The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Robert De Niro is a reminder that the right fit can transform the way we experience life. Whether we are considering a new career, building relationships, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to understand ourselves better, we should pay attention to where we feel both challenged and accepted. The right place will not eliminate every difficulty, but it can make those difficulties meaningful.

The North Node entering Aquarius on August 18, 2026, signals a new chapter. This astrological shift encourages innovation and fresh approaches to success for many. Gemini, Virgo, Pisces, and Sagittarius are poised for significant personal growth and opportunity. These signs may find new skills or clearer paths to achieving their goals. Embracing change and unconventional methods will attract greater abundance during this period.

Eight million plants now grow on concrete columns along a ring road. These vertical gardens utilize hydroponic felt pouches and recycled materials for growth. Water for the plants comes from collected road drainage and filtered rainwater. Advertising rights fund this innovative project, not city money.

The BBC is seeking court permission to subpoena Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. for documents and testimony. This request stems from a massive $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump. The broadcaster believes the family members have relevant information about Trump's January 6th speech. Secret Service protection has complicated serving these legal documents on the family.

In a strategic operation, security agencies dismantled the Shahzad Bhatti Network, a terror syndicate supported by ISI. Authorities detained over 250 suspects across fourteen states and registered more than eighty FIRs, resulting in over two hundred arrests. The seizure of explosives and weapons underscored the group's terrorist affiliations, successfully preventing potential attacks ahead of Independence Day.

The UGC-NET 2026 exams for English and Commerce were cancelled after around 60% of questions were allegedly found to closely mirror those in the December 2024 examination, sources told ET. Repetitions were also detected in Geography, intensifying scrutiny of NTAs question-setting process amid wider concerns over exam integrity.

Congress has questioned the absence of a specific OBC category in the Census questionnaire, warning that the open-ended caste field could produce cluttered and unusable data on Other Backward Classes. AICC OBC cell chairman Anil Jaihind demanded a Telangana-like caste census and said OBCs would oppose the current format.

Delhi Police solved a burglary at a DCPs residence in upscale Kaka Nagar within 24 hours, arresting a man with stolen items including an Apple iPhone 15 Pro, another mobile phone and a diamond ring. The accused, identified as Imran alias Sawan, was arrested using technical surveillance and CCTV footage.

In 1919, German crews deliberately sank much of their surrendered fleet at Scapa Flow rather than allow the ships to be divided among the Allied powers. Most of the 52 vessels that went down were later salvaged, but seven remained beneath the Scottish waters. Decades later, their pre-1945 steel gained unexpected importance because it had been produced before atmospheric nuclear testing introduced radioactive contamination into the environment.

Construction at NTPCs 520 MW Tapovan-Vishnugad hydroelectric project in Chamoli was halted and workers evacuated after land subsidence created a small cavity in the main tunnel, causing mild water seepage. The incident occurred on August 15 in the Tapovan-Jyotirmath area, officials said, with work stopped in the affected section.

Exploring the influence of birth months can enhance understanding of relationship dynamics and hurdles. Individuals born in April should be cautious of those who dominate discussions. For May-born folks, it's wise to stay clear of manipulators preying on their kindness. June-born individuals are advised to avoid those who shy away from serious discussions. These playful insights reveal patterns of negative behavior in relationships.

Nigerian proverb of the day: Nigerian wisdom emphasizes character's profound impact on how people are perceived. True beauty stems from inner qualities like kindness and honesty, not just appearance. A person's actions reveal their values more than their physical looks ever could. Good character can enhance perceived beauty, while negative traits can diminish it.

In a notable move, the Assam government has announced a twenty percent salary reduction for employees who enter into second marriages without obtaining a legal divorce. This deduction will be redirected to the first wifes account following her formal request. The government is also looking to extend similar protective measures to women in the private sector. Previously, a ten percent salary cut was enforced for those who neglect their parents.

Rahul Gandhi has called on Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to engage with the protesting students. He also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Testing Agency, raising concerns over allegations of a UGC-NET exam paper leak. Throughout his remarks, Gandhi emphasized that the education system takes advantage of students financially and demanded accountability from the leadership of the NTA.

Politico, citing four unnamed officials, first reported that Burnham believed he was messaging with Susie Wiles before becoming suspicious and ending the communications. Last year, the U.S. government investigated a series of messages sent to elected officials, business executives and other prominent figures by someone posing as Wiles.

Investors are channeling significant funds into small and mid-cap stocks this fiscal year. Small-cap funds have seen inflows nearly matching last year's total in just four months. Mid-cap funds also show strong investor interest, attracting substantial capital inflows. Large-cap funds, conversely, have experienced considerably lower investment amounts. This trend reflects improved earnings momentum and increased market liquidity for smaller companies.

On Monday, the BJP revealed a revamped team showcasing significant changes. Prominent figures like Piyush Goyal and Ram Madhav returned to influence key party roles. Despite her recent electoral defeat, Smriti Irani has also claimed an essential position. The reshuffle saw the replacement of Amit Malviya and Tejasvi Surya, while Sandeep Pathak advanced to the national secretary role within the organizational framework.

India maintained control during the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. Spinners Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja took crucial wickets for the Indian team. Sri Lanka's Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella staged a strong recovery with their batting. Jadeja achieved a significant career milestone by reaching 350 Test wickets. India secured a substantial first-innings lead heading into the final stages.

Constipation in space is more than an uncomfortable side effect. Astronauts often face it during long missions, but scientists have not fully understood why. Now, blood tests from 52 astronauts reveal a possible clue. Their gut bacteria began fermenting more protein within weeks of reaching the International Space Station. The finding links microgravity, slower intestinal movement and gut microbiome changes, offering new clues for future Moon and Mars missions.

Indias unemployment rate fell to a four-month low of 5.1% in July from 5.5% in June, with rural unemployment declining to 4.5%, official PLFS data showed. Women and youth also recorded improvements. The labour force participation rate rose to 55.4%, while the worker population ratio climbed to 52.5%.

Quote of the day by Jane Fonda focuses on curiosity, questions, active listening and personal growth. Her words encourage people to remain interested in the world instead of trying to impress others. The quote also explains how asking questions can improve communication, help people understand others, support learning and keep the mind open to new ideas throughout life.

India has sought consultations with the US at the World Trade Organization over Washingtons tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products, effective August 15 for four years. India, which exported about $380 million of these products to the US in FY26, said it has a substantial interest in the matter.

In 1616, English physician William Harvey proposed a theory that blood moves through the body in a continuous circuit through arteries and veins. His observations, dissections and experiments challenged the teachings of Galen. Published in 1628, his work changed medical understanding and helped establish observation and experiment as key parts of scientific inquiry.

PE firm initiates parallel talks with local strategics after low $1.1 bn offer on table falls below expectations. KKR expected $1.6 billion, translating to 13-15x FY27 EBITDA.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the national song controversy. He stated people need time to adjust to its inclusion in official functions. Abdullah mentioned that all verses of Vande Mataram were sung in the video. He clarified that the song's inclusion is a recent development this year. The Chief Minister acknowledged a period of adjustment for everyone involved.

Insolvency professionals are now required to watch for at least nine indicators to prevent abuse of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). This includes identifying firms with no operations or assets but substantial related-party loans, and those with weak internal controls. The move aims to curb malafide intent in the corporate insolvency resolution process, shifting IPs to an active defense against misuse of the law.

Thousands of years ago, a vast lake covered an enormous area of what is now the southern Sahara. Known as Palaeolake Mega-Chad, the ancient lake may have reached roughly 360,000 square kilometres, with some estimates exceeding 400,000 square kilometres. Its existence was made possible by the wetter conditions of North Africas African Humid Period, when stronger seasonal rains transformed the region.

Central ministries must form reservation committees to fill vacancies. Officers will identify and fill backlog positions for SC and ST candidates. Liaison officers will oversee strict implementation of reservation rosters. Training modules are mandated for officers responsible for policy implementation. Parliamentary committees are reviewing reservation policy for adequate representation.

Skymet revised its 2026 monsoon forecast to 85% of LPA. This downgrade reflects escalating concerns over El Nino's erratic weather patterns. Countrywide rainfall between June and July remained 13% below the long period average. August rainfall is forecast at 84% of LPA, and September at 80%. Unpredictable monsoons due to El Nino reduced India's foodgrain output significantly.

MacKenzie Scott's remarkable contributions have enabled Undue Medical Debt to eliminate billions in medical debt. This nonprofit efficiently purchases debt for mere pennies, allowing every ten dollars donated to wipe out around a thousand dollars in obligations. While other affluent philanthropists have embraced this model, sustainable solutions will require deeper systemic changes to address the root causes of medical debt effectively.

An army soldier received a gallantry medal for his actions against insurgents. Naib Subedar Shankar Ram was injured while returning fire and spotting a drone. This incident highlights the growing use of armed drones by non-state actors. Insurgents are rigging commercial drones with explosives for attacks. The armed forces are procuring anti-drone systems to counter this threat.

Saturn's upcoming celestial shift encourages revisiting stalled ambitions. Specific birth dates may find renewed focus on long-delayed personal goals. Practical objectives and unusual ideas could gain momentum after August 20, 2026. Deeply personal dreams and educational pursuits are also highlighted for progress. Leadership aspirations may require demonstrating readiness for associated responsibilities.

Burying fresh banana peels directly in soil is not recommended for gardens. Microorganisms need time to break down peels, delaying nutrient release to plants. Composting banana peels with other organic materials is a simple recycling method. Banana peel tea and powdered peels offer alternative nutrient sources for plants. These processed forms provide nutrients more effectively than fresh peels buried directly.

The Supreme Court has directed the Allahabad High Court to defer proceedings concerning Rahul Gandhi. A BJP worker had filed a plea alleging disproportionate assets against the opposition leader. The court questioned the high court's order without hearing Gandhi's side. Agencies like the CBI and ED were also told not to submit investigation reports. The bench emphasized the principle of natural justice in such matters.

India's defence ministry has leased two more MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics. These advanced drones will significantly boost the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance capabilities. The lease agreement covers upkeep and operational availability for thirty months. India has now leased a total of four such drones from the United States. Delivery of thirty-one additional drones ordered in October 2024 is expected next year.

At just 25, James Dacombe has catapulted himself into billionaire territory with his AI chip enterprise, Olix, which he founded a mere two years ago. His wealth has crossed $1 billion mark and he is considered Europes youngest self-made billionaire. He's also a stakeholder in his previous brain-monitoring venture, CoMind.

The government assured the Supreme Court that transgender identity cards issued before the 2026 amendment will remain valid. This assurance came during the hearing of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the recent amendment. The court sought clarity on the status of transgender persons who obtained identity cards under the 2019 law. It will also examine cases where identity cards were allegedly cancelled or replaced after the amendment.

The Supreme Court allows public suggestions for the Ram Mandir fund embezzlement probe. Petitioners can send their ideas to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's office. The special investigation team must submit a status report to the court. This team includes a forensic auditor for thorough investigation. The court will review the report and consider further directions.

Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September, with preparations underway. This September launch aligns with Apple's supply chain and carrier upgrade cycles. Component suppliers like TSMC require advance planning for chip production and allocation. Logistics for global distribution are also a key consideration for Apple. The new iPhones could also drive subscriptions to Apple's services.

The severe El Nino phenomenon has triggered a notable shortfall in rainfall across Andhra Pradesh, raising concerns. Chief Minister Naidu has staunchly defended the transparency of the Mega DSC-2025 teacher recruitment process. With reservoir water levels plummeting, the agricultural sector and drinking water supply face serious threats. To address potential future El Nino occurrences, the government has devised a three-year contingency plan.

For working class over Epstein class: Khanna all in for aggressive Democrat strategy for midterms

Quote of the Day by Kate Winslet: Kate Winslets quote, A good eye cream is really important when you are traveling, busy and stressed-thats when the dark puffy circles can get you. highlights the importance of paying attention to skincare during busy and stressful periods. The quote suggests that travel, demanding schedules, and stress can make dark and puffy circles around the eyes more noticeable, while maintaining a simple eye-care routine can help people feel more confident and cared for.

Quote of the Day by Michael Corleone from The Godfather: Never reveal everything you know, and never underestimate the power of patience explores the quiet strength behind restraint. The quote suggests that intelligence is not only about knowing what to do, but also knowing what not to reveal and when not to act. Michaels story turns that idea into a deeper examination of power, loyalty, ambition and consequences. The lesson remains relevant beyond The Godfather: in work, relationships and diffi

'How dare they?': Rep. Smith blasts UN over child abuse allegations, Christian and Jews persecution

California startup JetZero is innovating the aviation industry with a new aircraft featuring a blended-wing-body design, aimed at accommodating 250 passengers while optimizing fuel efficiency. Partnering with Japan Airlines lends operational insights to this ambitious endeavor. The plan includes testing a full-scale prototype by 2027 and commencing commercial flights in the early 2030s.