The Economic Times

Archaeological discoveries across North America have unveiled ancient bone fragments that are believed to be dice, dating back more than 12,000 years. This evidence shifts the focus away from European origins of gaming, with researchers cataloguing over 600 potential dice from various sites. These artefacts suggest that early games encouraged social bonding and resource sharing, reflecting a deep-rooted human interest in the unpredictability of outcomes.

Welcoming the policy, Puri said the initiative would put the Northeast on the path of fast-paced development while helping unlock Assams untapped hydrocarbon potential.

Sabyasachi Mukherjees luxury brand is planning to enter fragrances, footwear and small leather goods, while expanding eyewear as part of its strategy to become a global luxury lifestyle brand.

This week was the busiest for forex debt issuance by Indian lenders. ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank, HDFC Bank and Bank of Baroda together raised a massive $4.4 billion, and the bulk of the proceeds may be used to help fund the leverage for foreign currency non-resident (bank) [FCNR (B)] deposits.

Samsung is expected to reclaim the top spot in the global smartphone market in 2026, even as a worsening memory-chip shortage drives up component costs and hits overall phone shipments, according to Counterpoint Research.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles will raise vehicle prices by up to 25,000 from September 1 across its portfolio, including petrol, diesel and electric models, to partly offset higher input costs and inflation.

Television advertising volumes fell 7% in January-July 2026 from a year earlier, extending the decline in TV advertising as brands increasingly shift budgets towards digital platforms, according to TAM AdEx. The decline follows a 9% fall in TV ad volumes during the same period in 2025. Linear TV ad revenue had also dropped 10.3% in 2025, according to a Ficci-EY report.

LG Electronics India is looking to exports and B2B products as key growth drivers as its Korean parent aims to make India a global manufacturing hub. The company expects these businesses to help improve margins amid pressure from higher raw material costs, rupee depreciation and geopolitical risks.

A frustrated tech professional recently took to Reddit to reveal how he decided to stop leading his team, as he was denied the promotion he was promised not due to him being poor at his job he went the extra mile, mentoring juniors and building the team, but because he worked remotely.

Social hesitations might actually reveal a complex cognitive engagement behind them. By observing their environment before speaking, individuals can gather essential insights and think critically. Practicing conversations in advance equips them to handle various responses. A strong preference for meaningful dialogue could render superficial chit-chat tiring. Such behaviors are often indicative of a reflective mindset, rather than indicating lack of social adeptness.

Most people engaged in the hustle culture and climbing the corporate ladder would sniff and scoff at the idea of having hobbies. However, many studies, including an article published in the Harvard Business Review, claim that contrary to popular notions, having hobbies wont be a distraction or hold you back from success but will actually make you better at your job!

This week's streaming lineup is packed with thrilling options for every kind of viewer. Enjoy a unique superhero detective journey in Lanterns, while Toy Story 5 examines the intersection of technology and childhood play. For those craving deeper narratives, Stolen Girl and Is God Is offer compellingly dark tales. Additionally, the documentary Freefall dives into Boeing's safety culture, while Atlas King and I Swear deliver action and poignant biographical storytelling.

Indian energy companies are paying more than $23 per mmbtu for September LNG cargoes, among the highest prices for imports since 2022, as the Iran war disrupts global supplies. GAIL India and Gujarat State Petroleum Corp. have bought cargoes at these levels, while Bharat Petroleum has also purchased LNG from the spot market.

The NHAI and National Road Safety Board on Friday reviewed measures to strengthen road safety governance and improve safety standards on National Highways. Discussions covered engineering, operations, audits, black spot management and emergency response, with both institutions focusing on adopting a safe system approach and strengthening monitoring, accountability and digital safety systems.

The State Bank of India has finalised the acquisition of a commercial property in Pune for Rs 414 crore. This deal covers both land leasehold rights and a commercial structure situated in Kharadi, a bustling business district.

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.