Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379 faced multiple technical warnings before suddenly losing about 300 feet in altitude on August 4, documents reviewed by NDTV show. The aircraft reported low pressure in all 3 hydraulic systems, low fluid levels in 2 reservoirs and problems involving its elevator controls. The autopilot also disconnected during the flight. Air India initially described the incident as a brief turbulence-related event but later removed the word “turbulence” from its statement. At least 20 passengers and 4 crew members were injured. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending an inquiry. 

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced plans for a fresh protest, with founder Abhijeet Dipke calling it “Season 2 of Jantar Mantar.” The announcement came after a CJP volunteers’ meeting in Delhi was cancelled, with Dipke alleging that the venue owner faced pressure from the BJP. The BJP has not immediately responded to the allegations. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party will begin a nationwide “listening tour” to gather public feedback, with education as a key focus from Independence Day. The CJP had earlier ended its 36-day Jantar Mantar protest over the NEET paper leak issue on July 25. (PC: India Today)

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday said the long-running dispute over Vijay Mallya’s unpaid dues should “be brought to an end” after his lawyer argued that a 2020 petition had become redundant. Mallya’s petition challenged a Prevention of Money Laundering Act court order allowing a State Bank of India-led lender consortium to use Enforcement Directorate-confiscated assets to recover his dues. Senior advocate Amit Desai said the petition was filed while settlement talks were underway and sought protection for certain assets, but most had since been attached and dealt with. The bench appeared to agree, with Justice Jadhav saying, “The idea is to move on,” warning that prolonged disputes could affect relations and India’s economy. (PC: AP)

The Air India pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight that lost 300 feet of altitude on August 4 had reportedly been taking medication for sleep difficulty, sources told Hindustan Times. The pilot disclosed the issue during questioning by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), saying personal circumstances had affected his sleep. The development came a day after a confirmatory drug test found marijuana in his system following the flight. It remains unclear when the marijuana was consumed. Both pilots have been taken off duty pending the investigation. The AAIB is probing the incident, while the DGCA will decide regulatory action based on the findings. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is home to more than 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants as the country observed World Elephant Day. In a social media post, Modi highlighted the elephant’s important place in India’s ecological heritage and conservation efforts. He said India has 33 Elephant Reserves that provide vital habitats and support the long-term protection of the species. The Prime Minister also praised forest officials, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts and local communities for their role in elephant conservation. He stressed that protecting elephants requires continued cooperation between communities and conservation authorities. (PC: X)

The government has approved the introduction of 1 billion polymer banknotes each in ₹10 and ₹20 denominations for field trials, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Rajya Sabha on August 11. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had proposed the notes after a recommendation from its central board. If the trials are successful, polymer notes could be issued regularly alongside existing paper-based currency. The RBI said the procurement process is still at an initial stage, so the exact launch timeline and cost cannot yet be determined. The polymer notes are expected to improve durability and reduce frequent replacement of low-value currency. (PC: The Hindu)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday said “Jantar Mantar Season 2” would begin soon, signalling another round of protests. The remark follows last month’s student-led demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over exam paper leaks, student suicides and education reforms. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the new phase would include protests and a nationwide “listening tour” to hear public concerns, with education as its first priority. The party will also launch its “School Thik Karo” campaign on August 15 to improve basic facilities in government schools in rural areas. CJP has also backed recent student protests in Uttar Pradesh. (PC: HT)

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)

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.

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)