Pakistan Fall on the Brink: Operation Sindoor Sparks Collapse.

The Mumbai De-Addiction Pledge Campaign has been launched by Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha as part of the Brahma Kumaris' nationwide initiative to administer a de-addiction oath to 10 crore citizens. The campaign supports the vision of a Drug-Free India through public participation, awareness programmes and collaboration between government, educational institutions and spiritual organisations.

Mumbai De-Addiction Pledge Campaign Launched by Mangal Prabhat Lodha; Brahma Kumaris Aim to Reach 10 Crore Citizens

Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha inaugurated the Mumbai leg of the Brahma Kumaris’ nationwide de-addiction pledge campaign, which seeks to administer a de-addiction oath to 10 crore citizens between August 6 and August 20, 2026.

The Mumbai De-Addiction Pledge Campaign was formally launched on Wednesday by Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, marking the citywide beginning of the Brahma Kumaris’ nationwide campaign to administer a de-addiction pledge to 10 crore citizens across India.

The programme was organised at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Byculla Zoo) on the occasion of the 25th death anniversary of Rajyogini Dadi Prakashmani Ji. Several dignitaries attended the event alongside representatives of the Brahma Kumaris organisation.

Addressing the gathering, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said the campaign aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India) movement.

An Air India Airbus A320neo operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence and a sudden altitude loss on August 4, injuring 17 people, including passengers and crew. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, while the DGCA launched a formal investigation by securing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine the cause of the incident.

17 Injured After Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Suffers Sudden Altitude Drop

Severe mid-air turbulence struck an Air India Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, injuring 17 people. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi even as aviation authorities launched a detailed probe into the incident.

Air India Phuket-Delhi flight: 17 injured as airline’s Airbus A320neo hit turbulence and sudden change in altitude during its flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The plane landed safely, and authorities quickly launched a formal investigation and medical assistance.

Air India said flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a brief turbulence-related event during cruise which resulted in a loss of altitude. The airline said the plane was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants and eight crew members.

The airline said all passengers and crew were safely off the plane after it landed in Delhi at 11:07 am IST. There were no reports of life-threatening injuries, but several people needed medical evaluation after the incident, it said.

Tamil Nadu farmers, led by Farmers' Association leader Ayya Kannu, staged a symbolic protest in Tiruchirappalli by burying themselves in sand to highlight the worsening Cauvery water shortage affecting Kuruvai cultivation. The protesters demanded the immediate release of Cauvery water, reiterated their opposition to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu project and urged the Tamil Nadu government to pursue legal remedies over the long-standing river water dispute.

TN Farmers Bury Themselves in Sand, Urge Action on Cauvery Water Sharing

Farmers in Tamil Nadu staged a symbolic protest, burying themselves in sand in Tiruchirappalli, demanding immediate release of Cauvery water and reiterating their opposition to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project.

The Cauvery water dispute is back in the limelight as farmers in Tamil Nadu staged a rare protest on the banks of the Cauvery River in Tiruchirappalli demanding immediate release of water for irrigation. Demonstrators, led by Farmers' Association leader Ayya Kannu, buried themselves in sand to highlight the worsening water shortage that has hit the state's Kuruvai cultivation season.

The protest comes amid growing apprehensions among farmers that delayed water releases from Karnataka could severely hit agricultural production. Farmers in the delta region across Tamil Nadu were in dire need of Cauvery water, and the repeated demand for it was falling on deaf ears, protesters said.

Farmers Renew Opposition to Mekedatu Project Amid Water Shortage

The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 proposes significant changes to India's foreign funding framework, including the creation of a Designated Authority, tighter disclosure norms and revised renewal criteria for FCRA registrations. While the government says the amendments will improve transparency and accountability, opposition parties and civil society groups argue they could expand executive control over organisations receiving foreign contributions.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 Sparks Fresh Debate Over NGO Funding and Government Powers

FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 aims to tighten rules for organisations receiving foreign funds with the Designated Authority and broaden disclosure norms, leading to political opposition and fears among NGOs.

The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 is among the most keenly watched pieces of legislation during the current Monsoon Session of Parliament. While the Centre has described it as a transparency measure, opposition parties and civil society groups have questioned its broader implications. Sprouts News investigates the proposed amendments, the debate surrounding them and what the legislation could mean if passed.

The proposed law seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, or FCRA, which regulates the manner in which non-governmental organisations, charitable trusts, religious institutions, educational organisations and associations receive and utilise foreign contributions in India.

The government says the changes are meant to increase accountability in foreign funding. But opposition parties, non-governmental organisations, churches and civil society groups say the proposals could significantly increase the power of the executive over organisations which receive overseas donations.