✈️ Air India boosts pilot salaries by up to 15%

Air India has announced a significant salary hike for its pilots, ranging from 8% to 15% depending on rank. This increase was implemented on Friday in New Delhi across the airline group. The revised structure raises compensation, with a senior commander at 55 hours now earning Rs 8.3 lakh. This move comes as Air India restores international flights, which were cut after the West Asia crisis. Going forward, Air India Express will be the main path for pilots to upgrade to Air India's wide-body aircraft. ✈️

😮 FIFA Boss' Alleged Mistress Got Pay & MBA Funding

A report surfaced alleging that UEFA provided a six-figure payout and funded an MBA for a junior employee during Gianni Infantino's tenure. This individual was reportedly in a relationship with Infantino while he was the general secretary of UEFA. The alleged payments and funding occurred during his time at UEFA before he became FIFA president in 2016. UEFA confirmed the departure payment and MBA funding complied with regulations existing at that time. Infantino strongly denies all allegations and plans to seek a fourth term as FIFA president next year. ⚽

📈 NCAER says lift Bihar booze ban for development

A new paper from NCAER suggests lifting the prohibition in Bihar to fund development work. The economists, led by Ratna Sahay, found that the ban hasn't reduced crimes against women in Bihar. Ending prohibition could boost tax revenue by 14-15% while cutting enforcement costs. The report was presented at the India Policy Forum on Friday. The authors also recommend more central transfers to help with flood-control activities. 🧐

🧐 NCAER suggests lifting Bihar's liquor ban

A new NCAER paper proposes ending the prohibition in Bihar to generate necessary resources for development. Led by Ratna Sahay, the economists argued that the ban hasn't reduced crime against women and has instead fueled illegal trade. Ending the ban could boost state tax revenue by 14-15% while cutting enforcement costs. The paper also suggested more central transfers to address issues like floods and governance gaps. This move aims to finance priority areas like education, health, and addressing gender discrimination. 🧐

🏛️ Trump tries again to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook

President Donald Trump is attempting to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage fraud allegations. This move was detailed in a White House letter sent to Cook on August 5th, naming her at the Federal Reserve. The allegations stem from unproven claims that she made false statements on mortgage applications. This represents an unprecedented attack on the Federal Reserve's independence, despite a June Supreme Court ruling. Cook denies the charges, stating the attempt is politically motivated and she must respond by August 26th.

🛰️ NASA spacewalkers upgrade ISS power system

NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir finished a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Friday. They were at the station in Washington to assemble a modification kit for its power channel. This 281st spacewalk, which lasted six hours and 27 minutes, took place on Thursday and concluded Friday. The work will allow for future installation of IROSA solar arrays to boost power for critical systems. The crew has two more spacewalks scheduled for August 13 and August 25 for further maintenance.

🤝 Netanyahu thanks Modi, vows stronger India-Israel ties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a phone conversation about the strategic partnership. The leaders reviewed cooperation and regional developments during the call, which took place on Friday. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that they reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Their discussion also covered the evolving situation in West Asia, amid ongoing security developments. Both nations agreed to remain in touch as they monitor the wider regional situation.

⚖️ Supreme Court moves coal scam judges

The Supreme Court allowed the Delhi High Court's request to transfer two special judges, Sunena Sharma and Dheeraj Mor. The judges were involved in the CBI coal scam cases in Delhi. Sharma took charge in January, and Mor was appointed in April 2025, with the transfer request coming after only six months for Sharma. The High Court noted both officers were of outstanding merit and better suited for other duties. Replacements Virender Kumar Kharta and Ajay Garg have been appointed to their respective posts. ⚖️

😮 Thai wife says American Dream is dead after 3 years

A Thai woman married to an American man shared her experience after living in the US for three years. She stated that the reality did not match the expectations of the American Dream. The rising cost of living and feeling like a 'rat race' made daily life tough. She prefers Thailand because of its relaxed lifestyle and affordable healthcare. This has led her to want to move back to her home country. 😮

⛽ India's oil bill jumps 26% despite lower imports

India's crude import bill increased by 26% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026-27. This rise occurred while overall import volumes actually fell by 18% in April to June 2026. The bill reached $49 billion, up from $39 billion in the same period last year. Supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict and rising global oil prices drove this increase. India is prioritizing securing energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people moving forward. ⛽

🚨 8-year-old girl raped and murdered in MP

An eight-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly raped and then strangled by a man in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur district. The 22-year-old accused, who was also part of the search, was arrested on Thursday. The incident happened on Wednesday when the girl disappeared after school, leading to an eight-hour search. Locals demanded the accused's house be bulldozed and for a death penalty to be served. The case is set to be tried in a fast-track court. 💔