News highlights: PM Modi lays foundation for multiple projects worth Rs 13,430 cr in Andhra Pradesh

Latest news updates, October 16: Catch all the latest news developments from across the world here

8:41 PM

76% employers mandate digital skills for temp roles this festive season: Report

India's festive-season hiring is broadening beyond frontline and delivery roles to digitally enabled positions, with 76 per cent of employers saying they now mandate technical proficiency for short-term hires, a report said

8:04 PM

Trump, Putin to speak before Zelenskiy's White House visit: Report

US President Donald Trump is set to hold a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, a day ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to the White House according to an Axios report, citing an source.

7:43 PM

India makes 85% of digital payment through UPI: RBI Guv Malhotra

About 85 per cent of the digital payment transactions take place through UPI in India, and the country can be a case study in inclusive, secure, and scalable Digital Public Platforms (DPPs), Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra has said

6:30 PM

Akhilesh accuses UP govt of ruining power system, burdening consumers

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday claimed that the BJP government has completely disrupted the state's power infrastructure, causing residents to suffer from frequent blackouts and escalating electricity bills.

5:42 PM

Not aware of any Modi-Trump conversation on Wednesday, says MEA

MEA stated on Thursday that it had no knowledge of any phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday

4:51 PM

Committed to uprooting Naxalism before March 31, 2026, says Home Minister Amit Shah

"I appeal again to those who are still on the path of Naxalism to lay down their weapons and join the mainstream," says Home Minister Amit Shah.

 

4:22 PM

Request PM Modi to fulfil his promise of statehood restoration to people of J-K: CM Abdullah

Was hopeful that statehood would be restored to J-K in first year of govt formation, it didn't happen: CM Abdullah.

4:07 PM

Andhra Pradesh also center of science and innovation, says PM Modi

"Now Andhra Pradesh has visionary leadership in CM Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, says PM Modi.

3:55 PM

Definitive mechanism needed to bring back all fugitives to face Indian laws, say Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah said  a ruthless approach must be adopted towards economic offenders, cyber criminals, those involved in terror activities and all other fugitives to ensure that they are brought before the Indian justice system.

3:20 PM

Democracy is not a spectator's sport, it is hard work, says Sri Lankan PM at Hindu College

"Education and empathy must go hand in hand, intelligence incomplete without compassion," says Sri Lankan prime minister to students.

2:36 PM

ED raids in Belekeri port 'illegal' iron ore export case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in Karnataka and Haryana as part of a money laundering investigation into alleged illegal iron ore export through the Belekeri port of the southern state. Official sources said at at least 20 premises in Bengaluru and Hospet (Vijayanagara district) apart from some in Haryana's Gurugram were raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The money laundering probe stems from a clutch of FIRs and chargesheets filed by the CBI in this case after the Supreme Court directed it (CBI) to probe instances of "illegal" export of iron ore from the Belekeri port, they said.

2:29 PM

Delhi CM promises devotees a froth-free Yamuna this Chhath

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said women in the city will celebrate Chhath this year by offering prayers to the sun god in a Yamuna free of filth and froth. Inspecting preparations for the festival at the Kalindi Kunj Ghat riverfront ahead of the festival from October 25-28, she said there was dense froth on Yamuna under the previous AAP regime and devotees had to stand in polluted waters.

12:40 PM

PM Modi offers prayers at Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi is scheduled to participate in a series of programmes and inaugurate projects worth ₹13,430 crore in Andhra Pradesh.

12:37 PM

Gujarat cabinet expansion on October 17

The Gujarat cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be expanded on Friday, officials said. The state may get around 10 new ministers in the upcoming cabinet expansion, a senior BJP leader earlier said, adding that nearly half of the present ministers may be replaced. "Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's cabinet will be expanded on Friday at 11.30 am," a government release said.

12:32 PM

Hollywood veteran Diane Keaton died of pneumonia, reveals her family

Veteran Hollywood actor Diane Keaton died of pneumonia, her family has revealed, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they received following her death last week. “The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,” the family said in a statement to American news outlet People magazine.