The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Mother Teresa describes joy as an active force rather than a passive feeling. Joy can inspire gratitude, strengthen resilience, deepen relationships and encourage compassion. It can make people more willing to notice others and respond to their needs. Perhaps that is why the message remains relevant across generations. Joy does not require perfect circumstances. It requires attention to what is meaningful.

Brain motivation: Researchers identified orexin neurons as key to sustained motivation during demanding tasks. These brain cells help maintain goal-directed behavior when increased effort is required. Studies with genetically modified rats demonstrated orexin neurons' direct influence on motivation levels. Activity in these neurons increased with anticipated rewards and required effort.

Quote of the day by Jude Law focuses on the place of family in a person's life. Law said success and life would not have value without his wife and children beside him. The quote explains why career goals, money and recognition can lose meaning when relationships are ignored. It also offers lessons about family, priorities, work, happiness and finding meaning beyond professional achievements.

Quote of the Day by Joan of Arc connects courage with action and faith with responsibility. When something matters, the first step may be difficult. Fear may remain. Doubts may continue. But taking that step can create momentum that was impossible while standing still. Sometimes the answer does not arrive before the journey begins. Sometimes the path becomes visible only after someone has the courage to walk it.

In 1909, a Black American entrepreneur, Garrett Morgan, was experimenting with a liquid to reduce friction from sewing machine needles when he noticed that it could straighten fibres. He tested the solution on animal fur and his own hair. The discovery led to a hair-refining business and became part of Morgans wider career as an inventor and entrepreneur.

Norse proverb of the day: A Norse saying teaches that our actions have lasting consequences. Mistreating others can damage trust and relationships significantly. Integrity and consistent good behavior build a strong reputation over time. Accountability for our choices is an essential part of life. Treating people with respect ensures future well-being and prevents regret.

Ancient Egyptian proverb of the day explains why balance between work and enjoyment matters in life. The saying from The Maxims of Ptahhotep teaches that spending every day working or worrying can remove happiness, while spending every day on fun can prevent responsibility, financial stability and a secure future.

World War II fluxgate magnetometer: A World War II device found new scientific purpose after the war. Oceanographers refitted the fluxgate magnetometer for seafloor magnetic anomaly measurements. These measurements revealed symmetrical patterns on either side of mid-ocean ridges. The magic profile provided strong evidence for seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.

The Rajya Sabha approved a bill to increase Supreme Court judges. This bill will replace the ordinance which previously raised the judge count. The passed bill was returned to Lok Sabha after its approval. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated the bill improves judicial efficiency. The house adjourned for Thursday after the bill's passage.

The Lok Sabha approved the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill 2026, modernizing banking record laws for digital practices. Extensive studies confirm E20 fuel is safe for use, showing improved performance and reduced emissions. Electric vehicle penetration has significantly risen, driven by lower operational costs and zero tailpipe emissions. Over 4.6 lakh vehicles have been scrapped under the new policy, with discounts offered.

The Reserve Bank of India plans to standardize interest rate rules for all regulated entities. This new principle-based framework aims to increase transparency and ensure uniformity across lending. The proposed changes are unlikely to affect EMIs or bring NBFCs into the external benchmark regime. Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated this move will improve consumer protection and rationalise existing norms.

Foreign-invested ecommerce firms must register as exporter-on-record for export inventory. These companies can only procure and stock goods against confirmed export orders. Speculative stockpiling for future outbound shipping will not be allowed by the government. Indian sellers can access overseas markets by delegating export tasks to the exporter-on-record. This framework aims to boost India's export capabilities and ensure timely payments.

Quote of the Day by Tommy Lee Jones: Tommy Lee Jones quote, In the political world, the only position I have is voter. I'm not a spokesman for anything explores the importance of personal independence, individual responsibility, and the freedom to maintain ones own opinions. The quote suggests that people can participate in political life and make meaningful choices without being defined as representatives of a specific cause, group, or ideology. It highlights the value of thoughtful citizenship

J&K Police has announced a significant reward for information leading to the arrest of a terrorist. Mohammad Lateef Bhat is wanted for the killing of a policeman in Anantnag last month. Posters seeking reliable information about the suspect have been displayed across Kashmir. The police released photographs and CCTV footage of the 22-year-old accused. Bhat is a resident of Kulgam and allegedly shot the head constable on July 22.

The government is creating a customs playbook for key imported goods. This initiative aims to standardize the faceless customs regime across India. It will reduce disputes and speed up clearance times for businesses. The playbook will help companies utilize free trade agreement benefits effectively. This reform seeks to improve ease of doing business and trade efficiency.

Alarmed by the situation in Iran, UN rights chief Volker Turk highlighted the alarming execution rates, with over fifty-six individuals condemned on security charges since March. Most of these cases appear tied to recent civil unrest. Furthermore, drug offenses exacerbate the death penalty issue, while doubts linger about the integrity of trials and reports of torture in securing confessions.

The Delhi High Court has asked the government for its response on a plea. This plea seeks automatic tax deducted at source refunds for individuals not owing income tax. Currently, these individuals must file an income tax return to claim their refunds. The court is considering directing immediate processing of unclaimed TDS refunds up to 5,000. A permanent automatic TDS refund mechanism for future years is also being sought.

Today's Japanese Proverb of the Day brings a timeless lesson on anger, patience, emotional intelligence, and inner peace. The Japanese proverb, Fire is not extinguished by more fire, but by water. Anger, too, is never calmed by more anger, reminds us that calm responses solve conflicts better than angry reactions. Here is its deeper meaning, life lessons, and practical wisdom for stronger relationships and a more peaceful life.

American businesses added fewer jobs in July than experts had predicted, with private payrolls up by just 44,000 the weakest increase this year. Conversely, job switchers enjoyed the steepest wage hikes in almost a year, reflecting a resilient labor market driven by substantial demand. This moderation gives Federal Reserve officials the leeway to concentrate on inflation worries.

India's services sector expanded slowly in July, reaching a 53-month low. New business inflows moderated across domestic and international markets, impacting growth. Manufacturing activity also lost momentum, contributing to a composite PMI decline. Services firms remained optimistic about future business despite current slowdowns. Hiring showed a modest rebound as input cost inflation eased.

India's fertilizer production and imports have fallen sharply in the June quarter. This decline is due to inflated raw material prices caused by the West Asia conflict. Production of complex fertilizers dropped twenty-eight percent, and imports slipped forty-eight point five percent. Ammonia and sulphur prices have nearly doubled, making manufacturing and imports less viable. This situation raises concerns over nutrient availability for the ongoing crop sowing season.

NITI Aayog suggests a dedicated policy framework for India's growing ageing population. It calls for regulating the caregiving ecosystem and setting essential caregiving standards. The report proposes financial incentives and entrepreneurship opportunities for caregivers to boost scalability. It also recommends introducing care leave for employees supporting dependent parents. Establishing a National Caregiving Council will provide institutional leadership and coordination.

Do not judge your neighbor until you walk two moons in his moccasins is a powerful American proverb about empathy, patience and understanding. Explore the deeper life lessons from American proverb wisdom and discover why we should think twice before judging someone whose struggles, experiences and journey we may not fully understand.

Quote of the day by Dr. Seuss teaches us when a meaningful chapter closes, sadness may naturally come first. But with time, gratitude can join it. Instead of asking only why something had to end, we can also ask what made it worth having in the first place. That shiftfrom loss toward appreciationdoes not change the past. It changes how we carry it. And sometimes, that is enough to turn an ending from something we only mourn into something we can genuinely smile about.

The Kerala High Court has formed a six-member SIT to investigate Milma ghee procurement irregularities. This special team will probe alleged irregularities in the supply of Milma ghee to the Sabarimala temple. The SIT will be headed by Superintendent of Police MJ Sojan, who is already investigating another case. This officer is investigating the alleged criminal misappropriation of Adiya Sishtam Ghee proceeds.

Tamil Nadu's finance minister presented the 2026-27 budget, aiming for a $1.5 trillion economy by 2031. A new industrial policy will foster innovation and technology-driven growth across emerging sectors. The government allocated significant funds for industries and introduced AI-powered investment platforms. New industrial parks will be established in backward districts, and Thoothukudi will become a space zone. The budget also detailed plans for India's first AI and Innovation city, 'Arivagam'

The Calcutta High Court denied Abhishek Banerjee permission to travel abroad. He had sought permission for necessary eye treatment abroad. The court previously advised consulting state-run hospital doctors for a decision. Banerjee had approached the Supreme Court, which referred the matter back to the High Court. The state raised objections to his travel due to ongoing cases.

A 2,000-year-old Chinese tomb linked to Liu He, the emperor who ruled for just 27 days, has revealed more than 2 million ancient bronze coins, around 115 to 120 kilograms of gold and thousands of other artifacts, offering a remarkable glimpse into the wealth and culture of the Western Han Dynasty.

A Mississippi crew captured the state's largest alligator, weighing 802.5 pounds. This prehistoric reptile measured an impressive 14 feet and 3 inches in length. The intense battle with the giant creature lasted for seven hours through the night. Mississippi's river basin provides ideal conditions for these large reptiles to thrive. Conservation efforts have helped maintain balanced populations and protect wetland ecosystems.

The Supreme Court suggested listening to protesting youngsters and counseling them. This approach is seen as a better course than allowing escalation into violence. The court made these observations during a hearing on a plea by retired Air Force officers. The plea sought action against protest organizers for alleged incitement during demonstrations. The bench emphasized facilitating peaceful protests while ensuring situations do not spiral out of control.

Ukraine is grappling with the difficulty of intercepting rapid Russian ballistic missiles. While the Patriot system provides a measure of defense, its effectiveness is hindered by the limited number of available batteries. The increasing global demand and production constraints have led to interceptor shortages. To enhance its security, Ukraine is focusing on neutralizing launchers and developing indigenous defense capabilities.

Giant iceberg threatens penguins: A grounded iceberg near Coulman Island caused a 69% drop in emperor penguin chick survival. The iceberg blocked the adults' usual route to the ocean for foraging. This extended journey delayed food deliveries to their hungry chicks. Researchers observed many adult penguins gathering on the iceberg's gentle slope.

Brazil faces diplomatic friction with the United States and Argentina ahead of its elections. President Lula criticized the US visa revocation for Brazil's ambassador as irresponsible. Argentina's President Milei's insults led Brazil to recall its ambassador and downgrade ties. Brazil demands respect and rejects foreign interference in its electoral process. The nation also denied visas to US officials, citing election integrity concerns.

Today's Quote of the Day by Angela Merkel: Angela Merkels quote on freedom defines true liberty not merely as the absence of external political oppression, but as an active, personal commitment to lifelong learning and self-transcendence. Drawing from her youth in East Germany and her sixteen-year tenure as German Chancellor, Merkel illustrates that individual freedom requires us to continually test our limits and refuse intellectual stagnation, even after stepping down from power.

Quote of the Day by Reese Witherspoon: Reese Witherspoons quote, Many people worry so much about managing their careers, but rarely spend half that much energy managing their LIVES. I want to make my life, not just my job, the best it can be. The rest will work itself out, explores the importance of life balance, personal fulfillment, and prioritizing happiness beyond professional success. The quote suggests that a meaningful life should not be defined only by career achievements but should also

Union minister Nitin Gadkari conferred the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak on 12 rat miners who played a crucial role in rescuing 41 workers trapped for 17 days inside Uttarakhand's collapsed Silkyara tunnel in November 2023, recognising their extraordinary courage and lifesaving efforts.

Showerheads often suffer from reduced water flow due to mineral deposits forming in their tiny holes. To combat this issue, citric acid is a natural and effective solution that breaks down calcium buildup without chemical harshness. Simply soak the showerhead in a citric acid solution for a thorough cleanse. Furthermore, regular maintenance and drying will help avert future limescale problems, allowing for improved water pressure and durability for your showerhead.

Pakistan secured an eight-wicket victory against the West Indies in the second test match. This win ended their eight-match losing streak in away test matches. Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam guided Pakistan to the target with unbeaten scores. Pakistan spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman took eight wickets combined. The series was drawn 1-1 after Pakistan's dominant performance.

Melania Trump earned $10.71 million from the Amazon MGM documentary about her, despite the film bringing in just $16 million at the box office against its reported $75 million production and promotional cost. The financial disclosure also reveals her earnings from her memoir and NFTs, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has denied claims that the documentary was linked to buying influence with the Trump administration.

Danish Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of No one gets into trouble without his own help. The saying reflects the importance of personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the role of individual choices in shaping life experiences. It suggests that many difficulties are influenced by our own decisions, actions, or lack of awareness, reminding us to examine our behavior and learn from our mistakes. The proverb encourages people to take ownership of their choices, recognize their ability

Ajinkya Rahane believes Test cricket needs more senior players on the team. He stated that the departure of multiple senior players has impacted India's performance. India has experienced recent series losses after key players retired from international cricket. The team is now transitioning with new players and a younger core. This transition presents challenges for India's World Test Championship aspirations.