The Economic Times

The comments, which Putin made as he oversaw navy drills in Russia's far east, come as the EU tries to ratchet up pressure on Russia's so-called shadow fleet, expanding sanctions against hundreds of vessels and detaining some ships and their crews for checks. Some European governments have said they are exploring tougher maritime enforcement measures against ships suspected of sanctions evasion.

The Delhi High Court questioned Meta's copyright tool access policy. A content creator alleged misuse of the tool by unauthorized users. The court directed Meta to provide guidelines and eligibility criteria for the tool. Meta stated that disputed copyright strikes against the creator were reversed. The court will hear the matter again on September 24.

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

Jio Financial Services and Bank of America announced a significant joint venture agreement. The US banking major will acquire up to 49.9% in Jio Credit. This investment could reach Rs 18,268 crore, approximately $1.9 billion. Bank of America will initially hold a 26.5% stake in the NBFC. The transaction is subject to necessary regulatory and statutory approvals.

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 employee's exit from a company took an unexpected turn after management informed him that his position would soon be taken over by someone else. Instead of leaving immediately, he was asked to spend weeks passing on his knowledge and helping the new employee understand the role. The unusual situation has led to a discussion online about workplace loyalty, layoffs, notice periods and how companies handle employees who know they are being replaced.

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.

The Road Transport Ministry has directed ride aggregators to immediately remove all pre-ride tipping prompts from their apps, saying tips must remain voluntary and can only be offered after a journey is completed under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Gold prices have surged significantly, encouraging consumers to buy the yellow metal. Expectations of further price increases are driving purchases ahead of the festive season. Consumers are adapting by choosing lighter designs and lower-carat gold options. Jewellery purchases for festivals remain driven by tradition and sentiment. Buyers are increasingly focusing on a fixed budget rather than weight.

Maharashtra FDA suspended four Domino's Pizza outlet licenses for hygiene violations. This action follows a recent suspension of a Blink Commerce facility due to infestations. Reliance Retail also faced scrutiny after live larvae were found in a sweet. The food authority has intensified statewide inspections and crackdowns on food outlets. Ayurvedic drug manufacturers received show-cause notices for serious compliance issues.

Jenna Ortega revealed childhood struggles as an actor. She neglected basic needs like food and water to avoid inconveniencing others. This behaviour is not a healthy fast, especially for children. Research on intermittent fasting shows adult benefits, but not for prolonged deprivation. Ortega's experience highlights pressures faced by young performers.

A series of vicious storms ravaged the Midwest, unleashing tornadoes and heavy rainfall. The storm's fury left hundreds of thousands without power, as fallen trees and wires littered the area. Sadly, several lives were lost due to the unforgiving weather. In response, emergency teams executed water rescues as flooding affected numerous states. Forecasts suggest that severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall may persist in the coming days.

Best baby boy names with B: Parents seeking boy names beginning with B have many options. Bodhi, meaning enlightenment, offers a modern Sanskrit-rooted choice. Classic Benjamin, meaning son of the right hand, remains popular. Bruno, with meanings like armor and brown, has diverse origins. Bennett, meaning blessed, provides a traditional yet current feel.

Quote of the day by Confucius explains how personal discipline can shape family life and influence society. The teaching, found in The Great Learning, presents a chain that begins with the heart, moves to personal conduct and family life, and then extends to leadership, social order and harmony. Its message focuses on responsibility, self-control and daily choices.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar allocated portfolios to nineteen ministers. Senior minister Ramalinga Reddy moved to Forest, Environment and Ecology. Health Minister UT Khader received additional charge of Minority Welfare. Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra was allotted Planning and Statistics portfolio. AS Ponnanna was appointed political secretary with Cabinet rank.

Yokohama India plans a USD 100 million investment over the next three years. This expansion aims to meet rising demand for SUV tyres following GST reforms. The company will increase its tyre production capacity from 4.5 million to 6.3 million units. Yokohama India will focus its growth strategy on tier three and four markets. A new premium tyre range, GEOLANDAR X-CV, has also been launched.

Psychology suggests that the real challenge is not making decisions we will never regret. It is developing enough psychological flexibility to recognize when an old justification has stopped serving us, and allowing ourselves to choose differently without treating that change as an admission that we were foolish all along.

The European Union and twenty-six nations have condemned Iran's executions of protesters. These countries urged Iran to listen to its people and respect human rights. They also called for an immediate end to the death penalty. Furthermore, the nations demanded the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. This joint statement was announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

A French court has sentenced a Russian man for performing Nazi salutes near a synagogue. He received eight months in prison and a permanent ban from France. A second man, a French national, also received a six-month prison sentence. The convictions address rising concerns over antisemitism in France. This ruling sends a clear message about consequences for extremist conduct.

Joseph Dituri spent 100 days underwater in a 100-square-foot habitat near Key Largo, Florida. The extreme experiment changed more than his routine. He reported being about half an inch shorter after resurfacing. His spine had adapted to prolonged pressure and confinement. The finding offers a striking lesson about the human body. Height is not always fixed. Pressure, gravity, movement and rest can all reshape how we measure ourselves.

India must double infrastructure investments to forty lakh crore rupees annually. This significant scaling up is crucial for achieving long-term economic growth ambitions. Manufacturing capital expenditure also requires substantial and continuous investment for sustainable growth. Growing domestic long-term savings will increasingly finance infrastructure and other long-duration assets. Financial institutions will need to originate projects and distribute exposure to other investors.

An exciting new expedition is set to uncover the secrets of Nikumaroro Island in search of Amelia Earhart's missing aircraft. With researchers targeting a peculiar object identified in satellite images, they plan to utilize a hydraulic dredge to investigate this intriguing anomaly close to the lagoon. This quest holds the promise of revealing tangible evidence supporting the Nikumaroro survival theory, aiming to resolve one of aviation's most captivating mysteries.

Life lessons from Margaret Atwood: Margaret Atwood's quote highlights the immense power found in assembling words sequentially. Individual words gain strength when arranged into sentences, which can tell stories. This concept underscores the importance of finding one's voice and expressing experiences. Consistent efforts, like writing daily, can lead to substantial achievements over time. Language shapes perceptions, making thoughtful communication essential in today's world.

Ukraine has halted drone attacks on oil tankers following a US request. This action came after concerns about market destabilization and harm to American firms. The United States urged Ukraine to cease targeting non-Russian vessels and infrastructure. Ukraine agreed to refrain from attacking CPC infrastructure and non-Russian vessels. This move impacts oil sales for Kazakhstan and Western oil majors.

Lionel Messi revealed doubts about his football future following his father's recent passing. His father, Jorge, died last week at the age of sixty-eight. Messi shared his grief and uncertainty in a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his father. He mentioned his father's wish for him to play in the last World Cup. Messi pledged to honor his father by raising his own children well.

India's government has renewed a three-year pact for standardizing medicinal plants. This initiative aims to harmonize quality standards with global benchmarks. The agreement builds upon the successful One Herb, One Standard concept launched earlier. It will develop uniform standards for single plant drugs across traditional systems. This collaboration strengthens India's position as a trusted global standard-setter.

India and the Southern African Customs Union signed terms to start trade negotiations. This move revives talks after previous rounds stalled between 2002 and 2010. New Delhi seeks tariff relief for key export sectors like automobiles and pharmaceuticals. The union comprises South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini. These renewed discussions aim to boost bilateral trade and economic ties.

The much-anticipated Google Pixel 11 smartphone series has officially made its debut in India, showcasing four models: Pixel 11, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold. Powered by the innovative Tensor G6 processor, these smartphones boast cutting-edge AI capabilities. With a strong emphasis on camera excellence and durability, the Pixel 11 series starts at a price of 89,999.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Ian Wace bought Scotlands remote Tanera Mr island for about $2.2 million in 2017, when its historic buildings were deteriorating and its population had dwindled. What began as an island purchase has since grown into a $135 million regeneration project, with more than 50 buildings restored, 100,000 trees planted, farmland reclaimed and traditional Scottish crafts revived.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Gautam Rangarajan as Expert Adviser. Rangarajan brings extensive experience in corporate strategy and transformation to his new role. Burnham is implementing a vision to do things differently across the country. He has realigned government departments and established a new Office for the PM. Rangarajan is expected to be instrumental in this governmental transformation.

The Trump administration plans to spend at least $900 million on White House construction. Funds are being gathered from other agencies and private donors for modernization projects. A federal appeals court recently halted construction on a $400 million ballroom. This ruling represents a significant setback for the administration's plans. White House renovations are reportedly tied to presidential and grounds security.

Quote of the day by Robert Louis Stevenson: Robert Louis Stevenson urged people to notice life's mercies and blessings. Forgetting gratitude means falling asleep in life, he explained. He was a Scottish writer known for adventure and psychological novels. Stevenson traveled extensively and settled in Samoa for his health.

World Meteorological Organization's head of climate information said the current pattern of heat across Europe, the world's fastest-warming continent, reflected the interaction between a persistent pattern of high-pressure systems across the Northern Hemisphere and a warmer climate.

In a working paper titled An Investigation Into Corporate Profits and Investment, co-authored by Prof S Mahendra Dev, chairman of EAC-PM, joint directors of EAC-PM Dr Sri Vatsa Sehra and Dr KK Tripathy and deputy director of EAC-PM Kamil KPS Bhullar, EAC-PM called for policy support to encourage innovation, enahnce R&D spending and promote industry-academia linkage to pave the way for establishment and growth of innovative firms.

The Government of India launched the Digital India programme in July 2015. Under the Digital India programme, the Government of India, since its launch, has undertaken several initiatives to improve digital access and ensure seamless citizen-centric service delivery through notable tools like UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) and DigiLocker platform.

Bharti Airtel has discontinued several popular prepaid recharge plans nationwide. This move effectively increases Airtel's tariffs by three to four percent. The Rs 299 plan's discontinuation is expected to have the biggest impact. Following this revision, Rs 349 becomes the cheapest unlimited prepaid plan. This rationalisation aims to encourage subscribers towards higher-value recharge packs.

Toy Story 5 is finally heading to home entertainment after its successful theatrical run, bringing Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the beloved toys back for another adventure. Pixars latest sequel will soon be available for viewers who want to watch it from home, with digital rental and purchase options arriving first. Heres everything you need to know about the Toy Story 5 OTT and digital release, where to watch the film and when its 4K, Blu-ray and DVD editions will be available.

India will pursue preferential trade agreements with developing economies like South Africa. This approach opens select product categories instead of deep market access. India is also negotiating preferential trade agreements with Mercosur and exploring options with Mexico. The government emphasizes inclusive stakeholder consultations for all trade pacts. This consultative style contrasts with previous trade negotiation practices.

Artificial intelligence is set to reshape India's banking sector over the next decade, but banks, regulators and the government will need to strengthen governance, cybersecurity capabilities and shared infrastructure to ensure responsible and secure adoption of the technology, said Hardik Shah, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Bharti Airtel has removed four prepaid plans, impacting subscribers of the Rs 299 pack. These subscribers now face a higher cost for similar services. The company aims to increase its average revenue per user through this strategy. This move may signal a wider industry trend towards increased telecom tariffs. Airtel's profit rose significantly in the recent June quarter.

Global and domestic edible oil prices have risen due to the West Asia crisis. Higher crude oil prices and biofuel demand reduced export availability significantly. However, India's edible oil availability remains adequate through usual import routes. Retail prices for groundnut and mustard oils have seen notable increases recently. The government monitors prices and is prepared for market interventions if needed.

Julius Baer India has secured a significant office space lease in Mumbai's Andheri East. The Swiss private bank will occupy over 74,000 square feet for sixty months. This new office space is located in Brookfield's Waterstones Business Park development. The lease agreement commences on May 1, 2026, with an annual rent escalation. This transaction highlights sustained demand for Grade A office spaces in Mumbai.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming many workplaces and daily tasks. However, certain jobs demand physical strength and quick reactions, making them hard for AI. Emergency services and construction roles require human judgment and adaptability in unpredictable situations. These careers often involve physical exertion and immediate danger recognition. Uniquely human skills like adaptability and critical thinking will remain valuable.

Haryana RERA has extended real estate project deadlines by four months. This decision follows a central government advisory recognizing supply chain disruptions. The extension applies to projects with completion dates on or after February 28, 2026. Developers welcome this relief, which shields them from penalties and litigation. Buyers will experience delayed move-ins but avoid project abandonment or quality compromises.