The Economic Times

Republican groups are dramatically outspending Democrats in several key Senate and House races, deploying hundreds of millions of dollars in outside advertising as the party tries to defend vulnerable seats ahead of the midterms. But the financial advantage may not fully offset voter concerns over inflation, fuel prices and Donald Trumps economic record.

When the fans came for Jack Johnson and the Eagles, they also took part in a reusable-cup experiment that, according to Johnsons website, kept more than 22,000 disposable plastic cups out of the waste stream. Reusable cups found their way into more US concert crowds in the later years. Read here

Constructed in 1976, New York City's Roosevelt Island Tramway began as a temporary fix meant to serve until a new subway line was completed. However, even after the subways arrival, local residents advocated for the tram's continued operation. It not only persisted but also received vital upgrades, establishing itself as a unique and useful component of the citys transport system, still active today.

Voltaire, a key figure of the Enlightenment, inspired his readers to critically evaluate norms and beliefs. His character Pococurante exemplified this by withholding admiration for famous authors unless he had a personal affinity for them. Through satire and storytelling, Voltaire highlighted the follies of society and the pitfalls of blind adherence to opinions.

In 2013, Belfast sculptor Brendan Jamison spearheaded an innovative art project where 5,000 individuals collaboratively crafted a miniature city using sugar cubes over five weeks. This engaging initiative, named Sugar Metropolis, celebrated community spirit and creativity. Displayed at the Ulster Museum, the project drew attention for its unique approach, inspiring Jamison to recreate a similar event in New York City.

In 1925, Springfield schoolchildren constructed a miniature city for a promotional campaign. This ambitious project featured 1,200 tiny buildings and real utilities. Students actively participated in governing the miniature town, gaining civic experience. The Tiny Town exhibit successfully boosted local home construction permits significantly. Many miniature homes were later sold, and winning entries became store displays.

Celebrated actor Robert De Niro boasts a five-decade-long career, marked by extraordinary versatility. His iconic partnership with director Martin Scorsese has yielded groundbreaking films, including 'Taxi Driver' and 'Raging Bull'. Garnering two Academy Awards, De Niro's profound and transformative performances are legendary. Beyond acting, he has explored directing and producing, showcasing his multifaceted talent while inspiring upcoming generations in the realm of cinema.

China's President Xi Jinping will urge US President Donald Trump to halt arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing views Taiwan as its territory and a core interest, rejecting outside interference. Taiwan, a democracy, rejects China's sovereignty claims and seeks global engagement. The United States officially acknowledges China's One China policy but aids Taiwan's defense. Past US engagements have led to significant Chinese military exercises around the island.

Tom Cruise acknowledges artificial intelligence's growing role in filmmaking. He believes audiences still desire authentic, human-driven storytelling experiences. Cruise emphasized the importance of preserving the theatrical experience for collective viewing. He cited the strong summer box office as proof of audience interest. Cruise also discussed his upcoming film 'Digger' and its unique nature.

A mysterious brightly lit object spotted over Tehran has sparked speculation online, with videos appearing to show it hovering or moving slowly across the night sky. The sighting has also revived memories of a famous 1976 Tehran UFO incident involving Iranian fighter jets, radar detections and reported equipment failures.

US President Trump renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, sparking a diplomatic crisis. Greenland and Denmark firmly rejected any sale or takeover attempts. Tensions escalated with US military posturing and Danish preparedness for conflict. Ultimately, a deal was reached to bolster US military presence in Greenland. This agreement acknowledged Denmark's sovereignty and Greenland's self-determination rights.

A groundbreaking study has revealed the presence of Hepatitis B virus in wild New World primates in the Amazon. This alarming discovery points to a possible spillover from humans to these animals. Researchers found that the infection rates surged in regions marked by high human activity.

Justice R C Chavan resigned from Maharashtra's Uniform Civil Code committee on September 19. He cited disagreements over the committee's functioning and external official involvement. Chavan alleged meetings concluded without substantive discussion and member suggestions were ignored. He also questioned the need for an officer from outside the state. His resignation aims to allow the government to fill the vacant committee seat.

Scientific research indicates dogs can significantly enhance social interactions for their owners. These canine companions often act as catalysts for conversations with strangers and neighbors. Pet ownership, particularly dog walking, is linked to stronger community connections and social capital. Regular dog walks may also help reduce feelings of loneliness, especially among older adults. Ultimately, dogs provide a simple and effective reason to connect with other people.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed noisy scenes over holiday demands. An NC MLA demanded restoring Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's holiday or cancelling Maharaja Hari Singh's. BJP MLAs opposed this, leading to a ruckus and slogans. The Speaker urged members to maintain decorum and follow assembly rules. BJP members staged a walkout after their demands were not immediately met.

Lionel Messi will wear a special jersey for his final Argentina match. He announced his retirement from international football after a decorated career. Messi led Argentina to major titles, including the World Cup in 2022. His international record includes numerous appearances and goals scored. He will now focus on his club career with Inter Miami.

A teacher found unusual rock formations during a fossil hunt. These formations revealed a rare sequence of four Tyrannosaurus rex footprints. The trackway, stretching seven meters, offers insights into the dinosaur's movement. Researchers estimate the T. rex walked at a brisk human pace. This discovery provides direct evidence of a dinosaur's ancient journey.

GST collections show economic activity holding up after the overhaul. Consumers are upgrading to better products and larger screen televisions. Automobile dispatches have remained particularly strong after the tax changes. FMCG companies saw an initial pickup in volumes after the GST changes. Geopolitical events and rising input costs present new challenges.

Six engineers have been suspended after an inquiry into the supply of contaminated drinking water in Jyolikot, Nainital, where cases of jaundice and other waterborne diseases were reported and two deaths occurred. The action followed directions from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

India's men's table tennis team exited the Asian Games after a defeat to South Korea. The women's table tennis team advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Thailand. Indian shooters Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Mairaj Khan competed in skeet qualification events. Sakshi Chaudhary progressed in boxing while Taniksha Khatri advanced in fencing. Other Indian athletes participated in various sports including kabaddi and swimming.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico have sued the Trump administration after being barred from the White House, arguing the move violates their First Amendment rights. The dispute has also disrupted the presidential TV press pool, with broadcasters declining to replace CNNs scheduled coverage. The White House says access is a privilege, not a right.

World leaders gather amid escalating wars and economic uncertainty. The Middle East conflict has drawn in regional nations and closed a vital waterway. Ongoing Russia-Ukraine war shows no signs of diplomatic resolution or ending. Global crises extend beyond conflicts to pandemics and climate change impacts. Diplomats seek common ground to manage mounting international challenges.

Tragedy strikes as Presley Gerber, the son of renowned model Cindy Crawford, passes away at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica. Authorities are treating his death as a suspected overdose after he entered treatment to combat addiction. Emergency services reported a case of cardiac arrest during their response, while the medical examiner's office is yet to determine the official cause of death.

Employees find true fulfillment in the pride of their creations. Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation over material rewards. Companies should embrace creative freedom and prioritize high-quality work to enhance employee engagement. Cultivating a sense of purpose not only nurtures deeper connections to one's daily tasks but also contributes significantly to personal development and ensures longevity in careers.

Former inmates recount severe punishments endured at Venezuela's notorious Rodeo I prison. They describe cramped cells and constant threats from hooded jailers. Many suffered prolonged illness without medical attention, facing psychological torment. The facility is described as a world of terror and a concentration camp. Human rights groups call for the immediate closure of Rodeo I due to systematic abuses.

Larry Page advocates for the embrace of non-traditional ideas as a path to extraordinary success. Co-founding Google, he turned a simple research project into a transformative information powerhouse. By studying computer engineering and meeting Sergey Brin at Stanford University, Page laid the groundwork for Google's evolution from a basic search engine to an extensive suite of digital services, showcasing how ambitious endeavors can influence a global audience.

President Trump welcomes Chinese leader Xi Jinping for crucial talks this week. They seek stability in a relationship strained by trade and global issues. Key discussions will focus on trade tariffs and potential agricultural deals. Taiwan's status and China's role in Iran's economy are also on the agenda. Artificial intelligence cooperation and competition will be another significant topic.

Energy shortages are disrupting production at most Bangladeshi garment factories. Buyers are canceling or reducing orders due to these power and gas issues. Increased fuel prices are further pressuring exporters, squeezing already thin profit margins. Competitiveness may suffer against regional rivals like Vietnam and India. Factories face difficult choices to absorb rising costs and maintain operations.

The trial of Abby Choi's former husband and in-laws has commenced, held amidst allegations of her brutal murder. The wealthy fashion icon disappeared in February 2023, leading authorities to uncover her dismembered remains at a residence and even search through a landfill for additional evidence. Known for her two marriages and four children, the jury trial is anticipated to span 45 days as it unfolds.

Charlotte D'Alessio took to Instagram Stories to honor the memory of her former partner, Presley Gerber, following his untimely death at just 27. Reflecting on their relationship, she labeled it as 'pure love' while expressing profound sadness. The son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, Presleys passing in Los Angeles has led to an ongoing investigation into the events leading up to it.

Online streamer Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, is currently facing serious legal troubles in Massachusetts with three criminal charges stemming from an alleged incident in May 2025, which remains unverified. Additionally, a civil lawsuit in Florida accuses him of battery and fraud, citing claims of nonconsensual sexual encounters and an unauthorized injection. Peters refutes these allegations.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will advocate phased denuclearisation at the UN. He believes a step-by-step approach is practical for resolving North Korea's nuclear issue. Both Seoul and Washington are willing to reengage with Pyongyang without preconditions. Lee also seeks to formally end the Korean War and explore peace initiatives. He intends to strengthen ties with the United States during his visit.

World leaders gather at the United Nations amid numerous global conflicts and escalating crises. Artificial intelligence concerns are now a central focus for the international body. The UN faces significant reform challenges and financial difficulties this year. Key leaders will address issues like climate change and global economic shocks. This pivotal meeting aims to reaffirm multilateralism and international cooperation.

Global leaders are meeting to address Earth's worsening health and climate change impacts. A renewable energy boom offers hope, while artificial intelligence presents new challenges. Fossil fuel price surges from global conflicts are accelerating the shift to cleaner energy sources. Scientists warn that seven planetary boundaries have already been breached by human activity. Urgent action is needed to triple renewable power capacity by the end of the decade.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly session. President Masoud Pezeshkian will also attend, addressing global issues and Iran's stance. He will meet with international leaders and Iranian expatriates during his visit. The US has denied visas to some Iranian delegation members, calling it hostile. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary warned of shutting down Iranian airlines globally.

McDonalds is testing advertisements from other brands on digital menu screens at select US restaurants, seeking to turn customer wait times into a new revenue stream. The experiment comes as the fast-food giant faces softer US traffic and rising costs, while investors await details on its strategy to revive growth.

Albert Camus, the renowned French-Algerian author, delved into the intricacies of human boredom and the ceaseless quest for meaning. Through his examination of how individuals fabricate drama as an escape from existential unease, he argued that people introduce complexities into their lives to combat feelings of stagnation. His philosophy of the absurd reveals the conflict between human aspirations and an indifferent universe.

Pakistani fighter jets struck suspected militant hideouts in eastern Afghanistan on Monday. These strikes killed twenty-eight militants and at least three civilians, according to reports. Afghanistan condemned the aggression and vowed a fitting response to the airstrikes. The Pakistani government blamed militants based in Afghanistan for recent attacks. This escalation threatens regional mediation efforts and complicates bilateral relations.

Lockheed Martin has secured a US Army contract worth up to $1.2 billion to produce the Increment 2 variant of its Precision Strike Missile, following a successful test against moving maritime targets. The award comes as the defence contractor expands production capacity to 550 missiles annually amid rising demand for long-range strike weapons.

US President Trump inaugurated a new White House helipad with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Major television networks boycotted the event in protest of CNN's ban. Trump posted about the helipad's maiden voyage on his social media. Media access restrictions have overshadowed the helipad project and a state visit. The president has focused on building projects during his term.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France and the US have agreed to work together to ease energy-market tensions, protect critical infrastructure in West Asia and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. His remarks came as Iranian officials arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly amid regional tensions.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with French, Ecuadorian, Slovak and Hungarian counterparts on the margins of the UN General Assembly session in New York, discussing regional and global issues including the Ukraine and Gulf crises, economic ties, multilateral cooperation and UN Security Council reform.

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women Final Weather Updates: India Women and Sri Lanka Women meet in the Women's Asian Games 2026 final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The match starts at 10:30 AM IST, with weather conditions, pitch report, live streaming details and expected playing 11 among the key updates.

Weather Forecast Today: Weather on September 22 is expected to remain mixed across India. Delhi is likely to stay dry, while Bengaluru and Hyderabad may receive rain. Gujarat faces thunderstorm activity, and parts of Maharashtra are under heavy rain warnings. Odisha and Coastal Andhra Pradesh face the strongest rainfall alerts.

The United States proposed a $5 billion fund for Middle Eastern energy infrastructure. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas transport. Several Middle Eastern nations are discussing this partnership for allied trust and construction. The plan follows disruptions caused by the Iran conflict impacting regional energy supplies. Rebuilding efforts will focus on creating secure alternative energy routes bypassing the strait.

US flight chaos: Hundreds of flights canceled at US airports after cable cut during construction

IIT Bombay students clarified their protest sought institutional reforms after a student's death. The student representatives engaged with the Director regarding their comprehensive set of demands. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla's administrative duties were suspended during the ongoing investigation. Sahil Wakode's family alleged caste-based harassment and sought a thorough CBI inquiry. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has now officially taken over the investigation.

India vs Japan Weather Updates:India face Japan in a historic one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground on September 22. Check the latest Sano weather and rain update, pitch report, match time, live streaming, TV telecast, squad details and playing XI for IND vs JPN T20 2026.