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The Economic Times

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China develops world's first tunnel boring-and-blasting machine for mountainous terrain

China has unveiled an advanced hybrid tunnel boring and blasting machine that combines excavation with drilling and blasting techniques. With a thirty percent increase in hard-rock digging efficiency, this innovation revolutionizes project schedules. A collaboration between Tsinghua University and China Railway Group, the machine effectively tackles the difficulties posed by intricate geological tunneling challenges.

4 Aug 2026 8:09 pm
Psychology says couples who laugh after disagreements tend to recover faster, not because the issue disappears

Psychology says couples who laugh after disagreements often recover faster not because the conflict disappears, but because laughter helps repair emotional connection, reduce stress and reopen the door to constructive communication.

4 Aug 2026 8:08 pm
SC proposes no fuel for uninsured vehicles, seeks tech-driven road safety overhaul

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to design a pilot project denying fuel to uninsured vehicles. This initiative aims to improve road safety and ensure compliance with insurance laws. Automatic vehicle detection systems will replace physical toll collection on select highway corridors. New cars will now require four years of third-party insurance cover. State police will use handheld devices for real-time insurance verification.

4 Aug 2026 8:08 pm
Ken Griffin isnt a villain: Why Jeff Bezos is defending the billionaire Citadel CEO who owns Americas most expensive apartment amid Zohran Mamdanis $5 million NYC tax plan

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has defended billionaire Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, saying Ken Griffin isnt a villain. The development came as the Blue Origin founder offered his opinion on NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdanis proposed $5 million pied--terre tax. Bezos warned New York against excessive taxation and a villain strategy targeting the ultra-rich.

4 Aug 2026 8:02 pm
'Blatant falsehood, malicious slander': AIMPLB slams Taslima Nasreen for remarks on madrassas

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board condemned Taslima Nasreen's statements about madrassas. Nasreen suggested these institutions should not exist, citing concerns about radicalization and abuse. The Board labeled her comments as inflammatory and an interference in India's internal affairs. They urged the government to prevent foreign refugees from making such provocative remarks. The AIMPLB stated that such allegations are baseless and harm communal harmony.

4 Aug 2026 8:01 pm
US sees progress in Hormuz Strait talks, hopes for deal very shortly, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported progress in discussions. These talks involved Iran and Oman regarding ship passage. More vessels are expected to transit the Strait of Hormuz. A final agreement has not yet been reached. Officials hope for a resolution very shortly.

4 Aug 2026 7:56 pm
Champat Rai visits Ayodhya temple in first public appearance since donation row

Champat Rai visited Tapasvi Chhawani temple, his first public outing since donation embezzlement claims arose. He received a ceremonial welcome and met with the chief priest, Paramhans Acharya. Paramhans Acharya praised Rai's leadership in constructing the grand Ram temple. Allegations of donation theft surfaced in June, leading to an SIT probe and arrests. Rai had previously stated baseless allegations were leveled against him.

4 Aug 2026 7:56 pm
JFC's ISL exit is a long-planned strategic move, not linked to anything else: Tata Steel VP

Jamshedpur FC's withdrawal from the Indian Super League was a planned strategic decision. This move focuses on strengthening grassroots football development and nurturing young talent. The club's decision was independent of any league commercial future uncertainties. Tata Steel aims to return to its legacy of identifying and developing players. The company continues its commitment to supporting various sports and Indian football.

4 Aug 2026 7:53 pm
FISME seeks GST overhaul to ease MSME compliance

FISME seeks Goods and Services Tax reforms to ease MSME compliance burdens. They propose a safe harbour for input tax credit and faster GST refunds. The organization also advocates for centralized compliance and simplified procedures for businesses. These changes aim to reduce costs and improve certainty for honest taxpayers. Modernizing GST administration will enhance efficiency and transparency for all.

4 Aug 2026 7:50 pm
In 2016, Barack Obama's name ended up on a newly discovered parasite, but it was an honor, and scientists had this to say

Baracktrema obamai - the unusual name may attract attention, but its evolutionary significance is what makes the discovery truly fascinating. The parasite's ability to survive within its host, its relationship to other parasitic worms and its possible connection to the evolutionary history of schistosomiasis all make it worthy of study.

4 Aug 2026 7:49 pm
Afghanistan's malnutrition crisis 'spinning out of control': UN

Child malnutrition reaches critical levels in Afghanistan as aid is drastically cut. Many acutely malnourished children are being turned away without any assistance. Conflict and forced returns also contribute to the worsening nutrition crisis. The World Food Programme lacks sufficient funds to help all those in need. This situation threatens countless more children and mothers with preventable death.

4 Aug 2026 7:47 pm
Delhi SIR: BLO house visits extended till August 17, final electoral rolls to be published on October 27

The Election Commission of India has announced an extension for the voter roll revision dates in Delhi. The door-to-door verification process by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) is now set to end on August 17. Draft electoral rolls will be available on August 24, with the period for claims and objections lasting until October 22.

4 Aug 2026 7:47 pm
Jindal Group to invest Rs 1.2 lakh crore in Karnataka over five years: MB Patil

Jindal Group plans a significant Rs 1.2 lakh crore investment in Karnataka over five years. The state is also discussing investments with ten other major companies. These discussions cover manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace sectors. Bisleri and Raymond Lifestyle are considering new manufacturing facilities in specific districts. L&T and Torque Semiconductors are exploring semiconductor and AI sector opportunities.

4 Aug 2026 7:44 pm
Weather tomorrow August 5: Is your state on IMDs heavy rain alert list? Check forecast here

Weather tomorrow: On August 5, Assam and Meghalaya are bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, northern regions, including Delhi and Punjab, will experience widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand can expect broad rainfall patterns, along with isolated heavy showers. Central India, particularly Madhya Pradesh, is poised for increased rainfall. Coastal regions should prepare for squally weather, with strong winds anticipated.

4 Aug 2026 7:43 pm
Psychology says people who make others feel instantly comfortable often use these 7 subtle phrases

Making someone feel at ease isn't about being charming or endlessly talkative. It's about making them feel accepted exactly as they are. Sometimes, the most memorable conversations begin with nothing more than a few thoughtful words.

4 Aug 2026 7:41 pm
Quote of the day by Uma Thurman: 'I've learned that every working mom is...' Life lessons from inspiring quote on resilience, balance, endurance, inner strength and adaptability

Quote of the day by Uma Thurman focuses on the strength required to manage work and motherhood. The quote points to resilience, balance, endurance, inner strength and adaptability. It also asks people to recognise the daily work done by mothers who manage careers, childcare, family responsibilities and other demands while continuing to meet their professional and personal responsibilities.

4 Aug 2026 7:39 pm
China releases fresh footage of DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles on PLA anniversary

China has unveiled footage showcasing its DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles, marking a significant advancement in its missile arsenal. The DF-17, known for its incredible speed, poses a serious challenge to advanced air defense systems, making it an effective weapon on the battlefield. Currently deployed in combat, its erratic flight trajectory complicates interception by traditional defense methods.

4 Aug 2026 7:38 pm
What was so special about Wrangel and St. Paul islands, where Woolly Mammoths survived until their extinction? Scientists revealed the answer two decades ago

For years, scientists believed the last woolly mammoths disappeared because inbreeding and genetic decline made survival impossible. A landmark 2024 Cell study now challenges that theory. By analyzing ancient woolly mammoth DNA from different time periods, researchers found the isolated Wrangel Island population remained genetically viable for thousands of years.

4 Aug 2026 7:36 pm
Donald Trump administration weighs ban on Chinese AI data centre gear imports

The Trump administration is drafting a ban on new Chinese data center component imports. This measure aims to protect critical infrastructure underpinning the AI boom. The Federal Communications Commission is working on this restriction for optical transceivers. Officials hope to publish the ban this year, taking effect soon after. China stated it will take necessary measures if its interests are harmed.

4 Aug 2026 7:32 pm
Thanos was right? Scientists say Earth's population may need to be halved to save the planet

A new study suggests gradually reducing the global population to four billion by 2200. This aims to ease pressure on Earth's ecosystems and natural resources. Researchers advocate for voluntary family planning and reproductive healthcare access. Such measures empower women to make informed decisions about family size. This approach seeks a more sustainable planet for future generations.

4 Aug 2026 7:30 pm
Scientists name newly discovered beetle after One Piece's Luffyand the reason goes beyond anime

Scientists have named a newly discovered beetle genus after the anime character Luffy. This tribute stems from the insects' unusually long and slender body parts. Two new species, Luffy schillhammeri and Luffy nika, have been identified. The discovery offers new insights into the evolutionary history of rove beetles. This naming aims to make taxonomy more accessible to a wider audience.

4 Aug 2026 7:30 pm
Over 1.47 cr household toilets built under Swachh Bharat Mission (G)-II in 5 years: Govt

Over 1.47 crore rural household toilets were built in five years. Eligible households receive up to Rs 12,000 for toilet construction. Uttar Pradesh led with 48.99 lakh toilets constructed during this period. States and Union Territories receive financial and technical support for sanitation efforts. Incentives are transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer.

4 Aug 2026 7:25 pm
Quote of the Day by Demi Lovato: Share your story with someone. You never know how Inspiring lessons on courage, vulnerability, resilience, healing and why your words can change someones life by the American singer known for her timeless performances and deep insights on challenges and life

Quote of the Day by Demi Lovato: Demi Lovatos quote, Share your story with someone. You never know how one sentence of your life story could inspire someone to rewrite their own, explores the importance of vulnerability, courage, and the power of personal experiences. The quote suggests that sharing our struggles, lessons, and journeys can bring hope, encouragement, and emotional support to others who may be facing similar challenges.

4 Aug 2026 7:25 pm
Delhi eyes Badminton World Championship redemption with no more bird droppings, stray animals

Organizers assure a smoother spectacle for the upcoming World Championships. Preparations are on track after addressing past venue cleanliness concerns. Monsoon weather will bring better air quality than the previous event. Animal control measures have been strengthened with new entry systems.

4 Aug 2026 7:24 pm
Quote of the Day by Tom Cruise: I feel lonely at times, but I dont. Inspiring lessons on loneliness, maturity, awareness, companionship and why being single is better than being with the wrong person by the American actor known for his powerful performances and deep insights on compatibility and determination

Quote of the Day by Tom Cruise: Tom Cruises quote, I feel lonely at times, but I dont want to get into a relationship with someone if it is not right. Im not the type of person who just does things to do them, explores the importance of patience, self-awareness, and authenticity in relationships. The quote suggests that meaningful connections should be built on genuine compatibility and emotional value rather than entering a relationship simply to avoid loneliness. It highlights the idea that be

4 Aug 2026 7:04 pm
Bangladesh warns media against airing Sheikh Hasina's planned address from India

Bangladesh warned its media not to publicize Sheikh Hasina's upcoming virtual address. Hasina, exiled in India, faces a death sentence for past actions. Her aides confirmed the event will proceed despite Dhaka's concerns. India stated it has no involvement in the private media event. Dhaka continues seeking Hasina's extradition from India.

4 Aug 2026 6:57 pm
EU 'passed' test of border security with Ceuta incident: migration chief

The European Union's migration chief stated the bloc passed a crucial test. This test involved border security and resilience to disinformation. The situation arose from a migrant rush into Ceuta, Spain's territory. Commissioner Magnus Brunner spoke to reporters after interior ministers met. He believes Europe has definitely passed this significant resilience test.

4 Aug 2026 6:47 pm
Meta cut 8,000 jobs. CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI is creating more workbut not inside Meta

Meta's chief executive states artificial intelligence generates jobs via infrastructure demands. Thousands of corporate roles disappeared while construction jobs are emerging. The company plans significant investments in AI infrastructure for future growth. This expansion requires extensive data centers and specialized construction labor. Many employees faced layoffs during Meta's AI-focused restructuring.

4 Aug 2026 6:42 pm
Irish proverb of the day: If a person wants to catch a trout he must do more than merely listen to the flood Inspiring life lessons on action, perseverance, patience, discipline, courage, and why success always belongs to those who move beyond waiting in timeless Irish wisdom

Irish proverb of the day: The traditional Irish proverb, If a person wants to catch a trout he must do more than merely listen to the flood, serves as an enduring lesson on the necessity of active execution over passive observation. Rooted in traditional Celtic folk wisdom, this ancient Gaelic saying emphasizes that desire and awareness alone cannot yield meaningful results.

4 Aug 2026 6:41 pm
Ukraine accuses Russia of war crime after video shows drone attacking market vendor

Ukraine accused Russia of a war crime after a drone attack wounded a vendor. President Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Russia following the incident. Russian guided bomb strikes in Sumy killed two children and an elderly woman. The UN reported a significant increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine. Both nations deny intentionally targeting civilians in the ongoing conflict.

4 Aug 2026 6:39 pm
Psychology says people who over-explain simple decisions may be seeking permission rather than understanding

Psychology says people who over-explain simple decisions are not necessarily seeking permission or trying to justify every choice they make. More often, their communication reflects a desire for reassurance, accurate understanding or emotional safety.

4 Aug 2026 6:37 pm
ICAR develops indigenous African Swine Fever vaccine, strengthening Indias biosecurity

Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR said that this breakthrough marks the dawn of a new era in veterinary science.

4 Aug 2026 6:33 pm
EU ministers agree Schengen 'not the problem' after Ceuta incident: French minister

France's interior minister stated EU ministers agreed the Schengen zone was not the problem. This statement followed calls to suspend Spain from the free-travel area. The calls arose after a migrant influx into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. Italy and Denmark had advocated for Spain's suspension from the bloc. EU ministers met to discuss the situation and reach a consensus.

4 Aug 2026 6:32 pm
US trade deficit contracts in June

The United States trade deficit saw a decrease in June. This contraction occurred as imports dropped significantly during the month. However, this trend is not expected to continue long-term. Strong domestic demand continues to be met by imported goods. The economy experienced robust growth driven by consumer and business spending.

4 Aug 2026 6:30 pm
Michigan woman reveals how father's $13 million lottery win changed familys life

In 2013, a father from Michigan struck it rich with over thirteen million dollars in the lottery. This newfound wealth initially filled his family with joy and security. However, poor gambling choices and lavish spending quickly eroded their fortune. After her father's passing, Leeann Wahr chose to share their experience to instill valuable lessons, urging future lottery winners to seek financial advice and maintain strong family bonds.

4 Aug 2026 6:30 pm
ICAR genome breakthrough opens door to improved pigeonpea varieties

The newly developed T2T genome sequence contains 752.65 million base pairs of DNA assembled into 92 contigs, providing a complete representation of all 11 chromosomes of pigeonpea.

4 Aug 2026 6:23 pm
The AI layoffs are backfiring: Why companies are rehiring employees they let go

Companies are rehiring workers after AI failed to fully replace human expertise. Ford and Klarna found AI could not detect all defects or maintain service quality. Many business leaders now regret AI-related job cuts and plan to reskill employees. This corporate rethink suggests AI works best as a productivity tool. Experts predict a continued reversal of AI-driven layoffs as costs mount.

4 Aug 2026 6:23 pm
Rising ODI outflows signal growing global capabilities of Indian companies: Govt

Indian enterprises are stepping up their overseas investments, eyeing strategic assets and emerging markets. Foreign direct investment inflows soared past $94.84 billion in FY26, marking a clear escalation from prior fiscal periods. This rise in repatriations suggests a maturing investment framework and the robust scaling of various businesses. Furthermore, India has allocated nearly Rs 2.42 crore towards WTO dispute defense services.

4 Aug 2026 6:20 pm
Quote of the Day by Beverly Johnson: 'Business is hard, really hard, but it's...'- Inspiring life lessons on success, resilience, and overcoming rejection by the first Black Supermodel

Quote of the Day by Beverly Johnson: Beverly Johnson became the first Black woman on American Vogue's cover. She later graced the cover of French Elle magazine. Johnson also pursued acting roles in films and television shows. She built a successful luxury brand of fashion and beauty products. Johnson continued modeling and advocating for diversity throughout her career.

4 Aug 2026 6:19 pm
Psychology says your brain edits memories every time you recall them, heres why

Psychology says your brain edits memories every time you recall them because remembering is an active, constructive process rather than a simple replay of the past.

4 Aug 2026 6:19 pm
How the Iran war is draining America's long-range missiles crucial in countering potential China, Russia threats

US Army's long-range missile stockpiles are significantly depleted after operations against Iran. Reuters reports that ATACMS and PrSM missiles have been heavily utilized. This depletion raises concerns about America's readiness for future major power conflicts. Defensive missile inventories, including Patriot and THAAD, have also seen reductions. Production is now ramping up to rebuild these critical weapons stockpiles.

4 Aug 2026 5:56 pm
US sees Hormuz reopening deal with Iran by Wednesday: Bessent

United States Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a potential deal with Iran regarding the Hormuz Strait. He stated that negotiations are ongoing and a resolution might be reached by Tuesday or Wednesday. This agreement could lead to the reopening of the vital shipping lane. Such a development would move the conflict towards a more normalized position. The Secretary shared these remarks during an interview with CNBC.

4 Aug 2026 5:55 pm
Meet the King Snake: A non-venomous reptile that hunts and eats venomous snakes; here's how it kills its prey

Meet the king snake, a non-venomous North American reptile that hunts, kills and eats venomous snakes including rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads. Resistant to pit viper venom and built to constrict, the kingsnake is considered one of the most unusual predators in the animal kingdom.

4 Aug 2026 5:53 pm
Capuchin monkeys learn to kiss an AI touchscreen for banana rewards in a groundbreaking Costa Rica experiment as new technology takes animal cognition research into the wild

Wild capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica have learned to use an AI-powered touchscreen to earn banana rewards, with some even kissing the screen. The new CapuchinAI system could help scientists study learning, memory, impulse control and cognitive flexibility in wild primates without taking them out of their natural environment. This is seen as a grounbreaking experiment in the field of technology.

4 Aug 2026 5:51 pm
Psychology says people remember how you made them feel more accurately than what you said

Psychology suggests that although the words we use are important, it is often the emotions behind them that leave the strongest and most lasting impression.

4 Aug 2026 5:47 pm