The Economic Times

Emma Stones powerful words about life being over in the blink of an eye offer a reminder to stop waiting for perfect moments. Her philosophy highlights the importance of pursuing opportunities, embracing change, avoiding comparisons and making time for people and experiences that truly matter.

CA Nitin Kaushik has warned Gurgaon homebuyers to look beyond the EMI when deciding whether they can afford a house. He said the real cost is the life buyers may have to sacrifice, including childrens education, parents, cars, investments, retirement and leisure. Kaushik asked whether people are buying homes to build better lives or gradually building their lives around paying for the house, urging buyers to rethink affordability.

A school inspection by the Cockroach Janta Party in Jaipurs Rampura Kanwarpura village turned into a confrontation, with the CJP alleging that its volunteers were attacked by BJP-linked men and accusing police of inaction. The group has given the Rajasthan government 48 hours to arrest those responsible and withdraw school-entry restrictions, failing which it has threatened a statewide agitation and demanded Education Minister Madan Dilawars resignation. Locals have denied the assault allegation

Mexican Proverb of the Day: Judge others as you want to be judged offers a lesson in fairness, reciprocity and self-awareness. The saying encourages people to consider the standards they apply to others and whether they would accept the same judgment themselves. Though its roots are biblical and extend beyond Mexico, the proverb is established in Mexican proverbial usage.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu has shared simple gardening tips for growing vegetables and microgreens at home. She recommends choosing healthy seeds, storing them properly, avoiding overwatering and planting seeds no deeper than 1-2 cm. She also advises keeping soil loose and transplanting seedlings after they develop three to four true leaves. Samantha has showcased her homegrown spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbage microgreens, parsley, basil, arugula and lettuce.

Jerry Garcia's poignant quote encapsulates a well-rounded strategy for confronting lifes trials. It advocates a proactive stance towards challenges while nurturing a positive attitude. This principle skillfully addresses both mundane obstacles and grand ambitions. Celebrated as a symbol of the Grateful Dead, Garcia exemplified this belief through his musical journey, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom that is crucial for navigating the unpredictable nature of today's world.

Deepinder Goyal revealed his experimental Temple wearable is now significantly smaller. This device tracks cerebral blood flow and neurological markers. The company plans to start taking pre-orders for a limited edition soon. Shipments of the Temple wearable are anticipated before the end of 2026. Interested individuals can join the mailing list for future updates.

Marriages may, or may not be made in heaven, but life partners should not be selected in a hurry, believes Ankur Warikoo. The entrepreneur-motivational speaker who dated his wife, Ruchi, for seven years before they tied the knot, suggested five unconventional ways to find out if the special someone in your life really is compatible with you.

Encountering a jammed zipper can be quite the inconvenience, but theres a quick fix at hand. Coconut oil serves as a fantastic lubricant, making it easier to glide a stubborn zipper. Before you apply any oil, ensure that no fabric or threads are ensnared. Just a tiny dab on the zipper teeth is best to prevent any oily smudges.

Removing excess oil from your dishes doesnt have to be a daunting task. One simple method is skimming oil from the top of your curries to achieve a cleaner finish. Another handy technique involves using a spoon with ice cubes, which helps pull unwanted fat from warm meals. Draining fried foods on kitchen paper will also soak up extra grease.

A CJP spokesperson alleged police visited his family's home in Puducherry. He claimed the visit was an act of intimidation by the government. Puducherry police stated the visit was a routine security exercise. They denied any harassment or intimidation of the family members. The spokesperson vowed the action would not silence his advocacy efforts.

Todays Quote of the Day by Ryan ONeal: Ryan O'Neal's classic quote on relationships emphasizes that romantic perfection is an unattainable myth created by culture. True love is not defined by flawless harmony, but by how two flawed individuals offer each other forgiveness, acceptance, and compassion over time. This insightful quote offers a grounded blueprint for long-term emotional resilience, personal maturity, and authentic human connection.

Psychology says people who decorate their car's interior with soft toys, cushions, lights and others aren't necessarily trying to attract attention or show their financial status. The behavior can reflect a need for comfort, personal identity, emotional regulation and security. A decorated car can become a familiar space that helps a person manage stress during traffic, long commutes and daily travel.

Karnataka bandh August 13, 2026: On August 13, pro-Kannada groups are organising a statewide bandh to express their dissatisfaction over the unresolved Cauvery water dispute and delays in key irrigation projects. The shutdown is likely to disrupt public transport and businesses across the state. Meanwhile, unsettled monsoon conditions are expected, which could further complicate travel. However, essential services are expected to remain operational during the protests.

Viral posts falsely claimed Earth would experience a seven-second gravity blackout. Scientists confirmed this physics-bending anomaly is impossible due to Earth's mass. Astronomical events like eclipses do not affect planetary gravity significantly. Hypothetical scenarios show a gravity loss would eject the atmosphere. The hoax exploited public interest in celestial events for engagement.

Old mobile phones contain valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper, with some metals found at higher concentrations in e-waste than in conventional ore. Global e-waste generation is rising rapidly, creating a significant opportunity for recovering these valuable resources. Recycling these metals can help reduce the need for virgin mining and its associated environmental impact. However, recovering metals from electronic devices requires specialised industrial processes and facilities. Con

Rescuers saved 211 people from a ferry fire near Bali island. One passenger's body was recovered after the blaze erupted at sea. The Putri Yasmin ferry was carrying vehicles and motorcycles when the fire started. Rough seas and high waves complicated the extensive rescue operation efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and passenger number discrepancies.

An ancient fossil discovered in Brazil offers new insights into snake evolution. This 80-million-year-old specimen suggests early snakes inhabited varied environments. Researchers found the fossil represents a new species named Tametara mirim. Its brain structure indicates it likely lived underground, unlike other early snakes. This discovery highlights significant diversity in early snake lifestyles and features.

Assam's flood situation saw improvement on Wednesday, with fewer people affected. The state's flood death toll has now tragically reached 103 people. Over 86,800 individuals remain impacted across four affected districts in Assam. Relief camps are currently accommodating 13,011 people while aid is being distributed. Significant crop and infrastructure damage has also been reported across the state.

Flipkart and Amazon received the highest number of consumer complaints in 2025. Meesho and Myntra also featured prominently on the list of e-commerce platforms. The National Consumer Helpline facilitated over 91 crore in refunds to consumers. Non-delivery of products constituted the largest category of complaints filed. The government has taken steps to address unfair trade practices in e-commerce.

Quote of the Day by Farrah Fawcett: Farrah Fawcetts quote, Looking a certain way is a blessing and a curse, explores the complex relationship between physical appearance, beauty, and personal identity. The quote suggests that being admired for ones appearance can bring attention, opportunities, and recognition, while also creating pressure, judgment, and the risk of being valued mainly for outward beauty rather than personality, talent, and individuality.

Earthquakes are among the greatest global challenges for the safety of structures. Existing buildings constructed before the introduction of modern earthquake standards are particularly vulnerable, as they are often unable to withstand seismic loads.

Half of Afghan women now leave their homes only once or twice monthly. Taliban decrees have systematically dismantled women's rights since August 2021. Girls remain banned from secondary education and women from university. Nearly three-quarters feel unsafe without a male guardian, fueling isolation. Economic participation is minimal, with only seven percent of women employed.

Today's Quote of the Day by George Bernard Shaw: The famous quote by George Bernard Shaw, Never wrestle with a pig in the mud; you both get dirty, but the pig likes it, delivers a timeless warning about the hazards of unnecessary conflict. At its core, this insight emphasizes that engaging in petty arguments lowers your personal standards to match an environment designed for chaos.

West Bengal Assembly approved legislation to increase civic body wards in Kolkata and Howrah. Elections for these municipal corporations are anticipated after the current festive season concludes. The government also announced a master plan for Howrah, focusing on infrastructure improvements. Financial assistance for Assam flood victims and increased medical allowances for former MLAs were also declared. Service centers named after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose will be established in each constitue

Indian MSMEs in the secondary steel sector can reduce power bills significantly. Switching to renewable energy offers substantial annual savings for these businesses. This transition also helps slash greenhouse gas emissions from steel production. A cluster-based approach makes renewable energy procurement more feasible for MSMEs. Adopting renewables lowers costs and carbon footprints simultaneously for producers.

An old report card may be nothing more than paper to one person. To a parent, it can represent a child's effort, a family milestone, a version of themselves as a parent and an entire period of life that has quietly disappeared.

Retail inflation in India is projected to increase in upcoming months. Food prices are the primary driver, though inflation should stay below six percent. Analysts anticipate the Reserve Bank of India will maintain its current policy stance. Supply-side factors like tomato and onion costs are influencing current price increases. Geopolitical easing could lead to inflation undershooting official projections.

Exciting news in the world of wizardry! Nicholas Hoult is set to step into the shoes of Gilderoy Lockhart for the second season of the Harry Potter series. Fans can look forward to the Chamber of Secrets brought to life with a new twist, premiering Christmas 2026 on HBO platforms. Fresh faces will take on the iconic roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, enhancing this dynamic ensemble cast.

France faces enormous economic costs from ongoing summer heatwaves and drought. These combined direct and indirect losses are estimated between ten and fifteen billion euros. This year's extreme weather has caused more damage than the 2022 drought. Agriculture, forests, and water supplies are all significantly impacted by the conditions. The nation's economic bill could still increase as the weather period continues.

Karnataka Health Department officials resumed inspections of eateries across Bengaluru. Expired food items and hygiene violations were discovered at the Arogya Soudha canteen. Unhygienic conditions and cockroaches were also found in a restaurant at Legislators' House. Strict legal action is threatened against businesses violating food safety regulations. The department is conducting special drives to ensure compliance with food safety laws.

Based on transaction data for April 2025 to March 2026, the report highlighted an increasingly diversified forex market driven by rising outbound travel, overseas education, corporate mobility and changing payment preferences. Tier 1 cities, including metros, account for 47 per cent of forex demand, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contribute 41 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively.

A panel found Justice Yashwant Varma guilty of cash discovery allegations at his residence. Legal experts believe an FIR can now be lodged against the former judge. However, some experts feel impeachment proceedings are now moot due to his resignation. The committee's report stated charges of unexplained cash and evasive explanations were proved. Parliamentary proceedings do not impede the registration of an FIR against him.

Global oil supply will fall by 4.3 million barrels daily this year. Renewed Middle East hostilities are disrupting supplies and deepening the oil market deficit. This year's expected supply drop compares with earlier forecasts and is significant. The International Energy Agency expects a deficit of 1.8 million barrels daily over July-September. However, supply is projected to outstrip demand by 2027.