iPhone 16 launch sparks long lines at Apple Stores in India; India plans a 25-year vision for an interstate Cheetah Conservation Complex; ancient Stone Age discoveries uncovered in Rajasthan; IMD predicts continuous rainfall in Delhi through early October and more. Stay updated with the latest happenings across the country in this India news roundup.

The iPhone 16 series has officially launched in India, sparking excitement among Apple fans nationwide. Eager customers formed long lines outside Apple Stores in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with some arriving as early as dawn to be among the first to purchase the new models. In Delhi's Saket and Mumbai's BKC, dedicated fans have been spotted waiting in large crowds, with some even camping overnight to secure their devices.

India plans to establish an inter-state cheetah conservation complex in the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscapes of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan within the next 25 years, as outlined in the 2023-24 Project Cheetah report. A new batch of cheetahs is expected to arrive at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary by year-end, with a phased release planned over five years. The project aims to manage 60-70 cheetahs in a combined landscape of 368 square kilometres.

Recent discoveries in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh district have unveiled Stone Age rock paintings, cup marks, and sharp-edged tools, shedding light on the area’s ancient human history. Located near Amarpura village, these findings include engravings dating back 35,000 to 200,000 years, potentially marking the oldest signs of human habitation in present-day Rajasthan. Experts urge for government protection and further excavations to explore this significant site.

Recent heavy rains in Agra have caused multiple cracks to appear on the iconic Taj Mahal, with videos revealing damage to its walls and floors. Notably, a plant was spotted growing from the monument. Rajkumar Patel, Superintendent of Agra Circle for the Archaeological Survey of India, stated that plants often sprout at monument corners due to dust and moisture, but are typically removed within eight to ten days using pesticides and root killers.

By the end of September, Earth will gain a temporary companion: a small asteroid named 2024 PT5. This "mini moon" will be captured by our planet's gravity from September 29 to November 25, 2024, according to scientists. Although it will orbit Earth once during this period, spotting it will be challenging for most skywatchers. Previous mini moons, like 2022 NX1, have been observed in 1981 and 2022 before resuming their journeys around the sun.

Delhi and the National Capital Region continue to face moderate to heavy rainfall, with little relief in sight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts significant rain for the last week of September and the first week of October, delaying the usual monsoon withdrawal until then. Delhi's rainfall has exceeded 1,000 mm, driven by remnants of Typhoon Yagi. This unusual weather pattern has caused 72% more rain in Northwest India while Southern regions are witnessing a deficit of 86%.

Telangana, established in 2014, has quickly become one of India's wealthiest states. Delhi and Haryana consistently perform well, with Delhi boasting a high per capita income. Despite being the top GDP contributor, Maharashtra doesn’t rank among the top five for per capita income. Conversely, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the most populous states, have the lowest per capita incomes at 43.8% and 39.2% of the national average, respectively, according to the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.

In a significant effort to revitalise India's dairy co-operative sector, the government has launched 'White Revolution 2.0,' aimed at empowering women farmers and creating job opportunities. The initiative focuses on four areas: boosting local milk production, enhancing dairy infrastructure, increasing exports, and raising milk procurement by 50% over five years. It also plans to establish and strengthen 100,000 new and existing cooperative societies linked to milk routes with essential infrastructure.

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) announced a tender for two high-speed chair-car trains, capable of reaching 280 km/h. The trains will be built at BEML's Bengaluru facility, taking about two and a half years to complete. Estimated costs range from ₹200 crore to ₹250 crore each, serving the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. Collaboration with Medha Servo Drives will ensure the trains meet European standards, with the first set expected by December 2026.

In Mumbai, a man bypassed the long queue for the iPhone 16 by using Flipkart Minutes, shocking fellow shoppers. After just 15 minutes of placing his order, he walked away with the new iPhone, leaving those who had waited in disbelief. A Twitter user shared their frustration about waiting in line while someone from the back got served first, prompting others on social media to express their astonishment and regret for not choosing the faster option.