The Economic Times

Preston Harp, Natalie Harp's estranged brother, was taken aback after hearing that she climbed into an SUV trunk due to denied access to a motorcade. He expressed concern over what he views as her unhealthy fixation on President Trump, attributing her loyalty to their shared conservative beliefs and a strong sense of American exceptionalism, which he believes shapes her understanding of Trump's values.

The Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay has extended maternity leave for women state government employees having a third child from 12 weeks to 365 days. Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar announced the decision in the Assembly on Tuesday. The move aligns third-child maternity benefits with those for the first two children amid Tamil Nadu's declining fertility rate and ageing population.

Extreme weather is pushing farmers toward climate-resilient practices for better yields. Regenerative farming methods improve soil health and water retention significantly. Major companies and financial institutions are funding this agricultural transition. These collaborations aim to mitigate risks from climate change and ensure supply chains. Farmers adopting these techniques are outperforming conventional holdings during droughts.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced new measures for MLAs. These measures include official vehicles and a monthly allowance for their work. MLAs will now travel constituencies to monitor projects and address public grievances. This initiative aims to enhance their capacity and provide support. The announcement was made under rule 110 in the state assembly.

Isha Koppikar identified as a proud 'andhbhakt' for India's progress. She clarified her devotion is towards the nation, not any political party. Kangana Ranaut voiced support for Koppikar's sentiment on social media. Ranaut explained her own identification with loving one's country and people. This exchange follows Ranaut's earlier criticism of Gen Z protests.

Bengaluru-based investor and IIT Delhi alumnus Ishan Preet Singh has claimed that entering an IIT is mathematically 20 times harder than getting into Harvard. In an Instagram vox pop interview, he discussed Indias rapid growth, founders returning from the US, career advice, passion, ambition, financial success and the importance of enjoying the work.

Apple's rumored camera-equipped AirPods may launch soon, showing Visual Intelligence capabilities. These earbuds could understand wearer's surroundings and save visual information for later use. The new AirPods, codenamed B790, might debut alongside the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models.

Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive at a South Carolina apartment. Both Brian and Zach Hickerson were present when emergency responders arrived. Zach became emotional while Brian showed no visible emotion until after her death. Medication was found at the property, and Narcan was reportedly present. Panettiere's mother expressed distress over Brian's presence at her daughter's death.

Pia Dandiya has clinched the Democratic primary for Floridas newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District, setting up a contest against Republican Casey Askar in the general election in November. With a campaign centred on her experience as an educator and her vision for progress, Dandiya has secured backing from the Democratic National Committee, marking a significant moment in South Floridas evolving political landscape.

INCOIS issued a swell surge warning for Kerala and nearby regions. High period swells from the southern Indian Ocean will impact coastal areas. Inundation of low-lying coastal areas may occur from August 19. Fishermen and coastal populations are cautioned to be alert for surging waves. Tourist activities at beaches and nearshore regions are suspended.

Gold prices edged up slightly during the early Asian trading session, buoyed by a retreat in U.S. Treasury yields from their recent highs. Market players are now looking ahead to the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes for guidance on upcoming policies. Other precious metals displayed mixed trends in the market as key economic data is set to be released throughout the day.

Oil prices climbed for a fourth day due to supply uncertainty. Investors weighed conflicting messages from Tehran and Washington on the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq approved new export routes to avoid the critical waterway amid the ongoing conflict. Chinese shipping giants stopped using Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb straits. US crude and distillate inventories fell last week while gasoline stocks rose.

Quote of the Day by Jim Carrey: It is better to risk starving to death than surrendera stark reminder that true failure is not financial insecurity, but existential surrender. Carrey contrasts physical hardship with the quiet tragedy of abandoned ambition, arguing that living without passion hollows out human purpose entirely. Beyond mere motivation, this declaration challenges us to weigh the temporary comfort of playing it safe against the permanent loss of self. True security means very littl

Oman faces US President Trump's threats amid ongoing talks with Iran. These discussions concern managing the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Trump expressed anger over a potential Oman-Iran deal regarding the strait. Oman has historically pursued engagement and mediation in the region. The sultanate is now navigating complex geopolitical pressures from both sides.

Iran has warned Donald Trump that his claims over the Strait of Hormuz will be corrected. Iranian officials dismissed Trump's assertions as delusions and stated their resolve. Trump had shared an AI-generated image claiming the waterway as new US territory. Iran insists the strait will remain closed until US commitments are met. Tensions remain high over the critical global energy route.

The UAE has announced a complete shutdown of all trade, commercial dealings, and financial transactions with Iran. This significant move is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice, signaling a major shift in bilateral economic relations between the two nations.

President Donald Trump has chosen Heidi Overton to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Overton currently serves as deputy director of the White House domestic policy council. She previously worked at the America First Policy Institute think tank. Kyle Diamantas has been acting chief since Marty Makary resigned in May. The White House and FDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

German construction sites have regularly unearthed unexploded World War II ordnance.

Quote of the day by Jim Carrey encourages us to recognize opportunity, respect fear, and choose action when the moment is right. Life will present countless crossroads, and not every path will be appropriate. But refusing to act solely because the outcome is uncertain can keep people permanently inside the boundaries of what they already know. The most meaningful opportunities often require preparation, vulnerability, persistence, and a willingness to accept imperfect outcomes. Fear may always b

Quote of the day by Leila Hormozi offers a timely lesson about choosing relationships that support personal growth and future success. We cannot change everything about our past, and we should not try to pretend that it never happened. But we can decide how much influence it has over the person we are becoming. Surrounding ourselves with people who see possibility can help us develop confidence, ambition, and resilience, while constantly returning to an outdated identity can make growth unnecess

Quote of the day by Jensen Huang offers a simple but profound lesson about focus, intelligence, and success. Being smart is not merely about solving difficult problems or possessing vast amounts of knowledge. It is also about recognizing which problems are worth solving in the first place. The ability to identify priorities, eliminate distractions, make thoughtful choices, and sustain attention can turn limited resources into meaningful results.

The Calcasieu Pass vessel, constructed in 1982 for oil operations, has made a remarkable transition to become a key component of Delaware's artificial reef ecosystem. Initially serving in the menhaden fishing fleet, this vessel's end-of-life has been embraced through a thoughtful conversion process, funded federally.

Quote of the day by Euclid: Euclid's quote on equality provides a simple yet profound life lesson. This ancient mathematical axiom states that things equal to the same thing are equal. His foundational work, Elements, structured geometry and mathematical reasoning systematically. Euclid's deductive reasoning methods influenced mathematicians for over two millennia.

Certain birth months possess unique talents for offering sincere and impactful compliments. October-born individuals excel at knowing precisely what words will uplift others. August natives use their charisma to make praise feel naturally contagious and encouraging. December's optimism helps turn self-doubt into powerful motivation for those around them. July's empathy allows for deeply personal compliments that resonate with individual struggles.

Researchers in South Africa are using a nature-based filtration system to treat polluted water from the Stiebeuel River in Franschhoek. At the Water Hub, old wastewater treatment infrastructure has been adapted with stones, coarse sand, biochar, plants and naturally occurring microbes to remove pollutants. The system treats approximately 50,000 litres of contaminated water each day, with the research reporting 99% removal of harmful bacteria and major reductions in ammonia and phosphate.

In 1742, a Swedish astronomer proposed the centigrade temperature scale simplifying global scientific communication, weather tracking and metric alignment. Anders Celsius developed a 100-degree scale for measuring temperature with a mercury thermometer. His original scale was later reversed, creating the Celsius scale used in science, weather reports and daily temperature measurements.

On August 19, 2026, five zodiac signs stand on the brink of transformative change. Scorpio, Gemini, Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius will resonate with the numerological energies that signal fresh starts and the conclusion of old cycles. This period embraces the idea that endings pave the way for new opportunities, fostering confidence and aligning with personal aspirations for a brighter future.

A Blandings turtle vanished into the wild for more than a decade. Ivy was released in Massachusetts in 2011 after being raised at Stone Zoo. Researchers feared they might never see her again. Then, in 2023, Ivy returned as a healthy adult. In 2025, she laid eight eggs. Now, two of her captive-raised offspring have been released into the same Great Meadows marsh, marking a major step for turtle conservation.

Quote of the day by Jennifer Aniston focuses on authenticity, self-acceptance, peace, boundaries and the need to stop seeking external approval. The quote explains why trying to satisfy everyone can cause stress and drain energy. It also offers life lessons about self-respect, personal values, mental health, authentic happiness and accepting that people will not always agree.

A New York Harbor dredging project became an opportunity to restore Jamaica Bays declining marsh islands. Beginning in 2006, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used 250,000 cubic yards of dredged sand to rebuild Elders Point East Island and restore 40 acres of wetlands. The effort followed decades of federal research into the environmental management and beneficial use of dredged material.

Psychology says people who save money all year long to live the dream of enjoying the luxury lifestyle at least once aren't necessarily careless with money. This behavior can reflect a desire for emotional rewards, social validation and relief from routine. People may accept months of saving because they expect one luxury experience to create a strong memory. However, research on hedonic adaptation suggests that this happiness often decreases after the experience ends.

Mark your calendars for August 19, 2026, when four zodiac signs will thrive with abundance. Aries individuals will flourish through their artistic flair and firm self-assurance. Libras will reap good fortune through cherished and supportive connections. Capricorns will benefit from their chosen family's essential backing. Conversely, Cancers should focus on preserving their energy to cultivate an environment ripe for blessings.

Qatar said that an agreement between Iran and Oman would make it easier to resume negotiations to end the war. An agreement over the Strait of Hormuz would make it much easier for us to resume the talks between the US and Iran, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters.

The government calls for upgrading consumption channels in counties, including renovating township commercial centres, rural markets and local fairs. It includes encouraging domestic and international brands to open regional debut stores and promote the revitalisation of existing land resources to improve services, according to the guideline issued by the Ministry of Commerce.

ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen, who envisioned a dedicated sports channel, has died. He was ninety-three years old after a battle with Parkinson's disease. Rasmussen's ambitious idea transformed sports media consumption for fans worldwide. His vision launched ESPN in 1979, creating a global sports media powerhouse. The network's evolution into a vast ecosystem reflects his enduring legacy.

Yoruba proverb of the day: A Yoruba proverb teaches that wealth enslaving its owner is not true wealth. The pursuit of money can become exhausting and take away life's enjoyment. Financial security is valuable, but time and peace of mind are also essential. True wealth offers freedom to spend time wisely, not just accumulate possessions.

Quote of the day by Princess Diana highlights the need to show compassion through action. Her December 12, 1995 speech called on people to help others without waiting for a request. The message focuses on kindness, consistency, empathy and humanity. Dianas life and charity work also show how she used her public role to support people facing suffering.

In 723 CE, two 8th-century Chinese polymaths during the Tang dynasty invented the world's first mechanical clockwork escapement mechanism. Yi Xing, a Buddhist monk, mathematician and astronomer, and Liang Lingzan, an engineer, artist and government official, developed a water-powered astronomical clock that used a water-wheel linkage to control movement and display celestial changes.

An 86-year-old Pennsylvania farmer declined over fifteen million dollars for his farms. He accepted one point nine million dollars for a conservation easement instead. This deal preserves working farmland and wildlife habitat for future generations. Local voters supported this preservation through a dedicated tax referendum. The farmer's choice protects rural views along Interstate eighty-one.

In southwestern Morocco, Atlantic fog is being transformed into drinking water through a network of specialized mesh nets on Mt. Boutmezguida. Operated by Dar Si Hmad, the system captures moisture from fog, directs droplets into reservoirs and uses gravity to move the water through pipes to homes in At Bamrane.

If fraud were your concern, show me documents: Olszewski vs Trump Official clash over SCORE cuts

There have been 221 extrajudicial killings: Jackson rips Trump admin over Caribbean boat strikes

Quote of the Day by Jesse Jackson: Keep hope alive. Dont you surrender! Suffering breeds character, character breeds faith... Beyond a political rallying cry, Jackson exposes a profound human truth: adversity is not an obstacle to avoid, but the essential forge of inner strength. While modern culture often views pain as a failure, this message reframes suffering as the precise catalyst that builds unshakeable belief. Hope is not passive optimism; it is a discipline tested in struggle. In uncerta