In a great relief to political, social and human rights activists in the country who have been alarmed at the shrinking democratic space for protests specialy in the National Capital Delhi, the Supreme Court on 31st July 2025 quashed a First Information Report ( FIR )  registered against Telungu actor and film producer Mohan Manchu Babu and his son Vardhan Babu. The FIR was filed against them in connection with a protest rally held in 2019 on the issue of non-payment of student fee reimbursements in Andhra Pradesh.

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and K. V. Viswanathan quashed FIR setting aside the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s refusal to quash the criminal proceedings against Mohan Manchu Babu and his son.

” The appllents were exercising their Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression and to Assemble Peacefully. Therefore , no purpose will be served by continuing the prosecution , ” the court order said.

Only on 1st July 2025 several political parties and progressive and democratic organisations got together and held a joint dharna organised by the Delhi Committee of CPI ( ML ) at Jantar Mantar against shrinking space for PROTEST in the capital. The gathering was addressed , among others , by CPM ( ML ) Delhi spokesperson Comrade Mrigank, Nadita Narain of Democratic Teachers Front ( DTF ) and N.D. Pancholi veteran leader of People’s Union for Civil Liberties  ( PUCL ).

There was a time when all protest programmes , dharnas, rallies and public meetings in Delhi  were organised at the sprawling Boat Club lawns where there was ample breathing space for the aggrieved protesters as well as for the police force and the reporters , including the present writer covering events. One of the famous sit ins at the India Gate lawns this reporter covered was the farmers agitation led by Kisan leader Mahinder Singh Tikait. While covering the event I developed a special bond with the farmers leader and that came in handy while covering the recent farmers’ agitation against the infamous farmers ‘ reform’ Acts.

The shifting of the protest site from Boat Club to the Jantar Mantar took place some time in the late 80s  may be 1988 or 1989 , around that time there was a massive dharna by the Anganwadi workers demanding survival wages which this reporter covered for the Indian Express.

Even though Jantar Mantar is the officially designated protest site nobody is free to protest at the site at will. The Delhi Police , which is responsible for law and order in the capital is insisting that a minimum 10 days notice is a must to hold any dharna,  rally or meeting at the Jantar Mantar. And through out  the New Delhi district in which most of the Union goverment offices and the state goverment guest houses and offices are located prohibitory orders are in force on a permanent basis and permission for protest events are given reluctantly after inordinate delay.

Gradually , peaceful gathering in industrial areas and other workplaces in Delhi are also being brought under highly restrictive regimes and permission for protest programmes are outrightly denied. Jantar Mantar itself has been converted in to barricaded highly monitored zone.

Petitions and memorandums addressed to people in power can no more be  submitted directly by the protesters to the concerned authorities, the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Chief Minister,  Commissioner of Police or Municipal Commissioner. The petitions have to be submitted to the security officer on the spot who will forward them to the concerned authority. The meeting demanded that Section 144 be lifted from the New Delhi District and people should be free to hold protest programmes with a simple notice to the police without waiting for permissions.

The case against Mohan Babu and his sons arose from a protest held on 22nd March 2019 led by Mohan Babu demanding release of pending student fee reimbursement funds . The protesters raised slogans  against the then government for not granting students’ fee reimbursement to Sri Vidyaniketan Educational Institutions of which Mohan Babu is the Chairman.

The complaint was registered by then Model Code of Conduct Officer ( elections were due to be held at that time ) alleging that the protest involved a rally and dharna which obstructed traffic for four hours . Based on the complaint the police registered FIR under Sections 290, 341, 171-F read with 34 of the IPC and Section 34 of the Police Act , 1861.

Observing that none of the offences charged against the appellants is made out, the judgement authored by Justice Nagarathna said: ” A reading of the FIR and the chargesheet neither discloses any act committed or illegal commission that caused common injury , danger, annoyance to the public or interference with their public rights , nor do they disclose any voluntary obstruction to a person that prevents them from proceeding in any direction that they have a right to proceed in .

” Further they do not disclose material to suggest that there was any undue influence at elections , impersonation at elections or any act committed with the intention to interfere with the free exercise of electoral rights.

” Further they do not suggest that any act was committed on a road or in an open place within the limits of a town that caused inconvenience , annoyance or paused a risk of danger or injury or damage to the public , and do not disclose any of the eight specified actions under Section 34 of the Police Act.,1861.

” Therefore , even if the case of the respondent -State is accepted at its face value , it cannot be concluded that the appellants , while conducting the rally and dharna , engaged in any form of obstruction of the road in a manner that led to the offences alleged .” Justice Nagrathna concluded!

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Infrastructure and Innovation Drive Growth

Delhi Airport’s meteoric rise is credited to major infrastructure upgrades, strategic expansions, and passenger-focused tech innovations, which have streamlined operations and enhanced the travel experience.

One of the key innovations is the rollout of biometric registration kiosks for foreign nationals holding e-visas. These self-service kiosks — the first of their kind in India — have slashed immigration processing times by over 50%, reducing congestion and enabling smoother arrivals.

Phase 3A Expansion: Enhancing International Transfers

The Phase 3A expansion at Terminal 3 has nearly doubled the International-to-International (I-to-I) transfer space to 3,000 square meters. Enhancements include:

• 7 food and retail outlets (up from 1)
• 10 check-in counters (up from 6)
• 15 frisking booths (up from 11)
• 8 X-ray machines (up from 4)

This upgrade, combined with improved baggage systems and direct Metro connectivity, has significantly improved Delhi’s efficiency as a South Asian transit hub.

Global Connectivity: 153 Destinations

IGIA’s reach now extends to 153 cities — 81 domestic and 72 international — making it one of the world’s most connected airports. New routes include Phnom Penh, Bali, Calgary, Vancouver, Chicago O’Hare, and Tokyo Haneda, attracting both business and leisure travelers.

Surge in Passenger Traffic

In FY2024, Delhi Airport handled a record 73.7 million passengers, thanks to expanded operations by both Indian and global carriers. 60 foreign and 6 Indian airlines now operate from IGIA, with growing use of wide-body aircraft and increased international frequencies.

Strategic Vision and Global Impact

With a 7.8% year-on-year increase in traffic and 13.6% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels, Delhi has outperformed traditional aviation giants. Nearly half of all long-haul travelers from India now transit through IGIA.

Delhi Airport’s rise is seen as a blueprint for how visionary infrastructure, technology-driven services, and seamless connectivity can transform an airport into a global aviation leader.

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The July month Concert of the International Chamber was hosted from Aluva, Kerala on 11^th July, 2025 with the young and talented musician and artists.  On Vocal:  Kum. Anjana Anil, Aluva, Kerala, on Violin, Sri. Sainandan P V , on Mridangam and Sri. Navneeth Krishna and on Morsing Sri. Yadukrishnan T S were performed in the July month carnatic music concert.

Violin Acharyan, Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan is the Chief Advisory Board Member of the International Chamber for Indian Music & Culture, an International Initiative of Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust. Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust has honoured Sri Nedumangad Sivanandan by presenting the 7th TRIPUNITHURA AASTHANA VIDWAN PURASKARAM in the year 2020 and during its Annual Celebrations and International Ganesha Sangeethotsavam. The Patron of Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, Bhagavathacharya Smt. Nandini Nambishathiri had presented the Puraskaram in the presence of Trust President Sri PK Sreekumar, Secretary Sri. PK Jayakumar and Treasurer Smt. PK Sreedevi Varma. Sri Nedumangad Sivanandan is having strong bond with Tripunithura by contributing a major part of his life with Carnatic music artists and disciples located in Tripunithura.  He has taken a vital role in propagating Carnatic music and the Violin to generations to generations in Kerala.In 1960s Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan was regularly participating in Concerts along with Tripunithura Asthana Mridanga Vidwan Late Sri. Ramavarma Kochunni Thirumulpad, the father of Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust’s Patrons. Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan is having morethan 60 years of family friendships with Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust. PK Sajith Kumar Varma, the Managing Trustee and Settlor of Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust is also one of the students of Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan.

During the Special Speech, Violin Acharyan Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan Said that, “I am very happy with the International Chamber’s decision to hold this month’s concert in conjunction with my 90th birthday celebrations.  I have received Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Puraskaram from Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust in the year of 2020 and I consider it the greatest recognition I have received from Tripunithura.  My friendship started with Tripunithura Aasthana Mridanga Vidwan Late Sri. Rama Varma Kochunni Thirumulpad and his family since 1960 and still I am continuing.  I am also proud to hold the Honorary position as the Chief Advisory Board Member of the International Chamber for Indian Music and Culture, which operates under the Parakkadhu Koickal Trust.  The International Chamber with the Patronage of Padma Bhushan Shri T V Gopalakrishnan and runs by eminent scholars, musicians, artists and professionals in the field of music, including Shri Tripunithura N Radhakrishnan as one of the Chief Advisory Board Members, are the great success of International Chamber. That’s the strength of International Chamber and to organize innovative platforms like International Ganesha Sangeethotsavam, which is organizing continuously for the past 5 years by including Singers and Artists from over 12 countries. Sangeethotsavam is providing opportunities for musicians and artists at the international level”. Said Sri. Sivanandan.

“Violin Acharyan Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan is a role model as an artist, teacher, and a model of how to behave in the community in the Carnatic Music Industry. I have known Sivanandan Sir for the past 55 years, and until today, Sir is very punctual in attending concerts and classes. I didn’t see him raising his voice or exhibiting misbehavior to anyone, including his students or artists. A large number of Disciples who are spread across India and abroad are the largest asset in his life, and with his blessings, almost all his students are well-performing and have reached the highest positions in the various Departments and Organizations. He is teaching all of us a lesson and giving examples of how an artist should behave and live with acceptance in the community. Sivanandan Sir has participated in the Violin for the majority of the concerts, with my father, Late G Narayana Swamy, playing on Mridangam. Sivanandan Sir has supported, promoted, and blessed me a lot to reach this position in the Carnatic Music industry. My family is very happy when our GN Swamy Sangeetha Vidyalayam is reaching to the 25th year and from day one onwards, Sivanandan Sir is with us by giving proper advice to us and teaching students”. Said Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Sri. Tripunithura N Radhakrishnan, Chief Advisory Board Member of the International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust.

“Sruthi Mathaa.. Laya Pithaa, the theme which we have selected for the monthly concert series to empower musicians, artists, and also for all music lovers. This is the 5th consecutive month of international classical concert organizing by International Chamber, and I am delighted to announce that this month’s concert we are dedicating to the Violin Acharyan, our Chief Advisory Board Member, Tripunithura Aasthanavidwan Sri Nedumangadu Sivanandan Sir, during his 90th Birthday celebrations.  The lyrics, along with raga and thala, are making Carnatic music keerthanas to render a musician to god.  Purandara Dasa is revered as the “father of Carnatic music” for his foundational contributions to its teaching methodology. The “Trinity of Carnatic music” – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri – are celebrated for their prolific compositions and significant influence on the genre. From Kerala, Maharaja Swathi Thirunal’s lyrics also significantly influenced in Carnatic Music World. Under the roof of Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, today, International Chamber become the highly influencing International platform to promote Carnatic Music and to support talented, upcoming and professional Musicians and Artists internationally. 5 years International Ganesha Sangeethotsavam, which is connected with 12+ countries and monthly concerts, all are unique to the Carnatic Music world.  I am proud to hold the Honorary position as the Head of the Department of Arts and Literature at International Chamber for Music and Culture, PK Koyickal Trust”.  Said Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Dr. Jayaprakasha Sharma during his Keynote Speech.

Sri. Edappally Jaimohan, the Head of the Department of Violin, International Chamber, commented during his felicitation speech that “I have been privileged under the tutelage of Sivanandan Sir since the young age of 12.  His dedication and sincerity to his disciples, concerts, and altogether to the entire Carnatic music amazed me since the day I started my tutelage under him. I have always felt that he is the perfect role model not only to the Violinsts but also to the artist fraternity.  I am thankful to god that I have been provided with an experience of his tutelage for so many years, and I am extremely thankful to the International Chamber for allowing me to felicitate my Guru during this celebration Guruji@90. I take this opportunity to pray to the almighty that he continues to inspire and amaze us with his dedication and energy for the years to come”.

Sri. Raj Mohan Varma, Vice-Chairman of International Chamber has delivered the official Welcome Address, Sri. P K Sajith Kumar Varma, International Co-ordinator of International Chamber has delivered Vote of Thanks in the programme Function.  

Surthi Mathaa Laya Pithaa carnatic classical music concert series, the first of its kind in the Carnatic Music history to provide international platform for NRIs and Domestic musicians and artists to perform through its monthly concerts internationally. Alternative months the musical concerts will host from India and Internationally.

International Chamber for Indian Music & Culture is an international initiative of Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust (PK Koyickal Trust), Tripunithura, Kerala and which is affiliated with Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, the Govt. of Kerala has launched first of its kind Carnatic Music Online Monthly Concerts for NRIs and Domestic Musicians and Artists.

Nadam , Swaram, Shruthi, Ragam, Thalam…. – In Carnatic music SRUTHI or PITCH is considered as the MOTHER and LAYAM or RHYTHAM from THAALAM is considered as the FATHER of each Geetham, Varnam and Keerthanas. “Sruthi MAATHA Laya PITHAA”.. The International Chamber will be dedicated INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MONTHLY ONLINE CARNATIC MUSIC CONCERT to all esteemed MOTHER’S in the name of Goddesses Durga Devi, Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathy Devi. Minimum of 6 concerts will be organized from India and 6 concerts from Internationally.  

The International Chamber will be organizing Monthly Concerts on EVERY 2^nd FRIDAYS and this is the yet another International Initiative of Monthly International Concerts from Tripunithura, The Royal City of Kerala.  

Monthly Concerts are focused to promote and propagate Carnatic Music along with Talented, upcoming and amateur Musicians and Artists Internationally. Each monthly programme will be telecasted through PK Koyickal Trust, various Media and Channels of India and abroad as well.  PK Koyickal Trust International Chamber will conduct Carnatic Music Concerts monthly by providing opportunities for NRI Musicians and Artists in alternative months and will provide Domestic Musicians and Artists subsequently to perform in this first of its kind international platform.  Currently International Chamber is connected musicians and artists from 12 Countries and planning to provide more opportunities to them through these monthly programmes.

Website: www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

Whatsapp +91 8281690442

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The Supreme Court of India while hearing a bunch of  petitions challenging the 24 June 2025 notification of the Election Commission of India announcing that it will begin a Special Intensive Revision ( SIR ) of the Bihar Voters List on Thursday 10 th July 2025 asked a number of hard questions to the Election Commission of India.

The petitioners had argued that the Special Intesive Revision ( SIR ) of the  Bihar Voters List announced on the  eve of the Bihar Legislative Assembly election due in November this year is ARBITRARY and DISCRIMINATIVE since it compels even citizens whose names have  been on the voters list for more than 10 years  to reverify themselves.

A division bench of the Supreme  Court of India comprising Justices Sudhanshu   Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi while declining to stay the SIR, expressed serious doubts about the Election Commission’s plan to hold a SIR of Bihar’s electoral rolls months before the Assembly election.

The Supreme Court told the Election Commission ” Your exercise is not the problem … It is the timing . We have serious doubts if you can manage this exercise. With such a big population of more than Eight crore is it possible to link it to the forthcoming election ? “, the court wondered.

Justice Dhulia asked the Commission how will a person whose right to vote has been taken away defend his or her right to vote before the election. ” There is nothing wrong in having this SIR so no non-citizen do not remain on the rolls … but it should be de hours, ie conducted separately from this election ” , Justice Joymala Bagchi said .

The Court then asked three questions to the Election Commission. First , the court wanted to know which section of the of the Representation of Peoples Act allowed the Commission to hold SIR. There is either ‘ summary revision ‘ or  ‘ intensive revision ‘  , where is ‘ Special Intensive Revision ‘ ?

Second , the Court asked the Election Commission to explain the Commission’s authority to conduct a ” special intensive revision ” , the validity of the procedure for review and the timing of the revision, just before the election.

Third,the court  asked how will the Election Commission safeguard the individual’s right to appeal against exclusion from the voters’ list. ” … a person will be disenfranchised ahead of the election and she / he won’t have the time to defend the exclusion before voting, Justice Sudhanshu Dulia pointed out.

In this context Justice Dhulia said ” …courts will not touch the electoral roll once finalised…which means a disenfranchised person will lack the option to challenge the revised list before election “.

The Supreme Court also questioned the decision of the Election Commission to exclude Aadhar from the list of documents deemed acceptable for individuals to reverify themselves on the electoral roll.” Your enumerationn is related to identity…the entire exercise is primarily about identity only.” the court observed. ” We feel Aadhar should be there on the list of approved government issued Identities ” the court further said.

Responding to this the Election Commission maintained that Aadhar is not technically , proof of citizenship because certain foreign nationals can also be issued this ID .

Senior advocate Gopal Subramanian appearing for one of the petitioners, Association for Democratic Rights ( ADR ) said that the Election Commission says the last revision was in 2003 when Bihar’s population was four crore . Now it is nearly Eight crore and 10 elections have taken place since then. And now polls just months away , the EC is carrying out this exercise the draft of which has to be published within 30 days .

And despite amendments to the Act that allow Aadhar for verification of voters the Commision has said that it will not  be considered for verification, Shakaranarayan pointed out. The choice of documents , besides revision itself is illogical he said . And exemptions have been made in the case of certain sections including members of the judiciary . ” The Commision will only accept 11 documents … The  commission said it will not even accept the Voters ‘ identity card issued by the Election Commission, which is absurd , ”  Shankaranarayan said.

The petition filed in the Supreme Court under Article 32 challenging the ECI notification claim that the SIR is arbitrary and violative of the universal right to adult suffrage. The petion argued that the identification process shifts the burden of proof on to the individual citizens , requiring fresh applications and documentary evidence of citizenship by 25 July 2025.

The petition argues that the exercise excludes indicators like Aadhar and ration cards and even the electoral card issued by the Election Commission and makes the proof of parents’ identity mandatory. Given Bihar’s high rates of poverty and migration , such requirements will disenfranchise millions. The petition  also complained about the short time frame ( four weeks ), absence of prior consultation , the notification was issued unilaterally, and therefore the exercise undermines democracy, equality and the right to vote particularly for the most marginalised.

During arguments the ECI held that under Article 324 of the constitution the ECI has the power to ” superintend, direct and control ” elections

In response Justice Dhulia remarked that the SIR exercise appears to be neither a ‘  summary ‘ nor a ‘ special ‘ revision as defined under the statute , but rather an exercise aimed at QUESTIONING CITIZENSHIP !

In this context Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal intervening on behalf of petitioners submitted that under the SIR , low level ECI officials such as Booth Level Officers ( BLOs ) are effectively tasked with determining citizenship. Such power rests exclusively with the Union Georment. The SC bench agreed with the argument.

And at the end of the arguments after raising very bold questions the Supreme Court allowed the ECI to continue the Special Intensive Revision and to examine the Powers, Process and Timing of the exercise. The court also asked Election Commision of India ,  IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE , to consider Aadhar card, Elector’s Photo Identity Card ( EPIC ) and ration card ( the only thing most of the poor have ) in the ongoing SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar and the fixed the next date of of hearing for 28 July 2025.

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“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 landmark deal has propelled non-oil trade between the two countries, reaching $57.8 billion in 2023–24, with overall bilateral trade rising from $43.3 billion in 2020–21 to $83.7 billion in 2023–24. Projections suggest this figure may touch $80.5 billion in 2025. Over 2.4 lakh Certificates of Origin have been issued under CEPA, supporting $19.87 billion worth of Indian exports to the UAE.

CEPA, unlike a traditional Free Trade Agreement, provides a framework for deeper economic integration, including the liberalisation of trade, investment promotion, and cooperation in competition policies. It also facilitates the smoother movement of skilled professionals, including faster visa processing — an important step considering the UAE hosts over 3.5 million Indian nationals as of 2024.

Beyond trade, CEPA has strengthened India’s ‘Look West’ policy, improving regional food and energy security and opening new avenues for collaboration in fintech, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

A recent study highlighted the vulnerabilities Indian migrant workers faced during the pandemic, especially the 17% drop in remittances from the UAE. CEPA aims to safeguard and empower this diaspora by promoting stable economic links.

In a time of global uncertainty, CEPA stands as a model for resilient economic cooperation and evolving geopolitical alignment, reinforcing the UAE-India partnership as both economically dynamic and diplomatically strategic.

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The arrest is seen as a major development in India’s ongoing efforts to bring to justice those involved in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, one of the most significant banking scams in Indian history.

According to sources familiar with the case, the U.S. Department of Justice informed Indian authorities that Nehal Modi was taken into custody on July 4, 2025, following a joint extradition plea filed by both the CBI and ED.

The U.S. prosecution’s complaint highlights two main charges:

• Money laundering under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
• Criminal conspiracy under Sections 120-B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Nehal Modi is alleged to have played a pivotal role in laundering the proceeds of crime on behalf of his brother Nirav Modi, who is already facing extradition proceedings in the United Kingdom. Indian investigators claim Nehal facilitated the concealment and movement of illicit funds through a web of shell companies and complex cross-border transactions, in direct violation of Indian financial laws.

The next hearing in the extradition proceedings is scheduled for July 17, 2025, during which a status conference will be held. Nehal Modi is expected to apply for bail during the session—a motion that U.S. prosecutors intend to oppose, according to officials.

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The stock opened strong and rose as high as ₹849.85, marking a nearly 15% gain over its IPO price of ₹740 per share. HDB is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Ltd., India’s largest private lender.

The offering attracted significant interest from both foreign and domestic investors, including Morgan Stanley, Allianz SE, and Life Insurance Corporation of India. In total, the IPO was oversubscribed more than 15 times, underscoring investor confidence in the company and the sector.

This listing is India’s largest IPO since Hyundai Motor India Ltd.’s $3.3 billion debut in October, and comes amid renewed momentum in institutional placements and public listings after a quieter period following 2024’s market highs.

India’s booming $5.4 trillion stock market, fueled by foreign inflows, has been pushing benchmark indices toward record highs. Analysts suggest that HDB’s robust listing could set the tone for other big-ticket IPOs expected later this year, such as Tata Capital Ltd. and the Indian unit of LG Electronics Inc.

Role of Shadow Lenders

As a shadow lender, HDB caters to borrowers typically underserved by traditional banks — often due to limited credit history or lower income levels — making companies like it vital in India’s financial ecosystem.

The Reserve Bank of India’s recent monetary policy moves, including interest rate cuts and liquidity support, have created a favorable environment for NBFCs. “There will be investor interest because of HDB’s asset size and parentage. It’s a strong brand play,” said Rajnath Yadav, analyst at Choice Equity Broking Pvt. He noted that policy tailwinds could further boost shadow lenders like HDB.

Attractive Valuation

HDB holds a loan book of nearly $12 billion, operates over 1,700 branches, and employs around 90,000 people, according to its IPO filing.

Rajiv Mehta, an analyst at Yes Securities India Ltd., said the IPO valuation appeared “palatable,” making it an attractive opportunity for investors. The shares were priced at roughly 3.4 times book value on a trailing 12-month basis — a discount compared to peers like:

• Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. (5.7x),
• Bajaj Finance Ltd. (6x), and
• Sundaram Finance Ltd. (4x+),
  according to Bloomberg data.

Backed by Major Investment Banks

A consortium of 12 investment banks helped structure and manage the HDB IPO, including BNP Paribas SA, JM Financial Ltd., and Bank of America Corp.

The successful listing underscores investor optimism in India’s financial sector and highlights the growing appetite for quality offerings amid a bullish market environment.

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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.

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The auction, conducted on Friday, saw a cutoff yield of 5.49%, just below the RBI’s current policy repo rate of 5.5%. The central bank had originally planned to absorb ₹1 trillion.

This move comes as the RBI seeks to curb excess liquidity that has pushed overnight money market rates below the policy rate for several months. Since January, the RBI has injected over ₹9.5 trillion into the banking system, contributing to a persistent liquidity surplus.

“Liquidity will still remain in surplus even after this operation,” said Ritesh Bhusari, Joint General Manager for Treasury at South Indian Bank. “The RBI is likely to maintain liquidity at around 1.5% to 2% of net deposits. If it exceeds that range, further operations could follow.”

Following the announcement, short-term borrowing costs ticked upward. The yield on the 7.02% 2027 bond rose one basis point to 5.80%, while the benchmark 10-year bond yield increased similarly to 6.29%.

According to Bloomberg Economics’ Liquidity Index, the banking system had a liquidity surplus of approximately ₹2.5 trillion as of June 26.

The RBI’s latest action signals a calibrated tightening approach to ensure money market rates better reflect its monetary policy stance, without disrupting the broader liquidity framework.

The post RBI Drains $10 Billion from Banking System to Lift Short-Term Rates appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

As of 6:00 AM GMT on Tuesday (June 24), Brent crude dropped by 3.37% to $69.07 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell by 3.35% to $66.09 per barrel.

Analysts attributed the fall to easing fears over potential disruptions to oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz — a key transit route for global crude supply.

Expert Reactions

Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG, said the ceasefire effectively removed the geopolitical risk premium that had been priced into oil.

“If the ceasefire is implemented as stated, investors may expect the oil market to return to normal,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

Chris Weston, Head of Research at Pepperstone, told Reuters, “With tensions easing, the market has repriced risk, and Trump played a key role in securing a peaceful agreement.”

Industry Observes Cautiously

According to Rystad Energy, Iran’s limited response and avoidance of targeting the Strait of Hormuz indicate a willingness to de-escalate, providing some relief to global markets.

A report from AInvest noted that if the ceasefire proves credible, it is likely to trigger an unwinding of the geopolitical premiums embedded in oil futures.

What Lies Ahead?

Market participants will now watch closely to see whether the ceasefire holds and whether Iran avoids threatening key oil routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

If no further escalation occurs, analysts expect oil prices to stabilize near pre-conflict levels. However, any renewed tensions could push prices back into upward volatility.

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Joseph Maliakan

Three terrible things that was inflicted specially on the poor and maginalised  people of Delhi by Prime Miniser Indira Gandhi’s younger son Sanjay Gandhi during the internal Emergency from 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977 can never be forgotten or forgiven when independent India’s history is written: forceful and indiscriminate sterilisation ; largescale illegal demolition of slums as well as decades old residences of the walled city without any warning or notice in the name of ‘ beautification ‘ ; and brutal massacre of Muslim residents of Turkuman Gate protesting forceful sterilisation and illegal demolitions of their more than five decade old dwellings .

Following the declaration of the emergency on 25 June 1975, Sanjay Gandhi became the unquestioned Emporor of Delhi and like Nadir Shah decided to change both the map and demography of Delhi. For the beautification programme the slums  in different parts of Delhi and the old walled city with a predominatly Muslim population were targetted.

Seven months into the emergency , by when most opposition leders including Jayprakash Narain, Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, Atal Beehari Vajpayee,  L.K Advani, Biju Patnaik, Chadra Shekhar, Ram Dhanand  Raj Narain were in prison under various srigent emergency laws , in February 1976 Emporor Sanjay visited the walled city. He became very unhappy with the reception. He was also very upset that from where he stood at Turkuman gate , the view of the Jama Masjid was blocked. Stading there he decided , come what may, all the buildings , along the way had to be broughtdown.

And on 15 April 1976 the Dujana House family planning camp was inaugurated by Sanjay Gandhi and the Lt.Governor of Delhi, Kishan Chand  . Soon , scores of rickshaw pullers , beggars and even quite a few passers by were picked up at random and forcibly sterilised under terribly unsanitary conditions.

Women who have been forcibly sterilized

In the following months, Rukhsana Sultana ,  a Muslim worker , who was very close to Sanjay Gandhi started putting pressure on Muslim men and women to get sterilised in return for cash and other incentives. With the people resisting compulsory sterilisation , the police were deployed to round up a certain number everyday and compulsorily sterilise. Simultaneously bulldozers were deployed in the area and demolition of decades old buildings ‘ obstructing ‘ a clear view of the Jam Majid from Turkuman Gate started.

Anger swelled among the people of Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Turman Gate against the forcible sterilisations and the illegal demolitions. A general strike was called on the 19th April 1976.

Unmindful of the general strike bulldozers started moving forward  accompanied with heavy police deployment. Hundreds of protesters including women and children came out of their homes to the streets and defying the presence of bulldozers and the police started attacking Dujona House. The police resorted to lathicharge and teargasing.

In spite of this by 1.30 in the afternoon a large number of women and children gathered on the main road at Turkuman Gate. The police attacked the women and children and teargased and lathicharged them. Scores of women and children were very badly injured.

That did not deter the protesters.The crowd swelled and moved to the open area in front of the Faiz -e-Ilàhi mosque and sat on the rubble of the illegally demolished structures. However , the bulldozers moved on and on with police escort  leading to more stone throwing by the crowd.

The armed police them opened fire and scores of protesters including women and children were hit and fell dead. The police continued firing until not a soul was left on the protest site.The entire area was full of bodies scattered like cow dung. They included the dead and the injured. Ra einforcements came , firing continued and an army of bulldozers were brought in and demolitions were carried out under flood light.

The bulldozers crushed and collected both the dead and injured bodies aong with the rubble loaded in to trucks and disposed off at far away at hitherto undisclosed places. The screms of the injured or trapped in the rubble could not be heard over the clanking sound of the heavy duty bulldozers.The demolitions continued for another 10 days.

The Emergency dispensation counted two dozen dead and less than 50 injured in the ruthless and brutal ‘ operation beautification ‘ at Turkuman Gate. However, according to independent investigators like John Dayal, Arun Bose and B.M Sinha,  at least 400 people were massacred and more than 1000 injured at the Turkuman Gate. Sinha in hisbook on the emergency lamented ” Never was such a human tragedy caused in any part of the world”.

The Shaw Commission which enquired into the various excesses during the emergency indicted Sanjay Gandhi, then Lt.Governor Kishan Chand , DDA Vice-Chairman Jagmohan Malhotra, B.R.Tamta ( Municipal Commissioner  ) and Deputy Inspector General of Police , P.S. Bhinder for excesses committed at Turkuman Gate. However, no action whatsoever , was taken against any of them, because soon after the Shaw Commission submitted its report,  Mrs.Indira Gandhi retuned as Prime Minister and Shaw Commision report was shelved.

The Turkuman Gate massacre of 19 April 1976 to all accounts before the Shaw Commission was executed with the express orders of Sanjay Ghandhi by offical including the Delhi police and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi believed her younger son could do no wrong. This massacre will go down in history as more shameful than the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre because the former was executed by a colonial power while the Turkuman Gate massacre was carried out by independent India’s governt against its own citizens.

As for demolitions in Delhi during the emergency the Shaw Commission observed : ” The manner in which demolitions were carried out in Delhi during the emergency is an unrelived story of illegality, sickening sychophancy by the senior officers to play the whim of Sanjay Gandhi.”

And an estimated 700000 ( Seven Lakh ) specially the poor and marginalised were displaced from slums and even legal residences over a period of 19 months of terror unleashed by Sanjay Gandhi with full knowledge and approval of his mother , Prime Minister India Gandhi.

Navin Chawla , who served as Secretary to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Kishan Chand  and worked closely with Sanjay Gandhi and who was indicted by the Shaw Commission for his ‘ authoritarian and callous role , went on to become the Chief Election Commissioner of India.In fact the Shaw Commission had categorically commented that : ” He is unfit to hold any public office which demands an attitude of fairplay and consideration for others.”

In Delhi following the declaration emergency at the instance of Sanjay Gandhi the home ministry ordered to lock up the high courts and cut off electricity to all newspapers.All political leaders and workers who Sanjay Gandhi thought will oppose the emergency were arrested. Delhi’s Tihar Central Jail had a capacity to accommodate 1273 prisoners. But there were 2669 prisoners in the jail by the evening of 26 June 1975. By March 1976 their number rose to 4250.Water and sewage services were extremely poor in the jail.

Kuldeep Nayar, the editor of Express News Service who was arrested and on 24 July 1975 and imprisoned in Tihar Jail during the emergency wrote in his book In Jail : ‘The dal was watery and the chappatis half made’ and files would float on the surface. And over a period of time he also like other prisoners learnt to fish out the flies and eat the dal without any qualm. Several detainees died in jail because medical treatment was not provided.

For two days after the emergency was declared electricity to newspaper offices in Delhi was cut off. The offices of the Motherland was sealed . The office of Everyman’s Jayaprakash Narain’s paper brought out by the Indian Express owner Ramnath Goenka was raided and its last edition was shredded. Censorship was imposed under Rule 48 of the Defence of India Rules ( DIR )

Even the names of the people arrested under Maintenance Internal Security Act ( MISA ) or DIR were not to be published. In a letter to Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi, Communist leader E.M.S Namboodiripad said that her regime had even outdone Bitish colonial rulers in censorship, because even in the crucial years of 1920-21, 1930-31and 1942 the newspaers were free to publish the names of those arrested.

The censors warned the editors against using quotations from great workss of literature or by national leaders like Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru and others. The National Herald founded by Jawaharlal Nehru , supported his daughter’s and grand son’s emergency through and through and removed the quote ‘ Freedom is in peril, defend it with all your might ‘ from its masthead.

Eventhough K.Shankar Pillai , the editor of Shankar’s Weekly , the satirial journal famous for its cartoons , ideolegically supported Mrs Gadhi wound up his publication a few months after the declaration of the emergency. In his farewell editorial Shankar observed : ‘ Dictatorships cannot afford laughter because people may laugh at the dictator and that would not do.In all the years of Hitler , there never was a good comedy , not a good cartoon , not a parody,not a spoof.’

In the 1980 general elections Sanjay was elected from Amethi and entered parliament alongwith 150 of his nominees. Mrs Gandhi did not give Sanjay any official position, but continued to rely on his advice on important issues both in the party and the government. He was the undeclared heir apparent.

On 23June 1980  morning , Sanjay alongwith his flying instructor Captain Subash Saxena , took off from the Safdarjung airport in a two seater Pitts S- 2A sports plane. During aerobatic exercise while taking a loop the plane hit the ground and both Sanjay and Saxena were killed. Mrs Gandhi rushed to the accident site to retrieve Sanjay’s wristwatch ,  which according popular belief contained secret data. Though this reporer covered the accident for the Indian Express with all details including a photograph of the instructor , still wonder any thing could have been retrieved after the terrible tragedy.

Lt . Governor Kishan Chand acknowledged before Shah Commission many of the illegal orders he issued had come directly from Sanjay Gandhi through his Secretary Navin Chawla. The Commission charged him with ‘ abdicating his legitimate functions in favour of an over ambitious group of officers …he betrayed his trust and committed a serious breach of faith with the citizens of Delhi.’

Soon after the Shaw Commission’s report came out in 1978 , Kishan Chand killed himself by jumping in to a well at the Siri Fort grounds in South Delhi. Death was better than a life of humiliation , a note left by him said.

The post The Emergency: 21 months of nightmare in Delhi 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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According to the announcement, the new measures apply to foreign government officials and other individuals found to be supporting or enabling irregular migration and human smuggling networks.

“The United States will not tolerate those who facilitate illegal and mass immigration,” the statement read, citing previous actions under the Trump Administration, which had designated several smuggling cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

Potential Consequences for Non-Cooperative Countries

The Embassy also warned that countries that fail to cooperate with repatriation efforts for their nationals residing illegally in the United States may face serious diplomatic consequences. These include:

• Restrictions on visa issuance
• Tighter entry limitations for citizens of non-compliant countries
• Potential diplomatic strain on bilateral relations

The announcement underscores Washington’s heightened vigilance on border security and migration control, with a renewed emphasis on international accountability.

The post U.S. Embassy in India Issues Strong Advisory Against Unlawful Immigration Practices appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The highlight of the week is the mainboard IPO of Arisinfra Solutions, a construction material distributor. The company aims to raise ₹499.6 crore through a pure fresh issue—meaning no Offer for Sale (OFS) component is included. The IPO opens on June 20 and will remain open for three days. The price band is set at ₹210–₹222 per share.

The other five IPOs this week fall under the SME category:

• Patil Automation and Samay Project Services will open their IPOs from June 16 to 18.
  • Patil targets ₹69.61 crore with a price band of ₹114–₹120.
  • Samay aims to raise ₹14.69 crore, with a price band of ₹32–₹34.
• Eppeltone Engineers, a New Delhi-based electronic energy meter firm, will open its IPO from June 17, aiming to raise ₹43.96 crore with a price band of ₹125–₹128.
• Influx Healthtech launches on June 18, targeting ₹58.56 crore via a mix of fresh issue (₹48 crore) and OFS (₹10.56 crore). Its price band is ₹91–₹96.
• Mayasheel Ventures, a company in the road construction sector, opens its IPO on June 20, aiming to raise ₹27.28 crore. The price band is ₹44–₹47.

On the listing front, IPOs of companies like Oswal Pumps, Monolithisch India, and Aten Papers & Foam, which closed recently, will debut on the exchanges this week:

• Oswal Pumps (mainboard IPO worth ₹1,387.3 crore) will list on June 20.
• Monolithisch India (₹82 crore IPO) and Aten Papers & Foam (₹31.7 crore IPO) will close their subscriptions on June 17.
• Sacheerome will list on the NSE Emerge on June 16,
• Jainik Power on June 17,
• Monolithisch India on June 19, and
• Aten Papers & Foam on the BSE SME platform on June 20.

This flurry of IPOs highlights renewed investor interest in the market despite global uncertainty.

The post IPO Rush This Week: 6 Companies Launching, 5 Gearing Up for Market Listing appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

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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Originally from Pullad in Thiruvalla, Kerala, Ranjitha had served under Oman’s Ministry of Health for nine years, where she earned a reputation for her dedication and compassion while working in Salalah. She had been on an extended leave from Kozhencherry Government Hospital in Kerala, where she was previously employed, to work abroad and support her family’s dreams—especially the construction of their family home.

Having relocated to the United Kingdom a year ago in search of better career opportunities, Ranjitha was on her way back to India to complete professional license renewal procedures when tragedy struck.

Her sudden and tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the expatriate Malayali community in Oman and the UK, where she was known as a committed healthcare professional and a devoted family woman.

The post Air India Crash: Former Oman-Based Nurse Among Victims appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In an official update on social media platform X, the airline said:

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, the following Air India flights are either being diverted or returning to their origin.”

Diverted and Returned Flights:

• AI130 (London Heathrow → Mumbai): Diverted to Vienna
• AI102 (New York → Delhi): Diverted to Sharjah
• AI116 (New York → Mumbai): Diverted to Jeddah
• AI2018 (London Heathrow → Delhi): Diverted to Mumbai
• AI129 (Mumbai → London Heathrow): Returned to Mumbai
• AI119 (Mumbai → New York): Returned to Mumbai
• AI103 (Delhi → Washington): Returned to Delhi
• AI106 (Newark → Delhi): Diverting to Vienna
• AI188 (Vancouver → Delhi): Diverting to Jeddah
• AI101 (Delhi → New York): Diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
• AI126 (Chicago → Delhi): Diverting to Jeddah
• AI132 (London Heathrow → Bengaluru): Diverted to Sharjah
• AI2016 (London Heathrow → Delhi): Diverted to Vienna
• AI104 (Washington → Delhi): Diverted to Vienna
• AI190 (Toronto → Delhi): Diverted to Frankfurt
• AI189 (Delhi → Toronto): Returned to Delhi

Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that alternative arrangements, including accommodation, rescheduling, and refunds, are being provided.

“We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption and are doing our best to minimise its impact. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling,” the statement added.

Background: Escalation in Israel-Iran Conflict

The diversions come amid heightened regional tensions after Israel launched a preemptive aerial campaign against Iran, targeting dozens of facilities linked to its nuclear program and military infrastructure in an operation reportedly named “Nation of Lions.”

According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a nationwide state of emergency, citing the imminent threat of a large-scale missile and drone attack by Iran.

“A missile and drone attack against Israel and its civilian population is expected imminently,” said Gallant, urging the public to follow Home Front Command instructions and remain in protected shelters.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized the urgency of the strikes, claiming Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to construct multiple nuclear weapons within days. The IDF characterized the strikes as essential to neutralize a “clear and present danger.”

As air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency session of the security cabinet to assess national readiness.

This incident underscores the fragile state of Middle Eastern security and has triggered significant disruption across international aviation routes, with implications for global air traffic and fuel prices.

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According to Air India, the aircraft carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The flight also had 10 cabin crew members and two pilots.

India’s Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda confirmed that “many lives have been lost”, though the exact death toll has not yet been disclosed.

First-Ever Crash Involving Boeing 787

The crash marks the first-ever fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 aircraft, as per the Aviation Safety Network database. The aircraft, over 10 years old, reportedly reached an altitude of 625 feet before it began an abrupt descent at a rate of 475 feet per minute, according to Flightradar24.

The Indian aviation regulator reported that the pilots issued a “Mayday” call shortly after take-off, but no further communication was received from the aircraft despite repeated attempts by air traffic control (ATC).

Ahmedabad Airport Closed

Local authorities confirmed the aircraft crashed within 10 minutes of take-off. Eyewitnesses and officials reported plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site. In response, Ahmedabad International Airport was temporarily closed until 5 PM as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Boeing Faces Renewed Scrutiny

Boeing shares dropped 7% in pre-market trading on Thursday amid the news. The incident adds to the company’s ongoing challenges in rebuilding public confidence following the two fatal crashes of its 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019. Just last week, Boeing agreed to a $1.1 billion settlement to avoid criminal prosecution related to those incidents — a move that continues to face opposition from victims’ families in court.

In January 2024, another scare involving a 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines saw a door plug blow out mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing and temporary grounding of aircraft by the U.S. FAA.

🇬🇧 International Reactions

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep concern, calling the crash “devastating” on social media platform X, and extended condolences to all affected passengers and their families.

Tata Group and Air India Respond

N. Chandrasekaran, Chair of Tata Sons, which took control of Air India from the Indian government in 2022, confirmed the accident with “profound sorrow.” Tata has been leading a major overhaul of the airline, and in 2023, announced a record-breaking order for 470 new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus as part of a massive modernization plan.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, in a previous interview with the Financial Times, had called the project “the biggest aviation turnaround I am ever aware of.”

Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more details as investigations progress.

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Speaking to reporters in Muscat, the minister stated, “I think you will see some good news very soon on the Oman FTA,” when asked about the likelihood of concluding the talks this year.

The negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially commenced in November 2023. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.

Oman holds strategic importance for India, being the third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The FTA is anticipated to further strengthen economic ties and open new avenues for cooperation in key sectors.

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