Nearly five months after the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which claimed 260 lives, the investigation has become embroiled in controversy, with India’s Supreme Court now weighing in. The flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London on June 12, crashed into a building just 32 seconds after takeoff. An interim report released in July has drawn criticism for allegedly focusing on pilot actions rather than potential aircraft malfunctions. Recently, a Supreme Court judge emphasized that no blame should be placed on the aircraft’s captain, echoing comments from Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, who asserted that initial investigations found no issues with the aircraft or its engines. The investigation, led by India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with U.S. involvement due to the aircraft’s American origins, has faced scrutiny over its preliminary report. The report highlighted that fuel cutoff switches were moved shortly after takeoff, leading to engine shutdown, but did not conclusively determine the cause. Speculation has arisen over whether the pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, were responsible, with some experts suggesting an electrical fault may have triggered the shutdown. Critics argue that the investigation has been biased, with incomplete technical data and undue focus on pilot error. The Supreme Court is considering a petition from Captain Sabharwal’s father for an independent inquiry. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based Foundation for Aviation Safety has called for reforms in investigation protocols, citing systemic failures. As the investigation continues, the aviation community awaits the final report to uncover the true cause of the disaster.
分类： world
-
Mexico and France announce plan to boost economic and cultural ties after leaders meet
Mexico and France have unveiled ambitious plans to enhance their economic and cultural collaboration, marking a significant step in Mexico’s strategy to diversify its trade partnerships beyond the United States. The announcement followed a historic meeting between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and French President Emmanuel Macron at Mexico City’s National Palace, Macron’s first official visit to the country. This move comes as Mexico grapples with persistent trade tensions with the US, which has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on key Mexican exports, including steel, copper, and tomatoes, outside the scope of the USMCA agreement. Macron emphasized the deepening of the strategic alliance, stating, ‘Today we begin a new chapter in our strategic alliance, one that demands — and that we want to be — even more global.’ He highlighted the role of 700 French companies operating in Mexico, particularly in the aerospace sector, which collectively generate 150,000 direct jobs and 700,000 indirect jobs. Sheinbaum underscored the importance of next year’s renewal of the EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement, coinciding with the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Additionally, both leaders celebrated the reciprocal temporary exhibition of pre-Hispanic codices, including the Azcatitlan and Boturini manuscripts, which hold immense historical significance for Mexico. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutual cultural appreciation.
-
‘We had to create a human chain to evacuate’ – Jamaican hospital rebuilds after hurricane
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold in Falmouth, Jamaica, where the historic town remains partially submerged in stagnant, sewage-laden water. The storm, a Category 5 hurricane, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The regional hospital, situated on a low-lying road, was among the hardest hit, with floodwaters inundating its lower levels and causing significant damage to infrastructure, including the boiler room and ward roofs. Donna-Marie Hamilton-Wallace, the head of nursing, recounted the harrowing experience of evacuating patients and staff during the storm surge, describing it as both terrifying and miraculous that everyone survived. Ten days post-hurricane, recovery efforts are slowly gaining momentum. The Royal Navy, alongside local workers and international aid teams, is spearheading the cleanup, tackling the daunting task of restoring essential services. HMS Trent, a Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel, has been deployed to assist, with Marine Engineer Naomi Pearmine playing a crucial role in getting the hospital’s boiler operational. Machelle Stubbs, the chief medical officer, emphasized the critical need for external support, as many staff members continue to work tirelessly despite personal challenges. Keriesa Bell Cummings, the hospital’s CEO, has been coordinating relief efforts, rallying support from both local and international sources. While communications remain patchy, there is a growing sense of hope as aid and resources begin to arrive, marking a gradual return to normalcy for the resilient community.
-
Panache, parades and power: Africa’s top shots
This week, Africa showcased a vibrant tapestry of events, blending culture, politics, and sports. In Mogadishu, Somalia, locals sought respite from the scorching heat by plunging into the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Egypt buzzed with anticipation as the Grand Egyptian Museum prepared for its grand opening near the iconic Pyramids. Nigeria’s Lagos Fashion Week turned heads with Bubu Ogisi’s bold blue designs, while further north in Kwara State, brides-to-be readied themselves for the annual Awon mass wedding. Sports took center stage in Morocco as Chad triumphed over Tunisia in the Fifa Unites women’s football series. South Africa’s Cape Town hosted a spooky yet charitable Zombie Walk, complete with Halloween costumes. In Kenya, Rastafarian faithful celebrated the 95th anniversary of Haile Selassie’s coronation, while Senegal’s Fadiouth marked All Saint’s Day with a solemn procession to a local cemetery. Western Sahara saw crowds commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Green March, a pivotal moment in the region’s history. Zanzibar rehearsed for its presidential inauguration, while Tanzania mourned the loss of a young opposition leader amid political tensions. Guinea’s military ruler, Gen Mamadi Doumbouya, broke his promise to transition to civilian rule by submitting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. Finally, Senegal’s Dakar witnessed the breathtaking rise of the Beaver supermoon, capping off a week of diverse and dynamic events across the continent.
-
Kuwait Airways flight bound for Philippines faces technical glitch before takeoff
A Kuwait Airways flight scheduled to depart for the Philippines encountered a technical issue early Friday morning, delaying its takeoff. The incident occurred at 4:24 am at Kuwait International Airport when the aircraft experienced a sudden malfunction in its braking system while taxiing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the incident in a press release, assuring that no injuries were reported among the 284 passengers or crew members. DGCA spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi stated that the minor damage was confined to the aircraft’s fuselage. Immediate action was taken by technical authorities to secure the plane and conduct thorough safety inspections. Passengers were accommodated on an alternative flight, which departed at 12:20 pm. Al-Rajhi emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority for both the DGCA and Kuwait Airways, and such incidents are managed with the highest air safety standards.
-
The Line: Saudi Arabia scales back megacity plans as crown prince’s ambitions falter
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious ‘The Line,’ a 170-kilometer-long linear city central to the futuristic Neom mega-project, is undergoing significant downsizing due to escalating costs, design impracticalities, and mounting controversies. A recent investigation by The Financial Times (FT) reveals that architects and developers are scaling back plans drastically, with the project now reduced to just three modules from an initial 20. Over $50 billion has already been spent, yet senior construction managers label the project as ‘uninvestible.’ The Line, envisioned as a high-tech urban marvel, has faced criticism for its unrealistic design, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s fascination with science-fiction-inspired architecture. Despite warnings from engineers, the prince insisted on a 500-meter-high, 200-meter-wide structure, far exceeding feasible limits. The project has also drawn ire for its environmental impact, including threats to migratory species, and the displacement of local communities. Entire villages, such as Qayal and al-Khuraybah, have been demolished, leading to protests and arrests. Human rights organizations have condemned the harsh working conditions and exploitation of laborers, with reports of fatalities and inadequate investigations. Amid these challenges, Saudi Arabia is reportedly shifting focus from mega-projects like Neom to sectors such as logistics, minerals, and artificial intelligence, signaling a broader reevaluation of its economic priorities.
-
Exclusive: JD Vance plans to join Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey’s Iznik
US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly planning to accompany Pope Leo on his visit to Turkey to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, according to sources cited by Middle East Eye. The historic event will take place in Iznik, where the remains of an ancient basilica, believed to be the site of the First Council in 325 AD, are located. This council was one of early Christianity’s most pivotal gatherings, where bishops resolved theological disputes that shaped Christian doctrine. Vance, a devout Catholic, is expected to join the pope on November 28, though his participation has not yet been confirmed. Turkish officials anticipate his attendance and suggest he may also meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following their previous encounter in September. The Iznik basilica, measuring 20 by 40 meters, is considered the town’s largest known church and is increasingly accepted by scholars as the long-lost Church of the Holy Fathers. Pope Leo’s visit is expected to elevate Iznik’s status as a center for Christian pilgrimage and faith tourism. Excavations at the site, led by Mustafa Sahin of Bursa Uludag University, have uncovered 37 graves, many of which have been restored to preserve their historical authenticity. A 38-member Vatican delegation has already arrived in Iznik to finalize preparations for the pope’s visit.
-
Ugandans welcome war crimes charges against LRA leader Joseph Kony and demand his arrest
Survivors of the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda have expressed cautious optimism following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) confirmation of charges against the fugitive rebel leader. Kony, who remains at large and is believed to be hiding in the Central African Republic (CAR), faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, sexual slavery, and the use of child soldiers. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Kony in 2005, but despite extensive manhunts and a $5 million U.S. reward for his capture, he has evaded justice. Evelyn Amon, a 42-year-old survivor who was abducted at age 11 and forced to become one of Kony’s wives, emphasized the need for justice and compensation for victims. ‘I cannot be happy like other women who went to school. I need justice for women who went through abduction like me,’ she told the BBC. The LRA, notorious for mutilating victims and abducting children, was formed in the late 1980s with the stated goal of establishing a government based on the biblical Ten Commandments. After being driven out of Uganda in 2005, the group operated in neighboring countries, engaging in poaching and illegal mining. Patrick Ochieng, born in LRA captivity after his mother was abducted and sexually assaulted, echoed the call for justice, stating, ‘He should first be arrested. The victims who suffered can’t wait—some of these victims are already dying.’ The LRA’s insurgency in northern Uganda resulted in over 100,000 deaths, the abduction of 60,000 to 100,000 children, and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Survivors like Muhammad Olanya, who witnessed the 2004 massacre of 70 people in Lukodi, continue to bear the scars of the conflict. The ICC’s decision to proceed with charges without Kony’s presence offers a glimmer of hope that justice may eventually be served.
-
British ex-soldier arrested over alleged murder of Kenyan woman in 2012
A former British soldier, Robert James Purkiss, is set to be extradited to Kenya in connection with the alleged murder of Agnes Manjiru, a 21-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a septic tank in 2012. Purkiss, 38, was arrested in Tidworth, Wiltshire, on November 6 by the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) National Extradition Unit following a warrant issued in September. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he stated his intention to contest the extradition. His lawyers emphasized that he “vehemently denies” the murder charges.
Agnes Manjiru vanished on March 31, 2012, and her body was found three months later near a British army training camp in Nanyuki, approximately 124 miles north of Nairobi. At the time of her disappearance, she had a five-month-old baby. Reports indicate that on the night of her death, she was at a bar with friends where British soldiers were also present.
Manjiru’s family has long accused the British army of covering up her death and criticized Kenyan authorities for failing to conduct a thorough investigation. An inquest in 2019 concluded that she was unlawfully killed by one or two British soldiers, suffering stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. A 2021 Sunday Times investigation revealed that a British soldier had confessed to colleagues about the murder but continued to live in the UK after leaving the army.
In 2024, the British army launched an internal review into the conduct of its soldiers in Kenya, uncovering 35 suspected cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, nine of which occurred after such conduct was officially banned in 2022.
Manjiru’s niece, Esther Njoki, met with the UK’s defense minister last month to push for Purkiss’s extradition. In a statement issued through the family’s lawyers, Leigh Day, Njoki expressed relief over the arrest, calling it a significant step toward justice. Leigh Day partner Tessa Gregory described the arrest as a “huge moment” for the family, who have been seeking justice for over a decade. The family and their legal team hope for swift collaboration between UK and Kenyan authorities to ensure the suspect faces trial in Kenya.
-
China commissions CNS Fujian in Hainan province
China has officially commissioned its state-of-the-art aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian, in a grand ceremony held in Sanya, Hainan province. President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the event. The ceremony, attended by 2,000 personnel from the Navy and defense contractors, marked a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities. The CNS Fujian, named after the eastern coastal province of Fujian, is China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a cutting-edge technology that enhances its operational efficiency. President Xi personally handed the PLA flag to the carrier’s captain and political commissar, symbolizing the official induction of the vessel into the Navy. Following the ceremony, President Xi boarded the carrier for an inspection, where he observed various aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter jet and KJ-600 early-warning and control planes, on the flight deck. He also received a detailed report on China’s carrier force and inspected the equipment. The CNS Fujian, with a hull designation of 18, displaces over 80,000 metric tons, making it the largest and most powerful warship ever built outside the United States. Designed by China State Shipbuilding Corp and constructed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, the carrier underwent nine sea trials before its delivery. The successful commissioning of the CNS Fujian underscores China’s growing prowess in naval technology and its commitment to enhancing its maritime defense capabilities.