Sukma, June 12 (IANS) In a major breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, security forces recovered the bodies of two senior Maoists following an intense encounter in the forested terrain of Dunampara Pusgunna within Kukanar police station in the Sukma district, officials said on Thursday.

The deceased have been identified as Muchaki Baman, a commander of the Katekalyan Area Committee carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, and senior Maoist cadre Anita Avalam, both considered key operatives in the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist outfit.Baman was a resident of Chikpal under Katekalyan police limits in Dantewada district, while Avalam hailed from the Bijapur region, the officials said.The joint team, comprising personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and local police, launched the operation based on intelligence inputs indicating Maoist presence in the hilly jungles linked to the Katekalyan Area Committee.According to the Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, the exchange of fire began at around 2 p.m. and lasted for several hours, officials added.In addition to the two bodies, security forces recovered an INSAS rifle, a Bharmar firearm, and a significant cache of explosives as well as Maoist materials from the site.The seized items include four gelatin sticks, 10 detonators, 17 rounds of INSAS ammunition, five cartridges of 12-bore ammunition, a soap bomb, a tiffin bomb, wire coils, safety fuses, and other incriminating materials.Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), Sundarraj P, said that the latest operation is part of a sustained campaign against Maoist extremism in the region.He noted that between January 2024 and June 2025, security forces under the Bastar division have recovered the bodies of 411 Maoists through coordinated action.He said that security forces such as the DRG, Special Task Force, Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and the Bastar Fighters are working with determination under the banner of “Sankalp: Naxal Mukt Bastar Mission”.IGP Sundarraj highlighted that the Maoist movement, once emblematic of fear and disruption in Bastar, has reached a stage of fading into oblivion.He added that the region is now witnessing the early promise of peace and development, with operations continuing to dismantle the insurgency’s remaining strongholds.–IANSsktr/khz

Ahmedabad, June 12 (IANS) A tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon as Air India Flight AI-171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, prompting the temporary shutdown of all flight operations at the airport.The horror was amplified by stories from survivors and their families. Ramila, a local resident, tearfully recounted how her son narrowly escaped death. “My son had gone to the hostel for lunch. I thought I had lost him. But by God’s grace, he jumped from the second floor and survived with only minor injuries,” she said.Several eyewitnesses claimed that people jumped from upper floors to escape the fire.Rescue personnel reported that the black box of the aircraft has been recovered and will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the crash. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, took off at 1:38 PM from runway 23.Merely two minutes into the ascent, at around 1.40 p.m., the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a medical college hostel building in the Meghani Nagar area, sparking a massive fire and widespread panic in the locality.The crash site was engulfed in thick black smoke, visible from kilometers away. Upon receiving news of the crash, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed from Surat to Asarwa Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where many injured passengers were taken. Expressing sorrow over the incident, CM Patel described the crash as “deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking”, and ordered all concerned departments to carry out rescue and relief operations on war footing.The CM also directed the establishment of green corridors for the immediate transfer of the injured to hospitals and ensured that emergency medical arrangements be prioritised across the city’s medical facilities.Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a telephonic conversation with CM Patel and assured full support by the Central government. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were mobilised immediately and joined local authorities in the ongoing rescue and evacuation efforts.Preliminary reports indicate that a technical malfunction involving tire retraction failure during takeoff may have caused the crash. Sources suggest that after the aircraft’s tires failed to retract properly, it collided with a building near the airport.The impact broke the aircraft’s tail section into two pieces. The aircraft continued forward and crashed into the Atulyam building, a multi-storey structure housing intern doctors of a nearby medical college.The wing of the aircraft struck the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the hostel, causing extensive structural damage. The building is now at risk of collapse. Dozens of residents were inside at the time of the crash.The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains closed for all operations until further notice, and flights have been diverted or canceled. This is among India’s worst aviation disasters in recent years, with multiple nationalities aboard the aircraft, including British, Portuguese, and Canadian citizens, besides a majority of Indian passengers.In the wake of the crash, the Gujarat government has set up a control room at the State Emergency Operation Centre.Citizens and relatives of passengers can reach the center via phone: 079-232-51900 or mobile: 9978405304.Additionally, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has released two emergency numbers – 6357373831 and 6357373841 – for inquiries related to patient care and trauma center assistance.–IANSjanvi/pgh

Patna, June 12 (IANS) Political leaders across party lines expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy that struck Gujarat on Thursday, as an Air India flight, after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, crashed into the hostel building of BJ College in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad.Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wrote on the social media platform X: “The plane crash tragedy in Ahmedabad is very sad and heartbreaking. I am deeply saddened after hearing about the incident. My heartfelt sympathies with all affected families in this hour of grief.”Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Assembly, stated: “Saddened and shocked to hear about the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad with 242 passengers on board. Praying to God that passengers and crew remain safe!”Union Minister and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed: “The news of the Air India plane crash near Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, is heartbreaking. I wish the injured passengers a speedy recovery and extend my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives. May their souls rest in peace.”Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while addressing the media in Patna, said: “This is a very serious incident. We will need to gather complete information. It is extremely painful and hard to believe something like this has happened.”The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, 7 from Portugal, and one from Canada.According to preliminary reports, the plane encountered trouble moments after take-off and plummeted onto the hostel premises, causing widespread panic and destruction in the area.Emergency services swiftly reached the site, but casualty and injury figures are yet to be officially confirmed.Rescue and relief operations are ongoing.Authorities have sealed off the crash site and are conducting a detailed investigation.More details regarding the cause of the crash, passenger safety, and on-ground casualties are awaited.–IANSajk/svn

Bengaluru, June 12 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Thursday that the state Cabinet has decided to undertake a fresh survey of the social and educational status of Backward Classes, known as caste census, as per Section 11(2) of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission Act, 1995, given that 10 years have passed since the last survey.

He addressed a press conference at the Vidhana Soudha’s Conference Hall in Bengaluru regarding the resolution passed over the caste census in a special Cabinet meeting.He added that the state government would request the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission to complete the survey within 90 days, noting that Telangana completed its survey in 70 days.Responding to a query about how this survey differs from the Central government’s caste census, the Chief Minister said that the Central government has nowhere said that it will conduct a socio-educational survey.”When we (Congress government) asked if they (Centre) would conduct a socio-educational survey, they did not respond. Hence, we are doing it. We are committed to providing social justice based on the socio-educational survey report,” CM Siddaramaiah added.He said that the last Cabinet meeting had decided to hold a final discussion on Thursday over the caste census report submitted by the Permanent Backward Classes Commission, and accordingly, Thursday’s discussion focused solely on this matter.The Chief Minister noted that the social and educational survey was conducted based on 54 parameters, involving door-to-door visits.According to the 2011 census, Karnataka had a population of 6.11 crore, estimated to be 6.35 crore by 2015.Out of the 6.35 crore population, 5.98 crore people were surveyed.The survey began on April 11, 2015, and concluded on May 30, 2015, with the participation of 1.6 lakh staff and 1.33 lakh teachers.Siddaramaiah noted that during his previous term as the Chief Minister from 2013-2018, the report and its recommendations were not finalised.In 2018, a coalition government was formed with current Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister and Puttarangashetty as the Backward Classes Minister following which the report was complete.When the then Commission Chairman H. Kantharaju and Commission members met Minister Puttarangashetty and requested that the report be received, the then Chief Minister Kumaraswamy pressured him not to accept the report, and so it was not received.Later, Chairman Jayaprakash Hegde submitted recommendations based on the survey data to the state government on February 29, 2024.”Due to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the report could not be discussed. Later, our (Congress) government received the report, and it was presented to the state Cabinet in 2025. Cabinet members offered their opinions, and finally, the report was discussed today,” CM Siddaramaiah said.He noted that as per Section 11(2), the advice of the Commission’s Chairman, Madhusudhan Nayak, will also be sought.Responding to a reporter’s query on this matter, the Chief Minister said that as per Section 11 of the Act, a survey report loses its validity after 10 years due to changes in population, educational, and social developments.To a query about the promise in the manifesto to implement the report, CM Siddaramaiah said that in light of the changed social circumstances and guidance from the Congress high command, the Cabinet on Thursday decided to conduct a fresh survey.Retired Advocate General Madhusudhan R. Naik is currently the Chairman of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.”Other Commission members are yet to be appointed. Madhusudhan R. Naik will be contacted to discuss the survey,” Siddaramaiah said.The Section 9 (2) of the Backward Classes Commission Act, 1995, states that a survey should be conducted on the social and educational status and problems of people belonging to Backward Classes.The amendment was made in 2014.Section 9(3) mentions the supervision of welfare programmes for Backward Classes.Section 9(1) states that the Commission has the power to examine applications and include or remove classes from the list of Backward Classes.Therefore, the state Cabinet’s decision on Thursday is to conduct a fresh survey, and the Commission’s advice will be sought in the coming days, the Chief Minister said.”Population increases in 10 years. Economic, social, and educational changes also occur. Therefore, the Act stipulates that a survey should be conducted after 10 years. We are doing it accordingly. The Congress high command only advised on this; we are taking legal action,” he told a media person.Regarding objections from the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities concerning the previous survey, the Chief Minister said that they are taking legal action as per Section 11.–IANSmka/khz

Bhopal, June 12 (IANS) Upon receiving the shocking news of the Air India plane crash in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cancelled all its programmes scheduled for the day. Madhya Pradesh BJP issued a statement, mentioning that following the tragic incident of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, all programmes (organisational) scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled with immediate effect.”All programmes, including professional and organisational meetings scheduled for today in view of the successful 11 years of the BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra, are cancelled,” MP BJP chief V. D. Sharma said.”The tragic incident of the Air India Plane crash in Ahmedabad is shocking and extremely painful. I pray to God for the safety of passengers injured in this heart-wrenching incident,” Sharma wrote X, expressing his grief.Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences, saying it’s painful to know about the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.”The news of the Air India Plane crash in Ahmedabad is sad and heartbreaking. I pray to Baba Mahakal for the safety of all passengers and crew members,” Mohan Yadav wrote on X.The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), on its way to London, with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew, crashed a few minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.Flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, were temporarily suspended after the accident. After a few hours, the flight operations were resumed.Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said a detailed investigation is underway into the crash of Air India flight AI-171.–IANSpd/svn

New Delhi/Ahmedabad, June 12 (IANS) The crash of Air India plane near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday was the second such major tragedy in the city since 1988, with both incidents linked to runway 23.As many as 133 people out of 139 on board were killed on October 19, 1988, when Indian Airlines Flight 113 from Mumbai to Ahmedabad crashed while approaching the airport’s runway 23. Before crashing, the flight to London on Thursday had also taken off from runway 23.Findings of a probe into the 1988 incident attributed it to pilots’ error linked to descending below the minimum altitude of 500 feet or 150 metre.There were reports that the two pilots had problems sighting the runway and lost track of their altitude in their efforts to approach the airport that lacked approach lights or visual approach slope indicator (VASI).While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials are still to arrive at a conclusion on the cause of Thursday’s crash, court of inquiry into the 1988 crash had concluded that the aircraft hit trees and high-tension electricity tower close to Chiloda Kotarpur Village.The plane crashed near Noble Nagar Housing Society, about 2.5 km from the approach end of runway due to the pilots attempting to land without any clearance from the Air Traffic Control, it said.The plane crash in 1988 resulted in the death of Professor Labdhi Bhandari from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.All six crew members, including two pilots, and 129 passengers, including 5 children, perished in the Ahmedabad crash in 1988.An inquiry panel had confirmed pilots’ poor judgement due to non-adherence to laid down procedure, under poor visibility conditions.In a suit filed by victims’ kin, an Ahmedabad court had said that the degree of negligence on the part of the pilot-in-command and the co-pilot of the Indian Airlines was so high that the same amounted to “recklessness” on their part as contemplated by the Carriage by Air Act, 1972.–IANSrch/pgh

Hyderabad, June 12 (IANS) A Hyderabad court on Thursday sent Nune Sridhar, an Executive Engineer in the Telangana Irrigation Department, to judicial custody for 14 days in a case of disproportionate assets.The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which unearthed huge assets amassed by the officer, including a villa, three independent buildings, 19 prime residential plots, at least four flats, and stakes in multiple hotels, on Thursday produced him before a court, which sent him to custody.Sridhar, who was serving as the Executive Engineer, Irrigation & CAD Department, Division-8, SRSP Camp at Choppadandi in Karimnagar district, was shifted to the Chanchalguda Central Jail.The ACB raids on his properties are likely to continue for a few more days. The agency will be opening his bank lockers, which are likely to unearth his financial transactions. Based on the documents seized during raids, the officials may identify more properties owned by him or his ‘benamis’ (proxies).The ACB officials conducted raids at his residence and 13 other places linked to him and his relatives on Wednesday. The properties unearthed include a village in Tellapur, a flat of 4,500 square feet in a gated community in Sheikhpet, a commercial complex in Ameerpet, three flats in Karimnagar, three buildings and 16 acres of land at prime locations in Hyderabad, Karimnagar and Warangal towns, two four-wheelers, gold ornaments and bank deposits.The market value of the properties amassed by him is estimated to be Rs 100 crore. The engineer also allegedly spent crores on a destination wedding in Thailand for his son.The ACB said a disproportionate assets case has been registered against Sridhar.Sridhar was reportedly involved in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which is currently being investigated for alleged irregularities.Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief and former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was on Wednesday examined by the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, which is probing alleged irregularities in the project.Alleging large-scale corruption in the project, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has vowed to make public the evidence of the same.–IANSms/vd

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) The Supreme Court expressed deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.”The Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Companion Judges of the Supreme Court of India, along with the officials of the Registry, express deepest condolence to the families affected by the tragic air crash at Ahmedabad today. The Chief Justice of India has also expressed his concern for the inmates of the B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad,” said a press statement released by the top court.”During this difficult times our thoughts and prayers are with them. May they find strength and solace in the support of their loved ones,” CJI B.R. Gavai said.The crash occurred shortly after Air India Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London’s Gatwick Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down near the Meghaninagar area, causing widespread panic among the residents.Emergency teams immediately locked down surrounding roads to ensure unhindered rescue and medical operations. Search, recovery, and treatment efforts are currently ongoing.The plane crashed into a residential hostel for intern doctors, igniting a massive blaze and leaving a trail of destruction. The impact caused a catastrophic fire that rapidly engulfed the structure, home to more than 50 people, including young medical interns and their families. The fire’s intensity left several trapped inside and forced others to leap from the upper floors in a desperate attempt to escape.Official casualty figures are awaited. Meanwhile, the Airport Authority has recovered the aircraft’s black box, a critical component that records flight data and cockpit communication. It will be crucial in piecing together the exact chain of events that led to the crash. Relief operations continued late into Thursday evening, with fire brigades, NDRF teams, and emergency responders working tirelessly at the crash site. –IANS pds/vd

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh said on Thursday that India’s position on key issues — including the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam and its continued advocacy for global unity in the fight against terrorism — was widely appreciated during the recently concluded 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.

These positions were unanimously reflected in the forum’s final joint declaration.In particular, India’s firm and principled stance on countering terrorism received a strong boost.While addressing the media persons in the Parliament House, the Deputy Chairman said that Indian delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and forcefully called for the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.He also highlighted that the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in Brasilia, with participation from the Parliaments of all 10 member countries, including India, was a significant success for the country.He said that this year’s event included delegations from India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia.Representatives from these Parliaments actively engaged in the deliberations and played a pivotal role in shaping the joint declaration.The Deputy Chairman emphasised that the joint declaration strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, with Parliament members pledging to take collective action against terrorism.Sharing the Deputy Chairman Singh’s views, the Indian delegation underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to curb financial support to terrorist organisations, enhance intelligence sharing, prevent the misuse of emerging technologies, and strengthen cooperation in investigation and judicial processes.He highlighted that India’s approach received special recognition, with BRICS Parliaments affirming that active participation by all member nations is vital to ensuring global peace and security.Praising the achievements of Indian delegation, the Deputy Chairman said that the delegation effectively articulated India’s strong and clear stance on several key issues — particularly the need for global cooperation against terrorism, the pursuit of a just and balanced international order, engagement in technological innovation, and the promotion of democratic exchange.He also noted that after multiple rounds of intensive discussions and deliberations, a broad consensus was reached on key global issues such as the responsible use of artificial intelligence, global trade and economy, inter-Parliamentary cooperation, global peace and security.He said that at the conclusion of the Forum, India was honoured with the responsibility of hosting the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum next year, with Lok Sabha Speaker Birla formally assuming the chairmanship.In his recent speech, the Lok Sabha Speaker addressed the sessions of the forum on four sub-themes which include — towards stronger and more durable BRICS Inter-Parliamentary cooperation; BRICS Parliaments united for the reform of the multilateral peace and security architecture; inter-Parliamentary cooperation for responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence; and BRICS Parliamentary action in search of new paths for economic development.–IANSgcb/khz

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday expressed grave concern over two recent international developments, calling them deeply troubling for India’s diplomatic standing and national interest. He has also demanded an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament since day one.Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government should take suggestions from the opposition, hold discussions and decide the national strategy in the presence of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, he said.“This has happened many times before. This will be essential in the national interest,” he emphasised. In a strongly worded post on his X handle, Kharge has pointed to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla’s recent praise of Pakistan as a “phenomenal counter-terrorism partner” and the subsequent invitation extended to Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to attend the 250th anniversary celebrations of the US Army in Washington on June 14.General Kurilla’s remarks, made during a testimony before the US House Armed Services Committee, have sparked political debate in India. He credited Pakistan’s military with capturing high-value ISIS-Khorasan operatives and emphasised the need for the US to maintain strategic ties with both India and Pakistan.The invitation to General Munir, who is also expected to meet senior US officials during his visit, comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor.Kharge also condemned the recent vandalism at the ancestral residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. The Rabindra Kachharibari, now a museum, was attacked by a mob following a dispute between a visitor and staff over a parking fee.The incident escalated into violence, with parts of the premises damaged and staff reportedly assaulted. Authorities in Bangladesh have launched an investigation and temporarily closed the site to the public.Calling these developments “extremely worrying”, Kharge reiterated the Congress’ longstanding demand for an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament to discuss India’s foreign policy challenges.He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to engage the opposition in meaningful dialogue and formulate a cohesive national strategy in the presence of the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister.“This has happened many times before,” Kharge said, referring to past instances of bipartisan consultations on foreign policy. It is essential in the national interest that we speak with one voice on matters of international importance.”The Congress leader’s remarks come amid growing calls from opposition parties for greater transparency and inclusivity in India’s foreign policy decision-making, especially in light of shifting geopolitical alignments and regional security concerns.The Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue an official response to either the CENTCOM chief’s comments or the invitation to General Munir.Meanwhile, the vandalism in Bangladesh has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum in India, with both the BJP and Trinamool Congress calling for accountability and protection of shared cultural heritage.–IANSsktr/pgh