India Post on Friday delivered the National Flag by drone from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh for the first time, on the eve of Independence Day. The initiative, virtually carried out by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, showcased how drone technology can overcome geographical barriers and strengthen last-mile connectivity. The drone took off from Mandi Head Post Office and landed at Rehardhar Branch Post Office, where postal officials handed the Tiranga to an army veteran. The initiative supports the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and reflects India Post’s efforts to use emerging technology for public services in remote areas. The Department of Posts plans drone-based mail transmission across 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam. (PC: X)

Luigi Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty in US federal court to stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and admitted shooting him in Manhattan on December 4, 2024, causing his death. Mangione told the judge he understood he could spend life in prison. He said he tracked Thompson to a 2024 investor conference after gathering information by posing as an investor and contacted the insurer beforehand. Mangione attributed his actions to years of severe back pain and difficulties with the health insurance system. His lawyer said he accepted full responsibility and argued he should not face two prosecutions. His defence team plans to seek dismissal of the New York murder case on double-jeopardy grounds. (PC: Reuters)

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce have announced a strategic partnership to develop an indigenous combat aircraft engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The proposed collaboration will combine Rolls-Royce’s expertise in advanced aircraft-engine technology with Reliance’s manufacturing, technology and execution capabilities. The companies also plan to explore establishing an Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India, potentially strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative marks a significant step in India’s effort to develop home-grown fighter-jet engine capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology. The partnership could also support the government’s broader push for defence indigenisation, advanced manufacturing and private-sector participation in strategic aerospace programmes. Further details on the proposed engine and facility were not provided.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed a fresh drone strike on a Saudi Aramco facility in Najran on Friday, escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia. The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency said the attack targeted the facility in response to what the group described as Saudi violations of Yemen’s airspace and sovereignty in Saada and Hajjah provinces. The claim came a day after the Houthis said they struck an Aramco refinery in Jazan with two drones, marking the second reported attack on the facility in less than a week. Saudi authorities and Aramco had not immediately commented on either claim. The developments add to growing security concerns surrounding Saudi energy infrastructure amid continuing regional tensions and the Houthis’ threats against Saudi oil flows.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he held another “very friendly conversation” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their second phone call in two weeks. In a video statement, Netanyahu said support for Israel in India was “immense” and that both countries were translating it into stronger security and economic relations. The latest conversation followed their August 6 call, when they reviewed progress in the India-Israel strategic partnership, discussed developments in West Asia and agreed to remain in close contact. Meanwhile, bilateral economic ties have gained momentum, with India and Israel concluding the second round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement in July. Modi had not issued an update on Friday’s conversation.

Two oil tankers operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) were attacked by drones while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening, escalating concerns over commercial shipping through the crucial energy route. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre said two vessels suffered minor damage, while ADNOC confirmed no injuries and said the situation was under control. The United Arab Emirates blamed Iran for the attacks, although Tehran did not immediately respond. Separately, the United States said it could maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and announced plans to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. The incidents have heightened concerns over shipping safety and regional tensions surrounding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)

President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, called making India Naxal-free a major achievement, saying it has enabled all-inclusive development in affected regions. She said India is progressing towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and stressed that development benefits must reach everyone. Reflecting on Operation Sindoor, Murmu praised the armed forces’ valour and precision, warning terrorists and their supporters that they would be punished. She also backed suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, calling it a decisive step in national and farmers’ interests. Amid concerns over paper leaks and student suicides, she said comprehensive examination reforms were underway. Separately, she approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, for defence and CAPF personnel.

Indian AI engineer Prayut Jain, a founding engineer at a San Francisco-based startup, says he was fired while in India caring for his critically ill father, just weeks before his equity cliff. Jain, who has worked in the US since 2022 on an H-1B visa, flew home on July 12 after his father developed severe pneumonia, ARDS and required a ventilator and ECMO. Despite continuing to work remotely, Jain said he was informed by phone on July 30 that his employment would end in 15 days. He had no formal termination letter at the time. Jain questioned the ethics of the decision and said he hopes to remain in the US, while remaining open to opportunities in India. (PC: HT)

A viral video shows a Punjabi Sikh youth in Mexico tearfully warning people against using the illegal “donkey” route to reach foreign countries. Lying on a bed, he alleges he was assaulted after attempting to escape the network and says his injuries have left him struggling to walk. The unidentified youth claims he travelled to Mexico through the route and warns others against agents promising safe passage abroad. He admits he “made a mistake” and says he has already paid the price. The 33-second video, reportedly uploaded August 13, also carries social-media claims that several youths remain stranded in Mexico. The illegal route can cost ₹20-70 lakh and exposes migrants to exploitation, violence, extortion and detention.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stressed mutual respect in diplomatic discourse after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit referred to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India-Italy ties have expanded and strengthened “in every way” and should continue deepening through mutual understanding and respect. Gandhi had mocked Modi’s “hug diplomacy” at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, questioning the role of personal relationships in foreign policy. Dikshit then made a remark referring to Meloni, prompting political criticism. The BJP accused Gandhi of crossing political discourse limits. Gandhi also criticised Modi over India’s role in the US-Iran conflict, while the MEA focused on strengthening India-Italy relations.