Air India has terminated the pilot-in-command of its Phuket-Delhi flight after an investigation into an August 4 incident. The aircraft suddenly lost altitude during the flight, leaving 20 passengers and four crew members injured. A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said the pilot tested “non-negative” for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory test. Air India said safety is its highest priority. The airline added that it has a zero-tolerance policy for violations of safety, fitness, or regulatory rules. Following the test result, the pilot’s employment was terminated with immediate effect.  

A pack of stray dogs reportedly prevented an alleged sexual assault attempt on a mentally ill woman near Thudiyalur in Coimbatore during the early hours of Friday. The incident occurred around 2 am near a railway overbridge in the NGGO Colony-Ashokapuram area. According to CCTV footage, two dogs staying near the woman began barking continuously as an allegedly intoxicated youth approached her. When the man reportedly attempted to assault the woman, the dogs repeatedly intervened and chased him away. The footage helped police identify the suspect, who was subsequently arrested. The incident has drawn attention to the protection of vulnerable people. 

The Jantar Mantar assault controversy intensified after a viral podcast clip in which influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj appeared to claim he struck student protester Nishu Azad’s father, Sanjay Kumar, on the head with an iron bracelet. Bhardwaj later described the incident as self-defence and said his earlier remarks were made jokingly. The CJP has demanded his arrest and stronger charges, including an attempt-to-murder provision and action under the SC/ST Act. Delhi Police disputes claims that Kumar suffered a skull fracture, saying medical records classified the injuries as simple. Police have added the SC/ST Act and ordered a fresh medical examination. (PC: X)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has welcomed the successful launch of ISRO’s GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the advanced Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05, calling it a proud moment for the country. The mission successfully placed EOS-05 into its intended transfer orbit, marking an important step in India’s satellite and Earth-observation capabilities. Designed for operation from geosynchronous orbit, the satellite will provide continuous imaging of India and surrounding regions, supporting applications including disaster management, agriculture, weather monitoring and strategic needs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated ISRO, describing the achievement as a reflection of India’s growing technological capabilities and space-sector strength. (PC: ISRO)

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s much-anticipated memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, will be published in India by HarperCollins on November 10, 2026, after Penguin Random House India withdrew from the project. � The book is expected to cover Gandhi’s childhood in Italy, marriage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, his assassination, her entry into politics and her decades at the centre of Indian public life. The change of publisher follows a dispute over proposed editorial changes and deletions. Congress leaders alleged political pressure, while Penguin denied such claims and said its editorial process involved fact-checking and recommendations. (PC: X)

A preliminary investigation into Air India flight AI2379, which experienced a sudden altitude drop while flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, has revealed a serious technical failure. The Airbus A320neo temporarily lost pressure in all three hydraulic systems, causing the autopilot to disengage and flight controls to be affected. The aircraft climbed 372 feet before dropping nearly 292 feet, injuring 20 passengers and four crew members. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau also found the captain’s confirmatory test “non-negative” for a psychoactive substance and called the finding a serious concern, recommending priority action by DGCA. The investigation into the incident continues. (PC: India Today)

Train services to North Bengal were severely disrupted on September 3 after railway track subsidence occurred between Tildanga and New Farakka stations in Murshidabad. Heavy rainfall caused soil erosion and weakened the ground beneath the tracks, damaging the up line and forcing authorities to halt train movement for several hours. Several trains, including the Darjeeling Mail, Kanchankanya Express, Gour Express and Padatik Express, were delayed, diverted or cancelled. Railway engineers began emergency repair work, while some long-distance trains were rerouted through the Nalhati-Azimganj-Jangipur route. Officials said restoration work progressed rapidly, with services expected to gradually return to normal. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying EOS-05, an advanced Earth observation satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2:55 a.m. on September 4, 2026. � The mission marks an important achievement for India’s space programme, with EOS-05 designed to provide high-resolution, continuous imaging from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite will support applications including Earth monitoring and national development. The launch is also significant for the GSLV programme following earlier setbacks, demonstrating ISRO’s improved launch capabilities and strengthening India’s Earth-observation infrastructure. 

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has reignited a debate over educational qualifications by challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly disclose his degree. Dipke, who has said he earned a postgraduate degree in Public Relations from Boston University, offered to show his own degree and supporting documents if Modi does the same. The controversy began after questions were raised online about Dipke’s Boston University education and scholarship. Dipke has maintained that he received a university scholarship and an education loan to fund his studies. The latest exchange has brought renewed political attention to transparency surrounding educational credentials.

Actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar has expressed appreciation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay following the announcement of a proposed world-class Motor Sports City in Chennai. The project is expected to feature advanced racing tracks capable of hosting Formula 1 to Formula 4 events, along with training facilities, tourism infrastructure and motorsport-related manufacturing. Ajith welcomed the initiative, describing the focus on motorsport infrastructure as a major step forward for Indian racing. His statement has attracted significant attention online, with fans celebrating the public exchange between the popular actor and the Chief Minister, popularly known as “Thala x Thalapathy.” (PC: India Today)