Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, suspended the licences of three ISKCON Juhu food establishments after inspections found serious food-safety and hygiene violations. The units at Hare Krishna Land, ISKCON Juhu Food Services–Restaurant and Govinda’s Restaurant were inspected on September 3. Officials reported pest infestation, inadequate cleaning and drainage, improper storage and segregation of raw and cooked food, and missing records related to water testing, employee medical checks, vaccination, training and audits. Govinda’s Restaurant reportedly had standing water in cold storage and blocked drains. The wider crackdown also targeted eateries and food establishments across Mumbai, Konkan and Pune, with violations including cockroaches, improper milk storage, expired food and labelling discrepancies. (PC: X)

Two ring-tailed lemurs stolen from Bangladesh’s Gazipur Safari Park have reportedly been traced to Vantara, Anant Ambani’s wildlife conservation facility in Gujarat, according to investigators cited by Ajker Patrika. Three lemurs were allegedly stolen on March 23, 2025, with photographs shared with prospective Indian buyers. Two Bangladeshi-linked and Indian-based intermediaries allegedly arranged the deal, involving one adult and one juvenile for 1.7 million Bangladeshi Taka. The animals were smuggled into India through the Darshana border and eventually sold for around Rs 4.8 million to an institution associated with Vantara. However, authorities lack microchips, identification numbers and DNA profiles, making scientific confirmation difficult. Investigators are seeking DNA evidence from the remaining juvenile. (PC: The Siasat Daily)

Ahmedabad has been ranked the world’s least-prepared city to deal with climate disasters, placing below Lahore in a global assessment of 72 cities. The AlphaGeo index assessed cities based on their exposure to risks such as floods, extreme heat, drought, wildfires and hurricanes, as well as their ability to adapt. Chicago topped the ranking, benefiting from its temperate climate, freshwater access and infrastructure investments. South Asian cities dominated the least-resilient list, with Ahmedabad ranked last, followed by Hyderabad in Pakistan, Multan, Dhaka and Lahore. Kolkata also featured among the 10 least-resilient cities, ranking sixth, according to the assessment. (PC: X)

The Red Fort blast was a suicide bombing carried out by Umar Un Nabi, who allegedly detonated an IED inside his i20 car, killing 15 people, the NIA said in its chargesheet. DNA evidence confirmed Nabi was inside the vehicle when it exploded on November 10. The 7,500-page chargesheet describes a nearly two-year conspiracy to revive the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind module, with the Red Fort allegedly chosen as a “symbol of the Indian state”. The NIA said Nabi conducted reconnaissance of the site and accelerated the attack after arrests in Srinagar, fearing the conspiracy was being exposed. (PC: India Today)

Major Navya Shekhawat has made history by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. As an Army Service Corps officer, she assists the President during state functions, investiture ceremonies, diplomatic engagements and other official events. She joined the Army after clearing the Combined Defence Services examination and completing training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Her appointment follows Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki, who became the first woman ADC to the President from the Navy in 2025. The milestone highlights the growing role of women in India’s armed forces. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the Centre’s three-language policy, particularly the treatment of English as a “native” language in the framework. The court is examining whether such classification is constitutionally sustainable. The issue comes amid concerns about the burden placed on students, especially those transitioning to the three-language requirement in higher classes. The Centre has assured the court that it will take prompt action regarding a proposed reprieve for Class 6 students. The proceedings highlight continuing debates over language education, constitutional principles and the implementation of the National Education Policy. (PC: The Hindu)

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro accused China of coercion and bullying after a Chinese representative interrupted his remarks during a security forum in Seoul. While Teodoro was speaking, a man approached and handed him a note reportedly objecting to his comments about China. Teodoro publicly read the note before firmly rejecting its message, saying such actions reflected attempts at intimidation. He maintained that the Philippines would continue speaking openly about regional security concerns and defending its interests. The incident highlights growing tensions between Manila and Beijing, particularly over territorial disputes and China’s activities in the South China Sea.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that Colombo would never allow Sri Lankan territory to be used for activities threatening India’s security interests. The assurance came during Singh’s three-day official visit to Colombo, aimed at strengthening bilateral maritime and defence cooperation. India and Sri Lanka signed three agreements, including an MoU to upgrade six India-supplied L70 air-defence guns used by the Sri Lankan Air Force. The two sides also expanded cooperation through their defence institutions. Dissanayake thanked India for assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, while both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, peace and stability. (PC: HT)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has clarified that its probe into alleged terror links involving US mercenary Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals remains ongoing. The clarification came after the NIA’s chargesheet filed before a Delhi court did not invoke UAPA provisions, instead citing offences under the Immigration and Foreigners Act. The accused were arrested in March over allegations of illegally entering Myanmar-linked areas and providing arms and drone-warfare training to ethnic armed groups. The NIA said further investigation and supplementary chargesheets remain legally possible. The development has triggered political criticism, with Congress alleging possible US pressure behind the decision. (PC: India Today)

Bharat Ratna awardee and renowned scientist Professor C.N.R. Rao has reportedly been flagged during Karnataka’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls because of a spelling discrepancy. His older 2002 electoral record lists his name as “Prof C N R Rao,” while the current roll reportedly contains “Proff C N R Rao,” with an additional “f.” The automated system classified this as a self-mismatch and sought identity verification. Rao was reportedly asked to appear for a hearing in Bengaluru. However, his representative said no physical notice had been received. (PC: IANS)