The adoption process in India remains lengthy, with an average wait time of three and a half years for infants. Despite the number of adoptions reaching over 4,500 in 2024-25, thousands of prospective parents continue to wait anxiously, with the demand for younger children far exceeding available orphans for adoption.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy emphasized that building large teams is not the path to advancement, urging employees to achieve more with fewer resources. He highlighted the importance of meritocracy and the need for agility, urging staff to prioritize customer impact over bureaucracy.
Routine health check-ups can save lives, as evidenced by 46-year-old Sheetal Thakur, whose early-detected breast cancer was treated successfully. Despite such benefits, only 1.3% of Indian women undergo mammography due to lack of awareness and unfounded radiation fears, hindering early cancer detection.
Supreme Court reprimanded the Telangana CM and assembly speaker over alleged MLA defections. The court asserted its power to enforce the anti-defection law, especially when the speaker delays disqualification decisions. The bench highlighted its role as a constitutional protector and warned against making a mockery of the 10th Schedule.
ASAR Social Impact Advisors clarified that it received Rs 8 crore from USAID for services provided under a Clean Air Better Health project with CEEW. The company denied receiving any foreign direct investment and affirmed full compliance with legal requirements amid an ongoing investigation by authorities.
US President Donald Trump announced significant tariffs on imports, including a 34% tax on Chinese goods and 20% on the European Union. The move, aimed at reducing trade deficits and bolstering American manufacturing, has sparked concerns about potential global trade wars and rising consumer prices. Several US allies are considering retaliatory measures, which could impact diplomatic relations.
Authorities in Haridwar are relocating all butcher shops outside municipal limits to improve sanitation and control stray dogs. Around 100 shops, mostly in Jwalapur and Jagjeetpur, will be affected. Validly licensed shops will move to a new site in Sarai village while illegal ones will be sealed. Residents have long complained about the poor hygiene of these shops.
Pakistani soldiers violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch, J&K. Indian troops responded effectively, maintaining control over the situation. This incident follows earlier breaches and highlights ongoing security concerns with 70 to 80 Pakistani terrorists currently active in the region.
Over 300 development projects in Jammu & Kashmir received forest clearance, promoting infrastructure and economic growth. This includes road networks, water supply schemes, and 4G saturation. Necessary compensatory afforestation will be undertaken to maintain ecological balance.
The Deesa firecracker factory blast, which killed 21 people, was caused by the deliberate negligence of Khubchand Mohanani and his son Deepak, who instructed workers to keep the shutters closed to avoid detection. The explosion was triggered by the presence of aluminum powder used in the production of firecrackers.
A US national, Mykhailo Viktorvych Polyakov, was arrested for entering prohibited North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was remanded to custody with video evidence confirming his visit. Polyakov claimed to be a thrill seeker and had previously attempted similar actions, including making contact with isolated tribes.
