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)

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)

A food safety inspection at a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural, has exposed serious hygiene and food-handling violations. Officials found organic waste, discarded wrappers and bottles, accumulated dirt, and empty cardboard boxes inside the facility. The inspection also identified problems including non-compliant labelling, misbranding, and unhygienic storage and handling of food products. The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department sealed the warehouse and issued a notice to the facility. Officials have also recommended legal action against the operator. The raid is part of a wider food-safety enforcement drive in Bengaluru aimed at ensuring compliance with FSSAI standards and protecting consumers. 

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a nationwide campaign to improve government schools in villages, beginning August 15. The initiative calls on parents to conduct social audits of basic facilities, including electricity, drinking water, functional toilets and mid-day meals. Dipke has also challenged sarpanches to improve schools under a “Sarpanch Challenge,” with successful efforts to be publicly recognised through before-and-after photographs. The campaign will begin from Dipke’s village in Hingoli, Maharashtra. The CJP says the initiative aims to address rural educational infrastructure gaps and ensure children of farmers and labourers receive facilities comparable to those available in urban schools. 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced stricter packaging rules for pan masala, banning plastic-based and plastic-laminated packaging. Under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, manufacturers must use plastic-free paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally derived materials. Aluminium foil, metallised layers and synthetic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and PVC are also prohibited. Tin and glass containers are permitted alternatives. The amendment, notified in August 2026, aligns pan masala packaging with existing plastic-waste management provisions and aims to reduce plastic pollution while strengthening regulatory compliance across the industry.