The Economic Times

Maharashtra is on track to become India's first tokenised state, enhancing the ease of access to land records. Meanwhile, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation has announced substantial fare reductions for bus passes, bringing financial relief to commuters. In Delhi, the Chief Minister has ordered action against illegal constructions following a recent building collapse.

Quote of the day by James Dean explores the quiet struggle between being yourself and being accepted by others. His words touch on rejection, self-doubt, relationships and the difficult choices that shape our identity. The article looks at self-acceptance, authenticity, emotional independence, personal growth and finding peace without constantly seeking approval.

An 18-year-old Los Angeles student Rachel Chen and devoted Taylor Swift fan has won $100,000 at the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Rachel Chen, who has memorised over 200 songs of Taylor Swift, expanded a decades-old mathematical idea into a visual framework that could make complex quantum physics systems easier to understand.

Scientists have found that biochar made from treated human waste, or faecal sludge, can partially replace cement in concrete and improve its strength. A study published inScientific Reportsfound that replacing 10% of cement with faecal sludge-derived biochar increased compressive strength by 21% and flexural strength by 42% after 91 days. However, higher replacement levels, particularly 15%, reduced performance.

India's kabaddi teams aim to retain their Asian Games gold medals in Japan. The men's squad features eight debutants, signaling a significant team transition. The women's team shows more continuity, defending a narrow title from 2022. Iran remains a major threat to the men's team's dominance. Chinese Taipei has emerged as a strong contender in the women's competition.

South Park creators satirically renamed their show South America in response to President Trump's rebranding efforts. This move also targets tech companies like Apple and Google for complying with federal name changes. The show's name change appeared on its X account, while other platforms remained unchanged. President Trump has directed renaming of geographic landmarks, escalating trade disputes with Canada.

In anticipation of the Asian Games, athletes will participate in the Indian Athletics Series Final, a significant event featuring a prize pot of Rs 65 lakh. Taking place this Thursday, it provides an invaluable opportunity for the predominantly 77-member Indian team to fine-tune their performances before heading to Japan for essential acclimatization ahead of the Games.

Eighteen-year-old Arpit Jai had returned to Delhi after spending the Rakshabandhan holidays with his family in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, before the Satya Niketan PG building where he lived collapsed. Arpit, a second-year Delhi University student, was among seven people killed. Amid their grief, his family donated his corneas at AIIMS, hoping they could help someone else see.

Moscow is showcasing its high-tech industrial products at the INNOPROM.India trade fair. Leading companies from Russia's capital are presenting advanced medical equipment and robotics. This event aims to strengthen technological partnerships and expand cooperation between Moscow and India. Several Moscow-based firms will display innovative solutions in transport and display technologies. The fair represents a significant step in deepening bilateral industrial collaboration.

In a blow to Sri Lanka Cricket, the organization has lost its chance to host the 2027 ICC Women's Champions Trophy, which will now be held in India in February 2027. Citing government meddling and absence of a legitimate administration, the ICC's decision underscores ongoing challenges faced by Sri Lanka, marking another significant ICC event lost since 2024.

The Economic Times Founders Growth Retreat brings together accomplished founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders for a focused experience around strategic growth, leadership, peer connections and executive performance. Designed as a space to step away from daily operations, the retreat offers fresh perspectives, meaningful conversations and clarity for the next phase of growth.

A Texas homeowner has amassed a significant negative electric account balance thanks to an expansive solar system paired with a unique free-nights electricity plan and referral bonuses. After investing $48,000, the homeowner's 23.2-kilowatt system paid for itself, showcasing the complexities of solar economics. It emphasizes that potential solar users should grasp the complete energy landscape before committing to any installation agreement.

Tensions rise within Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance over Vande Mataram. The National Conference stated playing the full song is a statutory obligation. Congress publicly disapproved, citing pluralist ethos and historical resolutions. The National Conference defended its stance by referencing other Congress-ruled states. Both parties are exchanging views on national symbols and diversity.

A grandmother is suing her son to demand financial compensation for raising his daughter for fifteen years after his divorce. The son remarried and moved, leaving his daughter with his mother. This situation has sparked a debate on family responsibilities and childcare support. The case highlights societal expectations for grandparents in child-rearing.

EVM glitches disrupted polling at several places in Rajasthan on Wednesday. Voters lined up to elect councillors in the first phase of urban local body elections. 50.38% turnout was recorded till 1 pm by officials. Complaints of alleged fake voting also emerged from various districts. Polling began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm.

In 1984, Elizabeth Smith solidified her place in history as America's final female homesteader, claiming 116.32 acres near Big Delta, Alaska. Under a diminishing homesteading program, she dedicated a decade to enhancing and cultivating this land, marking the culmination of a 123-year experiment in the distribution of land to hopeful pioneers, representing a significant shift in American agricultural history.

Recyclekaro will establish a facility in Uzbekistan for e-waste and battery recycling. This strategic collaboration aims to recover critical minerals from across Central Asia. Feasibility studies are currently underway to determine the facility's operational scale. This move aligns with India and Uzbekistan's vision for industrial cooperation. The partnership will accelerate the shift towards a circular economy.

To combat the rising sugar prices, Indian refiners are gearing up to sell 2.5 lakh tonnes of white sugar domestically. This decision aligns with government mandates that refineries leverage imported raw sugar for local distribution. As the domestic prices dip beneath the cost of imported sugar, this measure is meant to stabilize the market.

Torrential rain in Nagoya caused a brief evacuation of hundreds of athletes and officials. The heavy rainfall prompted authorities to issue an evacuation order for parts of the city. Subway and bus services were temporarily suspended, and flood warnings were issued. Officials are assessing damage to competition venues and facilities. However, the mayor stated the Asian Games will proceed as scheduled.

BJP received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters during recent state elections. This figure is more than seven times the Rs 207 crore reported by the Congress. The BJP's closing balance rose by Rs 904.6 crore during the poll period. Conversely, the Congress's finances saw a decline of Rs 65.86 crore. BJP spent Rs 159.7 crore in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented an appeal to the Supreme Court against a High Court's decision that annulled the detention of Akriti Chaudhary under the National Security Act. The Allahabad High Court not only quashed her detention but also awarded compensation to the Delhi University student. The Supreme Court seeks clarity from a Greater Noida executive magistrate while the government plans to challenge the High Court's order.

Nearly 33,000 people died in India between 2020 and 2024 in incidents involving building collapses, fires, and falls into pits and manholes, according to government data. The figures highlight concerns over urban infrastructure, civic governance, safety enforcement and the impact of deregulation.

Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to pay Rs 2 lakh in interim compensation to the husband of Mumtaz Begum, who was detained and sent to Bangladesh after a foreigners' tribunal declared her a foreigner. The court noted that her husband and adult family members were not informed about her detention or removal.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. They discussed bilateral ties and regional security, peace, and prosperity. Singh conveyed Prime Minister Modi's best wishes to the Sri Lankan President. India reaffirmed its commitment to stand with Sri Lanka during crises. This marks the first visit by an Indian defence minister in 38 years.

An Indian travellers video offering a tour of a double-decker Russian train has attracted almost 7 million views online. The creator took viewers through the trains two levels, showing passenger compartments, seating and onboard facilities including water, a kettle, microwave and vending machine. The video also prompted viewers to compare the experience with train facilities available in India.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh embarks on a landmark official visit to Sri Lanka, the first by an Indian Defence Minister in thirty-eight years. This visit focuses on enhancing regional maritime security and resolving fishermen's concerns. Additionally, it has the potential to amplify joint military exercises and training programs, highlighting Sri Lanka's crucial role in major sea routes.

Covenant has launched a new heavy-payload cruise missile, Anthem, aimed at revolutionizing warfare strategies. This cutting-edge missile focuses on rapid and economical mass production for extensive use in battlegrounds. With an ambitious timeline to equip the U.S. Army by 2027, Covenant has garnered substantial financial backing and is ramping up its production resources to meet this goal.

That quiet cup of tea in the evening becomes a way of stepping out of the day for a while, for some people. It creates a familiar pause, a chance to sit somewhere comfortable, look beyond the horizon and let the mind slow down before the evening takes over.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated that many Jan Dhan Yojana accounts remain inactive. He alleged that flawed government policies are increasing poverty across the nation. Gehlot pointed to 5.72 crore accounts holding no money as evidence. He mentioned that the gap between the rich and poor is widening significantly. Gehlot urged the central government to address this growing inequality.

Elon Musk's ex girlfriend's warning: Ashley St Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musks children, has accused the billionaire of creating deliberate division through X. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival premiere of Alex Gibneys documentary Musk, St Clair said Musk was stoking flames that she believes could have real-world consequences. The documentary examines Musks rise from technology entrepreneur to one of the worlds most influential businessmen and political voices.

Quote of the day by Lamar Odom explores a simple but difficult truth about surviving lifes hardest moments. His words connect with anyone facing loss, uncertainty, personal setbacks or major change. The former NBA stars life gives this message added context. It offers a grounded look at resilience, hope, emotional strength, relationships and finding perspective after difficult experiences.

Five building collapses in Delhi this year have claimed sixteen lives. Unregulated construction and ageing structures are common causes of these tragedies. A recent collapse in Satya Niketan killed seven people, including students. Inquiries have found municipal corporation negligence responsible for previous incidents. Officials have suspended several individuals and ordered building inspections.

Hardik Pandya has been selected for the Australia A one-day series pending full fitness. Devdutt Padikkal will lead the India A multi-day squad in upcoming matches. Ruturaj Gaikwad captains the India A one-day team for the home series. The tour includes two multi-day games and three 50-over matches. Pandya's inclusion depends on his recovery from a quadriceps injury.

Germany's Chancellor Merz faced criticism from AfD leader Alice Weidel following a regional election. Weidel taunted Merz, stating voters had pulverised his party in Saxony-Anhalt. Merz countered that the AfD will not achieve a majority in Germany with its current policies. He assailed the AfD's stance on Ukraine and its rhetoric concerning migration. The AfD's recent electoral success has drawn attention from across Europe and the United States.

Cosmos 1129, a Soviet biosatellite, conducted groundbreaking research on rat reproduction in space. Through ground simulations that mimicked the stresses of launch and re-entry, the study discovered that the timing of events, along with stress, played a crucial role in delaying pregnancies. The research underscored the significant influence of confinement, disrupted schedules, and environmental factors on the reproductive success of the laboratory rats.

Petrol loses its crown in India's car market: CNG, hybrids and EVs overtake it for the first time

Transforming old microfiber cloths into functional household items is a clever way to minimize waste while saving on costly disposables. Experts emphasize cleaning these cloths thoroughly before giving them a new purpose. For instance, you can create reusable mop pads that outlast pricey single-use alternatives, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

US researchers have developed a method to convert plant waste into high-quality graphite. This breakthrough offers a potential domestic source for a critical battery component. The new process involves slow cooling of biochar, creating larger graphite crystals. This sustainable alternative could reduce reliance on imported graphite for electronics. Further development is needed to scale up production and lower costs for commercial use.

India faces an anticipated spike in consumer inflation, predicting a high not seen in 20 months this August. Rising food and fuel prices are at the forefront of this increase, as the trend of surpassing the Reserve Bank of India's inflation target continues for the third month. Additionally, global crude oil and cooking gas prices are contributing heavily. Experts forecast that annual consumer price inflation will climb to 4.80 percent.

In 1830, Edwin Budding revolutionized lawn care by inventing the lawn mower, a clever adaptation of a machine designed for trimming cloth. This groundbreaking tool rapidly gained popularity, transforming not only home gardens but also sports fields. Today, while modern mowers remain rooted in Budding's original design, there is a growing awareness of their environmental impact, leading to initiatives like 'No Mow May' that advocate for biodiversity in urban areas.

With the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit scheduled at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, Delhi Traffic Police has issued route advisories for passengers travelling to major railway stations and the airport. Commuters heading to New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations have been given alternative routes, while Metro travel has been strongly recommended for airport passengers.

In 1887, barber Alexander Miles revolutionized the elevator experience by inventing an automatic door system, ensuring safety and convenience. His ingenuity set a benchmark for modern elevators with automatic doors. Aside from his engineering achievements, Miles ventured into real estate and established an insurance company aimed at supporting Black Americans, offering them policies where others did not. His legacy lives on in every automatic elevator door today.

Natural hair oils are not just tradition. Several of them, including rosemary, coconut, castor, and onion, have peer-reviewed research supporting their use for reducing hair fall. The key is knowing which oil works for what reason, and using it consistently enough to actually see results over time.

Alfred L. Cralle, a Black American inventor, patented the ice cream scoop in 1897. His simple yet effective design revolutionized ice cream serving processes. This invention became a common kitchen staple across America. Cralle's story highlights inventors often lacking recognition and financial reward. His persistence in solving everyday problems offers valuable lessons for aspiring innovators.

The Supreme Court stated that criticism of the judiciary is acceptable through proper channels. Fair and informed critique is vital for institutional accountability and self-correction. The court closed proceedings on NCERT's Class 8 textbook content regarding judicial corruption. The controversial chapter was replaced after revisions suggested by an expert panel. The apex court emphasized responsible discourse over uninformed assertions in public discourse.