Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, pivotal in India’s 1974 and 1998 nuclear tests, passed away at 88. He held significant roles, including principal scientific adviser and director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Chidambaram’s leadership established India as a nuclear power, earning him the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan.

News18 Afternoon Digest: We are covering Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s death, BJP’s first candidate list ahead of Delhi elections, updates on HMPV virus from China and other top stories.

Mukesh Chandrakar Death News: Posting contractor Suresh Chandrakar’s picture with Congress leader Deepak Baij, BJP asked if he’s a contractor or a ‘Congress contract killer’. Police have detained three people in the case but have not disclosed their names.