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.

India and Canada are working to conclude their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations this year. The fourth round of talks is currently underway, with two chapters already finalized. Discussions are progressing across all remaining chapters of the proposed agreement. Bilateral trade aims to expand significantly to fifty billion dollars by the year 2030. Both nations are seeking substantial progress given the tight timeline for this agreement.

Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth is visiting Russia for three days starting Wednesday. He will discuss military cooperation and training with Russian officials. Gen Seth will also pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The visit aims to strengthen the enduring defence relationship between India and Russia. He will also visit a military academy in St. Petersburg.

Indian composer Joi Barua is merging space science with performing arts. His project, Cosmic Rhapsody, connects NASA's astrophysics research with orchestral music. The project will premiere at the Hollywood Bowl in July 2027. It combines live music, animation, and pop songs for an immersive experience. This collaboration highlights the fusion of science and imagination for young audiences.

Amitabh Bachchan has submitted a building plan for a new dharamshala. This facility will be named after his father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan. The proposed dharamshala will offer accommodation and organized facilities to visiting devotees. Ayodhya Development Authority is reviewing the submitted building plan for approval. This initiative contributes to the ongoing development of Ayodhya as a pilgrimage site.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has cited a survey showing substantial differences between procurement prices and printed MRPs of hospital consumables. An IV infusion set purchased for Rs 11.05 reportedly carried an MRP of Rs 325, while syringes and catheters also showed wide gaps. Mundhe has sought a review and clearer guidelines on permissible differences between trade prices and declared MRPs.

In a progressive move, the Customs department plans to ramp up its deployment of artificial intelligence and real-time analytics to limit direct taxpayer engagement. This initiative seeks to foster a unified, dependable ecosystem. Support for small businesses through deferred duty payment schemes will be implemented, paving the way for a near-touchless, paperless operational environment, with stronger technology adoption anticipated in the coming decade.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince met Egypt's President seeking support against Houthi rebel attacks. These attacks threaten vital shipping lanes and Saudi oil infrastructure significantly. The Houthi advances have also intensified the conflict within Yemen itself. Egypt's backing offers political influence and international rallying for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom faces difficult choices regarding military action or diplomatic solutions.

Drake unveils a self-funded visual project named 'FOMO', diving into the essence of life choices and the importance of seizing the moment. With a strong connection to his ardent passion for storytelling through visuals, this film encourages audiences to abandon their hesitations and embrace possibilities.

President Trump has personally reacted to Supreme Court decisions, both favorable and unfavorable. He expressed frustration after the court rejected his administration's mail ballot restrictions. The Supreme Court has granted Trump numerous victories on emergency appeals, advancing his agenda. However, the court has also delivered high-profile losses on tariffs and birthright citizenship. Justices are asserting independence from the president, especially regarding election matters.

A news helicopter crashed in Chatsworth on Tuesday evening, killing three people. The aircraft was covering a separate deadly SUV-bus collision when it went down. Firefighters found the helicopter and nearby vehicles engulfed in flames upon arrival. Four individuals were assessed at the scene, with three pronounced dead. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash.

UK climate advisors state Heathrow Airport expansion conflicts with national climate targets. The aviation sector must achieve net zero emissions by 2050 for expansion to align. Heathrow's multi-billion-pound expansion plan includes a third runway, approved by the government. This summer's extreme weather highlights the urgent impacts of climate change. The government must ensure aviation bears decarbonisation costs and responsibility for its emissions.

Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars kicked off with technical hiccups, leaving online voting unavailable. Fans were forced to rely on texting to cast their votes, while the online submissions from the premiere night were disregarded in the final tally. Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman found themselves the first couple eliminated from the competition.

A helicopter crashed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, killing at least three people. Another person was taken to the hospital, but their condition remains unclear. The helicopter crashed into a parking lot, damaging several vehicles and storage containers. Earlier that day, a separate SUV crash into a city bus killed two individuals. Investigations into both incidents are being handled by federal authorities.

Shipping costs for US crude oil to Asia have reached record highs. This surge is driven by Middle East energy flow disruptions and increased demand. Asian buyers find US crude still cheaper than competing Middle Eastern grades. The conflict has reshaped global shipping routes and tightened tanker availability. More US crude is now heading to Asia as trade routes are redrawn.

On Wednesday, gold prices were uninspired as traders held their breath for the Federal Reserve's anticipated policy announcement. A widely expected interest rate hike is on the horizon, which typically diminishes the allure of non-yielding gold. Additionally, ongoing geopolitical issues in the Middle East and fluctuations in oil prices add layers of complexity to market sentiment. Traders are closely analyzing the Fed's rhetoric to divine potential market shifts.

Oil prices fell sharply on Wednesday after a surprising increase in U.S. crude inventories. Compounding the situation, Saudi Arabia decided to suspend loadings at the Yanbu port in the wake of an East-West pipeline attack, heightening concerns about global supply. Protests in Libya also led to some oil field operations being disrupted; however, Libya's oil production remains relatively stable despite these issues.

Palau plans a significant US military port expansion next year. This project aims to berth US Navy ships and deepen the harbor. Locals worry about becoming a target in potential superpower conflicts. Environmentalists express concerns about marine life and coral reef damage. The government seeks assurances for safety and environmental protection during construction.

Investors are now watching how long Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's oil exports face growing challenges after attacks closed a key pipeline. Iran and its allies have tightened their grip on vital maritime routes. The kingdom's main oil export route through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. Houthi attacks have also reduced shipments through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This situation is putting additional pressure on global oil flows.

Tyler Cameron, known for his reality star status, is currently competing in the 2026 season of Dancing With the Stars. He recently became engaged to model and influencer Tate Madden, whom he started dating after their friendship blossomed in 2022. Cameron's proposal to Madden in August 2026 took place during a romantic getaway in the Florida Keys, signaling a new beginning following his previous high-profile relationships.

In 2017, a fully automated facility for plant bioscience research was launched to the International Space Station. The Advanced Plant Habitat studied plant growth in microgravity and supported experiments lasting up to 135 days. It used more than 180 sensors and systems controlled from Earth. After years of plant research involving radishes, peppers, tomatoes and other studies, the facility is now returning to Earth for museum display.

In 1873, a French astronomer invented a unique device 'photographic revolver' which could automatically capture a sequential series of photographs. Pierre Jules Csar Janssen created the device to record the 1874 transit of Venus. It used a rotating cylinder, clockwork mechanism and circular photographic plate to take repeated exposures. The invention became part of chronophotography and was later regarded as a precursor to motion-picture cameras.

In 1984, Tonga's Home Reef shot a 12km-high plume into the sky and built an island. 42 years later, the growing volcanic island has gained nearly 20 acres of land. The submarine volcano has repeatedly created and lost islands since the 19th century. Recent eruptions have expanded the island. Satellite images help experts monitor changes, ash, lava flows and water plumes while scientists study possible effects on marine life and birds.

UAE Dubai Events 2026: The events scene in the United Arab Emirates is bouncing back with renewed enthusiasm after recent disruptions. Indian entertainment and corporate sectors are driving strong event sales, with a variety of exhibitions, conferences and business gatherings lined up for the coming months. Indian firms are also beginning to organise trips to Dubai, while the UAE is promoting MICE travel through various incentives and support initiatives.

Psychology says people who are not able to speak properly in front of a crowd aren't incapable or less intelligent. Public speaking anxiety can trigger the body's survival response, leading to a racing heart, sweating, muscle tension and difficulty recalling words. Psychology links this reaction to social rejection, fear of negative evaluation and learned responses. Understanding the process can help people prepare, reframe anxiety and build confidence through gradual exposure.

Quote of the day by Prince Harry is a simple celebration of something people can easily overlook: the right to enjoy being alive. Fun does not have to mean extravagance, irresponsibility or constant entertainment. It can be found in friendship, family, creativity, travel, hobbies, humor, nature and unexpected moments that make an ordinary day memorable.

Chinese proverb of the day: A Chinese saying highlights how personal experience reveals responsibility's true cost. One cannot grasp the expense of necessities without managing a household. Taking on leadership roles offers a clearer perspective on practical challenges. Experience transforms seemingly minor details into significant concerns.

Quote of the day by Michelle Obama teaches us that the search for importance does not have to begin with becoming someone else. It can begin with understanding yourself more honestly. Your experiences, lessons, struggles, talents, relationships and dreams already form a story that nobody else can completely duplicate. Recognition may come or disappear, circumstances may change and other people may sometimes fail to appreciate your contribution, but that does not erase your inherent value.

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Conservationist Matt Conn has spent a decade restoring Louisiana wetlands near Lydia. He removed invasive tallow trees and planted thousands of native species. The land now hosts diverse ecosystems and abundant native wildlife. Conns efforts have transformed the property into a certified Louisiana habitat. This project highlights the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

V. S. Naipaul quote today: Writer V. S. Naipaul's quote highlights life's constant movement and change. His words remind us that nothing remains static for very long. We must learn to accept change rather than constantly fighting it. Adapting to shifting circumstances helps us find new directions easily. This perspective encourages us to keep moving forward with life's transitions.

Life Lessons Quote by Cillian Murphy is a reflection on responsibility, participation and the connection between the present and the future. Its original political context gives the statement a specific meaning, but its wider lesson reaches into everyday life: society is something people inherit, influence and eventually pass forward. Men and women, young and old, parents and children, workers and community members all play different roles in that continuing process.

On September 16, 2026, the Sagittarius Moon brings a wave of empowerment to three zodiac signs. Gemini is set to release their negativity, embracing bright opportunities on the horizon. Meanwhile, Libra takes charge in shaping a promising future, while Pisces conquers their inner doubts to seek new adventures. This celestial influence inspires these signs to channel their energies with renewed focus and confidence.

Quote of the day by Sam Neill offers a timeless lesson for anyone trying to build a meaningful career: the people beside you can change the experience of the journey. Work will inevitably include pressure, difficult decisions, long hours and disappointing outcomes, but good people can make those challenges easier to carry. They can turn stress into shared problem-solving, ordinary moments into laughter and professional obligations into lasting memories.

Actor Michael Keaton designed and helped build his comfortable Montana ranch home. He also relocated an old cabin to serve as a guesthouse on the property. The 1,000-acre working cattle ranch was created to fit its natural surroundings. Keaton wanted ample space for his large family and year-round staff.

Psychology says people who offer unreserved seats to any senior citizen or anyone who may need them more than them aren't simply being polite. The behavior can reflect empathy, social responsibility, prosocial behavior and emotional intelligence. Giving up a seat also shows awareness of other people's needs. Psychology theories such as Social Norm Theory, the Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis and Social Exchange Theory help explain why people choose to stand.