The Economic Times

Surendra Singh Choudhry, also known as Bittu Tabahi, spearheaded an environmental cleanup initiative starting on World Cleanup Day. This campaign focused on eliminating waste from public areas across Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida. A remarkable 585 kg of trash was retrieved from the Yamuna in Delhi, and an impressive 2,435 kg was collected at Khedki Daula in Gurugram. This effort highlighted the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on local wildlife.

As snowy winter approaches, learn how this city in Michigan has kept its downtown streets and sidewalks clear of snow using waste heat from power generation.

Xi Jinping's upcoming visit marks the first Chinese state visit to the United States since 2015. US-China trade policies initiated in 2018 have not achieved their intended goals, despite some superficial successes. China's trade position has strengthened, and it continues to be a leading manufacturer and exporter. US tariffs and export controls have led to unintended consequences that impact American companies and consumers.

According the Eurozone purchasing managers' index (PMI) published by S&P Global, the region's business activity grew the fastest in September since April 2023. The development comes amidst expansion in the services and manufacturing industries. The Eurozone scored a reading of 53.1 after 52 in August in the index, wherein a score above 50 indicates growth while a figure below 50 signals contraction.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke at an Atlantic Council panel in New York regarding the Golan Heights. He made a joke to US President Donald Trump about the territory and New Jersey. Al-Sharaa emphasized that the Golan Heights belongs to its people and cannot be given away. He acknowledged Israel-Syria negotiations had almost reached 90% agreement in the past.

Experience the charm of New York City with a complimentary ride on the Staten Island Ferry, a beloved tradition spanning nearly thirty years. This service connects millions of tourists and commuters, allowing them to glide across the harbor effortlessly. Not only does the fare-free transit attract many, but also its consistent operations ensure a seamless journey while offering breathtaking views of the city's iconic skyline and landmarks.

ShinyHunters, a notorious cyber extortion group, has announced a shocking breach of the FBI's systems, claiming they have extracted sensitive information. With a two-day ultimatum for a response, they allege to possess data on FBI personnel and applicants, triggering an investigation by the agency. This bold move appears to be a retaliatory strike against the FBI.

Texas defense attorney Mariah Medina experienced a wardrobe-related incident in Bexar County court recently. During her appearance, a judge questioned the appropriateness of her sleeveless dress in front of others. Medina believed her attire complied with the courts requirements and previously wore the dress in other courts. Despite the judge's remarks, Medina intends to wear a blazer in future appearances before her.

Jeffrey Maas, a 77-year-old retiree, lost his life savings after falling for a scam. He received a fake email about an antivirus charge that led to a phone call with a scammer. Maas was manipulated into believing he had to buy gold to reverse a fraudulent deposit. He filed a lawsuit against his bank and the precious metals dealer for negligence.

A rising number of Americans are turning to secondhand furniture, participating in a thriving recommerce market. The trend, particularly popular among younger consumers, is influenced by both financial considerations and a quest for distinctive styles. The appeal of customizing furniture, known as the IKEA effect, adds to this movement. Yet, to successfully flip furniture, one must prioritize quality and set achievable goals.

Brigid Kaelins creative repurposing of an untunable piano into a stylish home bar highlights a growing national trend. As acoustic piano sales plummet, digital keyboards dominate American households, marking a significant shift. This transformation not only showcases individual ingenuity but also illustrates the broader movement towards upcycling and the increasing popularity of vintage furniture among younger generations.

British business activity growth has slowed this month amidst pressures of inflation, showed a S&P Global survey on Wednesday. Prices charged by services companies rose the fastest in four months and also reported accelerating cost pressures following a rise in energy prices caused by the escalating conflict in Iran. Economists say soaring government borrowing costs and rising inflation pressure threaten to dim the outlook.

With New Zealand's 54th Parliament preparing to close its doors for the upcoming elections on November 7, the unique Mixed Member Proportional representation system takes center stage. This voting mechanism empowers smaller parties, as citizens cast two votesone for an electorate candidate and another for a political party. Given the likelihood of coalitions, the elections might lead to a complicated result without a clear winner emerging immediately.

In 2016, Washington opened the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, a 7,708-foot engineering marvel spanning Lake Washington between Seattle and its eastern suburbs. Supported by 77 concrete pontoons, the bridge became the worlds longest floating bridge, surpassing the record held by its 1963 predecessor. Explore how deep lakebed conditions, soft sediment, innovative bridge engineering, and decades of infrastructure planning made this record-breaking floating bridge possible.

Discover the remarkable Leas Lift in Folkestone, Kent, a historic water-powered funicular railway built in 1885. Using gravity and water instead of engines, the Victorian cliff railway carried 36.4 million passengers over 132 years before closing in 2017. Explore the ingenious engineering behind this energy-efficient transport system, its Grade II listed status, restoration efforts, and why this pioneering example of sustainable transit still matters today.

In 1869, New Hampshires Mount Washington Cog Railway became the worlds first mountain-climbing cog railway, using a toothed track to reach the 6,288-foot summit. Explore the remarkable history of this historic railway, its 37.4% Jacobs Ladder grade, extreme Mount Washington weather, pioneering railroad engineering, and how the 157-year-old Cog Railway continues operating today. Discover the engineering innovation that made this steep ascent possible.

Nearly a century after opening, the Holland Tunnel's original ventilation system, 84 fans across four buildings, still keeps drivers safe from carbon monoxide. Built between 1920 and 1927, its ransverse airflow design became the model for tunnels worldwide. A decades-long health study on tunnel officers found real but manageable risks. Today, over 30 million vehicles a year pass through, unaware of the century-old engineering working above them.

Braden Peters, who goes by the name 'Clavicular', faces serious allegations of sexual assault, including rape and drugging in Massachusetts. In a public response, he contends that these accusations stem from greed rather than truth. His arraignment is set for October 14, and more allegations from a separate lawsuit have emerged, leaving the legal proceedings to clarify the situation further.

In 1975, West Virginia University opened America's first large-scale driverless transit system, built as a federal experiment to fix a hilly campus's traffic problems. Fifty years on, the Personal Rapid Transit system's 67 electric cars have carried over 100 million passenger trips, still running daily between five stations, proving that futuristic driverless transport isn't new; it's been quietly working since before most millennials were born.

AGT 2026 finale: The second day of grand finale of America's Got Talent Season 21 will be held on September 23. Ten finalists will perform live, giving viewers a chance to vote for their favorite act. Voting will be available through multiple platforms until the morning after the first night of the finale. Guest performers will include notable artists and returning alumni.

Researchers predict that this year's super El Nino may cause 451,000 excess heat-related deaths worldwide through February 2027. Nigeria is expected to have the highest number of heat-related deaths during this period. The Sahel region and Southeast Asia are also projected to face significant mortality due to extreme temperatures. Countries like India and Pakistan could experience heightened vulnerability during their summer months.

The US Department of Justice has said that President Donald Trump's move to shut out CNN, MS NOW and Politico from areas of the White House is valid, a day ahead of a court hearing. Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied any access to the White House grounds on Saturday and had their passes confiscated.

In Colorado, a unique gondola system has been enhancing connectivity between two towns since 1996, allowing passengers to traverse effortlessly while avoiding congested roads. With almost three million annual trips logged, this fare-free service demonstrates how eliminating transit costs can lead to a remarkable increase in ridership. Additionally, its low-emission design sets a precedent for sustainable urban transit solutions.

America's Got Talent will conclude its 21st season with a live finale featuring ten finalists. The finale will take place on Wednesday and will showcase various acts including dance crews and singers. For the first time, Simon Cowell will not be present during the finale as he recuperates from back surgery. Viewers can vote for their favorite acts via multiple platforms, allowing for up to ten votes.

An abandoned dresser unearthed in a garage experiences a stunning makeover as it transforms into a lively succulent garden. This inventive upcycling effort not only salvages discarded furniture from waste but also showcases creativity. The dressers drawers are carefully drilled and filled with various succulents, resulting in an attractive tiered garden display. Projects like this exemplify a trend towards sustainable living, offering a low-maintenance gardening option that can alleviate stress.

The Los Angeles Zoo launched its mountain tapir breeding program in 1967, starting with a single pair. A significant achievement followed in 1977, marking the first birth of this species in captivity. Mountain tapirs are slow reproducers and are under threat from poaching and habitat destruction. Their captive lineage faces genetic diversity issues due to the narrow selection of founding animals.

AI researchers are debating whether increasingly powerful systems could pose existential risks, from enabling bioweapons and cyberattacks to triggering nuclear conflict or acting beyond human control. While some industry leaders warn of catastrophic scenarios, critics argue many of the most extreme predictions remain speculative and risk overstating what current AI systems can actually do.

Wilber Rafael Garcs Prez, a DoorDash driver from Venezuela, found himself in a perilous situation when an ICE agent shot him during a routine traffic stop. With a bullet lodged in his back, he was taken into immigration custody. His attorney has swiftly filed a lawsuit, temporarily halting his deportation.

On Tuesday night, three gunmen attacked a house party in KwaMakhutha township near Durban, resulting in multiple fatalities. At least 11 people were confirmed dead, including a pregnant woman according to police reports. Additionally, three other attendees suffered injuries during the incident. The police have initiated a manhunt for the suspects involved in the shooting. The community is in shock as families mourn the victims of this tragic event.

Hayden Panettiere death reason: The actress known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died from an accidental overdose. The Greenville County Coroners Office reported the presence of fentanyl, alprazolam, and other medications in her system. She was discovered unresponsive in an apartment, and attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. Investigation into her death is ongoing, as law enforcement works to determine all circumstances.

3,000 pounds of fossils and rock were removed from a Utah parking lot construction site. Paleontologists assessed the excavated remains, and heres how the mystery unfolded. Read here

In the wake of Dolly Parton's passing, legal battles have sparked concerning her estate and the actions of her security chief, Bryan Seaver. Following her death, Seaver is alleged to have made threats against those managing her estate, leading to former manager Danny Nozell seeking a restraining order against him. Seaver claims his communications were misinterpreted.

In a dramatic turn of events, Army jawan Gautam Adhikari has been arrested for facilitating the illegal entry of two Bangladeshi nationals, Joy and Baishakhi Barui, at the Bitahri-Hakimpir border. Caught by the vigilant Border Security Force personnel, the suspects are now under investigation to uncover their motives for entering India. All three individuals have been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provide financial support to eligible individuals. SSI is designed for those with limited income, while SSDI is based on work history. The maximum monthly payments for SSI in 2026 are $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples. Recipients of SSI typically qualify for Medicaid, while SSDI beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare after 24 months.

Mirabai Chanu secured a silver medal in the women's 49kg weightlifting category at the Asian Games. She lifted a total of 198kg, with 87kg in snatch and 111kg in clean and jerk. This accomplishment ends her wait for a medal at the event three years after finishing fourth. During the previous Asian Games, she faced an injury that hampered her performance.

Jay Meena made history by winning India's first bronze medal in soft tennis at the Asian Games. He reached the semi-finals after defeating Sherwin Nuguit from the Philippines in the quarter-finals. Meena's journey ended with a loss to Takuya Kurosaka of Japan in the semi-finals. His victory contributed to India's overall medal tally, which now stands at ten.

Republican candidates in competitive US midterm races are increasingly distancing themselves from Donald Trump on issues such as immigration, the Iran war and campaign branding as his approval ratings weaken. The challenge is balancing that separation with the need to retain Trumps core supporters, making the strategy more about selective independence than a full break with the president.

AI-generated political ads are proliferating ahead of the US midterms, with candidates and outside groups using deepfakes and synthetic video to attack rivals and draw attention. While the tools make campaign content cheaper and more creative, experts warn they could further erode trust by making voters doubt both fake and authentic political material.

Republicans are entering the final stretch of the US midterms on the defensive, pouring money into traditionally red states as voter anger over living costs, fuel prices and the Iran war weighs on the party. Some GOP candidates are distancing themselves from Trump on immigration and foreign policy, while Democrats are increasingly competitive in states such as Texas, Ohio, Iowa and Alaska.

Senator Roger Wicker has publicly criticized President Trump for the warm reception planned for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wicker expressed that he would have advised against the lavish welcome and the state dinner scheduled for Xi. He urged Trump to address issues like China's military buildup and human rights concerns during their discussions. The summit between Trump and Xi is expected to focus on trade and artificial intelligence rivalry.

Rescue operations continue for the Virgo Transport 8 ferry that capsized in the Java Sea. Official reports state that the death toll has risen to 20 after the tragedy. Authorities are focused on searching the ship's cabins and recovering more bodies. There are still 115 individuals reported missing from the incident. Efforts to right the ship are ongoing but have faced challenges due to adverse conditions.

Elon Musk appeared on Chinese state television, praising President Xi Jinping as a strong leader. He noted the significant prosperity China has experienced under Xi's administration and highlighted the growth of new buildings. Musk mentioned Tesla's Shanghai factory, calling it a beautiful and remarkable facility. During the interview, he commended the talent and dedication of the Shanghai team.

Oil prices experienced a decline as Saudi Arabia resumed its key pipeline operations to the Red Sea. This development, coupled with rising hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the US-Iran tensions following recent discussions in New York, led to a positive market reaction. Brent crude fell below $100 a barrel for the first time in several weeks.

Kamala Harris appealed to Michigan voters to support Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the upcoming midterm elections. During her visit, Harris emphasized the importance of voter turnout and unity among Democrats. El-Sayed, who faces Republican Mike Rogers, aims to consolidate support from diverse voter demographics in his campaign. They discussed critical health care issues but avoided previous policy disagreements.

Gold values have shown minimal fluctuations as market participants assess the likelihood of persistent elevated interest rates. Recent hikes by significant central banks have influenced current market trends, curtailing gold's appeal as a hedge against inflation. Meanwhile, rival precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium witnessed slight upward movements. Key economic indicators from both Europe and the US are expected to be announced later today.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had extensive talks with the Iranian delegation at the UN General Assembly. The discussions aimed to address issues such as the naval blockade and frozen Iranian assets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi participated and reiterated Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump noted the meeting lasted three hours and was very productive.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first meeting with Trump focused on several critical global issues. They discussed the U.K. and U.S. differences regarding trade, the Chagos Islands, and support for Ukraine. Burnham emphasized the need for regulations on artificial intelligence amidst concerns over misinformation. He also announced military support for Saudi Arabia against Iranian threats.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra plans to attend a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping this Thursday. US automakers, including GM, are expressing concerns about allowing Chinese manufacturers access to the market. Reports suggest Barra will attend alone, as Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is out of the country. Ford has not confirmed if CEO Jim Farley will join the dinner.

US President Donald Trump has expressed support for a possible ban on diesel exports. This measure aims to address the escalating energy costs in the United States. Diesel prices have increased sharply due to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, which have disrupted supply. Trump is set to discuss strategies with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy concerning attacks on Russian refining sites.