Karnataka Forms Anti-Narcotic Task Force with 10 New Posts Under IT Act Section Powers
The Karnataka government has established an Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) to strengthen efforts against drug-related crimes, operating under the supervision of senior police officials and reporting to the Additional Director General of Police, Cyber Command. The unit includes 10 new posts and reallocates 56 personnel from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), supplemented by outsourced forensic, legal, and data analysis experts. Concurrently, 43 Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics police stations have been renamed as cyber crime police stations, now restricted to handling cybercrime cases under the IT Act, losing authority over narcotics and economic offenses. The ANTF's annual budget is approximately Rs 2.77 crore. The government has retained the ANF with reduced personnel, transferring some members to the ANTF and other units to address staffing needs. The task force will act on intelligence received and aims to eradicate narcotics issues statewide.

India's Tea Production Drops 9% in June Due to Weather and Pest Issues
Tea production in India decreased by 9 percent to 133.5 million kilograms in June compared to the previous year, according to official data. The decline was attributed to adverse weather and pest infestations. Production in North India fell to 112.51 million kilograms from 121.52 million kilograms, while South India's output dropped to 20.99 million kilograms from 25.20 million kilograms. Large-scale planters produced 55.21 million kilograms, down from 68.38 million kilograms, and small growers produced 68.28 million kilograms, a decrease from 78.34 million kilograms. The CTC variety accounted for 117.84 million kilograms, orthodox tea for 13.82 million kilograms, and green tea for 1.84 million kilograms.

Airline finds cockroaches on international flight, relocates passengers, cleans plane, and launches investigation under safety protocols
Passengers on an international flight reported the presence of small cockroaches onboard, prompting the airline to relocate affected passengers and conduct a deep cleaning during a scheduled stopover. The airline acknowledged the incident, attributing it to possible insect entry during ground operations despite regular fumigation, and announced a comprehensive investigation to identify the cause and prevent future occurrences. The airline issued an apology for the inconvenience caused.

Supreme Court upholds interim ban on political party using OTP messages citing privacy concerns under data protection rules
The Supreme Court declined to stay a Madras High Court interim injunction restraining a political party from using OTP verification messages in its enrolment campaign, citing concerns over data protection and privacy. The High Court had issued the injunction following a public interest litigation alleging unauthorized collection of personal and Aadhaar details. The Supreme Court emphasized the sensitivity of the issue and directed the party to approach the High Court for relief, noting the need to protect citizens' privacy rights. The party argued it was not collecting Aadhaar data and that the injunction was unwarranted, but the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal without interference.

Educational Institution Marks 25 Years with Inclusive Education Focus and Heritage Gallery Launch
An educational institution celebrated its 25th anniversary with a formal event featuring government officials, dignitaries, and community leaders. The ceremony included the release of commemorative items such as an anthem, flag, badge, postal cover, and a coffee table book, alongside a documentary highlighting the institution's development. Speeches emphasized the importance of inclusive education, skill development programs, and social outreach efforts. The event also featured a heritage walk showcasing the institution's historical milestones and contributions to higher education, followed by the inauguration of a heritage gallery. The institution's leadership expressed gratitude to attendees and reaffirmed its commitment to educational growth and equity.

Private University Ranks 7th Nationwide, 3rd in Practice-Integrated Multidisciplinary Education 2025
A private university in India has been ranked seventh among all state private universities and third among practice-integrated multi-disciplinary universities in a national ranking for 2025. The institution's academic model emphasizes experiential learning, research-led teaching, and industry collaboration, contributing to its rise in rankings. It offers diverse programs across business, technology, arts, architecture, law, and humanities, supported by extensive infrastructure and global partnerships. The rankings validate the university's focus on academic excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates for global environments. The university has also received recognition in various business school rankings and is noted for its strong industry connections and comprehensive educational approach.

Life Sciences Campus Achieves IFC EDGE Advanced Certification for Major Energy and Water Savings
A life sciences infrastructure platform's flagship campus in Hyderabad has received the IFC EDGE Advanced Certification, recognizing its significant energy savings of 44%, water savings of 79%, and use of low-carbon materials. This certification marks the campus as one of the most sustainable life sciences R&D facilities globally and the second speculative project worldwide to earn this distinction. The platform's other developments, including a large planned life sciences ecosystem in Mumbai, have also achieved or are pursuing similar green certifications. These achievements reflect the platform's commitment to integrating sustainability into its infrastructure, promoting climate resilience, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness in the life sciences sector. The platform is backed by a major global investment firm specializing in sustainable infrastructure.

Wildlife Crime Thriller Novel Highlights Tiger Conservation and Tribal Wisdom Amid Poaching Challenges
A wildlife crime thriller novel authored by a prominent conservationist and composer was launched by a government minister on Global Tiger Day. The novel, set against the backdrop of wildlife trafficking in India, features a tribal protagonist and highlights the challenges of tiger conservation amid human populations and poverty. The book has received endorsements from various officials and celebrities involved in environmental and wildlife protection, emphasizing its realistic portrayal of conservation issues and its potential to inspire future generations. The author's work extends beyond literature, including contributions to national wildlife projects and creation of a wildlife reserve. The novel aims to promote awareness of wildlife conservation through a narrative interwoven with true incidents, tribal wisdom, and environmental values.

India's 2024 Marine Fish Catch Drops 2% Due to Storms and Heatwaves, Coastal Regions Show Mixed Trends
India's marine fish catch declined by two percent in 2024 to 3.47 million tonnes, with Gujarat leading landings at 754,000 tonnes, followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Key species such as Indian mackerel and oil sardine saw varied trends, with some species' catches decreasing and others increasing. The west coast experienced an overall decline, while the east coast showed growth, notably in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. Several states including Karnataka, Goa, and Daman & Diu faced significant reductions. The decline was attributed to cyclonic storms and increased heatwave days disrupting fishing activities. Kerala reported a marginal four percent decrease, with fluctuations in oil sardine landings causing price volatility. The report was based on monitoring approximately 250,000 fishing trips and highlighted differences in catch productivity among mechanised, motorised, and non-motorised vessels.

Asian stocks rise amid weak U.S. jobs data and looming tariffs, sparking rate cut speculation and market volatility
Asian stock markets mostly rose following a sharp decline on Wall Street after weak U.S. jobs data revealed significantly lower-than-expected employment growth and downward revisions to previous months. The U.S. president's announcement of broad tariffs on imports from multiple trading partners, set to take effect imminently, contributed to market uncertainty. The poor labor figures increased speculation that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates soon, despite recent steady rates and inflation above target. Major U.S. indexes experienced notable losses, and key companies forecasted adverse impacts from tariffs. Concerns also arose over potential political interference in labor data reporting after the abrupt dismissal of the agency head responsible for employment statistics. The combination of trade tensions, weak economic indicators, and policy uncertainty has heightened volatility and complicated business planning for U.S. and global markets.

Foundation Launches Second Leadership and Mountaineering Program Empowering Young Girls with Skills and Confidence
A foundation has launched the second batch of a leadership and mountaineering program aimed at empowering young girls from grassroots communities in multiple states. The initiative provides rigorous training in mountaineering skills, survival techniques, and leadership development to selected participants. The program seeks to foster confidence, independence, and resilience, aligning with national campaigns promoting girls' education and empowerment. The foundation has expanded eligibility to include applicants from additional regions and emphasizes physical, mental, and emotional growth through structured challenges and mentorship. The initiative aims to break social barriers and equip young women with tools to overcome both physical and societal obstacles.

Sirolimus-Coated Balloon Trial Begins for Small Coronary Lesions Comparing to Drug-Eluting Stents
A medical technology company initiated patient enrollment in a U.S. Investigational Device Exemption trial evaluating its sirolimus-coated balloon device for treating small coronary artery lesions. The multicenter, randomized trial compares this device to drug-eluting stents across sites in the U.S. and Europe, targeting 1,605 patients and assessing target lesion failure at 12 months. The trial aims to generate clinical evidence supporting a no-stent treatment strategy, potentially influencing future coronary artery disease management and regulatory approval. The company holds prior regulatory designations and approvals in Europe and the U.S. for the device, which utilizes proprietary technology for drug delivery. The study is led by an international team of cardiologists and reflects the company's commitment to innovative vascular interventions.

Political Leader Responds to US President's Economic Insult, Highlights Tariffs and National Interests
A political leader commented on a US President's derogatory remark about a country's economy, stating it was intended as an insult rather than a literal assessment. The leader emphasized the importance of not taking such statements at face value but recognizing their potential policy implications. The discussion highlighted recent US tariff impositions and penalties affecting trade relations, underscoring the need for the country to prioritize national interests, including economic development, security, and international standing. The leader stressed the necessity for the country to be a proactive global player, safeguarding its sovereignty and contributing constructively to international order. Additionally, a delegation's diplomatic engagement with US officials was noted, focusing on conveying the country's stance on counterterrorism measures and reinforcing the message of readiness to respond to threats, which was reportedly received with understanding and respect.

State-Owned Telecom Partners with Refinery to Launch First 5G Captive Network for Industrial Use
A state-owned telecommunications company entered into an agreement with a refinery company to deploy the country's first 5G captive non-public network within the refinery sector. The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and enable advanced technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality training, digital twins, and real-time Internet of Things applications. The deployment is positioned as a significant technological advancement for industrial connectivity and is expected to serve as a replicable model for other sectors. The agreement was formalized during a government-organized workshop and reflects a strategic effort to advance digital infrastructure and promote self-reliance in critical industries.

Ed-tech Startup Launches Month-Long Gamified Learning Challenge with Rs 10 Lakh Prize Pool
An ed-tech startup has launched a month-long gamified learning challenge with a prize pool of ten lakh rupees, aiming to combine education and entertainment. The competition includes multiple quests designed to test knowledge and engage participants nationwide, offering a grand prize of one lakh rupees and additional rewards to thousands of participants. The platform features interactive content, quizzes, and live assessments, ensuring inclusivity for learners of all backgrounds and skill levels. The company emphasizes a secure, scalable infrastructure prioritizing data privacy and real-time performance. This initiative seeks to transform traditional education by making learning enjoyable, competitive, and rewarding, encouraging continuous growth and knowledge application.

Alumni Summit Highlights Real Estate Trends, AI Ethics, and Mental Wellbeing Strategies for Future Growth
An alumni association organized a summit to commemorate the 150th anniversary of a historic educational institution, focusing on future-oriented themes including real estate investment trends, artificial intelligence development, and mental wellbeing. The real estate discussion highlighted significant market growth, supply constraints, and emerging niches such as senior living, emphasizing regulated investment vehicles. The AI segment addressed national initiatives to expand computing access, develop localized AI models, and implement ethical governance, while cautioning against premature fears of advanced AI. Mental health discussions promoted self-awareness and resilience strategies. The event also launched the institution's official alumni magazine and reinforced the alumni's role in sustaining the school's legacy and guiding its future development. The alumni association is a registered body dedicated to fostering networking, welfare, and support for the institution and its graduates.

Luxury Marble Collection Launched Featuring Premium White and Grey Stones with Unique Veining Patterns
A company specializing in importing and retailing premium natural stone has launched a new luxury marble collection sourced from Turkey, featuring various white and grey variants with distinctive veining patterns. The collection is marketed as elevating interior spaces through sophisticated aesthetics and high-quality standards. It is available for viewing and purchase at the company's showroom and online platform. The company, established in 1989 and headquartered in Bangalore, claims to maintain rigorous quality control and offers an extensive range of natural stone products sourced globally. The launch aims to strengthen the company's position in the luxury lifestyle market.

Biotech and Pharma Partner to Advance Novel Inhaled Therapy for Chronic Lung Diseases into Phase 2 Trials
A biotechnology company specializing in respiratory drug development secured a strategic investment from a global pharmaceutical firm with expertise in respiratory therapeutics and biotechnology innovation. The pharmaceutical company will serve as the exclusive global development and manufacturing partner, facilitating the advancement of the biotech company's lead asset into Phase 2 and first-in-human clinical trials targeting chronic lung diseases. The partnership aims to accelerate clinical progress of a novel inhaled therapeutic platform designed for targeted delivery to deep lung regions, addressing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pulmonary fibrosis. The investment and collaboration leverage the pharmaceutical firm's drug discovery, development, manufacturing, and regulatory capabilities to enhance the biotech company's innovation pipeline and commercialization potential. The financing round remains open to additional strategic investors aligned with the goal of transforming respiratory medicine.