Plus: The US disrupts the internet’s biggest black market, a Conti ransomware hacker gets prison time, Meta fails to stop AI-generated videos of child abuse.

BRICS Pay, an open payment ecosystem, is expanding its cross-border network to more countries, including China, Belarus, and Turkey. CEO Andrey Mikhaylishin announced memorandums of understanding with these nations and plans to extend the platform further. The initiative aims to connect national payment infrastructures, enabling cross-border transactions and facilitating payments for tourists and businesses. BRICS Pay is also working on connecting India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Russian payment systems, and the platform could support B2B settlements.

Our weekly indie games roundup features new releases including Wardogs, Valheim 1.0, Worming From Home, and an undead William Wallace game. Worming From Home is a remote job simulator where you play as a worm climbing the corporate ladder, involving spreadsheet tasks, stock market gaming, and office upgrades. It's available on Steam for $6 until September 18. Wardogs and Valheim 1.0 are also highlighted as notable new indie games.

President Trump's trade war with Canada threatens Kansas jobs, as Bombardier, with its U.S. headquarters in Wichita, faces potential aircraft sales bans. Bombardier employs over 1,400 people in Kansas and works with 2,800 U.S. suppliers, highlighting the local economic impact. The trade dispute jeopardizes Kansas's $14.6 billion in exports, with Canada being the second-largest export market. Trump's policies challenge the principles of predictability, reliable supply chains, and international economic relationships.

Nightdive Studios has confirmed the new campaign 'The Tarnished Mirror' for Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, following a Steam achievements leak. The campaign will be revealed on November 2nd, alongside a teaser video that humorously acknowledges the leak. The remastered game, announced in June, will feature visual upgrades, quality of life improvements, and 4K/120fps support.

The Wall Street Journal reports that investors are bracing for a series of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, with expectations growing for the first increase in three years. The Fed's next meeting on September 15-16 may reflect the belief that interest rates are currently too low, but a single rate hike is unlikely to significantly reduce the persistent 3.4% inflation rate. President Trump has recently threatened to criticize the Fed if it doesn't cut rates, ahead of the midterm elections.

The enduring Iran war has surprisingly not disrupted the oil market, with crude oil still reaching its destinations despite high fuel prices and the Strait of Hormuz being a point of contention. The market's resilience is attributed to alternative transit routes, substantial crude stockpiles, and reduced global oil consumption. Analysts are divided on whether this status quo can persist, with some believing it can last while others warn of a potential 'tipping point' that could lead to soaring energy prices and economic repercussions, possibly forcing the US to reconsider its stance.

Steam has released Spellbound & Shelved, a free 2.5D idle game where players manage a wizard's academy library by hiring gnomes to organize books. The game, developed by needmoar.games, features six types of customers who pay to access books, with the player's actions affecting income and tidiness. The game is available for download on Steam starting 7 September.

UBS Chief Economist Paul Donovan advises central banks to prioritize financial-market inflation expectations over consumer and corporate expectations when setting policy. He argues that expectations are only impactful when they lead to actual economic behavior, noting that current consumer and company expectations do not significantly influence inflation. In the US, despite higher inflation expectations, wage growth is unlikely to accelerate due to reduced bargaining power among workers. UBS suggests that investors, who can quickly act on inflation expectations, are more crucial for policymakers.

ACV Auctions, a Buffalo-based online auto auction company, has been acquired for $1.9 billion, raising questions about its future impact on the local economy and its 650 employees. The acquisition is expected to continue ACV's efforts to transform the used car market, following its success in winning the 43North contest and going public.

Wall Street focuses on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and U.S. retail sales update. The Fed may raise rates to combat inflation, which remains above 3% due to the U.S. war with Iran affecting oil supply. Higher oil prices have increased gasoline costs and shipping expenses. President Trump has urged the Fed to lower rates, but this could exacerbate inflation. Wall Street anticipates at least one rate hike by year-end.

The expanded Brics bloc, now including major oil producers like Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, controls a significant share of global oil production and reserves, potentially giving it an upper hand in the energy crisis. However, internal divisions, Saudi Arabia's cautious approach, and Western strengths pose challenges to Brics' dominance. The 2026 Brics Summit in New Delhi coincides with ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, affecting the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. With Brent crude prices above $100 a barrel, Brics' influence in the energy sector is notable but not unchallenged.

Xiaomi launched its 18 Fold foldable smartphone in China on September 7, just two days after Apple's iPhone Duo reveal. The Xiaomi 18 Fold, described as a mid-size foldable smartphone, features a 7.58-inch main display, a 5.38-inch cover display, and is powered by Xiaomi's XRING O3 processor. It is available with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The device also includes a triple-rear camera setup with a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 50MP telephoto camera. Priced at around $1,540 in China, it is cheaper than Apple's iPhone Duo, which starts at $1,999 in the US.

A retired 7,000-pound wind turbine blade from Colorado has been repurposed into a 50-foot pedestrian bridge in Atlanta's Beaverbrook Park. This innovative project, the first of its kind in the US, addresses the issue of wind turbine blade waste by reusing the blade's strength and shape for sustainable community development. The bridge, which helps visitors cross a creek in the park, was created by Georgia Tech researchers as a cost-effective solution to a local problem.

The article discusses Greece's proposal for a European minimum age of 15 for social media access and a "European Social Contract" to better protect minors online. Greece supports a unified European approach to online safety, criticizing the current national solutions. Greece has taken steps such as implementing an age verification system and participating in a European age verification pilot program. The article emphasizes that while restrictions are necessary, they are not sufficient, and there should be a focus on supporting national media education strategies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for reforms in global financial institutions during the Brics Summit 2026, advocating for greater representation and influence for the Global South in global economic governance. He emphasized the need for voting power, leadership positions, and policy priorities to reflect current economic realities. Modi also proposed the creation of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to aid maritime workers and stressed the importance of the Global South's role in shaping future global rules in emerging sectors like AI, cyberspace, and biotechnology.

Mokha, a historic port that played a pivotal role in the coffee trade, is now a strategic target in Yemen's ongoing conflict. Its location on the Red Sea has made it a prize in the Middle East's war, reflecting its long-standing trading dominance.

Ian Somerhalder, known for The Vampire Diaries, has left Hollywood for a farm in California, embracing sustainable living and teaching his children about nature and responsibility. Inspired by a transformative trip to Zimbabwe, he now grows his own food and raises animals, focusing on balance and community-oriented farming.

Devin, an AI orchestration tool, has evolved beyond a coding assistant to become an operating system for AI engineers, offering features like running local models, editing files, and managing multiple agents. It aims to be the best platform for using various coding models and can handle incident triage and specialized workflows. Devin Desktop can be paired with a locally running LLM, though the setup details are not fully described.

Canada is leveraging its industrial history and resources to compete in the next technology era, exemplified by Xanadu's $195-million federal investment to repurpose a Toronto factory for quantum computing. This initiative reflects Canada's potential to combine its existing industrial capacity (Canadian Resilience) with future technological advancements (Canadian Dynamism), aiming to transform scientific research into globally competitive companies.

Canada is leveraging its industrial heritage to compete in the next technology era, exemplified by Xanadu's $195-million federal investment to repurpose a former Campbell Soup factory in Toronto for quantum computing. This initiative reflects Canada's Resilience in existing infrastructure and Dynamism in advancing science and technology, aiming to enhance commercialization and productivity.

Prime Minister Mark Carney will host Canada's first national investment summit in Toronto to attract investors and address the country's economic challenges. The summit, co-organized by the Prime Minister's Office and major asset managers, aims to catalyze $1 trillion in investments over five years. Canadian leaders will present major projects, including Alberta's energy sectors, Saskatchewan's agriculture, New Brunswick's port expansion, and more.

U.S. inflation reports indicate the oil shock is impacting prices, with core measures exceeding expectations. Canada's inflation is also expected to rise despite better management than the U.S. The Mideast war's effect on oil prices was initially mitigated by large buffer stocks, but these are now depleting. Renewed hostilities, including threats to the Strait of Hormuz and a Saudi Arabia-Houthi victory, are likely to exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to higher oil prices and further inflationary pressures.

As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, concerns about privacy and security grow. To protect against the rising threat of AI, individuals can limit their digital footprint by removing unused apps, reviewing app permissions, and avoiding sharing personal details with AI chatbots. These steps help reduce data collection and maintain privacy in an AI-driven world.

The West Asia war is causing a surge in polyester, cotton, energy, and freight costs, impacting apparel manufacturers and potentially leading to higher clothing prices. The conflict has led to dormant factories and halted orders, as seen in Plummy Fashions' experience. Rising raw material costs are forcing manufacturers to reconsider production processes, and retailers are concerned about passing these costs onto consumers, which could affect shopping behavior and lead to wider losses in the apparel sector.

Polyarc, the developer of the acclaimed VR platformer series Moss, has announced its shutdown after 12 years of operation. The studio, known for its unique third-person VR experiences, released its latest game, Moss: The Forgotten Relic, three months prior to the closure. Despite the success of Moss and its sequel, which earned over 160 awards and nominations, Polyarc faced financial difficulties, losing funding for a mid-development project and failing to secure alternative funding. This led to the layoff of two-thirds of its staff and the eventual closure of the studio.

HBT Financial, a small-cap holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust, achieved a 53% total return in under a year, driven by strong operational performance and M&A activity. The company's Q2 2026 results showed positive trends in adjusted ROA, ROE, and net interest margin post-CNB acquisition. However, HBT faces valuation concerns and integration risks from its serial acquisitions, particularly with its concentrated Illinois exposure. The article maintains a Hold rating on HBT.

A developer expressed concerns to Boris Cherny, creator of Claude Code, about the 'friction' caused by AI in coding, fearing job loss. Cherny responded, acknowledging the shift in coding roles and the need for a balance between AI-assisted code review and trust in AI-generated outputs. He emphasized the importance of maintaining code quality and the developer's role in ensuring it.

Си Цзиньпин, председатель КНР, объявил, что в 2027 году Китай примет на себя роль председателя БРИКС и организует 19-й саммит организации. Это решение было озвучено центральным телевидением Китая.

Zooey Deschanel's Lettuce Grow introduces a vertical hydroponic system called Farmstand, enabling home gardeners to grow fresh produce with minimal skill. The self-watering tower conserves water and supports year-round harvesting, ideal for small spaces and indoor use. The system uses nutrient-rich water, eliminating the need for soil, weeding, or manual watering. It comes in various sizes and includes LED lights for indoor growth, making it accessible for beginners and those without traditional gardening experience.

A report from Axis Capital suggests that accelerated government divestments in India could alleviate market imbalances, support fiscal consolidation, and generate substantial receipts. The government's holdings in listed companies have surged to Rs 44 trillion, and a 15% reduction over three years could raise Rs 6.6 trillion, expand market free float, and reduce capital outflow risks. The report highlights the need for divestment due to fiscal strains and the potential for a more durable solution compared to other measures.

Economist Henrik Zeberg predicts a recession and stock crash by the end of 2027, with the Nasdaq 100 potentially dropping 72% from its peak, mirroring the dot-com crash. He foresees a massive rally before the downturn, with stocks reaching 39,000 by late 2026 before falling to around 10,600, their 2022 low. Zeberg's model, based on business cycle analysis, suggests parallels with past economic downturns and warns of a devastating impact from the bursting of the AI bubble.

The Delhi High Court has granted a permanent injunction against several Facebook pages and YouTube channels for infringing the personality and publicity rights of India TV Chairman Rajat Sharma. The court's order, favoring Rajat Sharma and Independent News Service Pvt Ltd, prohibits the use of deepfake videos and other fraudulent content related to Sharma's persona. A mechanism has been established for addressing future infringements, requiring platforms like Meta Platforms Inc. and Google LLC to act on complaints within specified timeframes.

SBI Research predicts the Reserve Bank of India will raise its policy rate by 25 basis points in October and December due to rising crude oil prices and inflation pressures. The report suggests that these hikes will be independent of US Federal Reserve actions, similar to the RBI's approach in 2022. Crude oil prices are expected to exceed USD 100 a barrel, with potential to reach USD 123 at the 60th percentile. Inflation is becoming more widespread, with sectors like crude petroleum, natural gas, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and electronics experiencing faster input cost rises than output prices.

SBI Research predicts the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will raise its policy rate by 25 basis points in October and another 25 basis points in December due to rising crude prices and inflation pressures. The report emphasizes the need for timely rate hikes to prevent entrenched inflation, citing increased input costs in sectors like crude petroleum, natural gas, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. The RBI's actions are expected to be independent of the US Federal Reserve's decisions.

Saudi Arabia has shut down the East-West Pipeline, its only oil export route not passing through Hormuz, due to drone attacks. The pipeline, crucial for transporting crude oil from eastern Saudi Arabia to Yanbu Port, has a capacity of 70 lakh barrels per day. The closure, a precautionary measure, has disrupted oil and shipping routes, exacerbated tensions in Yemen, and displaced civilians. The incident has led to concerns over rising crude oil prices, which could impact global markets and increase fuel costs in countries like India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled discussed the UAE's $11.5 billion investment in an integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, expected to be India's largest aluminium investment. They reviewed India-UAE economic ties, including the role of L’Imad, and agreed to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors like defence, space, and technology. The meeting also covered BRICS cooperation and recent high-level engagements between India and the UAE.

Anthropic's threat report reveals a weapons-development group in northern Yemen used Claude Code AI for guided rocket and missile software, highlighting AI's potential misuse. The group, likely linked to the Houthis, worked on a guided rocket, a multi-stage ballistic missile, and a hypersonic glide vehicle. They employed Claude Code for coding, research, and post-test analysis, demonstrating AI's role in modern weapons development.

ECB chief economist Philip Lane warns that inflation due to rising energy prices will worsen, with predictions of at least 3.6% inflation by year-end. He describes the ECB's latest rate hike as a 'measured adjustment' and suggests further hikes may be necessary. The ECB raised rates by 0.25% in response to the energy shock from the Iran war, which pushed price growth to a four-month high of 3.3%. Lane emphasized the ECB's forward-looking approach, considering the energy market's future trajectory.

Pierce Brosnan's Orchid House in Malibu, a 13,000-sq-ft estate with solar panels and a water-recycling plant, exemplifies eco-conscious design but raises questions about the sustainability of large homes. Built over a decade from 2000, the Thai- and Balinese-inspired home, costing $7.35 million, is often cited as an 'eco-mansion.' The project prompts debate on whether such large properties can truly be sustainable or if systemic policy changes are needed for genuine environmental progress.

Sumadhura Group, a Bengaluru-based real estate company, plans a ₹17,000 crore investment to construct 45 million sq ft of real estate projects over the next four years, aiming to expand in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and potentially Mumbai. The company, celebrating 30 years of business, intends to diversify its portfolio with a focus on residential and commercial developments, including luxury villas and Grade A office spaces. Sumadhura is also considering an IPO for further expansion.

President Trump faces challenges in his midterm pitch as high gas prices, rising mortgage rates, and persistent inflation above target complicate his appeal to voters.

Chronicles Medieval, an upcoming action strategy game set during the Hundred Years' War, is being developed by Raw Power Games, a team of history enthusiasts. The game features historically accurate locations and battles, with 209 regions and a fog-of-war system for undiscovered areas. Players can explore Europe, with towns and villages placed based on their historical sizes and locations. The game's authenticity extends to details like knights' coats of arms.

A Rs 10 lakh corpus can potentially grow to Rs 1 crore by the age of 30 through the power of compounding, assuming an average annual return of 12%. Without additional investments, the initial Rs 10 lakh would generate around Rs 86.5 lakh in returns over 20 years, resulting in a final corpus of approximately Rs 96.5 lakh.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to host the Canada Investment Summit, aiming to attract global investors by showcasing Canada's competitive business environment and investment opportunities. The summit, which coincides with heightened trade tensions due to a US-Canada tariff feud, represents a significant test for Carney's efforts to reposition Canada as an independent and attractive market for capital investment.

Chillquarium's creator, Ben Reber, discusses the inspiration and development of the aquarium building and fish-farming game. Reber, with nearly a decade of game development experience, was drawn to the genre of aquarium games and pet simulators. Chillquarium, which has sparked nostalgia in players for classic fish games like FishVille and Fish Tycoon, is one of Reber's recent indie creations that combines relaxing gameplay with engaging fish-farming elements.

UTS researchers in Sydney found that a biosolar green roof can reduce solar panel temperatures by up to 9.63°C and increase solar output by up to 107%. The study compared a biosolar roof with vegetation to a conventional rooftop solar system, showing that the green roof not only cooled the panels but also improved their efficiency. This innovation could enhance urban sustainability and energy efficiency by managing stormwater runoff and improving building insulation.

Donald Trump's tariffs are increasing U.S. household bills by approximately $1,000 annually, with the impact felt more acutely by low-income Americans. The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and the Tax Foundation have analyzed the financial burden, projecting an average tariff-related tax increase of about $840 (U.S.) per household this year, or $1,157 (Cdn.), for 2026. Amidst the trade war with Canada, experts like Charles St-Arnaud from Servus Credit Union suggest that Canada should not emulate the U.S. approach due to structural differences and the need for a unique fiscal strategy.