Recently, a study highlighted Vasuki indicus, a gigantic prehistoric snake that lived approximately 47 million years ago during the Middle Eocene epoch. The fossils were discovered at the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch, Gujarat. The snake was named after Vasuki, the mythical serpent associated with the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. Vasuki belonged to the extinct snake family Madtsoiidae, whose members existed for approximately 100 million years and spread across regions including India, Africa, Europe, South America and Australia. It lived in a warm, tropical environment, with estimated average temperatures of approximately 28°C, and may have inhabited wetlands, marshes and nearby terrestrial environments.

Recently, Maharashtra’s first advanced Annapurti Grain ATM was inaugurated in Nashik by State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. The initiative aims to provide food grains to eligible beneficiaries conveniently, beyond the regular operating hours of fair-price shops. The scheme aims to improve transparency, reduce procedural errors and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive their entitled food grains. Of the three planned Grain ATMs, the first has been launched in Nashik, while the other two are proposed for Nagpur and Thane.

Recently, the chemical tanker YARA J reached the Port of Constanta in Romania after being hit by a drone near Romania’s Sulina Anchorage. The Port of Constanta is located on the western coast of the Black Sea in Romania. It is one of the largest seaports in Europe and an important maritime gateway connecting Europe with international markets. The port is situated near the city of Constanta in southeastern Romania. It provides maritime connections between the Black Sea and the Danube River, supporting trade between the Black Sea region and Central and Eastern Europe.

Recently, the Indian Army conducted the military exercise Akhand Prahar-II in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, to strengthen combat readiness and prepare for future battlefield challenges. The exercise was jointly conducted by the Army’s Black Mace Brigade and Battle Axe Division. It followed the successful completion of Akhand Prahar-I, which demonstrated the Army’s combat preparedness and operational capabilities. The exercise tested various combat procedures using next-generation military equipment, modern technologies and force-multiplier assets.

Recently, Ekta Vishnoi won three gold medals at the World Masters Classic and Equipped Powerlifting Championships held in Nevada, USA. She secured the top position in the 57 kg category with a combined lift of 362.5 kg. Her performance included a 130 kg squat, 72.5 kg bench press and 160 kg deadlift. She won gold medals in the squat, deadlift and overall total categories, finishing ahead of competitors from Canada and Japan. Ekta Vishnoi is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. She has previously led the Fit India Mission and served as Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).