Gujarat’s Asiatic lion population increased by 32.19% to 891 in 2025, but a concerning 44.22% reside outside protected forest areas, heightening human-wildlife conflict risks. Amreli district now boasts the highest lion population outside Gir National Park, which remains the species’ primary habitat. The rise in adult females (27%) is particularly significant, while the presence of lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary marks a historical first. These findings, from the 16th lion census, highlight the success of conservation efforts alongside emerging challenges.
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NPR’s lawsuit against Trump’s executive order cutting public media funding centers on the order’s blatant retaliatory nature, explicitly labeling NPR and PBS as “biased media.” This direct attack on editorial choices, as detailed in the executive order and accompanying materials, constitutes viewpoint discrimination, violating the First Amendment. The lawsuit argues this action also breaches separation of powers, as the decision should reside with Congress, not the President, and due process. The case’s strength lies in Trump’s readily apparent retaliatory motive, making the unconstitutionality of the order undeniably clear.
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National Intelligence Director Gabbard is exploring ways to revamp President Trump’s daily intelligence briefing (PDB) to better suit his preferences and address his distrust of intelligence officials. Proposed changes include creating a video version resembling a Fox News broadcast, incorporating more visuals and potentially game-like elements, and tailoring content to Trump’s policy interests, such as emphasizing economic issues. While the information itself would remain unchanged, the presentation aims to improve engagement and frequency. Critics, however, express concerns about potential politicization of the intelligence process.
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Elon Musk concluded his 130-day term as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), a Trump administration advisory body focused on cost-cutting. Despite his departure, President Trump asserted Musk would remain involved, continuing his work to reduce the national debt. While Doge claims $175 billion in savings, verifiable evidence supports a significantly lower figure. Musk’s tenure, though praised by Trump for impactful government reform, also sparked controversy, including widespread layoffs and criticism of his companies.
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Elon Musk vehemently refuted Bono’s claim on Joe Rogan’s podcast that USAID funding cuts caused 300,000 deaths, calling Bono a liar and idiot and asserting that zero deaths resulted. While Bono accurately highlighted significant food spoilage due to cuts impacting aid distribution to regions like Gaza and Sudan, Musk’s statement contradicts reports, including one from the Washington Post, which linked aid cuts to tens of thousands of deaths. This dispute arose from a 90% reduction in USAID’s foreign aid contracts implemented by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Rogan also discussed alleged fraud and lack of oversight within USAID’s funding practices.
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Sources close to Elon Musk revealed to The New York Times that his alleged drug use during the 2024 election campaign, including ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, reportedly caused a bladder injury. Photographs viewed by the NYT also showed packaging labeled as Adderall in Musk’s possession. This alleged substance use coincided with concerns among associates regarding Musk’s erratic behavior and emotional instability. The report comes as Musk’s significant financial contribution and close ties to Donald Trump’s campaign are widely known.
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Turkish authorities conducted a fifth wave of arrests targeting dozens of individuals, including opposition party members and municipal officials, on corruption charges. This follows the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key Erdogan rival, sparking widespread protests and further arrests. The arrests, encompassing multiple cities, are viewed by critics as a politically motivated crackdown on dissent. International organizations have expressed serious concerns regarding these “draconian actions,” citing the large-scale nature and potential for abuse. Imamoglu, from the CHP party, maintains his innocence of all charges.
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Senator Bernie Sanders is actively working to elevate left-leaning candidates and policies within the Democratic party for the upcoming midterm elections, criticizing the party’s perceived failure to connect with working-class voters. His organization is recruiting candidates who reject billionaire funding, aiming to field around 3,500 independent and Democratic candidates. This initiative also includes grassroots organizing and staff recruitment across multiple states to counter the Republican agenda. While facing internal party skepticism, Sanders believes this approach is crucial to regaining Democratic control of Congress by focusing on issues resonating with working-class families.
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Despite advocating for harsher penalties for drug dealers, including the death penalty for fentanyl traffickers, President Trump has pardoned numerous individuals convicted on federal drug charges. This includes high-profile figures like Larry Hoover, leader of the Gangster Disciples, whose release sparked controversy given his extensive criminal history. Critics cite conflicting signals from the White House, highlighting the disconnect between Trump’s tough rhetoric and his clemency grants. Some view these pardons as politically motivated, lacking a coherent ideological basis, while others see them as potential steps toward reforming the drug war’s punitive approach.
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The Russian Defense Ministry claimed President Putin’s helicopter was attacked by Ukrainian drones during a visit to the Kursk region, a narrative disputed by The Moscow Times. Citing unnamed Russian officials, The Moscow Times reports this account was a publicity stunt designed to bolster public support for the war by demonstrating Putin’s shared risk. The publication contends Putin’s security detail is extensive, making a drone attack highly improbable. Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security also denied the attack.
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John Q. Hosedrinker