The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test, sources said on Tuesday. The pilot had earlier undergone a mandatory psychoactive substance screening after the August 4 flight suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude during cruise. The Airbus A320 was carrying 137 passengers and 8 crew members when the incident occurred, leaving at least 17 people injured. Both pilots have been removed from the flying roster pending investigation. The DGCA has classified the incident as serious, while the AAIB is examining flight records, reported technical problems and other factors behind the sudden altitude loss. (PC: India Today)

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday criticised the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over stop-sale orders against Cadila Pharmaceuticals, saying a “shoot first and ask questions later” approach does not apply in law. The court said the regulator had the power to act but questioned how those powers were exercised. The FDA had seized stocks and stopped the sale of several Cadila medicines over concerns about similar branding and possible medication errors. Following the court’s observations, the FDA agreed to revoke the orders and follow due process, including issuing show-cause notices and hearing Cadila before taking fresh action. (PC: India Today)

The Civil Aviation Ministry has summoned outgoing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson as scrutiny of the airline increases following a serious mid-air incident involving flight AI2379. The Airbus A320, flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise. The flight carried 137 passengers, including 3 infants, and 8 crew members. Thirteen passengers and 4 cabin crew were taken to hospital after landing. The DGCA classified the incident as serious and handed the investigation to the AAIB. Investigators have secured the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine what caused the sudden altitude loss. (PC: India Today)

With just 2 days left in the Monsoon Session, the government is trying to end the Parliament deadlock over student protests, the Ram Temple donation case and the FCRA bill. Sources said the government is ready for Home Minister Amit Shah to respond to the student protests, but wants a proper discussion before his statement. The opposition has demanded accountability over the July 20 police action during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. The government is also open to a discussion on alleged irregularities in Ram Temple donations. On the FCRA bill, the government has offered to send it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, but opposition parties remain divided over the proposal. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s helicopter made an emergency landing in Kolaghat, Purba Medinipur, on Tuesday after bad weather affected his journey, officials said. Adhikari had taken off from Dumdum for Keshpur in Paschim Medinipur, where he was scheduled to attend a programme commemorating freedom fighter Khudiram Bose. The pilot decided to land at an open ground in Kolaghat as a precaution due to the weather conditions. After the landing, Adhikari continued his journey to Keshpur by road. No injuries or other problems were reported in the incident. (PC: News Indian Express)

Police detained 110 ABVP workers in Ranchi on Tuesday as protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations intensified. The protesters were marching towards the Jharkhand Assembly when clashes broke out, with some activists seen climbing onto police vehicles. The action came a day after police used water cannons and tear gas against thousands of JPSC-JSSC job aspirants during a march. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process. The Jharkhand government said it supports peaceful protests, while accusing the BJP of politicising the students’ movement. (PC: HT)

Indian physicist Deepak Dhar has been named a winner of the 2026 Dirac Medal for his major contributions to statistical mechanics. Dhar, 75, shares the prestigious award with Bernard Derrida, Marc Mézard and Haim Sompolinsky. His research on the mathematical “sandpile model” has helped scientists understand unpredictable behaviour in systems such as earthquakes, avalanches and traffic jams. Dhar is an INSA Distinguished Professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, TIFR, in Bengaluru. A graduate of Allahabad University and IIT Kanpur, he earned his PhD from Caltech before returning to India. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2023. (PC: The Print)

BJP workers blocked roads and burned tyres in Ranchi on Tuesday as the party enforced a statewide bandh over police action against student protesters marching to the Jharkhand Assembly. Protesters were detained at several locations, while traffic was disrupted in Ranchi and parts of Ramgarh. The bandh followed Monday’s clashes, when police used water cannons, tear gas and batons to disperse job aspirants demanding reforms and an independent probe into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Students said their movement was non-political and demanded talks with Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Schools and businesses remained largely closed, while essential services were exempted. (PC: India Today)

Gujarat Police seized a large consignment of explosives from a Bolero on the Rajkot-Gondal Highway, days before Independence Day. The Rajkot Crime Branch recovered 12,000 gelatin sticks weighing 1,500 kg, 4,000 detonators and 30 bundles of blasting wire. The material was being transported without the required licence or documents, police said. The vehicle’s driver, identified as Dola Mir, was arrested. During questioning, he allegedly named a supplier and a person who was supposed to receive the explosives. Both are currently absconding. Police said the explosives were allegedly meant for mining work. The Crime Branch is investigating their source and intended use.

Ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged village leaders and parents to improve government schools. He questioned why major government buildings have been developed while many rural schools still lack basic facilities. Dipke highlighted problems such as poor toilets, drinking water, electricity and long travel distances. He said he would approach the village head in Hingoli to seek improvements. He also urged parents to conduct a “social audit” of schools and report missing facilities. Dipke proposed recognising village heads who improve schools through social media. He said better schools are needed to give rural children equal opportunities. (PC: PTI)