The Economic Times

A simple aluminum foil hack is making brooms more effective for cleaning floors. This viral trick uses static electricity to capture fine dust and stubborn hair. Homeowners are finding this method works well on various floor types and surfaces. The foil-wrapped broom offers a low-cost and sustainable cleaning solution. Replacing the foil when damaged ensures continued spotless results for your home.

Taliban authorities engage with many nations despite lacking formal international recognition. Regional countries pragmatically interact with Kabul, prioritizing economic and security ties. Foreign investment remains scarce due to limited official recognition and investor wariness. Some nations restrict further ties until human rights reforms are implemented by the Taliban. The political reality in Afghanistan has changed, necessitating engagement with de facto authorities.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring 570. Pereira, the hardest-hit city, reported 60 deaths and faced widespread destruction. Rescue efforts are underway for patients trapped after a hospital partially collapsed in Cali. Air travel across western Colombia was disrupted, with several airports closed for inspections. The United States announced $15.5 million in aid for relief and assessment efforts.

Alberto Sierra admitted guilt for the 2012 murders of his wife and two young daughters. He confessed to stabbing Gladys Machado and suffocating Julia and Daniela Padron. Their bodies were discovered by a neighbor three days after the killings. Sierra's guilty pleas followed his initial statements to investigators about the crimes. A jury will now decide if he receives life in prison or the death penalty.

Venezuelas death toll from twin earthquakes in June rose to 6,301 on Monday, up from 6,125 reported on August 3, as rescue teams continued searching through rubble. The powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude tremors destroyed around 190 buildings.

US President Donald Trump has extended a waiver allowing foreign-flagged ships to transport oil and other commodities between US ports for 90 days, while tightening the rules amid opposition from shipbuilders. The revised waiver requires individual voyages to receive case-by-case approval, as the administration seeks to ease fuel transportation bottlenecks.

An IAS officer noticed a young girl playing inside Bilaspur Central Jail. He inquired about her circumstances and discovered her wish to attend school. Jain International School then offered support for her education and accommodation. This intervention allowed Khushi to experience a life beyond prison walls. Her story highlights the impact of adult attention on a child's future.

A US federal court dismissed criminal charges against Gautam Adani and two executives. The Justice Department requested this dismissal with prejudice, closing the case. This prosecution had linked the Adani Group to solar-power contracts in India. Prosecutors had alleged bribery and misleading investors about misconduct. The court's decision ends a significant legal challenge for the conglomerate.

Brent crude futures were flat at $88 a barrel or 0.35%, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures stood at $83.50, up 0.40% a barrel. Both benchmarks had jumped more than 5% on Monday, hitting their highest levels since July 31.

Britain's regulator approved Eli Lilly's Foundayo pill for weight and diabetes. This treatment is not yet available through the NHS in the UK. Foundayo will launch privately later this month via prescription. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill also received approval for the UK market. The weight-loss drug market is seeing increased competition from oral treatments.

Gold has reached its highest point in two months, driven by traders evaluating significant upcoming U.S. inflation data that may influence interest rate decisions. Lacking favorable job growth numbers has diminished prospects for a Federal Reserve increase, propelling interest toward non-yielding gold.

President Donald Trump announced an executive order for revised childhood vaccine recommendations. This order promotes spacing out vaccines into separate medical visits for children. It also directs health departments to improve vaccine research and development. Public health experts have voiced concerns about potential risks from this approach. States retain the authority to mandate vaccinations for schoolchildren.

Oil prices maintained their position on Tuesday as hopes for a US-Iran deal faded, hampered by President Trump's stringent demands that are complicating operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The restart of Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery has been pushed back due to recent Houthi assaults, leading to constrained energy flows and a marked decline in crude oil exports through this strategic area.

Former personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, Todd Blanche, was sworn in as attorney general on Monday after a narrow 50-49 Senate confirmation. Blanche, who had served as acting attorney general since Pam Bondis firing in April, now faces scrutiny over Justice Department politicisation and pressure from Trump.

US President Donald Trump secretly travelled on a C-32A military jet from Turkey to Britain after publicly boarding an older Air Force One, The Washington Post reported. The covert switch reportedly followed an Iranian threat, raising questions about the security of the newly renovated, Qatar-donated aircraft Trump had used at the NATO summit.

Perseids are debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, an icy ball that orbits the sun every 133 years and isn't scheduled for a return visit until 2125. Observations of this meteor shower date back over 2,000 years.

Bioplastics are biobased, meaning they are made completely or partially from a renewable resource, commonly corn or sugar cane; or they are biodegradable, meaning that they break down completely via a natural process.

American bald eagles teetered on the brink of extinction until the pesticide DDT was banned in the 1970s and other protections were established, leading the species to rebound and be removed from the federal endangered list.

Britain is now experiencing a flash drought caused by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures. Rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater levels continue to decline while the continued hot and dry conditions are increasing the risk of wildfires, the government said.

Life Lesson proverb of the day is a reminder that difficult circumstances do not have to define what is possible. The proverb does not promise that every goal will be achieved exactly as imagined, nor does it suggest that persistence makes every challenge easy. Its deeper message is that perseverance changes the way people face difficulty. Patience teaches us to respect the time required for growth. Diligence gives us the discipline to keep working. Faith provides the courage to continue when ce

Quote of the day by Marie Curie is a reflection about much more than nature. It is about remaining open to surprise. Her words remind us that a fulfilling life does not require having every question answered. There is value in continuing to ask questions, explore unfamiliar ideas and approach the world with genuine interest.

Quote of the day by Rosa Parks inspires us to think beyond the boundaries of a single lifetime. We may not be able to control how history remembers us, but we can influence what we leave in the hearts and lives of other people. Our generosity can be remembered. Our courage can be repeated. Our lessons can be passed forward.

Quote of the day by Sam Neill is a celebration of reliability, resilience and purpose. Its simplicity is what makes it memorable. Being serviceable means contributing. Being durable means enduring change. Getting the job done means taking responsibility for the work in front of you. Together, those principles provide a practical definition of professional success that does not depend entirely on fame or recognition.

In 1901, Austrian American immunologist and pathologist made a groundbreaking discovery while mixing blood of different people. The discovery saved numerous lives and helped the world in creating blood banks, enabling modern surgery and advancing several other fields. Karl Landsteiner identified human blood groups, helping doctors understand transfusion reactions and making compatible blood transfusions possible.

Arabic proverb of the day: A mother is a school, preparing her is like preparing a good nation explains how mothers influence children through education, values and daily actions. The saying, linked to Egyptian poet Hafiz Ibrahim, highlights early education, moral values, emotional strength and the social impact of raising children within the family.

'Only 11 core vaccines + MMR': Trump orders major overhaul of childhood vaccine schedule

A groundbreaking study has validated Charles Darwin's long-standing hypothesis regarding carnivorous Saxifraga plants. Researchers discovered that Saxifraga candelabrum lures and ensnares flies through its sticky hairs. Analysis indicated that it employs phosphatase for digesting its insect prey. Furthermore, genetic evidence suggests that this plant is related to other carnivorous species, indicating that the phenomenon of plant carnivory might be more prevalent than earlier thought.

In 1643, an Italian physicist and mathematician came up with a crucial invention to help measure atmospheric pressure laying foundation for weather forecasts and unraveling many secrets in thermodynamics and modern meteorology. Evangelista Torricelli invented the mercury barometer, created a sustained vacuum and showed that air has weight. His work helped scientists understand atmospheric pressure and later supported weather science, physics and meteorology.

Quote of the day by Mads Mikkelsen says, I think the meaning of life is life itself. The quote focuses on living in the present instead of searching for a final answer about existence. It offers lessons on acceptance, mindfulness, fate, happiness, mortality and inner peace. The message is to experience life, accept uncertainty and avoid spending life worrying about questions without answers.

The Supreme Court suggested forming special courts for Manipur violence cases. These courts would exclusively handle investigations by the CBI and NIA. The Gauhati High Court Chief Justice was urged to establish these separate courts. The court also directed security agencies to ensure uninterrupted investigations by federal agencies. Details of cases will be shared with affected families and their lawyers.

The corporate affairs ministry plans to implement an evidence-based methodology for the upcoming Digital Competition Bill. A thorough market analysis is currently being conducted to establish benchmarks for major tech firms. Systemically impactful digital entities will be subjected to preventive regulations enforced by the antitrust authority. This proposed legislation aims to curb undesirable practices proactively. The ministry's responses contributed to a parliamentary committee's findings.

India Independence Day 2026: Youth power will be a central theme at the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Young achievers and innovators will be honored as special guests at the event. The national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung from the Red Fort ramparts for the first time. Military bands will perform across India, and flower petals will be showered. Approximately five thousand special guests, including students, have been invited to the function.

A US judge dismissed criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The Justice Department decided to abandon the fraud and bribery case against him. Adani denied any agreement was made for the dismissal of the indictment. He had previously pledged a ten billion dollar investment in the United States. The Adani Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing in this matter.

Quote of the Day by Kate Hudson: Kate Hudsons quote, Being active and good health is the most important beauty regime because that will affect you for the rest of your life, explores the importance of physical activity, healthy living, self-care, and long-term well-being. The quote suggests that true beauty should go beyond appearance and that maintaining good health can support confidence, energy, and a better quality of life for years to come.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari suspended an investigating officer and transferred an inspector. He visited the family of a Trinamool worker who died in custody. The Chief Minister ordered a magisterial inquiry into the custodial death. He provided compensation and a job to the deceased worker's wife. Adhikari admitted to police negligence while awaiting post-mortem results.

The Supreme Court voiced serious concern regarding escalating drug abuse and trafficking nationwide. Justices noted the gravity of the situation and its widespread impact across the country. A petition seeking reforms in enforcement measures under the NDPS Act was heard by the bench. The plea highlights drug abuse's threat to youth health and national security. The court issued notices to the Centre and state governments for their response.

Eight people from Assam were injured in firing from Arunachal Pradesh on Monday. The incident occurred along the inter-state border due to an alleged land encroachment dispute. Injured individuals were admitted to local hospitals, with some in critical condition. Assam's chief minister stated the matter is almost resolved and is being addressed. Both states have previously agreed to resolve their long-standing border disputes.

Iran's Supreme Leader appointed six senior commanders to key military and IRGC posts. Ali Abdollahi became Chief of Staff while Kioumars Heydari is Deputy Chief. Ahmad Vahidi now commands the IRGC, and Mostafa Izadi is his deputy. Ali Azmaei leads the IRGC Navy, and Hossein Taeb heads the Basij. These appointments follow recent news about the Supreme Leader's health and other personnel changes.

Todays Japanese proverb of the day offers a powerful lesson in resilience: Even when every outer flame dies, guard the light within yourself. It speaks to hope, courage, inner strength and self-belief. Life can take away plans, people and opportunities. But your inner light can remain. This timeless message reminds us to keep going, even through lifes darkest moments.

Sri Lanka faces growing concerns as a potential hub for Chinese cybercrime networks. A recent murder of a Chinese national highlights these transnational criminal activities. Investigators believe the victim was targeted by an international Chinese syndicate for financial disputes. He had allegedly operated cyber scams in Cambodia before relocating to Sri Lanka. Authorities warn of a national security crisis if swift action is not taken.

Japanese proverb of the day: A Japanese saying reminds us to cherish support received during hardship. When life improves, people often forget the kindness shown during tough periods. This saying encourages lasting gratitude for those who offered assistance. Remembering help fosters humility and a greater willingness to assist others.

Oil prices rose significantly as Iran and the United States exchanged compensation demands. Prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz dimmed due to these escalating tensions. Ukraine continued to strike Russian refineries and tankers, further impacting supply. Saudi Aramco postponed a refinery restart after recent Houthi attacks. US Strategic Petroleum Reserve stocks reached their lowest level since 1983.

Jurors found a Chinese yuan note and white powder inside clothing presented as evidence. This discovery occurred during deliberations in the Shamell Joyner robbery trial. The judge instructed jurors to disregard these unexpected items during their decision-making. Jurors ultimately convicted Joyner on thirteen of the twenty-eight charges. The jury deadlocked on fifteen remaining charges, leading to a partial verdict.

Quote of the Day by Randolph Scott: Randolph Scotts quote, I had always been a fatalist about my career. What was to be was to be, explores the importance of acceptance, destiny, patience, and uncertainty in life and career. The quote suggests that while people can work hard and pursue their ambitions, not every outcome can be controlled or predicted. Sometimes unexpected circumstances, opportunities, and changes can shape the direction of a persons journey.

A US official stated the Gaza plan remains operative and advancing. Discussions with Israel are continuing regarding the plan's implementation and verification. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the plan, demanding Hamas be disarmed first. Israel's military has effectively halted attacks under US pressure. The plan's stages will only proceed after commitments are met.