India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious €20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.

West Bengal's new BJP government is enacting swift policy changes, replacing TMC schemes with central programs like Ayushman Bharat and Annapurna Yojna. Mandatory 'Vande Mataram' in schools, revised OBC reservations, and increased age limits for government jobs are among the key decisions. The administration is also scrutinizing caste certificates and initiating corruption probes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the FAO Agricola Medal, the UN's highest agriculture honour, for his work on food security and sustainable farming. He dedicated the award to India's farmers and agricultural community, emphasizing the nation's shift towards 'Producing Better' with a focus on biodiversity and technology. Modi highlighted India's commitment to human welfare and global responsibility.

India has reported no Ebola cases, despite the WHO declaring it a public health emergency. The health ministry has strengthened nationwide surveillance and preparedness measures, including sharing detailed SOPs with states and Union Territories. The country has prior experience in handling similar outbreaks.

India and Italy elevated their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on AI, space, and innovation. Meanwhile, Kerala's new cabinet ministers were assigned portfolios, and the WHO warned of a high local Ebola risk in Congo and Uganda, though the global threat remains low. Disturbing reports from Afghanistan reveal families selling daughters due to extreme poverty.

After the marathon, an unusual, high-intensity indoor race grows in mass appeal

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used the Hindi phrase 'parishram hi safalta ki kunji hai' to describe the growing India-Italy ties, emphasizing hard work as key to success. The two nations upgraded their bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, unveiling a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029, aiming for a 20 billion euro trade target.

Pradhan orders crackdown on misinformation networks; security and intelligence agencies asked to ensure foolproof conduct

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed speculation of a rift with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating they will visit Delhi if summoned by the party high command. This comes after a meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge amid ongoing rumors about leadership tussle within the state government.

India is grappling with an intense heatwave as temperatures soar, with the IMD issuing orange and red alerts for several northern and central regions. Delhi is experiencing highs of 44-45°C, while Uttar Pradesh's Banda district has recorded over 48°C. The extreme heat is also impacting tourism and is linked to global climate factors like potential El Niño conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni for dinner and a walk through the Colosseum upon his arrival in Rome. The leaders exchanged perspectives on boosting India-Italy friendship, with their discussions taking on a relaxed tone against the historic backdrop. Modi also received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Italy.

A political controversy has ignited in Kerala following the full recitation of 'Vande Mataram' at a new cabinet's oath-taking. The CPI(M) criticizes the move, citing historical precedents and concerns for pluralism. The BJP retorts, accusing the CPI(M) of insulting the national song and appeasing certain groups. A similar protocol dispute occurred in Tamil Nadu over song sequencing.