Retired IAF Wing Commander Praful Bakshi spoke about the fatal Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show, stating fighter flying "is not as simple and safe as shown in textbooks." He explained accidents can occur due to engine failure, control jamming, or immense pressure on heart and aircraft. Bakshi called the loss heartbreaking while emphasizing the courage of young aviators who "take this risk for mother India," adding an inquiry will identify necessary improvements. The IAF confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries and announced a court of inquiry. The tragedy comes as IAF prepares to induct the advanced LCA Mk-1A variant. Widely-circulated footage showed the jet nosediving before erupting into flames.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the death of an Indian Air Force pilot killed in a Tejas crash during the Dubai Air Show. Gandhi described the pilot as "brave" and said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing that the nation stands with them during this difficult time. The incident occurred at the prestigious Dubai Air Show where India was showcasing its indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. The crash marks a significant loss for the Indian Air Force and the nation's aviation community. Further details about the incident and the pilot's identity are awaited.

India resumed issuing tourist visas for Chinese nationals at embassies and consulates worldwide, marking another step toward stabilizing bilateral relations after years of military standoff. Indian missions globally began accepting tourist visa applications earlier this week, expanding July's limited resumption in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Tourist visas were suspended following the 2020 LAC face-off and Galwan Valley clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops. The move is part of "people-centric steps" including resumed direct flights in October, planned Kailash Manasarovar Yatra next summer, and 75th diplomatic anniversary events. Progress follows October 2024 disengagement understanding and Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan to revive diplomatic mechanisms. (PC: The Malayalam News & Reuters)  

Aviation experts analyzing visuals suggest the IAF Tejas fighter that crashed at Dubai Air Show was executing a negative G turn before slamming into the ground. The aircraft suddenly lost altitude while attempting to regain level flight after completing a loop manoeuvre. Negative G forces, acting opposite to normal gravity during aerobatic manoeuvres, can cause disorientation or unconsciousness from blood pooling in the head. The crashed Tejas, from a Tamil Nadu Sulur squadron, had been in service since 2016. This marks only the second Tejas crash in 24 years, following a March 2024 incident in Jaisalmer. The aircraft is intentionally designed unstable for agility, requiring sophisticated fly-by-wire systems.

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing the pilot. The aircraft was flying at low altitude around 2:15 pm before coming down in a ball of fire at Al Maktoum International Airport. Witnesses watched in shock as black smoke billowed from the crash site. The IAF confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries and expressed deep regret, stating a court of inquiry will investigate the cause. UAE's defence ministry confirmed rapid emergency response. Following the crash, aerial displays were cancelled and visitors evacuated, though shows resumed hours later with Russian Su-57 performances.

A HAL Tejas fighter jet from India crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, generating large plumes of black smoke and causing panic among onlookers. The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time, but it is not yet confirmed whether the pilot successfully ejected. The Indian Air Force and HAL have not released official statements regarding casualties or damage. Authorities at the airshow are investigating the cause of the crash, while safety protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents. The crash has raised concerns over aircraft safety during high-profile international demonstrations.

The US Treasury and State Departments have sanctioned several India-based companies and nationals accused of participating in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales. Entities like RN Ship Management Pvt Ltd and TR6 Petro India LLP are alleged to have helped transport or trade Iranian-origin petroleum products. The US claims proceeds from these trades may be financing Tehran’s “malign activities” including support for proxy groups. Under the sanctions, the affected Indian firms face asset freezes and restrictions on dealings with US persons. (PC: Reuters)

British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan criticized Eric Trump after he accused NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani of hating Indians and Jews. Eric Trump called the 34-year-old Democrat a "socialist communist" who wants to nationalize grocery stores and arrest Israeli PM Netanyahu. Hasan responded on X, stating "Zohran Mamdani is Indian," calling Eric "the dumbest of the dumb sons." Mamdani, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, won the mayoral election and will become NYC's first Muslim mayor and youngest leader in over a century on January 1. Eric Trump argued New York needs "safe streets, clean streets, reasonable taxes" instead of Mamdani's policies. Mamdani hasn't directly responded to the accusations.

India and Israel have formally signed the Terms of Reference to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a move Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed as “historic.” Speaking at the India-Israel Business Summit in Tel Aviv alongside Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Goyal emphasized the “unlimited possibilities” for expanding economic engagement. The FTA, combined with a bilateral investment treaty, is expected to boost market access, capital flows, and trade in goods and services while removing barriers to business. Key areas of cooperation include infrastructure, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. India also offers promising investment opportunities for Israeli businesses, strengthening bilateral ties and economic predictability.

Nalin Haley, son of Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley, urged the Trump administration to limit foreign students, alleging some are "spies." He doubled down on anti-immigration stance, demanding naturalised citizens be barred from public office and dual citizenship eliminated. The 24-year-old stated only US-born individuals should hold elected positions, arguing "growing up in America is the biggest part of understanding the country." Previously, he called for ending H-1B visas and halting legal immigration, claiming foreign workers take American jobs. He also demanded British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan's deportation. Nalin faces criticism given his grandfather Ajit Singh Randhawa immigrated from Punjab, India in 1969.