The Economic Times

Nepal's digital payment systems now facilitate swift disaster relief donations. QR codes and mobile banking enable direct person-to-government transactions easily. International donors contribute efficiently using digital payment networks and cards. This digital transformation simplifies contributions for citizens and overseas Nepalis. Technology has significantly streamlined the collection of relief funds for Nepal.

The World Uyghur Congress highlighted international efforts challenging China's policies. Uyghur representation was maintained within the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation. A UN report documented serious violations against Turkic communities in 2022. China's new Ethnic Unity Law threatens cultural and religious identity. US lawmakers seek enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated Western accusations are the start of a real war. He referred to German Chancellor Merz's statements as declaring war on Russia. Germany concluded Russia was responsible for a drone incident at Leipzig airport. Berlin ordered measures including consulate and cultural center closures in response. Russia dismissed German accusations as baseless and accused Berlin of planting evidence.

Henry Ford's ambitious vision led him to acquire vast tracts of land near Dearborn, Michigan, to support his burgeoning automobile enterprise. Fair Lane, created on this land, harmoniously blended innovative architecture with lush gardens and advanced technology, including its own hydroelectric power plant. For many years, it was the Ford family's cherished residence. Today, this historical estate stands as a proud National Historic Landmark, preserving its legacy.

Taiwanese officials urge closer international scrutiny of China's Pacific influence. China's growing geopolitical rivalry impedes regional consensus and unity among Pacific nations. Taiwan respects the 'Pacific Way' and supports regional priorities through its engagement. Concerns over security and political independence arise from China's expanding influence. Disagreements over missile-test transparency highlight challenges to collective regional positions.

China's finance ministry is injecting over fifty billion dollars into state-owned financial institutions. This coordinated push aims to strengthen capital across the nation's banking and insurance sectors. Major insurers like China Life and China Taiping are receiving significant capital infusions. State lenders including Agricultural Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank are also tapping recapitalisation plans. These measures will bolster financial stability and support economic growth initia

French actor Vincent Cassel views acting as a transformative process. He believes intense roles take from performers while also imparting new understanding. Cassel's career spans French and international cinema, showcasing his versatility. His early dance training influenced his approach to physical performance. This profound engagement leaves actors permanently changed by their experiences.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a stern warning to the United States. He stated that the rules of engagement in any conflict have now changed. Qalibaf declared that future attacks on Iran's security will face a swifter response. This statement follows recent U.S. strikes on Iranian tankers in the Gulf. Iran promises a more painful retaliation for any aggression against its interests.

Nepal seeks climate compensation for flood damages from a new UN fund. The nation faces immense costs for recovery and rebuilding after recent catastrophic flooding. This fund, established to aid developing nations, is currently underfunded and untested. Nepal's leaders are urging concrete action from the international community for immediate support. The fund's limited resources and scheduled meetings pose significant challenges for rapid assistance.

In 1997, retired A-7 Corsair aircraft were deliberately sunk off the Florida coast, serving a dual purpose as artificial reefs. This innovative move provided an essential habitat for various marine species, creating a thriving ecosystem in areas lacking natural reefs. For years, these submerged planes fulfilled their mission effectively, showcasing an exemplary model of recycling military assets into valuable environmental infrastructure.

Psychotherapist Francis Weller emphasizes the importance of holding both grief and gratitude as one navigates life's emotional landscape. He argues that mature individuals who balance these feelings develop deeper compassion and understanding for the suffering of others. Solely embracing grief can lead to a sense of despair, while exclusive gratitude risks disconnecting us from the shared human experience.

Beatrix Potter strategically purchased Lake District lands using book profits and inheritance. She ensured farms remained working sheep farms, not holiday homes. This approach preserved ancient Herdwick sheep genetics, a valuable scientific asset. Her actions preserved sixty-one million acres through private citizen initiatives. Potter's legacy highlights private resources aiding conservation efforts effectively.

Maintaining a regular cleaning routine for eyeglasses is crucial to eliminate daily grime and maintain the integrity of your frames. Opt for a gentle solution using lukewarm water and lotion-free dish soap to effectively disinfect. Avoid using harsh household cleaners or exposing your glasses to extreme heat, as this can harm the lens coatings.

In the 1970s, Florida made a bold choice by sinking military jets and helicopters into the Gulf of Mexico, creating makeshift fishing and diving reefs that thrived for over ten years. This innovative endeavor predated the establishment of national guidelines for artificial reefs. Many of these early reef-building efforts were spearheaded by recreational fishermen and divers, who capitalized on the robust structure of fighter jets to ensure long-lasting underwater habitats.

OPEC+ is expected to keep its oil output policy unchanged for October. The group needs to agree new quotas before deciding future output steps. Ongoing disruptions limit OPEC+'s influence over prices and market share. Production increases have had limited impact due to the war. The group will likely pause output increases for the fourth quarter.

A fascinating study involving spiders in the International Space Station concluded that in microgravity, these creatures built webs that exhibited greater symmetry. The spiders adapted to the absence of gravity by relying on overhead light to construct their webs. When lights were on, the webs became less balanced compared to those created in darkness, showcasing animal adaptability and contributing to our understanding of biological responses in different environments.

Engineers have ingeniously repurposed discarded glass bottles, converting them into battery anode material. This innovative method turns waste glass into nano-silicon, suitable for energy storage applications. A single glass bottle can produce either hundreds of miniature coin cells or multiple larger pouch cells, resulting in batteries that maintain impressive performance even after extensive charge cycles. This groundbreaking approach not only addresses battery demands but also tackles waste a

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, discarded human hair has been converted into luminous carbon dots, now being explored for their application in next-gen OLED display technology. This eco-friendly material promises to revolutionize electronic screens, paving the way for a sustainable digital future. Although tailored for smaller gadgets at this stage, the applications could redefine efficiency in electronics. This study underscores the incredible possibilities within waste utilization for

Beaver dams significantly slow floodwater flow in urban creeks, according to a new study. These natural structures store substantial amounts of water during moderate and large storms. While not eliminating floods, dams provide valuable time for managing water surges. The research highlights that beaver dams are most effective in smaller and moderate storm events. This study offers evidence for nature-based solutions in urban flood management strategies.

Rescue workers search for hundreds missing after a glacier collapse caused a devastating mudslide. The Gyirong border crossing, a key trade and pilgrimage route, was destroyed by the disaster. Over 1,300 people have died and more than 5,000 remain missing on both sides. Rescue operations face challenges due to high altitude, poor weather, and deep mud. Temporary power has been restored to the affected area as recovery continues.

The dusty coating on blueberries is a natural protective wax. This bloom shields the fruit from disease and prevents drying out. Researchers are studying this wax to breed hardier blueberry varieties. Anthocyanins, which give blueberries their color, offer significant health advantages. Washing blueberries just before eating preserves their natural protective qualities.

Scientists at Virginia Tech have pioneered an innovative method to convert plastic waste into valuable soap compounds. By breaking down everyday plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, they can produce surfactants that are more financially rewarding than raw plastic materials. Efforts are now underway to scale this promising breakthrough for industrial use, which could play a crucial role in addressing the global plastic waste challenge.

In 1994, fruit flies were launched into space, revealing significantly heightened activity levels in microgravity. These flies aged more rapidly than their Earth-dwelling counterparts. Researchers noted a decrease in mitochondrial RNA, hinting at a connection to energy production at the cellular level. Simulated weightlessness experiments confirmed the increased activity observed in space. This foundational research is vital for understanding the implications of prolonged weightlessness on futur

Chinese silkworms have successfully navigated their life cycle during an impressive twelve-day mission in space. Notably, their eggs hatched two to three days quicker in orbit, and dormant eggs revealed an increased hatching success in microgravity. Yet, certain breeds showed shortened lifespans and genetic variations, indicating that the effects of space travel can vary significantly between silkworm breeds.

Cities worldwide are turning to cool pavement technologies to tackle urban heat. In Irvine, California, treated roads have experienced a remarkable temperature drop of 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, Phoenix has successfully covered over 200 miles of road since 2020, while San Antonios $1 million investment exemplifies the growing trend. This innovative coating reduces the heat retention of asphalt, contributing to efforts against increasing temperatures.

Early space missions tested microbial survival outside spacecraft without protection. Fungal spores and viruses showed very low survival rates in raw space. A thin aluminum shield dramatically improved survival for both organisms tested. This shielding protected microbes from damaging solar ultraviolet and soft X-ray radiation. These findings continue to inform space exploration and planetary protection protocols.

IRGC targets 3 oil tankers, US-linked vessels on 'unauthorised' Strait of Hormuz routes

Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted internal provincial borders as a greater security threat. She stated terrorism enters Punjab from its adjoining provinces, not neighboring nations. Opposition leaders criticized her remarks as insulting to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. They pointed to the sacrifices made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police against terrorism.

Nine individuals died and others fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Sagar district. Two additional deaths occurred around the same time but remain unlinked. Local officials confirmed nine deaths from the illegal alcohol consumption in two villages. The incident follows a similar tragedy in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district last month. Screening has begun in the affected villages as authorities investigate the deaths.

The 57th GST Council meeting, scheduled for September 12, is likely to be postponed, with a final decision expected after consultations with states. The meeting was set to discuss several ease-of-doing-business measures, including protecting buyers ITC when suppliers fail to deposit GST, simplifying taxation of corporate guarantees, allowing ITC on certain employee-related expenses and enabling small businesses to obtain GST registrations across multiple states.

Pakistan are still the best team to win the Womens Asia Cup, according to team mentor Wahab Riaz, despite their crushing defeat against India and a record-low T20I score. Riaz urged the players to trust themselves, learn from their mistakes and bounce back in their next match against Hong Kong. With Pakistan also making strategic squad changes with future tournaments in mind, the team will be looking to revive its campaign and avoid a group-stage exit.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe prioritizes public health over personal popularity. He has taken action against 12,083 establishments for various food safety violations. Hygiene, raw material quality, and manpower are common restaurant violations identified. Online food platforms are also considered food business operators and have faced action.

Delhi anticipates more heavy rain today following recent intense showers. The India Meteorological Department issued a rainfall alert for the national capital. Multiple atmospheric systems are influencing the prevailing weather conditions across the region. Noida and Gurugram also expect rain or thundershowers in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay alert as weather conditions remain unsettled.

Prince Harry's return to Britain has reignited debate about whether taxpayers should foot the bill to protect him and his family, with experts warning genuine threats likely exist. It's very surprising, Scott Hamer, an ex-protection officer for Harry's father King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, told AFP. There's probably people who are being protected now who are at less threat and risk than he is.

Singapore is investigating racist online commentary regarding the Nepal-Tibet disaster. Authorities are also examining Singapore Airlines' financial ties to Air India. Senior Minister K Shanmugam condemned the hateful and unacceptable online remarks. He stated that social media platforms will be directed to remove violating content. Singapore aims to safeguard its multicultural identity against rising divisive rhetoric.

Two prominent women, Gloria Steinem and Dolly Parton, recently passed away, leaving significant legacies. Steinem championed overt feminism and activism, while Parton inspired through music and business acumen. Both women empowered females to make their own life choices and pursue dreams. Their differing public personas sparked discussions about feminism's evolving definition and reach. The world mourns their loss and considers who will fill their influential roles.

Filmmaker Werner Herzog famously stated that he would confront the devil himself for the sake of his films, a testament to his intense dedication. This powerful quote serves as motivation for anyone grappling with challenges in their own endeavors. It captures the essence of unwavering tenacity and an unyielding love for one's dreams, reminding us that extraordinary achievements demand fierce commitment and passion.

Crude oil prices are nearing $100 per barrel, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. While physical supply remains intact, fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have added a risk premium. Hareesh V of Geojit Investments analyses whether these risks will push prices higher.

Quote of the day by Robert Pattinson: His words explore what happens when we step beyond familiar ground. Trying something new can bring uncertainty, mistakes and self-doubt. It can also make us question our abilities too quickly. His perspective offers a practical life lesson about creativity, confidence and personal growth. Sometimes, learning requires accepting that you may not have all the answers yet.

Iran strongly condemned US strikes on Iranian commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, calling them a violation of the UN Charter and a war crime. Tehran warned Washington and its allies of consequences, after CENTCOM said it struck three Iranian crude carriers following alleged Iranian missile attacks on US warships.

A mudslide triggered by days of torrential rain killed two people and left 10 missing in Jiangxi province in eastern China, state media reported Sunday. The disaster damaged around a dozen homes in Suichuan County. Rescuers recovered one missing person dead and saved two others, while searches continued.

Robin Morgan, the former child star who became a pioneering poet, writer and second-wave feminist activist, has died in New York at 85, her son said. Morgan helped shape the modern womens movement, editedSisterhood is Powerful, co-founded feminist organisations and remained active in writing and activism for decades.

Nepalese rescuers pulled a Chinese worker and a woman alive from separate sites Saturday, 10 days after devastating floods killed at least 1,300 people. The worker was rescued from a hydropower tunnel, while the woman was found inside a damaged house. Search teams continue looking for more than 5,000 missing people.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha senior leader and state minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu died on Sunday following a sudden illness, the party said. The Giridih MLA held portfolios including Higher and Technical Education, Urban Development, Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Sports and Youth Affairs. JMM described his death as an irreparable loss.

At least 22 people were killed in a fire that broke out at a wedding party in Kinshasa, Congo, on Friday night, local officials said. The blaze continued into Saturday at a building in Lingwala, where narrow hallways hampered escape. Several others were injured, while the cause remained unconfirmed.

Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel will visit India from September 7 to 9, meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi and travelling to Chennai. His itinerary includes engagements at IIT Madras, its Research Park and the inauguration of a new SES campus, the MEA said.

Two people were killed and two others critically injured after a small plane crashed near Sierra Sky Park Airport in northwest Fresno, California, on Saturday afternoon, ABC30 News reported, citing the Fresno Fire Department. Multiple agencies responded, while authorities investigated the crash. The cause remained unknown, and power was briefly disrupted nearby.

Quote of the day by Albert Einstein, A person starts to live when he can live outside himself, explains how life can gain meaning when people move beyond ego, personal worries and comfort. The quote focuses on empathy, connection, service and purpose. Its message suggests that caring for others and contributing to a larger purpose can change how people understand life.