Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for dialogue to address grievances raised by protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), while warning that attempts to create chaos or anarchy will not be tolerated. Sharif said the government remains open to talks with the Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and stressed that issues should be resolved through discussion. He expressed hope that dialogue would continue under the new government. At the same time, Sharif said those seeking peaceful discussions would be given an opportunity to present their concerns with patience and tolerance, while those attempting to disturb peace would face a different approach. His remarks come amid continuing concerns and demands raised by protesters in PoK. (PC: Reuters)

Jharkhand CID on Monday arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, amid an ongoing student protest in Ranchi. Khiangte, who resigned on July 22, had been summoned for questioning on August 5. The arrest came a day after the state government accepted most student demands, including a judicial inquiry headed by a retired judge. The government said the Enforcement Directorate would probe if financial irregularities were found, but students continued demanding a CBI investigation. Meanwhile, the ED has begun a money-laundering probe into alleged irregularities, including the JSSC-CGL examination, based on an FIR filed by the CID. Thousands protesting outside the Assembly faced police lathicharge and tear gas. (PC: The Statesman)

The pilot of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight reported multiple technical failures after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet during severe turbulence on August 4. Sources said all three hydraulic systems and flight controls disconnected at the same time. The autopilot also switched off, while warnings showed a risk of altitude loss. The pilot took manual control and stabilised the aircraft without automated assistance. The flight faced four to five minutes of strong turbulence. At least 17 people, including four crew members, were injured. Some suffered neck and spinal injuries. Air India has reportedly contacted Airbus over the technical problems.

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station sent Independence Day wishes to India while holding the Indian tricolour. They wished Indians peace and prosperity and highlighted the long friendship between India and Russia in space exploration. The cosmonauts recalled the launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, by the Soviet Union in 1975. They also mentioned Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel to space in 1984. The message highlighted new cooperation through India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Indian astronauts have trained in Russia for the mission. The cosmonauts ended their message by wishing continued success for India.

A powerful earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, with the US Geological Survey initially measuring it at magnitude 7.4. The quake occurred at 12:34 UTC, around 7:34 am local time, about 5 km east of San Jose del Palmar in Choco department, at a depth of roughly 107 km. The US Tsunami Warning System measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.1 and said there was no tsunami warning. Tremors were felt across several parts of Colombia, including areas far from the epicentre, with early reports indicating shaking also reached areas toward the Venezuela border. Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said the earthquake caused injuries and significant damage to buildings. Evacuations were reported in Medellin, Bogota and Cali.

Bangladesh has urged India to speed up the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The request came during Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi’s meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Monday. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said Dhaka hopes India will respond positively. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. Bangladesh also asked India to hand over two nationals arrested in West Bengal over the killing of politician Sharif Osman Hadi. Trivedi said India and Bangladesh can resolve all issues through talks. He said both countries want good relations and should focus on the future.

Delhi has brought in “monkey whisperers” and new anti-bird measures ahead of the BWF World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. A four-member team will keep monkeys away by copying langur warning calls. Organisers are also working to stop pigeons from entering the stadium. Vents and other entry points have been sealed. A non-toxic gel used by the Railways has been applied to stop birds from nesting. Ten machines that produce predator bird sounds have also been installed. The stadium has also upgraded 80 toilets and refurbished locker rooms. The tournament will begin on January 17.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning, shaking large parts of the country, including capital Bogota. The earthquake hit around 7:34 am local time. Its epicentre was near San Jose del Palmar in Choco province. Tremors were also felt in Ecuador, Panama and areas near Venezuela. Buildings were damaged in several cities, including Cali, Manizales and Pereira. Some people were seen running into the streets as buildings shook. Officials in Bogota said there was no major damage reported in the capital. Authorities in Choco reported injuries and building damage in Quibdo. Officials are checking the full extent of the damage.

The Indian Navy is escorting two crude oil tankers, MT Compass and MT Thalata, through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait amid heightened piracy and security concerns following the Hormuz crisis. INS Trishul and INS Aditya conducted the escort operation on August 9-10, with a naval helicopter monitoring the vessels, according to the Navy’s Western Command. India faces renewed maritime security challenges in the Red Sea as attacks and instability linked to Yemen’s Houthi rebels escalate. The Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya recently sank in the Red Sea, 13 nautical miles south of Hodeidah, Yemen, after being struck by a projectile. All 14 crew members were reportedly involved in the incident. (PC: Times Now)

A man posing as an IAS officer and claiming to be National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s undercover agent has been arrested in Bihar, police said. Manish Gupta was arrested from his home in Khagaria. Police seized a Tesla with a “Government of India” board, a Tata Safari, phones, bank cards and cheque-books. They also found over 31 litres of imported liquor and suspected wildlife trophies. Police said Gupta used fake government identities to cheat people in Bihar. His claims of working with Doval and the Central Vigilance Commission were found to be false. Officials are now investigating his assets and alleged fraud. (PC: India Today)