Month: June 2025

A masterclass Lord’s century from Aiden Markram and phenomenal assists from skipper Temba Bavuma and pacer Kagiso Rabada liberated South Africa from years of knockout stage failures and the much-debated “chokers tag” as they clinched their maiden ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s on Saturday. 

With this victory, South Africa has laid their hands on their first-ever world title in international cricket. Also, this is their second ICC trophy after the ICC Knockout 1998. Also, Cummins’ golden run as a captain, which started with the retention of the Ashes series against England and was followed by an incredible WTC mace and 50-over World Cup wins over India, has come to a halt. 

South Africa started the day four at 213/2, with the skipper Bavuma (66) and Markram (102), needing 69 more runs to win. 

Skipper Pat Cummins struck for Australia in the third over of the session, removing Bavuma for 66 in 134 balls, with five fours. SA was 217/3, needing 65 runs to win. 

Tristan Stubbs was next up on the crease. While Markram collected two boundaries against Cummins, the Proteas played it safe, defending well and rotating strike well. 

However, after drinks break, Mitchell Starc cleaned up Stubbs for just eight runs. South Africa was 241/4, still 41 runs away from the target. 

David Bedingham joined Markram on the field, who was knocking the ball around safely for singles and doubles. 

Proteas reached the 250-run mark in 74 overs. 

Bedingham and Markram continued to eat into the deficit with each passing over, with a classy on-drive from Bedingham pushing the target below 20 runs. A fine boundary through mid-wicket from Markram helped the deficit reach just 10 runs. 

Markram’s Lord’s masterpiece however, came to an end, with a fine catch from Head, scoring 136 in 207 balls, with 14 fours. The fifth wicket was down, and six runs were left. Kyle Verreyne hit the winning runs for SA. 

Starc took three wickets for Australia, but it was of no use. 

Earlier, Proteas had ended the day three of action at 213/2, with Bavuma (66) and Markram (102), needing 69 more runs to win. Australia had started the day three on 144/8, with Mitchell Starc (16) and Nathan Lyon (1) unbeaten. Starc went on to score a historic half-century, the first-ever by a batter nine or below in an ICC tournament knockout match (58* in 136 balls, with five fours) and added 59 runs for the last wicket with Josh Hazlewood, taking Australia to 207/10. Aussies led by 281 runs, setting 282 runs to win for Proteas. 

Kagiso Rabada (4/59) and Lungi Ngidi (3/38) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa. 

On Day two, Proteas had started their first innings at 43/4 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 212 runs. Skipper Bavuma (36 in 84 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and David Bedingham (45 in 111 balls, with six fours) put on a half-century stand, showing positive intent with some boundaries. 

However, a historic six-wicket haul by Pat Cummins (6/28) left the Proteas struggling to catch up later, as they were skittled out for 138 runs, trailing by 74 runs. Mitchell Starc (2/41) got two wickets while Hazlewood got a wicket. 

In their second innings, the Australian top order was dominated by South Africa pacers, as lack of runs from Usman Khawaja (6), Marnus Labuschagne (22), Cam Green (0), Steve Smith (13) and Travis Head (9) sunk Aussies to 73/7. A 61-run stand between Alex Carey (46 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Starc took Australia to 144/8 at the end of day two.

On day first, Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first. They dominated the first session with the ball, as fiery spells from Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) reduced Australia to 67/4. A 79-run stand between Smith (66 in 112 balls, with 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 in 92 balls, with 11 fours) and a 46-run stand between Carey (23 in 31 balls, with four boundaries) and Webster took Australia to 212 all out.

With the help of early two wickets from Starc and contributions from Cummins and Hazlewood helped Australia reduced South Africa to 43/4 at day one end, with Bavuma (3) and Bedingham (0) unbeaten. 

Actress Bipasha Basu has recently hit back at online trolls who criticised her weight gain after childbirth, making it clear that their hurtful remarks and memes do not define her or her worth.

The actor, who gave birth to her first child in November 2022, shared her thoughts in a strong Instagram response, addressing the body-shaming and unrealistic expectations faced by women after becoming mothers.

Bipasha responded to a viral Instagram reel that focused on her post-partum appearance.

The reel juxtaposed images of the actor from earlier years with more recent photos, accompanied by the song “Night Changes,” seemingly emphasising her physical transformation.

The post quickly gained attention, with several users commenting on her weight gain.

In her reply, Bipasha made it clear that the memes and trolls had no impact on her sense of self. “Thank you for your clear words… Hope the human race does not remain so shallow and so low forever… and they encourage and applaud women for the million roles they play each day,” she wrote in the comment section of the post.

“I am a super confident woman with a very evolved loving partner and family. Memes and trolls do not define me ever… nor did they make me who I am. But these are deeply disturbing reflections of the society towards women,” she emphasised.

The actress added that such body-shaming behaviour could deeply affect others. “Another woman in my place could be deeply affected and scarred with the viciousness,” she noted, shedding light on the often unspoken pressures women face, especially after childbirth.

Bipasha’s words were also backed by former Miss India and beauty influencer, Shweta Vijay Nair, who took to Instagram to address the unrealistic standards placed on women, particularly mothers.

Bipasha’s response to Nair’s reel resonated with many women, especially those who feel the weight of societal expectations.

“Anyways if we have more strong voices and at least women understanding and applauding women for who they are, then women will rise higher and higher 🙂 We are unstoppable ladies,” Bipasha added in her comments.

Bipasha’s husband, actor Karan Singh Grover, also posted a message of support on Instagram.

“We should be putting all the women we know and love on a pedestal and praying to them. They are the gods/goddesses we should pray to,” he said, adding, “Nothing else could have created something as beautiful as life.”

The couple’s journey into parenthood began on November 12, 2022, when they welcomed their daughter, Devi Basu Singh Grover.

Bipasha has since focused on her new role as a mother, dedicating her time to raising Devi. (ANI)

The Indian National Congress (INC) on Sunday condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes and targeted assassinations carried out on Iranian soil, calling them a “dangerous” step that could worsen tensions in the region and globally.

In a post on X, Congress MP and the party’s General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, expressed the party’s position on the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Jairam Ramesh wrote, “The Indian National Congress unequivocally condemns Israel’s recent bombings and targeted assassinations on Iranian soil, which represent a dangerous escalation with grave regional and global consequences. This attack on Iran’s sovereignty and encroachment of its rights, whether through aerial strikes or covert killings, only deepens instability and sows the seeds of further conflict.”

Congress affirmed its belief in diplomacy, dialogue, and international cooperation as the legitimate paths ahead.

“The Congress party firmly believes that diplomacy, dialogue, and international cooperation, and not violence, are the only legitimate and sustainable path forward. Hostilities must cease immediately. Continued military brinkmanship risks plunging an already fragile region into wider war, with catastrophic human and economic fallout,” the post read.

Noting India’s ties with both Iran and Israel, Congress said that it is India’s moral responsibility to act as a bridge for de-escalation and peace.

The X post said, “India has long-standing civilisational ties with Iran and, in recent decades, has developed strategic relations with Israel. This unique position gives our country the moral responsibility and the diplomatic leverage to act as a bridge for de-escalation and peace.”

Adding on to its call for peace between the two nations, Congress suggested that India should use diplomatic channels to promote a dialogue, as many Indian citizens live and work across West Asia.

“With lakhs of Indian citizens living and working across West Asia, peace in the region is a vital national interest apart from being a geopolitical concern. India must speak clearly, act responsibly, and use every diplomatic channel available to defuse tensions and promote a return to dialogue,” the post further read.

On Saturday, this comes after Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at the government over India distancing itself from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) statement on the Israel-Iran conflict, and asked if “we have been reduced to being an abject apologist for Israel”.

“What does this MEA statement really mean? It seems to suggest that Israel can attack Iran but that Iran should exercise restraint and not climb the escalatory ladder. Have we been reduced to being an abject apologist for Israel? We cannot even condemn Israel’s attacks on and targeted assassinations in Iran?” Ramesh asked on X, referring to the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Earlier on Saturday, the MEA in a statement stated India did not participate in the discussions on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran.

SCO, in its statement, condemned military strikes “carried out by Israel against Iran on June 13” and expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. (ANI)

Legendary actor Dharmendra recalled how he helped megastar Amitabh Bachchan to bag the role of Jai in the 1975 film ‘Sholay’, directed by Ramesh Sippy.

In a conversation with ANI, he said, “It has already been mentioned. Yes, I recommended him.. Mai to kehta nahi Maine unko (Amitabh Bachchan) role dilaya..ye mujhe milne aate the Amitabh sahab (He used to come to meet me. Mr. Amitabh.) He used to sit next to me. To Maine Ramesh Sippy ji ko kaha yeh naya ladka hai usko awaaz se to lagta hai bahut acha kaam karega…unki jo andar se chahna this..jo khud se pyar karne ki khoobsurati thi vo achi lagi..maine kaha inko lelo (So I told him to take him).”

Reportedly, the role was initially given to Shatrughan Sinha, but later Dharmendra recommended Amitabh Bachchan’s name.

‘Sholay’ revolves around the village of Ramgarh, where retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) plots to bring down the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) and enlists the help of two lesser criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra). When Gabbar attacks the village, Jai and Veeru wonder why Thakur does nothing to help them. They soon learn that he has no arms and that Gabbar was the one who cut them off. Enraged by this, they redouble their efforts to help Thakur.

The ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’ actor added that he enjoyed working in ‘Sholay’, “Yeh film mere khyayal se sadiyun ke liye ban gayi hai”

Dharmendra made his debut in 1960 with ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’. He first gained popularity in the mid-1960s for films, such as ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’, ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ and ‘Aaye Din Bahar Ke’. He starred in several successful films from the late-1960s to the 1980s, such as Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Pratiggya, Charas, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, Elaan-E-Jung and Tahalka,as well as some of his acclaimed performances, include Anpadh, Bandini, Haqeeqat, Anupama, Mamta, Majhli Didi, Satyakam, Naya Zamana, Samadhi, Resham Ki Dori, Chupke Chupke, Dillagi, The Burning Train, Do Dishayen and Hathyar.

However, after being part of so many successful projects, he shared, “I have yet to give the best.”

On talking about his upcoming project, he shared, ” Now my film is coming ‘Ikkis’. Sriram Raghavan director hai. Very good director. And… Very good subject. I won’t talk about it now..vo 2 October ko release ho rahi hai”

Dharmendra is set to reunite with actor Arbaaz Khan after 27 years with the film ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya Phir Se’.The film is set to begin its shooting schedule soon and is expected to hit theatres in November 2025, as noted in a press note shared by the makers of ‘Maine Pyar Kiya Phir Se’. (ANI)

The entire nation mourns the tragic loss of lives in the London-bound Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing 241 out of 242 people on board, including crew members, and others.

The incident shook the country, triggering condolence meetings and prayer ceremonies in multiple states.

In Uttarakhand’s Haridwar, hundreds of people gathered on the banks of Ganga river to offer prayers for the deceased.

Locals and priests performed rituals and lit lamps as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the horrific crash.

In Tamil Nadu, members of the Rameswaram People’s Protection Council paid heartfelt homage to the victims at Agni Theertham beach in Pamban.

Flowers were floated into the sea, and silence was observed to remember the passengers and crew who died in the crash.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, the King George Medical University (KGMU) held a solemn condolence meeting to honour the memory of those who perished.

University officials and students came together to express grief and observe a moment of silence.

On Thursday, the Al-171 Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aeroplane bound for London’s Gatwick had crashed shortly after it took off from the Ahmedabad international airport. The airlines said only one person out of the 242 people on board the aircraft survived the crash.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls.

Immediately after departing Runway 23, the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, and heavy black smoke began emanating from the accident site.

There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national on board the crashed plane, airline authorities said. (ANI)

Former Deputy Director of the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Saligram J. Murlidhar, called the Ahmedabad plane crash one of the most unfortunate incidents in India’s recent history, and raised the possibility of fuel contamination as a major factor behind the tragic incident.

Speaking to ANI, Saligram J. Murlidhar said, “The Ahmedabad plane crash was one of the most unfortunate incidents in Indian recent history. The aircraft is a Boeing Dreamliner. It is one of the most ultramodern aircraft with all the safety precautions, navigation, and it is almost foolproof.”

According to Murlidhar, the aircraft carried more than 35 tons of fuel, and its inability to gain altitude suggested a major technical failure.

He explained that authorities were trying to locate the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to analyse the final moments of the flight.

“The first thing they have to do is to locate the Flight Data Recorder (FDR). They have to pull out the memory card from the FDR, mount it on a healthy unit, which can be replayed, and then download the data to a computer to start your analysis. Similarly, you get the data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and you try to synchronise those two to see what the conversation that has taken place, and then you try to correlate the root cause of this crash,” Murlidhar explained.

Murlidhar ruled out a bird strike as a possibility for both engines failing simultaneously, stating that such an event would not have affected both engines at once.

“If we look into the possibility of both the engines malfunctioning, it cannot be due to a bird strike because if it is due to a bird strike, then you will get some arcing sparking and smoke and both the engines will not encounter the bird strike at the same time,” he noted.

The expert suggested that fuel contamination may have been the cause of the crash, as it could lead to a thrust loss or power failure in both engines.

“One of the reasons that can cause thrust loss, power loss, which prevented the aircraft from climbing, is fuel contamination. So if the fuel is contaminated, both engines will behave the same way, and the thrust generated is less, and the aircraft could not sustain the climb rate. It descended and it fell because it contained more than 35 tons of fuel to reach London. The moment it crashed, there was a big, huge fireball,” he added.

On Thursday, the Al-171 Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aeroplane bound for London’s Gatwick had crashed shortly after it took off from the Ahmedabad International Airport. The airlines said only one out of the 242 people on board the aircraft survived the crash.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls.

Immediately after departing Runway 23, the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, and heavy black smoke began emanating from the accident site.

There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national on board the crashed plane, airline authorities said. (ANI)

The Delhi Government will soon unveil a new excise policy aimed at making liquor distribution transparent, accountable, and modern, while prioritising social welfare and protecting vulnerable communities, according to an official statement.

As per the statement, the Delhi Government is set to roll out a new Excise Policy soon

The primary objective of this policy is to ensure the availability of quality liquor to the citizens of the capital and to make the sale and distribution system transparent, modern, and accountable.

CM Rekha Gupta clearly stated that social security will remain the top priority in the new excise policy. The government will ensure that the policy does not adversely impact sensitive sections of society, the statement mentioned.

Further, as per the statement, Delhi government is committed to ensuring that no aspect of the policy negatively affects sensitive sections of society and that vulnerable communities’ safety, health, and peace are not compromised in any way.

A high-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government, is currently working on formulating this policy.

The committee is also reviewing the excise policies of several other states to adopt best practices that prioritise effective liquor distribution and social protection, the release said.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today informed that the new policy will incorporate several reforms in the excise system, including scientific testing of liquor quality, digitisation of the sales system, strict action against illegal sales, and transparency in the licensing process.

She stated that the committee, led by Chief Secretary Dharmendra Kumar, is working on every aspect with great attention to detail, as per the statement.

The Chief Minister further stated that the high-level committee is holding consultations with stakeholders and studying best practices implemented in other states to prepare a comprehensive excise policy.

This exercise is scheduled to be completed by June 30. The committee will also review the current and previous excise policies of the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD).

The Excise Department will provide all necessary administrative support to the committee. The final policy recommendations will be presented to the government for suitable action.

The Chief Minister emphasised, “We consider the trust of the people of Delhi paramount. Learning from past mistakes of the previous government, we are bringing a policy that will leave no room for corruption at any level.”

She added that public awareness campaigns will be launched to curb the misuse of liquor, and strict monitoring will be done to prevent consumption at public places.

As per the statement, the review of excise policies from other states is aimed at incorporating successful models that have delivered impactful results in areas such as revenue generation, control over illegal liquor trade, consumer protection, and maintaining social balance.

CM Rekha Gupta clearly stated that social security will remain the top priority in the new excise policy. The government will ensure that the policy does not adversely impact sensitive sections of society.

From this perspective, the new policy will not just be a financial document, but one that emphasises social balance and public accountability. It will ensure there is no compromise on the safety, health, and peace of the vulnerable segments of society.

The Chief Minister took a jab at the previous government’s excise policy, calling it corrupt, biased, and anti-public interest.

She alleged that under the previous policy, undue benefits were extended to select private companies, while the government’s revenue suffered. She pointed out that the policy neither followed due legal process nor prioritised public welfare.

Serious questions were raised on the policy, and actions by investigative agencies ultimately led to its withdrawal, a testament to its failure, the statement said.

She further said that due to the corrupt excise policy, the former Chief Minister and several ministers had to go to jail. (ANI)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday said that Iran’s armed forces were ready to face Israel.

Khamenei said that all the officials in the country are on the side of the armed forces.

In a series of posts on X, he said, “The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, a grave error, and committed a reckless act. By God’s grace, the consequences of this will bring that regime to ruin. The Iranian nation won’t permit the blood of its valued martyrs to go unavenged, nor will it ignore the violation of its airspace. Our Armed Forces are ready, and the country’s officials and all the people are behind the Armed Forces.”

He said that Iran will show no mercy to Israel.

“Today, we must give a strong response to the evil, despicable, terrorist Zionist identity. God willing, we will respond with strength, and will show no mercy to them. Life will definitely become bitter for the Zionists. The Zionist regime will not escape safely from the heinous crime they’ve committed.”

Khamenei said that their armed forces will act fiercely against Israel.

“This is a certainty that the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces will deal heavy blows to this evil Zionist enemy. The Iranian people are with us. They support the Armed Forces, and the Islamic Republic will triumph over the Zionist regime, by the will of God. Let the dear Iranian nation know this, be certain and assured that every effort will be made in this regard,” he stated in a series of posts.

In a video address, he said, “The Zionist regime will not escape safely from the heinous crime they’ve committed.”

The statements follow Israel’s airstrikes in Iran and Iran’s retaliation on Friday.

As per the Times of Israel, a woman died and five were injured in the latest Iranian missile barrage. (ANI)

Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Friday praised the state police for their “efficient” investigation into the sensational Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, which led to the arrest of five accused, including the victim’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.

Speaking with ANI, Lyngdoh said the successful investigation had restored the state’s image and boosted tourism.

“Now that Meghalaya’s name has been cleared and our police’s efficiency has been proven, more tourists are flocking to Meghalaya… We have a police force that managed to solve such a sensational murder case in just seven days,” the minister said.

Lyngdoh further said that the state cabinet informally acknowledged the efforts of the police in solving what has come to be known as the “honeymoon murder case.” He added that a formal ceremony would be held soon to honour the investigating officers.

“The Cabinet today informally discussed acknowledging the role of the police department in the case. Later, we will have a formal ceremony where the DGP and senior officers will honour them,” he said.

Highlighting the case’s significance and how the police handled the case, Lyngdoh said, “This has given Meghalaya and the entire Northeast a major boost. We have shown the world that we are crime-free and tourist-friendly — not the crime-prone as was being projected.”

The Meghalaya Police arrested five people in connection with the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed who had come to the state on his honeymoon. Those arrested include his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and four others: Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Raj Singh Kushwaha, and Anand.

Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, said the accused’s interrogation is ongoing, and police will seek further remand if needed.

“Interrogation is going…If we require more remand, we will take it accordingly…Once the interrogation and the statement recording is finalised, and the statements are finalised, we will do a reconstruction of the crime scene,” Syiem said.

On Wednesday, a court remanded all five accused, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, to eight days of police custody.

Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was found in a gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji) on June 2. Sonam was later found near a roadside dhaba along the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway.

The couple, both residents of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, had gone missing during their honeymoon trip to Meghalaya. (ANI)

Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran on Friday wrote an emotional letter to employees, expressing grief and solidarity in the wake of the tragic Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad airport, which claimed 241 lives.

Calling June 12 “one of the darkest days in the Tata Group’s history,” Chandrasekaran said, “Words are no consolation right now, but my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the people who died and were injured in the crash. We are here for them.”

The Tata Group took over Air India in January 2022.

“This is a very difficult moment. What occurred yesterday was inexplicable, and we are in shock and mourning. To lose a single person we know is a tragedy, but for so many deaths to occur at once is incomprehensible,” Chandrasekaran wrote.

Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the crash, he urged employees to remain patient and assured them that the cause of the tragic crash would be made public.

“I want to say, like you, we want to understand what happened. We don’t know right now, but we will. There is plenty of speculation all around us. Some of it may be right, some of it may be wrong. I want to urge patience,” he wrote.

“We witnessed an enormous loss of life yesterday. Why this routine flight turned into a calamity is something trained investigators will help us understand when their work is complete. Once we have verified facts, we will be transparent in our communication about how this tragedy took place,” he added.

“In the past 24 hours, investigative teams from India, UK, and the US have arrived in Ahmedabad to investigate the crash. They have our full cooperation, and we will be completely transparent about the findings. We owe it to the families and loved ones, to our pilots and crew, and to you,” Chandrasekaran stated. “The Tata Group takes its responsibility to society seriously, and that includes being open about what occurred yesterday.”

He reiterated that safety had always been the Group’s top priority since taking over Air India, saying, “As a Group trusted by so many, when we took over Air India, ensuring the safety of its passengers was our first and foremost priority. There was no compromising on it.”

“None of this matters to the people who suffered devastating losses yesterday. At this time, we can only assure them of our full support. We will pull together as a Group and find ways to help them,” he added.

Chandrasekaran concluded with a firm commitment to the Group’s core values, stating, “We built this Group on trust and care. It is a difficult moment, but we will not retreat from our responsibilities, from doing what is right. We will carry this loss. We will not forget.”

On Thursday, the Tata Group announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of those who lost their lives in the crash of an Air India flight AI-171, which was enroute to London from Ahmedabad.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff. There were 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

Of the passengers, 241 died in the crash. The lone survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and met the survivor and other injured people.

According to airline authorities, the passengers on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing Airplanes also released a statement on X, saying, “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”

The Air India plane was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave a mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC.

“Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” an official said.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday confirmed the recovery of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), commonly referred to as the black box, from the rooftop of a building at the site of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad. (ANI)