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A Tragic Afternoon in Ahmedabad: The Air India 787 Disaster

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On June 12, 2025, at 13:38 IST, Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner registered VT‑ANB—departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, bound for London Gatwick with 230 passengers and 12 crew on board. Just 30 seconds into the flight, the aircraft veered off its ascent path and plummeted into the B.J. Medical College hostel in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area just 2 km from the runway. Casualties and the Sole Survivor This remains India’s deadliest single-plane civil aviation disaster in nearly three decades: Occupants: 242 (230 passengers, 12 crew) Fatalities onboard: 241 Ground casualties: at least 33 confirmed, many more injured in the crash’s chaos Total confirmed dead: around 274 Miraculously, one survivor emerged: Viswashkumar Ramesh, a 40‑year‑old British‑Indian national, seated in 11A. He recounted crawling out of the wreckage, bruised and shaken, but alive—a rare miracle amid immense devastation. Scene of Destruction: E...

The Spirit of Sacrifice – Celebrating Eid ul-Adha

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Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. Observed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar year, this festival commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) towards Allah. The Story Behind Eid ul-Adha The essence of Eid ul-Adha lies in the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael), as a test of faith. Without hesitation, both father and son submitted to the will of Allah. However, just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the command, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, thus rewarding their devotion and sparing his son. This act of submission and sacrifice is remembered and honored by Muslims around the world through the practice of Qurbani – the ritual sacrifice of a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The Rituals and Celebrations 1. Prayer and Reflection The day begins with a special...

Ukraine’s Bold Strike on Russian Air Bases: Global Ripple Effects Explained

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On June 1, 2025, Ukraine executed its most ambitious and far-reaching military operation of the war, codenamed "Operation Spider's Web." This unprecedented drone strike targeted five major Russian airbases deep within Russian territory, including Olenya, Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo, and Ukrainka. The operation resulted in the destruction or damage of over 40 Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers and surveillance planes, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Axios +2 The Times of India +2 Wikipedia +2 Reuters +9 Wikipedia +9 The Times of India +9 Operation Spider's Web: A Strategic Masterstroke Planned over 18 months, Ukrainian intelligence operatives smuggled 117 explosive-laden drones into Russia, concealing them in trucks and wooden sheds near the targeted airbases. The drones were launched simultaneously, catching Russian defenses off-guard and causing extensive damage. Among the destroyed assets were Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bo...

The Unhealthy Lifestyle of Youth and How It’s Promoted by Food Vloggers

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In today’s digital age, youth culture is shaped more by social media than ever before. Among the most popular influencers online are food vloggers — the creators who film themselves trying massive fast food items, bizarre street snacks, or the latest “viral” eats. While these videos are entertaining and attract millions of views, they come with an unseen cost: promoting unhealthy lifestyle habits among young audiences. The Appeal of Food Vlogs Food vloggers make eating look fun, adventurous, and often luxurious. Watching someone gorge on a giant cheesy burger or a mountain of sugary desserts feels indulgent even for the viewer. For many young people, it sparks the desire to imitate, turning occasional junk food into a regular craving. The problem is, these videos rarely show the behind-the-scenes reality: the bloating, indigestion, or long-term health risks of consistently consuming high-fat, high-sugar, and ultra-processed foods. Instead, they glamorize overconsumption and...

Embracing the Magic of the Monsoon Season

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The monsoon season, with its refreshing showers and earthy aroma, is one of the most anticipated times of the year. As the scorching summer heat gives way to cool breezes and dramatic skies, nature seems to come alive with a renewed spirit. The monsoon is not just a change in weather; it's an emotion—bringing joy, nostalgia, and a sense of calm. Nature’s Revival One of the most striking features of the monsoon is the transformation it brings to the landscape. Dry fields turn green, rivers swell with life, and trees look fresher than ever. The rain nourishes the soil, making it fertile for crops and thus supporting the livelihood of millions of farmers across the country. In rural areas, the monsoon is not just beautiful—it’s a blessing. Cultural Significance Monsoons play a vital role in shaping the cultural fabric of many regions. Traditional songs, poems, and dances often celebrate the rainy season. Festivals like Teej and Raksha Bandhan are closely associated with this time, mak...