The Economic Times

Word of the Day: Impasse explains the meaning, origin and usage of the word, which describes a deadlock or situation where progress becomes impossible. Derived from French and associated with the idea of a dead end, impasse is commonly used for stalled negotiations, disagreements and discussions in which neither side can find a way forward.

Uttar Pradesh mechanic Sameerul Hasan Liyaqati, popularly known as Lalla Mistri, developed a pumpless kerosene stove after a broken air pump once left him without food. His design uses gravity and fuel heating to generate pressure without manual pumping. Tested in 2002, the Rs 300 stove later received Rs 37,250 in prototype development support.

In the year 2000, Blockbuster famously spurned a $50 million deal from Netflix, a fledgling company struggling for survival. Fast forward to today, Netflix has evolved into a colossal forces in the entertainment industry, while Blockbuster has nearly faded from the video rental landscape. This tale epitomizes the dangers of resisting technological evolution and serves as a poignant reminder of tremendous business opportunities lost.

United Kingdom inflation reached a five-month peak in August, driven by fuel prices. This increase moves inflation further from the Bank of England's target. However, interest rates are expected to remain unchanged at this meeting. Policymakers await data on wage growth and the labor market. Higher rates are still possible later this year as inflation pressures persist.

Due to concerns over misleading practices, the government has mandated that cab aggregators remove the option for advance tipping. Authorities have deemed this tactic an unfair trade practice, resulting in Rapido being fined ten lakh rupees. As investigations into Uber and Ola persist, its established that tipping must remain at the discretion of consumers after their journey.

India's outgoing Ambassador Naveen Srivastava met Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. He conveyed appreciation for strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties between the two nations. The diplomat recalled significant progress in energy and infrastructure cooperation. Nepal's minister thanked India for disaster relief assistance after flash floods. Both expressed confidence in continued flourishing of Nepal-India relations.

In an effort to enable Alexandra Eala to participate in the Asian Games, the Philippines Tennis Association is seeking a WTA exemption. The Asian Games coincide with the mandatory China Open, posing a risk of penalties for missing it. Nevertheless, Eala has decided to compete in Nagoya for her country, showcasing her dedication regardless of the outcome.

IPL 2027 auction: BCCI will hold the IPL 2027 mini auction in India, ending a three year run of overseas venues that included Dubai, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi, according to Cricbuzz. The decision, taken at a Governing Council meeting on September 15, follows franchise concerns over overseas logistics.

Instamart reported a rise in demand for eco-friendly Ganpati idols and mawa modaks during Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14. According to the company's data, eco-friendly clay idol orders increased 176% year-on-year, while mawa modaks rose 145%. Flowers peaked at 868 orders a minute at 7:42 am, while Bengaluru recorded the highest festive order volume.

Tier-2 cities now lead India's land transactions, a significant shift from previous years. This trend signals emerging real estate supply outside major metropolitan areas. Developers are exploring satellite towns for larger land parcels and integrated projects. Improved infrastructure and economic activity are driving this growth in these emerging urban centers. This evolving landscape promises substantial future development opportunities across India.

Pakistan's airports authority has extended the airspace ban for Indian aircraft. This restriction will now remain in effect until October 24. The ban applies to all Indian registered aircraft and airlines. This measure follows previous airspace restrictions imposed by both nations. The extension impacts flights within Pakistan's Karachi and Lahore flight information regions.

Retailers Association of India warns new UPI fees could reverse digital payment gains. Small merchants may shift transactions back to cash, impacting government formalization efforts. The association argues UPI debit transactions should not incur merchant discount rates. They propose the government should underwrite UPI network costs instead. RAI will seek a graded MDR structure and incentives for small retailers.

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade approved seven companies to import 642 cars. These imports will occur under the India-UK free trade agreement's tariff rate quota provisions. The government had sought applications for a quota of approximately 5,000 vehicles for the year 2026. This approval marks the first allocation under the 2026 quota following recent applications. The agreement allows concessional customs duty on vehicle imports from Britain.

Amazon has launched its generative AI-powered Alexa+ assistant in India. This new version offers more conversational voice interactions and personalized responses. Alexa+ understands natural conversation and can perform various everyday tasks for users. It is designed to recognize Indian languages and cultural references effectively. The service is currently available for eligible customers under an early access program.

The government has increased the provident fund wage ceiling to Rs 25,000 monthly. This significant move aims to expand social security coverage for many employees. The administration will allocate approximately Rs 11,339 crore annually for this initiative. Broader coverage will offer employees greater financial stability and aid retention. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this decision at a Cabinet briefing.

In a delightful online reveal, London chef Jake Dryan showcased his authentic thepla recipe, an exquisite Gujarati flatbread celebrated for its soft texture and distinctive flavor. The culinary community responded with enthusiasm, showering praise on his skill and requesting additional Indian recipes. Thepla's versatility makes it a cherished dish, often paired with a variety of accompaniments that elevate any meal experience.

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently admitted that, like all expecting women, she too had experienced intense food cravings during her pregnancy. She said that she craved idlis at breakfast, often relished curd rice for lunch, and enjoyed dosas for dinner. Many of these popular South Indian dishes are not just delicious but also have health benefits.

Air India has signed a new interline partnership with flydubai, opening connections to more destinations through Dubai while giving flydubai passengers access to Indian cities and Air Indias wider international network. Alongside a new Uzbekistan Airways tie-up, flydubai says the agreements add access to over 80 destinations.

Cardamom, or elaichi, is traditionally associated with positivity, freshness and prosperity, with some people carrying a pod in their pocket before stepping out. Beyond these beliefs, cardamom can serve as a natural mouth freshener after meals. Its aromatic oils provide a sweet, refreshing flavour that can help mask lingering food odours. Research has also explored its potential antimicrobial properties, although it cannot replace regular brushing, flossing or dental care.

Franz Kafkas famous quote, In your struggle against the rest of the world, I advise you to side with the rest of the world, offers a thought-provoking lesson on acceptance and perspective. Widely attributed to the German-language Jewish Czech writer, the quote suggests that not every struggle needs resistance. Kafkas works often explored alienation, helplessness and surreal situations, while the term Kafkaesque remains associated with such complex, disorienting experiences.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has raised mandatory jewellery hallmarking charges from 45 to 75 per article, prompting the Gem & Jewellery Council to seek a review. GJC said the flat fee could disproportionately raise compliance costs for lightweight, lower-value jewellery and urged stronger enforcement against unauthorised hallmarking operations.

India's data centre pipeline is projected to reach 3,860 MW by 2030. This expansion requires nearly $29.9 billion in development capital for the country. APAC data centre capacity will grow 2.7 times by 2030. Mumbai leads with 890 MW operational capacity and significant upcoming supply. Other markets like Hyderabad and Chennai are also seeing substantial development.

As per the index, released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday, Delhi improved its score from 77 to 84, followed by Maharashtra, which increased its score from 68 to 78 while maintaining second place. Karnataka emerged as the third-ranked top performer, moving up one position with a score of 73, overtaking Chandigarh, which slipped to fourth despite an increase in score from 65 to 71. Tamil Nadu, by contrast, slipped one place to sixth despite improving its score from 59 to 61, as fast-rising Goa moved a

Matthew Rhys made history at the Emmys with his outstanding lead performances, snagging wins for both 'Widow's Bay' and 'The Beast in Me' in a remarkable single night. Initially expecting to win for 'Widow's Bay,' he was pleasantly surprised by his triumph with 'The Beast in Me.' Rhys's success came amidst fierce competition, showcasing the high regard for both series among critics and audiences alike.

Federal Reserve Rate Impact on India: Federal Reserve rate hike is set to intensify pressure on Indias rupee, bond yields, inflation and markets. With the US Fed expected to raise rates by 25 basis points, higher US Treasury yields, a stronger dollar and surging crude oil prices could deepen Indias market pressure. The RBI faces rising challenges from currency weakness, imported inflation, liquidity risks and volatility.

Balconies can feel exposed when surrounded by neighbouring buildings, but the right plants can create a natural privacy screen while adding greenery. Bamboo, areca palm, bougainvillea, star jasmine, clumping bamboo palm and Rangoon creeper can all help create visual separation. Depending on the space and sunlight, tall plants can form a leafy barrier, while climbers can be trained over trellises and railings for added coverage.

The US is considering imposing tariffs on significant purchasers of Russian energy, which puts India's considerable imports of Russian crude at risk of sanctions. This development unfolds as India engages in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with the US. The looming tariffs threaten to disrupt global trade, adversely affecting Indian exporters while India continues to seek cost-effective energy solutions for its population.

Keeping dried used coffee grounds in an open jar inside the refrigerator may help reduce lingering food odours. Coffee grounds have porous properties that can adsorb certain volatile compounds, while the USDA also lists coffee grounds as one option for tackling refrigerator smells. However, damp grounds can encourage mould, so they should be dried thoroughly first. The trick works best alongside regular cleaning and removing spoiled food from the fridge.

Genpact has leased 400,000 square feet of office space in Gurugram. This significant transaction occurred at ASF Insignia, marking the quarter's largest deal. The company will occupy an entire tower within the integrated commercial IT office campus. This deal highlights growing demand for quality, scalable office environments. Gurugram's office market continues its evolution with large enterprise needs.

Actor Madhavan recently took to Instagram to praise a young swimmer from Croydon, London, who spearheaded a project to teach swimming to 780 underprivileged children completely free of cost. Jeremiah Carnegie was just 17 when he noticed how many kids, most of them poor and marginalised, were lacking access to swimming lessons and decided to make a difference.

Drake has dropped his highly anticipated film FOMO, which seamlessly intertwines music with star-studded moments. This hour-long visual experience showcases tracks from his latest albums along with never-before-heard pieces. Featuring cameos from luminaries like Kevin Durant and Sexyy Red, Drake doesn't hold back on flaunting his stunning, multi-million-dollar jewellery collection. Following several delays, this release amplifies the excitement surrounding his recent musical projects.

Rural India's telecom landscape has shifted from voice to data consumption. Wireless connections now dominate, replacing traditional wireline services across the nation. Telecom operators are focusing on network quality and user experience for rural customers. Reliable electricity remains a critical challenge for last-mile connectivity in these areas. The focus is now on converting connectivity into productivity and economic activity.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged tax professionals and industry bodies to move beyond demands for exemptions and rate cuts, asking them to identify provisions that no longer serve the tax system, even when they benefit from them. She said India remains better placed economically despite global challenges and sought evidence-based tax reforms.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is better placed economically despite global challenges, citing tax reforms aimed at reducing litigation and simplifying compliance. Speaking at ITRAFs Bengaluru conference, she urged industry and tax professionals to propose quantified, evidence-based reforms beyond demands for concessions, and called for independent research to strengthen public policy.

Achieving a remarkable milestone, AU Small Finance Bank's vehicle loan portfolio exceeded Rs 50,000 crore in assets under management by August 2026. Since its inception in 1996, the bank has expanded its reach, assisting over 13.7 lakh customers nationwide. This segment not only leads AU SFB's lending activities but also represents a vital growth avenue, enhanced by the integration of cutting-edge analytics and automation.

Music composer Dhirendra Mulkalwar opened up to Hindustan Times about Hanuman Anshs unexpected Rs 200 crore success and its impact on his career. He said he was once unsure about making a career in films but is now receiving offers, including from people who previously rejected him. Dhirendra also credited grassroots promotion and social media for helping the Neem Karoli Baba biopic gain momentum after screens dropped to 30.

India will soon introduce a merchant discount rate on UPI payments. This fee applies to transactions exceeding two thousand rupees with merchants. Some small merchants and rural areas will be excluded from this new charge. This move aims to make the UPI system more self-sustainable and expand its reach. Consumers are not expected to directly pay these new transaction fees.

The quirky Tamil comedy drama Modha Rathiri will make its debut on Netflix on September 18. The film captivated audiences during its theatrical release on August 21. Viewers can revel in the film's charm in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. At the heart of the narrative is a chaotic village wedding, showcasing the humorous dilemmas faced by two reluctant participants. Esteemed actor Dhanush has lauded the film for its delightful storyline.

The CBIC will conduct outreach programs to encourage EMI scheme adoption. Data and documentation requirements for the scheme have been substantially reduced. This aims to improve cash flow management for eligible manufacturers. The scheme offers deferred Customs duty payment for imported goods. These changes seek to boost domestic manufacturing and ease business operations.