The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
For years, selenium from irrigated farmland posed a challenge for Colorados Lower Gunnison River. Irrigation can mobilize naturally occurring selenium from shale-rich soils and carry it into waterways. Efforts to improve irrigation and reduce selenium runoff began changing that picture. By 2019, the rivers selenium load at Whitewater had fallen about 46% from 1986 levels. In 2021, 66 miles downstream from Delta met the states selenium standard.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh received a death threat through a letter. The anonymous letter was sent by post to his office in New Delhi. Police registered an FIR after confirming the incident and the threatening message. Investigators are now trying to establish the source and motive behind the threat. The minister was informed by his private secretary and asked to register a case.
Dennis Hope boldly declared himself the owner of the Moon and embarked on a unique venture of selling lunar land worldwide. He navigated space law cleverly to support his claims, and surprisingly, governments did not intervene. Through selling lunar property certificates for just a tiny fee, he attracted buyers across the globe.
Psychology says people who never miss family dinners on festivals aren't simply following a routine. Their choice can reflect a need for belonging, emotional stability, family connection and continuity. Shared meals can strengthen relationships, reinforce identity and provide a predictable space during periods of stress. Psychology theories also explain why family rituals can support social bonds and emotional well-being.
Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur unveiled a simple yet mouth-watering recipe for cheesy masala appe that promises to spice up any meal. This dish is created by mixing semolina with a burst of flavors from spices and vegetables, followed by a delightful cooking process. Enjoy these cheesy treats hot, paired with your favorite chutney or ketchup for a satisfying snack.
Mexicos National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) launched an ambitious restoration program in 2014 with the goal of beginning to restore 1 million hectares of degraded land by the end of 2018. The initiative supported communities and landowners working in priority watersheds and areas affected by forest loss, fires, pests, natural disasters, and degraded soils. CONAFOR invested roughly 12 billion pesos, or approximately US$591 million, while providing technical and financial assistance.
Amit Shah emphasised the need to strengthen coastal security over the next two years. He called on Western states to take the lead in implementing the new criminal laws and tackling drug-related issues. Shah also highlighted the economic importance of the Western region, describing it as Indias WEST Engine, while noting the increased frequency of Zonal Council meetings and their role in resolving issues since 2014. The meeting also covered cybersecurity, cooperative banking and several other reg
Fish Creek in Idaho was listed as impaired for sedimentation in 1996. Collaborative efforts by various stakeholders improved road surfaces and stabilized streambanks. Wetland enhancements and channel improvements further reduced sediment and nutrient loads. Data collected in 2017 showed full support for cold water aquatic life. Fish Creek was subsequently removed from the impaired waters list in 2020.
Quote of the day by Heath Ledger about living in the now remains compelling because it speaks to a universal struggle. People naturally look backward with regret and forward with uncertainty, but neither place is where life is actually happening. The present offers an opportunity to make a choice, learn something, connect with another person or simply experience the day. Ledgers career also demonstrates that an open mind can coexist with extraordinary ambition. His legacy reminds us that we do n
A young student named Abigail Stein has developed a smart utensil. This innovative spoon is designed to detect allergens in food and change colour. Abigail's invention earned her a spot as a national finalist in a science challenge. She aims to make allergen detection more accessible for children. Her project addresses everyday fears faced by friends with food allergies.
SBM Bank India is considering selling a twenty-six percent stake to raise expansion funds. The bank has appointed a consultant and is currently at the Expression of Interest stage. The parent company recently infused seventy-five crore rupees and will provide more capital. SBM Bank India aims for significant credit growth and is strengthening its digital wealth offerings.
Quote of the Day by Arthur Schopenhauer: He who has lost all hope has also lost all fear offers a striking reflection on the connection between hope, fear and human nature. The German philosophers words suggest that fear often comes from having something to lose, while complete hopelessness can remove that fear. The quote also reflects Schopenhauers wider philosophy, which examined suffering, desire and the struggle to find freedom from the pressures of human existence.
Siemens Energy India has commissioned its first 145 kV sulfur hexafluoride-free circuit breaker in Goa, introducing its Blue high-voltage technology to India. The equipment uses clean air insulation and vacuum switching, eliminating SF and other fluorinated greenhouse gases while supporting reliable transmission infrastructure and the power sectors decarbonisation efforts.
Global elevator giants KONE and TKE seek regulatory approval for their merger in India. This significant transaction, valued at over twenty-nine billion euros, is a major corporate event. KONE plans to acquire sole control over TKE, which operates in India. The companies face competition regulators over market overlaps in elevator services. Both firms are seeking approval for this substantial business combination.
September 2026 brings a packed line-up of OTT releases across Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5 and Apple TV. From Lust Stories 3 and Fauda Season 5 to The Revolutionaries, Ghamasaan, The Paper Season 2 and The Gentlemen Season 2, the month has new movies and returning series across genres including action, romance, comedy, crime, history and drama. Heres the complete list of major September 2026 OTT releases, along with their release dates, streaming platforms and what to expect from each
Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air garden uses simple lighting to create a resort-like atmosphere. Trees are wrapped in warm white lights, tracing their shapes after dark. Smaller lights illuminate plants near the ground, adding depth to the outdoor space. This layered illumination complements the property's mid-century architecture and natural elements. The approach demonstrates that creating evening ambiance does not require excessive brightness.
Geneva: U.N. rights chief Volker Turk warned on Monday that artificial intelligence could pose a threat to humanity, and pledged to press AI firms to reduce risks that his office said included disruptions to services, communications and democratic systems.He called for cast-iron guarantees to secure AI in a speech ahead of the start of his unprecedented second term, in which he also demanded accountability over deaths in U.S. immigration custody and condemned Russia's reported use of autonomous
India has signed a five-year fuel supply agreement with Mauritius under which IndianOil will meet the islands entire import requirement of fuels, marking the first such long-term deal with a country outside South Asia and signalling Indias emergence as a trusted energy supplier in the Indian Ocean.
AB InBev India has invested about Rs 200 crore in a new brewery in Neemrana, Rajasthan, expanding capacity to meet rising beer demand across North and central India. The facility began operations in July and will serve markets including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, amid stronger premium beer consumption.
RNFI Services has received in-principle RBI authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Physical (PA-P), allowing it to expand into offline and in-store payments. The approval adds another regulated payments capability to its existing financial services portfolio, including money movement, mutual fund distribution, insurance broking and prepaid payment instruments.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke on Monday. They reviewed India-IMF relations and acknowledged India's role in SARTTAC. Discussions covered India's growth trajectory and global economic changes. The IMF official highlighted India's economic performance and resilience amid global challenges. Clarke also praised government efforts in fiscal consolidation and economic support measures.
Updated income tax returns have increased significantly over four years. New tax regime adoption shows strong uptake among taxpayers filing returns. Karnataka ranks second in direct tax collections, contributing substantially to national revenue. Technology-driven systems enhance transparency and encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department processes returns rapidly and issues refunds efficiently to taxpayers.
Putting a plastic bottle filled with water on your roof: The Moser lamp is a simple invention that uses sunlight to brighten dark indoor spaces during the day, reducing the need for electric lighting. Developed in Brazil, the low-cost technique involves filling a transparent plastic bottle with water and fitting it through a roof so that sunlight can be refracted and dispersed inside. The concept was later promoted by the MyShelter Foundation through its Liter of Light programme and spread acros
IIM Bangalores two-year PGP has climbed to 21st globally in the Financial Times Masters in Management 2026 ranking, up from 28th in 2025 and 41st in 2024. The institute retained its No. 1 position in India, with stronger career progression, salary outcomes, alumni network and value-for-money rankings.
A 15-year-old student developed AI smart glasses to make sounds visible. These glasses convert speech into text and recognize Indian Sign Language gestures. The prototype also transforms important sounds into visual warnings for users. This innovation aims to bridge communication gaps for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The technology offers subtitles for life to improve daily understanding.
Non-banking financial companies saw 14.9 percent credit expansion by July end. This growth accelerated from last year's 10.6 percent expansion. Gold loans surged 68.5 percent and consumer durable loans grew 51.5 percent. Retail loans within NBFCs increased 21.4 percent, showing strong performance. Housing and vehicle loans also recorded significant year-on-year growth.
The Centre has reduced the booking interval for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refills from 45 days to 25 days, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said on Monday. The revised 25-day booking interval will apply uniformly to LPG consumers in both urban and rural areas.
Yash-starrer Toxic may get a separate cut for its OTT release as reports suggest the films digital rights offer has dropped sharply from the earlier Rs 150 crore proposal to around Rs 30 crore. The makers are reportedly considering a new edit for the streaming version in an attempt to secure a better deal and reduce losses after the films disappointing theatrical performance.
State Bank of India on Monday said bank unions have served strike notices for September 11, September 28-30 and a continuous strike from October 26. SBI said it has made arrangements for normal functioning at branches and offices, but warned that work across the bank may nevertheless be impacted.
Best Proverb of the Day: Chi ha il pane non ha i denti, e chi ha i denti non ha il pane translates as Those who have bread have no teeth, and those who have teeth have no bread. The Italian proverb reflects the irony of circumstances, where people may possess an opportunity without being able to enjoy it, while those capable of using it may lack access.
West Bengal government will enhance employee remuneration benefiting over one lakh people. Forest officials and volunteers will see increased monthly payments starting soon. Former MLAs' medical allowance is also being raised significantly from August. Primary and upper primary para teachers will receive a substantial pay hike. A bill for inter-university staff transfers will be presented in assembly.
The CBIC has introduced a new checklist for customs officers reviewing imports. This standardized process aims to streamline clearances for drugs and medical devices. Businesses must upload all required documentation onto the e-SANCHIT portal. Industry experts welcome the shift towards a more transparent digital verification.
Iran has threatened to retaliate against any new United States attacks on its assets. The nation warned that regional energy production is accessible and exposed to potential strikes. Iranian officials announced plans for a new restricted zone in the Gulf. This zone would impact shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has also affected oil prices and regional economies.
Quote of the day by Annie Potts presents a compelling life lesson about creativity, performance and moving on. Her theater background taught her to experience a performance as something immediate rather than something that must be endlessly examined afterward. In an age when recorded work can be replayed indefinitely, that perspective feels surprisingly relevant.
Scott Larsen followed his father into the New York City Fire Department after his death on September 11th. Dr. Michael Crane dedicated his career to aiding rescue workers affected by the disaster. Michael Tuohey reflects on his role in checking in two of the hijackers for their flight. These individuals' lives were profoundly shaped by the unprecedented attacks.
Word of the Day stied refers to something kept, lodged or confined in a sty, the enclosure traditionally used for pigs. The uncommon word is the past tense and past participle of sty. While rarely used in everyday English today, stied remains a legitimate dictionary word and reflects the long history of sty in the English language.
Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has acquired over 3.9 acres of land in Lonavala for a combined 70 crore through three registered transactions. The parcels, spanning 15,601.78 sq m, include an existing built-up structure. Tendulkar paid about 4.20 crore in stamp duty, according to registration documents accessed through Zapkey.
PVR INOX on Monday said a preliminary assessment into anonymous allegations of employee impropriety found no evidence of kickbacks, countering reports of an alleged 200-crore scandal. The company also clarified that former senior executive Pramod Arora resigned for personal reasons on May 4 and was not asked to leave.
India's economic growth is expected to exceed seven percent in fiscal year twenty twenty-seven. Investment and export cycles will increasingly offset moderating consumption trends. Corporate capital expenditure is projected to strengthen significantly in the coming years. Elevated global commodity prices may keep interest rates higher for longer periods. The Reserve Bank of India might shift towards tightening monetary policy.
Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan's homes in Kochi and Chennai offer a glimpse into the familys taste, interests and private lifestyle. From a 4 crore lakeside bungalow and a private theatre with over 2,000 DVDs to Mammoottys eco-friendly Chennai residence and the familys much-talked-about 369 Garage, these properties combine modern comforts with personal touches, family memories and a lasting love for cinema and cars.
After spending years in the glitz of Hollywood, Pamela Anderson has returned to her Vancouver Island home, seeking tranquillity and a fresh start. Embracing gardening and the restoration of historic buildings, she has turned her property into a source of nourishment for local charities. This transformative journey has inspired her to create a plant-based cookbook and natural beauty line, marking a significant chapter of self-discovery beyond the spotlight.
IndiGo will launch twice-weekly non-stop flights between Guwahati and Bangkok from October 27, marking its first international operations from Guwahati. The route will give Northeast India direct connectivity to Thailand and strengthen Guwahatis position as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
In a bid to spark his creative juices for a horror novel, this Hollywood actor and producer purchased a haunted mansion in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the inspiration never blossomed into a book, and in 2009, he lost the iconic house. Still wondering who it is? Read on to find more details.
Indian apparel makers expect higher festive sales this year. Many members anticipate matching last year's sales performance. Rising raw material costs are a significant concern for businesses. Indian wear and western casuals are predicted to lead growth.

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