The pilot of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight reported multiple technical failures after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet during severe turbulence on August 4. Sources said all three hydraulic systems and flight controls disconnected at the same time. The autopilot also switched off, while warnings showed a risk of altitude loss. The pilot took manual control and stabilised the aircraft without automated assistance. The flight faced four to five minutes of strong turbulence. At least 17 people, including four crew members, were injured. Some suffered neck and spinal injuries. Air India has reportedly contacted Airbus over the technical problems.

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station sent Independence Day wishes to India while holding the Indian tricolour. They wished Indians peace and prosperity and highlighted the long friendship between India and Russia in space exploration. The cosmonauts recalled the launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, by the Soviet Union in 1975. They also mentioned Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel to space in 1984. The message highlighted new cooperation through India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Indian astronauts have trained in Russia for the mission. The cosmonauts ended their message by wishing continued success for India.

A powerful earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, with the US Geological Survey initially measuring it at magnitude 7.4. The quake occurred at 12:34 UTC, around 7:34 am local time, about 5 km east of San Jose del Palmar in Choco department, at a depth of roughly 107 km. The US Tsunami Warning System measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.1 and said there was no tsunami warning. Tremors were felt across several parts of Colombia, including areas far from the epicentre, with early reports indicating shaking also reached areas toward the Venezuela border. Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said the earthquake caused injuries and significant damage to buildings. Evacuations were reported in Medellin, Bogota and Cali.

Bangladesh has urged India to speed up the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The request came during Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi’s meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Monday. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said Dhaka hopes India will respond positively. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. Bangladesh also asked India to hand over two nationals arrested in West Bengal over the killing of politician Sharif Osman Hadi. Trivedi said India and Bangladesh can resolve all issues through talks. He said both countries want good relations and should focus on the future.

Delhi has brought in “monkey whisperers” and new anti-bird measures ahead of the BWF World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. A four-member team will keep monkeys away by copying langur warning calls. Organisers are also working to stop pigeons from entering the stadium. Vents and other entry points have been sealed. A non-toxic gel used by the Railways has been applied to stop birds from nesting. Ten machines that produce predator bird sounds have also been installed. The stadium has also upgraded 80 toilets and refurbished locker rooms. The tournament will begin on January 17.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning, shaking large parts of the country, including capital Bogota. The earthquake hit around 7:34 am local time. Its epicentre was near San Jose del Palmar in Choco province. Tremors were also felt in Ecuador, Panama and areas near Venezuela. Buildings were damaged in several cities, including Cali, Manizales and Pereira. Some people were seen running into the streets as buildings shook. Officials in Bogota said there was no major damage reported in the capital. Authorities in Choco reported injuries and building damage in Quibdo. Officials are checking the full extent of the damage.

The Indian Navy is escorting two crude oil tankers, MT Compass and MT Thalata, through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait amid heightened piracy and security concerns following the Hormuz crisis. INS Trishul and INS Aditya conducted the escort operation on August 9-10, with a naval helicopter monitoring the vessels, according to the Navy’s Western Command. India faces renewed maritime security challenges in the Red Sea as attacks and instability linked to Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalate. The Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya recently sank in the Red Sea, 13 nautical miles south of Hodeidah, Yemen, after being struck by a projectile. All 14 crew members were reportedly involved in the incident. (PC: Times Now)

A man posing as an IAS officer and claiming to be National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s undercover agent has been arrested in Bihar, police said. Manish Gupta was arrested from his home in Khagaria. Police seized a Tesla with a “Government of India” board, a Tata Safari, phones, bank cards and cheque-books. They also found over 31 litres of imported liquor and suspected wildlife trophies. Police said Gupta used fake government identities to cheat people in Bihar. His claims of working with Doval and the Central Vigilance Commission were found to be false. Officials are now investigating his assets and alleged fraud. (PC: India Today)

At least 13 people, including a child, were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia’s Tatarstan region, officials said. The attack took place in Nizhnekamsk, a major industrial city known for its oil refinery. Russian authorities said the drones targeted the refinery area. Several people were also injured in the attack. The strike is being described as one of the deadliest Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory since the war began more than four years ago. Emergency teams were sent to the site. Officials are assessing the damage. Russia and Ukraine have carried out repeated drone attacks during the ongoing war.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Jharkhand government over police action against protesting students in Ranchi, saying the use of force against them was unacceptable. The remarks came after security personnel used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse students marching towards the state Assembly. The protesters have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and greater transparency in the selection process. Gandhi said students raising legitimate concerns should be heard rather than subjected to force. The crackdown has intensified political pressure on the Hemant Soren government, while the student agitation continues over examination-related demands and alleged recruitment irregularities. (PC: X)