Kerala’s ‘Living Paddy Gene Bank’ Cheruvayal Raman Dies at 74
Padma Shri awardee Cheruvayal Raman, a tribal farmer from Kerala’s Wayanad district, died aged 74 while undergoing treatment. Known for preserving over 45 indigenous rice varieties, Raman promoted traditional, chemical-free farming. He cultivated rare seeds on his farm and distributed them to others. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute, remembering his contribution to biodiversity conservation and farming heritage.
.jpeg)
Air India Passengers Recount Hijack Scare After Delhi Flight Diversion
Passengers aboard Air India flight AI2030 from Frankfurt to Delhi recounted a hijack scare after the aircraft diverted to Jaipur on Wednesday. Carrying 293 passengers and 13 crew members, the flight landed amid security concerns. Passengers reported waiting for checks, with some asked to show passports. The aircraft later departed Jaipur for Delhi after security procedures were completed.
Abhijeet Dipke Heckled at Delhi Airport, Branded ‘CIA Agent’
Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke was heckled at Delhi airport on Wednesday after returning from Nagpur. One man allegedly called him a “CIA agent,” while another questioned his actions. The incident followed protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the government, after two party members were arrested for unfurling the national flag at Jantar Mantar.
NDTV Journalist Heckled During Delhi CJP Protest, Sparks Media Outcry
NDTV journalist Tanushka Dutta was reportedly heckled by a crowd during a Cockroach Janata Party protest in Delhi. A viral video showed protesters surrounding her and raising slogans while she continued reporting. NDTV chief Rahul Kanwal condemned the intimidation of journalists, while senior editor Vishnu Som praised Dutta’s composure and criticised attempts to obstruct media coverage.
Starlink India Row: Sunil Mittal Claims Five-Year Head Start Over Elon Musk
Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said his company is significantly ahead of Elon Musk’s Starlink in India’s satellite internet approval queue. Mittal said he applied five years ago and would welcome receiving a licence even days before Starlink. Musk recently alleged that powerful business interests in India were obstructing Starlink’s entry into the country’s satellite internet market.
Rupee Becomes Asia’s Top Performer After RBI Intervention
The Indian rupee emerged as Asia’s top-performing currency on Tuesday after the Reserve Bank of India announced measures to ease pressure. It strengthened to 95.0725 per dollar in early trading before settling at 95.28. The RBI redirected oil-related dollar demand through a special facility and imposed margins on hedging current account liabilities to support currency stability.
Air India Flight Sends Hijack Alert, Makes Emergency Landing in Jaipur
An Air India flight operating from Frankfurt to Delhi triggered a hijack alert, code 7500, with Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control, according to Times Now. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing at Jaipur airport. The incident prompted attention from aviation authorities, while top airport sources shared details with the news channel. Further information about the alert remains awaited.
.jpeg)
CBI Files Supplementary Chargesheet in NEET Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a supplementary chargesheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, naming another private individual. Officials said the investigation found no evidence implicating any government official or National Testing Agency officer. The latest report includes forensic findings. Earlier, 13 people, including three subject experts, were named in the first chargesheet filed on July 28.
.jpeg)
North Korea Unveils ICBM Capable of Reaching US Mainland
North Korea has unveiled the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), reportedly capable of reaching the United States. The missile was displayed at a defence industry museum visited by leader Kim Jong-un, his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol-ju. A display near the launcher appeared to depict multiple warheads and missile ranges extending beyond the US mainland.
