The Indian Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) to enhance train safety with the installation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-based inspection systems. The Ministry of Railways has termed this a significant step toward adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve service efficiency and automate the maintenance of rolling stock. The MoU was signed for the installation of a Machine Vision-Based Inspection System (MVIS) for monitoring the health of rolling stock. MVIS is equipped with technologies that capture high-resolution images of the under-gear of moving trains and automatically detect any hanging, loose, or missing components. On the detection of anomalies, the system generates real-time alerts to facilitate prompt response and preventive action. DFCCIL will be responsible for the procurement, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of four MVIS units. The technology is expected to significantly enhance the safety of train operations, reduce manual inspection, and help avoid potential accidents and service disruptions.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and BITS-Pilani have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch professional development programs in cybersecurity for professionals across government, public sector and industry. The Ministry has termed this initiative a significant step towards further strengthening the country’s cyber defense capabilities and building a skilled cyber security workforce. The collaboration aims to address the growing demand for structured, high-impact capacity building in cyber security in view of the evolving digital threats and cyber security challenges. The program will begin on 19th July and is open to professionals.

India sprinter Animesh Kujur smashed the 100m national record with an incredible timing of 10.18 seconds at the Dromia International Sprint and Relays Meeting in Greece on Saturday.

Sprinting in the second heat of the competition, the 22-year-old Kujur became the first ever Indian to register a sub-10.20 second timing in 100m, bettering Gurindervir Singh's earlier 100m national record of 10.20 seconds in the meet at Vari, a suburb of the Greek capital Athens.

Sotirios Garagganis of Greece (10.23s) and Samuli Samuelsson (10.28s) were second and third respectively in the World Athletics Continental Tour silver label meet.

The Kerala Fisheries department has awarded Kasaragod district the Fisheries department Excellence Award 2025, recognising its achievements in the fisheries sector under the Popular Fish Farming Project.

Kasaragod was adjudged the best district in the State, while two local fish farmers also securing awards in individual categories. Ravi P.P. from Padanna won the second place in the Best Backwater Fish Seed Production Farmer category and Sea Pearl Aquafarm of Kumbala secured the third place for Best Innovative Fish Farming.

The awards are part of the annual State Farmer Awards, instituted to honour exceptional contributions in aquaculture across Kerala.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy today released operational guidelines of ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’ for the convergence of DMF initiatives with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programmes (ABP). These guidelines are designed to strategically align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) planning and implementation with the development priorities identified under ADP and ABP, which focus on improving socio-economic indicators in India’s most underserved regions. This was launched at the ‘National DMF Workshop’ held at New Delhi today.

The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, and Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, with participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Mines, other concerned Ministries, representatives from DMF districts, State DMF Nodal Officers, and officials from line Ministries. A total of 152 DMFs were represented in the event. 62 District collectors attended the workshop.

The world’s first-ever malaria treatment suitable for babies and very young children has been approved for use. Drug manufacturer Novartis has received approval from Swiss authorities for its new malaria drug named Coartem. The development of the drug is very significant, as the overwhelming majority of malaria-related deaths occur in the under-five age group. Following this development, production and distribution of the drug are expected to start in the next few weeks in Africa. Most malaria-related deaths are recorded on the African continent. Malaria accounted for more than half a million deaths worldwide in 2023. Until now, babies were treated with an experimental dosage of the drug meant for older children, putting them at several risks, including overdose and more.

Retired IPS officer and columnist V.S. Ravi launched his book Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict at a gathering marked by intellectual warmth and camaraderie. The event, held in Hyderabad on Monday, July 7 and moderated by former IPS officer B. Krishna Rao, brought together an audience of former bureaucrats, scholars, and literature enthusiasts who share Ravi’s reverence for the Bard.

The book, a culmination of Mr. Ravi’s lifelong engagement with William Shakespeare’s works, was praised as both erudite and deeply personal. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary S. Chakravarthy offered a memorable tribute, stating, “Ravi breathes, inhales and exhales Shakespeare. He has pierced through Shakespeare to get the real essence. He is not just a reader, he is an addict.”

In his address, the author, Mr. Ravi recounted memories from visits to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare and recitations at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Mr. Ravi narrated incidents such as stunning a group of tourists with verses from Hamlet and quoting Shakespeare during a car ride with Nobel laureate C.F. Powell. “I have recited Shakespeare in places where nobody ever did. Every word he wrote shines with incandescent luminosity,” he said.

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen reacted to his SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz win in Croatia on Sunday, July 6. After the final standings of the tournament were made official, Carlsen said on social media that his “B-game was enough” on days when others did not do something exceptional.

Magnus, who lost the Rapid title in the competition to India's D. Gukesh, came back strongly in the Blitz section of the tournament, helping him win the combined title. He took a dig at his critics with a meme before deleting the post.

“When nobody else has a great performance, my B-game is usually enough. Always striving for more though!” Magnus tweeted out for the second time after his win.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a sharp increase in its business and brand value this year, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerging as the most valuable franchise.

A report released by investment bank Houlihan Lokey said the IPL’s business value rose by 13% in 2025 to $18.5 billion, which is nearly Rs 1.6 lakh crore. At the same time, the brand value of the league increased by 14% to nearly $4 billion, or about Rs 33,000 crore.

For the first time in its 18-year history, RCB lifted the IPL trophy this season. That win, along with strong off-field performance, helped the team become the most valued franchise in terms of brand value. RCB is now worth $269 million, according to the report.

The UAE's updated golden visa program, offering lifetime residency to Indians for Rs 23 lakh from the previous requirement of Rs 4 crore, has generated a massive buzz on social media. But, why would the UAE, one of the richest nations globally, make such a move?

Initially started in 2019, the UAE golden visa scheme was mostly aimed towards attracting investors and entrepreneurs. The policy requires individuals to invest at least Rs 4.67 crore in business or real estate in the country.

As per the earlier policy, the visa had to be renewed after 5-10 years. Moreover, if the said property is sold, the individual's visa will be revoked. That's no longer a concern with the new golden visa, which offers lifetime residency in the UAE.