The Economic Times

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.