Government condemns attack on cargo vessel in Red Sea
The Government has condemned the attack on the India-flagged cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which capsized in the Red Sea after being struck by an unidentified projectile off Yemen on Aug 4.
All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard, reported Reuters.
New Delhi called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping and urged the restoration of safe international maritime navigation.
India, China resume Lipulekh Pass trade despite Nepal’s objections
India and China have resumed cross-border trade through the Lipulekh Pass after a six-year suspension, despite Nepal’s objections that the route lies within its territory.
Sixteen Indian traders crossed into Tibet on the opening day, while authorities have approved permits for 134 traders, reported ANN. The route had remained closed since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Udhayanidhi released on bail after questioning
Former Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on station bail after hours of police questioning over alleged offensive remarks involving actress Trisha Krishnan.
Mr Stalin denied any malicious intent, claiming his comments were misinterpreted, reported NDTV. He alleged his arrest was politically motivated, while the ruling TVK accused him of objectifying women and lodged a police complaint.
BJP loses key Bihar by-election after student protest movement
India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has lost the Bankipur by-election in Bihar, ending its three-decade hold on the constituency.
Jan Suraaj leader Prashant Kishor secured a breakthrough victory following nationwide student protests over examination paper leaks, reported NDTV.
Mr Kishor said the result should prompt the government to improve education and create more employment opportunities.
Monsoon floods kill over 100 across India
More than 100 people have died in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across India since July, reported Reuters.
Assam has been the worst-hit state, with at least 87 deaths, including 47 in Sivasagar district.
Authorities have appealed for donations to support relief efforts as thousands remain displaced by widespread flooding.
Meta India chief named in case over Modi videos
Police in Hyderabad have registered a case against Meta India head Arun Srinivas over Facebook videos allegedly depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an abusive manner.
Authorities are preparing to issue a notice to Meta as India tightens rules requiring social media platforms to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving official orders, reported Reuters
Zuckerberg apologises to India over Meta content lapses
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has apologised to the Indian government over child sexual abuse material, deepfake content and operational lapses on the company’s platforms, according to media reports.
The apology was reportedly conveyed during a meeting with government officials after the Indian government sought an explanation over objectionable content appearing on Instagram. Meta has not commented publicly.
Court acquits former wrestling chief Brij Bhushan Singh
A New Delhi court has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and stalking charges filed by women wrestlers, reported AFP.
The court cited inconsistencies in witness statements and contradictions in evidence.
Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik and world champion Vinesh Phogat said they would appeal against the verdict.
‘Cockroach’ movement plans nationwide youth campaign
The Cockroach Janta Party, which emerged from India’s recent student protests over exam paper leaks, plans to build a nationwide grassroots movement focused on youth issues, reported Bloomberg.
Spokesman Saurav Das said the group will hold public meetings across India to address concerns such as unemployment, inflation and food security, but has no immediate plans to register as a political party.
India moves closer to merchant fees on UPI payments
The Indian government has taken a step towards reintroducing merchant fees on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions after proposed amendments to payment laws were introduced in Parliament.
The changes would create a legal framework for charging a merchant discount rate, although no decision has been made on the fee structure, reported Reuters.
UPI currently allows merchants to accept digital payments free of charge.
Aviation authorities probe Air India altitude scare
Aviation authorities have launched an investigation after an Air India Airbus A320neo experienced a sudden loss of altitude during a flight from Phuket to Delhi.
Officials have secured the aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders for analysis, reported Reuters.
The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, landed safely in Delhi without incident.
Air India appoints former Ethiopian Airlines chief as CEO
Air India has named former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Campbell Wilson.
Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline is entering a critical phase of expansion.
Mr Tewolde will lead the carrier’s transformation following its return to Tata Group ownership and increased regulatory scrutiny after last year’s Ahmedabad crash, reported Reuters.
CBI brings back fugitive in Rs88-crore fraud case
The Central Bureau of Investigation has secured the deportation of fugitive Vishakha Rathod from the United Arab Emirates in connection with an alleged Rs88-crore (S$11.85 million)investment fraud, reported NDTV.
Ms Vishaka, who was subject to an Interpol Red Notice, is accused of misleading investors with promises of guaranteed monthly returns before diverting funds through multiple bank and demat accounts.
