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World Bank upgrades India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.5%, cites strong rural recovery

The World Bank raised India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.5%, citing strong domestic consumption, rural wage growth, and a robust agricultural recovery, reaffirming India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

Published

7 months ago

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India’s FY26 Growth Forecast

India’s economic momentum remains unmatched among major global economies, with the World Bank revising the country’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, up from its earlier 6.3% estimate made in June.

According to the World Bank’s latest report released on Tuesday, the upgrade reflects resilient domestic demand, a robust rural recovery, improved agricultural output, and the positive effects of recent tax reforms. The report reaffirmed that India will continue to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

While India’s outlook brightened, growth trends across South Asia remained mixed. The World Bank pegged Bangladesh’s growth at 4.8%, while Bhutan’s projection was trimmed to 7.3% for FY26 due to hydropower construction delays. Growth is projected to rebound in Bhutan once projects accelerate in FY27.

In contrast, Sri Lanka’s forecast was upgraded to 3.5% for FY26, driven by a strong rebound in tourism and services. However, Maldives and Nepal are expected to face slower growth—3.9% and 2.1%, respectively—owing to weak demand and political instability.

Overall, South Asia’s regional growth is projected at 6.6% in 2025, moderating to 5.8% in 2026, a 0.6 percentage point downward revision from the April forecast. The report cautioned that risks such as the global economic slowdown, trade uncertainties, political unrest, and disruptions from emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) could weigh on future growth.

“South Asia has enormous economic potential and is still the fastest growing region in the world,” said Johannes Zutt, World Bank Vice President for South Asia. “But countries need to proactively address risks to growth. They can boost productivity, spur private investment, and create jobs by maximizing the benefits of AI and lowering trade barriers, especially for intermediate goods.”

The World Bank emphasized that AI presents both challenges and opportunities for the region. While automation may displace some low- to mid-skilled jobs, it can also deliver significant productivity gains in sectors like IT and business services. Jobs demanding AI expertise are already commanding a 30% wage premium, indicating a rapid shift in labor market demand.

To sustain high growth, the report recommended reforms to ease business regulations, improve transport and digital infrastructure, enhance job-matching and upskilling programs, and strengthen social safety nets for workers affected by technological transitions.

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India News

Turnout crosses 80% in Bengal and Tamil Nadu till 5 PM in key elections

Bengal phase 1 and Tamil Nadu elections witness strong voter turnout, crossing 80% with largely peaceful polling.

Published

43 mins ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

Voter Turnout

Polling for the 2026 Assembly elections is underway in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with voters turning out in large numbers across key constituencies.

In West Bengal, voting is being held across 152 constituencies, with around 3.6 crore voters expected to participate in this phase. Security arrangements were tightened, and long queues of voters were seen at polling stations from early morning.

Turnout rises steadily through the day

Voter participation increased consistently as polling progressed. By afternoon, turnout had crossed the halfway mark in both states, indicating steady engagement.

As per latest updates till 5 PM, West Bengal recorded 89.92% turnout, while Tamil Nadu reported 82.24% voter participation.

Large electorate participates in phase 1

In West Bengal, nearly 3.6 crore eligible voters took part in the first phase across several districts, including Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.

Tamil Nadu is witnessing a three-way contest between the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-BJP alliance, and actor Vijay’s entry into the political space.

Sporadic incidents reported

Polling has been largely peaceful, though isolated incidents were reported, including an attack on BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul’s car and a boycott reported in parts of Tamil Nadu.

Despite these disruptions, voting continued without major interruptions, and authorities maintained overall control.

High-stakes political contest

The elections are being closely watched as major political parties compete for power. West Bengal is witnessing a closely fought contest, while in Tamil Nadu, key regional rivals are battling for control of the state Assembly.

The outcome is expected to play an important role in shaping the political landscape of both states.

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Education

UP Board result 2026 declared: Class 10 pass rate at 90.42%, class 12 at 80.38%

UP Board 2026 results are out with strong pass rates. Here’s how to check your score and key highlights.

Published

1 hour ago

on

April 23, 2026

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Result

The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad has declared the UP Board Class 10 and Class 12 results for 2026 on April 23 at 4 pm.

This year, more than 52 lakh students registered for the exams, including over 27 lakh candidates in Class 10 and nearly 25 lakh in Class 12. The examinations were conducted between February 18 and March 12 across around 8,000 centres in the state.

Pass percentage and performance trends

The overall performance remains strong:

  • Class 10 pass percentage: 90.42%
  • Class 12 pass percentage: 80.38%

Girls have once again outperformed boys in both classes, continuing the trend seen in previous years.

How to check UP Board result 2026

Students can access their results through official platforms by following these steps:

  • Visit the official website: upmsp.edu.in or upresults.nic.in
  • Click on the result link for Class 10 or Class 12
  • Enter roll number and required details
  • View and download the provisional marksheet

Alternatively, results are also available via DigiLocker and other digital platforms.

What students should do after results

Students are advised to:

  • Download and print the provisional marksheet immediately
  • Collect the original marksheet from their respective schools later
  • Apply for re-evaluation or compartment exams if required

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India News

Voting underway in West Bengal phase 1 and Tamil Nadu as turnout crosses 50% by afternoon

Voter turnout crosses 50% in West Bengal phase 1 and Tamil Nadu as polling continues across key constituencies.

Published

5 hours ago

on

April 23, 2026

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voting percentage Bengal and Tamilnadu

Voting is underway in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu as the 2026 assembly elections see active participation from voters across both states. In West Bengal, the first phase of polling is being held across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, marking the beginning of a multi-phase election process.

Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, is witnessing single-phase polling across all 234 assembly seats, making it a crucial electoral day for the state.

Polling began in the morning with voters arriving at booths early, and arrangements were in place to ensure smooth voting.

Turnout figures show steady participation

As voting progressed, turnout figures indicated moderate to strong participation in both states.

  • West Bengal recorded around 62.2% voter turnout by 1 pm
  • Tamil Nadu saw approximately 56.8% turnout by the same time

Earlier in the day, initial turnout trends showed gradual momentum as queues built up at polling stations.

High-stakes contest in both states

The elections are significant for major political parties in both regions.

In West Bengal, the contest remains largely between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with several key constituencies drawing attention. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase, highlighting the scale of the exercise.

Tamil Nadu’s election features a traditional contest between the DMK and AIADMK alliances, with the outcome expected to shape the state’s political direction.

Security and arrangements in place

Authorities have deployed security personnel and made logistical arrangements to ensure peaceful polling. Reports indicate that voting is largely proceeding smoothly, with monitoring systems in place across sensitive areas.

The election process in West Bengal will continue with the second phase scheduled for April 29, while Tamil Nadu will conclude voting in a single day.

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