The Economic Times

Irish Proverb of the day: An old Irish proverb highlights how friends reflect our true selves. Honest friends offer truthful feedback, aiding personal development and growth. This proverb contrasts genuine friendship with superficial connections that avoid difficult conversations. It emphasizes that true friends provide clarity, not just comfort, for better self-awareness. Choosing such companions leads to a more accurate understanding of one's own character.

The Cauvery Water Management Authority upheld a directive for Karnataka to release water. Karnataka argued hydrological distress, but its plea was rejected by the authority. Tamil Nadu sought increased water release, while the authority endorsed the existing directive. Karnataka's Chief Minister convened an all-party meeting to discuss the state's response. Protests continued across Cauvery basin districts following the order.

George R.R. Martin, author of A Game of Thrones, highlights human nature's tendency to deny difficult realities. He suggests confronting truth requires courage and leads to growth and wiser decisions. Martin is an American novelist and producer, best known for A Song of Ice and Fire. His epic fantasy series inspired the acclaimed HBO television adaptation, Game of Thrones.

Tobey Maguire quote of the day: Tobey Maguire quote I think the greatest way to learn is to learn by someone's example emphasizes learning from others' actions and experiences. This quote highlights the value of observing role models for personal growth. In today's digital world, real-life examples offer practical lessons. Mentors and peers teach vital skills through their observable behaviors. Applying these lessons helps individuals develop better habits and values.

The Times Food Delivery Awards North 2026 recently honored India's dynamic food delivery sector. This event recognized numerous restaurants and brands for their culinary achievements and innovations. Legendary and emerging businesses received accolades across diverse food categories. Ecosystem partners also contributed to the successful celebration of the industry's growth. The awards highlighted the ongoing transformation driven by technology and changing consumer demands.

Super Soaker water gun invention: An engineer's bathroom experiment unexpectedly sparked the invention of the Super Soaker water toy. Lonnie Johnson developed a powerful water gun prototype using common household materials. The Power Drencher quickly gained popularity and was later renamed the Super Soaker.

The Delhi government will not pursue further legal action against protesters. This relief excludes individuals with criminal antecedents, as per a Supreme Court order. Police identified over 2,800 participants with criminal backgrounds using facial recognition technology. Violence erupted during the protest, injuring security personnel and protesters.

North America's beaver population faced near extinction due to the fur trade. Fashion changes and conservation efforts allowed their numbers to slowly recover. Remarkably, beavers are now recognized for their role in managing drought and floods. Their dams create wetlands and act as fire refuges, benefiting ecosystems. This rodent's comeback highlights its value as a natural environmental engineer.

George Clooney and Amal Clooney have evacuated their $10.3 million French estate as wildfires threaten parts of southern France. In an emotional letter, the couple said they have o idea whether their home will survive but pledged to support their local community. They said they hoped all their neighbours remained safe.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor approved 23 heritage sites as protected monuments. This initiative safeguards ancient petroglyph fields, rock carvings, and historic forts. Key sites like Tingmosgang Fort and Saspol Caves now have statutory protection. The administration gains legal authority for conservation and regulation of these sites. This decision supports scientific conservation and responsible cultural tourism across Ladakh.

In 1883, Harriet Williams Russell Strong was widowed, penniless, and left with four daughters on a failing California ranch. She had zero engineering training. Yet she studied local winter floods and invented a stepped-dam water storage system, earning a federal patent in 1887. Within five years, Harriet paid off every debt, revolutionized dryland irrigation, and became America's undisputed Walnut Queen. Here is how she changed Western agriculture forever.

Atlantic salmon populations declined due to habitat destruction and overfishing. Conservation efforts involving captive breeding and habitat restoration began in the mid-2000s. The Respectful Returns project improved survival rates for migrating juvenile salmon. Indigenous knowledge and scientific monitoring guided successful restoration initiatives. These combined efforts have led to the encouraging return of salmon to native rivers.

Cameron Parish, once devastated by Hurricane Rita, now leads America's liquefied natural gas boom. This transformation brings billions in revenue and reshapes global energy flows. The parish has become a vital LNG export hub, a turnaround once deemed impossible. Europe increasingly relies on American LNG amid geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainties. This shift offers economic revival and future opportunities for the coastal community.

Bangladesh Law Minister Asaduzzaman stated Sheikh Hasina will likely face immediate arrest upon her return. She expressed determination to return home despite fearing for her life and potential imprisonment. Hasina's government was overthrown in August 2024, and she fled to India shortly after. She was later sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity by a special tribunal. Bangladesh has requested Hasina's extradition, which India is legally considering.

Parliament passed the Vande Mataram Bill, granting national song legal protection. Delhi Police reviews arrests amid NEET-UG protests, while Uttarakhand faces heavy rain. China establishes a high-altitude drone hub in Tibet for border operations. Pakistan works to mediate between the US and Iran amid regional tensions. Ajinkya Rahane retires from cricket, and Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami practice.

Ryder Williams, the 16-year-old lifeguard who rescued a 10-year-old boy from dangerous surf in Santa Cruz, didn't stop there. After returning to duty, he helped in four more rescues the same day as powerful waves and rip currents battered the California coast. US President Donald Trump has announced he would give him a High Civilian Honour.

Indian exporters face order uncertainty and higher logistics costs due to the West Asia crisis. Overseas buyers are cautious, seeking extensions and postponing new purchase decisions. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with export promotion bodies to discuss the evolving situation. Goyal highlighted merchandise exports grew fifteen percent despite global uncertainties. The government is working to improve ease of doing business and reduce compliance burdens.

India's first dengue vaccine is nearing rollout as a study maps circulating virus strains. All four dengue serotypes are now circulating simultaneously in eight key states. This finding is crucial for shaping effective vaccination strategies across the nation. DENV-2 remains the dominant strain, but co-infections increase severe disease risk. Continuous molecular surveillance will guide future outbreak forecasting and vaccine deployment.

Rajasthan footwear artisan Jitendra Kumar Jingar, who earns Rs 10,000 to 15,000 a month making traditional leather shoes in Balotra district, received a Rs 6.78 crore GST recovery notice from Tamil Nadu's commercial taxes department after a fake export firm was allegedly registered using his PAN. His bank account has been frozen and he suspects documents submitted to a finance company in 2018 were misused.

Quote of the Day by Gigi Hadid: Gigi Hadid's quote highlights recognizing and pursuing individual strengths for success. She shifted focus from volleyball to modeling after realizing her potential. This mindset change transformed her into a globally recognized supermodel. Her career demonstrates that adaptability and confidence lead to significant achievements. Knowing your abilities and committing to them creates unparalleled opportunities.

Psychology suggests that preferring freshly squeezed orange juice over packaged juice has less to do with personality and more to do with perceptions of freshness, health, control, and authenticity. Everyday food choices are often shaped by consumer beliefs, sensory experiences, childhood memories, and the way people make decisions.

Quote of the Day by Nassim Nicholas Taleb: Nassim Talebs quote highlights the core engine of Stoic philosophy: turning emotional vulnerability into strategic action. Rather than suppressing negative emotions, a true Stoic channels anxiety into careful preparation and turns adversity into personal growth. This perspective reshapes how we approach risk, pain, and uncertainty in modern life.

The Delhi police have announced they will refrain from pursuing any legal consequences against the NEET protesters. Following a Supreme Court directive, the government has conducted a swift review of the arrests made during the demonstrations. This results in no additional legal action against the participants, effectively concluding the matter and allowing individuals to move forward without fear of prosecution.

Higgins boat: Andrew Higgins patented a landing craft with a bow ramp on December 8, 1941. This invention, the Higgins Boat, enabled troops to land directly on enemy beaches. It proved crucial for Allied forces in numerous World War II amphibious operations. General Dwight D. Eisenhower stated the war's strategy would have differed without it.

China now generates more electricity than the United States and the European Union combined, marking a dramatic shift after decades of rapid industrialisation and economic growth. Despite massive investments in renewable energy, coal remains the country's largest source of electricity. At the same time, China is expanding its renewable and nuclear power capacity at an unprecedented pace.

A viral laundry hack involves using aluminium foil balls to reduce static cling. These crumpled foil balls help discharge static electricity which builds up during drying cycles. While effective for static, they do not replace fabric softeners for scent or softness. Users should ensure foil balls are smooth and check appliance manuals for safety. This inexpensive and reusable method offers a potential alternative for managing laundry static.

Pakistan is actively working to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table. The nation supports dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path forward. Regional security remains a significant concern despite a recent lull in hostilities. Both nations are urged to exercise maximum restraint and honor their commitments. Negotiations continue to normalize the situation and achieve de-escalation.

Quote of the day by Emmet Fox teaches people to become more conscious of where they place their attention. Negative thoughts may appear without invitation, but dwelling on them is a different process. By noticing unhelpful thinking, questioning exaggerated conclusions, focusing on practical actions, and making room for gratitude and hope, individuals can gradually develop healthier mental habits.

School holiday tomorrow, July 31: Active monsoon conditions are causing concern for students and parents regarding school closures. The India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall across many Indian states. District administrations will decide on local holidays based on weather and safety. Punjab has a pre-announced holiday on July 31 for Martyrdom Day. Students and parents should monitor official announcements for updates.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Ben Affleck: Ben Affleck won the $1 million prize on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? after correctly answering a tense final question about the U.S. presidential turkey pardon tradition. Here's the exact question that secured the victory and helped raise $1 million for his Eastern Congo Initiative charity.

Gulf Arab states are seeking China's economic influence over Iran to secure vital shipping lanes. They are frustrated with Washington's perceived limits of power in the escalating regional conflict. China's role as a major trading partner presents both opportunities and sensitivities for Beijing. Beijing is cautiously engaging in diplomacy to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. China's strategy prioritizes economic ties over binding security commitments in the region.

The U.S. Army successfully tested its new 'Hammer of the Gods' electronic warfare system. This system disrupts enemy positioning and navigation signals effectively. It also ensures friendly forces maintain vital communications in contested areas. The maritime demonstration occurred off the U.S. West Coast recently. This technology strengthens the Army's electronic warfare capabilities significantly.

LIC rejects insurance claim saying policyholder hid illnesses: LIC rejected a death claim filed by a Guntur widow, arguing her husband had hidden past bouts of typhoid and jaundice when he took out a policy in 2021. A consumer commission has now ruled that those illnesses had no connection to the sudden cardiac arrest that killed him, and ordered LIC to pay Rs 10.10 lakh with 9 per cent interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide campaign against drug abuse on August 2. This 100-week initiative aims to raise awareness among the country's youth. Over one crore youth will take a pledge to remain drug-free and help others. The campaign, led by MY Bharat, will involve various activities and organizations. This movement seeks broad societal participation to combat substance abuse effectively.

Chinese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of To believe in ones dreams is to spend all of ones life asleep. The saying reflects the difference between simply dreaming about success and taking meaningful action to achieve it. It suggests that while dreams inspire hope and ambition, they have little value unless they are supported by effort, discipline, and perseverance. Rather than discouraging people from dreaming, the proverb encourages them to turn their aspirations into reality throug

How snakes lost their legs: A buried skull in Patagonia, a broken genetic switch, and the ghost legs still hiding inside pythons, scientists are finally closing in on one of evolution's strangest disappearing acts.

Do you still store leftovers in aluminum foil? Doctors and medical experts have warned that this everyday kitchen habit, a practice common in the United States, may increase aluminum exposure, especially when wrapping hot, acidic, salty, or spicy foods. Storing tomato-based dishes, lemon or citrus-based meals, foods containing vinegar, pickles, salty foods must not be done.

Anand Mahindra described the global economy as entering 'Manthan 2.0' with new uncertainties. Mahindra & Mahindra will now move into 'Attack Mode' to seize emerging opportunities. India is gaining relevance globally due to its manufacturing scale and stability. The company achieved historical highs and is innovating significantly. M&M will accelerate through uncertainty with a clear strategy and strong execution.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across India from July 30 to August 1. Active monsoon conditions will bring intense showers and thunderstorms to many regions. Northern and central states, including Delhi, will experience significant rainfall activity. Eastern, northeastern, western, and southern parts of the country are also on alert. Residents should prepare for continued wet weather and potential gusty winds.

Taking the longest to finish a meal may invite lighthearted jokes from friends or family, but psychology suggests it often reflects a combination of behavioral habits and individual differences rather than a specific personality trait. Ultimately, there is no single ight pace for eating. What matters most is developing eating habits that promote good health, allow you to enjoy your food, and encourage meaningful social connections.

Quote of the day by C. S. Lewis offers a powerful reinterpretation of failure. A setback does not automatically move someone backward. If it produces knowledge, resilience, or a better strategy, it can become a marker pointing toward future achievement. The road to success is rarely a straight line. It is more often a series of turns, obstacles, corrections, and discoveries. In the end, success belongs not only to those who achieve their goals quickly but also to those who remain willing to lear

AzaadiSAT-2, carrying experiments by 750 Indian schoolgirls, successfully entered Earth's orbit. This achievement followed an initial launch failure six months prior. The project aimed to encourage girls in STEM careers across India. Students designed and built small scientific experiments for the satellite. This initiative provided valuable hands-on space education for many students.

Psychology of older people hiding wealth: Elderly Indians often hide financial details from their children. This secrecy stems from a desire for control and fear of becoming a burden. Past scarcity experiences also shape their cautious approach to money. Parents aim to protect family harmony and their provider identity. Open conversations about health and care can alleviate financial anxieties.