NewsBytes

India will highlight Pakistan's persistent support for terrorism and its funnelling of multilateral funds for arms procurement to build a strong case for reinstating Islamabad on the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog's 'grey list', and block funding from the World Bank.  The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog and sets international standards that aim to prevent these illegal activities. "India will submit a dossier to the FATF on the omissions and commissions by Pakistan with respect to FATF anti-money laundering and terror financing norms. We will be taking it up (with the FATF) for grey listing of Pakistan," a government source said. The next meeting of the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of FATF is scheduled for August 25, during which India is likely to present its views to the global watchdog. The next FATF plenary and working group meeting is scheduled for October 20.

Russia and Ukraine each released 270 prisoners of war and another 120 civilians on Friday, Russia's TASS news agency reported, the first to go free under what is expected to be the biggest prisoner swap of the war so far. TASS said the releases were due to continue in coming days. Earlier, Ukrainian authorities told reporters to assemble at a location in the northern Chernihiv region in anticipation that some freed prisoners could be brought there. A Ukrainian military source said the swap was underway. Russia and Ukraine each agreed after two hours of talks in Istanbul last week to swap 1,000 prisoners, the only concrete step towards peace to emerge from their first direct talks in more than three years. They failed to agree to a ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump.

Harvard University sued the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the Ivy League school's ability to enroll foreign students, ratcheting up White House efforts to conform practices in academia to President Donald Trump's policies. In a complaint filed in Boston federal court, Harvard called the revocation a "blatant violation" of the US Constitution and other federal laws, and had an "immediate and devastating effect" on the university and more than 7,000 visa holders. "With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission," Harvard said. "Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard," the 389-year-old school added. Harvard asked a federal judge to block the revocation, citing "the immediate and irreparable harm inflicted by this lawless action." The case was assigned to US District Judge Allison Burroughs.

From Panch Kosha and Panchtantra to emotional well-being and digital detox, students in Delhi government schools will be given lessons on ancient Indian wisdom under a specially designed programme called 'The Science of Living'. It is a flagship initiative in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by of the BJP-led Delhi government to help students reconnect with Indian cultural roots while also fostering essential life skills, an official said. It aims to cultivate self-awareness, emotional resilience, and respect for traditional knowledge, all through engaging and experiential learning activities, she said. In its first segment, students will delve into the ancient concept of Panch Kosha -- the five layers of human existence -- through various forms of yoga and meditation. This part of the curriculum is designed to help students understand their personality at a deeper level and develop mindfulness, she said. The second module focuses on Panch Tantra, which in Indian philosophy and Ayurveda refers to the five elements---fire, water, air, earth, and space. Students will learn about the role of these elements in sustaining life and the importance of conserving them, the official said. The third part of the programme addresses the need for a digital detox. Here, students will be guided on how to reduce screen time and become more aware of cyber issues such as copyright violations and online bullying. The goal is to promote healthier digital habits and online safety, the official added.