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

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.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay appointed his spiritual advisor as Officer on Special Duty. Public outcry led to the swift revocation of this appointment. This event underscores the deep-rooted influence of astrology in Indian politics. Many leaders privately consult astrologers for crucial decisions. This practice continues despite public scrutiny and modern governance.

Kavery Nambisan is a surgeon and a novelist from Karnataka. She has won the Tata Excellence Award for her work in tea plantations in Tamil Nadu. She has written articles and essays on medical and literary issues. Her novels include ‘The Scent of Pepper’, ‘The Story That Must Not Be Told’ and ‘A Town Like Ours’. Her two non-fiction books are ‘A Luxury Called Health’ and ‘Cherry Red, Cherry Black’. Today she discusses her latest novel, ‘Rising Sons’.

India's Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the nation's «coexistence-based management» approach to tackle human-wildlife conflict amidst growing economies. He emphasized that conservation efforts extend beyond mere numbers, focusing on habitat expansion, connectivity, and multi-species protection, including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, and cheetahs, with the International Big Cat Alliance poised to foster cross-border cooperation.

The CPM has warned it will reconsider its support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. This comes if the ruling party includes the rebel faction of the AIADMK in its cabinet. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam stated this at a press conference. The party's support was initially to prevent President's Rule and BJP's influence.