US citizen, ‘Chinese blood’: top biologist Yuan Junying caught in debate over returnees

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved significant proposals for infrastructure and business support across India. The government will allocate ₹3,230 crores for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum in New Delhi. A metro rail project linking Noida and Greater Noida will receive ₹2,390 crores for development. Additionally, ₹62,370 crores will be set aside for NBS rates on fertilizers for the Rabi 2026-27 season.

Pankaj Chaudhary condemned the opposition's recent protests, stating they aim to destabilize the country. He emphasized that the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election is critical for national stability. Chaudhary accused the opposition of seeking to mimic political movements seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. He noted the support from the youth and citizens in rejecting the opposition's efforts.

The Centre has raised the purchase ceiling for laptops, tablets and similar devices for eligible government officers to ₹1.5 lakh plus taxes, or ₹1.8 lakh for devices with more than 40% Make-in-India content. Officers in Pay Level 12 and above will be eligible, while departments can extend coverage to some lower pay levels, and employees may retain the devices after four years of use.

Five tea industry associations have welcomed the government committee's recommendation for a minimum sustainable price for tea. This recommendation aims to address rising production costs that are exceeding the prices received by producers. The proposed benchmark price is linked to wage movements and consumer price indices, which will be reviewed periodically. Producers believe this pricing mechanism will help absorb wage increases and support investment in tea production.

The Centre has raised the purchase ceiling for laptops, tablets and similar devices for eligible government officers to ₹1.5 lakh plus taxes, or ₹1.8 lakh for devices with more than 40% Make-in-India content. Officers in Pay Level 12 and above will be eligible, while departments can extend coverage to some lower pay levels, and employees may retain the devices after four years of use.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar addressed questions regarding the possible merger of two NCP factions. She stated that further details would be revealed in due time. Several leaders recently met Sharad Pawar, increasing speculation about the merger. The government will celebrate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda with various programs across the state. Service weeks and health awareness camps are planned, highlighting the importance of the occasion.

Once a bustling coal mining hub, Madrid, New Mexico, boasted around 2,500 residents until the arrival of natural gas in 1949 prompted a swift decline in coal usage. By 1960, only two families remained amidst a landscape of deserted homes and shops. However, the 1970s ushered in a renaissance as artists and craftsmen rejuvenated the area, transforming Madrid into a vibrant tourist attraction while preserving its rich mining history.

Iran's foreign ministry on Wednesday designated Argentina's navy and air force as terrorist organisations, following a similar move by Buenos Aires months earlier. Earlier this month, Iran made a similar move designating UK's MI6 as a hostile group and the country's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations.

Hockey Olympian M.M. Somaya recovered his stolen international medals after Bengaluru Police arrested two suspects and seized eight medals, including gold and silver.

Idemitsu Kosan has raised its profit forecast for fiscal 2026 to 295 billion yen due to strong performance. The company's net profit for the first half of the fiscal year exceeded expectations, reaching 322.4 billion yen. Idemitsu aims to increase its crude oil sourcing from the Middle East following improvements in shipping. Moreover, the Nghi Son Refinery in Vietnam is projected to be profitable in fiscal 2026.