- Air India captain’s dope test after turbulence-hit flight returns non-negative; confirmatory test is awaited.
- Israel rejects the US Gaza peace proposal, insisting Hamas must fully disarm before troop withdrawal.
- Mamata Banerjee alleges stones, bottles and footwear were hurled at her convoy in Bengal.
- Russia proposes a direct rail link to India to bypass key maritime chokepoints.
- Pakistan’s PML-N softens stance on PoK protesters, calling 99% of them “patriotic”.
Here are the top stories of the day:
Air India turbulence-hit flight captain’s dope test sent for confirmation
The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly dropped 300 feet in turbulence on August 4 has returned a non-negative result in a psychoactive substance screening test, the aviation ministry said. His sample has been sent for confirmatory testing, while both pilots have been removed from flying duty pending the investigation. Read full story
Israel rejects US Gaza proposal, demands Hamas disarm before troop withdrawal
Israel has rejected a 15-point US proposal for the next stage of the Gaza peace process, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting that Hamas must be fully disarmed before any Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu also ruled out a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank while he remains prime minister. Read full story
Mamata alleges stone-pelting on convoy during visit to deceased TMC worker’s family
Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that her convoy was attacked with stones, water bottles and footwear while she was visiting the family of deceased TMC worker Birju Keot in North 24 Parganas. Mamata claimed protesters shouted “thief” slogans and alleged the attack happened in front of police personnel, accusing them of protecting the BJP.
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Russia proposes rail corridor to India to bypass key maritime chokepoints
Russia has proposed exploring a direct rail link to the Indian Ocean to reduce reliance on the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said possible routes could run through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with any corridor offering access to India considered viable. Read full story
Pakistan govt softens stance on PoK protesters, calls 99% ‘patriotic’
Pakistan’s PML-N appears to be softening its stance towards protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with adviser Rana Sanaullah calling 99% of Joint Awami Action Committee members “patriotic” and promising talks if the party forms the government with a two-thirds majority. The shift comes days after defence minister Khawaja Asif branded protesters “enemies of Pakistan”. Read full story
