The Economic Times

Forget GDP, tell us your skincare routine: Mahua Moitra takes swipe at PM Modi

New York City public schools will ban generative AI for younger students next year. This one-year moratorium aims to assess student interaction with the technology. High school students will receive AI literacy classes and supervised pilot programs. Companion chatbots are prohibited across all school grades. The city also recommends daily screen time limits for students.

Germany and India are deepening their environmental cooperation and strategic partnership. Both nations are committed to climate adaptation and clean energy initiatives. They will collaborate on circular economy and sustainable resource management practices. This collaboration aims to enhance economic resilience and secure future livelihoods. Discussions at the Indo-German Environment Forum solidified future joint efforts.

Krishna Janmashtami in 2026 is set to fall on Friday, September 4. This joyous occasion will see families and friends engaging in devotional bhajans and lively Raas Leela performances. The festival embodies the spirit of faith and cultural celebration, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna. Heartfelt wishes and messages will be exchanged, spreading blessings of love, peace, and prosperity, as innovative celebration ideas inspire devotion and happiness.

Boeing paid a $3.1 million fine to the FAA this year for safety violations. These violations included actions tied to the 2024 Alaska Airlines MAX 9 mid-air emergency. The FAA also cited interference with safety officials' independence and unairworthy aircraft. Hundreds of quality system violations were found at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems factories. A Boeing employee pressured a co-worker to approve a MAX aircraft for delivery.

United States President Donald Trump stated the renewed campaign against Iran will not continue for too long. US forces destroyed new Iranian equipment which was being built near the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes targeted defensive and offensive systems which Iran was rebuilding. This marks the heaviest exchange of fire between the two nations since July. The action raises concerns over the fragile period of relative calm.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied trade deal talks between India and Iran. He warned countries aiding Tehran to evade sanctions could face penalties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral ties. They reiterated commitment to strengthening friendship and expanding trade relations. Both leaders also discussed regional peace and stability efforts.

India achieved 7.8 percent growth in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27. This remarkable expansion positions India as the world's fastest-growing major economy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted reforms and infrastructure development efforts. These measures foster a conducive investment climate for businesses and banks. India remains committed to fiscal prudence and discipline while pursuing its national vision.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the renewed U.S. campaign against Iran would not continue for oo long. He said U.S. forces had targeted Iran's radar and missile systems.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright denied claims of stealing Venezuelan oil. He stated private companies bring money and technology to develop resources. Wright emphasized fixing Venezuela's electricity sector is crucial for oil production. President Trump called the oil pact the world's biggest deal. Elections are a process requiring infrastructure readiness and stabilization.

India's 7.8 percent GDP growth solidifies its status as the world's fastest-growing large economy. Ambassador Vinay Kwatra highlighted this economic and technological transformation at Nasdaq. He emphasized the growing partnership between India and Nasdaq's technology leadership companies. India seeks an even stronger collaboration with American businesses and investors moving forward. The opening bell ceremony symbolized confidence in enterprise and future India-US partnerships.

A judge blocked the Environmental Protection Agency from sending California's vehicle emissions rules to Congress. The agency had sought to repeal these rules under the Congressional Review Act. California argued this action was illegal as the items were waivers, not regulations. The judge found the EPA's actions involved Orwellian doublethink and undermined legal compliance. The agency must now restore the previous status quo before June.

On Thursday, oil prices dropped slightly amid escalating military tensions. Investors are closely monitoring the hostilities between the United States and Iran, as recent clashes mark the most significant skirmishes since July, raising global supply concerns. Nevertheless, by midday Wednesday, initial signs of easing tensions appeared, with shipping data revealing a minor decrease in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold prices held steady during the early hours of Thursdays Asian trading. Investors are closely monitoring the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls data, as it may impact the Federal Reserve's policy directions. Additionally, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are adding to market volatility. Other precious metals displayed varied performance as trading commenced.

US President Trump declared Lake Ontario's renaming to Lake America complete and binding. Apple Maps followed Google Maps in updating the name for American users. This change occurred after an executive order from the US President. Canadian officials and the public strongly rejected the renaming of the shared lake. The dispute arises amid ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.

Delhi Weather Today: Residents of Delhi-NCR should brace themselves for a day filled with mostly cloudy skies and occasional rain showers. As predicted by the IMD, light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms, is likely to sweep through various areas. Additionally, a chance of isolated heavy rainfall looms in the evening. With mild temperatures expected, locals are advised to stay prepared for unexpected wet weather throughout the day.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah hits back at BJP: We hold a 5-year mandate, won't resign

The Ali al-Taher ridge is a key battleground in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Hezbollah is believed to have built underground facilities within the strategically important ridge. Israel considers the ridge a primary operational focus and a buffer zone. Capturing the ridge could be a significant political prize for Israel's government. The ongoing conflict mirrors wider Middle East political standoffs.

Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a bill amending the state university recruitment system. The government aims for transparent and merit-based appointments in universities. Opposition legislators and university teachers protested the proposed changes to recruitment powers. Concerns were raised about undermining university autonomy and academic freedom. The bill was ultimately passed by voice vote despite significant objections.

Private equity firms are preparing to bid for a minority stake in Serie A international media unit. This venture involves Serie A's international media rights and betting business. Binding bids are due by September 4 for this significant investment. Investors are expected to offer for a ten to twenty percent stake. This move mirrors similar investments in other European football leagues.

Hitachi Energy shares have surged significantly this year on robust revenue growth. The company secured new orders for battery storage and data centers. Its substantial order book provides a strong near-term earnings driver. Future growth is anticipated from high-voltage direct current projects and capacity expansion. Analysts have revised price targets upwards, reflecting strong future prospects.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is visiting India for three days to enhance bilateral relations. He will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on key bilateral and global issues. The visit aims to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and defense sectors. De Wever will also address a business event concerning the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. This visit follows recent high-level engagements and strengthens existing ties.

The death toll from devastating Nepal-Tibet flash floods has surged to 1,243. Rescuers are searching for trapped individuals in tunnels and underground powerhouses. Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted the disaster's link to climate change for international discussion. Families are holding symbolic funerals for hundreds of missing locals and foreigners.

An American journalist received a two-year prison sentence for acting as a foreign agent. Thomas Weir Pauken II pleaded guilty to supporting Chinese Ministry of State Security operations. He gathered sensitive information and recruited potential assets for the Chinese government. Pauken received over one hundred thousand dollars for his work and accepted responsibility. He worked for Chinese news organizations after moving to China in 2010.

The stock of Happiest Minds Technologies has experienced a significant downturn due to uncertainty related to the ITC Infotech integration. Promoters will cash in, whereas minority shareholders are set to receive shares in the merger. The merger is expected to enhance long-term profitability. Yet, HDFC Securities has downgraded the stock, pointing out the lack of a takeover premium and the anticipated integration time.

The United States urged G20 nations to create rules for AI training on copyrighted works. Major American tech firms face lawsuits over using creator content for AI development. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advocated for fair use principles to protect artists. The Justice Department supported OpenAI's use of copyrighted material for AI training. G20 nations aim to address novel AI considerations without new specific regulations.

The Indian rupee remained above 95 against the dollar for a second day. Traders attribute this performance to aggressive dollar sales by the central bank. The rupee closed at 94.97, showing little movement during trading. This stability contrasted with a significant slump in equity markets. State-run banks likely sold dollars to prevent further depreciation past the 95 mark.

The Pentagon has issued new guidance for mandatory testosterone screening for service members. This policy applies to active-duty and reserve personnel aged thirty and older. Men aged thirty and above will undergo routine blood tests for testosterone levels. Women will be screened for fatigue and menstrual cycle disruptions, which can indicate hormonal issues. The guidance aims to improve military readiness by managing hormonal and energy availability concerns.

The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner has closed a long-standing inquiry into a 1989 share transfer. This decision confirms the transaction complied with all applicable laws at that time. The inquiry was reopened recently amid disputes among Tata universe stakeholders. The Commissioner found the sale was necessitated by tax considerations and proper documentation. This ruling provides relief to Noel Tata regarding inherited shares.

A downtown Minneapolis apartment building shooting resulted in two civilian deaths. The suspect also died, and three police officers sustained injuries. Two officers were wounded by gunfire and are in stable condition. Residents heard multiple gunshots and saw a man with a pistol. State and federal authorities are assisting local law enforcement with the investigation.

Global index providers MSCI and FTSE are set to revise Swiggy's index treatment shortly. MSCI is removing Swiggy from global indices, which will lead to considerable passive outflows. Additionally, FTSE has modified Swiggy's investability weight due to foreign ownership limits. Together, these alterations are projected to trigger passive outflows surpassing $350 million, causing Swiggy shares to drop on Wednesday after the news broke.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro seeks dismissal of drug charges. He argues for head-of-state immunity from prosecution in a U.S. court. Maduro's legal team asserts his actions were official duties. This case tests U.S. courts' application of international law. A hearing on the dismissal effort is scheduled for November 17.

Global bond markets are experiencing a selloff, though less severe than four years ago. Current yield increases are smaller, providing some market reassurance and new opportunities. Heavy government spending and AI financing are adding pressure to bond markets. Higher yields offer investors a better income cushion against falling prices. Bond yields may still rise due to inflation and debt issuance pressures.

Multi-asset funds have outperformed the Nifty over recent one and three-year periods. Strong returns from precious metals and REITs aided this category's performance. These funds offer flexibility to shift allocations based on market conditions. Retail investor interest has surged, making them a fast-growing mutual fund category. Fund managers' track record in rebalancing assets is crucial for investors.

On September 1, Zerodha Corporate Advisors secured approval from Sebi to function as a merchant banker, following their application back in April. This pivotal approval enables the firm to facilitate initial public offerings and handle various capital market activities. Although the complete registration process with the regulator remains in progress, Zerodha Corporate Advisors is gearing up to launch its new merchant banking services shortly.

August witnessed an impressive spike in IPO activity, as ten offerings saw oversubscriptions of more than a hundred times. Leading the charge was Hy-Tech Engineers, garnering bids amounting to over two hundred forty-four times its share allocation. This enthusiastic investor response not only shattered previous monthly records but also positioned 2026 as a standout year for IPOs, matching the fervor last recorded in 2024.

Lovell FHCC lighting project remains a useful example of how sustainability goals can produce measurable results when they are connected to practical investments. Joining the Federal Green Challenge in 2011 gave the facility a broader environmental framework, while the LED retrofit translated that commitment into lower electricity demand, reduced emissions, maintenance savings and better lighting.

Big Branchs recovery is ultimately a reminder that environmental restoration is often measured in years rather than weeks. The stream did not improve because of a single cleanup project; its progress followed years of watershed planning, agricultural conservation, technical assistance, local participation and public funding.

Air Force's approach focused on putting computers into lower-power states when they were not being actively used. Under the settings being implemented at the time, monitors could enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, while computers could enter a low-power state after 30 minutes.

The scale of Lovells campus made the strategy particularly significant. The facility occupied approximately 120 acres and included a full hospital, residences and a power plant.

Flat Creek in Indiana experienced significant water quality issues for years. A 2012 plan initiated watershed improvement efforts and best management practices. Monitoring in 2019 showed improvements, leading to delistings in 2022. Further monitoring in 2024 revealed continued progress in biological scores.

In 2015, a seawater desalination plant was built at cost of $1 billion. It now supplies 50 million gallons of drought-proof drinking water daily and meets about 10% of San Diego Countys demand. The plant reduces dependence on imported water, but its cost, energy use, marine life impact, brine discharge, and long-term purchase agreement remain key concerns for water ratepayers and residents in the region.

Quote of the day by George Washington Carver remains powerful because freedom and education are deeply connected. Knowledge gives people greater capacity to question, choose, create and contribute. Carvers own life stands as an extraordinary example of how perseverance and learning can transform both an individual and the people around them.

As Autumn 2026 unfolds, significant changes await those born in four pivotal months. April individuals will discover the importance of fulfillment beyond mere busyness, making intentional life choices. August-born folks will elevate their role from passive observers to influential figures. November natives will tap into the resilience built from their past struggles. Meanwhile, January individuals will finally unveil the profound significance of their persistent efforts.