“Air India stands in solidarity with the families and all those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and remain fully committed to providing support during this difficult time,” the airline said in a statement.

The airline confirmed it had received the preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and emphasized that, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, it would not comment on specific details. All such queries are being directed to the AAIB.

Key Findings from the Preliminary Report

According to the AAIB’s 15-page preliminary report, fuel control switches to both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner were moved from the “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position just seconds before the crash. The aircraft had just taken off from Ahmedabad en route to London when it went down, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, along with 19 people on the ground.

The report did not assign blame or offer final conclusions but revealed critical moments from the cockpit voice recorder.

“One pilot is heard asking the other, ‘Why did you cut off [the fuel]?’ The second pilot responded that he had not,” the report states.

It further notes that the two fuel cutoff switches—Engine 1 and Engine 2—were moved to “CUTOFF” one second apart, shortly after the aircraft reached its top recorded speed.

The engines then began to lose power, causing the aircraft to rapidly descend. Moments later, the switches were returned to the “RUN” position, and engine power began to return. However, by then, one of the pilots had already transmitted a “MAYDAY” distress call.

Air traffic controllers attempted to communicate, but the aircraft crashed approximately 30 seconds after takeoff. Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the crash site.

What Experts Say

“We now know — with some degree of confidence — that both engines rolled back because the fuel switches were activated,” said Jeff Guzzetti, former head of accident investigations at the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“What we don’t know is why or how the switches were activated — and that’s going to be a key focus of the investigation.”

The AAIB report stated that there are no current safety recommendations for Boeing 787-8 operators or GE GEnx-1B engine manufacturers at this stage.

FAA Alert from 2018 Resurfaces

The report also cited a 2018 FAA airworthiness bulletin, which warned of a potential fault where fuel control switches on Boeing aircraft (including the 737 and 787) could inadvertently move from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” without engaging their locking mechanism.

The Air India aircraft involved in the crash had never been inspected for this specific issue, as the check was not mandatory under FAA or DGCA directives.

The final report from AAIB is expected to shed more light on the incident as investigators work to determine whether technical failure, pilot error, or other factors were responsible for one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.

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The report observed that while a high liquidity surplus may provide marginal support to unsecured personal loan growth (excluding consumer durable loans), it does not necessarily translate into broad-based credit expansion.

“Credit growth depends more on economic activity than on the liquidity surplus,” the report noted. “However, unsecured personal loans (ex-consumer durables) could benefit from a large liquidity surplus.”

In fact, the report pointed out that credit growth—excluding unsecured personal and consumer durable loans—tends to decelerate during periods of excess liquidity, indicating that real demand, closely tied to economic fundamentals, is a more critical driver of credit expansion than mere fund availability or cost.

The report also explained that during times of sluggish economic activity, central banks typically resort to increasing liquidity surplus as a counter-cyclical measure. However, even such steps have historically failed to reverse broader credit deceleration.

Historical Trend: High Liquidity, Lower Credit-to-GDP Ratio

During the period from December 2016 to September 2017, for instance, when the liquidity surplus ranged between 2.6% and 3.3% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL), credit (excluding unsecured personal and consumer durable loans) as a percentage of GDP declined from 48.9% to 46.2%. This downward trend continued until mid-2019.

Unsecured Personal Loans on the Rise

Conversely, unsecured personal loan growth (excluding consumer durables) has seen a strong upward trend over the past decade, more than doubling to nearly 6% of GDP. The report attributed this growth to structural factors, including greater access to credit and the emergence of digital lending platforms.

Yet, it also noted that the pace of this growth accelerates during periods of high liquidity surplus.

Between March 2021 and March 2023, amid a significant liquidity surplus and relaxed credit conditions, the share of unsecured personal loans in GDP rose more rapidly than in previous similar periods.

The post Credit Growth Tied More to Economic Activity Than Liquidity Surplus: Standard Chartered Report appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In a statement, the airline said, “Flights have been cancelled due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons.” The incident, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and 33 people on the ground, has prompted the carrier to intensify safety checks and temporarily scale back operations.

Among the affected international flights are:

• AI906 – Dubai to Chennai
• AI308 – Delhi to Melbourne
• AI309 – Melbourne to Delhi
• AI2204 – Dubai to Hyderabad

Domestic cancellations include:

• AI874 – Pune to Delhi
• AI456 – Ahmedabad to Delhi
• AI2872 – Hyderabad to Mumbai
• AI571 – Chennai to Mumbai

To ease passenger concerns, Air India has initiated full refunds for cancelled tickets and is offering complimentary rescheduling for affected travelers. “We regret the inconvenience caused and assure that our ground staff are working to arrange alternate travel options at the earliest,” the airline added.

Passengers are advised to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport, as ongoing aircraft inspections, adverse weather, and regional airspace restrictions may lead to further disruptions.

Additionally, Air India has announced a temporary reduction of its wide-body international schedule by approximately 15% starting Friday, continuing through mid-July. This is part of a broader safety initiative involving thorough pre-flight checks and adjustments to route durations due to Middle East airspace closures.

“Our focus remains on restoring schedule reliability and ensuring passenger safety while minimizing last-minute disruptions,” the airline concluded.

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However, the recent tragic crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad—resulting in the loss of more than 240 lives—has emerged as the most critical test of that transformation’s depth and resilience. Beyond being a profound humanitarian tragedy, the incident raises serious questions about Air India’s operational systems, safety culture, and crisis preparedness.

A Tragedy Amid Transformation

Under the ‘Vihaan.AI’ roadmap, Air India has been undergoing a five-year transformation, which includes merging four airline brands, revamping service standards, hiring global talent, and placing the largest commercial aircraft order in aviation history. The airline has also refurbished much of its wide-body fleet and expanded into new international routes through codeshare partnerships and alliance networks.

This momentum now confronts a sobering reality. The crashed aircraft, a Dreamliner deployed on a premium international route, had undergone standard maintenance checks. Preliminary information and eyewitness accounts suggest a failure during takeoff, sparking concerns around flight configuration, aircraft systems, and pilot response.

Regardless of the eventual investigation findings, the incident has disrupted the narrative of seamless transformation and reignited public concerns over technical training, safety oversight, and procedural integrity.

Operational Credibility Under Scrutiny

The most immediate impact is on Air India’s operational credibility. In a highly competitive and deregulated global aviation industry, brand perception is volatile. Customers who had returned to the airline, impressed by its upgraded cabins and improved service, may now hesitate without solid reassurance on safety.

International regulators and corporate clients are also likely to re-examine Air India’s safety practices, training protocols, and maintenance systems. This underscores a broader challenge in transformation initiatives: the tendency to prioritise visible improvements—branding, hospitality, design—while underinvesting in back-end operational governance.

For Air India, this is a critical moment to reinforce its safety culture, increase recurrent pilot training, rigorously cross-check maintenance protocols, and establish clear lines of accountability throughout the organisation.

Rebuilding Trust Through Action

Crises don’t necessarily destroy brands—but poor responses can. Air India must now lead with radical transparency. Regular public briefings, independent audits, and a transparent action plan are essential to restore confidence among both domestic and international stakeholders.

Immediate steps should include:

• A full audit of all Boeing Dreamliners in its fleet.
• Technical simulations and safety drills.
• Public disclosure of safety assessments and governance reforms.

Rather than treating this as a setback, the airline must leverage the moment to accelerate its internal reforms, placing safety and engineering excellence at the centre of its transformation—backed by board-level supervision and third-party verification.

Leadership, Culture, and Governance at the Forefront

The Tata Group’s takeover of Air India brought strategic focus, capital support, and managerial discipline. Now, the group’s leadership must show that this is more than a surface-level overhaul. It’s a chance to build an institution grounded in safety, accountability, and resilience.

This includes creating governance frameworks that can:

• Identify early warning signs.
• Respond swiftly to operational risks.
• Embed safety as a non-negotiable value in the organisational culture.

The integrated management team must also navigate a complex phase—balancing grief, operational continuity, and public scrutiny—while forging a unified, high-performance culture across previously separate airline brands.

A Defining Moment—Not a Derailment

Despite its immense gravity, this crisis doesn’t have to derail Air India’s journey. Some of the world’s top carriers have recovered from major tragedies through introspection, systemic reform, and cultural reset.

Air India has the strategic vision, financial resources, and institutional will to do the same. What will define its future is not whether it recovers—but how it does so: with humility, transparency, and rigorous operational integrity.

If handled decisively, this painful episode could serve not as a turning point backward—but as a pivotal milestone in Air India’s quest to become a truly world-class airline.

The post Air India Crash: Can the Airline’s Transformation Withstand Its Toughest Test Yet? appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the committee will be chaired by the Home Secretary and will include senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Intelligence Bureau, Forensic Science Services, state authorities, and aviation safety experts.

Key Objectives of the Committee:

• Determine the root cause of the crash.
• Examine existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and suggest new protocols to prevent and handle similar incidents.
• Review aircraft data, including flight data and cockpit voice recorders, maintenance logs, ATC communications, and eyewitness testimonies.
• Assess emergency response mechanisms, including rescue operations and inter-agency coordination at both Central and State levels.
• Recommend policy reforms, training improvements, and operational upgrades based on national and international best practices.

While the committee will not replace other statutory investigations, it will play a vital role in shaping preventive frameworks and suggesting comprehensive response protocols for aviation disasters.

The committee has been directed to submit its report within three months.

Compensation & Support

The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the family of each deceased passenger. A dedicated helpline has been set up for affected families:

• India Toll-Free: 1800 5691 444
• International: +91 80627 79200

Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after departure, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. The government has also indicated potential collaboration with international agencies if foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers are involved.

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In a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, Wilson said, “The impact is significant, but we have been able to sustain non-stop operations to most destinations in North America and Europe. It will certainly affect our bottom line.”

The ongoing airspace restrictions have added approximately an hour of additional flying time for west-bound long-haul flights. While Wilson did not disclose details of ongoing discussions with stakeholders, he acknowledged the logistical and financial strain the situation is creating.

The ban follows a sharp escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan that began on May 7 — the worst military flare-up between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. The conflict, triggered by a brutal civilian attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, involved missile and drone strikes, as well as artillery exchanges. Although a ceasefire was declared on May 10, Pakistan has extended the airspace ban for Indian carriers until at least June 24.

Geopolitical Uncertainty Challenges Aviation Industry

Wilson highlighted that global geopolitical tensions are increasingly complicating airline routes and business strategies. “Uncertainty makes investment decisions difficult,” he said, echoing sentiments shared during the ongoing aviation summit in New Delhi.

He also noted that, so far, tariffs have not had a measurable impact on Air India’s key markets, but they remain an important issue for global carriers.

Shift in Student Travel Amid U.S. Policy Concerns

Wilson touched on another growing concern: the recent standoff between U.S. President Donald Trump and institutions like Harvard University. He said there is anecdotal evidence that Indian students — traditionally a large cohort in the U.S. — are beginning to explore study options in alternative destinations.

“People seem more willing to consider other locations than they were before,” Wilson said, noting that it’s a developing trend, and perceptions may continue to shift.

Fleet Expansion and Long-Term Growth

Having overseen the successful merger of Air India and Vistara in 2024 under Tata Group, Wilson declined to comment on media reports about possible negotiations for additional narrowbody aircraft purchases.

He confirmed, however, that Air India will begin receiving new aircraft from its existing order by the end of 2025. “Deliveries are later and slower than we hoped, which is limiting our short-term ambitions,” Wilson said. “But the long-term growth opportunity in this market is tremendous, and we remain very confident.”

Tata Group acquired Air India from the Indian government in 2021 and has since been focused on modernizing the fleet, improving customer experience, and restoring the airline’s global competitiveness.

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Jaishankar said the two discussed the “prospects of India-Canada ties” and extended his best wishes for Anand’s tenure. Anand, whose parents are of Indian origin, echoed optimism in a post on X, saying she looked forward to “strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities.”

Diplomatic Tensions

Bilateral relations hit a low point in 2023 following allegations by Canada that Indian agents were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader and pro-Khalistan activist, in Vancouver. India categorically denied the accusations.

The diplomatic fallout saw both countries expel senior diplomats and relations remain tense ever since.

The Khalistan Issue

Canada hosts the largest Sikh population outside of India, including supporters of the Khalistan movement—a fringe separatist campaign seeking an independent Sikh homeland in Punjab, India. While the movement is banned in India, some of its prominent figures have been active abroad.

New Delhi has long urged Western countries, particularly Canada, to crack down on Khalistani groups, which India has linked to acts of terrorism, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the 1985 Air India bombing.

Looking Ahead

Canada is set to host the G7 Summit next month. India has been a regular guest at past G7 meetings since 2019, but it remains unclear whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited to the upcoming summit in Canada.

The recent diplomatic engagement signals a possible thaw in relations, with both sides appearing willing to open a new chapter in bilateral ties.

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In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones, which will be sold in the United States of America, to be manufactured and built in the United States—not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Trump had previously raised similar concerns during a public address in Doha on May 15, claiming he had spoken to Apple CEO Tim Cook and urged him to limit the company’s expansion plans in India.

Apple has significantly increased its manufacturing presence in India in recent years, partnering with companies such as Foxconn and Tata Group to establish iPhone assembly plants in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, Apple produced $22 billion worth of iPhones in India—a 60% increase over the previous year.

In 2024, the company manufactured around 40–45 million iPhones in India, representing 18–20% of its global output. Of these, approximately 15 million were exported to the US, 13 million to other international markets, and around 12 million were sold within India.

Apple’s growing footprint in India comes amid heightened US-China trade tensions and rising reciprocal tariffs. In response, Apple has strategically moved to shift the production of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India.

India is now Apple’s fourth-largest market globally, following the US, China, and Japan. The company recorded an 11th consecutive quarter of revenue growth in India in January 2025, with annual iPhone sales reaching an estimated $10 billion in 2024.

The former president’s latest comments reflect the intensifying debate over domestic manufacturing and economic nationalism ahead of the upcoming US elections. Apple has not yet responded publicly to Trump’s statement.

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According to figures from commodity analytics firm Kpler, India imported nearly 1.8 million barrels of Russian oil per day this month so far. A significant share of this volume is the ESPO blend. Indian firms are reportedly paying a premium of 50 cents to $1 per barrel over Dubai crude prices, while Chinese buyers are being charged up to $2 more for the same blend, the report said.

Oil Prices Spike Amid Fears of Escalation Between Israel and Iran

Global crude oil prices have spiked amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, reversing a recent trend of declining prices. Reports of a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities have triggered concern across energy markets.

• West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 0.85% to $62.56 per barrel,
• while Brent crude increased 0.76% to $65.88 per barrel.

Just days earlier, WTI had dropped below $57, and Brent was trading around $60.23 per barrel.

Tensions in the Middle East—especially between two major regional powers like Iran and Israel—have the potential to significantly disrupt oil supply chains, particularly given Iran’s status as one of the world’s leading oil exporters. The threat of conflict has amplified market concerns about supply shocks.

Adding to the uncertainty is the timing: Israel’s potential strike comes as nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are underway. Analysts believe that if these talks favor Iran, enabling it to retain or expand its nuclear capabilities, Israel may launch preemptive strikes, further destabilizing the region and driving prices higher.

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Chandigarh

Srinagar

Amritsar

Ludhiana

Bhuntar

Kishangarh

Patiala

Shimla

Kangra-Gaggal

Bathinda

Jaisalmer

Jodhpur

Bikaner

Halwara

Pathankot

Jammu

Leh

Mundra

Jamnagar

Hirasa (Rajkot)

Porbandar

Keshod

Kandla

Bhuj

Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the heightened threat level, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented stringent security protocols across all Indian airports:

Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC): Mandatory pre-boarding inspections for all passengers.

Visitor Restrictions: Entry to airport terminals is restricted to ticketed passengers only.

Increased Surveillance: Enhanced CCTV monitoring and deployment of air marshals on select flights.

Vehicle and Luggage Checks: Thorough inspections of vehicles entering airport premises and random checks of passenger luggage.
Airline Advisories
Major Indian airlines have issued travel advisories in light of these developments:

Air India: Advises passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure; check-in counters will close 75 minutes prior to flight time.

IndiGo: Urges travelers to allow extra time for security checks and formalities.

Akasa Air: Recommends passengers arrive early to accommodate enhanced security measures.
These advisories aim to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety amid the ongoing situation.

Broader Impact
The suspension of operations at these airports has led to significant disruptions in air travel, affecting both domestic and international flights. Airlines are working to reroute flights and assist affected passengers. Travelers are advised to stay updated with airline communications and plan accordingly.The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring developments to make informed decisions regarding the resumption of normal operations.

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According to the advisory by the Delhi Airport, the airport is operating as normal following the heavy rain and thunderstorm earlier today, with a few flights still affected due to the weather.

It further urged the passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates on their flights.

“Following the advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department this morning, we would like to confirm that the airport is operating as normal, despite some impact on flight operations due to adverse weather conditions. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience. Passengers are requested to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates,” the advisory stated.

Earlier today, three Delhi-bound flights were diverted to Ahmedabad and Jaipur due to adverse weather conditions in the national capital, according to sources at Delhi Airport. One flight was diverted to Ahmedabad, and the other two were diverted to Jaipur. Meanwhile, several other flights experienced delays.

Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi in the early hours of Friday, causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions in many parts of the national capital.

Due to inclement weather conditions, some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport, officials said.
“Due to inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms in Delhi, some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information,” Delhi Airport said in an earlier advisory posted on X.

The India Meteorological Department has put out an alert, informing that severe weather is going on over Delhi NCR and urging the residents to ensure their safety. (ANI)

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During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

After receiving a warm welcome, Sheikh Hamdan discussed with Modi the future of their bilateral partnership and ways to further deepen strategic ties, which are marked by a shared vision for the future.

Sheikh Hamdan, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is on a two-day visit, which coincides with the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai.
Shaping a prosperous region

“Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE-India ties, which are built on trust, shaped by history, and driven by a shared vision to create a future full of opportunity, innovation, and lasting prosperity,” he wrote on his official X account, which was also posted in Hindi.

Meanwhile, Modi extended his greetings to the UAE leadership and expressed his hopes for continued progress and prosperity for the nation and its people.
“Dubai has played a key role in advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This special visit reaffirms our deep-rooted friendship and paves the way for even stronger collaboration in the future,” Modi wrote on X.

The leaders underscored the significance of further strengthening ties, building on their long-standing relationship and shared development goals.

Sheikh Hamdan also attended a luncheon hosted by Modi, highlighting the friendly relations and mutual respect shared by both countries.

Greater gains in next step

Sheikh Hamdan expressed confidence that the next phase of cooperation would bring even greater gains across a range of strategic areas, including investment, trade, tourism, industry, infrastructure, logistics, energy, food security, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and space. He noted that the partnership covers vital sectors such as healthcare, education, defence, and other key areas on both countries’ development agendas.

Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Indian community to the development of the UAE and highlighted the UAE’s efforts to provide an inclusive environment for all residents.
Economic transformation

Praising India’s economic transformation under Modi’s leadership, Sheikh Hamdan looked forward to evolving the bilateral partnership to address global challenges and tap into emerging opportunities. The two sides stressed the importance of offering strong incentives for greater investment and launching new joint ventures by leveraging the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Bilateral Investment Treaty signed by the two countries. The meeting also addressed the need to boost mutual investment and encourage closer collaboration between the UAE and Indian private sectors.

Sheikh Hamdan met Dr S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, to review the strong and long-standing bilateral ties and explore ways to further strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors. He commended India’s engagement on the international stage and its efforts to encourage constructive global dialogue.

Meeting with Defence Minister
Sheikh Hamdan met Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Minister, and discussed avenues to strengthen defence and military cooperation. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in vital areas, including defence industries, military training, skills development, and technology transfer. Officials also discussed launching joint projects to enhance overall defence capabilities in line with the countries’ shared interest in strengthening their strategic partnership.

After the meetings, Sheikh Hamdan took to X to express his appreciation for the warm welcome.

“From defence to diplomacy, the UAE and India share a dynamic and strategic partnership. Together, we look forward to shaping a more secure and prosperous region,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote.

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Four state-of-the-art scanners have been procured, with two installed at Terminal 1 (T1) and two at Terminal 3 (T3). The IT interface for these machines is being finalised, and upon completion of the three-to-four-month trial, a BCAS-led committee will evaluate the findings and establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for full-scale implementation, the DIAL said in a release on Friday.
Utilising millimeter-wave technology operating between 70 to 80 GHz, these scanners enhance security while ensuring passenger privacy. Unlike conventional X-ray scanners, they do not emit radiation, making them safe for all travellers, including pregnant women and individuals with medical implants. Importantly, these scanners are designed to expedite passenger movement, ensuring a more seamless airport experience with reduced wait times.

These advanced scanners detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives, significantly improving upon traditional metal detectors. The technology, already in use at major international airports in the US, Canada, and Australia, enables rapid screening, with each scan taking just three seconds and a maximum throughput of 1,200 scans per hour, dramatically improving efficiency while minimising passenger inconvenience, the DIAL said.

To address privacy concerns, the scanners generate a standardised 2D image on a preset human avatar, ensuring no personal images are stored. They are equipped with four touchscreen monitors for image evaluation and passenger guidance and can scan individuals between 3.3 feet to 6.7 feet in height.
Commenting on the initiative, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, stated, “Delhi Airport remains committed to deploying the latest technology to enhance security while ensuring a seamless passenger experience. The introduction of these body scanners is a game-changer in security screening, allowing for faster and more effective checks without compromising privacy. Our focus is on making air travel more convenient for passengers, and these trials, planned in accordance with government guidelines, will help us evaluate the system’s efficiency before a full-scale rollout.”

The scanners comply with all national and international safety standards, require minimal maintenance, and operate as per BCAS guidelines. All scan data is stored securely with access restricted to authorized agencies, ensuring both security and convenience for travellers.

The post Delhi airport to start advanced full-body scanner trials from May appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

According to the billionaire philanthropist, if India can stay on the path of the 2047 plan, “it will be beneficial not just to India but to the whole world”.

Gates hailed India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI), including Aadhaar and UPI, calling it one of the country’s most significant contributions to the world.

Speaking at a media event in the national capital, he said that prioritising key sectors like health and education in India has created a very positive dynamic.

Gates emphasised that economic expansion would enable greater government investment in healthcare and education, creating significant opportunities.
On Artificial Intelligence (AI), Gates said that with AI, we can achieve enough food and medical care “without requiring everyone to work as we do today”.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week, Gates said his meeting with the PM was focused on India’s development vision, particularly the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal — an initiative aimed at making India a developed nation by its centenary year of Independence.

The discussions between Modi and Gates emphasised how AI and digital infrastructure can revolutionise healthcare, education, and agriculture.

“As always, an excellent meeting with Bill Gates. We spoke about diverse issues including tech, innovation, and sustainability towards making a better future for the coming generations,” said PM Modi in a post on X.
Meanwhile, the India AI Mission and the Gates Foundation are expected to collaborate on several initiatives, leveraging technology to improve public services and create sustainable solutions. Gates also met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to explore new opportunities for agricultural development.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Microsoft and Gates Foundation will provide support to make Maharashtra a role model in the country in digital governance and right to service.

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This will mark a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation and expansion efforts at the airport.

Terminal 2, which currently handles around 270-280 air traffic movements serving over 46,000 passengers daily, hosts flights from Akasa Air and IndiGo Airlines. The T1 has undergone extensive expansion and modernisation as part of the Phase 3A expansion project. This will enhance passenger experience and boost operational efficiency.
The transition is aimed at accommodating the growing air traffic demand and improving services at the airport which is set to become India’s largest airport with the capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually.
After the expansion, Terminal 1 now has an area of 206,950 sqm, up from its previous 55,740 sqm. It also integrates both arrival and departure terminals for smoother passenger flow.

Some of the key features are:
Advanced Technology: Facial recognition systems (DIGIYATRA) at all entry gates, 20 Automated Tray Retrieval Systems (ATRS) for quicker security checks, and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system capable of processing up to 6,000 bags per hour.

Passenger Amenities: Improved services such as 29 entry points, a prayer room, yoga areas, lounges, baby care rooms, and quiet zones for relaxation. There will also be new shopping and dining options, enhancing the passenger experience.

Eco-Friendly Design: The terminal is designed to meet LEED Platinum standards, featuring energy-efficient systems, extensive use of natural light, and green building infrastructure aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, expressed excitement about the upcoming transition, stating: “We are pleased to announce that Terminal 1 will be fully operational from April 15, 2025. This is an important step towards enhancing the passenger experience and supporting the growing demand for air travel. Our aim is to provide the highest level of service and comfort to all travellers during this transition.”

Delhi Airport, the busiest in India, is now home to three terminals: T1 (40 million passengers per year capacity), T2 (15 million), and T3 (45 million). The new T1 terminal is poised to handle a significant share of the airport’s growing passenger numbers, contributing to its status as a major aviation hub in Asia.

In addition to the technological and service upgrades, the terminal’s design integrates sustainability measures, including energy-efficient systems and an eco-conscious infrastructure. Delhi Airport has also gained recognition as Asia’s first airport to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Emission” status as part of the ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

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Gukesh, the reigning world champion, has been in exceptional form since his historic triumph over China’s Ding Liren in the World Championship final in December.

The 18-year-old gained 10 points to reach a 2787 rating, overtaking compatriot Arjun Erigaisi and American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana. He now sits just behind World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and long-time leader Magnus Carlsen (2833).

Gukesh’s rapid ascent comes despite his narrow loss to Praggnanandhaa on tiebreaks at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee. Erigaisi, who previously held the top Indian spot, has slipped to No. 5 with a 2777 rating.

Praggnanandhaa, currently competing in the Prague Masters, has broken back into the top 10 for the first time since July 2023. His Tata Steel Masters victory helped him gain 17 points, elevating him to world No. 8 with a 2758 rating.
In the women’s rankings, Koneru Humpy remains India’s highest-ranked player at No. 6 with a 2528 rating. R. Vaishali (2484) and Harika Dronavalli (2483) are ranked 14th and 16th, respectively.

Gukesh will take on the world’s top players in the upcoming edition of Norway Chess. Adding to the excitement, India’s No.1 Arjun Erigaisi and China’s No.1 Wei Yi will make their Norway Chess debuts.

The prestigious event to be held in Stavanger, Norway from May 26 to June 6, 2025, will feature World No.1 Magnus Carlsen, World No.2 Hikaru Nakamura, World No. 3 D. Gukesh, World No. 4 Fabiano Caruana, World No. 5 Arjun Erigasi World No. 8 R. Praggnanandhaa.

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There were no immediate reports of major damage, but terrified residents rushed outside as buildings shook.

The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 4.0 quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles).

“We hope you all are safe, Delhi”, police said in a post on social media, issuing an emergency number for help.

Northern India lies on a major geological faultline where the Indian tectonic plate pushes up into the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayas, and earthquakes are a regular occurrence.

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The president on Thursday signed a measure directing the US Trade Representative and Commerce secretary to propose new levies on a country-by-country basis in an effort to rebalance trade relations — a sweeping process that could take weeks or months to complete.

April 1 deadline

Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee to lead the Commerce Department, told reporters all studies should be complete by April 1 and that Trump could act immediately afterward.

Fresh import taxes would be customised for each country, meant to offset not just their own levies on US goods but also non-tariff barriers the nations impose in the form of unfair subsidies, regulations, value-added taxes, exchange rates, lax intellectual property protections, and other factors that act to limit US trade, according to a copy of the memo distributed by the White House.
Markets reacted positively to signs the tariffs aren’t expected to start immediately.

‘Fairness’
“I’ve decided, for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “In almost all cases, they’re charging us vastly more than we charge them, but those days are over.”

Trump told reporters that he would enact import taxes on cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals “over and above” the reciprocal tariffs at a later date.
Targets: EU, Japan, South Korea
Trump cited barriers in the European Union, including a VAT, as an example of what the US is looking to respond to.

Trump has also singled out Japan and South Korea as nations that he believes are taking advantage of the US, and thus could be targeted in his latest push, according to a White House official who briefed reporters before the announcement.

Reciprocal tariffs would amount to Trump’s broadest action to address US trade deficits and what he characterises as unfair treatment of American exports around the globe.
Trump has already imposed 10 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods and plans to slap 25 per cent duties on all US steel and aluminum imports next month.

Negotiating stance
Yet the president’s decision not to implement tariffs right away could be seen as an opening bid for negotiation — following the same strategy he’s already used to extract concessions from Mexico, Canada and Colombia — rather than a sign he’s committed to following through.

Traders saw the moves as a boost for risk assets, with the dollar retreating and stocks rising around the world.
Trade war fears soften
Speculation that negotiations will soften the tariffs, for now, eased fears of a full-blown trade war that would hurt growth and spur inflation.

“The goal is to have fair and reciprocal trade, and if we have that we will have jobs, high wages and high productivity,” Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro said Thursday on Bloomberg Television.

The president is hoping to have a discussion with other nations about how existing policies have created an imbalanced trade environment, an official said, and he’s more than happy to lower tariffs if countries want to pare their levies or remove other trade barriers.
Two-way street
“It’s a two-way street,” Lutnick told reporters Thursday after Trump signed the directive.

But Trump said he did not expect to issue exemptions or waivers. He said that despite giving Apple Inc. a pass on tariffs he imposed on China during his first term in order to compete with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., this tariff package “applies to everybody across the board.”

Uncertainty
Whatever happens, Trump’s brinkmanship has injected uncertainty into the global economy, with businesses and consumers waiting to see how Trump proceeds on a decision that could disrupt the US’s trade relationships with the rest of the world.
The tariffs, if enacted, also risk driving up prices for US consumers on imported goods and exacerbating worries over inflation.

Navarro downplayed those worries on Thursday, saying the revenue raised from tariffs would be a “beautiful thing” and arguing that China-specific levies on certain key goods imposed during the first Trump administration hadn’t meaningfully driven up prices.

“I would suggest to you that the tariffs we imposed on China were historic and large, and we had no problem at all with that,” Navarro said.
A study from the United States International Trade Commission found that the costs of those tariffs were split between less-favourable margins for sellers and higher prices for downstream buyers.

Reciprocal tariffs are expected to hit hard in less-developed economies where average duties on US products are higher, according to Bloomberg Economics.It differs from a universal levy on all imports, as Trump proposed during the 2024 presidential campaign. The official said Trump could divert back to a global tariff strategy later on. 

Trump announced his move just hours before he was set to host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country stands to be affected by reciprocal tariffs more than many other major trading partners.

Trump has repeatedly criticised India’s high tariff barriers. Trump has taken repeated aim at the EU’s 15 per cent VAT. Japan also has a VAT, known as a consumption tax.

Sea change 

The breadth of Trump’s envisioned tariff plan is breathtaking, setting off a massive logistical undertaking for Commerce and USTR.Trump’s action opens the door to develop analyses and calculations for nearly 200 other nations, each with their own tariff schedules containing thousands of tariff codes.

That’s not to mention the challenge of determining the value of other nations’ regulations, fiscal policies and subsidies.

A reciprocal tariff system would mark a sea change in how the US approaches trade, and would erode one of the fundamental tenets of the global trading system that the US shaped after the Second World War. 

As the world’s largest economy, the US has long dangled access to its market as an incentive and seen openness as an economic advantage.

It also advocated for what is known as the “most favored nation” approach to tariffs that had guided global trading rules since the 1940s. It holds that all countries should treat trading partners equally and give them the same access as their most-favored ones other than in cases where special free-trade agreements have been signed.

Bad deals

Trump blames US bilateral trade deficits on unfair trade practices, bad deals negotiated by his predecessors or a combination of both. He’s been especially critical of the EU and what he sees as the unfair treatment of American-made products, especially automobiles and agricultural commodities.

Most economists argue that trade deficits are the product of forces far stronger than mismatched tariffs — they also reflect broader macroeconomic factors such as the consumption of American households relative to those elsewhere, the US dollar’s reserve currency status and the appetite globally for US assets.

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H.E. Dr. Hamad Dhoyani explained that the programme will help support Oman’s vision for an integrated archives system while promoting mutual historical and cultural awareness between the two nations. He highlighted the importance of technical support, capacity-building initiatives, and the exchange of manuscripts, particularly as they relate to both nations’ rich civilizational histories.

In response, H.E. Arun Singhal pointed out that the agreement would open new avenues for cultural and civilisational exchange, stating that the research and exploration of the National Archives of India’s vast collections could lead to discovering valuable Omani documents in India, while similarly, Indian archives in Oman would also be examined and preserved.
The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Issa bin Saleh Al Shaibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India, reinforcing the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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A day after the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a comprehensive statement on the issue in Parliament, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said New Delhi has registered its concerns with Washington about the conditions under which people were brought back.

“This is a valid issue to raise, and I want to assure you that we are in touch with US officials regarding all these matters. This is an ongoing discussion, not a one-time conversation. We have always emphasised that people should be treated fairly and with dignity, including those being deported. Whenever any case of mistreatment comes to our attention, we take it up, and we will continue to do so in the future,” Misri told reporters during a media briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France and the United States, next week.

The Foreign Secretary spotlighted that Jaishankar had already drawn Parliament’s attention to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that has been followed in such cases for many years besides also making it clear that there was no change from past procedures regarding deportation flight’s clearance and approval.

While assuring that the government will continue to take up any instances of mistreatment that come to its attention, he made it clear that action needs to be taken across the system against the underlying ecosystem that thrives on promoting illegal immigration.
“The most critical point raised by the External Affairs Minister was identifying the real issue — the illegal migration ecosystem. He highlighted how human trafficking gangs deceive innocent people, extort large sums of money from them, and send them abroad illegally, only for them to face deportation later. There is an urgent need for action against such criminal networks, and the government will take necessary steps to address this issue,” Misri mentioned.

He stated that the ministry has some information regarding the number of illegal Indian immigrants in the United States, and is verifying the available figures, as needed.

“It is important to note that the process of deportations is not new. As the External Affairs Minister emphasised in Parliament yesterday, this has been an ongoing process. While he cited figures from 2009, he could have referred to earlier data as well, as those figures are also available. In fact, there are multiple categories of people returning from the United States. Some are returned, while others are removed, and the distinction lies in the judicial or legal processes applied to each,” Misri told reporters.

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For the year 2025, the President has approved the conferment of 139 Padma Awards including 1 duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one).

The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. Late folk singer Sharda Sinha former CEO of Suzuki Motor, late Osamu Suzuki to be awarded with Padma Vibhushan.

The Padma Vibhushan will also be awarded to Kathak exponent Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia, and legendary violinist Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs press release.Veteran Malayalam author MT Vasudevan Nair, who died last December, has also been posthumously honoured with Padma Vibhushan.
The list of Padma Bhushan awardees includes Kannada actor Anant Nag, actor Jatin Goswami, Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, Tamil star S Ajith Kumar, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actress Shobana Chandrakumar.

Veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas is also being posthumously honoured with Padma Bhushan.

Renowned sculptor Adwaita Charan Gadanayak, calligraphy artist Achyut Ramchandra Palav, Bollywood singer Arijit Singh, comedian and actor Ashok Laxman Saraf, classical vocalist Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Barry Godfray John, Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, singer Jaspinder Narula, Nirmala Devi, Nitin Nohria, P Datchanamoorthy, Pandi Ram Mandavi, Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej, are among those being awarded Padma Shri.
The names also include Vasudeo Kamath, Velu Aasaan, and Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar.

Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. 23 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 13 posthumous awardees, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs press release.

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