♦ Renowned DRDO missile scientist Ram Narain Agarwal passed away in Hyderabad on 15 August 2024. He is known as the 'Father of Agni Missiles' and 'Agni Man'. Agarwal was a pioneering figure in India's defence research and development, significantly contributing to the country’s long-range ballistic missile program. 

♦ Agarwal led India's Agni missile programme from its inception in 1983 until his retirement in 2005. 

♦ Agarwal was born on July 24, 1941, in Jaipur. 

♦ He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1990 and Padma Bhushan in 2000 by the President of India. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 by the Prime Minister of India for his contributions to aerospace and the Agni missile.