The Economic Times

The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya have mastered the art of growing living root bridges using fig trees. These incredible engineering marvels, nurtured over decades, become stronger as their roots entwine across rivers and steep gorges. This remarkable tradition highlights indigenous ingenuity and eco-friendly construction, with the living root bridges of Meghalaya now recognized on a global scale with provisional UNESCO status.

Shriram Wealth aims to target new clients with investable assets from ten lakh rupees. The company will utilize the Shriram Group's extensive branch network for expansion. Artificial intelligence-based solutions are planned for introduction within the next six months. This move follows a joint venture with South African firm Sanlam in June 2025. Shriram Wealth also plans to establish fifty centers across India.

The Reserve Bank of India recently levied fines on two financial firms for regulatory failures. Shri Ram Finance Corporation was penalized Rs 8.10 lakh due to management transitions and a lack of proper risk classification for clients. Meanwhile, Progfin incurred a Rs 2.70 lakh fine for failing to conduct timely risk reviews. Both penalties highlight the significance of compliance with established regulations.

Following a strong July, MVNs rapid August performance reflects growing demand for unique, luxury residences among families across Delhi-NCR.

We are living in a culture which supports challenging the status quo and questioning authority. An old Sicilian proverb advises that, contrary to popular beliefs, it is not always advisable to challenge authority and take the law into our own hands. Sometimes, all that accomplishes is a needless conflict and disruptions.

New indigenously designed mobile phones with Indian IP rights will launch in 10-14 months. The government will strictly screen brands, preventing copycats from benefiting. Companies must prove ownership of design intellectual property rights for scheme eligibility. The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme aims to boost domestic brands and production. This initiative seeks to establish technological sovereignty and capture greater economic value.

Linda Ronstadt made waves in 1975 with her captivating cover of 'Love Is a Rose,' a song initially recorded by Neil Young for an unreleased project. Her country-infused style resonated greatly, leading to substantial commercial success. This partnership marked another chapter in their long-standing musical relationship, showcasing how a forgotten melody can become an unexpected chart-topping favorite.

Lights that flicker might indicate underlying electrical issues, yet they don't all necessitate urgent professional help. Often, a quick fixsuch as tightening light bulbscan remedy these nuisances. If you notice persistent dimming from several fixtures, it may suggest an overload or a fault in the main panel. Tackling these early warning signs safeguards your household's electrical safety and functionality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India had moved from the Licence Raj-era Production Linked Punishment model to incentivising production through the PLI scheme, which he said has generated 2.5 lakh crore in investment, 22 lakh crore in production and sales, 15 lakh crore in exports and over 14 lakh jobs.

Limelight can be heady but also frightening, as it is very difficult for public figures to maintain privacy. Years ago, actor Warren Beatty explained in an interview that it is very important to set a boundary between your public and private life and maintain discretion. He explained how not everything worthwhile has to be shared with the public.

In a heartfelt move, a successful man with a Rs 25 LPA salary in Mumbai stepped away from his high-profile job to prioritise his family as his parents grew older. This transformative decision reflects a growing recognition that familial bonds often outweigh workplace accomplishments, as he embraced a new job opportunity in his hometown to become a source of support for his loved ones.

Greenlands 1,600-foot ice dome vanished 7,000 years ago when temperatures were several degrees warmer than today. Now, scientists have found the buried evidence beneath Prudhoe Dome. The discovery raises a difficult question about Greenlands future. Similar warmth could return by the end of this century. If that happens, the ancient melt record could offer a rare clue to how quickly Greenlands ice may respond and what it could mean for global sea levels.

Quote of the Day by Christina Aguilera: Christina Aguileras quote, Red lips and fragrance always top off an outfit for me, explores the importance of personal style, beauty, confidence, and self-expression. The quote suggests that makeup and fragrance can be more than simple beauty accessories, as they can add personality, elegance, and a sense of completeness to an outfit. Aguileras words highlight how small details such as a bold red lip and a favorite fragrance can help a person feel polished

A 17-year-old student from Pennsylvania has developed a promising blood-based method for detecting pancreatic cancer by using magnetic nanospheres to isolate tumor-derived particles from blood samples. Audrey Zheng, a senior at North Allegheny Senior High School, focused on extracellular vesicles that carry molecular information from cells and tested them for cancer-linked KRAS mutations.

The Asian Development Bank and Karnataka government on Friday signed an agreement for Rs 1,750 crore in ADB assistance to develop 500 government schools as Karnataka Public Schools by 2029-30. The state will contribute Rs 750 crore, taking the total project outlay to Rs 2,500 crore to upgrade infrastructure and educational facilities.

In a time before air conditioning, Americans became innovative in their quest to stay cool. Architectural elements like high ceilings and strategically placed windows promoted cross-ventilation. Porches transformed into relaxation spaces, and sleeping porches harnessed the evening breeze. Even fans predated electricity, while ice offered temporary relief. Evaporative cooling and adaptive daily routines emerged as practical strategies to combat the heat.

A thoughtful word can bring great comfort during tough moments. Little acts of kindness can have a far-reaching impact on people's lives. In the hustle of modern communication, we sometimes lose the essence of genuine connection. Nurturing positive relationships is essential for our well-being and joy. It's important not to overlook the significant ripple effect of our kind actions.

Jainendrajeet's academic journey is inspiring. Despite starting with a modest 54% in Class 10 and struggling with mathematics, he rebounded spectacularly by achieving a 99.98 percentile in JEE Main 2023. This exceptional performance earned him an AIR of 349 in JEE Advanced, paving the way for his studies in Computer Science at IIT Bombay. His story illustrates that early challenges do not dictate ultimate success.

India's foreign exchange reserves rose over $9 billion in the week ending August 14. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves significantly contributed to this overall increase. Banks received substantial funds through special deposit schemes and borrowing measures.

Bengaluru airport's passenger fee will fall 45% to Rs 300 for departing domestic flyers from September 1, under a new tariff order by AERA. The regulator has also cut the international fee to Rs 997 and adopted an incremental revenue framework, linking recovery of major infrastructure costs to project completion.

Karnataka has launched KEO, an AI-ready computing platform developed within the state, with an aim to bring advanced technology to students and small businesses. The platform features on-device artificial intelligence, reducing reliance on internet connectivity. Thousands of KEO devices will be deployed across schools and institutions.

The government has relaxed export house status eligibility criteria for exporters. Exporters now qualify with performance in any two of three preceding financial years. This change excludes the gems and jewellery sector which has separate rules. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade amended the Foreign Trade Policy for this update. An automated facility for export obligation extensions was also introduced by the DGFT.

The Centre will spend around Rs 28,840 crore over the next 10 years to expand the UDAN regional connectivity scheme and strengthen air connectivity across India, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said.

Portuguese proverb of the day: Engaging with toxic influences leads to a heavy toll on one's spirit and ethics. Such harmful decisions require exponentially more effort to regain balance and a clear conscience. In today's fast-paced world, many are lured into dubious shortcuts for immediate benefits. This ancient Portuguese proverb serves as a caution against compromising values and highlights the importance of setting boundaries to avoid future remorse and emotional exhaustion.

JioStar Vice Chairman Uday Shankar said crickets long-term success depends on broader media economics, beyond stadium attendance, as traditional media faces pressure from changing advertising models. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, he also discussed the IPLs relevance, womens cricket, digital accessibility, AI-led content innovation and the evolving media business model.

The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of Radio Club, Khar Gymkhana and 11 other food establishments for violating hygiene norms, as part of inspections across the state.

Quote of the day by Antonio Banderas: Antonio Banderas' quote inspires with his thoughts on hope and the possibility of second chances in relationships. He observes that the initial thrill of romance may wane but emphasises the importance of creating new, significant experiences together. Acknowledging that genuine hope is a universal human sentiment, he reminds us that joy can resurface when least expected.

IndiGo's reservation system was restored Friday after technical issues disrupted bookings. The airline's website and app experienced intermittent problems affecting ticket reservations. Passengers faced difficulties with bookings, web check-ins, and payment confirmations. These repeated disruptions pose a challenge for the new CEO, Willie Walsh. This follows significant flight cancellations due to pilot rostering issues last December.

The expression 'OK' has an interesting backstory, originating from a humorous misspelling in a Boston newspaper. It gained traction during a presidential election when supporters of Martin Van Buren proudly formed 'OK Clubs' using his initials. Unlike other bygone slang, 'OK' has proven its staying power and versatility, successfully adapting to convey different meanings in today's communicative landscape.

Leela Naidus Bollywood career was not long or glorious, but she did leave an impact on the audience with her exotic looks and versatile performances in films such as The Householder and Yeh Raastey Hain Pyaar Ke. Despite not being the #1 in Bollywood, she was music in demand by many directors, such as Raj Kapoor and Satyajit Ray. Despite all the adulation she enjoyed at her peak, her personal life was tumultuous and her twilight years marked by loneliness.

Sugar prices rose from 48.18 per kg on July 20 to 55.70 per kg on August 20, but the government said the increase was not due to diversion of sugar for ethanol production.

At Paradip Port, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven significant infrastructure projects valued at Rs 427.80 crore. He also facilitated the execution of three mechanisation initiatives worth Rs 1,580.36 crore, intended to boost the port's cargo handling capabilities. In addition, the port marked the planting of its one-millionth tree, reinforcing its environmental sustainability commitment and establishing Paradip as a crucial maritime gateway in eastern India.

New foreign trade policy amendments will ease exporter invoicing and payments in Indian rupees. This move promotes rupee internationalization and offers exporters greater flexibility and certainty. Indian industry welcomes the government's efforts to modernize the foreign trade framework. Rupee export proceeds will now qualify for foreign trade policy benefits.

India plans to add thirty gigawatts of polysilicon manufacturing capacity by twenty thirty. This ambitious goal aims to attract an investment of twenty-five thousand crore rupees. A dedicated government scheme will support this crucial solar component manufacturing. Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries are also being explored as a viable energy storage alternative.

Emma Stones powerful words about life being over in the blink of an eye offer a reminder to stop waiting for perfect moments. Her philosophy highlights the importance of pursuing opportunities, embracing change, avoiding comparisons and making time for people and experiences that truly matter.

In a candid interview, actor R Madhavan, basking in the success of GDN, reflected on his inspiring journey and the significant figures who influenced him, particularly Ratan Tata. He emphasised the vital role of humility in truly understanding success and how it should serve as a beacon, encouraging others to chase their dreams. Madhavan believes in the power of motivation to guide people in discovering their own unique paths to success.

Huron has seen remarkable growth in its India team since 2020, surpassing 4,100 professionals. This advancement signals a deliberate transition toward a global capability center and a hub for innovation. The firms presence in India is transforming into a key contributor to client revenue and value creation, spread across five cities with ambitions for further growth by 2026.

India's foreign exchange reserves jumped $9.905 billion to $716.90 billion in the week ended August 14, RBI data showed. Reserves had risen $14.1 billion to $707 billion a week earlier, marking the highest level in the current fiscal year. The latest increase came as FCNR(B) scheme inflows started reflecting.

With the launch of its quick commerce initiative in India alongside Swiggy Instamart, MINISO introduces over ninety lifestyle items, featuring well-loved franchise merchandise. This partnership enhances Instamart's inventory, providing more than just essential goods. MINISO is focused on reaching a diverse customer base with expedited digital delivery services and has plans to broaden its product selection and geographic reach in the upcoming months.

The governments Rs 62,500-crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) will cover mobile phone makers and electronics manufacturing services firms meeting specified turnover and Indian ownership criteria.

JBM Auto on Friday clarified that a report on Bain Capital's proposed investment in its electric vehicle business relates to subsidiary JBM Electric Vehicles. The company told stock exchanges that there was no material information requiring disclosure under Regulation 30 of SEBI's listing regulations as of now.

At a recent event, actor-politician Ravi Kishan humorously addressed his trending 'Gucci walk.' He clarified that the unique sideways movement was a product of the somewhat cramped stage space. Embracing his newfound internet fame, Kishan even performed the walk once more, thanking Gen Z for turning him into a cultural phenomenon and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their continued support and admiration.

Zydus Lifesciences secured final USFDA approval for its generic ascorbic acid injection. This approval is for the treatment of scurvy in specific patient groups. The company's product is the generic equivalent of the Ascor injection. The USFDA designated this application as a Competitive Generic Therapy. Zydus will market the product in the United States market.

CA Nitin Kaushik has warned Gurgaon homebuyers to look beyond the EMI when deciding whether they can afford a house. He said the real cost is the life buyers may have to sacrifice, including childrens education, parents, cars, investments, retirement and leisure. Kaushik asked whether people are buying homes to build better lives or gradually building their lives around paying for the house, urging buyers to rethink affordability.

The RBIs Central Board reviewed global and domestic economic challenges and risks to Indias outlook at its 624th meeting, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The board also assessed operational areas, including the functioning of its committees and Ombudsman Scheme.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, American music legend John Mellencamp offered a simple perspective on happiness, saying it is not our God-given right to be happy. He suggested that if someone can laugh out loud once or twice a day, that itself could be happiness. His words highlight the value of small, genuine moments of joy instead of constantly expecting life to deliver lasting happiness or waiting for major achievements.

Kate Warne became America's first female detective in 1856. She proved her skills investigating a major theft for the Adams Express Company. Warne later infiltrated secessionist circles to protect President-elect Abraham Lincoln. She disguised herself and helped Lincoln travel safely through Baltimore. Her groundbreaking career challenged societal assumptions about women's professional capabilities.