The Economic Times

Kratom is legal at the federal level, but some state and local governments have banned the substance and federal authorities have issued warnings about its risks.

The 2026 midterm elections are approaching with Democrats leading Republicans by 11 points in a recent poll. Polls indicate increasing support for Democrats, especially among independent and Hispanic voters. Concerns about the economy dominate voters' minds, with many believing current policies are detrimental. Trump's approval rating has reached a low point, contributing to voter sentiment. Both political parties acknowledge the poll results but view the future landscape differently.

Robotics and digital fabrication are bringing new techniques to traditional stone carving, as demonstrated by a full-scale marble statue of the Greek goddess Tyche completed by Robotor in Carrara, Italy. The company used a Computer Numerical Control system and a multi-axis robotic arm to carve the sculpture from a solid block of Carrara marble. AI-powered software helped calculate tool paths, while diamond-coated milling heads removed most of the excess stone. Human sculptors completed the final

Google said it tested its TPUs while running AI workloads in a facility at the University of California, Davis, but that orbital testing was needed to understand how the hardware performs in the real environment.

A historic power plant in Savannah, Georgia, is being offered a fresh purpose through the Plant Riverside District, a large mixed-use redevelopment along the Savannah River. Established in 1912, the 225,000-square-foot masonry brick property is being adapted to accommodate a JW Marriott hotel, high-end retail spaces, food and beverage operations, rooftop bars, an art gallery and a live-music venue.

The astrological mood begins to change during the week of September 28 to October 4. Mercury moves into Scorpio on September 30, bringing a deeper tone to conversations and encouraging people to look beyond what is being said on the surface.

For millions of Americans, the 2026 midterm ballot could look different from the one they received two years ago. Their address may be exactly the same. Their polling place may also be unchanged. What could be different is the congressional district drawn around them. A Protect Democracy analysis estimates that about 34.8 million Americans were placed in different congressional districts between the 2024 and 2026 elections.

Bridgerton Season 5 will feature the story of Francesca Bridgerton and her queer romance with Michaela Stirling, who his her husband John Stirling's sister. In Season 4 fans witnessed an intimacy between them at John Stirlin's funeral

A Bengaluru fathers plan to surprise his daughter with a book nearly went awry after he accidentally left his handbag on a Vayu Vajra BMTC bus while travelling from Kempegowda International Airport to Hebbal. According to a TOI report, conductor Mohammed Rafi Biradar found the unattended bag, kept it safe and later returned it to Venkatesh Harthi, ensuring the father could still take home the gift and the special moment he had planned for his daughter.

U.S. midterm elections 2026 are happening after an unusual wave of mid-decade congressional redistricting changed House district boundaries in many states. A Protect Democracy analysis discovered that 34.8 million Americans, or around one in 10 people, currently live in a different congressional district than they did during the 2024 election cycle.

Bottle gourd, or lauki, may be an everyday vegetable, but its history and uses are far more fascinating than they seem. From being used as containers thousands of years ago and potentially travelling across oceans to serving as a resonating chamber in musical instruments, the humble gourd has played several roles beyond the kitchen. Its high water content, use in traditional desserts and an important safety warning about unusually bitter bottle gourd make these seven lesser-known facts worth kno

India's pursuit of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is bolstered by backing from four European nations. Acknowledged for its vast population and rising economic clout, India stands out despite its absence of veto power. In the ongoing 81st session of the UN General Assembly, significant support remains evident, as Pew surveys indicate India's favorable global perception even amidst discontent towards the UN from others.

The Supreme Court has agreed to review the Centre's request for prospective application of its March 11 verdict. The verdict determined that parental income alone cannot exclude candidates from the OBC creamy-layer. The Centre seeks a two-year window to implement the court's ruling without disrupting current recruitment processes. Aishwarya Bhati argued that immediate application could lead to administrative chaos and affect candidates not involved in litigation.

If you have been feeling low for a long time, then your luck is expoected to change. Three zodiac signs may witness a change in their fortune as Mercury starts moving direct from September 25

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi challenged Rahul Gandhi's claims about the Election Commission's functioning and decision-making processes. Trivedi questioned Gandhi's reliance on unverified media reports without substantial evidence. He also highlighted Congress's historical electoral failures in various states to argue transparency in elections has affected their performance. Additionally, Trivedi called for clarification on the involvement of opposition leaders in the selection of chief el

The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India to provide a realistic timeframe for resolving a party dispute. Rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress are contesting over the party's name and election symbol. The court emphasised that proceedings should not be prolonged indefinitely and suggested daily hearings.

In 2025, Kent Hups discovered unusual impressions in North Dakota's Hell Creek Formation believed to be T. rex footprints. Paleontologists excavated the area and found a trackway of four large three-toed footprints. This trackway, estimated to be about 66.5 million years old, provides insights into the movement of T. rex. The study indicates the dinosaur walked at a speed of 1.5 to 2 meters per second.

If you live in one of these 10 states, a Social Security cut by 2032 could hit your local economy harder than elsewhere. The biggest potential impact is in West Virginia, Mississippi and Vermont, according to the CRFB scenario.

80s nostalgic foods: The 1980s had a special kind of school-time indulgence, when a few coins were enough to buy treats such as Phantom cigarettes, Poppins, paan-flavoured toffees, Pepsi cola ice tubes and cream rolls. These inexpensive snacks were more than just food, they were part of everyday childhood rituals that turned an ordinary school day into a memorable one.

Rahul Gandhi has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over mounting allegations of electoral fraud. He lauded two election commissioners who dissent against Kumars management of the electoral process. Gandhi raised alarms regarding 'vote chori', stressing its dangerous implications for democracy in India.

The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan to the White House for a formal state dinner showcasing American ingredients with subtle Chinese influences. From Schramsberg Blanc De Noir, to yellow squash velout will feature presidential traditions and also shape the evening in the East Room.

Enforcement Directorate has traced 105 crore of cash infusion to McNally Bharat Engineering from Vishwa Group entities. The funds moved through complex networks involving non-banking financial companies and special purpose vehicles. Investigators are examining the role of several individuals and entities associated with this cash flow. Additionally, changes in ownership after the resolution plan approval are under scrutiny.

In an effort to shield consumers from additional Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges, the finance ministry is set to consult with the Indian Banks Association. Meetings with traders' organizations are also scheduled to directly address their concerns about the recent MDR levy. Effective from October 15, transactions exceeding 2,000 will incur a 0.

PB Fintech is evaluating the possibility of entering insurance manufacturing as distribution commissions may decrease significantly. The proposed commission caps by the Insurance Regulatory Authority of India could impact the economic viability of their current distribution model. While these changes might make manufacturing more attractive, the company emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity. Additionally, PB Fintech believes its large customer base may provide an advantage if it enters manu

Sonam Wangchuk criticized India's actions in Ladakh, claiming they are more severe than China's policies in Tibet. He called for the resignation of Union home minister Amit Shah, holding him accountable for the violence and unrest in the region, particularly following the deaths of four civilians during protests while advocating for statehood and constitutional protections.

Congress has criticised Modi government for allegedly blocking voting rights for Generation Z. The claims are based on a report stating that special summary revision is stalled. Rahul Gandhi emphasized that young voters are aware of these issues and will respond accordingly. The Election Commission is reportedly divided on the matter.

US President Donald Trump's dinner with Chinese Supremo Xi Jinping is currently the talk of the tech industry as most of the business elites are invited to attend the high profile event. Here's a tentative guest list on who all are expected to at tonight's supper at the White House.

India's Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlighted ongoing balance of payments pressures amid increased foreign capital inflows. The Reserve Bank of India's special forex swap window has facilitated significant foreign currency inflows. However, these inflows are seen as a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution to external pressures. Factors like rising imports and intensifying global competition for capital could worsen the external account situation.

The Supreme Court revised its earlier order regarding the NSA detention of student Akriti Chaudhary, clarifying certain terms. The court's stay specifically pertains to strictures against Gautam Buddha Nagar DM Medha Roopam and compensation directives. It noted that the quashing of Chaudhary's NSA detention remains unaffected by the stay.

A thyroid medicine recall has received the FDAs highest-risk classification after testing found one lot of Thyroid Tablets, USP 30 mg could be stronger than intended. Heres what consumers need to know about the recalled lot, potential risks, affected tablets and what the FDA advises.

A fisherman off the coast of Mexico had a terrifying experience when an octopus attached itself to his face. The incident was recorded by his friend, showcasing the struggle to remove the creature. After several tense moments, the fisherman finally broke free and discarded the octopus back onto the boat. This encounter was reminiscent of a similar event involving another fisherman in the Philippines.

U.S jobs are often considered as one of the most lucrative ones around the world. Millions of employees within the United States of America and around the world want to land the precious jobs in American cities.

'Female athletes hid in janitors closets to': Lee erupts at 'men in women's sports' Senate hearing

A California tech executive has sparked a huge online reaction after sharing an unusually detailed dating wishlist for her future husband. Brooke LeBlanc, a 29-year-old executive at San Francisco AI insurance startup Corgi, listed requirements including a healthy masculine man with a provider/protector mentality, who is fit, sober, hardworking and wants children.

Its not a complicated question: Bernie Sanders loses cool on Trumps FDA pick Heidi Overton

Gundlach Bundschu Winery, established in 1858, is getting into a major transition after six generations of Bundschu family ownership. The historic Sonoma Valley winery is looking for a possible new investor through Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to financial concerns, changing wine-drinking habits and industry interruptions have impacted the business.

Virginia woman won a $2 million lottery jackpot after buying a $20 Platinum 7s scratch-off ticket during her lunch break, but instead of celebrating, she returned to work and finished her shift. The anonymous winner later chose a $952,000 lump-sum payout before taxes instead of receiving the prize through 30 years of annual payments. The unusual story was reported by People and has drawn attention for her calm reaction to the life-changing win.

Anthropic says Claude has helped researchers find a previously unknown enzyme system in bacterial DNA. They call it ARTs, or array-associated reverse transcriptases. The system has a reverse transcriptase and repeated DNA sequences that resemble CRISPR. Scientists are now studying what it actually does.

The BJP strategically fills important organizational roles by appointing general secretaries, primarily selecting familiar figures from its existing ranks. The emphasis is on a reorganization of responsibilities instead of incorporating new RSS representatives. A notable appointment is Saudan Singh's new role managing several eastern states. Nevertheless, key regions such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala remain without dedicated general secretaries.

Richard Caplan emphasizes the limited role of the United Nations in current conflicts like Ukraine-Russia and US-Iran. He highlights how the UN struggles to enforce collective security due to actions by permanent members of the Security Council. While the UN has made some humanitarian contributions, significant issues remain unaddressed. Caplan also critiques the diminished institutional power of the UN under recent US administrations.

The collection is built around Macca the Gator, a fictional TV show that exists within GTA 6s Leonida universe. References to Macca run throughout the collection, with the character featured on several of the items included in the box.

Canada CPP and OAS payments, including the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), are scheduled for September 25, 2026. Find out who qualifies for the latest Canada government payment, how much eligible seniors and CPP recipients could receive, the maximum CPP, OAS and GIS amounts for 2026, and the remaining CPP and OAS payment dates this year.

Researchers at Singapore's Centre for Quantum Technologies have developed a highly accurate lutetium-based atomic clock. This clock has a reported frequency uncertainty of 1 10, making it one of the most precise clocks available. The team successfully demonstrated the clocks sensitivity to minute differences in gravitational potential. Future plans involve creating a transportable version of the clock for various scientific applications.