Scientists at IIT Mandi have identified the cellular signature of anaesthesia in plants, a discovery that challenges conventional understanding of consciousness. Their research shows plants respond to anaesthetics in a synchronised manner, reorganising cellular nuclei despite lacking a brain or nervous system, suggesting a more sentient nature than previously believed and resonating with ancient Indian philosophical thought.
Indian startup funding plummeted by 43 per cent year-on-year to $7.81 billion between March 1 and June 15, 2026, largely due to the West Asia conflict, which has amplified global risk perceptions, tightened liquidity, and led to rupee depreciation, making global investors cautious.
The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.
A new study has identified a region in the brainstem, the structure connecting the brain to the spinal cord, that plays a crucial role in cognitive flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Researchers found that the 'locus coeruleus' in the brainstem is central to how the brain switches between behavioural rules, impacting disorders like ADHD, depression, and OCD.
Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled a statue of TDP founder N T Rama Rao in Hyderabad, aiming to appeal to TDP supporters ahead of upcoming civic polls. The move is seen as an attempt by the Congress to gain ground in areas with a significant Andhra Pradesh-native voter base.
Major US technology companies, Meta and LinkedIn, are undergoing significant workforce restructuring, with Meta planning to lay off 8,000 employees while shifting 7,000 into AI-focused roles, and LinkedIn cutting over 600 jobs across various departments.
A new study suggests that dreams are not random but reflect a complex interplay between personal traits, external events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and individual experiences.
A leader can spend authority on themselves -- on appearing decisive, on appearing in control, on appearing irreplaceable. Or they can spend it on the people around them -- on giving them the ball back, on creating conditions in which other people's confidence and capability can grow. Over a long enough horizon, the second compounds in a way the first never does. And that's exactly what Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has done.
Punjab's AAP leader Baltej Pannu has criticised the central government's changes to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) appointment rules, claiming it's an attempt to control the state's river waters.
The plan includes three such formations: A China-focused Northern Theatre Command, a Pakistan-focused Western Theatre Command, and a Maritime Theatre Command.
'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'
HDFC Bank reported an 8.04 per cent increase in its March quarter consolidated net profit to Rs 20,350.76 crore, but highlighted potential near-term risks for small-business borrowers due to the West Asia conflict. The bank's CEO also addressed the recent resignation of its non-executive chairman and hinted at a potential top-level reorganisation.
The Lok Sabha has passed a bill recognising Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, solidifying the city's status after years of debate and uncertainty. The bill aims to prevent future changes to the capital and received support from both the ruling NDA and the opposition Congress, while the YSR Congress Party opposed the bill.
If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.
The Centre has notified the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act 2023, providing a 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, Jammu and Kashmir, and Union Territories, with the provisions set to come into force on April 17, 2026.
Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.
The Indian women's football team lost 0-2 to Kenya in the semifinal of the FIFA Series 2026. Martha Emedot and Tereza Obunya scored for Kenya.
Nara Lokesh, once heavily criticised, has risen to become the National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), marking a significant generational transition within the party.
Experts at a discussion in Delhi emphasised the importance of ethical governance and indigenous capability in India's pursuit of becoming a global artificial intelligence power, ensuring technology serves the public good and maintains strategic autonomy.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated that the government may bring a bill to increase seats in the Lok Sabha, potentially to implement reservation for women in the legislature. The Opposition has raised concerns about the timing and implications of the proposed bills.
Sonam Wangchuk called his release a 'win-win', saying the Centre has opened the door for meaningful dialogue with Ladakh.
Mukul Choudhary, inspired by MS Dhoni, played a match-winning innings for Lucknow Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders, showcasing his six-hitting ability and composure under pressure.
'When there is such an elaborate and a strong process, one would have expected anyone to either place the issues so that they can be addressed or go to the regulator and probably tell them rather than creating a kind of uncertainty for the stakeholders.
A key mistake would be continuing to rely on provisions of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, where the new law now applies, and vice versa.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its manifesto for the West Bengal elections, focusing on welfare politics and women's empowerment with pledges to expand existing schemes, improve healthcare, and develop infrastructure.
On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.
India's main inflation measure, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is set for another major update, even though it has been in its current form for only about 15 years.
'As the PLA higher command is almost dismantled and instability spreads, India needs to be prepared for any eventuality,' cautions China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.
Tarique Rahman, after 17 years in self-exile, has led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a significant victory, becoming the country's Prime Minister. This marks a major turnaround for the BNP after years of being targeted by the Awami League government.
'The real risk is not that AI will fail to transform India's economy.'
'The risk is that it already is -- while our measurement systems continue to look the other way,' observes Nishant Sahdev, a theoretical physicist at the University of North Carolina.
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, Indian business houses have urged the government to make demergers tax-neutral, particularly in cases involving transfer of investments in associate companies with 25 per cent or more shareholding, under the new Income Tax Act. This may possibly help some companies planning to go public, according to a source.
This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence.
The Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday gave its approval to Vedanta Limited's demerger proposal, clearing the way for the group to reorganise its operations into five distinct, sector-specific entities.
As the new Income Tax (I-T) Act, 2025 moves towards implementation from April 1, 2026, the finance ministry is reviewing and simplifying the compliance forms used by charitable institutions. Debjyoti Das, principal chief commissioner of income tax (exemption), said the new Act has already reorganised exemption provisions into a clearer and more coherent structure, and the accompanying procedures and forms are now being examined.
'From every point of view, they have faced an extremely difficult couple of years, and the setback they have suffered is irreversible.' 'This reality has begun to set in even amongst the top-level cadres. That is why, in recent times, we have witnessed a huge number of senior-level cadres emerging from the jungle and deciding to renounce violence and join the mainstream.'
The fierce battles of Galwan, Rezang La, Gurung Hill, and Walong taught the PLA a hard lesson: Fighting the Indian Army would never be easy or inexpensive.
Real Madrid are considering creating a subsidiary that would allow external investors to buy a stake of around 5% in the world's most valuable football club.
The embassy of India in Bamako said it was "aware of the unfortunate incident" involving the kidnapping of five Indian nationals in Mali on November 6 and is working closely with local authorities and the concerned company to ensure their "safe release as quickly as possible."
The government plans to introduce three bills in Parliament to address the removal of a prime minister, Union minister, chief minister, or minister of a Union Territory when arrested or detained on serious criminal charges.
