The Economic Times

The route to success is sometimes boring, monotonous and devoid of excitement. Success requires commitment and dedication. Kobe Bryant, the late basketball legend, once said that everyone wanted to succeed, but few people realised that success required patience, sacrifice and consistency. And that required accepting the beauty of boring routines.

Quote of the day by Florence Nightingale: Live your life while you have it. Life is a splendid gift. There is nothing small in it. Her words centre on using life with intention and finding value in even its ordinary moments. The idea speaks to how we handle uncertainty, setbacks, relationships and the choices that quietly shape our days.

High school student Alex Patrone found a meaningful project during quarantine after receiving a 3D printer for his birthday. After making household items, toys, puzzles, containers, stands, and other products for his family, he decided to combine his interest in 3D printing with his desire to help people who were less fortunate. Through his project, Will Print for Food, Patrone offers 3D-printing services to the public and directs 100% of the profit, after materials and shipping costs, to charit

Reese Witherspoons former Libbey Ranch in Ojai was a seven-acre property combining historic architecture with extensive grounds and multiple amenities. Designed by architect Wallace Neff, the property was originally built in 1923 as stables for Edward Libbey. The ranch featured a two-story main house, guest cottages, a carriage house, swimming pool, barn, stables, pastureland and mature oaks. Witherspoons acting career and other real estate holdings were also noted.

Gulf states are considering a meeting with Iranian officials next week. Oman aims to convene foreign ministers to discuss the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating hostilities in Yemen may complicate these sensitive diplomatic plans. Iran stated plans are underway for discussions with Gulf neighbors. The Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint has become particularly sensitive for oil markets.

Quote of the Day by Melanie Perkins It's important to tell the story, because if your audience doesn't understand the problem, they won't understand the solutionhighlights a powerful lesson about communication, storytelling and business success. The Canva CEO explains why understanding the problem is essential before presenting a solution, offering an important takeaway for entrepreneurs, leaders, professionals and anyone trying to communicate ideas effectively.

Top Indian health institutions are partnering with the Armed Forces Medical Services. These collaborations focus on developing advanced medical solutions for soldiers. Research areas include trauma care, infectious diseases, and digital health technologies. This initiative aims to address India's specific climatic and battlefield conditions. The government is expanding defense-oriented medical research for operational needs.

Ultraviolette Automotive anticipates electric motorcycles will capture twenty percent of India's market soon. The company is investing heavily in a new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. This expansion will significantly increase production capacity for their electric vehicles. Ultraviolette plans to launch several new models, including more affordable options. The firm also aims to expand its presence into North and Latin American markets.

Hotels are experiencing a significant increase in wedding bookings for upcoming seasons. Most prime dates at popular destinations are already reserved by planners. Enquiries and confirmed bookings are arriving four to six months in advance. Hoteliers anticipate double-digit revenue growth in the wedding segment. Spending on curated guest experiences and personalized decor is also rising.

Marengo Asia Hospitals has raised Rs 400 crore from LeapFrog Investments to expand its hospital network, with plans to more than double capacity to over 4,000 beds within two years. Backed by Samara Capital and Godrej and Havells family offices, Marengo operates five hospitals across the NCR, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Russia has significantly increased fertilizer shipments to India this year. President Putin assured Prime Minister Modi of continued vital agricultural supplies. Russian producers supplied 6.5 million tonnes of fertilizers to India last year. India now imports one in every three tonnes of fertilizer from Russia. BRICS nations receive half of all Russian mineral fertilizer exports.

A Himachal Pradesh government drug laboratory has declared two batches of an imported peritoneal dialysis solution Not of Standard Quality after they failed bacterial endotoxin tests. The report also flagged nine regulatory violations, including use of non-Indian pharmacopoeial standards, labelling deficiencies, missing safety warnings and inadequate importer details.

Quick commerce platforms are expanding beyond groceries to include electronics and beauty products. Flipkart Minutes is focusing on non-grocery categories for the upcoming festive season. Industry estimates show non-grocery items now form a significant portion of quick commerce business. Flipkart Minutes plans to add more fulfillment centers to support this expansion. The company is improving its profit margins and aims for profitability through scale.

GAIL Gas employs blended pricing to keep industrial natural gas affordable. This strategy uses varied gas supplies and contractual flexibility to sustain demand. Global fuel prices have surged, impacting industrial and commercial customers significantly. Sales to industrial clients are currently ten percent below last year's levels. GAIL Gas's procurement portfolio aids in offering lower blended prices.

India is becoming a key growth focus for global consumer companies. Rising incomes and expanding retail offer significant untapped market potential. Companies see opportunities to increase consumption and introduce new products. This shift occurs as China's growth moderates and mature markets show less room. India's large population presents a substantial long-term opportunity for expansion.

Sberbank CEO Herman Gref announced plans for new financial and technology infrastructure tools. The bank will establish the largest Russian business hub in India, expanding its presence. Sberbank has been developing its financial business in India for sixteen years. Money transfers between India and Russia now take only minutes, improving business opportunities. Two office buildings are under construction and will be commissioned in 2028.

The International Energy Agency on Friday further reduced its forecast for global oil demand this year, citing the recent escalation in the Mideast war and resurgent energy prices. Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and other energy targets are also taking a toll, driving up global fuel prices that will lead consumers to reduce their purchases, the agency said.

BRICS finance ministers voiced concerns over unilateral trade actions and tariffs. They endorsed efforts for cross-border payment interoperability and local currency settlements. The group also called for reforms of global financial institutions like the IMF. These reforms aim to give emerging markets greater voice and representation. The leaders met in Mumbai to discuss these pressing global economic issues.

North Carolina has embraced sustainability by turning a retired wind turbine blade into an impressive public art bench known as 'Winds of Welcome.' This initiative showcases local artistry while addressing the recycling difficulties associated with turbine blades. By converting industrial waste into functional art, the project encourages eco-friendly practices and enhances community spaces, demonstrating an inspiring model for future initiatives.

Quote of the Day by Confucius: If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent highlights the value of thinking before speaking. The ancient philosophers words suggest that not every thought needs to be expressed, especially when speaking could add little value, create unnecessary conflict or cause harm. The quote also offers a lesson in self-control and wisdom.

Uttar Pradesh RERA approved thirteen real estate projects valued at over Rs 2,380 crore. These projects will create 4,724 residential and commercial units across six districts. Barabanki received the highest investment while Lucknow saw the most units approved. Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Agra also received project approvals. The approvals aim to boost construction activity and economic growth within the state.

What does it actually take to be considered rich in India? A monthly income of Rs 2.5 lakh may sound high, but for many people it still does not feel like enough to move beyond the middle class. The answer can change sharply depending on location, family responsibilities, accumulated wealth and the lifestyle a person wants to maintain.

The India-EU free trade agreement will allow European automakers to export 1 lakh passenger vehicles annually at concessional duties initially, rising to 1.6 lakh from the 10th year. The pact also offers tariff concessions on electric vehicles, wines, pork, apples, kiwifruit, pears and peaches through quotas and price-based conditions.

Peru sent a counterproposal to India for a free trade agreement. This deal is hoped to be signed by the year 2027. India has become Peru's second-largest export destination this year. Peru also discussed recent United States duties on its exports. Discussions continue regarding tariffs and bilateral trade relations with Washington.

Who says you cant be active and strong at the ripe old age of 92? The video of a woman in her 90s performing squats has gone viral on Instagram. She revealed how she did not live a very healthy life in her 60s; she started some healthy habits gradually, and at 92, she is stronger and more energetic than ever.

Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World will jointly operate the International Ship Repair Facility. This partnership aims to expand the facility to meet growing regional and global demand. The collaboration will create additional capacity for servicing a wider range of vessels. India aims to become a top shipbuilding nation by 2030 and 2047. This public-private partnership marks a significant step for India's ship repair sector.

The European Commission has formally proposed signing a Free Trade Agreement with India. This proposal clears the path for early approval by the European Council. Over ninety-nine percent of Indian exports will gain duty-free entry into the EU bloc. The European Union will receive access to the Indian market for cars and wines. Both sides anticipate the Free Trade Agreement will come into force in early 2027.

Numaligarh Refinery Limited will expand its capacity to nine million metric tonnes per annum. This significant expansion project is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2027. The company will prioritize meeting the surging demand within India's Northeast region. After stabilizing domestic operations, NRL will then explore overseas markets like Myanmar. This strategic approach ensures robust growth and market presence for the refinery.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged the Reserve Bank of India to advance digital rupee pilots. She highlighted tokenisation's role in enabling near-instantaneous settlement of financial transactions. Sitharaman advocated for a soft-touch regulatory approach to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. She warned of AI's risks while emphasizing responsible adoption for competitiveness. Greater coordination among regulators and industry self-regulation were also called for.

BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors voiced concerns over unilateral trade measures. They backed efforts for cross-border payment interoperability and local-currency settlements. The group also called for reforms of international financial institutions for greater representation. Development finance and customs cooperation initiatives were also discussed by the members.

Researchers relocated beavers to Utah's arid Price and San Rafael rivers in 2019. Many animals did not survive, while some built dams at restoration sites. Human efforts also removed obstacles, allowing the Price River to flow more freely. The San Rafael River saw increased riparian habitat after natural blockages occurred. Beavers can complement restoration, especially as western rivers face increasing drought.

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan have reunited on screen in Haiwaan, Priyadarshans crime thriller that released in theatres on September 11. The film has already sparked interest among viewers for its dark storyline, the contrasting roles of its lead actors and the reunion of Akshay and Saif after Tashan.

Two merchant vessels collided off Gujarats Kandla coast, prompting the Indian Coast Guard to launch a rescue operation. The force said 21 of 24 crew members aboard MV KMAX EMPEROR were safely evacuated following the collision with MV TRUE MARINER at the outer anchorage. Further details are awaited.

State Bank of India is developing a UPI data solution for small businesses. This initiative aims to assess creditworthiness without requiring GST registration for these entities. The bank expects to provide digital loans within a single day for eligible borrowers. This new approach will help bring more businesses into the formal finance sector. UPI transactions will serve as a proxy for sales data in loan assessments.

The European Union has dropped a proposed export duty on aluminum scrap. This decision was made to avoid complicating a free trade agreement with India. The EU will now use environmental rules to manage scrap exports instead of the levy. This reversal follows internal negotiations and pressure from India. The EU aims to finalize its trade deal with India in December.

Vishals latest film Magudam has been drawing attention for a major career milestone for the actor, who takes on a new responsibility with the project. The Tamil action drama also features Anjali and Dushara Vijayan in important roles and revolves around a complicated relationship, violence and revenge. Heres what to know about the film and its much-awaited digital release.

An SBI research report recommends the Reserve Bank of India raise interest rates. The central bank should implement a 25 basis point hike next month, it says. This action aims to counter external shocks and rising crude oil prices. Inflationary pressures are also showing signs of becoming more widespread. The report advocates for a second rate increase in December.

Bank of India secured USD 2.33 billion through FCNR(B) deposits, replacing bulk funding sources. This mobilization will meet approximately three months of the bank's lending requirements. The Reserve Bank of India announced this special deposit scheme to strengthen liquidity positions. Banks are diversifying their deposit bases amid increasing credit demand from customers. The bank will maintain its 15-17 percent credit growth target for the year.

Henry Xie, a 17-year-old Portland student developed a way to transfer empathy from large AI models to smaller models for his Regeneron Science Talent Search computer science project. His Science project could help make more caring, human-centered AI available on smartphones and everyday devices without requiring the massive computing power of large models.

Bank deposits grew 17.8% year-on-year at the end of August, the fastest pace in a decade, driven largely by a surge in FCNR-B deposits after the RBI opened a special window for dollar inflows. Credit growth eased slightly to 19.1%, while banks continued to face challenges in mobilising domestic savings.

Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited incurred Rs 632 crore in capital expenditure during FY26, taking cumulative spending to Rs 6,878 crore, as physical progress on the Northeast Gas Grid reached 88.63%. The company also moved into commercial operations, commissioned key pipelines and supplied natural gas to Nagaland through the national grid.

Nagaland Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. They discussed state development priorities and the welfare of the people. The Nagaland Assembly also urged the Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit regime. This permit restricts foreign national entry into designated areas of the state. Withdrawal is sought for tourism and economic engagement opportunities.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam reached significant captaincy milestones during the Edgbaston Test. He surpassed 2,000 Test runs as captain and 7,000 international runs. England posted a substantial first-innings total after bowling Pakistan out cheaply. Pakistan responded better in their second innings, aiming to reduce the deficit. The match saw notable batting performances from both sides.

Researchers are testing plastic pipes within mining waste to create artificial dens. These structures aim to protect endangered northern quolls from harsh environmental conditions. Early trials show quolls entering and leaving the experimental shelters successfully. This innovative approach could aid post-mining habitat restoration efforts for the marsupial. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term viability and breeding support.

A new theory suggests that the Great Pyramid of Giza may contain a hidden numerical code in its 4,500-year-old measurements, with links to the Moon, planets, stars, pi and the golden ratio. Independent researcher Sefy Levy believes the pyramid may have been designed as a permanent record of ancient Egyptian knowledge, although his paper has not yet been peer reviewed and the claims remain speculative.

Houthi forces have seized Perim Island, threatening the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait shipping lane. This development occurs as the Strait of Hormuz faces severe disruptions, impacting global oil flows. Saudi Arabia increasingly relies on the Red Sea route, which is now at risk from these advances. Higher oil and diesel prices reflect the growing strain on the global energy system.

Arjun Sabale from Maharashtra has turned one acre into a thriving flower business by cultivating roses and gerberas in a naturally ventilated polyhouse. This method of protected cultivation provides him with a consistent daily income, leading to impressive monthly turnover and net profit. His remarkable success showcases the advantages of crop diversification and modern farming techniques.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged BRICS countries to link payment systems, expand local-currency trade, open markets and simplify regulations to strengthen intra-bloc commerce. At the BRICS Business Forum, he highlighted UPIs scale and called for cooperation in digital trade, critical minerals, supply chains, services and emerging technologies.