Three labourers were arrested in Surat for allegedly throwing stones at the Vande Bharat Express, damaging windows but causing no injuries. The accused, who claimed they acted "for fun," were identified via CCTV footage and booked under the Railways Act.
Karmayogi Bharat and OpenAI have signed an MoU to enhance AI capacity development across India's civil services. This partnership aims to equip government personnel with AI skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, fostering confident and responsible AI use for improved public outcomes and a future-ready civil service under Mission Karmayogi.
The Union finance ministry has constituted a high-level committee, chaired by former Central Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N Patel, to recommend structural, regulatory, and legislative reforms for India's banking sector, aiming to make banks globally competitive and support the financing needs of a developed economy.
The Indian Army has launched 'Bharat Rice', a superior-quality rice for defence forces, aimed at improving ration quality and logistics. This initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport, involves direct supply to Army Supply Depots, including remote areas, and an MoU with FCI for infrastructure utilisation during contingencies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted its significance for soldier welfare, operational readiness, and national security, emphasising logistics as combat power.
The Vande Bharat Express has successfully achieved a speed of 100 kmph over the world's highest Chenab Railway Bridge and India's first cable-stayed Anji Bridge. This significant speed enhancement on the 111-km Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project will reduce travel time and improve rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Fintech company BharatPe has expressed strong support for the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI merchant transactions, which introduces a 0.4% fee on transfers exceeding Rs 2,000. The company explicitly distanced itself from critical remarks made by its former co-founder Ashneer Grover, clarifying that his views do not represent BharatPe's stance. BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi highlighted that the framework aims to strengthen digital payment economics, protect consumers and small merchants, and expand adoption in underserved markets, with most transactions remaining unaffected.
An Indian firm, Bharat Forge, and US defence major Pratt & Whitney Canada have announced a collaboration to develop India's high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This partnership will focus on integrating advanced turboprop engines into the DRDO-designed HALE UAV, bolstering India's indigenous defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The collaboration aims to enhance India's strategic self-reliance in surveillance and reconnaissance technology.
Fintech firm BharatPe has publicly supported the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI merchant transactions, which introduces a 0.4% fee on transfers over Rs 2,000. The company has also distanced itself from its former co-founder Ashneer Grover's strong criticism of these changes, stating his remarks are personal and do not reflect BharatPe's official position. BharatPe believes the new framework will strengthen digital payment economics while protecting consumers and small merchants.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called upon Indian industry to prioritise not just scale but also resilience, better governance, and deeper technological capabilities to achieve the 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2047.
Indian firm Bharat Forge and US defence major Pratt & Whitney Canada have announced a collaboration to support the development of India's high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle. This partnership involves integrating advanced turboprop engines into a DRDO-designed UAV, bolstering India's indigenous defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new features for India's digital payment ecosystem, including UPI tap-to-pay for PIN-less transactions up to 5,000 and multi-currency capabilities for forex on Bharat Connect, supporting Euro, British Pound, and other major currencies.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that revised NCERT textbooks for classes 10 to 12 are being prepared in "mission mode," while textbooks for classes 1 to 9 under the new National Curriculum Framework have already been released. He emphasised NCERT's role in building a 'Viksit Bharat' and highlighted the need for curricula to evolve with AI advancements and the importance of India's young population as a global asset.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) clarified that no notice was issued to Bharat Ratna awardee Prof C N R Rao regarding an electoral roll discrepancy. Instead, the Booth Level Officer recommended including his name despite a variation in how it was recorded over the years, ensuring his inclusion in the final electoral roll.
The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.
India aims to become a globally competitive and technologically self-reliant semiconductor powerhouse by 2047, leading in next-generation chip technologies. This vision, highlighted at the ESTIC 2026 conclave where DRDO played a key role, focuses on developing a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem, creating high-value jobs, and ensuring digital security and economic strength through indigenous chip capabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Gujarat visit, pledged to serve India until his last breath. He criticised the Opposition for allegedly spreading panic regarding fertiliser and cooking gas availability amidst the West Asia conflict, accusing them of rejoicing in national crises. Modi also highlighted government efforts to shield farmers from rising global prices and inaugurated 'Bharat Parv 2026' at Ekta Nagar.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the north corridor of the bullet train project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting its 'Make in India' aspect and potential to transform lives. The corridor will connect major cities from Delhi to Guwahati, significantly reducing travel times. Vaishnaw also launched new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and MEMU services in Varanasi, while criticising previous governments' railway budgets for Uttar Pradesh.
Over 500 people, including NCC personnel, participated in the 97th 'Fit India - Sundays on Cycle' event in Ahmedabad, celebrating National Unity Day. Organised by SAI, Fit India Movement, and MY Bharat, the event promoted an active lifestyle, national unity, and sustainable practices through cycling, sports, and traditional games.
A privately run helicopter carrying five pilgrims from Badrinath and its pilot crashed into a hillside in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, killing all six on board. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe into the incident.
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.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will investigate the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand that killed six people, including the pilot, on Friday. The helicopter, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, crashed into a hillside in Joshimath an hour after taking off from Badrinath en route to Dehradun.
India's men's and women's kabaddi teams have reached the finals of the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad. The men's team will face Sri Lanka after defeating Bangladesh, while the women's team will play Uganda following their victory over Sri Lanka. Both Indian teams displayed dominant performances in their respective semifinals, setting up exciting title clashes.
The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) is expanding its second season to include 10 franchises, up from eight, and has increased its player auction purse to Rs 5 crore. This expansion comes as the league aims to fill a void created by the uncertain scheduling of the Pro Kabaddi League's next season. The recent player auction saw over 300 players, with Ayan Lochab fetching the highest bid.
A country that makes the isotope sets the timetable for everyone who needs it.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their rally in early trade, driven by strong buying in IT firms and an earnings-driven surge in Tata Group's retail arm, Trent, which reported a 25 per cent increase in net profit.
The Indian Racing Festival is bringing FIA-level F4 Indian Championship and Indian Racing League races to the Buddh International Circuit on October 31 and November 1, marking the return of major motorsport to the venue after 13 years. The event will feature intense competition, including the F4 title battle where Luviwe Sambudla currently leads, and the second round of the IRL.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu believes in the unity of humanity and that all religious paths lead to the same goal, asserting that 'if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu'.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh undertook a flying sortie with NCC cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy on October 20 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. This special flight, part of Singh's final sorties before superannuation, aimed to familiarise the cadet with aviation and encourage defence careers, aligning with the 'Viksit Bharat -2047' vision.
A 17-year-old Class 12 student was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her home in Wazirpur JJ Colony, northwest Delhi, on Tuesday. Her family suspects foul play, and police are investigating the incident, with no suicide note found.
Former chief selector M S K Prasad wants Mohammed Shami considered for the New Zealand series and the 2027 ODI World Cup while former bowling coach Bharat Arun says the pacer has nothing left to prove.
A helicopter crash in Uttarakhand killed six people, including five from Karnataka and the pilot. Among the deceased were a Bengaluru Police inspector, businessmen, and advocates. Karnataka authorities are coordinating with Uttarakhand to repatriate the bodies, while state leaders have expressed profound sorrow and offered assistance to the bereaved families.
Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has launched her new political party, Jan Neeti Bharat, with the aim of contesting the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and redefining governance by making people central to policymaking and ensuring government accountability.
The WhatsApp service will enable subscribers to check their PF balance, latest five transactions and passbook information.
The Indian Racing Festival is set to make a grand return to the Buddh International Circuit after a 13-year hiatus, featuring the F4 Indian Championship and Indian Racing League on October 31 and November 1. The event will host crucial rounds for both championships, with the F4 title race intensifying and a new youngest winner emerging.
Delhi Police have dismantled an inter-state truck theft and dismantling racket, arresting three individuals including the alleged mastermind. The operation led to the recovery of dismantled parts of a stolen truck from a Punjab godown. The investigation involved technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and digital payment tracking, revealing the accused's involvement in multiple truck thefts across Delhi.
India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections soared by 23 per cent year-on-year to over Rs 2.31 lakh crore in October, marking the second-highest monthly mop-up ever, primarily driven by robust festive buying and strong domestic demand.
Indian stock markets witnessed a significant rally, with the Sensex soaring 905 points and the Nifty topping 22,900, primarily driven by strong buying in banking and FMCG shares, coupled with easing crude oil prices and a US Fed rate pause.
Hoardings depicting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, US entrepreneur Elon Musk and others as the 10 heads of Ravana were put up at several locations in Lucknow on Sunday ahead of Dussehra.
IBM India and South Asia MD Sandip Patel states that technology, especially AI, should not be "artificially paused." He advocates for vigilance and proactive governance to foster innovation while addressing potential risks. Patel also highlights IBM's India-specific initiatives like Bharat Core and a sovereign AI stack, and discusses the impact of AI on jobs and global supply chains.
As CEC Gyanesh Kumar faces protests over electoral roll revisions, a 20-year-old Kerala corruption case resurfaces.
