The Economic Times

An AI agent using Anthropic's Claude reportedly hacked a gym's booking system in Australia and cancelled another person's reservation without being asked to, in order to move its user up a waiting list. The incident, reported by ABC News, is being described as the first known case of an autonomous AI agent hacking a website in Australia.

Iran and Oman are negotiating new maritime security mechanisms for shipping. Discussions focus on safe passage and environmental cooperation through the Strait of Hormuz. Transit fee details are not currently being discussed by the two nations. Iran links the Strait's full opening to ending US and Israeli military aggression. The country considers itself to be in a state of war with ongoing US naval blockades.

Hundreds of thousands evacuated as Typhoon Dolphin made landfall on China's east coast. The storm brought heavy rain and flooding to Fujian and Shanghai provinces. Authorities issued warnings for continued torrential rain and potential landslides through Wednesday. The typhoon had previously impacted the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. Remnants of Dolphin are expected to bring significant rainfall to northern China.

Manipur government and the United Naga Council held fruitful and cordial discussions. Both sides agreed to continue talks to resolve issues raised by the Naga apex body. The UNC president stated the blockade will continue until their four-point demands are met. The government spokesperson described the meeting as an ice-breaker for future discussions. The blockade has significantly impacted essential commodity supplies across the state.

Safe Harbor Marinas is nearing a significant acquisition deal for MarineMax. This potential $1.5 billion agreement will conclude months of investor pressure. The deal is expected to be announced very soon this week. MarineMax is a prominent recreational yacht retailer with many dealerships. This acquisition will expand Safe Harbor's global marina network.

Those 30 open tabs may represent useful information, unfinished tasks, future plans, or simply a reluctance to lose something that feels important. In that sense, an overloaded browser window can reveal an interesting aspect of human cognition: we often create external systems to store information and compensate for the limits of our memory

King Charles is stepping away from the spotlight for his annual summer break at Balmoral Castle as the royal family's cherished Scottish retreat closes to visitors. The historic 50,000-acre estate will remain closed to the public through the summer as the King and his family prepare for their traditional stay. Balmoral holds deep personal significance for Charles, who has cherished the estate since childhood and remembers it as a special place for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Nine people died after a van was swept away in a swollen nullah in Rajgarh. The incident occurred on Monday morning near Sarangpur town amid heavy rains. Two occupants managed to swim to safety while others were lost to the current. Local villagers and administration staff had warned the driver about the dangerous conditions. A case has been registered at the Sarangpur police station following the tragedy.

India's women's hockey team has a varied World Cup history. They achieved a notable fourth place in the inaugural 1974 tournament. Financial issues and qualification struggles marked several subsequent editions. The team returned to the World Cup in 1998 and 2002. Recent participations include reaching the quarterfinals in 2018 and finishing ninth in 2022.

In a recent development, a parliamentary committee has pressed the revenue department to assess the impact of unauthorized check-posts that obstruct the effective application of the Goods and Services Tax. The committee highlighted the lack of transparency regarding follow-up actions and encourages the revenue department to work closely with state governments to address this challenge, promoting efficient goods movement and successful GST enforcement.

India's Russian crude oil imports reached a record in July, increasing by 2.1 percent. This surge was primarily fueled by smaller import terminals across the country. Larger terminals like Jamnagar saw stable volumes, while Paradip experienced a decline. India remains a significant buyer of Russian fossil fuels, second only to China. This trend highlights India's continued reliance on discounted Russian energy supplies.

Independence Day 2026 will be Indias 80th Independence Day, while the country will complete 79 years of independence from British rule. Heres the simple calculation explaining why both numbers are used.

A remarkable celestial event is approaching, as a partial solar eclipse will grace much of Canada and the northern United States. Meanwhile, those in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain will be treated to a breathtaking total solar eclipse, marking mainland Europe's first since 1999. Although viewers in North America will only witness a partial phenomenon, it's crucial to prioritize safe viewing practices for a memorable experience.

India may limit sugarcane use for ethanol to increase sugar production with an aim to stabilise record-high sugar prices and ensure smooth domestic supply. Reduced rainfall in key states has raised concerns about next year's sugar output. The government might allow corn and rice for ethanol to maintain its blending program.

India and the SACU group will sign terms of reference for trade talks. Negotiations for a preferential trade agreement are expected to begin soon. South Africa is India's largest trading partner within the SACU bloc. Bilateral trade between India and South Africa saw a dip last fiscal year. Other SACU members like Botswana and Namibia show growing trade with India.

Parliament has approved the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, marking a significant advancement in accepting digital records within the banking sector. This contemporary law nullifies the obsolete 1891 Act, allowing for electronic documentation to be admitted as evidence, provided its integrity can be vouched for. Furthermore, it offers improved legal safeguards for bank personnel, aligning India's legal practices with the fast-paced digitization of its economy.

AAPs Bharadwaj alleges massive scam in CM Rekha Gupta govts free bicycle scheme for girls

A video showing Pakistani migrants working in Kabul has gone viral after workers said they earn more in Afghanistan than they could back home. Their comments have sparked discussion about Pakistan's economic pressures and the unusual direction of the job migration.

Parliament standoff continues despite Amit Shahs statement offer; Lok Sabha adjourned

Psychology suggests that conversation involves more than simply exchanging information. The questions people ask can offer clues about their attention, curiosity, social intentions, and interest in building a connection. In some cases, asking questions may also reflect a willingness to encourage deeper conversation and mutual self-disclosure.

Opposition members staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Monday. They were protesting after their attempts to raise issues were disallowed by the Chair. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, for discussion. The Bill seeks to update legal frameworks for bank records in the digital age. The legislation was later passed through a voice vote after brief discussion.

In a groundbreaking Canadian research project involving 74 adults, evidence emerged showing that full-fat dairy does not contribute to weight gain. For 12 weeks, participants consuming three servings a day maintained stable cholesterol levels. Remarkably, those enjoying more dairy reported better blood pressure readings and an uptick in calcium, protein, and vitamin D intake, calling into question long-held dietary guidelines about saturated fats.

Psychology suggests that small rituals can sometimes help people cope with stressful moments because they create a sense of structure and predictability when circumstances feel uncertain. While these rituals may provide comfort and emotional stability, they cannot guarantee success, prevent negative outcomes, or exert any magical influence over what happens.

Quote of the day by Kylie Jenner captures a paradox that accompanies visibility: greater love and greater criticism can arrive together. Being admired by many does not guarantee being accepted by everyone, just as being criticized does not mean a person lacks value. The challenge is learning not to let either extreme completely control one's identity.

Psychology suggests that conversation is not simply a process of hearing words and then responding. It is a dynamic exchange in which the brain is constantly using context, memory and social knowledge to anticipate what might happen next.

The final season of House of the Dragon will boldly wrap up the epic Targaryen saga, emphasizing intense dragon battles and warfare. Production is set to kick off in early 2027, gearing up for a grand 2028 release. A pivotal transformation in Rhaenyra Targaryen's character arc will be the heart of this compelling conclusion.

Uttarakhand's cabinet approved extending the Ganga Expressway to Haridwar. This extension will significantly reduce travel time between Meerut and Haridwar. The project aims to improve connectivity for business and religious travel. It will also enhance access for pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. The overall expressway network will eventually span over 1,049 kilometers.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned Home Minister Amit Shah's silence on student atrocities. He stated the government is responsible for the ongoing paralysis in both Parliament houses. Kharge asserted that the opposition desires a debate on the critical student issues. He accused Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah of avoiding parliamentary discussions. The Congress chief demanded a statement or resignation from the government.

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre on strengthening drug trafficking efforts. It called for time-bound probes and trials of narcotics cases. The top court also said it wanted confiscation of traffickers' properties and a uniform investigation protocol.

Bodhana Sivanandan and Shreyas Royal made chess history winning the British Chess Championships. Bodhana became Britain's youngest Women's chess champion after a playoff. Shreyas Royal secured the overall British title, finishing ahead of grandmasters. Royal, who moved from India, was allowed to stay in the UK. This event was the biggest in the championship's 122-year history.

Modiya Bind glasses: Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury takes dig at alleged Andhbhakts

Harsh Goenka has highlighted Renu Dhariyal of Uttarakhand, whose 271.5-cm hair has earned her the Guinness World Record for the longest hair on a living woman. Dhariyal has not cut her hair since 2015 and credits traditional Indian natural hair-care methods for maintaining her nearly 9-foot-long locks.

Corporate India's biggest financial concern is now rising healthcare costs, a new survey reveals. Unexpected medical expenses cause financial stress for nine in ten respondents surveyed. Many corporate employees lack personal health insurance beyond employer-provided group medical cover. This highlights a significant protection gap and awareness issues regarding coverage adequacy. The study underscores the growing financial burden of healthcare on the Indian workforce.

How to watch Perseid meteor shower: Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of 12 August into the early hours of 13 August, with NASA saying up to 100 meteors per hour are possible under ideal conditions. A new moon this year means darker skies and better visibility, making this one of the more promising viewings in recent years. Here's best time to watch, tips and everything you need to know about Perseid meteor shower.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged political parties to cooperate for smooth House functioning. He emphasised hearing the voice of the people and discussing key bills. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of stalling parliamentary proceedings. The government is ready for a detailed debate on student movements and activities. Opposition MPs continued protests, leading to repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session.

In a pointed critique, the Congress party has slammed the VB-G RAM G Act for its severe impact on rural employment generation, claiming it contributed to a shocking fifty percent drop year-on-year. Critics argue that the government's actions have led to the demise of the previous MGNREGA scheme, with this legislation perceived as a direct assault on the financial stability and livelihoods of the nation's vulnerable populations.

Iran and Oman are developing new mechanisms to monitor shipping safety through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions between Tehran and Muscat are progressing smoothly and constructively on this matter. These mechanisms will cover shipping, environmental issues, maritime services, and crime combating. Iran states the Strait remains unsafe due to ongoing US violations and aggression. The full opening of the Strait depends on the resolution of broader military situations.

A bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to expand the NCDC's lending powers. This amendment will allow direct loans and grants to cooperative societies. It aims to streamline financial assistance and strengthen the cooperative sector. The bill also broadens the definition of foodstuffs for wider coverage. These changes will empower the NCDC to meet evolving sector needs.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is ready for a Lok Sabha debate. Home Minister Amit Shah will respond to discussions on student protests and police actions. The opposition must assure peaceful participation and listen to the reply. The Monsoon Session has seen disruptions and limited legislative business. Opposition demands included statements on NEET paper leaks and temple donations.

32 grams of gold handed to Kapoor Jewellers in Kangra for making new bangles was neither returned nor converted into the promised ornaments for over two years. When the customer finally sought return of his gold, the jeweller's family denied the transaction ever took place. A Himachal Pradesh consumer commission has now ordered the gold's return along with Rs 25,000 in compensation and Rs 10,000 in litigation costs.

A Thai man's discovery of strange-looking rocks near a shrinking pond led scientists to identify the fossilised remains of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a 100-million-year-old dinosaur estimated to have weighed up to 28 tonnes and measured around 27 metres long, making it the largest dinosaur identified in Southeast Asia.

Fintech firm Revolut has obtained a French banking license. This move signifies a major step in its European expansion plans. The company intends to establish Paris as its Western Europe headquarters. Revolut will shift customers away from its Lithuanian entity. It plans to hire over six hundred people across Western Europe.

Happiness tied to external elements like relationships or material things is easily shaken. Instead, pursuing a meaningful goal instills direction in life, empowering individuals to navigate hurdles. This viewpoint is especially important for those grappling with work and financial strains. Goals infuse life with purpose, providing stability even amid chaos, ensuring a richer, more rewarding existence.

India's youth unemployment rate fell to 9.9 percent in 2025 from 10.9 percent in 2022. The worker population ratio for young people increased to 41.4 percent during the same period. Various government schemes are actively promoting employment generation and improving employability. Over 12.5 lakh recruitment letters were issued through Rozgar Melas since October 2022. MSMEs and PLI schemes are significantly contributing to job creation across the nation.

In a significant conservation milestone, India's Asiatic lion population soared to 891 by 2025. This achievement reflects a robust commitment to wildlife preservation, highlighted by Project Lion introduced in 2020. The expansion of their habitats showcases effective conservation strategies, ensuring that the captivating roar of the Asiatic lion continues to thrive for future generations.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claims a conspiracy was hatched against him after defeating Deepender Hooda in an election. He stated some women wrestlers were pressured by the Hooda family to speak against him. A Delhi court acquitted the former WFI chief due to a lack of evidence in the case. Singh alleged discrepancies in wrestler testimonies and financial support from industrialists for the conspiracy.

Congress MP K C Venugopal has urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to demand a statement. He wants Home Minister Amit Shah to address police brutalities against protesting students. Venugopal cited the Home Minister's responsibility for Delhi Police actions. He emphasized the constitutional mandate for executive accountability to Parliament. The opposition seeks Shah's statement on alleged police excesses during a protest.