The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
World-renowned country music legend Dolly Parton has sadly passed away at the age of 80 after a courageous fight with cancer and various health complications. Rising from a modest upbringing, she became a symbol of success in the music industry, captivating audiences for over sixty years. Parton's incredible legacy is defined by her unforgettable songs and meaningful performances that touched millions worldwide.
Indian economic growth slowed to 7.1 percent in the April-June quarter. Consumer spending and government expenditure supported this growth while private investment remained subdued. Rising crude oil prices pose risks to the economy and could strain household budgets. Economists forecast growth to lose momentum in coming quarters. The Reserve Bank of India is predicted to keep interest rates unchanged for six months.
Mike Mazzei secured the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor. President Donald Trump's social media attacks boosted Mazzei's campaign significantly. Mazzei will now face Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson in November. The race saw substantial spending on television and digital advertising. Mazzei, a businessman, previously served twelve years in the state Senate.
The United States is discussing additional trade penalties against Canada. This follows Canada's dollar-for-dollar retaliation to new US tariffs imposed on Saturday. Escalation could include higher tariffs and other trade actions, according to a White House official. The prospect of a spiraling trade war between the two nations is underscored. Both sides blame each other for intransigence and unfair treatment in the dispute.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposes the planned RSS event at Madison Square Garden. He expressed deep opposition to the movement's exclusionary vision of India. Interfaith and civil rights groups also urged the venue to cancel the event. The RSS chief is visiting the US as part of a global outreach program. The event is scheduled for August twenty-ninth at the iconic venue.
Amid escalating trade tensions, President Trump has proposed rebranding Lake Ontario as Lake America, a suggestion swiftly rejected by Canadians as empty rhetoric. The recent imposition of heavy tariffs by the U.S. on Canadian products has led to a noticeable chill in diplomatic ties. Both nations are now facing pressure to engage in discussions to navigate through the challenges they face together.
The United States is implementing economic sanctions alongside a naval blockade aimed at Iran. These new measures specifically target cooperatives interacting with Tehran, striving to disrupt its funding sources. Recent military operations have dispelled maritime threats, reducing Iran's influence over global oil supplies, while oil ships are now navigating the Strait of Hormuz more frequently, signaling a push for renewed negotiations with Iran.
United States issued a travel alert for Mexicali, suspending consular activities due to a potential threat. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the alert stemmed from U.S. agency information regarding criminal groups. Authorities stepped up surveillance in Mexicali as a preventative measure, while the city remained calm. Mexican and U.S. forces seized drugs and arms from a criminal group called Los Rusos.
Gold prices held steady as investors kept a watchful eye on upcoming United States inflation data, which is expected to offer insights into the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. Market participants are looking towards a potential pause in rate hikes next month. Concurrently, other precious metals, including silver, platinum, and palladium, experienced slight increases, reflecting ongoing global economic concerns and trade tensions impacting market dynamics.
Oil prices have dropped following the revival of discussions between Iran and Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The losses across both benchmarks highlight the market's reaction to navigation issues. Despite uncertainty gripping the market, some bargain buying has emerged, preventing further price decreases, while the U.S. is shifting personnel to its Middle Eastern diplomatic missions.
Iran and Oman are discussing managing the Strait of Hormuz traffic. The United States is sending personnel back to Middle East diplomatic missions. U.S. sanctions threaten countries doing business with Iran. Oil prices fell as traders brushed off sanctions impact. Thousands have died in the conflict, with Iran's military capacity degraded.
Adam Mosseri, who oversees Instagram at Meta, admitted in a California court on Tuesday that he touted newly launched safety tools for teens without disclosing low adoption rates from early testing several years ago. When asked if Meta disclosed its low adoption, which only reached 1 or 2 percent of the accounts, Mosseri admitted the company did not but said the safety features were later turned on by default in Teen Accounts, which have parental controls and launched in 2024.
The United States is pressuring Iraq to curb its financial dealings with Iran. Washington has sanctioned Iraqi banks involved in trade with Tehran. Iraq relies heavily on US goodwill for its oil revenues and finances. Trade between Iraq and Iran exceeds ten billion dollars annually. New US measures could jeopardize Iraq's energy payments to Iran.
US President Trump sent Congress a nuclear energy agreement with Saudi Arabia. This pact will only become effective if Saudi Arabia normalizes relations with Israel. The deal allows U.S. companies to export civilian nuclear technology to the kingdom. Congress has ninety session days to consider the proposed agreement. This move opens possibilities for the deal to proceed without certain stipulations.
The U.S. Secret Service is aware of a video from Iranian state media. This video appears to threaten the life of Barron Trump, President Donald Trump's youngest son. The Secret Service investigates all potential threats to individuals under its protection. This incident follows the U.S. assassination of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The assassination initiated a war in Iran which Trump launched with Israel.
Darline Graham secured the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina. She was appointed to the Senate seat after her brother's passing in July. Graham defeated Representative Ralph Norman in the primary election contest. She will now compete in November's general election for a full term. President Donald Trump had previously endorsed her candidacy for the position.
President Donald Trump mourned the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton. He announced the American flag would be lowered nationwide for one week. Dolly Parton passed away at the age of eighty, a significant loss. Her nephew Bryan Seaver shared the news via an Instagram video. Parton was a celebrated artist with a career spanning decades.
Quote of the day by Gene Simmons is a reminder that life is too short to spend it constantly underestimating yourself. Its deeper lesson lies in the value of courageous imagination. We do not need to believe that we are perfect, invincible, or destined to succeed at everything. We simply need enough confidence to consider that our possibilities may be greater than our fears suggest.
Quote of the day by Elvis Costello reminds us that true happiness is far more complex and beautiful than a lucky message or a fleeting stroke of fortune. It is deeper because it can touch our sense of purpose, wider because it grows through connection, funnier because laughter is an essential part of being human, and transporting because certain experiences can make us forget the boundaries of everyday routine.
Early bedtimes can slip through the cracks over the summer as kids stay up for sleepovers, movie marathons and long plane flights.
Roman will conduct one of the most comprehensive searches ever for exoplanets. It is expected to discover thousands of new ones and provide the first statistical census of planetary systems similar to our own. The telescope is named after Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first chief astronomer. Roman died in 2018 at age 93.
In 1958, US Air Force launched an Able 1 spacecraft to the Moon in humanitys first attempt to send a spaceship anywhere beyond Earth orbit. The spacecraft was designed to enter lunar orbit, but its Thor rocket exploded 73.6 seconds after launch. The mission later became known as Pioneer 0 and became the start of the Pioneer mission series.
El Nino is already as big as recent ones and is still growing with it expected to reach unprecedented levels at its peak. It's responsible for a good chunk of the heat in the oceans
September 2026 offers unique lucky days for each zodiac sign. Astrological shifts influence relationships, career, and personal growth throughout the month. Key dates around September tenth bring significant planetary movements and a new moon. Each sign finds fortune by recognizing opportunities and paying attention to timing. The month emphasizes understanding personal next steps for a fortunate outcome.
Japanese financial institutions noted currency fluctuations and policy issues affecting investment decisions. They expressed confidence in India's long-term growth prospects and discussed boosting capital flow. Firms stressed simplifying profit repatriation and improving market access for investors. Greater regulatory predictability was also highlighted as important for long-term commitment. Discussions occurred during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit.
Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood: Clint Eastwood, a celebrated filmmaker, shares insights on aging and doubt. He believes experience helps manage uncertainty without letting it control decisions. His career reflects this decisive approach, favoring authenticity in filmmaking. Eastwood's enduring legacy spans over seven decades in Hollywood. He continues his work as a director and producer.
Quote of the day by Drake: Canadian rapper Drake's quote highlights how reviews influence human minds. He suggests opinions can be easily shaped by strong and confident words. This observation serves as a reminder to think independently about heard opinions. Drake, born Aubrey Graham, gained fame on Degrassi before his music career.
Quote of the day by Dolly Parton teaches true meaning of 'rich'. A truly abundant life cannot be measured only by numbers. It can be seen in the person who gives encouragement when someone feels discouraged, stays beside a loved one during difficult times, shares what they have, remains grateful through uncertainty, and treats others with dignity. Spirit, kindness, and love may not carry a dollar value, but their importance can exceed many material possessions. The most meaningful form of wealth
The Supreme Court requested detailed data from the Election Commission regarding pending appeals. These appeals challenge voter list inclusions and exclusions in West Bengal. The court directed the Election Commission to provide a breakdown of disposed and pending cases. All appeals must be decided before the next parliamentary elections in 2029. This directive aims to streamline and expedite the disposal of appeals.
Quote of the day by Maya Angelou says that people need to care for themselves before they can care for someone else. The quote focuses on self-preservation, self-love, healthy boundaries and compassion. It also explains why ignoring personal needs can lead to exhaustion and resentment while taking care of oneself can support relationships and meaningful help.
Embassies slated to restore higher staffing levels include those in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait, according to the report. The State Department is continuously reviewing the security posture of its diplomatic missions worldwide and is adjusting staffing levels at certain posts in the Middle East following its latest assessment, a spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is a key breeding site for the black-necked stork. Researchers confirmed four active nests, each producing two fledglings successfully. The sanctuary supported a peak seasonal population of twenty-one birds during the study. Nests were built on invasive gando baval trees at moderate heights. This study provides detailed breeding ecology information for the species.
The Maharashtra government has removed the age limit for tribal students' hostel admissions. This decision followed a hunger strike and a letter from Rahul Gandhi. Tribal students had been protesting the imposed age restriction for twelve days. While the age limit is gone, other demands remain unmet by the government. Students continue their hunger strike seeking increased allowances and insurance for all.
Bihar's industries minister Shreyasi Singh is working to change the state's negative perception. She detailed policies designed to attract businesses and create jobs. The minister highlighted swift land allotment and production startup times. Singh also spoke about her father's lasting influence and inspiration. She aims to build respect and trust through her public service.
Dolly Parton, the cherished 80-year-old country music legend, has sadly left us. Her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a star captivated countless hearts. Known for her wisdom, Parton once said that true leadership lies in energizing others. Through her impactful Imagination Library, she gifted free books to children, solidifying her legacy in music, business, and motivation for many.
Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the current census questionnaire. They contend the open-ended caste question will yield inaccurate data, especially for OBCs. The leaders proposed a new questionnaire with a drop-down list of castes based on government lists. They also suggested considering questionnaires from Bihar and Telangana caste surveys. Accurate data is essential for effective social justice policies in India.
As per the report in Russian official media outlet, the aircraft, which originated from the Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC, touched down in the Russian capital at approximately 10 am Moscow time (07:00 GMT). According to available flight tracking data, the heavy-lift transport plane followed a multi-stop route before entering Russian airspace. It had a prior stop at the Charleston International Airport/Air Force Base and then at Riga in Latvia, before continuing its journey toward the
In 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, headed to the Moon without traditional life insurance. NASA did not provide life insurance to its employees at the time, while private policies were costly. The astronauts instead signed hundreds of autographed envelopes before launch, giving their families a possible source of money if the mission ended in tragedy.
Japanese Mindset: Hansei, a traditional Japanese practice, emphasizes the importance of genuine self-reflection in the wake of mistakes. By embracing this mindset, individuals can glean valuable lessons from their missteps, leading to enhanced decision-making in the future. It centers on identifying the causes of errors and exploring ways to instigate positive changes. Ultimately, Hansei promotes ongoing personal development while minimizing harsh self-judgment.
NBEMS has advised NEET PG 2026 candidates not to circulate misleading claims about a possible postponement of the August 30 examination. The warning followed queries on social media regarding the exam schedule. The board is scheduled to release the admit card on August 25 after a one-day delay, with candidates able to download it from the official NBEMS website using their login credentials.
Opposition MPs demanded discussion on NEET-UG protesters' alleged pellet gun use and police action. BJP refused to suspend the listed business, leading to sharp exchanges. The confrontation escalated to include remarks about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The chairman declined the request, citing judicial scrutiny of the matter. The committee then resumed its scheduled business on crime against children.
GIFT City is shifting its focus to bring India-related cross-border financial business home. The regulator aims to address product, expertise, and regulation gaps that drive business overseas. GIFT City seeks to become a landing point for both inbound and outbound investment activities. Indian institutions are urged to assess shifting current overseas business to GIFT. This strategic pivot aims to bolster India's financial capabilities and economic growth.
Quote of the day by P. G. Wodehouse offers a simple lesson about happiness. His words remind us to take life as it comes, especially when plans go wrong. The beloved British humorist believed that resilience, optimism and a little humor can change how we face difficult days. Heres what his timeless quote can teach us about living better.
Sun Life sees significant growth potential in India's insurance and wealth management sectors. The company is exploring new investment opportunities within the Indian market. Artificial intelligence will transform service delivery and enhance client understanding. Customer preferences are evolving towards integrated financial planning solutions. Sun Life aims to contribute to India's goal of universal insurance coverage.
Dolly Parton, a legendary entertainer, passed away at eighty years old. Her career spanned nearly six decades, building an extraordinary legacy. Parton's wealth came from music, business ventures, and her stake in Dollywood. She launched the Imagination Library, a global literacy program for children. Her story highlights a transformation from poverty to a philanthropic icon.

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