A tragic aviation incident occurred on July 24, 2025, when a Russian An-24 aircraft, operated by Angara Airlines, crashed in the mountainous Amur region. All 49 individuals on board, including five children and six crew members, perished in the accident. The flight had departed from Blagoveshchensk and was en route to Tynda, near the Russia-China border, when it lost contact with air traffic control shortly before its expected landing.

Reports from local media indicate that the aircraft caught fire mid-air before disappearing from radar. According to the state news agency TASS, rescue helicopters later located the burning wreckage approximately 16 kilometers from Tynda. Officials from the Amur Centre for Civil Defence and Fire Safety confirmed that “no survivors were found when a Mi-8 search helicopter flew over the crash site.”

The spokesperson for the rescue operation noted, “The aircraft caught fire upon crashing.” Difficult terrain hampered rescue efforts, as the crash site is situated on a steep and inaccessible slope. The surrounding area, characterized by dense taiga forests and swampy conditions, further complicated attempts to reach the wreckage.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the An-24 was making a second approach to land at Tynda Airport when it lost radar contact. Notably, the aircraft did not send any distress signals prior to the incident, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the crash.

In response to the unfolding situation, Vasily Orlov, the governor of the Amur region, stated, “All necessary forces and means have been deployed to search for the plane.” As soon as the crash information was received, a Rosaviatsia aircraft and multiple rescue teams were dispatched to the area.

A formal investigation has been initiated by the Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office. The cause of the crash remains unclear, and officials plan to commence recovery operations and retrieval of the aircraft’s black box once ground access becomes feasible.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will remain on uncovering the factors that led to this devastating loss of life. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the risks associated with air travel in remote and challenging environments.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome from the Indian community in London as he commenced a two-day visit to the United Kingdom. His arrival marks a significant moment in the strengthening of ties between India and the UK, particularly with the anticipated signing of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi shared his sentiments on social media, stating that he was “touched by the warm welcome” and praised the diaspora for their “affection and passion towards India’s progress.” This visit is seen as a vital step in enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Key Meetings and Economic Focus

During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, and engage with King Charles III. Modi emphasized the importance of a robust India-UK friendship as essential for global progress, stating, “This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations.” The focus will be on prosperity, growth, and job creation.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to be a game-changer for bilateral trade, with negotiations beginning in January 2022 under former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Although the negotiations faced delays, the agreement was finalized in May 2025, with PM Modi labeling it a “historic deal,” which is poised to significantly enhance Indian exports.

Under the terms of the FTA, nearly 99% of Indian goods exported to the UK will benefit from zero-duty access. This change will eliminate tariffs ranging from 4% to 16% on key sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, toys, marine products, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods, including auto components and electric vehicles. This reduction is expected to provide a substantial boost to Indian businesses.

Investment Opportunities and Job Creation

In a statement regarding the FTA, PM Starmer described the agreement as a “major win” for both nations, particularly in terms of job creation and economic growth. He noted that tariff cuts would lead to lower prices on essential goods such as clothing, footwear, and food products. Additionally, he announced that approximately GBP 6 billion in new investments and export opportunities had been secured as Indian firms expand their operations in the UK, while British companies pursue new business avenues in India.

Beyond trade, PM Modi and Starmer are also expected to sign a renewed Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, aimed at fostering collaboration on numerous fronts, including defence, education, climate change, technology, and innovation. Starmer added, “Our landmark trade deal with India will create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and drive growth in every corner of the country.”

This visit not only highlights the deepening ties between India and the UK but also emphasizes the potential benefits of the FTA for both economies, paving the way for a more prosperous future for their citizens.

The government of Uttar Pradesh has announced it will grant land ownership rights to **2,196 families** of refugees who were displaced from **former East Pakistan**, now known as **Bangladesh**. This significant development comes after more than six decades of waiting, as these families have been residing in **Pilibhit district** since receiving land for housing and cultivation in **1960**.

The directive was issued by **Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath**, who instructed relevant departments to finalize the process. According to **Pilibhit District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh**, the administration is prepared to act promptly as soon as the final guidelines are received. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the families who have long sought legal recognition of the land they have occupied and farmed.

Long-Awaited Recognition for Refugee Families

Local representatives have hailed this decision as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the refugees’ struggles. **Baldev Singh Aulakh**, the minister in charge of Pilibhit, expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for fulfilling this long-standing demand. **Sanjeev Pratap Singh**, district president of the **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)**, and former zila panchayat member **Manjeet Singh** echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this recognition.

The refugee families had been living without legal ownership, which hindered their access to government welfare schemes. The recent meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Adityanath, aimed to address these grievances and expedite the process of granting ownership documents. Currently, verification reports for **1,466 applicants** have already been submitted to the state government, facilitating the next steps in the ownership process.

Potential Impact Across Multiple Villages

The initiative will benefit families across **25 villages** in Pilibhit, particularly in the **Kalinagar** and **Puranpur** tehsils. Some of the notable villages involved include **Tatarganj**, **Bamanpur**, **Baila**, **Siddh Nagar**, **Shastri Nagar**, and **Nehru Nagar**. As these families begin to receive their ownership documents, it represents a crucial step toward securing their rights and improving their quality of life.

The move not only addresses the immediate needs of the displaced families but also symbolizes a broader recognition of their sacrifices over the years. With formal procedures now underway, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to rectify a historical oversight and provide the necessary support to these communities.

Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy, a prominent leader of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has accused the Andhra Pradesh government of orchestrating what he labeled as the “largest liquor scam in the country’s history.” This allegation was made during a media briefing on July 23, following his visit to his son, Mithun Reddy, who is currently incarcerated in Rajamahendravaram central jail.

Reddy criticized Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his administration for allegedly reviving illicit liquor trade, claiming that the state has become synonymous with alcohol-related corruption. He referred to Andhra Pradesh as “Madhyandhra Pradesh,” highlighting his concerns over the increasing prevalence of unregulated liquor sales under the current government.

During the press conference, Reddy asserted, “The ruling coalition government is orchestrating the largest liquor scam in the country’s history and plunging Andhra Pradesh into a state of corruption and mismanagement.” He contrasted the current situation with the previous YSRCP government’s approach, which he claimed involved strict regulations on liquor sales through state-run outlets. According to Reddy, this policy led to a significant increase in state revenue, generating approximately Rs 25,000 crore annually.

Reddy further noted that during the TDP regime from 2014 to 2019, the revenue from liquor sales was only Rs 17,000 crore, despite higher sales figures. He alleged that under the current administration, there has been a resurgence of privatization in liquor sales, violations of retail prices, and the proliferation of unlicensed liquor shops, commonly referred to as belt shops.

The YSRCP leader also expressed concern over the treatment of his son, claiming that Mithun Reddy has been denied access to legal amenities while in custody. Reddy condemned the registration of what he described as “false” cases against party leaders and drew comparisons between the actions of the TDP-led government and oppressive regimes. He issued a warning regarding potential legal action if the statutory rights of jailed representatives are not upheld.

As the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh continues to evolve, these allegations have sparked significant discourse among party supporters and the public alike, reflecting ongoing tensions between the YSRCP and the TDP.