🚁 Indian startup bags big cash for drone logistics

Airbound, an Indian startup building autonomous drones, secured $37 million in a Series A funding round. The company is based in India and aims to make air transport as cheap as road trucking for goods. This funding brings their total raised to nearly $50 million after their seed round in 2023. They are redesigning their aircraft to overcome weight issues, focusing on vertical-flight designs. Airbound plans to build a three-city drone network in Andhra Pradesh, targeting 10,000 daily retail flights. 🚁

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Why Census 2027 needs separate count for Nomadic Tribes

Community activists are demanding that Nomadic and Denotified Tribes be counted separately in the Census 2027. This is crucial for these communities in India, whose identity is deeply tied to their fundamental right to be counted. The last separate count was during the British administration in 1931, highlighting a long-standing issue. The Renke Commission estimated this population to be 10% of India's, facing severe exclusion. Urgent recognition is needed to address their lack of basic amenities and protection.

🚨 Toxic datura seeds cost e-commerce giants their food licenses

Karnataka's Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department suspended the food licenses of Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket. This action followed the discovery of toxic datura fruits and seeds being sold online for human consumption across their platforms. The regulator found that some products were listed with fake FSSAI licenses and were stored in warehouses for distribution. BigBasket stated it had stopped the sales and would correct labeling to say 'Not for human consumption'. These suspensions are temporary and depend on the companies submitting satisfactory responses. 💀

🌧️ Delhi-NCR faces heavy rain and major waterlogging

Heavy rain caused severe waterlogging and traffic disruption across parts of New Delhi and the NCR. Key areas like Connaught Place and AIIMS reported inundated streets during the peak morning rush hours. Gurugram was placed under a yellow alert following the widespread traffic jams on Monday. The District Disaster Management Authority issued a WFH advisory for private companies to ease congestion. Civic teams are working on drainage issues despite decade-long infrastructure spending.

⚽ Alonso wants Enzo saga to finally end

Chelsea attempted to set a deadline to finalize the ongoing Enzo Fernández situation, but the transfer drama continues. Manchester City remains linked with the player, possibly for more than the previous £120m asking price. Xabi Alonso chose not to start Enzo in the first game, citing fitness concerns after the World Cup break. However, Alonso admitted his main wish is for the transfer window and the entire saga to conclude soon. They must now wait and see what happens this week for Enzo's future.

🗺️ Solo Journey Through Afghanistan: A Woman's Tale

An Indian woman shared her experience traveling solo across Afghanistan. She navigated the challenging landscape and local checkpoints throughout her trip. Her journey spanned various regions, detailing her encounters and observations. This account sheds light on the realities faced by solo travelers in a complex environment. Her experiences offer a unique perspective on life in Afghanistan.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Journey Through Afghanistan: A Woman's Tale

An Indian woman recounts her experience traveling alone across Afghanistan. She navigated challenging terrains and diverse situations throughout her journey. The trip spanned several months, detailing interactions across various regions of the country. Her solo travels provided a firsthand look at life in Afghanistan under current circumstances. She plans to share more details about her adventure soon. 🚶‍♀️

🎭 Bengaluru's iconic Urvashi theatre is being demolished

Urvashi Theatre, a landmark near Lalbagh, is currently undergoing demolition after a prolonged property dispute. This famous single-screen theatre had been captivating movie-goers for 55 years in Bengaluru. The structure, which opened in 1970, once hosted over 1,150 seats and showed various language films. The closure happened following a Supreme Court ruling favouring the landowners over the theatre owners. This loss signals another shift away from Bengaluru's traditional single-screen cinema culture. 🎬

📱 iPhone 16 Price Drop on Flipkart Revealed

The iPhone 16 is now available at a discounted price on Flipkart. This deal includes an exchange offer for the iPhone 13 and an additional bank discount. The new price is set at Rs 34,817. This reduction makes the premium phone more accessible to a wider range of buyers. Users can check the specific terms and conditions on the Flipkart platform.

🚨 Army officer fires in air during student protest

A Pakistan army colonel fired shots into the air during a student protest at Sarhad University in Peshawar. The officer, who is reportedly a husband of a faculty member, clashed with students, leading to a physical scuffle on campus. Reports indicate the confrontation escalated when the officer allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired it into the air. This incident adds to the growing unrest seen across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan. The officer has been taken into custody, and the Pakistan army has initiated an official inquiry.

🤒 Delhi sees rise in H1N1 cases; experts warn caution 🤒

H1N1 cases are currently increasing in Delhi, leading medical experts to strongly advise public precautions. Doctors in Delhi stressed that children and the elderly face a higher risk from the flu. Approximately 70% of current cases are H1N1, which is causing more distress in children under five. High-risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension, and those under two years old. Most cases recover in 7-10 days, but prompt medical care is advised for vulnerable individuals.