Pilots attempt to recreate AI-171 crash on simulator
A week after the Air India AI-171 crash that killed 260, three Boeing 787 training pilots in Mumbai attempted to simulate potential causes of the disaster.
They focused on electrical failures that might have led to a dual-engine flame-out during takeoff, but were unsuccessful.
Investigators, who have retrieved data from the black boxes, are also examining the position of fuel switches to determine whether an engine was accidentally turned off during takeoff. This could be key in understanding the cause of the tragedy.
Pakistani celebrities’ social media access blocked again
Several Pakistani celebrities briefly regained social media visibility in India, including Shahid Afridi and Saba Qamar, on July 2, before being blocked again.
Accounts of stars like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan remained inaccessible due to legal restrictions.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a total ban on Pakistani entertainers online, calling their visibility “an insult” to India’s war victims. This follows a May directive to remove Pakistani content from digital platforms and streaming services.
No link between Covid vaccines and sudden deaths, says govt
The Union Health Ministry has clarified that there’s no direct link between Covid-19 vaccines and recent sudden deaths, after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggested otherwise.
The Central government cited All India Institute Of Medical Science and Indian Council of Medical Research studies, stating cardiac deaths can result from various causes, including genetics and post-Covid complications.
Karnataka has launched a probe into local heart attack cases, with a panel set to provide its findings in 10 days. The state is also examining global studies linking heart issues to vaccinations.
Foxconn pulls Chinese staff from India, iPhone 17 may be delayed
Foxconn has begun withdrawing hundreds of Chinese engineers from its Indian iPhone factories, potentially affecting iPhone 17 production.
The move could be linked to China’s efforts to protect its supply chains, with reports of Chinese Customs holding back crucial manufacturing equipment.
Foxconn’s decision comes amid India-US trade talks and its own capacity expansion in India. New assembly plants are underway, including in Bengaluru. The sudden recall, however, raises concerns over Apple’s broader make-in-India strategy.
Sigachi factory fire toll rises to 39, cause still unknown
The death toll from the explosion at Sigachi Industries’ chemical plant in Telangana has risen to 39, with 34 others injured.
A five-member committee has been set up to investigate the cause, which remains unclear.
Officials said over 140 workers were present during the blast on June 30. Debris clearance is still ongoing, and many victims remain unidentified.
The state has ordered a 90-day suspension of the factory’s operations.
New Delhi bans fuel for old cars to tackle pollution
In a bold move to combat air pollution, New Delhi banned fuel sales from July 1 to petrol cars older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years.
While such vehicles were already barred from roads by a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, enforcement has been weak.
With over six million such vehicles still operational, the new measure aims to curb their use by denying refuelling access, reinforcing the city’s efforts to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
Three killed, six injured in chariot festival stampede
Three people died and six were injured during a stampede at the annual chariot festival in Puri, Odisha, on June 29. Thousands of Hindu devotees had gathered for the event when the incident occurred early in the morning.
Police confirmed that the injured are stable and out of danger.
Karnataka’s proposed fake news law sparks concerns
A draft law in Karnataka proposing up to seven years’ jail for “fake news” has sparked concern among free speech advocates.
The bill aims to curb misinformation, superstition and “anti-feminist” content but lacks clear definitions, raising fears of selective enforcement.
Critics say even memes or mistakes could result in prosecution. Digital rights groups warn the vague provisions could suppress online expression.
Special courts and regulatory bodies are proposed to enforce the law, which mirrors growing global anxieties over digital misinformation.
India to see above-average July rainfall
India is expected to receive above-normal monsoon rainfall in July, following a wetter-than-usual June, which saw 9 per cent more rainfall than average.
The monsoon, critical for nearly half of India’s rain-fed farmland, arrived nine days early this year. Key crop-producing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are set to benefit, along with most rice-growing regions.
Only Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of the northeast may see below-normal rainfall.
Mumbai Customs seize live snakes in third wildlife smuggling attempt
Customs officials at Mumbai airport seized 16 live snakes from a passenger arriving from Thailand on June 29 – the third wildlife smuggling case last month.
The reptiles, largely non-venomous and popular in the exotic pet trade, included garter snakes, a Kenyan sand boa and a rhino rat snake. The suspect was arrested, and further investigation is underway.
Earlier in June, Customs intercepted passengers smuggling venomous vipers, birds, lizards and small mammals in separate incidents.
