India and France are strengthening defence ties through major deals. India acquired 36 Rafale fighter jets and is negotiating additional purchases. France is supplying Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75, with six built at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock. Both nations are now exploring co-development of a sixth-generation fighter jet, marking a shift from buyer-seller to strategic partnership. This collaboration spans engines, AI-driven combat systems, and naval tech, reinforcing France as India's key defence ally amid geopolitical challenges.

A global survey reveals contrasting perceptions of India worldwide. Sri Lanka emerged as the most favorable nation toward India, reflecting strong cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the neighbors. Conversely, Pakistan holds the most negative view of India, unsurprising given decades of territorial disputes, wars, and political tensions. The survey highlights India's growing global influence, with positive views prevalent in Southeast Asia and Africa, while mixed opinions persist in parts of the West and neighboring countries.

The FSSAI has banned the use of plastic and aluminium foil packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar tobacco products, effective immediately. This move aims to prevent harmful chemical migration from packaging into consumable products, posing serious health risks. Manufacturers must now shift to safer, FSSAI-approved packaging alternatives. The directive addresses concerns that aluminium and plastic react with product ingredients, releasing toxins. Non-compliance will attract penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Industry players face increased costs during transition.

**विमल इलायची विज्ञापन विवाद:**

केंद्रीय उपभोक्ता संरक्षण प्राधिकरण (CCPA) ने बॉलीवुड अभिनेता शाहरुख खान, अजय देवगन और टाइगर श्रॉफ को कारण बताओ नोटिस जारी किया है। इन तीनों ने विमल इलायची का विज्ञापन किया था, जिसे CCPA ने सरोगेट एडवरटाइजिंग यानी पान मसाला/तंबाकू उत्पादों का छुपा प्रचार माना है। भारत में तंबाकू उत्पादों के विज्ञापन पर प्रतिबंध है, लेकिन कंपनियां इलायची जैसे उत्पादों की आड़ में प्रचार करती हैं। दोषी पाए जाने पर ₹10 लाख तक जुर्माना और विज्ञापन पर रोक लग सकती है।

The White House released a report naming India among countries allegedly enabling China to evade U.S. tariffs by serving as transshipment points. The report suggests Chinese goods are routed through nations like India, Vietnam, and Mexico to bypass steep tariffs imposed during Trump's trade war. This puts India under renewed pressure, risking strained bilateral ties. Washington warns of potential action against intermediary nations, signaling tighter trade enforcement. India denies facilitating evasion, but the accusation adds tension amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.

A UN report has linked the 2000 Red Fort blast in Delhi to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), raising serious security concerns. The attack, which targeted the iconic monument, killed three people. The UN monitoring team's report highlights AQIS's growing footprint in South Asia, including India. AQIS, established in 2014 under al-Qaeda's central leadership, aims to expand jihadi operations across the region. Indian agencies are reassessing the case in light of these revelations, reinforcing vigilance against cross-border terror networks.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's coast, killing at least 47 people and causing widespread destruction. The quake toppled buildings, triggered landslides, and left many trapped under rubble. Rescue teams rushed to affected areas as authorities issued tsunami warnings for coastal regions. Thousands were displaced, seeking shelter in evacuation centers. Hospitals were overwhelmed with injured survivors. Aftershocks continued to rattle the region, heightening fear among residents. Officials urged vigilance as search-and-rescue operations intensified across the hardest-hit zones.

The White House released a report naming India among countries allegedly enabling China to evade U.S. tariffs by serving as transit points for Chinese goods. The report suggests Chinese manufacturers reroute products through nations like India, Vietnam, and Mexico to bypass heavy tariffs imposed during the U.S.-China trade war. This puts India back in Washington's crosshairs amid ongoing trade tensions. The U.S. warns of potential countermeasures against countries facilitating such transshipments, raising concerns about diplomatic fallout and trade policy impacts on India-U.S. relations.

India and Bangladesh are engaged in diplomatic discussions regarding a potential visit by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman next week. Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former PM Khaleda Zia, has taken a prominent political role. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, addressing trade, border security, water-sharing, and regional cooperation. Both nations seek to enhance diplomatic relations amid evolving political dynamics in Bangladesh following recent governmental changes. Details of the agenda are being finalized.

Tukaram Mundhe, a well-known IAS officer famous for his no-nonsense and upright approach to administration, was asked whether anyone had ever attempted to bribe him. He confidently responded, "I don't think anyone would dare," reflecting his reputation as an honest and fearless bureaucrat. Mundhe has served in various capacities across Maharashtra and has often clashed with politicians and colleagues over corruption and inefficiency. His strict governance style has earned him both admiration from the public and frequent transfers by displeased political leaders. His statement reinforces his image as an incorruptible officer.

The Delhi High Court is hearing a case involving Dabur's honey labelling practices, where FSSAI's authority to regulate claims like "100% pure" on food products is being challenged. The case arose after allegations that Dabur's honey contained added sugar syrups despite purity claims. FSSAI argues it can regulate misleading labels under food safety laws. The outcome could set a major precedent, potentially banning exaggerated purity claims across all food products in India, reshaping packaging norms industry-wide.

A landmark study by economist Utsa Patnaik estimates Britain drained approximately $45 trillion (some estimates say $200 trillion adjusted) from India over nearly 200 years of colonial rule, representing roughly 27% of global GDP at its peak. The wealth was extracted through manipulative trade policies, taxation, and a rigged "drain system" where India's own export earnings were used to pay for British imports. This systematic looting funded Britain's industrialization while causing devastating famines and poverty in India, killing millions.

**India's Op Sindoor: Doval Reveals PM Modi's Directive**

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval disclosed that PM Modi's clear instruction for Operation Sindoor was to "go after terrorists wherever they are." The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, striking nine terror launch pads linked to groups responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists. Doval emphasized precision strikes aimed solely at terror assets, avoiding civilian casualties. India stated the operation was a necessary act of self-defense, signaling zero tolerance toward cross-border terrorism. Pakistan condemned the strikes, but India maintained it acted with restraint and shared evidence with global partners. The operation marked a significant escalation in India's counter-terror posture.

**पंजाब का कंपनी बाग: क्रांति की गवाही देता ऐतिहासिक स्थल**

पंजाब के इलाहाबाद (अब प्रयागराज) और अन्य शहरों की तर्ज पर कंपनी बाग का इतिहास खूनी रहा है। ब्रिटिश शासन के दौरान यहां भारतीय स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों को तोपों से बांधकर उड़ा दिया गया। बाग में मौजूद बरगद के पेड़ पर क्रांतिकारियों को फांसी दी गई। इस बाग का नाम 5 बार बदला गया - अंग्रेजों के समय से लेकर आजादी के बाद तक। यह स्थल 1857 की क्रांति और स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन की क्रूर यादों का साक्षी है। आज यह बाग शहीदों की कुर्बानी का प्रतीक है और राष्ट्रीय धरोहर के रूप में संरक्षित है।

In 1987, British naturalist Michael Betts became the first professional warden of Cousin Island in the Seychelles. The island served as a nature reserve managed by BirdLife International. In 1988, 29 Seychelles warblers, a critically endangered species with a population once as low as 26 birds confined to Cousin Island, were translocated to Aride Island to establish a new population. This pioneering conservation effort helped reduce extinction risk by creating a second viable population, significantly boosting the species' survival prospects.