Centre Urges States to Launch Crackdown on Fake Fertilizers
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has written to all Chief Ministers, urging them to take immediate and stringent action against the sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilizers. He stressed the need for consistent monitoring, systematic sampling, and strict legal action, including cancelling licenses and filing FIRs against offenders. Chouhan also called for an end to the forced tagging of nano-fertilisers with conventional ones and asked states to launch campaigns to educate farmers on identifying genuine products to protect their livelihoods.
Government Pushes for Health Warnings on Popular Indian Snacks
The Union Health Ministry is spearheading a campaign to put health warnings on popular Indian snacks like samosas and jalebis to combat rising obesity and lifestyle diseases. The initiative requires government departments and other bodies to display information on sugar, oil, and trans-fat content in their cafeterias. Starting with a pilot at AIIMS Nagpur, the goal is to expand the campaign nationwide, encouraging citizens to make more informed and healthier dietary choices.
Former Diplomat Shringla and 26/11 Prosecutor Nikam Among 4 Nominated to Rajya Sabha
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four new members to the Rajya Sabha, filling vacancies in the upper house of Parliament. The nominees are former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who was India’s G20 coordinator; Ujjwal Nikam, the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case; historian and Padma Shri awardee Meenakshi Jain; and Kerala BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master. The nominations bring distinguished individuals from public service, law, academia, and social work into the Council of States.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Begins Return Journey from ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is preparing to return to Earth after a historic 18-day mission. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying Shukla and his three crewmates is scheduled to undock on Monday. During his stay, Shukla conducted over 60 scientific experiments, including microalgae research, and engaged in outreach activities. In a farewell message, he echoed Rakesh Sharma's famous words, saying that from space, today's ambitious and confident India looks 'Saare Jahan se Accha'.
Internet Suspended in Haryana's Nuh Ahead of Tense Religious Procession
The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours and deployed heavy security ahead of the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. The precautionary measures aim to prevent a repeat of the deadly communal clashes that erupted during the same religious procession in 2023, which killed six people. Authorities have also banned the carrying of weapons, the use of drones, and the sale of meat along the procession route to maintain law and order.
Indian Astronaut Completes Microgravity Experiments on International Space Station
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully completed all seven assigned microgravity experiments during his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). ISRO announced that the experiments, which included studies on tardigrades, myogenesis, and sprouting seeds, were all completed as planned. Shukla and the Axiom-4 mission crew have begun their return journey to Earth, marking a significant milestone for India's human spaceflight program and contributions to space-based scientific research.
Hungary's Oldest Library Races to Save 100,000 Books from Beetle Infestation
In Hungary, the 1,000-year-old Pannonhalma Archabbey is undertaking a massive preservation effort to save 100,000 historic books from a drugstore beetle infestation. Restorers are placing the books, some centuries old, into hermetically sealed bags filled with pure nitrogen for six weeks to suffocate the insects, which feed on the bookbinding glue. Experts believe the infestation was worsened by climate change, as rising temperatures allow the beetles to have more reproductive cycles annually, posing a growing threat to cultural heritage worldwide.
US Aid Cuts Halt Promising HIV Vaccine Research in South Africa
The US administration's decision to cut foreign aid has abruptly halted a $46 million HIV vaccine research project in South Africa, a global hub for such trials. The move dismantled the 'BRILLIANT' program just a week before clinical trials were set to begin, leaving the project's future uncertain. The funding withdrawal threatens the jobs of around 100 researchers and jeopardizes decades of progress, with significant global implications for developing a vaccine against one of history's deadliest pandemics.
Election Commission Finds Foreign Nationals on Bihar's Voter Lists
The Election Commission of India (EC) has discovered a large number of individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar on voter lists during a special house-to-house verification drive in Bihar. The discovery was made as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of state elections. The EC has asserted that these individuals will be investigated and will not be included in the final electoral roll, raising significant concerns about electoral integrity, illegal immigration, and national security.
North Korea Pledges 'Unconditional' Support for Russia's War in Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his country's "unconditional support" for Russia's actions in its war against Ukraine. The pledge was made during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan. This statement reinforces the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty the two nations signed in June, solidifying their political and military alignment and deepening concerns in the West about their growing cooperation on the international stage.
Ex-Diplomat, 26/11 Prosecutor Among Four Nominated to Rajya Sabha
The President of India has nominated four new members to the Rajya Sabha. The appointees are former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam who was the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, historian Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master. These nominations fill vacancies in the upper house of Parliament with prominent figures from diplomacy, law, academia, and politics, reflecting the government's choices for the Council of States.
Electronics and Pharma Sectors Receive 70% of PLI Scheme Payouts
Government data for FY25 reveals that the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors have cornered approximately 70% of the total fiscal incentives disbursed under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. Of the total Rs 10,114 crore disbursed, large-scale electronics manufacturing received Rs 5,732 crore and pharma received Rs 2,328 crore. The figures underscore the strategic focus and success of the government's flagship policy in boosting domestic manufacturing and exports in these key areas.
Fuel-Carrying Goods Train Catches Fire in Tamil Nadu, Disrupting Rail Services
A freight train carrying diesel fuel caught fire near Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, causing major disruptions to the rail network. The fire, which started in one wagon and spread to others, led to the suspension of overhead power supply as a precaution. While no casualties were reported, Southern Railway was forced to cancel at least eight express trains, divert five others, and short-terminate several more, significantly impacting passenger travel in the region.
Veteran Telugu Actor and Former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao Dies at 83
Renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, a veteran of over 750 films, has passed away in Hyderabad after a prolonged illness. A cultural icon in South Indian cinema, he was celebrated for his versatile performances, particularly as a villain and character artist. Rao was a recipient of the Padma Shri for his contributions to cinema and also served one term as a BJP MLA from Vijayawada East between 1999 and 2004. His death is being mourned across the film and political fraternities.
Major Drug Bust in Uttarakhand Recovers MDMA Worth ₹10 Crore
Uttarakhand Police have arrested a woman near the India-Nepal border in Champawat district, seizing 5.688 kg of MDMA drugs valued at over ₹10.23 crore on the international market. The seizure is one of the largest in the state's history. The accused claimed she was transporting the drugs for her husband and his associate, both of whom are now being sought by police. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat large-scale drug trafficking in the border region.