The upcoming epic film **'Ramayana'**, directed by **Nitesh Tiwari** and starring **Ranbir Kapoor** as Lord Ram and **Sai Pallavi** as Sita, will have its English version approximately **30 minutes shorter** than the Hindi cut. The Hindi version is expected to run around **3 hours**, while the English version will be trimmed to roughly **2.5 hours** to suit international audience preferences. The film, produced by **Prime Focus**, is one of India's most expensive projects. **Part 1** is set to release in **2025**.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu raised serious security concerns after his convoy was allegedly attacked. He questioned who will protect the common man if elected representatives themselves face such threats. Bittu, grandson of former Punjab CM Beant Singh, claimed his vehicle was targeted and demanded immediate action from authorities. He criticized the deteriorating law and order situation, urging the government to ensure safety for public figures and citizens alike. Police launched an investigation into the incident, while political leaders from various parties reacted, some expressing solidarity and others questioning the claims. The incident has reignited debates over VIP security and political violence in the region.

A Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) activist has approached the Allahabad High Court seeking quashing of an FIR filed against them in Uttar Pradesh. The FIR was lodged after the activist shared a video highlighting the dilapidated condition of a government school in the state. Authorities allegedly filed the case to suppress the exposure of poor infrastructure. The activist argues the video was shared in public interest to draw attention to neglected education facilities. CJP has condemned the FIR as an attempt to stifle free speech.

Tamil Nadu remains the only state without Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, free residential schools for rural talent, due to its strong anti-Hindi stance. Established in 1986 under the National Education Policy, these schools mandate Hindi as a third language. Tamil Nadu rejected them, fearing Hindi imposition, rooted in the violent 1965 anti-Hindi agitations. Successive state governments, across parties like DMK and AIADMK, have opposed their setup, prioritizing Tamil language pride and the two-language policy (Tamil and English). Despite central funding and proven success in other states, Tamil Nadu's resistance remains firm, denying lakhs of rural students access to quality free education over linguistic politics.

Motilal Oswal has recommended buying select metal stocks, highlighting Tata Steel and JSW Steel as top picks with potential upside of up to 17%. The brokerage remains bullish on the metals sector amid improving demand, rising steel prices, and strong domestic consumption. Tata Steel is favored for its deleveraging efforts and European operations turnaround, while JSW Steel benefits from capacity expansion. Target prices suggest significant returns, making these attractive for medium-term investors seeking exposure to India's infrastructure-driven metal demand growth.

# Project Cheetah Marks 4 Years: India's Cheetah Count Rises to 52

As Project Cheetah completes four years since its launch in September 2022, India's cheetah population has grown to 52, including cubs born in the country. Initially, 20 cheetahs were translocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, aiming to reintroduce the species declared extinct in India in 1952. Despite early setbacks with several deaths due to infections and acclimatization issues, successful breeding has boosted numbers. Authorities continue monitoring health, habitat adaptation, and territorial movements, with plans to expand cheetah habitats beyond Kuno for long-term population viability.

Early voting has commenced across several U.S. states for the 2022 midterm elections, a pivotal contest that could shift control of Congress. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are at stake. Republicans are favored to reclaim the House, while the Senate remains a toss-up. Key issues driving voters include inflation, abortion rights, crime, and democracy concerns. President Biden's approval ratings weigh on Democrats. Results will shape the final two years of Biden's term and future policy direction.

Ohio's Glacier Ridge Metro Park has expanded significantly, growing nearly ninefold after acquiring 333 acres of conservation land. The expansion transforms the park from a smaller green space into a much larger natural preserve, enhancing habitat protection and recreational opportunities for visitors. The additional acreage aims to conserve native ecosystems, protect wildlife corridors, and provide more trails and open spaces. Local officials celebrated the milestone as a major win for environmental preservation and community access to nature in the region.

# 100 साल बाद मिली बिल्ली की दुर्लभ प्रजाति

वैज्ञानिकों ने लगभग 100 साल बाद बिल्ली की एक अत्यंत दुर्लभ प्रजाति की खोज की है। इस बिल्ली की पहचान उसके सिकुड़े हुए चेहरे, गोल कानों और लंबी मूंछों से होती है। यह प्रजाति इतनी दुर्लभ है कि पिछली सदी में इसे देखा नहीं गया था। वैज्ञानिकों का मानना है कि यह प्रजाति जंगलों में छिपकर रहती है, जिससे इसे खोजना बेहद कठिन रहा। इस खोज से जैव विविधता संरक्षण को नई दिशा मिली है। शोधकर्ताओं ने इसकी तस्वीरें और DNA सैंपल एकत्र किए हैं। यह खोज वन्यजीव विशेषज्ञों के लिए बड़ी उपलब्धि मानी जा रही है और अब इसके संरक्षण के प्रयास शुरू किए जाएंगे।

HSBC has dubbed India the "consumption king," projecting that rising incomes will dramatically reshape the country's spending patterns. As India's middle class expands and per capita income grows, consumer spending is expected to shift from essentials to discretionary goods, services, entertainment, and premium products. HSBC forecasts India's consumption market could become one of the world's largest, driven by urbanization, digital adoption, and a young demographic. Sectors like retail, travel, healthcare, and financial services stand to benefit significantly from this transformation.

PNB Housing Finance is among four F&O stocks that witnessed a sharp rise in futures open interest, signaling increased trader activity and potential price momentum. A surge in open interest typically indicates fresh positions being built, reflecting strong market sentiment. Alongside PNB Housing Finance, three other stocks saw notable increases, attracting attention from derivatives traders. Rising open interest, combined with price movements, can suggest bullish or bearish trends. Investors are closely monitoring these stocks for breakout or breakdown signals, as heightened activity often precedes significant price action in the near term.

**छत्तीसगढ़ में गर्मी से राहत की उम्मीद बढ़ गई है। मौसम विभाग के अनुसार आज कई जिलों में बारिश और गरज के साथ बौछारें पड़ने की संभावना है। रायपुर, बिलासपुर, दुर्ग, कोरबा, जगदलपुर समेत कई इलाकों में बादल छाए रहेंगे। तापमान में गिरावट दर्ज हो सकती है। मानसून की सक्रियता के चलते आने वाले दिनों में और बारिश का अनुमान है। लोगों को छाता साथ रखने की सलाह दी गई है। किसानों के लिए यह राहत भरी खबर है।**

J.P. Morgan has revised its outlook on the Bank of England's monetary policy, predicting interest rate hikes due to renewed inflation risks in the UK economy. Persistent price pressures, driven by sticky services inflation, rising wages, and elevated energy costs, have fueled concerns that inflation may remain above the BoE's 2% target longer than expected. J.P. Morgan analysts suggest the central bank may need to tighten policy further to curb demand and anchor inflation expectations, diverging from peers considering cuts.

**कोटा रेलवे स्टेशन पर आग और धमाकों से दहशत**

राजस्थान के कोटा रेलवे स्टेशन पर अचानक आग लग गई, जिसके बाद कई धमाकों जैसी आवाजें सुनाई दीं। इससे स्टेशन पर मौजूद यात्रियों और कर्मचारियों में अफरा-तफरी मच गई और लोग जान बचाकर भागने लगे। सूचना मिलते ही फायर ब्रिगेड और रेलवे अधिकारी मौके पर पहुंचे और आग पर काबू पाया। बताया जा रहा है कि आग स्टेशन परिसर के एक हिस्से में लगी, जिसमें कुछ ज्वलनशील सामान रखा था, जिससे धमाकों जैसी आवाजें आईं। सौभाग्य से किसी के हताहत होने की सूचना नहीं है। रेलवे प्रशासन ने जांच शुरू कर दी है।

The US Congress passed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea, sending it to President Trump's desk. The bill limits Trump's ability to ease Russia sanctions unilaterally, causing tension with the White House. It also impacts US-India relations, as India's defense deals with Russia, particularly the S-400 missile system purchase, could trigger secondary sanctions. Additionally, the bill affects energy trade, threatening European-Russian gas pipeline projects. Trump reluctantly signed it, calling it "seriously flawed."