The Economic Times
Elections 2026Q&A - Interviews / The Economic Times
Networking is often seen as one of the most useful ways to find career opportunities, especially when the job market is competitive. But simply adding people on LinkedIn or reaching out when you need a job may not be enough. Career experts explain why some common networking habits fail and what job seekers can do differently to build stronger professional relationships.
Quote of the day by Salma Hayek reminds us that beauty becomes liberating when we stop treating it as a verdict handed down by someone else. We are not required to wait for society to tell us that we are worthy of appreciation. We can learn to notice our own strengths, celebrate our individuality, embrace our imperfections, and recognize the beauty contained in our experiences.
Quote of the day by Zendaya focuses on self-validation and the need to protect your sense of self from outside opinions. Her words encourage people to trust their choices, separate useful feedback from criticism, protect mental peace, and accept their individuality. The quote also connects with her career, from Disney Channel roles to films and the HBO series Euphoria.
Wrapping coriander in aluminium foil is not just a kitchen trend. It blocks light that breaks down chlorophyll, manages moisture without causing rot, and controls the environment around the leaves. Research on herb postharvest storage backs the logic. A simple habit that can save a lot of wasted coriander.
Some people experience uncertainty as particularly uncomfortable, which can make them seek answers, structure and predictability as quickly as possible. Others are more comfortable with ambiguity and can tolerate not knowing how a situation will unfold without feeling the same degree of distress.
The Supreme Court quashed all FIRs against students protesting between July 20 to 25. It also directed the Centre to compensate families of students who ended their lives. The court invoked its powers under Article 142 to do complete justice for young protestors. Delhi Police can register fresh FIRs against 2,873 individuals with serious criminal antecedents. The Cockroach Janta Party withdrew its September 5 march following the court's decision.
Individuals over forty hold most bank deposits, while younger workers contribute less. Term deposits grew significantly, outpacing savings and current accounts. Large deposits of one crore and above formed a substantial portion. Bank credit growth accelerated, driven by corporate sector loans. Interest rates on loans below nine percent increased notably.
When a crow responds to a specific person years after a significant encounter, its behavior suggests that the bird may have retained a memory linking that persons visual features with the importance of the past experience.
Long before New York Citys modern subway system opened in 1904, a millionaire had already built a secret underground railway beneath Broadway. The unusual pneumatic transit experiment drew hundreds of thousands of riders but ultimately disappeared after political opposition and an economic crisis brought the ambitious project to an end.
The Crescent Hotel, established in 1886, was a luxurious retreat for wealthy visitors drawn to its healing springs. However, it became a notorious site when Norman G. Baker opened a bogus cancer hospital there, resulting in numerous tragic deaths. Reports of ghostly encounters, especially linked to a stone mason named Michael in Room 218, unveil lingering spirits that frighten guests who feel an unsettling watchfulness.
Once a tranquil waystation, Sheep Camp evolved into a vibrant gold rush town as thousands flocked to seek fortune. This chaotic boom phase soon faded, leading to a sharp population decline by 1899. Nature gradually reclaimed the land, dismantling the remnants of human settlement. Today, Sheep Camp welcomes adventurers as a picturesque campground along the scenic Chilkoot Trail.
The colours people choose to wear can influence how others perceive their personality, creativity and even intelligence, according to colour psychology. Some everyday shades may create impressions that are quite different from what the wearer intends, especially when people make quick judgments based on appearance. Heres what experts and research suggest about the colours we wear and the impressions they can create.
A new study of 892 people across seven experiments found that taking screenshots may make it harder to remember the information being captured. Participants not only had poorer memory for screenshotted artwork but also struggled to recall which images they had actually captured. Researchers suggest cognitive offloading, divided attention and attentional disengagement could explain the effect, while stressing that screenshots can still help memory when they are reviewed later.
Eye contact carries powerful social information. When you look directly at someone, your brain is taking in more than their eyes, it is also reading their facial expressions, emotional reactions and other subtle cues that help you understand the interaction.
Putting ice cubes in the washing machine: A viral laundry trick involves putting ice cubes in a dryer to help remove wrinkles. As the ice melts, it creates steam that can help relax light creases in clothing. The method works best on lightweight garments but may not be effective against deep wrinkles. Appliance technicians advise caution because excess water could potentially affect dryer components. A damp cloth or the dryer's steam setting can offer alternative ways to smooth wrinkles.
People may save screenshots for all kinds of reasons: they expect the information could be useful later, don't want to risk forgetting it, worry they might need it again, feel emotionally attached to the content, or simply find comfort in knowing it's safely stored for future access.
The next time someone leaves your voice note unopened, it may have far less to do with rejection than you think. They could be caught up with work, somewhere they can't listen comfortably, or simply waiting until they have the mental space to focus. Some people process written words more easily than spoken messages, while others find lengthy voice notes difficult to absorb.
The need for cognitive closure describes a psychological trait driving task completion. This trait influences how individuals approach uncertain situations and make decisions. Research shows higher need for closure leads to greater effort when tasks require sustained mental work. Completing puzzles and solving problems provides a satisfying sense of resolution. This psychological motivation helps explain why unfinished tasks feel compelling.
Pripyat was a modern Soviet city of nearly 50,000 people before the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 forced its residents to leave. About 45,000 people were evacuated within three hours on April 27, many believing they would return. They never did. Today, abandoned homes, classrooms and the amusement park remain, while nature reclaims the city, making Pripyat a haunting symbol of the disaster's human cost.
Some individuals feel more at ease allowing others to initiate discussions, a preference that is not inherently unfriendly. This tendency can be rooted in introversion and a yearning for deeper relationships. Personal caution and introspective tendencies also shape their timing in conversations. Research has highlighted that personality traits significantly affect how we engage socially, showcasing that silence can sometimes reflect thoughtfulness rather than a lack of interest.
A powerful flash flood tore through Arizona's Grand Canyon on August 29, sending mud, boulders and debris through Bright Angel Canyon. About 15 people may be missing and 62 were evacuated. The flood destroyed footbridges, damaged the park's only water pipeline and reshaped parts of the canyon as more storms threaten the area.
White vinegar has been sitting in kitchen shelves for years, but people are now moving it to the bathroom. Turns out, that plain bottle does a surprisingly solid job around the toilet. Here is why the habit is catching on.
A flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced the evacuation of more than 60 people, swept large debris into the Colorado River and knocked out the parks sole water pipeline. Overnight stays have been halted, while officials seek information on 15 people believed missing after flooding at Bright Angel Creek.
Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has implored the public to engage in peaceful protests instead of bandhs, which he believes create unnecessary challenges for workers and students alike. He noted the encouraging response from New Delhi concerning NRC implementation, stating that such disruptions negatively affect education and financial stability. The government is committed to listening to citizens and aims to resolve issues through open communication.
Quote of the Day by Kaley Cuoco: Kaley Cuoco emphasizes the importance of personal choices and self-knowledge. Worrying about others' opinions leads to constant second-guessing and dissatisfaction. Accepting that not everyone will be happy is a liberating realization. Knowing your own values and preferences guides decisions effectively. Ultimately, trusting yourself allows for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Lining kitchen drawers with aluminium foil is a simple, zero-cost habit that protects wood from moisture, reduces cleaning effort, prevents scratches, and even reflects light inside dark drawers. Backed by material science and easy to do in seconds, it is one of the most practical kitchen maintenance tricks going around.
People who regularly use third-person self-talk may be using a surprisingly sophisticated psychological strategy without realizing it.By referring to themselves by name or as he or she, they can create a small mental distance between the person experiencing an emotion and the person reflecting on it.
An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed two Palestinians, including a three-year-old child, and wounded several others, according to Gaza health officials.
Recognizing a friend by the sound of their footsteps is a small example of a broader psychological ability: the brain can build detailed representations of familiar people using information from multiple sensory cues. The rhythm of their steps, the sound of their movement and subtle patterns in the way they walk can all become familiar signals that help the brain identify who is approaching.
Eight individuals from Assam have been rescued from Nepal after devastating flash floods struck the country. These rescued persons are currently being brought back to Assam and are expected home soon. The state government is actively working to locate and safely return other missing people. Earlier reports indicated ten people from Assam were missing following the natural disaster.
Eleven people from Assam are missing in Nepal following devastating flash floods. Five stranded individuals have confirmed their safety and are receiving assistance. The state government established an emergency help desk in New Delhi for families. These flash floods were triggered by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border. Efforts are ongoing to locate and ensure the safe return of all missing persons.
Quote of the Day by Robert Redford: Robert Redfords quote, Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together, explores the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and positive thinking when facing challenges. The quote suggests that difficult situations do not always have to remain obstacles, as bringing together people with different skills, ideas, and experiences can create new possibilities and turn problems into opportunities for growth, progress, and meaningful change.
Quote of the day by Sylvia Plath: Sylvia Plath explored the balance between introspection and understanding others. She believed empathy was crucial for personal growth and creativity. Plath admitted her fascination with individual minds and self-observation. Her works like The Bell Jar remain influential literary pieces.
The COVID-19 lockdowns accidentally created a rare real-world experiment for scientists, as human activity suddenly dropped while roads, buildings and cities remained unchanged. Studies from the US and India found that wildlife responded to the change in human presence in different ways, while researchers also recorded sharp drops in urban noise and seismic activity.
Research suggests that reading on screens and reading on paper may not affect comprehension in exactly the same way. Studies have found a small advantage for paper, particularly when people are reading complex material or working under time pressure. Researchers believe the fixed position of words on a physical page may provide useful spatial and physical cues, while frequent screen-based skimming could encourage a faster, more superficial reading style.
Quote of the day by Richard Attenborough about heroes is a reminder that personal growth needs standards. Without examples of courage, generosity, integrity and perseverance, it can become easy to accept our limitations as permanent. A genuine hero gives us another possibility to consider: a higher standard, a different choice or a stronger sense of responsibility.
The governments priority is to improve the ease of doing business, strengthen infrastructure, build a skilled workforce and connect local SMEs with global value chains, chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh said.
Research in psychology suggests that reading information aloud can make certain details more memorable than reading them silently. Known as the production effect, the benefit may come from actively saying and hearing the words, while reading aloud may also reduce mind wandering. Studies suggest the effect is stronger for remembering specific information than for improving comprehension.
A 2021 University of Tokyo study found that writing information on physical paper can produce stronger brain activity during memory recall than using tablets or smartphones. The findings suggest that sticky notes and handwritten reminders may benefit from the visual, spatial and physical cues around them, effectively making your surroundings part of the memory process.
Over one million names traveled to the Sun aboard NASA's Parker Solar Probe. These names were digitally stored on a memory card, becoming part of the mission. The spacecraft, named after physicist Eugene Parker, studies the Sun's outer atmosphere. Parker Solar Probe has flown through the Sun's corona and reached record speeds. This mission continues to explore the Sun and its effects on Earth.
Quote of the day by Jake Gyllenhaal: Jake Gyllenhaal encourages pursuing personal dreams despite external doubts. He advises listening only to those who offer encouragement for your aspirations. Gyllenhaal's career spans notable films like Brokeback Mountain and recent projects. He has also achieved recognition for his extensive theatre work.
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges people to recognise the signs of stress and take time to pause and slow down. Stress can manifest through physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension and stomach discomfort. Persistent stress can significantly affect both mental and physical wellbeing. Simple techniques such as deep breathing can help manage rising pressure, while people experiencing overwhelming or persistent symptoms should consider seeking professional support.
Over ninety thousand people are directly affected by a Himalayan landslide and need urgent aid. Aid officials express serious concerns about potential secondary flooding and further cascading hazards. Relief supplies are currently blocked as a landslide-formed lake has breached its banks. Six health facilities were damaged, and eight healthcare workers remain missing after the event. Disruption to services increases the risk of infectious diseases spreading among displaced populations.
Psychology does not support labeling someone a narcissist, psychopath or Machiavellian simply because they said something unpleasant behind your back. People can make mistakes, vent their frustrations and behave inconsistently at times.
Actor R Madhavan, last seen in GDN, highlighted an intriguing aspect of billionaire behaviour, noting their inclination towards quick responsiveness. He finds this practice quite motivating, contrasting it with those who tend to delay replies, regardless of their schedule. Furthermore, Sundar Pichai's philosophy underscores the importance of perspective in achieving happiness, suggesting that one's internal mindset is crucial for a satisfying life, even amidst challenging external circumstances.
Psychology suggests this may happen because people naturally anticipate what lies ahead. When work stress, uncertainty, difficulty psychologically detaching and repetitive thinking come together, the mind can begin to associate the end of the weekend with an approaching source of stress.
The psychological goal of grief is not necessarily to erase the person from your thoughts. Sometimes, adapting to loss means learning to live with their absence while still holding on to the memories, values and meaning that the relationship brought into your life.
Japans Hashima Island, or Gunkanjima, was once a bustling coal-mining community with more than 5,000 residents and one of the worlds highest population densities. When its mines closed in 1974, the island was abandoned almost overnight, leaving behind haunting concrete ruins. In 2015, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hashima attracts tourists on guided tours and gained global fame after inspiring the villains lair in James Bonds Skyfall.
Best German Proverb of the Day: When the cats away, the mice will play describes what can happen when supervision or authority disappears. The German proverb uses the playful image of mice celebrating in a cats absence to explain how people may relax rules, test boundaries or behave differently when those normally responsible for enforcing expectations are no longer present.

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