The Economic Times

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.

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.

A magnitude-4.8 earthquake struck Granada, Spain, causing minor injuries and damage. Buildings shook and debris fell onto streets following the tremor near Alhendin. This quake followed another strong tremor that hit the region just days earlier. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious due to potential aftershocks. Granada, a popular tourist destination, is known for its seismic activity.

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

Launched in response to the Prime Minister's Independence Day speech, the 'Dimagi Naxal Party' (DNJP) has gained significant traction online, leveraging Gen Z humor and solidarity. The party, which describes itself as a sibling to the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), aims to unite individuals who think for themselves, regardless of political affiliation, by reclaiming labels used to silence dissent.

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.

Air India has voluntarily launched a testing programme covering all its pilots, beyond regulatory requirements, amid heightened scrutiny following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The airline said the move reflects its commitment to safety and professionalism, while urging stakeholders to avoid speculation and wait for verified findings after the ongoing process is completed.

In January, Congress passed an appropriations bill, which became law, that specified funding for more than 200 projects and activities.

Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan's transfer to a hospital from jail. He faces numerous corruption and other charges since losing power in 2022. His family expressed concerns about his deteriorating health and access to him. Most convictions have been suspended or overturned while appeals are pending. Khan denies all allegations of wrongdoing in these cases.

Maharashtra's Freedom of Religion Act, 2026 will take effect on August 28. This legislation prohibits religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or inducement. Unlawful conversions involving minors or vulnerable groups face severe penalties. The law mandates police to register complaints regarding alleged unlawful conversions. It aims to regulate religious conversions across the state.

Fourteen-year-old Texas student Samvith Mahadevan has developed a portable chemical nose that uses sensors and machine learning to detect traces of common food allergens. His invention, The Allergent, has shown 94% to 97% accuracy in tests involving allergens such as peanuts, eggs and tree nuts.

Banana peels carry real nutritional and bioactive value that most people throw away without a thought. From feeding plants and soothing skin to fighting acne and enriching compost, these seven uses are practical, cost free, and backed by solid research. It is one of the easiest zero waste habits to start.

Dinosaurs first appeared roughly 230 million years ago and eventually became the dominant land animals, holding that status until an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago, causing a mass extinction of species. Mammals during the age of dinosaurs thrived in ecological niches perfect for small body sizes like insectivores and seed eaters.

Docking technology is vital for future lunar sample return missions. This capability will also support India's planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station. ISRO's successful docking experiment provides valuable experience for these endeavors. Chandrayaan-3's soft landing on the Moon was a significant technological achievement. National Space Day celebrates this success and inspires young Indian minds.

Non-bank lender L&T Finance is planning to open 500 gold loan branches in this financial year, increasing its network from 330 branches as of March 31, to expand its footprint in the sector that is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 30% for the next two years.The expansion follows the companys entry into the gold loan market last year through the acquisition of the gold loan business of Chandigarh-based Paul Merchants Finance Private Ltd. L&T Finance paid Rs 537 crore for th

A groundbreaking federal trial has begun against Meta Platforms, with 29 US states alleging that the company intentionally designed its social media applications to foster compulsive usage among youth. The outcome of this case may influence Meta's approach to artificial intelligence and data utilization. The trial examines accusations that Meta crafted features specifically aimed at extending the engagement of young users.

Whether the Milky Way's early growth was fueled by homegrown star formation or a galactic merger has been a matter of debate, according to researchers. The new study indicates that the merger infused the Milky Way early in its history with a large volume of stars and interstellar gas that feeds star formation, as well as the mysterious substance called dark matter.

Pakistan is expanding its defense engagement through a new security pact with Somalia. This agreement covers counter-terrorism, military training, and capacity building efforts. Days later, Pakistan joined Saudi Arabia and Turkey in a Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. This pact commits members to mutual defense and military coordination. These developments highlight Pakistan's use of military cooperation for regional diplomacy.

Refusing to mix foods may sometimes reflect a preference forclear sensory boundaries. The person knows exactly what each bite will contain, making the flavor predictable and the texture easier to anticipate.

Quote of the Day by Gaozi: Give it a breach to the east, and it will flow to the east captures his controversial view that human nature is neither inherently good nor bad. Like water, people can be directed by their surroundings, habits and moral education. Beneath the metaphor lies a deeper question about character: are we born with a fixed moral nature, or do experience and society shape who we become? Gaozis argument remains relevant to debates about morality, free will, upbringing, environme

Microdramas are reshaping the Hollywood landscape by delivering concise, captivating episodes that resonate with audiences. This innovative format is not only driving substantial revenue but also providing a wealth of job opportunities for creative talents. With the rise of Chinese-backed apps capturing millions of viewers, major entertainment firms have begun integrating vertical video into their offerings.

Larsen & Toubro is entering a new phase of diversification, using its engineering, infrastructure and financial strength to build technology-led businesses. The recently-won Rs 15,000 crore AI factory contract is part of a broader strategy spanning electronics, semiconductors, green hydrogen, battery storage, defence technology and potentially rare-earth magnets, as L&T seeks to evolve from project execution towards technology ownership.

The Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 will showcase 200 rice varieties and 50 global cuisines. This event will be held in New Delhi from October 23 to 25. Nine experience zones will highlight rice through culture, technology, and nutrition. The conference will trace rice cultivation, consumption, and trade across generations. It will also examine rice's role in shaping global trade networks.

The Delhi High Court will hear a plea today regarding AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar's alleged illegal detention. He was reportedly taken into custody this morning after leading a protest. The protest was against the recent murder of a sanitation worker in Kalyan Puri. Family members have been unable to ascertain his current whereabouts since his apprehension.

Keeping lizards out naturally comes down to removing what attracts them and surrounding entry points with smells they dislike. From switching off lights and using peppermint oil to sealing gaps and placing eggshells, these seven methods are safe, affordable, and effective without needing a single chemical spray.

Larry Ellison's quote offers a timeless life lesson about leadership, employee engagement, and business success. Taking care of employees is not simply about providing benefits or creating a comfortable workplace; it is about demonstrating through consistent action that people are essential to the organizations future. Employees notice whether leaders respect their contributions, support their ambitions, and treat them fairly.

The Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Amendment Bill is the latest referred to a joint committee. Nine bills have gone to joint panels in the 18th Lok Sabha since 2024. This marks a sharp increase compared to previous Lok Sabhas. Four bills each were sent during the 16th and 17th Lok Sabhas. These committees examine legislation before it is enacted or withdrawn.

In a heartwarming gesture, a woman from California has changed the lives of one hundred public school teachers by donating one million dollars. Each teacher in the Ross Valley School District received an unexpected check exceeding nine thousand dollars, which aims to alleviate the challenges posed by insufficient pay and rising living costs. This remarkable act of generosity provides much-needed financial support to dedicated educators.