India Achieves Key Milestone in Conservation of Wild Rice Genetic Resources

New Delhi, July 2: The Government of India has achieved a significant milestone in the conservation of wild rice genetic resources, marking an important advancement in the country’s efforts to safeguard agricultural biodiversity and strengthen future food security.

Wild rice species are considered a critical reservoir of genetic traits such as resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to drought and floods, and adaptability to changing climatic conditions. Conserving these genetic resources is essential for developing improved rice varieties that can sustain productivity under environmental stress.

The initiative involves systematic identification, collection, documentation, and long-term preservation of wild rice germplasm across different agro-climatic regions of the country. These genetic materials are being conserved for use in scientific research and crop improvement programmes.

Officials stated that the conserved genetic diversity will play a vital role in supporting plant breeding efforts aimed at developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant rice varieties. This is expected to benefit farmers by improving crop stability and reducing losses due to unpredictable weather patterns and biological threats.

The government highlighted that this achievement reflects strengthened coordination between agricultural research institutions, conservation agencies, and scientific bodies engaged in plant genetic resource management. Continuous efforts are being made to expand the national gene pool and ensure its accessibility for future research and development.

Experts noted that preserving wild rice diversity is crucial at a time when climate change poses increasing risks to global food systems. India’s progress in this area is seen as an important contribution to long-term agricultural sustainability and global food security goals.

Asian Kabaddi League Unveils Women’s Chapter 1; International League to be Telecast in Prime Time from 1–16 August

New Delhi, July 2 :The Asian Kabaddi League  unveiled Women’s Chapter 1, a dedicated international professional league for women’s kabaddi, at a press conference at the Constitution Club of India. Matches will be held from 1 to 16 August 2026 and telecast in prime time, with Sony as the official broadcasting partner.

The league was launched in association with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India , the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation  and the state kabaddi associations of Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. Representatives of the participating federations and state associations were felicitated at the event in recognition of their support.

AKL – Women’s Chapter 1 has a single objective: to promote and develop women’s kabaddi at the international level. While most professional kabaddi leagues worldwide remain focused on the men’s game, AKL is introducing a dedicated women’s competition to give women athletes equal opportunity, international exposure and a genuinely professional platform — an aim aligned with the wider national push for women’s empowerment and sports development.

The Announcement

Introducing the league, Vikram Vijay Chandan, President – Growth & Media, AKL, said AKL will bring together the finest women kabaddi players and team heads from across Asia, telecast by Sony in prime time.

Dr. Praveen Shetty, League Chairman, welcomed the representatives from the participating states and reaffirmed the league’s founding belief — that talent exists in every region and deserves an equal, professional platform.

Players Welcome a Long-Awaited Platform

International kabaddi player Suman Shokeen said women players had long awaited a professional league of this scale, calling AKL a fresh beginning that will inspire more young girls to take up the sport.

Shri Narayanan thanked the organisers and the state kabaddi associations — with particular appreciation for the Tamil Nadu Kabaddi Association — and noted that players from Southeast Asian countries will feature alongside Indian players.

Format and Next Steps

Kuldeep Rana confirmed that invitations have been extended to the participating teams and that the final team list will be announced shortly. The league will be telecast on Sony Sports; prize money and the official tip-off event will be announced separately. Future editions are planned in a home-and-away format, with the goal of establishing AKL as a high-quality, fully professional women’s league.

JC Sharma said the league will create more tournaments and playing opportunities for women, helping them prepare for professional competition and opening pathways to financial growth, recognition and employment. A dedicated booth for guests and promotional activity was also set up at the venue.

Geetanjali Sharma, Chairperson of National Anti Doping Agency said the league will create valuable opportunities for woman in the country, the whole idea of women empowerment and the way league is designed to enable the woman from the grassroots. She praised the organisers on following the footsteps of Honourable Prime Minister and his views on Women Empowerment 

Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Mumbai

Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Mumbai; Over 99 Tree Falls and Multiple Power Faults Reported

Mumbai, July 2: Continuous heavy rainfall has severely disrupted normal life across the city, leading to widespread tree falls and power-related incidents.

According to initial reports, more than 99 cases of trees being uprooted or falling were recorded, along with at least 13 incidents of short circuits in various parts of Mumbai. The relentless rain has also affected road movement and local infrastructure, causing delays and safety concerns for residents.

Municipal authorities and emergency response teams are actively working to clear debris, restore electricity, and ensure public safety. Citizens have been urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.

Delhi EV Model Shows INR 1 Lakh Crore Savings Path

New Delhi, July 2: India’s transition towards electric mobility could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, with estimates suggesting that achieving 20% electric vehicle (EV) penetration by 2030 may help save nearly ₹1 lakh crore in fuel import costs.

According to policy insights, a higher adoption of EVs will substantially reduce the country’s dependence on imported crude oil, thereby strengthening energy security and easing pressure on the import bill. Experts believe that the transport sector, which remains a major consumer of fossil fuels, holds the key to achieving these savings through large-scale electrification.

The Delhi EV policy has emerged as a notable example of successful implementation, demonstrating how targeted incentives, regulatory support, and infrastructure expansion—such as charging stations and consumer subsidies—can accelerate EV adoption in urban areas.

Officials and experts further noted that expanding EV usage will not only reduce import costs but also contribute to improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term environmental sustainability. The shift is also expected to promote innovation and investment in clean mobility technologies across the country.

They emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the Centre and states to scale up charging infrastructure, support manufacturing, and encourage consumer adoption in order to meet the 2030 target effectively.