The Economic Times

The six-month U.S. war against Iran has cost $38 billion through August 1, with expenses projected to rise by $3 billion monthly, the Congressional Budget Office said. The conflict has depleted munitions stockpiles, raised energy prices and could increase inflation by 0.5% in early 2027, straining US defence readiness and finances.

On Tuesday, information technology stocks saw a notable recovery as investor confidence returned, easing worries surrounding artificial intelligence disruptions. The Nifty IT index performed robustly, surpassing other sector indices. Analysts suggest that AI holds promising prospects for Indian IT firms, yet technical experts express caution regarding the sector's short-term forecasts.

Smart beta funds represent a hybrid approach, merging the advantages of passive and active investing to enhance returns. Implementing specific guidelines for stock selection and weighting, they provide cost-effective solutions with greater transparency. While there may be times when smart beta trails behind traditional indices, they can serve as a valuable addition to diversify and strengthen investors' portfolios.

In 2017, a fully automated facility for plant bioscience research was launched to the International Space Station. The Advanced Plant Habitat studied plant growth in microgravity and supported experiments lasting up to 135 days. It used more than 180 sensors and systems controlled from Earth. After years of plant research involving radishes, peppers, tomatoes and other studies, the facility is now returning to Earth for museum display.

The Indian rupee reached its weakest point in three months on Tuesday. This depreciation occurred as Brent crude oil prices surged past $108 per barrel. US 10-year bond yields also breached the significant 5% mark. The Reserve Bank of India intervened by selling dollars to support the currency. Future rupee movement will depend on oil prices and the US Federal Reserve's policy decision.

In 1873, a French astronomer invented a unique device 'photographic revolver' which could automatically capture a sequential series of photographs. Pierre Jules Csar Janssen created the device to record the 1874 transit of Venus. It used a rotating cylinder, clockwork mechanism and circular photographic plate to take repeated exposures. The invention became part of chronophotography and was later regarded as a precursor to motion-picture cameras.

In 1984, Tonga's Home Reef shot a 12km-high plume into the sky and built an island. 42 years later, the growing volcanic island has gained nearly 20 acres of land. The submarine volcano has repeatedly created and lost islands since the 19th century. Recent eruptions have expanded the island. Satellite images help experts monitor changes, ash, lava flows and water plumes while scientists study possible effects on marine life and birds.

UAE Dubai Events 2026: The events scene in the United Arab Emirates is bouncing back with renewed enthusiasm after recent disruptions. Indian entertainment and corporate sectors are driving strong event sales, with a variety of exhibitions, conferences and business gatherings lined up for the coming months. Indian firms are also beginning to organise trips to Dubai, while the UAE is promoting MICE travel through various incentives and support initiatives.

Psychology says people who are not able to speak properly in front of a crowd aren't incapable or less intelligent. Public speaking anxiety can trigger the body's survival response, leading to a racing heart, sweating, muscle tension and difficulty recalling words. Psychology links this reaction to social rejection, fear of negative evaluation and learned responses. Understanding the process can help people prepare, reframe anxiety and build confidence through gradual exposure.

Quote of the day by Prince Harry is a simple celebration of something people can easily overlook: the right to enjoy being alive. Fun does not have to mean extravagance, irresponsibility or constant entertainment. It can be found in friendship, family, creativity, travel, hobbies, humor, nature and unexpected moments that make an ordinary day memorable.

Quote of the day by Michelle Obama teaches us that the search for importance does not have to begin with becoming someone else. It can begin with understanding yourself more honestly. Your experiences, lessons, struggles, talents, relationships and dreams already form a story that nobody else can completely duplicate. Recognition may come or disappear, circumstances may change and other people may sometimes fail to appreciate your contribution, but that does not erase your inherent value.

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Conservationist Matt Conn has spent a decade restoring Louisiana wetlands near Lydia. He removed invasive tallow trees and planted thousands of native species. The land now hosts diverse ecosystems and abundant native wildlife. Conns efforts have transformed the property into a certified Louisiana habitat. This project highlights the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

V. S. Naipaul quote today: Writer V. S. Naipaul's quote highlights life's constant movement and change. His words remind us that nothing remains static for very long. We must learn to accept change rather than constantly fighting it. Adapting to shifting circumstances helps us find new directions easily. This perspective encourages us to keep moving forward with life's transitions.

Life Lessons Quote by Cillian Murphy is a reflection on responsibility, participation and the connection between the present and the future. Its original political context gives the statement a specific meaning, but its wider lesson reaches into everyday life: society is something people inherit, influence and eventually pass forward. Men and women, young and old, parents and children, workers and community members all play different roles in that continuing process.

On September 16, 2026, the Sagittarius Moon brings a wave of empowerment to three zodiac signs. Gemini is set to release their negativity, embracing bright opportunities on the horizon. Meanwhile, Libra takes charge in shaping a promising future, while Pisces conquers their inner doubts to seek new adventures. This celestial influence inspires these signs to channel their energies with renewed focus and confidence.

Quote of the day by Marie Curie: Marie Curies quote highlights the importance of childlike wonder in scientific exploration. This sense of curiosity can be maintained throughout life, encouraging continued learning and personal growth. Looking beyond the obvious can open up new opportunities to learn from everyday experiences. Expertise should not replace the joy of questioning, discovering and exploring the unknown. Retaining a sense of wonder can make the journey of learning more meaningful an

Quote of the day by Sam Neill offers a timeless lesson for anyone trying to build a meaningful career: the people beside you can change the experience of the journey. Work will inevitably include pressure, difficult decisions, long hours and disappointing outcomes, but good people can make those challenges easier to carry. They can turn stress into shared problem-solving, ordinary moments into laughter and professional obligations into lasting memories.

Actor Michael Keaton designed and helped build his comfortable Montana ranch home. He also relocated an old cabin to serve as a guesthouse on the property. The 1,000-acre working cattle ranch was created to fit its natural surroundings. Keaton wanted ample space for his large family and year-round staff.

Quote of the Day by Zendaya: Zendaya encourages embracing individuality rather than fitting in or standing out. Her 2013 book offers guidance on confidence and self-expression for young girls. The actress began her career as a model and backup dancer in the early 2000s. She gained fame through Disney Channel shows and transitioned to major film roles. Zendaya continues to build an extensive acting career across television and film.

Psychology says people who offer unreserved seats to any senior citizen or anyone who may need them more than them aren't simply being polite. The behavior can reflect empathy, social responsibility, prosocial behavior and emotional intelligence. Giving up a seat also shows awareness of other people's needs. Psychology theories such as Social Norm Theory, the Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis and Social Exchange Theory help explain why people choose to stand.

Kevin Costner's stunning 160-acre ranch in Colorado is now available for nightly rentals, accommodating up to twenty-seven guests. Visitors can enjoy luxurious amenities, including a baseball field and an ice rink, perfect for family fun. Nestled near the renowned ski town of Aspen, this rental property comes at a noteworthy time as the actor navigates divorce proceedings with his estranged wife.

Jeanette Vizguerra arrived in the US from Mexico in 1997 and went on to become a prominent immigrant rights activist in Colorado. Her decades-long fight for legal status included seeking sanctuary in a Denver church, facing repeated deportation threats from ICE and later being detained in 2025. Despite these challenges, Vizguerra continued advocating for immigrants and workers and received the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award in 2025.

More than 17,000 competitors and officials are expected at the continent's biggest sporting spectacular, which takes place in Nagoya and the wider Aichi prefecture until October 4. The number of participants -- more than the Olympics -- has been a sore point for stretched-to-the-limit organisers, who initially expected 15,000 and have had to scramble to find accommodation for the rest.

The Supreme Court rejected Chitra Ramkrishna's appeal regarding the NSE co-location case. This decision allows a Delhi court to proceed with the corruption charges against her. The court upheld the Delhi High Court's ruling on public duty and public servant definitions. Ramkrishna, former NSE MD and CEO, faces charges of illegal gratification and conspiracy. The case involves alleged improper dissemination of exchange data to select stockbrokers.

India is destined to rise in a turbulent world, facing demanding diplomatic challenges. External affairs minister S Jaishankar outlined six key issues for Indian diplomacy. This rise implies a greater global footprint and stronger international ties. India will count more and influence more on the world stage.

Cleaning dusty curtains while they remain in place is both practical and effective. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to lift off dust. For a more detailed cleaning, employ microfiber cloths or soft dusters to gently wipe down surfaces. To refresh suitable fabrics, a garment steamer can be invaluable, while damp cloths work wonders on small stains.

The Delhi High Court criticized the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal for its procedural lapses. The tribunal's actions in a Patanjali Ayurved tax case were deemed reckless and hasty. Seven orders passed by the tribunal were quashed by the high court. The court noted a lack of logic and reasoning in the tribunal's decisions. The president of the tribunal was directed to reassign the appeals for a fresh hearing.

The trophy will be presented on October 26, while the final sprint began on September 8 when France Football, the award organiser, released the list of 30 candidates to succeed Ousmane Dembele. The ceremony will be in London, even though only five of the 30 nominees play in the English Premier League.

Dhaka is reviewing one hundred and one agreements signed with New Delhi. Bureaucrats trained in India over the past decade may face scrutiny. The ruling party alleges past governments compromised national interests with a friendly nation. Goods-laden vehicles from that country were reportedly allowed free road use.

Two Kuki-Zo women were killed while working on their farms in Manipur's Tamenglong district. Several farmhouses were also set ablaze during the incident at Leisang Kuki village. The apex Kuki body condemned the unprovoked attack and blamed NSCN-IM and ZUF (Kamson). Six innocent Kuki villagers have reportedly been killed in cold blood over three days.

El Nio effect: El Nio has left more than 50% of India grappling with drought conditions, severely affecting kharif crops currently in the fields. Maharashtra has been particularly hard hit, with extreme drought affecting a large part of its agricultural areas. Other key agricultural states are also experiencing varying levels of drought, raising concerns about crop yields and soil moisture levels as winter sowing approaches.

Freddie Freeman and his wife sold their Studio City home. The property was purchased for over seven million dollars. It was later sold for six point four five million dollars. This resulted in a significant financial loss for the couple. The home was constructed in twenty twenty-two and features several amenities.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh encouraged companies to invest in new technologies. He highlighted that technological leadership secures strategic advantage in future warfare. Initiatives were announced to lower barriers for deep-tech startups and smaller firms. A framework for sharing DRDO software source codes was also launched.

The 2025 Young Inventor Challenge celebrated creativity and innovation among young creators ages 6 to 18. Held during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair in Rosemont, Illinois, the 20th annual event featured 180 inventors who collectively submitted 127 toy and game creations. Participants from eight U.S. states, Mexico, Switzerland, Italy and England presented their ideas to toy and game industry professionals. Entries were judged on originality, inventiveness, pitching ability and market potential. Awa

Quote of the day by Matthew McConaughey: Matthew McConaugheys quote, Life is a verb, point to a simple truth: we are never finished becoming who we are. The road includes doubt, setbacks, wrong turns and waiting. What matters is staying open to change, learning from what happens, and having the courage to take the next right step.

The United States has sought details from India on the use of rice for ethanol production. Washington has alleged that Indias rice stocks exceed food security requirements, affecting global trade. Indias price support policies have also been cited as contributing to higher domestic rice supplies. The World Trade Organization is expected to discuss these concerns later this month. Indias allocation of rice for ethanol production has reportedly increased significantly.

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh seeks to double the wage ceiling for mandatory Employees' Provident Fund coverage. This trade union also wants increased eligibility for Employees' State Insurance and statutory bonus. The existing thresholds have not kept pace with rising wages and changing employment conditions. The union organized a nationwide agitation and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister. Assurances have been received, but a concrete policy decision remains pending.

George McJunkins remarkable discovery of ancient bison bones and spear points in New Mexico provided compelling evidence for the existence of early human settlers in North America. The Folsom site showcased bones from extinct bison species, with a spear point suggesting that human habitation dates back much further than previously thought. Researchers later recognized McJunkin's significant role in this groundbreaking archaeological finding.

The Election Commission of India has not yet decided on the Trinamool Congress symbol row. Nominations for the West Bengal bypolls close today, September 16. The Election Commission will meet on September 17 to discuss the symbol dispute. Both Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata factions are contesting the October 6 bypolls. The bypolls are now set to turn into a five-cornered fight.

Bill Gates $132 million Xanadu 2.0 was originally planned with high-quality old-growth timber, but concerns over the threatened northern spotted owl changed the mansions construction plans. Bill Gates ultimately used reclaimed wood from old industrial buildings and invested millions in timber recycling, turning salvaged wood into a premium architectural material.

Six states signed the Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement on Tuesday. The Union government will cover ninety percent of the project's financial burden. A 232.6-meter concrete gravity dam will be built on the Tons River. This project will irrigate land and generate clean hydropower for the region. Delhi will benefit most, receiving twenty-five percent more water.

Badruddin Ajmal is set to run in the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election scheduled for October 6. After experiencing a prior electoral loss, he is hopeful for a comeback, anticipating support from both Muslim and Hindu constituents. This by-election has been triggered by the resignation of the current Congress MP, with multiple parties revealing their candidates for this pivotal race.

US lawmakers are considering tariffs on Russia's oil trading partners, including India. One amendment proposes 100% tariffs on countries like India and China. Another amendment seeks to remove the tariff provision entirely from the bill. India's energy sourcing policy prioritizes national interests amid these developments.

The Enforcement Directorate aims to expedite money-laundering trials within eight months. Zonal offices will identify key cases for accelerated prosecution and conviction. A new trial monitoring system will track case progress and delays. The agency is also expanding its sanctioned strength by sixty percent. This structural change will enhance the directorate's operational capabilities significantly.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has officially stated it will not ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while expressing support for a delimitation bill if it benefits southern states with additional seats. Previously, BRS backed the BJP on issues like GST and demonetisation, although KTR criticized support for demonetisation as a misstep. The party is also taking steps to address issues related to recent electoral roll deletions.

Indias goods exports surged in August, driven by robust global demand, while the trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low as imports declined. Key free trade agreements are on track for finalisation, while exporters are being prepared for the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Trade ministers are also set to address bilateral concerns and review the status of ongoing free trade negotiations.

Hasirani Rath, mother of a slain former aide, is the BJP candidate for Nandigram. She aims for a victory margin exceeding one lakh votes in the upcoming bypoll. Her son was allegedly murdered by supari killers for assisting Suvendu Adhikari. The CBI is investigating the murder and has filed a chargesheet. Adhikari stated that Hasirani Rath is a long-time party worker.