India

The CBSE has announced that Class 10 and 12 board exams will commence from February 17, 2026. For the first time, Class 10 exams will be held in two phases, with the second optional session in May for students aiming to improve their scores. The best score will be retained if a student appears in both. Class 12 exams will conclude by April 9.

Following deadly clashes during a statehood protest led by the Leh Apex Body, Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta announced a district-wide curfew in Leh to prevent further violence. Four people were killed and over 45 injured, including 22 police personnel, as protesters clashed with security forces and torched vehicles.

Srini Gopalan's appointment comes as US President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a staggering USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visas

India and Morocco have taken steps to deepen their strategic partnership. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh met Morocco’s trade secretary in Delhi, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Morocco, inaugurated a Tata defence plant, and signed key defence and trade agreements

In South Bastar, 71 Maoists, including 30 with bounties, surrendered to police under Chhattisgarh’s rehabilitation drive. Many were involved in violence for years. The state will help them reintegrate with financial aid, skill training, and land support

India’s ageing population is pushing dementia cases to alarming levels, with 7.4%—around 90 lakh people—already affected. Experts warn states to act decisively on prevention and early detection, as new therapies offer hope but require timely diagnosis and intervention.

IT and AIIMS Jodhpur researchers have developed DomainAdapt, an AI-powered framework to detect childhood malnutrition using photos. Coupled with the AnthroVision dataset, it provides fast, scalable, and accurate assessment of stunting, wasting, and underweight in children.

The Global Chess League Season 3 draft will be held in Mumbai on September 26. Six franchises will select from a 36-player pool, including world champions and rising stars, in the world’s only official gender-inclusive chess league.

Kadapa police officer J. Shankariah has served a legal notice to CM Chandrababu Naidu, seeking a public apology and Rs 1.45 crore over alleged false statements in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Investigation details include CBI probes and arrests of key accused.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India will expand energy trade with the US, with nuclear power, critical minerals and clean energy driving cooperation. He also criticised the EU’s CBAM, warning it risks isolating Europe and raising its costs.

Three Maoists belonging to the banned Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) were killed in an encounter with security forces in Gumla district on Wednesday. Weapons were seized from the site, while a search operation remains underway, police confirmed.

EAM S. Jaishankar urged Global South nations to adopt a multi-pronged strategy for political, diplomatic, and technological cooperation, citing vaccines, digital tools, and AI as areas for collaboration, while also pushing for UN reform and stronger multilateralism.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has credited Donald Trump with playing a key role in ending hostilities between India and Pakistan, though New Delhi has categorically denied any third-party mediation, asserting the ceasefire followed direct military talks.

Pakistan survived a brilliant spell from Wanindu Hasaranga to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in an intense Asia Cup Super 4 match. Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz held their nerves to guide Pakistan to a crucial win

India take on Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Super 4 with spinners expected to play a key role. While India have the stronger batting line-up, Bangladesh’s attack led by Mustafizur Rahman could test India in the middle overs

Shreyas Iyer has taken a temporary break from red-ball cricket due to a back issue and will miss the upcoming home Test series against West Indies. He will undergo evaluation and recovery at BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

Telugu Titans beat Gujarat Giants 30-29 in a nail-biting Pro Kabaddi League 12 clash in Jaipur. Bharat Hooda and Vijay Malik led the Titans’ comeback, while Mohammadreza Shadloui starred for the Giants in a closely contested game

The ISSF Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun begins in Delhi with 208 shooters from 18 countries. India leads with 69 athletes. Notable participants include Raiza Dhillon, Abhinav Shaw, Shambhavi Kshirsagar, and international medalists from Italy and Croatia

Rising tariffs, stagnant productivity, and AI disruptions demand a Commission for Productivity and Employment Growth

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy felicitated international footballer Guguloth Sowmya, Nizamabad native and SBI officer. Sowmya, recently named AIFF Best Player of the Year, is part of India’s women’s team qualifying for the 2026 Asian Football Championship

While the sweeping reduction of GST rates is a welcome move, the Centre must also address the legitimate concerns of the States over the potential revenue losses

Ch Diana Grace of Telangana clinched a gold in table vault and two bronzes in uneven bar and all-round exercises at the CBSE National Gymnastics Championship in Maharashtra. Daniel added to Telangana’s tally with a bronze in pommel horse

Delhi teenager Ranveer Mitroo fired a five-under 66 to grab the opening-day lead at the IGU Andhra Pradesh Amateur Golf Championship in Visakhapatnam. Strong finishes from Deepak Yadav and Puthuru Raj Kumar kept the leaderboard close after the first round

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be launched once the second train is ready, possibly by October 15. New services, including Delhi-Firozpur, are planned, while multiple railway projects in Punjab continue under execution