The Economic Times

Solar power once cost a staggering $1,865 per watt in inflation-adjusted terms. Today, solar panels can cost only a fraction of a dollar per watt. That extraordinary collapse changed the energy market. The first practical solar cells found a home in spacecraft because ordinary electricity could not justify their price. Decades of better manufacturing, larger factories and higher efficiency turned solar energy into one of the cheapest sources of new electricity.

Iran's army announced a bounty for capturing or killing American soldiers. The reward offered is thirty thousand US dollars for each successful action. This financial incentive is doubled for any courageous Iranian women who complete the task. The announcement follows numerous requests for participation in this program. This bounty comes after recent sporadic exchanges of fire between the nations.

In a tragic incident, eighty bodies have been retrieved from Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe following the capsizing of an overloaded passenger ferry. The vessel, which was licensed for ninety passengers, was found carrying over a hundred individuals during turbulent waters on Tuesday. Search efforts led to twenty-five additional recoveries on Saturday, bringing the total to seventy-two. This disaster marks one of the deadliest ferry accidents in the nation's history.

Bangladesh requires India to create a favorable environment for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit. This condition is tied to Dhaka's pending extradition requests for deposed Premier Sheikh Hasina. Hasina's recent virtual press conference from New Delhi has strained bilateral relations between the two nations. India maintains that Hasina's extradition request is under examination according to legal procedures.

India's women's hockey team began their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought draw. They took an early lead against China, the Olympic silver medallists. China equalized from a penalty stroke before India regained their advantage. The Chinese team leveled the score again in the third quarter. India will now face South Africa in their next Pool D match.

An enterprising eighteen-year-old American has turned his love for treasure hunting into a thriving business venture. Operating under the name Mike's Unique Treasures, Michael Haskell purchases abandoned storage units and artfully resells the hidden gems he uncovers. So far, his efforts have yielded over two hundred thousand dollars in revenue, including a striking piece of artwork valued at thirty-six thousand from a single unit.

NITI Aayog suggests interstate licence portability for healthcare professionals. This system would allow professionals to practice in different states without new registrations. A national licence registry supported by Mutual Recognition Agreements is proposed. This aims to improve mobility and access to healthcare services. The report also calls for implementing the National Exit Test and allied health professions act.

Bianca Adler, an enterprising eighteen-year-old from Australia, has successfully summited Mount Everest, achieving a long-held dream after turning back just 400 meters shy on a previous attempt. With this triumph, she not only became the youngest Australian to conquer Everest but also built on her record as the youngest woman to summit Mount Manaslu. Now back in the classroom, Adler is focused on completing her Year 12 studies.

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar linked festival restrictions to urban Naxalism. He spoke at a Dahi Handi event, defending traditional Hindu celebrations. The government supported Govinda groups in legal battles over festival rules. Shelar stated concerns should not curb cultural events. He pledged to protect Marathi and Hindu festivals with precautions.

Sohail Khan candidly shared his reality show journey, highlighting his significant weight loss and the challenges he faced, including a stomach infection during his first week. The support from his fellow contestants compelled him to endure five weeks in the house. Notably, Sohail refused claims of using Ozempic or fat burners for his transformation, while his brother Salman Khan previously mentioned a twelve-kilogram weight loss.

Aluminum foil is a versatile tool for gardeners, offering a range of cost-effective solutions. For instance, reflective ground cover enhances sunlight exposure for plants, while strips hung around the garden can keep pesky birds at bay. By creating foil collars, gardeners can shield tender seedlings from crawling pests and minimize soil moisture loss.

In 1994, two hikers stumbled upon enormous bones in South Dakota's Badlands, igniting a wave of scientific exploration that lasted years. This serendipitous discovery led to the unearthing of over 19,000 fossils from a site believed to be an ancient watering hole, where animals converged during a severe drought around 34 million years ago. The Big Pig Dig provides valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems and shifts in climate.

A CPI(M) leader refuted claims about a new Vande Mataram law. He stated Parliament did not mandate singing the song in full. The legislation instead penalizes disruption of its rendition. This move is seen as an attempt to legitimize an RSS agenda. The debate continues regarding the law's actual provisions for citizens.

'He has lot to hide': Fauci refuses another Senate appearance; Johnson plans big move in COVID probe

Psychology explains why some people finish kitchen chores before sleeping. Unfinished tasks can cause intrusive thoughts and affect cognitive performance. Visual clutter in homes is linked to lower well-being and life satisfaction. Completing household rituals offers a sense of control and completion. These habits are not necessarily perfectionism but varied personal preferences.

Kerala's opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan supports Chief Minister VD Satheesan's stance. They oppose the Centre's mining bill, fearing weakened state fiscal powers. The bill restricts states from imposing certain mineral-related taxes and levies. This legislation could also negatively impact Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd.

Student groups ABVP and NSUI clashed at EFLU campus, injuring seven students. The conflict arose after an ABVP protest regarding hostel facilities and alleged slurs. NSUI accused ABVP of casteist remarks and assault, while ABVP cited disruption. Police registered cases and arrested members from both student organizations. Seven ABVP members were sent to judicial custody and seven NSUI members received station bail.

Quote of the Day by Tim Allen: Tim Allen's quote, The world's a mean place. It's unfair, then it's fair... captures a difficult truth: life rarely follows a single moral pattern. Good things happen without warning, unfair moments can reshape us, and love can appear where we least expect it. The deeper lesson is not to expect perfect fairness, but to accept life's contradictions without becoming cynical. The quote opens a wider reflection on resilience, human nature, faith, uncertainty and the st

West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari firmly rejected any claims linking the BJP to a recent assault incident. He emphasized that those implicated in the FIR are criminals who will inevitably face the law. This grave incident unfolded following a government school inspection by a CJP volunteer, whose father tragically died after suffering severe head injuries during the attack. Authorities have apprehended three of the five suspects so far.

Italian Proverb of the Day: The tongue has no bones, but it breaks bones offers a timeless lesson on the power and consequences of speech. The proverb warns that words can cause deep emotional harm despite having no physical force. Its enduring message encourages people to think before speaking and recognise the lasting impact careless or hurtful words can have.

After undergoing a heart transplant, a survivor encountered steep increases in medication costs, initially losing her insurance coverage only for it to be reinstated at a premium rate of $1,000. Her story spead on social media and in a generous move, billionaire Mark Cuban's pharmacy stepped in to provide the necessary medication at a lower price, with a supportive nonprofit now stepping forward to handle the patients medication costs.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy urged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the NICE project. He called for an immediate halt to unauthorized toll collection on Bengaluru's NICE roads. The minister cited alleged violations of agreements and requested corrective actions and investigations. The Karnataka High Court had previously made strong observations regarding the project's implementation. Both leaders seek a comprehensive review of the controversial infrastructure project.

Haryana Police have established multi-layer barricading at the Khanauri inter-state border point. Farmers under the SKM (Non-Political) banner are planning a 228-km foot march to Delhi. This march aims to protest the proposed India-US trade deal and demand MSP legal guarantee. Farmers leaders claim the government's actions expose its anti-farmer stance. The march seeks to address agricultural sector concerns and farmer debt issues.

Cleaning gas stoves can be a challenge due to grease and residue buildup. Utilizing a mixture of warm water and dish soap can work wonders for fresh spills. For tougher burnt stains, a baking soda paste is effective, and a toothbrush can help clean those hard-to-reach spaces. Soaking the grates in soapy water will also assist in loosening debris. Immediate cleaning and avoiding abrasive tools help maintain the stove's integrity.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated the BJP government faced a setback regarding the women's reservation bill. He mentioned the government failed to achieve the required two-thirds parliamentary majority for the legislation. Opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK, advocated for immediate implementation.

Skoda will launch the Slavia facelift on August 18 with exterior and interior revisions. The updated sedan may feature revised headlights and a redesigned front grille. Inside, a larger digital display and new upholstery are anticipated for the cabin. The 1.0 TSI engine could receive an upgraded 8-speed automatic transmission. This facelifted Slavia will continue its rivalry with established segment competitors.

Geneva: A horse-drawn carriage carrying tourists ran out of control in a Swiss resort killing one person and injuring 12, police said Sunday.About 40 people were on two carriages in woods in Val Roseg, near the border with Italy, on Saturday when the driver lost control, police said. A 73-year-old woman was killed and two of the injured were in serious condition.Also Read: Four Antonello da Messina artworks stolen in Renaissance painter's hometownOn a sloping stretch of the route, the driver rea

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy urged Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar to take over the NICE road project. He also requested an immediate halt to unauthorized toll collection by the concessionaire. The minister cited High Court observations on alleged project irregularities and sought corrective state action. Kumaraswamy detailed issues with land reconfiguration and farmer compensation delays. The government stated it would act strictly according to the law.

Geraldine Weiss built a disciplined value-investing strategy around buying financially strong blue-chip companies when their dividend yields rose above historical norms. Her approach combined reliable dividend growth, reasonable valuations, moderate debt and patience to generate income and identify undervalued stocks.

The animated film 'The Ox Comes' from China has taken the internet by storm, captivating audiences with its uniquely crude computer-generated graphics. Initially struggling at the box office, its ticket sales have surged thanks to viral clips of its low-quality animation. This phenomenon showcases how social media can shape the success of modern films in unexpected ways.

The United States plans to impose severe economic measures on Iran soon. Washington is considering sanctions on Chinese refiners and banks that aid Tehran. The administration may also target entities helping Iran evade existing sanctions. A land blockade is another potential strategy to increase pressure on Iran.

Four artworks by Antonello da Messina were stolen from a museum. The theft occurred overnight on an Italian national holiday. Thieves took only works that never left the painter's hometown. This theft deprives Messina of unique Renaissance art pieces. Italian police recently recovered other stolen paintings.

Six food companies have corrected misleading labels and trademarks after FSSAI notices. Livyor Ventures Pvt Ltd withdrew its 'vegan and healthy' claims on edamame beans. Honest Innovations For You Pvt Ltd and Heliostone Specialities Pvt Ltd revised their trademarks. Rajasthan Agro and General Industries removed all misleading claims and stopped PPM usage. Iota Nanotechnology Pvt Ltd removed claims and stopped non-standardized water production.

Sensex and Nifty ended last week lower amid range-bound trading, with broader markets also under pressure. Analysts identified four key factors that could drive Dalal Street this week, placing Nifty support at 24,200-24,230 and resistance at 24,500-24,550.

Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Sachin Tendulkar are among investors in Purple Style Labs, the parent of Pernias Pop-Up Shop, which is gearing up for a 660 crore IPO by August-end. The company has received Sebi approval and has expanded from an online platform into physical retail, with 14 Experience Centres across India and London.

Rahul Gandhi praised students for their courage against the government. He lauded girls who faced alleged violence and abuse from BJP supporters. Gandhi stated that these young voices cannot be silenced now. An upcoming event in Pune will exclusively feature girls speaking. The country will now listen to the voices of these young women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of his morning routine before his Independence Day address. He was seen feeding cows and peacocks at his official residence in New Delhi. This ritual is a daily practice for the prime minister at his residence. Modi also made several announcements for youth during his Independence Day speech. These announcements included free coaching and AI training for young people.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will lead an official delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai from August 31 to September 3 to deepen trade, investment, education and cultural ties with India. The visit will focus on sectors including clean energy, critical minerals, technology, tourism, agri-food and advanced industries.

German companies drastically cut investments in the United States during early 2026. This investment level reached its lowest point since 2023, showing a sharp decline. Trump administration policies created uncertainty for transatlantic trading partners, impacting business decisions. German direct investments plunged by nearly two-thirds year-on-year to 4.3 billion. Companies are reinvesting profits but hesitate to commit new capital to the US.

Delhi airport plans a ten-year master plan to increase passenger capacity. The airport aims to handle 116 million passengers by April 2030. Passenger handling capacity will further rise to 125 million by 2032. Pier E will be constructed at Terminal 3 by April 2030. Future plans for Terminal 4 and an automated people mover are under consideration.

German Proverb of the Day: Children and drunk people always tell the truth explores the traditional belief that people with fewer social inhibitions may speak more openly. The proverb connects children and intoxicated people with uninhibited speech, while its deeper lesson concerns honesty, restraint and the difficulty of expressing uncomfortable truths in everyday life.

Aluminum foil is much more than a kitchen staple; it provides a plethora of practical solutions for everyday chores. Use it to scrub stubborn burnt pots or eliminate rust from metal cookware. This adaptable material can also enhance the performance of your scissors and make ironing a breeze. Plus, it offers protection for young trees and helps reduce static cling in the dryer, showcasing its remarkable utility.

Bangladesh said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India until New Delhi extradites former premier Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka said a suitable environment for the visit depends on progress over its extradition request, which India says remains under examination.

Berkshire Hathaway's successor Greg Abel is deploying its large cash reserves. The firm recently bought back shares and invested heavily in equities. Alphabet stock saw a significant purchase, becoming a major holding. Berkshire's cash pile decreased after these strategic acquisitions. The company reported strong quarterly operating profit and net income increases.

India confronts England in a vital Hockey World Cup pool match on Monday. This game is crucial as India seeks to end a 32-year World Cup win drought. Both teams aim for top positions in Pool D, carrying forward first-round results. India must improve open play finishing and intensity against a strong England side.

Isaac Newton, known primarily as a ground-breaking scientist, was also an inquisitive theologian. His reflections imply that thoughtful contemplation of the natural world can evoke questions regarding a divine creator. Newton regarded science and faith as complementary rather than contradictory, asserting that the study of natural philosophy unveils divine qualities through universal principles. This viewpoint continues to inspire profound inquiry into the nature of existence.

Bharti Airtel has withdrawn select prepaid plans, prompting customer upgrades. This move is expected to increase average revenue per user by Rs 4 to Rs 12. Brokerages view this as targeted plan rationalization for premiumization. Subscribers of the Rs 299 plan may now opt for pricier alternatives. The telco aims for higher monetization and capitalizes on data plan preferences.

Himachal Pradesh's government schools will be closed for the day on August 17, allowing for a compensatory holiday following the Independence Day celebrations. Students and teachers actively engaged in various patriotic events statewide. In contrast, private institutions have the option to select if they will observe the holiday. This announcement is in line with the directives from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.