80-year-old country music legend, has sadly left us. Her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a star captivated countless hearts. Known for her wisdom, Parton once said that true leadership lies in energizing others. Through her impactful Imagination Library, she gifted free books to children, solidifying her legacy in music, business, and motivation for many.

Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the current census questionnaire. They contend the open-ended caste question will yield inaccurate data, especially for OBCs. The leaders proposed a new questionnaire with a drop-down list of castes based on government lists. They also suggested considering questionnaires from Bihar and Telangana caste surveys. Accurate data is essential for effective social justice policies in India.

As per the report in Russian official media outlet, the aircraft, which originated from the Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC, touched down in the Russian capital at approximately 10 am Moscow time (07:00 GMT). According to available flight tracking data, the heavy-lift transport plane followed a multi-stop route before entering Russian airspace. It had a prior stop at the Charleston International Airport/Air Force Base and then at Riga in Latvia, before continuing its journey toward the

In 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, headed to the Moon without traditional life insurance. NASA did not provide life insurance to its employees at the time, while private policies were costly. The astronauts instead signed hundreds of autographed envelopes before launch, giving their families a possible source of money if the mission ended in tragedy.

Japanese Mindset: Hansei, a traditional Japanese practice, emphasizes the importance of genuine self-reflection in the wake of mistakes. By embracing this mindset, individuals can glean valuable lessons from their missteps, leading to enhanced decision-making in the future. It centers on identifying the causes of errors and exploring ways to instigate positive changes. Ultimately, Hansei promotes ongoing personal development while minimizing harsh self-judgment.

NBEMS has advised NEET PG 2026 candidates not to circulate misleading claims about a possible postponement of the August 30 examination. The warning followed queries on social media regarding the exam schedule. The board is scheduled to release the admit card on August 25 after a one-day delay, with candidates able to download it from the official NBEMS website using their login credentials.

Opposition MPs demanded discussion on NEET-UG protesters' alleged pellet gun use and police action. BJP refused to suspend the listed business, leading to sharp exchanges. The confrontation escalated to include remarks about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The chairman declined the request, citing judicial scrutiny of the matter. The committee then resumed its scheduled business on crime against children.

GIFT City is shifting its focus to bring India-related cross-border financial business home. The regulator aims to address product, expertise, and regulation gaps that drive business overseas. GIFT City seeks to become a landing point for both inbound and outbound investment activities. Indian institutions are urged to assess shifting current overseas business to GIFT. This strategic pivot aims to bolster India's financial capabilities and economic growth.

Quote of the day by P. G. Wodehouse offers a simple lesson about happiness. His words remind us to take life as it comes, especially when plans go wrong. The beloved British humorist believed that resilience, optimism and a little humor can change how we face difficult days. Heres what his timeless quote can teach us about living better.

Sun Life sees significant growth potential in India's insurance and wealth management sectors. The company is exploring new investment opportunities within the Indian market. Artificial intelligence will transform service delivery and enhance client understanding. Customer preferences are evolving towards integrated financial planning solutions. Sun Life aims to contribute to India's goal of universal insurance coverage.

Dolly Parton, a legendary entertainer, passed away at eighty years old. Her career spanned nearly six decades, building an extraordinary legacy. Parton's wealth came from music, business ventures, and her stake in Dollywood. She launched the Imagination Library, a global literacy program for children. Her story highlights a transformation from poverty to a philanthropic icon.

A Florida workshop now uses robotic systems for 3D printing large composite boat hulls. This innovative process eliminates expensive traditional molds and speeds up production significantly. The company's facility houses eight industrial robotic systems capable of printing structures up to 40 meters.

India's economy shows resilience with improved domestic demand and strong economic activity. Food prices have seen a broad-based increase, raising concerns for monetary policymakers. Global economic outlook remains weighed by West Asia conflicts and new US tariffs. High-frequency indicators reflect strong manufacturing and services momentum continuing into July.

Country music icon Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of eighty. Her nephew Brian Seaver announced her death, sharing family memories. Dolly Parton opened doors for many artists and inspired generations worldwide. She lived a life of light and is now in heaven. Her legacy will be diligently preserved by her family and team.

Most senior HR leaders expect new job creation in the second half of 2026. Nearly all anticipate continued hiring activity over the next six months. Real estate and FMCG sectors show strong optimism for fresh roles. Business development and marketing roles will see maximum recruitment.

Quote of the day by George Michael: George Michael once reflected on how the impact of artistic work can continue to resonate long after it is created. Truly meaningful work connects with people in ways that can extend far beyond its original moment, creating a legacy that outlasts fame and recognition. By focusing on purpose rather than fleeting acclaim, artists can create work with lasting value and leave a meaningful mark on society.

The Supreme Court has ordered Tarun Tejpal to surrender within two weeks. His appeal against conviction will be heard after he files a surrender certificate. The court granted Tejpal two weeks to complete this surrender process. The Goa government argued Tejpal should have surrendered before filing his appeal. The case is now scheduled for hearing on September 22.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is seeking to deepen its role in Indias cross-border investment ecosystem by proposing a dedicated BVI-India investment corridor as Indian companies expand overseas and global investors seek access to India.

Industry executives highlight AI governance and financial sustainability challenges. Many AI uses currently lack revenue or profit pools, requiring future monetization. Companies are rushing into AI without adequate safety and regulation oversight. Unit economics are vital for enterprise AI applications and long-term profitability. AI is reshaping the talent landscape, necessitating reskilling and mental flexibility.

Italian Proverb of the Day: Having done thirty, one might as well do thirty-one encourages people to complete an effort once they have already come most of the way. The Italian proverb highlights perseverance, practicality and the value of taking one final step when substantial time, energy or resources have already been invested in reaching a particular goal.

Investors are planning to write to the Prime Minister's Office this week. They allege mis-selling and substantial losses from a Carlisle product. The group also intends to approach the Reserve Bank of India. They are exploring legal action against HDFC Bank for alleged client-suitability lapses.

healthy demand Industry card additions rise 11.5% over June; Card spends hold above 2 lakh-crore mark; Transaction volumes surge but the value per transaction declines

Regional rural banks are urged to accelerate modern technology adoption and digital services. Their net profit reached an all-time high of 10,176 crore in FY26. Sponsor banks must handhold RRBs in strengthening their IT infrastructure. The total business of all 28 RRBs has now crossed 13.5 lakh crore.

India needs to consolidate banks into a few large entities. This consolidation aims to meet rising credit needs for Viksit Bharat by 2047. Banks will increasingly focus on data-driven customer experiences and AI automation. The banking sector has seen significant positive changes since 2014. Future agendas include mobilizing stable deposits and deepening productive lending.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) reported a record consolidated net profit of 10,176 crore in FY26, up from 6,820 crore a year earlier, while their total business crossed 13.5 lakh crore, the Finance Ministry said.

The ICMR director general stated H1N1 infections are seasonal and not a new strain. Most cases are mild and self-limiting, requiring no widespread panic. Current circulating viruses align with seasonal patterns observed in recent years. Individuals at higher risk should exercise caution and seek medical advice. Routine hygiene and avoiding unnecessary medication are advised for public protection.

Earlier in 2026, Amogy and 2G Energy demonstrated a different way of thinking about hydrogen power: instead of storing hydrogen gas in large quantities, hydrogen could be produced from ammonia when it is needed. The companies showed how Amogys ammonia-cracking technology could supply hydrogen-rich fuel to a 2G engine for electricity generation.

Justin Trudeaus younger brother Michel vanished in a 1998 avalanche in British Columbia at just 23. Despite an extensive search, his body was never found. Years later, Trudeau recalled the devastating moment in his memoir, writing, I went numb, my heart sank, and my blood ran cold.

Pennsylvania is facing its first measles fatalities in thirty-five years due to a rise in cases statewide, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County. This alarming outbreak underscores the urgent need for improved vaccination rates across the Commonwealth, as national measles cases in 2026 reach levels not seen since the early 1990s.

Psychology says people who never pick work calls after office hours or on weekends aren't avoiding responsibility. They may be setting boundaries between work and personal life. This behavior can help protect personal time, reduce work-related stress, support recovery, and maintain relationships. Psychology connects this habit with self-awareness, psychological detachment, Boundary Theory, and Conservation of Resources Theory.

New discoveries at Tell Abu Seify offer clues to the ancient city of Masn. A sandstone lintel bearing Ramesses II's titles was found at the strategic Horus Military Road. This inscription refers to a statue of Horus, the Lord of the City of Masn. Excavations revealed roads, walls, and temple chambers from various historical periods. The site evolved from a religious and military center into a quarry over centuries.

IIT Delhi has formed a five-member committee to investigate a student's death. The panel includes police and psychiatry experts, and two student representatives. This move follows student protests and class suspensions on campus earlier this week. The committee will review protocols and examine office functions within two weeks.

Welspun Corps promoter group entity and CEO Vipul Mathur plan to sell up to 63 lakh shares worth Rs 1,417.5 crore through a block deal. The transaction represents 2.4% of outstanding shares and comes after a sharp stock price rally.

Indian equities gained as softer-than-expected US sanctions on Iran eased crude oil and bond yield pressures. Analysts highlighted Adani Enterprises, HDFC AMC, Hyundai Motor India and Dixon Technologies as bullish technical setups, while geopolitical risks warrant continued near-term caution.

Sebi has barred Varanium Cloud and promoter Harshawardhan Sabale from the securities market for seven years, citing misleading disclosures, inflated financials and diversion of IPO and rights issue funds. The regulator ordered recovery of diverted money and disgorgement of unlawful gains.

HEG will implement its demerger from September 1, creating separate listed companies for graphite electrodes and advanced materials. September 7 is the record date, with shareholders receiving new shares in a 1:1 ratio approved under the composite scheme of arrangement.

Indian equity benchmarks ended higher on Tuesday, with the Nifty rising 0.48% and Sensex gaining 0.37%, led by Adani Enterprises, Max Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals. Broader markets were mixed, while Pharma and PSU Bank stocks outperformed. HDFC Life, Cipla and ONGC were among the top Nifty losers.

Hindustan Coppers government OFS received strong demand from non-retail investors, with bids reaching 3.41 times the shares offered. The Centre will exercise the greenshoe option, potentially raising the stake sale to 6%, with retail bidding opening August 26.