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Brazil Cancels Akash Missile Deal with India, Chooses Advanced European Air Defense System
- Brazil has officially halted negotiations to purchase India's Akash air defense missile system.
- Brazil is now in advanced talks with Italy's MBDA for the EMADS system, offering superior features.
- EMADS provides longer range, active radar homing, and proven deployment in NATO countries.
- Brazil seeks modern technology and potential local production, aligning with its defense modernization goals.
- The decision was driven by concerns over Akash's outdated technology and limited operational range.
IIT Madras Tops NIRF 2025 Again; IISc Bengaluru Best University
- IIT Madras secured the top spot overall for the 7th year and topped engineering for the 10th year.
- IISc Bengaluru was ranked the best university in India for 2025.
- IIT Mumbai achieved the third position overall and in engineering.
- The NIRF 2025 rankings also introduced new criteria for sustainable development goals (SDG), with IIT Madras and other top institutes evaluated on this parameter.
- IITs dominate the top 10 rankings, reaffirming their leadership in Indian technical education.
Air India Express Flight Vijayawada-Bengaluru Cancelled After Bird Strike
- An Air India Express flight from Vijayawada to Bengaluru was cancelled on Thursday after a bird strike incident at Vijayawada airport.
- The incident involved an eagle striking the nose of the aircraft while taxiing on the runway for takeoff.
- The bird strike occurred before the aircraft took off, prompting the airline to cancel the flight as a safety precaution.
- There were around 90 passengers on board, and the airline arranged alternative travel options including complimentary rescheduling or full refunds.
- Air India Express stated that the cancellation was due to circumstances beyond their control and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.
Heavy Rain Alert for Faridabad and Gurugram; IMD Predicts More Showers in Delhi
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert, accompanied by thunderstorms for isolated places over Faridabad and Gurugram.
- Delhi and NCR regions including Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram are under orange alerts for continued heavy rains and potential waterlogging.
- The Yamuna River in Delhi is expected to rise close to the danger mark, increasing the risk of localized flooding and traffic disruptions in low-lying areas.
- District authorities have advised work-from-home in Gurugram, closure of schools, and urged people to avoid flood-prone zones and use public transport.
- The heavy rain spell is forecasted to continue until at least September 5, with severe rainfall warnings also issued for neighboring northern states.
Amit Mishra Announces Retirement After 25-Year Cricket Career
- Amit Mishra, former Indian leg-spinner, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at age 42, ending a 25-year career.
- Mishra last played for India in 2017 and his last competitive match was for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024.
- He took 22 Test matches (76 wickets), 36 ODIs (64 wickets), and 10 T20Is (16 wickets) for India during his international career.
- Mishra is notable for being the only bowler in IPL history to claim three hat-tricks for three different teams, totaling 174 IPL wickets in 162 matches.
- He cited recurring injuries and the need to make way for younger players as reasons for retirement and aims to stay involved in cricket through coaching and mentoring.
Former Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Summoned by ED in Illegal Betting App Money Laundering Case
- Shikhar Dhawan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in a money laundering probe linked to an illegal betting app named 1xBet .
- The ED suspects Dhawan is connected to the betting app through endorsements and aims to investigate his involvement and financial transactions related to the app.
- Dhawan’s statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the ongoing investigation.
- The probe is part of a wider crackdown on illegal betting apps in India, with several celebrities including former cricketer Suresh Raina also questioned recently.
- The ED investigation highlights the illegal online betting market in India is worth over $100 billion with around 22 crore users, half being regular users, and many cases of tax evasion and fraud are being probed.