Month: July 2025

A cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots of the Air India flight that crashed last month indicated that the captain turned off the switches that controlled fuel flowing to the plane’s engines, Reuters reported, citing the Wall Street Journal report on Wednesday.

As per Reuters, The Wall Street Journal report cited people familiar with US officials’ early assessment of evidence uncovered in the investigation into the crash, which killed 260 people.

The recording suggested that the first officer, who was flying the Boeing aircraft, opened the new tab 787 Dreamliner, asked the other captain, who was more experienced, why he moved the switches to the “cutoff” position after it climbed off the runway, the report said.

The first officer expressed surprise and then panicked, while the captain seemed to remain calm, Reuters reported, citing WSJ.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Boeing and Air India have not yet responded to the report.

The two pilots involved were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, who had total flying experience of 15,638 hours and 3,403 hours, respectively.

A preliminary report released last week by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before the June 12 crash, and raised fresh questions over the position of the critical engine fuel cutoff switches.

Meanwhile, Air India on Wednesday announced the successful completion of precautionary inspections on the locking mechanism of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) across its fleet of Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

According to a communication sent to pilots, no issues were found during the checks.

“Over the weekend, our Engineering team initiated precautionary inspections on the locking mechanism of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) on all our Boeing 787 aircraft. The inspections have been completed, and no issues were found,” the airline informed its flight crew.

The inspections were conducted in compliance with a directive issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday, July 14.

Air India further confirmed that all of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft have also undergone Throttle Control Module (TCM) replacements as part of Boeing’s prescribed maintenance schedule. The Fuel Control Switch is an integrated part of the TCM. (ANI)

The US Embassy in India has issued a warning stating that committing an assault, theft, or burglary in the United States will result in the revocation of a person’s visa.

The warning further stated that such an act could also prevent the person from entering the US again.

In a post on X, the Embassy said, “Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues – it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all U.S. laws.”

This move comes as US President Donald Trump is on a quest to deport illegal immigrants and other criminals from the US. As per the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 1,42,000 people were deported from the US between 20 January and 29 April.

According to the official website for US federal legislative information, stealing property likely violates numerous state laws that criminalise theft in various forms, and, depending on the circumstances, it may also run afoul of federal criminal law.

The US Code uses terms like larceny, embezzlement, robbery, and burglary in the titles of code chapters or statutory sections.

According to the US Department of Justice, in all but a few States, the right of a merchant to approach and detain a suspected shoplifter is addressed in the event of an incident of shoplifting.

In several states, the owners of stolen merchandise are granted a civil right of action against the shoplifter. Many States classify shoplifting as a misdemeanour or felony according to the value of the property taken. Fines and maximum sentences also vary greatly from State to State.

If the value of the goods stolen is less than USD 300, the person will be charged with a Class A misdemeanour, which is punishable by a fine (up to USD 2,500) and jail time (up to one year). If the value of the item(s) in question is more than USD 300, the person will be charged with a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by a fine (up to USD 25,000) and imprisonment (1 to 3 years). (ANI)

Ahead of Bihar elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced that eleigible domestic consumers across the state will receive up to 125 units of electricity free of cost starting August 1, a move set to benefit around 1.67 crore families.

Kumar said that the government has also decided to install solar power plants on the rooftops or in the nearby public places of domestic consumers in the next three years.

“We have been providing electricity to everyone at affordable rates from the very beginning. Now we have decided that from August 1, 2025, that is, from the July bill itself, all domestic consumers in the state will not have to pay any money for electricity up to 125 units. This will benefit a total of 1 crore 67 lakh families in the state,” the Bihar CM said on X.

“We have also decided that in the next three years, with the consent of all these domestic consumers, solar power plants will be installed on their rooftops or at nearby public places to provide benefits,” he added.

Kumar further stated that the state government will fully cover the cost of installing solar power systems for extremely poor families, while others will receive suitable financial assistance under the Kutir Jyoti scheme.

He stated that the state could have up to 10,000 megawatts of solar energy available within the next three years.

“Under the Kutir Jyoti scheme, for extremely poor families, the state government will bear the entire cost of installing solar power plants, and for the rest, the government will provide appropriate support. This means domestic consumers will no longer have to bear any cost for electricity up to 125 units, and at the same time, it is estimated that within the next three years, up to 10,000 megawatts of solar energy will be available in the state,’ Kumar’s post reads.

This announcement came as a move to woo voters ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for later this year.

Continuing with his string of poll sop announcements, a day earlier, Bihar CM Kumar directed the Education Department to promptly assess vacancies for teachers in government schools and initiate the process for conducting the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE) 4.

The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to filling teaching positions without delay and has asked officials to expedite the recruitment process.

He also reiterated the government’s policy on women’s reservation in the recruitment process, stating that the 35 per cent quota for women will apply only to those who are residents of Bihar. (ANI)

Several opposition parties in Odisha observed a state-wide bandh on Thursday to protest against the death of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who died after attempting self-immolation.

Shops remained shut and traffic was disrupted in many areas, including Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj. In Bhadrak, markets were closed and public transport was affected.

The bandh also caused long traffic jams on the Chennai-Kolkata Highway, where trucks and other vehicles were left stranded. Bus services were impacted in different parts of the state.

The Congress party, along with other opposition groups, including the All India Forward Bloc, led the bandh. They blamed the state government for failing to respond to the student’s repeated cries for help.

Protesters demanded a proper investigation into the case and called for stronger measures to ensure the safety and justice for women in the state.

A day earlier, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) had also taken to the streets and called for a ‘Balasore Bandh’ in protest against the Odisha government. BJD chief and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik strongly criticised the state government and the police over the alleged use of force against BJD workers who were protesting in connection with the case.

On Tuesday, eight opposition parties, including the Congress, jointly called for an ‘Odisha Bandh’ on July 17, demanding the resignation of the State Higher Education Minister and a judicial investigation into the matter.

The 20-year-old student had allegedly faced sustained sexual harassment by the Head of Department (HoD) at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore. Despite filing a formal complaint and repeatedly seeking help from the college principal, her concerns reportedly went unaddressed, leading her to set herself on fire on campus last Saturday.

She was first admitted to Balasore district hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she succumbed to her burn injuries on Monday, according to hospital authorities.

Following the incident, the college’s HoD, Samira Kumar Sahu, and Principal, Dilip Ghose, have been arrested in connection with the case. (ANI)

Congratulatory wishes have been pouring in for the star couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani ever since they announced the arrival of their baby girl.

On Wednesday morning, Sidharth and Kiara took to Instagram and shared that they have been blessed with a daughter.

The happy dad and mom, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara’s announcement post read, “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a Baby Girl. KIARA & SIDHARTH.”

The announcement post features pink heart-shaped balloons and also a pink star.

As soon as Sidharth and Kiara announced the birth of their child, members of the film industry chimed in the comment section and sent their heartfelt wishes to them.

“Congratss guyss,” actor Parineeti Chopra commented.

“Besttttt congratulations,” actor Ananya Panday commented.

Actor Neha Dhupia, who shares two children with Angad Bedi, also sent her heartiest congratulations to the new parents in the town.

“Welcome to the best hood … PARENTHOOD Ki n Sid … @kiaraaliaadvani @sidmalhotra,” Neha commented.

Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote, “Love you and badhai ho.”

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, who has worked with Kiara in Good Newwz, penned a congratulatory wish for her on Instagram.

Her post read, “Congratulations to the lovely couple (Red heart emoji)… God bless your little angel (rainbow emoji).”

Veteran actor Neetu Kapoor also sent her blessings to Sidharth and Kiara.

“Congratulations Kiara, Sidharth …God bless both of you and the little princess. Jug Jug Jeeyo,” Neetu posted on Instagram.

Sidharth and Kiara tied the knot in an intimate yet grand ceremony in Rajasthan in February 2023. Their love story blossomed on the sets of the war drama Shershaah.

Kiara publicly revealed her baby bump for the first time at the Met Gala 2025. For her first-time appearance at the Met Gala, Kiara opted for a custom couture creation by renowned Indian designer Gaurav Gupta. Kiara brought an ethereal presence to the blue carpet, radiating grace, strength, and a glowing embrace of motherhood. (ANI)

In a significant development, the Indian Army on Wednesday carried out successful trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime air defence system at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in the Ladakh sector.

The trial was carried out by the Army Air Defence along with senior officials of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which has developed the system.

During the trials, the surface-to-air missiles registered two direct hits against very fast-moving target aircraft in the very high altitude area in a rarified atmosphere.

The Akash Prime system would form the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defence systems in the Indian Army.

The system also performed very well during Operation Sindoor in thwarting aerial attacks by the Pakistan military using Chinese aircraft and Turkish drones in it.

In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy.

Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments at higher altitudes. A modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has also been used.

The Akash Prime system has further enhanced the confidence of the users (Indian Army and Indian Air Force). The missile can be deployed at heights up to 4,500 metres and can take down targets at a distance of around 25-30 km. (ANI)

Actor Rashmika Mandanna on Wednesday shared the first song ‘Nadhive’ from her upcoming film ‘The Girlfriend’.

Unveiling the track’s video, Rashmika took to Instagram and wrote, “From the very first time I heard it, something about it just stuck..It’s soft, it’s emotional, it’s that kind of melody you hum without realising and now it’s yours.”

She added, “I remember feeling like I was in a little film inside the film when we were shooting this one.. every frame felt like a moment frozen in time.. Let me know if it makes your heart feel a little full.”

The video features Rashmika grooving with Deekshith Shetty. The song has been released in five languages, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, thereby expanding its reach.

Prior to the song’s release, Rashmika penned a note expressing her excitement.

“You know that feeling when your heart is racing, your hands are shaking, and your cheeks hurt from smiling?? Yeah… that’s me right now Because something very, very special is on its way…#DearDiary,” she posted.

‘The Girlfriend’ is written and directed by Rahul Ravindran. The cinematography of the film is done by Krishnan Vasant, and the editing is by Chota K Prasad. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed optimism on Wednesday about a record turnout for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and emphasised the importance of Urdu proficiency among recruits in the revenue department, following a recent judicial directive.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the valedictory session of Summer School 2025 in IIT Jammu, Abdullah noted that this year’s Amarnath pilgrimage, which continues till August 9, has already recorded over 2.5 lakh devotees.

“The Amarnath Yatra will continue till 9th August, and I hope that this number will increase. There was a time when after the Pahalgam attack, it seemed that hardly anyone would come for the Amarnath Yatra. But we have touched 2.5 lakh, and if it stays like this, then we should easily cross 3 lakh and 3.5 lakh,” he said.

Abdullah also responded to the recent order by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jammu bench, which directed the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) to accept applications for the post of Naib Tehsildar from candidates possessing knowledge of all five official languages–Hindi, English, Dogri, Kashmiri, and Urdu.

Defending the importance of Urdu in administrative roles, Abdullah said, “You have to remember that even before independence, all our revenue records were in Urdu. Now, if you appoint revenue staff who do not know how to read the records, what work will they do.”

He proposed a balanced approach to language requirements, suggesting that those not proficient in Urdu should be given time-bound training.

“So it will be better if we make such a policy in which these people are given time to learn Urdu. If people are appointed without knowing Urdu, then they will not be able to read the revenue records, “said CM Abdullah.

Earlier, while speaking at the event, Abdullah said, “Finding myself in IIT Jammu makes me feel intimidated — it’s because of the talent here. This is the first time I’ve visited any IIT, and I’m happy it’s in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Accompanied by Advisor to the CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, Abdullah appreciated the scenic campus and compared it to the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir.

He said, “I was so eager to come here and I feel it’s such a beautiful campus that it is as beautiful as Kashmir.”

He addressed a common local concern that IITs may not directly benefit local youth due to the all-India competitive entrance system.

“I was in the Ministry of Commerce in the Government of India in the Vajpayee sahab government. I know Saraf sahab from that time. People here believe that IIT will not benefit local students, as it is an Indian competitive exam. However, what is important is that IIT is located in Jammu, which encourages students in Jammu and Kashmir. One third of this summer school are from J-K, I have come to know. We had a meeting where IIT Jammu and J-K Government can do tougher like Environment, incubation, Tourism, like behavioural sciences, ” Abdullah said.

Encouraging visiting students from across the country to stay longer and experience the region, he said, “May I request those who have come from all over India to spend a few more days in J&K? You can visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, go for the Amarnath Ji Yatra, enjoy a shikara ride in Dal Lake, or a trip to Gulmarg. It’s good you all are here.” (ANI)

After wrapping up ‘Border 2’, Bollywood star Sunny Deol embarked on a rejuvenating trip to the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

On Wednesday, Sunny took to Instagram and shared pictures from Baralacha La Pass. Through the images, he flaunted his clean-shaven look as he posed amid the mountains.

“Life’s a winding road through mountain peaks — fresh look, new direction,” he captioned the post.

In one of the images, Sunny could be seen leaning against his car, with a signboard behind him displaying “Baralachala 16,040 FT.”

Coming back to ‘Border 2’, it is one of the most anticipated films of 2026. It will be released in theatres on January 23 next year.

Backed by a stellar production team, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, the film is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s J.P. Films.

The sequel promises to carry forward the iconic legacy of Border, celebrating the heroism, sacrifice, and unshakable spirit of India’s soldiers.

In the film, Sunny will be seen sharing screen space with Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty. (ANI)

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi extended condolences on the death of Odisha’s Balasore self-immolation victim and ensured that justice will be delivered, informed the victim’s father on Wednesday.

The father of the victim, while talking to ANI, spoke about the conversation he had with the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and said, “Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spoke to me this morning and expressed grief over my daughter’s death.”

He further added, “He enquired about the incident. He assured me that he is with me in the fight to get justice for my daughter. He told me that the whole country is with us and assured me that he will provide all possible help. I will fight till my last breath to ensure justice for my daughter. The strictest law should be made against those who commit such crimes.”

The Balsore self-immolation case has received widespread criticism from Opposition parties as well as the nation.

Earlier, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das on Wednesday strongly condemned the handling of the Balasore student self-immolation case, saying that if action is not taken by early tomorrow, then this movement will take another shape.

“We are waiting till tomorrow’s closure. After that, we will increase the movement very hard. This is not going to calm down here. Action should be taken by early tomorrow; otherwise, the day after tomorrow, this movement will take another shape,” Das told ANI.

Das later said that the girl had been fighting for justice for six months, and her attempts were but no one listened.

The 20-year-old student set herself on fire after allegedly facing prolonged sexual harassment by her Head of Department at college. Despite lodging a formal complaint and seeking help from the principal, her pleas were ignored, leading to the tragic incident. The incident occurred at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College.

On Monday, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar confirmed the death of the student. (ANI)