Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently signed a highly controversial legislation that deals a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community in the country. The new law, passed unanimously by both houses of parliament, strictly prohibits individuals from officially or medically changing their gender, further marginalizing Russia’s embattled LGBTQ+ population.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has given its approval for the sale of Lavasa, India's first private hill station, to Darwin Platform Infrastructure at a value of Rs. 1.8k crore. The resolution plan proposed by Darwin Platform Infrastructure has been sanctioned, which includes payouts of Rs. 1,814 crore. The plan aims to address the claims of homebuyers and ensure the completion of homes within a stipulated timeframe. This clearance seeks to alleviate long-standing concerns of stakeholders involved in the Lavasa project.

Admiral Lisa Franchetti's nomination as the Chief of Naval Operations marks a groundbreaking moment in the history of the U.S. Navy. If confirmed by the Senate, she will become the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy and join the prestigious Joint Chiefs of Staff. With an impressive career and numerous accolades to her name, Admiral Franchetti's appointment represents a significant milestone in the advancement of women in the military.

In response to concerns over stabilizing domestic rice prices, India, the world's leading rice exporter, has taken a significant step by imposing a ban on the export of "non-basmati white rice." The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a notification announcing the ban while also revealing that exports to other nations would be allowed upon request, subject to fulfilling food security requirements and obtaining formal approval from the respective governments.

The joint unveiling of the "V.C Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial" in Montone, Italy, serves as a tribute to the valor and sacrifices of Indian troops during the Second World War's Italian Campaign. The memorial honors Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, a Victoria Cross recipient, who fearlessly fought in the heights of Upper Tiber Valley. This historical event reinforces the close ties between India and Italy, commemorating the bravery of Indian soldiers and their significant contributions during the war.

Algeria, the oil and gas-rich nation in North Africa, has taken a significant step towards diversifying its economy and forging stronger economic ties with China. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced that the country has formally applied to join the prestigious BRICS group of nations, aiming to unlock new economic prospects. In addition to the application, Algeria seeks to become a shareholder member of the BRICS Bank and has pledged a substantial contribution of $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, China plans to invest a massive $36 billion in Algeria, further enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.

The opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament saw clashes between the government and the Opposition regarding the format of the discussion on the Manipur situation. While the Opposition sought a discussion under Rule 267, allowing the Prime Minister to make a suo motu statement and suspending all business, the government proposed a short-duration discussion under Rule 176. Both procedural mechanisms hold different implications for conducting discussions in the Rajya Sabha.

The highly anticipated film "Oppenheimer," directed by Christopher Nolan, hits theaters worldwide, chronicling the fascinating life of Julius Robert Oppenheimer, renowned as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb." From his early academic brilliance to leading the top-secret Manhattan Project during World War II, Oppenheimer's journey unfolds on the silver screen, leaving behind a complex and disputed legacy.

India has thrown its support behind the United Nations' efforts to sustain the Black Sea Grain initiative and is calling for a prompt resolution to the current impasse. This initiative holds immense significance for Ukraine's agricultural sector, often referred to as "Europe's breadbasket," which has faced disruptions due to the aftermath of Russia's invasion in February 2022. The Black Sea trade route, responsible for 90% of Ukraine's grain exports, was severely affected by the invasion, compounded by additional challenges like droughts and COVID-19 supply disruptions. The global food supply has been under immense pressure, leading to concerns over a potential hunger crisis and surging food prices. To tackle this crisis, Turkey and the UN mediated the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022, allowing Ukraine's Black Sea ports to resume exporting commercial fertilizer and food. However, the initiative has faced challenges, with not all grain reaching food-insecure regions, and China emerging as the largest purchaser, buying around a quarter of Ukrainian grain shipments.

India and Japan have taken a momentous step forward in their partnership by signing a significant agreement aimed at jointly developing the semiconductor ecosystem. This strategic move seeks to enhance the resilience of the global supply chain, particularly in the critical semiconductor industry. Japan's involvement makes it the second Quad partner, after the United States, to collaborate with India in this endeavor.

In a groundbreaking move, S Phangnon Konyak, the lone Nagaland MP in the Rajya Sabha, has been nominated as one of the vice chairpersons of the prestigious Upper House. The appointment, made by Chairman Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, signifies a momentous recognition of BJP's dedication to women empowerment. This decision holds particular significance as it breaks the traditional dominance of patriarchy and male chauvinism in Nagaland's political landscape, while also promoting gender diversity in the region's political sphere.

The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, a crucial infrastructure initiative, is progressing to enhance connectivity and strengthen regional cooperation. This ambitious project aims to establish a seamless highway network linking the three countries, promoting trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. With significant progress made in the construction of road sections, the trilateral highway holds great promise in fostering economic integration and deepening bilateral ties among India, Myanmar, and Thailand.