The Economic Times

Ukraines top sanctions official Vladyslav Vlasiuk will visit Washington to lobby House lawmakers to back a sweeping Russia sanctions bill passed by the Senate. The legislation could authorise tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy, including India, while facing Democratic opposition over expanded presidential tariff powers.

Gold prices held steady as traders navigated heightened tensions in the Middle East and awaited pivotal labor data from the US. This economic data is expected to shape the market's forecast regarding Federal Reserve policy moves. With a 65% likelihood of a rate increase in September, market eyes are keen.

On Tuesday, oil prices surged as concerns over supply disruptions arose due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Both Brent crude futures and West Texas Intermediate crude experienced notable gains. Tensions escalated following the recent direct confrontations between the U.S. and Iran, compounded by shipping data indicating a reduction in vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, a tanker reported being struck by projectiles while passing through the area.

Is Pete Hegseth eyeing a 2028 presidential run? Trump says 'it's very early'

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has blamed climate change for last weeks devastating Himalayan flood, calling it an extraordinary disaster triggered by a glacial collapse. With at least 939 people dead and nearly 4,500 missing, Shah urged Nepal to press the international community for climate action and support.

The metals sector has achieved a double-digit return this year, outperforming other indices. Realty stocks have seen a significant turnaround, gaining nearly four percent after last year's decline. Telecom, Capital Goods, and Healthcare also emerged as strong performers with substantial gains. IT and FMCG stocks have been the major laggards, facing earnings growth concerns. Favorable pricing and demand support the metals sector's positive outlook.

The US FTC and 22 states have sued Amazon, alleging it manipulated digital advertising auctions and overcharged about 1.2 million customers by more than $20 billion. Amazon rejected the allegations as misguided and flawed. The lawsuit targets Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands and Sponsored Display, intensifying scrutiny of the tech giant.

President Donald Trump advocates for federal tax incentives to boost American film production. He urged Republicans and Democrats to craft legislation immediately for this purpose. Actor Jon Voight also suggested similar tax credits to revitalize the industry. A coalition including major industry groups supports the proposed 20% labor cost tax credit. This initiative aims to prevent entertainment production from moving overseas.

North American Blue Energy Partners will acquire Venezuelan oilfields from Chinese and Russian companies. This move follows a significant oil production agreement announced by President Donald Trump. The U.S. company will gain access to 64 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves. This arrangement displaces existing Chinese and Russian interests in the nation's energy sector.

Taiwans experience therefore challenges the idea that recycling depends mainly on individual environmental enthusiasm. People certainly need to participate, but participation becomes easier when governments create systems that are convenient, predictable and enforceable.

Two decades after 2006, Portlands lighting story offers a useful lesson for cities considering their own energy transitions. The important achievement is not that 45,000 lights were converted in 2006.

Glasgow landfill project ultimately offers a compelling lesson in how communities can rethink waste, energy and environmental responsibility at the same time. The $1 million USDA loan helped make methane capture infrastructure affordable, while the completed facility transformed landfill gas into a useful source of local electricity.

Keep my wifes name hell out of your mouth...: Vance fires back at Michigan Senate candidate Abdul

History of Dotson Family Marsh helps explain why its recovery matters. The broader 150-acre property was acquired by the East Bay Regional Park District in 2008, following a long community effort to protect the land from development.

In 1967, a preflight test for the first crewed flight of Apollo on the launch pad at Cape Kennedy resulted in a tragedy and loss of astronauts Virgil Grissom, Edward White and Roger Chaffee. The Apollo 1 fire occurred during a ground test on January 27. The incident led to an investigation, changes to the command module and delays to crewed Apollo launches.

Beginning in September 2026, Virgo and Pisces will experience a significant reduction in emotional burdens. After enduring years of turmoil in both their professional and personal lives, these signs will finally find solace. Virgos will prioritize social relationships and financial stability, while Pisceans will regain their emotional vitality and freedom. Both signs will apply the lessons learned from their tumultuous pasts to forge new paths ahead.

Quote of the day by Whoopi Goldberg focuses on awareness, effort, responsibility and attention. The line, spoken by Sister Mary Clarence in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, says that people must take action, understand their responsibilities and stay focused if they want to achieve their goals and make progress in life.

As 2026 draws to a close, expect meaningful transformations for those born in February, August, and November. February natives can anticipate a strengthened bond in their relationships, fostering deep emotional connections. Meanwhile, August individuals are poised to seize promising prospects that broaden their life experiences. Lastly, November natives will witness awaited breakthroughs, a testament to their perseverance, leading to enduring stability and fulfillment.

Quote of the day by Henry Ford focuses on the value of thinking, analysis and mental discipline. His statement, Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it, explains why people often choose routine and easy answers. The quote also connects with Fords work, innovation, business decisions and approach to production.

Lake Decatur has struggled with agricultural runoff pollution for several years, prompting the launch of a water quality initiative aimed at decreasing sediment and nutrient influx. Recent monitoring indicates encouraging trends in reducing phosphorus and nitrogen levels.

Sean Connery famously urged individuals to take little heed of public opinion and the judgments around them. He championed the idea that true liberation comes from committing to one's personal best in their craft. As the initial James Bond, Connery consciously transcended that archetype, exploring varied dramatic roles which eventually earned him an Academy Award.

Around 1600, William Gilbert invented the versorium, the first electroscope, to detect static electric charges. The English physician and natural philosopher studied electricity and magnetism through experiments. His work helped separate magnetism from static electricity. He also argued that Earth is a giant magnet and used a terrella to demonstrate how magnetic behavior works.

Long-term monitoring and control efforts have significantly reduced spotted knapweed at Big Hole National Battlefield in Montana. Monitoring began in 2009 after the invasive plant threatened native habitat and other natural and cultural resources. The infestation reached its peak in 2012 on the Howitzer Hill and Horse Pasture slopes. Between 2013 and 2018, efforts by the Northern Rocky Mountain Exotic Plant Management Team, Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network, and Big Hole Nati

Quote of the day by Mencius offers a simple way to look at human character and everyday choices. His idea connects compassion, kindness, humility, moral values and wisdom with the way we treat others. It also raises a practical question: can small feelings of empathy and conscience shape better decisions, stronger relationships and a more meaningful life?

U.S. PlayStation 5 users can now dive into a treasure trove of over one hundred free live channels. This new offering brings a rich array of programming, from thrilling sports events to captivating movies and anime. Best of all, fans can watch beloved shows without any extra subscription fees, seamlessly integrated into the console's media section.

ChatGPT is reportedly facing issues today. Users have reported widespread problems on Monday, August 31, with OpenAI confirming elevated errors and latency affecting its ChatGPT Work service. Plus users were particularly impacted, with Work mode temporarily unavailable.

Swamp Run in Upshur County, West Virginia, faced decades of water quality problems caused by acid mine drainage from buried coal refuse left by abandoned surface coal mines. The Buckhannon River Watershed Association and West Virginia Water Research Institute developed and completed two treatment projects, in 2016 and 2020, to address polluted water entering the stream. The systems use limestone-based treatment and other components to reduce acidity, aluminum, and iron.

Energy-guzzling data centers have become a surprise issue in November's crucial midterm elections, with anger among Democrats and Republicans over rising electricity bills and noise from the facilities. The only reason that communities throughout the U.S.A. should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor, Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Quote of the Day by Rudyard Kipling offers a simple lesson about staying grounded when life is shaped by changing opinions and temporary success. It speaks to ordinary life, where ambition, comparison, uncertainty and failure can make temporary approval seem more important than judgment, discipline and self-respect. The article explores how to recognise what truly deserves our attention, question the values we inherit, and remain grounded when circumstances, expectations and fortunes inevitably

The manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) stood at 49.8 in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, remaining below the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction. The reading was, however, higher than the 49.5 forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists and improved from 49.2 in July.

On September 1, 2026, Mercury and Mars will align, empowering three zodiac signs. Scorpio will gain clarity to make overdue decisions and initiate significant life changes. Aquarius will stop waiting for external help and take charge of their own circumstances. Virgo will transform learned lessons into decisive actions, addressing long-standing issues. This celestial event marks a turning point, enabling these signs to move forward effectively.

Lionel Messi has retired from international football after a 21-year journey with Argentina. He leaves as the nation's record appearance-maker and leading scorer. Messi's career saw early disappointments before major triumphs like the Copa America and World Cup. He adapted his game to remain influential for Argentina at an older age. His departure marks the end of an era for the beloved national icon.

On Monday morning, Microsoft Outlook users encountered significant email access difficulties due to an authentication glitch linked to Exchange Online. Thousands reported disruptions, prompting Microsoft to recognize the issue and start implementing a remediation approach. The company assured users that engineers were actively engaged in a broad fix. Problems included the inability to send or receive emails and access accounts.

Quote of the day by Bono: Bono's quote emphasizes unity while respecting individual differences. He believes respecting the right to be different is even greater than unity. The Irish singer-songwriter is known for his activism and U2's global success. He cofounded organizations like DATA and the ONE Campaign.

Abdul doesnt know the difference: Ted Cruz torches El-Sayed over circumcision remark

Claudia Cardinale's quote of the day But to do this kind of work, you have to be very strong, otherwise you lose your personality, your identity offers a powerful reminder about strength, individuality and protecting your identity while pursuing success. Her words explore the pressures of public life and why staying true to yourself matters.

A decade of restoration work has helped transform the 10-acre Ravensford wetland in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After invasive plants became widespread, a 2014 National Park Foundation/Disney grant supported invasive plant control, seed collection, and native plant propagation. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Central schools, Tribal members, students, conservation crews, interns, and other volunteers contributed to the effort.

Antelope Creek and Wild Rice River saw reduced bacteria levels after conservation efforts. Best management practices addressed animal feeding operations and failing septic systems. These efforts included septic repairs, well decommissioning, and livestock facilities. Water quality data showed declining bacteria trends over two decades. This indicates progress toward restoring recreational uses in the waterways.

Ecologists Daniel Simberloff and Edward O. Wilson conducted a groundbreaking experiment in 1966. They removed nearly all arthropods from tiny Florida Keys islands to observe nature's rebuilding process. Life returned rapidly, with species arriving through various dispersal methods. The islands eventually approached previous species richness, though with different inhabitants. This study powerfully supported the Theory of Island Biogeography and its dynamic equilibrium concept.

Guitarist AJ Rebello has left the band Bad Wolves after creative disagreements arose. A dispute over their Jolene cover became the final breaking point for Rebello. The band states Dolly Parton approved the song before her untimely passing. Bad Wolves will donate proceeds from the Jolene cover to charity. This departure highlights artistic control struggles between musicians and labels.

In 1896, American electrical engineer William S. Hadaway Jr. received the first U.S. patent for an electric stove. His design used resistance wires to produce controlled cooking heat and addressed uneven heating found in earlier electric cooking attempts. His work helped develop electric cooking appliances and was followed by inventions including an automatically controlled oven, a horizontal toaster-cooker and other electrical heating devices.

Quote of the day by J. R. R. Tolkien: J. R. R. Tolkien's quote reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. Something valuable may not always stand out clearly to observers. Someone who seems to be wandering may still be moving in the right direction. The author's words also speak about resilience and inner strength.

Make visa-free regime permanent: Xi talks deeper Russia-China ties with Putin ahead of US visit

Rescuers race to free hundreds of workers trapped in tunnels after catastrophic floods. The combined death toll in Nepal and China surpassed nine hundred people. More than four thousand seven hundred individuals remain missing after the disaster struck. Families desperately search for loved ones lost in the devastating flash floods. Efforts continue to rebuild vital infrastructure and locate the missing.

A shark does not always need to see a fish to detect that a living creature is nearby. In murky water, beneath the sand or during the final moments of an attack, it can rely on another remarkable source of information: electricity. Sharks possess specialized sensory organs called the ampullae of Lorenzini, tiny networks of pores and canals concentrated around the head and snout that allow them to detect faint electrical signals in the water.