The Economic Times

In 1643, an Italian physicist and mathematician came up with a crucial invention to help measure atmospheric pressure laying foundation for weather forecasts and unraveling many secrets in thermodynamics and modern meteorology. Evangelista Torricelli invented the mercury barometer, created a sustained vacuum and showed that air has weight. His work helped scientists understand atmospheric pressure and later supported weather science, physics and meteorology.

Quote of the day by Mads Mikkelsen says, I think the meaning of life is life itself. The quote focuses on living in the present instead of searching for a final answer about existence. It offers lessons on acceptance, mindfulness, fate, happiness, mortality and inner peace. The message is to experience life, accept uncertainty and avoid spending life worrying about questions without answers.

The Supreme Court suggested forming special courts for Manipur violence cases. These courts would exclusively handle investigations by the CBI and NIA. The Gauhati High Court Chief Justice was urged to establish these separate courts. The court also directed security agencies to ensure uninterrupted investigations by federal agencies. Details of cases will be shared with affected families and their lawyers.

The corporate affairs ministry plans to implement an evidence-based methodology for the upcoming Digital Competition Bill. A thorough market analysis is currently being conducted to establish benchmarks for major tech firms. Systemically impactful digital entities will be subjected to preventive regulations enforced by the antitrust authority. This proposed legislation aims to curb undesirable practices proactively. The ministry's responses contributed to a parliamentary committee's findings.

India Independence Day 2026: Youth power will be a central theme at the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Young achievers and innovators will be honored as special guests at the event. The national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung from the Red Fort ramparts for the first time. Military bands will perform across India, and flower petals will be showered. Approximately five thousand special guests, including students, have been invited to the function.

A US judge dismissed criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The Justice Department decided to abandon the fraud and bribery case against him. Adani denied any agreement was made for the dismissal of the indictment. He had previously pledged a ten billion dollar investment in the United States. The Adani Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing in this matter.

Quote of the Day by Kate Hudson: Kate Hudsons quote, Being active and good health is the most important beauty regime because that will affect you for the rest of your life, explores the importance of physical activity, healthy living, self-care, and long-term well-being. The quote suggests that true beauty should go beyond appearance and that maintaining good health can support confidence, energy, and a better quality of life for years to come.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari suspended an investigating officer and transferred an inspector. He visited the family of a Trinamool worker who died in custody. The Chief Minister ordered a magisterial inquiry into the custodial death. He provided compensation and a job to the deceased worker's wife. Adhikari admitted to police negligence while awaiting post-mortem results.

The Supreme Court voiced serious concern regarding escalating drug abuse and trafficking nationwide. Justices noted the gravity of the situation and its widespread impact across the country. A petition seeking reforms in enforcement measures under the NDPS Act was heard by the bench. The plea highlights drug abuse's threat to youth health and national security. The court issued notices to the Centre and state governments for their response.

Eight people from Assam were injured in firing from Arunachal Pradesh on Monday. The incident occurred along the inter-state border due to an alleged land encroachment dispute. Injured individuals were admitted to local hospitals, with some in critical condition. Assam's chief minister stated the matter is almost resolved and is being addressed. Both states have previously agreed to resolve their long-standing border disputes.

Iran's Supreme Leader appointed six senior commanders to key military and IRGC posts. Ali Abdollahi became Chief of Staff while Kioumars Heydari is Deputy Chief. Ahmad Vahidi now commands the IRGC, and Mostafa Izadi is his deputy. Ali Azmaei leads the IRGC Navy, and Hossein Taeb heads the Basij. These appointments follow recent news about the Supreme Leader's health and other personnel changes.

Todays Japanese proverb of the day offers a powerful lesson in resilience: Even when every outer flame dies, guard the light within yourself. It speaks to hope, courage, inner strength and self-belief. Life can take away plans, people and opportunities. But your inner light can remain. This timeless message reminds us to keep going, even through lifes darkest moments.

Sri Lanka faces growing concerns as a potential hub for Chinese cybercrime networks. A recent murder of a Chinese national highlights these transnational criminal activities. Investigators believe the victim was targeted by an international Chinese syndicate for financial disputes. He had allegedly operated cyber scams in Cambodia before relocating to Sri Lanka. Authorities warn of a national security crisis if swift action is not taken.

Japanese proverb of the day: A Japanese saying reminds us to cherish support received during hardship. When life improves, people often forget the kindness shown during tough periods. This saying encourages lasting gratitude for those who offered assistance. Remembering help fosters humility and a greater willingness to assist others.

Oil prices rose significantly as Iran and the United States exchanged compensation demands. Prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz dimmed due to these escalating tensions. Ukraine continued to strike Russian refineries and tankers, further impacting supply. Saudi Aramco postponed a refinery restart after recent Houthi attacks. US Strategic Petroleum Reserve stocks reached their lowest level since 1983.

Jurors found a Chinese yuan note and white powder inside clothing presented as evidence. This discovery occurred during deliberations in the Shamell Joyner robbery trial. The judge instructed jurors to disregard these unexpected items during their decision-making. Jurors ultimately convicted Joyner on thirteen of the twenty-eight charges. The jury deadlocked on fifteen remaining charges, leading to a partial verdict.

Quote of the Day by Randolph Scott: Randolph Scotts quote, I had always been a fatalist about my career. What was to be was to be, explores the importance of acceptance, destiny, patience, and uncertainty in life and career. The quote suggests that while people can work hard and pursue their ambitions, not every outcome can be controlled or predicted. Sometimes unexpected circumstances, opportunities, and changes can shape the direction of a persons journey.

A US official stated the Gaza plan remains operative and advancing. Discussions with Israel are continuing regarding the plan's implementation and verification. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the plan, demanding Hamas be disarmed first. Israel's military has effectively halted attacks under US pressure. The plan's stages will only proceed after commitments are met.

An approximately 8-foot Burmese python stunned a New Jersey family after it was discovered hiding beneath their backyard shed in Freehold Township. The snake was spotted by Leslie Daley while she was watering flowers before disappearing under the structure, forcing Monmouth County SPCA animal-control officers to remove part of the shed floor to rescue it. An X-ray later revealed the surprising reason behind the pythons swollen belly and it had recently swallowed a large opossum.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting: Tokyo's rooftops may offer a new strategy for extreme heat management. Rainwater harvesting and roof sprinkling systems can cool buildings effectively. Machine learning optimizes tank size and sprinkling intensity for better performance. This system's cooling benefits grow significantly during hotter years.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-led Gaza plan before upcoming elections. This decision may alienate both his ally Donald Trump and his right-wing base. Analysts suggest Hamas gains a tactical victory by publicly backing the deal. Israel has stopped air strikes, though periodic gunfire is reported in Gaza. Netanyahu seeks to appear as the sole protector against Hamas for voters.

Rclone can effectively replace three cloud apps like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox on Windows PCs. Running three separate background sync tools wastes over one gigabyte of memory and slows system performance. This lightweight open-source software mounts all your scattered cloud files into a single virtual drive. You eliminate background tray clutter, enable zero-knowledge file encryption, and keep your full storage quotas. It delivers a faster, cleaner desktop experience without extra subs

After the Korean War ended in 1953, South Korea faced severely degraded hills and mountains, with millions of hectares classified as bare mountain. Over the following decades, the country launched an ambitious reforestation campaign involving government agencies, local communities, new fuel strategies and billions of seedlings. More than 10 billion trees were planted from the 1960s through the 1980s, while the volume of standing wood increased dramatically. The remarkable recovery demonstrates h

Nine US Senate races are emerging as critical contests for party control. Democrats see an opening as President Trump's approval ratings weaken significantly. North Carolina, Maine, Michigan, and Ohio offer the clearest paths to a Democratic majority. Alaska, Iowa, and Texas could become essential if the party loses ground elsewhere. These contests will shape the chamber's composition for the upcoming legislative session.

Apricity captures that delightful sensation of sunshine warming your skin during the chill of winter. This distinctive English term, derived from the Latin 'apricus' meaning sunny, provides a perfect way to express a universally appreciated feeling. By exploring such unique words, individuals can broaden their vocabulary and eloquently convey life's small yet joyous encounters.

Tropical Storm Dolphin caused hundreds of flight cancellations in Shanghai and widespread flooding. Authorities evacuated over a million people from riskier areas in China. The storm intensified monsoon rains, triggering floods and landslides in the Philippines. Five people died in a landslide in Baguio city after heavy rains. Nearly a week of severe weather affected over a million people in Luzon.

Scientists have discovered novel compounds that prevent the transmission of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. These innovative chemicals can be applied to bed nets without causing insecticide resistance. When infected mosquitoes come into contact with the treated netting, the parasites are eliminated. This advancement represents a promising new approach to tackling malaria on a global scale, with substantial implications for efforts towards control and eradication.

US President Donald Trump has approved a Jones Act waiver extension. This waiver aims to reduce gas prices by increasing shipping flexibility. The Jones Act requires U.S.-built ships and American crews for domestic cargo. The approved extension includes specific limitations on its application. This decision addresses transport bottlenecks and shipping regulations.

A submerged ghost town named St. Thomas is reappearing as Lake Mead's water levels drop. This former Mormon settlement was flooded after the Hoover Dam's construction decades ago. Visitors can now walk through the revealed streets and building foundations of the old community. The town's reappearance highlights the severe drought impacting the Colorado River Basin. Falling water levels also raise concerns about water supply and hydroelectric power generation.

Iran war news: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is healthy after a lengthy meeting. This comes amid reports of Khamenei's critical condition circulating in Israeli media. Iran also announced a sudden reshuffle at the top of its political and national-security establishment. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr moved to political adviser while Mohsen Rezaei joined the security council.

Transform your rough towels back to their fluffy best with simple household ingredients! Start by giving them a hot wash with white vinegar, breaking down any stubborn detergent residue. Follow up with a separate wash using baking soda to remove odors and loosen buildup. For ongoing softness, remember to use less detergent and fabric softener in the future. Lastly, ensure to dry towels properly to keep them plush and absorbent.

China's Long March 7A rocket launch mission failed Monday evening. The rocket experienced an anomaly during its flight, state media reported. This communications satellite, ChinaSat 4B, was launched from Hainan Island. The cause of this failed launch is currently under investigation by authorities. This marks the first reported Long March 7A failure since its initial flight in 2020.

Choosing a name for a baby boy is an exciting journey, especially when parents want something meaningful, memorable and suitable for 2026. Names beginning with A offer plenty of wonderful choices, from timeless classics and culturally rooted favorites to modern names with distinctive sounds. Whether you prefer a short and simple name these list provide plenty of inspiration for finding a special name your little boy can carry throughout his life.

Quote of the Day by Bob Marley: Bob Marleys famous quote about life being one big road with lots of signs carries a simple message about how we move through difficult times. Life rarely follows a straight path. There are setbacks, wrong turns, unexpected opportunities and moments when we have to decide which direction to take.

BP will sell a stake in a Venezuelan gas field to Trinidad's National Gas Company. This agreement follows Venezuela granting BP a license to develop the Cocuina-Manakin field. The field holds one trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves across maritime boundaries. Most of the project's gas will be marketed to Atlantic LNG for export. A final investment decision for Cocuina-Manakin is expected by year's end.

Quote of the day by Tim Robbins from City of Ember explains how paying attention can help people find information others miss. The quote connects mindfulness, curiosity, wisdom and growth. It asks people to observe their surroundings, notice small details, ask questions and use those observations to understand problems, make decisions and learn more from everyday experiences.

Amazons massive Texas AI data center is drawing environmental scrutiny after plans for a 7.65GW natural gas power plant revealed it could emit up to 33 million tons of CO annually. The project raises fresh questions about Amazons 2040 net-zero pledge as AIs soaring energy demand pushes Big Tech toward fossil-fuel-powered data centers.

Nearly three-quarters of England is now experiencing drought conditions. This severe situation stems from prolonged dry weather and higher temperatures this year. Forty-five million people live in drought areas, and twenty-seven million face water use restrictions. Rivers and groundwater levels continue to decline, increasing wildfire risks. Heat has also impacted wildlife and caused thousands of heat-related deaths.

Easy toilet cleaning trick: Looking for an effective cleaning hack? Combine ice and salt in your toilet bowl. This dynamic duo works wonders, ice cools down and softens grime, while salt acts as a natural abrasive to scrub away stubborn residue. Wait a bit for the magic to happen, then simply finish off with your preferred cleaner.

A strong earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, causing significant damage and fatalities. This event recalls the devastating 1868 Ecuador-Colombia earthquakes which killed thousands. The 1868 disaster was exacerbated by construction methods unable to withstand intense ground shaking. Modern science and building standards have improved earthquake preparedness significantly. Colombia remains exposed to powerful seismic events due to its complex tectonic setting.

An appeals court permitted thousands of lawsuits against social media firms to advance. These suits allege companies designed products to addict young users. The court rejected bids to reverse a lower ruling, allowing cases to proceed. Plaintiffs claim these platforms contribute to youth mental health crises. This decision impacts Meta, Google, and TikTok regarding platform design claims.

US Iran war news: Donald Trump demanded compensation from Iran for conflict victims. Iranian representatives had initially sought damages for their own conflict losses. Trump stated his representatives would include this demand in future negotiations. He cited the USS Cole attack and other combat deaths as reasons. Compensation was also sought for protesters killed in Iran over decades.

Delhi has recorded a sharp increase in H1N1 influenza cases this season. Infections have risen to 1,344 from 229 during the corresponding period last year. Doctors caution against dismissing H1N1 as routine seasonal flu, as it can become serious. Vaccination and basic precautions remain key measures for reducing severe illness. Vulnerable groups should pay close attention to symptoms and seek timely medical care.

Bangladesh requested Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India during a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner. The meeting also covered important bilateral issues and strengthening relations between the two nations. Bangladesh expressed outrage over Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, calling her a convicted genocider. The prime minister also sought the extradition of suspects in a student leader's murder case.