16 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Black Box & DNA Profiling Aid AI-171 Crash Probe

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 13, June 16, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management; GS Paper 2 – Governance

Context

The investigation into the Air India flight AI-171 crash progresses with the recovery of the cockpit voice recorder and completion of DNA profiling for victim identification.

Content: 

• Key Updates:

  • 86 victims identified through DNA matching; black box now complete with both CVR and DFDR recovered.

  • International agencies (NTSB, FAA, UK CAA) and Boeing involved in the investigation.

  • Analysis of black box data to interpret critical flight parameters.

  • India’s AAIB now has an in-house CVR-DFDR lab since April 2025.

• Governance & Accountability:

  • Highlights gaps in India’s aviation accident investigation capacity.

  • Delays in setting up in-country technical expertise.

• Ethical Governance:

  • Handling of victims’ remains, caregiver assignment, and repatriation show compassionate governance.

Practice Question:

“Air crash investigations in India often face institutional and technological challenges. Discuss with reference to the AI-171 crash and suggest reforms.”  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Char Dham Helicopter Crash Exposes Safety Gaps

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, June 16 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management; GS Paper 2 – Governance; Ethics

Context

A helicopter ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath crashes, killing all seven onboard, including a retired army pilot.

Content:

• Incident Details:

  • Fifth helicopter incident on Char Dham route this season.

  • FIR against Aryan Aviation for ignoring weather protocols.

• Systemic Concerns:

  • DGCA protocols inadequately enforced.

  • Helicopter operations in high-altitude zones remain poorly regulated.

• Government Response:

  • All helicopter services suspended.

  • Uttarakhand CM orders audit of pilot experience, sets up Command & Coordination Centre.

• Policy Angle:

  • Need for stringent certification of operators in ecologically and logistically sensitive areas.

Practice Question:

Repeated accidents during religious pilgrimages reflect deeper issues in disaster preparedness. Critically examine with reference to the Char Dham helicopter crashes.(250 words / 15 marks)

3. Bridge Collapse in Pune Raises Infrastructure Safety Concerns

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 12, June 16, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 1 – Urbanization; GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure, Disaster Management

Context

A 100+ year-old British-era bridge collapses in Pune, killing 4 and injuring 40+.

Content:

• Cause and Aftermath:

  • Structure collapsed under tourist load despite warning signs.

  • NDRF highlights tourists ignored danger notices; selfies common.

• Governance Failure:

  • No action taken despite repeated warnings and prior proposals for a new bridge.

• Broader Issues:

  • India’s aging infrastructure and the need for proactive risk assessment and replacement.

  • Safety audits and community awareness are weak links.

Practice Question:

“Critically evaluate India’s preparedness in managing aging urban infrastructure in the context of increasing tourism and population density.” (150 words / 10 marks)

4. Iran-Israel Escalation and India’s Diplomatic Challenges

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 12, June 16, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations; GS Paper 3 – Energy Security

Context

Israel’s strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure and Iranian retaliation raise concerns of regional war. Over 10,000 Indians are stranded in Iran.

Content:

• Geopolitical Flashpoint:

  • Iran’s oil depots targeted; uranium facility at Natanz allegedly destroyed by Israel.

  • Houthi militants coordinate missile strikes with Iran.

• Indian Concerns:

  • MEA begins emergency helplines, considers ship evacuation.

  • 6,000 Indian students stuck in Qom and other regions.

• Energy & Trade Angle:

  • Potential disruption of oil supplies and maritime trade in the region.

• Diplomatic Tightrope:

  • Balancing ties with Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

  • India advocating ceasefire and adherence to international law.

Practice Question:

“With reference to the recent Iran-Israel conflict, evaluate India’s diplomatic and strategic challenges in the region.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Black Box & DNA Profiling Aid AI-171 Crash Probe

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management

Context

AAIB recovered the black box from the Air India flight AI-171 wreckage that crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.

Analysis of the news:

• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

• India established its first in-house CVR-FDR decoding lab in April 2025.

• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) are part of an aircraft’s “black box”.

• Boeing 787-7 aircraft was involved in the crash.

• International collaboration: NTSB (USA), FAA (USA), UK CAA assisting with probe.

2. Iran-Israel Escalation and India’s Diplomatic Challenges

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations

Context

In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets. Iran responded with drone and missile strikes.

Analysis of the news:

• Israel struck Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility and oil depots.

• Iranian President: Masoud Pezeshkian (2025).

• India has over 10,000 citizens (including students and workers) in Iran.

• India’s evacuation efforts may involve the MEA and Navy under Operation Ganga-style missions.

• Natanz and Qom are key nuclear and educational centers in Iran.

Check more: 14 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs