India set a new record in biodiversity in 2025 by discovering 709 new animal species, surpassing the previous record of 683 in 2024. According to the Zoological Survey of India, 483 of these are entirely new to science, while 226 were recorded in India for the first time. Key discoveries include a long-tailed bat in Uttarakhand, a non-venomous snake named after Steve Irwin in Great Nicobar, and colorful lizards in Arunachal Pradesh. India now accounts for 5.3% of the world's recorded faunal diversity with a total of 1,05,953 species, maintaining its status as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/biological-wonder/article-38083

During the rainy season, high humidity and lack of sunlight lead to fungal and bacterial growth in shoes, causing infections like athlete's foot and bad odors. Experts suggest avoiding tight leather or canvas shoes and ensuring wet footwear is dried properly using newspapers in well-ventilated areas. To combat odor, baking soda, tea bags, or antifungal powders can be used. Maintaining hygiene by washing feet in salt water, wearing cotton socks, and keeping nails clean is essential for foot health. https://www.samayalive.in/health-news/take-care-of-your-feet/article-38081

A major tragedy was averted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, when a school bus carrying 25 students caught fire due to a short circuit. The alert driver noticed smoke from the engine and evacuated all children safely before the fire engulfed the entire vehicle. Although the bus was completely gutted and students lost their belongings like bags and books, no injuries or casualties were reported. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control. https://odishasambad.in/school-bus-in-rajasthans-jaisalmer-catches-fire-with-25-children-onboard/

According to Garuda Purana, recurring dreams, inexplicable fears, and sudden attractions to places or people are signs of past life memories. The scripture states that the soul is immortal and its next birth is determined by past deeds (Karma). While science lacks proof, the Purana explains that a soul doesn't immediately get a new body after death; the transition takes 3 to 11 days or more based on karma. Good deeds lead to a quicker rebirth. https://sambad.in/special/garuda-purana-rebirth-signs-past-life-soul-12250179

The use of nicotine pouches is rising rapidly among youth as a supposedly safe, smokeless alternative to cigarettes. However, health experts and WHO warn that these pouches are highly addictive and can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health problems. Despite being marketed as 'tobacco-free', they directly deliver nicotine into the bloodstream, creating a dependency that experts caution against using without medical advice. https://sambad.in/lifestyle/nicotine-pouch-use-rising-youth-health-risks-india-12246007

Millet is highly beneficial for health as it is rich in fiber, aiding digestion and preventing constipation. It provides steady energy throughout the day due to complex carbohydrates and helps in appetite control by keeping you full longer. Packed with essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, it supports overall health, helps maintain blood sugar levels, and contains plant-based protein for muscle maintenance. https://sambad.in/web-story/health-benefits-of-eating-millets-12250449

The Turkish parliament has approved a historic bill granting conditional amnesty to Kurdish rebels in a bid to end decades of bloody conflict that has claimed over 10,000 lives. Passed with 468 votes in favor, the law requires the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to surrender arms and disband. While investigations for non-serious offenses will be suspended for 5-10 years to aid reintegration, top leaders like Abdullah Ocalan and those convicted of planned murders before 2005 are excluded. Opposition leaders claim the move is aimed at extending President Erdogan's power, while supporters view it as a milestone for democracy and peace. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/turkey-kurdish-rebels-conditional-amnesty-bill-pkk-peace-process-12249706

Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed in front of the Banki and Dompara block offices due to potential unrest. The sub-collector took this decision following BJP's protest plan against the BDO's alleged arbitrary functioning and failure to address public grievances. Three platoons of police force have been deployed to maintain law and order. No untoward incidents have been reported so far. Separately, Iran and Germany discussed the Hormuz crisis via a hotline. https://sambad.in/district/cuttack/bns-163-in-block-offices-premises-12249696

A recent report presented in the Lok Sabha compares the safety of train and air travel in India. Data from the DGCA shows a significant rise in technical snags in aircraft, increasing from 514 in 2021 to 889 in 2025. Conversely, Indian Railways has seen an 88% reduction in accidents, dropping from 135 in 2014-15 to just 16 in 2025-26. The government has drastically increased the railway safety budget to over 1.20 lakh crore and is fast-tracking the 'Kavach' anti-collision system. While air technical glitches are high due to strict auditing, both sectors continue to prioritize passenger safety. https://odishasambad.in/train-or-plane-which-journey-is-safer-in-india-big-facts-came-from-the-lok-sabha-report/

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued new regulations banning the use of plastic and aluminum foil for packaging pan masala. Manufacturers are now required to use environment-friendly alternatives like tin, glass, paper, or paperboard. This amendment under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, aims to eliminate synthetic polymers and laminates from packaging, ensuring it is entirely plastic-free in compliance with environmental safety standards. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/pan-masala-plastic-packaging-ban-fssai-new-rules-12251695