An Air India A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude after all three hydraulic systems reportedly failed simultaneously. Preliminary Airbus analysis of the aircraft’s flight-data recorder found that key flight controls, including the elevators and ailerons, became unresponsive for around four seconds, while spoilers were also affected. The first officer’s control inputs initially produced no response before the systems recovered and the aircraft stabilised. The incident injured 24 people. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating with support from Airbus and France’s BEA. The exact cause remains undetermined. (PC: News18)

A second-year Mechanical Engineering student at IIT Kharagpur, identified as Ankit Sharma from Rajasthan, died after reportedly falling from the fourth floor of the Nalanda building on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3 p.m., when security guards found him seriously injured and rushed him for medical treatment. Doctors declared him brought dead. Police have launched an investigation to determine how the student fell, including whether it was an accident or a deliberate act. The circumstances remain unclear. IIT Kharagpur authorities have not yet issued an official comment on the incident. (PC: NDTV)

A food-safety inspection at a private hospital in Bengaluru has uncovered expired ingredients and unhygienic food-storage practices, raising concerns about patient safety. Officials found expired rava, icing sugar, maida, bakery products, mixture and packets of paani puri in the kitchen. Stale bread, plastic chopping boards and large quantities of other food items were also recovered, including methi leaves, fried gram, green peas and moong dal. The inspection was conducted by Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration under a city-wide enforcement drive. Authorities warned food businesses to comply with food-safety laws and said strict action would follow violations. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on August 13 strongly criticised the Centre and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for delaying a decision on front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats. A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran stressed that public health, particularly children’s health, should take priority over commercial interests. The Court questioned the government’s reluctance to introduce clearer warnings and indicated it could issue binding directions if authorities failed to act. FSSAI has instead proposed nutritional tables showing recommended daily intake levels for key nutrients. (PC: The Hindu)

Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for what he describes as India’s “second Independence movement”, seeking peaceful reforms in the country’s political system. In a post on X, Wangchuk urged citizens to identify and support “selfless” and “fearless” leaders with integrity and substance. He raised concerns over the criminal cases faced by many elected representatives, arguing that this contributes to a growing public trust deficit. Wangchuk said India needs a peaceful revolution in the way political leaders are selected if it wants to remain a respected nation by 2047. He also encouraged wider public participation in developing reform ideas. (PC: PTI)

India’s Defence Ministry has issued a major tender worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore to acquire 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The programme aims to modernise the IAF’s ageing transport fleet, particularly replacing its Soviet-era An-32 aircraft. The procurement is expected to strengthen India’s strategic airlift, logistics and operational capabilities. Major global manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin and Brazil’s Embraer, are expected to compete, with Indian companies likely playing a key role in the programme. The initiative also supports domestic defence manufacturing through local production and technology partnerships, reflecting India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence. (PC: ANI)

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on August 13 withdrew its directive temporarily blocking enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates after a controversy over a student campaign opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as convocation chief guest. Around 450 of NALSAR’s 1,400 students had opposed the invitation. The BCI initially sought a three-day report identifying campaign organisers and halted enrolment of the entire graduating batch. Hours later, it reversed the decision, saying most students were not involved and should not suffer for others’ actions. The BCI will await NALSAR’s inquiry report before considering further action.

At least 19 workers were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, after water and debris suddenly entered the tunnel on August 13. Officials said 16 workers were successfully rescued, while three were still feared trapped as rescue operations continued. Some rescued workers suffered minor injuries and were reported to be stable. Police, SDRF, CISF, ITBP, Army and other agencies joined the operation, with an NDRF team also deployed. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed authorities to conduct rescue efforts on a war footing and ensure the safe evacuation of everyone. (PC: PTI)

Former women Maoists from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region made an unusual transition from conflict-affected forests to the fashion runway at a National Handloom Day event in Raipur. Wearing traditional Chhattisgarhi handloom outfits and Kosa silk, they walked alongside professional models at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium. The women, who had surrendered and entered rehabilitation programmes, underwent a week-long grooming and confidence-building programme before the event. Their participation highlighted rehabilitation, skill development and reintegration into society. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met the participants and encouraged them. The event also drew significant online attention, with many viewing the runway appearance as a symbol of empowerment, resilience and fresh opportunities.

A tunnel under construction for the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project collapsed in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday, with several workers feared trapped inside. The incident occurred in the Pipalkoti area, where approximately 18 workers were reportedly inside the tunnel when it collapsed, according to Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar. Initial reports indicated that a landslide inside the under-construction tunnel caused the collapse. Rescue teams were immediately deployed and began clearing debris and searching for trapped workers. Eight workers have so far been rescued, while operations continue to locate and evacuate those potentially still inside. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as emergency personnel work to reach the remaining workers.