Nation
Covid-19 Needs a Regional Response, Say Physicians and Activists at SAPAN Meeting
Peace activists under the SAPAN platform conducted an event on Sunday which included prominent physicians like Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Dr Anup Subedee, Dr Vandana Prasad, and Dr Hamid Jafari of Pakistan (led the team that eradicated polio in India). Speakers included Salima Hashmi, Khushi Kabir, Kanak Dixit, Lalita Ramdas, besides journalists Beena Sarwar, Mandira Nayar and others. Activist Priyanka Singh conducted the event.
“South Asian countries cannot go it alone, that’s irrational,’’ said Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, renowned public health activist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee from Bangladesh.
The hard lockdown in his country will lead to furthering the inequalities in society, he warned, emphasizing that it is irresponsible to impose lockdowns without providing food. “Poverty has increased. There are 25 million more poor without food.”
Dr Chowdhury was among the physicians and health right activists across countries who came together on Sunday 27 June at a webinar organised by the South Asia Peace Action Network (SAPAN) to emphasize that the coronavirus pandemic must be fought collectively.
The third in the series of SAPAN’s monthly public webinars themed ‘Imagine: Neighbours in Peace’, the meeting focused on health as an entry point to talk about South Asian regionalism and Healthcare for all. Three main aspects deliberated included:
– How the pandemic is affecting rural areas of South Asian countries, hurdles in treatment, and access — or lack thereof — to vaccinations.
– How COVID-19 has affected mental health, women and particularly women in rural areas of all the countries of the region
– How the challenges are similar in all countries of the region and require similar solutions.
The meeting took place at a time when South Asia is reeling from the devastating second wave of Covid-19, especially in India. With Delta plus virus mutation now detected in parts of the region, the possibility of another wave looms large.
Journalist Mandira Nayar in Delhi moderated the physicians’ panel with Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury in Dhaka; infectious diseases specialist Dr Anup Subedee in Kathmandu and public health activist Dr Vandana Prasad also in Delhi. Dr Hamid Jafari of Pakistan, who led the WHO team that eradicated polio in India, joined from his current posting in Jordan.
Dr Chowdhury advocated challenging vaccine-producing countries and pushing South Asian governments to invest more in public health.
Participants also noted that the pandemic has particularly hit women hard.
“Domestic violence has increased,” noted Dr Prasad. Women often lack control over finances, are primary caregivers and shoulder the responsibility of caring for the ill. The pandemic has pushed women further into the margins, she said, adding that there is also a “gender dimension to the access of vaccines”.
She urged doctors to enter the peace activism domain, because the poor all over are at the brink of disaster.
Dr Prasad drew attention to the gendered nature of pandemic and frontline workers, as well as Dalits, indigenous people, other minorities. “Telemedicine is important, but we must not lose focus on need for ground-based public health to begin with”.
Frontline workers in India, the accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers often lack training, safety equipment and often doesn’t get her wages for months.
While highlighting that a public health system is meant to be a great equaliser, Dr Anup Subedee noted how the pandemic exposed systematic failures in many aspects of life in Nepal, referring not only to the grievous impact on non-Covid healthcare – like child immunization and maternity care – but also the painful ordeals of healthcare community itself.
He shared how the healthcare community in Nepal has been compelled to deal with threats of violence, lack of access to personal protection equipment, prospects of income loss without any social security system support, and an unaddressed mental health crisis among healthcare workers.
Doctors at the meeting endorsed the need for greater cooperation and collaboration across borders. Participants called on the governments to allow free flow of critical equipment and medical personnel across borders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had floated the idea of a SAARC medical visas for patients and for medical teams to assist during the pandemic – something that must be followed up.
The doctors also urged the international fraternity to push for a Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, or TRIPS, waiver so that the Covid-19 vaccine production can be ramped up. “It is the way forward for vaccines for all,’’ asserted Dr Prasad.
Activist Khushi Kabir in Dhaka introduced the event. She talked about connections, sharing her memory of how Dr Haroon Ahmed, one of the event’s speakers, was her physician when she was a child and he was starting work at a government clinic in Karachi. Dr Haroon was unable to join at the last moment due to ill health.
Wishing him a speedy recovery, Khushi commented, “Each time we meet, there are more losses people who have been part of our journey”. As at the previous SAPAN meeting there was a commemoration of mentors and leaders whose vision SAPAN is taking forward, like Asma Jahangir and Dr Mubashir Hasan, and Nirmala Despande and others.
There was also a moment of silence to express condolences and share the grief of the families and friends of those lost to Covid and other causes over the past month. “Since we were unable to memorialise everyone, the presentation could only be symbolic,” noted Khushi Kabir.
The In Memoriam slideshow includes journalist Ghazi Salahuddin’s three siblings taken by Covid in as many weeks, including Dr Aquila Islam, Pakistan’s first woman nuclear physicist. It also included the legendary runner Milkha Singh and his wife, volleyball champ Nirmal Saini who died within days of each other, and radiologist Chinna Dua, 56, wife of journalist Vinod Dua. She had endeared herself to music and poetry lovers across the region when she joined Tina Sani some years back at the Faiz Festival in Karachi – on Facebook at this link.
Ghazi Salahuddin has written about his family tragedy in a brave and heartbreaking oped for The News, Partings without goodbyes (20 June 2021), noting: “my struggle to cope with this terrible bereavement was eased a bit when I reminded myself that this pandemic has devastated so many families across the world…”
Several well known activists and experts also joined from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and elsewhere, including Hina Jillani, Urvashi Butalia, Jean Dreze, Kavita Srivastava, Shireen Huq, Kanak Mani Dixit and others.
The South Asia Peace Action Network (SAPAN) is primarily a coalition of individuals and organisations aiming to take forward a peace agenda for the region, building on the work done by mentors and leaders over the last few decades.
SAPAN founder and curator Beena Sarwar shared the story of this network and her vision for an inter-generational, multi-sectoral, inter- and intra-regional coalition of individuals and organisations coming together in broad consensus for a one-point agenda.
Facebook live recording is online at this link.
Source: SAPAN, Beena Sarwar, Kanak Mani Dixit, Mandira Nayar, Rida Anwaar, Rehmat Merchant, Priyanka Singh and some other peace activists present in the virtual session
Nation
Possible Causes of Air India Flight AI171 Crash in Ahmedabad: Expert Insights and Historical Comparisons
New Delhi- On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, en route to London Gatwick Airport. The disaster, which killed 241 of the 242 passengers and crew and at least 24 people on the ground, is under investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with international support. The aircraft issued a Mayday call and lost signal at 625 feet.
Potential Causes of the Crash
Preliminary investigations suggest multiple possible factors, though no definitive cause has been confirmed. CCTV footage shows the aircraft struggling to climb, with its landing gear down and flaps retracted—an unusual configuration for takeoff. Experts cited in Indian news outlets have outlined the following potential causes:
- Engine Failure: Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV, “The take-off was perfect, but just short of retracting the gear, the aircraft started descending, which can only happen if the engine loses power or the aircraft fails to generate lift.” Amit Singh, from Safety Matters Foundation, told Hindustan Times that a compressor failure or sudden power loss could be responsible, noting the aircraft’s abnormal configuration.
- Systemic Failure: Singh further stated, “That should not have been the case at all,” referring to the retracted flaps and extended landing gear, suggesting issues with flaps or elevators. An aviation expert, Sanjay Lazar told NDTV, “The catastrophic failure to achieve lift occurred at a very low altitude of 825 feet,” indicating a possible mechanical or configuration issue.
- Human Error: Captain Shakti Lumba, a retired Air India pilot, told The Times of India, “The landing gear was down, and the flaps appeared retracted, which is not the correct configuration for takeoff.” This suggests a potential pilot error in flap settings, though Captain Anupam Banerjee noted in Hindustan Times that the Boeing 787’s warning systems should have alerted the crew to such errors.
- Environmental Factors: Vipul Saxena told Hindustan Times that strong crosswinds and high temperatures (above 30°C) could have reduced lift, particularly with the aircraft’s 100,000-litre fuel load. Mohan Ranganathan highlighted Ahmedabad airport’s history of bird activity during the monsoon season. Still, Sam Thomas, president of the Airline Pilots Association of India, dismissed dual-engine failure from bird strikes as unlikely, stating, “The probability is one in a billion flying hours.”
The investigation continues, with Air India clarifying that reports of black box recovery remain unconfirmed. The pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, had over 9,000 combined flying hours, and the aircraft had no reported maintenance issues before the flight.
Other Devastating Plane Crashes
The Air India Flight AI171 crash, with at least 265 fatalities, ranks among the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. Below is a comparison with other significant crashes worldwide, based on casualty figures and causes, as reported by credible Indian news sources:
- Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (2014): 298 fatalities. The Boeing 777 was shot down over Ukraine by a surface-to-air missile, as reported by The Hindu. Unlike AI171, this was a deliberate act of sabotage.
- Japan Airlines Flight 123 (1985): 520 fatalities. A Boeing 747 crashed into a mountain due to improper repairs on the rear pressure bulkhead, causing explosive decompression, as noted by The Times of India. This mechanical failure contrasts with AI171’s potential engine or configuration issues but highlights maintenance risks.
- Air India Flight 182 (1985): 329 fatalities. A bomb explosion destroyed the Boeing 747 over the Atlantic Ocean, as covered by Hindustan Times. This terrorism-related incident differs from AI171’s likely technical causes.
- American Airlines Flight 191 (1979): 271 fatalities. A DC-10 crashed after an engine detached during takeoff due to maintenance errors, as reported by NDTV. This shares similarities with AI171’s possible engine failure or systemic issues during takeoff.
- Tenerife Airport Disaster (1977): 583 fatalities. Two Boeing 747s collided on a runway due to miscommunication and fog, as documented by The Indian Express. Unlike AI171, this involved human error in ground operations.
The AI171 crash is notable as the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, introduced in 2011 with a previously clean safety record. Its low-altitude failure during takeoff aligns with data indicating that most crashes occur during takeoff or landing, as reported by The Indian Express.
The AAIB is analyzing flight data, pilot actions, and maintenance records to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors were primary contributors. The investigation’s findings will have implications for Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, which India is considering grounding. Captain A.K. Sachdev, a retired Air Force officer, told The Print, “The rapid loss of altitude points to a critical failure, likely in propulsion or control systems.” The probe will be crucial for enhancing aviation safety protocols.
Ahmedabad | June 12, 2025 – An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plummeted shortly after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, with 242 people on board—including 230 passengers and 12 crew members—lost altitude moments after reaching approximately 625 feet, crashing into a residential doctors’ hostel in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar neighbourhood.
A video capturing the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has been circulating on social media as well as in print media. The footage shared by several credible news channels, reportedly shows the aircraft… pic.twitter.com/vPybEZtBnb
— Himachal Watcher (@HimachalW) June 12, 2025
Emergency response teams are actively searching the wreckage, with numerous casualties reported and many feared trapped. Several survivors with severe injuries have been rushed to local hospitals. Authorities confirmed the aircraft issued a Mayday call seconds before the crash, indicating a critical emergency.
Ahmedabad plane crash: visuals from the crash site of Air India flight AI171 https://t.co/pPnFC9wR8O
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) June 12, 2025
According to Air India officials, the flight carried passengers from multiple countries, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Twelve fire brigades, ambulances, and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units are assisting at the scene, where thick smoke and flames were visible for miles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, stating on X, “It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” He added that he is closely coordinating with authorities to support rescue efforts. Air India has established an emergency response center and deployed teams to aid affected families.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation, collaborating with Boeing representatives to determine the crash’s cause. Early speculation by experts suggests a possible bird strike may have impaired the aircraft’s takeoff performance. The incident is believed to be the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Ahmedabad airport has halted operations temporarily to facilitate debris removal and the ongoing investigation.
Nation
India Spoils Pakistan’s Drone and Missile Attacks, 16 Civilians, Including 3 Women and 5 Children Killed in Shelling from the Pakistani side
New Delhi – India on Thursday carried out calibrated military strikes targeting Pakistani air defence infrastructure, in response to an attempted drone and missile attack on multiple Indian military installations during the night of May 7–8. The Ministry of Defence stated that the Indian response was “in the same domain and with the same intensity” as Pakistan’s actions.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, Pakistani forces attempted to engage several military targets in northern and western India, including locations in Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.
These threats were effectively neutralised by India’s Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Grid and Air Defence systems, the statement said. Debris recovered from various sites has confirmed the Pakistani origin of the attempted strikes.
In response, Indian forces on Thursday morning targeted Pakistani air defence radars and related infrastructure. “It has been reliably learnt that an air defence system near Lahore has been neutralised,” the Ministry said, adding that the Indian strikes were proportionate and focused solely on military assets.
The development follows the briefing on Operation Sindoor held on May 7, during which Indian officials described their earlier military actions as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” At the time, it was specifically stated that Pakistani military installations had not been targeted, and that any attack on Indian military targets would invite a suitable response.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has escalated ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC), employing mortars and heavy artillery in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Ministry, sixteen civilians, including three women and five children, have lost their lives due to unprovoked shelling from the Pakistani side. Indian troops responded to suppress and halt further Pakistani fire.
The Indian Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to avoiding escalation, while emphasising that restraint would be maintained “provided it is respected by the Pakistani military.”
The government has yet to issue further details regarding the operational fallout of the counterstrikes, but sources have confirmed that all actions undertaken so far remain confined to military targets and are in accordance with India’s stated position of defensive preparedness and strategic restraint.
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