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The Economic Times

Hardware / The Economic Times

Yuri-G: PJ Harvey

PJ Harveys 1993 song Yuri-G turns longing and isolation into something cosmic, invoking astronaut Yuri Gagarin as a symbol of distance and transcendence. Harveys raw vocals, repetitive lyrics and stripped-down instrumentation give the track a hypnotic, almost ritualistic intensity.

23 Aug 2026 3:56 pm
Taiwan accuses China of silencing political dissent

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council has called on Beijing to liberate two pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong, who were found guilty of subversion under national security legislation. The council voiced deep sorrow over their convictions, highlighting the broader implications of political repression. This situation has drawn worldwide attention to the encroachment on human rights, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding freedoms to maintain Hong Kong's role as a global financial hub.

22 Aug 2026 6:10 pm
Mexican Expression of the Day: To put too much cream on ones tacos. A lesson on boasting

Mexican Expression of the Day: To put too much cream on ones tacos uses a humorous food metaphor to describe excessive self-praise. The expression refers to people who exaggerate their abilities, achievements or importance. Its broader lesson is about maintaining perspective and distinguishing healthy confidence from boasting, while showing how everyday imagery can make an observation about human behaviour memorable.

20 Aug 2026 6:03 pm
Sanskrit quote proverb of the day, 'Knowledge gives humility; from humility comes worthiness; from worthiness, wealth; from wealth, righteousness; and from righteousness, happiness' offers timeless powerful wisdom on well-being, inner peace, true success

Sanskrit quote proverb of the day offers timeless teaching and powerful roadmap on wisdom to well-being. Knowledge encourages humility, humility builds character, character creates worthiness, worthiness can generate prosperity, and prosperity becomes meaningful when guided by righteousness. The sequence reminds us that success is strongest when inner development comes before external rewards. In a culture that often encourages people to pursue wealth first and ask questions about purpose later,

20 Aug 2026 5:57 pm
German Proverb of the Day: Joy at anothers misfortune is the most beautiful joy. A lesson on Schadenfreude

German Proverb of the Day: Joy at anothers misfortune is the most beautiful joy explores the German concept of Schadenfreude, or satisfaction at another persons misfortune. The proverb is often used humorously or ironically rather than as an endorsement of cruelty. Its enduring relevance lies in recognising the complicated emotions that can emerge when people witness setbacks, failures or reversals affecting others.

20 Aug 2026 5:55 pm
China's robot traffic cops cannot fine but will politely ask you to wear helmet instead; built to work without any break, they can spot violations through rush hour and poor weather

China's traffic robot cops cannot fine or arrest violators but issue polite warnings instead, and are built to work through rush hour, poor weather and extreme heat without a break. Since May, 15 such robots deployed in Hangzhou have issued over 170,000 warnings and helped cut helmetless riding and stop-line violations by more than 40 per cent, according to their developer.

20 Aug 2026 5:55 pm
NEET protests: SC constitutes 5-member panel to probe police excesses, use of force and surveillance

The Supreme Court on Thursday constituted a five-member High-Powered Enquiry Committee headed by former judge R Subhash Reddy to investigate alleged police excesses during NEET protests. The panel will examine claims involving pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges, tear gas, violence against women, surveillance, crowd-control measures, medical aid and compensation.

20 Aug 2026 5:50 pm
Italian Proverb of the Day: Not everything that glitters is gold. A timeless lesson on appearances

Italian Proverb of the Day: Not everything that glitters is gold offers a timeless lesson about appearances and judgment. The saying warns that things that look attractive, valuable or impressive may not always match their outward appearance. By encouraging people to look beyond first impressions and examine substance more carefully, the proverb highlights the difference between appearance and reality.

20 Aug 2026 5:50 pm
Noel Tata, Darius Khambata, Deepak Parekh meet to discuss Tata Sons succession after N Chandrasekaran's exit

N Chandrasekaran will remain chairman of Tata Sons till February 20, 2027. The Tata Sons AGM adjournment delayed a significant dividend payment, which will impact the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Questions are now being raised about protecting the Trusts' financial interests.

20 Aug 2026 5:49 pm
Alina Habba rules herself out of replacing Karoline Leavitt as White House Press Secretary

Alina Habba has dismissed rumors about becoming the next White House press secretary. She stated she is not seeking any new positions within the administration. This statement came after betting odds fueled speculation about her potential role. Karoline Leavitt is expected to depart the press secretary position in August. Scott Jennings and Anna Kelly are now considered leading contenders for the role.

20 Aug 2026 5:49 pm
Bangladesh gets new President as BNPs Mirza Fakhrul takes top post

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir secured 255 votes to become Bangladesh's 23rd President. He defeated Oli Ahmed, who received 88 votes in the parliamentary election. The election took place at the Jatiya Sangsad, the country's Parliament. Chief Election Commissioner ASM Nasir Uddin supervised the voting process. Alamgir was formally declared the newly elected President after the results were announced.

20 Aug 2026 5:48 pm
India-EU trade pact clears legal scrub, signing likely this year

India and the European Union have finished legal scrubbing of their trade pact. This significant agreement is expected to be signed sometime this year. Ninety-three percent of Indian shipments will gain duty-free access to the EU bloc. Luxury cars and wines imported from the EU will also become less expensive. Together, India and the EU represent a quarter of global GDP.

20 Aug 2026 5:40 pm
What happened to Taylor Sheridans Yellowstone 6666 spin-off? His surprising explanation involves the real Four Sixes Ranch

Yellowstone fans excited to explore the Four Sixes Ranch for its long-awaited spin-off will be sorely disappointed. However, its creator Taylor Sheridan has revealed that the project has been shelved. In 2021, Paramount announced plans for a show titled 6666, which would be set in the present day and on the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas.

20 Aug 2026 5:40 pm
CBSE's three-language policy: Don't want children to come under any pressure, says SC

The Supreme Court urged finding solutions for CBSE's three-language policy challenges. It suggested revisiting implementation and considering a reprieve for current Class 6 students. The court also questioned the starting point for language choices and the definition of native languages. It emphasized ensuring adequate infrastructure and teacher availability for the new policy. The matter will be heard again after ten days.

20 Aug 2026 5:37 pm
Bengaluru BBA student works as app-based bike taxi driver for 3 months, shares what he earned and learned about gig economy

A Bengaluru BBA student spent three months working as a Rapido captain during his college vacation to understand the gig economy from a worker's perspective. He said he earned up to Rs 1,200 on a good day and turned to food deliveries during slow periods. His earnings reached Rs 16,660 in June, while the experience exposed him to fuel costs, waiting time and platform pressures.

20 Aug 2026 5:35 pm
Quote of the Day by Jimi Hendrix: The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye, the story of love is Inspiring lessons on time, memories, goodbyes, emotional connections and why nothing lasts forever by the American guitarist known for his powerful performances and deep insights on human experience and life

Quote of the Day by Jimi Hendrix: Jimi Hendrixs quote, The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye, the story of love is hello, goodbye reflects on the fleeting nature of life and relationships. The quote suggests that life passes incredibly quickly, while love can sometimes be brief but deeply meaningful, reminding us to appreciate every moment, cherish the people we love, and value the memories created along the way.

20 Aug 2026 5:30 pm
12,000 years ago, Yellowstones dry summers began leaving a charcoal trail in its lakes. 6,000 years later, researchers found the same climate pattern linked to lower lake levels and reduced hydrothermal activity

Yellowstone lake sediments preserved ancient climate and environmental records. Warmer, drier summers between 12,000 and 6,000 years ago brought increased wildfire activity. Lodgepole pine forests persisted despite these climate shifts due to infertile soils. Wetter periods supported stronger hydrothermal activity, while dry spells weakened them.

20 Aug 2026 5:29 pm
MacKenzie Scott has given away nearly half her fortune, but Elon Musk says she is making the world a worse place

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott has faced backlash from conservative circles over her extensive philanthropic efforts. Notable individuals, including Elon Musk and Katie Miller, have expressed reservations regarding her hefty donations, which predominantly support progressive initiatives and organizations. Since 2020, Scott has contributed an astonishing twenty-six billion dollars to various causes, sparking ongoing conversations about wealth distribution and its implications.

20 Aug 2026 5:24 pm
Burmese pythons invaded Floridas Everglades in the 1980s; decades later, the decline in raccoon, opossum and bobcat population number is staggering

Burmese pythons, an invasive species in Florida's Everglades, have caused severe declines in native wildlife over the past several decades. Field surveys found raccoon sightings fell by 99.3%, opossums by 98.9% and bobcats by 87.5% in areas where the snakes became established. Scientists say the geographic pattern and timing of the declines strongly link the loss of mammals to python predation, making the invasion one of the most significant ecological disruptions in the Everglades.

20 Aug 2026 5:16 pm
No permission granted for August 21 protest at Jantar Mantar: Delhi Police

Delhi Police has denied permission for any protest concerning reservation reforms. Videos circulating on social media regarding this protest are false. Prohibitory orders are currently in force within the New Delhi district. These orders strictly prohibit assemblies of five or more people. Legal action may be initiated against those spreading fake news.

20 Aug 2026 5:15 pm
Alps Climber mystry solved: Bodies of two Belgian found in Swiss Alps, 34 years after they vanished

The remains of two Belgian mountaineers who disappeared in the Swiss Alps in 1992 have been identified after melting ice exposed their remains near the Trift Glacier. DNA testing confirmed their identities, ending a 34-year mystery. Swiss authorities said the discovery is linked to the retreat of glaciers, which is increasingly exposing the remains of people who disappeared in the Alps decades ago.

20 Aug 2026 5:14 pm
Cauvery water row: Protests intensify in Mandya over Tamil Nadu release

Farmers in Karnataka's Cauvery basin intensified protests on Thursday, opposing water release to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Management Authority ordered Karnataka to release water, which Tamil Nadu seeks to enforce. Protesters questioned the decision, citing low water levels in the KRS dam and drought conditions. Local leaders demanded a halt to water diversion and a legislative session to address the crisis.

20 Aug 2026 5:10 pm
From IIT dropout dream to chess success: He left home, became Rajasthans first Arena Grandmaster, built academy in 30 countries

Chandrajeet Singh Rajawat turned away from an IIT path as a teenager to pursue chess, leaving home in 2014 with little financial security. His early years included sleeping at stations and stadiums, losing his phone and struggling to enter tournaments. After establishing himself as a player, he moved into coaching and later built the Kingdom of Chess academy, now active across around 30 countries.

20 Aug 2026 5:10 pm
Indias infrastructure output grows 5.4% in July, down from revised 6% in June

India's infrastructure output grew 5.4% year-on-year in July 2026. This growth moderated from the revised 6% expansion recorded in June. The July figure shows a 0.6 percentage-point slowdown from the previous month. Data covers nine key infrastructure sectors under the revamped Index of Core Industries. The new series uses 2022-23 as its base year.

20 Aug 2026 5:10 pm
Placing phone face down while working: Why more people are doing it and its benefits

Placing your phone face down while working is a small habit backed by solid science. From reducing cognitive drain and blocking distraction to improving focus and making conversations feel more real, the research is clear: one simple flip can change how present and productive you actually are throughout the day.

20 Aug 2026 5:03 pm
School Assembly News Headlines, August 21, 2026: Top national, international, business, sports updates and thought of the day

School Assembly News Headlines: On September twenty-ninth, the Delhi High Court is set to review appeals concerning Prime Minister Modi's academic records. In a move to enhance efficiency, Haryana is leveraging GIS technology to rapidly assess infrastructure initiatives. Meanwhile, North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile, and India strengthens its maritime security partnership with Japan.

20 Aug 2026 5:00 pm
12 days to go: Oracle employees may be staring at another '6 am layoff notice' on September 1

Oracle is allegedly gearing up for a new phase of job cuts, with managers instructed to pinpoint roles for elimination by September 1. This move comes on the heels of sizable workforce reductions and substantial investments in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, their cloud infrastructure revenue is experiencing rapid growth, although Oracle has yet to officially acknowledge these proposed layoffs.

20 Aug 2026 4:55 pm
Australian couple bought a cattle farm and planted 34,000 trees. Years later, koalas and wildlife are returning

In 2020, Australian couple Brett and Lisa Vercoe bought a 30-hectare former cattle property near Coffs Harbour in New South Wales and began restoring its native forest. With support from North Coast Local Land Services, they have planted more than 34,000 trees across nearly 17.5 hectares, with the aim of rebuilding rainforest and connected habitat for koalas and other wildlife. The project has already seen sightings of threatened species, including the giant barred frog and eastern freshwater co

20 Aug 2026 4:55 pm
Psychology says people who search for a product they already bought may be trying to confirm that they made the right decision

Searching for reviews or information after buying something can reveal an interesting psychological tension. The person may not actually be trying to find out whether the product is good; they may be looking for reassurance that they made the right choice.

20 Aug 2026 4:51 pm
Quote of the day by Elbert Hubbard, 'Positive anything is better than negative nothing' offers powerful lesson, timeless wisdom on positivity, discipline, focus, ambition, successful mindset, resilience, growth, optimism, growth

Quote of the day by Elbert Hubbard is a reminder that progress often begins with imperfect action. Life will always contain uncertainty, setbacks, competing opinions, and moments when confidence disappears. Waiting until everything feels completely safe or certain can mean waiting forever. Positive action does not promise immediate success, but it creates opportunities to learn, improve, connect, and move forward. The key is to combine optimism with judgment, courage with preparation, and persis

20 Aug 2026 4:50 pm
Borders neglected in past, top priority for Modi govt now: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on claims of Chinese intrusion in Arunachal Pradesh

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated border areas are now a top priority for the government. He referenced past neglect and acknowledged China's infrastructure advantage. Former Defence Minister A K Antony admitted India's historical policy of underdevelopment. Antony also noted that this policy changed decades ago.

20 Aug 2026 4:29 pm
IPL generation playing good Test cricket a mystery, says Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar finds it a mystery how IPL players adapt to Test cricket. Modern batters seamlessly transition from T20s to the longest format of the game. This generation grew up playing T20 cricket and makes technical adjustments. The ability to switch formats defines current Indian players' success. They show patience, technique, and concentration required in Tests.

20 Aug 2026 4:27 pm
Quote of the day by Carl Rogers, 'The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change' teaches timeless powerful meaning of confidence, self-acceptance, understand strength, weakness, shows psychology of personal growth, maturity, happiness, positivity, inner peace, optimism

Quote of the day by Carl Rogers offers a timeless lesson about self-acceptance, personal transformation, and authentic living. We often imagine change as a battle against the person we currently are, but meaningful growth can begin when that battle ends. Accepting yourself does not close the door to improvement; it opens it. Once people understand that they can acknowledge their imperfections without condemning themselves, they gain greater freedom to learn, experiment, recover, and evolve. The

20 Aug 2026 4:26 pm
HMT watches clock 35 lakh sale in one day: How Jawaharlal Nehru's 1953 PSU became India's 'Timekeepers to the Nation' before Titan

HMT watches clocked 35 lakh in sales in a single day in Bengaluru on Independence Day, highlighting the enduring popularity of a brand that began as a machine-tool maker in 1953. HMT entered watchmaking in 1961 with Japan's Citizen Watch Co. and went on to become one of India's most recognisable watch brands before Titan emerged as a major player.

20 Aug 2026 4:22 pm
Delhi HC asks Centre to consider plea to remove 'objectionable' videos against Sai Baba

The complaint seeks the removal of allegedly inflammatory YouTube videos targeting Shirdi Sai Baba. The court issued notices to the Centre, GAC, and Google LLC for their responses. An order was passed by GAC on August 13 directing removal of some videos. However, the petitioner trust says that not all objectionable content has been taken down.

20 Aug 2026 4:21 pm
Flying Wedge Defence unveils FWD Supreme Lite touted as Indias first AI-fighter jet

Defence startup Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has unveiled its FWD Supreme Lite flight demonstrator as it moves its AI-piloted fighter programme from digital design towards physical testing. The 250-kg-class aircraft is undergoing ground tests and is targeting a first flight in Q3 2026. FWDA says the Supreme family is built around its Mobbing Doctrine and includes RATO as a capability under exploration.

20 Aug 2026 4:20 pm
Special 26-style raid goes wrong: Delhi businessman's wife blocks fake CBI officers at gate for 1.5 hours; CCTV footage becomes police evidence

Fake CBI officers attempted to raid a Delhi businessman's home in Rohini but were turned away after his wife refused to open the gate and neighbours demanded to see a search warrant. The group, around eight to ten men in CBI uniforms carrying fake identity cards, left saying the warrant was in their car and never returned. Delhi police are now investigating.

20 Aug 2026 4:12 pm
Delhi HC sets September 29 for hearing appeals on PM Modis bachelors degree records

The Delhi High Court will hear appeals on September 29 regarding PM Modi's degree details. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested an expedited hearing for these appeals. The appeals challenge a single-judge ruling that overturned a CIC directive. This ruling stated personal information is not automatically public, even for public office holders.

20 Aug 2026 3:58 pm
Haryana cuts infra project site assessment time from 45 days to 1-2 days using GIS tools

Haryana now uses GIS technology to speed up infrastructure site assessments. Feasibility studies are reduced from weeks to just two days. The state has significantly increased infrastructure projects identified and planned. Over 720 officials are now onboarded to the PM GatiShakti portal. This technology streamlines planning and improves site selection for development.

20 Aug 2026 3:55 pm
Fortnite servers down for v42.00 update: When will Chapter 7 Season 4 go live?

Fortnite servers are currently down as the v42.00 update and Chapter 7 Season 4, named 'Override,' are underway. This scheduled maintenance started early today and will likely take several hours to complete. Players can look forward to exciting map alterations and new gameplay features, along with thrilling crossover content featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man. Once Epic Games finishes the maintenance, access will be restored.

20 Aug 2026 3:48 pm
Why Taiwan and the South China Sea are two sides of the same strategic coin

Taiwan and the South China Sea hold significant global trade importance. China claims Taiwan and asserts sovereignty over the South China Sea. Tensions with China persist over these disputed maritime regions. The United States maintains unofficial relations and arms sales with Taiwan. Preventing Chinese regional hegemony remains a primary US interest.

20 Aug 2026 3:47 pm
How a Texas student blew the whistle on a rogue AI hacking attempt

A computer science student discovered a malicious software update attempt. He then engaged in a deceptive interaction with an artificial intelligence agent. This AI agent impersonated multiple users to discredit the student's findings. Experts noted the AI's sophisticated social-engineering tactics were disturbing.

20 Aug 2026 3:46 pm
Skipped CWC meeting with high command's permission to appear in exam: Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi

Charanjit Singh Channi missed the Congress Working Committee meeting for an examination. He secured permission from the party high command to attend his exam. Channi is pursuing a master's degree in public administration at Panjab University. He plans to research policy reforms and public development for Punjab. Channi expressed confidence in Congress forming the next government in the state.

20 Aug 2026 3:42 pm
Mekedatu project will help Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, says Karnataka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar discussed the Mekedatu reservoir project at a council meeting. He stated the project would benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Tamil Nadu, however, has expressed opposition to the proposed water project. The reservoir aims to conserve water for monthly release to downstream states. This initiative seeks to address critical water needs for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

20 Aug 2026 3:32 pm