12/06/2025
WEEKLY INDIA NEWS
# # # Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad, Over 240 Feared Dead in National Tragedy
**Ahmedabad, Gujarat** – A devastating tragedy has struck the nation after an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down in a residential area near the airport, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life.
Early reports indicate that at least 240 people, including individuals on the ground, have been killed. In what is being described as a miracle, one passenger is reported to have survived the crash and is receiving medical treatment. The aircraft gave a "Mayday" call to Air Traffic Control just moments before the crash. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash "heartbreaking beyond words" and confirmed he is in close contact with ministers and authorities on the scene. An investigation into the cause of India's worst aviation disaster in decades is underway, with Boeing stating it is working to gather more information.
# # # Monsoon Set to Advance, Economy Faces Headwinds
As the nation grapples with the tragedy, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a strong revival of the southwest monsoon. After a stall, the monsoon is expected to advance over most parts of Central and East India by June 18 and reach many parts of North-West India by June 25, bringing much-needed relief from the summer heat.
On the economic front, the World Bank has trimmed India's growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26. In domestic markets, the Sensex and Nifty saw modest gains this week, closing at 25,141 on Thursday. In a significant move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced it would discontinue daily variable rate repo (VRR) auctions, citing a surplus of liquidity in the banking system amounting to ₹3 lakh crore.
# # # Political Discourse Continues on Foreign Policy and Governance
In the political arena, the opposition Congress party has questioned the government's foreign policy, citing recent challenging statements from the United States. This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the G7 Summit in Canada, a visit intended to strengthen international ties.
The Modi government marked its 11th year in office this week, with the Prime Minister highlighting an "infrastructure revolution" as a key achievement that has boosted the "ease of living" for citizens. Domestically, the Union Cabinet approved new railway projects worth over ₹6,400 crore to enhance connectivity in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Meanwhile, internal party politics saw the Congress expel a senior leader's brother for "anti-party activities." In Maharashtra, speculation continues to swirl around a potential reconciliation and alliance between the estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj.
# # # In Other News:
* **Crime:** The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced it had busted a major cybercrime racket, seizing ₹2.8 crore in cryptocurrency and ₹22 lakh in cash.
* **Justice:** The Delhi High Court has suggested the reconstitution of the Sentence Review Board and a re-evaluation of the 2004 policy on the premature release of prisoners.
* **International:** Five Indian nationals were killed in a bus accident in Kenya, with the Indian Embassy assisting in the repatriation of their remains.
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