THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a review meeting on Ahmedabad Air Tragedy.
- Investigation into fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad continues; Black box recovered from site.
- DGCA directs Air India to carry out additional safety inspections on Boeing 787-8/9 and aircraft equipped with Genx engines.
- Israel launches a wave of strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military leaders; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns Israel of severe punishment.
- And heatwave continues to grip North-West India; IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra over next three days.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in Gujarat this morning and met those injured in the Air India plane crash which claimed the lives of 241 people. The Prime Minister also chaired a review meeting at Ahmedabad Airport with top authorities to assess the ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
Later, in a social media post, the Prime Minister said, the country is devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. He said, the loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. The Prime Minister also met the lone survivor of the crash Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who is a British national of Indian origin, and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
The Prime Minister also visited the plane crash site and said the scene of devastation is saddening. Mr Modi said, his thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.
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The investigation into the fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad continues, with forensic experts visiting the crash site today to carry out a detailed examination. According to police sources, the black box has been recovered from the site. Earlier, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad had recovered a digital voice recorder from the location.
“There is an atmosphere of mourning in the whole of state as Most of the passengers who lost their lives in this fatal plane crash are from different districts of Gujarat. Their relatives from the country and abroad are reaching Civil Hospital of Ahmedabad, which has become the epicenter of this accident. The health, police and security teams are on high alert and all the arrangements have been made to help the affected families. The investigation of this incident is underway and today the team of Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has got an important success. The black box i.e. flight data recorder has been recovered from the accident site which will help in finding the cause of the accident. Forensic experts also visited the spot today and detailed investigation is being done. The real cause of the accident will be revealed on the basis of forensic and technical investigation. An FIR has also been registered at the Meghnani Nagar police station for accidental death in connection with this incident. On the other hand, more than seven bodies have been handed over to the families of the deceased, while more than 200 DNA samples have been taken by the hospital administration. Respecting the sentiments of the families of the deceased, the administration had decided to hand over the death bodies of all the deceased by Sunday evening. Meanwhile, the common people are also standing with the administration in this difficult time. A large number of people are reaching the Civil Hospital for blood donation. The Indian Army has also organized a blood donation camp in the Cant area today and tomorrow morning also, a blood donation camp will be organized by the Army in the NCC Group Campus. Aparna Khunt, AIR News, Ahmedabad”.
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Directorate General of Civil Aviation has directed Air India to carry out additional safety inspections on Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft equipped with Genx engines as a preventive measure following the Aircraft crash in Ahmedabad. The DGCA said inspection should be carried out with immediate effect in coordination with its concerned regional offices. In a statement, the DGCA said inspection of fuel parameter monitoring, electronic engine control system test, engine fuel driven actuator operational test and review of take off parameter should be one time checked before departure of flight. It also emphasised on introducing flight control inspection in transit inspection till further notice. The DGCA also issued directions to carry out power assurance checks within two weeks and closure of maintenance action based upon the review of repetitive snags during the last 15 days on Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft at the earliest. It said, the report of mentioned checks is to be submitted to DGCA for review.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the passing of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in the recent Ahmedabad air disaster. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, he worked together with Vijay Rupani, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times. He highlighted Rupani’s distinguished career, recalling his contributions across various roles, including his tenure in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, as Rajya Sabha MP, Gujarat BJP President, and as a Cabinet Minister in the state government. The Prime Minister said, he was humble and hardworking, firmly committed to the Party’s ideology.
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When fate takes a sharp, tragic turn, even the smallest twist of chance can mean the difference between life and death. This was witnessed in yesterday’s tragic mishap.
“Bhoomi Chauhan, a resident of Bharuch in Gujarat, became one of the few spared by such a twist. She missed Air India Flight which crashed yesterday. Bhoomi’s story, and those of a handful of others who were meant to be on that doomed flight, are haunting reminders of how close they came to sharing the same fate-and how thin the line between tragedy and survival can be. Ms Bhoomi shared that, she arrived at the check-in gate ten minutes late due to traffic in Ahmedabad and was not allowed to board the plane.
However, others were not so lucky. For many, it was meant to be the start of something joyful. A doctor couple, full of hope, were beginning a new chapter as a family in the UK – their dreams would end in tragedy on this very flight. A 35-year-old woman was returning to the UK after leaving her daughter with her parents in Vadodara – she would never make it home. Two sisters, excited for their vacation in London, boarded with smiles that would never see another day. They all boarded the flight unaware that this takeoff had no landing. SWATI RAKHEJA, AKASHVANI NEWS.”
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he is in touch with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Foreign Minister of Portugal Paulo Rangel and Foreign Minister of Canada Anita Anand regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash. Dr Jaishankar expressed profound condolences and offered fullest support in this hour of grief. Fifty-Three British Nationals, Seven Portugese National and One Canadian National had also lost their lives in the plane crash in Ahmedabad yesterday.
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Israel’s military launched a wave of strikes on Iran early this morning, targeting key nuclear facilities. According to Iran’s Tasnim state news agency, the assault also hit residential areas, injuring at least 50 people. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military operation will continue as long as necessary. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel of severe punishment. Israel’s military said Iran fired about 100 drones towards its territory, many of which were intercepted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over phone on the evolving situation in West Asia. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that he shared India’s concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region. India has called for restraint from both sides and emphasized the importance of resolving the underlying issues through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing deep concern over the rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
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US President Donald Trump has once again called on Iran to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, warning that attacks will only get worse. He further cautioned that the next planned attacks on Iran will be even more brutal if Tehran continues to resist diplomatic engagement. The statement marked Trump’s first public remarks since Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and top military officials.
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot in Marseille today. In the talks, Dr Jaishankar welcomed France’s strong condemnation of terrorism and India’s right to defend itself. Both Ministers held productive discussions on bilateral cooperation including in trade, defence, clean energy, IMEC, culture and people to people ties.
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BJP’s Kanad Purkayastha and Asom Gana Parishad’s Birendra Prasad Baishya have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Assam today. This marks the parliamentary debut of Kanad Purkayastha, who currently serves as the BJP’s state secretary. Assam has a total of seven Rajya Sabha seats.
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The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Rajasthan, saying the extreme heat wave conditions will continue for the next 2 to 3 days. Talking to Akashvani News, senior scientist in IMD, R K Jenamani said, an orange alert has also been issued for Jammu, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh for the next 48 hours. He said, meanwhile, the heat has reduced slightly in delhi.
The IMD has said, Konkan, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall during the next 3 days.
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The benchmark domestic equity indices today ended on a weak note, weighed down by escalating geopolitical tensions and a broad-based sell-off across most sectors. The broader market indices at the BSE also closed in negative territory. The Mid-Cap index declined over 0.3 percent, and the Small-Cap index lost 0.3 percent.
“The 30-share index at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, shed 573 points. The National Stock Exchange Nifty-50, dropped 170 points to settle at 24,719. In the Foreign Exchange market, the rupee today depreciated by 48 paise to close at 86 rupees and eight paise against the US dollar. Brent Crude was trading at 74 dollars and 21 cents per barrel. WTI Crude was trading at 73 dollars and 22 cents per barrel, when reports last came in. ARJUN CHAUDHURI For AKASHVANI News.”
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In cricket, South Africa have begun their second-innings chase in the final of the World Test Championship after Australia were bowled out for 207 at lord’s. The Proteas were 155 at the loss of 2 wickets, as they look to script a historic win.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a review meeting on Ahmedabad Air Tragedy.
- Investigation into fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad continues; Black box recovered from site.
- DGCA directs Air India to carry out additional safety inspections on Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft equipped with Genx engines.
- Israel launches a wave of strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military leaders; Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns Israel of severe punishment.
- And heatwave continues to grip North-West India; IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra over next three days.
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