A catastrophic air disaster unfolded on Thursday when Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital just moments after takeoff, killing an estimated 265 people.

The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 PM IST. Within minutes, the aircraft issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call before vanishing from radar and crashing into a densely populated medical campus in Meghaninagar.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai, 265 bodies have been brought to the city civil hospital. Several are charred beyond recognition, and DNA testing is underway at Kasoti Bhavan of BJ Medical College to confirm identities.

Casualties and Survivors
Most on board are feared dead, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, confirmed BJP leader C.R. Patil. However, one miraculous survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, is said to have escaped with injuries.

The crash also claimed lives on the ground. Four MBBS students living in the medical college hostel were killed, while 19 others were injured — five of them critically. A doctor’s wife died, and several relatives of staff remain missing.

Passenger Nationality Breakdown:

• 169 Indians
• 53 British nationals
• 7 Portuguese nationals
• 1 Canadian
• 12 crew (2 pilots and 10 cabin crew)

Possible Causes and Investigation
Aviation experts say the aircraft, carrying a full load of fuel for its international journey, climbed only 600–800 feet before rapidly descending. Early theories include simultaneous engine failure or a bird strike. Visuals showed the landing gear still extended during descent.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft issued a Mayday call shortly after departure from Runway 23, but no further communication followed. The black box (FDR and CVR) is being retrieved to aid the investigation.

Widespread Destruction
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the plane exploded into flames mid-air and struck multi-storey residential buildings. Several structures, cars, and trees caught fire. One image showed the aircraft’s nose embedded in the top floor of a hostel dining area.

Official Reactions and Relief Efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief, saying, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.”

Air India Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran and CEO Campbell Wilson offered condolences and said emergency response teams and helplines have been activated. Boeing has also stated it is coordinating with the airline and stands ready to assist.

Emergency Measures:

• A passenger helpline (1800 5691 444) has been set up.
• Airport operations at Ahmedabad were temporarily suspended.
• Local hospitals are on high alert and DNA sample collection is ongoing.

This is the worst aviation disaster in India since the 2020 Kozhikode crash and marks the first crash globally involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

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.

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.