Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi backed actor Kriti Sanon after her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement drew social media criticism. Sharing Sanon’s response on Instagram Stories, Gandhi said what a woman wears, does and where she goes is her choice, urging people to stop trolling women for exercising their freedom. Sanon questioned why women’s respect for culture and traditions continues to be judged by their clothes, saying culture resides in the heart, not the neckline. The advertisement showed her tying a rakhi to her brother and later to their pet dog, prompting criticism. BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut also criticised Sanon’s look, calling it “intentionally creepy”.

Jaggery prices have surged 25-30% across India in August, with Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, two key producing states, witnessing a sharp increase over the past fortnight. Manufacturers and traders attribute the rise to tightening supplies, following a government crackdown on units in Maharashtra producing adulterated jaggery. Prices are expected to remain firm until October, when fresh jaggery production begins. Industry executives said lower sugarcane availability expected next year could keep jaggery prices elevated through 2027. Since jaggery prices typically move in tandem with sugar prices, the increase is likely to raise costs for sweet makers and consumers ahead of the festive season. The supply squeeze has already pushed prices up by 25-30% nationwide this month. (PC: X)

A US military aircraft landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, triggering speculation amid heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Flight-tracking data reportedly indicated that the aircraft was likely a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, a US Air Force transport plane designed to carry personnel, military equipment and cargo over long distances. The unusual arrival in Russia has prompted widespread theories about its possible purpose, although no official explanation for the flight has been provided in the report. The C-17 is primarily used for military logistics and strategic transport, making its reported presence at a Russian airport particularly notable. The aircraft’s identity and mission remain the focus of ongoing speculation. (PC: India Today)

The mystery surrounding the Kirana Hills incident during Operation Sindoor has been explained by former CDS General Anil Chauhan. He said an Indian loitering munition, believed to be a Harop drone, accidentally struck the Pakistani military’s nuclear-linked Kirana Hills area after running low on fuel. The drone had been sent to locate radars around Sargodha and Kirana Hills and was designed to loiter while searching for targets. When it failed to find one within its operational window, it eventually hit the hills. Chauhan reiterated that India had not deliberately targeted Kirana Hills. He also disclosed that the IAF had approval to strike Skardu, but bad weather forced commanders to switch the planned target to Bholari.

A bottle of Fanta in India may not be nutritionally equivalent to the same brand sold in the UK. According to a Reuters comparison, the UK version contains about 63 calories per can, while the Indian version delivers nearly three times the energy because of its higher sugar content. Britain’s 2018 Soft Drinks Industry Levy encouraged beverage companies to reformulate drinks with less sugar and more low-calorie sweeteners. India’s formulation, meanwhile, reflects stronger demand for sweeter flavours. The difference demonstrates how multinational food and beverage companies modify recipes according to local regulations, consumer preferences and ingredient supply chains. With health awareness increasing, Indian consumers are also seeing a wider range of low- and zero-sugar options. (PC: Reuters)

Air India is seeking around $1.5 billion in fresh funding from owners Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Reuters reported. The airline is seeking the money as it faces rising losses and a costly turnaround plan. Air India and Air India Express posted combined losses of $2.33 billion in the year ended March. Singapore Airlines owns about 25% of Air India. The proposed funding could be provided in stages, with both owners expected to contribute. Air India has also faced problems from airspace restrictions, disruptions to international routes and the impact of last year’s deadly crash. Talks are still ongoing.

The US hosted a record 1.18 million international students in 2024-25, up 5% from the previous year. However, new international enrolments fell 7% to 277,118. India remained the largest source, with 363,019 students, up 10%. But Indian applicants to US colleges fell 15% in the 2025-26 application season, according to Common App data. Overall international applicants fell 10%, even as total US applications rose. International graduate enrolment also dropped 3%. Meanwhile, OPT participation rose 21%. Proposed changes to H-1B fees and student immigration rules are adding more uncertainty for Indian students planning to study and work in the US.

The US Secret Service has confirmed it is aware of an Iranian state media video that appears to threaten Barron Trump, the youngest son of President Donald Trump. The nearly three-minute video reportedly showed places where Barron is known to spend time, including Trump Tower in New York. It also mentioned a $10 million reward. Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring said the agency investigates anything that could be a threat to its protectees. The video was broadcast by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. The development comes amid rising tensions between the US and Iran and repeated threats against Trump and his family.

Students protesting in Patna broke police barricades and clashed with police on Tuesday. They were marching from Gandhi Maidan towards Raj Bhavan. The students demanded cancellation of the 70th BPSC exam over alleged irregularities and paper leak concerns. They also demanded changes in the TRE 4.0 recruitment test. Protesters want TRE 4.0 to be held as a single-stage exam without negative marking. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav called for talks and an independent inquiry into recruitment exams. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also launched a monthly Student Support Camp. The initiative aims to address student complaints and track grievances.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has urged people not to panic over rising H1N1 cases in Delhi-NCR. ICMR chief Dr Rajiv Bahl said there is no new or unusually dangerous strain of influenza in India. H1N1, also known as swine flu, is now a common seasonal virus. Most infections are mild and improve on their own. People with flu symptoms should rest, drink enough fluids and avoid close contact with others. Bahl advised people to seek medical help if they face breathing problems or chest pain. He also said antivirals should be taken only on medical advice.