Pilots have recreated the final moments of flight AI-171 in a simulator to find out what went wrong. The Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, raising questions about a possible technical fault. In the simulation, pilots tested scenarios involving electrical failures. They found that a dual engine flame-out due to a power loss could explain why the aircraft could not climb. This points to a serious fault that may have led to the crash. Investigators are now focusing on these findings to confirm the cause. The final report will be crucial for future flight safety. (PC: Reuters)

India has finally received the initial batch of three Boeing AH‑64E Apache attack helicopters in July 2025—after around 18 months of delays stemming from U.S. supply‑chain disruptions, electrical safety concerns, and Defense Priorities allocation issues . The full delivery of six choppers under the ~$800 million 2020 contract is expected by October–November 2025 . These “flying tanks” will be deployed with the Army’s 451 Squadron based in Jodhpur, enhancing strike and surveillance capability along the Pakistan border . The setback highlights dependency on foreign suppliers and has prompted calls to accelerate indigenous platforms like HAL’s Prachand LCH. (PC: PTI)

The government may soon reduce GST on many everyday items to give relief to middle-class families. Items like toothpaste, clothes, utensils, bicycles, shoes, and washing machines could become cheaper. The Centre is thinking about removing the 12% GST slab and shifting these goods to the 5% bracket. This move may cost the government ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 crore, but it hopes more sales will cover the loss. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hinted at these changes. Some states oppose the move, so the final decision will be made in the next GST Council meeting later this month. (PC: NDTV)

Monojit Mishra, also known as "Mango," faces rape and molestation charges at a Kolkata law college. Students say he harassed many women and created fear on campus. “He pounced on her and touched her inappropriately,” one student said about a first-year girl. Another recalled, “He went and sat on her lap… then asked her to sit on his.” Mishra is facing 11 criminal cases, including four for molestation. Many girls stopped attending classes. “His stare was disturbing,” a fifth-year student said. One male student was also assaulted and left injured. Students want urgent action to ensure safety and justice on campus. (PC: The Economic Times)

Air India pilots used a flight simulator to study the crash of a Boeing 787 that killed 241 people. They tested the same settings—landing gear down, flaps retracted—but found these alone didn’t cause the crash. Investigators are now focusing on a possible dual engine failure. Video showed the plane struggling after takeoff before it crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. An emergency power turbine was activated before impact, suggesting power loss. Data from flight recorders is still being analysed. The official probe is ongoing, with help from Boeing and US safety teams. It’s the worst air crash in India in decades. (PC: NDTV)

A massive explosion followed by a fire at Sigachi Industries’ pharmaceutical plant in Pashamylaram, Telangana, has claimed 39 lives and injured 34 workers. The incident occurred on June 30 in the plant’s spray-dryer unit while over 140 employees were present. The blast caused the entire building to collapse, trapping many inside. Among the dead, 25 remain unidentified, prompting DNA testing. The state government has ordered a high-level probe, and the plant has been shut down for 90 days. This tragedy has reignited urgent calls for stricter industrial safety regulations across India. (PC: Reuters)

TMCP leader Monojit Mishra, 31, was arrested on June 28 for allegedly raping a first-year student inside South Calcutta Law College. A medical report confirmed signs of forced penetration and injuries. Mishra’s arrest has exposed a decade-long history of violence, including assault, molestation, and threats, with FIRs filed across Kolkata. Despite warnings, college authorities failed to act. A Special Investigation Team has been formed as political pressure mounts. The BJP accused police of shielding Mishra due to political ties, which the Trinamool Congress denies. Students say Mishra ruled the campus through fear, with repeated complaints ignored for years. (PC: India Today)

A Kolkata court sent three men to police custody till July 8 for gang-raping a 24-year-old law student on June 25. The accused—Monojit Mishra, Zaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukherjee—were arrested last week. The college fired Mishra and rusticated the two students. Police said the survivor had a panic attack during the assault but was given an inhaler instead of medical help. Mishra allegedly blackmailed her with videos. The police are checking call records and digital proof. The college now bans students from staying after hours. The survivor says she begged for help but was ignored by the accused. (PC: Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)

A BBC investigative report has challenged the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government’s claim that only 37 people died in the January 29 Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj. The BBC found evidence of 81 deaths, based on interviews with 100 affected families across 11 states. It revealed that 26 families were given partial compensation quietly, while 18 families received none. Victims’ relatives allege that many deaths were falsely recorded as due to illness to avoid compensation. The state had claimed it paid ₹25 lakh to 35 families. Critics say this raises serious concerns about data manipulation and a possible cover-up. (PC: BBC, Reuters)

Just 38 hours after the Air India AI-171 crash killed 241 in Ahmedabad, another AI flight—Delhi to Vienna—dropped nearly 900 feet mid-air. Flight AI-187, a Boeing 777, triggered critical alerts including “stick shaker,” stall warning, and a “don’t sink” GPWS caution after takeoff in stormy weather on June 14. Though the crew stabilized the aircraft and landed safely, the post-flight report failed to note key warnings. The DGCA has launched a probe; both pilots have been grounded, and Air India’s safety chief was summoned. The incident adds to growing scrutiny of Air India’s flight safety protocols after the fatal crash. (PC: HT)