Fitch Ratings Raises India's FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.9%
Fitch Ratings has revised India's GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026 (FY26) upward to 6.9%, a notable increase from its earlier projection of 6.5%. The upgrade is attributed to a sharp acceleration in economic activity in the April-June quarter, which surpassed expectations with 7.8% year-on-year growth. Fitch cited strong domestic demand, robust real income dynamics supporting consumer spending, and looser financial conditions as key drivers for the positive revision, though it projects a slowdown in subsequent years.
Aadhaar Card Approved as Valid Voter ID Document in Bihar
The Election Commission of India has directed polling authorities in Bihar to accept the Aadhaar card as a valid document for establishing identity during the electoral roll revision process. The directive follows a Supreme Court order and designates Aadhaar as the 12th official identity document for voters. The Commission clarified that the card serves as proof of identity, not citizenship, and warned that any refusal to accept it in accordance with the new directive will be treated with "utmost seriousness."
Two Suspected ISIS Operatives Arrested in Joint Police Operation
In a coordinated operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell and Jharkhand's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have arrested two suspected ISIS operatives. The prime accused, Ashar Danish, was apprehended in Ranchi, while another suspect, Aftab, was caught in Delhi. According to police sources, both individuals were allegedly in contact with a broader ISIS-inspired network and were actively engaged in furthering the terrorist organization's agenda in India. Security agencies had been monitoring Danish for several months prior to the arrest.
Nagaland Fossils Reveal Ancient Link Between Antarctica and Indian Monsoons
A new study of 34-million-year-old fossilized leaves from Nagaland has established a surprising link between the formation of Antarctica's ice sheets and the evolution of the Indian monsoon. Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology found that Antarctic glaciation shifted a major global rain belt northward toward the tropics. This change resulted in exceptionally high rainfall and warmer temperatures in the Indian subcontinent, effectively shaping the monsoon system that is vital to the region today.
Abhishek Bachchan Sues to Protect 'Personality Rights' From AI Misuse
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has petitioned the Delhi High Court to protect his "personality rights" from unauthorised use on digital platforms. His plea seeks to restrain websites and individuals from misusing his name, image, and voice, particularly in AI-generated deepfake videos and for commercial gain without consent. The court is considering the plea, which follows a similar suit by his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, highlighting a growing legal battle for celebrities to control their digital personas against emerging technologies.
MPs Vote to Elect India's Next Vice President
Members of Parliament are voting to elect India's 15th Vice President in a contest between the ruling NDA's nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and the opposition INDIA bloc's candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. The election was necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The NDA is seen to have a numerical advantage in the electoral college, which comprises 781 MPs from both houses. Several parties, including the BJD, BRS, and SAD, have decided to abstain from voting.
Centre Announces Over ₹3,000 Crore in Aid for Flood-Hit Himachal and Punjab
The central government has announced financial assistance of ₹1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh and ₹1,600 crore for Punjab to aid relief and rehabilitation efforts following devastating floods and landslides. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions. The funds include advance releases from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and will support rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, and providing assistance to farmers in the two states, which have suffered extensive damage.
NDA Candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as India's 15th Vice President
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's next Vice President. The former Governor of Maharashtra defeated the joint opposition candidate, retired Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy, by securing 452 votes to Reddy's 300. Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, will also serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The election was necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July due to health reasons.
Rajasthan Assembly Passes Anti-Conversion Bill with Strict Penalties
The Rajasthan Assembly has passed the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, which introduces stringent measures against religious conversions through force, fraud, or allurement. The new law makes such offences non-bailable and includes penalties up to life imprisonment and fines as high as ₹1 crore. Marriages conducted solely for the purpose of conversion will be declared void. The bill exempts individuals who are reconverting to their "ancestral religion" from its provisions, a move criticized by the opposition.
Himachal Pradesh Becomes India's Fourth Fully Literate State
Himachal Pradesh has been declared India's fourth fully literate state, achieving a literacy rate of 99.3%, which surpasses the national benchmark of 95%. The announcement was made under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme. Himachal Pradesh now joins Mizoram, Tripura, and Goa in achieving this distinction. The state's literacy rate has seen a dramatic rise from just 7% at the time of India's independence, marking a significant developmental milestone for the region.
Google Rolls Out Generative AI Search Capabilities in Hindi Globally
Google has launched the AI-powered mode in its Search feature in Hindi for users across the globe. Powered by a custom version of its Gemini 2.5 model, the update allows users to ask longer, more complex, or nuanced questions in Hindi and receive more helpful, personalized answers. The feature is designed to be multimodal, enabling queries via text, voice, or images. This global rollout significantly enhances information access for hundreds of millions of Hindi speakers, making advanced AI search tools more widely available.
US Signals Further Sanctions on Russia, Potentially Targeting India's Oil Imports
US President Donald Trump has indicated readiness to escalate sanctions against Russia, a move that could affect nations purchasing Russian oil. While specifics are undisclosed, the measures could include secondary tariffs, posing significant economic and diplomatic challenges for India, a major buyer of Russian crude. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly supported the idea of imposing such tariffs on countries dealing with Russia, describing it as the "right idea," further intensifying the geopolitical pressure on New Delhi.
Nepal Reverses Social Media Ban After Violent Protests Kill 19
The Nepalese government has lifted its ban on 26 social media platforms following violent protests that resulted in at least 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The "Gen Z Movement," largely comprising young people, erupted after the government blocked major platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The situation escalated when demonstrators tried to storm parliament, leading to a deadly police crackdown and the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. In response, India has tightened security along the Indo-Nepal border.
India and Israel Sign Bilateral Investment Agreement to Boost Economic Ties
India and Israel have signed a new Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi to promote and protect reciprocal investments. The pact, signed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Israeli counterpart Bezalel Smotrich, replaces an earlier 1996 agreement. It aims to provide greater certainty for investors and expand trade, which is currently valued at $800 million. The agreement ensures fair treatment, safeguards against expropriation, and provides a mechanism for dispute resolution, strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
Palestinian Gunmen Kill Six in Attack at Jerusalem Bus Stop
Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a busy bus stop in Jerusalem during morning rush hour, killing six people and wounding twelve others. The attackers were shot and killed at the scene by an Israeli soldier and armed civilians. The attack is the deadliest in Israel since October 2024 and comes amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing war in Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility. Israeli leadership has warned of wider military raids in response.