Amitabh Kant, a retired IAS officer, concludes his 45-year public service career, stepping down as India's G20 Sherpa. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the opportunity to contribute to India's development through initiatives like Make in India and Startup India. Kant now aims to support India's progress by working with startups and academic institutions.
A Lufthansa flight bound for Hyderabad from Frankfurt was compelled to return to its origin due to a bomb threat received while the aircraft was outside Indian airspace. Initially, passengers were informed that the diversion was due to a denial of landing permission at Hyderabad. Passengers have been provided accommodation and are scheduled to fly out the next morning.
Amidst escalating Israel-Iran tensions, Indian students in Iran are pleading with the Indian government for evacuation, citing safety concerns due to recent aerial attacks near residential areas. Students describe being jolted awake by explosions and express fear for their survival, especially with restricted airspace complicating their return home.
Preparations are underway to conduct the last rites of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically died in a plane crash in Ahmedabad last week. His mortal remains will be handed over to his family in Ahmedabad and then transported to Rajkot for the final rites, which will be performed with full state honors at 5 pm.
Aryan Asari, a 17-year-old student, witnessed the AI plane crash in Ahmedabad while recording a video of the low-flying aircraft. He had come to the city to buy textbooks and was shocked as he saw the plane descend and burst into flames.
Following the AI 171 crash, authorities faced significant hurdles in notifying families due to a lack of emergency contact information. In a staggering 70% of cases, the only number available was the passenger's, hindering immediate communication. This forced officials to rely on local administrators to locate and inform relatives, causing delays and complicating support efforts during a critical time.
Tensions flared in Manipur as Kuki and Meitei villagers clashed over ploughing rights near Sadu Lampak, along the Imphal East-Kangpokpi border. The dispute arose when a Meitei farmer attempted to cultivate land, leading to objections from Kuki villagers. Minor injuries were reported, and security forces intervened.
On June 12th at 1.40 pm, Satinder Singh Sandhu of EMRI 108 responded to a loud explosion near Civil Hospital. Arriving quickly, his team aided the injured hostel guard and Ramesh Viswashkumar, the sole survivor who was desperately searching for his brother amidst the chaos. The EMRI 108 team ensured Viswashkumar's safe transport to Civil Hospital.
Soon, Indians can share Aadhaar electronically via a QR code-based app, eliminating the need for photocopies. UIDAI plans to accept documents like birth certificates and driving licenses for address updates, reducing fraud and the need to visit Aadhaar centers. CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar announced the new app, enabling most updates from home, excluding biometrics.
Airspace closures following the Ahmedabad crash and enhanced Dreamliner checks are causing significant flight delays. Air India faces increased flying times and turnaround times, leading to cancellations. Dubai's air traffic control is overwhelmed, impacting various airlines, including SpiceJet, and leaving passengers stranded, with Dubai Airports issuing advisories about cancellations and delays.
Following the Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12, authorities have identified and released the bodies of 38 victims to their families, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. DNA matching is ongoing to identify remaining victims, with 86 passengers and crew matched by Sunday evening.
Ramesh Bhaliya arrived in Ahmedabad to claim his younger son Ajaykumar's remains after the AI 171 plane crash, while his elder son Viswash, the sole survivor, recovers in the hospital. The brothers, British citizens originally from Diu, were in India for business. Viswash, seated near the emergency exit, survived while Ajaykumar perished shortly after takeoff.
Karnataka's Congress government faces a dilemma over a new caste survey, sparking discontent among OBCs who fear losing advantages from the un-implemented Kantharaj Commission report, which favored them. Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who opposed the previous report, are planning their own surveys. The government aims to complete the new survey in 90 days, following Congress leadership's directive.
Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Uttar Pradesh's record-breaking police recruitment drive, hiring over 60,000 constables, including a significant number of women. He emphasized the transparency of the selection process, highlighting merit-based appointments and the absence of bias, contrasting it with previous administrations.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini announced that this year's International Gita Mahotsav will be held in collaboration with England, aiming to spread the Bhagavad Gita's message globally. Millions of devotees gather annually at Brahma Sarovar for Gita Jayanti celebrations, highlighting Kurukshetra’s spiritual significance. CM Saini also addressed law and order improvements and expressed condolences for the Ahmedabad plane crash victims.
Following the Air India crash, a significant number of people are grappling with aviophobia, or the fear of flying. Consultant Dona Baby and entrepreneur Jyoti Bharadwaj shared their anxieties, a sentiment echoed by many online. Clinical psychologist Mehul Pandey notes that this fear stems from a lack of control and potential emergencies.
A Lufthansa flight, LH752, en route from Frankfurt to Hyderabad, made a U-turn mid-air and returned to its origin, with the reason undisclosed. This incident involving the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner occurred amidst increased scrutiny of Dreamliner aircraft. Simultaneously, Air India Express reported a delay on its Kolkata–Hindon flight due to a technical issue, offering passengers rescheduling or refunds.
Gujarat's health minister confirmed 274 fatalities in the Air India crash near Ahmedabad, with 45 victims identified through DNA matching. The London-bound flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed after takeoff, hitting a doctors’ hostel. Former CM Vijay Rupani was among the deceased, with his funeral scheduled with state honors. Air India announced financial assistance for the families.
Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier refuted Pakistan's claims of shooting down Rafale fighter jets during the conflict with India, labeling them as inaccurate. This statement follows General Chauhan's dismissal of Pakistan's assertions regarding downed Indian warplanes during Operation Sindoor. India has acknowledged and rectified tactical errors, successfully striking targets deep within Pakistani territory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades. He aims to strengthen ties in trade, investment, and security. Following Cyprus, Modi will attend the G7 Summit in Canada, focusing on global economic stability and climate change, before concluding his tour in Croatia to discuss strategic cooperation.
A tragic incident occurred in Pune district as an old iron bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed near Kundamala village, resulting in two fatalities and 32 injuries, with six individuals in critical condition. Rescue operations are underway, with NDRF personnel and police teams working to locate those feared trapped. Authorities have rescued six people so far, and search efforts continue on a war footing.
Prashant Kishor criticised Congress for being subservient to the RJD in Bihar, accusing them of being a «sidekick.» He challenged Rahul Gandhi to condemn Lalu Prasad Yadav for disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar's portrait. Kishor also questioned Gandhi's silence on the Telangana CM's alleged derogatory remarks about Biharis and demanded the resignation of Bihar's health minister following a Dalit girl's death.