• Lucknow has earned international recognition after being designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its world-renowned Awadhi cuisine and centuries-old culinary traditions. The announcement was made during UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a proud moment for India as Lucknow becomes the second Indian city after Hyderabad to receive this distinction.

Egypt has inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation. Located near the iconic Giza Pyramids, this $1 billion landmark project took nearly two decades to complete and marks a new chapter in preserving and showcasing Egypt’s ancient legacy.

• The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has come under renewed strain after Israel rejected the transfer of three bodies delivered through the Red Cross, confirming that they were not among the hostages expected under the ongoing truce. The incident has raised doubts about the stability of the US-brokered peace arrangement and increased tensions in the region.

• The National Library of India, Kolkata, celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas with a special exhibition dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of India’s unity. The event paid tribute to Patel’s monumental role in integrating over 500 princely states and shaping the nation’s administrative and institutional framework.

• The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has outlined a comprehensive three-step plan to protect India’s trade interests with the United States amid rising tariff pressures and sanctions-related risks. The proposal seeks to balance India’s economic security with strategic autonomy, ensuring continued access to global markets and fair trade terms.