The Times of India

India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious 20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.

India has reported no Ebola cases, despite the WHO declaring it a public health emergency. The health ministry has strengthened nationwide surveillance and preparedness measures, including sharing detailed SOPs with states and Union Territories. The country has prior experience in handling similar outbreaks.

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used the Hindi phrase 'parishram hi safalta ki kunji hai' to describe the growing India-Italy ties, emphasizing hard work as key to success. The two nations upgraded their bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, unveiling a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029, aiming for a 20 billion euro trade target.

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India and Italy elevated their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on AI, space, and innovation. Meanwhile, Kerala's new cabinet ministers were assigned portfolios, and the WHO warned of a high local Ebola risk in Congo and Uganda, though the global threat remains low. Disturbing reports from Afghanistan reveal families selling daughters due to extreme poverty.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad has urged state governments to prohibit namaz on roads, citing constitutional and judicial directives. The organization also called on religious leaders to encourage adherence to the law, warning against practices that disrupt public life and traffic. This appeal comes amidst increased administrative scrutiny of public prayers ahead of Eid.

The Supreme Court has upheld the Centre's decision to conduct caste enumeration in the upcoming 2027 Census, stating there is othing wrong with it. A bench led by the Chief Justice emphasized that such data is crucial for the government to identify backward classes and implement effective welfare measures. This marks the first comprehensive caste count since 1931.

Medical students in India are set to gain more exposure to clinical research, ethics, and scientific writing through a new NMC-ICMR initiative. The program aims to integrate research into medical education and patient care, with AI also being explored for data analysis and predictive modeling in medical research.

Bees are vital pollinators, crucial for global food security and ecosystems, yet face severe threats from climate change, pesticides, and habitat loss. Their declining populations, particularly in India, signal a critical ecological crisis. Urgent action is needed from farmers and citizens to protect these essential insects.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advice to cut fuel use and avoid gold purchases, accusing him of burdening common citizens while undertaking expensive foreign trips. Gandhi alleged that inflation and economic distress will worsen, with industrialists benefiting from rising fuel prices and the country heading towards a major economic crisis.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting toffees to Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Rome, while accusing him of laughing and filming reels amid the struggles of farmers, youth, women, workers, and small traders in India. Gandhi deemed the gesture a farce and not leadership, contrasting it with an economic storm brewing domestically.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay desires a unified cabinet, including supporting parties, amidst alliance strains. Cracks appeared as CPM threatened to withdraw support if rebel AIADMK MLAs are inducted, citing a mandate for clean governance. The TVK government, formed with outside support, faces a crucial decision on cabinet expansion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni for dinner and a walk through the Colosseum upon his arrival in Rome. The leaders exchanged perspectives on boosting India-Italy friendship, with their discussions taking on a relaxed tone against the historic backdrop. Modi also received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Italy.