The Gates Foundation pledged $1 billion to ensure AI benefits reach underserved communities worldwide. Bill Gates warned that without intervention, AI could deepen global inequality, leaving poorer nations behind. The funding targets healthcare, education, and agriculture in developing countries.

Driven by global geopolitical tensions, a weakening US dollar, rising central bank buying, and strong investor demand for safe-haven assets, experts predict prices could hit this milestone soon. Factors like US-China trade war escalation, Federal Reserve rate cut expectations, and persistent inflation fears are fueling the rally. Domestic demand during wedding and festive seasons adds further momentum. Analysts advise investors to adopt a staggered buying approach rather than lump-sum investments.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for reforming multilateral institutions to reflect current global realities. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, he emphasized that outdated structures like the UN Security Council need restructuring to ensure fair representation and effective global governance.

The Supreme Court referred to a larger bench the question of whether civil courts can adjudicate trademark infringement suits or if only commercial courts have exclusive jurisdiction under the Commercial Courts Act. This issue arose due to conflicting interpretations across High Courts regarding jurisdiction over intellectual property disputes involving trademarks.

India and New Zealand are negotiating a free-trade agreement to boost bilateral trade by reducing tariffs on goods and services. The deal aims to enhance market access for Indian IT, pharma exports while New Zealand seeks dairy, agriculture entry into India.

India's exports to China surged 40%, driven by iron ore, marine products, and electronics. Despite this growth, China's trade surplus with India remains massive, exceeding $85 billion. Experts say sustained diversification and policy support are needed to meaningfully narrow the deficit and reduce dependency on Chinese imports.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin expanded the Kamarajar Free Breakfast Scheme to more government schools. After launching the expanded program, he sat and dined with students, emphasizing his commitment to child nutrition and education. The scheme provides free nutritious breakfast to primary school children, aiming to reduce malnutrition and improve attendance across the state.

Two newborns died in a fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) ward of Adilabad Government Hospital, Telangana. The fire reportedly broke out due to an electrical short circuit. Hospital staff and rescuers saved 28 other children. Authorities ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that consumers won't bear any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions. The government will absorb MDR costs to promote digital payments. This ensures UPI remains free for users, encouraging cashless economy growth across India.

# Scrub Typhus Explained

Scrub typhus is a bacterial disease caused by *Orientia tsutsugamushi*, spread through bites of infected chigger mites found in dense vegetation. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and a dark scab (eschar) at the bite site. It's common in the Asia-Pacific "tsutsugamushi triangle." Without timely antibiotic treatment (doxycycline), it can cause organ failure and death. Recent outbreaks in India have raised concern, especially in rural areas during monsoon season when mite activity peaks. Early diagnosis and awareness are key to prevention.

During the BRICS Summit in Goa (2016), controversy arose over India serving an all-vegetarian menu to world leaders. Amid this debate, a book highlighted how state banquets historically reflect diplomacy, culture, and power, noting food choices carry political significance in international relations.

A 91-year-old woman in Karnataka, India, died after being attacked by a monkey. The animal pushed her, causing her to fall and sustain severe injuries. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The incident highlights rising human-monkey conflicts in the region.

# हाईकोर्ट का बड़ा फैसला: अनारक्षित पद ≠ जनरल कैटेगरी कोटा

हाईकोर्ट ने प्रमोशन से जुड़े एक अहम मामले में फैसला सुनाया कि अनारक्षित पद का मतलब जनरल कैटेगरी का कोटा नहीं है। कोर्ट ने स्पष्ट किया कि अनारक्षित पदों पर सभी वर्गों के उम्मीदवार—चाहे SC, ST, OBC या जनरल—योग्यता के आधार पर प्रमोशन पाने के हकदार हैं। यह पद किसी एक वर्ग के लिए आरक्षित नहीं माना जा सकता। अक्सर विभागों में अनारक्षित पदों को सिर्फ सामान्य वर्ग का मानकर आरक्षित वर्ग के कर्मचारियों को प्रमोशन से वंचित किया जाता था। कोर्ट ने इसे गलत ठहराते हुए कहा कि अनारक्षित का अर्थ है कि वह पद सबके लिए खुला है, न कि केवल जनरल कैटेगरी के लिए सुरक्षित। इस फैसले से आरक्षित वर्ग के कर्मचारियों को प्रमोशन में न्याय मिलेगा और विभागों को नियमों का सही पालन करना होगा। यह

Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Czech Republic, known as the Visegrad Four (V4), have expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. This backing strengthens India's long-standing demand for UNSC reform.

An IIT Bombay student reportedly died under suspicious circumstances on campus, sparking outrage. Family alleges foul play and institutional negligence. Students and activists demand a CBI probe for transparent investigation. Questions arise over campus safety, mental health support, and administrative accountability. Political leaders join calls for justice.