The Economic Times

Nestle SA is gearing up for major investments in India, positioning it as a key player in its global operations. With a vision to rank among its top five markets, Nestle recognises the potential of the burgeoning middle class and rising consumption, the company's CEO said. The new strategy will emphasize growth in volume and product quality while enhancing India's significance as a manufacturing and export hub.

Bodie, a historical ghost town in California, draws interest with its well-preserved mining heritage. The discovery of gold and silver in 1876 triggered an explosive population increase, leading to a bustling community filled with buildings and life. However, after 1942, incidents of fire and resource depletion culminated in its abandonment. Now, 110 structures remain, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the town's vibrant history.

Following the creation of American reservoirs, theres an initial surge in fish populations, creating a thriving aquatic ecosystem. However, as time passes, diminishing habitats and dwindling food sources lead to a decline in biomass. Recent research affirms this non-linear trend, prompting fishery managers to deploy ongoing interventions to maintain these artificially created lake environments.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume addressed staff regarding ongoing cost-cutting measures. He acknowledged their efforts but stated more work remains to be done. Blume highlighted that labor costs are double comparable European locations. Factory expenses also remain significantly higher than other plants. The company continues to strive for greater efficiency and competitiveness.

Foreign workers are largely staying in Gulf countries despite six months of conflict, choosing higher, tax-free salaries over weaker prospects back home. Some have sent families home for safety while continuing to work, highlighting the economic dependence of millions of expatriates on Gulf jobs.

Bitcoin traded near $79,000 on Wednesday as traders await key US PCE inflation and GDP data. While the broader trend remains bullish, rising profit-taking and resistance around $82,800$83,000 could limit near-term gains. Short-term holder whales have booked a record $1.2 billion in profits over three days, adding to market caution.

Researchers have created a passive cooling system that uses natural processes. This innovative device cools significantly below ambient air temperatures without electricity. The system can extend the shelf life of perishable foods, especially in humid conditions. Space cooling demand is rapidly increasing globally, straining power grids. This technology offers a promising solution for off-grid cooling needs.

Anand Mahindra took to X to recall his Onam memories from his boarding-school days in Ooty, where he eagerly awaited the Sadhya and especially payasam. He said Keralas Vallam Kali, with its magnificent snake boats and hundreds of oars moving in one rhythm, is perhaps the festivals most vibrant image. For Mahindra, the spectacle offers a powerful reminder of what people can achieve when they work together.

People who prefer night shifts are not necessarily antisocial, unmotivated or unconventional. They may simply have anevening chronotype, feel more alert later in the day or prefer the quieter, more uninterrupted conditions that nighttime can offer.

Adani Group-backed Cemindia Projects, formerly known as ITD Cementation India, is preparing to launch a qualified institutional placement (QIP) to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore. The company has appointed ICICI Securities and SBI Capital Markets as advisers and has been meeting institutional investors ahead of the potential share sale.

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu prepares for a challenging Asian Games competition. She aims to secure the one major medal missing from her career. Chanu is diligently following a rigorous training regimen to stay injury-free. She has set a personal challenge not to return home until winning a medal. The athlete is also planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In a groundbreaking initiative, four dams on the Klamath River spanning California and Oregon have been dismantled after a century of existence, revitalizing roughly 420 miles of crucial salmon habitat. Following years of intense discussions, the demolition was completed in October 2024. Experts predict a resurgence in salmon populations over the next twelve to twenty-five years as ongoing restoration efforts, costing millions, take effect.

Asian Games organizers in Japan are seeking to reduce participant numbers for the upcoming event after registrations surpassed the projected 15,000, reaching approximately 17,000. This surge, including 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials, could strain accommodation plans as the Games will not feature a traditional athletes' village. Organizers are in discussions with the Olympic Council of Asia to find a solution for the excess entries.

To maintain a sparkling kitchen, start by sweeping and vacuuming the floor to eliminate any loose dirt. For routine cleaning, employ warm water mixed with a mild soap solution. Tackle fresh oil spills promptly by blotting with absorbent towels. For a tougher job, sprinkle baking soda on grease spots and gently scrub. Always ensure the floor is fully dried afterward to avoid any slips.

The Election Commission is launching new initiatives to engage young voters. These efforts target students from classes nine to twelve and university levels. The commission plans to establish fifty thousand Electoral Literacy Clubs nationwide. This program aims to educate youth about democratic values and electoral processes. The goal is to foster informed voters for the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Nestles global CEO Philipp Navratil has backed FSSAIs tighter food-labelling scrutiny and supported front-of-pack disclosures, saying consumers should know what they eat. He said such rules should be scientifically designed, balanced and based on portion sizes and global best practices.

Coco Gauffs quote, Your life is still gonna be your life regardless if you win or lose, and at that point you play free, offers a powerful lesson on handling pressure. The American tennis star suggests that results should not define your identity or control your mindset. A two-time Grand Slam champion, Gauffs perspective highlights how accepting both victories and defeats can help athletes perform with greater freedom and confidence.

Mexicos peso has emerged as one of the strongest-performing emerging-market currencies in 2026, strengthening past 17 per dollar despite weak growth and US trade tensions. The super peso is helping curb import costs and inflation but is hurting exporters, especially firms reliant on US revenues.

Chicago's Deep Tunnel project has been a vital safeguard for Lake Michigan over the past fifty years. Initiated in 1972, this impressive 110-mile sewer system was designed to tackle combined sewer overflows and urban flooding. By 2006, the tunnel segment had significantly curtailed sewer-related pollution throughout the city. However, reservoir construction persists, with anticipated completion by 2029, mirroring similar infrastructure challenges faced by many U.S. cities.

From engineer to filmmaker, Girish A.D. has made waves in the Malayalam film industry with his engaging narratives. His works like Premalu and Thanneer Mathan Dinangal specifically appeal to a younger demographic. Recently, he released Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, which has seen remarkable success in theatres worldwide. Read on to know more about his journey.

Larsen & Toubro reported an impressive acquisition of thirteen new orders since the beginning of July, including seven contracts from the Middle East. This trend is a clear sign of revitalized economic activity in the area. The company heavily relies on its Middle Eastern revenue for overall earnings. With businesses rekindling infrastructure projects, it's anticipated that project awards will continue to increase, supporting further development.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has launched three open-ended life cycle funds with five-, 10- and 15-year horizons. The schemes use a glide-path strategy, starting with higher equity exposure that gradually shifts towards debt as maturity approaches. The NFOs Life Cycle Fund 2031, 2036 and 2041 are open for subscription and will close on September 9.

Sweden's Navy undertook an intriguing initiative by planting oak trees on Visings to secure timber for future warships. Decades later, as steel replaced wood in shipbuilding, the mature trees were no longer needed, leaving the island partly covered in oak forests. Visings's history stretches back to ancient settlements and royal residences, while local folklore attributes the island's creation to a giant named Vist.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take a stronger stance on on-field conduct after India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was sanctioned for his altercation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the ongoing second Test in Colombo.

Astronauts on the International Space Station conducted a unique experiment blending cement in microgravity. This innovative study seeks to explore the potential for building habitats on the Moon and Mars. Initial results indicated that the cement displayed distinctive porosity and striations, which are results of the weightlessness environment, contrasting greatly with the hardening process on Earth.

Delhi Aam Aadmi Party president Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana. He claimed most women in the national capital have been excluded from the scheme. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated the scheme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve. Nearly 9.5 lakh women registered for the scheme within one month. The first beneficiaries will receive funds for August on September first.

AI risks: A key proposal Bill Gates plans to raise is international monitoring of AI systems capable of designing molecules or assisting biological attacks. He believes such oversight could be structured without restricting legitimate technological development.

In 1999, 15-year-old hacker Jonathan James broke into NASA computers and downloaded proprietary software linked to the International Space Station. NASA shut down affected systems for 21 days, while the incident reportedly cost about $41,000 to investigate and repair. James was later arrested and sentenced as a juvenile.

India sets its sights on becoming a frontrunner in innovation within the life sciences arena. The Bharat Life Sciences Award 2026 aims to honor exceptional scientific achievements while promoting teamwork. With leaders gathering to enhance manufacturing and drug discovery capabilities, discussions will delve into topics like AI-driven discovery and cutting-edge vaccine technologies, ultimately aiming to define the future of India's life sciences landscape.

Mitchell Starc has achieved the ICC Test bowling number one ranking. He surpassed Matt Henry and Jasprit Bumrah with his performance. Harry Brook maintains his lead in the Test batting rankings. Rishabh Pant has returned to the top ten batting positions. Several other players also saw significant movements in the rankings.

In a strategic move, Allcargo Logistics plans to raise its blue-collar workforce by twenty percent. This decision aims to strengthen its express distribution and consultative logistics services ahead of the festive season, which is expected to bring about a notable increase in demand. To support this growth, the company will also implement a new incentive program for all its operational units.

European Central Bank policymakers are increasingly leaning towards a September rate hike as the Iran conflict drives up energy prices and inflation. While inflation is nearing 3% and economic activity remains resilient, officials appear reluctant to signal further tightening beyond September, keeping future decisions dependent on incoming data.

NASA's tomato experiment on the International Space Station faced major hurdles in microgravity, where watering issues resulted in uneven moisture levels and stressed plants. Out of the entire endeavor, only twelve tomatoes succeeded in ripening, demonstrating the stark differences in yield compared to Earth. Unfortunately, astronauts were unable to sample the crop due to contamination concerns. This experience underscores the crucial role of Earth in agricultural practices.

Mold-Tek Packagings board has approved a 1:1 bonus issue and recommended a final dividend of Rs 3 per share for FY26. Under the proposal, shareholders will receive one bonus share of Rs 5 face value for every share held. The company will announce the record date later, while the dividend will be declared at its annual general meeting.

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and Netflix are offering scholarships to one hundred students. These scholarships provide up to eighty percent financial support for six professional creative programs. This initiative aims to strengthen India's creative talent pipeline and its AVGC sector. The collaboration follows Prime Minister Modi's meeting with Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Industry perspectives are now integrated into academic frameworks and curriculum design.

Transforming empty tin cans into functional storage options is not only creative but also eco-friendly. From organizing office supplies to storing kitchen utensils, these cans offer versatile solutions. Moreover, they can be painted and adorned to become stylish holders for candles or decorative lights, all while adding a touch of personality to your living space.

India's men's hockey team starts its Asian Games campaign on September 28. The women's team begins their tournament against Japan on September 18. Both teams are seeded and commence their journey from the quarterfinals. The men's team will face the second-placed team from Group A. The women's final is scheduled for September 22 and the men's on October 3.

A Reddit user shared their difficult experience after finding a new job. The restaurant was chaotic and understaffed, leading to rapid employee turnover. Previous employees had quit quickly, citing poor conditions and inappropriate comments. The new worker faced unexpected extra hours and unsanitary kitchen practices. This situation presents a dilemma between a steady paycheck and a concerning work environment.

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor has directed officers to treat waterlogging as a disaster. A war-footing response is now required across all government departments. This directive follows heavy rainfall which caused significant traffic disruptions. Many key city roads experienced severe water accumulation and gridlock. Officials are now focused on swift citizen relief and better city management.

The Gemini VIII mission quickly transitioned from a planned rendezvous to a critical in-flight emergency. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott faced a dangerous spin after docking with an Agena target vehicle. Armstrong's decisive action to use re-entry thrusters stabilized the spacecraft and averted disaster. This emergency led to an early mission end and a vital safety improvement for future flights.

In a stunning turn of events, Nene Royal, a gifted guitarist hailing from Phuket, has clinched a direct spot in the finals of America's Got Talent. She impressed judge Mel B so much that she was awarded the Live Golden Buzzer for her captivating performance. Having previously entertained audiences at local markets, Nene is now preparing to shine in the AGT final competition as her online popularity skyrockets.

European shares edged higher as falling oil prices eased bond yields and supported equities, while investors awaited Nvidias quarterly results and fresh US inflation data. The STOXX 600 gained 0.1%, with basic resources leading gains, even as energy stocks lagged amid hopes of a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

California-born Max Alexander began sewing at four after asking his mother for a mannequin. By eight, he had created over 100 custom couture gowns, dressed celebrities including Sharon Stone and Debra Messing, and hosted runway shows. In 2024, he became the youngest designer to present at a runway show, later making history as the youngest designer to debut at Paris Fashion Week.

Indian companies are increasingly using mergers and acquisitions to accelerate growth. Deal volumes have more than doubled since fiscal 2017, reflecting this trend. Many companies are acquiring technology and talent through strategic acquisitions. Successful deals expanded scale and improved margins after synergies kicked in. Integration challenges and regulatory delays remain key risks for some acquisitions.

Actress Kriti Sanon faced public scrutiny over a recent television advertisement. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi highlighted the patriarchal mindset in public discourse. Jewellery brand GIVA withdrew the advertisement after facing concerns. Kriti Sanon questioned the focus on women's clothing and cultural respect. Rahul Gandhi endorsed her view, stating women's choices are their own.

New Delhi: Indias month-on-month job postings rose 1.2% in July, ending three consecutive months of decline in March, April and June, while postings were up 8.3% year on year, according to an Indeed report.The report said while postings have been volatile recently, hiring intensity across India remains elevated, with postings still 84% above pre-pandemic levels.Indian job postings staged a modest recovery in July, ending three consecutive months of decline, Callam Pickering, senior economist, In

University of Arizona researchers studied the effect of solar panel shade on crop growth. Their findings suggest agrivoltaic systems reduce heat and water stress for crops. Shaded plants maintained productivity with less irrigation compared to full sun. This approach could significantly help dry regions facing water supply pressures. Combining solar energy generation with food growing offers a sustainable solution.

Quote of the Day: The life of Viktor Frankl exemplifies how one can uncover meaning amid profound suffering. His teachings postulate that, despite unavoidable pain, we can discover a sense of purpose. This approach illuminates pathways through life's devastating losses. Although heartbreak can feel void of significance, Frankls message empowers individuals to define their relationship with suffering, illustrating that meaning enriches rather than diminishes our experiences.