India is set to host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September 2025, as current chair of the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Key issues include reforming global governance institutions, expanding multilateral cooperation, de-dollarization and alternative payment systems, counterterrorism, climate change, and digital transformation. India aims to balance geopolitical tensions, especially between Russia-China and the West, while promoting the Global South's interests. The summit's theme centers on strengthening economic collaboration and equitable development among emerging economies.

A US lawmaker has criticized India's amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), calling them a "clear attack on Christians." The stricter FCRA rules have tightened regulations on foreign funding to NGOs and religious organizations, impacting many Christian charities operating in India. The lawmaker warned these changes could strain US-India bilateral relations, as several American-funded organizations have been affected. Critics argue India is using FCRA to suppress minority religious groups and civil society, while India maintains the rules ensure transparency and prevent foreign interference.

India's Navigation satellite NVS-03 is ready for launch, with three more satellites to follow, announced Union Space Minister Jitendra Singh. NVS-03 is part of India's NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system, which provides accurate position, navigation, and timing services. NavIC serves both civilian and strategic purposes. The upcoming launches aim to strengthen and expand India's indigenous navigation network, reducing dependence on foreign systems like GPS, enhancing coverage and reliability for users across the region.

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina praised Indian PM Narendra Modi, expressing gratitude for India's unwavering support to Bangladesh. During her stay in India after fleeing Bangladesh amid political unrest in August 2024, Hasina acknowledged that India treated her with full dignity as a head of state. She highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, emphasizing India's role during Bangladesh's liberation and continued cooperation. Her comments came amid political turmoil in Bangladesh following her ouster.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with leaders of ethnic minority parties, emphasizing the importance of building a "national consensus" for drafting a new Constitution. The talks aimed to address long-standing ethnic grievances, particularly of Tamil and Muslim communities, and promote inclusivity in governance. Dissanayake stressed that constitutional reform must reflect the aspirations of all communities, ensuring unity and reconciliation. The move signals his commitment to resolving ethnic tensions through dialogue and participatory democratic processes.

India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS summit, signaling strengthened bilateral ties and South Asian diplomacy. The invitation reflects India's efforts to enhance regional cooperation and integrate neighboring nations into broader multilateral platforms. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded its membership. Bangladesh's participation as a guest could boost its global standing and economic partnerships. The move underscores India's strategic outreach in South Asia amid growing geopolitical competition.

US Congressman Riley Moore criticised India's proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendments, raising concerns about restrictions on foreign-funded NGOs and their impact on civil liberties and religious freedoms in India. He urged the US government to address this issue with Indian authorities. However, India's Centre firmly rejected these allegations, calling them interference in internal affairs. The government defended FCRA regulations as necessary to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds by organisations operating within India.

A farmer's son from Rajasthan achieved remarkable success by securing 12 government jobs before finally cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination to become an IPS officer. Despite humble beginnings and financial struggles, his relentless determination drove him to keep attempting competitive exams. He cleared multiple state and central level exams, joining various posts, but his ultimate dream was UPSC. After years of persistent hard work and self-study, he achieved his goal, inspiring millions of aspirants from rural backgrounds to never give up on their dreams.

The US military's extensive missile strikes against Iranian targets have significantly depleted critical weapons stockpiles, sparking alarm among defense officials and analysts about America's readiness for a potential conflict with China. Key precision-guided munitions, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched weapons, have been consumed at rates exceeding production capacity. Defense experts warn replenishment could take years, leaving the US vulnerable in the Indo-Pacific. Congress is pressing for accelerated production, but supply chain bottlenecks persist, raising strategic concerns.

India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Yunus Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS summit, signaling strengthened bilateral ties and South Asia's growing role in the multilateral bloc. The invitation reflects India's strategic outreach to its neighboring country amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded its membership. Rahman's potential attendance could boost regional cooperation on trade, security, and development. This move underscores India's leadership in fostering inclusive diplomacy within the Global South framework.

**उत्तराखंड में 8300 साल पुरानी मानव सभ्यता के प्रमाण मिले हैं। पुरातत्वविदों ने खुदाई में प्राचीन औजार, मिट्टी के बर्तन और अनाज के अवशेष खोजे हैं, जो साबित करते हैं कि उस समय इंसान यहां शिकार के साथ-साथ खेती भी करता था और परिवार पालता था। शोधकर्ताओं का दावा है कि ये उत्तराखंड में अब तक मिले सबसे पुराने मानव बसावट के साक्ष्य हैं। इससे पता चलता है कि हिमालयी क्षेत्र में सभ्यता का विकास पहले की धारणाओं से कहीं पहले हो चुका था।**

# Vishwesh Negi: India's Next Ambassador to Iran

Vishwesh Negi is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer appointed as India's next Ambassador to Iran. He succeeds the previous envoy in Tehran. Negi, a career diplomat, has served in various capacities within India's Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions abroad. His appointment comes at a crucial time as India-Iran relations involve key issues like the Chabahar port development, energy cooperation, trade, and regional security concerns. He is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

**IPS शैलजा दास: छात्रों की सुरक्षा की मिसाल**

जब पूरे देश में कोचिंग संस्थानों और स्कूलों में छात्रों की पिटाई और उत्पीड़न के मामले सुर्खियों में हैं, तब बिहार की IPS अफसर शैलजा दास की जमकर तारीफ हो रही है। शैलजा दास बिहार कैडर की वरिष्ठ IPS अधिकारी हैं जिन्होंने छात्रों के उत्पीड़न के मामलों में सख्त कार्रवाई की। उन्होंने छात्रों की शिकायतों को गंभीरता से लेते हुए दोषी शिक्षकों और संस्थानों के खिलाफ तत्काल कानूनी कार्रवाई सुनिश्चित की। उनके संवेदनशील और निडर रवैये ने सोशल मीडिया पर उन्हें हीरो बना दिया। लोग उनकी प्रशंसा कर रहे हैं कि जब व्यवस्था चुप रहती है, तब शैलजा जैसे अफसर बच्चों के अधिकारों के लिए खड़े होते हैं। उनका कहना है कि बच्चों की सुरक्षा सर्वोपरि है और किसी भी शिक्षक को मारपीट का अधिकार नहीं।

Throughout history, powerful religions shaped entire civilizations before disappearing. Tengrism unified Mongol and Turkic empires under sky-god worship. Ancient Egyptian religion, centered on Ra and Osiris, guided pharaohs for millennia before fading after Roman conquest. Manichaeism, blending Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism, spread across continents before persecution erased it. The Canaanite religion, worshipping Baal and El, influenced early Abrahamic faiths yet vanished as monotheism rose. These faiths shaped laws, culture, and governance profoundly.

India's Sarnath, the sacred Buddhist site near Varanasi where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes it India's 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sarnath features the iconic Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar. UNESCO criteria for inclusion require sites to represent masterpieces of human genius, exhibit cultural interchange, or bear unique testimony to civilisations. India's other sites include Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, and Kaziranga.