The Economic Times

The Trump administration is expected to announce voluntary drug-pricing agreements with midsize biotech companies, requiring discounts for outpatient medicines supplied through Medicaid. The deals would align U.S. prices with those charged abroad, extending efforts that have already involved 17 pharmaceutical firms and could deliver billions of dollars in government savings.

On Thursday, gold prices rebounded following a drop in the previous session, drawing attention to upcoming remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. With U.S. inflation still high, the central bank's interest rate strategies are under scrutiny. Investors are speculating on potential interest rate increases. Meanwhile, other precious metals such as silver and platinum experienced gains as well.

Oil prices have declined as discussions between Iran and Qatar may pave the way for reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This reopening could alleviate supply issues arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Currently, Iran and Oman are working on arrangements for overseeing this vital shipping route. Meanwhile, Qatar's prime minister is set to visit Iran to renew diplomatic conversations aimed at resolving the war.

Despite President Donald Trumps claim that the United States does not need Canada, both economies remain deeply interdependent. Canadian oil, aluminum, potash, auto parts and electricity power American transport, agriculture, manufacturing and AI infrastructure.

Significant victory: Meta to pay $17 billion to states in teen social media addiction trial

Will you officially endorse Byron Donalds for governor?: Journo asks DesSantis point-blank

The Road to Nowhere ultimately represents much more than an unusual dead-end highway in North Carolina. It is a reminder of the human cost that can accompany enormous infrastructure projects and national priorities.

Quote of the day by Ellen DeGeneres: Ellen DeGeneres champions kindness, compassion, joy, and laughter in daily interactions. She believes these qualities are essential and wants to contribute to their prevalence. Her career began in comedy clubs and led to television success. DeGeneres voiced Dory in animated films and hosted the Academy Awards.

North Brother Island ultimately stands as one of New York Citys most unusual historical landscapes because its ruins tell several stories at once.

In 2018, a laboratory was launched to the International Space Station to study ultra-cold quantum gases in the microgravity environment. NASAs Cold Atom Lab uses lasers to cool atoms near absolute zero. The facility allows scientists to study quantum phenomena, produce Bose-Einstein condensates in orbit and examine how atoms behave when gravity has less influence on their motion.

Quote of the day by Bob Marley: Bob Marley believed true greatness stems from integrity and positive influence. His words suggest wealth does not define a person's true character. Marley's music brought reggae to global audiences with diverse influences. He became an important cultural and political figure in Jamaica.

Quote of the day by Albert Einstein, The only source of knowledge is experience, explains how facts become useful when people apply them in real situations. The quote focuses on learning through action, mistakes, practice and reflection. Einsteins life also shows how curiosity, education, questions and personal experience shaped his approach to science and knowledge.

The August 27 Blood Moon brings emotional closure and personal growth. This lunar eclipse encourages releasing past attachments and old expectations. Four zodiac signs, Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, and Virgo, will feel this turning point. Recognizing internal change allows for a focus on future possibilities. This celestial event helps individuals put down what they were never meant to carry.

Quote of the Day by Isaac Asimov teaches a simple but important lesson: knowledge may create difficult problems, but ignorance cannot solve them. His words highlight the value of science, critical thinking and responsible decisions. In a world filled with complex challenges, understanding the facts is often the first step toward finding practical solutions.

Tim Curry, the British actor renowned for his unforgettable role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has passed away. With three Tony nominations under his belt, his talent lit up Broadway for years. Curry's extensive filmography and contributions to animated series highlight his versatility. Residing in Los Angeles, the celebrated actor chose a life without marriage or children, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment world.

In 2013, balloons were launched by NASA near the North and South poles to study X-rays in Earths atmosphere as part of the Balloon Array for Radiation-belt Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL) mission. The mission studied electrons falling from the Van Allen Belts, measured X-rays and electron precipitation, and supported spacecraft observations to understand radiation around Earth.

Tim Curry, the legendary actor renowned for his unforgettable performances, has passed away at the age of 80. His manager confirmed he died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. After suffering a stroke in 2012 that limited his mobility, Curry resiliently ventured into voice acting, maintaining his presence in entertainment. His extensive career across stage, film, and television has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Quote of the day by Donna Summer: American musician Donna Summer reflected on life's unpredictable nature and success. She noted that expected triumphs sometimes fail while unnoticed things become significant. Her words encourage embracing outcomes beyond our direct control and accepting uncertainty.

Quote of the day by Franklin D. Roosevelt is, Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself. The quote looks at confidence, ambition, risk and human behaviour. It suggests that a person with too much confidence may still create results because they are willing to take risks. The saying also explains why people should not dismiss someone only because that person appears overconfident.

Dolly Parton has utilized royalties from Whitney Houston's legendary rendition to invest in a Nashville complex that benefits a predominantly Black community, showcasing the deep roots connecting the two artists. Houston's 1992 interpretation turned Parton's 1972 song into an international masterpiece. This property now stands as a testament to the song's extraordinary legacy, with Parton calling it 'the house that Whitney built' to honor their lasting influence.

The exact number of casualties is still being verified, CCTV said. These are the first casualty figures provided for the Chinese side of the border.

Three zodiac signs will see their hard work pay off after August 27, 2026. Cancer will notice evidence of their self-improvement efforts, which is motivating. Libra will reconnect with their goals and finish important projects, proving their capability. Sagittarius will refine their approach, finding success through authenticity and genuine connection. This period marks a turning point for these signs to act on their confidence.

Best Italian Proverb of the Day: The wolf is always said to be bigger than it is captures how fear can make dangers appear greater than they really are. The Italian proverb uses the image of an oversized wolf to show how people can exaggerate threats, difficulties or risks, reminding us to distinguish genuine danger from the fear created by perception and repeated stories.

India is open to expanding its economic partnership agreement with Japan. The nation seeks to make the existing pact more contemporary and relevant. Japanese textile firms, including Uniqlo, plan increased sourcing and investment in India. Significant Japanese investment is already flowing into India at a rapid pace. India aims to support Japan's ambition to double its companies operating locally.

Quote of the day by Jackie Chan reflects on the value of self-improvement and doing ones best despite difficulty. The idea speaks to everyday experiences such as facing setbacks, managing self-doubt, staying disciplined at work and accepting that progress takes time. The article explores how persistence, personal responsibility, patience and a willingness to help others can shape meaningful growth.

Bennedict Mathurin joins the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year contract. He arrives after a season split between two NBA teams. Mathurin averaged a career-high 17.6 points per game last season. The deal includes a player option for additional flexibility. This signing adds another scoring option for the Pelicans.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal proposed a startup pitching series between India and Japan. This initiative, similar to Shark Tank, aims to connect young companies with investors. The virtual format will leverage digital connectivity for increased participation and collaboration. Japan's patient capital and precision engineering are invited to partner with Indian firms. This move seeks to deepen commercial ties and foster business growth between the two nations.

The rupee's depreciation and strict valuation rules hinder foreign income disclosure. A one-time voluntary disclosure window allows regularization of overseas assets up to one crore. However, many exceed this limit due to currency conversion dates and asset values. Taxpayers explore updated returns and disclosure schemes, risking misrepresentation claims. Clarification on valuation rules is needed for borderline cases and falling-value assets.

A new robot named CiliaVine manipulates blood flow using magnetic fields. This device successfully captured circulating tumor cells from all tested liver cancer patients. It also demonstrated improved clot breakdown in laboratory models. Researchers coated CiliaVine with antibodies for effective tumor cell capture.

Volkswagen employees express significant concerns over proposed job reductions and factory shutdowns as CEO Oliver Blume unveils restructuring strategies in response to intensified competition and dwindling demand. The company may cut up to fifty thousand positions while striving for cost efficiency. Labor representatives underscore the vital significance of German plants in Volkswagen's long-term vision. A pivotal board meeting is set to outline the automaker's future transformation.

Bill Gates never attended the University of Washington, but the school played a surprising role in his early computer journey, paying him $500 as a teenager and giving him valuable access to computers. More than five decades later, the Microsoft co-founder is returning the favor, with the Gates Foundation committing a record $540 million to UW for global health research.

Recent scientific research reveals the intriguing mechanism behind the formation of salt crystals in the Dead Sea. As warmer, salt-laden surface water mingles with cooler depths, it triggers the crystallization process, leading to a gradual sinking of salt particles towards the lakebed. The growing salinity levels in the Dead Sea result from freshwater diversions, shedding light on both contemporary and ancient geological salt deposits.

In 2026, Warner Bros. Animation is set to unveil Batman: Knightfall Part 2 Knightquest. This animated installment follows the celebrated comic book storyline, depicting the consequences of Bruce Wayne's downfall. As Jean-Paul Valley, also known as Azrael, takes the mantle of the Dark Knight, his ruthless tactics redefine Gotham's vigilante legacy. Fans can expect the thrilling conclusion, Part 3, KnightsEnd, anticipated in early 2027.

Meta will pay up to eighteen billion dollars to settle claims regarding child engagement. States alleged social media platforms enticed and retained young users, misleading the public about risks. The agreement includes monetary payments and nationwide changes to Meta's services for teenagers. Meta will implement teen safeguards, including daily time limits and overnight blocks. These changes will be phased in after the settlement takes effect.

A San Francisco woman hired a humanoid robot for $30 an hour to clean her apartment, with the machine making her bed, cleaning her bathroom and vacuuming while she remotely controlled it from her sofa. The robot was remotely controlled by a human operator, but its performance still sparked criticism and a larger debate about automation

Rupert Grint will portray Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. He is scheduled to join the production for a limited engagement starting February 2027. This marks Grint's return to the iconic character after many years. The play is set nineteen years after the original Harry Potter book series concluded. Grint will play an older, fatherly version of the beloved wizarding character.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated allegations against a judge require institutional examination. Justice Sandeep Mehta wrote letters raising concerns about the Rajasthan Acting Chief Justice. The Supreme Court collegium is reviewing the material provided by Justice Mehta. The concerned judge will receive a fair opportunity to respond to allegations. Any administrative action will follow due consideration of all placed material.

Quote of the day by Elton John highlights why asking for help is often harder than saying I love you. The idea connects with relationships, setbacks, uncertainty and the pressure to manage difficult moments alone. The article examines lessons about acceptance, self-understanding, courage and knowing when to seek support.

A 17-year-old Connecticut student, Leon Wang, identified two FDA-approved lung-scarring drugs that reduced Alzheimers-linked cellular damage in lab-grown brain blood-vessel cells. His research offers a promising new clue into how APOE4 and the TGF pathway may contribute to Alzheimers disease, while raising the possibility that existing medicines could eventually be repurposed for brain health.

India is among the world's top five economies and will soon reach third place. The nation is strengthening its indigenous defense production capabilities significantly. Defense exports have increased substantially after 2014, reaching new heights. Women now hold prominent leadership roles in defense and development sectors. Citizens are urged to uphold national unity and constitutional values.

The Upper Mississippi River's navigation was transformed by America's construction of locks and dams in the 1930s. While these aging structures facilitate the annual transport of millions of tons of goods, supporting vital economic activity, they have also inflicted ecological harm on river ecosystems. Current modernization initiatives strive to enhance navigational reliability while simultaneously mitigating environmental impacts.

A massive Louisiana solar panel factory operates independently of new import tariffs. This plant produces panels using a unique cadmium telluride semiconductor technology. While free from polysilicon tariffs, it still needs Chinese tellurium for production. The facility is a significant domestic manufacturing hub for solar energy. Its economic viability is bolstered by domestic content requirements in contracts.