The Times of India
Elections 2026National / The Times of India
India's space sector has achieved a significant milestone as Azista Space successfully imaged the International Space Station from its own satellite. This groundbreaking space watch capability, demonstrated by the ABA First Runner satellite, marks a first for any Indian company. The feat enhances India's space situational awareness, crucial for protecting national assets in orbit.
Dalal Street anticipates a strong opening on Monday as the US-India trade deal nears completion. Positive sentiment is fueled by Gift Nifty's rise and recent constructive developments, including agreement on bilateral trade areas. Analysts foresee increased exports, job creation, and potential foreign investment, boosting market confidence after a volatile week.
A young BJP legislator, Devyani Singh Rana, earned cross-party praise for her focused budget speech in the J&K Assembly. She highlighted critical issues like electricity shortages, climate vulnerabilities, and under-spending in education and disaster management, urging for stronger measures. Her pragmatic approach to budgetary concerns resonated with members from all parties.
Highway builders are urging Prime Minister Modi to revisit tight construction deadlines for major PPP projects, citing execution challenges and the risk of prolonged court battles due to restricted arbitration. The National Highways Builders Federation warns that current dispute resolution changes could hinder project completion and encourage litigation over actual construction, impacting the PPP highway program's goals.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, India and Canada are setting new standards for national security and law enforcement by introducing a cooperative work plan and appointing liaison officers. This strategic alliance is designed to combat shared threats such as drug trafficking and organized crime, highlighting a pivotal moment in repairing diplomatic ties.
Bundelkhand's long struggle with water scarcity has ended as tap water now reaches homes, a dream realized for millions. Women no longer trek miles, and villages once defined by drought now boast flowing water. This transformation, driven by the Jal Jeevan Mission, brings hope and a better future to the region.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the assembly elections, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Gogoi had undertaken a very confidential visit to Pakistan in December 2013 and was believed to have undergone some kind of training during his 10-day stay. He stayed there for 10 days. Strangely, Gogoi was digitally silent and no social media post was made. We suspect he went through some kind of training in that period, the chief minister said.
A significant number of Indian men grapple with profound loneliness, often masked by societal expectations of stoicism and duty. This widespread issue, extending beyond romantic relationships, stems from cultural norms that discourage emotional expression. Addressing this requires integrated mental health support and community initiatives, moving beyond blame to foster understanding and well-being for all.
A Red Bird training aircraft made a forced landing near Vijayapura due to suspected fuel starvation, approximately 50-70 km before its destination in Belagavi. Both the flight instructor and student pilot on board the 1975-built Cessna 172 are safe, though the aircraft sustained damage. Aviation authorities are investigating the incident.
The BJP and AIADMK have rekindled their alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, marking another chapter in their cyclical relationship of partnership and rupture. Driven by political necessity, the alliance aims to challenge the incumbent Stalin-led DMK government, despite past tensions and strategic divergences between the two parties.
England narrowly defeated Nepal by four runs in their T20 World Cup opener at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite a valiant chase from Nepal, who needed ten runs in the final over, England's Sam Curran held his nerve. Earlier, half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook propelled England to 184 for seven.
Indian refiners have not yet received any formal instructions to halt Russian crude imports, they have been informally advised to begin scaling back purchases. Experts believe that while Russian crude may drop in the coming months, the chances of it completely disappearing from Indias crude basket appear slim.
Of the total allocation released by the Finance Department, 1,100 crore has been earmarked for the payment of salaries, pensions, and other statutory dues of DTC employees and pensioners. The remaining 100 crore has been allocated to transport modernisation and the adoption of advanced technologies to ensure smoother traffic flow and promote sustainable mobility, according to a release.
Tiruppur's garment exporters anticipate a significant surge in shipments to the US, potentially doubling to Rs 30,000 crore within three years, following the new India-US trade framework. This expansion is also projected to create approximately 5 lakh new jobs in the textile hub over the next five years, boosting India's export competitiveness.
Indian exporters gain a competitive edge in the US market with reduced tariffs, while a tragic accident at the Surajkund Mela claimed an inspector's life and injured twelve. Meanwhile, the ICC and PCB are nearing a decision on the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match.
Syria and Saudi Arabia inked major economic pacts recently, launching a joint airline and a $1 billion telecoms project to rebuild war-torn Syria. These agreements aim to boost regional connectivity, enhance digital infrastructure and attract vital foreign investment, signalling a significant shift in the nation's post-conflict recovery and deepening bilateral ties.
Inspector Jagdish Prasad, 58, died while attempting to rescue those trapped in the swing, officials said. He had joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and was scheduled to retire in March after completing 36 years of service. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday following a post-mortem examination.
India anticipates purchasing $500 billion in goods from the US over five years, a figure Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal deems conservative given the nation's expanding economy. This projection aligns with India's overall import demand, expected to reach $2 trillion, creating significant opportunities for US suppliers in sectors like aviation, technology, and energy.
Dubai's ultra-luxury property market is booming, attracting global investors. Navigating this hot sector requires more than just listings. Platforms like Bayut are simplifying the process by offering verified data, insights from Dubai Land Department records and connections to specialist agents. This ensures buyers make informed decisions on high-value properties, avoiding outdated or unavailable listings and securing the best opportunities.
The Congress party has accused the BJP of promoting hate and targeting minorities. This follows a video posted by the BJP's Assam unit showing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma firing a rifle at two individuals identified as minorities. The Congress has demanded strict judicial action, calling the video a call to genocide.
ISRO is procuring a sophisticated 1,700-meter rail system for its new Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, designed to transport small rockets. This advanced track, capable of carrying 570 tonnes with extreme precision, will enhance payload capacity for polar orbits, making it ideal for SSLV launches and private sector missions. The facility is slated for commissioning in 2026-27.
India and Malaysia are set to bolster security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasized India's unwavering stance against terrorism, stating there will be o double standards and no compromise.
Employees in the UAE facing redundancy must serve their notice period. Skipping this can lead to financial penalties. Employers also have obligations regarding notice. The law applies to both employer-initiated terminations and employee resignations. Job search leave is available during the notice period. Understanding these rules ensures a smooth transition.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite sanctioned railway projects in the state. Stalin highlighted delays in fund releases by the Ministry of Railways, impacting land acquisition and causing uncertainty for landowners. He requested full and priority funding for ongoing projects and the revival of those in abeyance.
The US has accused China of a covert nuclear test on June 22, 2020, shortly after the deadly Galwan Valley clash. This allegation, coupled with the expiry of the New START treaty, highlights the urgent need for a new global arms control framework.
India and the US have finalized the first phase of a trade deal, leading to reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports to 18%. This move benefits labor-intensive sectors like textiles and leather, while India has carefully opened up to American imports, protecting sensitive agricultural and dairy products. Several Indian food items will also gain zero-duty access to the US market.
India and the US have agreed to an interim trade framework granting zero-duty access for diamonds and colored gemstones. This move is seen as a critical inflection point for the Indian gems and jewellery sector, aiming to reverse a significant decline in exports to the US market and restore competitiveness.

13 C