The Economic Times

On December 8, GE Renewable Energy initiated a partnership with French waste management firm Veolia to recycle old blades from onshore wind turbines in the United States. The programme gave outdated turbine blades a new chance at life as a component of cement, making it the first recycling deal of its sort in the American wind energy industry.

Donald Trump's childhood residence in Queens has recently fetched $1.93 million. This charming Tudor-style home, featuring five bedrooms, had fallen into notable disrepair prior to its restoration. A diligent developer poured in $500,000 and spent eight months revitalising the property. This house provides a fascinating window into the early years of the once-future president, located within the prestigious Jamaica Estates neighbourhood, which his father transformed into a thriving empire.

The Reserve Bank of India supports Merchant Discount Rate on large UPI transactions. This move aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of India's digital payments ecosystem. New provisions will apply MDR to person-to-merchant transactions exceeding two thousand rupees. Person-to-person transactions and smaller merchant payments will remain free of charge.

A new merchant discount rate will fund UPI's expanding infrastructure costs. Large value person-to-merchant transactions above two thousand rupees will incur a fee. This framework shields small merchants and everyday consumer transactions from charges. The revenue distribution aims to support issuing banks and payment applications. This policy seeks to ensure UPI's long-term financial sustainability and accessibility.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has begun a detailed investigation into Apple's iPhone technical issues. This action follows a year of ongoing complaints from users after the iOS 18 update. A recent survey shows increased iPhone user complaints, which will aid the authority's probe. LocalCircles advocates for a class action, noting users await a proper fix.

India is taking proactive steps by establishing a committee dedicated to assisting exporters in fulfilling the EU carbon tax requirements. This month, Indian verifiers are granted access to the EU's carbon tax registry, and from September 2027, domestic exporters will be mandated to submit returns. The government is actively collaborating with exporters to facilitate compliance and streamline verification efforts.

Indias gold imports declined significantly in August following an increase in customs duty, while silver imports rose sharply during the month. However, during the April-August period, cumulative gold imports increased, whereas silver imports declined. Switzerland remained the largest source of gold imports, accounting for a significant share.

Dhiraj Bommadevara, a 25-year-old youth from Andhra Pradesh, made Indian proud by winning the men's individual title at the Archery World Cup Final 2026. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra took to X to congratulate the youth on his milestone and also wondered if the golden age of Indian archery has arrived.

Trade data: August saw a notable rise in Indias merchandise exports to both the US and China, with shipments recording strong year-on-year growth. Imports from the two countries also increased significantly during the month. From April to August, Indias exports to the US grew by more than 6%, while exports to Singapore surged sharply, highlighting varied trends in the countrys international trade.

The NCLAT stressed insolvency proceedings are time-bound and appeals must be filed promptly. An appeal against a revival order was rejected for exceeding the allowed time. The tribunal noted a maximum 15-day condonable period for delayed filings. The suspended director's explanation for delay was deemed insufficient by the bench. Consequently, the appeal was declared not maintainable and dismissed by the NCLAT.

AU Small Finance Bank appointed two new senior executives to its leadership team. Anil Agarwal and Amol Padhye joined the bank as part of its strategic expansion. These appointments precede the bank's planned transition into a universal bank. AU received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The bank must complete this significant transition within eighteen months.

Talk about cool recycling! Old wind turbine blades are getting a second life as stylish sneakers. Spanish companies are turning this waste into awesome new products. They chop up the blades, mix them with rubber, and voil new shoe soles! It's a neat sign of how the renewable energy world is getting more sustainable.

Northern Railway has introduced an OTP-based digital luggage locker system at four major railway stations in Delhi, allowing passengers to store and retrieve their luggage independently and securely without assistance from railway staff. The facility is currently operational at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations, while Anand Vihar Terminal and Delhi Junction will become operational shortly. Passengers can use their mobile numbers for OTP verification, making the process of storing and coll

Yes Bank has approached the Supreme Court challenging a recent Delhi High Court directive. The court ordered a forensic audit into the sale of Fortis Healthcare shares. Yes Bank argues it was not a party to the original arbitration proceedings. However, the bank does not oppose auditing Fortis and its former promoters. It will provide relevant transaction information within legal limits.

Saatvik Green Energy has clinched a substantial Rs 1,041.63 crore order from SECI to supply solar PV modules. This pivotal agreement, set to be fulfilled by December 2027, underscores a significant milestone for the renewable energy landscape. With this contract, Saatvik solidifies its position as a key player in advancing clean energy initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and innovation.

Beneath San Franciscos bustling streets lies a forgotten maritime past. During the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of fortune seekers arrived in ships that were abandoned promptly when they felt in search of gold. By 1851, more than 800 vessels crowded Yerba Buena Cove, transforming its once-muddy shores into a forest of towering masts.

State Bank of India is expanding its wealth management services to existing customers. The bank aims to manage significant investments for affluent clients. SBI is also developing new growth engines like acquisition financing. These initiatives are projected to enhance shareholder value over time. Analysts suggest these new ventures will take time to impact profits.

India's economy shows resilience despite global geopolitical and financial challenges. Strong bank credit and GST collections support this positive economic outlook. Rising global interest rates and oil prices introduce volatility after a calm period. India's Chief Economic Adviser emphasizes the need for adaptation and innovation. Private sector investment and R&D are crucial for future economic growth.

An IndiGo flight from Agartala to Delhi diverted to Lucknow after a cargo hold smoke alert. Emergency teams responded to the IndiGo flight which landed safely with 103 passengers and 6 crew members. This incident follows recent similar alerts involving Air India Express flights.

New UPI rules will introduce a 0.02% merchant discount rate for capital market transactions. This special rate applies to mutual funds and investment platforms, capped at Rs 300. Standard person-to-merchant UPI payments above Rs 2,000 will attract a 0.4% charge. Other sectors like railways and telecom will see a flat Rs 5 fee. These changes aim to support UPI infrastructure and keep consumer payments free.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories has taken a significant step in cancer care with the introduction of NIVORZ, a biosimilar of nivolumab. Designed to enhance immune response against a variety of cancers, this new treatment has received approval from the DCGI for twelve specific indications. By making this intravenous therapy available, Dr Reddy's aims to broaden access to affordable, high-quality cancer care options for patients in need.

UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 will remain free for all users. A new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will apply to specified merchant payments above Rs 2,000. The revised framework aims to support investment in UPI infrastructure, innovation and cybersecurity. Most person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions will remain unaffected by the changes. The updated provisions will take effect from October 15, 2026.

US high school students are transforming plastic bottles into 3D-printer filament. This recycled material is then used to create essential tools for community clean-up efforts. The project, called Project Respindle, aims to establish a circular economy at a local level. Students collect plastic waste and process it into usable equipment for environmental organizations. This initiative demonstrates how technology can enhance recycling and promote environmental action.

Passenger car sales increased by over a third in August, reaching 439,309 units. This growth followed a decline in the previous year due to GST rate changes. Three-wheeler and two-wheeler sales also saw significant rises during the month. Industry experts anticipate continued strong demand through the festive season. Manufacturers are preparing for further sales increases with new model launches.

Hotels around the world are increasingly adopting generative AI technology, but fewer than 10% report meaningful reductions in manual work, highlighting a gap between adoption and tangible benefits. Many hotels are opting to enhance their existing systems rather than invest in entirely new platforms, creating challenges in using AI effectively for better decision-making.

Former Air India CEO and MD Wilson described his tenure as a privilege and wished Air India well in its journey to becoming a world-class airline. The transition comes amid scrutiny over an alleged immigration lapse involving three foreign nationals who reportedly left Delhi airport without completing mandatory clearance, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking an explanation from the airline.

NPCI will introduce a Merchant Discount Rate on select P2M UPI transactions starting October 15. Merchants will pay 0.4% on transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, with a cap. This move aims to create a sustainable commercial model for the UPI ecosystem. Most everyday UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 will remain free of charges. Consumers will not face any new fees for making UPI payments.

At GFF 2026, PhonePe unveiled a suite of co-branded credit cards with HDFC Bank and SBI, plus the Wishcard for consumers with limited or no credit history. The products build on UPI-era behaviour to tap into formal credit, aiming to bring rewards, flexibility and credit-history building to Gen Z, homemakers, freelancers and semi-urban India.

At the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, PhonePe announced UPI 123Pay support for its app on feature phones, taking the SMS-based, internet-free payments stack pre-loaded on HMD, Nokia, Lava and itel handsets to 200 million-plus Indians still on basic phones.

Embassy Developments plans a Rs 2,000 crore investment for its North Bengaluru residential project. This development will feature two RERA-approved projects with a combined GDV of Rs 4,500 crore. The first project includes 217 villas across 1.1 million square feet of saleable area. The second project offers 855 apartments, ranging from studios to 3.5 bedrooms.

For tech professionals, losing out on the grand prize at a top modelling event is just another day. Not long after the Miss Universe India finale, finalist Umanga Kumawat was back at her desk in Googles Bengaluru office, handling deadlines and clients.

The von Trapp family's former Salzburg villa holds a darker history than the famous musical portrays. Julie Andrews felt an unsettling presence when visiting the property years later. Heinrich Himmler, a Nazi leader, later used the villa as his summer residence. The real family's escape and details differed significantly from the movie's depiction. Today, the villa's complex past contrasts with its cinematic legacy.

India's current account deficit grew to seven billion dollars in July. This widening gap occurred as merchandise imports outpaced exports significantly. The goods trade deficit reached one hundred seventeen point eight billion dollars. Services exports improved, and transfer receipts also saw an increase. These factors combined to widen the overall deficit.

India and China are exploring measures to narrow the trade gap. Both nations seek to address supply-chain challenges and bilateral trade concerns. Discussions are ongoing after leaders met on the BRICS summit sidelines. India aims to increase exports while reducing import dependence on China. Trade engagement is gradually pursued to address structural imbalances and supply-chain issues.

Many housing projects miss their completion dates and seek extensions. A MahaRERA analysis shows many projects have extension histories. Reported completion percentages often do not reflect project realities. Regulatory extensions are a significant part of MahaRERA's workload. A national database is needed to track project completion effectively.

India-China trade reset: India and China have begun discussions to address key bilateral trade concerns, with a focus on structural trade imbalances and supply chain issues. Both sides are working to understand each other's positions on various trade-related matters. Further meetings are expected to take the discussions forward, with the two countries seeking to build trust and find solutions to their trade challenges.

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the United States for a G20 trade meeting. He will hold bilateral discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during his visit. Ongoing free trade agreement negotiations between India and the US will be discussed. The India-European Union free trade pact is expected to be signed this year.

Bharat Heavy Electricals and Titagarh Rail Systems have formed a joint venture. This new company will maintain Vande Bharat sleeper train sets for thirty-five years. Both state-owned firms will hold an equal fifty percent stake each. The joint venture will ensure operational readiness and reliability of the trains. This agreement aims to enhance the long-term service life of the train sets.

Diamond Power Infrastructure announced securing a significant order valued at Rs 179.43 crore. This substantial purchase from Adani Electricity Mumbai involves supplying approximately 871 kilometers of underground power cables. The order encompasses both medium-voltage and low-voltage cables for the Mumbai distribution network. The company manufactures a wide array of power transmission equipment for various sectors. A formal purchase order is expected to be issued by the customer soon.

Starting September 16, Jammu Tawi railway station will introduce revised passenger entry and exit arrangements as part of its ongoing redevelopment work. Passengers will enter the station through the Platform 1 side and exit from the Narwal side to ensure smooth movement and enhance safety. Family members and relatives accompanying passengers for drop-off will also be allowed to exit from the Platform 1 side when a train arrives at Platform 1. The revised arrangements will remain in place throug

American actor Sydney Sweeney is facing intense backlash for featuring naked but covering parts of her body with various pieces of sporting equipment for a viral commercial for Novig. Amid this, the story of track athelete Allyson Felix's departure with Nike in 2019 and how she went on to create her own footwear brand Saysh is making waves online.

Focusing only on cardio workouts for fat loss can be limiting. Strength training is essential for preserving muscle mass and effectively lowering body fat. Furthermore, embracing proper nutrition and ensuring a good night's sleep are vital components of successful weight control. Adults should strive for a balanced regimen that includes both moderate activity and strength training to see lasting benefits.

Bandhan Group has introduced its latest brand initiative, 'Bandhan Kaamyabi Ka,' heralding a transformative chapter in its journey as a comprehensive financial services provider. Celebrating 25 years of impactful growth, this campaign embodies the company's dedication to advancing the financial aspirations of individuals and enterprises alike, positioning itself as an enduring partner in financial development.

Newly surfaced FBI records reveal gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks was withdrawn and fixated on firearms. He opened fire at a Trump rally, grazing the candidate's ear. A fire chief died shielding his family while two others were injured. Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service snipers at the scene. Investigators found no clear motive despite extensive interviews and digital file reviews.

School assembly news headlines (September 16):Delhi is set to develop hostels catering to 10,000 students, while Google faces scrutiny concerning fraudulent Gmail accounts. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to regulate educational institutes. Dinesh Sharma has officially taken his oath as the lieutenant governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The WTO warns that global trade fragmentation could severely affect poorer economies.

Word of the day: The Latin roots of dissonant trace back to dis- and sonare, literally meaning sounds that fall apart from one another. Composers have long used dissonant chords deliberately, creating tension before resolving it into harmony. Beyond music, the term extends into everyday language to describe clashing opinions, and forms the basis of cognitive dissonance, a widely referenced concept in psychology describing the discomfort of holding contradictory beliefs.

Christian Bale let go of the iconic Bat Man suit in 2012. However, he has proved that you dont need to wear capes to be a superhero. As per reports, the superstar has established a high-end foster care village in California and has donated a whopping $22 million to the project all to ensure that siblings who are being raised in foster care do not have to separate.

The Delhi High Court has quashed seven orders passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in a batch of cross-appeals involving Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., terming the manner in which the Tribunal dealt with the matters a shocking picture of procedural lapses and opaqueness.