Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated that the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the Air India Flight 171 crash is not the final assessment. The investigation is ongoing, and the ministry is coordinating with the AAIB for support. The preliminary report highlighted critical issues such as mid-air fuel cutoffs and cockpit confusion, leading to the crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, which resulted in one survivor among 241 passengers. Further analysis and testing are underway before a final conclusion is reached.

The Trump administration is facing a significant internal crisis as FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino nears resignation over Attorney General Pam Bondi's mishandling of the Epstein files. A DOJ memo undermined Bondi's claims about the existence of a "client list" and blackmail, leading to public outrage and a rift within the administration. Bongino's potential exit could prompt FBI Director Kash Patel to resign as well, reflecting a broader collapse of trust and credibility in the administration. Bondi, once supported by MAGA influencers, now faces backlash and isolation.

The CBI has taken over the investigation into the alleged custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple guard from Tamil Nadu. The case was registered against unidentified police personnel following a postmortem report that revealed multiple injuries and signs of torture. The autopsy indicated severe trauma, including abrasions, contusions, and internal bleeding, suggesting repeated beatings. The investigation was transferred to the CBI after the Tamil Nadu government intervened, and the case is being pursued under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

India is enhancing its Rafale fighter jet fleet by procuring the X Guard decoy system to improve missile defense capabilities. This system, developed by Israel's Rafael, has been tested and integrated into the aircraft but faces delivery delays due to supply chain issues. The Rafale jets have demonstrated precision in recent operations, successfully targeting key Pakistani military installations. The X Guard operates by mimicking the aircraft's signature to divert incoming missiles, thus protecting the actual jet. Modifications for Indian requirements include advanced sensors and systems for high-altitude operations.