Etihad Tightens Safety on Boeing 787 Fuel Switches
Etihad Airways has told its pilots to be extra careful with fuel control switches on Boeing 787s after a deadly Air India crash on June 12. The Abu Dhabi-based airline issued a directive on July 12, urging caution when handling these switches to avoid accidental shutdowns. This follows a 2018 FAA advisory about faulty locking mechanisms, which Air India ignored as it wasn’t mandatory. Etihad’s also inspecting its entire 787 fleet to ensure the switches lock properly, with step-by-step guides for engineers. The move comes as Indian investigators probe why fuel switches flipped, starving the Air India jet’s engines. “It’s about safety first,” Etihad’s bulletin stressed, acting out of caution while the crash investigation continues. Pilots must report any issues immediately, ensuring no objects near the switches could cause mishaps.
Jaishankar Pushes for India-China Dialogue
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Beijing, his first trip since ties soured after the 2020 Galwan clash. Speaking on Monday, he stressed the need for open dialogue between the neighbouring giants, saying it’s key to “mutually beneficial outcomes.” The visit follows a Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan last year, which sparked troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh. Jaishankar highlighted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage paused since 2020, calling it a positive step. He’ll meet Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and attend an SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tianjin. With global tensions high, Jaishankar believes honest talks can keep relations on a “positive trajectory.” His visit, alongside recent trips by India’s Defence Minister and NSA, signals a push to mend ties with China while navigating complex international dynamics.
Wimbledon 2025: Celebs Light Up the Stands
Wimbledon 2025 is serving more than just aces—celebrities are stealing the show! Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma cheered during Novak Djokovic’s thrilling semi-final against Alex de Minaur. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas turned heads on day three, with Priyanka rocking a chic white dress. Bollywood’s Janhvi Kapoor, in a stunning Miu Miu gown, and her partner Shikhar Pahariya, dapper in a blue suit, soaked up the semi-final vibes. Actress Avneet Kaur shared her excitement at the finals, posting, “So much fun!” on Instagram. Urvashi Rautela brought flair with Labubu dolls and a white gown by Lebanese designer Ali Asaad. The All England Club’s courts buzzed with star power, blending sport and glamour as fans worldwide watched both the matches and the famous faces.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Triumphant Return from Space
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return from the International Space Station today, undocking at 4:35 PM IST. The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Shukla and three others, will splash down off California’s coast tomorrow at 3:00 PM IST. In his heartfelt farewell, Shukla said, “Today’s India looks ambitious, fearless, and full of pride from space.” His mission included studying space microalgae to explore their potential for food, oxygen, and biofuels in microgravity—vital for future long-duration space trips. The mission, originally 14 days, extended by three due to weather. Shukla’s words echoed Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 space journey, noting India’s progress. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft’s return marks a milestone in India’s space ambitions, with Shukla’s experiments paving the way for sustainable space exploration.
Pune’s Cafe Goodluck Shut Over Hygiene Scare
Pune’s beloved Cafe Goodluck is closed after a shocking incident sparked a hygiene crackdown. The Maharashtra FDA suspended its licence following reports of a glass piece found in a bun maska, as claimed by customer Aakash Jalagi. A viral video showed the couple’s discovery, raising safety concerns. “It could’ve caused serious injuries,” Jalagi said, accusing the cafe of negligence. The FDA inspected and found unhygienic conditions, halting operations until compliance is met. Cafe owner Kasim Irani said the loaf came from an external bakery and apologised, waiving the bill. But Jalagi felt dismissed, prompting his complaint. The incident has shaken trust in the iconic eatery, known for its bun maska and tea. The FDA’s action underscores the need for strict food safety standards to protect diners.
Tesla Shareholders Eye xAI Investment
Elon Musk has announced Tesla shareholders will vote on investing in his AI startup, xAI, which developed Grok. Responding on X, Musk said, “It’s not up to me; shareholders will decide.” This follows reports that SpaceX, another Musk company, plans a $2 billion investment in xAI’s $5 billion funding round. xAI, launched in 2023, aims to rival OpenAI and Google with its AI innovations. Its Memphis data centre, touted as the world’s most powerful for AI training, is a big step. But xAI’s $1 billion monthly costs and controversies, like Grok’s offensive responses praising Hitler, have raised eyebrows. The company apologised and fixed the issue. If approved, Tesla’s investment could deepen ties between Musk’s ventures, boosting xAI’s growth while sparking debate about AI ethics and shareholder priorities.
Indian Railways Boosts Safety with CCTV Rollout
Indian Railways is stepping up passenger safety by installing CCTV cameras across all 74,000 coaches nationwide. Announced on July 13, the plan follows a successful trial in Northern Railways. Each coach will get four dome cameras at entrances to deter miscreants, with privacy in mind. Locomotives will have six cameras, capturing front, rear, and sides, plus microphones in cabs. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed high-quality footage, even at 100 kmph or in low light, with AI integration planned. “This will significantly reduce incidents targeting gullible passengers,” officials said. The cameras will meet strict quality standards, certified by the Ministry of Electronics. This massive rollout, reviewed on July 12, aims to make train travel safer, blending technology and vigilance to protect millions across India’s vast rail network.
iPhone 17 Series: What’s Coming in September
Apple’s iPhone 17 series is set to dazzle at a likely September 9 or 10, 2025, launch, per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The lineup includes iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Expect A19 chips for base models and A19 Pro for high-end ones, built on TSMC’s 3nm tech. The iPhone 17 and Pro sport 6.3-inch displays, the Air 6.7-inch, and Pro Max 6.9-inch. Camera upgrades include a 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 24MP front for the iPhone 17, while the slim Air may have a single 48MP rear. With 8GB RAM for base models and 12GB for Pros, multitasking gets a boost. This news roundup highlights Apple’s push for sleeker designs and smoother performance.
