The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
Pilar Gravitte, a 12-year-old entrepreneur from Lomita, California, was named the 2025 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year by Lemonade Day for her creativity, leadership, and community impact. As founder and CEO of Little Lemon, she created a Hawaiian-themed lemonade stand offering fresh-squeezed lemonade, mango-pineapple lemonade with chamoy rims, sugar-free options made with agave, and fruit- and herb-infused waters.
Recent studies indicate that Mercury has shrunk more than scientists previously realized. The presence of impact debris has hindered the visibility of this contraction, shedding light on Mercury's interior features and its metallic core. This discovery offers valuable clues to the planet's geological history and magnetic field evolution. Upcoming explorations, particularly the BepiColombo mission, are set to gather crucial data to validate these revelations.
Oil prices jumped 5% to above $100 a barrel as escalating US-Iran fighting and attacks on tankers raised fears of wider supply disruptions. Brent hit $106.60 while WTI crossed $100. Rising Chinese demand and tighter OPEC output are adding to market pressure, keeping traders focused on the risk of further supply shocks.
Feeling relieved once guests have left does not necessarily point to a psychological problem. For some people, it may simply reflect a natural need for privacy and personal space after prolonged social interaction. The response may be worth exploring further if social contact consistently causes intense distress, if someone regularly withdraws from relationships or if they feel unable to have people in their home despite genuinely wanting connection and companionship.
Lewis Pugh swam one kilometer off South Georgia in 2017. This swim was part of a campaign for greater water protection. Protection rose from two percent to twenty-three percent just over a year later. In February 2024, an additional 166,000 square kilometers were protected. This expansion brought the total protected area to thirty-six percent of the maritime zone.
A Venice Film Festival documentary alleges routine mass civilian deaths in Gaza. NAZA uses testimony from Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers. It describes an AI-assisted targeting system designed to hit civilian spaces. The film draws parallels between the actions and historical dehumanization patterns. Directors highlight the contrast between Tel Aviv life and Gaza's devastation.
Bill Gates is backing Fervo Energy's cutting-edge geothermal technology designed for clean energy production. This advanced process involves drilling deep into the earth's crust to harness geothermal energy for electricity generation. Fervo has also landed a major contract to supply Google with this sustainable power source, set to deliver consistent, round-the-clock electricity starting in 2028.
Singer Jason Mraz has beautifully transformed his San Diego orchard into a thriving regenerative avocado farm. Since acquiring the property two decades ago, he's established Mraz Family Farms, promoting organic and fair trade practices. The farm grows delectable avocados and passion fruit while enhancing land health and fostering sustainable food production. Beyond farming, Mraz advocates for eco-friendly touring practices and embracing a plant-based diet.
It can be tempting to interpret a higher-pitched voice as a sign of anxiety, insecurity or low confidence, but psychology does not support such a straightforward conclusion. Vocal pitch can shift for many reasons, including emphasis, emotional arousal, social context, turn-taking, perceived status and a speakers effort to make their words more noticeable.
Quote of the Day by Scarlett Johansson: Scarlett Johanssons quote, It is important to remind young people that peace is the only victory, explores the importance of peace, compassion, understanding, and cooperation in creating a better future. The quote suggests that true victory should not be measured by defeating others, but by finding peaceful solutions, protecting human dignity, and creating a world where people can live together with respect and security.
A U.S. appeals court declined to implement a new USPS mail-in voting rule. This decision prevents the postal service from enforcing stricter requirements before elections. A lower court judge had previously issued an injunction against the new postal rule. The administration had asked the Supreme Court to intervene and pause the injunction. The rule aimed to tighten mail-in voting requirements at President Trump's direction.
In the year leading up to September 2023, the City of Greater Geelong transformed thousands of litres of used motor oil into durable public infrastructure. By spraying 6,790 litres of recycled engine oil as an aggregate precoat during routine road resurfacing, municipal crews allowed bitumen to adhere securely to crushed stone. Combined with millions of recycled glass bottles and discarded truck tires, Geelong turned hazardous waste into durable street surfaces.
A UK nuclear waste site has installed composite railway sleepers made from recycled plastic. These durable sleepers offer a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood materials. Work is also progressing on the Southern Trench Interim Membrane project at the Repository. This project involves placing a new protective layer over historic trenches.
Ancient teeth from Sulawesi show betel nut use 25,000 years ago. This habit predates early farming and represents habitual drug use. Researchers found chemical traces and unusual tooth wear patterns. Betel nut use may have begun to relieve tooth pain and discomfort. This discovery pushes back the known history of psychoactive substance consumption.
A recent study by the University of Minnesota reveals that trees may emit less carbon dioxide with rising temperatures as young trees, subjected to a 3.4C rise, showed only a five percent increase in carbon release. The surprising result do not suggest that warming has little impact on forests. Instead, they show that trees may be better able to adapt to long-term changes in temperature than scientists previously thought.
Through a combination of education and innovative green infrastructure projects, water quality in the Passaic River has seen remarkable improvements. Led by Rutgers Cooperative Extension and various partners, these initiatives focused on managing stormwater runoff effectively, ultimately leading to the removal of the Lower Passaic River from the impaired waters list. This success highlights the effectiveness of nonpoint source pollution control in urban environments.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi announced on Thursday the suspension of three engineers as part of a broader crackdown on negligence in unauthorized construction. This decision follows the prior suspension of a Deputy Commissioner and four engineers related to similar issues. The corporation is reinforcing its commitment to safety by focusing on dangerous buildings, instructing officials to stay alert and respond immediately to any breaches of regulations.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Missouri's redrawn congressional map favoring Republicans. This decision dealt a setback to President Donald Trump and Republican House odds. The justices suspended a federal judge's decision allowing the map's use in elections. Challengers had sought the Supreme Court's intervention after a state judge's ruling. The ruling left Missouri's congressional districts in limbo before the vote.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis dedicated five years to meticulously designing their six-acre farmhouse in Los Angeles. Working alongside architects and designers, they successfully blended rustic charm with modern touches. This eco-friendly abode operates fully on solar power and features reclaimed timber from an old factory, infusing it with historical significance. The design fosters a harmonious connection between sustainable food production and family living.
Quote of the Day by Mila Kunis: Mila Kuniss quote, Teens are dealing with the same problems now in the '90s as they did back in the '70s, the only real difference is the clothes we wear! explores the timeless nature of teenage experiences and the challenges young people face while growing up. The quote suggests that although fashion, technology, music, and popular culture change across generations, many teenage concerns about identity, friendships, relationships, confidence, acceptance, and grow
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, is set to unveil an initiative focused on safeguarding children from the harms of social media algorithms. Emphasizing the unacceptability of childhoods dictated by such algorithms, she asserts Europe's potential to enact vital protective measures. This upcoming proposal aligns with previous demands for enhanced online safety for minors.
Quote of the day by Sandra Bullock offers a mature definition of achievement. Success is not a flawless gift wrapped in admiration and applause; it can be complicated, demanding and occasionally uncomfortable. The prickly package may contain opportunities alongside pressure, recognition alongside criticism and freedom alongside responsibility. What matters is understanding what comes with the achievement and consciously deciding whether it is worth embracing. For people chasing ambitious goals,
In Dallas, Republicans gathered to strategize for the upcoming November elections while aiming to maintain their hold on Congress. Donald Trump took the stage, rallying support for the party by emphasizing crucial proposals like tax cuts and reduction in spending. Meanwhile, Democrats criticized the Republican agenda and raised concerns about the ethics of the Trump administration, as the party navigates economic uncertainty amid challenging midterm historical patterns.
In July, the United States experienced a notable spike in wholesale inventories, paving the way for anticipated economic growth in the third quarter. Inventories for both durable and nondurable goods surged significantly, while wholesale sales made a comeback after a downturn. The rise in the inventories to sales ratio suggests a slight extension in the time needed for goods to clear from shelves.
The music world mourns the loss of Brian 'Nashville' Duckworth, who passed away at the age of fifty-six. The cherished country artist was a beloved member of the Taylor Made family band and held a steadfast job as the 'Truck Boss' while driving a dump truck. His passion for music, family, and the great outdoors will be remembered as a significant part of his legacy.
Dubai Airports now anticipates approximately seventy million passengers this year. This revised target follows earlier disruptions from regional conflict and airspace closures. Passenger numbers have recovered to seventy-eight percent of pre-war levels. European carriers are resuming flights, supporting the updated projection for the year. Further growth is expected as new routes and aircraft become available.
Quote of the Day by Coco Chanel: Coco Chanel's life lessons emphasize prioritizing work and love over monotony. Her journey from poverty to fashion icon highlights ambition and reinvention. She transformed women's fashion with practical and comfortable designs. Chanel's iconic little black dress and No. 5 perfume remain influential. Her legacy continues to inspire intentional living and purposeful time.
Rawalpindi citizens face rising transportation costs after recent fuel price increases. Goods transporters have raised freight charges by approximately fifteen percent. Local public transport fares have also seen an increase of PKR 10 per stop. Essential commodity prices have risen by around fifteen percent due to higher transport expenses. School and office transport services have become significantly more expensive for households.
Celine Dion's extravagant Florida mansion, featuring its own private water park, was constructed following her 2005 property purchase. Completed in 2010, the estate was initially on the market for $72.5 million in 2013. After several reductions, it ultimately sold for $38.5 million, illustrating the challenges faced when selling highly personalized luxury residences.
Leonardo DiCaprios Re shows that protecting nature often begins with the people who live closest to it. Across 90 countries, the organization works with local partners who know their forests, rivers and wildlife firsthand. Its conservation efforts now span more than 590 million acres worldwide. Behind that number are communities protecting places that support their homes, livelihoods and way of life for generations.
Recent scientific findings on K2-18b and Mars sparked alien life speculation. A survey revealed few astrobiologists believed these discoveries confirmed extraterrestrial life. Researchers found the K2-18b exoplanet evidence less convincing than Martian rock features. Many scientists remained neutral, awaiting further analysis and ruling out non-biological explanations. These intriguing clues offer questions for further scientific investigation and testing.
Encountering someone from school can bring old ambitions, expectations and possibilities back to the surface. You may not necessarily want the career or lifestyle they have built, but seeing their progress can prompt you to think about your own goals and the plans you once imagined but have yet to pursue.
Saima Wazed, WHO Southeast Asia head, resigned Wednesday following fraud investigations. The UN health agency had placed her on unpaid administrative leave late last year. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission filed charges alleging fraud and forgery against her. Wazed denied accusations of financial fraud and misrepresenting academic credentials. She cited financial hardship and lack of trust in leadership for her decision.
Army veteran Rocky Fernandez earned his petroleum engineering degree seven years after a car crash. He overcame paralysis, hospital stays, and medical setbacks to return to education. Support from the Houston VA and vocational services aided his academic journey. Fernandez adjusted to life with paralysis while managing health challenges and studies. He now prepares for a career in petroleum engineering after years of hard work.
US President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to send every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in the midterm elections. But Trump did not speak about how the proposed payments would be funded or implemented. According to estimates, the proposal could cost more than $1 trillion.
Californias proposed admission immediately became part of the national debate over slavery. The territory sought admission as a free state, which threatened to alter the balance between free and slave states in Congress.
Roseanne Barr's Hawaii macadamia farm sold for $2.6 million after eighteen years. The 46-acre property near Honokaa featured over four thousand macadamia trees. Barr originally purchased the land in 2007 with self-sufficiency plans. Her reality series Roseanne's Nuts documented farm life for one season.
Bangladesh stated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India this week. He was invited to the BRICS Summit as BIMSTEC Chair, not premier. Dhaka prioritizes bilateral visits and discussions when the environment is favorable. Discussions continue positively regarding Bangladesh-India trade relations. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty expiry in December is being handled seriously.
Watching a series is not always about experiencing individual episodes one at a time. Instead, it can become a goal-oriented activity in which viewers become invested in following the story, understanding the characters and ultimately finding out how the narrative unfolds.

29 C