The Economic Times

Nepal floods: Rescue operations are in full swing for thousands still unaccounted for following the disaster that occurred on August 26. The infrastructure is left in ruins, with critical effects on electricity generation and multiple bridges. International aid is pouring in, with specialised teams aiding Nepal's rescue and identification missions.

Delhi's transport department mandates stricter bus safety measures following a serious incident. Panic buttons and tracking devices must remain operational on all public transit vehicles. Buses will now only stop at designated safe locations, avoiding roadside pickups. Crew members will receive sensitivity training and undergo background checks for improved security.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described India as an oasis in global turmoil. He stated the nation remains the fastest growing among large economies. The government is planning exemptions for high-end sectors like semiconductors. These sectors will be freed from government-mandated standards. This initiative aims to foster growth in critical industries.

BP has appointed Ian Tyler as its permanent chair. This follows the earlier dismissal of Albert Manifold over governance concerns. Senior independent director Amanda Blanc will not seek re-election next year. Tyler, who previously served as interim chair, will lead the board's evolution. BP aims to strengthen its balance sheet and improve operational performance.

Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This appointment follows a rigorous selection process involving thousands of initial applications. The trust aims to strengthen its administrative and financial management after recent controversies. Mishra's extensive experience will help formalize the trust's expanding operations. The decision was made at a meeting of the Trust at Maniramdas Chhawani.

Quote of the day by Robin Wright is a powerful one because it reduces an enormous questionwhat makes life worthwhile?to a simple emotional truth: if you genuinely feel happy and at peace, many of the things that once seemed essential can lose their power. The quotation is widely documented as one of Wrights sayings, although the available sources primarily preserve the quote rather than providing detailed context about when or where she originally said it. Its enduring appeal comes from its simp

Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra will lead the Ram Mandir trust as its first chief executive officer (CEO). He was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his distinguished service during Operation Sindoor. Mishra brings decades of military experience in strategic planning, operations and coordination to his new administrative role. The trust also appointed three new trustees at a recent meeting in Ayodhya.

A 12-year-old student from Connecticut has been named a finalist in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for a project combining algae with natural calcium buffers to counter ocean acidification. Raji Doshi is now competing for the competition's $25,000 grand prize.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the drone attack in Leipzig was a Russian escalation. She indicated the European Union will increase pressure on Russia following this incident. Von der Leyen described the event as part of a broader pattern of dangerous incidents. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed these views, calling Russia increasingly reckless. European leaders acknowledge this situation as the new normal and must adapt.

Tilak Varma scored unbeaten knocks for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy. He expressed his strong desire to play Test cricket for India. Varma stated his strength lies in red ball cricket despite white ball format appearances. He hopes to play the Duleep Trophy final before joining the Afghanistan series. Selectors and management will decide his availability for the championship match.

Utilizing baking soda in your refrigerator is a fantastic way to combat unwanted food odors. It effectively interacts with the compounds that cause these smells, neutralizing them seamlessly. This affordable method is effortless, although its important to note that baking soda wont clean spills or address the root of the odors. Besides your fridge, it can also work wonders in trash bins, cabinets, and footwear.

IndiGo will start daily direct flights between Mumbai and Hanoi from October 25, 2026, the airline said on Wednesday. The new service will expand its connectivity to Vietnam and add to its existing daily direct flights to Hanoi from Delhi and Kolkata.The Mumbai-Hanoi service will operate as flight 6E 1637, departing Mumbai at 4:15 am and arriving in Hanoi at 10 am. The return flight, 6E 1638, will leave Hanoi at 7:05 pm and reach Mumbai at 11:05 pm. All timings are local.Also Read: Will continue

A 17-year acid rain experiment at Canadas Lake 223 changed its water chemistry and disrupted its ecosystem. Although the lakes acidity has since recovered, its lake trout population remains below half its original level. Scientists are now reintroducing a lost food-web species to study whether the ecosystem can recover.

The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to create a Standard Operating Procedure. This procedure will govern the arrest and detention of transgender individuals in the city. The court considered an advisory from the National Human Rights Commission on this matter. A law student's petition highlighted the absence of specific guidelines for transgender persons. Authorities must now file an affidavit detailing compliance steps taken.

Quote of the day by Antonio Banderas: I dont want to live my life like Im already dead is about choosing to live fully despite knowing that life is finite. It speaks to everyday choices, fear, work, relationships and the moments when we postpone what truly matters. The deeper lesson is to accept mortality without allowing it to make us passive, helping us value time, purpose and the life we are actually living.

TMC leader Sagarika Ghose alleged police misuse in West Bengal targeting party activists. She stated that FIRs are not being uploaded online as directed by the Supreme Court. Mandatory notices are also not being served to accused individuals under new laws. Ghose claimed old cases are being revived, calling it a conspiracy against TMC members. The party plans to challenge these alleged human rights violations internationally.

US debt: While voters may not focus on the issue until the country's fiscal problems translate into benefit cuts or tax hikes, the fallout hits them just the same in the form of high mortgage interest rates that track yields on government debt and inflation outpacing wage hikes.

Glue hacks: For a quick and easy bathroom upgrade, try this hot glue hack to help stabilise your stool on slippery floors. Simply apply small dots of hot glue to the feet to create extra texture and grip. This method works best on clean, dry surfaces and is most suitable for lightweight stools. For wet areas or heavier use, it is better to invest in purpose-made non-slip feet.

Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president and University of Pennsylvania and Fordham Law graduate, was fatally stabbed in a random Times Square attack just days after sharing a joyful family photo. The new mom had recently returned from five months of maternity leave, celebrated her baby daughters baptism and marked her second wedding anniversary with husband Frank.

In 1973, Roger Mallinson and Roger Chapman became trapped 1,575 feet beneath the Atlantic after theirPisces IIIsubmersible was damaged and sank during a cable-laying mission. After spending 76 hours on the seabed, an international rescue effort brought them safely to the surface with only about 12 minutes of air remaining.

Known for their resilience, tardigrades have astonishingly withstood the harsh conditions of outer space. Their unique protein showcases an ability to shield cells from radiation damage. Researchers are now investigating how this protein might protect human cells, potentially benefiting cancer patients during radiation therapy. This groundbreaking discovery may also provide valuable insights for upcoming space explorations.

Quote of the day by Billy Graham offers poignant message: possessions can disappear, health can change, but character determines how we respond to both. Wealth can be rebuilt, and people facing health challenges can continue to live lives filled with meaning, love and purpose. Character gives those experiences their moral direction.

China and the United States are developing advanced military space capabilities. Both nations are preparing for potential conflict extending into Earth's orbit. Maneuverable satellites and spaceplanes are key components of these evolving strategies. Allied nations are also participating in joint military operations in space. This competition highlights the growing importance of space for national security.

Resting peacefully on the ocean floor off North Carolina, the USCGC Spar, once a buoy tender, has transformed into a vital habitat for sand tiger sharks. Scientific observations show these sharks have a remarkable preference for shipwrecks, using the site as a 'home base' for extended periods. This fascinating find underscores the ecological significance of shipwrecks, especially for endangered marine species like the sand tiger shark.

Pakistan rejected an expensive LNG cargo, risking more power cuts amid disrupted Qatari supplies. The country faces a difficult choice between high fuel costs and electricity shortages. Rapid solar expansion offers some relief but evening demand remains a challenge. Power outages are already affecting households and businesses across cities. Battery storage and grid modernization are seen as long-term solutions for energy security.

The Space Shuttle Columbia embarked on an innovative mission, aiming to generate electricity through a tethered satellite system employing a long wire. This experiment yielded impressive voltage and current, albeit briefly. Unfortunately, a flaw in the tether's insulation led to an electrical arc and subsequent breakage. Yet, the mission provided essential insights into ionospheric electric fields, suggesting that electrodynamic tethers could play a crucial role in future explorations.

Ryan Seacrest has sold his sprawling 40-acre Napa Valley estate in St. Helena for $18.5 million after initially listing it for $22 million. The American Idol host bought the estate for $14 million and later transformed it through a major renovation. The 10,750-square-foot retreat features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, seven fireplaces, an expanded primary suite, chefs kitchen, infinity-edge pool, spa, bocce court and a private grove of 220 Italian olive trees.

Javokhir Sindarov prepares for the strongest version of Gukesh Dommaraju for their championship match. He is not reading into recent results as he gears up for the historic event. Sindarov secured his shot at the crown by winning this year's Candidates Tournament. He will face defending champion Gukesh in Geneva for the title. The Uzbek prodigy aims to play his good chess and enjoy the engrossing battle.

A team of researchers has unveiled a groundbreaking material designed to cool building walls effectively. This revolutionary emitter has the potential to lower surface temperatures significantly on scorching summer days. Notably, it operates passively, eliminating the need for external power, and could lead to reduced energy consumption for air conditioning. However, further advancements are necessary before it can be made widely available to the market.

Keeping eyeglasses clean ensures clear vision and prevents residue buildup on lenses. Diluted white vinegar can help remove surface marks and dirt from eyeglass lenses. After cleaning with vinegar, rinse lenses thoroughly and dry them with a microfiber cloth. Storing glasses in a case and holding them by the temples reduces fingerprints. Avoiding placing lenses face-down protects them from scratches and dirt.

Q1 GDP: The release of the latest data coincided with the significant assertion at the SCO meet, of Indias vision of transforming shared geography into shared opportunities through the three pillars off Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

Egyptian researchers tested clay bricks containing eggshell waste and found that a 10% eggshell formulation fired at 1,100C reduced thermal conductivity by 50%. The eggshells changed the brick's pore structure, slowing heat movement. The approach could recycle food waste into construction materials with potential insulation benefits, particularly for buildings in hot climates.

The announcement of the distinguished jurors reaffirms the commitment of the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026 to honour the businesses powering Indias global growth story.

Mohanthal is a traditional Gujarati and Rajasthani mithai made with besan, ghee and sugar. Its signature texture comes from slowly roasting the besan until it develops a rich, nutty aroma, followed by adding sugar syrup to help the mixture set into soft, grainy pieces.

In 1885, Chicago undertook the monumental task of reversing its river flow to safeguard drinking water by rerouting sewage from Lake Michigan into the Mississippi Basin. While this engineering marvel successfully protected the city, it inadvertently opened a gateway for invasive Asian carp, threatening the Great Lakes' ecosystem. Currently, electric barriers serve as a temporary fix, but substantial investment in basin separation is needed for a lasting solution.

Japans 10-year government bond yield crossing 3% is making domestic fixed-income assets increasingly attractive, raising concerns that Japanese institutional investors could reduce their overseas bond exposure.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced police cases against farmers will be withdrawn. Cases against teachers who protested for their rights will also be dropped. These withdrawals aim to strengthen democratic rights and public trust. Previous government filed cases against farmers opposing airport and industrial projects. The Chief Minister cited humanitarian and democratic principles for this executive decision.

Starting October 10, IndiGo will expand air connectivity from Itanagar to key metropolitan areas including Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The aim is to facilitate travel for residents of Arunachal Pradesh's capital.

Hawaii's officials have embarked on an innovative experiment to blend recycled plastic into road asphalt, effectively repurposing nearly 200,000 plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. This pilot project focuses on assessing the pavement's functionality and the long-term impacts of microplastic dispersion. A parallel control section was created for reference, highlighting efforts to convert waste materials into valuable infrastructure for the country's transportation networks.