AI-171 probe enters final stage, fuel switch cleared
The investigation into last year’s Air India AI-171 crash that killed 260 people has entered its final stage, with the government saying advanced tests found no defects in the aircraft’s fuel control switch locking mechanism.
The complete thrust control module is still being examined in Seattle, United States, reported NDTV.
Civil Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol said the final Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau report has not been delayed and will be published after investigators complete their work.
Air India turnaround may take 10 years: Tata Sons
Air India may take up to a decade to complete its turnaround, Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran has said, extending the timeline beyond the airline’s original five-year Vihaan.AI plan.
He cited supply-chain disruptions, fleet modernisation, legacy systems and workforce expansion as key challenges, reported Reuters.
Air India posted a wider net loss of Rs222.38 billion (S$3 billion) for FY2026 amid rising costs and industry pressures.
13 Indian sailors stranded near Ukraine amid attacks
Thirteen Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members trapped aboard cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port as drone and missile attacks continue nearby.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has appealed to the Indian government and shipowners to evacuate the crew, warning they face constant danger as fighting around the Black Sea port intensifies, reported NDTV.
IIT-Kanpur hacker may get admission opportunity
A student who hacked the websites of IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras after failing to secure admission into IIT-K’s cybersecurity programme may receive another opportunity instead of facing legal action.
IIT-K director Manindra Agrawal said the student will be invited for a technical assessment and, if successful, could be considered during the next admission cycle, reported NDTV.
Bank of Baroda probes customer data leak
State-run Bank of Baroda has launched a forensic investigation after customer data and internal documents were reportedly leaked online.
The bank said a compromised employee email account resulted in unauthorised access to certain data but stressed that its core banking systems remained secure.
According to Reuters, the scale of the breach and the number of affected customers remain unclear.
Senior Maoist leader arrested in Jharkhand
Security forces have arrested senior Maoist leader Misir Besra in Jharkhand, marking another major breakthrough after India declared victory over the insurgency earlier this year, reported AFP.
Besra, a central committee member of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), carried a bounty of Rs10 million and was captured during a joint operation by police and the Central Reserve Police Force.
Policeman suspended after firing AK-47 at protesters
A Bihar policeman has been suspended for firing an AK-47 into the air while dispersing student protesters in Siwan.
Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting criticism over police tactics, reported NDTV.
Senior police officer Nilesh Kumar said the weapon should never have been used against students and disciplinary action would follow.
Court halts demolition of Azam Khan’s university
A court in Moradabad has stayed the proposed demolition of 38 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh until the case is heard.
Authorities had issued demolition notices, alleging the structures were built without approval, reported dw.com.
The university, founded by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, has been embroiled in a long-running legal dispute over land acquisition.
Kerala police bust newborn trafficking racket
Kerala Police have uncovered an alleged human trafficking racket in Kottayam, where pregnant women were lured with promises of shelter before their babies were allegedly sold, reported NDTV.
The case emerged after a pregnant woman from Assam filed a complaint. Police arrested two suspects and said the victim had been targeted through social media after fleeing her marital home.
CCI canteen loses licence over hygiene lapses
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the food licence of the Cricket Club of India canteen, along with four other establishments, over serious hygiene violations.
Inspectors found cockroaches, flies, clogged drains, rotten vegetables and poor food storage practices, reported NDTV.
The crackdown forms part of a wider drive to improve food safety standards across the state.
FDA chief defends crackdown on eateries
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has defended the suspension of licences at nearly 100 food establishments in the state, saying the campaign is aimed solely at ensuring safe food for consumers, reported India Today.
Rejecting suggestions that it targeted businesses, Mr Mundhe said enforcing food safety regulations was part of his responsibility and called for public support in improving hygiene standards.
RBI to test plastic Rs10 and Rs20 notes
The Reserve Bank of India will begin field trials of polymer Rs10 and Rs20 banknotes after receiving government approval.
The pilot will involve 200 crore plastic notes issued alongside existing paper currency, reported NDTV.
Authorities clarified there are no plans to replace paper notes immediately, with the trial intended to evaluate durability and performance before any future decision.
Circus performer dies during burial stunt
A 27-year-old circus performer died of suffocation in Haryana after a traditional “live burial” stunt went tragically wrong.
Mr Deepak, who had performed the act for years, was buried in a pit as part of a village circus performance but failed to emerge alive.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, reported the Hindustan Times.
Diet Coke prices rise after Iran conflict disrupts supply
Coca-Cola has increased Diet Coke prices in India after the Iran conflict disrupted aluminium can supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, reported Reuters.
The company has replaced its popular 300ml can with a larger 330ml version priced at Rs50, reported Reuters. The move reflects higher supply-chain costs caused by continued instability in the Middle East.
