IIT Kharagpur and Absolute launch Smart Scout AI project for soybean farming
Absolute and IIT Kharagpur are developing an early warning system for soybean farmers to minimize crop losses. The Smart Scout project aims to detect lodging risks, assess damage, and estimate yields using artificial intelligence. This initiative is part of the Quad-backed AI-ENGAGE program focusing on agricultural innovations. Pilot trials will be conducted across major soybean-growing states in India over the next three years.
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China promotes General Zhang Shengmin to Politburo
Beijing has promoted General Zhang Shengmin, the key player in the recent anti-corruption fight that cut deep into the military’s top leadership, to its top decision-making body, the Politburo. More to follow...
'Extremely Unprofessional, Ethically Wrong': Pramod Bhagat Wants Action After Badminton Coach's Medal Prediction Controversy
Pramod Bhagat has urged authorities to take action against former head coach Gaurav Khanna for publicly predicting India's medal tally at the Asian Para Games.
Hegseth pitches new US-Asean defence framework, but doubts run deep
What are Southeast Asian nations doing to help the United States tackle its challenges? A reporter with the American right-wing organisation Turning Point USA put the question bluntly to US President Donald Trump’s defence chief this week in the Philippines. As US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth pitched closer naval ties and maritime security cooperation at a gathering of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and other regional powers, the question injected...
Abolish LTCG, rationalise STCG, STT rates on equities: PHDCCI to Finance Ministry
PHDCCI has recommended abolishing Long Term Capital Gains tax and modifying short-term capital gains taxes. The chamber suggests increasing the holding period for long-term investments to attract genuine investors. It emphasizes that current tax structures discourage investment due to double taxation on equities. Foreign Portfolio Investors have withdrawn significant funds from Indian equities, impacting investment levels. Government analysis of these recommendations may lead to changes in tax policy and structure.
85 homebuyers purchase flats in Ghaziabad society, two towers illegally constructed on defence land face demolition, Allahabad HC orders builder to refund residents with 10% interest
Allahabad High Court has ordered the demolition of two illegal 10-storey towers at Ghaziabad's Gulmohar Greens and extra floors in four other towers. It directed an FIR against Friends Land Developers, imposed a Rs 25 lakh penalty and ordered refunds to 85 ground-floor residents for common areas sold illegally, with 10% interest.
China fans left stunned after Portland Trail Blazers demote Yang Hansen to NBA G League
The Portland Trail Blazers’ decision to assign centre Yang Hansen to their NBA G League affiliate has caught many Chinese basketball fans off guard, sparking a flurry of online debate over his current standing and future in the league. The Trail Blazers announced on social media early Thursday morning that the 21-year-old had been assigned to the Rip City Remix. The move came just three games into Portland’s 2026-27 NBA season as Yang continued to struggle to enter the regular rotation or secure...
In 2026, Texas deployed 400 tons of concrete railroad ties off Port O’Connor; the material was arranged into two piles at an artificial reef site
In April 2026, Texas took a significant step by deploying 400 tonnes of concrete railroad ties to form two artificial reef piles. This project is designed to transform the flat bottom of the Gulf into a thriving habitat for marine life. Researchers are closely examining how these artificial reefs influence fish communities, with valid concerns about potential fish migration from other regions.
ISRO to launch NVS-03 navigation satellite on October 30: Why the mission is crucial for NavIC
On October 30, ISRO will launch the NVS-03 navigation satellite using its GSLV-F18 rocket. This mission aims to enhance the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, which currently struggles with aging satellites and insufficient atomic clocks. Successful deployment of NVS-03 is crucial for reviving reliable positioning services in India, with future launches, NVS-04 and NVS-05, planned to further solidify the system's dependability.
Odisha refunds Rs 69.23 crore in admission fees to 1.11 lakh college students
Odisha has refunded Rs 69.23 crore in college admission fees to over 1.11 lakh students. This refund is part of the Gyanodaya - Shiksha Ru Samruddhi scheme implemented for the 2026-27 academic session. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj advised students to check their bank accounts for the refund. Students who did not receive the money can update their bank details for transfer.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin chairs meeting of party national general secretaries
Nitin Nabin chaired a meeting with party national general secretaries at the BJP headquarters on Thursday to discuss organisational matters, the upcoming action plan and future programmes. Senior leaders, including B L Santhosh, Smriti Irani, Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal, attended the meeting.
Finance ministry estimates India’s Q2 FY27 GDP growth at 7.35%
The finance ministry’s nowcasting model estimates India’s GDP will grow 7.35% in Q2 FY27, following 7.8% growth in the previous quarter, supported by stronger industrial output, energy consumption, port traffic, GST collections and automobile sales.
Bengal warns of strict action for firecracker norms violations, urges people to exercise restraint
The West Bengal government is initiating strict measures against firecracker violations during Kali Puja and Diwali. Authorities emphasize the importance of self-awareness and adherence to pollution-control guidelines this festive season. Residents are urged to respect silence zones near sensitive locations like hospitals and old-age homes. Vigilance will be heightened for illegal firecracker sales and safety inspections at firecracker markets.