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Following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), 500 out of 520 fuel stations in Delhi have installed Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Image showing traffic in Delhi. Credit: PTI File Photo
Around 30 lakh out of 3.6 crore vehicles checked through a new system installed at fuel stations in Delhi were found without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), leading to fines worth Rs 168 crore, officials said on Friday.
Of the total, 4.9 lakh were overage or end-of-life (EOL) vehicles — diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years — which are highly polluting.
Following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), 500 out of 520 fuel stations in Delhi have installed Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
These cameras will help stop the sale of fuel to overage vehicles from July 1 by detecting them. Once identified, the system will alert the command centre and enforcement teams from the traffic and transport departments, who may then take action, including impounding the vehicles.
“The installation of cameras began in December. Since then, 3.6 crore vehicles have been screened. Among them, 4.9 lakh were EOL vehicles, and 25.92 lakh were running without valid PUCCs. This led to fines worth Rs 168 crore,” Virinder Sharma, Member (Technical), CAQM, said.
The system will be extended to five high-vehicle-density districts near Delhi – Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar and Sonipat – starting November 1. Camera installation in these areas will be completed by October 31.
CAQM officials made it clear that the rule applies to all EOL vehicles, regardless of where they are registered in India.
“Our directions do not say that only vehicles registered in Delhi will be denied fuel. Vehicles from outside Delhi-NCR also operate here and add to pollution. Some Delhi residents are registering vehicles in other states to avoid rules, and this must be discouraged,” Sharma said.
He added that EOL buses from any part of India will also be tracked through this system. Separate guidelines will be issued to limit their movement in Delhi-NCR.
To support enforcement, 100 teams made up of traffic and transport officials have been formed. Fuel stations found breaking the rules will face strict action under the law, Sharma said.
The Delhi High Court on Friday ordered takedown of a YouTube channel operating in the name of Anjana Om Kashyap, anchor and Managing Editor (Special Projects) of Aaj Tak news channel.
Justice Prathiba M Singh passed the order on a suit filed by TV Today Network (owner of Aaj Tak) for a permanent injunction against impersonation and misuse of its intellectual property rights.
The Court was told that the YouTube channel by use of ‘Deepfake’ technology was creating false and fabricated news videos with the anchor being presented as reading the news on behalf of the news organization.
The Court in the interim order said the page appeared to be fake and thus the plaintiff (TV Today) has made out a case for interim injunction.
“Considering the identity of the defendant no 2, the missing P in the word Kashyap, it is clear that the same appears to be a fake page. Such fake YouTube pages and fake profiles being made using her goodwill, reputation and personality is contrary to law. Accordingly, the plaintiff has made out a case for interim injunction,” the Court stated.
Accordingly, it directed Google to take down the page within 48 hours. It also ordered disclosure of the Basic Subscriber Details of the YouTube channel owner.
“The identity of D2 is unknown and so it is directed that Google shall take down the YouTube channel within 48 hours and BSI details of the person who has put up this channel shall be disclosed in 2 weeks. Then the persons disclosed may be impleaded,” the Court directed.
It also directed Google to file details about the revenue earned by the fake YouTube page. Further, it said that in case further such pages are created, the URL shall be given to Google for takedown of the same.
Advocate Hrishikesh Baruah appearing for TV Today earlier submitted that the YouTube channel was being used to spread fake news and earn money.
The Indian students were rescued from Tehran as part of India’s Operation Sindhu. Approximately 1000 students will be brought back through Mahan Air’s chartered flights.
The first flight carrying 290 Indian students from Iran landed in Delhi on Friday night at around 11.40 pm under India’s evacuation program, Operation Sindhu. This rescue operation is being conducted through Mahan Air’s chartered flights from Mashhad to bring approximately 1,000 Indians back home.
While the first flight from Mashhad has already arrived, the second flight from Ashgabat is scheduled to land on Saturday morning at around 10 am. The third flight will land on Saturday evening.
“We consider Indians as our own people. Iran’s airspace is closed but because of this issue, we are making arrangements to open it for the safe passage of Indian nationals,” Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy said at a media briefing.
The incident occurred during a search operation launched by security personnel in Langchingmanbi village, hours after a separate gun attack in Phubala, Bishnupur district, where Ningthoujam Biren, a 60-year-old Meitei farmer, was shot and injured by unidentified assailants while working in his paddy field.
Security forces keep strict watch in Manipur (Representative Image/PTI)
An indefinite shutdown called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has brought daily life to a grinding halt across Churachandpur district and other Kuki-dominated regions of Manipur. The protest was launched in response to the killing of Hoikholhing, wife of the Langchingmanbi village chief. She was allegedly killed during a crossfire between security forces and armed militants on Thursday, June 19.
The incident occurred during a search operation launched by security personnel in Langchingmanbi village, hours after a separate gun attack in Phubala, Bishnupur district, where Ningthoujam Biren, a 60-year-old Meitei farmer, was shot and injured by unidentified assailants while working in his paddy field.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Kuki Inpi Youth Affairs, a youth wing of a Kuki organisation, alleged that “Hoikholhing was shot dead during a crossfire between Central security forces and armed Meitei militants.” The organisation blamed what it called the negligence of security forces and warned that the government must act to prevent a further rise in unrest.
The ITLF condemned the killing as a “grave injustice” and said the incident highlighted the ongoing failure of authorities to protect civilians in conflict-hit areas. “This is not just a tragic loss for one family, but a glaring example of the state’s breakdown in law and order,” the ITLF said in its statement.
In support of the shutdown, six Kuki civil society organisations have expressed solidarity and demanded a high-level investigation into the circumstances leading to Hoikholhing’s death. They also called for accountability and immediate justice for the victim’s family.
By Friday morning, Churachandpur town wore a deserted look, with bandh supporters blocking roads, including the strategic Tiddim Road (NH-150) that connects Imphal with Mizoram via Churachandpur. Markets, educational institutions, and government offices remained shut, though essential services such as pharmacies and medical facilities were exempted from the bandh.
This latest flare-up comes amid ongoing ethnic unrest that has plagued Manipur since May 3, 2023, when large-scale violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The region remains heavily militarized, with additional state and central forces deployed in the wake of the recent incidents to maintain order.
Authorities have appealed for calm and reassured the public that investigations into both the Churachandpur and Phubala shootings are underway. However, with tensions running high and community trust in law enforcement eroding, the indefinite shutdown threatens to deepen the divide and prolong the instability gripping the state.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has urged the government to take immediate and firm action to address the rising threat perception faced by farmers during the current cultivation season.
“Yoga isn’t just an exercise. It is a way of life,” said PM Modi as he joined this year’s Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam.
PM Modi leads mega Yoga day celebrations in Visakhapatnam. (Image: PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the people of India and the world as he led the 11th International Yoga Day celebration. The theme of this year’s Yoga Day is “Yoga For One Earth, For One Health”.
“Yoga isn’t just an exercise. It’s a way of life,” said PM Modi as he joined this year’s Yoga Day celebrations at a mega event in Visakhapatnam.
“Yoga is for all, beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age or ability. It has brought the world together,” he said, adding, “Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe again.”
Highlighting how India is heading towards promoting Yoga, PM Modi said, “India is empowering the science of Yoga through modern research. We are also encouraging evidence-based therapy in the field of Yoga. Delhi AIIMS has done a good job in this regard. Its research has shown that yoga has a critical role in the treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders, and it also plays an important role in women’s health and mental health.”
‘Tensions Across World, Yoga Is Pause Button…’: PM Modi
Talking about the ongoing tensions across the world and global instability, the Prime Minister emphasised on Yoga’s role in promoting peace. He further termed Yoga as the “pause button that humanity needs to breathe, balance, and become whole again”.
“Yoga is a wonderful system that takes us from me to we,” PM Modi said, highlighting Yoga’s power to foster global unity.
“Unfortunately, today the entire world is going through some tension, unrest, and instability have been increasing in many regions. In such times, Yoga gives us the direction of peace. Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe, balance, and become whole again,” he said.
PM Modi Recalls Yoga Day Journey
Recalling the day when 175 countries stood with India in recognising June 21 as the International Yoga Day, PM Modi said that this kind of unity and support is not a normal incident in today’s world.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 90 personnel, is primarily represented by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services.
The 8th Edition of Joint Military Exercise Shakti between India🇮🇳 & France. Credit: X/@@adgpi
A joint exercise between the militaries of India and France, aimed at enhancing operational coordination and focused on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment, began on Thursday, officials said.
The eighth edition of the biennial Indo-French ‘Exercise Shakti’ commenced at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in France.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 90 personnel, is primarily represented by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services.
“The French contingent, also comprising 90 personnel, is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13 DBLE),” a senior official said.
‘Exercise Shakti’ is a bilateral training engagement between the Indian and French armies aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and mutual understanding, the officials said.
“The 2025 edition focuses on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training conducted in semi-urban terrain,” the official said.
The opening ceremony was graced by key dignitaries, including India’s military attaché in France, Brig Veeresh Thapar, and the Indian contingent commander, Col HV Kalia, he said.
Representing the French side were Col Benjamin Brunet, Commander of the 13 DBLE, and Lt Col Castillo, the Deputy Commander.
Both sides conveyed their best wishes to the participating troops and expressed confidence that the exercise would foster deeper cooperation and mutual respect between the armed forces of India and France.
In their remarks, the dignitaries highlighted that ‘Exercise Shakti’ would not only enhance the operational preparedness of both armies but also contribute significantly to the growing Indo-French defence partnership, the officials said.
Bar & Bench has accessed the report of in-house committee constituted to probe the allegations of cash discovery at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma in March this year.
The committee comprising Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court GS Sandhawalia and Karnataka High Court judge Anu Sivaraman has made damning conclusions against Justice Varma and has rebuffed his claims that the episode was a set up to frame him.
As per the report, cash was indeed found at the storeroom of Justice Varma’s residence and two of his trusted domestic staff – Rahil/Hanuman Parshad Sharma and Rajinder Singh Karki – were instrumental in removing the burnt cash from the store room during the wee hours of March 15, 2025, sometime after the firemen/Delhi Police personnel had left the premises.
Below are ten important conclusions that the committee has arrived at:
1. 10 eye-witnesses saw half-burnt cash
As per the report, at least ten witnesses, all officials of the Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police, told the committee that they saw half-burnt piles of cash in the storeroom of Justice Varma’s house where fire had broken out.
In support of eye-witness evidence, electronic evidence in the shape of video recordings and still photographs duly authenticated by certificates issued by the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory at Chandigarh, are also available on record.
As per the report, the video taken at the spot has not been refuted by Justice Varma.
“At the end of the video Ex.V1, there is an audio reference to a person calling out the name of ‘Rahil’ the house staff employee and since the video being shot is at the entrance of the store room, Mr. Karki, has admitted in his examination that it might be his voice. Similarly when it was put to Rahil (Witness No.35) that his name is being called out, he admitted that it was Mr. Karki calling out to him. It is thus apparent that both Mr. Karki and Rahil were present in front of the store room and were eye witnesses to the factum of currency having been burnt and present in the store room and their explanation as such that they were kept away from the entrance of the store room by the fire personnel cannot be accepted,” the report states.
3. Domestic staff of Justice Varma will not depose against him
The panel noted that the domestic staff employed by Justice Varma will not depose against him since they have been working for him and would remain loyal to him.
However, the statements of independent witnesses go against Justice Varma, the report noted.
“From the above evidence, it would be clear that the domestic staff has obviously not supported the version of any currency being present and affected at the time of fire incident for obvious reasons, whereas, there is independent corroboration from other official witnesses who were not closely associated with Justice Varma. Therefore, the reliance upon the statements of house staff by Justice Varma would be of no avail to him and there is no valid reason as such to disbelieve the statements of the independent witnesses who have no axe to grind, especially keeping in view the fact that they are not known to Justice Varma in any manner and had come to the house for the first time while exercising their duties,” the report said.
4. Conduct of Justice Varma’s daughter
The panel also flagged the wrong statement given by Justice Varma’s daughter Diya Varma regarding the video and her knowledge of the half-burnt cash.
“There was a lame explanation given by her that the said room could be any other room at a different location and the witness has also refused to identify the voice of Rajender Singh Karki in Ex. V-1 which goes on to show that she is a hiding the said fact since Karki himself had admitted that it is his voice. The said witness No. 54 being the daughter of the Justice Yashwant Varma also deposed in her statement recorded on 07.04.2025 that she had come to know the news of the half-burnt cash found in the store room on 15.03.2025 when the PPS to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court had visited the bungalow,” the report noted.
However, she later sought to retract these statements by addressing an email to the committee on April 12, 2025, claiming she was overwhelmed and panicked by the incidents of the fateful night.
But the committee chose to reject the same.
“From the demeanor of the witness, we noticed that she is a confident young woman, having been subjected to hostel life throughout her education apart from being an independent working woman. This belies her statement that she was totally overwhelmed and panicked.”
5. Justice Varma’s claims of CCTV data loss
One of the most important claims made by Justice Varma was that the entrance of the store room was constantly monitored by CCTV cameras that were under control of security personnel and that it was highly improbable that the cash was kept in the store room.
But he submitted that the hard disk of the camera footage was found not to be accessible and submitted that it was not his fault that the cameras were not working. He has also questioned the manner in which the CCTV hardware was retrieved.
However, there is nothing on record why the data was lost on account of the fact that the CCTV camera was sealed since the committee had called for the said hardware. Therefore, he pointed out that his defence has been lost and questioned whether the said hardware was properly sealed.
The committee chose to reject this argument, noting that the judge had ten whole days to secure the data before the committee ordered its sealing.
“The incident has taken place on 14th night and sealing of DVRs of the CCTV cameras had only been ordered by this committee on March 25, 2025 by addressing a letter to the Registrar General of Delhi High Court. The said exercise has been done after the Committee had carried out site inspection on 25.03.2025 and noticed presence of such CCTV camera at the spot as has been depicted in D-4. It was always open to Justice Varma as such to have got the data preserved, analyzed and scrutinized before this Committee had ordered the sealing, in case he had any plausible defence to further his conspiracy theory that the bags of currency were planted by someone else and area was accessible to one and all, not being part of the living area of the residential house. Thus, for a period of over ten days, the data was there to be preserved and could have been relied upon by him and help could have been taken to scrutinize the same to depict before this Committee that the store room was kept open and was open at the time of the fire incident and that he was not in station and not responsible for any material stored in the store room,” the panel concluded.
6. Store room not accessible to all and sundry, cash cannot be planted
The committee concluded that the store room where the fire broke out, and where the cash was found, was very much within the premises of the judge’s residence and the overall control and the permission to have access to the store room was undeniably with Justice Varma or his family members.
The claim by the judge that the store room was “very porous and open to all” and currency could have been planted to frame him cannot be accepted in view of the statements of the security personnel on duty, the panel said.
“In view of the categorical statement of the security personnel to the contrary that there was discipline maintained amongst them and none could access the house without the permission of the family members. Therefore, it is well nigh impossible for currency to be planted in the store room of a sitting Judge, which is being monitored by static 1+4 guard and a PSO stationed at the gate at all time, apart from the fact that the house abounds with a large number of old and trusted domestic servants with over six staff quarters,” the report said.
It further noted that at least two CRPF personnel on guard duty at the residence told the panel that the “door of the store room was locked at the time of the fire and that they had assisted in breaking open the lock”.
The tacit and active control of the access to the store room was with Justice Varma and his family members and well-monitored without any outsiders getting access to it without permission, the committee noted.
In this view of the matter, the objection of the store room being situated at a distance from the residential portion of the bungalow fades into insignificance.
7. No attempt by Justice Varma to report incident, quietly accepted transfer
The panel also noted that no attempt was made by Justice Varma or any member of his household to report the incident or to immediately secure the visuals from the CCTV cameras, even when he was told on March 17, 2025 that there were photos and videos of burnt cash in his premises.
The committee also said that post the incident, Justice Varma, knowing the inevitable, quietly accepted the proposal of transfer order to repatriate him to Allahabad High Court.
“The categorical acceptance on 20.03.2025 (Ex.P-17) immediately, without any demur and “respectfully accepting the decision of repatriation to Allahabad” would, in normal circumstances, only be done after discussion with family members at least and after an attempt to find out the reason for transfer, having served in Delhi High Court for the last three years.”
8. Conspiracy theory of Justice Varma
In his written response, Justice Varma had referred to an earlier attempt made on social media to discredit him.
However, the committee discounted the same, stating,
“Neither any specific person has been named who is responsible for the planting or any instance or motive as to why he has been targeted had been put-forth in the said reply and neither before us, the said theory has been elaborated.”
It also noted the contradictory statements by Justice Varma as regards the issue of access to the store room.
“The unnatural conduct of Justice Yashwant Varma has already been noticed above and the fact that if there was any conspiracy theory why he chose not to file any complaint with the police officials or bring it to the notice of the Chief Justice of the High Court or the Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India regarding the fact that there were planted stories regarding the burning of currency notes in the store room which is part of his house,” the report stated.
Over the past eight years, the Uttar Pradesh Police have undertaken extensive operations against hardened criminals, resulting in the neutralization of 234 notorious offenders. These actions occurred during 14,741 encounters, which also led to the arrest of 30,293 criminals and injuries to 9,202.
UP Police neutralised 234 criminals in 14,741 encounters since 2017; Meerut tops the list with 77 killed | Representational Image
Over the past eight years, the Uttar Pradesh Police have undertaken extensive operations against hardened criminals, resulting in the neutralization of 234 notorious offenders. These actions occurred during 14,741 encounters, which also led to the arrest of 30,293 criminals and injuries to 9,202.
During these operations, 18 police personnel lost their lives, and over 1,700 were injured while on duty. Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna reported that the Meerut zone recorded the highest number of encounters, with 4,183 operations leading to the arrest of 7,871 criminals.
In this zone, 2,839 criminals were injured, and 77 were killed. These operations also resulted in injuries to 452 police personnel, with two fatalities among officers. Meerut zone has thus emerged as a leading region in the state for police action against criminals.
The Varanasi zone documented 1,041 encounters, resulting in 2,009 arrests, 26 fatalities, and 605 injuries among criminals, with 96 police personnel also injured. The Agra zone ranked third, with 2,288 encounters, 5,496 arrests, 19 deaths, and 715 injuries, and 56 police personnel sustaining injuries.
Across other zones, the Lucknow zone saw 790 encounters with 15 criminals eliminated. Prayagraj reported 506 encounters leading to 10 deaths.
Bareilly zone recorded 1,962 encounters with 15 criminals killed, and Kanpur zone had 657 encounters resulting in 11 deaths. In Gorakhpur, 594 encounters led to the elimination of 8 criminals. Among police commissionerates, Lucknow led with 11 criminals eliminated in 126 encounters.
Gautam Buddha Nagar followed with 9 killings in 1,035 encounters. Varanasi and Agra commissionerates each recorded 7 eliminations (in 118 and 426 encounters respectively), Kanpur had 4 in 221, and Prayagraj saw 5 criminals killed in 126 encounters.
Air India CEO assured that they are working with the aviation industry and waiting for the official investigation report to provide more information about the crash in which 241 out of the 242 passengers on board were killed after the plane crashed into the BJ Medical college’s boys hostel building.
Campbell Wilson | Image: Air India
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson on Thursday said that the flight AI-171, which crashed shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad on June 12, was “well-maintained” and both the aircraft and its engines were regularly monitored, showing no issue before the flight.
In a wordy statement for its customers, Air India’s CEO informed that the plane had undergone its last major check in June 2023, while its right engine was overhauled in March of this year, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025.
“The plane was well-maintained, with its last major check in June 2023 and the next scheduled for December 2025. Its right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. Both the aircraft and engines were regularly monitored, showing no issues before the flight,” Campbell Wilson said.
#AirIndiaPlaneCrash | Air India CEO Campbell Wilson says, “We want to share some important facts about Flight AI171 to provide clarity during this difficult time. The plane was well-maintained, with its last major check in June 2023 and the next scheduled for December 2025. Its… pic.twitter.com/uIKj96d2ZM
Air India CEO assured that they are working with the aviation industry and waiting for the official investigation report to provide more information about the crash in which 241 out of the 242 passengers on board were killed after the plane crashed into the BJ Medical college’s boys hostel building.
Campbell Wilson further added that Air India has completed inspection on 26 Boeing 787 aircraft out of 33 of its aircraft as per the directions of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the tragedy. He added that following the review of Air India aircraft, the DGCA has confirmed that our Boeing 787 fleet and maintenance processes fully meet safety standards.
“Arising from this tragedy, and as directed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on June 14, 2025, we have been conducting thorough safety inspections on our 33 Boeing 787 aircraft. So far, inspections have been completed on 26 and these have been cleared for service. The remaining aircraft are currently in planned maintenance and will have these additional checks done before being released into service. Following the review, the DGCA has confirmed that our Boeing 787 fleet and maintenance processes fully meet safety standards,” he said in the statement.
Air India CEO also raised the recent incidents of delays and technical issues and apologised for the inconvenience.
He further added that Air India has elected to continue enhanced pre-flight safety checks on Boeing 787 fleet as a “confidence-building mesure” while also noting that these checks may have impact on schedules.
“As a confidence-building measure, we have elected to continue enhanced pre-flight safety checks on our Boeing 787 fleet and, as an added measure, our Boeing 777 aircraft, for the time being. Given the time these additional checks will consume and the potential impact on schedules, we have decided to reduce our international widebody flights by around 15% starting June 20, 2025 through to at least mid-July. This will also allow us to have more backup aircraft ready to handle any unexpected issues,” he said.
As the oil gas leak at an ONGC site in Assam well entered its eighth day, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reviewed the site. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged urgent action amid local concerns.
Hardeep Singh Puri reviewed that ONGC Assam gas leak on Wednesday.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday said that well control operations are underway in full swing at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) RDS 147 A site in Sivasagar, Assam, where a blowout at a crude oil well has led to a sustained gas leak for eight consecutive days that started on June 12.
Taking to X, Puri shared that the site is being handled by a Crisis Management Team comprising experienced blowout control specialists. He also thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state authorities for their prompt support in relief and evacuation efforts.
The Union Minister said the well is being continuously blanketed with water to prevent fire, and the released gas – 97% methane – contains no toxic substances.
“Being lighter than air, the gas is dispersing upwards and not accumulating on the ground,” he noted, adding that air quality near the well mouth remains within safe limits even within 50 to 100 metres.
Puri added that the gas pressure has decreased from 2600 psi to 500 psi, and measures like junk shot operations and pumping of kill fluids are underway. If these do not prove sufficient, capping of the well may also be considered.
The blowout occurred on June 12 at Well No. RDS 147 of Rig No. SKP 135 in the Rudrasagar oil field operated by SK Petro Services on behalf of ONGC. Chief Minister Himanta Sarma, who visited the site earlier this week, raised concerns over the pace of ONGC’s response. In a letter to Puri, he urged for a mission-mode approach, citing public perception of “inadequate urgency” from the company.
“Despite ongoing efforts, the well remains active and continues to leak gas. Over 330 families have been evacuated and are being supported by the state government with relief measures,” Sarma wrote, also announcing 25,000 aid per affected family.
ONGC later said its experts are working round the clock and are consulting with an international well control agency. Additional personnel have been brought in from other centres, and part of the gas is being diverted to a nearby production facility.
Citing SC precedents, the high court said a rape survivor’s statement, especially sexual assault cases concerning children, need not be corroborated if it inspires confidence
The Chhattisgarh HC dismissed the appeals of three men, saying the trial court had rightly convicted them under Section 6 of the POCSO Act. (Image for representation)
The Chhattisgarh High Court upheld the conviction and 20-year jail term to three men for the gangrape of a 13-year-old girl during a wedding celebration in Kondagaon district.
The bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru dismissed their appeals, observing that the trial court had rightly convicted them under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
“Any act of sexual assault or sexual harassment to the children should be viewed very seriously and all such offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment on the children have to be dealt with in a stringent manner and no leniency should be shown to a person who has committed the offence under the POCSO Act,” the division bench wrote in a headnote to the judgment.
The incident took place on April 26, 2019, when the girl and her friend stepped out of a crowded wedding venue in Makdi village to go to a nearby field. The survivor testified that four men dragged her away and took turns to rape her while keeping her friend restrained. She later identified the accused – residents of nearby villages. She had seen their faces in the light from their mobile phones, and was also helped by residents of Ambal village from where the groom’s party was visiting.
The day after the crime, she lodged a complaint with the Kondagaon police and, based on her statement, a case was registered under Sections 376D and 506 of the Indian Penal Code along with relevant sections of the POCSO Act.
The police carried out medical examinations of the survivor and the accused, seized clothing involved, and forwarded the biological evidence for forensic analysis. During the trial, the prosecution examined 12 witnesses, including the survivor, her family, her friend, medical officers, and the investigating officer.
The minor’s testimony was consistent and detailed. She clearly described the attack and identified the accused. Her medical report showed a torn hymen and vaginal injuries.
Forensic tests determined semen stains on her underwear and the undergarments of the accused. Doctors confirmed that all three accused were capable of sexual activity and fresh injuries were noted on two of them.
The defence, however, argued that the case was built solely from the girl’s version, pointing to alleged contradictions and claiming false implication. It questioned the absence of immediate corroboration, lack of injuries on the accused, and challenged the method used to determine the girl’s age.
But the court was not convinced by these arguments. Referring to school admission records, the court held that the girl was 13 years old at the time of the incident, with the case attracting the POCSO provisions. The defence had offered no proof to rebut this.
Citing Supreme Court precedents, the high court said a rape survivor’s statement, especially sexual assault cases concerning children, need not be corroborated if it inspires confidence.
“A girl or a woman in the tradition bound non-permissive society of India would be extremely reluctant even to admit that any incident which is likely to reflect on her chastity had ever occurred,” the court observed.
It added: “She would be conscious of the danger of being ostracised by society and when in the face of these factors the crime is brought to light, there is inbuilt assurance that the charge is genuine rather than fabricated.”
Shashi Tharoor said that while there may be occasional differences with “some elements of leadership,” they are best addressed privately.
Shashi Tharoor (PTI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sought to downplay reports of internal friction within the party, asserting that while there may be occasional differences with “some elements of leadership,” they are best addressed privately.
“I have been loyal to the Congress for 16 years, and if there are any differences, they should be discussed behind closed doors with the people concerned,” he told NDTV.
Shashi Tharoor’s remarks come amid persistent speculation about his strained ties with sections of the Congress leadership, especially following his participation in the government-led Operation Sindoor outreach- a move that reportedly upset some within the party. More recently, questions were raised over his absence from the campaign trail during the Nilambur by-election in Kerala.
Clarifying his stance, Shashi Tharoor said he had not been invited but wished the Congress candidate well and had expressed support publicly. “I said I wished him all success. He is a friend of mine,” he said.
Shashi Tharoor maintained a conciliatory tone, saying, “This is hardly the time to discuss such matters,” adding that his focus remains on strengthening the party and serving the people.
Signs of a rift surfaced when Shashi Tharoor was excluded from the party’s recommendation list for all-party delegations to 33 nations after Operation Sindoor- a move widely seen as a signal of displeasure from the central leadership. After his government nomination to the Operation Sindoor initiative, he was accused by internal critics of endorsing the BJP’s narrative- charges he has strongly denied.
Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar has confirmed Indian strikes on Nur Khan and Shorkot airbases during ‘Operation Sindoor’, acknowledging deeper damage than previously admitted.
Top military commanders in India monitor ‘Operation Sindoor’ (Photo: PTI)
In yet another revelation regarding the attack on its airbases, Pakistan has confirmed significant areas in the country were hit during India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting terror infrastructures there.
Pakistani Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, during a telecast on a local channel, confirmed that India struck the Nur Khan and Shorkot airbases during the retaliatory strikes.
Further, Dar also could be heard claiming that Saudi Prince Faisal bin Salman offered him to inform External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that Pakistan was “ready to stop”, implying that Pakistan pleaded for support from Saudi Arabia and the United States.
This comes days after Pakistan, on June 4, admitted it suffered more damage than it had earlier acknowledged, during India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on the intervening night of May 6 and 7.
At least eight more of Pakistan’s locations were struck and damaged in the Indian strikes, a confidential Pakistani dossier on its internal military Operation ‘Bunyan un Marsoos’ had revealed.
Meanwhile, taking a dig at the Shehbaz Sharif-led country, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya wrote on X, “So now it’s official: Pakistan admits it was hit.”
“Pakistan admits it ran to both the US and Saudi Arabia, begging India to halt. Pakistan inadvertently admits that Trump wasn’t the only one lobbying India — even Riyadh was roped in,” Malviya wrote.
“From Balakot to Sindoor, Pakistan’s denials continue to collapse under truth bombs. A national security embarrassment for them, a strategic validation for India,” he added.
Pakistan continues to unravel under the weight of its own admissions.
In a stunning revelation, Pakistani Deputy PM Ishaq Dar has confirmed that India struck the Nur Khan and Shorkot airbases during Operation Sindoor. He went further — claiming that Saudi Prince Faisal bin… pic.twitter.com/yBzsTwpwR6
On Wednesday, India slammed Pakistan’s attempt to “mischaracterise” ‘Operation Sindoor’ and said that when a state harbours terrorists who massacre innocents, defensive action is not just a right, but a solemn duty.
“The world sees through Pakistan’s theatre of deception,” Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva Kshitij Tyagi told the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.
He pointed out that Pakistani terrorists turned a serene sanctuary in Jammu and Kashmir into a killing field on April 22, “carrying out a barbaric execution of 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam in front of their families.”
India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.
The surge was driven primarily by a steep increase in holdings through local bank branches and other financial institutions.
The Swiss National Bank clarified that its figures do not capture any unreported or “black money” holdings. (Image Credit: Reuters)
Indian funds parked in Swiss banks more than tripled in 2024 to CHF 3.54 billion (approximately ₹37,600 crore), marking the highest level since 2021, according to data released by the Swiss National Bank (SNB). The surge was driven primarily by a steep increase in holdings through local bank branches and other financial institutions while personal customer deposits saw only a modest rise of 11% to CHF 346 million (around ₹3,675 crore), data showed.
Sharp Rebound After 2023 Decline
The 2024 spike comes on the heels of a 70% plunge in the previous year when Indian money in Swiss banks fell to a four-year low of CHF 1.04 billion. While the latest total remains below the record CHF 6.5 billion in 2006, it reflects renewed financial flows routed through institutional channels. Of the total CHF 3.54 billion, the majority was held via other banks, with the remainder split across customer accounts, fiduciary structures and financial instruments such as bonds and securities.
The Swiss National Bank clarified that its figures represent declared liabilities of Swiss banks to Indian clients and do not capture any unreported or “black money” holdings. These totals also exclude assets held by Indians or NRIs through third-country entities. Swiss authorities reiterated their continued cooperation with India in combating tax evasion noting that an automatic exchange of financial data has been in effect since 2018.
Modest Rise In Direct Individual Deposits
Separate data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), considered a more accurate measure of individual holdings, showed a 6% increase in 2024. Deposits and loans held by Indian non-bank clients in Swiss-domiciled banks rose to USD 74.8 million (about ₹650 crore), still a fraction of the USD 2.3 billion peak reached in 2007.
Over 150 pilgrims are stranded in Iran due to flight cancellations amid escalating conflict, prompting urgent appeals for help.
Syed Ghazanfar Abbas with his son Sarwar Abbas at airport while leaving for Iraq and Iran. (File photo)
When Syed Ghazanfar Abbas, a former TTE in the railways, left home on May 25 with his son Sarwar Abbas and daughter Tathhir Fatima for pilgrimage to Iraq and Iran, the family was not only happy but also thanked the Almighty for this opportunity.
Syed Ghazanfar Abbas with his son Sarwar Abbas at airport while leaving for Iraq and Iran. (File photo)
Syed Ghazanfar Abbas with his son Sarwar Abbas at airport while leaving for Iraq and Iran. (File photo)
However, the situation is no longer the same in war-torn Iran and now the relatives of Abbas, a Rani Mandi resident, are a worried lot as the family was supposed to return to Delhi on June 13, but they are still stuck there.
Over 150 pilgrims from the district are stuck in Iran and their family members are awaiting their safe return.
Abbas’s younger brother Syed Zafar Abbas, an advocate in Allahabad High Court, said that unexpected war-like conditions have left the entire family in a lurch.
“My elder brother had left for pilgrimage to Iraq and Iran on May 25. When he reached Najaf in Iran via Iraq on May 29, he shared every information related to his well being. From Najaf, my brother reached Tehran via Kum on June 7. From there, he had a flight to Delhi on June 13,” he said.
However, he further informed, on the same day that conditions deteriorated between the two countries owing to which the flight was cancelled. Repeated attempts to contact his brother failed, but finally on June 15, he came to know that his brother’s family was safe. He further said that prayers were needed every minute as the situation in Iran was not at all good.
Syed Zafar Abbas said that the entire family and relatives were praying for the safe return of his brother and children.
Appeal made to the government
Before the war between Iran and Israel started, more than 150 pilgrims from the district had gone to Iran for haj. They were slated to return on June 13, but due to cancellation of flights, all the pilgrims are presently stuck in Iran.
India has been working on the ambitious AMCA project to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power capability.
AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft are planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force.
India has kick-started the process to implement an ambitious project to develop a fifth generation stealth fighter jet to boost its air power.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an entity that operates under the defence ministry, has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for developing prototypes of the aircraft.
Under the project, the government plans to build five prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
India has been working on the ambitious AMCA project to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power capability.
AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft are planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force.
The ADA said the aim of the EOI is to shortlist Indian companies (owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens) who are technically capable of building the AMCA prototypes.
In an official note, it said the applicant may be a single company, joint venture or a consortium of companies.
It said reputed Indian companies having experience in the aerospace and defence sector with capability to absorb the design of AMCA will be shortlisted for the project.
This also comes a day after the DMK’s student wing on June 18 protested in Madurai against the issue
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin (ANI)
The BJP was attempting to hide findings from Keeladi because of their hatred for Tamil pride, said TN chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Thursday, amid the controversy over Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer Amarnath Ramakrishna’s report on the archaeological site and his transfer two days ago.
Describing ASI asking for additional evidence from Ramakrishna as a “blatant attack” on Tamil culture, Stalin in a letter to DMK cadre said that the party’s struggle on this issue will not stop.
Stalin added that the final report submitted in 2023 by Ramakrishna was based on scientific results obtained from laboratories in Pune, Bengaluru, Florida (US), and Italy, analysing artifacts from the Keeladi excavations.
Stalin questioned whether the BJP has evidence to prove the existence of a Saraswathi civilisation, which he said is imaginary. “The BJP-led Union government has demanded additional evidence on Keeladi over two years after a detailed report was submitted to the ASI in 2023,” Stalin said. “They are keen on suppressing Tamil cultural pride. This is a blatant attack on us.”
This also comes a day after the DMK’s student wing on June 18 protested in Madurai against the issue. “Tamils are Indians. However, neither the Prime Minister nor the BJP government acknowledge the significance of findings by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) that Iron Age in the state could go back to 5,200 years ago,” Stalin said. “The responsibility to protect and establish the glory of Tamil culture lies solely with the DMK and its allied forces. The slogans raised in Keeladi and Chennai are just the beginning. They will continue to echo until Delhi. The DMK’s struggle will not cease until the pride of Tamil culture is firmly established.”
Stalin’s remarks also come a day after the DMK’s student wing on June 18 protested in Madurai against the issue.
Almost a month after he refused to rework his voluminous report on the excavations at the archaeological site of Keeladi, Ramakrishna was transferred by the ASI on June 17. Ramakrishna, who was director, Antiquity and National Mission on Monument and Antiquity (NMMA), New Delhi, has now been transferred to Greater Noida as director of NMMA.
This comes amid the controversy surrounding his report on Keeladi. In May, ASI had challenged the dating and classification of key discoveries from Tamil Nadu’s Keeladi excavations, Ramakrishna to carry out extensive revisions to a report that underpins the state government’s, and of rival Dravidian parties’, claims about ancient Tamil civilisation.
ASI asked Ramakrishna—who led the first two phases of excavations at the politically sensitive site — to rework his 982-page findings submitted in January 2023. The central agency said two experts had vetted the report and suggested five corrections to make it “more authentic.”
In his response, Ramakrishna on May 23, defended his report, stating that the chronological sequence of Keeladi has been clearly explained in the voluminous report. He had relied on AMS dating of 23 artefacts, which established their age to be 300 CE to arrive at a chronological sequence of Keeladi to be between the 8th century BCE to 3rd century CE. In response to his letter, the ASI said that they regularly send reports to various subject experts to vet for publication.
The transfers come days after chief minister MK Stalin on June 13 said that the truth from the findings in Keeladi does not serve the script of the BJP and RSS and so they are dismissing the rigorously proven antiquity of Tamil culture.
Air India warned for flying Airbus planes with unchecked escape slides
Regulator warns Air India over delayed checks on three planes
The planes had unverified emergency equipment, regulator says
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Some Air India aircraft also had outdated registration paperwork
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Airline also facing fallout from recent plane crash in India
By Aditya Kalra
India’s aviation regulator has warned Air India for breaching safety rules after three of its Airbus planes flew despite being overdue checks on emergency equipment, and for being slow to address the issue, government documents show. The warning notices and an investigation report – both reviewed by Reuters – were not in any way related to last week’s crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 plane that killed all but one of the 242 people onboard, and were sent days before that incident.
In the report, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said spot checks in May on three Air India Airbus planes found that they were operated despite mandatory inspections being overdue on the “critical emergency equipment” of escape slides.
In one case, the watchdog found that the inspection of an Airbus A320 jet was delayed by more than a month before being carried out on May 15. AirNav Radar data shows that during the delay the plane flew to international destinations such as Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah.
Another case, involving an Airbus A319 used on domestic routes, showed checks were over three months late, while a third showed an inspection was two days late.
“The above cases indicate that aircraft were operated with expired or unverified emergency equipment, which is a violation of standard airworthiness and safety requirements,” the DGCA report said.
Air India “failed to submit timely compliance responses” to deficiencies raised by the DGCA, “further evidencing weak procedural control and oversight,” it added.
Air India, which was taken over by the Tata Group in 2022 from the government, said in statement that it was “accelerating” verification of all maintenance records, including dates of the escape slides, and would complete the process in the coming days.
In one of the cases, Air India said, the issue came to light when an engineer from AI Engineering Services “inadvertently deployed an escape slide during maintenance”.
The DGCA and Airbus did not respond to Reuters queries.
Checks on escape slides are “a very serious issue. In case of accident, if they don’t open, it can lead to serious injuries,” said Vibhuti Singh, a former legal expert at the government’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
The DGCA said in its report that the certificates of airworthiness for aircraft that miss mandatory checks were “deemed suspended”.
The warning notices and the report were sent by Animesh Garg, a deputy director of airworthiness in the Indian government, to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson as well as the airline’s continuing airworthiness manager, quality manager and head of planning, the documents showed.
An Indian aviation lawyer said such breaches typically attract monetary and civil penalties on both individual executives and the airline. Wilson told Reuters last year that global parts shortages were affecting most airlines, but the problem was “more acute” for Air India as its “product is obviously a lot more dated”, with many planes not refreshed since they were delivered in 2010-2011.
‘SYSTEMIC CONTROL FAILURE’
The Indian regulator, like many abroad, often fines airlines for compliance lapses. India’s junior aviation minister in February told parliament that authorities had warned or fined airlines in 23 instances for safety violations last year.
Around half of them – 12 – involved Air India and Air India Express, including in one case for “unauthorised entry into cockpit”. The biggest fine was $127,000 on Air India for “insufficient oxygen on board” during a flight to San Francisco. Last week’s crash, the causes of which are still being investigated, will further challenge Air India’s attempts to rebuild its image, after years of criticism from travellers for poor service. Air India’s Chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Monday told staff the crash should be a catalyst to build a safer airline, urging employees to stay resolute amid any criticism.
In its report, the DGCA also said several Air India aircraft checked by officials had outdated registration paperwork. Air India told Reuters all but one aircraft complied with such requirements and this “poses no impact” to safety.
Party leaders said that the PM’s visit to the poll-bound state is expected to bolster the NDA’s election campaign that will be hoisted on the planks of development and social justice
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PMOIndia- X)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce key infrastructure projects worth ₹5,000 crore for Bihar on his visit to Siwan on Friday, people familiar with the matter said, adding that the PM will also release ₹510 crore as the first installment of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) to 51,000 beneficiaries.
The PM, on his 51st visit to the state since taking office, is also scheduled to address a rally in Siwan, once a stronghold of the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Mohammad Shahabuddin, which has a sizeable Muslim, Dalit and Yadav population.
“The NDA government has ensured budgetary allocations for the state to fund a network of roads, railway lines, airports and avenues for employment and entrepreneurship,” a BJP functionary said requesting anonymity.
According to Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, the PM’s latest tour is “the second in only 20 days and the fifth this year”, in an indication that the eastern province was high on the priority of the government.
“Altogether 22 projects worth ₹5,736 crore will be inaugurated on the soil of Siwan tomorrow when the PM will also disburse an amount of more than ₹51,000 crore towards the first installment of PM Awas Yojana to 53,666 homeless people. In addition, 6,684 urban poor families will get the keys to their new houses”, said Choudhary, a former state unit president of the BJP.
He added, “the PM will also flag off a new Vande Bharat train which will run between Pataliputra junction near Patna and Gorakhpur in adjoining Uttar Pradesh. Modi will also inaugurate the new Vaishali-Deoria railway line besides laying the foundation stone for 11 projects of the Amrit Bharat scheme and another four under the Namami Gange Pariyojana”.
Among the projects that the PM will lay the foundation stone for, include the ₹69-crore Bettiah Water Supply Project in West Champaran; the ₹19-crore Chapra Water Supply Project in Saran; the Motihari Sewarage Management Project in East Champaranthat which is pegged at ₹400 crore; the ₹138-crore Ara Water Supply Project in Bhojpur and a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in 15 grid substations in Bihar with Viability Gap Funding of ₹135 crore.
He will also inaugurate a sewage treatment plant and sewage network facilities in Digha Zone and Kankarbagh Zones of Patna; a 29-km Rail Line between Vaishali and Deoria and flag off the Vande Bharat Train between Patliputra and Gorakhpur in addition to inaugurating the first export locomotive to Guinea from Locomotive Factory in Marhowra in Saran.
Party leaders said that the PM’s visit to the poll-bound state is expected to bolster the NDA’s election campaign that will be hoisted on the planks of development and social justice.
Customs said 24.96 kg of hydroponic weed – a high-grade, greenhouse-grown variant of cannabis – was concealed in vacuum-sealed packets inside the luggage of the accused
Customs seized drugs and diamonds worth crores at the Mumbai international airport in two back-to-back operations. (Image: News18)
Customs seized hydroponic weed worth Rs 24.66 crore, smuggled from Thailand, at the Mumbai international airport. Three persons, including two passengers, were arrested in this connection, officials said on Thursday.
According to customs officials, two passengers arriving from Bangkok were intercepted on Wednesday (June 18) and a detailed check of their luggage uncovered 24.96 kg of hydroponic weed – a high-grade, greenhouse-grown variant of cannabis – concealed in vacuum-sealed packets. The consignment was valued at Rs 24.66 crore.
Officials said in a follow-up sting operation, a third person was arrested. The individual was meant to be the receiver of the contraband and was waiting outside the terminal.
All the three accused were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. An investigation is underway to trace the broader network, which is suspected to be linked to an international drug syndicate, officials said.
DIAMONDS AND SAUDI CURRENCY SEIZED
Customs claimed to have foiled another attempt to smuggle diamonds worth crores and foreign currency on June 17. Officials said they intercepted an Indian national set to depart for Dubai via an IndiGo flight.
Acting on a tip-off, officers conducted a baggage and personnel search that led to the recovery of 50,000 Saudi riyals (approximately Rs 11.15 lakh), lab-grown diamonds weighing 406.90 carats valued at Rs 47.22 lakh, and natural diamonds weighing 245.30 carats worth Rs 1.23 crore.
According to the customs department, the diamonds – together weighing 652.20 carats and valued at Rs 1.70 crore – were hidden inside three pouches concealed within the passenger’s body cavity, while the foreign currency was stashed in a black sling bag.
The entire haul was seized under provisions of the Customs Act, and an investigation is on to identify the source and destination of the smuggled goods, officials said.
Upon his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was greeted by enthusiastic Indian community members with chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
PM Modi received a warm welcome in Croatia. (X)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival in Croatia’s Zagreb, the first-ever visit by an Indian premier, on Wednesday.
Upon his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was greeted by enthusiastic Indian community members with chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” along with cultural performances.
Additionally, a group of Croatian nationals, dressed in white, chanted the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ and other Sanskrit verses with PM Modi, highlighting the strong cultural ties between India and Croatia.
PM Modi shared the video on his X handle and said, “The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! Here is a part of the welcome in Zagreb. Happy to see Indian culture has so much respect in Croatia…”
The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! Here is a part of the welcome in Zagreb. Happy to see Indian culture has so much respect in Croatia… pic.twitter.com/G749A952wP
“In Zagreb, I interacted with some members of the Indian community, who accorded me an unforgettable welcome. There is immense enthusiasm among the Indian community here about this visit and its impact in making the bond between our nations stronger than ever before!” PM Modi said on X.
Indijska zajednica u Hrvatskoj je pridonijela hrvatskom napretku i također ostala povezana sa svojim korijenima u Indiji. U Zagrebu, susreo sam se i komunicirao sa nekim članovima Indijske zajednice, koji su mi priredili nezaboravan doček. Među indijskom zajednicom ovdje vlada… pic.twitter.com/1cIjqcBQyj
PM Modi arrived in Croatian capital of Zagreb on the last leg of his three-nation visit after wrapping up his landmark visit to Canada where he attended the 51st Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Kananaskis. He had earlier visited Cyprus as part of the tour.
In a special gesture, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković received PM Modi at the airport.
“A short while ago, landed in Zagreb, Croatia. This is a special visit, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to a valued European partner. I am grateful to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Earlier this month, SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk’s company Starlink received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India
Elon Musk reposted about the meeting between Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell. (Image: AP/File)
Days after Starlink secured a licence from India’s telecom department, Elon Musk took note of Union minister Jyotiraditya Scinidia’s meeting with SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell.
Musk reposted about the meeting, which took place on Tuesday (June 17), between Scindia and Shotwell. Earlier this month, his company Starlink received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services in India. This is being considered a key milestone that will take it closer towards launching commercial operations in the country.
Starlink is the third company after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications to get a licence from the department of telecommunications to provide satellite internet services in India. A fourth applicant, Amazon’s Kuiper is still waiting for approvals.
Had a productive meeting with Ms. @Gwynne_Shotwell, President & COO of @SpaceX, on India’s next frontier in connectivity. We delved into opportunities for collaboration in satellite communications to power Digital India’s soaring ambitions and empower every citizen across the… pic.twitter.com/gGiCLC5e1C
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) June 17, 2025
After the meeting with Shotwell, Scindia said discussions centred around different opportunities for collaboration in satellite communications to power Digital India. “Had a productive meeting with Ms. @Gwynne_Shotwell, President & COO of @SpaceX, on India’s next frontier in connectivity. We delved into opportunities for collaboration in satellite communications to power Digital India’s soaring ambitions and empower every citizen across the country,” he wrote in a post on X.
He said satellite technologies are not only relevant, but transformative. “Ms. Shotwell appreciated the license granted to @Starlink, calling it a great start to the journey,” he added.
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX — the American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded in 2002 by Musk, who is the world’s richest man. It provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet worldwide using satellite technology and is aptly described by some as broadband beamed from the skies.
Air India to reduce international flights on widebody aircraft by 15 per cent till mid-July.
Representative Image
Days after the fatal crash in Ahmedabad, that claimed 270 lives, Air India has announced that it is reducing international flights on widebody aircraft by 15 per cent “until at least mid-July”. Notably, Air India operates three widebody planes – Boeing 787-8/9, Boeing 777 and A350.
The decision comes at a time when Air India is already witnessing operational disruptions, with at least 83 of its international flights being cancelled over the last six days after the fatal Ahmedabad crash.
On June 12, an Air India Boeing 787-8 plane, enroute from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed within moments of takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport in Ahmedabad.
Air India To Reduce International Flights On Widebody Aircraft
In a statement, the Tata Group-owned airline also said it will undertake enhanced safety checks of widebody Boeing 777 aircraft as a matter of added precaution.
Air India said there have been disruptions due to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, night curfew in airspaces of many countries in Europe and East Asia, and there are ongoing enhanced safety inspections.
Necessary cautious approach is being taken by the engineering staff and Air India pilots, it said.
“Given the compounding circumstances that Air India is facing, to ensure stability of our operations, better efficiency and to minimise inconvenience to passengers, Air India has decided to reduce its international services on widebody aircraft by 15 per cent for the next few weeks,” the statement said.
Details about the exact number of flights that will be impacted could not be immediately ascertained and is likely to be shared by the Airlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump. This was the first conversation between Trump and Modi after the launch of Operation Sindoor last month.
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Image)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited by United States President Donald Trump to visit the country on his return journey from Canada. However, PM Modi said that he cannot accept the invitation due to a pre-existing schedule.
PM Modi, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, held a 35-minute-long phone call with Trump. The two leaders were scheduled ro meet on the margins of the summit, but the meeting could not happen as Trump decided to cut short his visit citing tensions in West Asia, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.
During the call, Trump invited PM Modi to visit the US on his return journey from Canada. However, PM Modi said he cannot accept the invitation due to a pre-existing schedule, Misri said.
Further, PM Modi invited Trump to visit India for the Quad Summit, likely later this year, to which he agreed.
#WATCH | Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, “President Trump asked PM Modi if he would stop in the US while returning from Canada. Due to prior commitments, PM Modi expressed his inability to do so. Both leaders decided that they will try to meet in near future…”
During the call, PM Modi set the record straight that India had paused strikes on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor following a request from Islamabad and not due to mediation or offer of a trade deal by the US.
The forest personnel on Wednesday dismantled six alleged unauthorised sheds erected inside the Attur-Kolli forest area of the Nagarahole Wildlife Range
While six new structures were demolished, six sheds built in May were left untouched (HT photo)
The forest personnel on Wednesday dismantled six alleged unauthorised sheds erected inside the Attur-Kolli forest area of the Nagarahole Wildlife Range. This was in response to repeated resistance by tribal families who had occupied the land in early May and were reportedly obstructing forest department officials from accessing the site.
According to Nagarahole assistant conservator of forests (ACF) Ananya Kumar, members of the tribal community entered the forest on May 5 and felled nearly 42 saplings to clear space for new shelters. “Despite being served a notice on June 17 and given another chance on June 18 to voluntarily dismantle the new sheds, the encroachers blocked entry routes of officials,” Kumar said. “Forest staff, under heavy police cover, accessed the area through an alternative path and proceeded with the demolition.”
He said that claims by the tribal families that asserted ancestral links to the land could not be substantiated. “The tribals claimed that they were the original inhabitants of the forest and staying since decades. But the documents available with department and surveys conducted by NGOs and even Google Maps found no human inhabitant in the area earlier. According to the Forest Rights Act, the inhabitants should have constructed their huts and cultivated the land in the forest before December 13, 2005. But there were no signs of human living, and the tribals failed to provide any proof of it,” he said, adding that the sub-division level committee (SDLC) had already rejected their land rights petition.
He further said that while six new structures were demolished, six earlier sheds built in May were left untouched. Officials clarified that while the SDLC had turned down the land claims on May 22 this year, the applicants still have the right to appeal before the district level committee (DLC) within 60 days.
The eviction has sparked a backlash from tribal rights activists. JA Shivu, president of the Nagarhole Adivasi Jammapale Hakku Sthapana Samithi, said the affected families had long-standing ties to the forest and had only temporarily migrated for work. “We are not demanding any new rights from government, it is our right which is given by the Act under the Constitution but forest officials are suppressing our rights. We will take up agitation till our right is given,” he said.
India and developing nations express disappointment over climate finance agenda exclusion in Bonn Talks, pledging to raise it at COP30 in Brazil.
COP29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan last year, COP30 will be held in Brazil in November (AP)
India and several developing countries have expressed disappointment after a key climate finance discussion was excluded from the Bonn Climate Talks agenda, vowing to raise the issue at November’s COP30 summit in Brazil.
The dispute centred on Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which mandates that developed countries provide financial resources to assist developing nations with both mitigation and adaptation efforts. The debate over the 9.1 agenda item proposal led to a 30-hour delay before talks could begin.
“We are extremely disappointed with the reluctance of developed countries to discuss their legal obligations to provide finance to developing countries,” said Amandeep Garg, additional secretary at ministry of environment, forests and climate change, who represented the Indian delegation.
The Like Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group and the G77 and China had proposed agenda items on both the legal obligation of wealthy countries to provide climate finance and another on unilateral trade measures. However, these were not adopted after the European Union and other developed nations refused to agree.
“Without enough affordable financial support, developing countries cannot address the challenges posed by climate change,” Garg said during his intervention at the agenda adoption session, backing the LMDC position. “This is completely unacceptable. We do not understand how this process can engage in article 9.1 without which climate action in developing countries cannot be taken in scale, scope and speed”
Garg added: “It has been 10 years of the Paris Agreement and still the items which are required to be discussed, we are not discussing them.”
Diego Pacheco, Bolivia’s negotiator and spokesperson for the LMDC group, warned that the issue would resurface at COP30. “Public finance from developed countries is a necessary condition for implementation of the Paris Agreement,” he said. “You can deny us the starting point but be rest assured, the LMDC will raise these items at COP30.”
The African Group also highlighted the implementation of Article 9.1 as critical to their region, emphasising the need to address resource provision for nationally determined contributions, national adaptation plans, and just transition measures.
EU negotiators said their “positions and motivations being mischaracterised” and urged parties to respect all positions in a constructive spirit.
The agenda was finally adopted on Tuesday evening after extensive behind-closed-doors consultations. Simon Stiell, the UN climate chief, acknowledged the difficulty of the negotiations whilst urging progress on mandated items.
“The past 30 hours have been hard and have not reflected the urgency that we face,” Stiell said. “Through cooperation and compromise, we have resolved the impasse. We must now move the work ahead.”
This year’s Bonn talks agenda includes discussions on Global Goal on Adaptation indicators under the UAE–Belém Work Programme, the UAE Dialogue on implementing global stocktake outcomes, the UAE Just Transition Work Programme, and the Baku to Belem roadmap to 1.3 trillion dollars.
Avantika Goswami, programme manager at the Climate Change Centre for Science and Environment, said the European Union and its allies had blocked the G77’s demand to discuss developed countries’ climate finance obligations. “The fight is not over, as the LMDC bloc and India have vowed to bring focus back to this at COP30,” she said.
The dispute comes as climate change appears to be losing prominence in some international forums. The International Institute of Sustainable Development noted that G7 statements following recent talks between leaders in Kananaskis omitted references to climate change, with only the chair’s summary making a passing reference to the issue.
INS Arnala, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, was commissioned into the Indian Navy, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding and maritime self-reliance.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan attends the commissioning of INS Arnala.
INS Arnala, the first vessel in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 18, 2025. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
The event was hosted by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, and was attended by senior naval officials, dignitaries, representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding, and former commanding officers of the previous INS Arnala.
INS Arnala, named after the historic coastal fort in Maharashtra, is a 77-meter-long warship with a displacement of over 1,490 tonnes. It is the largest Indian naval ship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system. Designed for diverse roles, it is capable of sub-surface surveillance, interdiction, low-intensity maritime operations, and search and rescue missions.
The warship exemplifies India’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence capabilities. Its design and construction are a product of domestic collaboration between Indian shipyards and naval engineers, highlighting India’s shift from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy”. The commissioning highlights the Indian Navy’s role in achieving maritime self-reliance and supporting the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
In his address, General Chauhan lauded the Navy’s efforts in building indigenous capabilities and outlined the strategic value of such warships in India’s expanding maritime ambitions. He noted that with numerous ships under construction domestically — including capital warships and support vessels – India has become a significant force in global naval shipbuilding.
A flight carrying 110 Indian students evacuated from war-hit Iran landed safely in Delhi on Thursday morning. Families expressed relief, and urged help for those still stranded in Tehran.
A special flight carrying 110 Indian students, evacuated from Iran, landed in Delhi on Thursday morning.
A special flight carrying 110 Indian students evacuated from war-hit Iran landed safely in Delhi, bringing relief to families waiting at the airport. Amongst those on board were 90 students from Jammu and Kashmir.
The students had earlier been shifted to Armenia as part of a government-coordinated evacuation effort.
Amaan Azhar, one of the evacuated students, expressed his emotions. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “I am very happy. I cannot express in words how happy I am to be finally able to meet my family. The situation in Iran is very bad. The people there are like us; there are small children who are suffering. War is not a good thing. It kills humanity.”
Families of the students welcomed their return, praising the Indian government’s efforts. A father who travelled from Kota, Rajasthan, said, “My son was doing an MBBS in Iran. He is returning via Armenia, on the special plane sent from India. I am happy that my son is returning home. I want to thank the Indian Embassy in Tehran for their efforts.”
He also appealed for help for students still stuck in Iran’s interior, particularly in Tehran, where evacuations remain difficult.
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, India has stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens, especially students. The Indian Embassy in Tehran had issued an advisory on June 15 urging Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin to avoid unnecessary movement and stay connected through official channels for updates.
In response to New Delhi’s request, Iran assured safe passage through its land borders, given that its airspace remains shut. Students have been advised to exit through neighbouring countries such as Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
The Karnataka government informed the court that the film’s producer had voluntarily given an undertaking to the Karnataka High Court, agreeing not to release the film until the matter is resolved.
The affidavit added that if the film is released, the state will take all necessary steps to maintain law and order. (Representative Image)
The Karnataka government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating it has not imposed any restriction on the release of Kamal Haasan’s film in the state.
Responding after the Supreme Court criticised the delay in the film’s release, the state clarified that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce had merely issued a letter condemning Haasan’s remarks and sought an apology, but no official ban was enforced.
The government also informed the court that Raaj Kamal Films International, the film’s producers, had voluntarily given an undertaking to the Karnataka High Court. he producers also gave an undertaking not to release the film in Karnataka until issues with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce are resolved.
In an affidavit submitted by the Deputy Secretary of the Home Department (Law and Order), Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka government has assured the Supreme Court that it will provide full protection and security if the producers of Kamal Haasan’s film decide to release it in the state. The security will extend to the cast, crew, producers, exhibitors and audience.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the Supreme Court had issued a notice over the alleged ban on Kamal Haasan’s Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka, criticising groups threatening to stop its release over his reported remarks.
The court strongly stated that mob threats cannot dictate what is shown in theatres, saying, “You cannot threaten to burn down cinemas because you disagree. Respond with words, not violence.”
It stressed that if the film is cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it must be allowed to release and people are free to watch it or not. The bench also questioned why the High Court asked for an apology.
“There is something wrong with the system when one person makes a statement and everyone gets involved. Why should the High Court say ‘express an apology’? That is not its role,” the court said.
According to police sources, Sonam contacted the number registered under the name Sanjay Verma 112 times between March 1 and March 25. She used to have long conversations with the person on the other end, who turned out to be Raj Kushwaha, her boyfriend.
Sonam Raghuvanshi with boyfriend Raj Kushwaha.
Sonam Raghuvanshi, arrested for the murder of her husband while on honeymoon in Meghalaya, made over 100 phone calls to a man named Sanjay Verma in the weeks leading up to her marriage. It has now come to light that Verma was a fake identity used by her boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha.
According to Indore Police sources, Sonam (24) contacted the number registered under the name Sanjay Verma 112 times between March 1 and March 25. Sonam used to have long conversations with the person on the other end, the sources said.
After Sanjay Verma’s name cropped up in connection with the case, Indore Police launched an investigation. The phone was found to be used by Kushwaha, accused of being the mastermind behind the killing of Sonam’s husband, Raja Raghuvanshi.
Sonam and Raja (29) got married on May 11 in Indore and left for their honeymoon on May 20. Just three days later, the couple went missing near Sohra, 65 kilometres from Shillong.
Raja’s decomposed body was recovered on June 2 from a 200-foot-deep gorge near Weisawdong Falls in Cherrapunji, where he had been hacked to death and dumped, police said.
A week later, the “missing” Sonam was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur. During interrogation, she allegedly confessed to her husband’s murder and named Kushwaha and three hitmen — Vishal Chauhan, Anand Kurmi, and Akash Rajput — as co-conspirators. All four were arrested by Indore Police.
“Sonam was present at the scene and watched her husband die,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police Poonam Chand Yadav in an interview with India Today TV.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Wednesday that Electors’ Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) will be delivered to voters within 15 days of an update in the electoral rolls – a move aimed at ensuring convenience and efficiency in service delivery and real-time tracking. Currently, it takes over a month for the EPIC to be delivered to voters.
Here’s how real-time tracking of EPIC works:
Real-time Tracking: The system tracks EPICs from generation to delivery, keeping electors informed about the status of their cards.
SMS Notifications: Electors receive SMS updates at each stage, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Dedicated IT Module: The ECI has launched a dedicated IT module on the ECINet platform, which integrates with the Department of Posts’ API for seamless delivery.
Streamlined Workflow: The new system replaces the existing process, re-engineering the workflow to enhance service delivery while maintaining data security.
Here’s how to apply for a Voter ID card online:
Visit NVSP Portal: Go to the National Voters’ Services Portal (NVSP) website.
Sign Up: Click “Sign-Up” in the top right corner and enter your mobile number, email ID, and captcha code.
Create Account: Fill in your name, password, and confirm password, then request an OTP.
Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile and email to verify your account.
Log In: Log in to the portal using your mobile number, password, and captcha, then verify with an OTP.
Fill Form 6: Click “Fill Form 6” for new voter registration and enter your personal, relative, contact, and address details.
Upload Documents: Upload required documents and preview your application before submitting.
Submit Application: Review your details for accuracy and submit your application.
Vishwas Kumar Ramesh shouldered the remains of his brother, who had been seated beside him on the Air India Ahmedabad-London Gatwick flight on June 12.
Vishwas Kumar Ramesh’s borther’s funeral was held in their hometown in Diu.
Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the devastating Air India plane crash, faced an agonising moment on Wednesday as he led the funeral procession of his brother, Ajay, in their hometown in Diu. Still bearing visible injuries with patches of bandages on his face, Vishwas shouldered the remains of his brother, who had been seated beside him on the ill-fated Ahmedabad-London Gatwick flight on June 12.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members on board and 29 people on the ground.
Vishwas, a 40-year-old British businessman from Leicester, had been discharged from Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital on Tuesday evening. He and Ajay, both natives of Diu, were returning to London after visiting family in the Union Territory.
Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent at the Civil Hospital, confirmed that Ajay’s remains were handed over to the family early Wednesday morning following a DNA test.
Vishwas, wrapped in white cloth and blue jeans, broke down multiple times. Mourners supported him as he struggled under the weight of his loss-both emotional and physical.
A video circulating on social media captured the heart-wrenching sight of Vishwas carrying his brother’s remains to the cremation ground in Diu, part of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
“Vishwas and his family members reached Bucharwada village Wednesday,” Sarpanch Dipak Devjibai told PTI.
His family members, including his parents and two brothers, travelled to Gujarat after the crash, Devjibhai said.
“His entire family was present in the funeral procession, which was taken out from Patelwadi to Koli Samaj crematorium,” he added.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM last Thursday.
Vishwas’s miraculous survival has drawn international attention. A day after the crash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited him in the hospital to check on his recovery.
Earlier in an interview with Doordarshan, Vishwas had recounted the terrifying moments, stating the aircraft had “stalled within seconds” of taking off for its nine-hour journey to London’s Gatwick Airport.
Vishwas, whose seat was 11A, was close to the emergency door on the left side of the plane.
He described his escape: “Luckily, the portion of the plane where I was seated fell on the ground floor of the hostel premises after the plane crash landed.
“When I saw the door was broken, I told myself I had a chance to escape. Eventually, I got out of the plane,” he recounted.
The pump owners, in their petition, have contended that the private toilets in their establishments were meant for the emergency needs of the customers and cannot be left open for the general public.
The Court has held that toilets in petrol pumps are not meant for use by the general public.
The Kerala High Court has held that toilets in petrol pumps are not meant for use by the general public.
The ruling by Justice C S Dias came on a plea by an organisation representing petroleum traders and several pump owners objecting to the categorisation, by the state government and local bodies, of toilets in their establishments as public facilities.
The pump owners, in their petition, have contended that the private toilets in their establishments were meant for the emergency needs of the customers and cannot be left open for the general public.
Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Indian students in Tehran were moved out of the city, 110 of them crossing the border into Armenia, through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy on Tuesday under ‘Operation Sindhu’.
Image showing students on board the flight back to Delhi. Credit: X/@MEAIndia
The first flight carrying over 100 students, who were evacuated to Armenia from war-torn Iran, landed in Delhi in the early hours on Thursday.
Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Indian students in Tehran were moved out of the city, 110 of them crossing the border into Armenia, through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy on Tuesday under ‘Operation Sindhu’.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for launching the evacuation effort.
In Hyderabad on Tuesday, Congress Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi and Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, along with other Congress leaders, participated in a ‘Maha Dharna’ organized by the Shanti Charchala Committee (Peace Talks Committee) to protest the killings being conducted by the central government under Operation Kagar.
Representative image Credit: PTI File Photo
Hyderabad: The Congress has joined forces with various organisations to protest killings carried out under ‘Operation Kagar,’ India’s largest counter-insurgency operation aimed at eliminating Maoists.
In Hyderabad on Tuesday, Congress Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi and Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, along with other Congress leaders, participated in a ‘Maha Dharna’ organized by the Shanti Charchala Committee (Peace Talks Committee) to protest the killings being conducted by the central government under Operation Kagar.
The Shanti Charchala Committee organized this demonstration to express strong objections against the Centre’s approach. The protest aimed to create public awareness about what organizers describe as inhumane actions taken under the guise of Operation Kagar and to send a clear message to the central government, committee members said.
The demonstration saw participation from leaders of the ruling Congress party, Left parties, BRS intellectuals, and representatives from various people’s organizations.
MP Mallu Ravi stated that the Indian government should immediately halt what he termed the genocide of tribals and the civil war being conducted under the name “Operation Kagar” in Bastar. He demanded implementation of rights granted to tribals under the PESA Act and the 5th Schedule of the Constitution, an immediate ceasefire declaration, and the initiation of peace talks with Maoists. He emphasized that problems can only be resolved through peaceful negotiations.
The protest programme passed a resolution demanding the Centre immediately stop Operation Kagar and initiate peace talks with the Maoists.
Earlier in the first week of June, TPCC chief B Mahesh Kumar Goud strongly criticized ‘Operation Kagar,’ calling it a move that undermines the spirit of the Constitution. Speaking at a round-table conference organized by the Peace Talks Committee in the city, he accused the Centre of committing excesses under the pretext of addressing law-and-order issues rather than exploring peaceful solutions to address Naxalism.
Reiterating the Congress party’s commitment to non-violence, Goud stated that the party condemns all forms of violence.
Participating in the Maha Dharna BRS MLC Dr Dasoju Sravan Kumar, came down heavily on the Central Government.
Calling it a blatant violation of human rights, Dr Sravan said, “To us, this is nothing but ‘Operation Corporate Grab.’ This is a premeditated assault—targeting Adivasis, their livelihood, their lands, and natural resources—disguised as a security operation.
This is a coordinated and systematic state aggression, and it stands in direct violation of the Constitution and of basic human decency.”
He added that BRS’s stand is clear and uncompromising. “Our leader K Chandrashekar Rao has already made the party’s position crystal clear at the Warangal Sabha—unconditional ceasefire and immediate dialogue. That remains the official position of the BRS Party.
Speaking to media persons here, state Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S said cholera was found in 10 per cent of the total samples sent from different areas for testing.
4 state-level teams have been sent to 5 districts to monitor field-level activities. (Representational)
With 10 per cent of the samples testing positive for the deadly Vibrio Cholera virus, the Odisha government on Tuesday put all the 30 districts on alert against the spread of the water-borne disease which has so far claimed 11 lives and infected over 2,000 people across the coastal region.
The disease, which broke out in the form of diarrhoea in Jajpur district on June 9, has so far spread to other districts including Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Cuttack. Some other districts have also reported sporadic cases of diarrhoea while samples collected from Jajpur detected the cholera virus.
Speaking to media persons here, state Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S said cholera was found in 10 per cent of the total samples sent from different areas for testing.
About 300 people were affected by diarrhoea in these districts on Tuesday, besides the existing cases, she said.
The spread of the disease has prompted the state government to put all collectors on alert asking them to take preventive measures at least for a week.
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said, “The situation is under control and the government has been putting efforts to break the chain and stop the spread of the disease.” Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja held a meeting with the district collectors through video conferencing in the presence of health department officers here on Tuesday.
“We have issued instructions to all district collectors and district-level health officers to continue disinfection drives, cleanness activities, and mobilisation of Anganwadi & ASHA workers for at least a week,” Aswathy said.
However, the people with mild diarrhoea (early stage) have started visiting the hospitals, which is a positive sign, Aswathy said.
Massive awareness campaigns for maintaining personal hygiene and drinking safe water are underway in the rural pockets of the five districts, she said, adding, the situation will be reviewed every day at state and district levels.
The secretary further informed that the central team, which has been in Odisha for the past two days, again visited Jajpur district on Tuesday and they will have a meeting with Odisha government officials on Wednesday.
Stating that the disease did not outbreak from one source, she said, “Therefore, we have to disinfect all sources.” The cases of hospitalisation have come down. However, there is a possibility of re-infection. Therefore, people have been appealed to follow the health advisory of the government, Aswathy said.
Four state-level teams have been sent to the five districts to monitor the field-level activities.
About 220 diarrhoea patients are under treatment at different healthcare facilities in the worst-hit Jajpur district, said Collector P Anvesha Reddy.
The district administration has ordered the closure of street food vendors and roadside hotels in the affected areas. Public feasts and food events are allowed only with permission, officials said.
Hospitals are cleaned and disinfected every 30 minutes to stop the spread of infection.
The officials further informed that eight medical specialists and 20 more mobile health teams have been deployed at the hospitals in the affected area of Jajpur. With the deployment of the new mobile teams, 40 mobile health teams of NHM are currently working in the district.
Besides, 45 mobile health camps have been organised in the affected areas of Jajpur, they said.
Earlier in the day, Raids were conducted at several restaurants in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur and Cuttack to assess the standard of hygiene amid the diarrhoea outbreak in parts of the state, officials said.
A team led by Darpan’s tahasildar Manas Tripathy conducted raids at eateries, sweet shops and hotels in Barchana town in Jajpur.
“We are checking the hygiene and quality of food served in eateries. If stale food was found, we issued a warning to the owner. If they continue to serve unhygienic or stale food, we will seal their shop,” he said.
Similarly, the municipal authorities in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar have also started conducting raids after diarrhoea cases were detected in some pockets of the twin cities.
In a development that has sparked fresh controversy, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday transferred senior archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna—widely regarded as the architect of the Keezhadi excavations—from his current role in New Delhi to Greater Noida.
The move comes amid growing criticism over the alleged delay by the Central Government in releasing the official ASI report on the Keezhadi findings.
According to an official order issued by Pravin Kumar Tripathi, Director (Administration), ASI, Amarnath Ramakrishna, who was serving as Director of Antiquity and the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA), has been reassigned as Director of NMMA in Greater Noida.
In his place, H A Naik, Director of Epigraphy at the ASI headquarters, has been given additional charge of the Antiquity division.
This marks yet another relocation for Amarnath Ramakrishna, who has previously been transferred under similar circumstances following his pathbreaking work at Keezhadi.
The archaeologist, known for his scientific rigour and commitment to uncovering Tamil Nadu’s ancient urban heritage, had submitted the Keezhadi report years ago, but it has yet to be released by the Centre.
The Keezhadi excavation, first launched in 2015 near Sivaganga district, revealed the existence of a highly sophisticated, literate, and urbanised Tamil civilisation along the Vaigai riverbed, dating back to the Sangam era.
The findings have been hailed as revolutionary, challenging the dominant narrative that the Indus Valley and Gangetic plains were the sole cradles of ancient Indian civilisation.
The latest transfer has triggered outrage among political leaders and cultural voices in Tamil Nadu.
Reacting sharply to the transfer, Madurai MP and CPI(M) leader Su Venkatesan accused the Union Government of targeting the archaeologist for political reasons.
The recent surveillance conducted on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet did not reveal any major safety concerns, a DGCA on Tuesday statement read .
Aircraft debris at the crash site of Air India Ltd. flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Bloomberg)
Civil aviation regulatory body DGCA on Tuesday said Air India has cancelled 66 flights to be operated with Boeing 787 since the June 12 fatal Ahmedabad plane crash which involved an aircraft of the same model.
The recent surveillance conducted on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet did not reveal any major safety concerns, a DGCA on Tuesday statement read . The aircraft and associated maintenance systems were found to be compliant with existing safety standards, the DGCA statement added.
DGCA said it raised concerns over recent maintenance-related issues at Air India and directed the airline to boost inter-department coordination.
The statement came after Aviation regulator DGCA reviewed operations of Air India, Air India Express following the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed 241 of the 242 passengers onboard and dozens others on ground.
The flights cancelled since June 12 include Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flights that were cancelled on Tuesday.
On June 12 a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed into a hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
Some Air India flights cancelled on Tuesday were:
AI915 – Delhi to Dubai – B788 Dreamliner
AI153 – Delhi to Vienna – B788 Dreamliner
AI143 – Delhi to Paris – B788 Dreamliner
AI159 – Ahmedabad to London – B788 Dreamliner
AI170 – London to Amritsar – B788 Dreamliner
AI133 – Bengaluru to London – B788 Dreamliner
AI179 – Mumbai to San Francisco – B777
Most of the flights cancellations were due to enhanced checks post the Ahmedabad plane crash.
A classroom disagreement between an IIT Delhi professor and a quiet student turned into a powerful lesson in empathy and courage. The student, initially thought to be defiant, later revealed he was trying to overcome his fear of speaking up. Anand’s viral post reminded readers that questions aren’t threats, and staying open is a sign of true intelligence.
Representative Image: IIT Delhi Professor Shares About A Classroom Clash That Changed His Perspective Photo : iStock
What began as a seemingly tense exchange between an IIT Delhi professor and a student turned into a meaningful lesson on empathy and quiet courage.
In a LinkedIn post that has since gone viral, IIT Delhi professor Mridul Anand recounted an incident from his classroom that started off as a disagreement but left him with a lasting impression.
“The past two years of teaching at my alma mater, IIT Delhi, had felt like a quiet triumph. Until one day, a heated argument with a student changed that,” Anand began his post.
He explained that a typically disengaged student suddenly started participating during a lecture. While Anand was initially pleased, his perception soon shifted.
“One Monday, midway through the semester, a student who had barely shown any interest so far raised his hand. ‘Yes!’ As a teacher, it’s very satisfying to see a disengaged student finally take interest,” he wrote.
However, as the student continued to ask questions — many of which had already been addressed — Anand found himself wondering if the student was genuinely curious or trying to test him. Despite the rising tension, he kept responding.
“The exchange lasted 20 minutes,” Anand noted, sharing that even his smartwatch detected his stress. “The exchange lasted 20 minutes. Even my smartwatch had had enough; it flashed: ‘Alert: Abnormal heart rate!’ Taking the hint, I wrapped up and suggested we continue after class. But when it ended, he just packed his bag and walked out.”
Feeling irritated, Anand initially decided to dock participation marks. But what happened next changed his perspective.
In the following class, the student approached him outside and admitted he had always struggled to speak up. He explained that he had recently been rejected in a placement group discussion for being too quiet and had mustered the courage to finally engage — choosing Anand’s class to do so.
“What I saw as defiance was, in fact, courage,” Anand reflected, recognizing how quickly we can misinterpret intent, especially when we feel challenged. “It’s strange how quickly questions can feel like threats. Happens all the time, at work, at home.”
He ended his post with a reminder to stay open-minded in difficult conversations. “Questions aren’t attacks. The smartest thing isn’t always being right, but staying open, especially when it’s hardest to.”
The post resonated widely, with many on social media applauding Anand’s vulnerability and the student’s bravery. One user expressed how moved they were by the story and appreciated the environment Anand had created for open expression.
“We need more teachers in academia like you, Mridul Anand! You share your thought process openly, and the student’s situation, along with the ‘bigger-picture insights,’ is great,” a commenter wrote.
At G7, PM Modi urges global action against terrorism, highlights voice of Global South (Eds: Adds details, changes slug)
PM Narendra Modi participated in the Outreach Session on Energy Security at the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
Reaffirming India’s stand against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged leaders of the G7 to galvanise global action against terrorism, and underscored the need for strict action against those who “promote and support” it.
In his address Tuesday at the G7 Outreach Session here in Canada, the prime minister also called for attention to the Global South’s concerns and priorities.
He noted that India took it as its responsibility to bring the voice of the Global South to the world stage, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an X post.
“PM reiterated India’s stand against terrorism & thanked the leaders for condemning the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack. He urged them to galvanize global action against terrorism & underlined the need to take strict action against those who promote & support terrorism,” he said.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 people. In response to it, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“In his address, PM highlighted the need to ensure energy security for all through a sustainable & green pathway and elaborated upon India’s global initiatives such as ISA, CDRI & the Global Biofuels Alliance, towards this objective,” Jaiswal said.
Modi also highlighted India’s experience in democratising the use of technology and its human-centric approach to deploying it.
“He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field,” said the MEA spokesperson.
Earlier, the prime minister said he held “productive” exchanges with G7 leaders on key global challenges and shared aspirations for a better planet.
Modi posted a picture on X with leaders of the seven-nation bloc and those invited to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.
“Together for global progress! Productive exchanges with G7 leaders on key global challenges and shared aspirations for a better planet,” he said in the post.
In a separate post, Jaiswal said, “A collective commitment to addressing global challenges & promoting common values.”
“PM @narendramodi with the leaders of @G7 countries and invited partners,” he said, attaching the same group photo.
Modi was earlier welcomed by his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney as he arrived here for the G7 Outreach Session.
A horrifying video has captured the moment students and staff jumped from a medical college building after Air India 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the campus last week.
A horrifying video has captured the moment students and staff jumped from a medical college building after an Air India Dreamliner crashed into the campus.
A chilling new video has surfaced showing students and staff leaping from a medical college building moments after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the campus last week, killing 241 people on board. Only one passenger miraculously survived the disaster.
The aircraft crashed directly into the college canteen, where students were having lunch. The impact triggered a massive blaze that engulfed the building, killing several people on the ground, including medical students and doctors.
As flames spread rapidly, chaos erupted inside the building. For many trapped on the upper floors, balconies became the only way out. The terrifying 21-second footage captured the frantic escape — students climbing over balcony railings and attempting to scale down to safety.
Boeing 787-8, Air India flight 171, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday night. The crash killed 241 people on board, and several others on the ground as it plunged into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad. There is a lone survivor in the tragedy, a passenger seated on 11A.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing the fatal crash. The Centre has also formed a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the Home Secretary, including a representative of Gujarat, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Additional Secretary from MHA, among others.
Parents Perform Last Rites Of Pilot
In a heartbreaking moment, the elderly parents of Air India pilot Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who lost his life in the Ahmedabad crash, were seen at his funeral on Tuesday. The mortal remains of Captain Sabharwal were brought to Mumbai. The casket carrying his remains reached the Mumbai airport by a flight in the morning and was taken to his residence, located at Jal Vayu Vihar in Powai, by his family members.
Sabharwal (56) lived with his elderly parents in Mumbai. On Tuesday morning, they were seen at his funeral paying respects to his mortal remains. His last rites will be held later at Chakala electric cremation ground.
17 people injured when their bus fell into a gorge in Patrighat of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh
Bus falls into gorge in Mandi (Image: ANI)
Mandi Bus Tragedy: 17 people injured when their bus fell into a gorge in Patrighat of Mandi district on Tuesday, reported ANI. Rescue and relief operations are underway.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: 17 people injured when their bus fell into a gorge in Patrighat of Mandi district. Rescue and relief operations underway. The injured are being rushed to a hospital. The bus was going from Jahu to Mandi.
Bollywood Actress Malvi Malhotra Recalls Her Meeting With Ahmedabad Plane Crash Pilot Sumeet Sabharwal 10 Days Before The Air India Crash During Her Flight To Dubai, Shares An Untold Story!
The horrific and tragic Ahmedabad plane crash involving Air India flight that was en route to London from Ahmedabad has shocked the entire world. It unfortunately ended up being one of the most disastrous crashes in the history of air accidents and everyone is certainly heartbroken about it. The flight was led by captain Sumeet Sabharwal who despite putting forward his best attempt to save the lives of his passengers onboard unfortunately couldn’t do so and in the process even lost his own life.
For actress Malvi Malhotra, the Ahmedabad plane crash is more than just horrific news. The reason being, her fond memory with the same pilot who was in charge of her recent Air India flight to Dubai about 10 days before the crash took place. No wonder, the actress was jolted and shaken hearing his name after the plane crash. On being asked more about her meeting and memory of captain Sumeet Sabharwal, Malvi shared,
“Well, when I first heard the news, I was absolutely devastated and heartbroken. I might not know anyone personally but just the sheer fact that so many people unfortunately lost their lives in such an accident breaks my heart. However, I had shivers down my spine the moment I read the name of the pilot who lost his life in the process. Sumeet ji was my pilot just about 10 days before the accident took place when I was flying to Dubai in Air India. I had the most wonderful memories of him. From his charming and witty, humorous in-flight announcements to always keeping the passengers updated about every movement with politeness, he was simply phenomenal. Even during landing, I remember things were so smooth that I have to call it as one of my smoothest landings without any hassle. For a brief moment while deplaning, I got to meet him when he was around and out of the cockpit. It was just a beautiful experience. It pains my heart to realize that the same soul is unfortunately no more. May God bless his soul and may his family get the strength to bear with this loss.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canadian PM Mark Carney on the G7 Summit sidelines. Both the leaders discussed strengthening India-Canada ties in trade, energy, AI and anti-terror cooperation.
PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney held a bilateral meeting on sidelines of G7 Summit in Kananaskis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. This marked PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in a decade and his first meeting with Carney after securing a third term in office.
During the interaction, both leaders expressed a strong intent to reset and deepen bilateral ties. PM Modi said, “India-Canada relations are extremely important.”
He added, “This is the first time I have got the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister after his election, so I congratulate him for his grand victory in this election and in the coming period, India and Canada will progress together in many areas with him.”
Describing the meeting as “excellent,” PM Modi added, “India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law. PM Carney and I look forward to working closely to add momentum to the India-Canada friendship. Areas like trade, energy, space, clean energy, critical minerals, fertilisers and more offer immense potential in this regard.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, welcoming PM Modi to the G7, said, “It’s a great honour to host you at the G7… It’s a testament to the importance of your country, to your leadership and to the importance of the issues that we look to tackle together.”
He further added, “From energy security, from the energy transition that you’re helping to lead, to the future of artificial intelligence, to the fight that we have against transnational repression, against terrorism… it is my great honour to have you here.”
The two leaders also discussed the broader global challenges facing the international community and emphasised the need to work together on key areas including technology, security, and democratic values.
PM Narendra Modi also said, “I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Canada once again after 2015 and reconnect with the people of Canada. India, as the world’s largest democracy, has taken several impactful initiatives during its G20 presidency that have benefitted the global community.”
He added, “Now, there is a significant opportunity to carry forward the strong foundation laid by India at the G20 and bring it to the execution within the G7 framework. India has always been committed to using such opportunities for the greater global good and will continue to do so in the future.”
Briefing about the meeting between PM Modi and Canadian PM Carney, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “In view of the trade negotiations between the two countries that are currently paused, the two leaders also decided to instruct their officials to take it up at an early date.”
Vikram Misri added that the two leaders agreed to stay in touch and meet once again at the earliest possible opportunity.
He added, “The Prime Ministers agreed to take calibrated steps to restore stability to this very important relationship and the first of these steps that was agreed on was to restore High Commissioners to each other’s capitals at an early date. Other diplomatic steps will follow in due course.”
According to a Canadian readout of the Modi-Carney meeting, Mark Carney and Narendra Modi also agreed to appoint new high commissioners, aiming to restore normal consular and diplomatic services for citizens and businesses in both countries.
The two leaders also reaffirmed the significance of Canada-India relations, emphasising mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law, and a shared commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Indian Air Force is set to equip its Su-30 and Jaguar fighter jets with SAAW missiles developed by the DRDO. These missiles are capable of hitting targets over 100 kilometres away. The Defence Ministry is expected to take up the proposal soon, as the focus on long-range precision weapons continues to grow.
Indian Air Force will equip its fighter jet fleet with indigenous Smart Anti Airfield Weapons (SAAW).
The Indian Air Force is planning to equip its fighter jet fleet with indigenous Smart Anti Airfield Weapons (SAAW) to enhance its long-range strike capability.
Designed to hit targets over 100 kilometres away, the SAAW missiles are expected to play a crucial role in future conflicts. The proposal to acquire the missiles will soon be taken up for discussion in the Defence Ministry, defence sources said.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the SAAW is a 120 kg class precision-guided bomb capable of engaging ground-based enemy assets such as radars, bunkers, taxiways, and runways.
The weapon system has been developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. Its light weight and high accuracy make it a potent standoff strike system, allowing the launching aircraft to remain out of enemy air defence range.
The missiles are set to be integrated across the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet, including the Su-30 MKI and Jaguar aircraft. The acquisition gains significance against the backdrop of recent hostilities with Pakistan and China. Officials said the weapon system is similar in operational concept to those used during the Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terror camps.
The proposal also comes at a time when the Indian armed forces are increasingly focused on enhancing their long-range strike capabilities. This focus was recently evident in Operation Sindoor, where standoff weapons were successfully deployed against Pakistani military and terror infrastructure.
The Parmar couple had been embarking on their first overseas trip to visit their son in the UK, who had invited them as his wife was expecting their first child this week.
File Pic
The Parmar family from Rakhiyana in Ahmedabad district suffered the loss of two members in the 12 June Air India plane crash, one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. Bhogilal Parmar, 57, and his wife Hansa, 55, were among the 241 victims of the Boeing Dreamliner crash.
Before the family could come to terms with this tragedy, they were struck by another devastating blow. Bhogilal’s elder sister, Gomti Parmar, 65, collapsed and died instantly upon hearing news of her brother and sister-in-law’s deaths.
Her son Sagar, a resident of Vaghala near Patdi in Surendranagar, told the Times of India: “My mother shared an incredibly strong bond with my uncle. Learning about the accident and discovering virtually no one survived was too much for her heart to bear.”
Just in – Gomtiben Parmar, a resident of Viramgam lost her brother Bhogilal Parmar and his wife Hansaben Parmar in the crash. Shocked by their death, Gomtiben died a while back, just as their bodies reached the town from Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/wOnWR4TMzS
— Sahal Qureshi (Hakim) (@IMSahalQureshi) June 16, 2025
The Parmar couple had been embarking on their first overseas trip to visit their son in the UK, who had invited them as his wife was expecting their first child this week.
The retired banker, Bhupal Singh, had left for Delhi with his wife for treatment, staying with their son posted in the Army. The thieves took full advantage of the empty home.
Representation Image | Adobe Stock
In a bizarre burglary incident in Lucknow’s Indira Nagar C-Block, two thieves broke into a retired banker’s locked house and not just stole, but also chill first. Before even touching the valuables, the duo cooked Maggi in the kitchen, followed it with a peas stir-fry, and feasted leisurely. They then switched on the AC and relaxed for a while, truly settling in like uninvited guests on vacation.
The retired banker, Bhupal Singh, had left for Delhi with his wife for treatment, staying with their son posted in the Army. The thieves took full advantage of the empty home.
Sparks, Smoke Erupt As Saudia Hajj Flight Faces Wheel Glitch During Landing At Lucknow Airport (VISUALS) | (Photo Courtesy: X/@f1360aero)
A Saudi Airlines flight carrying 250 Haj pilgrims from Jeddah experienced a rough and alarming landing at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on June 15. Sparks and smoke emerged from the aircraft’s wheels, and the impact was so severe that passengers’ heads struck the cabin ceiling, while overhead luggage fell on them.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) termed the landing dangerous and has sought an explanation from the airline. According to sources, water on the runway prompted the pilot to use “aqua management,” a technique used for landing on wet surfaces. While effective in gripping the runway, it caused a jolt that distressed the passengers.
Eyewitnesses recorded videos at the terminal. Though no injuries were reported, the incident caused panic. The airport’s fire team sprayed foam and water, and it took 20 minutes to bring the situation under control. Passenger Abdul Mannan of Fiazabad said, “It felt like the aircraft had crashed.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that air pollution caused by dust and garbage has been a serious health issue for residents.
In an effort to curb pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government is planning to deploy high-tech machines for round-the-year road cleaning. A demonstration of these high-tech machines, including super sucker equipment for removing cane and concrete waste, was recently held to showcase their capabilities.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, speaking to Aaj Tak, said that air pollution caused by dust and garbage along city roads has been a serious health issue for residents. “We had made provisions to bring in new machines for road cleaning in Delhi. Smoke guns will also be hired to tackle pollution. These machines will ensure regular cleaning across the city throughout the year,” she said.
She explained that each assembly constituency would have at least one such machine in operation. The equipment, she said, is fully automatic and capable of removing dust as well as large debris. It includes a built-in water system and features for automatic garbage disposal. The use of updated technology is expected to significantly reduce dust pollution and speed up cleanliness efforts.
“We are committed to transforming Delhi. These electric machines will not add to pollution while cleaning. I assure the people of Delhi that the capital will now see better sanitation and a healthier environment through the use of this latest technology,” the chief minister added.
Last month, too, the Delhi government reviewed cleaning machines presented by various companies. Officials clarified that instead of purchasing these machines, the government plans to hire them and pay based on the distance covered.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian distinction, from President Nikos Christodoulides. PM Modi expressed gratitude on X, dedicating the honor to India’s 1.4 billion citizens and emphasizing the strong friendship between India and Cyprus.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the award on the prime minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, the country’s highest civilian honour. Later, in a post on X, PM Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, and added that it was an award to the trusted “friendship between our nations”.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the award on the prime minister.
The Order of Makarios III is the senior order of knighthood awarded by the country named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III.
Dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, Modi said it was an award to the trusted India-Cyprus friendship.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Cyprus for conferring upon me ‘The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.’
This isn’t my honour. It is an honour for 140 crore Indians. I dedicate this award to the everlasting friendship between India and… pic.twitter.com/Q9p7LQGNfq
“I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure world,” the prime minister said.
“President @Christodulides conferred PM @narendramodi with the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. The honour reflects the enduring India–Cyprus bilateral partnership and shared commitment to work together for the common vision for peace, progress and prosperity,” the Ministry of External Affairs posted on X.
Bishnoi, imprisoned in Gujarat, and Brar, reportedly in the US, have parted ways due to disputes over the handling of Bishnoi’s brother Anmol’s legal situation.
Goldy Brar, Lawrence Bishnoi.
Strained ties between gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar are complicating the efforts of central intelligence agencies and the state police forces, a recent report has revealed. Bishnoi, imprisoned in Gujarat, and Brar, reportedly in the US, have allegedly parted ways due to disputes over the handling of Bishnoi’s brother Anmol’s arrest, The Indian Express reported, citing sources. This has made tracking their criminal syndicate harder for the agencies since they seem to no longer be working together.
The fallout reportedly stemmed from Lawrence Bishnoi’s anger at Goldy Brar and Sachin Godara over their handling of his brother Anmol’s case in the United States, the report said, citing sources. According to the report, Brar and Godara did not help Anmol file the required bail bond.
Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was reportedly arrested in California last year. He is said to be involved in high-profile crimes, including the Baba Siddique murder case. Anmol Bishnoi had also claimed responsibility for the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s Mumbai house.
After the fallout, Goldy has reportedly started working with Azerbaijan-based Godara while Bishnoi is now associated with Canada-based Noni Rana.
Goldy Brar reveals why he killed Sidhu Moose Wala
In a recent documentary, Goldy Brar had also shared how he and his associates had killed Sidhu Moose Wala and the role Lawrence played. The tension began over a kabaddi tournament in Punjab, he claimed. “That’s a village our rivals come from. He was promoting our rivals. That’s when Lawrence and others were upset with him. They threatened Sidhu and said they wouldn’t spare him,” Brar claimed.
According to the BBC report, tensions were defused through the intervention of Vicky Middukhera, an associate of Bishnoi’s and an intermediary. But Middukhera was gunned down in Mohali in August 2021.
“He (Sidhu) should have been booked. He should have been jailed. But nobody listened to our plea. So we took it upon ourselves. When decency falls on deaf ears, it’s the gunshot that gets heard,” Brar said.
SIPRI’s latest report shows India edging out Pakistan in both capability and posture as other nuclear powers race to expand arsenals amid rising global tensions
SIPRI’s 2025 estimates show India edging ahead of Pakistan in both nuclear warhead count and missile capabilities. (Representative image/Shutterstock)
As the Israel–Iran war escalates and global security tensions mount, the spectre of nuclear conflict has once again moved to the forefront. But beyond the world’s largest stockpiles, it is regional rivalries that are drawing renewed scrutiny. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) Yearbook 2025, India has not only widened its nuclear lead over Pakistan in terms of warhead numbers, but is also making significant technological advances in missile systems and delivery capability.
SIPRI, an independent institute based in Sweden, has tracked global armaments, disarmament, and international security trends since 1966. Its annual yearbook is widely regarded as one of the most credible assessments of the world’s nuclear balance.
So, who’s leading the nuclear race in 2025 and who’s catching up fast? SIPRI’s new data shows how each country is rearming in a more dangerous world.
Russia
Russia remains the world’s leading nuclear power in terms of total warheads. SIPRI estimates it holds roughly 5,880 nuclear weapons, with many deployed on missiles and submarines, and around 2,100 kept on high operational alert, ready to launch at short notice.
Despite these staggering numbers, Russia continues to modernise its nuclear arsenal, aiming to upgrade ageing systems and expand its strike capability. But 2024 saw setbacks, including delays in the Sarmat ICBM, a key next-generation missile, and slower progress across other platforms.
The expected buildup of non-strategic nuclear weapons—typically shorter-range, lower-yield warheads intended for battlefield use—has not yet materialised, despite US intelligence assessments as early as 2020 warning that Russia might expand this category significantly. However, analysts caution that Russia maintains a high level of secrecy around such deployments, making it difficult to confirm their current numbers or locations through open sources.
With the New START treaty—the last remaining US–Russia arms control agreement—set to expire in 2026, and no new deal in sight, Russia is widely expected to rearm empty silos and increase its deployed warheads, especially as tensions with the West remain high. SIPRI suggests this could mark the start of a more unpredictable and unrestrained nuclear posture.
United States
Closely behind, the United States possesses an estimated 5,244 nuclear warheads, according to SIPRI, many of which are deployed on submarines, strategic bombers, and land-based missiles. Like Russia, a significant number of these are maintained on high operational alert, capable of being launched within minutes.
SIPRI notes that the US is in the midst of a comprehensive modernisation programme, involving the replacement of ageing Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the construction of new ballistic missile submarines, and the development of next-generation air-launched cruise missiles.
However, the report points out that funding and planning issues in 2024 led to delays and increased costs, raising questions about the programme’s long-term timeline. At the same time, the US is adding new non-strategic (tactical) nuclear weapons to its arsenal—a move SIPRI highlights as potentially destabilising, as such weapons are seen as more likely to be used in a limited conflict.
With China’s nuclear arsenal expanding rapidly, SIPRI warns that internal pressure is building within US defence circles to rearm deactivated launchers and broaden deterrence options—a trend that could accelerate the global arms race.
China
China is the most dynamic player in the current arms race. SIPRI estimates its arsenal at over 600 nuclear warheads as of early 2025, up from roughly 500 the year before. This makes it the fastest-growing nuclear power in the world.
Beijing has built over 350 new ICBM silos in three major desert regions and mountainous areas — indicating an intent to drastically increase its second-strike capabilities.
SIPRI also notes that China may now be keeping some warheads mounted on missiles during peacetime, a departure from its earlier policy. At its current pace, China could possess 1,500 warheads by 2035, rivalling the US and Russia in strategic reach, a shift that could fundamentally redraw nuclear deterrence norms.
France
France holds around 290 nuclear warheads, a number that has remained relatively stable. But behind the scenes, it is actively investing in next-generation systems.
In 2024, France continued work on a third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) and a new air-launched cruise missile, while upgrading its current ballistic missile with a new warhead modification.
President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly suggested that France’s nuclear weapons could play a broader role in defending Europe, not just France. This idea of giving the French nuclear deterrent a “European dimension” implies that, in a crisis, France might extend its nuclear protection to other European Union countries. If taken seriously, such a shift could reshape NATO’s internal dynamics, especially at a time when the US commitment to European security is under question, and some European states are reconsidering their reliance on the American nuclear umbrella.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has an estimated 225 nuclear warheads, and according to SIPRI, this number is expected to increase in the coming years. In 2024, the newly elected Labour government reaffirmed its commitment to building four new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) as part of maintaining the UK’s continuous at-sea deterrence—a policy under which at least one submarine armed with nuclear weapons is always on patrol.
However, SIPRI points out that operational and financial constraints continue to affect the programme’s progress, raising doubts about whether construction and deployment will stay on schedule. The 2023 Integrated Review Refresh — the UK’s formal defence policy update — had already approved raising the cap on the total number of warheads, reversing earlier disarmament trends. This signals a shift in the UK’s strategic posture, moving it further away from its long-standing policy of gradual nuclear reduction.
India
India now holds an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, according to SIPRI, a modest increase from previous years. However, the more significant development lies not in the number of warheads, but in technological advancements and evolving military posture.
India is working on canisterised missile systems, which allow nuclear warheads to be stored and transported pre-mounted onto missiles in sealed containers. If these systems are deployed with warheads already “mated,” it would mark a major doctrinal shift, enabling faster launch readiness and possibly indicating a move toward a more flexible deterrence strategy.
There is also speculation, highlighted in SIPRI’s assessment, that India’s future missiles may be equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), which would allow a single missile to carry and deliver several nuclear warheads to different targets. This would significantly increase strike capability and survivability, particularly in a first-strike or counterforce scenario.
Pakistan
Pakistan is estimated to possess around 170 nuclear warheads, and SIPRI notes that it continues to develop new missile delivery systems and produce fissile material at a steady pace—signs of a country actively expanding its arsenal despite lacking transparency or robust oversight mechanisms.
Unlike India, which maintains a declared No First Use policy, Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine remains deliberately ambiguous and heavily focused on short-range tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use. This approach, often framed as a deterrent against conventional Indian military superiority, is viewed by many analysts as highly destabilising, since it lowers the threshold for nuclear use in a crisis and increases the risk of early escalation.
SIPRI suggests that Pakistan’s arsenal could grow further over the next decade, especially as it tries to match India’s advancing delivery systems and strategic capabilities. However, Pakistan’s continued reliance on opaque doctrine, coupled with its history of nuclear proliferation links and political instability, makes its expanding arsenal a significant source of regional and global concern.
Israel
Israel’s nuclear arsenal is estimated at 80 to 90 warheads, though the country continues to maintain its long-standing policy of nuclear opacity—neither confirming nor denying that it possesses nuclear weapons. This ambiguity is strategic, allowing Israel to project deterrence without inviting direct international scrutiny or arms control obligations.
What is evident, however, is that Israel is actively modernising its nuclear delivery capabilities. In 2024, the country conducted a missile propulsion test, which SIPRI assesses is likely related to the Jericho ballistic missile programme—a suspected key component of its nuclear force. Additionally, upgrades have been observed at the Dimona reactor, the core facility believed to support Israel’s weapons programme through plutonium production.
In the context of the ongoing Israel–Iran war, these developments take on heightened significance. While Iran is not believed to possess nuclear weapons, SIPRI and other expert assessments confirm that it has made substantial progress in uranium enrichment and advanced centrifuge development. This gives Iran the technical capacity to produce a weapon, even if it has not yet done so. The combination of Iran’s nuclear latency, regional hostility, and Israel’s undeclared but advanced arsenal keeps the strategic balance on a knife’s edge.
These dynamics are made even more volatile by the absence of any regional arms control framework, the collapse of the JCPOA nuclear deal, and the potential for miscalculation amid open conflict. SIPRI’s findings underscore that nuclear ambiguity in an active war zone can be just as destabilising as overt nuclear threats.
North Korea
SIPRI estimates that North Korea assembled around 50 nuclear warheads as of early 2025 and has produced enough fissile material, primarily enriched uranium and plutonium, to build up to 40 more. This makes North Korea a small but rapidly advancing nuclear power, especially considering its isolated status and limited international oversight.
In 2024, South Korean officials warned that North Korea was in the final stages of developing a tactical nuclear weapon—a smaller, shorter-range bomb intended for battlefield use rather than large-scale destruction. If deployed, such weapons would lower the threshold for nuclear use, making them potentially more likely to be used in a regional skirmish or limited conflict.
Adding to the concern, Kim Jong Un issued a directive in November 2024 calling for a “limitless” expansion of the country’s nuclear programme, signalling that Pyongyang has no intention of slowing down or re-entering negotiations anytime soon.
With diplomatic engagement stalled and military tensions continuing on the Korean peninsula, the risk of miscalculation, misinterpretation, or accidental escalation remains dangerously high, especially given the absence of crisis communication mechanisms between North Korea and its neighbours. SIPRI flagged these developments as part of a broader trend of increasing nuclear risk in unstable regions.
Why These Numbers Matter In 2025
What makes SIPRI’s findings urgent is not just who holds the most weapons, but how global norms are eroding.
The New START treaty between the US and Russia is nearing expiration, with no replacement in sight. China is rising, but unwilling to enter arms control negotiations. And advanced technologies, from AI to missile defence, are destabilising assumptions about deterrence.
Patna set to join Kochi in launching modern water metro services as part of Ganga transport revival.
Water metro sails through the Kochi Lake. (IMAGE: PTI FILE)
Water metro services will soon begin in Patna, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Monday, stating that the city will become a hub of the inland water transport system on the Ganga.
The announcement was made with a few months left for the state’s assembly elections.
Addressing a consultation meeting here on the development of inland water transport in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, Sonowal said the Modi government was committed to harnessing the full potential of river systems for cargo, tourism and local livelihoods.
“The water metro system will connect both banks of the river and offer a clean, efficient, and modern urban mobility solution for Patna. The National Inland Navigation Institute is being upgraded as a centre of excellence with fresh investment,” he said.
“Over the last 11 years, the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi has made India’s inland waterways vibrant engines of green growth and connectivity. The National Waterway 1, spanning UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, stands at the heart of this revival. We are committed to harnessing the full potential of our river systems for cargo, tourism and local livelihoods. Bihar, blessed by the sacred Ganga, is poised to emerge as a key inland waterways transport hub,” he added.
The Centre is working hand-in-hand with all states on NW 1 to make inland water transport a pillar of India’s sustainable, multimodal future, Sonowal said, maintaining that rivers are now the lifelines of the country’s economy.
“As part of the National Waterway 1, stretching 1,390 km from Varanasi to Haldia, Bihar will see the development of two terminals in Patna, along with the establishment of a vessel repair and manufacturing centre along the Ganga,” he said.
“Sixteen community jetties will be constructed across various districts, and Kalu Ghat will be developed into a state-of-the-art waterway centre. A dedicated task force will be formed to explore further possibilities for inland navigation and water-based commerce in 12 districts along the Ganga river in the state,” he said.
Sonowal said the development of NW 1 will create jobs, boost tourism, and make Bihar a key player in India’s economic growth.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is at present conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal surveys per month to assess Least Available Depth (LAD), with coverage set to expand from 11 states in 2024 to 22 states and four Union Territories by 2027, he said.
The Supreme Court observed that in cases relying solely on circumstantial evidence, the absence of motive can cast significant doubt on the evidence presented
The SC upheld conviction on charges of destruction of evidence and sentenced the student to the period undergone by him. (Image: PTI/File)
Case ticks box of accidental gunshot injury, SC sets aside conviction of BHMS student of killing friend-classmate
The Supreme Court has acquitted an undergraduate student in a homeopathy course by overturning his conviction in the 2010 murder case of his friend, citing a lack of motive. It observed that in cases relying solely on circumstantial evidence, the absence of motive can cast significant doubt on the evidence presented.
Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma concluded that the high court had erred in finding the student guilty and upholding the trial court’s verdict. They acquitted Vaibhav of charges of murder and illegal firearm use, noting that the circumstantial evidence was inconsistent and allowed for a reasonable possibility that he was innocent.
“The present case ticks the boxes of an accidental gunshot injury, both in theory and in fact. The possibility of a homicidal death is very weak and no direct nexus exists to conclude that the trigger was pulled by the appellant,” the court said.
The SC found the counter probabilities and inconsistencies in the chain of circumstances have not been explained and its benefits should go to the accused. It, however, upheld conviction on charges of destruction of evidence and sentenced him to the period undergone by him, as he tried to dispose of the body of the deceased Mangesh, who was studying in his class at Bagla Homoeopathic Medical College in Maharashtra.
The court noted that the version of the prosecution suffers from inconsistencies and doubts and, in such a scenario, the inability of the appellant to explain certain circumstances could not be made the basis to relieve the prosecution from discharging its primary burden.
On September 16, 2010, both friends left college together on Mangesh’s scooter, but Mangesh did not return home. His father reported him missing, and his body was found the next day.
The trial court determined that Vaibhav had killed Mangesh using his father’s service gun and that his friend Vishal was guilty of destroying evidence. The Bombay High Court upheld Vaibhav’s conviction and acquitted Vishal.
Vaibhav’s defence before the HC included the impossibility of a homicidal death based on the bullet trajectory and evidence suggesting an accidental death. He claimed Mangesh was accidentally shot with his father’s pistol at his home and, in fear, he tried to clean up the scene and disposing of his body.
The bench examined the matter and noted that while Mangesh was shot with the pistol belonging to Vaibhav’s father, the crucial question was: who pulled the trigger, and it remained unanswered despite two rounds of litigation.
It found that the bullet trajectory suggested the possibility of an accidental shooting, as the prosecution’s version did not explain the same. It criticised the high court for dismissing Vaibhav’s defence based on his subsequent conduct.
“In gunshot cases wherein the nature of death – suicidal, accidental or homicidal – is not ascertainable from direct evidence, multiple factors are taken into account for arriving at a conclusion,” the bench said.
It further said these factors include point of entrance, wound size and direction, gunshot distance, weapon position, bullet trajectory, and other relevant aspects. It found no such analysis in the impugned judgment.
“Undoubtedly, in a case based on circumstantial evidence, facts indicating subsequent conduct are relevant facts under Section 8 of the Evidence Act. Equally, the inconsistencies in the version of the appellant are also relevant. However, the occasion to examine the version/defence of the appellant could have arisen only if the prosecution had succeeded in discharging its primary burden beyond reasonable doubt,” it said.
The bench explained that the burden on the prosecution is to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, while the accused only needs to prove a defence by the preponderance of probabilities. The trial court and HC failed to test Vaibhav’s defence, leading to a miscarriage of justice.
The court stressed that while motive is relevant in circumstantial evidence cases, its absence does not automatically discredit the evidence. Other evidence may still suffice to prove guilt. However, the absence of motive can favour the accused.
“There is no rule of law that the absence of motive would ipso facto dismember the chain of evidence and would lead to automatic acquittal of the accused. It is so because the weight of other evidence needs to be seen and if the remaining evidence is sufficient to prove guilt, motive may not hold relevance. But a complete absence of motive is certainly a circumstance which may weigh in favour of the accused,” it said.
Amit Shah said India is now a global leader in disaster management due to NDMA, NDRF.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a gathering during a conference of the Relief Commissioners of states and union territories and the Disaster Response Forces, in New Delhi. (IMAGE: PTI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said India has become a global leader in the field of disaster management due to the excellent works carried out by the NDMA, NDRF and others.
Addressing a conference of the relief commissioners and disaster response forces of all states and Union Territories (UTs) here, Shah also said 10 years ago, the approach of the disaster mitigation organisations was for minimum casualties and after 10 years, the approach is to achieve the target of zero casualties.
“Whenever the history of India’s disaster response will be written, the last 10 years of the Modi government will be recorded as a transformative decade. In these 10 years, we have made significant achievements in all four areas — capacity, efficiency, speed and accuracy,” he said.
The home minister said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has effectively carried out policy, subject structure, research work, dissemination of various exercises to the public, development of several applications, and overall coordination and policy-related work.
In the last 10 years, NDMA, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) have strongly positioned India to become a global leader in the field of disaster management, he said.
Shah said in the last two years, work has been done to create a platform of ideas with a whole-of-government approach by bringing together workshops and meetings of all the agencies related to relief and disaster management.
“When the heads of all the disaster relief teams discuss on a single platform, many shortcomings are removed and the country also benefits in being prepared to deal with a disaster,” he said.
The home minister also suggested that every year, some districts and tehsils sensitive to disasters should be included in this conference so that the disaster management being considered at the national level gradually reaches the tehsil and district levels as well.
All relief commissioners should prepare a district disaster management plan for every district in their state within 90 days, he said.
He also praised the role of NDMA, saying it has effectively carried out policy, subject structure, research work, dissemination of various exercises to the public, development of several applications and overall coordination and policy-related work.
Shah said the NDRF has earned nationwide recognition, built a strong reputation and gained respect while the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has also played a significant role in this structure.
He said due to climate change and global warming, the entire world is grappling with disasters and there is a need to move forward with environmental conservation as a core component.
“In the coming days, while everyone is fully prepared to tackle disasters, there is also need to address their root causes,” he said.
“Not only has our capacity to handle disasters been increased but it has also been enhanced and extended to the tehsil level. Attention has been given to speed, as saving lives during a disaster is of utmost importance,” he said.
The home minister said efficiency has been improved through the use of cutting-edge technology and the dedicated approach of disaster response forces.
Additionally, by providing accurate forecasting and early warnings, society has been made aware and successfully engaged in relief and rescue operations, he said.
Shah said during the Modi government’s tenure, there has been a significant shift in the approach related to disaster management.
Earlier, the approach was relief-centric, but now, the goal of “zero casualty” has been successfully achieved and the focus has shifted from relief-centric to a comprehensive and integrated approach, he said.
He emphasised the importance of anticipating future disasters, conducting advanced research, compiling global ideas in this field and adapting them to suit India’s geographical conditions.
The home minister said in the last decade, India has made significant efforts for financial empowerment and greatly increased the government’s budget.
“We have also pursued institutional empowerment deliberately and by design, along with structural empowerment. Combining all these, we have also adopted a multidimensional approach as a policy,” he said.
Shah said from 2004 to 2014, the budget of the SDRF was Rs 38,000 crore, which increased to Rs 1.44 lakh crore from 2014 to 2024. Similarly, the budget of the NDRF was Rs 28,000 crore from 2004 to 2014, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi increased to Rs 84,000 crore.
“Overall, we have nearly tripled the total budget from Rs 66,000 crore to Rs 2 lakh crore,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his five-day, three-nation tour on Sunday with a visit to Cyprus
PM Modi gifts handcrafted artefacts to Cyprus President and First Lady | Image: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased a gesture of cultural diplomacy during his visit to Cyprus by presenting exquisitely handcrafted gifts to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his five-day, three-nation tour on Sunday with a visit to Cyprus — marking the first Indian prime ministerial trip to the island nation in more than 20 years. He was welcomed at the airport by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
As a symbol of India’s rich artistic heritage, PM Modi gifted a Kashmiri handmade silk carpet to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
Known for their intricate craftsmanship, these carpets are woven using centuries-old techniques by artisans in the Kashmir Valley.
The piece presented features deep red tones, fawn borders, and traditional vine and geometric motifs. Of special note is its prized two-tone effect, giving the illusion of two different carpets depending on the angle and lighting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Kashmiri Silk Carpet to the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.
This particular piece, in deep red with fawn and red borders, features traditional vine and geometric motifs. It showcases the prized two-tone effect, appearing to… pic.twitter.com/NeqUEq8ptm
To First Lady Philippa Christodoulides, the Prime Minister presented a silver clutch purse from Andhra Pradesh, which is crafted using the traditional repoussé technique.
The purse, adorned with floral designs, is inspired by temple and royal art.
With a semi-precious stone centerpiece, ornate edges, and a regal curved shape, the purse reflects India’s fusion of heritage artistry and modern design.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Silver Clutch Purse to the First Lady of Cyprus, Philippa Karsera.
This beautiful silver clutch purse from Andhra Pradesh combines traditional metal work with modern style. Made using the repoussé technique, it has detailed floral designs… pic.twitter.com/irbU9GNexc
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in delegation-level discussions with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors.
Prior to the talks, he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace.
The high-level meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
PM Modi Receives Highest Honour
During his official visit to Cyprus, PM Modi was bestowed with the country’s highest civilian award — The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.
Grateful for the prestigious honour, PM Modi dedicated it to the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus.
“This honour is not just a recognition of me, Narendra Modi — it is an honour for 1.4 billion Indians. It is a tribute to their strength and aspirations,” the Prime Minister said.
Sources said the demand for a new bridge was placed seven years ago and the approval of Rs 8 crore was received in 2024.
The bridge was built for farmers on the Indrayani river 30 years ago (File)
The collapse of the 30-year-old pedestrian bridge in a Pune village that claimed four lives, came just five days after a work order was issued for the construction of a new bridge. Had the work order – issued after years of complaints from the villagers -been on time, last week’s tragedy would not have taken place, say the locals.
The bridge, built for farmers on the Indrayani river 30 years ago, had become a selfie point in no time. Though its capacity was no more than four to five pedestrians at a time, it was carrying dozens of tourists and two-wheelers.
Alarmed, the locals tried to prod the government into action and at the same time, warn the tourists. But neither course of action succeeded.
Around 3 pm on Sunday, the bridge came down, claiming four lives. Many others were pulled out of the river in time.
Sources said the demand for a new bridge was placed seven years ago and the approval of Rs 8 crore was also received.
In 2017, local BJP MLA Digambar Bhegade was the first to demand a new bridge in place of the accident-hit bridge. After completing the inspection and design work, approval of Rs 8 crore for the new bridge was received in 2024 — seven years after the demand.
But the work order was issued on June 10 — a delay that many blame on officials.
“The process could have been faster. It took a lot of time. We were serious, but the officials were not serious. Also, this is a military area, there are always restrictions here,” said Ravindra Bhegade, a local leader of the BJP.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said he has asked the local officials for an “update”. “Approval has been received to build the bridge at a cost of Rs 8 crore. I have asked the collector for an update, he will give detailed information,” he said.
Shiv Sena UBT’s Sanjay Raut questioned if Ajit Pawar, as the guardian minister of Pune, will take responsibility for the accident.
A Delhi Court recently permitted him to undergo the procedure. Jatheri got married to Anuradha Chaudhary on March 12, 2024.
Gangster Sandeep alias Kala Jatheri has undergone a medical procedure related to IVF with the permission from the court.
A Delhi Court recently permitted him to undergo the procedure. Jatheri got married to Anuradha Chaudhary on March 12, 2024.
“Jatheri and his wife want to protect their lineage by way of procreating their child in order to secure their family tree,” the court order noted.
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Deepak Wasan allowed the application moved on behalf of Sandeep alias Kala Jatheri. Thereafter, the procedure of sample collection was done in Tihar Jail.
The ASJ Wasan earlier on June 9 ordered, “The present application stands partly allowed and on June 14 between 6:00-07:00 AM, the concerned treating doctors from Hospital shall visit the jail premises / authority where the applicant /accused has been lodged (Tihar Jail) and concerned doctors / team will collect the semen samples of the accused in the jail and, privacy must be maintained so that, sample can be collected easily, asceptic manner must be followed before collection and after collection the sample should be handed over to the Hospital Representative under the supervision of the applicant / accused so that, sample can be sent to the concerned Hospital within 01 hour.”
An application was moved on behalf of Kala Jatheri for grant of interim custody parole for 6 hours to enable the applicant / accused to undergo urgent medical procedure related to in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.
The court had also called report from AIIMS and RML Hospitals.
As per the reply filed by the AIIMS, semen samples can be collected in Tihar Jail under the care of IVF team of Gurugram and transferred to IVF lab, where treatment of the wife of the accused is underway and semen samples have to be preserved within 60 minutes (after ejaculation).
It was submitted by Advocate Rohit Kumar Dalal, counsel for Kala Jatheri that the wife of the applicant is undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (IVF) at a hospital in Gurugram.
It was further submitted by counsel that the treatment is underway. The treating reproductive specialist has advised that fertilisation and embryo transfer is only medically feasible upon provision of a fresh semen sample from the applicant – an act that is time-sensitive and non-deferrable.
It was further submitted by counsel for accused that the accused and his wife want to protect their lineage by way of procreating their child in order to secure their family tree.
During April-May, the country’s exports to the US increased by 21.78 per cent to USD 17.25 billion, while imports rose by 25.8 per cent to USD 8.87 billion, the data showed.
The US was the second-largest trading partner of India in April-May. (Representational)
India’s merchandise exports to the US rose by 16.93 per cent to USD 8.83 billion in May, while imports dipped by 5.76 per cent to USD 3.62 billion during the month, according to the commerce ministry data.
During April-May, the country’s exports to the US increased by 21.78 per cent to USD 17.25 billion, while imports rose by 25.8 per cent to USD 8.87 billion, the data showed.
When asked about the impact of high tariffs imposed by the US on steel, aluminium and auto parts, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal said India does not export a lot of steel and aluminium to the US.
There is a uniform duty on auto components for all countries, so “we have not seen a big dent” on the sector.
But if it continues for long, there could be some impact. If some countries will get exemptions from this duty then it may impact Indian players, he added.
The US has imposed 25 per cent tariffs on these products.
The US was the second-largest trading partner of India in April-May.
China, another major trading partner of India, saw a 25 per cent jump in exports from India to USD 1.64 billion in May and 18.75 per cent growth in April-May to USD 3.04 billion.
Imports from the neighbouring country in May rose by 21.16 per cent to USD 10.31 billion while in April-May by 24.23 per cent to USD 20.22 billion.
Singapore, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Korea and Russia were also among the countries which saw positive growth in exports from India in May.
However, exports to the UAE, the Netherlands, the UK, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Italy, France, Malaysia, and Brazil declined in May.
On the imports front, inbound shipments in May declined from nations including Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Qatar.
However, imports rose from the UAE, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Germany.
Commenting on the data, economic think tank GTRI said that India and China’s latest trade figures showed how the US-China trade war is reshaping global trade flows.
Released by China Customs on June 10 and India’s Commerce Ministry on June 16, the May trade data reveals a sharp drop in China’s exports to the US and a noticeable redirection of trade to markets like India, the EU, and ASEAN.
“India’s import surge in electronics and machinery, much of it from China, and rising exports to the US suggest that global supply chains are adapting quickly. The numbers also signal rising risks for India amid Middle East tensions and a more protectionist trade environment,” GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said.
The decline in China’s shipments to the US is being partially offset by increased exports to other markets, including the EU (up 12 per cent to USD 49.5 billion), ASEAN (up 15 per cent to USD 58.4 billion), and notably, India (up 12.4 per cent to USD 11.13 billion).
According to government data, since January 1, 2025, 13,604 Covid-19 positive cases have been reported from across the country and 108 deaths
People queue up to collect their Covid-19 test reports. (Sunil Ghosh / HT Photo)
With 11 new deaths reported in the past 24 hours, the total number of Covid-19 deaths in the current surge reached 108 on Monday, government data show, although experts insist that there is no need to panic, pointing to the fact that the proportion of fatalities among those testing positive for the respiratory viral infection is under 1% (0.79%).
They add that almost all of the deaths are in hospitalised patients who were either undergoing treatment for, or had a past history of, severe comorbidities. The 11 new deaths, for example, includes patients who suffered from a range of medical conditions including lung cancer, acute kidney injury, leukaemia, and cirrhosis of the liver.
“The number of cases may have seen a slight surge in the past few weeks, but we are keeping an eye on the rate of hospitalisation and death, which is low across the country. Most of the deaths are in people who were hospitalised for some chronic or acute condition that may not be directly related to Covid-19, but as a protocol gets documented as Covid death,” said a senior government official, requesting anonymity.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a Covid-19 associated hospitalisation is defined as admission as an inpatient for a length of over 12 hours of time, or overnight for the reasons directly related to Covid-19. In addition, a Covid-19 death is defined for surveillance purposes as a death resulting from a clinically compatible illness in a probable or confirmed Covid-19 case unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to Covid-19 disease (e.g. trauma). There should be no period of complete recovery between illness and death.
“The government is closely monitoring the situation, and so far, there is nothing to be alarmed about. However, one needs to be vigilant and follow the dos and don’ts issued as a measure of abundant precaution especially for the high-risk population,” added the official.
According to government data, since January 1, 2025, 13,604 Covid-19 positive cases have been reported from across the country and 108 deaths. Currently, there are 7264 active cases in India, and according to the official cited above, most of these are mild and under home care.
While INSACOG (Indian Sars-Cov-2 Genomics Consortium) that is mandated to issue a weekly bulletin on circulating variants of Sars-Cov-2— the virus that causes Covid-19— has not updated the bulletin since May 15 on its website, people familiar with the matter said the variant largely in circulation currently remains NB.1.8.1.
NB.1.8.1, also known as Nimbus, first detected in a sample collected on January 22, 2025, is a descendant of the XDV.1.5.1 lineage, which itself descended from JN.1, a lineage of the Omicron variant BA.2.86.
The variant carries six additional spike mutations that could affect its behaviour. Notably, mutations at position 445 may enhance binding to the hACE2 receptor, potentially increasing transmissibility. Meanwhile, changes at positions 435 and 478 could help the variant evade certain antibodies.WHO has labelled it as a variant under monitoring and assessed its global health risk as low, despite rising cases in several countries. While there is slight advantage in immune evasion, but the current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation, it noted.
In its epidemiological update on the variant, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said, “While there are no epidemiological studies assessing transmissibility of NB.1.8.1 relative to other circulating strains, a very limited number of available laboratory studies are informative, with two studies assessing in vitro infectivity showing lower infectivity of NB.1.8.1 versus LP.8.1 and XEC, previously dominant Omicron variants…”
Like in other countries, in India also NB.1.8.1 has shown increased prevalence since mid-April. Along with it, the other variants in circulation are LF.7, and XFG that are all descendants of the Omicron variant.
According to WHO, currently approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.
However, there is still no decision made at the government level to introduce further booster doses.
Hardeep Puri said India imported 80 per cent of oil and 50 per cent of natural gas, adding that even a 5-billion-barrel discovery would be a game-changer.
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri during a meeting with officials on Monday.(X/Hardeep Puri )
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri said India holds the potential of ‘several Guyanas’ in the Andaman region and outlined several measures taken by the government for exploration and production.
The minister said that the country has 3.5 million square kilometers of sedimentary basin, but it never explored beyond eight per cent area, keeping a large expanse of sea beds unexplored.
The minister’s statement comes as India is putting in efforts to ramp up its own traditional fossil-based energy production.
“There were parts of the sedimentary basin which were no-go areas. So one of the decisions which we took was that 1 million square kilometers of that sedimentary basin, which was no-go area, has suddenly been made available for E&P,” Puri told ANI on Monday.
As oil is on the boil, all eyes are on the ball…
In the increasingly volatile geopolitical situation, reviewed the petroleum products supply situation with @PetroleumMin officials and our PSU OMCs. Under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji, we have diversified our… pic.twitter.com/J58LSEC2cV
The petroleum minister said that the government has decided to explore a large part of the basin.
He said that India imported 80 per cent of oil and 50 per cent of natural gas, adding that even a 5-billion-barrel discovery would be a game-changer.
In the nine rounds of open acreage licensing policy, 38 per cent of the bids have come, covering 1 million square kilometers, the minister said, adding that the next round will attract more than 75 per cent of the bids.
“We’ve also issued some of the largest bids on offer anywhere — something like 2.5 lakh square kilometers of area has been offered out on bidding,” the minister said.
He further said that India has the potential of around 42 billion tonnes of oil and gas in its sedimentary basins.
He, however, added that exploring offshore reserves are capital extensive, which is why it took so much time for the country to tap into the untapped potential under the seas.
“An onshore well costs something like USD 4 million on an average. I’m talking about global rates and dollar rates being held at a particular constant. And an offshore well costs about USD 100 million,” he added.
Hardeep Puri sees India’s ‘Guyana moment’
Hardeep Puri also made a reference to Guyana, which recently discovered massive oil reserves, saying India has the potential for ‘several Guyanas’ in the Andaman region.
“They (Guyana) dug 46 wells and they didn’t find any oil. It’s when they dug the 47th one, they found oil. And then it became the largest find,” he said.
“We have the potential of several Guyanas in the Andaman,” he added.
Four persons died and 18 others were seriously injured after a 32-year-old iron pedestrian bridge on the Indrayani river that had been declared unsafe collapsed on Sunday afternoon in Pune’s Maval tehsil, prima facie due to crowding by tourists who ignored the warning board at the spot.
Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Credit: PTI Photo
The Congress on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in the collapse of a footbridge over the Indrayani River in Pune’s Maval tehsil and demanded accountability, saying it is imperative that all individuals found responsible for this tragedy are held accountable under law.
Four persons died and 18 others were seriously injured after a 32-year-old iron pedestrian bridge on the Indrayani river that had been declared unsafe collapsed on Sunday afternoon in Pune’s Maval tehsil, prima facie due to crowding by tourists who ignored the warning board at the spot.
More than 100 persons were present on the bridge, a popular spot for tourists and picnickers, when the incident took place at 3:30 pm in Kundamala, which has seen heavy rains in the past few days, giving the river a steady flow, officials said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the bridge collapse is a deeply distressing and an avoidable tragedy.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims, and I am praying for the swift recovery and well-being of the tourists swept away by the river current,” he said.
“I salute the tireless dedication of the rescue teams who are working around the clock to locate and save those affected. I also wish a speedy and complete recovery to the several injured people in this devastating incident,” Kharge said on X.
“Even as we mourn this profound loss, it’s crucial that we seek accountability. Such preventable disasters demand meaningful questions be asked of those in power,” he said.
It is imperative that all individuals found responsible for this tragedy are held to account under the full force of the law, Kharge said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the news of many people drowning due to the collapse of the bridge on the Indrayani river in Pune is extremely saddening.
“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and hope for the safety of those who are still missing. I appeal to the administration to carry out relief and rescue operations with full promptness,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said in a post in Hindi on X.
Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said the collapse of the footbridge in Pune’s Maval tehsil is a heartbreaking tragedy.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and our thoughts are with those injured or still missing,” Khera said.
Semi-Naked Miscreants Hanging Out Of Speeding Car Harass, Blow Flying Kisses At Female Biker In Haridwar | Instagram
In a shocking incident, a female biker shared a video on social media showing few miscreants misbehaving with her on highway in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar. The video shows the semi-naked men hanging out of the speeding car and blowing flying kisses at the female biker and social media influencer late at night. The woman recorded the video and made the video viral on social media.
The woman also shared the registration number of the vehicle and shared the video demanding police action against the accused. She also tagged the Uttarakhand Police in the post and also urged the internet users to share the video as much as possible so that the accused can be identified and action can be taken against the miscreants.
The video shows that the female bike is riding along with her car on a highway in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar. It can be seen in the video that a car which is full with men moving at a high speed on the same highway ahead of her. A shirtless man is also seen in the video clinging out of the window of the car and misbehaving with the woman. He is also seen in the video blowing flying kisses at her while the car is moving at high speed.
The woman claimed in the video that they were goons from Uttar Pradesh. The number plate also showed that the car belongs to Uttar Pradesh. The registration number of the car caught in the video is UP 15 EH 2344. The woman also raised the issue to a police officer in a patrol car. However, no action was taken by the police at the time of the incident.
Hillang Yajik, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, has created history by winning one gold and silver medal each at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025 hosted by Thimpu, Bhutan from June 11 to 15. Yajik, 25, has forged history by becoming the first female athlete from the state to clinch gold at the international level.
Hillang Yajik. | (Image Credits: X)
Hillang Yajik, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, has created history by winning one gold and silver medal each at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025 hosted by Thimpu, Bhutan from June 11 to 15. Yajik, 25, has forged history by becoming the first female athlete from the state to clinch gold at the international level.
Known to be the first female bodybuilder, the 25-year-old got into the limelight after being chosen to represent India at the 56th Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship last year. Furthermore, she also participated in the 15th WBPF World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship.
Born in Kurung Kumey, Arunachal Pradesh, Yajik had undergone a selection trial held by the Indian Body Builders Federation and the Bodybuilding Association of Kerala, situated by Ernakulam, Kerala. After clearing the selection trial, she secured a spot in the Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship and the World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship 2024.
Following Yajik’s historic victory in Bhutan, she wrote on Instagram by promising her fans that more championships are on the way.
“Last year I failed to win any international medal.. though disheartened I didn’t give up.. I worked harder and gave my 110% this time..This medal I dedicate to my nation ,my state Arunachal my coach @primeoptimus_123 and lastly to myself..P.s more championship are on the way
Her most significant achievement before clinching gold and silver in Bhutan was winning silver in the women’s sports physique category during the 13th Federation Cup hosted by Goa in April 2024.
Boeing’s safety track record has already been under fire, especially after the 737 MAX tragedy that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019
A crane being used to clear the debris of the crashed Air India plane, in Ahmedabad on June 14. (Image: PTI/Kunal Patil)
Thirty seconds. That was all the time the ill-fated Air India flight 171 spent in the air before crashing outside the Ahmedabad airport last week.
Eleven seconds into liftoff at 1.39 pm, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal sent out a chilling call to the ATC saying: ‘Mayday, Mayday, no thrust, losing power, unable to lift, going down’. Nineteen seconds later, the plane had crashed after dropping from a height of 650 feet.
It was a clear, hot afternoon with the skies above Ahmedabad shimmering under 40 degrees Celsius. Everything was routine, until it wasn’t. Flight 171 became the centre of one of the worst aviation disasters in India.
Let’s try decoding the crash, but without any verdict on what may have caused it. For that, we must wait for a detailed air crash investigation.
Investigators are facing a long road ahead in solving this big mystery. The truth will emerge sooner than later from the aircraft’s black box. But there are four significant tell-tale signs from the video footage of the takeoff and crash.
Number 1 and the most important – the landing gear was out during the entire 30 seconds that the flight was in the air. Usually, the landing gear is retracted by the pilots within a few seconds of liftoff.
Number 2 – the jury is divided over whether the flaps were extended or retracted. During liftoff, the flaps are extended to aid in lift. But the aircraft’s angle during takeoff, being in a nose-up position, and grainy footage makes it difficult to ascertain if the flaps were extended or retracted.
Number 3 – the aircraft had nearly exhausted the 3.5-km runway before liftoff. Was it looking for more thrust? A dust cloud can also be seen in the footage right at takeoff.
Number 4 – the pilot’s ‘Mayday’ message indicates both engines had failed as he reported no thrust or power.
So, what could have happened? Aviation experts have proposed many theories.
The biggest among them is a possible double engine failure due to bird strikes. This is one of the rarest occurrences – last seen in the 2009 case of US Airways Flight 1549, which landed in New York’s Hudson River soon after takeoff.
A Dreamliner can fly on one engine. But both failing during takeoff is catastrophic. The dust cloud seen in the footage right at takeoff could be engine-related – possibly birds being ingested, some aviation experts pointed out.
But there are no visible large bird flocks or smoke trails visible in video footage. Other experts said engine stalling due to electrical or software issues in the plane is unlikely, given how sophisticated the Dreamliner is with multiple backups too.
There’s also a theory around the aircraft’s flaps and landing gear. Captain Steve has suggested that the flaps may have been retracted, reducing lift, while the landing gear remained deployed. He has speculated that the pilots may have pulled up the flaps instead of the landing gear by mistake. Some speculate that maybe only one engine failed but the pilots turned off the live engine by mistake.
But these were experienced pilots with more than 9,000 hours of flying time between them. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a veteran at flying the Dreamliner on long-haul flights.
The landing gear and flaps switch in the cockpit is located far apart, other experts pointed out. Switching off a live engine is also something basic training modules alert against.
The pilots committing such cardinal mistakes is unfathomable. There would be an alert in the cockpit if this had happened. Some experts said just the landing gear being down cannot make the plane crash.
Also, it is easy and convenient to blame the pilot, isn’t it?
The temperature was within operating conditions for the flight. Fuel contamination is believed to be unlikely too, as per some experts.
So, is it a problem with the aircraft itself? Does Boeing need to answer as well? To be sure, the probe will look into all possibilities, including a cockpit error.
A big breakthrough is the recovery of the black box in a relatively intact condition. The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder will be analysed by the Indian investigating agency, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). It will take the help of Boeing and GE, manufacturer of the engines.
A team from the US National Transportation Safety Board will help India in the probe. A team of Boeing officials from the US is going to arrive soon as well.
All 33 of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners, meanwhile, are undergoing safety checks, additional maintenance checks and pre-departure inspections.
Now I come to another big question – is there a pattern with the 787?
Yes, a Dreamliner 787 has never crashed in history since its commercial start in 2011. But there have been some signs of trouble.
Earlier this year, an American Airlines 787 made four emergency landings in one month – some due to faulty wing flaps. The same flaps are now under alleged scrutiny in the AI 171 disaster.
The American Airlines plane was initially forced to return to Amsterdam after a problem with its flaps was detected shortly after takeoff for Philadelphia on January 7. The aircraft dumped fuel over the North Sea before landing at Schiphol airport at a higher-than-normal speed, attributed to the flaps problem.
Later, this American Airlines plane was forced to abort flights to Philadelphia from Dublin, Barcelona, and Zurich.
Boeing’s safety track record has already been under fire, especially after the 737 MAX tragedy that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. The Ahmedabad crash on June 12 came six years after the loss of two smaller 737 Max planes, which claimed 346 lives and plunged Boeing into a near-existential crisis.
And remember that after the first of these crashes, of Lion Air flight in Jakarta, Boeing had tried to put the blame on the pilots.
The Max, Boeing’s top seller, was grounded around the world for more than 18 months after investigators found that the crashes in 2018 and 2019 had been caused by software MCAS meant to improve the aircraft’s handling. Instead, the system effectively wrestled control from the pilots, who were unaware of how it worked and how it might be overridden.
The year 2025 has been deadly for aviation. Flight 171 was the second fatal commercial crash of 2025. Earlier on January 30, an American Airlines jet collided midair with a helicopter near Washington, killing all on board.
Other incidents, like a Delta plane flipping on landing and another catching fire mid-air, have raised urgent questions about aviation safety in 2025. An extraordinary event in February saw a Delta Airlines plane flipped upside down after a heavy landing at Toronto airport, though all passengers and crew survived.
In March, an American Airlines plane caught fire developing an engine fault and passengers were seen evacuating the plane onto the wing.
The AI 171 crash, however, is the worst this year and arguably the worst ever in India. Investigators are now combing through wreckage, black box data, and cockpit recordings to uncover what exactly happened in those final seconds.
For most on board, there was no hope. Out of 242 people on board, only one survived. Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old Londoner seated in 11A, was found alive in the wreckage.
But more were killed on the ground as the plane crashed into residential quarters at the BJ Medical College. The toll could go well over 250.
The treatment came to an abrupt halt after the electricity failed. The generator at the Bijnor district hospital couldn’t come to the rescue as there was no fuel.
During haemodialysis, only a fraction of blood circulates through the machine at any time, clarified a doctor. (AI-generated image)
“When the power went off, the machine stopped midway with almost half his blood stuck inside it,” a woman. whose 26-year-old son died during dialysis at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district hospital, claimed. The treatment came to an abrupt halt due to a power cut.
Medical centres usually have power back-ups to battle sudden electricity outage. But it turns out that this Bijnor hospital generator didn’t even have fuel. Reportedly, an official inspection was also underway at the time of power cut
A report in Times of India quoted hospital staff as saying that they could not resume treatment of kidney patient Sarfaraz Ahmad because the contracted firm had not supplied diesel for the generator.
During his inspection of the hospital on Friday, CDO Purna Borah discovered five other patients lying there without power, lights, or fans.
Sarfaraz’s mother was quoted by TOI, “When the power went off, the machine stopped midway with almost half his blood stuck inside it. I begged the staff to start the generator, but no one helped. My son died soon after.”
Medical experts consulted by the publication, however, stated it is highly improbable that a large volume of Sarfaraz’s blood could have been present inside the machine at any given time.
“During haemodialysis, only a fraction – about 200 to 250 ml – of blood circulates through the machine at any time. However, an abrupt power failure can delay the process and destabilise critically ill patients,” a doctor was quoted.
The hospital staff held Sanjeevani, the private firm managing the unit through a public-private partnership since 2020, responsible for consistently failing to supply diesel.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the 241 passengers who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Vijay Rupani boarded the Air India plane that crashed near Ahmedabad airport.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who lost his life in the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, will be accorded a state funeral with full honours on Monday. The Gujarat government has also declared a one-day state mourning in his memory.
The body of the former Chief Minister was confirmed after the DNA testing. The report came today at 11:10 AM, three days after the plane crash.
His body has been handed over to his family, and his last rites will be performed in Rajkot. Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office were present at the civil hospital in Ahmedabad to oversee the transportation of his mortal remains.
A large team of forensic experts is working to identify the victims of one of India’s worst aviation disasters by matching their DNA with samples collected from their relatives. DNA matching is a complex medical and legal procedure that involves multiple layers of verification. Only after a thorough series of tests and confirmation of the DNA samples are families contacted and asked to collect the bodies of their loved ones.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed Vijay Rupani’s identification on Sunday morning. Vijay Rupani’s last rites will be performed in Rajkot. Earlier on Sunday, Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel stated that the state government would make all necessary arrangements once the family finalises the funeral details.
“Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited late Vijaybhai Rupani ji’s residence today and told the family members that his DNA has been confirmed. His family will take call on last rites and final stage preparations for cremation. After consultation with them, all arrangements will be done,” Rishikesh Patel said.
Helicopter crashes or emergency landings are occurring at an alarming frequency on the Chardham yatra route in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand govt suspends helicopter services on Char Dham route for 2 days after fatal crash
Seven people were killed on Sunday after a helicopter crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand amid poor visibility. A couple and their two-year-old daughter hailing from Yavatmal in Maharashtra were among the seven persons killed in the crash. This is the fifth major accident in the last six weeks in Uttarakhand.
5 Cases In 6 Weeks
Helicopter crashes or emergency landings are occurring at an alarming frequency on the Chardham yatra route in Uttarakhand. The Chardham yatra involves Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines.
On June 7, a helicopter going to Kedarnath had to make an emergency landing on the road due to a technical fault soon after take-off in which the pilot was injured but the five devotees on board were rescued safely.
The helicopter had made a hard landing on a road close to populated buildings. The helicopter’s tail rotor had hit a parked car.
On May 8, a helicopter going to Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi district in which six people were killed. The chopper was on its way to Gangotri temple crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district.
On May 12, a helicopter returning from Badrinath to Sersi with pilgrims on board had to make an emergency landing in a school playground in Ukhimath due to poor visibility. All pilgrims were safe. The helicopter took off again after about an hour when the weather improved.
On May 17, a heli ambulance from AIIMS Rishikesh crash-landed near the Kedarnath helipad in Uttarakhand due to damage to its rear part. Fortunately, all three occupants on board – a doctor, a pilot, and a medical staff member – escaped unharmed.
CM Holds Emergency Meeting, Helicopter Services Suspended
In the wake of series of such incidents, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held an emergency meeting on Sunday and asked senior officials of the state to prepare a strict SOP (standard operating procedure) for heli services in the state, making a thorough check of the technical condition of the choppers mandatory. Further, helicopter services on the Chardham yatra route were suspended for two days on Sunday
The Uttarakhand chief secretary has been directed to constitute a committee of technical experts, which will prepare the SOP after thoroughly reviewing all technical and safety aspects of heli operations. Weather status should also be checked before heli operations.
The test was notably a prelude to a larger event in October-November, where around 900 youth-built satellites will be tested, an ISRO official said.
Satellite launched from UP’s Kushinagar (All India Radio – X)
In yet another feat, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday, for the first time, launched a satellite from the soil of Uttar Pradesh. The space agency successfully conducted a rocket launching test in UP’s Kushinagar, marking the first time a payload was launched via a rocket from Uttar Pradesh, officials said.
The test conducted on Saturday in collaboration with Thrust Tech India Limited and saw the rocket ascend 1.1 km at 5:14:33 PM, a complete success, the ISRO added.
“The rocket was launched at 5:14 PM and 33 seconds, which went up to a height of 1.1 km. After this, a small satellite (payload) came out. As soon as it fell down to 5 metres, its parachute activated and the satellite landed within 400 metres on the ground,” said ISRO scientist Abhishek Singh, quoted PTI.
The 15 kg rocket also descended safely, he added. The test was notably a prelude to a larger event in October-November, where around 900 youth-built satellites will be tested.
Vinod Kumar, Director of Thrust Tech India, confirmed the success of the company’s motor test. “This event is being organised to generate interest in space technology among children across the region and the whole of India,” he said.
Sonia Gandhi, 78, was admitted to the gastroenterology department around 9 pm. Her condition is stable and she is under the observation of a team of doctors.
Sonia Gandhi, 78, was admitted to the gastroenterology department around 9 pm, according to a PTI report. (File photo) Photo : PTI
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi on Sunday due to stomach-related problems, according to sources.
Gandhi, 78, was admitted to the gastroenterology department around 9 pm.
She is said to be in stable condition and she is under the observation of a team of doctors.
On June 9, the former Congress president underwent a medical check-up at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
The committee will have its first meeting on Monday afternoon, sources said. (File)
The first meeting of the high-level multi-disciplinary committee set up by the government to look into the Ahmedabad plane crash will be held on Monday here, sources said.
The panel, chaired by the home secretary, is expected to submit its report in three months.
The committee will have its first meeting on Monday afternoon, the sources said.
The committee is expected to focus on “formulating Standard Operating Procedures for preventing such occurrences in the future”.
A separate investigation is also being carried out by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is looking into the technical aspects of the crash.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Saturday said while the AAIB investigation will handle the technical aspects, the high-level committee will provide a holistic, policy-oriented roadmap for future safeguards.
The black box of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane that crashed on Thursday was recovered from the site on Friday evening.
The fallout stemmed from Lawrence Bishnoi’s anger at Goldy Brar and Sachin Godara over their handling of his brother Anmol’s case in the United States.
Lawrence Bishnoi (left) and Goldy Brar (right).(ANI/ HT File )
A major rift has emerged between notorious gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, posing a fresh challenge for central intelligence agencies and state police forces tracking their criminal syndicate.
Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail, and Goldy Brar, believed to be operating from the United States, are no longer working together, The Indian Express reported, citing sources.
The split has raised concerns among security agencies, who fear a possible turf war or a realignment of loyalties within their widespread network, the report added.
The fallout reportedly stemmed from Lawrence Bishnoi’s anger at Goldy Brar and Sachin Godara over their handling of his brother Anmol’s case in the United States.
“Central intelligence agencies received information that Brar and Godara did not help Anmol file the required bail bond. Anmol was later released but with an ankle bracelet tracker,” the report quoted sources saying.
In November 2024, 25-year-old Anmol was taken into custody by US immigration officials for allegedly using forged travel documents. He has been linked to the May 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and is also named as the “mastermind” behind the killing of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique last year.
“Both the gangsters have decided to stop working together. Goldy has started working with Azerbaijan-based Rohit Godara while Bishnoi is now associated with Canada-based Noni Rana. This feud and their new syndicates are now a source of increasing tension for state police forces,” an official told The Indian Express.
Quoting sources, the report also mentioned that the matter was recently discussed with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during a meeting attended by senior police officers from Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
New syndicates, old networks
Investigations over the past few months have revealed that Noni Rana (Surya Pratap), younger brother of Haryana’s Yamunanagar-based gangster Kala Rana (Virender Pratap), has been operating from the US, making calls and collecting money on behalf of Lawrence Bishnoi.
Referring to Brar and Godara, the report quoted sources as saying, “Last month, they took responsibility in a social media post for the killing of Harjit Singh, a businessman operating a trucking safety and insurance consultancy, outside his office in Canada’s Mississauga… they did not mention the name of Lawrence and other gang members, which they usually do in such posts.”
In addition to the killings of Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddique, Lawrence Bishnoi’s name has surfaced repeatedly over the past three years in connection with multiple threats to actor Salman Khan, including the recent firing outside his residence.
Meanwhile, Canada has accused “agents” of the Indian government of working in collaboration with the Bishnoi gang to foment terror on Canadian soil — an allegation that India has strongly denied, the report said.
Sources cited in the report said that during his early days in crime, Lawrence Bishnoi had formed a team with Goldy Brar, Kala Rana, and others.
Both the black boxes from the wreckage of the ill-fated Air India flight 171 have been recovered as the probe into the accident continues.
The flight data recorder the cockpit voice recorder of the plane were recovered(AFP)
The second black box of the Air India flight AI171 which crashed on June 12 has been recovered, according to officials investigating the incident, reported PTI.
The recovery of the cockpit voice recorder, as well as the flight data recorder which was found earlier, will help identify the possible cause of the deadly crash which has killed around 270 people, including 241 out of 242 people onboard.
Officials have confirmed the recovery of black boxes to P K Mishra, the principal secretary to prime minister Narendra Modi, who on Sunday inspected the Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad and also visited the civil hospital where injured persons are undergoing treatment.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated in an official release, “Chairing a high-level review meeting at Circuit House, here Dr Mishra discussed ongoing relief, rescue, and investigation efforts with senior officials from the Central and State Governments, AAIB, and Airports Authority of India.”
“Officials confirmed to Dr Mishra that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been located and secured,” it said.
The AAIB has launched a detailed investigation, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a parallel probe under international protocols, as the aircraft is American-made, the release stated.
After visiting the site of the crash, Mishra said, “I am very pained by the enormity of the tragedy. Everybody is sad. It is our duty to share grief and express our feelings for the victims.”
Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was among the 242 passengers and crew on board the London-bound Air India flight AI-171 that crashed on Thursday.
The Air India plane crash claimed over 270 lives, of which 80 have been identified.
After the tragic crash of the Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, hospital authorities have identified 80 victims, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, out of the more than 270 people who died in the incident.
“A total of 80 plane crash victims have been identified so far through DNA matching. Of these, the bodies of 33 victims have been handed over to their respective families,” additional civil superintendent Dr. Rajnish Patel told PTI.
The victims whose mortal remains were handed over were from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Kheda, Botad and other places.
The hospital authorities also handed over 33 bodies to the victims’ families. 241 out of the 242 passengers and crew on the flight died, while 29 ground victims were reported. There was only one survivor from the flight.
The Gujarat government has announced a state mourning for former CM Rupani on Monday. His funeral procession will be held in Rajkot in the evening.
Of the 51 people injured in the incident, 38 have been discharged, while 13 are still undergoing treatment, said Dr. Patel, a professor of surgery at the government-run B J Medical College.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college complex shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The Gujarat state relief commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey told PTI that families of all 230 passengers who died on the flight had been contacted.
Odisha police arrests mastermind in explosives loot case
Rourkela , Odisha police on Sunday arrested the prime accused and mastermind behind the loot of five tonne of explosives by Maoists from a vehicle near a store quarry in Sundergarh district on May 27, an official said.
The arrested accused has been identified as George Munda alias Kulu from Banko village under K Balang police station.
Munda was passing important information to the Maoists. He was the main conspirator from the beginning of the loot and actively passed information to the Maoists, said DIG Brijesh Rai.
During the investigation, George’s complicity was found by the police. He was living just opposite to the quarry and was objecting to it, which was closed down subsequently, Rai said.
It was he who had passed the information regarding the movement of the vehicle with explosives and ensured that the loot was carried out without any problem, the police said.
Around 200 packets of explosives, mostly gelatin sticks, were looted by Maoists at gun-point on May 27 while those were being transported to a stone quarry for blasting rocks.
A day after the looting, Odisha DGP Y B Khurania and other senior police officers visited the spot and an NIA team also started investigating the matter.
Odisha Police have also constituted an SIT to probe into the incident.
Security personnel on May 30 recovered a substantial amount of the explosives looted by Maoists in Sundergarh district following a fierce gun battle with the red rebels. They found the stolen explosives in a dense forest in Jharkhand, around three km from the Odisha border.
The test, in collaboration with Thrust Tech India Limited, saw the rocket ascend 1.1 km at 5:14:33 PM, a complete success.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) logo. Credit: Reuters FilePhoto
A successful model rocket launching test was conducted in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district, marking the first time a payload was launched via a rocket from the state, officials said.
The test conducted on Saturday by the Astronautical Society of India in association with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) saw the model rocket ascend 1.12 km at 5:14:33 PM, a complete success.
ISRO scientist Abhishek Singh, who was present at the test site, said, “The rocket was launched at 5:14 PM and 33 seconds, which went up to a height of 1.1 km. After this, a small satellite (payload) came out. As soon as it fell down to 5 metres, its parachute activated and the satellite landed within 400 metres on the ground.”
The 15 kg rocket also descended safely.
This test was part of IN-SPACe Model Rocketry/CANSAT India Student Competition 2024-25 and a prelude to a larger event in October-November, where around 900 youth-built satellites will be tested.
Vinod Kumar, Director Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, confirmed the test a success.
“This event is being organised to generate interest in space technology among children across the region and the whole of India,” he said.
This was the first time a satellite was directly launched by a rocket in Uttar Pradesh, proving entirely successful, Kumar said.
The house is located within the grounds of a school founded by Chouksey. It has marble domes, intricate stonework on its pillars, and elegant archways.
The house of the couple looks exactly like Taj Mahal (Credits: Screengrab of the video)
The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, continues to captivate people globally. Mirroring this architectural marvel, a couple in Madhya Pradesh, India, has designed their house as a replica of the iconic monument.
The four-bedroom house, owned by Anand Prakash Chouksey and his wife, is located in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. A video tour of their home has gone viral, captivating the internet.
The video, posted on Instagram by Priyam Saraswat, features the couple welcoming Saraswat and providing a tour.
“It has been made using Makrana marble,” the couple explains. “The original Taj Mahal’s dimensions in metres have been replicated in feet here. It’s one-third the size of the original monument,” they add.
Situated within the grounds of a school founded by Chouksey, the house features marble domes, intricate stonework on its pillars, and elegant archways. According to the video’s caption, the house was built as a testament to love, echoing the enduring sentiment behind the Taj Mahal.
Netizens too expressed amazement at the stunning architecture. Many comments praised the house’s beauty.
“Wow,” one user commented.
“Everything about this reel is beautiful,” another Instagram user wrote.
“The entrance reminds him of his humble beginnings. What a beautiful reminder,” a second user added.
A third commented, “Love the couple, love the house obviously, love the message too! Which city in MP is this?”
Delhi and the adjoining regions have been experiencing extreme heatwave conditions for the last few days.
Representative Image (AI generated)
The residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds on Sunday morning. The downpour brought much-needed relief from the prolonged heat wave across Delhi and neighbouring areas, including Noida.
#WATCH | Delhi | Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashes national capital, bringing respite from heat.
The India Meteorological Department, in an advisory, asked the residents to stay indoors and avoid travel. “Moderate to intense spell of rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning, squally winds 80-100 kmph is going on over Delhi and NCR Stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary,” the India Meteorological Department posted on X.
Delhi and the adjoining regions have been experiencing extreme heatwave conditions for the last few days. After four consecutive days of heatwave conditions in parts of the national capital, Delhi on Friday witnessed a slight dip in temperatures. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, the city’s official observatory fell to 41.2 degrees Celsius, still 1.3 degrees Celsius above normal, but notably lower than Thursday’s 43.9 degrees Celsius, PTI reported.
Despite the drop in peak temperature, discomfort levels remained high with the humidity ranging between 51 per cent and 69 per cent.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘moderate’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 195 at 9 am, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
Operation Sindoor was India’s first major aerial operation involving India’s Rafale fleet since the French-origin fighters were inducted into the IAF in 2020, hailed at the time as a game-changer in South Asia’s aerial balance.
Operation Sindoor was India’s first major aerial operation involving India’s Rafale fleet since the French-origin fighters were inducted into the IAF in 2020.
Amid growing speculation over India’s reported loss of a Rafale fighter jet during the early May aerial skirmish with Pakistan, Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier has weighed in, dismissing Pakistani claims and defending the Rafale’s combat record.
In an interview with a French magazine ahead of the Paris Airshow, Trappier pointed out that while India has not officially disclosed details about the alleged incident, the claims made by Pakistan — including that of downing three Rafale jets — are “inaccurate.”
“The Indians did not communicate, so we do not know exactly what happened. What we already know is that the words of the Pakistanis — three destroyed Rafales — are inaccurate,” Trappier said, adding a note of caution until official information is released.
The reported incident has stirred discussion in strategic and defense circles, with questions being raised over whether the Rafale has reached its operational limits in high-stakes combat.
Trappier, however, pushed back strongly on such suggestions.
“When you operate combat aircraft, you complete a mission. The success of the mission is not having zero loss — it is having achieved your objectives,” he asserted, citing historical context. “During the Second World War, it was not said that the Allies had lost the war because they had lost troops…”
The Dassault chief emphasized that modern combat operations are judged by the effectiveness of mission execution, not merely by asset preservation. “We will see if there were losses or not, and if the war goals were achieved. When the truth comes out, some may have surprises,” he remarked cryptically.
While IAF covered, in detail, the extent of damage that was caused by precision targeting that forced the Pakistanis for a ceasefire.
Operation Sindoor was India’s first major aerial operation involving India’s Rafale fleet since the French-origin fighters were inducted into the IAF in 2020, hailed at the time as a game-changer in South Asia’s aerial balance.
People are connecting different disasters observed in the last few months, especially the recent Ahmedabad plane crash, to the eagle flying off with the flag from the Shri Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, claiming it signifies a warning from Lord Vishnu regarding approaching hardships.
VIRAL: Eagle Flew Away With Flag From Jagannath Puri Temple In April, Now People Are Linking It To Ahmedabad Plane Crash | File
In 2025, India faced a string of disastrous events, including the Pahalgam incident, clashes with Pakistan, recent stampedes in Bengaluru and Maha Kumbh, the Mumbai train mishap, and now the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, along with many other similar incidents. People are linking it to the occurrence of an eagle seen taking a flag from Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, asserting it as a sign of ‘misfortune’.
In April 2025 An eagle flew with a flag over Jagannath Puri and everyone called it a signal for a disaster
And yesterday after the plane crash this is the visual from the mess of Medical college where the plane crashed. Then the news of the murder of Temple’s priest yesterday pic.twitter.com/duiZ6wxBwK
In April 2025, an eagle was spotted flying with a flag from the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, leading to significant speculation. The event, recorded on video, occurred during a thunderstorm in Puri. Some viewed it as a heavenly sign or positive omen, while others saw it as a harbinger of disaster.
A series of subsequent disasters caused some to link these events to the eagle’s flight. Interpretations include seeing the eagle as a representation of Lord Vishnu’s favor, a heavenly signal, a warning of impending danger, or merely as superstition, reflecting a broad spectrum of beliefs about the incident.
People are also linking the death of the 83-year-old caretaker of Jagannath Temple, Jagannath Dikshit, who was discovered dead outside his home in Puri. He suffered significant head trauma and was found soon after coming back from the temple. Authorities are examining CCTV recordings depicting neighbour Narayan Pattajoshi reportedly assaulting him after a previous dispute. Pattajoshi is presently on the run.
Air India expressed deep sorrow over the terrible plane crash and said that it is standing with the families of those who lost their lives. The airline also said that its teams are on the ground, doing everything they can to support the victims’ families during this very difficult time.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash | File
Air India on Saturday announced immediate compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash. The airline said that the amount is in addition of the compensation to the Rs 1 crore that was already announced by Tata Sons.
Air India expressed deep sorrow over the terrible plane crash and said that it is standing with the families of those who lost their lives. The airline also said that its teams are on the ground, doing everything they can to support the victims’ families during this very difficult time.
To help with immediate financial needs, Air India will give an interim payment of ₹25 lakh (about £21,000) to the families of each person who died, as well as to the survivor. This amount is in addition to the ₹1 crore (around £85,000) that was already announced by Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India.
#ImportantUpdate
Air India stands in solidarity with the families of the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the recent accident. Our teams on the ground are doing everything possible to extend care and support during this incredibly difficult time.
Air India said, “Air India stands in solidarity with the families of the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the recent accident. Our teams on the ground are doing everything possible to extend care and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
It further added, “As part of our continued efforts, Air India will be providing an interim payment of ₹25 lakh or approximately 21,000 GBP each to the families of the deceased and to the survivor, to help address immediate financial needs. This is in addition to the ₹1 crore or approximately 85,000 GBP support already announced by Tata Sons.”
Air India also said, “All of us at Air India are deeply saddened by this loss. We mourn with the families, loved ones, and everyone affected.”
Air India AI 171 flight crashed moments after take off from Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport en route London with 242 passengers and crew members onboard. The flight crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel resulting in the death of many MBBS students in the terrible crash. There are reports that over 270 people have lost their lives in the crash which occurred on Thursday (June 12).
Israel-Iran conflict forces PM Modi’s Air India One to take longer route to G7 Summit
Amid soaring tensions between Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flight to the G7 Summit in Canada has been forced to take a significant detour. The escalating conflict has thrown air traffic in West Asia into disarray, prompting countries to shut down airspaces and airlines to cancel or reroute flights. Even VIP travel is being affected, with PM Modi’s specially designated aircraft, Air India One, now set for a longer-than-usual journey due to regional airspace closures.
The Prime Minister will embark on a three-nation tour that includes Cyprus and Croatia, besides his G7 summit in Canada. He is scheduled to depart from Delhi on Sunday morning around 7:30 am and will first land in Larnaca, Cyprus, by 3:00 pm. The route to Cyprus would typically pass through airspaces of Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. However, with all these corridors either shut or deemed unsafe, a longer detour has been charted.
The alternative route through UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan also remains uncertain amid regional instability. Indian aircraft have already been restricted from using Pakistani airspace since Operation Sindoor conducted from May 7 to 10. Sources confirm that these restrictions extend even to VIP flights such as Air India One.
As a result, the Delhi-to-Larnaca leg of the Prime Minister’s journey, which normally takes 8-9 hours, is expected to take longer. Following his 24-hour stop in Cyprus, Modi will continue to Canada on June 16, bypassing the conflict-ridden airspace over Russia and Ukraine.
The aerial crisis intensified following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran on June 13. With several countries closing their skies to civilian flights, air routes between India and destinations in Europe and North America have become more complex. Passengers are now facing extended flight durations and rising fares. Sources estimate that flight times have gone up by one to two hours, while operating costs for airlines have surged by nearly 12 percent. Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo have already cancelled over a dozen international flights due to the unstable airspace.
Five years since the Galwan clash in 2020 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, India has fortified its border defences, overhauled military preparedness, and stepped up diplomacy with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The 2020 Galwan incident became a catalyst for infrastructure expansion for India along the China border.
Five years ago, on June 15, 2020, India lost 20 soldiers in the Galwan Valley clash with China in Eastern Ladakh – an event that not only redefined India-China ties but also triggered a series of reforms in India’s defence posture and strategic planning along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The Galwan clash, which saw Indian troops retaliate without firearms under existing protocols, also caused significant casualties on the Chinese side and marked a complete breakdown in trust between the two neighbours.
In the years since, India has significantly restructured its military preparedness, reinforced border infrastructure, and intensified diplomatic engagements. The Indian armed forces enhanced their presence across the LAC, especially in Eastern Ladakh, with rapid deployment of troops and high-altitude warfare equipment. Emergency procurement provisions were invoked to expedite defence acquisitions, including surveillance systems, UAVs, artillery, and medical equipment for extreme terrain.
The Galwan incident became a catalyst for infrastructure expansion. The Union Budget for FY 2025-26 allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence, a 9.53% increase from the previous year. Of this, Rs 7,146 crore was set aside for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which completed 75 projects worth Rs 2,236 crore in 2024 alone.
These include roads and bridges in strategic regions like Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. BRO’s earlier achievements included the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La (19,024 feet) and ongoing development of the Nyoma Airfield and Shinku La tunnel.
The last five years have also seen the LAC’s digital landscape transformed. Remote villages in Ladakh, including Galwan and Demchok, were connected to 4G networks under a joint initiative by the Indian Army and Bharti Airtel. This step opened up access to telemedicine, digital education, and government schemes, with the potential to improve tourism and local livelihoods.
On the diplomatic front, over 30 rounds of talks have taken place since 2020. India and China have conducted 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level discussions and multiple Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) meetings. Disengagement has occurred at several friction points: Galwan in July 2020, Pangong Tso in February 2021, PP17A (Gogra-Hot Springs) in August 2021, PP15 in September 2022, and most recently, at Demchok and Depsang in October 2024.
High-level diplomatic meetings also continued. On June 12, 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Delhi to discuss bilateral ties, people-centric engagement, and reopening direct air services. Talks included progress on resuming hydrological data sharing and finalising an updated air services agreement. Visa facilitation, media exchanges, and commemorations of 75 years of India-China diplomatic relations were also discussed.
Despite partial disengagement, India remains cautious. “Galwan was a turning point,” says Maj Gen Ashok Kumar (Retd), Director General of Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. “It shattered all trust in Chinese political and military leadership. India’s vigilance along the LAC is now permanent.”
Densely populated pockets are located around airports in many cities across India and Thursday’s Ahmedabad plane crash, in which at least 30 people were killed on the ground as well, has got residents worried about a tragedy like that hitting closer home.
Air India Flight 171 – a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and could achieve an altitude of merely 625 feet before it began descending and crashed into the complex of the BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar – an aerial distance of less than two km. Of the 242 people on the plane, 241 were killed and at least 30 others died on the ground.
The airport in Mumbai, which can handle more than 40 flights every hour, is surrounded by slums as well as posh homes, and residents of both say flights taking off sometimes give them the jitters now.
“We are within 1 km of the runway. There is a service road nearby which sees a lot of fish sellers, there are other hawkers selling food items as well. The leftovers are then thrown there, attracting birds,” said a resident of an area around the Mumbai airport, implying that the chances of bird hits increase because of this.
“The vibrations from the aircraft also cause damage. Cracks develop in the buildings… we have to spend a lot on maintenance every year,” said another resident.
Residents of slums in Vile Parle (East) said they have been living there for decades but were still willing to shift if the government gives them a safer place to stay.
“Of course, we are scared. But we have been living here for over 70 years, where do we go?” said one.
The story is similar in Jaipur, where people living near the airport say the incident in Ahmedabad has shaken them.
“We have been scared since Thursday. The planes take off day and night,” a woman said.
Memories Persist
For people living close to the Patna airport, Ahmedabad does not just make them question ‘what if’, because many of them have lived through a similar disaster and are worried it may happen again.
In July 2000, an Alliance Air Plane had crashed into Gardani Bagh near the airport while landing, killing 60 people, including five on the ground.
“It happened right here,” a resident of the area said. “I remember hearing a loud sound. We got scared. We are still a little scared, but what’s the point? We have to live here.”
At ground zero, in Ahmedabad, the fear is palpable.
A woman who ran a roadside stall near the airport lost her son as the plane crashed. “He was on the main road when the flames got to him. My daughter-in-law has also suffered severe burn injuries,” she said.
PM Modi will visit Cyprus, the first by an Indian PM in over two decades, and will travel to Croatia, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian PM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commence the first leg of his three-nation tour from Cyprus on Sunday before participating in the G7 Summit in Canada followed by visiting Croatia on his way back. This will be the Prime Minister’s first foreign visit after Operation Sindoor.
Before participating in the G7 Summit on Monday, PM Modi will visit Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than two decades, and will also travel to Croatia, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister will pay an official visit to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia from June 15 to 19, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.
“At the invitation of the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, PM Modi will pay an official visit to Cyprus on June 15 to 16. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades,” the MEA said.
In Nicosia, PM Modi will hold talks with Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol.
Cyprus had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and indicated that it would raise the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan at the EU-level discussions.
The visit will be timely as Cyprus is set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.
The visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union, as per the MEA.
PM Modi will visit Cyprus on June 15 to 16, on his way to Canada to participate in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis on June 16 to 17, and conclude the five-day visit with an official visit to Croatia on June 18.
In the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will travel to Kananaskis to participate in the G7 Summit, his sixth time in a row. On June 6, PM Modi received a call from Canadian PM Carney inviting him for the summit.
While PM Modi will have a meeting with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney, his other bilateral engagements are still being worked out, official sources said.
PM Modi will also come face to face with US President Donald Trump for the first time since their meeting in February this year.
The visit to Cyprus is significant also as it comes in the middle of India’s tensions with Turkey over the latter’s support to Pakistan.
Ankara’s recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the northern region that was seized by Turkish forces in 1974 and differences over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean remain a constant source of tensions between Turkey and Cyprus.
PM Modi is expected to reach Canada on June 16, a day after the opening of the G7 Summit.
This would be PM Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.
“At the summit, the PM will exchange views with leaders of G7 countries, other invited outreach countries and heads of international organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues,” said the government in its announcement.
The landing gear remained extended during the plane’s ascent and flap components found scattered on nearby roads appeared improperly positioned for take-off
Forensic experts and DGCA officials examine the site of the crash on Friday. (Raju Shinde/HT Photo)
In the twisted metal and charred debris of what was once one of India’s most advanced passenger jets, investigators began on Friday the meticulous work of unravelling how 33 seconds of flight ended as the nation’s deadliest aviation disaster in three decades.
Forensic experts and DGCA officials examine the site of the crash on Friday. (Raju Shinde/HT Photo)
Forensic experts and DGCA officials examine the site of the crash on Friday. (Raju Shinde/HT Photo)
As teams from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau worked through the debris of Air India flight 171 at Ahmedabad’s BJ Medical College, the aviation regulator separately ordered the carrier to step up specific safety inspections — a set of pre-flight checks of six critical aircraft systems that experts believe could indicate possible theories being explored for the air crash probe.
The probe — which will focus on a range of possibilities and scenarios spanning equipment problems, pilot error and weather conditions — will take into account what some officials said are apparent anomalies, although they added it was still too early to make a conclusion.
The landing gear remained extended during the plane’s brief ascent and flap components found scattered on nearby roads appeared improperly positioned for take-off, potentially robbing the aircraft of critical lift, one official said, asking not to be named.
Officials confirmed on Friday they recovered one of the two black boxes from the rooftop of the hostel mess building, while a team from Boeing arrived in Ahmedabad to assist the investigation. Parts of the plane’s two General Electric GEnx engines are being sent to the United States for analysis.
“The wreckage will be moved to a storage facility for reconstruction by Air India, the AAIB, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and other agencies,” according to an official familiar with the investigation.
The DGCA directive, issued barely 24 hours after Thursday’s disaster that killed 241 people, mandates inspections of fuel parameters and fuel flow systems, electronic engine control mechanisms, hydraulic systems, and take-off parameters—all critical to an aircraft’s ability to maintain controlled flight during the vulnerable take-off phase.
Experts noted the targeted nature of these inspections.
“The order by the DGCA seems to have indicated their suspicion of all that could have led to the B787-8 crash on Thursday,” said Amit Singh, an aviation expert. “While the checks mentioned by the DGCA are all performed by the pilots before take-off, they are only a few of the total checks performed. This could imply the regulator may have learnt about snags or probable issues with the aircraft,” he added, reiterating the need to wait for more clues.
News agency Reuters, quoting unnamed sources, said that Air India and the government were looking at several aspects of the crash including issues linked to its engine thrust, flaps, and why the landing gear remained open as the plane took off and then came down within moments. The probe is also looking at whether Air India was at fault, including on maintenance issues, the report added.
A possible bird-hit is not among the key areas of focus, the Reuters source said.
Boeing chief executive officer Kelly Ortberg announced on Friday he had cancelled plans to attend the Paris Air Show after Thursday’s crash, while Tata chairman N Chandrasekaran wrote an emotional letter to employees, calling June 12 “one of the darkest days in the Tata Group’s history”.
The Tata Group took over Air India in January 2022.
International aviation experts said the recovered flight recorders should provide crucial answers within days about what caused the Dreamliner to lose altitude just 33 seconds after take-off.
Paul Fromme at the U.K.-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers said the flight data recorder contains information on engine and control settings, apart from voice records of cockpit conversations. “This should show quickly if there was a loss of engine power or lift after takeoff and allow a preliminary determination of the likely cause for the crash,” Fromme, who heads the professional association’s Aerospace Division, told the Associated Press.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, a former crash investigator for both the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration, told AP that investigators should be able to answer important questions as soon as next week if the flight data recorder is in good condition.
Guzzetti said key issues likely include whether flaps and other settings were correct, whether engines lost power, and whether the crew correctly inputted information about outside temperature and aircraft weight. “A mistake in the data that the crew put into the plane’s system could result in the flaps and slats being set incorrectly,” he said.
Aviation consultant Bob Mann told Bloomberg it appeared the 787 Dreamliner wasn’t able to achieve sufficient thrust as it travelled nearly the full length of an 11,000-foot runway—a distance that should have been more than adequate for take-off.
That could stem from aircraft misconfiguration prior to take-off or erroneous weight data entered into the plane’s computer system that determines power requirements, Mann said. “If the weight is high compared to the actual number, you end up with a very aggressive take-off. If the weight is low compared to the actual, you end up with not enough commanded power.”
On the ground in Ahmedabad, civic officials began using excavators to clear burnt trees, electricity poles, and charred building materials from surrounding streets, but all aircraft debris remains untouched. “Nothing from the crash site can be accessed by anyone except AAIB,” said a former DGCA official, adding: “Everything is evidence here.”
On Friday, the Boeing 787’s stabiliser section remained lodged in the second floor wall of the mess building, a surreal sight made more haunting by one of the aircraft’s landing gear wheels stuck beside it.
Behind the building lay the tail section that was attached above the stabiliser (the rearmost part of the aircraft), roughly 100 meters away, next to what officials described as a massive charred fuselage section.
Across the hostel complex, Gujarat police and Air India officials stood guard over scattered aircraft components — wings, rudders, and even passenger luggage, some intact, others bearing blood stains. The debris field spans eight buildings over approximately 200 meters, all now sealed off as a crime scene of sorts where every fragment could hold clues to the disaster.
With tensions running high following Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, Jaishankar informed about his conversations with both sides on the unfolding developments.
EAM S Jaishankar (PTI Image)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held separate phone calls with his Israeli and Iranian counterparts to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia.
With tensions running high following Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran warning of a “powerful” response, Jaishankar informed about his conversations with both sides on the unfolding developments.
“Received a call this afternoon from FM @gidonsaar of Israel regarding ongoing developments,” the minister posted on X.
Later, he also spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and discussed the “latest situation” in the region.
Received a call this afternoon from FM @gidonsaar of Israel regarding ongoing developments.
By maintaining dialogue with both parties, India signals its intent to monitor developments closely and advocate for calm, reflecting its broader strategy of engaging key regional players while urging restraint.
Israel carried out a series of strikes across Iran on Friday, hitting military installations and sites linked to its nuclear program.
The attacks reportedly killed at least three military officers, sharply escalating the risk of a full-scale war between the long-standing regional rivals.
Among the dead were three of Iran’s most senior military figures: General Mohammad Bagheri, who commanded the entire armed forces; General Hossein Salami, head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard; and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who led the Guard’s ballistic missile program.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Vikrant Massey Reveals First Officer Clive Kunder, Initially Mistaken As Cousin, Was Close Family Friend Who Died!
Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey has confirmed that his cousin, Clive Kunder, tragically lost his life in the Ahmedabad plane crash on June 12. Clive was serving as the first officer aboard Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London, which plunged shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Massey shared his heartbreak: “My heart breaks for the families & loved ones of the ones who lost their lives in the unimaginably tragic air crash in Ahmedabad today. It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the 1st officer operating on that fateful flight.” He added, “May God give strength to you and your family uncle, and to all deeply affected”.
Initial reports loosely labeled Clive as Massey’s cousin, which fueled confusion. In response, Massey made further clarifications: “Dear friends in the media & elsewhere, the unfortunately deceased Mr. Clive Kunder was NOT my cousin. The Kunder’s are our family friends. Request no more speculations & let the family and loved ones grieve in peace,” he wrote.
The crash was one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory. Flight AI‑171, with 242 people on board—230 passengers and 12 crew—went down near the Meghaninagar locality at around 1:38 p.m., just minutes after takeoff, exploding into a fireball. Only a single passenger, a 40‑year‑old, survived.
Several unrelated and old videos are being widely shared on social media with the false claim that they show visuals of Air India’s AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad.
A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a crowded residential area in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad minutes after taking off from the airport on Thursday.
The AI 171 flight took off at 1.39 pm and crashed into a medical college complex near the Ahmedabad airport and burst into a ball of fire less than a minute after take-off, leaving just one survivor.
DNA tests are being conducted to identify the victims.
Meanwhile, social media platforms are flooded with videos claiming to be that of the Air India crash. However, the found were found to be hold and have no connection with the Ahmedabad plane crash.
An old video is being shared on social media platforms, claiming that it shows the recent CCTV footage of Ahmedabad plane crash. Upon verification, the video was found to be from Lebanon, posted PIB Fact-Check on X.
⚠️ Don’t fall for misinformation.
An old video is being widely shared on social media with false claims that it shows recent CCTV footage of the #AhmedabadPlaneCrash and the hospital where the incident occurred.
“An old video is being widely shared on social media with false claims that it shows recent CCTV footage of the #AhmedabadPlaneCrash and the hospital where the incident occurred. The video is from Lebanon and has no connection to the Ahmedabad plane crash,” the government’s fact-check unit posted on X.
#AirIndia की फ्लाइट AI-171 हादसे से जोड़कर एक वीडियो को शेयर किया जा रहा है, जिसे दुर्घटना से ठीक पहले का बताया जा रहा है#PIBFactCheck
Another video being shared as the footage from inside the AI171 flight just moments before the crash was also found to be fake.
सोशल मीडिया पर एक वीडियो को #AirIndia की फ्लाइट AI-171 का बताकर साझा किया जा रहा है, जिसमें दावा किया गया है कि यह विमान दुर्घटना से ठीक पहले का दृश्य है#PIBFactCheck
A viral video shows a foreign woman in India revealing she named her daughter “India” because of the country’s beauty, peace, and vibrant culture. The touching moment, featuring the little girl and her enthusiastic response, has melted hearts online. Netizens reacted with love and concern, hoping the family has only positive experiences in the country.
This Cute-Little Girl’s Name Is ”India” (Image Source – Instagram)
A heart-melting video is going viral on social media, featuring a woman from abroad who, during her visit to India, unexpectedly revealed the touching reason behind naming her daughter “India.” The reason is so sweet and heartwarming that netizens are now hoping the family has ”only positive experiences during their stay in the country.”
The video has been widely shared across various social media platforms. In the video, the person recording the footage comes across an adorable little girl who appears to be from abroad. When asked her name, the girl replies, “India,” leaving the man pleasantly surprised. He then turns the camera towards her mother, standing beside her, and asks, “Why did you name your daughter India?”
The mother replies, “Because it is a beautiful country, such a peaceful name.” She goes on to explain why she loves India, saying it’s because of the country’s vibrant colors, rich smells, and lively sounds. When the man asks the little girl if she’s enjoying her trip to India, she enthusiastically nods “yes” with a big smile.
The video has since gone viral, with netizens expressing both admiration and concern. Many hope the family’s journey remains safe and memorable, while others simply found the mother’s reason “heartwarming.”
One user commented, “She is so cute… love from India.”
Another wrote, “Love that name for my future granddaughter. I love India and am so proud of my Indian friends as well.”
Aviation experts say it is not so straightforward because aircraft vary widely in seat configurations, crashes are unique and survival often hinges on a complex interplay of factors.
The ticket of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Credit: PTI Photo
London: The survival of a passenger who escaped through an exit door seconds after his Air India flight crashed killing everyone else on board has prompted speculation over whether his seat, 11A, is the safest.
Aviation experts say it is not so straightforward because aircraft vary widely in seat configurations, crashes are unique and survival often hinges on a complex interplay of factors.
“Each accident is different, and it is impossible to predict survivability based on seat location,” said Mitchell Fox, a director at Flight Safety Foundation, a US-based nonprofit.
Ramesh Viswashkumar said his 11A seat was near an emergency exit on the London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday and he managed to walk out.
Sitting next to an exit door might help you survive an accident but it won’t always be 11A because aircraft can have dozens of different configurations.
“In this particular instance, because the passenger was sitting adjacent to the emergency exit, this was obviously the safest seat on the day,” said Ron Bartsch, Chairman at Sydney-based AvLaw Aviation Consulting.
“But it’s not always 11A, it’s just 11A on this configuration of the Boeing 787.”
A 2007 Popular Mechanics study of crashes since 1971 found that passengers towards the back of the plane had better survival odds. Some experts suggest the wing section offers more stability.
Sitting next to an exit door, like Viswashkumar, gives you an opportunity to be one of the first out of the plane, although some exits don’t function after a crash. The opposite side of the plane was blocked by the wall of a building it crashed into, he said.
In January of last year, a panel missing several bolts blew off the side of a Boeing 737 MAX mid-flight, creating a gaping hole and damaging the adjacent seat. Fortunately, no one was seated there at the time, and the incident resulted in no fatalities.
Sitting by the aisle might offer you a speedier escape but it increases the likelihood of being hit in the head by luggage falling out of the overhead bins – a much more common occurrence than major crashes.
SAFETY BRIEFINGS
Paying attention to the safety briefing at the start of your flight – often dismissed as routine – is likely the best way to improve your chances of survival, experts say.
Disciplined compliance with cabin crew evacuation advice, including leaving bags behind, was a key factor in saving the lives of all 379 passengers and crew aboard a Japan Airlines flight in January last year.
The Airbus A350 aircraft had collided with a Coast Guard plane at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, killing five of the six crew members on the smaller aircraft.
Safety briefings typically cover critical instructions such as how to fasten your seatbelt securely, adopt the correct brace position and plan your evacuation route.
A common tip is to count the number of rows between your seat and the nearest exit – vital knowledge if the cabin fills with smoke and visibility is low.
They complained of nausea and irritation in the eyes, the Turbhe MIDC police station official said.
Representative image of a person in a hospital. Credit: iStock Photo
Twenty-six labourers, including several women, were hospitalised in Vashi in Navi Mumbai on Friday after discharge of carbon monoxide due to a power failure and snag in a generator at an industrial unit, a police official said.
They complained of nausea and irritation in the eyes, the Turbhe MIDC police station official said.
Air India Boeing 787 crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12 | (Photo Courtesy: X/@ANI)
The death toll in the London-bound Air India flight crash rose to 274 on Saturday after rescue teams recovered more bodies on Friday. Among the deceased were 241 passengers and crew onboard the ill-fated plane and people on the ground, including medical students, when the aircraft crashed into the of BJ Medical College campus and burst into a ball of fire as it was carrying a lot of fuel for the long-haul flight.
At the time of the crash, there were 242 people onboard the plane. Out of the total people on the plane, 230 were passengers, 10 were cabin crew members and two pilots. However, only one person survived the crash. Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani also lost his life in the crash.
As per Air India, the aircraft was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.
Earlier on Friday, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed the recovery of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) commonly referred to as the black box, from the rooftop of a building near the crash site. The AAIB has launched a comprehensive investigation, with over 40 Gujarat State Government personnel supporting the Ministry’s ground teams.
The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced Line Training Captain with 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kunder, who had logged 1,100 flight hours. The aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 13:39 local time and issued a Mayday distress call to Air Traffic Control before all communications were lost.
Sixty years before former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani lost his life in the Air India crash on Thursday, a sitting Gujarat CM was lost mid-air, not to malfunction, but to a Pakistani strike. During the India-Pakistan War of 1965, a Pakistani fighter shot down Balwantrai Mehta’s Beechcraft aircraft, perceiving it as to be a surveillance aircraft.
The Pakistani Sabre swooped down, and the Beechcraft climbed in vain, its plea to be spared was lost in the noise of war. (Image: Generative AI/Ayushi Srivastava)
It was the height of the 1965 India-Pakistan war. And 25-year-old Pakistani Flying Officer Qais Hussain, flying a Sabre jet, was patrolling the tense skies over Bhuj and eastern Sindh. On spotting a civilian aircraft, Hussain sought permission and, once granted, fired at the Beechcraft. Feeling triumphant that he had foiled an enemy surveillance operation, Hussain returned to his base in Karachi.
Hours later, when All India Radio’s 7 pm bulletin announced that a plane carrying Gujarat’s then Chief Minister Balwantrai Mehta and seven civilians had been shot down by Pakistan, Hussain’s pride gave way to shock, disbelief, and a lifelong burden.
Gujarat CM Balwantrai Mehta, pilot Jahangir Engineer, and a journalist were among the eight people killed after their Beechcraft aircraft was shot down by the Pakistani fighter.
Almost 60 years after Balwantrai Mehta, known as the father of Panchayati Raj, lost his life in an air tragedy, Vijay Rupani, who had served as the Gujarat CM between 2016 and 2021, died in an air crash in Ahmedabad. The Air India flight to London, carrying Rupani, crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport with 242 people on board. All but one perished as the aircraft stalled mid-air and burst into flames upon hitting the ground.
Here’s a moment to revisit the 1965 tragedy that claimed Balwantrai Mehta’s life, a rare and haunting instance when political leadership was quite literally lost mid-air.
GUJARAT CM’S FLIGHT INTO THE FOG OF 1965 WAR
The 1965 India-Pakistan war, which began in August, had reached a critical point by September.
When the UN Security Council on September 22 passed a resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire, India accepted it immediately. Pakistan, however, delayed its response, finally agreeing to it a day later, on September 23.
Even as international pressure mounted to restore peace, the skies over the subcontinent remained hostile.
That same afternoon, Gujarat CM Balwantrai Mehta was on his way to Mithapur, near the Gulf of Kutch, accompanied by his wife Sarojben, three aides, and two journalists.
The eight-seater Beechcraft aircraft was piloted by Jahangir Engineer, the state government’s chief pilot and a veteran of the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force. The group took off from Ahmedabad not knowing that they were flying into danger.
CM BALWANTRAI MEHTA’S PLEA IN THE SKY GOES UNHEEDED
Flying Officer Qais Hussain of the Pakistan Air Force had taken off from the Mauripur Airbase near Karachi along with Flight Lieutenant Bukhari in US-made F-86 Sabre fighter jets.
While Bukhari had to return due to fuel issues, Hussain continued towards the border after receiving a report from ground control that an unidentified aircraft was flying near Pakistan’s airspace. Amid the heightened tensions of war, the unidentified aircraft was suspected to be on a reconnaissance mission, possibly signalling an Indian attempt to open a new front in the Rann of Kutch.
Cruising at 20,000 feet, Hussain was directed to drop to 3,000, the same level at which Mehta’s Beechcraft was flying.
As Hussain closed in, he spotted the Beechcraft marked with Indian insignia. Pakistani ground control instructed him to engage.
The Beechcraft noticed the approaching Pakistani Sabre and began ascending, waggling its wings, a universal plea for clemency in air combat.
Despite the Indian aircraft’s distress signal, Hussain opened fire. His first burst tore through the left wing, and the second set the right engine ablaze. Moments later, the aircraft crashed near the India-Pakistan border in the Kutch region, killing all eight people on board, including CM Mehta.
“After the shooting, I had a sense of achievement and satisfaction that I had completed my mission and destroyed any recce data that might have been collected to open a new war front,” Hussain later recalled.
QAIS HUSSAIN LEARNS HE SHOT DOWN A CHIEF MINISTER
After shooting down the Indian plane, Hussain sped back to the Karachi base.
“I landed back at Mauripur, Karachi with my fuel tanks bone dry and was greeted by my seniors and other squadron colleagues. Later that evening, All India Radio announced the names of the occupants who had lost their lives in that aircraft…,” Hussain recalled.
Only then did Hussain learn the full gravity of what had happened, that he had killed a sitting Indian Chief Minister and other civilians. It was a rare moment during an international conflict: a political leader downed in wartime airspace by military misjudgement or perhaps misadventure.
He asked his superiors why he had been ordered to shoot down what was clearly a civilian aircraft. The explanation: the plane was dangerously close to the border, and there were fears that India might open a second front in the Rann of Kutch.
46 YEARS LATER, QAIS HUSSAIN SEEKS FORGIVENESS
Nearly 46 years later, in 2011, a retired Qais Hussain read an article in a Pakistani defence journal about the 1965 incident where shots fired by him killed 8 civilians, including a high-profile politician.
Moved by the past and seeking closure, Hussain tracked down the daughter of pilot Jahangir Engineer, Farida Singh, in Mumbai and wrote her an email seeking apology.
In the email, Hussain expressed sorrow for his actions but maintained that he was simply following orders in a time of war.
“I want to tell you that I did not pull the trigger out of malice,” he wrote. “It was war. I followed the rules of engagement and carried out the command.” He ended the letter with condolences to all eight families who had lost loved ones in the crash.
“For a moment, I wished I had returned without firing… But I was a soldier. And a soldier must follow orders,” Hussain later said in an interview.
Soon, Farida Singh responded with surprising grace.
In her reply, Singh admitted the loss of her father had shaped her life, but said she had never felt hatred towards the man who caused it. “I realised that in war, even good people are forced to do terrible things. We were all pawns in a larger game”, she wrote.
The ill-fated Air India Flight AI171, which crashed in Ahmedabad on June 13, not only marked one of the darkest days in India’s aviation history but also left behind a trail of shattered dreams, grieving families, and communities plunged into mourning. Among the 241 lives lost were pilots, cabin crew, and young professionals each with aspirations that ended far too soon. From Powai and Goregaon to the coastal towns of Ratnagiri and villages of Navi Mumbai, the tragedy has left an indelible mark. These are the stories of the people behind the headlines of duty, determination, sacrifice, and love interrupted by fate.
Captain’s wish to serve ageing dad remains unfulfilled
Just a few days before the crash, Sumeet Sabharwal had told his father that he wanted to look after him. Sabharwal was the captain of the ill-fated flight AI-171 and had 8,200 hours of flying experience.
Sabharwal was a resident of Jalvayu Vihar in Powar, was known to be a very amiable person who stayed with his aged father. According to a neighbour, Pamela Cheema, his mother passed away some time ago. “Whenever I had the occasion to meet him, he came out as a very pleasant person. But our interactions were very few since he was constantly flying. All of us in our building will sorely miss him,” Chema said.
Prasun Kumar, editor of “Planet Powai”, said. Capt Sabharwal had a sister living in Delhi and a nephew who is also a pilot. The sister left for Mumbai as soon as she got the news.
Wedding bells stop ringing as airhostess daughter loses life
Dombivali’s Songhare family was excited for their 26-year-old air hostess daughter Roshni’s marriage, which was arranged with a merchant navy officer the following year. However, the excitement perished on Thursday noon after the family heard the news about the AI171 plane crash, which also had Roshni on board as a crew member.
The Songhare family, a native of Mandangad in coastal Ratnagiri, had moved to Dombivli two years ago. The Songhare family’s residence in Rajaji Path was soon turned from a cheerful place preparing for their daughter’s wedding to a horrifying, silent place preparing for her last rites. According to her family, Roshni had left her home three days before the crash for duty. Now, her father and brother have left for Ahmedabad to receive her body.
Roshni has left behind her father Rajendra, mother Rajshree and younger brother Vignesh. “She was the heartbeat of this home. We were getting her engaged in November and married in March, but time played cruelly,” a close relative said.
Roshni was known to be a bright and determined girl among her family and relatives. Inspired by the skies, she pursued to become a flight attendant and successfully began her career with SpiceJet and later joined Air India, where she was also allowed to serve on international sectors.
“She was so happy to be flying again. We were all looking forward to her wedding. Everything was going right,” said her uncle Praveen Sukhdere, who rushed to Dombivli to be with the grieving family. Roshni was also a social media influencer with over 54,000 followers on Instagram.
Father still awaits phone call from flying daughter
Before her flight to London, cabin crew member Maithili Patil, 22, told her father, Moreshwar Patil, that she would call him once she landed in London, but it has been more than 24 hours, and her father is still awaiting a call from her.
Mathili hailed from Nhava village in Navi Mumbai’s Uran taluka and was the eldest of the four siblings. Her father, who is a labour contractor with ONGC, was proud of her daughter’s achievement of being selected as a cabin crew with Air India just two years ago. According to the village’s former sarpanch and the family’s relative Jitendra Mhatre, she had left her hometown on Wednesday evening for duty.
“Despite coming from a modest background, Mathili nurtured dreams of flying since childhood. After completing her Class 12 at TS Rahiman School in Nhava, she pursued aviation training and joined Air India two years ago. She was my niece’s daughter,” Mhatre said.
Known for her determination, Mathili would regularly commute from her rural home for duty. Her dedication and journey from a small village to international flights inspired many in her community.
“Her mother, along with other relatives, has reached the Civil Hospital at Ahmedabad. The body will have to be identified after a DNA test,” Mhatre added. She has left behind her parents, a younger sister and a brother.
10-year-old girl loses mom who serving onboard pax
The ill-fated AI171 took away a mother from a 10-year-old daughter who thought that her cabin crew mother, Aparna Mahadik, would return within a few days after completing her duty. Mahadik was one of the most senior crew members on the crashed flight.
The Mahadik family, which lives in Oberoi Square Society in Goregaon (E), was devastated by the news of the plane crash, which also had their daughter-in-law on board. Mahadik was closely related to senior NCP leader and Member of Parliament Sunil Tatkare. She was the wife of Sunil’s nephew, Amol Tatkare, who also works with Air India as a pilot. According to the Mahadik family, Amol had just landed in Delhi when the news broke and left for Ahmedabad.
Akhilesh Chaubey, a close family friend and fellow resident of the society, said, “It’s heartbreaking. Aparna was a fitness enthusiast, we often met during morning walks. When I saw the photos, I had a terrible feeling. When her name appeared, I immediately contacted the family. It’s shocking for everyone.”
Dreamliner shatters big dreams of Pune youth
Just two years ago, when Irfan Samir Shaikh, 22, from Pune’s Pimpri Chinchwad, joined the aviation industry with big dreams of flying around the world while serving passengers on aeroplanes, he might have had no idea that his dreams would be shattered in one of the most tragic aircraft accidents in India. Irfan’s father, Salim Shaikh, runs a shop, his mother is a homemaker, and his elder brother works in a software firm.
Irfan’s uncle, Firoz Shaikh, said his nephew always made it a point to inform his parents about his flight roster, and that’s the reason her mother was devastated as soon as she heard the news about the plane crash, since she knew that her son was on the fateful flight. Her son had visited home to celebrate Eid-al-Adha with the family. After the incident, Irfan’s mother, father and elder brother immediately flew to Ahmedabad. “The authorities have collected the blood samples of Irfan’s brother for a DNA test, and the family is now awaiting confirmation and the return of his body,” his uncle said.
Called for emergency duty to never return
Deepak Balasaheb Pathak, a 34-year-old cabin crew member, who lived with his wife Poonam and his parents in Katrap village, Badlapur, had taken leave just four to five days before the crash. Despite being unwell and resting at his home, Air India reportedly called him in for emergency duty. He left for work on May 11.
“He was on leave, but later called in an emergency, even though he was unwell and resting at his home in Badlapur. If he hadn’t gone back to work, he would still be alive. He was scheduled to fly on June 14,” said his cousin Sachin Khadtare, speaking to Free Press Journal.
Deepak’s father, Balasaheb Pathak, a former employee at the railway workshop in Matunga, had retired and moved with the family to Badlapur about 15 years ago. Deepak studied at a convent school in Parel and got married four years ago. The couple did not have children. He was promoted to cabin crew Member just six months ago, after more than 11 years of service with Air India.
Catholic community mourns young pilot’s loss
Aircraft’s first pilot, Clive Kunder, was a resident of Goregaon, where he had recently shifted from Kalina, where his father, Clifford, still resides. Kunder, who was assisting Captain Sabharwal, was a member of the Our Lady of Egypt church in Kalina, and as soon as the news of the plane crash surfaced, the Roman Catholic community reacted with sorrow, exchanging messages about the tragedy.
“We lost a future generation pilot of the country. May God give strength to his family members to bear the pain of the sudden death of their son. May his soul rest in peace,” said Melwyn Fernandes, a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Thane.
Mulund mourns crew member Shraddha
Crew member Shraddha Dhavan was a resident of Kalp Nagari complex in the Vaishali Nagar area of Mulund. A pall of gloom descended on the housing complex after the news of her death came in, and her family members have rushed to Ahmedabad to provide samples for DNA a test.
Juhu Loses Its ‘Pinky’; shock waves in school, college circles
Fondly known as Pinky, crew member Saineeta Chakravarti, 35, was a resident of Juhu Koliwada. She was an alumnus of Manekji Cooper Education Trust School and Mithibai College. The news of her sudden death has spread a wave of shock in the circles of her school, college and Juhu locality.
Gorkhas grieve aspiring aviator from Patna
Belonging to the Gorkha community and settled in Bihar’s Patna, Manisha Thapa was one of the crew members who lost her life in the crash. Thapa was an Economics graduate but was a promising professional in the field of aviation. The Gorkha community across the country expressed sorrow over the passing away of a young aspirational community member.
Every year, in the coastal city of Puri, three chariots, pulled by hundreds of devotees, take the idols of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra on a journey across the city. If you’re in the city for the yatra, take a few days out to explore all the incredible experiences Puri has to offer.
Jagannath Temple
No visit to Puri is complete without paying homage at the Jagannath Temple, the spiritual heart of the city. Built in the 12th century, this iconic temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s annual Rath Yatra is its most celebrated event, where the deities are taken out in a grand procession on three massive chariots. If it’s too crowded inside the temple, you can appreciate it from outside or from the nearby Raghunandan Library rooftop viewpoint.
Puri Beach
A haven for beach lovers, Puri Beach boasts golden sands and gentle waves lapping the shore. Relax under the warm sun, take a refreshing dip in the sea, or enjoy exhilarating water sports like parasailing and jet-skiing. In the evenings, the beach is the perfect place to catch a mesmerising sunset and catch a meal at one of the many shacks that line the area.
Loknath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Loknath Temple is another spiritual site that sees increased footfall during festival periods. Located just 2 km from Jagannath Temple, it is believed that Lord Jagannath himself worships Lord Loknath here. What makes this temple unique is the lingam submerged under water, visible only once a year when the sanctum is drained. The temple’s legacy and powerful legends make it worth a visit.
Konark Sun Temple
If you’re headed to Puri, don’t miss embarking on a day trip to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring 13th-century temple, dedicated to the God Surya, is shaped like a giant chariot and is renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural mastery. Marvel at the colossal wheels, the life-size elephant sculptures guarding the entrance, and the captivating depiction of mythological tales on the temple walls.
Chilika Lake
Puri serves as a gateway to Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. This haven for migratory birds is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Take a boat ride through the tranquil waters, spot diverse bird species like flamingos, ibises, and darters, and experience the unique ecosystem of this Ramsar Wetland Site. Explore the nearby villages and learn about the traditional fishing practices and the way of life of the local communities.
Raghurajpur Artist Village
Home to unimaginable talent, this village is one of the most interesting places in Puri. This village is home to many artisans who are handicraft professionals. Each household is a piece of art, as the household represents their work and style. Holding around 120 homes, this village is a true testament to Odisha’s rich culture and heritage. One of the specialities of this place is the Pattachitra paintings that have mythical and religious stories etched in them. Other art forms include palm leaf engravings, Tussar paintings, pottery, wood carvings and paper pulp toys.
Axiom-4 mission to ISS postponed indefinitely due to LOX leak.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working closely with Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the Ax-4 delay.
V Narayanan, the Secretary DOS/ Chairman ISRO and Chairman Space Commission said that safety and mission integrity were their priorities.
In a post on X, ISRO stated, “ISRO is working closely with Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX as they responsibly address the ISS Zvezda module observation causing the Ax-4 delay. Safety and mission integrity remain our top priorities.”
On June 11, SpaceX announced the postponement of the Falcon 9 launch of the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), citing the need for additional time to repair a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak.
“Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date,” the company said in a post on X.
Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date pic.twitter.com/FwRc8k2Bc0
Following the announcement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also confirmed the delay of the Axiom-4 mission, which was scheduled for launch on June 11, 2025, and was set to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS.
Postponement of Axiom 04 mission slated for launch on 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS.
Due to adverse weather, the launch of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian Gaganyatri to the International Space Station is rescheduled from June 10 to possibly June 11, 2025.
🚀 Update on Axiom-4 Mission to ISS 🇮🇳🌌
Due to adverse weather, the launch of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian Gaganyatri to the International Space Station is rescheduled from June 10 to possibly June 11, 2025.
Further update, if any, will be accordingly shared.
📅 New…
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) June 9, 2025
Despite the delay, the Axiom-4 mission remains significant. The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years, according to Axiom Space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be India’s second national astronaut to go to space since 1984.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission (Ax-4), marking a historic moment for India’s space collaboration with NASA.
To a question by NDTV, Manohar Lal Khattar said that cyber attacks started after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ – in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack – and continued for 8 to 10 days.
Manohar Khattar was speaking on the completion of 11 years of the Central government.
There have been two lakh cyber attacks on the power sector in India during ‘Operation Sindoor’. In the first such confirmation of massive cyber attacks during India-Pakistan clashes, the government today said all the attacks were foiled and the power system is working perfectly.
“Two lakh cyber attacks on the power system have taken place. All these attacks have been thwarted,” said Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
He was addressing a press conference on the completion of 11 years of the BJP-led Central government.
To a question by NDTV, the minister said that cyber attacks started after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ – in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack – and continued for 8 to 10 days.
In Jammu and Kashmir, most of the official sites, including power, were targeted, and some are still struggling to be restored. The cyber attacks have affected public services and the official functioning of various departments.
On May 7, India woke up to the news of “focused, measured and non-escalatory” strikes of the Armed Forces on the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Nine terror launchpads were targeted within 25 minutes in the operation. The mission was named ‘Operation Sindoor’ – a codename to avenge the widows of the April 22 attack, wherein 26 civilians – all men – were killed in cold blood by terrorists linked to an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The precision terror strikes on terror launch pads were met with Pakistani aggression. The Pakistani military tried to target several cities in India using drones and other munitions, which were “repulsed” by the Indian forces.
Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, a British national, is the lone survivor of the Air India crash that killed 241 people near Ahmedabad. He escaped with minor injuries after the plane exploded mid-air moments after take-off.
Lone Survivor of Air India Crash: Who is Ramesh Bucharvada? Photo : PTI
On 12 June, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, departed Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick. Just 30 seconds after take‑off, the aircraft encountered trouble and issued a Mayday distress call. The plane climbed only about 600 – 800 ft before plunging into a dense residential zone near a medical college hostel. The ensuing impact triggered a massive fire, killing 241 people out of 242 aboard (230 passengers and 11 crew), with one lone survivor.
Air India Plane Crash: Who is Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada?
He is the only known survivor of this tragedy.
Born in India, now a British national, aged approximately 40.
He was seated in seat 11A, a window seat directly behind an emergency exit, which is probably why he was able to survive.
Ramesh was visiting family in Gujarat alongside his elder brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh (45), who is now presumed dead.
Within seconds of take‑off, he heard a loud bang, then the aircraft shattered in mid-air. He awoke amid flaming debris and bodies, then, terrified, “stood up and ran.”
He suffered chest, eye and foot injuries, but they are non‑life‑threatening.
A shocking video shows him, bloodied and clothes torn, walking towards rescuers and an ambulance.
From his hospital bed at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, he recounted, “There were bodies all around me. I got scared. I got up and ran”
The investigation and aftermath
Indian authorities, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), now lead the probe, aided by experts from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the US NTSB. Key focuses include:
Black box and cockpit voice recorder recovery
Unusual technical indicators, such as landing gear extended at take‑off and flap misconfiguration noted on radar.
Witness accounts of potential engine failure or loss of thrust.
Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused in husband Raja’s murder during their honeymoon, fled in disguise across states, police say her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha masterminded the brutal killing.
Sonam Raghuvanshi with husband Raja Raghuvanshi (L)
In a chilling murder case that has gripped the nation, police have revealed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, the wife of deceased Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, went on the run disguised in a burqa after allegedly conspiring in her husband’s murder. Her escape trail — spanning multiple states — was marked by taxis, buses, and trains as she evaded capture before surrendering in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, the murder plot was orchestrated by alleged Sonam’s ‘lover’, Raj Kushwaha, who is believed to be the mastermind. Sonam is being treated as a co-conspirator. The plan, hatched in Indore before the couple’s May 11 wedding, involved luring Raja to Meghalaya under the guise of a honeymoon. Days later, he was brutally murdered.
After reaching Sohra (Cherrapunjee) in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills on May 23, Raja and Sonam were reported missing. Raja’s body was eventually found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2. Investigations revealed that he was reportedly attacked with a machete and killed in Sonam’s presence by three men — Vishal, Akash and Anand — friends of Raj who allegedly carried out the killing as a favour, not as hired assassins. Raj had reportedly given them Rs 50,000 for expenses, as reported by PTI.
The killers left behind key evidence, including a bloodstained raincoat and the scooter hired by the couple. Police say Sonam handed her raincoat to one of the killers, Akash, to cover up a bloodstain on his shirt. Both the coat and the scooter were later recovered.
After the murder, Sonam slipped into a burqa given to her by Raj through Vishal. She travelled to Police Bazaar in Shillong and took a taxi to Guwahati. From there, she boarded a bus to Siliguri in West Bengal, and then continued her journey via buses to Patna and Arah in Bihar. She later took a train to Lucknow and finally reached Indore by bus — roughly 1,200 kilometers from the crime scene.
During this time, the killers and Sonam had plans to cover up her involvement. One idea was to fake her death by murdering a random woman, burning the body, and passing it off as Sonam’s to buy time. Another plan involved claiming she had drowned. However, none of these efforts materialised.
Raj, sensing the heat as police from Meghalaya arrived in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on June 8, instructed Sonam to stage an abduction and inform her family she had escaped from a gang. However, by June 9, Sonam surrendered to the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur.
The police have since arrested Raj Kushwaha, Sonam and the three accomplices. All five have been remanded to eight days of police custody. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now collaborating with law enforcement agencies across multiple states to tie together all evidence.
