Air India has reportedly introduced compulsory drug screening for all its pilots, going beyond the testing currently prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The move comes amid growing concerns over aviation safety and aims to strengthen internal monitoring and ensure pilots remain fit for duty.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has tightened norms for ambulances operating on national highways. Ambulances must reach crash sites within 10 minutes when the accident is within 10 km. Failure to meet the deadline can attract a ₹10,000 penalty, while victims must reach hospitals within the golden hour.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was reportedly attacked near a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday. He was injured and hospitalized following the targeted assault. A police officer from his security detail was also injured in the incident. Further details about the attack and the condition of those injured are awaited.

Jr NTR has been discharged from KIMS Hospitals in Secunderabad after undergoing successful arthroscopic shoulder surgery. He is now expected to begin a structured rehabilitation programme and recover fully within two to three months, according to the hospital update.

Filmmaker Sukumar’s daughter Sukriti Veni has achieved another milestone. After winning the National Award for her performance in Gandhi Thatha Chettu, she has now been selected for a prestigious music programme in the US. Out of 272 applicants, only 14 were selected. Sukriti is the only Indian student among the selected participants.

An old mock interview of IPS officer Rahul Bansal has gone viral after he was accused of accepting a ₹1 crore bribe during his first field posting. In the video, Bansal had described feeling “very bad” after allegedly paying ₹500 for his brother’s birth certificate. The corruption allegations remain unproven.

Karoline Leavitt has announced her decision to step down as White House Press Secretary, calling it a “bittersweet” move to focus on raising her two young children. Leavitt said she could not balance motherhood with the demanding role. President Donald Trump has asked her to continue serving as a top adviser outside the White House.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu chaired the 20th State Investment Promotion Board meeting, where investment proposals worth nearly ₹2.08 lakh crore were discussed for 37 projects. The proposals span industries, power, IT, tourism and food processing sectors. Several ministers and senior officials attended the meeting, highlighting the state’s focus on attracting investments.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced that Season 2 of ‘Jantar-Mantar’ will begin soon. Responding to questions and comments on Instagram about the next edition, Dipke said preparations are underway and assured followers that the new season is set to return shortly.

The government has decided to refer the FCRA Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny, paving the way for wider discussion and consultation. The move is being welcomed as a prudent step, with supporters arguing that contentious legislation deserves detailed examination, dialogue and broader stakeholder input before Parliament considers its passage.

Dulquer Salmaan’s much-awaited Onam release I’m Game is reportedly being postponed from its August 20 release date due to incomplete post-production work. The development has sparked discussions among fans and trade circles. However, there is no official confirmation from the makers yet, and an official clarification regarding the release is awaited.

Ravi Teja’s upcoming film Irumudi is currently undergoing censor formalities, with the movie gearing up for its theatrical release on August 21. The film has generated decent curiosity among fans, and the completion of censor proceedings marks another key step before the team brings the film to theatres.

The upcoming film starring Venkatesh, Kalyan Ram and Anil Ravipudi is currently being shot on the Guntur Kaaram set. Interestingly, August 14 marks Venkatesh’s completion of 40 years in the film industry. To celebrate the milestone, the makers are reportedly planning to unveil a special first look of Venkatesh on the occasion.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has reportedly resigned and will not seek reappointment, ahead of the company’s AGM on August 18. His current tenure is set to end on February 27, 2027. The development has triggered market concerns, with Tata Group stocks coming under pressure following the announcement.

Oracle is reportedly preparing for another significant round of job cuts this month as it seeks to reduce costs amid massive investments in AI infrastructure. Managers have been asked to identify employees for potential layoffs, with some teams facing double digit reductions. The move follows a 21,000 employee workforce decline during fiscal 2026.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are officially married after tying the knot in an intimate civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal. The couple, who have been together for nearly a decade, celebrated the occasion privately with their five children. They confirmed the marriage through a joint social media post featuring their wedding rings.

The Allahabad High Court has rejected a government employee’s plea seeking maternity leave for her fourth child. The woman argued that she had not availed maternity leave for her earlier children. However, the court relied on the applicable rules and dismissed her petition, refusing to interfere with the authorities’ decision.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that his aircraft was changed during a stop in Turkey, with another plane used instead of Air Force One. Responding to questions, Trump said, “Guess there was a threat,” without providing further details. The unexpected switch has raised questions over the security concerns surrounding his travel.

India has intensified its fight against cybercrime by blocking more than 3,700 apps and flagging 32 lakh mule accounts linked to financial fraud. Authorities have also targeted suspicious SIM cards and devices while strengthening complaint handling. New mechanisms are being introduced to quickly freeze transactions and help victims recover stolen money.

Megastar Chiranjeevi may have once again given fans an unexpected update, this time about his upcoming film Mega 158 with director Bobby. At the success meet of Kanakaraju, where he attended as chief guest, Chiranjeevi reportedly revealed that the film is titled Kadiri. VIDEO