Ahmedabad, June 12: Tragedy struck on Thursday when Air India flight AI 171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying a total of 242 passengers and crew members.
According to an official statement issued by Air India on social media platform X, the flight had departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hours. Onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.
“The injured are being shifted to the nearest hospitals for immediate medical attention,” the airline confirmed.
Air India has also activated an emergency helpline for families and relatives of the passengers. “We have set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide updates and assistance,” the airline stated.
The carrier added that it is fully cooperating with investigating authorities to determine the cause of the crash and has assured all possible support to affected families.
Further updates are awaited as rescue and relief operations continue.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday described child labour as a “curse” and called for unified efforts to eradicate the practice by ensuring that every child receives education, safety, dignity, and values.
In a message posted on social media platform X to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of public awareness and joint responsibility in building a just and empowered society.
“Child labour is a curse, it cannot be accepted! Let us, on this World Day Against Child Labour, pledge to connect every child with education, safety, dignity and values,” Adityanath wrote.
Global Observance to End Child Exploitation
The World Day Against Child Labour, observed every year on June 12, was launched by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002. The observance aims to raise global awareness about the plight of children engaged in labour, particularly in hazardous, exploitative and forced conditions.
This year’s message from the UP Chief Minister aligns with the broader international call to eliminate all forms of child labour, especially its worst forms, and ensure children are protected and educated rather than exploited.
Yogi Adityanath emphasized that a sensitive and empowered society can only be built when children are nurtured in an environment of learning, respect, and protection, and called on every citizen to be an active participant in this mission.
As an unrelenting heatwave continues to sweep across the plains of the Jammu region, the temperature in the Temple City soared to a season-high of 44.7 degrees Celsius today. Samba emerged as the hottest spot, recording a blistering 46.8°C, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Srinagar. The searing heat, coupled with frequent unscheduled power cuts and delayed fault rectification, has left residents reeling.
The MeT Department has predicted continued dry and hot weather until June 14, with potential relief from the heatwave expected from the evening of June 14 or early June 15. The monsoon, which was initially expected by mid-June, is now forecast to arrive in the last week of June or early July, with pre-monsoon showers likely in the third week of June.
Rising Mercury Across the Region
Temperatures across the Jammu region remained significantly above normal:
Jammu: 44.7°C (5.9°C above normal)
Samba: 46.8°C
Kathua: 43.8°C
Reasi: 42.2°C
Ramban: 41.9°C
Rajouri: 40.2°C
Poonch: 39.5°C
Katra: 40.6°C (5°C above normal)
Kishtwar: 33.8°C
In the Kashmir Valley, temperatures were also unusually high:
Qazigund: 34.6°C (8°C above normal)
Srinagar: 33.9°C (6°C above normal)
Kupwara: 32.8°C
Kokernag: 32.9°C
Pahalgam: 28.8°C
Gulmarg: 24.0°C
The IMD also reported 46.5°C in Mirpur, PoJK, as the second-highest temperature in the region.
Power Infrastructure Overwhelmed
The soaring temperatures have overwhelmed power infrastructure in districts such as Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi. Overloaded transformers and damaged power cables have led to widespread outages, often lasting over 12 hours.
Residents in Jammu North, including Indira Colony, Lakad Mandi, Excelsior Lane, Bhawani Nagar, and Naseeb Nagar, suffered a prolonged power outage starting Tuesday night, with restoration taking place only by 11:20 AM on Wednesday. Similar reports have poured in from various parts of Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua.
Despite repeated calls, locals allege that PDD officials failed to respond, with many officials either switching off phones or ignoring calls during the crisis. Business establishments have also taken a hit, and even areas with smart meters—who were promised uninterrupted power—have been subjected to long cuts, leaving consumers angry and helpless.
PDD Cites Overload, Staff Shortage Amid Strike
Speaking to the media, Chief Engineer PDD/JPDCL Jammu, KK Thapa, said the power crisis has worsened due to overloading caused by extreme temperatures. He added that many electric transformers have been damaged, and the situation has been compounded by the ongoing strike by daily wage workers, which began on Tuesday.
“Our permanent staff is limited, and with daily wagers on strike, restoration work has been delayed,” Thapa said. He assured that the issue of striking workers and staff shortages has been taken up with higher authorities, including the Managing Director of JPDCL, and would be resolved soon.
Water Supply Also Affected
The frequent power cuts have also disrupted water supply across the region. Without adequate electricity, pumping stations have become non-functional, affecting water availability in several districts.
Residents are now demanding urgent intervention from the UT administration and the Power Department to address the dual crisis of intense heat and failing utilities.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) report on reservation policy will be placed before the Cabinet in the coming days, and its recommendations will be duly considered.
Addressing the media in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister described the launch of train services to Kashmir and the inauguration of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi as a “landmark event” for Jammu and Kashmir tourism and connectivity.
Omar confirmed that the Cabinet is likely to meet within the next few days, during which the CSC’s final recommendations, submitted on Tuesday, will be tabled. “The Cabinet generally meets twice a month. Since the Legislative Assembly is not in session currently, legislation cannot be introduced, but the report will be reviewed,” he said.
The CSC was constituted on December 10, 2024, following widespread protests by general category candidates, who expressed concerns over the reservation quota reaching 70 percent — leaving them with only 30 percent of available government jobs and seats in educational institutions.
The three-member CSC comprised:
Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health, Medical Education, Education and Social Welfare,
Javed Rana, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, and Forest,
Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs.
Minister Sakina Itoo had earlier confirmed that the panel had finalized its recommendations and would submit them to the Cabinet for further consideration.
Comments on PM Modi’s 11-Year Tenure
When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11 years in office, Omar Abdullah responded diplomatically: “People voted for him. He has been re-elected thrice, and that speaks for itself.”
He also reiterated his long-standing demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, expressing hope that Prime Minister Modi would fulfill this commitment.
Security, Tourism & Development
On the security situation in the region, Abdullah acknowledged that development alone is not sufficient, especially in light of the continued attempts by the neighbouring country (Pakistan) to destabilize the region.
“The way our neighbouring country is trying to deteriorate the situation, we need to ensure maximum development takes place in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that development plays a vital role in countering the ill intentions of those opposed to peace and progress.
He also spoke about the impact of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local resident, were killed. He noted that tourism had suffered a setback, but efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy and rebuild trust among travelers.
“Jammu and Kashmir needs maximum development. No matter how much happens, it’s never enough,” he added, emphasizing that developmental efforts must continue alongside security measures.
Personal Visit to Aligarh
According to sources, Omar Abdullah’s visit to Aligarh was personal. He was in the city to meet the family of a school friend who had recently passed away.
Union Minister for Railways and Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Wednesday asserted that Pakistan no longer poses a threat to India and that terrorism, in any form, is completely unacceptable. He also emphasized that Indian citizens across the globe now feel safer—reflecting the significant transformation the country has undergone during the 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Vaishnaw made these remarks while addressing a press conference held to mark the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre. The event was attended by key Union Ministers including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National President and Health Minister JP Nadda, and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Highlighting key milestones of the Modi Government, Vaishnaw said, “Nobody had imagined that Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, could be abrogated. But the Modi Government did it with resolve.” He added that sincere and effective actions have been taken against left-wing extremism, insurgency in the North-East, and cross-border terrorism.
Referring to India’s strong military responses, he noted the surgical strikes in 2016, air strikes in 2019, and the recent Operation Sindoor (2025) as clear demonstrations of India’s growing power, now recognized globally. “These operations have targeted only terrorist infrastructure and were conducted using indigenous defence technologies,” he said, underlining India’s emergence as a major defence exporter.
The Minister stated that the Red Corridor, once severely affected by Maoist violence, has now been reduced to just a few districts, signaling improved internal security.
Recalling his recent visit to Jammu for the inauguration of train services to Katra and the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, Vaishnaw said, “When I asked a constable of the Jammu and Kashmir Police about the changes after the abrogation of Article 370, he confirmed that the situation has significantly improved.” He further stated that residents in Srinagar have expressed a desire to return to the relatively peaceful days before the terror attack of April 22.
The April 22 terror attack at Baisaran, Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor from May 6 to 10, targeting terror camps and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), reportedly eliminating a large number of terrorists. In retaliation, the Pakistan Army shelled civilian areas in Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar, and other sectors.
A booklet released during the presentation highlighted that no major terror attacks have occurred in non-conflict zones of India since 2014. It credited the Modi Government’s strategic and legal responses, including amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and India’s proactive role in global counter-terrorism efforts.
On the defence manufacturing front, Vaishnaw noted the government’s commitment to self-reliance. “Over 5,000 items, including major weapons and systems, have been placed on positive indigenisation lists, which India will no longer import,” the booklet stated. Furthermore, over 4,600 items for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have been identified to be sourced domestically.
The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the defence sector has been increased to 74% via the automatic route, and in the 2025–26 Union Budget, 75% of the defence capital procurement budget has been earmarked for domestic industries. Special incentives are also being rolled out for the development of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh, aimed at transforming economically backward regions into defence manufacturing hubs.
The presentation concluded with a strong message: India’s defence, security, and global standing have strengthened significantly over the last 11 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
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In a significant step towards enhancing security and crowd management, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the “CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC)” for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted that the state-of-the-art system would ensure a safer and more seamless pilgrimage experience. “Cutting-edge technology will enable real-time monitoring and crowd management, ensuring the safety and security of devotees. This initiative guarantees a hassle-free pilgrimage,” he stated.
The ICCC, located at Katra, is supported by seven Sub-Control Centres strategically placed along the yatra route to enable localized monitoring and rapid coordination. The system allows 24×7 surveillance of high-traffic and sensitive zones, facilitating proactive responses to crowd congestion, emergencies, and potential threats.
Over 700 cameras have been deployed under the project, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras, alongside the integration of more than 500 existing ones. These cameras cover all vital areas such as entry and exit points, congregation zones, and the entire pilgrimage track.
The surveillance network is powered by advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) features, including:
Facial Recognition
Gesture Recognition
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Intrusion Detection System
AI-driven Crowd Management Tools
These features not only provide situational awareness but also generate automated alerts during potential incidents like crowd surges, landslides, route obstructions, or security breaches.
Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), provided a comprehensive presentation detailing the technical architecture and benefits of the ICCC. He emphasized the system’s role in ensuring efficient day-to-day operations and emergency response.
During his visit, the Lt Governor interacted with engineers and operational teams, stressing the importance of continuous staff training and seamless coordination with security forces to maximize the system’s effectiveness.
The Shrine Board has also recently upgraded its security arsenal with X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors, and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors, following a joint security audit conducted last year on the Lt Governor’s directives.
Present at the occasion were Dr. Ashok Bhan (Member, SMVDSB), Bhim Sen Tuti (IGP Jammu), Nidhi Malik (Deputy Commissioner, Reasi), and senior officials from the police, security agencies, and Shrine Board.
This technology-led transformation marks a new era in pilgrimage safety and administration at one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.
In a major relief to residents affected by cross-border shelling, the Centre has approved an additional ₹25 crore as compensation for houses damaged in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sindoor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced special compensation for families whose homes were destroyed or damaged due to Pakistani shelling. As per the announcement, ₹2 lakh will be provided for each fully-damaged house and ₹1 lakh for each partially-damaged one.
Acting swiftly on the Prime Minister’s directive, Union Home Minister Amit Shah facilitated the immediate release of ₹25 crore from the Ministry of Home Affairs to cover compensation for 2,060 affected houses. A similar compensation package will also be extended to the border areas of Punjab.
The Home Minister, during his recent two-day visit to the border district of Poonch (May 29–30), personally handed over appointment letters on compassionate grounds to the next of kin of those killed in the shelling.
Following Operation Sindoor, several incidents of cross-border firing had caused significant destruction to homes, schools, religious structures, and commercial establishments across multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
To ensure public safety and minimize casualties, the administration evacuated over 3.25 lakh people from the affected border regions. Approximately 15,000 evacuees were provided temporary shelter in 397 designated relief centers, fully equipped with food, water, electricity, and healthcare services.
In addition, 394 ambulances — including 62 in Poonch alone — were deployed to transport injured individuals to hospitals. A force of 2,818 Civil Defence volunteers also assisted in providing services related to health, fire safety, livestock care, and the supply of essential commodities.
The government’s proactive response has been praised for mitigating loss of life and ensuring timely rehabilitation. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to standing with citizens in border areas and providing full support to rebuild damaged infrastructure and lives.
Congress leader and newly-appointed Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a scathing attack on the Modi government on Monday, alleging that the last 11 years under its rule have seen “no accountability, no change — only propaganda.”
His remarks came in response to a tragic railway incident in Maharashtra’s Thane district, where at least four passengers reportedly died and several others were injured after falling from an overcrowded local train.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi posted in Hindi: “While the Modi government celebrates 11 years of ‘seva’ (service), the reality of the country is reflected in the heartbreaking news from Mumbai – several people have died after falling off a local train.”
He alleged that the Indian Railways — a critical lifeline for millions of daily commuters — has become synonymous with “insecurity, congestion, and chaos.”
“11 years of Modi government = no accountability, no change, only propaganda,” he wrote. “The government has even stopped talking about 2025. Now it sells dreams of 2047, while failing to address the suffering of today.”
Gandhi extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The fatal incident took place between Diva and Kopar railway stations on Monday morning when two overcrowded suburban trains passed each other. According to preliminary accounts, some passengers hanging from the footboards may have brushed against each other due to the narrow gap between trains, leading to the fall.
Railway authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties but acknowledged that the trains were overcrowded during peak hours.
An investigation is underway, and officials are reviewing surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts to determine the precise cause.
Days after its grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, the world’s highest railway-arch bridge over the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir has become an instant sensation — not only on the ground, but also in the skies.
According to a press release by the Ministry of Railways, air passengers flying over the majestic valleys of Jammu and Kashmir are now being treated to a breathtaking view of the iconic Chenab Bridge, with flight pilots making special in-flight announcements to highlight the engineering marvel.
“The Chenab Bridge draws admiration from every altitude, where pride rises from the earth and echoes through the clouds,” said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity, Railway Board. “These days, every flight over the Chenab Valley becomes a moment of national pride. The pilot’s voice echoes through the cabin: ‘Below you is the world’s tallest railway-arch bridge — the Chenab Bridge’.”
The announcement triggers excitement among passengers, who rush to the windows, capturing the view on their mobile phones and sharing the once-in-a-lifetime moment on social media. Applause, cheers, and smiles fill the cabin — a tribute to Indian engineering excellence.
On the ground, the enthusiasm is equally electric. Locals from nearby villages and mountainous regions have been flocking to vantage points to photograph and record videos of the bridge. “Many are live-streaming the scenes, while others are posting their visuals across Instagram and Facebook,” said a railway official.
Soaring 359 metres above the riverbed, the Chenab Bridge stands taller than the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres and nearly five times the height of Delhi’s Qutub Minar. Part of the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the bridge spans 1,315 metres in total, with its central steel arch alone stretching 467 metres.
To withstand extreme weather and wind speeds of up to 266 km/h, the bridge was constructed using 28,000 metric tonnes of steel and supported by a first-of-its-kind cable-crane assembly system. This sophisticated mechanism featured massive cable cars and over 100-metre-tall pylons to bridge the 915-metre-wide gap across the Chenab Gorge.
“It’s a historic moment where India carved through the Himalayas to script an engineering triumph,” said Kumar. “The Chenab Bridge has become more than a project — it is a symbol of national pride and resilience.”
With both tourists and locals celebrating its completion, the bridge is not just a key infrastructure milestone but also a rising symbol of unity, achievement, and aspiration in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
