The Economic Times

Oil prices fell further on Thursday, building on losses from the day before, largely influenced by Saudi Arabia's promise of more crude. Reports of shipments transported through Oman alleviated some supply worries, and hopes for decreased tensions in the Middle East kept prices from rising. However, with U.S. crude inventories showing a smaller-than-expected draw last week, fears over the escalating conflict in the region still loom large.

US President Donald Trump warned that the European Union could face heavier tariffs if Canadas proposed associate membership is intended to harm the United States. Calling the prospect laughable and Canada a terrible trade partner, Trump also suggested Washington could restrict trade with Europe in certain areas.

As of 2026, Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn is single, having previously shared a romance with fellow skater Nathan Chen during their teenage years. Known for her openness, Glenn has discussed her bisexual and pansexual identity publicly, while also addressing rumors about her connection with fellow athlete Alysa Liu. Her reserved personal life stands in stark contrast to her rising fame and public persona.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis journey to the countrys highest elected office was shaped by experiences ranging from childhood poverty and a fascination with spirituality to poetry, RSS organisational work and an early ambition to join the Army. Here are 10 lesser-known episodes from his life, drawn from his own accounts and documented reports.

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation authorising President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India, China and other countries buying Russian oil and gas. The bill, which also targets Russias leadership, energy sector and shadow fleet, now goes to Trump for his signature.

Peter Max's quote feels especially relevant: instead of trying to reproduce somebody elses vision, pick up a pencil, brush or whatever creative tool speaks to you, experiment without fear, and give your own imagination room to become visible.

Quote of the day by W. Clement Stone remains compelling because it gives ambition a hopeful dimension without pretending that every attempt will succeed exactly as planned. It encourages people to think beyond immediate limitations, pursue goals that genuinely matter and treat unexpected outcomes as part of the journey rather than proof that the journey was worthless.

Story of Michael Jackson's patented anti-gravity shoes remains one of the most intriguing pieces of music and performance technology from the 1990s. What looked like an impossible feat was actually the product of carefully engineered footwear, concealed stage hardware and precise choreography.

A Vancouver bioretention cell showed a 95% reduction in 6PPD-quinone mass. Researchers found bioretention cells offer a 10-fold reduction in this tire chemical. Modeling predicted over 90% mitigation of loadings under typical storm conditions. This study provides evidence for bioretention's effectiveness in managing tire-derived chemicals.

Motivational Quote of the Day by Zack Snyder: Zack Snyders quote about music being a vehicle that transports us to another world explores the extraordinary emotional and imaginative power of music. His words suggest that music can take us beyond ordinary experiences, spark creativity, awaken memories and emotions, and create a sense of connection with worlds that exist beyond everyday life.

An 11-year-old boy named Yan Hongsen gained attention for his rocket projects in 2024. He taught himself programming, physics, and chemistry to build rockets and code systems. Yan began building his first rocket, Sen Xing, in August 2022 and launched it in June 2023. His initial rocket launch unfortunately ended in a crash due to a parachute issue.

Nicole Kidman became a UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador in 2006, focusing on women's issues. She later announced a significant donation to combat violence against women. Her work now continues with UN Women, highlighting human rights violations. Kidman's advocacy aims to raise global awareness and promote change.

In 2020, NASA put seeds from 11 crops aboard an experimental spaceplane; after months in orbit, scientists brought them back to test whether they could still grow. The research examined how microgravity and space radiation affect seed viability, germination, plant development and molecular changes. The study used the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-6 and included ground controls to compare space exposure with radiation simulations and Earth conditions.

A struggling 3,500-acre farm in West Sussex took an unexpected turn when Isabella Tree and Sir Charles Burrell stopped conventional farming and began rewilding Knepp. Two decades later, rare nightingales, turtle doves, purple emperor butterflies, beavers and white storks have returned, transforming the estate into a thriving wildlife haven and commercial enterprise.

Quote of the day by Clint Eastwood says, Always keep your ego in check and not be afraid to listen. Listening is a great art form. The saying focuses on humility, learning, respect and personal growth. It suggests that people can gain knowledge by listening to different views, controlling pride and remaining open to ideas instead of assuming they already know everything.

A significant United States investment in Venezuela's oil sector raises environmental concerns. Increased oil production could worsen existing issues like pollution and aging infrastructure. Vulnerable communities and protected areas face potential risks from expanded operations. Transparency regarding oil field locations and safeguards remains critically important. The deal's environmental impact hinges on oversight and adherence to standards.

Quote of the day by Salvador Dal: Salvador Dals famous quote, The secret of my influence has always been that it remained secret. The important thing is that people talk about you, even if they talk badly. The wording is unmistakably theatrical, but there is a quieter thought underneath it. Dal was talking about the strange nature of public attention and the value of being distinctive.

Paul Newman's salad dressing business began in 1982 with a unique purpose. This venture has since donated over $600 million to various charitable causes. Newman's Own Foundation now solely owns the company, continuing his legacy. The foundation focuses on transforming the lives of children facing adversity.

Quote of the day by Jean-Jacques Rousseau explores how people can see the same event in different ways. The saying points to four parts of a story: your side, their side, the truth and what really happened. It encourages people to question personal bias, avoid quick judgment, listen to different views and separate feelings from facts before forming an understanding of any conflict or event.

Al Pacino has revealed in his memoir Sonny Boy that he donated his entire paycheck from the 1980 film Cruising to charity. Pacino recalled that the movie became controversial during production, with protesters appearing at filming locations because of concerns about its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. Although he did not initially view the film as exploitative, he said his perspective changed after seeing the completed movie. Pacino placed his earnings into an irrevocable trust fund and donat

Virginia's six-year program removed thousands of lost crab pots from Chesapeake Bay. This cleanup effort generated an estimated $21.3 million in additional blue crab harvest value. Researchers found that removing derelict gear reduced competition and improved active fishing operations. The program cost $4.2 million, yielding substantial financial benefits for fishermen. Targeted removal and prevention strategies could further enhance future fishery investments.

Two state-owned cos, which make Toyota models, plan to combine ops in a sign that car sector is headed for consolidation.

Images show extensive damage to American military assets in the Middle East. Iranian strikes destroyed hundreds of buildings and structures at US bases. Dozens of US aircraft were also destroyed or damaged during the conflict. The war's cost is estimated at over thirty-three billion dollars. This figure does not include infrastructure repair expenses.

About 12.5 trillion tonnes of ice have melted from polar regions since 1979. Warmer ocean waters are causing five-sixths of this significant ice sheet melt. This accelerated melting poses a serious threat to global sea levels. Coastal regions worldwide will experience increased vulnerability due to rising waters. Scientists report the polar ice sheets are melting away at a fast pace.

Saudi warplanes pounded Yemen while Houthi fighters launched drones and missiles at Saudi cities. The United States tightened its travel warning for Saudi Arabia due to the worsening conflict. The extension of the war threatens to worsen global energy supply shortages. The price of Brent crude hovered around $108 a barrel on Wednesday. India voiced deep concern over the drone attack near Makkah.

US officials met with Yemen's Houthis in Oman over the weekend. The Houthis assured American officials they would not attack US vessels. They also stated commitment to the 2025 ceasefire with the United States. The militia group also said they would not attack Israeli or commercial ships. This meeting occurred after the Houthis seized a strategic Red Sea coastline.

Scientists developed a solar desalination system that turns seawater into fresh water. This innovative technology solidifies leftover salt into a reusable form. The system also shows potential for recovering valuable minerals like lithium from the waste. This approach offers a sustainable solution for water scarcity and mineral extraction needs. Further research is required to scale up this promising technology for widespread use.

Chinese speedcuber Xuanyi Geng briefly held the 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube world record. He achieved this historic 3.05-second solve at Shenyang Spring 2025. This remarkable performance was later surpassed by Teodor Zajder in 2026. Geng also secured a second-place finish at the 2025 World Championship.

Maya Penn began her entrepreneurial journey at age 8 by creating ribbon headbands for family friends. Her curiosity eventually developed into Mayas Ideas, an online business offering handcrafted accessories and clothing made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled fabrics and organic cotton. Supported by her parents, Deidre and John, Penn combined creativity, education, and problem-solving while developing her business. By age 12, her story had appeared in Forbes, Black Enterprise, Ebony, H

In 406 BC, Socrates stood against an angry Athenian Assembly after the Battle of Arginusae. Athens wanted to try several generals together, a process Socrates believed was unlawful. He refused to support the vote, despite growing pressure and threats against those who resisted. The moment showed something central to his character: he would not abandon principle simply because the crowd demanded it.

In a remarkable collaboration, Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard advanced the world of refrigeration with a groundbreaking patent. Their design ingeniously harnessed chemical reactions to achieve cooling without relying on electricity. By cycling ammonia, butane, and water, they promoted a cleaner approach to refrigeration. Although it didn't see commercial success, this innovative concept paved the way for future prototypes and alternatives in the cooling industry.

Egyptian President el-Sisi and Indian Prime Minister Modi discussed the Mecca Pact. They also explored widening their strategic partnership during the BRICS summit. Egypt, a new BRICS member, has avoided joining the Mecca Pact. This decision reflects its strategy of neutrality and growing ties with India. Egypt maintains stability in North and Northeast Africa while engaging with neighbors.

The Wood Horse Receive Day highlights the idea that progress does not always require more effort. Sometimes, the shift comes after you have done everything within your control and leave room for circumstances or other people to play their part. What has seemed stuck may not need to be pushed any harder; it may simply be waiting for the final piece to fall into place.

Manoj Jarange Patil plans to arrive in Mumbai ahead of his protest for OBC reservation, challenging the government to intervene. He has issued a stern warning against any lathi charges directed at protestors, highlighting the potential for drastic reactions. Urging the Chief Minister to expedite the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates, Jarange Patil expressed his readiness to sacrifice everything for the cause of his community.

In Uttarakhand, a thoughtful man spotted a delivery worker braving the rain without proper footwear. From his balcony, he called out and decided to lend a helping hand by giving away his new Adidas shoes. The delivery partner was visibly touched, pausing to appreciate the gesture before continuing on his route. This simple act of compassion has sparked a wave of admiration and praise across social media.

In astrology, Jupiter is traditionally associated with expansion, opportunity, wisdom and abundance, while Leo represents confidence, leadership, generosity and the willingness to step into the spotlight.

Rhea Seehorn quote today: Actress Rhea Seehorn shared a quote about relationships not fitting single labels. She noted that true joy exists in connections beyond simple definitions. Real relationships are complex and cannot always be described by one word. We should appreciate meaningful connections for what they are, not just their labels.

Moziah Bridges began making bow ties at age 9 after developing a strong interest in fashion and sewing. With guidance from his grandmother, he learned to sew by hand and use a sewing machine, eventually creating more than two dozen designs from vintage fabrics and other materials. His business, Mos Bows, grew through word of mouth, Facebook, Etsy, and family support, reaching around $150,000 in sales and employing five staff members. Bridges also attracted attention through Shark Tank, O magazin

Jamie Lee Curtiss diaper patent is an intriguing example of how innovation can begin with a remarkably simple question: what if two things that are almost always needed together could be kept together? Her 1987 filing, granted as U.S. Patent No. 4,753,647 in 1988, answered that question with a diaper containing a sealed, moisture-resistant pocket for cleanup wipes.

Saturns long transit through Pisces set the tone for much of this period. In astrology, Saturn represents themes of responsibility, discipline, boundaries and the kind of personal growth that tends to unfold gradually over time. Eclipses along the Virgo-Pisces axis brought additional focus to identity, relationships and everyday routines, while also highlighting situations, habits or attachments that may have been ready to be released.

Sunny Obama, a cherished Portuguese Water Dog, has died at the age of fourteen. The beloved pet joined the Obama family in August 2013 during his presidency. Sunny was known for her lively and energetic personality throughout her time. She is remembered fondly alongside her older companion, Bo, who died in 2021. The Obama family expressed deep sadness over the loss of their much-loved dog.

Quote of the day by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spent two decades being measured by what happened on a basketball court. His statistics were extraordinary, but his life was never limited to numbers. The six-time NBA champion became one of basketballs defining figures while also developing a strong interest in history, writing, culture and social issues. His career offers a useful setting for a quote that reaches well beyond sport.