PILs filed in Calcutta HC over counting of votes for Bengal Assembly polls

New Delhi, July 17 (IANS) As certain international media houses continue to plant unverified and fake news regarding the Air India Ahmedabad crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday cautioned against “selective and unverified reporting”, calling such coverage “irresponsible and potentially damaging to the probe’s integrity”.

AAIB reacted after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that a cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots of the ill-fated Air India flight, that crashed last month, allegedly indicates the captain cut the flow of fuel to the plane’s engines.

“It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting,” said AAIB in a statement.

“Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing. We urge both the public and the media to refrain from spreading premature narratives that risk undermining the integrity of the investigative process,” the probe agency added.

“At this stage, it is too early to reach any definite conclusions. The investigation by AAIB is still not complete. The Final Investigation Report will come out with root causes and recommendations,” it noted.

Earlier in the day, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) said in a letter to the Civil Aviation Ministry that the AAIB preliminary report on the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has failed to sufficiently consider two plausible and previously documented technical scenarios, either of which could have triggered an automated shutdown of both engines of the ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The association has urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to include more subject matter experts in the investigation. The pilots’ association has alleged that the preliminary report appears to infer or suggest the possibility of pilot error, without presenting any conclusive evidence or exploring well-documented technical failure modes previously observed in a similar aircraft.

Meanwhile, pilots’ grouping ALPA-India on Thursday said the crew of the crashed AI-171 flight made every possible effort to protect the passengers onboard and they deserve respect, not unfounded character judgements.

“The crew of AI-171 made every possible effort — till their very last breath — to protect the passengers on board and minimise harm on the ground. They deserve respect, not unfounded character judgments,” ALPA India said in a statement. “We reiterate our call for a fact-based and respectful discourse,” the association said.

–IANS

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New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Amid the ongoing controversy over Hindi in Maharashtra, AIMIM leader and former MLA Waris Pathan has said that the North Indian language should not be imposed.

On the political buzz surrounding a possible reunion of the Thackeray brothers, he remarked that they should talk about the urban mismanagement and a rise in corruption ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, due after a seven-year gap

Speaking to IANS in Maharashtra on Friday, Pathan said he welcomed the idea of the Thackeray brothers uniting, adding, “What problem would I have if they come together? There was a time, two decades ago, when they were united. Now, with BMC elections approaching, they should come together and speak on real issues like rising corruption in Mumbai, potholes and urban mismanagement.”

He also addressed the recent language controversy triggered by Raj and Uddhav Thackeray’s protests against the growing use of Hindi in Maharashtra.

While asserting his own multilingual abilities, he said, “I speak Hindi, English, Marathi and Gujarati”, emphasising that language should never be a source of division. “English is a universal language. Marathi is our local language, and I use it daily as a practising lawyer. Hindi is our national language, spoken across the country,” he said.

Pathan criticised BJP leaders for allegedly stoking language chauvinism. “They say they will wipe out English, but in a democracy, you can’t force people to speak only one language. If I go to Tamil Nadu and don’t know Tamil, people won’t beat me. Learn every language, but don’t impose any.”

Turning his guns on the BJP, Pathan accused the party of using religion to polarise voters. “Every time elections come, they start Hindu-Muslim rhetoric. They want 90 per cent of Muslim votes but stay silent when mob lynchings happen or when innocent Muslims are jailed. People with beards and Muslim caps are discriminated against. This is sheer hypocrisy,” he alleged.

Pathan’s remarks come at a time when political temperatures in Mumbai are rising, with regional identity, language politics and civic issues taking centre stage ahead of the crucial BMC polls.

–IANS

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Patna, April 19 (IANS) In a bid to impress upon the people of Supaul district in Bihar, on the momentous possibility of solar power in lighting up and powering homes, a grand solar fair is being organised on Monday.

The one-day solar fair, beginning at 10 a.m., will be organised at the Electricity Office premises located at Degree College Chowk, where the people as well as beneficiaries will be informed about the benefits of solar energy and also sensitised on how to utilise the renewable energy to unburden them with inflated electricity bills.

“The primary objective of the fair is to raise public awareness regarding solar energy and to provide information on measures to help citizens find relief from electricity bills,” said an official.

According to departmental officials, consumers can significantly reduce their electricity expenses by installing solar panels on their rooftops.

With enough subsidies being offered by the government, installing a solar system has become more affordable and accessible compared to the past.

A team of experts from the solar energy sector will be present at the fair to educate the people in simple terms— on why one should subscribe to it and also motivate others to join the scheme. People will also be briefed about the steps for availing the subsidies under the scheme, and also the procedure of application of licence.

A key highlight of the event is that interested consumers will be able to apply for the scheme on the spot, right at the fair. Information regarding the necessary documents required for the application will also be provided at the venue.

The Electricity Department has appealed to all electricity consumers in the district to participate in this Solar Fair in large numbers and to take advantage of this scheme.

The initiative not only helps reduce people’s electricity bills but also leads to a substantial shift in promoting clean and green energy.

Electricity department official Alok Kumar Ranjan, speaking to the news agency IANS, said, “A Solar Fair is being organised to promote the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.’ At this fair, consumers will be made aware of the scheme. Detailed information regarding subsidies will be provided, and consumers will also have the opportunity to apply on the spot.”

–IANS

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