India gained 2,66,000 hectares of forest area annually from 2010 to 2020, securing the third spot among the top 10 countries with the most significant forest area gains during this period, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

The report, released on July 22, said China led the world with the maximum forest area gain of 19,37,000 hectares, followed by Australia with 4,46,000 hectares, and India. Other countries in the top 10 include Chile, Vietnam, Turkey, the United States, France, Italy and Romania.

The UN agency praised India for its efforts in restoring degraded lands and expanding agroforestry through innovative approaches. This includes the development of a new national policy aimed at better-supporting agroforestry in the country.

The Israeli parliament gave preliminary approval on Monday to a bill that declares the main United Nations relief organisation for Palestinians a terrorist organisation and proposes to sever relations with the body.

The vote against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) is the latest step in a Israeli push against the agency, which Israeli leaders have accused of collaborating with the Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza.

The bill was approved in a first reading and will be returned to the foreign affairs and defence committee for further deliberation, the Knesset information service said.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) had issued a call for articles and success stories for its upcoming issue of “Gramoday Sankalp” magazine, focusing on the theme “Viksit Bharat and Role of Panchayats.”

In a letter dated June 26, 2024, the Economic Adviser of MoPR emphasized the magazine’s role in disseminating information about various government schemes. The ministry was reaching out to different departments and organizations for contributions that highlighted the impact of Panchayats in India’s development journey.

The MoPR had requested that articles, success stories, and inspirational narratives be submitted by July 15, 2024. Contributors were asked to include at least five high-definition color photographs with their submissions. The ministry had provided specific email addresses for submission, ensuring a streamlined process for content collection.

This initiative came as part of the government’s broader efforts to showcase the pivotal role of Panchayats in achieving the vision of a developed India. The magazine served as a platform to share best practices and innovative approaches implemented at the grassroots level.

ALFA Hockey, Asia’s no 1 manufacturer of field hockey sticks and accessories, is proud to announce the launch of its #BankeDikhaAlpha campaign. The groundbreaking campaign is designed to generate nationwide support and enthusiasm for the national hockey team as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. ALFA Hockey stands out as the only brand in India to have launched a dedicated hockey campaign.

The #BankeDikhaAlpha campaign has made remarkable progress in uniting hockey enthusiasts and reigniting passion for the sport through various events, digital engagements, and grassroots programs. The campaign kicked off with an inspiring video featuring prominent players such as Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Shamsher Singh, Rajkumar Pal, Pr Sreejesh, Abhishek Nain, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh and Sukjit SinghThe video captures the weight of expectations, courage, and the unwavering belief in winning gold at the Paris Olympics. Following this, a series of smaller videos highlighted players showcasing their attacking and defensive skills. The campaign’s highlight featured the celebrated PR Sreejesh, the backbone of Indian hockey, who has been long associated with ALFA Hockey. Apart from sponsoring Indian players Alfa also sponsors international players from France, Poland and Argentina.

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur on Sunday achieved an elusive feat and leapfrogged former Australia skipper Meg Lanning to become the second-highest run-getter in women's T20Is.

Harmanpreet Kaur achieved the landmark when she played a 66-run knock from 47 balls at a strike rate of 140.43 against United Arab Emirates women in the Women's Asia Cup 2024.

In Women's T20Is, Harmanpreet has 3415 runs after playing 171 matches and 152 innings. Meanwhile, Meg Lanning holds third place in the chart with 3405 runs in T20Is. Only New Zealand batter Suzie Bates stands ahead of Harmanpreet Kaur and has scored 4348 in T20Is.

The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a Bill to curb irregularities and unfair means in various public examinations held in the state. Chief Minister Pema Khandu introduced the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures to Prevent Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday (July 19) tabled the "Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures to Prevent Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2024," which has strict provisions for punishment like imprisonment and penalties, debarring of candidates from appearing in recruitment examinations as well as attachment and confiscation of property.

The Bill has a provision for special courts for the speedy trial of such offences. It incorporates stringent penalties and imprisonment with the imposition of a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.

In Telangana, a unique model for TB-Free Municipalities under the Project Swasthya Nagaram, has been launched yesterday in Hyderabad. Under the collaborative initiative of State Tuberculosis Cell, Municipal Corporations of Peerzadiguda, Boduppal and Pocharam in Medchal Malkajgiri district, Central TB Division, WHO India USAID and others, the project aimed at achieving TB-free municipalities.

The stakeholders informed that the innovative approach will demonstrate ending TB in an urban setting where social determinants have huge impact on increasing the TB burden with an approach of surveillance, prevention, complete cascade of quality TB care with engagement of multi stakeholders.

The model will be implemented in urban settings of Peerzadiguda, Boduppal and Pocharam Municipal Corporation over a period of 3 years aiming at bringing down one third of TB incidence, and bringing down TB related mortality. Commissioner Health and Family Welfare and Managing Director National Health Mission RV Karnan formally launched the ‘Swasthya Nagaram’ project. The Union, Programme Director Dr. Jyoti Jaju said the innovative programme is a significant step towards combating TB and promoting community well-being as it will provide free medical care to the patients along with counselling for the family members.

In a bid to push employment in manufacturing and job creation in formal sectors of the economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Tuesday announced three employment-linked incentive (ELI) schemes for two years and an internship programme in partnership with India Inc for five years in the Union Budget for 2024-25.

The thrust on employment and job creation in the formal sector is the first clear acknowledgement of the unemployment challenge, a hot-button issue in the Lok Sabha election campaign. There is growing concern over rising unemployment and a shift of workers towards agriculture and other informal sectors after the pandemic.

The National Jal Jeevan Mission achieved a historic milestone today providing tap water connections to 15 crore rural households across the country. The Mission has showcased unprecedented speed and scale increasing rural tap connection coverage from three crore in 2019 to 15 crore in a short span of five years. The mission was announced in 2019, with the aim to provide a tap water supply to every rural home by 2024.

In a post on social media post, Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil said, this milestone has not only given a gift of pure water to the countrymen but also improved their quality of life. As of date, eight States and three Union Territories have achieved 100 per cent coverage. This includes Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Mini-Ratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, has shared an achievement of a landmark in its 25th year of incorporation by entering the coveted group of Scheduled 'A' Public Sector Undertakings of the Government of India.

The Ministry of Railways, through an office memorandum dated July 19, 2024, announced the upgrade of IRCTC from 'Schedule B' to 'Schedule A' Category, Central Public Sector Enterprises.

On this occasion, Sanjay Kumar Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of IRCTC, said, "IRCTC's promotion to a 'Schedule A' category PSU is indeed a significant achievement as it signifies IRCTC's robust performance. This recognition reflects positively on IRCTC's management, operations, and contribution to the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors under the Ministry of Railways. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with IRCTC over its 25-year journey."