Phone thieves in London are reportedly becoming selective, with several Android users saying attackers returned their phones after discovering they were not iPhones. In one incident, a thief reportedly handed back a Samsung device, while another abandoned a stolen Galaxy phone after inspecting it. Cybersecurity adviser Jake Moore said criminals primarily target iPhones because of their higher resale value, rather than because they are easier to unlock. London recorded around 80,000 stolen phones in 2024, highlighting the scale of the problem. Police have intensified efforts against phone snatching, which frequently involves masked thieves using e-bikes to quickly target pedestrians. (PC: Reuters)

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said he faced intense online criticism from Indians after repeatedly attacking New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil and trade policies. Navarro claimed he was “firebombed” online and urged critics to stop personal attacks. He has accused India of helping finance Russia’s war effort through oil purchases and previously called its trade practices “opportunistic” and “corrosive.” India has rejected his claims as inaccurate and misleading. Despite the tensions, Navarro said the issue has been addressed and suggested his criticism contributed to reduced Indian oil purchases from Russia. His remarks come amid wider India-US disagreements over tariffs and trade. (PC: AP)

The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi has reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test. The result follows an initial screening that required further analysis after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude on August 4. Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening, but only the captain’s test raised concern. The Airbus A320 was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members; 20 passengers and four crew members were injured before the aircraft landed safely. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties. The AAIB is investigating technical, operational, medical and human factors. (PC: India Today)

NASA has invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to participate in its Moon Base programme, marking a major development in India-US space cooperation. The invitation was extended during the ninth India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting held in Bengaluru on August 5–6. The proposed collaboration focuses on future lunar exploration, human spaceflight and developing infrastructure for a sustained human presence on the Moon. India joined the Artemis Accords in 2023, strengthening its partnership with NASA. The two agencies have already collaborated on missions including NISAR, while India is pursuing its own long-term human lunar exploration ambitions. (PC: X)

A 51-year-old British man, Jean Paul, travelled to India for simultaneous double knee replacement after facing an estimated three-year wait through the UK’s NHS. Suffering from severe knee pain, he chose treatment at Max Hospital in India, where he underwent bilateral knee replacement. According to reports, the India package cost about £14,000, compared with an estimated £40,000 for private treatment in the UK. The package reportedly included surgery, accommodation, flights, insurance and aftercare. Paul also underwent intensive physiotherapy following surgery and was reportedly able to walk within hours. The account highlights India’s growing appeal as a medical-tourism destination.

Bengal and Delhi Capitals cricketer Abhishek Porel was arrested in Hooghly, West Bengal, after a medical student accused him of having a sexual relationship with her on the promise of marriage. Porel was arrested by Mogra police late Monday night following a court order. The woman, reportedly from Karnataka, had filed a complaint alleging they were in a relationship for around three-and-a-half years and had planned to marry. Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act. Porel was subsequently produced before a court, which remanded him to three days of police custody. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.(PC: X)

N Chandrasekaran has stepped down as Tata Sons chairman ahead of the August 18 annual general meeting, announcing that he will not seek reappointment when his current term ends on February 20, 2027. He said a proposed five-year extension failed to secure unanimous board support in February and no resolution was reached over six months. His exit comes amid reported differences with Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata over board representation, strategy and Air India’s losses. Markets reacted sharply, with TCS shares falling 3.9%, Tata Power 1.26% and Tata Steel 1.83% by 11:30 am. Chandrasekaran has led Tata Sons since 2017. (PC: PTI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 12 offered the Opposition a 24-hour window to end the ongoing Parliament logjam, proposing discussions from 3 pm Wednesday to 3 pm Thursday. Shah asked the Opposition to submit a letter to the Speaker by 2 pm and assured that he would remain present to hear all concerns and answer questions. The deadlock has centred on alleged police action against students during NEET protests and demands for a discussion on alleged Ram Temple donation theft. Shah blamed the Opposition for disrupting proceedings, while Rahul Gandhi rejected the offer, demanding accountability over the alleged crackdown on protesting students. (PC: India Today)

An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Chennai carrying 224 people experienced a left-engine failure shortly before landing late Tuesday night, prompting Chennai airport authorities to declare a full emergency. Flight 6E-723 was due to arrive at 11:30 pm on August 11, when the pilot detected the engine failure and alerted air traffic control. Emergency procedures were immediately activated to ensure a safe landing. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 25 at 11:37 pm, with all 224 passengers and crew accounted for. The emergency was withdrawn at 11:47 pm, and airport operations continued normally. No injuries were reported. (PC: Reuters)

Fresh attacks on commercial shipping have deepened concerns over the Iran war as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran appear to have stalled. On August 11, Houthi forces attacked the Egyptian-owned cargo ship Tihamah in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, killing four crew members and two Yemeni rescuers. Separately, U.S. forces struck a Panama-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman, saying it violated a blockade on Iranian ports. The incidents came after Pakistan and Qatar raised hopes of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran continues demanding concessions from Washington, leaving negotiations uncertain and global energy supplies at risk. (PC: Reuters)