
India's Rice Bins Are Stuffed and Another Record Crop is Coming
Overflowing reserves — equal to more than one-tenth of the annual global production — are becoming a headache for the world's second-biggest grower as authorities struggle to create extra storage. Forecasts of above-average rains have raised expectations that the nation will reap another bumper crop this year, increasing the risk of the grain rotting in open storage facilities.

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20 minutes ago
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Half a million older Americans to start getting Social Security checks electronically — what you need to know
Social Security is switching to electronic-only payments, which could have a big impact on the 500,000 recipients who still receive their monthly benefits by mail. Beginning September 30 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer be issuing paper checks in the mail. The agency says the change is part of an effort to modernize government payment systems and enhance security and efficiency. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it The change affects fewer than 1% of SSA beneficiaries, but for those impacted — many of whom are older, live in rural areas or don't have a bank account — the transition could be significant. Why is the SSA phasing out paper checks? The switch to electronic payments isn't exactly a new concept. Back in 2013, the SSA required most new enrollees to receive their benefits electronically. However, this final push eliminates paper checks entirely. There are three main reasons for this shift: Faster payments: Electronic payments arrive on time, while mail carrier issues, natural disasters or delivery errors can delay paper checks Costs less: According to the U.S. Treasury, issuing a paper check costs approximately 50 cents, compared to less than 15 cents for an electronic transfer. With more than 500,000 benefit recipients still receiving paper checks once a month, that adds up to millions in potential savings per year Improved security: Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be stolen or lost in delivery. Digital payments reduce the risk of fraud and help prevent missed payments Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you're not a millionaire. What you need to know If you're still receiving paper checks, you will need to choose an electronic payment method before the September deadline. Otherwise, the SSA will automatically enroll you in a pre-paid debit card program. Here are your two options: 1. Direct deposit You can have your benefit sent straight to your checking or savings account. You'll need to provide your bank account and routing number to set up an electronic transfer. This is the fastest and most common method as it allows your benefits to be delivered quickly and you can spend the money as you typically would. 2. Direct Express debit card For people who don't have a bank account or prefer not to use direct deposit, this government-backed prepaid card offers a secure alternative. You can use it to withdraw cash, make purchases and track spending, just like a regular debit card. To sign up or make changes, log in to your my Social Security account or visit Choosing the right option depends on your situation. If you already have a bank account, direct deposit is likely the simplest choice. Providing your bank account and routing number will not allow anyone to pull money from your account without permission, only deposit funds. If you don't have a bank account, the Direct Express card provides a secure way to access your benefits. 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Bloomberg
23 minutes ago
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Australia's Women Have a Part-Time Problem
Tapping one of the world's most-educated female workforces should be a priority for Australia's government. Yet more women work part-time here than in almost any other developed nation. It's a missed opportunity to jump-start a once-lauded economy that's languishing. On one hand, the prevalence of part-time jobs shows employers offer flexibility to keep women — who still do the bulk of juggling family and other carer responsibilities — in the workforce. On the other, it stops them from getting the same career breaks as men and costs them dearly, both in earnings and retirement.
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Officials stunned by drastic transformation in one of world's largest salt lakes: 'No number exists to report'
Officials stunned by drastic transformation in one of world's largest salt lakes: 'No number exists to report' Water levels in a significant lake in Iran have dropped so low that they can no longer be measured. Iran's Lake Urmia was once one of the largest salt lakes in the world. What's happening? As IranWire reported, the country's Environmental Protection Organization can't measure water levels in Lake Urmia anymore because it is so dry. The deputy head of the organization, Ahmad Reza Lahijanzadeh, said that the lake's water level has reached a point where "no number exists to report." Lake Urmia has suffered because of persistently high temperatures and evaporation. Inadequate water resource management, low rainfall, and consecutive droughts have made matters worse. According to IranWire, there are over 60,000 unauthorized wells in the region, severely depleting already scarce groundwater resources. Lahijanzadeh predicted that Lake Urmia could dry up by the end of summer. Why are drying lakes significant? A dry-up could lead to widespread ecological and economic harm. When such lakes lose their water, salt storms and mass wildlife migrations can occur. Native birds and microorganisms are already facing threats to their survival. Dry lakebeds lead to increased air pollution, which can exacerbate respiratory and cardiac problems in vulnerable populations living nearby. Meanwhile, many people depend upon lakes for their livelihoods, so drying lakes have economic repercussions worldwide. Communities can lose tourism dollars or food sources when lakes dry up and there is no longer anywhere to fish, boat, and swim. What's being done to preserve drying lakes? There has been little progress in restoring Lake Urmia despite promises from the Iranian government. However, many other communities are experiencing improvement in their lakes following restoration efforts, offering inspiration and hope worldwide. Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Yes — often Yes — but only sometimes Only when it's bad outside No — I never do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In India, a two-year restoration project for Kadapakkam Lake is helping address pollution and sediment accumulation caused by agricultural runoff. In Utah, the Great Salt Lake has received water redirected from another lake to support local wildlife and industries. It is possible to bring lakes back to life for the benefit of people, animals, plants, and the broader ecosystem. One thing you can do as an individual to protect lakes is to limit unnecessary water consumption and encourage others to do the same. Conserving water in daily life can be as simple as collecting rainwater in a barrel to water your garden or turning off the tap when you brush your teeth. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword