The Economic Times

Europe's farming calendar is shifting as crops mature weeks earlier due to rising temperatures. Extreme heat and prolonged drought are significantly damaging yields across key agricultural regions. France's grain maize production faces a substantial decline, potentially reaching a 1976 low. The wider European Union is also experiencing a sharp decrease in its maize harvest. Farmers must adapt planting dates and crop varieties to changing climate conditions.

ET Alpha Summit 2.0 will bring together leading investment voices to discuss private credit, structured debt and evolving portfolio strategies. As HNIs look beyond traditional fixed income for income and diversification, the summit will explore the opportunities, risks and role of private credit in today's portfolios, with insights from industry leaders.

Quote of the day by Charles Darwin explores his lifelong desire to understand what he observed. It speaks to staying curious through uncertainty, difficult questions, failure and personal decisions. The article examines patience, careful thinking, self-understanding, persistence and the value of questioning what we do not yet understand.

Actor David Harbour has clinched his maiden Emmy award for his stellar performance in DTF St. Louis, marking a significant milestone in his career. This award highlights the importance of individuality in professional journeys, showcasing that true success emerges from self-belief and personal authenticity. Harbour's experience serves as an inspiring reminder that pursuing one's dreams often leads to profound fulfillment and aligns with ones values.

Quote of the day by Margaret Lee Runbeck reminds us that true friendship is measured not by how much two people say but by how deeply they understand and accept each other. Words can introduce people, strengthen relationships and resolve problems, but the deepest bonds often develop through shared experiences and quiet moments.

Virginia Satirs famous quote suggests that hugs and physical affection are essential to emotional wellbeing, describing four for survival, eight for maintenance and twelve for growth. While the numbers may not be scientifically established, the message highlights the importance of human connection. The pioneering family therapist believed affection, touch and relationships play a vital role in emotional healing and personal growth.

Quote of the day by Mike Myers offers a simple reminder with surprisingly broad meaning: life is partly about making plans and partly about discovering what those plans could never predict. The future will inevitably contain unexpected turns, missed opportunities, new possibilities and moments that could not have been anticipated.

Labor Day 2026 is being observed on Monday, September 7, giving Americans a chance to honor the contributions and achievements of workers across the country. But if you need to visit a bank, post office, government office, grocery store or restaurant, it is worth knowing what is open and what is closed on Labor Day.

Muthoot FinCorp has launched the fifth tranche of its secured, rated and redeemable NCDs, offering effective annual yields of 8.89% to 9.25% across four tenures ranging from 24 to 72 months. The company aims to raise up to Rs 700 crore, with proceeds earmarked for onward lending, repayment or prepayment of existing borrowings and general corporate purposes.

Chinese tech giants sharply increased AI capital expenditure in Q2 2026, driven by inference demand and chip availability. However, Jefferies sees greater sustainability risks in US cloud spending, highlighting rising capex relative to revenue and the challenge of monetising AI infrastructure investments.

Chinas planned $53.6 billion recapitalisation of state-owned insurers and banks could ease solvency pressures and strengthen insurers capacity to invest in equities. The move is expected to support balance sheets and potentially boost long-term stock investments, although investors remain cautious about dilution risks and the immediate impact on capital flows.

Apple may soon launch its first foldable iPhone device. This move comes as the overall smartphone market faces decline. Foldable phones represent a growing segment within this shrinking market. Apple's entry could significantly boost foldable sales and consumer interest. This expansion may also encourage more app development for larger screens.

Temu may have spent nearly one billion dollars on Meta ads promoting products. Research suggests many boosted accounts likely do not represent real influencers. These accounts, often based in Russia and China, promoted Temu products extensively. This practice raises legal questions regarding misleading commercial practices in Europe. The findings also highlight challenges posed by AI and automated content in digital advertising.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September 9 Surprise and shine event, with leaks pointing to an A20 Pro chip built on TSMC's 2nm process, a variable-aperture camera, a larger 5,391mAh battery and improved cooling. Design changes remain subtle, including a smaller Dynamic Island and new colour options. Indian pricing is estimated between Rs 1.59 lakh and Rs 1.80 lakh, though unconfirmed.

Sebis revised ETF trading rules have come into effect from September 7, changing how price bands and reference prices are determined. The new framework introduces dynamic price bands based on underlying assets and a pre-open auction for gold and silver ETFs, aiming to improve price discovery and reduce premiums or discounts to NAV.

China is rapidly advancing humanoid robot research for potential military deployment. Military institutions are testing these robots against battlefield requirements and seeking new technologies. Chinese manufacturers dominate global humanoid shipments, providing access to an expanding industry. The PLA envisions robots clearing buildings and infiltrating enemy lines in future conflicts. While challenges remain, China's defense establishment is planning for eventual wartime deployment.

China is expanding its Lop Nur flight-test facility in Xinjiang to accelerate development of next-generation military aircraft, satellite imagery reviewed by SCMP shows. The buildout coincides with sightings of the J-36 and J-XDS/J-50 fighters, and has roughly doubled the base's size since 2025. The expansion has also renewed speculation about China's rumoured H-20 stealth bomber, though no confirmed link to the programme has been established.

Chinese stocks were largely range-bound on Monday as gains in technology shares offset losses in banks and insurers following Beijings $54 billion capital-injection plan. The Shanghai Composite slipped 0.2%, while the CSI300 gained 0.2%. Investors also monitored China-US relations, US rate expectations and semiconductor demand.

Quote of the day: Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, explored reputation's burden. Her famous quote highlights freedom found after losing social approval. Mitchell, born in Atlanta, became a journalist before her novel. Published in 1936, Gone with the Wind achieved immense global success. The novel's themes of reputation and freedom remain relevant today.

Malini Sharma, famous for her role in Raaz, has traded in her acting career for a serene life on a farm in Maharashtra. She revealed that her choice to step away from the limelight stemmed from her commitment to motherhood. After taking a break to work behind the scenes, she embraced the unexpected success of Raaz and has since focused on her farmstay, The Slow Local, promoting a simple lifestyle.

In a surprising turn, Antarctica temporarily gained ice mass, attributed to warm tropical ocean currents. These warm waters triggered atmospheric shifts that led to significant snowfall across the region. A Rossby wave train transported these phenomena over vast distances to East Antarctica. However, this short-lived ice gain does not indicate a permanent recovery for the continent, emphasizing the need for understanding these remote interactions for accurate sea-level rise predictions.

India is exploring Small Modular Reactors for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as BARC scientists inspect potential sites across all three districts from September 4 to 8. The proposal comes amid major infrastructure plans, including the Great Nicobar transhipment terminal, airport and deep-water ports. The islands strategic location, INS Baaz and growing defence infrastructure add significance to the proposed energy expansion.

A Bulandshahr man who ordered an iPhone 14 Pro from Flipkart for Rs 1.43 lakh received a fake Chinese phone with a counterfeit Apple logo instead. After Flipkart rejected his return requests five times and his legal notice was returned undelivered, the Bulandshahr consumer commission ruled the company guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice, ordering a full refund with interest plus compensation, taking his total recovery to about Rs 1.7 lakh.

BSE shares extended their winning streak as Sebi announced a review of the methodology used to determine derivative settlement prices following concerns over the new Closing Auction Session. Trading volumes and option activity have declined sharply, particularly at BSE. A consultation paper expected next week could propose changes aimed at reducing expiry-day volatility and improving risk management.

Hindustan Unilevers Capital Markets Day outlined a strategy focused on consumption-led growth, premiumisation, market-making and new growth spaces. Goldman Sachs, Nuvama and Nomura retained Buy ratings, with target prices ranging from Rs 2,450 to Rs 2,820. HUL has raised medium-term margin guidance to 22-24%, while higher capex and underpenetrated categories are expected to support growth.

India and China held their first Corps Commander-level meeting in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday. This significant military discussion occurred amid ongoing troop buildup and border tensions along the LAC. The meeting followed national security advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's talks in Beijing. Two additional meeting points and border military hotlines were established for eastern and middle sectors.

Anantapur farmer Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy transformed arid land into a thriving orchard. He adopted water-saving drip irrigation and fertigation techniques for his crops. Reddy diversified his farm to include dates, dragon fruit, and grapes, achieving significant success. Another farmer, K V Ramana Reddy, successfully cultivated low-chill apples in the region. These initiatives demonstrate innovative farming practices overcoming regional water scarcity challenges.

iPhone 18 Launch: Apples September event is expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone. New Apple Watch and AirPods models could also be unveiled at the launch. The foldable iPhone is rumoured to feature a book-style design with a large internal display. The conventional iPhone 18 Pro models could receive camera and battery upgrades, while new software updates and potentially a smart-home hub are also expected.

Recovering Instagram photos and Reels is simple, thanks to the 'Recently Deleted' option, but users have a strict 30-day deadline to restore any accidentally removed content. Note that deleted Stories can only be brought back within 24 hours of their removal. For those wanting to manage visibility without losing content, archiving posts is a smart choice.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was prevented from addressing the Friday congregation. He described this as punishment for voicing people's concerns and defending rights. The Hurriyat leader also noted Yasin Malik's court submission for reflection. He stated the policy to silence the pulpit continues unabated. The Mirwaiz was again placed under house arrest on a Friday.

Quote of the day by Cary Grant: No one else was keeping me unhappy but me reflects on self-responsibility and emotional honesty. It speaks to relationships, disappointment, self-doubt and the choices we make when life feels difficult. The article explores acceptance, accountability, resilience, self-understanding and starting over.

Western nations are seeking a UN resolution to report Iran's nuclear activities to the Security Council. This move follows Iran's non-compliance with nuclear non-proliferation obligations and IAEA investigations. Iran's uranium enrichment plants were previously damaged by airstrikes, limiting its options. The IAEA has expressed serious concerns over Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles. Concrete Security Council action remains unlikely due to Russian and Chinese veto power.

Back in 1776, a clever American inventor created the Turtle, a one-man submarine shaped like an acorn. Its mission was to sneak up on enemy ships underwater and plant explosives. This early attempt to attack the HMS Eagle failed, as the submarine's basic design and propulsion weren't practical for long underwater missions then.

Lionel Messi's brand value grows as his football career nears its end. His global recognition and consistent excellence attract major international brands. His move to Inter Miami significantly boosted Major League Soccer's commercial appeal. Messi's established narrative provides brands with a ready-made story to share. His cultural memory ensures his brand's longevity beyond his playing days.

Elizabeth Bishop's poignant reflection serves as a reminder of the peril in neglecting our current joy. She eloquently points out that even our less joyful moments are fleeting. A prominent poet of the 20th century, Bishop endured early life upheavals and losses that shaped her craft, channeling her emotions through vivid depictions of nature.

Massachusetts launched a program to aid small towns with water pollution challenges. Regional coordinators helped develop sixteen watershed-based plans, increasing the state's total significantly. These coordinators also assisted in submitting over thirty grant proposals for pollution mitigation projects.

Teachers Day 2026 will be observed in India on September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Indias second President. The day was linked to teachers after Radhakrishnan reportedly suggested celebrating his birthday by honouring educators instead. A philosopher, academic and statesman, he held senior university posts, served as Vice President and President, and received the Bharat Ratna.

The Reserve Bank of India is conducting auctions to absorb excess funds. This liquidity stems from special dollar mobilization programs and forex inflows. The central bank aims to manage surplus funds and control inflation pressures. Analysts expect liquidity to potentially reach fifteen lakh crore rupees soon. RBI also sold government papers to manage market liquidity effectively.

10 Best Baby Boy Names With Powerful Meanings Parents Will Love

In 1972, old tires were submerged as an artificial reef, but they didn't succeed in fostering marine life and instead became a daunting environmental issue for many years. Unusual orders sent soldiers on a mission to retrieve these rogue tires; they skillfully used cranes and bags to lift and transport them to Army landing vessels. The gathered tires were then incinerated to generate energy for a recycling plant.

The PM-SETU scheme will follow a hub-and-spoke model, with four ITIs attached to each of 12 hubs. One hub each has been selected in Bengaluru Urban and Kalaburagi districts.

The sensation after biting into a hot chilli can be intense: your mouth may feel as though it is on fire. Your lips can tingle, your tongue may burn, and your body may respond with sweating, watery eyes and increased saliva. However, unless the chilli is physically hot enough to cause a thermal injury, it is not actually burning the tissues in your mouth.

During the gap years, retirees often overlook essential tax planning opportunities. This crucial time allows them to manage their taxable income before mandatory withdrawals kick in. One retiree found herself facing significantly higher tax bills in the future because she didnt convert her savings. As her untouched 401(k) grew, required distributions increased. Engaging in proactive Roth conversions during periods of low income can enhance tax efficiency considerably.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis invited Belgian companies to explore investment opportunities within the state, positioning the state as an essential hub for engaging with global markets. With the India-EU free trade agreement poised to enhance trade relations significantly, Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever echoed the sentiment.

Lululemon shares dropped significantly after the company lowered its full-year sales forecast. The sportswear maker's signature leggings business saw a notable sales decline. Competitors like Alo and Vuori are gaining market share in athleisure. New CEO Heidi O'Neill faces challenges in regaining customer relevance and sales growth. The company has financial flexibility for a potential operational realignment and cost adjustments.

Plants do not have brains, nerves or specialized sensory organs like animals, yet they can still detect mechanical changes in their surroundings. Instead of relying on a nervous system, plants can sense touch and other physical forces directly at the cellular level.

Private players are driving significant activity across India's space sector. The nation aims to increase its global space economy share significantly. Several private companies have successfully launched rockets and satellites. Applications in agriculture and disaster management offer global service opportunities. A dedicated Space Act is still needed to address regulatory matters.

A woman in her 70s was shocked when her Social Security payment dropped to about $2,700 a month and the SSA told her to repay $35,000 in alleged overpayments within 30 days. The case highlights how Social Security overpayments can leave beneficiaries facing sudden financial hardship and steep benefit cuts.

In 1995, NASA launched a fascinating experiment by sending fertilized quail eggs to the Mir space station. The objective was to explore how embryos develop in a microgravity environment and observations revealed various deformities in the embryos' eyes, limbs, and beaks. Researchers then analyzed these findings against Earth-bound control groups, concluding that space conditions have a significant impact on early life development.