The Economic Times

Denmark's Re-Match facility recycles artificial turf, recovering up to ninety-five percent of materials. This process separates plastic fibers, sand, and crumb rubber for reuse. The company aims for a circular system, upcycling plastic into new turf resin. The United States lacks comparable recycling infrastructure for its many fields.

Millions of hectares of protected tropical forests were lost to wildfires between 2001 and 2024. Wildfire destruction inside protected areas has significantly accelerated since 2016. The tropical Americas, especially Brazil, experienced the vast majority of these losses. Protected areas offered some reduction in fire risk, particularly in Africa.

Quote of the day by Maya Angelou: Maya Angelou, a celebrated poet and activist, overcame childhood trauma to become an influential voice. Her autobiographical works offered deep insights into resilience and the human experience. Angelou also championed civil rights, advocating for equality and justice throughout her life. Her wisdom emphasizes pursuing passions for true accomplishment and fulfillment. This legacy continues to inspire people worldwide with courage and hope.

Quote of the Day by Johnny Depp: Johnny Depps quote, My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story, explores the importance of personal expression, memories, and identity. The quote suggests that tattoos can represent meaningful experiences, emotions, relationships, and important moments in a persons life, turning the body into a visual record of their personal journey.

As the Scorpio Moon rises on August 21, 2026, expect previously concealed emotions to emerge, inspiring couples to foster candid and meaningful dialogues. The intensity will vary across zodiac signs, with some experiencing profound moments and others encountering tests of endurance. Singles are encouraged to take their time to build trust before investing emotionally, as the day highlights the need for deep connections and clarity in love.

Wuppertal's Schwebebahn, a suspended railway, has connected communities since 1901. This unique transport system travels above the Wupper River and city streets. Engineers designed the railway to navigate the challenging river valley geography. The Schwebebahn remains a vital part of daily life and a tourist attraction.

The saying 'Do as they say, not as they do' underscores the importance of critiquing advice irrespective of the advisor's behavior. This proverb encourages individuals to assess the validity of the counsel based on its intrinsic value rather than the credibility of the messenger. It's a reminder that wisdom can come from imperfect sources; thus, we must refine our discernment skills to foster personal growth and understanding.

Manipur remains tense as groups demand NRC completion before Census and delimitation. Schools and colleges are closed, and Census training has been suspended in several districts. A delegation is heading to New Delhi seeking the Centre's intervention on these critical issues. They aim for dialogue to address people's concerns and ensure citizen identification precedes delimitation. Efforts are underway to take the matter directly to the central government for resolution.

The Sagittarius Moon on August 21, 2026, offers a confidence boost for three zodiac signs. Virgo may stop doubting their potential and embrace new financial opportunities. Pisces will see their previous efforts finally feel worthwhile and productive. Leo's patience will start paying off as their ambition becomes practical. This celestial event encourages optimism and belief in long-term financial goals.

A Congress delegation petitioned the Election Commission regarding voter list irregularities. They alleged eligible voters' names were struck off electoral rolls. People were declared absent and young individuals marked deceased without cause. Notices were not reaching recipients, and no action was taken. Deletions occurred based on complaints from unknown individuals.

India is poised to be a major global growth market over the next decade, driven by seven structural strengths including economic stability, a reform-oriented policy framework, a large consumer base, and a growing talent pool. The nation's technology and manufacturing sectors are gaining global relevance, supported by a widening trade architecture.

In 1712, an English inventor and ironmonger invented the first atmospheric engine, creating a machine that used steam and atmospheric pressure to pump water from mines. Thomas Newcomen developed the engine with John Calley after years of experiments. The machine helped mines reach deeper coal and tin deposits and became part of the development of steam power and the Industrial Revolution.

NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies have ended their mission to save the Swift Observatory. Persistent attitude-control failures on the Link servicing vehicle prevented a safe rendezvous. The observatory's trajectory was impacted by heightened solar activity and atmospheric drag. Swift is now on track for an uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry later this year. This outcome highlights risks in commercial in-orbit servicing operations.

Lucky opportunities await Aries, Libra, and Capricorn on August twenty-first, 2026. This date emphasizes the importance of patience and smart choices. Aries is encouraged to move on from limiting beliefs, whereas Libra is set to gain from their deliberative nature. Meanwhile, Capricorn will finally encounter a fortuitous moment built on their dedicated efforts and planning.

New York City is using an innovative Cloudburst strategy to help manage heavy rainfall by turning everyday public spaces into temporary stormwater storage areas. The city is investing US$95 million in Homecrest, Brooklyn, with the project expected to manage nearly 30 million gallons of rainwater per year. Sunken basketball courts, porous surfaces, green areas, and underground reservoirs can capture or temporarily hold water during intense storms.

Quote of the day by Sharon Stone focuses on happiness, self-reliance and personal growth. The quote says that lasting contentment comes from within rather than from people, money or material things. Sharon Stones career and life also offer context for the ideas of independence, inner control, self-acceptance, disappointment and learning to build a sense of peace without depending on outside approval.

Second-generation entrepreneurs are increasingly using the experience, support and capital available within family businesses to pursue independent interests and build new ventures, business leaders said at The Economic Times Family Business Dialogue in Bengaluru.

New Jersey high schooler Edward Kang, 17, developed RetinaMind, an AI tool that analyzes retinal images to identify patterns linked to autism and ADHD. His groundbreaking research earned him $175,000 at the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Edward earned second place in the International Research Olympiad and co-founded a club where he teaches peers how to interpret research.

Members of the state's civil society have started an 'Enough is Enough' campaign, which is being spearheaded by a former judge of the Bombay High Court and former chief justice of the Allahabad High Court, Ferdino Rebello. The campaign is basically a ten-point charter which the Goa civil society is asking politicians to take a stand on before the polls.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Central Peru on Thursday, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles), making it a relatively shallow seismic event.

Around 1709, Italian harpsichord maker created a musical instrument still used extensively around the world. Bartolomeo Cristofori developed the piano by replacing the harpsichord's plucking mechanism with hammers. His design allowed musicians to control volume through key pressure and became the basis for the modern piano used across the world.

Tyson Foods is closing its beef plants in Joslin, Illinois, and Eagle Mountain, Utah, affecting more than 3,200 workers as a historic US cattle shortage squeezes the meat industry. The company is restructuring its beef operations amid record cattle prices and tight supplies. With these changes, the company will ramp back up a second shift at its Amarillo, Texas facility as cattle become available.

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench on Thursday, in a 5-4 majority verdict, modified parts of the triple test laid down nearly five decades ago to determine what constitutes an industry under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The reformulated test will apply prospectively, while pending cases can continue under the earlier definition.

A new three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, will hear review petitions challenging the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling that upheld key provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The bench, also including justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was constituted after obtaining consent from all parties involved. This change was made to avoid disrupting other ongoing benches.

Encountering a jammed zipper can be quite the inconvenience, but theres a quick fix at hand. Coconut oil serves as a fantastic lubricant, making it easier to glide a stubborn zipper. Before you apply any oil, ensure that no fabric or threads are ensnared. Just a tiny dab on the zipper teeth is best to prevent any oily smudges.

The Supreme Court questioned the CBSE's three-language policy, particularly treating English as non-native. Justices expressed reservations about the policy's colonial connotations and historical context. The court also raised concerns regarding teacher and textbook availability for indigenous languages. Relaxation for current Class 6 students was also discussed by the bench. The authorities were urged to revisit and streamline the policy for better implementation.

Karnataka's Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged the Southern Zonal Council to retain the 1971 census for delimitation. He also requested maintaining the Lok Sabha's strength at 543 for the next twenty-five years. Shivakumar sought to accommodate women's quota within the existing strength without delay. Southern states contribute significantly to the national economy and tax revenues. He also sought greater fiscal fairness from the central government.

Rahul Gandhi identified the nation's core ideological battle today. He stated the RSS is imposing its version of truth on everyone. This group discriminates against people based on caste and religion. Gandhi spoke at an event commemorating Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary. He also commented on the Prime Minister's recent statement about students.

Psychology says people who always praise boss aren't always genuine admirers. Constant praise at work can be linked to impression management, job security, career goals, anxiety and external validation. Psychology theories such as Social Exchange Theory, Operant Conditioning and Attachment Theory help explain why some employees repeatedly flatter managers and avoid expressing disagreement in the workplace.

Arsenal begins the new Premier League season as titleholders facing Coventry City at home. Manchester United starts their campaign against Hull City after a promising previous season. Manchester City enters a new era without Pep Guardiola and key departing players. Liverpool faces Newcastle United in their first match without Mohamed Salah. Chelsea aims for a strong season with a new manager and significant player investment.

Researchers at Kiel University in Germany have spent more than a decade studying CAU-10-H, a porous material capable of capturing water vapour from relatively dry air. The material belongs to the Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) family and can begin collecting moisture at room temperature when humidity reaches just 18%. Heating it to around 70C releases the captured water, potentially allowing solar or waste heat to power the process.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress party's decision on Vande Mataram. He stated this action reflects appeasement politics and disrespects national heroes. Shah linked the Congress's 1937 stance to the country's partition and the two-nation theory. He urged citizens to oppose this perceived anti-national stance by the party. The minister highlighted the Modi government's commitment to singing the complete national song.

Sending via text to avoid FOIA: Fauci text sparks storm over secret COVID communication channels

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay warned against population-based Lok Sabha seat redistribution. He urged the Union government to assure states would not lose representation percentage. Vijay also raised concerns regarding the Cauvery water dispute and upstream interventions. He stressed the need to protect Tamil Nadu's rights as a lower riparian state. The Chief Minister called for implementing Supreme Court and tribunal orders on Cauvery.

'I'll meet Kim': North Korea fires 10 ballistic missiles after Trump orders US-South Korea drill cut

ICC strongly rejects new US sanctions: Undeterred Court slams Rubio over penalizing Prez Akane

India has eased rules for rupee-based export payments, allowing exporters to invoice and receive payments in Indian currency or foreign currencies from non-ACU countries. Rupee export realisations will now qualify for trade-policy benefits and count towards export obligations, helping promote wider use of the rupee in international trade.

El Nio has returned to the Pacific Ocean in June 2026, impacting marine ecosystems. Weakened trade winds are reducing nutrient upwelling, starving phytoplankton populations. This decline affects anchovies and seabirds, leading to coastal food scarcity. NASA satellites are monitoring these changes with unprecedented detail. Scientists anticipate a potential rebound in marine life after the event.

Here we are now: Tulsi Gabbard gets emotional sharing husband Williams cancer battle

In 2025, German startup SAXON Q demonstrated a 4-qubit quantum computer that worked at room temperature. Now, the company is moving much further. It has opened orders for 128-qubit and 512-qubit quantum computers designed to fit inside standard server racks. That matters because quantum machines have long depended on complex cooling systems. SAXON Qs approach could make quantum computing easier to install, access and use in real-world computing environments.

The fourth India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable convened in Singapore to explore new partnerships. Discussions focused on advanced manufacturing and strategic technologies like semiconductors. Ministers reviewed progress and identified opportunities for their comprehensive strategic partnership. They also discussed digitalization, sustainability, and connectivity between the two nations. Both countries aim to deepen ties across various economic and technological domains.

Government halves bulk sugar stock limit to 15 days as prices surge 20% ahead of festive demand. It has also ordered mills to report detailed sales, buyer and price data for August 17-19 to monitor hoarding and market activity. Authorities are assessing whether sugar imports are needed to ease the supply squeeze.

Indias core sector growth slowed to 5.4% in July from 6% in June, with weaker iron ore, steel and electricity output and contractions in fertiliser and crude oil. Cement and coal production strengthened. Despite the monthly slowdown, April-July growth rose to 4.3% from 1.5% a year earlier. Economists expect core and industrial output growth to moderate further due to base effects.

India and Japan plan to expand maritime cooperation significantly. Key areas include warship building and mine countermeasures development. A new memorandum will strengthen maritime security cooperation between the navies. Both nations will leverage strengths for joint naval shipbuilding and design projects. This collaboration aims to enhance regional maritime domain awareness and safety.

Lilly Chen's unique path led her from a Buddhist monastery to Meta and then to founding FSH Technologies. A pandemic hackathon project with friends unexpectedly launched her startup, which now serves government clients. The company tackles administrative problems end-to-end, differing from traditional consulting models. FSH Technologies focuses on hands-on builders addressing complex government challenges directly. This business evolved from a casual project into a significant technology enterpr

Mangroves are far more than trees growing along tropical and subtropical shorelines. They form complex coastal ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife, nursery grounds for fish, protection against storms and erosion, and important carbon-storage benefits.

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem has stated that maintaining higher interest rates is still appropriate due to ongoing inflationary pressures, which remain above the central bank's target of two percent. He prefers a steady approach to rate hikes rather than sudden changes, emphasizing the need for a careful evaluation ahead of the September meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee.