Local Round-up: Worst AQI in Delhi this Season, Rajma in World's Best Beans Dishes List & More!

Local Round-up brings to you what's happening across the country in travel, food, infrastructure, sports, and herein, we have curated the updates from the weekend and the initial of this week for you. So, read these below. 

India conducts its first long-range hypersonic missile 

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully flight-tested India's first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha, on Saturday, marking a major milestone. At present, only a few countries like the US, Russia and China, have hypersonic missiles an India has become one of them. 

Dr. Shyam Sundar Nandi wins the top prize for making rapid mpox testing kit 

India's leading medical research organisation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recognised Dr. Shyam Sundar Nandi, a scientist at the National Institute of Virology, for creating a quick molecular test that can identify mpox in just one hour. This stands in sharp contrast to fast antigen tests that are prone to errors or PCR tests that might take up to a full day. In addition to being recognised for his innovative use of gene-editing technology to improve polio safety standards in research labs across the country, Dr. Nandi received an invitation to Delhi to attend the ICMR's annual Health Research Excellence Summit. 

India, Nepal, and Bangladesh launched their first trilateral power transaction 

For the first time on Friday, Nepal sent electricity to Bangladesh through the Indian power grid. This marked the operationalisation of a tripartite arrangement that has been in the works for almost two years and is meant to forge energy connectivity. The power from Nepal to Bangladesh was jointly inaugurated by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, Bangladesh’s De Facto Power Minister Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and Nepal’s Energy Minister Dipak Khadka during a virtual event hosted by Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

Delhi records this season's worst Air Quality Index at 481

According to the real-time data provided by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 481 at 7 am, the worst so far this season, reported NDTV. Due to this condition, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed GRAP Stage 4 in Delhi NCR from 8 am today and restrictions including the cancellation of school lectures, and restricting non-emergency trucks and non-BS 6 compliant light commercial vehicles to enter Delhi. 

Cricketer Yuvraj Singh launched his nutritious snack brand Twiddles

Yuvraj Singh in association with Alfinity Studios launched his brand called "Twiddles." The brand aims to offer a range of wholesome, flavourful products for health-conscious consumers, addressing the demand for snacks that are both nutritionally dense and enjoyable. Their products will be available through e-commerce, quick commerce, and retail channels in India. 

Himachal to transform Gobind Sagar Lake into a tourist hub

Himachal Pradesh has unveiled a plan to develop Gobind Sagar Lake as a major tourist destination, drawing inspiration from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Himachal Pradesh government is working to promote ecotourism by offering tourists closer experiences with wilderness and pristine ecosystems while ensuring the conservation of natural resources, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

PM Modi receives Nigeria's prestigious award

In a distinguished ceremony held at State House in Abuja on Sunday, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's second highest honour, the "Grand Commander of the Order of Niger" (GCON). He received this award in recognition of his statesmanship and efforts to strengthen India-Nigeria relations. 

Rajma among World's Top 50 Best Bean Dishes by TasteAtlas 

Rajma, or kidney beans, has secured the 14th spot in the global list of TatseAtlas's Top 50 Best Bean Dishes in the world. Rajma was the only Indian dish on the list with a rating of 4.2. Mexica's Sopa Tarasca topped the charts with other dishes like Waakey and Loubia.