India

Air India Orders Dope Tests for All Pilots After Captain Tests Positive for Marijuana

Air India has launched mandatory drug testing for its entire pilot workforce following a doping violation. A captain operating the Phuket-Delhi route was found to have tested positive for marijuana, triggering the airline-wide screening. The move comes as the incident sparked significant controversy within the aviation sector. The compulsory testing reflects the airline's effort to enforce strict safety and compliance standards across its flight crew.

US Bill Threatening 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers Worries India

A proposed US legislation called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 could allow the American president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying large quantities of Russian crude oil and natural gas. India, which has significantly increased its purchases of discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict, stands to be directly affected by the bill. New Delhi has flagged the proposed law as a concern given its heavy reliance on Russian energy imports. However, Indian officials have described ongoing diplomatic talks with Washington over the matter as reassuring, suggesting some room for negotiation.

Trump turns up heat on int'l students, warns US colleges over misuse of work permits

Affordable Housing Share Halves in Five Years, Squeezing Urban Middle Class

The share of newly launched homes priced at Rs 40 lakh or below has dropped sharply over the past five years in India. Such affordable units accounted for 30 per cent of all new residential launches in 2020. By 2025, that figure had fallen to just 14 per cent. The steep decline reflects a growing mismatch between housing supply and what the urban middle class can realistically afford.

Drugs Worth Rs 40 Crore Found in Hidden Truck Compartment in Guwahati

Authorities in Guwahati seized drugs valued at Rs 40 crore from a truck during an operation. The vehicle was initially found to appear empty upon inspection. A thorough search by police revealed a concealed compartment built into the truck's structure. West Guwahati Deputy Commissioner of Police Balin Deuri confirmed the discovery of the hidden cavity. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

90-Year-Old Retired Judge Loses Rs 2.5 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam in Jaipur

A 90-year-old retired judge, Ganpat Singh Bhandari, was defrauded of Rs 2.5 crore in a 'digital arrest' cyber scam in Jaipur. The incident began on July 28 when Bhandari received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. An FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by his nephew, Ravindra Singh Mohnot. Digital arrest scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials to coerce victims into transferring money under the threat of fake legal action.

Air India begins drug testing of all pilots after Phuket-Delhi flight incident

China's PLA Centenary Goals Loom With Three Key Challenges Unresolved

China's People's Liberation Army is entering a critical phase as it approaches its 100-year modernisation goals, with the final year of preparation now underway. Three major problems remain unresolved as the PLA works toward these long-stated military objectives. Analysts warn that the developments represent a potentially dangerous shift in China's military posture. India, given its shared border and ongoing strategic competition with China, is seen as having a direct stake in monitoring these developments closely.

Climate Change Turns Ireland Into an Emerging Wine Country With 42 Vineyards

Ireland is quietly establishing itself as a wine-producing nation, now home to 42 vineyards as climate change improves local grape-growing conditions. Irish winemakers are optimistic about future harvests, citing the country's distinctive soil composition and coastal climate as assets for producing quality wines. The growing industry has begun attracting interest from international investors. To overcome the challenges of Ireland's traditionally cool temperatures, producers are introducing new grape varieties suited to the environment. The focus on premium output is aimed at making Irish wine competitive on the global market.

India likely to field three left-arm spinners for Galle Test

India are considering an unusual all-left-arm spin combination for the upcoming Test match in Galle, Sri Lanka. The trio under consideration includes Kuldeep Yadav, who offers left-arm wrist spin and an attacking threat. Ravindra Jadeja brings reliability and accuracy to the attack, while Saurabh Kumar Suthar provides a more conventional left-arm orthodox option. The move would reflect India's intent to exploit conditions at Galle, a venue historically favorable to spin bowling.

Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked with kirpan at Nanded gurdwara, cop injured

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan during a religious visit to a gurdwara in Nanded. A police inspector was injured while stepping in to shield Badal from the assailant. Badal sustained a hand injury and was subsequently taken for medical attention. Security personnel at the scene overpowered the attacker before further harm could be done. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the motive and full circumstances behind the assault.

Parliament Passes Bill Limiting States' Authority to Tax Minerals

The Indian Parliament has passed a bill that curtails the power of state governments to levy taxes on minerals. The Lok Sabha approved the legislation on Wednesday, followed by the Rajya Sabha passing it the next day. With both houses clearing the bill, the parliamentary approval process is now complete. The legislation marks a significant shift in how mineral taxation authority is distributed between the central and state governments.

Sukhbir Singh Badal Shot at While Serving as Sewadar at Golden Temple

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked in 2024 at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The incident occurred while Badal was fulfilling Sewadar duties, a religious service obligation imposed on him by the Akal Takht. The attack drew widespread attention given the sacred nature of the location and Badal's prominent political stature. The event highlighted the security challenges surrounding high-profile individuals performing public religious duties at one of Sikhism's holiest shrines.

Delhi's Red Fort Hosts Full Dress Rehearsal Ahead of Independence Day

A full dress rehearsal parade was conducted at the Red Fort in Delhi in preparation for Independence Day on August 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver his address from the fort's historic ramparts on the occasion. The event traditionally draws large crowds from across the country. Authorities are anticipated to impose extensive movement restrictions across the capital to manage security and crowd control.

Harbhajan Singh open to reconciliation with Sreesanth after long-standing rivalry

Former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth have been at odds since a controversial 2008 IPL incident that left lasting tensions between them. Recently, Sreesanth issued a boxing challenge to Harbhajan, reportedly reignited by a reference to their old rivalry. In response, Harbhajan expressed willingness to move past their differences, suggesting that spending time together as roommates could help resolve their issues. The veteran off-spinner indicated that close interaction might be the key to patching up their strained relationship.

Scientists plant lab-grown corals in Gulf of Mexico to repair Deepwater Horizon damage

NOAA scientists are working to restore deep-sea coral ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico that were damaged by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The initiative involves growing corals in laboratories and deploying them at significant ocean depths using advanced technology. The project targets the recovery of fragile deep-sea habitats that were severely impacted by the disaster. Researchers are conducting ongoing monitoring to assess coral survival rates and measure the broader success of the ecosystem restoration effort.

US Revokes Over 600 Visas in Birth Tourism Crackdown

The US State Department has revoked more than 600 visas as part of a crackdown on birth tourism. Authorities have established a dedicated Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force to identify and act against those involved. The task force targets both visa holders who travelled to the US specifically to give birth and individuals who helped facilitate such trips. The move signals a firm policy stance by the US government against the practice of travelling to the country to secure citizenship for newborns.

Ashleigh Gardner apologises after relationship with Monica Wright ends

Australian women's cricket vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner has broken her silence following the end of her relationship with fellow cricketer Monica Wright. Gardner issued a sincere apology for any pain caused, while expressing gratitude for the time they shared together. She also confirmed that Cricket Australia continues to back her in her role as vice-captain. Gardner requested that both parties be given privacy as they move through the situation, and extended her best wishes to Wright.

Telangana Student Dies in US After 15-Day Battle With Burn Injuries

A man from Telangana, India, who had traveled to the United States in 2023 for higher education, has died after sustaining severe burn injuries. He had completed his studies and was working part-time in the US at the time of the incident. He battled the injuries for approximately 15 days before succumbing. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by Indian students and workers abroad.

Sukhbir Badal attacked: SAD chief injured in hand - what we know so far