The Economic Times

Tariq Hameed Karra, the J&K Congress chief, raised eyebrows over the National Conference's full rendition of Vande Mataram, highlighting the complex history and significance of the anthem in India's national context. In response, National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq urged Karra to offer guidance to Congress chief ministers, emphasizing that playing the complete version is mandated by law, mentioning that fellow non-BJP states also uphold this practice.

India's monsoon rainfall deficit stands at fifteen percent, impacting nearly half of its districts. This shortage threatens summer-sown crops like pulses and soybeans, potentially reducing yields. Several states are implementing water rationing measures to conserve resources for winter crops. High temperatures are exacerbating the moisture deficit across key agricultural regions.

RMIT University developed Polyrok, a plastic aggregate from recycled soft plastics. This innovative material was first used commercially at a Coles car park in Horsham. A larger application was announced for a Coles supermarket development at Cobblebank. This project recycled over 6.5 million pieces of soft plastic through Polyrok.

The 18th BRICS Summit under Indias presidency will open on September 12 with discussions on inclusive global governance and multilateralism. India is expected to push practical outcomes in startups, innovation, resilient supply chains and green energy, while seeking greater use of national currencies and reforms of global institutions, officials said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is focusing on youth and women through various government initiatives. Anganwadi workers will see increased honorariums starting from September 2026. The government is also providing scooters to graduating girls and appointment letters to one lakh young candidates. Mass marriages and self-help groups are being promoted to empower rural families. 'Project Praveen' aims to train over 3,000 students in employment-oriented sectors.

Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over the poor condition of PMGSY roads in his Raebareli constituency during a DISHA meeting, displaying photographs of pothole-riddled stretches and seeking details of construction agencies. UP minister Dinesh Pratap Singh criticised Gandhis approach, alleging he was more focused on finding faults than reviewing implementation.

Sachin Pilot highlighted the AAP government's administrative failures and mishandling of Punjab. He accused the ruling party of failing to check radical elements' revival attempts. Pilot questioned AAP's credentials to fight the BJP, noting defections. Punjab Congress leaders welcomed Pilot's appointment and held discussions with him. The Congress aims to re-industrialize Punjab and restore its past glory.

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov praised Indias people-centred approach to its BRICS presidency, saying the grouping must ensure Global South and East interests shape global decisions. Ahead of Vladimir Putins second India visit in under a year, Alipov highlighted trade, energy, healthcare, AI and potential cooperation in urea, aircraft and nuclear energy.

The upcoming PM KUSUM phase will feature a dedicated agrivoltaics component for farmers. This initiative will allow farmers to earn income from generated electricity. The focus will be on small farmers, cooperatives, and panchayats. Agrivoltaics combines farming and solar power generation on the same land. More research is needed to optimize crop and solar configurations.

Princess Elisabeth Island's foundation works are now complete with the final caisson installed. The European Investment Bank provided a substantial green credit facility for electrical infrastructure. This artificial island will serve as a switchboard for offshore wind farms. Its design incorporates nature-inclusive elements for seabirds and marine organisms. The island is expected to be ready for its first wind farm connection in 2031.

A seven-year whole-lake experiment in northwestern Ontario examined how chronic exposure to the synthetic estrogen 17-ethynylestradiol (EE2) affected fathead minnows. Scientists added small amounts of EE2 to Lake 260 during three open-water seasons beginning in 2001. The exposure increased vitellogenin responses, affected gonadal development, and produced reproductive changes in both male and female fish. After two seasons of additions, the fathead minnow population collapsed because of a loss o

Indian kitchen staples are increasingly exported due to global demand for authentic flavors. Exports of pickles, honey, and pastes grew significantly, reaching over $576 million. Honey led this growth, with the United States remaining the largest market. Mixed condiments and jams also showed substantial increases in export value. Addressing post-harvest losses can further boost exports of fruit-based products.

Ladakh representatives engaged in discussions regarding the establishment of an elected governing body at the Union Territory level. This new body is set to wield legislative influence over cultural and land issues and exercise both executive and financial powers for better governance. The Ministry of Home Affairs has committed to compensating those affected by protests, yet concerns about law enforcement powers persist for the coalition.

Quote of the day by Gerard Butler reflects on finding purpose in a path that once seemed uncertain. His words connect with failure, self-doubt, difficult choices and unexpected turns in everyday life. The lesson is to accept uncertainty, trust your growth and find meaning in where life leads.

Early tests explored scrubber waste for road bases and subbases. Florida projects between 1977 and 1989 showed highly satisfactory performance. Pennsylvania roads survived severe freeze-thaw conditions, proving successful. Texas and Ohio tests compared FGD material with gravel and haul road applications.

Steve Jobs' wisdom emphasizes the significance of tuning into ones inner voice. In a world full of distractions like social media and outside opinions, this guidance serves as a reminder to remain focused on ones authentic path. Cultivating self-awareness allows for clearer prioritization of personal values and helps individuals navigate decisions with confidence, free from external influence.

The mother of an ISIS terrorist convicted for plotting a deadly New York City attack inspired by plans to create the next 9/11 is running for a school board trustee position in Canada. Dr. Khdiga R. Metwally says she rejects violence and extremism in all forms and wants voters to judge her on her education experience and plans for students and families.

Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent Maratha leader, accused Shiv Sena ministers of orchestrating riots and conspiracies against their community. He warned that he would mobilize thousands of Marathas to Mumbai if the government failed to issue caste certificates. In response, Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale vowed to address Patil's accusations.

The Supreme Court is gearing up to review petitions that contest the marital rape exception, reiterating that marriage does not negate a woman's autonomy. The justices will first assess the constitutional legitimacy of the statutory exception before delving into the specifics of prosecuting marital rape. The Centre's stance will be taken into account prior to establishing the dates for final hearings.

Indias merchandise exports are estimated to have grown by over 15% during April-August this fiscal despite global uncertainties, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. He highlighted the scope to expand goods and services trade with BRICS nations. Official August trade data will be released by the Commerce Ministry on September 15.

The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multitracking projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore across nine states, adding nearly 1,200 km to the existing network. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the projects will strengthen connectivity, speed up passenger movement, add freight capacity, boost tourism and reduce logistics costs across regions.

Jason Momoas Aloha J collection from Da Hui was created with a purpose beyond clothing, supporting efforts to protect Hawaiis oceans and coastlines. A portion of profits from each sale supports Hui O Hee Nalu and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and their missions to inspire communities to care for their coastlines. Inspired by Momoas artwork, the collection features his personal tattoo design representing aumakua, or ancestral guardian and Hawaiian heritage. The collaboration also reflects the Haw

Claire Jiang turned her own experience with juvenile arthritis into a research project that could give scientists a new way to study the disease and it earned her seventh place in one of America's biggest high school science competitions.

The National Investigation Agency is actively pursuing its terror investigation concerning foreign nationals who were recently detained. A chargesheet has been submitted under the Immigration and Foreigners Act for the established offenses. However, this does not indicate the conclusion of the ongoing UAPA investigation. As the statutory bail period for those detained approaches, the law allows for further examination and supplementary chargesheets to be filed.

The Supreme Court plans to demand clarification from Greater Noida officials following the issuance of a notice to a law student engaged in demonstrations. This follows a directive from the bench that prohibited further criminal proceedings against protesting students. A prominent lawyer highlighted this issue, noting the notice contradicted the court's decree from September 1.

A portion of an under-construction building collapsed in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with several workers feared trapped under the debris, as per reports.

Quote of the day by Dale Carnegie: Dale Carnegie's philosophy suggests accepting the worst possible outcome to reduce fear. This approach allows individuals to think more clearly and make better decisions. By confronting potential negative scenarios, people can prepare for challenges effectively. Accepting a negative possibility does not mean abandoning efforts to prevent it. This mindset shift transforms fear into proactive planning and potential gains.

Jacob Coxon, a former Anthropic researcher who also worked at OpenAI, has raised a chilling warning about the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Coxon says AI could soon become superhuman systems capable of hacking anything, transforming entire fields overnight and acquiring real power and resources. Other Anthropic researchers have also warned about the potential risks of advanced AI.

The Karnataka Cabinet approved free cultivation services for farmers owning up to three acres. A drone testing facility will be established in Chikkaballapur for advanced technology. An Artificial Intelligence Hub will be set up at IIIT-B for training and support. Women beneficiaries of the Shakti scheme will receive a new Shakti Smart Card. The state also approved a new textile policy aiming for significant investment.

North Carolina's peatlands, vital carbon stores, are being restored by Pantheon Regeneration. These ancient ecosystems hold twice the carbon of all Earth's forests combined. Draining these lands releases significant greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually. Pantheon plans to sell carbon credits to fund permanent peatland conservation efforts. This initiative aims to protect these lands from future exploitation and degradation.

The Ukrainian proverb To wait for the weather from the sea highlights a common human tendency. This saying cautions against passively awaiting favorable conditions instead of acting. Patience is valuable, but prolonged hesitation can lead to missed opportunities. The proverb encourages focusing on controllable actions rather than external factors. It ultimately advises making decisions and taking steps forward.

For these three Zodiac Signs, that realization could feel surprisingly liberating. The break may not arrive as a dramatic external event. It could simply be the moment when you decide that enough is enough. And sometimes, that is the ending that changes everything.

Colonel Anurag Upadhyay, a valiant former Special Forces member, is in urgent need of medical and technological expertise after suffering a life-altering stroke in August 2025, which led to locked-in syndrome and significant neurological impairments, including below-knee amputations. His family is appealing for specialists who can assist in his rehabilitation and the development of assistive technologies that could enhance his recovery and foster greater independence.

Quote of the Day by Bad Bunny: I am not someone who does a lot of exercise, so I attempt to maintain some sort of rhythm, and I think the jump rope is the funnest way. It's easy, you can do it in your room or anywhere Inspiring lessons on fitness, consistency, habits, lifestyle and why small steps lead to big results by the Puerto Rican rapper known for his powerful performances and deep insights on health and discipline

Frank Sinatra spent $150,000 to build Twin Palms in Palm Springs in 1947, creating a home that would become closely associated with his Hollywood lifestyle. Designed by architect E. Stewart Williams, the modernist estate featured expansive glass walls, open spaces and its distinctive piano-shaped swimming pool. Sinatra originally wanted a Georgian-style mansion, but ultimately chose Williams desert-inspired design.

Brie Larson emphasizes that true growth requires an openness to introspection and a commitment to taking responsibility. She reshapes the idea of progress to focus on sincere engagement rather than an instant quest for perfection. Larson's career embodies this practical approach, as she diversifies her roles in acting and directing, with future projects that explore multiple genres across various platforms.

For these three signs, luck may not arrive as a sudden windfall or an unexpected stroke of fortune. Instead, it could show up as the right circumstances finally aligning with the work they have already put in. After months of uncertainty, delays or feeling overlooked, they may begin to see opportunities emerge that match the skills, effort and preparation they have quietly been building all along.

Quote of the day by Ellen DeGeneres: I found out what the most important thing is, is to be true to yourself speaks to the quiet importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. That lesson matters when relationships become difficult, failure shakes our confidence, or uncertainty makes us question our choices and identity. The article explores self-understanding, resilience, acceptance, courage, personal freedom and the value of knowing who you are.

The Cabinet of Karnataka has initiated a decision to reinstate student elections in colleges and universities, barring political party involvement. The primary objective of this move is to cultivate leadership skills among the youth. Furthermore, in an effort to encourage democratic principles, the state intends to create ten thousand youth clubs in rural areas for engaging in diverse activities that promote secularism and civic responsibility.

Satellite imagery reveals significant construction increases at Iran's Pickaxe Mountain site. This underground facility near Natanz is undergoing internal construction and reinforcement. The International Atomic Energy Agency has sought access but Iran has not granted it. The United States is exploring ways to strike deeply buried targets. Pickaxe Mountain remains under intense scrutiny as Washington weighs its response.

Reebok has returned to competitive football sponsorship in India. The brand unveiled NorthEast United FC's new-season jersey in Mumbai. This partnership aims to strengthen Reebok's connection with younger consumers. The club represents all eight states of Northeast India and its football culture. The tie-up signifies Reebok's renewed push into the Indian sportswear market.

Rajnath in Colombo: India, Sri Lanka deepen defence ties with 3 MoUs & AI support for Lankan army