The Economic Times

DP World CEO Yuvraj Narayan said diplomatic negotiations, rather than logistical workarounds or war-risk insurance, are needed to address disruptions to global supply chains caused by the Iran crisis.

Can chimpanzees, apes and bonobos remember friends they have not seen for decades? A Johns Hopkins University surprising study in 2023 found that chimpanzees and bonobos can recognize former groupmates after more than 25 years apart, revealing remarkable social memories that may be surprisingly similar to those of humans. The team worked with chimpanzees and bonobos at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, Planckendael Zoo in Belgium, and Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan.

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new sanctions campaign targeting Iran. He warned all countries have a defined timeline to cease identified activities. President Donald Trump is contacting world leaders with specific requests to end interactions. Economic engagement of any kind with Iran will expose parties to American power. The United States will enforce a zero leakage approach to Iran sanctions.

A foreign bank account can create a major U.S. tax filing duty. The FBAR, or FinCEN Form 114, applies when qualifying foreign accounts exceed $10,000 combined at any time. U.S. citizens, residents, and certain entities may need to report them. For 2026, a non-willful FBAR violation can reach $16,536. Willful violations can reach $165,353 or 50% of the account balance.

Kit Harington will portray Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's Harry Potter series. He replaces Nicholas Hoult due to scheduling conflicts with other projects. Harington previously voiced Lockhart for Audible's Harry Potter audiobooks. His character is a flamboyant Hogwarts professor known for his vanity. Harington's role offers a stark contrast to his Jon Snow portrayal.

German Proverb of the Day: The laugh is always on the loser describes how people facing misfortune may also become targets of mockery. The proverb highlights the uncomfortable reality that mistakes, losses and embarrassing situations can attract ridicule from others. Through its ironic wording, it reflects on human behaviour while also inviting consideration of how people respond when someone else experiences a setback.

Emerging from the ashes of the Korean War, South Korea became a beacon of transformation, where enhanced educational access laid the groundwork for robust economic development. This shift not only propelled industries forward but also significantly improved living conditions, contributing to a remarkable surge in life expectancy. Today, young adults enjoy high levels of higher education, demonstrating the fruit of continuous investments in human capital across generations.

In 2024, Phoenix City Council planned to plant over 27,000 new trees and build 550 new shade structures under a $60 million plan to combat extreme temperatures. The Shade Phoenix Plan focuses on trees, built shade, bus stops, parks and streets. More than half of the investment is planned for low- and moderate-income communities. The plan also covers tree maintenance, public education and urban forestry jobs.

Quote of the Day by Sofa Vergara: Sofa Vergaras quote, I love heels, Im telling you. When I walk in flats, I get knee pain, explores the importance of personal style, comfort, and individual preferences in fashion. The quote suggests that comfort is not the same for everyone and that people can feel more confident and comfortable wearing the styles they personally enjoy. Vergaras humorous observation also highlights how fashion choices can be influenced by personal experience rather than simply

Jed York, the owner of the San Francisco 49ers, has entered a no contest plea to two misdemeanor charges, resulting in a one-day jail sentence for each charge, running concurrently. Additionally, he was fined $1,150 and mandated to complete an online educational course. York's arrest stemmed from allegations related to an online advertisement soliciting sexual activities. His connections trace back to the Youngstown, Ohio area, where the arrest occurred.

A content creators two-part AC experiment has sparked discussion after she reported a monthly electricity bill drop from about Rs 3,500 to Rs 1,292 after raising the temperature setting from 22C to 28C. She said usage remained around five to seven hours daily. While her calculation suggests possible annual savings of about Rs 26,500, she noted that actual results depend on the appliance and conditions.

In 1999, American teacher Ronald Sakolsky gave $5,000 to Chinese environmentalist Yin Yuzhen after seeing her fight against desertification in Inner Mongolia. Sakolsky eventually travelled to Inner Mongolia and met Yin in person in 2000. Decades later, their reunion ended in tears as the trees she planted grew into a forest of more than 50,000 trees.

Sebi dropped proceedings against Max Financial and Axis entities. Allegations of disclosure lapses and fraud were not established by the regulator. The case involved transactions between Max Financial, Max Life, and Axis Bank. Sebi found no evidence of a fraudulent scheme to defraud shareholders. Proceedings were based on investigations from FY10 to FY22.

SoftBank Group has sold a 2.6% stake in Lenskart for Rs 2,888 crore. This transaction reduced SoftBank's holding to 7.28% from 9.86%. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority's Platinum Jasmine Trust remains Lenskart's largest public shareholder. Many institutional investors, both domestic and foreign, participated in the block deal. Lenskart Solutions shares closed slightly lower on the BSE after the transaction.

Indian equities ended lower after erasing early gains, with Sensex falling 172 points and Nifty 33 points. Rising bond yields, Iran sanctions uncertainty and weak Asian markets pressured sentiment. Metals outperformed, while banking stocks lagged. Analysts expect Tuesday volatility.

Indian equities remained weak amid soft Asian markets, with large caps and PSU banks under pressure as bond yields rose. Metals outperformed. Analysts recommended Siemens and Engineers India, citing strong breakouts, positive momentum and potential upside despite geopolitical risks.

Y Combinator-linked entities sold 4.85 crore Meesho shares worth Rs 970 crore through block deals at Rs 200.01 apiece. Institutional buyers including Nippon India Mutual Fund, HDFC Life, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup acquired significant stakes.

Taiwanese actor and model Cheng Chang Fan has sparked fresh dating speculation after a video showed him hugging and twirling with an Indian woman. The buzz follows an earlier viral video of Cheng Chang interacting warmly with an Indian hotel employee who welcomed him with an aarti and tilak. His later posts about Indian women have added to speculation, though neither has confirmed a relationship.

Texas solar farms are turning to sheep as a surprising solution to a growing maintenance problem. Across roughly 68,000 acres, sheep now graze beneath rows of solar panels, keeping grass under control without damaging expensive equipment. Goats can climb and chew wires. Cattle are often too tall for the rows. Sheep fit the space, eat the vegetation, and give Texas ranchers a new source of income from the solar boom.

Fino Payments Bank's board approved an interim CEO tenure extension. Ketan Merchant's role as interim MD and CEO will continue. This extension requires approval from the Reserve Bank of India. Merchant took charge after Rishi Gupta's arrest in February. Gupta faced allegations related to GST law violations.

A road trial in Sydney tested the durability of concrete created from industrial waste, revealing impressive results. The geopolymer concrete endured five years of heavy traffic and harsh weather, matching traditional concrete performance. Researchers noted its potential to significantly lower the carbon footprint of the construction industry and highlighted its suitability for sustainable infrastructure initiatives in urban development.

Canadians are keeping an eye on their bank accounts as a couple of government benefit payments are scheduled to be deposited next week. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) payments are scheduled for August 27, 2026, Thursday in Canada. Heres how much eligible Canadians can receive, plus the key eligibility rules, income limits and maximum monthly benefit amounts.

The government will sell a 3% stake in Hindustan Copper through an OFS at Rs 514 per share, with an option to divest another 3%. The sale offers a discount to market price amid strong quarterly earnings and expansion plans.

Russian travel influencer Marina Kharbani (@terk_love) has called Guwahati's new integrated airport terminal one of the top three most epic airports she has visited, praising its bamboo and orchid-inspired design. The terminal was recently named among the World's Most Beautiful Airports 2026. Guwahati Airport's official Instagram thanked her for the appreciation, as other users also praised the terminal's architecture.

Ukraine's President Zelenskiy marked Independence Day with a defiant speech, emphasizing peace without surrender. Foreign leaders visited Kyiv, pledging continued support and military technology for Ukraine's defense. Britain will provide classified technology for long-range cruise missile production within Ukraine. Allied nations will hold military talks to discuss Ukraine's air defense needs. Ukraine seeks all necessary aid to stop the ongoing conflict and bring soldiers home.

United States President Donald Trump announced future tariff increases on Canadian goods. Tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, and auto parts will rise to 50 percent. Steel imports from Canada will also face the same fifty percent tariff rate. These new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. Products manufactured within the United States will continue to face zero tariffs.

The Sensex fell 172 points on Monday, but four BSE 200 stocks bucked the broader market weakness to hit fresh 52-week highs. Lenskart Solutions, Siemens, AU Small Finance Bank and United Spirits showed strong investor interest and recent gains.

In the second episode of HBO's Lanterns, viewers are introduced to the ominous Manhunters from the Corps' past. John Stewart surprises everyone by crafting a living bird using his low-charged ring, piquing Hal Jordan's interest. Antaan, hunting for a Manhunter, soon enters the scene. Meanwhile, Sinestro shows keen curiosity about John's extraordinary talents, wrapping up the episode with two intriguing mysteries surrounding the Manhunter and Sinestro's insights.

Quote of the day by Agatha Christie: Agatha Christie's novel Murder on the Orient Express offers a timeless lesson. Detective Hercule Poirot teaches us to question our initial assumptions and consider that seemingly impossible situations may have logical explanations upon closer inspection. The quote encourages us to keep an open mind when facing complex challenges and reminds us that carefully examining all available evidence is crucial to understanding difficult circumstances.

Gold, Indian equities and bitcoin have delivered sharply different returns in 2026. Bitcoin has led the recent rally, gaining 27% over both the past week and month, but remains down 8% year-to-date. Gold has emerged as a stronger performer, while Indian equities have lagged across the period.

Shanthi Gears shares surged 37.5% in two sessions after Tube Investments raised its stake by 2.69% through a block deal, taking its holding in the subsidiary to 73.16%.

MP Steel Limited has submitted its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to SEBI as it prepares for its initial public offering. The company aims to generate capital via a fresh issuance of shares and an offer for sale. The funds raised will go towards establishing a new billet manufacturing facility, thereby boosting its backward integration.

FIIs reduced their holdings in around 51 BSE midcap companies during the March and June 2026 quarters. More than half of these stocks delivered negative returns in CY26, and several witnessed sharp declines of up to 50%.

India's corporate investment cycle now features financially stronger companies expanding capacity. These well-capitalized groups are using internal cash flows for growth and consolidation. This differs from the earlier debt-heavy boom which relied on bank financing. HSBC India's balance sheet is expanding significantly, crossing five lakh crore rupees. Global capital flows require fresh triggers like reforms or FDI announcements.

Indias capital goods and power equipment sector may remain subdued in the first half of FY27 before recovering later, 360 ONE Capital said. Strong thermal power orders, private investment and government capex provide growth visibility, though geopolitical disruptions remain a near-term risk.

Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care Ltd remains confident of long-term growth. The company reported revenue of Rs 4,290 crore and profit after tax increased 19 percent. Investments in innovation and brand building strengthen competitiveness for sustained growth. Consumption trends remain supportive with urban demand anchoring growth. Evolving global trade policies and commodity prices remain key factors to watch.

Prabhudas Lilladher retained its Buy rating on BSE but lowered the target price to Rs 4,025 from Rs 4,850, citing a slowdown in derivatives volumes after the implementation of the Closing Auction Session (CAS). The brokerage also flagged tighter bank-guarantee norms and higher STT as near-term headwinds, while maintaining a positive long-term view on BSE.

IHCL will merge Oriental Hotels into itself through an all-stock transaction, with Oriental Hotels shareholders set to receive 25 IHCL shares for every 117 shares held. The merger will bring seven hotels and 825 rooms into IHCLs standalone portfolio, while simplifying the group structure and creating operational and cost synergies.

Godrej Industries Group plans a substantial Rs 20,000 crore investment in Haryana. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 40,000 new employment opportunities across the state. Godrej Properties Limited will lead this expansion, investing an additional Rs 16,000 crore by FY28. Godrej Ventures will also invest Rs 3,500 crore in Gurugram's office infrastructure. These combined efforts will significantly boost Haryana's economic development and employment landscape.

Indian IT stocks gained on Monday as reports of Nvidias potential server price hikes revived concerns over rising AI infrastructure costs and stretched valuations. The Nifty IT index rose over 1%, with Infosys and HCLTech among the gainers. Analysts, meanwhile, continue to debate whether Indias IT sector offers an anti-AI advantage.

Gold loan stocks Muthoot Finance, Manappuram Finance and IIFL Finance gained sharply as gold prices climbed on a weaker dollar and liquidity support from the US Treasury. Investors are watching US inflation data and Fed signals at Jackson Hole. Rising gold prices and geopolitical tensions continue supporting demand for gold-backed lending.

Urban Company shares rallied on Monday, after a bullish brokerage call and a legal development involving Kent RO. Kent RO has agreed to remove advertisements and social media content that allegedly made false and misleading claims about Urban Companys Native water purifiers. The stock hit its highest level in nearly 11 months.

Avaada Electro is gearing up for an initial public offering aiming to raise up to $800 million. The solar manufacturing company has partnered with several banks to oversee this potential share sale, which will feature new stock along with a secondary sale. This move aligns Avaada Electro with other players in the renewable energy sector striving for capital markets engagement, currently boasting a solar manufacturing capacity of 8.5 gigawatts.

A stuck garage door can disrupt morning routines and requires simple checks. Investigate the remote, wall switch, and power supply for immediate solutions. Inspect safety sensors and ensure the door moves manually for mechanical issues. Moisture and temperature changes can also affect door operation and components. For complex problems, professional assistance prevents further damage and potential injury.

China's J-16 fighter jets are participating in joint air exercises with Egypt. These drills follow scrutiny of China's J-10C fighters during a past India-Pakistan conflict. The Egyptian Armed Forces stated the exercises focus on common training and operational learning. Participating forces will exchange experience and align combat concepts during the drills. This exercise is part of Egypt's broader joint-training program with partner nations.

Modern society often rewards busyness and multitasking, leading to exhaustion. Plato's ancient wisdom emphasizes quality over quantity in all endeavors. This philosophy encourages deep focus and dedicated effort on important tasks. True success stems from doing things well, not merely completing them. Prioritizing depth over breadth builds lasting pride and mastery.

Kentuckys Mammoth Cave has a vast underground water network fed by rainwater entering sinkholes and cracks in the limestone. The same rapid pathways that supply cave rivers can also carry sewage, chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants underground, threatening the caves fragile aquatic ecosystems.

The Supreme Court has strongly disapproved of luxury litigation practices. Influential individuals indulging in such cases delay genuine legal proceedings. The court imposed a Rs 5 lakh cost on each litigant for unclean hands. Actress Rehana Khan and her lawyer faced rejection of their prolonged legal battles. Their actions occupied court time meant for other deserving litigants.

Canada faces economic fallout after trade talks with the US collapsed and Washington imposed 50% tariffs on hundreds of Canadian products. Economists warn of slower growth and job losses, while Prime Minister Mark Carney plans retaliatory tariffs despite concerns they could raise consumer prices.