The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a ₹20,804 crore railway infrastructure upgrade project aimed at easing congestion across 9 states. The project involves doubling, tripling, and quadrupling of key rail sections to enhance capacity and reduce bottlenecks on heavily used routes. It will improve freight and passenger train movement, boost connectivity, and support economic growth. The upgrades span critical corridors, ensuring faster travel and efficient goods transport. Completion is expected to significantly decongest saturated railway networks nationwide.

A major mishap occurred in Gujarat's Gandhinagar when a slab of an under-construction building collapsed, leaving around 10 workers feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities. Emergency teams, including fire brigade personnel, rushed to the site to locate and rescue the trapped laborers. Several workers sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse, suspecting possible structural negligence or violation of safety norms. The incident has raised serious concerns over construction safety standards in the region.

Former census officials have raised concerns about maintaining the confidentiality of Census data amid fears it could be linked to the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). They warn that sharing personal data collected during the Census with NPR or NRC processes could violate citizens' privacy and erode public trust. The Census Act mandates strict data confidentiality, prohibiting its use for any non-statistical purpose. Experts fear linking these exercises may discourage participation, leading to inaccurate data. The debate intensifies as the government plans to update NPR alongside the Census, raising questions about data security and potential misuse for citizenship verification.

Nepal's government has issued a notice urging families of foreign nationals missing after devastating floods to submit DNA samples to help identify victims. Severe flooding and landslides, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, killed over 200 people and left many missing. Authorities are struggling to identify decomposed bodies recovered from rivers and debris. The notice targets families of migrant workers and foreigners believed affected. Nepal seeks international cooperation for identification, as many bodies remain unclaimed. Rescue operations continue amid challenging terrain conditions.

**NEET-UG पेपर लीक मामले में आरोप तय करने पर सुनवाई हुई। आरोपी के वकील ने कोर्ट में दलील दी कि उनके मुवक्किल पब्लिक सर्वेंट नहीं हैं, इसलिए उन पर सरकारी भरोसा तोड़ने का आरोप नहीं लग सकता। वकील ने कहा कि न तो कोई विश्वासघात हुआ और न ही कोई अपराध किया गया। NEET-UG 2024 पेपर लीक कांड में कई आरोपी गिरफ्तार हुए थे। CBI इस मामले की जांच कर रही है। कोर्ट अब आरोप तय करने पर आगे फैसला करेगी। यह मामला लाखों छात्रों की परीक्षा की पारदर्शिता से जुड़ा है।**

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple premises linked to Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and his MP daughter Priyanka Jarkiholi in connection with a money laundering probe. Searches were carried out in Belagavi, Goa, and other locations. The case reportedly stems from alleged illegal mining and financial irregularities. Satish Jarkiholi, a prominent Congress leader, termed the raids politically motivated. The BJP demanded his resignation, while Congress accused the Centre of misusing agencies against opposition-ruled states.

The Indian National Congress urged political allies and parties to adhere to singing only the first two stanzas of "Vande Mataram," India's national song. This stance stems from a long-standing debate, as some Muslim leaders and scholars have objected to later stanzas containing references to Hindu goddess imagery, considering them against Islamic principles. The Congress maintains that only the first two stanzas, adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1950, hold official status.

A major security alert forced authorities to shut key Army roads in Hyderabad, causing significant disruption to daily commuters. The closures, linked to a heightened security threat near military installations, forced thousands of motorists onto longer alternate routes, leading to heavy traffic congestion across the city. Police and Army personnel were deployed at multiple checkpoints. Officials urged commuters to plan alternate routes and expect delays. The restrictions remained until the threat assessment was completed and clearance was given by security agencies.

बिहार में बाढ़ की स्थिति गंभीर बनी हुई है, जहां करीब 34 लाख लोग बाढ़ से प्रभावित हैं। कई जिलों में नदियां खतरे के निशान से ऊपर बह रही हैं, जिससे बड़े पैमाने पर तबाही हुई है। राहत और बचाव कार्य जारी हैं। वहीं, उत्तर प्रदेश में इस मानसून सीजन में बारिश का कोटा पूरा हो चुका है, कई इलाकों में भारी बारिश से जनजीवन अस्त-व्यस्त है। दूसरी ओर, राजस्थान में इस सीजन में सामान्य से 24 फीसदी कम बारिश दर्ज हुई है, जिससे सूखे की चिंता बढ़ गई है। मौसम विभाग ने आगे और बारिश की संभावना जताई है।

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mandated that highway project concessionaires must complete at least 80% of the required plantation work during the construction phase itself. Additionally, a minimum 90% survival rate of planted saplings must be maintained throughout the project's concession period. This initiative aims to strengthen environmental sustainability along national highways, ensure green cover restoration, and hold contractors accountable for ecological commitments. Non-compliance may attract penalties, reinforcing NHAI's commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure development across India.

Global concerns are rising as world leaders appear increasingly cavalier about nuclear threats. Experts warn that decades of nuclear deterrence norms are eroding, with leaders like Putin openly referencing nuclear options amid the Ukraine conflict. Arms control treaties have collapsed, modernization programs are accelerating, and diplomatic channels remain strained. The taboo against nuclear rhetoric is weakening, as geopolitical tensions between NATO, Russia, China, and North Korea intensify. Analysts fear this desensitization could lead to catastrophic miscalculation, urging renewed disarmament dialogue.

India and the U.S. are nearing a trade deal, with Commerce Secretary confirming that only a few issues remain under discussion. The pact will be signed at an appropriate time once both sides reach consensus. Negotiations have focused on market access, tariffs, and trade imbalances. Both nations aim to strengthen economic ties and boost bilateral trade. The deal is expected to address concerns in sectors like agriculture, technology, and defense, benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.

**लंदन में हाल ही में एक अनोखा विरोध प्रदर्शन देखने को मिला जहां लोग रथ (चैरियट) के आगे लटककर प्रोटेस्ट कर रहे थे। वहीं एक और हैरान करने वाली खबर में लोगों ने रोबोट्स के खिलाफ प्रदर्शन किया ताकि इंसानों की नौकरियां बची रहें, क्योंकि AI और ऑटोमेशन से रोजगार खतरे में है। इसके अलावा एक इनोवेटिव स्कूल डेस्क डिजाइन किया गया है जो ब्रेक टाइम में बिस्तर में बदल जाता है, जिससे बच्चे आराम कर सकें। ये तीनों खबरें अपनी अनोखी प्रकृति के कारण चर्चा में हैं।**

The EPFO has simplified advance withdrawal rules for members. Now, employees can easily withdraw EPF funds for higher education, serious illness, and housing purposes with reduced documentation. Members can file claims online without employer attestation. For medical emergencies, advance up to 6 months' wages is allowed. For housing, up to 36 months' wages can be withdrawn after 5 years of service. Education withdrawals cover children's higher studies after 7 years of membership. These reforms aim to provide quick financial relief to subscribers during critical needs.

India and the U.S. are nearing a trade deal, with Commerce Secretary confirming that only a few issues remain under discussion. The pact will be signed at an appropriate time once both sides reach consensus. Negotiations have focused on market access, tariffs, and trade imbalances. Both nations aim to strengthen economic ties and boost bilateral trade. The deal is expected to benefit sectors like agriculture, technology, and defense, enhancing cooperation between the world's largest democracies.