AGNIVEER BATCH 02 OF 2026

Through forests, Western Ghats, along the Arabian Sea & into Goa: Bengaluru gets new Vande Bharat route connecting Karnataka's scenic coastal gems

Indian Railways is introducing a new Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express to improve connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the service on November 13, 2026, with regular operations beginning November 15. The 671-km route will cover key destinations, including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar. Check the complete route, station-wise arrival and departure timings, stoppages, operating days and coach composition of trains 26655 and 26656.

Government approves Rs 62,370 cr fertiliser subsidy for Rabi 2026-27

The Union Cabinet has approved a nutrient-based subsidy of Rs.62,370 crore for RABI season 2026-27. This subsidy amount is significantly higher than the previous season's budget of Rs.37,952.29 crore. Global shortages and price escalations of fertilizers were influenced by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The government aims to ensure affordable prices for fertilizers by rationalizing the subsidy on phosphatic and potassic fertilizers.

PM Modi says farmers remain top priority as Cabinet approves rabi fertiliser subsidy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the approval of Nutrient-Based Subsidy rates for the upcoming rabi 2026-27 season. This decision aims to protect farmers from fluctuating international fertiliser prices, ensuring affordability. The budgetary requirement for this subsidy has increased significantly from the previous season. The government emphasizes that improving farmers' lives remains a top priority amidst global challenges. The total budget required is approximately Rs 62,370 crore for this season.

NYU Stern MBA applications fall 16.3 per cent as acceptance rate rises to 32 per cent

New York University’s Stern School of Business received 4,130 applications for its full-time MBA Class of 2028, a 16.3 per cent decline from the previous year. Despite fewer applications, the school admitted a record 1,309 candidates, taking its acceptance rate to 32 per cent, the highest in six classes. However, only 321 students enrolled, pushing the admission yield down to 24.5 per cent.

IBPS RRB PO Admit Card 2026 released at ibps.in: Check direct link, steps to download, exam dates and important details

Aspiring candidates can easily obtain the IBPS RRB PO 2026 Admit Card from the official website, ibps.in, essential for their exam preparations. The preliminary exam dates are set for November 21 and 22, 2026, followed by the mains on December 20. The admit card features vital information like the candidate's name, test location, and reporting time.

Diwali/ Laxmi Puja bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on November 9, 2026?

Bank branches will close in certain states on November 9, 2026, for Diwali and related festivities. Customers should verify bank operating hours in their regions before planning any bank visits. Celebrations including Diwali/Laxmi Puja will lead to closures in several states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Other states and union territories will maintain regular operations on this day.

Rajnath Singh celebrates Diwali with IAF troops at Bagdogra, calls Agniveer extension ‘major gift’

Saturday bank holiday: Are bank branches open today, November 7, 2026? Check details

Customers should mark November 7, 2026, on their calendars as banks will be fully operational on this first Saturday of the month. They will be able to process cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque services. However, bank closures will occur on the second and fourth Saturdays. Additionally, with upcoming holidays such as Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti, it’s advisable to check the holiday schedule for effective banking planning.

Agnipath reset puts age, talent & pension goals to test

Agnipath, introduced in 2022, aimed to reform military recruitment by allowing soldiers to serve for four years. Recent changes now allow all Agniveers to retain permanent service after their tenure. This shift could affect the average age of soldiers, previously intended to decrease. The decision may also impact the annual pension bill and the creation of trained ex-soldiers for civilian roles.

Dhanteras 2026 Shopping Muhurat Today: Check Gold, Silver, Vehicle Buying Timings and Lakshmi Puja Shubh Muhurat in Delhi, Mumbai, Noida and Other Cities

Dhanteras 2026 is being celebrated today, Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of Diwali festivities. Devotees traditionally purchase gold, silver, vehicles and utensils on this auspicious occasion. Check the Dhanteras 2026 shubh muhurat, gold and silver shopping timings, favourable Choghadiya periods and city-wise Lakshmi-Kuber Puja timings for Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and other cities.

Internship stipends rise at top B-schools as recruiters step up hiring

Recruiters are focusing on summer internships for hiring, offering higher stipends for the 2026-28 batch. Top business schools like IIM Calcutta and IIM Lucknow report increased median stipends and recruitment participation. IIM Kozhikode has noted an improvement in pre-placement offers and conversions from internships. New recruiters have joined the hiring process, diversifying opportunities for students.

DRDO successfully tests indigenously developed Pralay missile off Odisha coast: Rajnath Singh

The Defence Research and Development Organisation executed a successful flight test of the Pralay missile. This test took place off the coast of Odisha at 11:10 am as part of user evaluation trials. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that all objectives were met during the exercise. Data captured through various range instruments validated the success of the test.

All Agniveers will be absorbed in regular cadre: Defence officials

The Indian government announced changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme for Agniveers in the military. Those completing a four-year tenure will get a two-year extension and a chance for regular recruitment. All Agniveers demonstrating willingness, physical fitness, and discipline will be absorbed into the regular cadre. Seniority will be maintained when they join, ensuring they are not junior to others.

UGC to relook controversial caste discrimination, ragging rules: Govt tells SC

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that it is considering appointing a committee to revisit the UGC's 2026 regulations on caste discrimination in higher education institutions. The submission comes after the top court put the rules on hold in January, citing concerns over vague provisions and their potential consequences.

All Agniveers to get permanent jobs after 6 years? Is Agnipath scrapped? Defence officials answer

The revised Agnipath scheme has raised questions about regular jobs, seniority and whether the original recruitment model has been scrapped. The government has clarified that the first 25% of Agniveers will enter regular service after four years, while the remaining 75% will serve an additional two years before enrolment, with their seniority protected.

Agniveer Scheme revamped: What's the new pathway to permanent Army jobs and why has govt changed Agnipath?

The government's revision of the Agnipath scheme comes ahead of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab, addressing concerns over limited retention in the armed forces. The new framework allows the 25% selected on merit to enter regular service after four years, while the remaining 75% can serve two more years before being considered for enrolment.

Ahead of crucial assembly polls, govt rejigs Agnipath, opens path to permanent service for all

The government has made significant changes to the Agnipath scheme that affects armed forces recruitment. This revised framework allows all Agniveers a chance to continue in service after their initial term. Agniveers will now have an option for an additional two-year engagement with enhanced benefits. The decision addresses concerns regarding the wastage of training resources if they were required to leave after four years.

"Very important and excellent decision": Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava hails Agnipath's tenure extension

Defence Expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Wednesday hailed the Centre's decision to grant a two-year extension to 75 per cent of Agniveers as a "very important and excellent decision" that will give them a fresh opportunity to serve and a chance for permanent enrolment.

Agnipath scheme: All Agniveers to be offered regular enrolment after 2-year extended engagement

The Union Cabinet has approved a revised Agnipath scheme offering all Agniveers a pathway to regular military service. The top 25% will be absorbed after four years based on merit, while the remaining 75% can opt for a two-year extension with higher pay, enhanced Seva Nidhi and seniority benefits before enrolment.

'Until it becomes perfect, many things have to be changed, evaluated': Former Lt Gen DP Pandey hails Cabinet's Agnipath extension

Responding to queries regarding the government's decision to introduce a 'Second Tour of Duty' and expand regular enrolment pathways, Lt Gen Pandey pointed out that iterative reviews are essential for perfecting any newly introduced recruitment model.

Agniveers' tenure extended by two years; CDS says 75% outgoing Agniveers will also be given option to continue in armed forces

Agniveer extension news: The Centre has announced a two-year engagement extension for the remaining 75% of Agniveers following feedback on the Agnipath scheme. CDS General N S Raja Subramani said all would be offered a pathway to regular enrolment after the extended period. He also announced changes to recruitment tests and skill certificates for Agniveers.

Agnipath revised: Cabinet allows 75% of Agniveers 2-year extension, another shot at regular service

Cabinet approves ₹14,500-crore scheme to add 92 GWh energy storage capacity

The Union Cabinet has approved a significant ₹14,500-crore scheme aimed at developing new energy storage capacity. This funding will support the establishment of 92 GWh of grid-scale energy storage across India. Additionally, 850 fast-track courts will be set up to expedite cases involving child abuse and rape. The government has also created a pathway for the enrollment of 25% of Agniveers in the armed forces.