The Economic Times

United States President Donald Trump stated no talks are happening with Iran. He affirmed the naval blockade remains fully in effect and operational. The Strait of Hormuz is open and functioning, he also mentioned. All water mines in the strategic waterway have been removed or detonated. These remarks come amid heightened tensions and uncertainty over easing the standoff.

Quote of the Day by Sydney Sweeney: Sydney Sweeneys quote, I honestly don't think I have one specific style. One day, I could be wearing a workout track suit, and another day, I could be wearing overalls and a tank top. Or I love a slip with corset. It just honestly depends on where I am in the world and what I'm doing and how I'm feeling that day, explores the importance of individuality and personal expression through fashion. The quote suggests that personal style does not have to follow one

Quote of the day by Toni Morrison: Nobel laureate Toni Morrison inspired people to look beyond themselves. Her words emphasized making a difference through actions that help others. Morrison, a celebrated author, explored Black American experiences and injustice. She became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Quote of the day by Matthew Perry offers a timeless message about resilience, adversity, and the courage to begin again. Everyone eventually reaches crossroads where the future is unclear and the easiest choice may appear to be surrender. But those moments can also become turning points. Fighting back does not guarantee an immediate victory, nor does it promise that every challenge will disappear.

State Farm is distributing five billion dollars to eligible policyholders. This large financial payback initiative stems from reduced vehicle repair costs. Drivers can expect credits averaging one hundred dollars per insured vehicle. Eligibility requires an active private passenger auto policy during 2025. Distributions are being processed electronically and via mail.

The Bombay High Court cancelled bail for nightclub owners in Goa. This decision relates to a devastating fire that claimed twenty-five lives last December. The owners and a business partner must now surrender within two weeks. They can seek fresh bail from the trial court during this period. The court also addressed applications concerning forgery charges for nightclub permissions.

Sacred bamboo, a popular ornamental shrub, has spread extensively into southern forests across America. Birds consuming its berries are vulnerable to cyanide poisoning, especially cedar waxwings. Unripe green berries contain the highest cyanide levels, posing a significant threat to avian populations. This invasive plant displaces native species, impacting wildlife food and shelter sources. Gardeners are advised to choose less problematic alternatives for sustainable landscaping.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated El Nino's impact on kharif production is unlikely to be significant. Rainfall has been adequate for crops across most of the country this year. The shortfall in kharif sowing has narrowed considerably and is expected to reduce further. Deficient rainfall in some regions will not affect overall kharif output at this stage. The government is also preparing new Seeds and Pesticides Management Bills.

Psychologists have long explored the idea that humans have aninternal timing system that helps the brain perceive and organize the passage of time. The internal-clock theory does not suggest that there is literally a tiny clock inside the brain; rather, it describes how the mind may process and estimate time.

Golden bamboo, once a beloved addition to gardens, is now recognized as an invasive menace. Its rapid growth through underground rhizomes threatens to displace native plants, particularly evident in Hawaii. The difficulties in eradicating established golden bamboo highlight the importance of being informed about a plant's ecological impact before cultivation. Gardeners are encouraged to conduct thorough checks to prevent introducing potentially harmful species.

Historic submarine restoration has uncovered a remarkable World War II mystery. Workers found a flood valve stamped with the name USS Trigger, a sister submarine that sank in the East China Sea on March 28, 1945. The valve was discovered inside USS Silversides during its $3.5 million restoration in Wisconsin. How it got there remains unknown, creating a rare physical link between two lost wartime stories.

Weather Tomorrow August 19: On Wednesday, August 19, a significant weather pattern is expected to unfold across India, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to various regions. Delhi and Haryana are predicted to receive light to moderate showers under cloudy skies. Meanwhile, the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir should brace for heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms throughout the week.

What questions will be asked? Caste, Aadhaar, bank accounts & more

Innovative researchers have unveiled a remarkable paint designed to keep buildings cooler by absorbing moisture. This advanced formula not only reflects sunlight but also releases heat through water evaporation. Experimental results reveal that it consistently outperforms traditional paints in temperature management. Its durability against fading further ensures long-lasting effectiveness, presenting a viable and energy-efficient solution to the pressing issue of urban cooling.

India will continue taking necessary measures to counter terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs rejected Pakistan's claims regarding the Shahzad Bhatti terror network. Pakistan had previously called India's allegations baseless and rejected ISI links. India stands by its position and stresses the seriousness of terrorism. The government will continue its fight to defeat this scourge.

Middle-class income classifications differ widely throughout the United States, with Massachusetts leading the charge for the upper echelon of income. In stark contrast, Mississippi represents the lower end of the income spectrum. Notably, San Jose, California, establishes a notable high for urban middle-class earnings, underscoring the essential role of geography in defining financial standing.

Recent studies indicate that shading from solar panels significantly impacts pollinator numbers and interactions with plants. Notably, bee and butterfly populations saw substantial declines in areas beneath the panels. Nevertheless, the management strategies employed in solar parks can positively affect wildlife survival. Transitioning from grazing to mowing practices can mitigate ecological harm, while deliberate design and planting can transform solar sites into havens for pollinators.

Scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity grip the southern United States. Heat indices are exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit in several areas. Nights offer little relief as temperatures remain unusually warm. A persistent heat dome traps hot air, prolonging the dangerous conditions. Health officials urge caution and checking on vulnerable individuals.

Japanese proverb of the day: A Japanese saying emphasizes combining clear goals with practical steps. Vision alone remains a daydream without concrete actions to achieve it. Conversely, action without direction leads to wasted effort and frustration. This wisdom highlights the necessity of purposeful planning and intentional execution.

Names are especially noticeable words because they directly signal who is being addressed. This makes them useful fordirecting and managing attention. Research on forms of address suggests that using someones name can also help structure conversations and signal when it is their turn to engage.

Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma warned of alliance reconsideration. He stated the accord's implementation is crucial for indigenous rights. Discussions with BJP leaders on election strategy remained inconclusive. The party joined the state government after signing the tripartite accord. Village Committee elections are scheduled later this year.

Lindsay Clancy's trial shocking details: Graphic videos, kids' clothes, husband's testimony and more

Amber Heard, the actress, calls for a deeper appreciation of women in the entertainment realm that transcends mere physical attributes. She identifies the challenges women encounter and stresses the importance of valuing intelligence and skill above appearances. By advocating for this perspective, she encourages society to recognize the character and talents of individuals instead of relying solely on surface-level judgments.

Residents from areas around Kaziranga National Park protested in Assams Kaliabor on Tuesday, backing the state governments proposal to reduce the eco-sensitive zone from 10 km to 1 km. Protesters opposed Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Akhil Gogoi, while community groups supported greater local involvement in deciding the ESZ boundary.

A 162-year-old Guinness bottle has been pulled from a shipwreck in the English Channel, opening a rare window into Victorian brewing. The sealed bottle came from the Mindoro, which sank in 1864 during Queen Victorias reign. Now, divers and researchers want to know what is inside. Could the ancient Guinness still reveal its original yeast, chemistry and flavor? The answer may change what we know about 19th-century stout.

HDFC Securities retained its Buy rating on MCX with a Rs 3,600 target, citing regulatory easing, FPI participation and new bullion and metals index options. The brokerage expects these changes to boost options premiums, volumes and earnings while improving capital efficiency.

Music writer Dave Marsh, who shaped Bruce Springsteen's public story, has died at seventy-six. He was known for his sharp criticism and influential books about the musician's career. Marsh also championed Springsteen, helping connect him with his manager Jon Landau. His writing extended beyond Springsteen to cover rock music history and other artists. Marsh's legacy includes his outspoken and passionate documentation of American rock music.

A deceased father's Rs 2 lakh PMSBY insurance claim, rejected by the insurer over mismatched name and age records, has been upheld by the Chhattisgarh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which awarded the nominee son a total payout of Rs 2.5 lakh including compensation and litigation costs. The commission ruled the rejection was unjustified and amounted to deficiency in service.

Although wild pigs have long been viewed as destructive invasive species, recent findings reveal they also play a surprising role in curbing invasive plants. Their rooting activities disturb the forest floor, thus inhibiting the growth of certain non-native species. Conversely, native deer can alter the understorey, sometimes facilitating invasive plant proliferation.

Quote of the day by H. Jackson Brown Jr presents parenthood as an opportunity to create a living legacy of character. The most valuable inheritance parents give their children may not be money, possessions, or achievements, but a clear example of how to live with honesty, compassion, courage, and respect. Children eventually grow up and make their own choices, but the examples they witnessed at home can remain with them for years.

Keeping emergency cash in several places may reflect a particular way of managing uncertainty. The person may not expect anything to go wrong. Instead, they feel more secure knowing that if something unexpected happens, they have a backup and more than one option available.

US Envoy Sergio Gor calls for stronger India-US economic ties, eyes $500 billion trade by 2030

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated Britain will support Ukraine one hundred percent. This commitment comes after Russia warned of consequences for drone strikes. Burnham emphasized the UK's consistent position throughout the ongoing conflict. He assured Ukraine of continued assistance during its time of need. The British government remains a steadfast ally to Ukraine.

Diageo's workforce decreased over six percent year-on-year by June. This reduction occurred as the company began restructuring under its new CEO. Most job cuts across regional markets should be finished by September first. The company plans to lower prices and expand in growing categories. These changes are part of a one billion dollar savings initiative.

A Calcutta High Court division bench has allowed Ritabrata Banerjee to remain Leader of Opposition. This interim order will stand until a single bench decides a petition within two months. The challenge questions the Assembly Speaker's decision to appoint Banerjee to the post. Another TMC MLA had appealed against a single bench's refusal of an interim order. The veteran leader had challenged the rejection of his name and Banerjee's appointment.

Second Amendment isnt second-class right': Trumps DOJ moves to restore felons gun rights

Domestic donations to the PM CARES Fund dropped by thirty percent to Rs 479 crore. Foreign donations also saw an eighteen percent decline, reaching Rs 92.8 lakh. The fund's total balance increased to Rs 8,452 crore by March 31, 2025. Spending on the PM CARES for Children Scheme significantly decreased in the recent fiscal year. The fund was established to address emergency and distress situations.

Quote of the Day by Aretha Franklin: Aretha Franklins quote, I think the hardest thing is losing weight. Thats the hardest thing more than anything else, explores the personal challenges and determination involved in losing weight. The quote suggests that weight loss can be one of the most difficult goals to achieve, requiring patience, consistency, discipline, and commitment. It also reflects the reality that personal struggles can be challenging even for successful and accomplished people.

Input Inflation Returns, Colgate-Palmolive May Raise Prices

School holiday August 19, 2026: Heavy monsoon activity persists across various regions in India, prompting local authorities to evaluate school operations for safety amidst the rainfall. While no national holiday has been declared for August 19, 2026, regions including Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh are closely observing weather developments. Parents and students are advised to stay updated through official channels regarding potential school closures.

Hemant Soren accepts students' demands as state cabinet cancels JSSC-CGL Exam

The iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB can cost Rs 77,800 on Flipkart using an exchange offer and bank discount.Flipkart has listed the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB at Rs 1,47,900, with eligible buyers able to bring the effective price down to Rs 77,800 through an exchange offer and Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card discount. The deal includes up to Rs 63,100 exchange value for an eligible iPhone 16 Pro Max, while the flagship features a 6.9-inch OLED display and triple 48MP cameras.

The Bihar Public Service Commission has revealed plans for teacher recruitment, offering 32,388 vacancies. Applications for the TRE-4.0 will begin on September 1, 2026. Applicants must adhere to specific educational qualifications and age limits for each role. The selection process includes written exams followed by interviews. Successful candidates will enjoy competitive salaries alongside a range of employment benefits.