1 India produced 180.15 lakh tonnes of millet in 2024-25, Rajasthan is at the forefront, Maharashtra is second and Karnataka is third
India is currently the largest producer of millets (Shri Ann) in the world , contributing 38.4% of global production (FAO, 2023). The low-cost cultivation of coarse grains and their ability to withstand climate changes have made it a sustainable option for farmers and an important part of the country’s food basket. As of July 2025 , India has achieved a total production of 180.15 lakh tonnes of coarse grains in 2024-25 , which is 4.43 lakh tonnes more than the previous year . This consistent growth reflects the country’s focused efforts to promote coarse grain cultivation in diverse agro-climatic zones. Rajasthan produced the highest amount of millets in 2024-25 , followed by Maharashtra at second and Karnataka at third place . In fact, coarse grains, popularly known as Shri Ann, are a group of small-grain cereals known for their exceptional nutrition and adaptability. At India’s request, the United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets , acknowledging the importance of millets in food and nutrition security. Millets are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free. It has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people suffering from diabetes and celiac disease. Its nutritional properties make it superior to wheat and rice, making it a “nutritious grain”.
2 ICMR’s SHINE initiative
On PM Modi ‘s call to ” Spend a day being a scientist ” , Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Department of Health Research (DHR) opened the doors of science and health research for students across the country. This special program called SHINE (Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers), held on 7th and 8th August , was attended by 13,150 students of classes 9th to 12th , from more than 300 schools in 39 districts of 16 states and union territories . Its aim was to inculcate scientific curiosity among the youth, develop a deep understanding of health and biomedical research and motivate them to pursue careers in science and public health, so that India can move strongly towards the goal of a developed India by 2047.
3 WHO declares Kenya free from sleeping sickness
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified Kenya to have eliminated human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, as a public health challenge , making it the 10th country to reach this significant milestone . In a statement issued in Nairobi , WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the Government and people of Kenya for this historic achievement. Kenya joins a growing number of countries that are freeing their populations from human African trypanosomiasis. Tedros said this is another step towards freeing Africa from neglected tropical diseases. Human African trypanosomiasis is the second neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in Kenya , after the country was certified guinea worm disease-free in 2018. According to the WHO, the disease is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies . Its symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain and, in advanced stages, neurological symptoms such as confusion, sleep disturbances and behavioral changes.
4 Azerbaijan and Armenia sign historic deal to end decades-old conflict
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have signed an agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict . President Donald Trump hosted the two countries at the White House. Trump said the agreement will reopen some key transport routes between the two countries and increase US influence in the region. He further said Armenia and Azerbaijan have pledged to stop all wars forever as well as open travel, trade and diplomatic relations. Under the agreement, the US will also help build a major transit corridor, named the ” Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity “, the White House said. The route will connect Azerbaijan and its autonomous Nakhchivan region, which are separated by Armenian territory. Azerbaijan and Armenia fought over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian region of Azerbaijan, in the 1980s and 1990s and violence has flared in the years since.
The Assam government has taken an important decision for the safety of the indigenous people living in the border and sensitive areas of the state . The state government is going to start providing licenses to the indigenous people of Assam to keep arms for their defense . Soon a dedicated online portal will also be launched to make this process simple, transparent and accessible. Giving information in this regard, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that this portal will be formally launched for the public in the month of August itself. It is worth noting that the state cabinet formally approved this decision in a meeting held on 28 May 2025. This decision is part of the strategy of the state government under which the alleged illegal encroachment on the forest area, wetlands and other government lands of the state is being ended. This encroachment, according to the government, has been done mainly by people belonging to the Muslim community who came from Bangladesh, which is posing a threat to the security and cultural existence of the majority indigenous people of the state.
To curb the supply of drugs from across the border , Punjab launched a new anti-drone system (ADS) called ‘ Baaz Akh ‘ from the border district of Tarn Taran . Three such ADS have been launched and six more will be launched soon to curb the smuggling of drugs through drones from across the border. This system will instantly disable the drones trying to enter the state from across the border. Launching the system, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that this system will be deployed as the second line of defence along the border from Pathankot to Fazilka . He said that it will be made functional in coordination with the BSF. He said that this will be a befitting reply to the anti-national elements using technology for anti-social activities in the state.
7 Sanskrit Day
