The Economic Times

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.

Two spiders, Arabella and Anita, flew on Skylab 3 to test web-building in space. Initially disoriented, the spiders eventually adapted to the weightless environment. Their webs in space differed from those constructed on Earth. Astronauts provided additional food and water, and even altered Arabella's web. A student's curiosity led to this significant experiment about biological adaptation.

Kunchacko Boban and Lijomol Joses Malayalam psychological crime thriller Unmadham is set to make its digital debut after its theatrical release earlier this year. Directed by Kiran Das and written by Shahi Kabir, the film follows a police officer who comes across an old and mysterious case involving the death of a young woman. What starts as a routine investigation soon takes a disturbing turn as the officer begins experiencing strange visions and struggles to separate reality from his own thoug

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.

Russia has assured India of uninterrupted supplies of energy and fertilisers amid disruptions from the West Asia crisis, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Jaishankar and Russian officials also discussed expanding economic ties. Bilateral trade has nearly quadrupled from $13 billion in FY22 to almost $60 billion in FY26, but the trade imbalance has widened sharply from $6.6 billion to over $50 billion.

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.

Philosophy suggests that people who watch videos or other content while eating may experience the pleasure of food differently because their attention is divided between the meal and the screen. Aristotles ideas about pleasure, attention and competing activities offer a way to understand this everyday habit, while modern research suggests that screen use during meals can also influence eating behaviour.

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.

The Adani Group plans to establish a significant 2,000-bed hospital in New Town. Half of these beds will be allocated for free treatment of the poor. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed this development. He stated that Karan Adani had met him regarding the project. Gautam Adani has sent a commitment letter to begin work soon.

Indias house price index rose 1.1% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 FY27 (April-June), driven mainly by Chandigarh, Lucknow and Thiruvananthapuram.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal asked Japanese companies to source steel from India. He questioned trade protection for firms not supporting Indian domestic producers. India has imposed a safeguard duty only on lower grades of steel. This measure aims to protect domestic manufacturers from dumping. Goyal highlighted India's ongoing need to expand its steel capacity.

Gitanjali Rao's journey as a young innovator began at the age of ten when she created Tethys, a device to detect lead in drinking water. This remarkable invention garnered her recognition in a national competition. Following her success, she tackled challenges like opioid addiction and cyberbullying, which earned her the title of Kid of the Year.

Bajaj Auto will launch three new products and two brands by mid-October. Updated Pulsar 125 and 150 models were recently introduced to the market. The company anticipates strong demand during the upcoming festive season. Near-term trends in the 125cc motorcycle segment show softer performance. Bajaj Auto aims to attract new buyers and retain existing customers.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged Japanese auto and capital goods companies to increase localisation, set up R&D and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and build new manufacturing capacity in India to use the country as a base for global exports.

To tackle urban heat island effects, Philadelphia is trialing cool pavement solutions. In Hunting Park, a reflective light-colored coating was applied to the asphalt, and initial observations reveal it remains cooler than conventional surfaces. The influence on air temperatures is yet to be confirmed. Scientists are currently testing an additional layer to improve cooling capabilities, aiming to determine if reflective pavement could be key in combating extreme heat.

Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd will produce Officer's Choice Blue locally in Malaysia. This marks the company's first overseas local production initiative. The move supports ABDL's broader strategy for international footprint expansion. Malaysia's spirits segment is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. ABDL will continue evaluating similar asset-light partnerships globally.

At just 12, Memphis boy Jackson Oswalt turned his home playroom into a laboratory and spent about a year building a nuclear fusor. He achieved nuclear fusion just hours before his 13th birthday, earning a Guinness World Record. But after the experiment drew attention, two FBI agents unexpectedly arrived at his home with a Geiger counter.

India will amend regulations and introduce new rules within two months for manufacturers. The minister assured companies that their concerns were resolved during recent discussions. The government has simplified the Bureau of Indian Standards framework and approval processes. India aims to seed $50 billion in semiconductor and associated industries soon. This initiative is part of a long-term journey for India's manufacturing ecosystem.

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.

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.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended five restaurant licenses due to hygiene concerns. The FDA also urged consumers to avoid unsealed edible oil, citing safety issues. This action follows the Chief Minister's directive to frame standard operating procedures. These procedures aim to prevent edible oil adulteration while protecting traditional businesses. The government seeks a balanced approach between strict enforcement and vendor livelihoods.

Mumbai fitness coach Vanshika Khurana, shares a protein-rich nachos recipe. This dish offers authentic fiesta taste without excessive calories. Crispy wholewheat nachos are prepared using an air fryer or oven. A 30 gram protein-packed cheesy dip and fresh guacamole complete the healthy snack. This recipe is perfect for health-conscious foodies seeking a satisfying treat.

In a unique take on dedication, Salman Khan employed a duck analogy to highlight that hard work can often be obscured from view. He emphasized that in the era of social media, audiences tend to witness only the outcomes rather than the rigorous efforts behind them. Consequently, consistent focus and resilience are vital for long-term success, demonstrating that true merit often lies beneath the surface.

Ceigall India secured a contract valued at Rs 704.70 crore for highway construction. This project involves building a key section of the Lada-Sarli highway in Arunachal Pradesh. The company will execute this work jointly with Sushee Infra & Mining Ltd. Construction is expected to take 48 months, followed by maintenance. This development supports critical road connectivity in the region.

Supreme Universal has secured development rights for a one-acre sea-view plot near Carter Road in Bandra West, Mumbai, where it plans to invest around Rs 1,000 crore to build a luxury housing project.

Winthrop Pickard Bell, a Harvard-trained philosopher and secret British intelligence agent, warned about the growing Nazi threat years before World War II. After being imprisoned in Germany during World War I, Bell returned as a spy and reported on rising antisemitism. In 1939, he also warned that Hitlers plans could lead to racial extermination, years before the Holocaust became widely known.

New U.S. sanctions and UAE trade suspension may disrupt Indian exports to Iran. Rice, tea, and pharmaceutical shipments routed through Dubai face potential severe disruptions. Exporters anticipate higher freight and payment processing costs due to these changes. Bilateral trade has already significantly declined from previous highs. Alternative payment and shipping routes are being explored by affected businesses.

Actor R Madhavan delighted fans with a viral video of a baby elephant who showed signs of jealousy when its mother picked up a puppy with her trunk. This delightful moment quickly went viral, amusing animal lovers across the internet. In the past, Madhavan, recently seen in the film GDN, shared videos featuring a baby elephant eagerly requesting snacks, underscoring his deep affection for wildlife.

Beginning January 2027, Mumbai airport will commence the demolition of a section of Terminal 1. This will result in a redistribution of air traffic towards Terminal 2 and the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Akasa Air has already transitioned its domestic operations to Terminal 2, with plans for international traffic to also shift to Navi Mumbai. A transition team is being formed to ensure seamless coordination.

Resona Bank and Tata Capital have announced a new collaboration. This partnership aims to offer enhanced financing solutions for clients in India. Resona Bank also made a USD 20 million investment in Tata Capital Growth Fund III. The collaboration will leverage both firms' local market expertise and networks. Japanese businesses can now access India's growing economic opportunities more easily.

Thich Nhat Hanhs teaching on letting go offers a powerful perspective on happiness and inner freedom. The Vietnamese Buddhist monk said that clinging to anger, anxiety or possessions can prevent us from being truly free. His message encourages people to observe difficult emotions without allowing them to control their actions. Through mindfulness, awareness and deep listening, he believed we can loosen emotional attachments and create more space for peace, compassion and happiness.

Bengalurus five city corporations will launch a citywide drive from Thursday to clean neglected vacant plots after low compliance from owners. Owners who fail to clean their plots will be served notices, with civic bodies carrying out the work and adding the cost to annual property taxes.

IICT and Netflix are offering scholarships for 100 students and professionals. These scholarships provide financial support for creative technology programs. The initiative aims to strengthen India's creative talent pipeline. Netflix is contributing to curriculum development for specific courses. This collaboration supports India's growing creative economy.

DP World is requesting an extension for its Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal concession. Discussions are currently underway regarding this important terminal expansion request. The company also plans to invest an additional five billion dollars in India. This investment will strengthen its integrated supply chain network across the nation. A new mega-container terminal near Deendayal Port is expected next year.

The government plans to award eleven airports to private players in five bundles. Five major airports will be bundled with six smaller airports for development. The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee has given its in-principle nod for this proposal. Concessionaires will invest an estimated Rs 8,622 crore in these airport operations.

Actor R Madhavan took to social media to share wisdom from Google CEO Sundar Pichai regarding the concept of happiness. According to Pichai, authentic happiness is derived from ones mindset instead of achieving an ideal life. This notion is especially pertinent as society focuses intensely on external validations. A Chennai native who studied engineering, Pichai has transformed his career to lead both Google and its parent organization, Alphabet.