The Economic Times

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.

Fast bowling great Wasim Akram expressed disappointment over Pakistan's batting talent drought. He stated the Pakistan Super League has not produced noteworthy batting talent. Akram believes reviving club cricket is essential for improving red ball performances. He stressed the need for patience and planning in the domestic structure. The former captain highlighted courage and talent as crucial for Test cricket success.

The White House is exploring using the Defense Production Act to boost oil refining capacity. This consideration follows President Trump's meeting with nearly a dozen U.S. refiners. Refiners suggested expanding existing plants or improving efficiency over new construction. U.S. refinery utilization has reached 98%, highlighting current operational limits. The administration seeks to address global supply disruptions and rising fuel prices.

UN Security Council ambassadors, including Pakistans envoy, visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York on September 10, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks. US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the visit reinforced their shared commitment to peace, security and a world free from terror.

Water buffalo were released on Ermakov Island in 2019 to restore natural grazing. These animals help create habitats for insects, amphibians, and fish. Their grazing also contributes to mosaic landscapes and seed distribution. Six female buffalo were added in 2024 to enrich the existing herd. Ermakov Island is now one of the Danube Delta's most biodiverse areas.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of misusing the Enforcement Directorate. He claimed the agency was targeting opposition leaders and planned more raids. These searches followed the Congress government's 100 days in office. The ED investigated alleged irregularities in liquor license issuance. The agency previously searched premises linked to the excise department.

Brazilian musician Alok is taking his environmental work beyond the stage through Instituto Alok, founded in 2020. The initiative supports Amazon forest restoration while working closely with local communities. In the Maraj region, one project has restored 291.5 hectares, nearly 3 million square metres, and planted more than 245,000 seedlings. Its community-led approach shows how Amazon conservation can also support families and create a more sustainable future.

The House will consider a Russia sanctions bill next week. This measure passed the Senate with bipartisan support earlier. It aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its Ukraine invasion. Some lawmakers and industries worry about potential cost increases for consumers. Republican lawmakers also express concerns about election year political blowback.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted artificial intelligence as a double-edged sword for financial systems. She advocated for a soft-touch regulatory framework for emerging technologies and innovation. The minister urged the Reserve Bank of India to accelerate its digital rupee pilots and capabilities. Sitharaman also dismissed pessimism regarding India's demographic dividend, emphasizing youth-led growth.

The Mumbai Cricket Association will increase its subsidy corpus to Rs 500 crore. This significant funding will support affiliated clubs over the next ten years. Lounges at the Wankhede Stadium will be named after Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane. Late Madhav Mantri will also be honored with a designated lounge at the stadium. These decisions were made during the association's annual general meeting.

Empty glass bottles can transform into stylish and functional decor for your home. They make for charming vases and innovative planters, providing a touch of nature indoors. You can also craft decorative lamps and candle holders, adding a unique lighting element. In the kitchen, these bottles serve as effective storage solutions. Just remember to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and safe for their new uses.

The European Union has dropped a proposed export duty on aluminum scrap. This decision was made to avoid complicating a free trade agreement with India. The EU will now use environmental rules to manage scrap exports instead of the levy. This reversal follows internal negotiations and pressure from India. The EU aims to finalize its trade deal with India in December.

The Australian submarine HMAS Waller marked a significant achievement, simulating a successful attack on a US carrier group and showcasing the effectiveness of conventional submarines against well-armed fleets. Although there were initial setbacks, Australia intends to maintain the Collins-class submarines until the late 2030s while moving toward nuclear options, underscoring the strategic alliance with the United States and United Kingdom.

Quote of the Day by Ringo Starr: Ringo Starrs quote, At the end of the day, I can end up just totally wacky, because Ive made mountains out of molehills. With meditation, I can keep them as molehills, explores the importance of mindfulness, emotional balance, perspective, and maintaining a calm approach to everyday problems. The quote suggests that people can sometimes make small difficulties seem much larger through excessive worry or overthinking, while meditation can help restore perspective,

Swedish researchers have developed a new technique for quantum operations. This method performs certain advanced operations over a thousand times faster. It significantly reduces the time needed for complex quantum calculations. This breakthrough could make quantum computers more reliable and less prone to errors. Experimental testing is now planned to confirm these theoretical findings.

Mildew odors in your laundry can be an annoying issue, often caused by trapped moisture and insufficient air flow. To tackle these smells, consider using white vinegar and baking soda. Pre-treating with vinegar prior to a regular wash works wonders in eliminating the unpleasant scents. Always make sure your clothes are completely dry before putting them away to avoid future mildew growth.

Granules India promoter Krishna Prasad Chigurupati sold 1.72 crore shares worth about Rs 1,500 crore through block and open-market deals. The sale funds the second tranche of a preferential issue, while promoter holding falls to 31.08% following the transaction today.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in Imphal and discussed development and tourism opportunities in the state. Gor praised Manipurs beauty and Prime Minister Narendra Modis focus on the Northeast, while the chief minister invited him to the Manipur Sangai Festival 2026.

Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil held talks with Bayer, Philips and Royal Swinkels in the Netherlands to attract fresh investments and expand manufacturing in Karnataka. Discussions covered Bayers expansion interests, Philips healthcare technology and innovation footprint, and potential manufacturing opportunities, as the state seeks to deepen its industrial presence.

Assam's ACA Cricket Academy now boasts a large indoor cricket facility. This modern setup features nine wickets and advanced training amenities. Players will benefit from year-round practice and enhanced player development programs. The facility includes a gymnasium and specialized recovery and physiotherapy services. This inauguration significantly boosts the state's cricketing infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, as India hosts the grouping's annual summit under its 2026 chairship.

President Donald Trump marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon. He honored the nearly 3,000 lives lost and spoke of American resolve. Vice President JD Vance attended the New York observance with former presidents. A victim's wife criticized Saudi Arabia's relationship with the United States. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth connected the attacks to the war with Iran.

Kautilya Katariya, who achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a Guinness World Record holder at the tender age of six, has proven himself a programming prodigy. He crafted his own programs and gained recognition as an artificial intelligence expert through IBM. Demonstrating his brilliance, Kautilya topped his school's GCSE maths exam. His next venture involves the creation of a dedicated online community for young, aspiring thinkers.

Wales recently resurfaced part of the A487 highway using fibers from 4.3 tonnes of recycled diapers. Sanitized diaper waste was processed into durable pellets, replacing synthetic asphalt materials imported from Europe. Blending these fibers into bitumen created a flexible road surface that resists cracking and handles heavy traffic wear. The clever initiative diverted over 100,000 nappies from landfills while cutting transport emissions.

Oil shipping rates from the Gulf of Oman to China have reached record highs this week. This surge follows recent attacks on shipping and military escalations in the region. The increased risk in the Middle East Gulf is pushing freight rates to new levels. Higher shipping costs could contribute to inflation and impact businesses and consumers. This conflict's effects are now spilling over to other global shipping routes.

Morocco's Prime Minister urged his football chief to halt World Cup final hosting promises. The Spanish FA president believes Spain should host the 2030 World Cup final. FIFA has not yet decided which co-host will stage the prestigious final match. Morocco's proposed stadium for the event is currently under construction. This dispute highlights the ongoing competition for the significant hosting honor.

Deloitte's London campus achieved WELL Building Standard certification in 2018. The project integrated environmental design and a wellbeing agenda for employees. It featured extensive biophilic elements, including thousands of plants and green walls. Measures promoting physical activity included numerous sit/stand desks and a large gym.

Magnus Carlsen ended Javokhir Sindarov's winning streak, and Vidit Gujrathi won a long endgame. Alpine APL Pipers defeated FYERS American Gambits by a narrow margin. This crucial win brought the Pipers closer to securing a final berth. Divya Deshmukh faced a time-trouble loss against Bibisara Assaubayeva. Triveni Continental Kings also proved too strong for PBG Alaskan Knights.

Quote of the day by Denzel Washington says, Dreams without goals are just dreams, and they ultimately fuel disappointment. The saying explains why hopes need plans, goals and daily action. Denzel Washington connects commitment, consistency and discipline with achievement. His career also reflects a long path across films, television, theatre and direction, along with Academy Awards, a Tony Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The West Bengal government has formed a state-level advisory committee to examine proposals for naming and renaming roads, streets, bridges and public places. Headed by Swami Pradiptananda, also known as Kartik Maharaj, the panel will assess historical, cultural, heritage and public considerations before recommending proposed name changes.

An SBI research report recommends the Reserve Bank of India raise interest rates. The central bank should implement a 25 basis point hike next month, it says. This action aims to counter external shocks and rising crude oil prices. Inflationary pressures are also showing signs of becoming more widespread. The report advocates for a second rate increase in December.

The Central Board of Secondary Education is set to unveil the Class 10 exam date sheet in late 2026, marking the beginning of a crucial academic period. Exams are projected to start in February and wrap up by March 2027. Students will be able to access the official timetable from the CBSE website once released.

Bank of India secured USD 2.33 billion through FCNR(B) deposits, replacing bulk funding sources. This mobilization will meet approximately three months of the bank's lending requirements. The Reserve Bank of India announced this special deposit scheme to strengthen liquidity positions. Banks are diversifying their deposit bases amid increasing credit demand from customers. The bank will maintain its 15-17 percent credit growth target for the year.

Henry Xie, a 17-year-old Portland student developed a way to transfer empathy from large AI models to smaller models for his Regeneron Science Talent Search computer science project. His Science project could help make more caring, human-centered AI available on smartphones and everyday devices without requiring the massive computing power of large models.

Nagaland Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. They discussed state development priorities and the welfare of the people. The Nagaland Assembly also urged the Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit regime. This permit restricts foreign national entry into designated areas of the state. Withdrawal is sought for tourism and economic engagement opportunities.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam reached significant captaincy milestones during the Edgbaston Test. He surpassed 2,000 Test runs as captain and 7,000 international runs. England posted a substantial first-innings total after bowling Pakistan out cheaply. Pakistan responded better in their second innings, aiming to reduce the deficit. The match saw notable batting performances from both sides.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump for help countering Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis as threats to Red Sea shipping intensified, according to two sources. Washington declined direct military action for now but offered intelligence and targeting support, marking a shift in Riyadhs approach to the Houthis.

iPhone 17 Pro Discount: Croma is offering special deals on iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. The iPhone 17 Pro 256GB is available for an effective price of Rs 69,990. iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB can be purchased for Rs 74,990 in-store. These offers include exchange benefits and bank cashback options. Customers also receive a free case and a discount on AppleCare+.

Quote of the Day by Gloria Estefan: Gloria Estefans quote, You never know what life has in store for you, but I believe there are certain things one is meant to go through, explores the importance of accepting lifes uncertainty, finding meaning in experiences, and developing resilience through unexpected circumstances. The quote suggests that although people cannot always predict what the future will bring, the experiences they encounter can shape their character, teach valuable lessons, and con