Election-related freebies and populist measures are other factors crimping the revenue profile of these states.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a significant policy shift, declaring that Israel's robust economy no longer requires American financial assistance. He also reiterated strong opposition to Palestinian statehood, affirmed an aggressive national defence strategy, warned of pre-emptive strikes against Iran, and confirmed the continued military presence in southern Lebanon.
The National Inter-State Championships saw two new national records being set. Anushka Yadav broke the hammer throw record with a 67.02m effort, while Dev Meena set a new pole vault record by clearing 5.47m.
India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, labelling it a "Frankenstein state" for its alleged support of terrorism. The remarks came after Pakistan and the OIC raised the Kashmir issue, which India firmly rejected, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir's integral status. India also deemed the Indus Water Treaty "outdated" given Pakistan's policies.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over a probe from Andhra Pradesh police concerning an alleged extremist network. Twelve suspects were arrested across several states for their links to banned terror organisations like AQIS and ISIS, involved in radicalisation and recruitment through online platforms.
Eighteen of India's 28 states exceeded the fiscal deficit ceiling of 3 per cent of GSDP in FY25, a deterioration comparable to the Covid year of 2020-21, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The report also noted a decline in states reporting a revenue surplus, with Bihar, Mizoram, and Telangana moving into deficit.
The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three individuals from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan in connection with an alleged inter-state online radicalisation module. The module is believed to be operated by a Pakistan-based handler using encrypted messaging platforms, with central intelligence agencies providing initial inputs.
Delhi Police has invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against an alleged multi-state crime syndicate led by Nasir Hafiz Khan, who is accused of numerous robberies and cheating cases. The action follows an investigation into a 2025 robbery, revealing Khan's extensive criminal history and previous MCOCA booking.
The Special Cell of Delhi Police has dismantled two inter-state illegal arms supply syndicates, arresting six traffickers and recovering 26 semi-automatic pistols, eight live cartridges, and three vehicles. The network sourced weapons from Madhya Pradesh and supplied them to criminal gangs in Delhi-NCR, including the Manjeet Mahal, Gogi, and Randeep Bhati gangs.
The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.
The US Department of State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to launch a public-private partnership aimed at advancing sports diplomacy worldwide. This initiative will leverage UFC's extensive global platform and athletes to engage international audiences, promote cultural exchange, and champion American values such as discipline and perseverance.
Hundreds gathered in Varanasi with tearful eyes on Saturday to bid a final farewell to India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana, whose mortal remains were flown in by air ambulance from Dehradun.
The Indian women's hockey team staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win over United States in the opening Pool A match of the FIH Nations Cup.
Chhattisgarh police have seized nearly 2,000 kg of ganja worth Rs 10 crore and arrested two individuals, including an alleged kingpin of an inter-state drug trafficking syndicate. The consignment was intercepted in Balrampur district while being transported from Odisha to Uttar Pradesh. The alleged mastermind was also involved in a previous large-scale drug seizure.
Chhattisgarh police have seized nearly 2,000 kg of ganja worth Rs 10 crore and arrested two individuals, including an alleged kingpin of an inter-state drug trafficking syndicate. The consignment was intercepted in Balrampur district while being transported from Odisha to Uttar Pradesh. The alleged mastermind was also involved in a previous large-scale drug seizure.
Assam emerged as the fastest-growing large state with a remarkable 17.3 per cent nominal GDP CAGR over five years.
Assam Police have arrested a cyber fraudster suspected of involvement in multi-state digital crimes. The arrest was made by the Crime Investigation Department's Cyber Police Station, and the suspect is believed to have operated a highly active mule account.
Suman Kalyanpur, known for her melodious voice and soulful renditions, was laid to rest with full state honours in Mumbai.
Indian states significantly increased their reliance on market borrowings to finance gross fiscal deficits in 2025-26, with the share of market borrowings rising to 76.3 per cent, even as the weighted average cut-off yield on State Government Securities (SGS) and spreads over central government securities also increased.
Three people were injured in two suspected wild elephant attacks in Palakkad, Kerala. These incidents follow two recent fatalities in Wayanad and Idukki. In response, the Kerala government has decided to establish a 500-member Special Reserve Force to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
A 23-year-old man, Deepak Jaiswal, was allegedly beaten to death in Thane over mobile phone theft and bullying. Police have arrested two main accused, Ajay Devkilal Giri and Shiva Sanjay Goswami, and detained 13 other suspects who were attempting to flee the state on the Gorakhpur Express. A murder case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing to determine the roles of all detained individuals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.
The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticised the state machinery for its "persistent failure" and significant delays in processing a minor rape survivor's plea for medical termination of pregnancy. The court highlighted how seven weeks were lost due to bureaucratic hurdles, leading to the survivor delivering the child despite seeking an abortion. The court also directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive socio-psychological study on rape cases and their consequences.
The Haryana BJP appointed Archana Gupta as its new president, making her the second woman to hold the position in over four decades. Gupta, a radiologist and current state general secretary, succeeds Mohan Lal Badoli.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.
A 43-year-old man has been arrested under the POCSO Act in Tiruchirapalli after a 14-year-old girl was found unconscious following an alleged abduction and sexual assault. The incident has sparked protests and drawn sharp criticism from DMK MP Kanimozhi regarding the state's law and order situation and women's safety.
Delhi Police have dismantled an inter-state drug syndicate, arresting three individuals and seizing a significant quantity of heroin worth approximately Rs 25 lakh in the international market.
Police in Uttar Pradesh have busted an inter-state gang involved in abducting and illegally selling infants, rescuing a nine-month-old child and arresting nine accused.
India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.
An analysis reveals that content from state-controlled media can significantly influence the information environments that AI chatbots learn from, shaping their responses to user requests.
Despite international crude oil prices falling to a four-month low, retail petrol and diesel prices in India are unlikely to be cut immediately because state-run refiners are still processing costlier crude purchased during the peak of the West Asia crisis, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.
Congress leader Manish Tewari expressed his disappointment after being overlooked in the recent Punjab Congress reshuffle for upcoming assembly polls, posting a cryptic message on X about "insecurities of individuals and institutions" while reaffirming his loyalty to the party. The reshuffle saw key appointments for election committees, including Charanjit Singh Channi as Campaign Committee chairman, but notably excluded Tewari.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an immediate stay on the controversial Maharashtra Right to Information (RTI) rules following a backlash from transparency advocates and a hunger strike threat by veteran anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare.
Delhi Police have arrested a 44-year-old man, identified as Mohit Sharma, who is alleged to be the kingpin of an inter-state temple theft operation. Sharma, wanted in multiple cases across Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka, specialised in stealing silver idols and donation articles from temples.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has received an official invitation to attend the state funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. She will travel to Iran as a distinguished guest of India to pay her final respects, highlighting the historical and strategic ties between the two nations.
State Bank of India has launched a suite of AI-powered digital innovations on its YONO platform, enhancing both retail and business banking services. These new features include a 3-in-1 digital onboarding process, a sustainability tracker, integrated trade finance, and an AI virtual assistant, aiming to provide intelligent and future-ready banking experiences for its 53 crore customers.
The Union Health Ministry has directed states and Union territories to enhance surveillance, hospital preparedness, and screening of international travellers after the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
'Why not aspire for 8 or 9 or even 10 per cent?'
The US Supreme Court is poised to rule on the legality of state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that ban transgender student athletes from female sports teams. This contentious issue, deeply embedded in the nation's culture wars, challenges federal anti-discrimination laws and the Constitution's equal protection clause.
The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match. Developed by the Knight Riders Group, the venue saw the Los Angeles Knight Riders play against Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, with Washington Freedom securing a six-wicket victory. This new, purpose-built stadium is a significant development for cricket in the United States.
