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Captain Devi Sharan, Kandahar Hijack Hero, Retires After 40 Years

Captain Devi Sharan, the commander of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, which was hijacked in December 1999, has retired after a notable 40-year aviation career. The 65-year-old completed his final flight, an Air India Dreamliner from Melbourne to Delhi, on December 4. Reflecting on his experiences, he noted that even as a passenger, he would remain vigilant about those around him due to lingering doubts from his past. Captain Sharan gained national recognition during the IC 814 hijacking, where he skillfully navigated a crisis involving five armed terrorists, ensuring the safety of 176 passengers and crew while discreetly updating authorities. He also faced danger during Libya's civil war in 2000. As he steps away from flying, he looks forward to new adventures, with plans to explore destinations like Antarctica and Siberia. sources

Published:
Jan 06 2025, 5 pm

AI Revolutionizes Sugarcane Farming in Maharashtra's Future

In India, farmers like Suresh Jagtap are turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat the unpredictability of farming exacerbated by climate change. Jagtap, a sugarcane farmer in Maharashtra's Baramati, is part of a pilot project called 'Farm of the Future,' initiated by the Agricultural Development Trust (ADT) and powered by Microsoft AI technology. This initiative employs a range of data sources, including weather stations, satellite imagery, and soil sensors, to provide farmers with actionable insights via a mobile app called Agripilot.ai. Early results from Jagtap's test plot indicate improved crop yield and reduced resource use. With about 20,000 farmers enrolled, the project aims to enhance agricultural sustainability and potentially reduce rural migration by making farming more viable. Experts believe that this AI-driven approach could usher in a new era in Indian agriculture, akin to the Green Revolution. sources

Published:
Jan 08 2025, 7 am

V Narayanan Named New ISRO Chief, Succeeds S Somanath

The Indian government has appointed V Narayanan as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and secretary of the Department of Space, effective January 14. Narayanan, who currently heads the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, will serve a two-year term. A distinguished scientist and senior director at ISRO, he has extensive experience in developing propulsion systems for launch vehicles and satellites. He also chairs the Project Management Council for space transportation and the National Level Human Rated Certification Board for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Narayanan, who completed his M Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, joined ISRO in 1984. He succeeds S Somanath, who led ISRO during significant achievements, including India's historic lunar rover landing in the Moon's south pole region. sources

Published:
Jan 08 2025, 12 am

Delhi Man Murders Wife, Hides Body, Plans Friend's Murder

A man in Delhi has been arrested for murdering his wife, Deepika Chauhan, and attempting to kill a suspected lover of hers. Dhanraj, a motorcycle rider and alcoholic, allegedly killed the 26-year-old spa worker on December 29 and concealed her body in a box bed, wrapping her mouth in tape to delay decomposition. After fleeing to Amritsar, he planned to return to Delhi to murder a friend of Deepika's whom he suspected of an affair. Police tracked him down via a UPI payment made from his account, arresting him before he could commit further violence. During questioning, Dhanraj admitted to his intentions of dismembering Deepika's body and had even researched methods online. Authorities recovered three phones, including Deepika's, and noted that Dhanraj had no prior criminal record. sources

Published:
Jan 08 2025, 12 am

Twelve Endangered Great Indian Bustards Spotted Together Rarely

In a significant boost for conservation efforts, at least 12 Great Indian Bustards (GIBs), known locally as "Godawan," were spotted together in Rajasthan's Desert National Park on Monday. This sighting highlights the success of protective measures implemented to safeguard this critically endangered species, which has dwindled to just 173 individuals, with only 128 remaining in the wild. Deputy Conservator of Forests Ashish Vyas noted that the birds, primarily females aged three to four years, benefit from improved grassland habitats and fencing to protect them from predators and human interference. Rajasthan initiated a comprehensive conservation project in 2013, resulting in the breeding of 45 chicks in captivity. Recently, a male chick named "Arambh" was hatched through artificial insemination, marking a milestone in GIB conservation. The species, listed as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2011, faces threats from habitat loss and hunting, prompting ongoing conservation initiatives across several Indian states. sources

Published:
Jan 07 2025, 11 pm

Questions Arise on Missed 60-Kg Bomb After Maoist Attack

In a significant escalation of violence, Maoists have killed eight police personnel and a civilian driver in Chhattisgarh, marking their largest attack in two years. The incident occurred on Monday when an improvised explosive device (IED), weighing 60-70 kg, detonated as a convoy from the District Reserve Guard returned from an encounter in the Abujhmad region, creating a 10-foot crater. Despite claims that the route was sanitised and cleared an hour prior, experts question how such a large device could evade detection, especially since the road opening party reportedly only focused on one side of the road. Concerns also arise over the timing of the sanitisation, potentially allowing Maoists to plant explosives. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav confirmed the investigation is underway, emphasizing that while standard operating procedures were followed, the evolving tactics of the Maoists complicate security efforts. Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister has pledged a thorough inquiry into the attack. sources

Published:
Jan 07 2025, 10 pm

Centre Plans Memorial for Pranab Mukherjee Amid Singh Controversy

The Indian government has announced plans to construct a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee, who served from 2012 to 2017 and passed away in 2020. Sharmistha Mukherjee, his daughter, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision, which she noted was particularly meaningful as the family did not request it. The memorial will be located at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Rajghat, a site designated for honoring former leaders. This announcement comes amid a political controversy over the memorial for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who died on December 26, with Congress leaders criticizing the government for not designating a proper site for his cremation and memorial. In response, the BJP highlighted that Congress had not built a memorial for former PM Narasimha Rao during its time in power. The Home Ministry has stated that a suitable site for Dr. Singh's memorial is being identified. sources

Published:
Jan 07 2025, 8 pm

Ex-WHO Scientist Calls HMPV Case Tracking "Meaningless

In an exclusive interview, former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan highlighted that only 3% of individuals tested for Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) in India are infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has recently gained attention due to cases reported in China. Swaminathan noted that HMPV has circulated in India for years but is often overlooked in discussions about respiratory illnesses. She emphasized that the prevalence of HMPV varies seasonally and is not correlated with COVID-19, urging the public to wear masks and monitor symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. As India ramps up surveillance for respiratory illnesses, the health expert advised against panic, suggesting that increased testing could reveal many more cases. The government has also called for heightened awareness and preventive measures against HMPV without inciting fear. sources

Published:
Jan 07 2025, 7 pm

Ranga-Billa's Black Warrant: Delhi Teen Killers Executed

In August 1978, Delhi siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra vanished while heading to a radio program, only to be found murdered three days later. Their deaths marked a significant crime in Delhi's history, leading to public outrage and a flawed police investigation. The perpetrators, Kuljeet "Ranga" Khush and Jasbir "Billa" Singh, were arrested after being recognized on a train two weeks later, with evidence linking them to the crime. The Delhi High Court sentenced them to death, emphasizing the brutal nature of their actions. On January 31, 1982, they were executed in Tihar Jail, with Ranga initially surviving the hanging before being killed by jail staff. Their case not only highlighted the deteriorating law and order in Delhi but also influenced political repercussions for the ruling government. A Netflix series based on the jailer's account of their execution is set to release on January 10, 2024. sources

Published:
Jan 07 2025, 6 pm

Mumbai Scam Tricks Thousands with Jewelry Chain Bonus Offer

MUMBAI: Torres Jewellery, a chain with six stores in Mumbai, is embroiled in controversy after allegedly defrauding hundreds of customers through a Ponzi scheme promising returns of up to 25% monthly. Customers, primarily from the lower middle class, were lured by the promise of high returns on investments ranging from thousands to crores of rupees. Torres claims that its CEO and other staff members orchestrated a fraudulent scheme, robbing and vandalising stores while leaving investors empty-handed. Following the company's closure on January 6, hundreds gathered at its Dadar location demanding refunds. Police have filed charges against the holding firm, Platinum Hern Private Limited, and several key individuals for cheating and criminal conspiracy. Amidst investor protests, Torres released a video alleging that a coup led by its CEO facilitated the theft, claiming to have evidence of the vandalism. Investors are now questioning the government's role in their plight after receiving limited payouts over the past year. sources

Published:
Jan 07 2025, 6 pm

Atishi's 'Eviction' Sparks Controversy Over Bungalow Ownership

NEW DELHI: In a dispute over her official residence, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi claimed she was evicted for the second time in three months, but Public Works Department sources countered that she never took possession of the bungalow at 6, Flag Staff Road. They alleged Atishi deliberately delayed occupying the residence to obstruct an investigation into alleged corruption in its renovation, which has been criticized by the BJP as 'Sheeshmahal.' Atishi, addressing a press conference after Delhi Assembly election dates were announced, accused the BJP-led central government of unlawfully cancelling her allotment and claimed her belongings were thrown out previously. PWD sources clarified that she was allotted another residence and had been offered three alternatives, stating that she failed to comply with possession rules. The controversy has become a focal point for the BJP in the lead-up to elections on February 5, with allegations of inflated renovation costs against the AAP. sources

Published:
Jan 07 2025, 5 pm

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