This past week saw some major developments in India.

A controversy erupted over Netflix’s IC-814 with some including BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya has criticising the makers of the show.

India continued its quest to become a semiconductor powerhouse by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip.

A report that some graduates of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) were forced to accept salaries as slow as Rs 33,000 sparked concern.

All this and more in our weekly wrap from India.

1. It’s the question on everyone’s minds. How true is Netflix’s show IC-814?

The series is a retelling of the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight in December 1999 that left the country shaken.

On December 24, 1999, five masked men hijacked the aircraft — IC 814 — 40 minutes after it took off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, bound for New Delhi.

The six-episode series, directed by Anubhav Sinha stars a number of popular actors including Vijay Varma, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza and Amrita Puri.

Though many enjoyed the show, some criticised the makers over the names of the hijackers.

But what happened? Why were some taking the show’s creators to task and even taking to social media to cancel Netflix.

Click here to find out.

2. India has made no secret of its goal to become a semiconductor powerhouse.

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones of three semiconductor fabrication plants which will be built at a cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

India, which is playing catch-up with Taiwan and China, has also vowed to offer subsidies to woo chipmakers to its shores.

Now, Modi’s trip to Singapore has given Indian ambitions yet another fillip with the two nations signing an MOU to deepen cooperation in the field of semiconductors.

But how can tiny Singapore, a chip-making powerhouse, help India?

Here’s what experts say.

3. For many students, getting into an IIT remains the target.

The prestigious institutions offer a stepping stone to high-paying careers and upwards social mobility.

But not for everyone.

IIT-Bombay’s 2023-2024 placement report noted how its average annual package was at 23 this year compared to Rs 21.8 lakh this year.

However, on the flip side, some students were offered as little as Rs 4 lakh this year – compared to the lowest annual package being at Rs 6 lakh last year.

But what happened? What factors are to blame? Will things get better in the future?

Take a closer look here.

4. The rape and murder of a woman medic at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month made headlines across the country and spurred outrage.

Questions were raised about what authorities need to do to ensure the safety of women.

On Tuesday, the West Bengal Assembly has passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The aim of the bill is to create a “safer environment for women and children.”

But what do we know about the bill? What are its provisions? And can states actually make such legislation?

All the answers you seek are here.

5. Villagers in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district are terrified.

Wolf attacks in the past two months have left at least nine dead including eight children.

While authorities have launched ‘Operation Bhediya’ – and picked off two of these predators – two more remain at large.

Residents are also taking matters into their own hands by conducting night patrols and setting off firecrackers.

But what makes wolves, who live near human settlements, turn man-eaters?

Here’s what experts say and a look at wolf attacks.

6. The Supreme Court this week came down harshly on ‘bulldozer justice.’

This refers to the practice wherein some state authorities raze properties of alleged criminals and communal violence rioters.

“How can a house be demolished just because he is accused? Can’t be demolished even if he’s a convict. Even after telling SC Bar is … we don’t find any change in attitude,” the Supreme Court said in a stern rebuke while hearing a clutch of cases.

But
how does it work exactly? How did it first begin in India? And which states have practiced it?

7. It’s nearly here.

Apple is set to launch its new iPhone 16 on 9 September in an event called ‘It’s Glowtime.’

Four versions of the phone are slated to be launched – the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

According to several reports, the iPhone 16 may cost around Rs 66,300 while the iPhone 16 Plus model may be priced at around 74,600.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retail at Rs 91,200 and Rs 99,500 respectively.

The iPhone 16 will also get a ‘Capture button’ as well as a slew of AI-powered features including a better version of Siri, AI summary and object detection.

Let’s take a look at
what we know about the iPhone and what we don’t.

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