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Air India confirms 241 out of 242 aboard AI171 dead
Air India said that 241 people, out of the 242 on board AI171, died in the tragic crash of the Ahmedabad-London flight. “The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” Air India said in a statement.
Survivor of Air India crash jumped out of emergency exit, police say
Ramesh Viswashkumar, the only known survivor out of the 242 people onboard an Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12, 2025), had been sitting near an emergency exit of the London-bound flight and managed to jump out, police said. Speaking from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old said that he was a British national and was travelling to Britain with his brother after visiting family in India.
Air India flight crashes into medical college building inAhmedabad; 204 bodies retrieved
A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area near Meghaninagar minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday (June 12, 2025) afternoon, killed 204 people and injured 41 others. Over 100 MBBS students of B.J. Medical College at Meghani Nagar in Ahmedabad were having lunch in the boys’ hostel mess on Thursday afternoon (June 12, 2025) when an Air India flight to London crashed into the building shortly after take-off. At least five MBBS students, one PG resident doctor and the wife of a superspecialist doctor of the medical college were killed and over 60 medical students injured, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) said.
Air India plane crashed just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad; pilot gave mayday call
The Ahmedabad-London Air India passenger plane crashed just moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday (June 12, 2025) afternoon, a statement by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said. The pilot of the aircraft gave a mayday call to the Ahmedabad air traffic controller. The Boeing 787 aircraft took off from the airport at 1:39 p.m. with 232 passengers, including 2 infants and 10 crew members.
En route to London to join his family, former Gujarat CM Rupani perishes in crash
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, 69, was among those who perished in the crash of Air India 171 flight from Ahmedabad to London on Thursday (June 12, 2025), confirmed Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, who described the loss as one “deeply felt by the BJP family”. Rupani was en route to London to join his wife and other members of his family.
Boeing shares decline 8% pre-market after Air India crash
Shares of North American airplane manufacturer Boeing fell 8% in pre-market trade on NASDAQ after the Air India aircraft crash Ahmedabad airport on Thursday (June 12, 2025).
Air India Flight AI-171 Crash
1. What happened to Air India Flight AI-171?
Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft caught fire shortly after takeoff, leading to thick smoke and complicated rescue efforts.
2. What time did the crash occur?
The flight took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. IST. A MAYDAY distress signal was issued shortly after departure, and the crash happened approximately nine minutes later, just outside the airport perimeter.
3. How many people were onboard?
There were 242 people onboard, including passengers and crew. Among them were:
169 Indian nationals, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani
53 British nationals
1 Canadian citizen
7 Portuguese citizens
4. What is known about casualties and injuries?
The exact number of fatalities and injuries has not yet been confirmed. Survivors are receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.
5. What caused the crash?
The precise reason for the crash remains unknown. The aircraft issued a MAYDAY distress signal but lost communication with air traffic control. It reportedly lost signal at 625 feet and descended rapidly before impact.
6. Who were the pilots?
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 flight hours, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours.
7. Is this the first crash of a Boeing 787?
Yes, this is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 worldwide. The model is known for its strong safety record.
8. What actions are being taken by aviation authorities?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)** is investigating the incident, assessing flight data, and attempting to determine the nature of the emergency. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
India slips to 131st position in Global Gender Gap Index 2025
India is ranked 131 out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, slipping two places from its position last year. With a parity score of just 64.1%, India is among the lowest-ranked countries in South Asia, according to the report released on Thursday (June 12, 2025). India was ranked 129 last year.
Israel launches ‘pre-emptive’ strikes on Iran amid nuclear tensions
Explosions rang out across Iran’s capital as Israel claimed it was attacking the country. People in Tehran, Iran, awoke to the sound of the blast. State television acknowledged the blast. Explosions were heard northeast of Iran’s capital Tehran early on Friday (June 13, 2025), the state-run Nour News said. However, it said the reasons were not immediately clear. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced a “special situation” in Israel over the strikes on Iran. He said schools would be closed in the country on Friday. There was no immediate word on what was struck.
Modi-Carney meeting on G7 sidelines to focus on bilateral reset: MEA
The upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney will provide an “important opportunity” to discuss matters of bilateral interest, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday (June 12, 2025). Addressing the weekly media briefing, Mr. Jaiswal noted that mutual security concerns are being addressed through “existing mechanisms” between both countries.
India condemns vandalism at Tagore’s ancestral home in Bangladesh
India on Thursday (June 12, 2025) “strongly” condemned the vandalisation of the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore in Bangladesh’s Sirajganj district. Addressing the weekly press briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said the attack was part of a “broad pattern” of assaults on the pluralist culture of Bangladesh.
China says approved ‘certain number’ of rare-earth export licences
China said on Thursday (June 12, 2025) it had issued a “certain number” of licences to export rare earths after U.S. President Donald Trump hailed this week’s deal that would see the country provide the vital elements “up front”. The economic superpowers said after talks in London that they had achieved progress in dialling down a brutal trade war that has roiled markets and threatened global supply chain chaos.
U.N. nuclear watchdog board censures Iran, which retaliates by announcing a new enrichment site
The U.N. nuclear watchdog’s board of governors on Thursday formally found that Iran isn’t complying with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years, a move that could lead to further tensions and set in motion an effort to restore United Nations sanctions on Tehran later this year. Iran reacted immediately, saying it will establish a new enrichment facility “in a secure location” and that “other measures are also being planned.”
Easing food prices push retail inflation down to six-year low of 2.8% in May
Retail inflation eased to a 75-month low of 2.8% in May 2025, driven downwards by falling food inflation, according to data released on Thursday. Inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index was last lower than this in February 2019, more than six years ago. Overall, based on the two months of data available for this financial year, retail inflation has averaged 2.99% in 2025-26, the lowest average for the first two months of a financial year since 2017-18.
Australia’s Cummins rips through South Africa batting in WTC final
Australia captain Pat Cummins produced a sensational spell of four wickets for just one run as the title-holders seized control of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s on Thursday (June 12, 2025). South Africa were bowled out for 138 in reply to Australia’s first-innings 212 on the second day with the 30-year-old Cummins finishing with final figures of 6-28 as he went to 300 career Test wickets
Kamal Haasan, P. Wilson, Salma among six elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu
Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan, former Additional Advocate General and incumbent MP P. Wilson, poet Rajathi alias Salma, and S.R. Sivalingam — all backed by the DMK and its allies — were on Thursday (June 12, 2025) declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK’s I.S. Inbadurai and M. Dhanapal were also elected unopposed to the Upper House.
Ship on fire: salvage operation delayed as salvor’s vessel runs out of fuel
Even as the authorities have been struggling to contain the raging fire onboard the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9, the vessel, Offshore Warrior, deployed by the owners of the ship to mitigate the imminent danger of a possible explosion had to leave the site of the accident after running short of fuel, delaying the entire emergency response operations.
Trump unveils website for $5 million U.S. residency visa
U.S. President Donald Trump touted a new website for his planned $5 million U.S. residency permit on Wednesday, saying the waiting list for the golden visa has opened on TrumpCard.gov. “Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
Sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and U.S. on June 15, says Oman Foreign Minister
Iran and the United States will hold a sixth round of negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme this Sunday (June 15, 2025) in Oman, the sultanate’s Foreign Minister said on Thursday (June 12, 2025), as regional tensions have spiked in recent days.
Australia’s Cummins rips through South Africa batting in WTC final
Australia captain Pat Cummins produced a sensational spell of four wickets for just one run as the title-holders seized control of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s on Thursday (June 12, 2025).
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