The GI‑tagged “Tandur Redgram,” a traditional pigeon pea from Telangana’s Tandur taluka, is drawing attention for significantly increasing farmer incomes through its premium pricing, regional pride, and drought resilience . This deep‑black soil variety thrives with minimal herbicide use and offers important nutritional, economic, and cultural benefits . However, its soaring popularity has raised concerns about land-use changes, shifting cropping patterns, and potential overreliance on a single cash crop. Experts are urging balanced diversification and careful management to sustain both yields and long-term rural stability in Telangana’s evolving agrarian landscape. (PC: The Hindu)

A 37-year-old pilot from Jaipur, Lt Col (retired) Rajveer Singh Chauhan, died in a chopper crash near Kedarnath on Saturday. He had returned to work just 20 days ago after visiting his newborn twins. His family was planning a ceremony for the babies on June 30. The helicopter was flying from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed in Rudraprayag, killing all seven people on board. Rajveer had retired from the Indian Air Force a year ago and joined a private chopper firm. This is the fifth chopper accident on the Char Dham route in less than 40 days. (PC: NDRF)

Families of Air India crash victims gathered at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, hoping to receive their loved ones’ remains. But chaos broke out when “two heads were found in one body bag,” a hospital official said. The DNA tests must now be repeated, taking up to 72 hours. Outside the postmortem room, one man begged officials, saying, “Please give me the full body so I can do the last rites,” but was told it may not be possible. Most bodies are burned and hard to identify. The hospital issued a checklist for families, and Air India is helping with transport of remains. (PC: Reuters)

2 tourists died and several others are missing after a bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed in Pune’s Kundmala area on Sunday. The spot is a popular tourist site, especially during monsoon. Around 32 people were hurt, six of them critically. Many fell into the river when the bridge gave way. Rescue teams, including the NDRF, are at the scene. So far, six people have been saved. The bridge had been repaired 4–5 years ago, but locals had warned about its weak condition. Heavy rains over the last two days may have worsened the structure. Search efforts are still on. (PC: X)

Captain Jyoti Raj Singh, the pilot of the helicopter that crashed en route to Kedarnath, tragically lost his life just two months after becoming the father of twin daughters. Singh, 35, hailed from Agra and had previously served in the Indian Army before joining the private aviation sector. He was employed with Aryan Aviation and had over 15 years of flying experience. The incident claimed six lives, Singh and five pilgrims when the chopper crashed shortly after takeoff near Garud Chatti. His wife, also a defense personnel, is devastated. Singh had dreamt of building a new house for his family, a dream now left unfulfilled. (PC: Telegraph India & Bhaskar English)

An old iron pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River at Kundmala, near Talegaon in Pune’s Maval taluka, collapsed on Sunday afternoon amid heavy tourist footfall. Around 3:30 pm, the 30-year-old structure gave way, plunging an estimated 10–15 individuals into the swollen river . One fatality is confirmed; 5–6 people rescued, several still missing and feared swept away . NDRF, Pimpri‑Chinchwad police and local teams are engaged in ongoing rescue operations, with concerns mounting over the bridge’s structural health and urgent need for infrastructure maintenance. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s body has been identified via DNA testing, days after the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed into BJ Medical College’s hostel shortly after takeoff, killing 241 onboard and about 29 on the ground. Forensic teams matched Rupani’s DNA at 11:10 am on June 15, and handed his remains to family. Authorities have identified 32 victims through DNA so far, with 14 bodies released. The sole survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is recovering. Investigations are ongoing into the crash’s cause, and DNA-based identification continues as grief and closure efforts unfold. (PC: Our Neta)

Following the tragic crash of an Aryan Aviation helicopter near Kedarnath on June 15, 2025, the Uttarakhand government has suspended the company's Char Dham Yatra services. The Bell 407 chopper, en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, crashed amid poor visibility, killing all seven onboard, including a child and the pilot. In response, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a high-level technical committee to reassess flight safety measures. The DGCA has also issued revised safety norms, including the requirement for twin-engine helicopters, real-time weather monitoring, and enhanced pilot SOPs, aiming to prevent such incidents in the future. (PC: SDRF)

A helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed early on June 15 between Gaurikund and Sonprayag in Uttarakhand while en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi. Onboard were six pilgrims (five adults and a 23‑month‑old child) and a pilot, all of whom perished. The aircraft lost contact around 5:20 a.m. morning amid dense forest and poor weather. Rescue efforts by SDRF, NDRF, and local police are underway in extremely challenging terrain, but no survivors have been found. The tragedy raises renewed concerns over air safety during the pilgrimage season in the char‑Dham region, prompting calls for stricter protocols and comprehensive investigations.

A helicopter from Aryan Aviation, returning pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, crashed near Gaurikund’s dense forests at around 5:20 am on June 15, killing all seven onboard including five adults, a child, and the pilot from Uttarakhand, UP, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Poor visibility and morning weather are believed to have caused the crash. Rescue teams from SDRF, NDRF and local authorities have been deployed to the remote site. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief and ordered a technical safety review, suspending Char Dham helicopter services until strengthened norms are drafted. (PC: India Today & Newsdrum)