The nuclear policeman Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, addresses concerns about Iran's nuclear program, particularly regarding undisclosed nuclear material and facilities. Grossi emphasizes the need for transparency and cooperation from Iran, stating that the IAEA seeks verifiable compliance, not just declarations. The article highlights ongoing challenges in inspections and Iran's unwillingness to fully cooperate, despite IAEA efforts to ensure peaceful use of nuclear energy.
India, Trinidad and Tobago ink deals on pharma, finance During PM Modi's visit, India and Trinidad and Tobago signed six agreements, paving the way for collaboration in financial and pharmaceutical sectors. India will provide grant funding for Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) and donate 2,000 laptops for digitizing education. Additionally, India gifted $1 million for agro-machinery and declared support for millet cultivation, seaweed fertilizer, and natural farming, deepening bilateral ties.
Amit Shah lays foundation for India’s first co-op university Union Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for India’s first national cooperative university, Tribhuvan Sahkari University, in Gujarat. The university aims to foster cooperative education, offering courses from Grades 9-12 and specialized programs in management, finance, and law. Shah emphasized the university’s role in fulfilling PM Modi’s vision to strengthen the cooperative sector and provide trained professionals for cooperatives, promoting transparency and innovation.
On Early Earth, a heat runaway could have led to complex life New research suggests that a "heat runaway" process on early Earth could have driven the formation of complex biological molecules, potentially leading to the origins of life. Experiments show that temperature gradients in water, combined with fluctuating water levels, can concentrate molecules and promote their self-assembly into more complex structures. This theory offers an alternative explanation for how life's building blocks formed before the emergence of cellular life.
Nehal Modi in PNB case, held in U.S. Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the U.S. in connection with the ₹13,578-crore PNB bank fraud case. He faces charges of money laundering and criminal conspiracy in New York, related to his alleged role in siphoning off funds from the PNB scam. Indian authorities are seeking his extradition from the U.S. to face justice in India.
Three Kerala districts on alert over Nipah; 425 people under observation Three districts in Kerala—Malappuram, Palakkad, and Kozhikode—are on high alert following two confirmed Nipah virus cases, one of which was fatal. Health authorities have placed 425 people under observation and initiated control measures, including contact tracing and quarantines. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a meeting to review the situation, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and public cooperation to contain the outbreak.
Not changing clothes can alter your room’s ozone chemistry A new study reveals that wearing unwashed clothes can significantly alter the ozone chemistry in a room. Chemicals emitted from human skin and clothes, such as 6-MHO and geranyl acetone, react with ozone, impacting indoor air quality. Researchers found that emissions from unwashed clothes boosted ozone-reactive chemicals by about 25%, highlighting how personal habits influence the immediate environment and air composition.
BRICS has no plan for an alternative currency Brazilian Ambassador Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega stated that BRICS is not planning an alternative currency to the dollar. Instead, the focus is on increasing local currency trade among member nations to reduce dependence on the dollar. The BRICS summit aims to foster cooperation in disaster resilience, global biofuels, and artificial intelligence, expanding the group's influence and providing a platform for diverse discussions without creating a new currency.
India is fourth ‘most equal’ country, says World Bank report According to a World Bank report, India has significantly reduced inequality between 2011-12 and 2022-23, making it the fourth "most equal" country globally. India's Gini index stands at 25.5, placing it in the "moderately low inequality" category, comparable to Slovakia, Slovenia, and Belarus. The report attributes this improvement to various government initiatives and schemes aimed at reducing disparities over the past decade.
No link between COVID-19 exposure or vaccination and cardiovascular events: study A pilot observational study by the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (SJICSR) found no association between prior COVID-19 infection or vaccination and the incidence of sudden cardiovascular events. The study analyzed 251 patients, including 32 vaccinated and 189 unvaccinated individuals. While previous studies suggested a link, this research indicates that COVID-19 vaccines are protective against cardiac events, challenging some prior assumptions.
Honeybee flora park in Kerala scripts a sweet success story A honeybee flora park in Kallimel, Kerala, established by the Kerala State Horticultural Development Corporation, has become a success. Since its inception, the facility has produced over 50,000 kg of honey from farmers, generating revenue of up to ₹25,000. The park operates on three acres, supporting beekeeping and honey production, processing, and marketing, and aims to transform into a honey museum to attract tourists.
The Trust of Dalai Lama The 14th Dalai Lama's office announced that his successor will be chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, established in 2011 to handle the responsibilities of the Dalai Lama's institution and the Tibetan community. This process aims to ensure continuity of spiritual and traditional issues, involving consultations with various Buddhist traditions and leaders. The Dalai Lama has also stated his commitment to living beyond 100 years.
Hamas expresses readiness to start Gaza ceasefire talks ‘immediately’ Hamas has stated its readiness for immediate Gaza ceasefire talks, responding to a U.S. proposal. This comes after Israeli military operations killed 32 people, including children, across Gaza. Despite the willingness for talks, Hamas demands guarantees that Israel will not resume aggression once hostages are freed. Israel's security cabinet met to discuss the proposal, with international efforts ongoing to de-escalate the nearly 21-month conflict.
Trump signs 12 trade letters to be sent out next week U.S. President Donald Trump has signed 12 trade letters, expected to be sent out next week, indicating a potential end to tariffs for some countries. This move could see reductions in duties ranging from 10% to 70% on goods from Europe and other regions. While Trump has previously imposed tariffs, this action suggests a shift towards mitigating trade disputes, although some deals remain under negotiation.
Fan favourite Neeraj claims the title Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower, secured a title with a throw of 86.18m on his third attempt. Despite challenging crosswinds, Neeraj's performance delighted the 15,000 spectators at the Kanteerava stadium. He expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized overcoming tough conditions. This victory adds to his impressive track record, showcasing his continued dominance in the sport.
