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

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

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

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

Cuttack Vigilance has arrested Sarat Kumar Nayak, the suspended secretary of Anandpur Service Cooperative Society in Banki, for allegedly misappropriating over ₹21 lakh belonging to farmers. Following repeated complaints and dissatisfaction with local administrative action, farmers approached the Vigilance department. After a thorough investigation confirmed the financial fraud, the secretary was apprehended today. https://www.dharitri.com/suspended-secretary-of-anantapur-cooperative-society-arrested-in-vigilance-trap/

Three crew members, including two Pakistanis and one Indonesian, were killed following an attack on a Tanzania-flagged cargo ship named Tihamah in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The ship was traveling from Salalah, Oman to Djibouti. While Houthi rebels are suspected, they haven't officially claimed responsibility yet. The strait is a critical global trade route. Additionally, the report mentions a failed Chinese rocket launch that exploded during flight. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/attack-on-ship-in-bab-el-mandeb-strait-3-crew-members-killed-12251829