The Economic Times

US researchers have developed a method to convert plant waste into high-quality graphite. This breakthrough offers a potential domestic source for a critical battery component. The new process involves slow cooling of biochar, creating larger graphite crystals. This sustainable alternative could reduce reliance on imported graphite for electronics. Further development is needed to scale up production and lower costs for commercial use.

India faces an anticipated spike in consumer inflation, predicting a high not seen in 20 months this August. Rising food and fuel prices are at the forefront of this increase, as the trend of surpassing the Reserve Bank of India's inflation target continues for the third month. Additionally, global crude oil and cooking gas prices are contributing heavily. Experts forecast that annual consumer price inflation will climb to 4.80 percent.

In 1830, Edwin Budding revolutionized lawn care by inventing the lawn mower, a clever adaptation of a machine designed for trimming cloth. This groundbreaking tool rapidly gained popularity, transforming not only home gardens but also sports fields. Today, while modern mowers remain rooted in Budding's original design, there is a growing awareness of their environmental impact, leading to initiatives like 'No Mow May' that advocate for biodiversity in urban areas.

With the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit scheduled at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, Delhi Traffic Police has issued route advisories for passengers travelling to major railway stations and the airport. Commuters heading to New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations have been given alternative routes, while Metro travel has been strongly recommended for airport passengers.

In 1887, barber Alexander Miles revolutionized the elevator experience by inventing an automatic door system, ensuring safety and convenience. His ingenuity set a benchmark for modern elevators with automatic doors. Aside from his engineering achievements, Miles ventured into real estate and established an insurance company aimed at supporting Black Americans, offering them policies where others did not. His legacy lives on in every automatic elevator door today.

Natural hair oils are not just tradition. Several of them, including rosemary, coconut, castor, and onion, have peer-reviewed research supporting their use for reducing hair fall. The key is knowing which oil works for what reason, and using it consistently enough to actually see results over time.

Alfred L. Cralle, a Black American inventor, patented the ice cream scoop in 1897. His simple yet effective design revolutionized ice cream serving processes. This invention became a common kitchen staple across America. Cralle's story highlights inventors often lacking recognition and financial reward. His persistence in solving everyday problems offers valuable lessons for aspiring innovators.

The upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi will focus on consolidating the bloc's recent expansion. India's Prime Minister Modi is expected to play a key role in this transition. The summit aims to transform collective weight into practical cooperation among diverse members. Areas like development finance and technology will be central to the bloc's future agenda. Success hinges on strengthening institutions and managing internal differences effectively.

The operationalization of Indias freight corridors marks a transformative step for the nations logistics landscape, strategically positioned along major economic routes. These advanced routes not only expedite transport times but also elevate reliability for businesses, fostering better supply chain management with reduced costs. As a result, manufacturing exports are set to rise, and raw materials can be moved more affordably, further shooting India's economic efficiency to new heights.

A lunar rock collected by Apollo 14 astronauts may contain a fragment of Earth. This tiny piece of rock is approximately four billion years old. Scientists suggest an asteroid impact blasted it from Earth into space. The Moon was much closer to Earth during that ancient period. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into our planet's early history.

Ukadiche Modak is one of India's most sacred festive sweets, made with just rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. These six steps walk you through the entire process from filling to steaming, including the science behind why each ingredient actually does more good than most people realise.

Nearly fifty years ago, Massachusetts introduced tire reefs to enhance marine ecosystems. Recent research indicates that these structures notably entice fish to the ocean floor, with fish populations arriving considerably quicker than in surrounding sand areas. Notably, older reefs, such as those established in 1978, host more fish than their newer counterparts, establishing these artificial reefs as critical habitats that bolster local fisheries.

India leads BRICS toward a decentralized development agenda focusing on agriculture and startups. This approach aims to insulate Global South economies from international economic shocks. The grouping's growing appeal is evident through its recent expansion and numerous membership applications. BRICS has evolved into a significant intercontinental organization over two decades. The upcoming summit will focus on building institutional resilience and practical capacity.

In Philadelphia, the initiative to paint roofs white resulted in a remarkable decrease in home temperatures and energy consumption. This cost-effective strategy lowered ceiling temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit, significantly reducing annual air conditioning power usage for low-income seniors. Cool roofs serve as a simple yet effective solution to reflect sunlight, leading to affordable bills and positive climate impacts.

Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation has revised its bus pass structure. Commuters now pay for fifteen days to travel for thirty days. This revised monthly pass structure reduces the financial burden on regular bus users. Quarterly passes also offer additional savings for frequent passengers.

Quote of the day by Khalil Gibran: Khalil Gibran, the renowned Lebanese-American poet, philosopher, and writer, captivates audiences worldwide with his timeless wisdom. His celebrated work, 'The Prophet,' delves into the universal inquiries of existence, blending poetic elegance with poignant insights. Merging Eastern and Western perspectives, Gibran's teachings on love, loss, and self-discovery resonate with people from all walks of life, ensuring his enduring influence on literature and person

Mumbai police arrested two men for falsely claiming PMO affiliation at Jio World Plaza. One accused, Rohan Parikh, allegedly used a fake identity card to gain entry. His private security guard, Dilip Kunde, was found carrying a firearm during the incident. A third accomplice managed to escape the premises while being pursued.

In a stunning upset, Ben Shelton prevailed over reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in an electrifying late-night duel, securing a place in the US Open 2026 semi-finals. The intense five-set showdown stretched over four hours and twenty-eight minutes.

The senior living market in India is expected to blossom, with projections indicating it could reach USD 10.1 billion by 2030. This growth trajectory calls for major investments to accommodate the increasing demand for both housing and care services. The glaring shortfall in assisted living options underscores an urgent necessity that is not being met.

New Zealand Cricket has sold over fifty thousand tickets for the upcoming India series. India will play five T20 Internationals, five One Day Internationals, and two Test matches. Several matches are nearing sell-out status, indicating strong public interest. Eden Park's top seating tier has opened for the first time since 2019. This tour promises exciting activations and a great experience for all fans.

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna's sea-facing Mumbai duplex in Juhu features Arabian Sea views, a private garden with frangipani trees, Dedon daybeds and quirky decor. The home also has a home theatre, walk-in closet, family photographs, artwork and travel souvenirs, with Twinkle Khanna playing a key role in its design.

India aims to export digital financial services leveraging its extensive fintech experience. This expansion seeks to diversify services exports beyond traditional IT and professional sectors. Fintech offers a significant opportunity for India to reach global markets. India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) exemplifies successful digital public infrastructure. This unique experience can now be shared with developing nations worldwide.

Apple is set to host its Surprise and shine event on September 9 at 10:30 pm IST, where it is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone. Reports suggest Apple may delay the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e until spring 2027, making this a premium-focused iPhone launch.

The Reserve Bank of India may not need to raise the cash reserve ratio (CRR) in the immediate term as the banking system's surplus liquidity is expected to moderate through FY27, with the central bank able to use more flexible tools such as variable rate reverse repos and forex swaps, noted a research report by Union Bank of India.

Ravi Teja's Irumudi has surpassed Rs 200 crore at the global box office, marking a huge achievement for the film. Scheduled to release on OTT soon, this action-packed drama is now proudly positioned as the third highest-grossing Telugu film of the year. Produced on a modest Rs 40 crore budget, it promises impressive returns and will soon be available in various languages for viewers worldwide. Read on!

Assams Manas National Park once lost its entire Greater One-horned Rhino population to poaching and conflict. But local communities helped reverse the crisis. Former poachers became protection volunteers and patrol guards, while conservation groups reintroduced rhinos through Indian Rhino Vision 2020. Their efforts helped rebuild the population, with an estimated 54 rhinos recorded across the Manas Landscape by 2022.

In a major crackdown by the Delhi Government following the Satya Niketan building collapse that claimed seven lives, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take strict action against illegal construction, including the use of bulldozers against illegal structures.

A thought-provoking Russian proverb hints that hands take action while eyes experience fear. This underscores the importance of taking steps before summoning the confidence needed to tackle obstacles. Often, the mind expands the size of the task at hand, but engaging in physical actions simplifies challenges into achievable parts, naturally easing apprehension. By commencing with small tasks, individuals can sidestep self-doubt and generate positive momentum.

The long-running matter had previously resulted in significant changes to the administration of Indian cricket. The apex court had appointed a committee led by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha to recommend reforms for the BCCI, including the drafting of a new constitution for the cricket body.

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar suspended over twenty BRS MLAs today. These legislators faced suspension for disrupting the House and raising slogans. The suspension occurred amid demands for discussion on law and order issues. BRS leaders also plan to meet the Telangana Governor regarding these matters. Meanwhile, another adjournment motion addressed government employee benefits.

Indian business confidence strengthened in Q2FY27, with CIIs index rising to 66 from 60.8. Companies are increasingly optimistic about domestic demand, capacity utilisation and hiring, with 53% planning to expand their workforce, even as global trade and commodity-price risks persist.

India's BRICS engagement has shifted from seeking a voice to offering indigenous solutions. The nation now actively shapes global order with scalable innovations and partnerships. Digital Public Infrastructure, like UPI, offers a blueprint for inclusive growth across emerging economies. BRICS facilitates exchange, allowing countries to adapt technology to their specific needs. This evolution demonstrates emerging economies building and innovating workable alternatives for global trade.

A Kerala man who paid 5,800 for a 90-day M4 Marry.com subscription after struggling to find a marriage match had his account blocked before the service ended. The Kasaragod consumer commission found the termination was done without proper enquiry and ordered the company to refund 4,000 and pay 5,000 in litigation costs.

An oxygen cylinder exploded near a community hall in Okhla Phase-1 on Wednesday. The blast tragically killed one person instantly at the scene. Four other individuals sustained injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital. Emergency services, including water tenders and a first responder vehicle, arrived quickly. Further details regarding the incident and the deceased's identity are still awaited.

The Supreme Court questioned a notice issued to a student for attending a protest. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated no penal action would be taken against students. The court will seek an explanation from the executive magistrate. This notice was issued under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Flash floods in Nepal's Bhotekoshi River have disrupted vital trade with China. Damaged infrastructure has forced cargo trucks onto longer, more expensive alternative routes. This disruption impacts the timely arrival of consumer goods for upcoming festivals. Traders face significant financial losses and increased transportation costs for imports. The floods also caused a severe humanitarian crisis with many deaths and missing persons.

India has condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's sovereign territory. These strikes targeted civilian and economic facilities, which is unacceptable. The attacks threatened regional security and stability, undermining vital navigation routes. The Houthi strikes on energy facilities wounded over seventy people. This incident highlights the risk of the Iran conflict escalating regionally.

Could living near mountain lions actually make you safer? Recent studies suggest that the presence of mountain lions could improve road safety for local communities by driving deer away from congested roadways to more secluded areas. This shift in deer behavior towards daylight hours significantly decreases the chances of nighttime vehicle collisions. The findings reveal surprising ecological advantages stemming from large carnivores, emphasizing their role in wildlife management.

County Group will develop an ultra-luxury residential project in Gurugram. This project will feature 844 residences across nine towers and expansive landscapes. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and conclude by December 2032.

The Supreme Court has returned a penalty case to the Securities Appellate Tribunal concerning a Rs 5.25 crore penalty imposed on Cairn India over its 2014 share buyback. The tribunal had annulled SEBI's earlier decision, which accused Cairn of misleading investors and lacking adequate purchase orders. The tribunal is set to reevaluate the matter thoroughly.

Akasa Air and BPCL successfully operated a commercial flight using sustainable aviation fuel. This initiative builds on their July 2026 Memorandum of Understanding to explore decarbonisation. The flight provided valuable insights for future sustainable aviation fuel adoption. India aims for 5% SAF blending by 2030, supporting global emission reduction goals. Akasa Air's fleet and fuel management solutions enhance operational efficiency and environmental progress.

A new AI trend transforms favourite stars into 1980s vintage heroes and heroines. South Indian actresses like Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Trisha, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sai Pallavi are featured. These AI-generated images showcase retro fashion and campus drama settings. High-waisted jeans and voluminous hairstyles define the distinct 1980s aesthetic. Scroll down and take a look!

The landscape of retail lending is shifting as non-bank lenders swiftly embrace smaller ticket personal and consumer durable loans. NBFCs and fintech firms are not just leading originations by both volume and value; they are redefining lending opportunities as the economy continues to develop. Banks are still integral, providing necessary funding to NBFCs and utilizing securitization, contributing to a dynamic credit ecosystem with expanded avenues for access.

Cochin Shipyard has successfully established a joint venture with Drydocks World Dubai to enhance its ship repair operations. This new partnership will manage the International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi, focusing on dry-docking and repairs for both commercial and naval vessels. By improving India's ship repair capabilities, this venture is poised to commence operations before the financial year concludes.

Electra EV expects to triple its business to around 600 crore in FY27, after posting 200 crore in FY26, and sees potential for another threefold growth next year. The Ratan Tata-founded EV component maker is seeing strong demand across electric LCVs, buses, trucks, three-wheelers and battery energy storage systems (BESS), with BESS expected to contribute about a third of revenue.

Announced at Global Fintech Fest 2026, the partnership positions PhonePe as Indias first app to offer a unified suite of Visa-powered cardless payment solutions for consumers and micro-merchants.

Basketball icon Michael Jordan sold his magnificent $50 million mansion (located in Chicago suburbs) in 2024, more than a decade after it was announced for sale in 2012. The luxurious nine-bedroom home, which featured several amenities, however, sold for $9.5 million, 67% less than the original asking price of $29 million. The mansion was a labour of love, built in 1995 and renovated over a decade after Jordan purchased the property in 1991.

India's Financial Intelligence Unit issued notices to fifteen Virtual Digital Assets Service Providers. These firms operated without complying with anti-money laundering regulations in India. The Director of FIU-India also ordered the takedown of illegal applications and URLs. Fifteen firms were brought under the AML/CFT framework in March 2023. Virtual Digital Assets Service Providers must register with FIU-India and follow mandated obligations.