IMD says rare August cyclone likely to form over Arabian Sea on Friday

The Centre confirmed that the Odisha government has no plans to grant mining leases in the ecologically sensitive Gandhamardan Hills, a biodiversity-rich area with cultural significance and home to numerous plant and animal species. The region, declared a 'Biodiversity Heritage Site of Odisha,' has faced protests over potential mining projects, prompting assurances of protection from the state government. The protection of the hills is crucial for the indigenous population, with regulations in place to safeguard...

On Monday, India and Armenia discussed bolstering their strategic partnership, particularly in defence engagement and connectivity through Iran via INSTC and Chabahar Port. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar explored expanding defence trade and connectivity initiatives, with plans for launching direct flights and enhancing business and people-to-people ties. Mirzoyan emphasized Armenia's view of India as a close partner with deep civilizational bonds, highlighting the evolving multifaceted cooperation between the...

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane introduced the Malhar certification for jhatka mutton shops to help Hindus identify shops owned by members of their community selling unadulterated meat. This initiative, not government-led, aims to provide certified jhatka meat suppliers across Maharashtra as an alternative to halal certification, ensuring meat is prepared according to Hindu traditions. The platform, MalharCertification.com, guarantees that the meat offered is fresh, clean, and free from contamination, following Hindu religious customs. Full Article

Kyiv's top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that Ukrainian troops in Russia's Kursk region were not in danger of being encircled despite a recent Russian counteroffensive involving North Korean troops. He emphasized that the situation was under control and that despite Russian advances, many settlements mentioned by Russian sources no longer exist due to destruction. Syrskyi also noted that the enemy was suffering significant losses in manpower and equipment, including reinforcements from North Korea. Full Article

Military officials from over 30 nations are convening in Paris to discuss the establishment of an international security force for Ukraine, aimed at deterring Russia from launching further offensives post-ceasefire. France and Britain are leading the effort to build a coalition of nations willing to safeguard Ukraine, with the blueprint for the force being presented at the talks. The force could include heavy weaponry and rapid deployment of weapons stockpiles to aid Ukraine in case...

Rohit Sharma and Jay Shah proudly posed with the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy following India's victory over New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final, marking a historic milestone in Indian cricket as Sharma and Virat Kohli became the most decorated cricketers with four ICC titles each. With titles including two Champions Trophies and two T20 World Cups for Sharma, and a mix of World Cup wins and Champions Trophies for...