The Economic Times

EDP APAC deployed 13,312 solar panels across 30,000 pontoons in Singapores Strait of Johor. Today, heavy marine growth is threatening the massive offshore floating solar installation. Marine organisms have increased total floater mass by nearly 43 percent underwater. That surging weight places severe strain on pontoon buoyancy while putting critical electrical connectors at immediate risk. Energy operators must now overcome tropical ocean biofouling to safeguard the offshore project.

The Modi government is planning a nationwide One Day, One University outreach programme, under which Union ministers will visit universities daily to engage with Gen Z, hear student concerns and explain youth-focused welfare schemes.

Quote of the Day by Charlemagne: Charlemagnes quote, Herbs are the friend of the physician and the pride of cooks, highlights the valuable role herbs have played in both health and cooking throughout history. The quote suggests that herbs are appreciated not only for their traditional medicinal uses but also for their ability to add flavor, aroma, and character to food, making them a cherished part of both wellness and culinary traditions.

For thirty years, Richard Proenneke thrived alone in the remote expanse of Alaska, mastering survival without any modern aids. His journals offer a vivid glimpse into his interactions with the untamed environment. Research indicates that time spent in nature can significantly decrease levels of stress and anxiety. Proenneke's cabin serves as a lasting monument to his independence and profound bond with nature.

Biological control efforts introduced the New Guinea flatworm to Pacific islands. This predator began hunting native land snails, pushing them toward extinction. The flatworm is a generalist predator, making it difficult to remove. Many native snails evolved without such predators and are now vulnerable. Conservationists now focus on protecting remaining populations and limiting island movement.

Back in 1986, an American advertising executive took gift-giving to an extraordinary level by presenting his wife with a whole Scottish island for her birthday. This act of generosity led to the donation of Staffa Island to the National Trust for Scotland, transforming it into a safeguarded nature reserve famous for its breathtaking Fingal's Cave.

Quote of the day by Rhea Pillai presents a timely lesson about gratitude, responsible ambition, and the human side of success. Commercialism can provide opportunities and improve lives, but material progress should not overshadow compassion, connection, and appreciation. A balanced life does not require rejecting ambition or modern comforts. Instead, it requires understanding that prosperity becomes more meaningful when it is accompanied by humanity.

Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain and others were sent to judicial custody. This action follows their arrest in connection with an alleged Delhi Jal Board scam. The Anti Corruption Bureau produced the AAP leader and other accused at Rouse Avenue Court. They face charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC sections. Six individuals were arrested by the ACB in this ongoing investigation.

Equatorial Pacific ocean temperatures are surging at an unprecedented pace. This historic heating cycle will intensify through late 2026, triggering global disruptions. North America faces severe winter storms and flooding, while other regions experience drought. The ocean's thermal energy release will inflate global surface atmospheric temperatures. This event could smash baseline global temperature records in the coming year.

Japanese proverb of the day: Pursuing valuable opportunities often demands initial investment of resources. A Japanese proverb highlights that rewards require upfront costs and effort. This wisdom suggests assessing potential gains against necessary expenditures. Wise decisions involve understanding risks before committing time and money.

China's Loess Plateau has seen a revolutionary ecological overhaul, where farmers took the initiative to plant trees and construct terraces. This collective endeavor not only rejuvenated once barren hillsides but also drastically curbed soil erosion into the Yellow River, with sediment discharge considerably decreasing. Moreover, this sustainable project has been pivotal in improving the livelihoods of millions, pulling them out of poverty.

'Fight like crazy to fight crazy': Moody rips Dems in victory speech, set to succeed Rubio in Senate

Minority-dominated Delhi constituencies recorded higher voter verification rates during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process. Seelampur constituency reported the highest verification rate at seventy-six point six percent. Several outer Delhi seats also showed high verification, while some upscale areas had significantly lower rates. Officials attributed these differences to local awareness efforts and migration patterns.

Walt Disney World is implementing new high-capacity trash compactors across EPCOT. These smart receptacles automatically compress waste, reducing custodial tasks significantly. The custom designs blend with pavilion aesthetics, and some feature foot pedals for hygiene. This initiative is expanding to all four theme parks and other Disney locations. Older bins will be systematically replaced over the coming months.

Mikey Madison, the actress, sheds light on how the words of parents transform into the inner monologues of their children. The consistent messages they hear can significantly affect their confidence and self-perception. Over time, these influences shape their understanding of personal value. Grasping this dynamic is an important lesson for all parents seeking to nurture their kids' self-worth.

Researchers repurposed oyster shell waste to improve sour farmland in China. This five-year trial significantly boosted peanut crop yields by up to thirty-seven percent. The soil's acidity decreased, and toxic metal uptake was reduced. This innovative approach addresses waste and enhances agricultural productivity simultaneously. Such low-cost, circular farming methods are crucial for global food security.

Weather Tomorrow August 20: Several regions will experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on August 20. In Delhi, moderate rain is anticipated along with overcast skies. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are under warning for intense rain and possible lightning strikes. Additionally, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra are set for heavy showers, whereas Gujarat and Rajasthan can expect scattered light rain and isolated thunderstorms in certain areas.

Quote of the day by Thomas Edison explains how opportunity, planning, preparation and hard work can shape success. The quote says good fortune comes when an opportunity meets with planning. Its message is that people cannot control when chances appear, but they can build skills, make plans and prepare themselves to act when opportunities arrive.

Choosing a window seat may reflect something more subtle than simply enjoying the view. For some passengers, it can offer a small, familiar sense of personal space within an environment where they have little control over their surroundings.

The Centre informed the Delhi High Court about retesting three UGC-NET subjects. Sociology, English, and Commerce papers will be re-conducted on specific dates. This decision followed complaints regarding errors and alleged question paper leaks. A candidate's petition seeking a stay on results was disposed of by the court.

The Election Commission has announced an updated schedule for Maharashtra's electoral roll, pushing back crucial deadlines. The publication of the draft electoral roll is now slated for August 31, with the deadline for objections set for September 30. The rationalization of polling stations will wrap up by August 24, and document collection has already concluded on August 17.

Someone who researches restaurants before arriving in a new city may not be trying to avoid spontaneity. Instead, they may simply be reducing unnecessary decisions, making it easier to enjoy the experience without having to figure everything out at the last minute.

A talented young inventor from Taiwan has achieved remarkable recognition for developing an AI-powered electronic nose. This groundbreaking device significantly improves airport baggage screening by identifying hazardous substances. Alongside this innovation, other Taiwanese inventors presented various cutting-edge health and environmental protection technologies. Their shared success at the festival emphasizes the rising influence of young innovators on a global scale.

City biologists made eight separate field trips to Encino Reservoir searching for one endangered songbird. They found zero Least Bells vireos during the search. However, crews documented nearly 60 other active wildlife species using the habitat. With the target bird officially absent, Los Angeles cleared a 10-acre floating solar project to proceed. The discovery underscores how clean energy developments must carefully navigate urban wildlife ecosystems.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said greater clarity on the inflation trajectory is needed before any recalibration of the policy rate, as the central bank remains alert to risks from food, fuel and input costs. The MPC retained the repo rate, with members favouring a wait-and-watch approach amid persistent uncertainties.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met renowned artistes to promote peace. He urged Meiteis to act as elder siblings and end the ongoing crisis. Artistes expressed readiness to visit areas and promote unity among communities. The government will support artistes in their peace-building initiatives.

German Proverb of the Day: Caution is the mother of the porcelain box uses humour to highlight the value of prudence and careful decision-making. The unusual reference to fragile porcelain turns a practical warning into a memorable saying. Its broader lesson is similar to Better safe than sorry, encouraging people to consider risks and take reasonable precautions before acting.

School holiday August 20: Tomorrow's monsoon rains may lead to school closures in multiple regions of India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, where heavy rainfall is expected. While there are no confirmed statewide school holidays for August 20, authorities are proactively assessing potential flooding and landslide impacts on travel safety. Parents are urged to stay updated with local announcements regarding school operations.

Yantra Packs secured Rs 12 crore in seed funding from Caret Capital. This capital will fuel expansion across India and enhance technology capabilities. The company aims to scale its reusable packaging assets for enterprise customers. Yantra Packs offers reusable packaging solutions as a service to businesses. Their platform Trakkia provides crucial asset tracking and supply chain visibility.

Nick Kyrgios accepted responsibility after testing positive for cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced his provisional suspension on Wednesday. This follows a positive test for a cocaine metabolite collected in June. Kyrgios apologised to fans, family, and sponsors for his mistake. He will now take time away from public life and social media.

Sania Mirza recently welcomed Archana Puran Singh and her family into her Dubai residence. Her home showcases regal details and warm metallic accents with European influences. The interiors feature a palette of gold, white, and royal blue with antique pieces. Decor ideas include Chesterfield sofas, black-and-white stripes, and statement chandeliers. Arched windows and decorative elements contribute to the palatial character of the abode.

Mexican Saying of the Day: Its not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up highlights resilience, perseverance and the importance of recovering from setbacks. The saying suggests that failure does not have to define a persons journey. Instead, learning from difficulties, adapting to challenges and continuing forward can make recovery more meaningful than avoiding every fall.

Cosmological evolution suggests universes reproduce through black holes, a fringe idea gaining attention. Recent James Webb Space Telescope findings revealed surprisingly mature early galaxies and massive black holes. These observations align with predictions made by proponents of this evolutionary cosmic model. The theory faces challenges in explaining how physical laws transfer between universes. Scientists continue to explore this intriguing hypothesis as a potential explanation for cosmic co

'Sailors chose this?': Johnson defends Hegseth as USS Abraham Lincoln crew endures 250+ days at sea

Four BSE 200 stocksGlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Lenskart Solutions, Bosch and Samvardhana Motherson Internationalhit fresh 52-week highs despite Sensex weakness. The stocks gained 18%-24% over the past month, signalling strong investor interest and positive momentum.

Indian equities extended losses for a seventh session, with Nifty falling 0.32% and Sensex 0.42% ahead of US FOMC minutes. IT stocks gained, but broader markets weakened. Analysts flagged 24,000 as crucial Nifty support amid persistent sell-on-rallies sentiment.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated to launch soon in India. Buyers might face a significant price increase of up to twenty thousand rupees. This potential hike is linked to rising memory component costs and new hardware. Upgrades include a faster chipset, more RAM, and improved camera sensors. Apple will confirm official pricing upon the lineup's official release.

An Indian woman living in Australia, identified as Vamika, has claimed she was charged A$1,800, around Rs 1.3 lakh, after steam from a five-minute shower allegedly triggered a building fire alarm. She said the alarm sounded after she showered without using the exhaust fan. Her account, which has not been independently verified, sparked debate over the charge and alarm system.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi reviewed the free online coaching initiative. Prime Minister Modi announced this program during his Independence Day speech. This aims to reduce the financial burden on families for exam preparation. The government will leverage digital infrastructure and talented teachers for this project. This move follows recent youth mobilization over education reforms and paper leaks.

Quote of the Day by Steven Spielberg: Steven Spielbergs quote, I never felt comfortable with myself, because I was never part of the majority. I always felt awkward and shy and on the outside of the momentum of my friends' lives, explores the emotional experience of feeling different, shy, and disconnected from those around us. The quote suggests that being an outsider can create feelings of insecurity and loneliness, but it can also encourage individuality, self-awareness, creativity, and the c

Food regulator FSSAI has taken action against several companies for misleading claims. Amway India and Emami are among firms that withdrew '100 per cent' product claims. Bonn Biscuits and Apis India also removed similar misleading statements from their products. Juza Foods and Masterchow Foods have also complied with the regulator's directives.

A Costa Rican mother and her 6-year-old son received a permanent home built with interlocking blocks made from around 7 tons of recycled plastic. The 2018 project brought together Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble, Urbarium and Ekojunto to combine affordable housing with plastic recycling.

School Assembly News Headlines: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has appointed new members to the influential parliamentary panel. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is pushing for quicker business visas and more equitable economic relations with India. Amid ongoing oil supply uncertainties, Indian and US fuel exporters are enjoying significant gains. In sports, KL Rahul reflected on India's recent victory in Galle, while Tejaswin Shankar aims for gold at the Asian Games.

Asking someone for their time, help, attention or a favor always leaves room for rejection, which can feel uncomfortable for everyone involved. To make the interaction feel less awkward, the person making the request may soften what they are asking before the other person has even had a chance to respond.

Kolkata Hotel Fire: Altogether 80 persons have been rescued, the state Fire minister said. The PM and CM expressed condolences. This comes close on the heels of death of nine pilgrims in Tarapith few days back.

'Used personal email to': Ex-Fauci aide Morens pleads guilty to conspiring to conceal COVID records

Ukraine's parliament has confirmed Yevgeniy Khmara as the new defence minister amid ongoing tensions. This decision comes on the heels of a cabinet reshuffle and public dissent regarding his predecessor's removal. Khmara, known for his strategic expertise in intelligence and combat, pledged to bolster Ukraine's defenses and counteract Russian aggression.