The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed the successful recovery and secure transfer of both black boxes from the ill-fated Air India Flight AI-171, marking a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the crash.

In accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017 and ICAO Annex 13, a multidisciplinary team was formed on June 13, 2025. The investigation team, led by the Director General of AAIB, includes specialists in aviation medicine, air traffic control, and representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as the aircraft was manufactured and designed in the United States.

The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was recovered from a building rooftop at the crash site on June 13, while the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) was retrieved from the debris on June 16. Both recorders were securely stored in Ahmedabad under continuous police guard and CCTV surveillance before being airlifted to Delhi by the Indian Air Force on June 24.

The CVR arrived at AAIB’s Delhi laboratory at 2:00 PM, followed by the FDR at 5:15 PM the same day. Technical teams from AAIB and NTSB immediately began the process of data extraction, successfully retrieving the Crash Protection Module and downloading data from the CVR on June 25.

Analysis of the black box data is now underway to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the crash. The objective is to identify any contributing factors to ensure accountability and improve aviation safety standards.

Authorities emphasized that all procedures have adhered strictly to Indian law and international commitments, and the investigation is being conducted in a timely and transparent manner.

The Indian Naval Academy (INA) recently wrapped up a three-day midterm hike and inter-academy training exchange from June 23 to 25, hosting 43 cadets from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. Among them were three cadets from friendly foreign nations, highlighting the growing global participation in India’s defense training programs.

The event was graced by the presence of Major General Ajay Sud, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of OTA Chennai, underscoring the role of senior leadership in guiding future officers. Set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Dilli, Kavvayi backwaters, and the Arabian Sea, INA offered cadets a firsthand experience of naval life and facilities, including modern swimming pools, equestrian centers, and advanced shooting ranges.

The program featured interactive sessions, group discussions, and field exercises, aimed at instilling core military values, leadership qualities, and a spirit of jointmanship. Cadets engaged in structured drills and explored the evolving doctrine of inter-service collaboration, a priority area in India’s defense strategy.

The presence of international cadets further emphasized India’s commitment to defense diplomacy and training partnerships. Since its establishment in 2009, INA has emerged as a hub for multi-domain officer education, supporting India’s vision for a modern, integrated armed force.

This exchange initiative not only broadened the cadets’ understanding of naval operations but also reinforced the importance of synergy between the Army and Navy—critical to the success of joint military operations in the future.

In a significant diplomatic signal, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has conveyed his readiness to hold a “meaningful dialogue” with India to address all unresolved issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism, water sharing, and trade. The statement was made during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as reported by Pakistan’s state broadcaster, Radio Pakistan.

Sharif’s remarks come in the wake of heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor – a precision military strike launched in May against terror infrastructure in Pakistan, in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Since then, bilateral ties have remained strained, with India maintaining diplomatic and economic restrictions on Islamabad.

“Pakistan is ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues,” said Sharif, reiterating similar statements made during recent visits to Iran and Azerbaijan.

Despite Sharif’s outreach, India has shown no inclination toward reopening dialogue. New Delhi has consistently emphasized that peace talks cannot proceed unless Pakistan takes credible and irreversible action against terrorism. India’s External Affairs Ministry has firmly echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s doctrine: “Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together.”

India responded to the Pahalgam attack by suspending key bilateral arrangements, including placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, halting trade with Pakistan, and closing Indian airspace to Pakistani aircraft. The Modi government has also reiterated that the only issue India is interested in discussing is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Although both sides agreed to halt military actions on May 10, after four days of intense cross-border exchanges, the diplomatic standoff continues.

Sharif’s statement to the Saudi Crown Prince is being seen by analysts as an attempt to draw international attention and potentially mediate regional peace. However, with New Delhi’s current stance firmly rooted in counterterrorism priorities, the prospect of immediate talks appears limited.

In a deeply emotional act of devotion and protest, a 65-year-old retired Indian Army officer, S Vijayan, has donated property worth ₹4 crore to the Arulmigu Renugambal Amman Temple in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district. The donation came in the form of original property documents dropped into a temple hundi, reportedly after facing sustained pressure from his daughters to transfer the assets to them.

The discovery was made during a routine bi-monthly counting of offerings at the temple, located near Arani town. Among the donations, temple authorities were surprised to find legal documents related to 10 cents of land and a single-storey house near the shrine, along with a handwritten note declaring the veteran’s consent to donate the property.

According to reports, Vijayan is a native of Kesavapuram village and has been a lifelong devotee of the temple. He has lived alone for nearly a decade following a separation from his wife and claims to have received no support from his two married daughters, who reside in Chennai and Vellore.

“I was humiliated by my children even for daily expenses,” Vijayan told local media. “I will not go back on my word. After consulting temple officials, I will legally transfer my properties to the temple.”

While the donation of documents does not automatically grant the temple legal ownership of the property, the matter has been reported to senior officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The department is currently holding the documents until a formal registration is completed.

“The devotee has to register it with the department for the temple to legally claim the property,” said M Silambarasan, Executive Officer of the temple.

This rare gesture highlights not only the veteran’s disillusionment with familial ties but also his enduring faith in the temple he has worshipped at since childhood. The story has sparked conversations online about elder care, property rights, and the emotional toll of familial disputes in India.

A heartwarming story from Indore is capturing the attention of millions across India, as a 79-year-old retired Administrative Officer from the Indian Army has taken to the streets with a food stall, inspiring people with her resilience, independence, and passion for life.

The story came to light after food vlogger Kashish Soni shared a video on Instagram showing the elderly woman running her food stall entirely on her own. The stall offers popular Indian street food items like idli, chole bhature, and other homemade dishes. The video has gone viral, amassing over 3 million views and drawing widespread admiration for the woman’s strength and spirit.

In the video, the former Army officer shares that after retiring from her service, she decided to pursue her lifelong interest in cooking. She reveals that she never married, explaining simply, “Main apne shaukh nahi poore kar paaungi. Aaj bhi mujhe sab cheez ka shaukh hai,” reflecting her decision to live life on her own terms and fully embrace her passions. She also mentions having studied fine arts in Mumbai, where she earned a degree in the subject.

The food stall is located in front of Modern Gift Store near Chandra Lok Colony, Khajrana Road, Shree Nagar Extension in Indore, and operates after 6 PM.

Social media users have flooded the comments section with appreciation, calling her a true example of women’s empowerment and individuality. Comments ranged from “Live example of women being happy and independent” to “At the end, it’s all about being able to be yourself and let the world know your worth.”

Her story adds to a growing list of individuals who redefine retirement and showcase that it’s never too late to start something new. The retired officer’s journey from serving the nation to serving food with love is being seen as a testament to determination, passion, and self-reliance—qualities that continue to inspire audiences both online and offline.

In a major security breach, Vishal Yadav, a clerk posted at the Navy headquarters in Delhi, has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive naval information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest was carried out by the intelligence wing of the Rajasthan police after a prolonged surveillance operation.

According to sources, Yadav, a resident of Haryana, was ensnared in a honey-trap orchestrated by a woman identifying herself as Priya Sharma, suspected to be an ISI agent. Investigators say the woman manipulated Yadav into sharing confidential defence documents in exchange for money, exploiting his financial vulnerability due to losses in online gaming.

Crucially, among the leaked materials were sensitive inputs related to Operation Sindoor, India’s recent precision military strike conducted on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure. This revelation has triggered a high-level probe into potential insider threats within India’s defence system.

Yadav’s arrest followed the recovery of incriminating data from his mobile phone, revealing regular communication with the ISI handler and repeated transmissions of classified information. A joint team of intelligence and defence security officials is currently interrogating Yadav at the Central Interrogation Center in Jaipur to determine the extent of the breach and whether others may be involved.

Security analysts warn that this case is part of a growing trend of honey-trap espionage incidents targeting Indian armed forces personnel. Experts cite a 40% rise in such cases globally over the last two years, often exploiting personal distress through social media platforms and messaging apps.

The Indian Navy and other defence agencies are now reviewing internal security protocols, with renewed focus on cyber awareness and counter-espionage measures. Calls are mounting for improved background checks, psychological profiling, and digital activity monitoring of personnel with access to classified information.

Vishal Yadav’s arrest underscores the persistent and evolving threat posed by espionage in the digital era, reinforcing the need for stringent safeguards to protect India’s national security interests.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), made a significant visit to Military Hospital Jammu on June 22, marking a milestone in India’s military medical history. Her visit brought national attention to the hospital’s key role in providing advanced casualty care during Operation Sindoor, a major cross-border counter-terror operation launched by India on May 7, 2025.

The visit was part of Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin’s ongoing review of frontline medical units. She was received by the Commandant of the hospital and given a comprehensive briefing on the facility’s operational role, both during peacetime and in high-intensity combat scenarios. She praised the staff for their swift and professional response during Operation Sindoor, where military medics handled sensitive trauma cases under pressure.

In recognition of their efforts, Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin presented the DGAFMS Unit Appreciation to the hospital, honoring its staff with a ceremonial flag dedicated to their service. The award ceremony was attended by senior officers from the armed forces, highlighting the growing role of medical support in modern warfare.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin, an alumna of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, brings over three decades of experience to her role. With specializations in radiodiagnosis and radiation oncology, she has led key medical institutions including INHS Asvini and AFMC. Her appointment as DGAFMS in October 2024 broke new ground in military leadership, making her the first woman to hold the position. Her visit to Jammu was characterized by direct engagement with patients and staff, emphasizing her hands-on leadership style.

Her presence also underscores the increasing involvement of women in senior military roles and highlights the transformation in India’s defence medical services. Recently, she was appointed to a Supreme Court-mandated National Task Force to strengthen protections for medical professionals, further reflecting her influence on national health policy and military readiness.

Military Hospital Jammu’s role during Operation Sindoor has set new standards for emergency medical response under combat conditions. With the hospital’s continued modernization and training, it stands as a model for other military medical facilities in the country.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin’s visit serves not just as an inspection, but as a tribute to the evolving strength and adaptability of India’s armed forces medical infrastructure, especially in times of conflict.