The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Epicurus (Author of Lettera sulla felicit): Epicurus' ancient wisdom teaches us to appreciate what we have. He advised against spoiling present joys by constantly desiring what we do not have. Modern desires for wealth and status can create endless dissatisfaction. Focusing on what is truly necessary can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Appreciating the things we once hoped for but now have can also foster gratitude and contentment.

Quote of the day by Beethoven: Ludwig van Beethoven expressed a powerful belief in the importance of individual merit, valuing talent and hard work over noble lineage. His insight remains relevant today, when comparisons with others are increasingly common. By challenging societal expectations, Beethoven forged his own path as an artist and left a lasting legacy that encourages people to recognise and value their unique abilities, contributions and achievements.

The Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran issued a statement claiming that US military strikes would exacerbate conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has verified its attacks on IRGC targets in Iran after a string of Iranian assaults on vessels and troops. In retaliation, Iran has initiated a military response employing missiles and drones against US interests, leading to an alarming rise in hostilities around this critical maritime route.

Japanese proverb of the day: A Japanese proverb suggests even hell's judgment depends on money. This saying reflects how wealth influences decisions and opportunities in life. It critiques situations where financial power outweighs fairness and impartiality. The proverb's enduring relevance highlights ongoing debates about economic inequality. Modern usage acknowledges this uncomfortable reality with a tone of resignation.

As Taurus, Libra, and Gemini embark on a transformative journey, they are set to bounce back from previous disruptions. The lessons learned during challenging times will serve as an invaluable asset, paving the way for personal growth and financial prosperity. This new chapter invites these zodiac signs to harness their experiences, fostering confidence and a sense of balance in their lives.

The government has reduced the sugar dealer stock limit to two thousand quintals. This measure aims to ensure adequate availability and stable prices during the festive season. Hoarding and speculative trading will be further curbed by this new regulation. An exemption has been granted to Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas. This reduction will facilitate orderly movement of sugar through the supply chain.

Quote of the day by Alexander the Great, I would rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity, reflects the value of purpose, courage, ambition and meaningful achievement. The quote is widely attributed to Alexander, although there is no direct primary historical source. His campaigns and short life shaped how the idea of legacy is remembered today.

India has opened up applications for its remaining raw sugar import quota, allowing eligible millers and refiners to apply for this lucrative duty-free allocation. This follows the initial notice for a million tons, of which over seven hundred thousand have been accounted for. Interested parties have until October thirty-first to seize this opportunity.

Onion prices at Maharashtra's Lasalgaon market have rebounded after a recent fall. The average wholesale price reached 40 per kg, with retail prices remaining high. Farmers hope to recover losses after two years of subdued prices. Concerns about the kharif crop and stored onion quality are driving prices up. The government claims prices are cooling in other markets due to buffer stock sales.

Quote of the day by Lionel Richie: Get used to hearing no, but dont let that stop you speaks about resilience, rejection and staying committed to what matters. In ordinary life, setbacks can shape our work, relationships, decisions and confidence, especially when uncertainty makes us question our direction. The deeper lesson is to accept rejection without surrendering self-belief, learn from disappointment and keep moving toward a goal with patience and dedication.

Tidal marshes are valuable coastal wetlands that support wildlife, protect shorelines, filter polluted water and provide other ecosystem services. Yet these habitats have been extensively altered by development, farming and other human activities. Restoration projects at Cullinan Ranch and Dotson Family Marsh in the San Francisco Bay area are helping reconnect wetlands with tidal waters and improve habitat conditions. Supported by a 2010 Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration settlem

Prime Minister Modi renewed his appeal for Indians to avoid buying gold unless necessary. This call aims to curb bullion demand and ease economic pressures on the nation. Gold imports significantly contribute to India's trade deficit and weaken the rupee. The government is reportedly considering import duty cuts on gold and silver. Indians are also encouraged to support local products and reduce overseas travel.

The Supreme Court has decided to officially conclude its suo motu proceedings concerning the contentious chapter titled 'Corruption in Judiciary,' which was previously part of an NCERT Class 8 textbook. The court acknowledged that the removal of this chapter was based on recommendations from an expert panel. Consequently, new textbooks featuring the updated material are now in distribution, marking the closure of these proceedings following the chapter's removal.

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will meet Wednesday to select the first CEO. A shortlist of three candidates will be presented for the crucial leadership position. The trust is also expected to announce two new members and the general secretary. Jagdish Aafle, associated with RSS, will become the first secretary. This meeting follows recent controversies and a former general secretary's resignation.

In a significant development, the National Highways Authority of India has received an overwhelming response for its new coastal highway project, which will stretch 160 kilometers from Rameshwar to Paradeep in Odisha. With ten proposals for Package-I and seven for Package-II, this 8,300.79 crore initiative is expected to create a wealth of employment opportunities while facilitating quicker access to major tourist attractions.

Union minister JP Nadda welcomed CJP's decision to cancel their September 5 protest. The government assured students that cases would be withdrawn and no strict action taken. This assurance was given after talks held on July 25, 2026, with student representatives. Discussions were also held with BJP-ruled state governments regarding the withdrawal of cases. The government prioritizes the progress and development of the nation's youth.

Indian manufacturing faced its lowest growth rate in five years during August, characterized by a slowdown in output and new orders amid diminished demand. This period also marked the first job contraction in over two years, although input procurement remained robust for the sixty-second month. Finished goods stocks swelled as actual sales fell short of forecasts.

Best German Proverb of the Day: He who does not value the penny is not worthy of the dollar teaches that small amounts, efforts and opportunities should not be dismissed when pursuing greater goals. The German proverb highlights the importance of appreciating modest gains, practising responsibility and understanding that larger achievements are often built from smaller steps.

The Supreme Court quashed several first information reports against protesters. It invoked constitutional powers to ensure complete justice for young participants. The court also directed that similar cases in other states shall not be pursued. A policy for compensation to affected families will be formulated within three months. Prosecution will continue against individuals with serious criminal antecedents in Delhi.

Nepal is grappling with a humanitarian crisis after flash floods have resulted in over a thousand casualties. Rescuers are tirelessly searching for thousands still unaccounted for as continuous rains complicate their efforts. The disaster was triggered by a catastrophic collapse of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border, leading to the inundation of homes and infrastructure by the Bhotekoshi river. Current operations prioritize rescuing workers trapped in power plant tunnels.

The Treasury department has taken a more central role in recent weeks in the conflict, with Bessent announcing plans last week to expand sanctions on financial institutions and other entities that still do business with Iran. The US moved against United Arab Emirates branches of Egypt's second largest bank, Banque Misr, last week, but Bessent said Tuesday the US didn't want to sanction the main bank itself.

Rural development minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged states to accelerate watershed projects. He emphasized clear, measurable outcomes for achieving a drought-free India. Projects under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 cover millions of hectares and significant funding. The government has released most of its allocated share for these initiatives. States are asked to assess projects based on land and water improvements.

A faction of rebel Trinamool MPs has formally asked the Lok Sabha Speaker for additional time to address disqualification notices presented by Abhishek Banerjee. They requested a period of three weeks to formulate a comprehensive and suitable response. This plea follows notices issued by the Supreme Court to these MPs, who remain unrecognized as a distinct parliamentary group by the Speaker.

The BJP plans extensive youth outreach programs to connect with students. Prime Minister Modi will likely address students at Delhi University's Shri Ram College. A month-long yatra from Vadnagar to Varanasi will highlight government initiatives. Various youth-centric events like hackathons and marathons are scheduled. This outreach aims to strengthen the party's connection with young voters.

Pushpam Appala Naidu, managing director of Quest Net, has been sentenced to three months of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 by a special court. The conviction is linked to false statements regarding the company's statutory filings during a Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) probe. While facing these charges, she was acquitted of any wrongdoing related to fund siphoning or oath-taking.

R Praggnanandhaa secured the Grand Chess Tour title by defeating Fabiano Caruana. He demonstrated strong performance in rapid and blitz chess formats throughout the tour. Praggnanandhaa's victory marks a significant achievement for Indian chess on the international stage. This win highlights the growing importance of faster chess formats for audiences. The young Indian prodigy continues to impress with his consistent performances.

On September 2, 2026, Taurus, Cancer, and Libra will find themselves embracing enhanced self-discipline. These astrological signs will actively seek tranquility and joy while distancing themselves from negativity. By establishing robust boundaries, they will pave the way for welcoming uplifting experiences and beneficial opportunities. Their fortunate turn of events will stem from their resolute decision to focus on their own well-being.

Miller Creek in Prescott, Arizona, was placed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list in 2012 because of E. coli contamination associated with human waste. Investigations found evidence of human-originating bacteria in samples collected from the creek, while the lack of public restrooms was identified as a potential contributor to pollution.

Best Italian Proverb of the Day: To err is human, to persist is diabolical reminds us that making mistakes is a natural part of life, while repeatedly choosing the same wrong path can become self-defeating. The Italian proverb encourages people to recognise errors, learn from experience and change their actions instead of allowing avoidable mistakes to become recurring patterns.

The Supreme Court urged the Centre to study totaliser machines for vote counting. This mechanism aims to protect voter secrecy and prevent individual booth identification. The court seeks to understand potential impediments and negative impacts of introducing such a system. The Election Commission of India supported anonymising voter choices but noted practical challenges. These include statutory amendments and difficulties in cross-checking results.

During a Fox News interview on September 1st, President Donald Trump remarked that Iran has squandered multiple opportunities for a meaningful agreement. He stated that any potential deal with the Iranian government is unlikely to be trustworthy or reliable, highlighting his strong opposition to ongoing negotiations and indicating a decisive stance on US-Iran relations.

Best Mexican Proverb of the Day: Build a reputation and you can rest easy explores how a persons established reputation can influence the way others perceive their actions. The Mexican proverb suggests that once an image becomes firmly associated with someone, people may continue to judge them through that reputation, even when their behaviour changes over time.

In a powerful address, Prime Minister Modi called on the SCO to take a firm stand against nations that leverage terrorism for state agenda. He emphasized the need to dismantle the networks that support terrorism and eliminate the hypocrisy surrounding counter-terrorism efforts. Modi also highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing international disputes and regional issues, ensuring that connectivity projects uphold principles of national sovereignty and territorial integr

India's priorities found reflection in the SCO Bishkek Declaration adopted Tuesday. The declaration emphasized combating terrorism and strengthening scientific cooperation among members. New Delhi highlighted thirteen key outcomes, including a center for countering security threats. Prime Minister Modi urged confronting nations using terrorism as state policy. This summit strengthened India's engagement with the Eurasian region.

In a significant move, India and the US have vowed to bolster their bilateral relationship, particularly in critical minerals supply chains. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised India's involvement in G7 discussions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman invited him to visit New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment. Furthermore, the US will take center stage by hosting the G20 Leaders' Summit later this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during the SCO Summit. This meeting marked the first interaction between the two leaders, aiming to improve political relations. The leaders exchanged views, described as an icebreaker in their political ties. This engagement occurs amidst a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Modi also met Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon at the summit.

Prakhar Purohit created tiny batteries using dirty water for a science project. His innovative idea earned him the 2026 North Carolina State Merit Winner recognition. This award highlights students exploring real-world issues through scientific experimentation. Purohits project connects water pollution with small-scale electricity generation needs. The initiative encourages innovative approaches to environmental and energy challenges.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel views new trade agreements as beneficial for his state. He sees global supply chain disruptions as opportunities for new market exploration. Patel expressed confidence in attracting significant domestic and foreign investments to Gujarat. The state government's policy continuity and stability are key attractions for investors. Gujarat is also focusing on green energy initiatives and expanding its MSME sector.

Quote of the day by Al Gore: I had a detailed plan for my life, but it turned out life had a completely different plan for me reflects the uneasy gap between expectation and purpose. It speaks to the moments when work, relationships, failure or uncertainty push us onto a path we never imagined taking. The quote explores acceptance, resilience and perspective, while asking whether a changed direction can reveal something more meaningful than the life we originally planned.

Quote of the Day by Morena Baccarin Women work as much as men now, if not more. There's a resurgence of dads in the home and moms working offer a timely perspective on working mothers, changing fatherhood, shared responsibilities and the evolving definition of family roles. The quote highlight the growing presence of women in the workforce, the evolving role of fathers at home and the ways couples are redefining responsibilities around careers.

Scientists found that even with complete protection from human-caused threats like habitat loss, hunting, and climate change, about 250 bird species could still die out.

The wisdom of the Japanese proverb 'Isogaba maware' warns against intrepid haste. When urgency drives action, blunders are likely, and stress mounts. An unhurried, careful approach not only mitigates these risks but enhances the journey. Being well-prepared smooths the path, while taking longer routes often reveals important lessons. In the quest for meaningful accomplishments, progress over speed remains a vital guiding principle, fostering thoughtful decision-making toward lasting triumph.

Capannori, a town near Lucca in Tuscany, developed a Zero Waste approach after residents opposed a proposed incinerator. Rossano Ercolini and Dr Paul Connett helped build opposition to the project, while later efforts focused on reducing waste and improving collection. Door-to-door collection expanded across the municipality, reaching 82% source separation by 2010, while selected areas using Pay As You Throw reached 90%. The town also promoted composting, reuse, refill systems, bulk shopping and