India News & Trends

A new video from the Air India crash shows a heartbreaking but powerful moment: the only known survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, walking away from the wreckage while the plane burns behind him. In the video, some bystanders are seen shouting as smoke billows in the background. Suddenly, Ramesh emerges from the burning wreckage and is spotted by one of the bystanders. The flight had just taken off from Ahmedabad for London when it crashed into a residential area, killing 241 people on board and dozens more on the ground. Somehow, Ramesh—who was sitting near an emergency exit—was thrown clear when part of the plane broke off. Injured and dazed, he managed to walk to help.   The video of him walking out of the flames has struck a deep chord with people around the world. It’s a rare glimpse of survival in the middle of so much loss. While investigators try to understand what went wrong—whether it was mechanical failure, pilot error, or something else—this single moment of survival has become a symbol of both the horror and the human strength in the face of tragedy.

Due to rising tensions after Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Iran's decision to close its airspace, 16 Air India flights had to either turn back or take a different route on Friday, June 13. These changes mostly impacted flights heading toward Europe and the US, as they usually pass through that region. Air India shared a message saying they’re sorry for the disruption and are doing their best to help affected passengers. This includes offering hotel stays, full refunds for cancellations, or free rescheduling for those who need it. The airline also mentioned they’re working on other travel arrangements to get passengers to their destinations as smoothly as possible. Travelers are advised to check their flight status regularly as the situation is still developing.   What About Other Airlines? It’s not just Air India feeling the pressure. Other big airlines like Lufthansa, Emirates, and British Airways have also changed their routes or canceled flights through the region. This part of the Middle East is really important for flights going between Asia, Europe, and America, so this situation could affect a lot of global travel for a while. What Should You Do? If you have a flight coming up, it’s a good idea to double-check the status before heading to the airport. Air India has said they’ll refund tickets or help rebook flights if plans were thrown off by all this.

India's Pahalgam Terror Attack Tensions in Pakistan LIVE CHANGES: Amid concerns about India's military response to the terror assault in Pahalgam that murdered 26 people last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday.In light of the "new and complex threats" that have surfaced in the wake of the terror strike and the escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Union Home Ministry has requested that all states hold exercises on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will examine the plans for bolstering civil defense systems, which include cleaning bunkers and trenches, teaching citizens to defend themselves in the event of a "hostile attack," and practicing air-raid warning sirens. The events took place on Monday, the 12th consecutive night that cross-border gunfire has occurred. Following the terror attack on April 22, tensions between India and Pakistan have been on the rise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to punish the attackers and anyone involved in the conspiracy "beyond their imagination" by pursuing them to the "ends of the earth."  

Murshidabad Violence: Three people have already died as a result of the violence surrounding the new Waqf law. Hargobindo Das, 72, and Chandan Das, 40, were slain after a crowd dragged them from their home.Murshidabad Violence Update: After communal violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad last week, Saptami Mondol, 24, sat on a tarpaulin sheet in a high school classroom in Parlalpur with her eight-day-old infant on her lap. The school has since been turned into a shelter.Saptami, one of the 400 men, women, and children seeking safety at the school after escaping their houses, is not sure if she will ever make it back to her village, which is 60 kilometers away by road or across the Ganga.Three people have already died as a result of the violence surrounding the new Waqf law, including Hargobindo Das (72), a father, and Chandan Das (40), who were killed after being dragged from their home by a crowd.Those who left the troubled areas remain unsure, despite the fact that authorities say the situation is normalizing and that more than 200 arrests have been made. The mob threw stones at our house and set fire to our neighbor's on Friday. When the mob dispersed in the evening, my mom and I fled inside, hiding. By then, the BSF had begun patrolling. All we have is what we are wearing. With the assistance of the BSF, we managed to reach the ghat (makeshift jetty)," said Saptami, who resides in Dhulian and whose husband is a mason in Kolkata.We boarded a boat and crossed the river in the darkness. A family in this settlement on the opposite side provided us with clothing and overnight lodging. We arrived at this school the following day," recalled Saptami's mother, Maheshwari Mondol.While we were crossing the river, my infant got a fever. Others now control us," Saptami remarked. "We are now refugees in our own country." What if they assault us once more? We might never be able to return.  

During the horrifying Mumbai 26/11 assaults, Tahawwur Hussain Rana made sure his school mate David Coleman Headley prepared the plan but refrained from firing a shot himself. Rana had declared that the 26/11 terrorists "should receive Pakistan's highest military honor, the Nishan-e-Haider," and that "Indians deserved it."Rana is currently speaking within a National Investigation Agency (NIA) detention facility in the center of Delhi, seventeen years after the largest terror assault in Indian history. After much effort, India has finally apprehended a major conspirator in the 26/11 attacks and intends to reveal the Pakistani government's involvement in the plot. This extradition is the first one related to the 26/11 attacks. In the past, India successfully deported plotter Abu Jundal from Saudi Arabia and prosecuted and executed 26/11 shooter Ajmal Kasab.But Rana is much more knowledgeable than Kasab and Jundal, and she is more than just a gear in the wheel. Rana, a former doctor in the Pakistani Army who enjoyed showing off his Pakistani uniform, is seen by Indian establishment officials as having the ability to reveal clear connections between Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan's deep state.  

In order to confront the legal issues, the Shiv Sena leader invited Kunal Kamra to travel to Mumbai. Kamra is accused of making disparaging statements and has been granted temporary bail.When stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra visits Maharashtra, the party will greet him in "good Shiv Sena style," according to Rahool Kanal of the Shiv Sena's Yuva Sena (Shinde faction), who made the announcement on Monday. The comedian, a permanent resident of Villupuram town in Tamil Nadu, was asked to face the legal proceedings in Mumbai by Rahool Kanal, who was previously arrested and released on bail along with eleven other Sena workers for damaging Mumbai's Habitat studio where Kunal Kamra allegedly made a joke about Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.Renowned for his caustic humor and candid opinions, Kunal Kamra has been in legal hot water after being accused of making disparaging remarks. The comedian has sought legal protection from arrest while he gets ready to fight the charges after the FIRs were filed in Maharashtra.Kunal Kamra was granted temporary anticipatory relief by the Madras high court on Friday, subject to his executing a bond satisfactory to the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district. Kamra had stated that he was "ordinarily a resident of this State (Tamil Nadu) since then" after relocating from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu in 2021 and that he was afraid of being arrested by Mumbai Police.Rahool Kanal told news agency ANI in response to the ruling of the Madras High Court, "We applaud the court's order that provides him relief, but it is only until April 7." He ought to appear before the law. Whatever protection he may have in Tamil Nadu, he will always be greeted with a warm "Shiv Sena style" when he visits Mumbai.  

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Mumbai Police declined to comment on rumors that it had denied Kunal Kamra's request for an extension to appear in court. "We are looking into the situation. A senior police official informed The Hindu that it would not be prudent to remark at this time.The Mumbai Police have summoned Kunal Kamra in connection with the case, and he has asked for one week to appear before the authorities. According to sources cited by NDTV, the comedian has received more than 500 calls, some of which have threatened to murder and dismember him. His comments, which infuriated political workers, are said to be the source of many of these threats.After a video of Kunal Kamra's joke went viral, fans of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) had strong reactions, sparking the dispute.The comic, who did not reveal his identity, appeared to make fun of Shinde at his recent performance at the Habitat comedy club in Khar, Mumbai, by altering a song from the movie "Dil Toh Pagal Hai."  

51 people have been taken into custody by the police in relation to the violence in Nagpur; the same FIR names 500–600 unknown people in addition to 51 named offenders.The First Information Report (FIR) submitted at an area police station in connection with the incident claims that a guy who is suspected of participating in the violence in Nagpur, Maharashtra's ancient city, on Monday inappropriately touched a female police officer who was on duty.The FIR claimed that during the event, which allegedly started at 4 p.m. on March 17 and lasted until about 11.30 p.m., the Nagpur violence accused also made lewd gestures and misbehaved with other women, including police officers. The FIR claims that the accused misbehaved with the RCP squad official, made lewd gestures, and touched the uniform and body. Officials claim that throughout the mayhem, the crowd also threw bombs at the police."In Nagpur, five FIRs have been filed in relation to the violence. A number of individuals gathered at the city's Bhaldarpura chowk and began attacking the police officers, according to one of the FIRs submitted to the Ganeshpeth police station. Additionally, the crowd threw stones and petrol bombs at the police officers, according to an official.  

Greater unity and command efficiency in the armed forces are made possible by the Center's notified regulations, which were developed under the Inter-Services Organizations Act.In accordance with the Inter-Services Organizations Act, the Center has issued regulations that improve military unity and command effectiveness. This measure avoids duplication of proceedings, speeds up disciplinary actions, and gives heads of ISOs more authority.The official notification states that personnel from any of the three services posted or attached to Inter-Services Organizations (ISOs) will now be subject to full disciplinary and administrative authority from the Commander-in-Chief of a Joint Services Command, the Officer-in-Command of an inter-services establishment, and the Commanding Officer of an inter-services unit.By facilitating quicker decision-making and effective treatment of disciplinary problems, the implementation of these rules completely operationalizes the Act and is anticipated to improve ISO effectiveness. Given the upcoming theater command structures, this development takes place against the backdrop of continuous efforts to encourage greater unity among India's military services. The action is regarded as a crucial reform in India's defense management system and enhances the power of ISO chiefs. Center Notifies Rules for Unified Command Under Inter-Services Act 1881764 https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/  

New Delhi: The Indian Gazette has announced a port restriction on the import of specific commodities from Bangladesh into India. Monday was the official date of the gazette notification, which was published today.Following contentious comments made by Bangladesh's interim chief advisor Muhammad Yunus regarding the northeastern region of India during his visit to China, India has placed restrictions on the entry of Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) and other products through its northeastern land ports, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, as well as Fulbari and Changrabandha in West Bengal.In a lecture in China, Yunus, the chief adviser for Bangladesh, referred to the northeastern provinces of India as a "landlocked region with no access to the ocean." Since Indian officials see this remark as undercutting the region's status and connectivity, it has caused diplomatic tension. Bangladesh was forced to reroute exports, including ready-made garments (RMG), plastics, melamine, furniture, juices, carbonated drinks, bakery goods, confectionery, and processed foods, through Kolkata port in West Bengal or Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra due to the new restrictions, which were imposed on May 17 and went into effect immediately. This resulted in a significant increase in logistics costs.Previously, 93% of Bangladesh's exports to India went via these land routes, so the impact on the country's ready-made clothing industry, which sends around USD 740 million worth of clothing to India each year, might be significant. It is anticipated that the action will upend Bangladesh's apparel sector, increasing prices and restricting access to markets while opening up new prospects for Indian producers.  

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, the company's flagship wristwatch with a revolutionary new design, made its debut last year. It is now rumored that the business will incorporate it into its array of next-generation watches. The alleged Galaxy Watch 8 series may forgo the existing circular shape in favor of a "squircle" design, according to a note found in the animation files of the leaked One UI 8 Watch. Additionally, it is said that the Classic model will gain a new Quick button, matching Samsung's high-end Watch Ultra.Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series Design Change According to Android Authority, information included in the newly leaked One UI 8 Watch development revealed the design modification of the alleged Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series. Two smartwatches with codenames "fresh8" and "wise8" are mentioned in the unreleased firmware; they are thought to be references to the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, respectively. The animation files' accompanying graphics show a similar appearance to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with both watches featuring a square dial and a circular display, a design sometimes referred to as a squircle. It is anticipated that other features of the Galaxy Watch 8 will not change, although the Classic model might. According to the source, a three-button arrangement for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic might include an extra button. Additionally, it might have greater vibrations thanks to longer vibration pattern support, just like the flagship Ultra smartwatch.Although their precise measurements are still unknown, the basic Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is reportedly available in "small" and "large" sizes with model numbers SM-L32 and SM-L33, respectively. In the meantime, the leaked One UI 8 Watch build only showed one SM-L50 version of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

ConfirmTkt launches a brand-new television ad. Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, and Virat Kohli are featured in the advertisement. It advertises the Travel Guarantee. Refunds for unconfirmed train tickets are provided by this feature. Other travel choices are available for users to book. The promotional video will be accessible on internet, OTT, and television channels. The goal of the campaign is to make travel hassle-free.A dynamic television commercial featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Rajat Patidar has been released by ConfirmTkt, a prominent online site dedicated to train utilities and ticketing. The #TravelKiFullGuarantee campaign highlights ConfirmTkt's special Travel Guarantee feature, which allows users to book last-minute alternatives like flights or buses by offering up to three times the return on unconfirmed train tickets. The commercial film will be released on digital, OTT, and television channels.For the 2025 T20 season, ConfirmTkt and RCB have extended their collaboration as the Official Train Ticketing Partner. The new campaign highlights ConfirmTkt's core feature, Travel Guarantee, which is intended to provide travelers with waitlisted tickets with more protection and flexibility. It includes the RCB power players in a humorous short film with a catchy song. Virat intervenes to unveil the true game-changer, ConfirmTkt's Travel ensure, after the commercial hilariously addresses the prevalent problem of unconfirmed train tickets by showing supporters donning player masks to "guarantee" a seat."Our renewed partnership with RCB for the 2025 T20 season is a celebration of two things that India is truly passionate about - cricket and train travel," said Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of ConfirmTkt & ixigo Trains, who spoke at the launch. We are excited to bring the idea of hassle-free travel to life in a way that is enjoyable, relevant, and significant, with Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Rajat Patidar spearheading the effort in our new #TravelKiFullGuarantee campaign. The Travel Guarantee function was created to address uncertainty, a major problem for millions of train passengers. Our users can now make reservations with ConfirmTkt with the same degree of confidence as RCB supporters have in their team.  

Would you purchase a smartphone merely for its camera function? It's certain that many individuals do, particularly with regard to the flagship models from Samsung and Apple. Additionally, Xiaomi thinks it has a decent possibility of thriving in this market, just like a few other businesses. Despite being a flagship device in every way, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may be attempting to pass itself off as a camera for artists with a lot of features. It's an intriguing idea, and I couldn't help but be tempted to look at this smartphone just to see how it looked from the camera.With its dual-tone silver and matte black rear finish and Leica branding, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one of the most fashionable phones I've seen recently. In some respects, it looks like a vintage camera. The phone's camera is further highlighted by the oversized camera bezel and the rectangular main lens inside. There is a physical SIM tray at the bottom, and the power button and volume rocker are on the right side. Although it's one of the heavier phones I've used, it has a nice grip. Additionally, you can never lay the phone flat due to the large bulge of the camera module.In my opinion, this phone's true beauty lies in its included accessories, particularly the photography package, which comes with a gorgeous red metal back cover, an attachable camera grip with zoom and mode settings, and an extra battery.In addition to being more expensive, this unit offers a lot more, not to mention its ability to turn heads. I adored how the kit turned the phone into a real camera for all intents and purposes, allowing you to use the physical buttons on the phone to control every feature of the camera with one hand. Additionally, you may change a number of features of this attachment in the settings, such as how smoothly or jerkily the camera zooms. Even altering the rings surrounding the camera module will only have a cosmetic impact.  

In a letter to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Payments Council of India (PCI), which represents payment businesses, has asked that the merchant discount rate (MDR) be reinstated for payments made using RuPay debit cards and the Unified Payments Interface.Making headlines: The digital payments sector has demanded that MDR be restored for major retailers in a letter to the prime minister. In order to make its case, PCI has also requested a meeting with the prime ministe. The government announced a Rs 1,500 crore bank subsidy to boost UPI payments for small businesses in a gazette notice published on March 21. Nonetheless, the sector had projected a Rs 5,500 crore subsidy for the current fiscal year, which raised questions about the digital payments sector's long-term viability.Concerns regarding the financial viability of the digital payments sector were raised, nevertheless, as the industry had projected a subsidy of Rs 5,500 crore for the current fiscal year.  

For aluminum foil imports from China, the Finance Ministry has increased the temporary anti-dumping tariff from $619 to $873 per metric tonne (MT). According to a March 17 gazette notice, the charge would be imposed on aluminum foil up to 80 micron, with non-capacitor applications exempting foil less than 5.5 μ.These changes occur against the backdrop of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States (US). In addition to this, last week the United States imposed a 25% duty on all imports of steel and aluminum. To shield the domestic industry from suspected dumping, India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has suggested levying a temporary anti-dumping tariff on Chinese imports of aluminum foil, with a range of $619 to $873 per tonne.After rising exports from the neighboring country took nearly a third of India's market share despite substantial local manufacturing capacity, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has suggested placing an anti-dumping charge on aluminum foil imported from China.  

The Asus ZenBook A14 is a computer that is capable of full productivity. With the intelligence of a smartphone, it can perform any task that a real Windows PC can.The other day, I saw an intriguing response at a café: excitement and a desire for a laptop, which is uncommon these days. I was caught off guard. And I'm willing to wager that the Asus ZenBook A14 will catch your eye as much as it did mine when you first saw it.The ZenBook A14 isn't a test product. It is a conventional laptop with a long battery life that works like a smartphone since it is so light—almost weightless. The features of this all-purpose laptop are designed to meet the needs of regular users, particularly those who are mobile and connected and have long desired these characteristics in a Windows device but have never been able to find them.I am aware that everyone is wondering if this laptop is the appropriate one for them and if it is worth the money. Ultimately, the ZenBook A14 is released concurrently with the new M4 MacBook Air. After using the Asus ZenBook A14 for a week, I have some observations.