India-US Trade Deal Progressing, Commerce Secretary Gives Update

India to Release 2.5 Lakh Tonnes of Sugar Ahead of Festive Season

Indian sugar refiners are planning to sell 2.5 lakh tonnes of white sugar in the domestic market to meet rising demand ahead of the festive season. The move is also aimed at bringing down costs for consumers. Government measures have already helped reduce sugar prices at the mill level. A new policy permitting duty-free import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar has further supported the effort to boost domestic supplies. Mills have also begun early crushing operations to improve overall production outcomes.

30,000 Ship Arrivals Raised Alaska's Invasive Species Risk by 50% Over a Decade

A new study found that nearly 30,000 commercial vessel arrivals in Alaska between 2012 and 2022 introduced approximately 430 square kilometres of submerged hull surface into its waters. These underwater surfaces can transport non-native marine organisms through a process called biofouling. Passenger ships were the largest contributor, accounting for more than half of the total submerged area. The research warns that rising water temperatures and growing Arctic shipping activity could further increase the threat of invasive species establishing themselves in Alaskan waters.

Watch: Nepal flash floods engulf homes, roads and buildings in horrifying video

SIR row: No notice issued to Prof CNR Rao over name discrepancy, says Bengaluru official