The Economic Times

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated Merchant Discount Rate charges will not be passed to consumers. She clarified these charges are between payment service providers for system improvement. Opposition parties were accused of spreading misinformation regarding the UPI MDR framework. Sitharaman also criticized mimicry at a recent Congress event in Indore. She further denied allegations of discrimination in fund allocation to Punjab state.

New research suggests the human brain develops from two distinct cell populations. These groups follow separate paths from early embryonic development stages. This finding challenges long-standing assumptions in neuroscience and evolutionary history. Scientists used this discovery to create functional hindbrain motor neurons in the lab. This breakthrough offers a new model for studying neurological diseases like ALS and SMA.

Saudi Aramco recently loaded approximately fourteen million barrels of crude oil onto seven tankers, marking a boost in its Gulf export activities after earlier attacks caused shipment interruptions. This increase suggests a cautious recovery in Saudi oil exports, which has led to Brent crude prices dipping below $100 due to anticipated higher supply levels.

Sourabh Mishras reported career journey from a Tier-3 government college to Amazon has gained attention online. According to an X post, he began at TCS with a Rs 3.2 lakh annual package after prioritising GATE preparation during college. About a year later, he reportedly moved to Amazon, where he now works as a Cloud Engineer and earns more than Rs 40 lakh annually.

The Phaistos Disc is one of the most enigmatic artefacts associated with the Minoan civilization. Discovered by Italian archaeologist Luigi Pernier at Phaistos on July 3, 1908, the 16-centimeter clay disc carries an unusual spiral inscription stamped on both sides. Its signs include images of people, birds, plants and ships, while archaeological research has identified similarities between some symbols and motifs found on Phaistian pottery and sealings. Studies have placed the disc around the be

Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto took shape from its original inspiration of a fox spirit, evolving into a rich narrative filled with depth. Over the years, the creator thoughtfully crafted both character and setting, presenting a unique ninja world that diverged from conventional storytelling. Naruto's journey is a poignant exploration of solitude and the quest for acknowledgment, which fueled the franchise's massive success across multiple global media platforms.

What these turtles do is considerably more complex than the phrase breathing through their rear ends suggests. They move water over specialized tissues packed with blood vessels, allowing dissolved oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream. As oxygen levels change, they can also adjust their circulation and metabolism, while colder temperatures slow their metabolic rate and reduce the amount of oxygen their bodies need.

Rosatom is building nearly ninety percent of global nuclear power units under construction. The company supports partner nations in developing full-scale nuclear industries and training specialists. Rosatom's role extends to fusion energy, nuclear medicine, and quantum technologies internationally. Young Indian specialist Ayush Kotecha will join an expedition aboard a nuclear icebreaker next year. This demonstrates Rosatom's commitment to global technological advancement and youth engagement.

Forest floor fungal partnerships are now linked to understory plant diversity. Trees with varied soil fungus relationships supported richer herbaceous plant communities. These underground interactions influence nutrient movement and plant competition dynamics. Environmental factors like rainfall also play a significant role in this balance. Understanding these hidden connections is crucial for forest conservation efforts.

Why Is the Crypto Market Up Today? Bitcoin, ETH, XRP, Solana and other altcoins are rallying on September 21 as BTC breaks above $85,000, while falling oil prices, lower Treasury yields and heavy short liquidations add to the markets momentum.

Canada's Old Age Security (OAS) payments are set to increase by 1.4% for the October to December 2026 quarter, giving millions of seniors a higher monthly benefit. The new rate will apply from the October 28 payment. Heres what seniors need to know about the estimated new OAS and GIS amounts, upcoming payment dates, the OAS recovery tax or clawback, eligibility rules and how the increase could affect their mo

Notices have been issued to prominent Delhi voters regarding electoral roll discrepancies. Former RBI governor Bimal Jalan and ex-IAF chief NAK Browne are among those notified. These notices are part of an ongoing exercise covering over 97 lakh registered voters. The electoral authorities are examining submitted documents for verification purposes. Final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on November 4.

Quote of the Day by Epictetus: No man is free who is not master of himself presents self-mastery as a foundation of genuine freedom. The Stoic philosophers words suggest that external independence alone is insufficient when emotions, impulses or habits control a persons actions. The quote offers a lasting lesson on discipline, conscious choices and taking responsibility for ones responses.

Under the India-New Zealand trade pact, goods from third countries will not be eligible for tariff concessions, with preferential treatment limited to products originating in India and New Zealand. India has protected sensitive sectors such as dairy and gems and jewellery from duty reductions. The agreement also introduces a temporary employment visa pathway for skilled Indian workers, along with provisions aimed at promoting student mobility and post-study work opportunities in New Zealand.

When Adeline Hornbek filed her 1878 claim in Colorados Florissant Valley, most settlers were barely raising enough to survive. Over seven years, the single mother of four transformed 160 acres of wilderness into a thriving commercial ranch. By 1885, Hornbek was supplying livestock and crops across the region, turning a solitary homestead into an enduring pillar of trade.

Jessica Vincent paid just $3.99 for a vase at a Goodwill store outside Richmond, Virginia, believing it would make a beautiful addition to her home. After researching the piece and sharing photos in Facebook groups, she discovered that the vase was a rare Murano glass work produced by Venini and designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. The 1942 Pennellate series piece was difficult to make, and the auction house knew of only one other example in the same form and color combination. After spec

The massive bones of a whale can hold significant amounts of lipid-rich material. In the low-oxygen environment around a whale fall, microorganisms gradually decompose this organic matter. As part of that breakdown, sulfate-reducing microbes can produce hydrogen sulfide, creating a chemical energy source that helps sustain specialized deep-sea communities.

Sometimes restoring nature isn't about building something new. It's about fixing what was broken and giving nature the chance to rebuild itself. The idea fits the Calumet landscape remarkably well. Read more here

New York has begun mailing POWER energy rebate checks to eligible taxpayers in 2026. Payments range from $100 to $200 depending on filing status and 2024 income. Eligible residents do not need to apply. The one-time program provides $1 billion in relief for households facing higher utility costs.

Italian Proverb of the Day: A dog scalded by hot water is afraid of cold water describes how painful experiences can influence future behaviour. The proverb uses a dog's fear of cold water after being scalded to illustrate the lasting effects of past harm, while highlighting the difference between sensible caution and allowing an earlier experience to determine every new response.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has deemed arrests to be illegal if the reasons are not disclosed to the accused, emphasizing the protection of fundamental rights as stated in Article 21. Authorities must promptly provide clear written grounds for any arrest and seek a magistrate's approval before re-arresting individuals who have been released. Failure to adhere to Article 22's provisions guarantees immediate release.

US President Donald Trump said Washington is working on a massive deal to purchase potash from Belarus, claiming the pricing would be substantially lower than what the US currently pays Canada. The US sources the vast majority of its potash from Canada. The mineral is a key agricultural input that improves crop quality, disease resistance and yields.

In 1906, John Otto, a trail builder fell in love with Colorados red-rock canyons; five years later, they became a national monument and he became their custodian for $1 a month. Otto spent years building trails, promoting the site and seeking government support. He later became its first superintendent, living in the canyons while working to make the landscape accessible to visitors.

European nations now discuss potential Russian conflict in new terms. Intelligence suggests hybrid drone and missile strikes could target Ukraine supporters. Leaders are planning for sabotage and cyberattacks below traditional war thresholds. This shift reflects a fear of Russia exploiting grey areas between peace and war. European governments are building resilience and defence capabilities to deter Moscow.

Paramount Skydance has settled with California and 11 other states that sued to block its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, removing a major US antitrust hurdle to the deal. Under the settlement, CNN and CBS would get independent editorial boards, while Paramount would face a $30 million penalty per film for falling short of its commitment to release 30 movies annually. The deal still faces remaining regulatory and closing steps, with Paramount also seeking to avoid a $

Bill Gates' quote offers a powerful reminder for an information-saturated world: abundance is not the same as wisdom. Having access to millions of webpages, constant notifications and endless opinions does not guarantee that we possess accurate knowledge or meaningful relationships. The real challenge is learning how to filter, verify, understand and apply what we encounter.

Avoiding a confrontation can be the safest and most sensible choice when a situation feels threatening. The pattern becomes more psychologically meaningful when someone consistently struggles to voice their needs, set necessary boundaries or communicate disagreement even in situations where speaking up is both safe and reasonable.

Quote of the Day by Cindy Crawford: Cindy Crawfords quote, If you only love 70% of yourself, thats what is going to come back to you, explores the importance of self-love, confidence, and personal acceptance. The quote suggests that the way people value and appreciate themselves can influence what they expect and receive from their relationships and experiences. It encourages people to embrace themselves more fully rather than allowing self-doubt, insecurity, or the opinions of others to determi

A large analysis of 69 trials found little benefit from supplements. Calcium and vitamin D do not significantly prevent fractures or falls. This evidence applies to most community-dwelling adults without high risk. Exercise and home safety measures may help reduce falls more effectively. Consult a doctor before changing any supplement regimen.

RBI revised FCNR(B) deposit collections upwards to USD 133 billion. The scheme's closing date was advanced by one month following a strong response from the Indian diaspora. The special forex swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits was launched on June 8, 2026. Total inflows under the facility reached USD 143.596 billion by September 18, 2026, with FCNR(B) deposits accounting for USD 132.980 billion of the total.

Bitcoin Price Today News: Bitcoin price is back above $85,000. It is Bitcoins strongest move since January, with traders returning to the market after weeks of pressure. The rally has a clear derivatives story behind it. About $648 million in crypto short positions were liquidated as BTC moved higher. Traders who had bet on a fall were forced to buy back their positions. Bitcoin also closed above its 50-week moving average for the first time in 45 weeks. That technical break has caught the atten

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will come into force on October 20, 2026, providing duty-free access to all Indian exports to New Zealand. The pact includes a $20 billion investment commitment over 15 years, excludes sensitive sectors and aims to double bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion by 2030.

Indian shooters secured four additional medals on the second day of competition. Himanshu Dhillon won silver and Rudrankksh Patil earned bronze in the rifle event. The team also claimed a silver medal in the men's 10m air rifle competition. Dhillon expressed immense pride in his first senior international individual medals. Patil dedicated his medals to the nation and emphasized shooting's role in building momentum.

Himachal Pradesh is set to enhance financial support for older children of single mothers through the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, now extending coverage to those aged nineteen to twenty-seven. With over twenty-one thousand beneficiaries, this initiative aims to empower youth. Additionally, plans include facilitating international opportunities for outstanding students and constructing childcare institutions along with a unique village complex.

Granville Ecopark in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, uses food waste in enhanced anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and renewable electricity. The facility has capacity to export 4.8 MWe of renewable electricity to Northern Irelands local grid, while excess biogas can be converted into biomethane for renewable heat and power.

A tiny crab egg predator has been discovered off Californias Pacific Coast, where scientists found nicothoid copepods living on the eggs of three commercially important crab species. The unexpected discovery has raised new questions about crab reproduction and the potential impact on local fisheries.

Quote of the day by Michael Caine, When you reach the top, thats when the climb begins, explains why success is not the end of a journey. The saying connects achievement with continued work, new challenges, humility and growth. Caines career, from British theatre and early films to two Academy Awards and major international roles, also provides context for understanding the message.

The Karnataka High Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DGP Alok Kumar to probe alleged irregularities in KPSC recruitment of 400 veterinary officers. The SIT will take over the case from the CID and complete its investigation within 100 days. The case involves alleged question-paper leaks, manipulation of exam records and OMR sheets, with the ED also probing the suspected money trail.

Luxury settings often signal exclusivity and status through the entire experience. Everything from the lighting and style of service to the expected dress code, wording on the menu and higher prices can reinforce the feeling that the occasion is meant to be different from an everyday meal.

Eighteen-year-old Julian Shapiro discovered three isolated dwarf galaxies that lack ongoing star formation, a puzzling combination for astronomers. His research suggests they could be backsplash galaxies that once passed near a massive galaxy, lost star-forming gas and moved outward. The work earned Shapiro a $25,000 Davidson Fellows Scholarship.

In 1990, artist Jim Sanborn installed a curved copper sculpture named Kryptos inside CIA headquarters. Its 1,735 carved letters contain four distinct secret messages. Cryptographers quickly broke the first three passages, exposing references to Egyptian tombs and agency coordinates. Yet decades later, the final ninety-seven characters remain unsolved. Standard codebreaking fails here because the answer ties directly to physical clues hidden within the surrounding courtyard.

Motivational Quote of the Day by Jim Morrison: Jim Morrisons quote, Nobody would stay interested in me if I was normal, explores the importance of individuality, authenticity, and embracing what makes a person different. The quote suggests that standing apart from conventional expectations can create curiosity, attention, and a distinctive identity, especially for someone in a creative field. It reflects the idea that a persons unusual qualities, personality, and creative expression can become t

A woman on social media shared her advice on discussing salaries, urging people to be selective about revealing their exact earnings to friends, relatives and colleagues. She said salary conversations can help with compensation negotiations, understanding market rates and job changes, but openly sharing precise figures may invite comparisons and expectations. Her comments have prompted an online discussion about workplace and personal finances.

Indias second edition of Tarang Shakti, its premier multinational air exercise, will be held at Jodhpurs Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12. The US Air Forces fifth-generation F-35 fighter is likely to participate, which would mark its debut in Tarang Shakti, though the IAF has not officially confirmed the aircrafts participation. The exercise will bring multiple foreign air forces together for joint tactical manoeuvres, with Indias frontline platforms also expected to take part.

The Reserve Bank of India said foreign exchange inflows under its special USD-INR forex swap facility rose to USD 143.596 billion as of August 31, up about USD 7.22 billion from the earlier provisional figure of USD 136.377 billion. FCNR(B) deposits accounted for USD 132.98 billion, while OFCBs and ECBs contributed USD 5.32 billion and USD 5.296 billion, respectively. The RBI had introduced the facility on June 8, 2026, with the FCNR(B) window closing on August 31, while the ECB and OFCB windows