The Economic Times News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled an impressive 80-foot statue of Assam's first chief minister, Gopinath Bardoloi. The statue stands outside the new terminal of the airport bearing his name in Guwahati. Renowned artist Ram Sutar sculpted this tribute. Sutar also created the statue of Ahom general Lachit Barphukan.

When the game begins, players see a four-by-four grid containing 16 words. The objective is to determine which sets of four share a common meaning, phrase or conceptual connection. After selecting a group, players submit it for confirmation. Correct matches are locked in, while incorrect attempts reduce the available four guesses.

Sundar Pichai, a renowned name in the tech industry, is known for his lessons on success, leadership, innovation and business. The Indian-origin tech mogul worked at Google since 2004 and became its CEO in 2015. In one of his quotes, he wants to convey a message that people should listen to their heart and follow their dreams and passion and do something which drives and excites them. When you listen to your heart, you are likely to remain motivated in tough phases, he explains through his quote

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Integrated Terminal 2 Building at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati. This modern facility is designed to handle millions of passengers annually. The project, costing Rs 5,000 crore, aims to establish the airport as a vital aviation hub for Northeast India and a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has completed multiple rounds of Pre-Budget Consultations in New Delhi as part of the preparations for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27.

A parliamentary panel has urged strict adherence to the land acquisition law. Concerns are raised over violations, particularly in tribal areas. Issues include undervalued land, flawed consultations, and disregard for forest rights. The committee also questioned the effectiveness of monitoring committees. Projects like Ken-Betwa Link and Polavaram face scrutiny for their impact on communities and resources.

Wordle is a streamlined word game created in 2021 by software engineer Josh Wardle, challenging players to identify a five-letter word within six tries using colour-coded clues. Its popularity skyrocketed later that year as players began posting spoiler-free emoji grids on social media, comparing results without revealing answers.

Canada is facing a significant flu season. Influenza activity is high and rising across the country. Health Canada data shows a sharp increase in positive flu tests. Laboratory detections are predominantly influenza A, and among subtyped influenza A detections, influenza A(H3N2) is predominant, according to a report issued by Health Canada.

At a recent event in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister Nara Lokesh inspired students to reflect on their life choices, suggesting they consider whether they would feel proud sharing those decisions with their mothers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, labeling the state's situation as maha jungle raj. He alleged that corruption, nepotism, and appeasement have stalled development. Addressing a rally via phone, Modi urged voters to elect the BJP for a double engine government, promising to end the ruling party's alleged misrule and protect citizens.

Do you aspire to work in world's richest man Elon Musk's xAI company as an Android engineer? Tesla and SpaceX CEO recently announced that his firm is actively looking for Android engineers to develop its Grok chatbot at a few locations in US and London. The candidates need to possess strong coding skills and will have to undergo an entire process to get hired.

A key Australian health committee has recommended Wegovy for subsidized access. This drug targets adults with existing heart conditions and obesity. The decision aims to help vulnerable individuals manage high treatment costs. Strict eligibility criteria will apply, focusing on those with significant cardiovascular risk. This move could pave the way for wider access to weight management medications.

Explosions targeted two trains in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Friday. The Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail passenger trains were the intended targets. Railway tracks were damaged in Mushkaf and Dasht areas. This disruption has led to a halt in normal train services from Quetta. Security approval is now required before confirming passenger train schedules.

Rediff.com India Limited has appointed Rekha Murthy as an independent director to its board as it prepares for a significant fundraise, potentially including an IPO by Diwali 2026. This move strengthens governance as the AI-focused platform expands into payments and enterprise software, with Infibeam Avenues increasing its stake and rebranding to AvenuesAI Limited.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two national highway projects worth Rs. 3,200 crore in West Bengal's Nadia district, enhancing connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri and reducing travel time. His visit also served as a prelude to the upcoming assembly polls, where he criticized the TMC's governance and urged voters to support the BJP.

Parliament passed the SHANTI Bill this week. Congress alleges the bill was rushed to help Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bill opens the civil nuclear sector to private companies. A US Act references joint assessments on nuclear liability rules between the US and India. Congress raised concerns about the bill's impact on public sector undertakings.

Discover India's own cherry blossom season in Nagaland and Meghalaya. Unlike Japan's spring blooms, these Himalayan cherries flower in winter, from late October to early December. Kohima in Nagaland transforms into a pink and white spectacle. Meghalaya offers subtle trails for observant travellers. Plan your trip for a unique, uncrowded natural wonder.

Meghalaya has mandated Khasi and Garo language inclusion in the curriculum up to Class-1 to foster cultural identity and simplify learning. The state cabinet also approved revised pay for teachers, a five-year HIV/AIDS project, and mandatory green building certification for large constructions. Additionally, a new cooperative society and a National Games Secretariat were approved.

Seven individuals have been apprehended in Bangladesh following the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu man, accused of blasphemy. The mob allegedly beat him, hanged him from a tree, and then set his body ablaze.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helicopter could not land at Taherpur in West Bengal on Saturday. Dense fog caused low visibility. The helicopter returned to Kolkata airport. The Prime Minister was waiting for weather updates. It is unclear if he will travel by road or attempt an aerial route later. He was scheduled for an administrative program and a BJP rally.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the global economic and political order has shifted, with multiple centres of power emerging and no single country able to impose its will on all issues. Speaking at a university convocation in Pune, he said this has led to natural competition among nations and a new balance of influence.

A former employee of Jeffrey Epstein reported his interest in child pornography to the FBI in 1996. This report was recently revealed in newly released Epstein files. The woman expressed relief at being vindicated after years of doubt. She also voiced heartbreak that the FBI's inaction allowed further harm to victims.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's health has stabilized, with her personal doctor reporting no deterioration. The 80-year-old BNP chairperson, hospitalized since November for multiple complications, underwent a successful minor procedure. While a planned London trip was delayed, doctors are monitoring her closely, awaiting her fitness to travel. Her son is expected back from self-exile soon.

Javed Akhtar, known for his fearless opinions and speaking his mind, gave a direct and blunt reply to a woman who asked why a woman becomes less strong if she chooses to cover her face. The lyricist asked why is she ashamed of her face and claimed that women who do it are brainwashed. While the event took place in November, the video has gone viral amid Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulling a woman doctor's hijab.

Madhuri Dixit recently opened up about her children's career choices and revealed that her sons Arin and Ryan are not interested in the film industry. Calling her younger son Ryan a 'stem enthusiast', she said he is not interested in his whole circus. In a surprising revelation, she said her elder son Arin has a passion for music and works at Apple.

Aubrey Drake Graham, a Canadian rapper, began his career in acting before venturing into music. He gained recognition for his role on Degrassi: The Next Generation. His musical journey started with mixtapes, leading to his debut album in 2010. Drake is known for blending R&B with hip-hop. Drake has established himself in the entertainment industry as a multi-talented young Canadian.

The Matua community in West Bengal is anxious over verification hearings under the SIR, fearing loss of voting rights and uncertainty over their future. Concerns are strongest in Matua-dominated areas of Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts, where lakhs of voters have been listed as unmapped in the draft electoral rolls and will be called for hearings by the Election Commission.

'Save Aravalli campaign' has flooded social media platforms after the Supreme Court accepted the Centre's new definition which establishes a new definition. Considered the green lungs for northern India, the Aravallis prevents the eastward spread of the Thar desert and supports rich biodiversity. The Supreme Court ruling has sparked outrage among experts with some of them calling it a 'death warrant'.

Putin responded to 77 questions during the combined Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference, fielded both from journalists and live broadcast participants, with some asking multiple questions at once.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Assam, launching multiple development projects and interacting with BJP workers. He will unveil an 80-foot statue of Gopinath Bardoloi and inaugurate the new airport terminal. The PM will also address public meetings and visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra, paying tribute to martyrs of the Assam movement.

Karnataka's Legislative Council passed a resolution. It asks the central government to place the state's 56 percent reservation decision in the ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This move aims to protect the reservation from the Supreme Court's 50 percent cap. The Council also urged the Centre to establish AIIMS in Raichur and transfer national institutes to North Karnataka.

The United States has taken action against Honduran electoral officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa refusal for Marlon Ochoa and revocation for Mario Morazan. This comes as Honduras faces a delayed presidential election outcome. Allegations of fraud and a flawed vote count have plagued the process.

Sreenivasan's cause of death: Prominent Malayalam actor and director Sreenivasan died on Saturday at the age of 69. He was undergoing treatment at his house for a long-term illness, according to reports. The family of Sreenivasan is yet to issue an official statement regarding his cause of death. After his health worsened, he was admitted to a hospital in Thrippunithura.

As dense fog continues to surround Delhi and NCR, the Delhi International Airport issued an advisory today saying that all flight operations are functioning normally. The Indira Gandhi International Airport advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates. On Friday, flight operations at the airport were affected due to bad weather conditions.

A tragic accident occurred in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants. Eight elephants died and one was injured. The train's engine and five coaches derailed. No passengers were harmed. Forest officials are at the scene. Train services are being diverted.

In a recent statement, Ashish Sinha, the Ambassador of India to Estonia, emphasised India's significant role in global politics, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. With Estonia located in a region heavily impacted by the crisis, Sinha highlighted how India is viewed as a key player capable of facilitating a peaceful resolution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said European elites are hoping the 2026 US midterm elections will shift power in Washington and increase pressure on President Trump. Speaking at his annual Direct Line press conference, Putin addressed NATO expansion, the use of Russias frozen central bank assets, and Ukraine-related security arrangements, emphasizing that lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict.

19 minute viral clip: Payal Dhare, a popular gamer and content creator, was dragged into a controversy after an alleged video went viral with several users linking it to her. Now, Maharashtra Cyber Police has confirmed that the video was a deepfake. Prior to this, another video, dubbed as '19 minute viral MMS' went viral on social media, raising concerns on digital safety.

The uneasy feeling spans political affiliation in the town, which is split between two largely rural and somewhat impoverished counties, although some were more hopeful than others that there are signs of reprieve on the horizon.