A passenger was arrested after allegedly trying to open the emergency exit of an IndiGo flight just minutes before it landed at Kochi International Airport. Cabin crew and fellow passengers quickly intervened, preventing any safety risk, while the aircraft landed safely without incident. The accused was detained immediately after landing and handed over to airport security and local police. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident, including the passenger's motive and mental condition. Aviation officials reiterated that tampering with aircraft emergency exits is a serious offence that endangers passenger safety and can attract strict legal action.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has rejected the DMK's demand for an all-party meeting on the Cauvery water dispute and the proposed Mekedatu dam project, asserting that the issue should not be politicised. Responding to criticism from Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vijay said he was prepared to face personal insults but would remain focused on protecting Tamil Nadu's water rights and farmers' interests. The exchange marks an escalation in the political confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK, as both sides trade accusations over the state's strategy to address the long-standing interstate river dispute. (PC: PTI)

PNC Infratech has secured two National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects worth ₹3,483 crore in Uttar Pradesh, despite facing scrutiny over alleged construction quality issues linked to the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway and an ongoing CBI investigation into alleged bribery. The fresh contracts have sparked questions over the company's continued eligibility for major infrastructure projects. The development comes as authorities investigate defects reported on the expressway, prompting concerns about project oversight and accountability. While the company has denied wrongdoing, the contracts have intensified debate over transparency, procurement standards, and quality control in India's highway infrastructure sector. (PC: India Today)

At least eight people were detained by Delhi Police after a group of sadhus, including women protesters, attempted to stage a demonstration near Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s official residence in the high-security Lutyens’ Delhi area. Police said the protest violated restrictions imposed around the sensitive zone. Rahul Gandhi stepped out to meet the demonstrators and questioned the police action before being briefly stopped during the commotion. The Congress accused the authorities of curbing peaceful protests, while Delhi Police maintained that the detentions were necessary to enforce security regulations and maintain public order. 

Indian-origin PhD student Vikram Mubayi, studying Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), was found dead after going missing during a solo hiking trip in California's Big Pine Lakes area. Mubayi last contacted his family on August 1, sharing his GPS coordinates before communication stopped. A multi-agency search led by Inyo County Search and Rescue and the California Highway Patrol recovered his body in Inyo National Forest on August 3. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death, but said there is currently no indication of foul play. Investigations into the circumstances continue. (PC: NDTV)

A school shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand's Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, left a teacher dead after a student opened fire on campus. Four others, including three students and another teacher, were injured before the suspected gunman died by suicide, according to police. The attack triggered panic as students evacuated the school while emergency services and security personnel rushed to the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation into the motive behind the shooting. The incident has renewed concerns over school safety in Thailand, following another deadly school shooting earlier this year. 

India's preparations for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup have been hit by controversy after Minerva Academy owner Ranjit Bajaj declined the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) offer to become the U-15 team's manager. Bajaj revealed he was never informed about the appointment before it was officially announced, learning about it only through congratulatory messages and media calls. Calling the process unprofessional, he said he would not accept the role under such circumstances. The incident has raised fresh concerns over AIFF's administrative functioning despite Bibiano Fernandes continuing as head coach for the tournament in Azerbaijan. (PC: Instagram)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi introduced Noori, a Jack Russell Terrier he adopted from Goa for his mother, Sonia Gandhi, on World Animal Day. Sharing Noori's story, Gandhi said that humans do not own the planet but share it with animals and other living beings. Emphasizing that every animal deserves affection, he called for kindness, empathy, and responsible care toward animals. Gandhi said that the way people treat animals reflects their values and urged society to foster a culture of compassion, respect, and peaceful coexistence with all living creatures. 

A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million to address harm caused to children through Facebook and Instagram, making it the largest child safety ruling against the company. The decision follows an earlier $375 million penalty, bringing Meta's total liability to $942 million. The court ruled that Meta's platforms contributed to children's mental health issues and failed to adequately protect minors from exploitation. It also ordered stronger child safety measures, including enhanced age verification, improved safeguards for young users, and regular compliance reporting. Meta has said it will appeal the ruling. (PC: X)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched one of their largest coordinated offensives in years, targeting Saudi-backed government forces across several frontlines with missiles, drones and ground assaults. The attacks reportedly caused heavy casualties, marking the deadliest escalation since the 2022 truce and raising fears of a wider regional conflict amid tensions linked to the Iran war. Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes, accusing the Houthis of endangering civilians and regional stability, while the United States also denounced the attacks. The renewed fighting threatens peace efforts, risks worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis, and could further destabilize the Middle East. (PC: EPA)