The International Monetary Fund has increased India's economic growth projections for FY27 and FY28 to 7%. This adjustment reflects resilient domestic demand and strong performance in the services sector. India's GDP growth reached 7.8% in FY26, exceeding expectations during the April-June quarter. Additionally, other major institutions like the World Bank have raised India's growth forecasts as well.

An independent study has revealed significant delays in the disposal of RTI appeals across various states. Tripura and Madhya Pradesh have the longest waiting periods, with resolutions expected by 2046. The backlog of pending appeals has slightly decreased compared to last year, though it remains extensive. Notably, the Central Information Commission returned nearly one-third of all appeals filed during the review period.

An independent study has revealed significant delays in the disposal of RTI appeals across various states. Tripura and Madhya Pradesh have the longest waiting periods, with resolutions expected by 2046. The backlog of pending appeals has slightly decreased compared to last year, though it remains extensive. Notably, the Central Information Commission returned nearly one-third of all appeals filed during the review period.

In a bid to curb rising tensions, Pakistan has requested that Afghanistan's Taliban act against militants utilizing Afghan land for assaults. The situation has become increasingly volatile due to border skirmishes and retaliatory airstrikes. Pakistani representatives allege that factions like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan reside in Afghanistan, adding to the conflict. Pakistan seeks diplomatic engagement but insists on Afghanistan fulfilling its security commitments as violence lingers.

Satsuki Katayama has been appointed as the next chair of the World Bank-IMF joint development committee. She is the first Japanese finance minister to hold this position since 1974. Katayama announced her appointment during a press conference on Tuesday. She is currently preparing for her upcoming travel to Thailand for meetings involving the IMF and G20. Her participation in these proceedings is subject to parliamentary approval.

In light of ongoing legal questions, US President Donald Trump has stood firm on a disputed diesel oil agreement with Russia. This deal aims to mitigate fuel prices but faces skepticism over its supply limits. Lawmakers from both sides are pushing for a reassessment of the deal, advocating for stricter sanctions instead. Trump insists that this arrangement will aid American agricultural interests even as tensions with Ukraine persist.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has invested $276 million in right-wing organizations for the upcoming midterm elections. This significant contribution makes him the largest individual donor for the November elections. His total spending for this election cycle amounts to $366 million, with various recipients benefitting from his donations. Major recipients include the Republican Senate Leadership Fund and Musk’s own America PAC.

R Sridhar warns India's fielding woes could worsen in chilly New Zealand

The Karnataka High Court annulled provisions of a 2022 law that raised reservation quotas for SCs and STs. This decision ruled that the enhanced quotas exceeded the established 50 percent ceiling for reservations. The ruling emerged from petitions challenging the law's constitutional validity based on previous Supreme Court judgments. Following the verdict, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara emphasized the need for political accountability and a review of reservation policies.