The Economic Times

A unique Pok Ball hotel has opened its doors in Hokkaido, celebrating Pokmons 30th anniversary. This exceptional lodging experience features a round bed and interactive lighting, creating an enchanting atmosphere for guests. A social media lottery will choose ten pairs of Japanese locals to enjoy an unforgettable two-day, one-night stay, complete with meals, making it a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Pokmon fans.

Veteran actor Anant Nag received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024. He dedicated this significant national honour to the people of Karnataka. Nag credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improving the award selection process. The actor expressed surprise at receiving this esteemed recognition after a long career. The award ceremony is scheduled for September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Orange peels, baking soda and vinegar can be useful for simple housekeeping tasks around the home. Orange peels can add a fresh citrus scent to bins, refrigerators and cleaning solutions, while baking soda can help deodorise surfaces and tackle everyday grime. From cleaning sinks and greasy kitchen areas to freshening indoor spaces, these everyday ingredients can offer simple ways to reduce waste and simplify cleaning routines.

Between early 2024 and mid-2026, India's power sector maintained consistent emissions levels while clean energy sources effectively managed the surge in electricity demands. The output from solar power dramatically increased, with added support from wind and nuclear energy. Conversely, emissions from the cement and steel industries rose significantly, spurred by investments in real estate.

According to the chief of the IEA, global electrification is hindered by issues related to grid capacity and affordability. The goal for 35% electrification in Asia by 2035 is jointly set by Seoul and the IEA. The Asian LNG market faces challenges due to supply disruptions from Qatar and demands from Europe, but new LNG projects are anticipated to stabilize the market soon.

Oriflame anticipates India becoming its largest market within four years. The company expects India to contribute 25 percent of global revenue by 2030. Oriflame plans to add ten lakh new brand partners to its existing network. The beauty major is also exploring India as a global manufacturing base. This expansion is driven by India's growing economy and women's workforce participation.

In a bid to enhance regulation, the Union Health Ministry has put forth a proposal for mandatory CCTV installations at pharmacies across India. This amendment intends to fortify control over the sale of prescription drugs, ensuring that restricted categories are safeguarded effectively. The ministry emphasizes the need for public input to refine this initiative aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the pharmaceutical industry.

Chinas growing number of people living alone is driving a $1 trillion singles economy, with businesses offering products and services tailored to solo consumers, from one-person meals and travel to pets, gaming and AI companions. The economy is likely to grow to $4 trillion by 2030. The trend is also reshaping spending habits, ageing concerns and Chinas wider consumer market.

New U.S. tariffs and sanctions legislation create a new flashpoint for India-U.S. relations. Washington imposed tariffs on Indian goods, citing continued Russian oil purchases by New Delhi. The U.S. also proposed tariffs on countries reducing dependence on Russian energy sources. India warned that these actions could negatively impact bilateral trade and engagement. Both nations are working towards a limited trade deal and aim to double bilateral trade.

India secured a 1.9 million tonne annual steel export quota to the European Union. Exporters anticipate an additional 0.9 million tonne from residual quotas. This agreement protects the EU's steel industry against global overcapacity issues. Indian steel exports will face the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The pact is expected to be implemented next year after signing.

India's Finance Ministry rejects claims of US influence on UPI payment charges. The new framework prioritizes RuPay credit cards for UPI transactions. This move aims to foster domestic competition and create a sustainable revenue model. Small merchants and certain transactions will remain exempt from the new charges. The government emphasizes protecting India's electronic payment ecosystem sovereignty.

Indian power sector coal imports reached a 15-month peak in August. This surge occurred as electricity demand rose significantly due to a heatwave. Lower hydropower generation also contributed to the increased reliance on imported coal. Domestic coal supplies could not meet the higher consumption levels. Consequently, power producers turned to more expensive overseas coal sources.

Anarocks H1 2026 survey shows homebuyers remain committed to residential property despite rising prices, with growing preference for larger homes, premium housing, new launches and established developers, while resale and rental potential are gaining importance.

Shah Rukh Khan revealed The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson as his current read during an Ask SRK session on September 15, just 100 days before King releases. The fantasy novel, final instalment in the original Mistborn trilogy, explores Ruin, Preservation, prophecy and civilisation under threat. Khans reading choice offers fans a glimpse into his interests while he prepares for Siddharth Anands action thriller King.

A day after the government announced a revision in wage ceiling under the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to Rs 25,000 per month from Rs 15,000, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) AITUC demanding the wage ceiling to be fixed at Rs 30,000 per month to keep pace with increase in workers earnings.

Charles Bukowski once reportedly stated that love from those who embrace loneliness is the most sincere. This form of affection is born from a place of choice, rather than a desperate escape from solitude. When someone is at ease with their own company, their decision to share their life shows a true appreciation for their partner's presence. These relationships balance independence with the joy of a collaborative life.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Gilead Sciences have signed a licensing agreement. This pact involves investigational once-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention. The agreement facilitates manufacturing and supply planning for 120 countries. This collaboration builds upon a previous pact for twice-yearly lenacapavir.

In an interview, superstar Akshay Kumar gushed about his son Aaravs commitment to living sustainably. Previously, the Khiladi had also praised his son for being completely self-sufficient and stated that he is not interested in following in his fathers footsteps but is determined to make a mark in the fashion industry.

FanCode will become the sole platform for F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium subscriptions in India, giving Formula 1 fans access to live races, multi-camera streams, team radio, telemetry, documentaries and archive content. The move comes as Formula 1s Indian fan base crosses nine crore. FanCode has broadcast F1 in India since 2024, with its agreement running through 2028.

Indias merchandise exports jumped 26.1% year-on-year to $43.8 billion in August, accelerating from 19.6% growth in July, while slower import growth narrowed the merchandise trade deficit to $26.9 billion from $32 billion in July.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has introduced an innovative pilot program that employs 471 goats to manage dry brush effectively. This initiative not only aims to minimize wildfire risks in hard-to-reach locations but also embraces an eco-friendly method for clearing vegetation. The well-trained Spanish Boer goats consume flammable plant material, with an anticipated daily capacity to clear multiple acres, enhancing fire prevention efforts on the base.

Sadhguru once described personality as a mask created for social survival, warning that the problem begins when the mask becomes stuck to a person. His spiritual message encourages people to examine the identities they develop through family, work, relationships and social expectations. While these roles can help navigate life, Sadhguru suggests they should not become the complete definition of who we are or prevent deeper self-awareness.

According to a warning from a US think tank, Indian goods could face tariffs as high as 100%. This move may compel India to significantly limit its imports of oil from Russia. The recent US legislation permits tariffs on principal buyers of Russian energy, highlighting India's growing reliance on Russian crude since 2022. The think tank recommends prioritizing energy security over achieving trade advantages.

India's rice production faces a significant decline this year. Below-normal rainfall during maturation threatens to reduce crop yields substantially. This drop will increase local prices and make exports more expensive. However, large existing stockpiles will allow India to maintain record export levels. Farmers may receive higher prices for premium varieties in the open market.

European bison have returned to Britain after being absent for around 6,000 years, with conservationists releasing them into Kents woodlands through the Wilder Blean project. The animals are known as ecosystem engineers because their grazing, browsing, bark stripping, trampling and dustbathing reshape woodland habitats. Their natural behaviour can create conditions that benefit plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.

The romantic series #Love will premiere on Netflix. It explores the debate between chemistry and compatibility in modern relationships. Aishwarya Lekshmi plays a dating app CEO while Arjun Das questions her views. It will be available in multiple languages for viewers. Read on!

Advent International will invest Rs 3,150 crore in Yatharth Hospitals for a significant stake. This marks one of the largest private equity investments in India's hospital sector. The investment comes amid rising demand for quality healthcare services. Yatharth operates a growing hospital network across North India. The deal aims to accelerate Yatharth's next phase of growth.

Legendary actor John Travolta is also a skilled aviator who possesses an opulent mansion in Florida complete with its own airstrip. This remarkable estate showcases a 3,600-foot runway, accommodating two jets, which was developed with his late wife, Kelly Preston. Among his prized aircraft is a stunning 1964 Boeing 707. Travolta happily calls this residence home alongside his children, Ella and Ben.

Highlighting the vital role of India in the global market, Infineon Technologies CEO Jochen Hanebeck remarked on the exciting advancements within the country's chip ecosystem propelled by robust economic growth. Infineon is increasingly confident in its Indian ventures, marked by campus development in Bengaluru and an expanded workforce, alongside active partnerships aimed at cultivating the engineering talent of tomorrow.

Indias early FTAs promised a two-way trade highway, but 15 years later the traffic looks decidedly one-sided. Deficits with ASEAN, Japan and South Korea have ballooned as imports raced ahead of exports. Trade experts say the answer is not to shut the road, but to repair it from tariff imbalances and non-tariff barriers to poor FTA utilisation and costly inputs at home.

Mumbai: Global investment firm Brookfield will invest up to $600 million in ACME Cleantech Ventures, the green molecules platform of ACME Group, to fund the development and construction of projects in India and the Middle East.The investment marks Brookfields entry into the green molecules sector in the region and will be made through its Brookfield Global Transition Fund, which focuses on investments supporting the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.ACME Cleantech Ventures, a UK-based enti

Beyonc's album B'Day has returned to the top of music charts after its deluxe edition release. She also revealed her unusual hobby of beekeeping in a past interview. The American singer kept two beehives at home, housing approximately eighty thousand bees. This hobby was connected to her daughters' allergies. Read on to know more about it.

NMDC Panna has recovered a significant 27.29-carat gem-quality diamond. This discovery marks the second-largest diamond ever found at the Panna mine. The find follows a 13.16-carat diamond recovered earlier in July. NMDC operates India's only mechanized diamond mine in Panna, Madhya Pradesh. The company is also India's largest iron ore producer.

India's semiconductor sector is now moving towards commercial production. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026, highlighting this significant shift. The government is encouraging more private sector investment in research and development. India aims to become a preferred global destination for chip manufacturing. Further reforms are being introduced to widen participation in the sector.

George Clooneys Villa Oleandra on Lake Como is an 18th-century, 25-room property with a rich history, elegant interiors and expansive gardens. The actor acquired the villa in 2002 and later added nearby properties. Reportedly purchased for around $10 million, the estate is now estimated to be worth over $100 million. Its features include a pool, tennis facilities, cinema, gym and lake access, while Hollywood films have also showcased the property.

Tata Motors will increase commercial vehicle prices by up to one percent. This price revision aims to offset rising commodity and input costs. The company announced this change will take effect from October first.

Tata Electronics is set to sign 16 MoUs at SEMICON India 2026 with domestic and international companies to strengthen Indias semiconductor supply chain.

Applied Materials will invest five billion dollars over the next decade. This investment aims to accelerate India's semiconductor ecosystem integration globally. The company will deepen research and development capabilities within India. It also plans to accelerate the local supply chain capacity ten times. President of the Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials, Prabhu Raja said speaking at SEMICON India 2026.

The US Federal Reserves first rate hike since 2023 has added to pressure on India, with the rupee breaching 96 against the dollar and economists increasingly debating when the RBI could follow with a hike of its own. Emkay sees an October move as increasingly likely, while HDFC Bank expects the central bank could wait until December as it weighs inflation, growth, energy prices and currency pressures.