Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Kicking off the Q1 FY26 earnings season, IT bellwether Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Thursday said it registered around 6 per cent growth in net profit (year-on-year) at Rs 12,760 crore, which surpassed analyst expectations.The IT major saw revenue from operations growing 1.3 per cent (on-year) to Rs 63,437 crore for the April-June quarter.TCS declared an interim dividend of Rs 11 per share of Re 1 face value each.”The interim dividend shall be paid on Monday, August 4, 2025, to the equity shareholders of the company,” it said in a stock exchange filing.“The continued global macro-economic and geo-political uncertainties caused a demand contraction. On the positive side, all the new services grew well. We saw robust deal closures during this quarter,” said K Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.He added that the company remains closely connected to its customers to help them navigate the challenges impacting their business, through cost optimisation, vendor consolidation and AI-led business transformation.Ahead of the earnings announcement, TCS share closed with moderate gain 0.4 per cent at Rs 3,397.1 apiece.Operating margins expanded sequentially. The EBIT margin for the fiscal first quarter expanded 30 bps to 24.5 percent from 24.2 per cent in Q4, as per the TCS filing.“Across industries, clients are increasingly shifting their focus from use case-based approach to ROI led scaling of AI. We are investing across the AI ecosystem including infrastructure, data platform solutions, AI agents and business applications,” said Aarthi Subramanian, Executive Director-President and Chief Operating Officer.The company reported net Headcount addition of 6,071 in the quarter, with Last Twelve-Month (LTM) attrition at 13.8 per cent.Milind Lakkad, Chief HR Officer, said that talent development is core to TCS.“In this quarter, our associates invested 15 million hours in building expertise in emerging technologies, enabling them to lead the transformation journey for our customers. It is gratifying to note that TCS now has 114,000 people with higher order AI skills,” he added.–IANSna/

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider “in the interest of justice” if documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID and Ration Cards could be accepted for the purpose of verification of voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi was dealing with a batch of petitions claiming that if the June 26 decision of the poll body directing SIR is not set aside, it can “arbitrarily” and “without due process” disenfranchise lakhs of voters from electing their representatives, and disrupt free and fair elections and democracy — a part of basic structure of the Constitution. In its order, the Justice Dhulia-led Bench said that the clutch of petitions raised an “important question” which goes to the very roots of the democratic setup of the country.Opining that the matter required a detailed hearing, it asked the Election Commission to file its counter-affidavit within a week and told the petitioners to file their rejoinder affidavit, if any, before July 28. After hearing the arguments of both sides, the Justice Dhulia-led Bench framed three questions for the consideration of the top court: First, the power of the ECI to conduct such a special intensive revision of electoral rolls; second, the legality and propriety of the procedure adopted by the ECI; and third, the timeline for conducting SIR right before the ensuing Bihar Assembly elections in November 2025.Noting that the draft revised rolls will be published in August, the Supreme Court listed the matter for further hearing on July 28 before the regular Bench. During the hearing, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the petitioner side, contended that the ECI’s order directing the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar has no basis in law since the exercise fails to recognise Aadhaar Card and Voter ID Card for the purpose of verification. On the other hand, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the ECI, urged the apex court not to interfere with the revision exercise at this stage.“Let the revision exercise be completed, and then your lordships may look at the entire picture,” submitted Dwivedi. He objected to the PILs filed by several NGOs and other political activists, questioning their locus standi. “None of them are voters in Bihar! Before you (SC) are some sections of people who write articles and then file petitions. I have a serious objection to this,” the poll body’s counsel said.As per the petitioners, there was no reason for the ECI to resort to “drastic exercise” of electoral rolls revision in a poll-bound state in such a short period of time. The plea filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said that the SIR order issued on June 24 by the ECI excluded identification documents such as Aadhaar or ration cards, making marginalised communities (such as SC, STs and migrant workers) and the poor more vulnerable to exclusion from voting.“The documentation requirements of the directive, lack of due process as well as the unreasonably short timeline for the said Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Roll in Bihar further make this exercise bound to result in removal of names of lakhs of genuine voters from electoral rolls, leading to their disenfranchisement,” it said.The petition claimed that the impugned SIR order requires the inclusion or retention of a voter’s name in the electoral roll upon production of citizenship documents, including proof of citizenship of either or both parents, failing which the voter is at risk of exclusion. It added that the June 26 order of poll body is illegal as it presumes ineligibility of a voter unless otherwise proved by way of providing documents (from a limited list of 11 documents) for self as well as documents of mother or father or both, and thus, ultra vires the Registration of Electors (RER) Rules, 1960.–IANSpds/uk

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent five-nation tour has been hailed…

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) While there are rights for people with disabilities, parents or caregivers are often faced with stress that can significantly affect their physical, mental, and financial conditions, finds a study by researchers from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, on Thursday.The study suggests providing parents or caregivers raising a child with developmental disabilities like autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with proper support systems for their well-being.Published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, the team investigated how the continuous demands of caregiving impact parent’s physical health, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life.The research showed that raising children with developmental disabilities presents unique and often lifelong challenges. It includes teaching basic self-care to manage behavioural and sensory difficulties, that can result in deep emotional exhaustion and physical symptoms such as headaches, ulcers, chronic pain, and fatigue, particularly among mothers.Importantly, the study found that while physical health partly explains how stress affects parents’ health, it does not account for challenges such as financial strain.The researchers recommended integrating caregiver health screening and stress management into paediatric disability services.They also advocate for community-based “one-stop” support centres where families can access medical, mental health, and financial support in one place.“Disability rights are rightly acknowledged, yet the invaluable contributions of caregivers often remain in the shadows. Caring for a child with developmental disabilities should not rest solely on parents, it is a shared responsibility of family, neighbours, and society,” said Dr. Ramakrishna Biswal, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIT Rourkela.The team surveyed 400 parents of children with conditions like autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities.In India, these challenges are often intensified by social stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialised care.Many parents feel isolated from their communities and are unable to receive support from extended family. Healthcare, therapy, and respite services remain limited in many regions.”Caregiving is a demanding journey, but with non-judgmental support and wholehearted cooperation from trusted individuals and communities, caregivers can find strength, relief, and validation. Let us recognise their rights and ensure they, too, enjoy a life of dignity and fulfillment,” Biswal said.–IANSrvt/

Bengaluru, July 10 (IANS) Amid ongoing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Home Minister and senior Congress leader G. Parameshwara on Thursday said that the party high command is closely monitoring all developments and will take an appropriate decision at the right time.Speaking to reporters at his residence in Bengaluru, Parameshwara responded to questions surrounding the leadership row and calls from sections within the party — including Dalit leaders — demanding that he be considered for the Chief Minister’s post in the event of a change. “My nature is calm and composed. I don’t wish to start another drama company. Let’s leave the matter,” he said, downplaying the speculation around his own name.He further added: “In my political experience, the high command watches everything and takes decisions when the time is right. I won’t say whether now is the right time, or tomorrow, or whether the time has already passed. The high command knows what to do and when.”When asked about ongoing public statements from several leaders — despite party warnings — and CM Siddaramaiah’s son, Dr Yathindra, claiming that his father will complete the full five-year term, Parameshwara said, “Many drama companies are operating in the state. Leaders shouldn’t make contradictory statements. The Chief Minister is delivering good governance, and I don’t want to add to the drama.”Parameshwara also addressed questions about recent statements by AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, who had said the party will respect discussions on leadership.“I’m not aware of that particular statement,” Parameshwara said, adding that everyone interprets situations differently. “The party president is speaking with MLAs, and so is the Chief Minister. Surjewala is now holding one-on-one meetings with every MLA and listening to their views.”He clarified that any developments that may harm the party’s interests are being noted, and appropriate directions will be issued.“If anything is found to go against the interest of the party, it will be taken seriously, and action will be taken accordingly.”Parameshwara emphasized that internal democracy has always been a hallmark of the Congress.“This is not new. Ours is a party with a rich legacy. We’ve survived for 138 years because of our internal democracy, functioning style, commitment, and ideology. Minor issues will always arise in any party, but they will be addressed.”–IANSmka/skp

Chennai, July 10 (IANS) Even as one of India’s most spectacular blockbusters ‘Baahubali The Beginning’ completed 10 glorious years on Thursday, the director of the franchise, S S Rajamouli, announced that they were to mark this milestone by releasing  ‘Baahubali -The Epic’, a two-part combined film, on October 31 this year.
Taking to his Instagram stories section, S S Rajamouli wrote, “Baahubali. The beginning of many journeys.Countless memories. Endless inspiration. It’s been 10 years. Marking this special milestone with #BaahubaliTheEpic, a two-part combined film. In theatres worldwide on October 31,2025.”It may be recalled that only a couple of days ago, one of the film’s producers, Shobu Yarlagadda, had recalled how nerve wracking and tense the moments before the film’s release were.Taking to his X timeline, Shobu Yarlagadda wrote, “In a few days, it will be 10 years of @BaahubaliMovie “The Beginning” theatrical release! Around this time leading up to the release and a few days after the release were the most nerve racking and tense moments me and all of us involved with the film lived through.”The producer went on to say, “I was looking back at some of the screenshots I had taken at that time and saved and these bring back a flood of memories. Do you remember what you were thinking about #Baahubali at the time of release of Part 1? “He went on to attach tweets of film critics, who had praised the film after the press screening in Mumbai on July 9. The producer also posted tweets of articles predicting the film’s performance at the box office and the craze for the film among audiences.It may be recalled that Baahubali: The Beginning, the first of a two-part franchise directed by S S Rajamouli and featuring actors Prabhas, Rana Daggubatti, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah in the lead, released on July 10, 2015. The film smashed box office records to emerge a huge blockbuster.It was producer Shobu Yarlagadda, who, in an earlier tweet, was the first to drop hints about the movie’s re-release in October this year. “I am thrilled to inform you all that we are planning an Indian and international re-release of @BaahubaliMovie in October this year. It won’t just be a re-release, it will be a year of celebration for our beloved fans! Expect nostalgia, new reveals, and a few epic surprises along the way. Stay tuned! #ReliveTheEpic! #BaahubaliReturns,” he had said.’Baahubali 2′, the second instalment of the immensely popular Baahubali franchise, released in over 9,000 screens worldwide in 2017.The film, which was made on a lavish budget of Rs 250 crore, raked in over a whopping ₹1800 crores worldwide, thereby becoming the highest grossing Indian film of all time. It also has the distinction of being the first Indian film to cross the Rs 1000 crore mark in terms of collections. As of 2025, Baahubali 2 remains the highest grossing film in India.The film, apart from emerging an emphatic global success at the box office, also won widespread critical acclaim. It won awards, both at the National and international levels. The film, which won three National Awards — For Best Stunt Choreography, Best Special Effects and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment — at the 65th National Film Awards, also won the Saturn Award for Best International Film at the 44th Saturn Awards.–IANSmkr/

Amaravati, July 10 (IANS) YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday slammed the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government for its repressive approach towards farmers during his visit to Banagarupalem in Chittoor District on Wednesday.The former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister condemned the detention, harassment and assault on farmers by the Naidu government during his visit to the market yard to meet mango farmers to hear their grievances.In a post on social media platform ‘X’, the YSRCP chief alleged that the propaganda machinery of CM Naidu tried to show the farmers’ issue in poor light and the world saw the overwhelming response to his visit despite harsh restrictions and blatant distortions by the CM-friendly media.”The issue belongs to 76,000 farmers who produced 6.5 tonnes of mango in an area of 2.2 lakh acres and could not get the minimum price for the past two months. They had to throw the crop on the roads in distress, and these sights have become common of late,” wrote former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy.Jagan Mohan Reddy added that dubbing all those who question the Andhra government on not getting benefits of welfare schemes as “anti-social elements” was condemnable.He claimed that all sections of people, including farmers, youth, women, students, and others, have hit the streets to express their dissent.“If mango farmers are not in distress, why did the government announce to give Rs. 4 per kg, and why were false orders given to factories to buy at Rs. 8 per kg,” Jagan Mohan Reddy asked.The YSRCP leader reiterated that JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy, got an assurance from the Centre for procuring mangoes in Karnataka at Rs 16 per kg. “How many farmers did you give Rs. 4 and how many farmers got Rs. 8 from factories,” he asked.He alleged that farmers never faced such hardships during the YSRCP rule and mangoes were procured at Rs 25 to Rs 29 per kg.Jagan Mohan Reddy wondered why there was a slump in one year after the coalition government led by CM Naidu took over.Jagan Mohan Reddy wanted to know why the pulp factories that should open from mid-May, did not start buying this year.“When the stock came out at once, the supply was high, resulting in a fall in prices. Such an artificial situation was created only to benefit your close associates, like Galla factory and Srini Foods,” he said.Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that farmers did not get MSP for paddy, cotton, jowar, sorghum, millets, peas, maize, ragi, banana, onion, sugarcane, cocoa, tobacco, and mango this year.”Be it chilli, tobacco or mango, the government did not procure even a single unit, which shows its lack of sincerity,” he said.“During our term, we spent Rs. 7,800 crore on the purchase of crops other than paddy, by setting up a price stabilisation fund with Rs. 3,000 crore. Such a fund is missing now and there is no trace of VM APP. Last year the government failed to give the promised Rs 20,000 to farmers and this year, farmers are still waiting while in our term farmers were getting the amount on time,” Jagan Mohan Reddy said.He alleged that input subsidy along with free crop insurance and services of RBKs were abandoned. “When your failures are questioned, you brand the farmers as anti-social elements,” Jagan Mohan Reddy added.–IANSms/rad

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) India has achieved a staggering 4,000 per cent increase in installed solar capacity and the country’s renewable energy capacity now stands at a robust 227 GW, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.Addressing the 11th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025 here, the minister said India is likely the first G20 nation to have met its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.Highlighting the recent Cabinet approval of a Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted its potential to match R&D investments of Rs 6-7 lakh crore in advanced economies, given India’s cost advantages.On infrastructure, the minister called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to build both charging and battery swapping systems, thereby accelerating electric vehicle adoption and ensuring affordable, accessible e-mobility.He also urged the industry to build supply chain resilience by reducing dependence on specific geographies and adopting new technologies to achieve self-reliance in the energy sector.“India’s ambition should encompass the entire value chain — from raw materials and cell components to battery packs, semiconductors, management systems, and recycling — ensuring a robust and self-sustained clean energy ecosystem,” Goyal told the gathering.Highlighting India’s manufacturing progress in the last decade, Shri Goyal said that the country’s solar photovoltaic module capacity has increased nearly 38-fold, while photovoltaic cell capacity has risen 21-fold.He mentioned the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, which aims to equip 1 crore households with rooftop solar panels to make them energy self-sufficient and reduce electricity bills.The minister also highlighted PM Kusum Yojana, which supports the expansion of solar pumps in India’s agrarian economy. Additionally, the government has launched a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme to boost manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC), he added.The minister underscored the importance of storage technologies — whether in the form of batteries, pumped storage, hydro storage, or geothermal — as essential for meeting India’s future energy demands.He highlighted that the energy sector will be a driving force in India’s transition to clean and renewable sources of power, and this vision has already been reflected in the country’s achievements over the last decade.Goyal reaffirmed India’s target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and reiterated that energy storage will be central to this journey.–IANSna/

London, July 10 (IANS) Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar rang the iconic five-minute bell to begin…

Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) The Indian stock market ended lower on Thursday as investors awaited key triggers in the Q1 earnings reports.Uncertainty looming around the US tariff deals also played a major role in deciding the market sentiment.Sensex fell 345.80 points or 0.41 per cent to settle at 83,190.28. The 30-share index opened at 83,658.20, up against the previous closing of 83,536.08. However, the index dragged into negative territory amid selling across the sectors. It touched an intraday low at 83,139.97.Meanwhile, Nifty closed at 25,355.25, down 120.85 points.“Domestic equities witnessed a lacklustre session, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of key triggers,” said Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity.Globally, market participants monitored the evolving narrative around a potential US-India trade agreement, with sentiment remaining subdued as both sides work through negotiation complexities, Kewat added.Maruti Suzuki, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, Tata Motors, TCS, Trent, Axis Bank were the eight stocks that advanced from the Sensex basket.L&T, Reliance, Sun Pharma, SBI, HDFC Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, HCL Tech, and Hindustan Unilever traded lower.Meanwhile, only 12 stocks settled in positive territory, while 38 declined from the Nifty.”Indian equities concluded the day in the red, weighed down by weakness in IT stocks ahead of TCS’s Q1 results,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.All broader indices ended the session in the red. Nifty 100 fell 0.43 per cent, Nifty Midcap 100 dipped 0.30 per cent, and Nifty Smallcap 100 closed 0.27 per cent lower.Sectoral Index, including Nifty IT, Nifty FMCG, Nifty Auto, and Nifty Bank closed in red.Rupee traded flat near 85.65, down by 0.07 per cent, as mild strength in the dollar index and weakness in the capital markets weighed on sentiment.”After yesterday’s strong rally, some profit booking was also observed in the currency. The rupee is expected to trade within a range of 85.30 to 85.90,” said Jateen Trivedi from LKP Securities.–IANSaps/na