The Economic Times

Banana peel, when diluted in water, contains a high concentration of minerals that plants require for optimal development. Likewise, this mixture is effective for neutralizing bad odours in the kitchen, laundry room, or waste bin. Applying it around once a week is a commonly suggested routine, although plants have different nutritional requirements

New Jersey's engineering team successfully transformed milled road surfaces into functional highway shoulders, achieving significant savings and protecting precious stone aggregate resources. The project fully utilized current plant equipment, sharply reducing energy use. Importantly, the recycled asphalt fulfilled all performance criteria, underscoring the effectiveness of reusing materials before they are discarded, setting a key example for future road development projects.

Kia enters Indias hybrid SUV market: Sorento launched; prices start at Rs 28 lakh

The World Meteorological Organization says prevailing El Nino conditions could intensify into a very strong event and persist through February 2027, threatening India with weaker rainfall, higher temperatures and greater risks of drought, floods and extreme heat. With August already recording a 16% rainfall deficit and the hottest August since 1901, El Nino could further stress crops and winter conditions.

Illinois highways are increasingly integrating fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, as a sustainable option for road construction. This practice not only diverts waste from landfills but also conserves millions by minimizing the reliance on energy-demanding Portland cement. However, recent modifications in power plant technology are limiting the availability of fly ash, prompting the exploration of alternative materials amid the dwindling use of coal.

Lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa was arrested Friday in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns a 2013 Airbus aircraft purchase deal. Former SriLankan Airlines chief executive alleged kickbacks were paid to Rajapaksa. International authorities previously found Airbus agreed to pay bribes in Sri Lanka.

Volkswagen could cut around 25,000 jobs in Germany as part of its planned 50,000 global workforce reduction, Lower Saxony Premier Olaf Lies said. However, he said there is no agreement to close German plants and opportunities remain to retain production.

A floating forest island appeared on Williston Lake in British Columbia this summer. Boaters discovered the unusual landmass, which was not on any maps. Satellite imagery confirmed its existence, and it later reappeared after a disappearance. The island is thought to be composed of accumulated woody debris and vegetation.

Indian shooters are preparing for the Asian Games with training camps in Delhi and Bhopal. Pistol and rifle athletes will train in Bhopal from September fifth to fourteenth. Skeet shooters began their camp on Friday, while trap shooters train from September tenth. The camps focus on mental conditioning and technical refinement for peak performance. These final preparations aim to ensure athletes perform their best at the upcoming games.

The living shoreline initiative in New Smyrna Beach demonstrated remarkable resilience during Hurricane Matthew, effectively absorbing the storm's wave energy. This natural barrier mitigated significant erosion and structural damage, showcasing the superiority of plants and sand against conventional hardened structures. Research by NOAA supports the effectiveness of living shorelines over traditional concrete seawalls, emphasizing their environmental advantages and long-term financial benefits.

In 1994, legendary actor Jack Nicholson donated 60 acres of undeveloped land in Coldwater Canyon to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. With four homes already approved for the property, the unexpected gift helped preserve oak woodland, deer habitat and a crucial stretch of open space in the Los Angeles hills.

Rahul Gandhi stated tribal students fight for their existence and identity. He met with students in Nashik who were protesting for their rights. These students had been on a hunger strike to press their demands. Gandhi promised the Congress party's full support for their cause. He emphasized education as a fundamental right for every student.

Camp Wilkes replaced a failed wooden bulkhead with a living shoreline. This ecologically friendly solution is projected to save the camp seventy-three thousand dollars over sixty years. The initial living shoreline project cost fourteen thousand five hundred fourteen dollars. This approach absorbs wave impact and anchors the bank using plants and sand. Living shorelines provide a more adaptive and cost-effective coastal protection method.

India's first international para archery event begins Saturday in Ahmedabad. Sheetal Devi, world number one, competes before a home crowd for the first time. This competition serves as crucial preparation for the 2026 Asian Para Games. Top archers from 19 countries are participating in the prestigious event. The event will feature individual and team competitions across various categories.

The HMAS Hobart, once a formidable navy destroyer, has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef after being submerged for eighteen years. Today, it is home to more than fifty species of fish, creating a sanctuary for marine life. As a crucial habitat, this sunken vessel illustrates how decommissioned warships globally contribute to environmental health and the sustenance of diverse fish populations.

India faces below-average monsoon rains and higher temperatures this September. This rainfall deficit impacts summer crops entering critical growth stages. Winter crop planting may also be hampered by insufficient soil moisture. Lower agricultural output could necessitate increased imports of sugar and vegetable oils. The monsoon's weakness poses a fresh risk to India's inflation outlook.

Thailand's army sank obsolete battle tanks and railway cars into the Gulf of Thailand. This initiative aimed to create new fishing grounds for local fishermen. Marine life has since thrived on these structures, attracting various fish species. Studies elsewhere show artificial reefs can significantly increase fish catches and income. This project demonstrates repurposing military equipment to rebuild livelihoods effectively.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor approved new rules for Nautor land regularization. These rules grant proprietary rights for land holdings up to ten acres. Holdings over ten acres will be leased at a premium rate. The regularization applies only to land occupied before October 2020.

Kidambi Srikanth exited the China Masters quarterfinals after losing to Lee Cheuk Yiu. The Indian player was defeated in straight games by his Hong Kong opponent. Srikanth had previously shown good form, reaching the US Open final earlier. Lee Cheuk Yiu advanced to face Christo Popov in the semifinals. The match concluded in thirty-nine minutes of play.

A retired Jordanian C-130 Hercules plane was intentionally sunk offshore Aqaba. This created an artificial reef to foster marine life and coral growth. Studies show artificial reefs increase fish species diversity and invertebrate biomass. Marine life quickly colonizes these structures for habitat and protection. A storm later broke the plane, altering its underwater appearance.

Indus Waters Treaty Explained: The Indus Waters Treaty faces strain over India's hydropower projects and Pakistan's objections. Following an attack, India placed the treaty in abeyance, which led to military confrontation. An international court ruled the treaty remains in force, but India rejected this decision. India seeks to modify the treaty due to changed circumstances and its water needs. The treaty remains a crucial framework for Pakistan and a point of contention for India.

A clever trick using aluminium foil can breathe new life into slightly dull scissors. By cutting through folded foil, you create friction, which smooths out small nicks on the blades, providing quick touch-ups for everyday scissors. For severely worn or rusty blades, though, it's best to seek professional sharpening. Always remember to wipe the blades clean afterward and test their sharpness with some paper.

A Nepal Electricity Authority worker rescued after nine days from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project said he kept chanting the Hare Krishna mantra while trapped. Sanjay Sah was rescued on Krishna Janmashtami, while another worker was airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment.

Prineville, Oregon, built a wetland wastewater system after population growth strained its capacity. This innovative approach cost $7.7 million, saving the town $54 million compared to a conventional plant. The constructed wetland now treats wastewater and provides recreational park space for residents. This project has earned national recognition for its environmental and economic benefits. Other small towns can learn from this creative infrastructure solution.

European shares edged lower on Friday as investors stayed cautious ahead of key U.S. jobs data, while Volkswagen shares jumped 6% after the automaker unveiled a restructuring plan involving 50,000 job cuts. Rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions added to inflation concerns, while banking and chemical stocks weighed on the broader market.

In North Carolina, a living shoreline project has proven effective in combating significant erosion, relying on natural materials like marsh grass and oyster shells rather than traditional concrete barriers. The Pivers Island marsh not only withstood the force of hurricanes Irene and Florence but also served as a habitat for wildlife. This innovative, low-maintenance approach stands out as a sustainable method for coastal defense.

Holiday membership refund: A consumer commission has directed Park Club International to refund Rs 95,000 to a member who paid Rs 1.10 lakh for a five-year holiday membership. The commission found that the company offered lower-category hotel options, charged additional fees, and failed to fulfil its commitments regarding meals and bookings. It also awarded the customer Rs 15,000 towards compensation for mental agony, harassment and litigation expenses.

A simple request for shoes from tribal children at a Dindori hostel has led to the Sole of Soul campaign. The district administration aims to provide footwear to students living in all 144 tribal hostels, with support from officials, banks and CSR partners.

US Iran war: Diesel fuel has reached an unprecedented average price of $5.85 per gallon. This surge is directly linked to the ongoing six-month conflict with Iran. Higher fuel expenses are increasing transportation costs for many essential everyday items. Consumers may soon witness escalating prices on store shelves and online purchases. Businesses across various sectors are already passing these increased costs onto their customers.

Ekadashi in September 2026: Devotees can look forward to a spiritually enriching September 2026, marked by two major Ekadashi observances. Aja Ekadashi will take place on the seventh, followed closely by Parivartini Ekadashi on the twenty-second. Participants will observe traditional fasts, which include abstaining from grains and dedicating time to meditation and prayers, ultimately breaking the fasts on Dwadashi, at sunrise.

Kenyas dispute with Tata Chemicals has revived concerns about Indian businesses in the country after Adanis exit. But Kenya continues to attract Indian investment, suggesting the Tata confrontation is less about anti-India sentiment and more about Nairobis push for local processing, ownership and economic benefits from its resources.

In Abilene, Texas, an innovative project has integrated crushed glass from recycled bottles and jars into road construction. By blending glass cullet with crushed limestone, engineers have created a robust road base that showcases recycled glass as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. This advancement not only enhances infrastructure durability but also underscores the importance of resource efficiency and waste reduction strategies in modern construction.

In Illinois, the innovative approach of repurposing aged concrete for highway projects is not just cost-effective but also environmentally responsible. This method reduces landfill waste while utilizing recycled concrete as a foundational element for new roads and drainage systems. With a proven history of adopting such sustainable practices, Illinois sets a commendable example for other states looking to enhance their construction methods.

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Smriti Mandhana has become the leading run-scorer in Women's Internationals, surpassing Mithali Raj's record. She also set a new record for the highest individual score in the Women's T20 Asia Cup and now holds the most centuries in women's international cricket. Despite acknowledging the challenging conditions, Mandhana expressed confidence in India's middle-order batters.

Global illicit money flows reached $4.4 trillion in 2025, growing faster than the world economy. Organized crime and corruption alone accounted for $2.78 trillion in 2025. India's economic offenses rose significantly, with financial losses mounting each year. Recovery rates remain low, and convictions under anti-money laundering laws are minimal. The judiciary is proactively addressing emerging digital scams and cross-border financial crime.

Delhis Connaught Place may see restrictions on vehicular movement in the Inner Circle as newly appointed NDMC chief Manoj Kumar Dwivedi seeks public suggestions on making the area more pedestrian-friendly. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting vehicle-free hours while traders have raised concerns over footfall, parking, accessibility and traffic congestion.

A University of Hawaii graduate student tested green roofs against white ones. The green roof proved significantly cooler than the adjacent white roof. This cooling effect extended two feet above the green roof surface. Evapotranspiration from plants cools surrounding air and buildings effectively. Green roofs offer a promising solution for urban heat island mitigation.

Sharma warns that ethanol-led changes in cropping patterns may create an environmental problem over the longer term.

Nepals devastating floods could trigger more than 20 billion Nepali rupees ($132.3 million) in commercial insurance losses, with hydropower projects expected to account for most claims. Eleven projects in the affected region suffered damage, while insurers warn the disaster could prompt tighter coverage, higher premiums and stricter underwriting for Himalayan infrastructure.

Recent research has found that dogs tend to position themselves in a north-south direction while defecating, particularly when the Earth's magnetic field is steady. This distinct preference diminishes during magnetic chaos. Similar behaviors have been observed in other animals, such as cattle and deer. Scientists continue to investigate the underlying reasons and mechanisms driving this fascinating canine alignment phenomenon.

AI prompts: Teachers' Day 2026: On September 5, 2026, India will celebrate Teacher's Day, a time to honor the dedication of educators. This article showcases innovative AI tools that offer creative prompts for personalized messages and content. From heartfelt greeting card ideas to inspiring speeches and engaging social media posts, discover 20 unique AI-generated prompts to elevate your celebrations and express gratitude to teachers.

Jeff Bezos ex-wife MacKenzie Scotts donations: MacKenzie Scott has donated more than $1 billion to historically Black colleges and universities. Her latest gift of $42 million went to Elizabeth City State University. Scotts donations are largely unrestricted, giving institutions significant flexibility in how they use the funds. She has donated billions of dollars to various causes, including education and community development. Other billionaires are also increasing their support for these vita

In 1966, NASA's Biosatellite I mission attempted to carry over ten million organisms into orbit, but a retrorocket malfunction led to the capsule's tragic loss upon re-entry. This setback, however, was instrumental, offering invaluable insights that benefitted future space missions. Just months later, Biosatellite II launched successfully, marking a significant advancement and laying foundational knowledge for present-day research on survival in space.

Union Bank of India expects the RBI to raise the repo rate to 5.75-6% in H2 FY27, from the current 5.25%, with the rate-hike cycle likely beginning in December.

Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill has backed an early interest rate hike to prevent temporary inflationary pressures linked to the Iran war from becoming entrenched. While markets see limited odds of a September hike, expectations for a November increase have risen sharply, keeping inflation, wages and energy costs in focus.

During the 1967 Biosatellite II mission, flour beetles displayed notable wing deformities, underscoring how weightlessness amplified the adverse effects of radiation on living organisms. This early research in space biology played a pivotal role in understanding how microgravity and radiation interact. Today, insects are being considered viable food sources for future space explorations, reinforcing the importance of studying the biological consequences of spaceflight.

Jefferies warned that persistent pressure on US Treasury yields could create a challenging environment for equity markets, particularly for bond-sensitive assets such as REITs. While higher yields have weighed on Singapore REITs, the brokerage sees selective opportunities in the sector and remains constructive on gold and gold-mining stocks as a hedge against potential dollar debasement.