India's Census Shift, Air Safety Alerts, and Diplomatic Reset – Weekly Digest

India’s landscape, both literally and politically, shifted significantly over the past week. From surging monsoon rains that triggered alerts and floods to sweeping infrastructure and public safety initiatives, each event unveiled a story of resilience, ambition, or introspection. Whether it was a massive space launch or a new expressway energizing eastern India, this week painted a vibrant—if turbulent—picture of the country’s evolving priorities. Here’s your in-depth look at the key developments that moved India last week, with no distractions from entertainment headlines.

Patliputra–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express Flagged Off

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the second Vande Bharat Express on June 20, connecting Patliputra (Patna, Bihar) and Gorakhpur (UP) via Muzaffarpur and Narkatiaganj. Operating six days a week, the 384 km journey takes about 7 hours—saving 2 hours on the route—through efficient stops at Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, and Kaptanganj.

• Features include eight coaches (1 executive, 7 chair cars), GPS info, auto doors, bio-vacuum toilets, onboard catering, Kavach safety system, and premium seating. The launch coincided with Modi’s broader infrastructure push, unveiling new lines (Vaishali–Deoria), six sewage treatment plants under Namami Gange, battery projects, rural roads, electrification, and the first diesel locomotive export to Guinea.

Air India Boeing 787 Crash in Ahmedabad

• On June 12, Air India Flight AI171 (Boeing 787‑8) crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad to London–Gatwick, tragically killing nearly 270 people, including individuals on the ground. One survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, reported escaping from the wreckage.

• In response, the government formed a high-level probe committee—led by the Home Secretary—to deliver recommendations within 90 days, alongside DGCA-led fleet inspections (12 Dreamliners examined; no systemic faults found yet). The UK, the US, Boeing, GE Aerospace, and agencies including NIA, DGCA, NSG, ATS, and forensic teams are assisting. Air India grounded several Dreamliners and canceled eight international flights, while Tata Group and the aviation ministry pledged compensation and family support.

Southwest Monsoon Intensifies Across India

After a mid-June lull, the southwest monsoon is active again, advancing over central and north India.

• Forecasts & Returns: IMD estimates 106 ± 4 % of long-period average rainfall from June to September, with June expected to exceed norms.

• Alerts Issued: Red and orange warnings for very heavy rainfall (>200 mm in 24 hrs) in MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Konkan, Goa, and NW India through June 27. Yellow alerts for Delhi-NCR and Haryana.

• On-ground impact: Central Gujarat saw 205 mm in Jambughoda, flooding in Vadodara, and reservoir inflows filling eight dams. Authorities relocated 2,639 residents. In Maharashtra, Satara experienced road closures and disruptions; Kolhapur’s Panchaganga River neared danger levels, prompting traffic bans and flood management measures.

Protests Demand Repeal of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

Following Parliament’s passage (Lok Sabha: 288–232; Rajya Sabha: 128–95) and Ppresidentialassent on April 5, the Act, which enhances government control over Waqf boards, has led to widespread dissent.

• Murshidabad Unrest: Violent clashes in Jangipur, Suti, Samsherganj, and surrounding areas in April saw three deaths, 118+ arrests, injuries to security personnel, communal tension (over 300 Hindu families displaced), and vandalism.

• Security Measures & Arrests: Police detained key protesters; central and state governments monitor the situation to protect heritage and minority rights while maintaining public oorder

Odisha Plans 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Emergency

On June 25, Odisha will observe 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate 50 years since the Emergency (June 25, 1975). A high-level committee led by CM Mohan Charan Majhi will convene events at the Bhubaneswar Rail Auditorium.

• Planned Activities: Exhibitions, short-film screenings (Information & PR Dept.), student contests in schools (quizzes, essays, art), college seminars, and workshops (Higher Education Dept.) will encourage dialogue on democracy and civil liberties restoration.

• Parliamentary Talk: Congress suggests a special Parliament session on June 25–26 to reflect on the emergency, though there's no confirmation from the PMO.

Nagpur Police’s “Operation Thunder” Anti-Narcotics Drive

• In a high-impact campaign on June 16–17, Nagpur Police’s “Operation Thunder” reached nearly 150,000 citizens through rallies, street plays, debates, and digital outreach, combining enforcement with education. Within 22 hours, 150 drug peddlers—116 active offenders—were arrested, supported by AI tools like facial recognition and SIMBA for tracking. This initiative also introduces anti-drug clubs in schools and received backing from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and other officials.

Visakhapatnam Unveils New GVMC Commissioner

• On June 21, Ketan Garg took office as GVMC Commissioner in Visakhapatnam, pledging priorities such as sanitation, beautification, improved water supply, street lighting, drainage, and mosquito control. He also announced coordination with police for expanded CCTV coverage, supervision of metro and flyover projects, and initiatives to maintain canals ahead of the monsoon.

US Issues Level-2 Travel Advisory for India

• On June 16, the US State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” in India due to rising violent crime, including sexual assaults in tourist-heavy regions. Travelers are advised to take extra vigilance but are not discouraged from visiting.

IIT-Kanpur 58th Convocation Planned

• IIT-Kanpur’s 58th convocation is scheduled for June 23, with around 2,848 graduates across PhD, MTech, BTech, MBA, MSc, and eMasters programs. RBI Governor and IIT-K alumnus Sanjay Malhotra will be the chief guest. This marks a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary education, with students earning up to three minors.

Pune Pedestrian Bridge Collapse at Indrayani River

• On June 15, a bridge over the Indrayani River near Pune collapsed, killing at least two and injuring 32 (six critically) amid receding monsoon torrents. NDRF and local authorities led rescue efforts. CM Fadnavis and PM Modi extended condolences. The incident raises concerns about infrastructure safety in flood-prone zones.

Launch of Gorakhpur Link Expressway in Uttar Pradesh

• On June 17, CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 91.35 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway (₹7,283 cr), connecting Gorakhpur to the Purvanchal Expressway. The new route cuts travel time to Lucknow to around 3.5 hours and supports industrial growth, logistics, and sustainable connectivity in eastern UP.

Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Plan Launched

• On June 16, the Uttar Pradesh government launched the UCAP (Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Plan), the first state-level airshed-based clean air initiative. With a $320M World Bank-backed Clean Air Management Project, it addresses PM2.5 from transport, industry, cooking, and agriculture, using AI-powered monitoring, better enforcement, and new institutional frameworks.

ISRO’s Heaviest Rocket Launches 36 OneWeb Satellites

• India’s LVM3-M2 heavy-lift launch vehicle successfully deployed 36 OneWeb communication satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, advancing ISRO’s commercial credentials. Another batch of 36 satellites is expected next year, reinforcing India's growing role in global space-based services and private sector collaboration.

From the bustling platforms of a new Vande Bharat Express to the strategic skies of ISRO’s satellite launches, India witnessed progress and reflection in equal measure. These stories—whether about climate resilience, public health, education, or national safety—remind us that development is never one-dimensional. It’s made up of many layers, shaped by decisions, disasters, and dedication. As we move into the next week, each of these updates offers a thread in the broader fabric of India’s growth story.

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