India’s GDP is expected to grow between 6.8 per cent-7 per cent in the first quarter this fiscal (Q1 FY26), due to higher discretionary spending which will drive demand-led growth in the country, a report said on Thursday.

The gross value added (GVA) growth is estimated at 6.5 per cent for the quarter, SBI Research said, adding that the gap between real and nominal growth will significantly narrow in Q1 FY26.

The domestic airline industry is expected to see an operating profit at 11-14 per cent to Rs 20,000-21,000 crore this fiscal (FY26), a report stated on Thursday.

The second half of this fiscal, which typically accounts for 50-55 per cent of annual traffic, is expected to see faster growth, Crisil Ratings said in its report.

However, this fiscal year, the growth is expected to remain moderate compared to Rs 23,500 crore in the last fiscal year, due to muted demand in the first quarter and an anticipated decline in yields, the report stated.

This contrasts with the strong recovery seen in the three fiscals post the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed grief over the "tragic" bus accident in Samba that claimed a pilgrim's life and injured many others.

The Chief Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured all possible assistance.

In a post on the social media platform X, Jammu and Kashmir, CMO, said, "Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic bus accident in Samba carrying Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, which has claimed one life and left many injured. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured all possible assistance."

Gujarat is witnessing its second spell of monsoon showers, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state over the next 48 hours.

Yellow alerts are in place for Bhavnagar, Amreli, Junagadh and Gir-Somnath, where light to moderate rainfall is expected.

The rest of the state will remain under an orange alert, with moderate to heavy rain predicted.

Widespread rain is expected across Saurashtra, North Gujarat and South Gujarat till August 23.

In the wake of a shocking attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a Jan Sunvai event, security at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Civil Lines on Thursday has been significantly increased. A team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was deployed to bolster security arrangements.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the political circle, prompting a flurry of visits by political leaders. Delhi MPs Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia, Praveen Khandelwal and Bansuri Swaraj met with the Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, to inquire about her condition and the incident.

The accused, Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, who allegedly assaulted CM Gupta during the public grievance event, was produced in court on Thursday and has been remanded to five days of police custody.

The Indian IT sector is likely to register 6-7 per cent growth for FY27 amid some improvement in spending as global uncertainties linger, HSBC Global Investment Research said on Thursday.

In the medium to long term, the report continues to expect 3-5 per cent CAGR growth for the Indian IT industry in constant currency.

“Recent financial results for top US corporates (clients of India IT) reflect a very strong business environment,” the report noted.

There is certainly a component of cyclicality as well.

“We believe many of these corporate clients - despite a healthy financial performance - are unsure about the macro environment given tariff uncertainty and firms holding back investments,” the findings showed.

Actress Gia Manek, who rose to fame playing the iconic role of Gopi Bahu in the show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, has tied the knot with Diya Aur Baati Hum actor Varunn Jain.

In a collaborative post on Instagram, the couple shared two images from their wedding and made the announcement.

The post read: “With the grace of Divine and Master’s and with all the love showered, we’ve stepped into this forever union — hand in hand, heart to heart. We were two friends, today we’re husband & wife.”

“So grateful for the love, blessings and wishes from all our loved ones who made this day so special. Cheers to a lifetime of laughter, adventure, memories, and togetherness as Mr. & Mrs

In a shocking incident, five members of a family were found dead under suspicious circumstances at their house in Hyderabad on Thursday.

A man, his wife, daughter, son-in-law and two-year-old child were found dead at their house in Maktha Mahabubpet under the limits of Miyapur police station of Cyberabad Police Commissionerate.

Alerted by the neighbours, police rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. The Clues team of Cyberabad Police was collecting evidence from the spot.

Those found dead have been identified as Lakshmaiah (60), Venkatamma (55), Anil (32), Kavita (24) and Appu (2).

They hailed from the Gulbarga district of Karnataka and had been living in the city for the last six years.