Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed profound sadness over the passing of Bollywood icon Nana Patekar, with whom he shared a close friendship for over three decades, describing him as a 'dear friend, a brother' and a 'living legend'.
India's IT Ministry sources state the country will not slow down its Artificial Intelligence development, distinguishing its focus on people-centric applications from global concerns over frontier models. The government acknowledges AI safety risks and is tightening incident reporting norms, with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasising regulation for user safety.
Rower Satnam Singh, who clinched a historic bronze medal in the men's double sculls at the 2026 Asian Games, stated the achievement belonged not just to him but to India's 1.4 billion people, marking the country's first medal in the event since 1951.
Preeti Lobana, Google India VP, stated on Wednesday that Google views AI as an "economic equaliser" and a democratic technology. Speaking at Google Cloud Day, she highlighted AI's potential to empower businesses, especially SMEs, in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Google has committed USD 15 billion to scale India's digital and AI infrastructure, including an AI hub in Visakhapatnam, to support the IndiaAI Mission.
'India needs to create eight-nine million jobs annually to absorb the growth in the working-age population.' 'Failure to create productive jobs could squander the demographic advantage that we enjoy right now.'
BJP president Nitin Nabin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey as a leader, asserting that Modi is India's first prime minister to be directly chosen by the people through a public mandate, unlike previous PMs like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi who were initially selected by their party. Nabin highlighted Modi's rise based on organisational experience and public support, not political dynasty.
Beijing published the world's first global framework for vocational standards. If India does not act swiftly, it will be compelled to certify its workers by someone else's rulebook, cautions Abhay Jere, ex-Vice Chairman, AICTE.
Two-thirds of India's 160 airports, approximately 120, have very low utilisation rates, with only 40 operating at 70-80 per cent capacity.
Former civil servants and rights activists have issued a "people's impeachment" notice demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. They allege six charges against him, including undermining the Election Commission's functioning, mass disenfranchisement through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and compromising political impartiality. The group, including G K Pillai and Najeeb Jung, was prevented from submitting the notice at the EC office.
'If the temperature remains very high, which is likely to be the case because of El Nino, it may lead to a shortfall in wheat production.' 'If that happens, we will be in a very, very difficult situation as far as food security is concerned.'
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and the New Zealand Esports Federation (NZ Esports) have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and exchange knowledge in the esports sector. This initiative coincides with the 100 Years of Unity Through Sport celebrations, featuring Indian gamers competing in eFootball and Clash Royale in Auckland.
India's decorated rally driver Gaurav Gill believes the country possesses the talent to reach Formula One, but requires a breakthrough at the highest level. He notes the significant progress in Indian motorsport, with drivers like Kush Maini and Atiqa Mir making international strides. Gill emphasizes the need for a structured system and financial support to help young drivers transition from domestic to global stages, highlighting the growing interest in motorsport among Indian youth.
The Congress party and the INDIA bloc are planning a 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of violating the Constitution and subverting electoral democracy. This comes after alleged denials of permission for their event, which they claim is an attempt by the government to silence criticism. The JD(U) has criticised the move as an insult to Parliament and the judiciary.
India's premier education leadership conference, EGN ConnectX India 2026, will be held in Mumbai from November 3. The event will bring together school and university leaders, policymakers, and edtech innovators to discuss the integration of AI in classrooms, future-ready curricula, and skilling initiatives. The conference aims to provide actionable solutions for implementing AI in education, addressing challenges faced by educators.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to comment on recent protests against India's Election Commission, labelling it an "internal political matter." During his visit to India, Rubio also dismissed UN experts' criticism of the protests, stating that the US would not interfere in India's domestic affairs, despite UN concerns over police response to demonstrations.
Microsoft has announced a voluntary exit programme for eligible employees in India, the US, the UK, and Canada, providing financial support and career planning resources to those who choose to leave the company. The offer, available to employees at level 70 and below in participating teams, aims to offer flexibility and allow businesses to adjust their workforce.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US and India are 'pretty close' to finalising a trade deal, which he expects to be significantly different from previous agreements. This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions between officials from both nations, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, following an initial framework agreement in February.
Oracle NetSuite identifies India as one of its highest-priority markets, noting that small businesses, particularly outside major metros, are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies to expand domestically and internationally. This adoption is driven by India's young, tech-native population, which is less burdened by legacy systems, allowing smaller firms to compete more effectively with larger enterprises.
The Indian Army captured Thang in Ladakh in the 1971 War. Ghulam Hussain had left home for a routine errand found himself on the other side of an altered border. He could never return and found a new country and a new home.
At the border, places that you had just seen on a map, suddenly acquire a life. Looking at the vast expanse of quiet land, you realise an emotional connect, a sense of belonging binds you to a piece of land which is not merely territory, but a part of who you are.
The INDIA Bloc plans a "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30, followed by a "Dilli Chalo march" to Ramlila Maidan on November 1. These events are part of their protest against alleged "vote chori" and "poll irregularities," aiming to pressure the government and demand Kumar's resignation.
India has issued a fresh advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to take precautions due to heightened security concerns following drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The advisory includes instructions on what to do during an aerial attack and notes flight disruptions, with Indian carriers suspending services until late October.
India's manufacturing and services sectors are set to create over 35 crore new jobs by 2030, necessitating urgent skilling and industry-academia collaboration. Key sectors like automotive, logistics, telecom, clean energy, and textiles will drive this growth, highlighting the need for competency-driven learning to prepare the workforce.
India has strongly rejected a report by a UN human rights expert, Gina Romero, which claimed that young people in India face retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health or gender justice. India's First Secretary Anuj Swarup labelled the report as "hearsay" based on "anonymous and unverified claims," asserting that it does a disservice to the expert's mandate. Swarup highlighted India's constitutional freedoms, independent judiciary, and government's proactive engagement with youth, citing examples like the amendment to the Public Examinations Act and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.
India has expressed deep concern over reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, US. A teenager was arrested on October 11 in connection with the plot, which reportedly involved white supremacist ideology and threats against people of Indian origin. India has urged US authorities to investigate thoroughly and take measures to prevent such hate-motivated violence.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for their 'power, talent, intent' and exceptional mental control, highlighting their fearless approach despite social media pressure.
A century on, India has adopted the Left's welfare ideas, but not the Left. Why do people borrow the promises, then vote for the temple? questions Binu Alex.
Lok Sabha MP Ramashankar Rajbhar 'Vidyarthi' announced that the INDIA bloc's seat-sharing formula has been finalised for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the Samajwadi Party's manifesto set for release on November 26. He emphasised a unified strategy for victory, while Congress leaders have claimed 175-200 seats, with final decisions to be made by top leadership. The article also touches upon the political landscape in UP, considering past election results and the 2027 contest.
India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of hypocrisy regarding religious freedom and funeral rights. India's First Secretary Bhavika Mangalanandan highlighted Pakistan's refusal to accept the bodies of its own soldiers killed in the 1999 Kargil war, contrasting it with Pakistan's current criticism of India. She also pointed to Pakistan's poor record on minority rights and criticised a UN report for selectively targeting India.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, urges Indian nationals to avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are occurring and to follow local authorities' instructions.
An urban map of the largest cities in the world, by population, in the early 1700s looked almost empty by today's standards.
'India is a large source of Spotify's future audience growth because it is the largest market in the world.'
This year's Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, will feature around 2,000 artists from 126 Naxal-affected districts and celebrate the significant achievement of ending armed Naxalism in the country. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the annual event on October 31, which also commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. The celebrations will include cultural performances, innovative tableaux, and will honour security forces while promoting tourism to the Statue of Unity.
A British Conservative Party MP, Bob Blackman, has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to reaffirm India's sovereignty and territorial integrity over Jammu and Kashmir. The motion, timed for Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, also expresses concern over terror incidents and targeted killings in the region and calls for constructive dialogue.
The objective should be clear: Energy security without abandoning environmental responsibility; water security without ignoring local concerns; and strategic resilience without sacrificing public confidence, notes Varun Arya.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that the historic Free Trade Agreement with India, now in effect, will help grow both economies, allowing Kiwi businesses to reach over a billion more customers with significantly reduced tariffs, leading to 'more jobs and higher wages for Kiwis'.
The INDIA bloc, comprising 17 opposition parties and civil society members, met at Rahul Gandhi's residence to strategize against alleged "vote chori" and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, vowed to continue their united political and people's resistance, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and asserting that those responsible for undermining democracy would be held accountable.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis.
Amitabh Kant, former NITI Aayog CEO, and PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl express strong confidence in India's potential to become a global golf powerhouse within the next decade. Kant specifically predicts a woman golfer will achieve a breakthrough moment for the country. They highlight India's demographic advantage, rising youth participation, and the need for university-level talent development and private investment in infrastructure to achieve this goal.
SAP has announced new programmes to train two million people in India with AI-ready skills by 2030, as part of its global initiative to upskill 12 million individuals worldwide. The company will collaborate with academic institutions, industry partners, and government bodies to expand access to AI, cloud, data, and enterprise technologies, leveraging India's significant role in the global tech workforce.