In 2025, India reported significant biological discoveries with Kerala leading in new animal species findings, particularly in the Western Ghats. The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) recorded 353 plant species, including 221 entirely new to science. Arunachal Pradesh emerged as the leader in plant discoveries. Notable finds include a new fern variety, a wild custard apple species from the Western Ghats, and an edible 'tooth fungus', highlighting India's rich and evolving natural heritage. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/major-center-of-biodiversity/article-38084

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/

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

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

A historical comparison of India's economy and commodity prices from 1947 to present. At independence, 1 USD was equal to 3.30 INR, gold was 88 rupees per 10 grams, and 1 rupee could buy 8.5 liters of milk. The article highlights the significant inflation and economic growth over 79 years. https://www.dharitri.com/what-was-the-value-of-%E2%82%B91-in-1947-one-rupee-could-buy-9-kilograms-of-milk-and-a-weeks-worth-of-rations/

The FIH Men's and Women's Hockey World Cup, starting August 15 in Belgium and the Netherlands, will feature a new three-stage format. 16 teams divided into four pools will compete, where points from the opening round will carry forward to the next stage. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the second round, leading to the semifinals. Indian head coach Craig Fulton highlighted that this format makes every match critical, offering quarter-final-like opportunities to all participating teams. https://sambad.in/sports/new-hockey-world-cup-format-three-stage-tournament-2026-12250109

Rourkela Police busted an interstate cyber fraud gang operating in Odisha and Jharkhand, arresting four individuals from Deoghar. The gang, led by Jyotish Prasad Verma who operated under the guise of a momo shop, used fake APK files related to RTO, e-challan, and PM Kisan schemes to siphon money from victims' accounts. Police seized a car, mobile phones, and cash, while freezing 47 lakh rupees in bank accounts. The main accused has 31 criminal cases registered against him and used mule accounts for transactions worth 40-50 lakh rupees. https://sambad.in/state/interstate-cyber-fraud-gang-busted-4-arrested-from-jharkhand-47-lakh-frozen-12250803

The Central Government has introduced the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. If passed, this bill will prevent state governments from imposing additional taxes, cess, or royalties on mineral rights. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy presented the bill, which aims to increase central control over mining resources. This move is expected to significantly impact the revenue and financial autonomy of mineral-rich states like Odisha, raising concerns about federal financial relations. https://odishasambad.in/centre-introduces-bill-in-lok-sabha-to-restrict-states-from-imposing-taxes-on-mines-mineral-rights/

Malkangiri MLA Narasingha Madkami met Deputy CM and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida, demanding a grant of ₹12.50 crore for the development and renovation of the Yaduguda Shiva Temple. He submitted a written proposal and Detailed Project Report (DPR) focused on enhancing the temple surroundings, creating an eco-tourism hub, and improving basic facilities like lodging, roads, and electricity. The MLA emphasized that this project would boost tourism, preserve tribal culture, and create employment opportunities for locals. https://sambad.in/district/malkangiri/malkangiri-mla-seeks-rs-12-50-crore-yaduguda-shiva-temple-development-12251232