The Economic Times

Showering at night offers a boundary between daily activities and personal time. Warm baths before sleep can improve sleep quality and reduce stress. This habit helps individuals slow down and mentally switch off from the day. Research indicates timing matters for bathing and its sleep benefits. Nighttime showers are a routine for relaxation, not a sign of laziness.

Singapore is using floating solar farms to address land scarcity while expanding renewable energy generation. However, marine organisms can attach to these structures, increasing their weight and affecting buoyancy. This biofouling can accelerate equipment corrosion and make essential maintenance more difficult.

Andhra Pradesh High Court has dissolved a marriage solemnised in 1972 between a couple who have lived separately since 1978, waiving the mandatory six-month cooling off period under the Hindu Marriage Act. The court observed that Hindu marriage has shifted from being an indissoluble sacrament to a contractual agreement, and that the waiting period cannot be used to prolong the agony of a marriage that has irretrievably broken down.

Gujarat CID arrested a man from Assam for orchestrating 1,090 cybercrimes. These frauds amounted to over Rs 1,071 crore and involved China-based criminals. The accused masterminded transferring funds into numerous bank accounts across India. He then converted these illicit funds into cryptocurrencies for transfer to China. This arrest also helped prevent ten other digital arrest cases through counselling.

Meghalaya's Chief Minister inaugurated the state's first eco-sustainable habitat, the Pine Home project. This initiative blends global architecture with local skills, fostering community engagement and green tourism. The Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum was also inaugurated, preserving ancient Khasi settlement history. This project aims to protect indigenous culture and boost archaeological tourism in the region. The government is investing in infrastructure and research to develop these significant

Chinese and Hong Kong stocks declined as investors booked profits in AI and technology shares, while energy stocks gained amid rising Middle East tensions and higher oil prices. Weakening economic indicators and concerns over domestic demand also weighed on sentiment, although robotics stocks bucked the broader market trend.

Pythagoras, the ancient philosopher, championed the idea of conveying profound messages in a few words. This advice is incredibly relevant in our modern context, where clear communication stands out amidst the noise of information. Prioritizing concise, thoughtful dialogue not only enhances interpersonal connections but also shows a deep respect for the time others invest in our conversations.

Russia reported downing 180 drones overnight near Moscow. Drones struck a Wildberries warehouse and other facilities in the region. At least three people, including a child, sustained injuries during the attacks. Over 600 drones were reportedly heading towards the capital's surrounding areas.

Every city has a window when building a new routine becomes easier. In Hyderabad, that window arrives after the monsoon. Cooler mornings reduce friction, running communities become more active and race calendars begin to shape weekend plans. It is no coincidence that many runners choose this period to begin preparing for their next milestone.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged MLA Kuldeep Kumar was kidnapped early morning. This occurred during a protest concerning a sanitation worker's alleged murder in Kalyan Puri. Protesters demanded compensation for the deceased worker's family and a meeting with the Chief Minister. The party also alleged police forcibly conducted the last rites of the sanitation worker.

Next month, Nagoya will host the Asian Games, welcoming approximately fifteen thousand competitors ready to showcase their skills. Among them, promising young athletes like Alexandra Eala and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will take the stage, thrilling fans. Participants can expect unique accommodation options, including a cruise ship, as organizers aim to provide an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

A Central Reserve Police Force bunker vehicle overturned after a collision with a truck in Qazigund. Some CRPF personnel sustained minor injuries and were taken for immediate medical treatment. Earlier, two people died and five were injured in a boulder incident in Doda. The heavy impact caused significant damage to vehicles and created panic. Rescue teams and police initiated relief operations and evacuated the injured for care.

The Enforcement Directorate has launched an extensive investigation, carrying out searches in Karnataka and Ahmedabad associated with a suspected job scam. Key locations targeted included the KPSC office and the residences of suspended officials. The agency also delved into premises linked to middlemen and Edutest Solutions, as well as specific candidates for Veterinary Officer positions.

Procrastination often stems from avoiding uncomfortable emotions associated with tasks. This avoidance provides immediate relief, which reinforces the behavior. Studies show procrastinators initially experience less stress, but face more later. The emotional debt of delaying work simply moves forward with deadlines. This perspective challenges the notion that procrastination is solely due to laziness.

The Asian Games are set to begin in Japan next month with many competitors. Teenage stars like Alexandra Eala and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will compete. Athletes will stay in diverse accommodations including a cruise ship. Organizers are finalizing preparations for the upcoming sporting event.

With a heavy heart, former President Arif Alvi has raised alarming concerns over Imran Khan's troubling health situation. Recent medical evaluations reveal that Khan suffers from severe anxiety and high blood pressure, a consequence of his prolonged imprisonment and solitude. Alvi urgently calls for Khan's transfer to a hospital, stressing that the nation urgently needs his presence and leadership as they navigate these challenging times.

Sigma Advanced Systems shares gained nearly 5% after the defence technology company announced orders worth around Rs 155 crore for its Indrajaal Ranger anti-drone system. The stock has surged 105% in three months, while its order book stands at approximately Rs 8,000 crore, supporting strong revenue visibility.

The Delhi Metro serves millions daily, but reaching destinations remains a significant hurdle. Commuters spend considerable time and money on the final stretch of their journeys and improving last-mile options could enhance passenger confidence.

US cardiologists issue new guidelines for managing cholesterol. The updated US guidelines urge earlier identification and treatment of unhealthy blood fats, with doctors encouraged to assess cardiovascular risk more broadly and consider earlier intervention. Cholesterol screening is recommended for children aged 9 to 11 for early detection.

Social media influencer Becca Bloom has gone viral after sharing a shopping trip. She and her parents explored private aircraft while searching for a gift. Bloom's mother preferred a plane which offered easy entry and exit. The queen of RichTok is the daughter of tech entrepreneurs Simon Ma and Heidi Chou. Her lavish wedding at Lake Como drew comparisons to Crazy Rich Asians.

11-year-old Nehemiah Turner has become the first child to complete more than 100 volunteer hours in the Jacksonville Humane Society's Pawsitive Reading programme. Since joining in 2024, he has read books aloud to shelter dogs and cats, helping create a calmer environment for animals waiting for adoption.

India and Armenia signed a defense cooperation MoU on August 17, 2026. This agreement focuses on research, development, innovation, and shared production. Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Armenian officials to strengthen ties. Discussions explored new avenues for bilateral defense engagement and partnership.

Gold prices slipped on the MCX but extended gains in international markets on Tuesday as expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate hike eased. Gold futures for October delivery fell 0.6% to Rs 1,54,995 per 10 grams, while December and February contracts declined over 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Investors now await the Feds latest meeting minutes for policy cues.

Security forces initiated search operations across several Jammu districts on Tuesday. This action followed reports of suspected individuals moving in Udhampur and Reasi. Police and CRPF teams launched a cordon-and-search in Udhampur after a door knock incident. Additional operations were conducted in Reasi forests and Kathua border villages. These ongoing searches aim to address recent intelligence reports received by officials.

United States and Canada face escalating trade disputes and potential tariffs. Negotiations are intensely underway to avoid new trade restrictions. Canada seeks relief from existing United States tariffs on its goods. The United States aims for concessions on military equipment and critical minerals. Both nations desire a resolution to prevent further economic disruption.

Quote of the day by Matt Damon: Matt Damon's remarkable journey in Hollywood showcases his adaptable talent, with famous roles in films like Good Will Hunting and The Bourne series. Beyond acting, he co-founded Water.org to address global water issues. His poignant remark highlights the dedication often hidden behind success, mirroring his own steadfast resolve and commitment to social causes.

Paramount Skydance requested a bond from states challenging its Warner Bros Discovery merger. The company faces significant daily fees if the deal does not close by September 30. Legal challenges threaten the $110 billion acquisition, which requires regulatory approval. California and eleven states argue the merger would create a media monopoly. Paramount seeks to recover potential losses from the ongoing legal proceedings.

Citadel Securities has urged the SEC to reconsider its proposal to eliminate the order protection rule, warning it could weaken market liquidity, price discovery and retail investor protections. The market maker argues the change may divert trades from public exchanges and recommends alternatives, including minimum trading-volume thresholds for exchanges to qualify for protected status.

Japans 10-year government bond yield climbed to its highest level since 1996, driven by rising global bond yields, renewed inflation concerns and growing expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike as early as September. The move highlights increasing pressure on Japans bond market as investors reassess the outlook for monetary policy.

'India's culture is the real target': Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Sonia Gandhi on Vande Mataram row

H1N1 scare at Bengaluru Clarence High School: Clarence High School has decided to halt offline classes following a notable surge in illness among students and staff members. The school confirmed two cases of H1N1, prompting the suspension until August 18. After reopening on August 13, over 500 students were still reported absent. Concerns regarding hygiene standards linked to local street food vendors have also been raised, leading to calls for regulatory inspections.

FIFA's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has reportedly left his position. This departure follows his criticism of President Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan. Lamour stated that staff were deceived by Infantino's lack of openness. Infantino is seeking reelection amid pressure from continental confederations. The controversial $20 billion proposal was withdrawn after significant backlash.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the handling of recent student protests across India. He asserted that security forces managed massive crowds without causing casualties or severe injuries. Rijiju contrasted current police actions with historical responses under Congress-led governments. He emphasized that no protester suffered serious harm despite thousands demonstrating.

Indian stock markets saw a troubling trend as they recorded declines for several days in a row. On the third straight day, the Sensex dropped significantly, and the Nifty 50 fell for the sixth consecutive session. This decline coincided with fading expectations for a peace deal in the Middle East, with the Sensex losing over 250 points and Nifty 50 dropping below 23,250 while small-cap stocks managed to gain traction.

In July, the HDFC Defence Fund made significant moves by adding Cochin Shipyard and INDO-MIM to its portfolio. The fund also augmented its investments in Hindustan Aeronautics and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, while expanding its holdings in five additional defence sector stocks. However, it opted to reduce its stakes in three companies, including Aequs, leaving the fund's portfolio with a total of twenty-four varied defence-related stocks.

ICICI Bank triumphantly secured $750 million through a fresh dollar bond issuance, making it the bank's third successful fundraising attempt in just one month. The bond was priced at a tighter spread than initially anticipated. The funds generated will be utilized for the bank's general corporate needs, bringing the total dollar debt raised by ICICI Bank to a remarkable $2.05 billion.

BJD legislators in Jajpur allege they were sidelined during Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's flood visit. Local MLA Sujata Sahu filed a police complaint against BJP workers for alleged misbehavior. She stated the district collector had invited her to join the Chief Minister's tour. The Chief Minister visited flood-affected areas by boat with ministers and officials. The Jajpur Collector cited security reasons for the exclusion of the BJD MLAs.

Sham Foam shares are set to list on the BSE SME platform on August 18, with grey market trends pointing to a largely flat debut. The Rs 40.48-crore IPO was subscribed 2.40 times overall, while the issue comprised a fresh issue of 31 lakh shares priced at Rs 130 apiece.

Indomitable courage: Uttarakhand SDRF rescues 2 people trapped in overturned vehicle in Bein River

India's prime office market shows continued strengthening and rising rents. Bengaluru remained a standout performer, while Mumbai and Delhi-NCR also saw healthy momentum. These cities collectively leased 9.8 million square feet in the second quarter. Bengaluru rents rose 10.7% year-on-year, and Delhi-NCR saw a 7.6% increase. Mumbai's prime office rents experienced a 4% year-on-year growth.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of Paytm, has set an ambitious target of generating one billion dollars in free cash flow. He envisions that fintech companies will capture a larger share of the growing lending market. Focusing on profitability, Sharma plans to pivot away from ventures that lack clear returns.

Victoria Beckham shares her heartfelt insights on the multifaceted journey of motherhood, recognizing both the hurdles and joys it brings. She underscores the role of women uplifting one another while reflecting on her remarkable transition from music to fashion. Balancing her aspirations with the responsibilities of raising four children illustrates the often-overlooked efforts of mothers across the globe.

Paytm parent One 97 Communications shares will be in focus on Tuesday as founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma's Resilient Asset Management BV plans to sell up to a 4.98% stake worth Rs 4,895 crore via a block deal at a floor price of Rs 1,535.10 per share.

South Korean shares surged 2.73%, extending gains for a sixth session as chipmakers rallied on optimism over AI demand. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led advances, while foreign investors bought Rs 65,000 crore-equivalent shares. The won strengthened, though bond yields rose as investors awaited Nvidias results for further signals on AI growth.

Eight laborers died and thirty-two others were injured in a tragic road accident. Their pick-up vehicle collided head-on with a truck near Chhimka village. The accident occurred early Tuesday morning while the laborers were returning home. Preliminary investigations suggest the driver lost control while avoiding cattle on the highway. All injured individuals were rushed to a local hospital for immediate medical attention.

Trump tells CNN reporter Kristen Welker to be quiet during heated Oval Office exchange