The Economic Times

The Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, has grown to 10,523 acres as strong winds fuel the fast-moving brush fire, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency in Washoe County. Fire officials warn that the wind-driven blaze can rapidly move toward residential areas as crews work to protect homes and lives.

Plantable compostable coffee cup: A design student's plantable coffee cup concept from 2015 has not yet reached markets. The main obstacle involves creating a material that protects hot drinks and decomposes later. This innovative cup aimed to reduce significant coffee cup waste generated daily. While seed paper is simple, a coffee cup requires a more complex protective layer.

In 1979, Canadian fisherman and carpenter douard T. Arsenault was inspired by a postcard from his daughter to build something extraordinary. He collected and cleaned discarded glass bottles and eventually created three structures in Prince Edward Island using more than 25,000 bottles. Today, the Bottle Houses remain a unique roadside attraction in Cap-Egmont.

Torrential downpours and travel headaches will slam the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic today. Ground already soaked could quickly take on more rain, triggering flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms threaten western areas with damaging wind gusts and hail. Wet weather will stick around on Sunday across the I-95 Corridor. Areas south of Philadelphia will dry out, clearing the way for favorable race weather.

The Youth Run Punjab 2026 event showcased the state's progress away from drug use. Thousands of young participants joined the 5-kilometer run organised by the AAP's youth wing. This marathon symbolised Punjab moving beyond despair and a mindset of giving up. The state is now emerging as a vibrant and active region through its youth. This initiative reflects growing enthusiasm among young people for constructive activities.

Ox Alpha, an unidentified AI model that recently appeared on OpenRouter as a stealth model, is drawing attention from developers because of its large context window and multimodal capabilities. The system can process text, images and video and has been offered free with near-unlimited usage for a week. Its anonymous launch has triggered speculation over who built it and why.

In a significant move, Maharashtra intends to regulate private coaching centres by mandating their registration. The forthcoming law stipulates that classes cannot exceed five hours per day and establishes fee guidelines. Additionally, it prohibits the enrollment of children below thirteen years old and bans misleading promises. Coaching centres are now required to prioritize student safety, offer counselling services, and maintain acceptable infrastructure.

Devdutt Padikkal scored his second century of the series as India reached 300 for five. Sri Lanka missed two early chances which could have altered the match's direction. Captain Shubman Gill also contributed a calm half-century before his dismissal. Asitha Fernando took three wickets, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Ravindra Jadeja made 43 before being bowled in the final over of the day.

You don't need a footpath to hit your daily movement goal. From stair climbing and burpees to dancing and yoga, several indoor exercises burn more energy than 10,000 steps of walking. Science backs each of these, and most need no equipment, no gym, and no more than 30 minutes.

School Holiday Tomorrow: With the southwest monsoon actively delivering heavy rainfall on August 24, 2026, parents and students are advised to stay alert for any school closure announcements. Particularly in Odisha and Bihar, where significant rain is anticipated, local authorities will assess safety before making decisions. As of now, no school holidays have been officially declared, so keep an eye on local updates to ensure safety for everyone involved.

Hawaii wildlife crews recently discovered Blackburn's Sphinx Moth caterpillars on Lnai. These endangered insects were also found in Halawa Valley and Kalae on Molokai. These sightings mark the first on Molokai since the 1940s. The discoveries provide crucial information for conservation efforts.

17-year-old Texas student Iris Shen won $150,000 and third place at the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search for testing potential cancer drugs in clams. Her research found that one drug produced effects similar to those seen in human cells, while other drug combinations slowed tumor growth, suggesting clams could potentially serve as a new model for blood cancer drug discovery.

People who doodle while listening may not necessarily be ignoring what is being said. In some situations, doodling can act as alow-demand attentional activity, especially when the main task feels boring or repetitive. However, in other cases, free-form doodling may compete for attention with the information a person is trying to absorb or remember.

Kidney stones affect roughly one in ten people globally and the numbers are rising. The good news is that what you eat plays a significant role in whether they form at all. Here are seven everyday foods backed by research that can make a real difference.

Delhi Police received new guidelines from a central agency regarding protest management. Personnel are advised to remain calm and avoid provocation from demonstrators filming them. These directions follow allegations of police excesses during a recent protest at Jantar Mantar. Officers must assume their actions are recorded and exercise restraint during interactions. The guidelines also stress maintaining law and order while ensuring public safety.

A moderate earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday morning. At least thirty-seven people sustained injuries from panic and falls. Train services experienced disruptions, and a water pipe ruptured in Tokyo. Authorities confirmed no tsunami threat and no issues at nuclear facilities. Residents are advised to remain cautious of possible aftershocks.

Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday. He leads a delegation to strengthen bilateral cooperation and regional peace. Islamabad seeks to mediate a resolution to the Middle East war. Pakistan previously brokered a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States. This visit occurs as peace negotiations currently appear stalled.

Alex Lanier secured a historic singles title at the badminton World Championships. Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue also claimed a world title in mixed doubles. Lanier defeated Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the men's singles final. This victory caps a year of strong performances for French badminton. The French team also won the continental championships this year.

During her train journeys, Arunika Yadav demonstrated her innovative remote work setup, utilizing three SIM cards from different carriers to ensure reliable internet connectivity. A dedicated phone for internet purposes guarantees seamless access for virtual meetings and tasks. Additionally, she appreciates the ease of ordering meals at station halts, enhancing her travel experience.

Melinda French Gates has donated more than $600 million to womens health. After her divorce from Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist shares how taking 10 quiet minutes a day for self-care helped her navigate motherhood, major life transitions and personal change. Dont just leave and then jump to the next thing, she said.

A moderate earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday morning. Over thirty individuals sustained injuries, mostly minor, from the seismic event. The quake, with a magnitude of 5.9, caused disruptions to train services. Officials confirmed no tsunami danger and no nuclear facility anomalies. The government established a task force to assess potential damage.

People who naturally lower their voice when someone nearby does the same may be responding to a combination of social cue detection, vocal accommodation, conversational entrainment and unconscious mimicry. A change in another persons voice can provide a subtle social signal that the brain quickly interprets. In response, your communication style may adjust automatically, sometimes before you consciously realize that you are doing it.

Britain once had roughly 200,000 coypus after the rodents escaped from fur farms and spread across East Anglia, damaging crops and wetlands. In 1981, the country launched a scientific eradication campaign using intensive trapping, research and population tracking. Six years later, the invasive rodents had almost disappeared from Britain.

Urban Company has sued Kent RO Systems in the Delhi High Court, alleging that its advertisements and social media posts made false and misleading claims about Urban Companys Native water purifiers. The dispute centres on Natives two-year filter and service life features, which Kent RO allegedly called a marketing gimmick and described the purifiers as unsafe and risky.

Prof. Subhash Khanna served as international faculty for Sri Lanka's inaugural live robotic surgery workshop. He performed complex procedures, including a bilateral TAPP groin hernia repair. The event marked Sri Lanka's first robot-assisted cholecystectomy. India's SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System was formally launched at the hospital. This collaboration signifies a new era for surgical innovation in Sri Lanka.

Harry Kane earned Germany's player of the year award for 2026. He scored sixty-one goals for Bayern Munich in all competitions. Vincent Kompany received the coach's accolade after another successful season. Kane helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title and German Cup. The England forward also contributed to the new season's German Supercup victory.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in remarks made public Sunday that it would be too dangerous for Ukraine to hold an election while it fights Russia, after a call by his former defence minister to organise a vote. Then days ago, the ousted Fedorov made a surprise call to find a way to organise elections.

An Ohio manufacturing company has filed a defamation lawsuit against a woman over a one-star Google review, alleging she made false claims about its quality and manufacturing practices. Starr Manufacturing Inc. is seeking more than $25,000 in damages, while the company's attorney claims the review stemmed from a personal dispute rather than an actual customer experience.

India's ICMR assures citizens that there is no new strain of H1N1, encouraging public calm during the current situation. In Kolkata, protests arise regarding a political office constructed on Waqf land. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu amplifies efforts to capture a tiger linked to two fatalities. In international news, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister is set to visit the UK for official engagements.

Inventing stories about strangers does not necessarily mean someone is nosy, judgmental or disconnected from reality. It may simply reflect the way social cognition, mentalizing and spontaneous thought work together, as the mind naturally tries to imagine other peoples experiences, intentions and possible stories.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retired hurt during the second Test match. He sustained an injury to his left arm after being struck by a short ball. The Sri Lankan bowler Lahiru Kumara delivered the delivery which hit Pant. He was attended by the team physiotherapist and later walked off the field. Ravindra Jadeja replaced Pant and joined Devdutt Padikkal at the crease.

Bangladesh minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir says, Indian and US businesses are increasingly looking to invest in country, with Indian companies advocating for the activation of land ports to cut raw material expenses. They also proposed creating task forces to focus on infrastructure and digital advancements. Meanwhile, a US trade delegation has put forward its ideas for fostering a more favorable investment environment.

After her divorce from Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott revolutionized her philanthropic strategy by emphasizing rapid donations. But her way of donation is different from Warren Buffett and Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. She trusts recipient organizations to determine the best use of funds, influenced by an impactful Annie Dillard passage that highlighted the importance of immediate action.

The Spanish word 'amanecer' signifies dawn and the start of a new day. This concept offers a fresh perspective after challenging experiences. It encourages viewing setbacks as temporary and manageable. The arrival of morning provides a chance for clarity and renewed energy. This idea promotes resilience and a positive approach to daily life.

Beginning Monday, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will head to the United Kingdom for a five-day tour aimed at addressing pressing issues concerning Pakistani sailors held by pirates. Meetings with key British officials and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation are on his agenda, along with consultations with the Commonwealth Secretary-General. This journey underscores Pakistan's escalating diplomatic presence on the international stage.

Quote of the day by Joseph Campbell offers a powerful reminder that life is not a fixed script but an evolving journey. Planning can provide direction, but flexibility allows people to respond when circumstances reveal a different route. Letting go of an expected future can be painful, particularly when a dream has been important for many years. Yet releasing one version of life can create space for another to emerge.

President Zelenskyy detailed his dispute with the dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. He cited misguided actions and problematic defense spending decisions by the former minister. Ukraine faces a significant shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles amid rising Russian attacks. However, Ukrainian forces have nearly recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region. The president also discussed budgetary challenges and ongoing military operations.

White sneaker soles can be cleaned using common household toothpaste. An old toothbrush helps gently scrub away dirt and scuff marks effectively. Apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste to the affected areas. Allow the paste to sit for about ten minutes before wiping. This simple method offers a quick solution for refreshing your footwear.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station actually grow taller due to the absence of gravity. This temporary height increase occurs as spinal discs decompress and elongate in microgravity. Upon returning to Earth, gravity compresses the spine, reversing the height gain. However, astronauts experience muscle atrophy in their lower backs which takes time to recover. This can lead to an increased risk of herniated discs after long-duration spaceflight.

In 2014, NASA launched a group of twenty mice to the International Space Station for groundbreaking research. Remarkably, the young mice exhibited coordinated circling behavior just two weeks after their arrival. In contrast, older mice showed little interest in this peculiar behavior, a mystery that intrigued scientists. This phenomenon could be connected to factors like stress, motivation, or the vestibular system.

Mary Oliver, an American poet, found wonder in nature and life's small details. Her poetry explored profound questions about living a meaningful existence. Oliver urged readers to maintain curiosity and personal accountability for their lives. She believed one could balance responsibility with joy and wonder. Her work continues to inspire readers to live fully and attentively.

Nestled beneath the waves near John Brewer Reef in Australia lies an innovative Coral Greenhouse sculpture crafted from pH-neutral cement, designed to foster marine life. Observations reveal a remarkable increase in fish populations since its installation, highlighting its role in raising awareness and securing funding for essential reef conservation efforts. This project exemplifies proactive measures against pressing environmental challenges.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged on Sunday that his country's citizens face many problems, after the United States launched a new wave of sanctions seeking to further isolate its economy. His comments came after the United States vowed last week to bring about the collapse of the Iranian regime through a newly announced sanctions campaign, nearly six months after the start of their war.

Quote of the Day by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: Fyodor Dostoyevsky's profound observations illuminate the indispensable role of self-respect in fostering healthy relationships. To truly embody self-respect is to recognize and embrace one's own worth, independent of external approval. This principle not only demands setting firm boundaries but also disallows constant disrespect from others. By cultivating this internal standard, individuals can transform their self-perception and assert their value in ev

On March 16, 1926, Robert Goddard made history by launching the first liquid-propellant rocket from a serene farm in Worcester, Massachusetts. This momentous rocket flight lasted twenty seconds, ascending to an impressive height of forty-one feet. Eventually, the New York Times acknowledged its previous mockery of Goddard's innovative theories. His groundbreaking contributions laid the foundation for what would become a NASA space flight center.

Albert Camus, a renowned French-Algerian author, delved into the complexities of existence and the quest for meaning amidst chaos. His philosophy underscores the conflict between human aspirations and a universe that often appears indifferent. Camus championed embracing life's uncertainties with bravery and intent, asserting that recognizing the shadows in life enriches our understanding of its light. His timeless wisdom inspires the pursuit of value through our choices and connections.