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A terrifying encounter unfolded in the early hours of Saturday in the Veerankudy tribal settlement in Malakkappara, Thrissur district, when a leopard entered a temporary hut and dragged away a four-year-old boy, Rahul, as his family slept.
In a courageous act, the boy&rsquo;s father, identified as Baby, chased after the leopard and hurled a stone at it, forcing the animal to release the child and flee back into the forest. Rahul suffered serious head injuries and was initially treated at Malakkappara before being shifted to Chalakkudy Taluk Hospital. He was later moved to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thrissur for emergency surgery.
Remarkably, the family's two-year-old daughter was sleeping beside Rahul during the attack but remained unharmed. Local forest officials reported that the leopard returned to the area shortly after the incident.
Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian visited the family and assured government support.
This incident adds to a growing list of leopard attacks in Kerala&rsquo;s forest-adjacent regions. In October 2024, a six-year-old girl was killed in Valparai, while in Kasaragod, a male leopard was captured after terrorising villages. Malakkappara itself saw a similar incident in April 2023 when a five-year-old boy was injured.
In response to rising human-wildlife conflict, the Kerala Forest Department has rolled out a 10-point action plan. This includes the formation of Rapid Response Teams and real-time monitoring of wildlife movements. The state government has officially designated human-wildlife conflict as a "State Specific Disaster," enabling quicker relief and support for affected communities.
Additionally, efforts are underway to resettle 47 tribal families from the high-risk Malakkappara region to improve their safety. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

Kerala Dad Saves Son from Leopard in Brave Rescue

Father chases leopard to save 4-year-old in Kerala’s Thrissur, boy undergoes surgery

India and the United Nations marked a significant milestone in global development efforts with the launch of the first phase of four capacity-building projects spanning nine partner countries, under the India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen South-South cooperation and accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Launched by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, the initiative covers Zambia, Laos, Nepal, Barbados, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad &amp; Tobago, and South Sudan. The projects will focus on food security, healthcare, vocational training, and census preparedness,&nbsp;key development pillars in partner nations.
The launch event was attended by Heads of Missions, UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp, diplomats, officials from ITEC implementing institutions, and representatives from UN agencies and other partner organizations. The gathering highlighted India&rsquo;s expanding leadership in South-South development collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Tanmaya Lal emphasized the initiative&rsquo;s alignment with SDG-17, which underscores the importance of global partnerships. He reiterated India&rsquo;s commitment to sharing its experiences and empowering Global South nations by connecting Indian institutions and best practices with local needs through UN mechanisms.
As part of the effort, the UN-India Global Capacity Building Initiative will implement knowledge exchanges, pilot projects, and training programs. These will be delivered through the UN India SDG Country Fund and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework.
UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp commended India&rsquo;s role, stating that under the spirit of &ldquo;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&rdquo; (the world is one family), India continues to lead South-South cooperation, offering innovation and institutional strength to help partner nations meet SDG targets more effectively.
This launch not only represents a bold step in global capacity development but also reinforces India's evolving position as a trusted development partner for the Global South.

India-UN Launch SDG Projects in 9 Nations

India, UN launch first phase of global capacity building for South-South cooperation

The high-profile money laundering case involving businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is set to return to the spotlight as the Rouse Avenue Court prepares to take up the Enforcement Directorate&rsquo;s charge sheet on Saturday.
The case, linked to an alleged illegal land transaction in Shikohpur village, Gurugram, accuses Vadra and his company, M/s Sky Light Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., of acquiring 3.53 acres of land through fraudulent means. The ED has already attached 43 properties worth ₹37.64 crore allegedly connected to Vadra and his firm.
The roots of the case go back to 2008, when Gurugram Police filed an FIR alleging that Vadra&rsquo;s company bought the land from M/s Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. using a false declaration for ₹7.5 crore. In 2012, Sky Light Hospitality sold the land to DLF Ltd. for ₹58 crore, sparking allegations of illicit profit-making.
The transaction gained further political and legal attention when Ashok Khemka, then a senior Haryana land official, cancelled the land mutation, declaring it violative of state rules. Khemka&rsquo;s bold move triggered widespread political debate and led to a deeper probe into land deals involving political figures.
On July 18, 2025, the court had formally taken note of the charge sheet and directed verification of all accompanying documents. The Special Judge Sushant Changotra is now expected to consider cognisance of the ED's findings. The court may also issue formal notice to Robert Vadra as part of the next steps.
Sources indicate that the ED is likely to seek further legal action, which could include summoning Vadra for questioning. The agency has defended its actions, claiming the case is driven by evidence and financial trails, while opposition parties have criticized it as an instance of selective targeting and political vendetta.
As the court prepares to examine the charge sheet, the case once again places Vadra and the broader debate over alleged misuse of investigative agencies into the national spotlight.

Rouse Ave Court to Hear Vadra ED Case Charge Sheet

Rouse Avenue Court to review ED charge sheet in Robert Vadra money laundering case

India is charting a bold course to become a global maritime leader as the government intensifies reforms to expand and modernize its shipbuilding industry. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sector is undergoing a massive transformation, aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the broader roadmap of Amrit Kaal.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal shared these updates during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that India is doubling down on infrastructure, funding, and policy support to build a world-class shipbuilding ecosystem.
Among the major announcements in the Union Budget 2025, the government is revamping the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy to offset cost disadvantages and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian shipyards.
A game-changing decision includes placing large vessels under the Infrastructure Harmonised Master List, opening them to long-term, low-interest funding and expanding access to infrastructure financing.
In a push for sustainability, credit notes will now apply to ship-breaking in Indian yards,&nbsp; supporting a circular maritime economy. Simultaneously, integrated shipbuilding clusters will be established, equipped with cutting-edge technologies and skill development hubs to boost capacity and efficiency.
To meet the capital demands of this long-gestation industry, the government has proposed a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, with 49% of it backed by government participation. This fund aims to draw private and port-led investments to reinforce India's shipbuilding and repair capabilities.
Further, tax exemptions on Basic Customs Duty for shipbuilding-related materials have been extended for 10 years, giving manufacturers greater relief and stability.
Reinforcing the Make in India initiative, the government has extended the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) to Indian shipyards in public sector tenders. As per the Public Procurement Order 2017, ships valued under ₹200 crore must be sourced domestically,&nbsp; a strong move towards maritime self-reliance.
On the ship repair front, the recently inaugurated International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) at Cochin Shipyard, worth ₹970 crore, marks another step in positioning India as a go to destination for global maritime needs.
India&rsquo;s commitment to developing a modern, competitive, and sustainable maritime economy is clear. With a combination of strategic reforms, financial instruments, and policy backing, the country is not just catching up,&nbsp; it is aiming to lead the global shipbuilding race.

India Boosts Shipbuilding to Global Scale

India accelerates shipbuilding reforms to become a global maritime powerhouse by 2030

Trump's Submarine Move and Russia&rsquo;s Pipeline Gambit Ignite a Dangerous Energy Standoff
Global geopolitics is bracing for another shockwave as tensions between Washington and <a title="Russia" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/geo-politics/russia-signals-talks-won-t-shift-on-ukraine-goals/16730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moscow</a> reach a boiling point. In a dramatic military and economic escalation, <a title="US Turkey" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/geo-politics/erdogan-eyes-trump-putin-zelensky-peace-summit/12896" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US</a> President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to strategic regions, following what he described as &ldquo;provocative&rdquo; threats from Russia&rsquo;s Security Council leadership.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1754108769926_DCS24-29-836-1024x683.jpg" alt="DCS24-29-836-1024x683.jpg">
Although the precise destination of these submarines remains undisclosed, strategic analysts suggest they are likely to be placed either in the Black Sea or the Pacific, sending a strong signal to the Kremlin. The move appears to be a direct response to former Russian President and current Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev&rsquo;s retaliatory posturing against recent US sanctions.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1754109356129_Trump%2520submarine.jpeg" alt="Trump submarine.jpeg" width="563" height="1000">
Simultaneously, a far more dangerous energy front is opening. Russia is now reportedly preparing to disrupt oil supply chains critical to Western energy security&mdash;specifically the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) that runs through Kazakhstan. This pipeline, which carries up to 1.7 million barrels per day, is partly owned by US energy majors Chevron and ExxonMobil, making it a vulnerable pressure point.
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<img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1754108798690_pasted-image-0-1.png" alt="pasted-image-0-1.png" width="1100" height="402">
Trump&rsquo;s hardline approach includes threatening 100 per cent tariffs on nations importing Russian oil unless President Putin agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine by early August. India, now the largest buyer of Russian oil since 2022, is caught in the crosshairs. With over 2 million barrels per day flowing from Russia to Indian refineries&mdash;including Rosneft-backed facilities&mdash;India's energy security and global oil markets hang in the balance.
Should Russia follow through on threats to close the CPC pipeline or retaliate against the Indian route, the world could see an immediate disruption of over 3.5 million barrels per day, or roughly 3.5 per cent of global supply. Such a scenario would sharply elevate oil prices, potentially breaching the $80-per-barrel threshold and driving up global fuel costs&mdash;especially in diesel-reliant regions like Europe.
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ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/trump-warns-100-tariff-on-russian-oil-buyers/16393
Beyond economics, the risk of unintended military escalation is mounting. By deploying nuclear assets into contested waters, the US is not just signalling strength&mdash;it is drawing red lines that, if crossed, could spiral into broader conflict.
Analysts now warn that both Washington and Moscow are engaged in a dangerous chess game where energy corridors and oil diplomacy are as potent as weapons. Should provocations continue on either side, the world may be headed not just for an oil shock&mdash;but for an outright confrontation with global consequences.

US nuclear submarine (image courtesy US defence)

Tensions rise as US responds to Russia's counter-threat over vital oil routes and CPC pipe

Trump’s Nuke Move Escalates Oil War With Russia

Waves up to 4 meters strike Pacific coasts after massive quake off Russia’s Kamchatka

Tsunami Hits Parts of Japan After 8.7 Quake

Air India Crash: Black Box Stops Recording

AI-171 black box failed at impact, raising questions over safety and power backup systems

Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Talks

Trump’s trade threat prompts both nations to end deadly border clashes through dialogue

Protesters demand justice for slain Dalit techie

Dalit techie hacked to death in TN; girl's brother held, cops parents under inquiry

Dalit IT Pro Killed In Suspected Honour Crime

India Skips WCL Semifinal Clash Against Pakistan

India Champions opt out of Pakistan game at WCL, citing national sentiment and policy

Trump’s America First policies reshape governance, trade, and global diplomacy dynamics

The Third Eye: Trump’s Bold New World Order

2 Killed, 2 Injured in London Stabbing Attack

Deadly stabbing at Long Lane business site; one man in custody, police rule out terrorism

Ahead of I-Day, Gujarat MLA alleges Rs 2 cr spent on landfilling with no tender issued

Mevani Flags Irregularities in Gujarat I-Day Prep

TCS CEO Earns ₹26.5 Cr Amid 12,000 Job Layoffs

Krithivasan's 4.6% pay hike draws flak as TCS lays off 2% of global workforce in FY25

Omar Abdullah jogs along Sabarmati Riverfront

PM Modi lauds Omar Abdullah’s visit to SoU, calls it a strong message of national unity

PM Modi Hails Omar’s Unity Message At SoU

Actor Seema Pahwa will appear in an upcoming episode of Shardul Pandit&rsquo;s podcast, 'Uncensored With Shardul'.
In a new promo, the "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" actor discusses the rise of influencers and how their fame is increasing. Seema expressed her frustration with the growing trend of influencers gaining prominence in the entertainment industry, criticizing how fame is now measured by the number of reels and likes on social media. In the promo video, Seema Pahwa can be heard saying, &ldquo;Nowadays, there&rsquo;s a new disease of influencers. I think we should leave the industry because how can we stand with them? You&rsquo;ve earned fame by posting 20 reels; it took me 50 years to achieve that. How are you standing equal to me?&rdquo;
She added, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sad to say this to my industry, to casting directors and producers&mdash;you can&rsquo;t do this. The audience may be watching influencers on reels, but these producers say, &lsquo;This is a famous face; their likes have increased a lot. Put them in your film.&rsquo;&rdquo; Sharing the promo video on his Instagram handle, Shardul Pandit wrote, &ldquo;@seemabhargavapahwa asks a very important question in this upcoming episode of #uncensoredwithshardul. What do you think?&rdquo; The new episode will be released on October 18.
Seema Pahwa is a renowned Indian actress and director, celebrated for her versatile performances in both film and television. She started her career with a theatre group in Delhi. Later, she rose to prominence with her character 'Badki' in the cult show 'Hum Log' on Doordarshan. Throughout her career, she has received multiple accolades, including a Filmfare Award and a Filmfare OTT Award.
-IANS

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