Two baby orangutans rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Indonesia received thorough health check-ups after one developed a fever, raising concerns among caregivers. Wildlife veterinarians at a rehabilitation center monitored both infants closely, administering treatment and ensuring they were stable. The orangutans, likely orphaned due to deforestation and poaching, are being nursed back to health with hopes of eventual reintroduction into the wild. Conservation groups highlighted the ongoing threats to critically endangered orangutan populations.

Jammu & Kashmir Police successfully busted a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module, arresting three individuals and recovering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from their possession. The arrests were made during a joint operation by security forces aimed at dismantling terror networks operating in the region. The seized IED was intended for a potential terror attack targeting security forces or civilians. Authorities are interrogating the suspects to uncover further links and prevent future threats.

U.S. Treasury 10-year note yields surged to a 19-year high as investors braced for the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision. Markets widely anticipated another rate hike as the Fed continued its aggressive monetary tightening campaign to combat persistent inflation. Rising yields reflected expectations of prolonged higher rates, increasing borrowing costs across mortgages, loans, and corporate debt. Bond prices fell inversely as yields climbed. The move signaled investor concern that the Fed's hawkish stance could slow economic growth while prioritizing price stability over recession risks.

Heavy rain lashed several parts of Bengaluru, causing severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions across the city. Key roads and underpasses were submerged, leading to massive gridlocks during peak hours. Commuters faced hours-long delays as vehicles waded through flooded streets. Several areas reported power outages and uprooted trees. The city's stormwater drains overflowed due to the downpour's intensity. Authorities deployed disaster response teams to clear waterlogged zones and assist stranded motorists. The IMD issued further rainfall warnings for the region.

The Indian government has clarified that UPI payments made through credit cards will not attract the proposed 0.4% fee, easing concerns among users. This exemption applies to credit card-linked UPI transactions, ensuring they remain cost-free like regular UPI payments. The clarification came after confusion arose regarding potential charges on such transactions. Currently, UPI transactions are zero-cost for users under government policy to promote digital payments. This move aims to boost credit card adoption on UPI platforms like RuPay, encouraging wider digital payment usage across India.

**President Revokes CRPF DIG's Suspension**

President Droupadi Murmu revoked the suspension of CRPF DIG Sanjukta Parashar, who was suspended for sending messages opposing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) unification act. The DIG had reportedly circulated messages criticizing the proposed legislation aimed at integrating various central paramilitary forces. The Presidential intervention came after reviewing the case, finding the suspension disproportionate. This highlights ongoing debate within security forces regarding the CAPF restructuring plan, which many officers fear could affect service conditions and identity of individual forces like CRPF, BSF, and CISF.

India's consumer protection body CCPA is investigating Apple after numerous complaints that iOS 18 updates caused iPhones to malfunction, including performance issues and battery drain. Consumers allege Apple refused free repairs, claiming software damage isn't covered under warranty. The CCPA is examining whether Apple's warranty terms are unfair and violate consumer rights under Indian law. The probe could force Apple to revise its warranty policies in India, potentially covering software-induced hardware issues. Apple has not yet publicly responded to the investigation.

The Supreme Court has permitted the Kerala High Court to continue execution proceedings in the long-standing Kashi Math property dispute case. The Kashi Math, a prominent religious institution, has been involved in legal battles over property rights in Kerala. The apex court refused to stay the High Court's execution proceedings, allowing enforcement of earlier court orders related to the disputed properties. This decision enables the rightful claimants to proceed with recovering possession as per previous judgments, marking a significant development in the decades-old litigation involving the Math's extensive properties in Kerala.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) highlighted that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government has made the fight against drugs and gangsters its top priority since coming to power. The party emphasized significant crackdowns, including thousands of drug-related arrests, seizure of narcotics worth crores, and strict action against gangsters and their networks. AAP credited Mann's leadership for restoring law and order, dismantling drug supply chains, and ensuring Punjab's safety through dedicated policing and zero-tolerance policies against organized crime.

Brent crude surged past $109 per barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Recent drone attacks targeted key Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure, raising fears of supply disruptions. Simultaneously, heightened tensions with Iran threatened critical shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes daily. These developments spooked energy markets, as traders priced in risk premiums. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, faces growing security challenges that could tighten global supply and push fuel prices higher worldwide.

India's 10-year government bond yields have risen above 7%, driven by global rate uncertainties, fiscal deficit concerns, and RBI's monetary policy stance. This creates an attractive opportunity for debt fund investors, particularly in the 3–5 year maturity segment. This duration offers a balanced risk-reward, benefiting from higher accrual income while limiting interest rate sensitivity compared to longer-duration funds. If RBI cuts rates ahead, these funds stand to gain from capital appreciation. Short-to-medium duration funds, corporate bond funds, and dynamic bond funds in this segment are well-positioned. Investors with a 2–3 year horizon can lock in elevated yields, making it an ideal entry point amid rate cycle transitions.

Rahul Gandhi held a key meeting with Congress general secretaries and in-charges amid growing speculation of a major organizational reshuffle within the party. The meeting, held at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, focused on strengthening the party's grassroots structure ahead of upcoming state elections. Sources suggest the reshuffle aims to inject fresh energy, replace underperforming leaders, and appoint younger faces in crucial roles. The move signals Congress's intent to revamp its organizational machinery to counter the BJP's dominance.

Tamil Nadu fishermen strongly oppose the state government's plan to construct a new Secretariat complex at Foreshore Estate in Chennai. Fishermen communities argue the project threatens their livelihoods, displaces coastal settlements, and violates Coastal Regulation Zone norms. They fear construction near the shoreline will restrict sea access and damage the marine ecosystem. Fishing unions have demanded the government reconsider the location, citing environmental concerns and potential erosion risks. Protests were held urging authorities to protect coastal communities' rights and choose an alternative inland site for the Secretariat building.

**US Space Weapons Revelation**

The United States has disclosed it has deployed weapons in space, marking a significant escalation in military strategy. This revelation raises concerns about an arms race beyond Earth's atmosphere. The move potentially violates the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Experts warn this could provoke rival nations like China and Russia to accelerate their own space militarization programs, threatening global security and peaceful space exploration efforts.

India's urban female unemployment rate has slightly increased despite overall improvements in the broader labour market. Recent data shows more women entering the workforce, but job creation hasn't kept pace with this growing participation. While urban male unemployment and general jobless rates have declined, women continue to face structural barriers including limited opportunities, skill mismatches, and sectoral constraints. Experts suggest targeted skilling programs and flexible work policies are needed to bridge this gap and ensure inclusive economic growth for women in urban areas.