1. Centre Sets Up Panel to Frame Air Crash Response Guidelines

The Home Secretary is heading a committee to frame guidelines for responding to aviation accidents, prompted by the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad. The committee will oversee the recovery of the black box, assess emergency responses, manage wreckage, and conduct investigations. Nineteen victims have been identified via DNA testing, and efforts continue to identify all 241 deceased from the crash. The goal is to establish standard operating procedures for future incidents.

2. Jaishankar Urges Iran, Israel to Avoid Any Escalatory Steps

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged Iran and Israel to avoid further escalation, emphasizing diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict. He spoke with his Iranian counterpart and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, advocating for peace. Meanwhile, India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, drawing criticism from the BJP-led NDA. Helplines have been established for Indian nationals in the region, as many work there.

3. India Steers Clear of SCO's Statement on Israeli Strikes

India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution supporting a ceasefire in Gaza and did not participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) statement condemning Israeli military strikes. Prime Minister Modi is on a three-nation tour to Cyprus, Croatia, and Greece, where he will attend the G-7 summit. Discussions will focus on global issues, including energy security and technology. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict and its economic repercussions are also on the agenda.

4. Countries Will React Based on Their Interests (Shivshankar Menon Interview)

In an interview, former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon discusses India's foreign policy, particularly its approach to Pakistan and China. He argues that India's diplomacy has not failed, but rather played a "pause" game. He questions the extent of Pakistan's support for terrorism and suggests that India's responses will evolve. Menon states that countries will act based on their interests, and India should pursue its own, potentially through bilateral engagements.

5. Air India Says Pre-Flight Checks Completed for Nine of 33 Dreamliner Jets

Air India announced the completion of one-time pre-flight checks for nine of its 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. These checks, conducted per fresh inspection guidelines, involve examining the flight control system, fuel parameter monitoring, and cabin air compressor. Separately, an Air India Boeing 787 crashed into a hostel in Ahmedabad, narrowly missing a residential area and three hospitals, which potentially averted a greater death toll. The crash killed 241 people.

6. Arunachal Declares 2025-35 as 'Decade of Hydropower'

Arunachal Pradesh has declared 2025-35 as the "Decade of Hydropower," aiming to generate 58,000 MW of electricity. The state plans to invest ₹4,525 crore by 2035 in various stages of project completion, creating a stable and supportive regulatory framework for industrial development. While the state aims for 12% free power from all projects, ongoing disputes and environmental concerns, particularly regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Dam, need to be addressed through consensus and fair compensation for affected communities.

7. Who Takes Responsibility When a Ship Sinks?

This article discusses the responsibilities and legal frameworks concerning shipwrecks and environmental damage. It highlights the SOLAS Convention and other international maritime organizations that govern safety and pollution. The piece details who is liable for cargo and damage, emphasizing that the ship owner is primarily responsible, but also involving charterers, operators, and insurers. The article uses the example of the MV XIN HAI 503, which caught fire, to illustrate the complexities of accountability in such incidents.

8. How Should Sexual Abuse Survivors Be Treated?

This article examines guidelines for treating sexual assault survivors, particularly regarding the medical termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued directives for forensic examination, identity verification, and medical board procedures. The Delhi High Court has also streamlined guidelines for doctors and medical professionals, emphasizing timely care and coordination with law enforcement. The focus is on providing comprehensive medical and legal support to survivors while ensuring privacy and prompt action.