The Economic Times

The BJP has nominated former IAS officer Devasish Sharma for the October 6 byelection to Assams Nagaon Lok Sabha seat. Sharma, who served as Nagaon district commissioner, took voluntary retirement from government service on September 3. He will face AIUDF-TMC candidate Rejaul Karim Sarkar and Prof Abdul Salam.

The YSRCP claims investors are leaving Andhra Pradesh due to harassment and fiscal instability. They cite seven projects with significant proposed investments that have moved elsewhere. The ruling government rejects these allegations, stating investor confidence has strengthened. They highlight substantial cumulative investment commitments since their administration began. The government asserts Andhra Pradesh remains an attractive investment destination.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has asked people possessing unlicensed firearms to surrender them before November 1, promising that those who voluntarily hand over their weapons will not face cases. He warned of stern action after the deadline and urged those needing guns for protection to obtain proper licences.

With Uttar Pradesh heading towards assembly polls next year, the BJP is seeking to make healthcare a political issue as the Yogi Adityanath government expands cashless treatment to teachers, PRD volunteers, cooks, Anganwadi workers and helpers. The schemes provide annual family coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.

Indian exports to BRICS nations could reach two hundred billion dollars by 2030. This growth stems from enhanced south-south cooperation and market diversification opportunities. The BRICS grouping offers India a chance to expand beyond traditional export destinations. Merchandise trade performance of BRICS countries has shown dynamic growth over the past decade. This presents a significant opportunity for scaling Indian exports to these developing nations.

India is becoming a key growth focus for global consumer companies. Rising incomes and expanding retail offer significant untapped market potential. Companies see opportunities to increase consumption and introduce new products. This shift occurs as China's growth moderates and mature markets show less room. India's large population presents a substantial long-term opportunity for expansion.

West Bengal's Chief Minister plans to meet Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai soon. He will also attend a dinner hosted during the BRICS Summit in Delhi. CM Adhikari also said a defense project proposal from DRDO for East Midnapore has been approved. Meanwhile, Anant Ambani expressed Reliance's eagerness to invest in West Bengal.

BRICS economies contribute nearly half of global GDP growth over the last decade. China and India significantly drive this economic expansion and influence within the bloc. Intra-BRICS trade relations have been rapidly strengthening even before recent expansion. Leaders are gathering for the 18th BRICS summit in Delhi today. The bloc's growing economic footprint is a key engine for global growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS members to identify and remove their top 10 trade barriers, saying India was building economic bridges as protectionism rises globally. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, he also stressed secure maritime routes and seafarer safety for uninterrupted trade.

Understanding a partner's mood through body language can reflect empathic accuracy, interpersonal sensitivity, relationship-specific knowledge and emotional attunement. But body language is not a secret code.

Adani Defence is partnering with Russian manufacturers for advanced air defence systems. This collaboration focuses on co-production of weapons like the Pantsir in India. Contracts for Igla-S and Verba missiles are already in progress. Russia is also deepening ties with state-run firms like HAL and BDL. However, some Russian defence proposals have not gained traction with Indian forces.

Kitchen cabinets tend to accumulate grease and dirt, particularly in areas around the stove. To clean light grease and recent stains, a mixture of warm water and dish soap works wonders. For tougher grease spots, a paste made of baking soda can be applied. Additionally, diluted vinegar is suitable for washing cabinet surfaces.

India's Commerce Minister urged BRICS nations to link payment systems and trade in local currencies. He also called for simplified regulations and faster clearance of consignments between member countries. Russia's minister highlighted the bloc's economic power and commitment to sustainable development goals. He noted Russia's success in reducing dollar and euro reliance for its exports. The BRICS summit aims to foster cooperation and strengthen economic ties among member nations.

BRICS finance ministers voiced concerns over unilateral trade actions and tariffs. They endorsed efforts for cross-border payment interoperability and local currency settlements. The group also called for reforms of global financial institutions like the IMF. These reforms aim to give emerging markets greater voice and representation. The leaders met in Mumbai to discuss these pressing global economic issues.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar urged BRICS to adopt transparent trade practices. He highlighted geopolitical upheavals and supply chain disruptions affecting global stability. Rapid digitisation offers new growth possibilities and productivity gains for member nations. India's BRICS chairship focuses on trade, digital technology, and energy security. The objective is to strengthen economic resilience while remaining competitive globally.

Republican leaders express confidence in the economy's performance. However, voter polls reveal significant anxiety about current economic conditions. Rising fuel and housing costs are major concerns for many citizens. President Trump acknowledges some economic challenges and proposes a dividend. This economic sentiment appears poised to influence upcoming midterm election results.

The US federal budget deficit decreased significantly in August. This reduction occurred due to lower spending and some payment shifts. However, the fiscal year-to-date budget gap remained largely unchanged. August receipts saw an increase, including customs revenue after refunds. The overall deficit for eleven months exceeds the projected full-year 2025 deficit.

Quote of the day by Bruce Lee: When I look around, I always learn something and that is to be a reflection on the quiet struggle to remain yourself instead of becoming a version shaped by other peoples expectations. The idea speaks to everyday moments of comparison, self-doubt, difficult choices and the pressure to fit in.

Oprah Winfrey has successfully sold a stunning Montecito estate parcel for $17.3 million, with the new owners being Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo. Previously, the couple offloaded their own Montecito home for a remarkable $60 million. They have ambitious plans for renovating this Spanish-style residence. Meanwhile, Oprah is strategically downsizing her real estate portfolio in California while expanding her investments in Hawaii.

Pakistan formally applied for BRICS membership in 2023 and sought Russias backing, but its bid has yet to succeed. While Islamabad could count on Chinas support and later bought a $580 million stake in the BRICS-backed New Development Bank, Indias position has emerged as the key hurdle to Pakistans entry.

An old toy may be valuable for a reason that has nothing to do with its price. It can represent a relationship, a stage of family life, a caregiving role and a version of the child who no longer exists in quite the same way. Sometimes, keeping the toy is simply a way of keeping the memory within reach.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse confronted significant erosion from the advancing Atlantic Ocean. In a remarkable feat of engineering, the 4,830-ton lighthouse was relocated to a new, stable foundation, ensuring its preservation for future generations. As the Outer Banks landscape evolves, new challenges arise, yet the lighthouse continues to serve as a crucial navigational beacon and an iconic representation of maritime heritage.

President Trump renewed the sacred oath to remember September 11 victims. He spoke at the Pentagon marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Americans responded to the immense and horrible evil with courage and unity. Remembrance ceremonies honored nearly 3,000 people killed in the coordinated attacks. The attacks reshaped the United States and ushered in a new era.

Robert Redfords connection to Utahs wilderness began with a motorcycle trip and grew into the creation of Sundance Mountain Resort and a lasting commitment to conservation. In 1969, he purchased 5,000 acres, named the land Sundance and designated a vast majority as a wilderness preserve. Today, more than 70% of the resorts acreage remains protected through conservation easements, while more than 860 acres of wildlife habitat, watershed and alpine meadows have been protected in perpetuity through

Rudolph Ingram Jr., known as Blaze the Great, gained fame at seven years old. He ran the 100 meters in 13.48 seconds, a U.S. record for his age. Viral videos showcased his exceptional speed and football skills online. Ingram's talent attracted attention from sports figures and garnered a large social media following.

Psychology suggests that when celebrities care about ecological restoration, the story may not be only about trees, oceans or endangered species. It can also be about identity, meaning, belonging, responsibility and the human desire to leave something better than we found it.

The US is preparing to replace its decades-old latitude, longitude and elevation reference systems, NAD 83 and NAVD 88. The change could make some official coordinates differ by up to four metres, even though the land itself will not move. Heres why satellite technology, gravity measurements and tectonic plate movement are forcing a major overhaul of how America measures and maps its land.

El Paraiso, a Colombian social housing project, achieved exceptional sustainability certification. It significantly addressed the local housing deficit, enabling homeownership for many families. The development features natural ventilation and lighting, enhancing resident comfort and health. Generous open spaces and an urban agriculture project foster community interaction and food security. This project also prioritized environmental recovery and resource efficiency during construction.

The YF-118G Bird of Prey, an aircraft secretly designed by Boeing, was pivotal in testing stealth technology. This innovative project delved into new designs and manufacturing techniques for better low visibility. By reusing existing parts, it minimized both costs and development time, completing 38 test flights at Area 51 during 1996-1999. Boeing disclosed the program in 2002 once its technologies were applied to other projects.

Record diesel prices are squeezing US farmers as they harvest corn and soybeans, adding to higher fertiliser, seed and equipment costs. The national average reached $6.05 a gallon on Friday, up 60% since late February. Farmers say rising fuel expenses are eroding already tight margins and forcing them to delay work.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit to discuss conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, their impact on food and fertiliser access, and freedom of navigation. The leaders also discussed lethal autonomous weapons, multilateral reform and Indias BRICS presidency.

Quote of the Day by Arnold Schwarzenegger: Arnold Schwarzeneggers quote, The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion, explores the importance of discipline, determination, perseverance, and mental strength. The quote suggests that meaningful growth often comes from pushing through challenging moments, maintaining commitment, and refusing to give up when progress becomes difficult. It highlights the idea

The India-EU free trade agreement will allow European automakers to export 1 lakh passenger vehicles annually at concessional duties initially, rising to 1.6 lakh from the 10th year. The pact also offers tariff concessions on electric vehicles, wines, pork, apples, kiwifruit, pears and peaches through quotas and price-based conditions.

Peru sent a counterproposal to India for a free trade agreement. This deal is hoped to be signed by the year 2027. India has become Peru's second-largest export destination this year. Peru also discussed recent United States duties on its exports. Discussions continue regarding tariffs and bilateral trade relations with Washington.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, health consequences continue to emerge. Responders and survivors face ongoing respiratory issues, cancers, and mental health challenges. Ageing adds complexity to the medical needs of the affected community. Long-term monitoring and treatment programs remain critical for thousands of individuals. New records may reveal more about officials' initial response to health risks.

A US federal court ruled against the Energy Department's authority. The court found the department exceeded its powers last year. This decision overturned orders to keep a Michigan coal plant open. Environmental groups and three states supported the legal challenge. The ruling rejected the administration's efforts to extend aging coal plants.

Quote of the day by Diane Lane explores how challenges, failure and unexpected events can bring hidden growth. Her saying, Blessings come in disguise. And challenges can be a blessing, focuses on patience, resilience, gratitude, change and wisdom. The quote asks people to look beyond difficult moments and understand how struggles can shape strength, change perspective and create opportunities for personal growth.

A joint cultural exchange between Japan and Bengal is planned for 2027. Discussions focused on bilateral trade and direct air connectivity. Japanese companies seek a hassle-free business environment in West Bengal. The state government assured a conducive atmosphere for investors. Both nations will celebrate 75 years of friendship with cultural programs.

The European Commission has formally proposed signing a Free Trade Agreement with India. This proposal clears the path for early approval by the European Council. Over ninety-nine percent of Indian exports will gain duty-free entry into the EU bloc. The European Union will receive access to the Indian market for cars and wines. Both sides anticipate the Free Trade Agreement will come into force in early 2027.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged the Reserve Bank of India to advance digital rupee pilots. She highlighted tokenisation's role in enabling near-instantaneous settlement of financial transactions. Sitharaman advocated for a soft-touch regulatory approach to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. She warned of AI's risks while emphasizing responsible adoption for competitiveness. Greater coordination among regulators and industry self-regulation were also called for.

Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja idol was unveiled on Friday evening, September 11. This iconic Ganpati idol is a major attraction for the upcoming Ganeshotsav celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is scheduled to commence on September 14. The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal was established in 1934. Devotees will visit pandals to offer prayers and seek blessings during the festival.

BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors voiced concerns over unilateral trade measures. They backed efforts for cross-border payment interoperability and local-currency settlements. The group also called for reforms of international financial institutions for greater representation. Development finance and customs cooperation initiatives were also discussed by the members.