# India Skills Report 2026: States With Most Job-Ready Youth

The India Skills Report 2026 reveals Maharashtra tops the list with the highest percentage of job-ready youth, followed by states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The report, prepared by Wheebox in collaboration with agencies like CII and AICTE, assessed employability across domains. Overall national employability stands around 54.81%, showing improvement. Engineering, MBA, and professional course graduates scored higher. The report emphasizes skill gaps in AI, digital literacy, and communication, urging academia-industry collaboration to boost workforce readiness across India.

The Odisha government has scrapped the six-attempt limit for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) exam, allowing general category candidates to appear unlimited times until they reach the upper age limit of 42 years. This landmark decision aligns Odisha with reforms seen in other states and the UPSC pattern. Previously, general candidates were restricted to six attempts, creating undue pressure. The move aims to provide equal opportunities, reduce stress, and encourage aspirants to pursue their civil services dream without fear of exhausting attempts prematurely.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed in an RTI reply that it does not maintain data on how many passports have been issued to non-citizens. This admission raised serious concerns about potential passport fraud and national security vulnerabilities. Critics questioned how the government can ensure passport integrity without tracking such data. The revelation comes amid ongoing debates over illegal immigration and citizenship verification. Opposition parties demanded accountability, urging stronger verification systems to prevent unauthorized passport issuance to ineligible individuals.

The UGC-NET 2026 re-examination will be conducted without any additional fees for candidates, as announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The re-test was necessitated after paper-setting lapses were identified in the original exam, raising concerns about fairness and integrity. NTA has assured corrective measures to fix irregularities in the paper-setting process to prevent future issues. Affected candidates can appear for the re-exam at no extra cost, ensuring no financial burden. NTA aims to restore credibility and transparency in the examination system, prioritizing students' interests and academic standards.

A Kerala consumer forum ordered a matrimonial website to refund Rs 15,000 to a customer after it failed to deliver promised services. The complainant had paid for a premium package guaranteeing 100 matches but received only 51 profiles. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found the site guilty of service deficiency and unfair trade practices. The panel ruled the company breached its contractual obligation, directing the refund along with compensation for mental agony and litigation costs.

India and Russia are strengthening bilateral ties beyond traditional defense cooperation, focusing on expanding trade, creating employment opportunities, and developing the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade significantly, with India importing more Russian oil and exploring new export markets. The Arctic shipping route offers a shorter trade corridor between Asia and Europe, reducing logistics costs. Discussions also cover technology transfer, joint ventures generating jobs, and deepening economic integration amid shifting global dynamics and Western sanctions on Russia.

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India expressed optimism that PM Sheikh Hasina would visit India "much sooner," emphasizing that bilateral issues between the two nations can be resolved through dialogue. The envoy highlighted the strong ties shared by both countries and stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement to address pending matters, including water-sharing disputes, border issues, and trade concerns. The anticipated visit is expected to strengthen relations, boost cooperation, and provide a platform for resolving outstanding issues amicably through constructive talks at the highest level.

At least 20 people were killed in violent clashes between Kambari farmers and Fulani herders in central Nigeria, a region long plagued by ethnic and resource-driven conflicts. The violence erupted over disputes involving land, grazing rights, and cattle rustling. Homes were burned, and many residents were displaced. Authorities deployed security forces to restore order. Such farmer-herder conflicts remain a major security challenge in Nigeria, often escalating due to competition for dwindling resources amid climate change and desertification.

The Madras High Court has granted a dynamic anti-piracy injunction to protect the film "Sitaare Zameen Par" (originally titled "Batwara 1947"), produced by Aamir Khan. The court ordered internet service providers to block piracy websites and unauthorized platforms distributing the film illegally. The movie, directed by RS Prasanna, stars Aamir Khan and addresses the Partition era. This injunction aims to curb revenue losses from online piracy, ensuring the film's theatrical and digital rights are safeguarded for the producers.

Bihar STET 2026 registration has officially begun on the CBRT portal at stetregistration.cbrt.co.in. Candidates aspiring for secondary and senior secondary teacher positions in Bihar can apply online through the direct link on the official website. The State Teachers Eligibility Test is conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria including relevant graduation/post-graduation degrees and B.Ed qualification. Candidates should complete registration, upload documents, and pay fees before the deadline. Stay updated on the official site for exam dates, admit cards, and syllabus details.

India's wholesale price index (WPI) inflation eased to 9.78% in July from 12.07% in June, marking a decline but remaining elevated. The drop was primarily driven by lower fuel and power prices. However, food and manufacturing sectors continued to witness price increases, keeping inflationary pressures alive. Food inflation rose due to higher vegetable and cereal prices, while manufacturing costs climbed on input price hikes. The government and RBI closely monitored the situation.

India's Chief Economic Adviser V Ananthanageswaran has suggested reintroducing E10 petrol (10% ethanol-blended fuel) for older vehicles, even as the Centre aggressively pushes E20 (20% ethanol blend) nationwide. Nageswaran raised concerns that older engines aren't designed to handle higher ethanol concentrations, potentially causing damage and increased maintenance costs. The E20 rollout, aimed at reducing oil imports and carbon emissions, has been implemented across India. His suggestion surprised many, as it contrasts with government policy. Experts note older vehicles may face compatibility issues with E20, affecting millions of car owners.

The escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global trade, is significantly impacting Indian exporters. Rising shipping costs and prolonged transit times are disrupting supply chains to Africa and Europe. Insurers have hiked premiums for vessels passing through the region amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Indian exporters of petroleum products, textiles, and agricultural goods face margin pressures as freight rates surge. Many shippers are rerouting via longer alternatives like the Cape of Good Hope, adding days to delivery schedules and increasing fuel expenses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that semiconductors and nuclear energy will be key drivers in realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047. Speaking at a major event, he urged the nation to "dream big" and highlighted India's growing investments in semiconductor manufacturing and clean nuclear energy. Modi outlined plans to boost domestic chip production, reduce import dependence, and expand nuclear power capacity for sustainable growth, positioning India as a global tech and energy leader.

**India's Operation Sindoor: Calling Pakistan's Nuclear Bluff**

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, PM Modi and NSA Ajit Doval strategically planned Operation Sindoor, launching precision military strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7, 2025. Before the operation, India assessed Pakistan's nuclear threats as hollow deterrence. Doval's backchannel diplomacy and intelligence ensured Pakistan wouldn't escalate. India informed global powers, neutralizing Pakistani nuclear blackmail. The strikes killed terrorists while avoiding civilian targets, demonstrating India's resolve. Pakistan's nuclear bluff was exposed as India proved conventional strikes were possible without triggering nuclear war, reshaping South Asian security dynamics permanently.