UPDATED: Oct 24, 2026 14:57 ISTThe IMF has raised India's FY27 growth forecast to 7% from 6.4%, but warned that converging global risks could weigh on the outlook. IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan, in an exclusive interview with India Today, said that the prolonged energy shock, a weakening rupee, rising borrowing costs, AI-related uncertainty and El Nino pose challenges.

He warned that the energy crisis could worsen, fuelling inflation and slowing growth, and called for energy diversification and greater efficiency. Srinivasan said the rupee should be allowed to adjust to external shocks, while monetary policy should respond if depreciation fuels inflation.

He welcomed India's trade deals but stressed the need for reforms to attract investment. He also called for reskilling workers to adapt to AI and cautioned that El Nino could hurt agriculture and growth.

Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSDelhi Shahdara School Suicide, 3-Page Note Recovered, Police Probe LapsesA tragic incident unfolded at a government school in east Delhi's Shahdara, where a Class 12 student allegedly died by suicide after immolating herself on the school premises. Delhi Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the site after receiving an alert around 12:30 PM.

Officials recovered a three-page suicide note from the bag of the deceased minor, and teams from the crime branch and Forensic Science Laboratory arrived to secure evidence. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the teenager may have carried an inflammable liquid, suspected to be petrol, inside her school bag.

Relatives claimed they received no immediate intimation from the school authorities and discovered the tragedy only after arriving at the campus. Parents and locals have raised serious questions over security arrangements, asking how an inflammable substance was brought inside the institution undetected.

Delhi Police are recording statements from teachers, staff, and classmates to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.Rahul Gandhi 'Rubbing Salt Over Hurt Sentiments Of Sikhs': BJP MP Ravi Shankar PrasadBharatiya Janata Party leader and Lok Sabha MP Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a press conference, questioning the timing and motive behind scheduling a major rally on 1 November. Prasad accused the Congress leader of attempting to 'rub salt over the hurt sentiments of Sikhs' in a calculated manner by insisting on holding the event on that specific date.

Recalling welfare and memorial measures undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, including Kartarpur Sahib and Veer Bal Diwas, Prasad questioned whether the opposition leader aimed to orchestrate disruption in Delhi. He further alleged that an 'anarchist mindset' governs Gandhi, criticising him for showing disrespect towards constitutional institutions and pointing to demonstrations targeting the judiciary and the Supreme Court.

Prasad also questioned whether Gandhi was aligning with hostile external forces to portray Indian democracy negatively abroad.Priyank Kharge Backs Rehan Vadra: 'What Is BJP's Problem?' Over Exhibition RowKarnataka Minister Priyank Kharge defended Rehan Vadra amid the controversy surrounding his art exhibition titled 'No Idea Is Final' at Bikaner House in New Delhi. Priyank Kharge questioned the opposition, asking: "What is BJP's problem?

I don't understand. I still didn't get it.

If, uh, Rehan Gandhi wants to showcase his art, what is wrong with that? So, those people should not exhibit their, uh, art?

They should not earn a living? They should not get into politics?

They should not get into business?" The row erupted after authorities asked for 74 out of 105 photographs to be removed, prompting the BJP to allege a political soft launch.DK Shivakumar Alleges Sting Attempt, Flags Meta Glasses Worn by BusinessmanKarnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has alleged an attempt to secretly record him as part of a suspected sting operation. Shivakumar stated that a businessman who met him took him to an inner chamber and initiated discussions on politics, election strategy, and astrology.

The Chief Minister grew suspicious upon noticing the visitor's Meta smart glasses. A subsequent background check revealed that the individual wore smart glasses during meetings with him and Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, but did not wear them when meeting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the ethics of wearing camera glasses during meetings with constitutional dignitaries.