Indian Air Force officers advised the makers of Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar to portray fighter pilots realistically rather than as cinematic heroes. During research, pilots reportedly asked creators to avoid stereotypical slow-motion scenes of officers stepping out of fighter jets. They explained that pilots are often exhausted and drenched in sweat after demanding sorties, sometimes losing significant weight during missions. The show’s creators said they consulted serving IAF personnel extensively to preserve authenticity and focus on the human experiences behind the Kargil War. The series depicts the IAF’s Golden Arrows squadron and its challenging missions during Operation Safed Sagar. (PC: HT)

Delhi has issued a public health advisory following a sharp rise in H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, and other influenza cases. The capital has recorded more than 1,777 H1N1 cases this year, including 114 new infections in a single day, while overall Influenza-A cases have crossed 2,300. Authorities have intensified surveillance and hospital preparedness to manage the seasonal surge. Residents have been advised to maintain respiratory hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, avoid close contact with symptomatic people and seek medical attention promptly if flu-like symptoms develop. Vulnerable groups are urged to exercise extra caution.

Assam has achieved a major milestone in indigenous cattle breeding with the birth of the world’s first female calf produced through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) from the state’s Lakhimi breed. The calf, named Sabhyata, Sanskriti and Srijan, marks a significant advancement in reproductive biotechnology and conservation of indigenous cattle genetics. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the development as a historic achievement, highlighting its potential to strengthen scientific livestock breeding and preserve native cattle breeds. The breakthrough is expected to support improved productivity, genetic conservation and sustainable dairy development while demonstrating Assam’s growing capabilities in advanced animal reproductive technologies. (PC: X)

India will end the mandatory stamping of boarding passes for international passengers at immigration counters from September 1, 2026. The Bureau of Immigration has directed airports nationwide to stop requiring physical boarding passes for immigration clearance. Travellers will be able to present e-boarding passes on their smartphones instead. Physical boarding passes will still be accepted, but immigration officials will no longer stamp them. The move follows passenger complaints about inconvenience and poorly stamped documents becoming difficult to read. Authorities are also planning a pilot project to eliminate immigration entry and exit stamps for Indian passport holders, potentially extending the digital process further. (PC: Shutterstock)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has claimed that the world has accepted Iran’s victory in its war with the United States, arguing that continued conflict is unnecessary. Iranian state media reported that Pezeshkian said global opinion had recognised Tehran’s success and criticised the US. His remarks come as President Donald Trump’s administration prepares an unprecedented economic campaign against Iran, seeking to increase isolation and pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz. The US is also demanding that Iran reopen the strategic waterway to international oil and gas shipments, keeping tensions high despite claims of victory from Tehran. (PC: X)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a new welfare policy for retired police dogs, ensuring they remain with their handlers after completing their service. Under the policy, retired canine personnel will no longer be offered for adoption to third parties. Instead, they will continue living with the handlers who have cared for them during their years of duty. The Maharashtra government will bear their lifetime living and medical expenses, recognising their contribution to policing and law enforcement. The move aims to provide retired police dogs with a familiar, secure environment and reflects greater attention to the welfare of service animals. (PC: X)

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified as Washington prepares new sanctions targeting Tehran and potentially its trading partners, including China. Iran’s newly appointed Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned that countries supporting US economic measures could face retaliation, saying Tehran would regard them as enemies. He also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington changes its policies and meets Iran’s conditions. The strategic waterway remains central to the standoff because of its importance to global oil shipments. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain stalled, raising concerns over further military and economic escalation. (PC: X)

Chandigarh government school science teacher Ravi Kumar Jaiswal has been selected among 48 recipients of the National Teachers Award 2026 for his innovative teaching methods. At Government Model High School, Maloya Colony, Jaiswal transformed a school hall into a 3D dome theatre using waste materials such as tins and thermocol, enabling students to learn about space and science through immersive visuals. The initiative has since been replicated in six government schools across Chandigarh. He also established a weather station and supported students in science exhibitions and exchanges. Jaiswal is Chandigarh’s sole awardee and will receive the honour on Teachers’ Day. 

India is set to import sugar for the first time in more than a decade as tighter domestic supplies raise concerns over availability. The move comes as more sugarcane is being diverted to ethanol production under India’s E20 fuel programme, which aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol. Lower sugar output and changing production priorities have added pressure to domestic stocks. The government is considering imports to stabilise supplies and control prices. While the E20 policy supports cleaner fuel and reduces oil imports, the sugar shortage has sparked debate over balancing food security with India’s growing ethanol needs. (PC: Reuters)

A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison in Indonesia’s Bali after being found guilty of posting content on Instagram that insulted a Hindu holy day. The court ruled that the social media post violated laws protecting religious harmony. The case drew attention in Bali, where Hindu traditions and religious ceremonies play an important role in daily life. Authorities said the post was considered offensive to the Hindu community. The verdict highlights Indonesia’s strict laws against religious insults and the potential legal consequences of social media posts deemed disrespectful to religious beliefs or practices. (PC: HT)