The Economic Times

Youngsters in India have often come up with brilliant innovations which can help the people of India. A 16-year-old teenager from Jhansi came up with a seemingly impossible innovation an eco-friendly AC which cost just Rs 1800. Named the Desi AC', the air conditioner also results in little to no electricity bills as it operates on solar power.

Navratri festivities kick off on October 11 and run until October 19. This year, users can elevate their common photos into stunning festive visuals using innovative AI prompts. These prompts blend traditional and contemporary Navratri styles, enabling individuals to preview their Garba and Dandiya outfits prior to the celebrations. Embrace the creativity of AI tools to explore vivid expressions of Indian cultural fashion during this vibrant festival.

In a fun twist, Hollywood celebrities are receiving a dazzling AI-driven retro makeover, instantly reminiscent of 1980s action movie legends. Fans are digitally dressing stars in signature big hair and bold leather jackets, reviving these memorable styles. This playful trend, dubbed the 'Glorious '80s,' is swiftly gaining traction on social media, bringing back the vibrant spirit of the decade.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved eight railway projects costing over twenty thousand crore rupees. These projects will increase line capacity and enhance operational efficiency for Indian Railways. Multi-tracking proposals aim to streamline operations and alleviate existing network congestion. The approved projects will boost connectivity to tourist destinations and key commodity routes. These initiatives are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Northern Coalfields Ltd has significantly boosted coal production and supplies. Daily output rose by sixty-seven percent as monsoon rains receded. Supplies also increased by seventy-five percent, reaching zero point three five million tonnes. This marks a strong recovery from earlier operational challenges caused by heavy rainfall. The company is now intensifying efforts to maximize production and strengthen coal evacuation.

Bank of Baroda MD and CEO Debadatta Chand said the financial system needs to invest significantly more in financial and digital literacy to combat rising cyber fraud. He identified vulnerabilities at both banks and customer levels, while highlighting investments in cybersecurity, AI-based underwriting and cash-flow-based financing for MSMEs.

Singer Palash Sen fondly reminisced about his school days with the charming Shah Rukh Khan, recalling him as an all-rounder who had a weakness for singing. Their enduring friendship marked their younger years, but life gradually separated them. As they coincidentally crossed paths at events, Palash expressed immense pride in Shah Rukh's remarkable journey and success.

Sberbank India's CEO Ivan Nosov has announced that the infrastructure for national currency settlements is now operational. Several key challenges related to financial collaboration have been successfully addressed over the years. This enables swift transactions between Russia and India, opening opportunities for Indian goods, which hold substantial export potential in the Russian market due to rising demand.

Union Minister directed Kangra Airport expansion feasibility report finalization within two months. The Centre will fund heliport construction across the hill state under the UDAN scheme. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister discussed strengthening air connectivity and aviation infrastructure with the minister. Land acquisition for Kangra Airport expansion is already completed by the state government. Regular flights from Shimla Airport and security arrangements were also discussed.

Technology adoption is accelerating Indian Railways' safety and efficiency. Minister V Somanna reviewed operations and technology integration at Delhi Division. He emphasized expanding technology for improved monitoring and reduced human errors. Frontline staff and senior officials discussed operational enhancements and working conditions. Indian Railways continues strengthening digital systems for network reliability and punctuality.

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri stated the Indian economy is performing reasonably well. He anticipates the nation will soon achieve a current account surplus. A significant challenge remains the low manufacturing share in India's overall GDP. Lahiri highlighted the positive impact of foreign investment in key sectors like renewables. He also stressed the need for better credit appraisal using UPI data for MSMEs.

RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain warned financial institutions and fintech firms that rapid adoption of emerging technologies brings risks around speed, concentration and opacity. He said institutions must ensure technology works fairly, reliably and safely for customers, while retaining responsibility for outcomes even when computing, cloud infrastructure or models are outsourced.

In Iowa, conservationists are bringing back the forgotten oxbow wetlands, shaped like U's, to protect the endangered Topeka shiner fish, which is now making a comeback. This restoration not only restores habitats for diverse bird and fish species but also helps manage floodwaters and decrease nitrogen pollution, showcasing the remarkable benefits of revitalizing our natural river environments.

The Centre has approved over ten thousand crore rupees for five railway projects. These projects will enhance rail connectivity across four southern Indian states. They are planned for completion by the year 2029-30. The upgrades aim to boost freight movement and reduce logistics costs significantly. This initiative will also improve access to several popular tourist destinations.

The shift in NCR real estate market reflects changing buyer priorities, with homebuyers increasingly weighing space, greenery, amenities, wellness and community alongside commute times. As infrastructure links NCR cities more closely, Gurugram and Faridabad could emerge as different but complementary housing choices.

Anupam Kher, the distinguished veteran actor, has revealed his continuous battle with stage fright each time he prepares for a theatre performance. This anxiety, he feels, fuels his passion and sharpens his focus, transforming his fear into exhilarating creative energy. Kher views this nervousness as an essential part of the actors journey, helping him maintain respect for every show and avoid becoming complacent.

The Reserve Bank of India will add five currency pairseuro, British pound, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Emirati dirhamto its FX-Retail platform, widening retail access to foreign exchange. The central bank also plans to add the yen, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Hong Kong dollar and New Zealand dollar.

India aims to link its payment systems with trading partners in new agreements. This strategy seeks to make cross-border payments faster and significantly cheaper for users. The Unified Payments Interface is a key digital public infrastructure for this expansion. India's diaspora remittances are a major focus for cost reduction efforts. The nation is leveraging its fintech experience to export digital financial services globally.

The trailer for Drishyam 3, the much-anticipated third instalment of the mega-successful Drishyam series, will be arriving at the theatres in October. The trailer for the movie shows Ajay Devgns family man Vijay Salgaonkar battling his wits against not just one but three foes, to keep his loved ones from prison.

Actor Mark Ruffalo transformed into a passionate environmentalist after observing the destructive effects of fracking close to his home. His commitment to renewable energy is evident through his installation of solar panels on his farm in New York. As a co-founder of The Solutions Project, he has generously allocated funds to support local climate projects, reflecting his unwavering dedication to ecological advocacy beyond his celebrity identity.

India's aerospace industry is witnessing an impressive surge, fueled by advanced technology and swift aviation research. Leading this transformative endeavour are Bengaluru IISc professors Duvvuri Subrahmanyam and Pratikash Panda, who are spearheading technological development. Their pioneering research, praised by Anand Mahindra, is set to redefine India's aerospace landscape, showcasing the nation's commitment to achieving excellence in scientific advancement and infrastructure.

Axis Bank CEO Amitabh Chaudhry expects Indias bank credit growth to moderate to 15-16% this year from the current 18-19%, partly due to the base effect and FCNR(B) inflows. He also warned of possible rate hikes in October and December as the India-US interest-rate gap narrows.

India plans to allow ethanol blending beyond the E20 level soon. Flexi-fuel vehicles will enable higher blending percentages for greater fuel independence. The government is also exploring biofuel additives for the diesel segment. Ethanol manufacturers are encouraged to diversify into compressed biogas production. Existing investments in the biofuels sector will face no uncertainty.

On September 8, 2026, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd announced the establishment of its new subsidiary, Sun Pharma Global Treasury Centre IFSC Ltd. Located in Gujarat's GIFT City, Gandhinagar, this wholly-owned indirect unit has seen an investment of around Rs 9.50 crore in its equity share capital. The company is currently awaiting necessary approvals from the International Financial Services Centres Authority to commence its operations.

DFS Secretary Sanjay Lohiya at Global Fintech Fest 2026 unveiled a facility allowing eligible Kisan Credit Card and PM MUDRA Yojana borrowers to use sanctioned credit limits for merchant payments through UPI. The move could widen digital access to formal credit for farmers and small businesses, with more banks expected to join.

National Highways Authority of India mandates 80 percent plantation coverage for project completion. A minimum ninety percent sapling survival rate is now required during maintenance. Financial withholdings will enforce plantation completion until targets are achieved. This ensures plantation obligations are not overlooked during project certification. The authority seeks expert assistance to verify field-level compliance and survival standards.

Eight railway projects worth over twenty thousand crore rupees were approved by the government. These projects will expand the railway network by over eleven hundred kilometers by 2030. Freight loading is expected to increase significantly after these projects are completed. Modern technology and updated manuals are speeding up land acquisition for railway construction. Indian Railways is set to spend over two lakh eighty-one thousand crore rupees in financial year 2026-27.

India's central bank is draining excess cash from banks using currency swaps. This action follows record high funds in the financial system. The Reserve Bank of India sells dollars for rupees, reducing rupee liquidity. Massive inflows had previously pushed surplus funds to 11 trillion rupees. These measures aim to manage inflation risks posed by cheaper borrowing.

Nexus Select Trust is entering Northeast India with a Rs 1,600-crore acquisition of a 100% stake in the upcoming Galaxy Complex in Guwahati. The project will comprise a 0.5 million sq ft Grade-A mall and a 164-key Hyatt Regency hotel, strengthening Nexus expansion strategy across East and Northeast markets.

UPI has significant room for growth, especially in rural areas. Developing offline payment solutions remains a key challenge for the platform. NPCI expects UPI's international footprint to expand further into new markets. Artificial intelligence is increasingly used across NPCI's operations for various functions. The next decade will focus on user and merchant inclusion and technological advancement.

The Reserve Bank of India has approved ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company's proposal. This approval allows an aggregate holding of up to 9.95 percent in AU Small Finance Bank. The approval covers various schemes and funds managed by the asset manager. AU Small Finance Bank received the official approval letter on September 8, 2026. This decision is subject to compliance with all relevant banking and financial regulations.

RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain emphasized the importance of policy in promoting innovation responsibly. He highlighted the need for clear guidelines and opportunities for experimentation to fuel growth. Regulators should engage at the grassroots level to better comprehend emerging technologies. Ultimately, policy should prioritize customer outcomes, ensuring equity and reliability, while making financial services more useful and responsive to individuals' needs.

Red Fort Blast: The National Investigation Agency's chargesheet details the extremist literature allegedly accessed and used by the accused in the Red Fort blast case. One of the manuals allegedly contained guidance on explosives, weapons and covert tactics. The NIA has alleged that Umer Un Nabi orchestrated the activities of a revived Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind module, coordinating with members through encrypted platforms and helping arrange weapons and other resources for planned attacks.

Two Bangladesh Army soldiers were killed and an officer seriously injured after a Chinese-origin Type 59 tank reportedly exploded during a field firing exercise at the Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate, the incident occurred while soldiers were firing from the tank. The cause of the explosion is being investigated.

School holiday tomorrow: On Thursday, September 10, 2026, schools across India will primarily remain functional, with some exceptions due to severe rain in certain regions. While both Odisha and Uttarakhand have not called for state-wide closures, local disruptions are expected. In the Delhi-NCR area, classes will proceed as scheduled, contrary to the confirmed closure for September 11. Parents are advised to stay informed through local updates and weather reports for their area.

Quote of the Day by Juliette Binoche If you have everything, then you don't want to go on. It's the lacking that makes you search for something better explores her thought-provoking perspective on desire, ambition and gratitude. Her words offer a powerful reminder that the things we still want can give life purpose, motivation and meaning.

Emotional disclosure can help people organize and process difficult experiences, and social support can reduce the impact of rumination. However, disclosure is not universally beneficial, and choosing the right person and context matters.

Quote of the Day by Jane Fonda: Jane Fondas quote, The people who did you wrong or who didn't quite know how to show up, you forgive them. And forgiving them allows you to forgive yourself too explores the importance of forgiveness, emotional healing, and self-acceptance. The quote suggests that forgiving people who have hurt or disappointed us can help release anger, resentment, and emotional pain, while also giving us the freedom to forgive ourselves for our own past mistakes, regrets, and imp

Brent Williams faced a life-altering challenge when he developed alpha-gal syndrome due to tick bites, rendering mammalian meat unsafe for consumption. In his quest for alternatives, he turned to ostrich meat, which remarkably delivers a similar flavour profile to beef. Today, as a co-founder of Alpha Roost Farms, he raises an impressive flock of over 400 ostriches, offering a delicious option for those with similar allergies, rekindling a once-loved taste.

A major retrospective of Yayoi Kusama's work opens at Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum. This exhibition serves as a posthumous tribute to the artist who died at ninety-seven. Kusama's seven-decade career is celebrated through diverse artistic mediums and installations. The show features her signature polka dots and immersive mirrored rooms. This exhibition is the final stop of a European tour which outlived her.

Quote of the day by C. S. Lewis: C.S. Lewis believed growth requires embracing change and leaving comfort zones. He compared people to eggs needing to hatch to realize their potential. Lewis, an Irish-born scholar, wrote many influential books including Narnia. His life journey included atheism, conversion to Christianity, and later grief.

The Top Employers Institute has revealed its esteemed 2026 Asia-Pacific honorees, showcasing 460 organizations from 23 countries that have earned this prestigious certification. These companies exemplify exceptional workplace environments and robust people practices. Their intentional organizational design and consistent performance under challenging circumstances reflect a strong dedication to redefining the future of work in the region.

India's contribution to global warming is less than major emitters like the US and China. Research shows India's warming contribution has significantly increased after 1990. Carbon dioxide from fossil fuels drives most of India's emissions. Agriculture contributes significantly through methane and nitrous oxide gases. India faces severe consequences despite its lower warming contribution.

The United States was once known as the United Colonies during its revolution. Official documents began using 'United States' in September 1776. Alternative names like Columbia and Appalachia were also considered. The Articles of Confederation emphasized state sovereignty over national unity. The Constitution later shifted this balance towards a unified people.

State-owned oil companies are facing negative marketing margins of Rs 5 per litre on petrol and Rs 23 on diesel as Brent crude crossed USD 100 a barrel amid escalating US-Iran tensions. With pump prices frozen for over three months, higher crude is also raising Indias import bill, inflation and currency pressures.

Quote of the day by Bob Marley: The Bob Marley quote inspires us to perceive life's obstacles as chances for personal development. He emphasized transforming challenges into motivation rather than sources of hopelessness. This viewpoint enables individuals to face tough situations with courage and resilience. Even today, Marley's teachings resonate deeply, guiding us to turn our struggles into meaningful experiences that foster growth and fortitude.

The High Commissioner of India met with the defense advisor from Bangladesh on Wednesday, highlighting the vital strategic defense ties between the two countries. Their discussions focused on collaborative training initiatives and mutual security interests, showcasing a shared commitment to uphold regional stability. This meeting is a decisive step forward in improving bilateral relations following a challenging period.

AI Prompts: Embracing a vibrant social media phenomenon, users are now leveraging AI technology to revive cherished fashion trends from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. By transforming their images, individuals can easily step into the whimsical world of Y2K styles, guided by ChatGPT's imaginative prompts. This trend invites everyone to celebrate the enchanting retro aesthetics that continue to inspire and influence todays fashion landscape.