NATIONAL NEWS

Rudrastra: Indian Railways Unveils Asia’s Longest Freight Train

• Indian Railways successfully tested ‘Rudrastra’, a record-setting 4.5 km long freight train.

• The trial covered 209 km from Ganjkhwaja (UP) to Garhwa (Jharkhand) in just over 5 hours.

• The train maintained a consistent average speed of 40.5 km/h throughout the journey.

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the project for advancing freight logistics.

• Rudrastra was built by linking three long-haul sets, each combining two freight trains.

• It carried 345 wagons, with each capable of holding up to 72 tonnes when fully loaded.

• Powered by seven locomotives—two in front and others distributed every 59 wagons.

• Designed to enhance cargo efficiency, the train aims to reduce travel time and cut logistics costs.

SPORTS

India’s Young Boxers Make Mark at U19 Asian Championships in Bangkok

• Nisha (54kg) and Muskan (57kg) earned gold medals with remarkable performances in their respective finals.

• Nisha secured a dominant 4:1 victory over China’s Sirui Yang, while Muskan narrowly defeated Kazakhstan’s Ayazhan Ermek 3:2.

• The Indian women’s boxing team delivered a stellar performance, with 9 out of 10 participants winning medals.

• Their overall medal tally stood at 2 golds, 5 silvers, and 2 bronzes.

• Among the silver medal winners were Arti Kumari (75kg), Kritika Wasan (80kg), and Parchi Tokas (80+kg).

• On the men’s side, Rahul Kundu claimed gold in the 75kg class by overcoming Uzbekistan’s Muhammadjon Yakupboevek.

• The U19 and U22 boxing championships are being conducted concurrently in Bangkok, showcasing rising talent.

• India has fielded a balanced team of 40 boxers — 20 each in the U19 and U22 divisions — to foster the next generation of champions.

Ramesh Budihal Creates History at Asian Surfing Championship 2025

• Ramesh Budihal won India’s first-ever individual medal in surfing at the Asian Surfing Championship 2025.

• He clinched the bronze in the men’s open category with a score of 12.60 in the final heat.

• The event took place on August 10 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu — India’s first time hosting the championship.

• Budihal outperformed Indonesia’s Mega Artana to secure third place; Korea’s Kanoa Heejae won gold, and Pajar Ariyana took silver.

• In the semi-finals, Budihal placed second in his heat to advance to the final round.

• Fellow Indian surfer Kishore Kumar was eliminated after finishing fourth in the semis.

• In the women’s category, Japan’s Enri Matsuno and Sumomo Sato claimed gold and silver, while Thailand’s Isabel Higgs took bronze.

• The tournament also served as the final qualifying event for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Halts UP Govt’s Move Over Banke Bihari Temple Ordinance

• The Supreme Court paused proceedings on the UP Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, amid rising legal controversy.

• It criticized the Allahabad High Court for using harsh language against the state and stayed its ongoing actions in the case.

• The ordinance aimed to establish a trust to manage the Vrindavan temple and fund nearby development, including a temple corridor.

• Public Interest Litigations (PILs) challenged the ordinance’s constitutionality and the state's control over religious administration.

• Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi suspended earlier high court remarks accusing the government of committing a “sin.”

• The apex court suggested forming a two-judge division bench to ensure fair hearing of all pending petitions.

• It proposed changing its May 15 verdict that allowed temple funds for land acquisition to protect current stakeholders.

• An interim committee, led by a retired judge and local officials, was recommended to manage temple affairs and enhance crowd safety.

RANKING AND INDEX

India’s Position in Numbeo Safety Index 2025

• India ranks 67th globally in the mid-2025 Numbeo Safety Index with a score of 55.8.

• Mangalore is India’s safest city, scoring 74.2 and placing 49th worldwide due to low crime and strong civic systems.

• Gujarat shows strong performance with Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Surat among India’s top safest cities.

• Cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai also rank high, reflecting efficient local governance in southern India.

• Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad are considered India’s least safe cities, with high crime rates and safety issues, especially for women.

• Abu Dhabi remains the world’s safest city for the ninth straight year with a score of 88.8, followed by other Middle Eastern cities.

• Taiwan’s Taipei joins the top five globally, while the UAE holds second place in the overall country rankings.

• The index is based on public perception of crime risks, safety during day and night, and includes both property and violent crimes.