The Times of India

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited eligible Higher Educational Institutions to apply for recognition to offer Open and Distance Learning and online programmes for the 2026-27 academic year. The application process covers sessions beginning January-February 2027 onwards. Institutions must register through the UGC DEB portal, while applications will be scrutinised before recognition is granted.

India's space story is expanding beyond rockets and satellites into an entirely new frontier the stratosphere. In this conversation, Dr. CVS Kiran, co-founder of Red Balloon Aerospace and former Skyroot team member, explains why near space, the vast layer between aircraft and orbit, has been globally underutilized until now. He breaks down the company's three platforms Vista, Altus, and Helix and details India's first successful super pressure balloon mission, Mission Sana, launched in May 20

Australias High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM shared a glimpse of his Raksha Bandhan celebration after an Indian friend visited him to tie a rakhi. He called the tradition a beautiful symbol of love, family and enduring bonds.

India has emerged as a major gasoline supplier to Russia, exporting nearly 1 million barrels over the past two months as Moscow turned to overseas supplies amid a worsening domestic fuel shortage.

India's economy is poised for significant growth in FY27, with forecasts suggesting an expansion between 7 and 7.2 percent. This anticipated surge in economic activity will be driven by strong domestic demand and government investment initiatives. Notably, manufacturing is showing an impressive rebound, although inflation poses a considerable threat by affecting wholesale prices. Meanwhile, challenges in the external sector hint at the need for effective import reduction measures.

India is opening a new chapter in its push for defence self-reliance, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approving the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies for conventional missile systems to Indian defence companies. The move is designed to take weapons developed in government laboratories into large-scale industrial production, while giving private firms and smaller suppliers a bigger role in India's defence ecosystem. The change could help expand manufacturing capacity, reduce dependence

In a significant diplomatic move, India and Uzbekistan announced a commitment to enhance cooperation in essential arenas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev engaged in meaningful talks focusing on shared development aspirations and a robust strategic partnership. Modi's participation in a yoga session underscored their cultural bonds, ahead of his journey to Kyrgyzstan for the upcoming SCO summit.