National

Government Establishes High-Level Committee to Investigate Air India AI171 Crash; Report Due in Three Months

Published

12 months ago

June 14, 2025

On Saturday, the Central government established a high-level committee to investigate the Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in the deaths of 241 individuals. This committee, led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, will assess the circumstances and causes of the crash, with a report due within three months, as announced by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu during a press conference.

In addition to its investigative role, the committee will propose measures to enhance aviation safety and prevent future incidents, Naidu noted.

The committee features prominent members, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs, a representative from the Gujarat State Disaster Response Force, the Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad, the Director General (Inspection and Safety) of the Indian Air Force, the Director General of the DGCA, a Special Director from the Intelligence Bureau, and a Director from the Forensic Science Lab.

Naidu emphasized that this committee operates independently of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which also has a team—led by its Director General—conducting the technical investigation as per standard protocol following an air crash.

During the press briefing, Naidu revealed that a significant update from the AAIB’s ongoing investigation is the recovery of the flight’s black box, discovered around 5 PM at the crash site. The AAIB team anticipates that analyzing the black box will yield critical insights into the events leading up to the crash.

Before the press conference commenced, a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the crash victims. Naidu reiterated the nation’s commitment to strong safety standards and announced the immediate extended surveillance of all Boeing 787 aircraft in response to this incident. Currently, India operates 34 Boeing 787 planes, of which eight have already undergone inspection.

The past two days have been particularly challenging, the minister remarked, noting that the tragedy near Ahmedabad airport has deeply affected the nation. Upon receiving news of the crash, he promptly arrived at the site to assist in coordinating the response efforts alongside the Gujarat government.

By the time he arrived, all necessary response teams were already at work, focusing on rescuing survivors, extinguishing fires, and clearing debris to facilitate the transport of casualties to hospitals, he explained.

Civil Aviation Ministry Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha provided details about the crash, stating the aircraft took off at 1:39 PM and initially climbed to an altitude of 650 feet before losing altitude suddenly. Air Traffic Control in Ahmedabad received a Mayday call, but did not get any response from the pilots before the plane crashed in Medhaninagar, approximately two kilometers from the airport.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.