India

Air India CEO meets aviation officials over Phuket turbulence injury probe

Air India's outgoing CEO held meetings with Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA officials following a turbulence incident on a Phuket-bound flight that left passengers and crew injured and hospitalized. Authorities have launched an investigation into the event, examining possible mechanical issues as well as pilot conduct. Notably, the pilot's initial screening for psychoactive substances did not come back negative, raising further concerns. Confirmation tests are currently pending, and next steps in the probe will be determined based on their results along with the broader investigation findings.

Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Creating Panel to Appoint Tribunal Chiefs and Members

The Rajya Sabha has passed a bill aimed at establishing a dedicated panel responsible for appointing chiefs and members of various tribunals in India. The legislation was introduced by the Ministry of Law and Justice as part of efforts to reform the tribunal appointment process. Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, while responding to the debate on the bill, emphasized that tribunals serve a complementary role in the justice system. He highlighted their importance in ensuring faster delivery of justice to citizens. The bill marks a significant step toward bringing greater structure and oversight to tribunal appointments across the country.

US raises H-1B and L-1 visa fees for large companies from September 9

New US government regulations taking effect on September 9 will increase fees for H-1B and L-1 visas. The revised rules apply to initial petitions as well as extension applications for both visa categories. Companies with more than 50 employees that rely heavily on visa workers will bear a greater financial impact under the new policy. The changes are aimed at specific employer categories rather than all visa applicants.

Atlanta repurposes retired wind turbine blade as pedestrian bridge in US first

A decommissioned wind turbine blade has been transformed into a pedestrian bridge at Beaverbrook Park in Atlanta. The 15-meter structure weighs approximately 7,000 pounds and was transported from Colorado before being adapted for public use. Researchers engineered the conversion, making it the first project of its kind in the United States. The initiative builds on earlier work by the Re-Wind Network, which has previously explored creative reuses for retired turbine blades.

Kerala Student Goes Missing, Leaves Note About Travelling to Kashi

A student named Shiva Surya from Ramavilasam Higher Secondary School in Chokli, Kerala, has been missing since Saturday afternoon. A note was found following his disappearance, in which he expressed his intention to travel to Kashi and 'merge with God.' The discovery of the note has raised concerns among his family and school authorities. A search is currently underway to locate the missing student.

Rijiju Dares Rahul Gandhi to Confront Amit Shah on Parliament Floor

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to face Home Minister Amit Shah directly in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session 2026. The standoff stems from a contentious issue that has repeatedly disrupted parliamentary proceedings. The Opposition, led by Gandhi, has been demanding answers from the government on the matter. Rijiju's remarks appeared aimed at countering Gandhi's calls for a response from Shah, urging him not to avoid a direct parliamentary confrontation.

High Court Denies Bail to Olympic Medallist Accused of Murder

An Indian Olympic medallist has been denied bail by a High Court judge in connection with a murder case. Justice Purushaindra Kumar rejected the bail plea on August 6, citing multiple grounds for the refusal. The court expressed concern that the accused could potentially influence witnesses or interfere with the ongoing trial. The judge also took into account the seriousness of the alleged offence and the accused's conduct prior to his arrest.

Six Men Arrested After 19-Year-Old Kidnapped and Gang-Raped in Maharashtra

A 19-year-old woman was kidnapped and gang-raped by six men in Maharashtra, India. The victim was standing on a highway when the accused, travelling on two motorcycles, forcibly took her away. The men brought her to an abandoned bungalow where she was sexually assaulted. Police have since identified and arrested all six individuals involved in the crime.

UK charity under terror probe over alleged Hamas ties after US arrest

Modi, Shah, Gandhis unite at Sharad Pawar's granddaughter's wedding reception

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah attended the wedding reception of Revati Sule in what became a rare cross-party gathering. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were also among the prominent attendees. The reception was hosted by NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar for his granddaughter, the daughter of MP Supriya Sule. Several Union ministers and opposition leaders were present at the high-profile event. The occasion brought together political figures from across party lines under one roof.

US Court Permanently Dismisses Criminal Case Against Adani Group

A US court has permanently dismissed the criminal case against the Adani Group, delivering a major legal victory to the Indian conglomerate. Gautam Adani responded to the ruling by stating that truth had prevailed and expressed respect for the judicial process. He extended gratitude to those who had stood by the group throughout the legal proceedings. Adani also reaffirmed the conglomerate's ongoing commitment to nation-building and long-term value creation.

RBI Governor Urges Banks to Keep Humans in Control of AI Decisions

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra has called on banks to ensure meaningful human oversight over artificial intelligence systems. He emphasized that blaming technology for errors is unacceptable, and that human accountability must remain central to AI-driven decisions. Malhotra stressed that human judgment should guide AI from the design stage itself, rather than being sidelined by automation. He also flagged cybersecurity threats and model bias as significant risks that lenders must guard against. Banks have been directed to maintain a proper inventory of AI models along with robust governance policies.

Houthi Attack on Red Sea Cargo Ship Kills Three

Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea, resulting in three fatalities. The assault took place in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. The attack is part of an escalating pattern of Houthi strikes targeting commercial vessels in the region. Shipping companies are facing compounding disruptions, as the Strait of Hormuz closure had already strained global maritime trade. The incidents are deepening uncertainty for the international shipping industry navigating these volatile waters.

Ireland's white-tailed eagle population rebounds a century after extinction

White-tailed eagles, extinct in Ireland for roughly a century, have made a remarkable comeback through sustained conservation efforts. Since 2007, authorities have released 245 young eagles into the wild as part of a reintroduction programme. The National Parks and Wildlife Service now estimates approximately 150 eagles live freely across the country. The birds have begun breeding and expanding their range independently, signalling a self-sustaining population. While certain threats remain, the recovery of the species is considered a significant conservation success.

India Condemns Pakistan's Deadly Crackdown on PoK Protesters

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly criticised Pakistan for using lethal force against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in multiple deaths. The demonstrations were led by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, which had been rallying for equitable distribution of refugee seats. Tensions in the region were further heightened by violence and allegations of electoral fraud surrounding upcoming local elections. India called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for the human rights violations taking place in PoK.

India's Naval Chief Visits Mauritius Amid Growing Defence Ties Across Africa

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, India's naval chief, visited Mauritius to strengthen maritime security cooperation between the two nations. The visit underscores a deepening strategic partnership as India expands its defence diplomacy across the African continent. Separately, an Indian Army contingent took part in Côte d'Ivoire's Independence Day parade, further demonstrating India's growing military engagement in Africa. These developments come as major global powers compete for strategic influence across the region. India's recent moves signal a deliberate effort to broaden its defence footprint and build alliances beyond its immediate neighbourhood.

Pakistan's Saudi-Turkey Deal May Backfire as Strategic Liability

Pakistan has entered into a trilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, a deal that analysts warn could prove strategically costly for Islamabad. While the arrangement appears to offer Saudi Arabia significant geopolitical cover, Pakistan's position within the pact is seen as far more precarious. Critics argue that the deal could entangle Pakistan in regional rivalries and obligations that stretch its already strained diplomatic and military resources. Rather than strengthening Pakistan's strategic autonomy, the agreement may limit its foreign policy flexibility in the long run.

Sadhguru Calls for Renaming Tughlaq Lane at Delhi Tourism Conclave

Spiritual leader Sadhguru made a case for renaming Tughlaq Lane during a Delhi Tourism Conclave. He argued the issue was not about religion, drawing a distinction between the name in question and other Mughal-era road names in the capital. Sadhguru noted that roads named after figures like Humayun and Akbar were acceptable to him, suggesting his objection was specific to Tughlaq Lane. The remarks were made at a public forum focused on Delhi's tourism and cultural identity.

'Portfolios within 24 hours': Rahul, Kharge discuss Karnataka ministry allocation

Syria Sentences Exiled Ex-President Assad to Death for War Crimes

Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has been sentenced to death by a Syrian court for war crimes committed during the country's prolonged civil conflict. Assad is currently living outside Syria following his removal from power. The charges relate to violence carried out under his rule during the war. The Syrian conflict, which erupted over a decade ago, resulted in the deaths of approximately 500,000 people.