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Air India Express flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru aborts takeoff after technical snag
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the India-New Zealand business event, in New Zealand on July 11, 2026. | Key among them were a roadmap to expand ties in the next four years, a framework for enhancing Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, and a reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.Mr. Modi landed in Auckland last night in the third and final leg of his three-nation tour that largely focused on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region. | Explained The visit came following the recent signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).Follow the LIVE updates here:July 11, 2026 09:29 More than 50% trade growth in 3 years, says PM Narendra ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi said today that bilateral trade between India and New Zealand has grown by more than 50% in the last three years and expressed confidence that the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would provide the foundation to double trade over the next five years.Addressing the Gala Lunch hosted in his honour by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, Mr. Modi also welcomed New Zealand’s $20 billion investment commitment in India, saying it would create new opportunities for New Zealand companies to become long-term partners in India’s growth story.- ANIJuly 11, 2026 09:26 First Indian PM to visit New Zealand in 40 yearsNarendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand marks the first visit of an Indian PM to New Zealand in 40 years.- PMOJuly 11, 2026 09:22 India-N.Z. free trade pact to inject 'depth and dynamism' into economic ties: PM ModiThe landmark India-New Zealand free trade agreement would add depth and dynamism to the bilateral economic ties and open new opportunities for market access, investment and talent mobility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.In an interaction with a select group of CEOs and business leaders, PM Modi emphasised that the two nations’ shared democratic values, diversity, and commitment to sustainable development provide a robust foundation for an ambitious, forward-looking economic partnership.- PTIJuly 11, 2026 09:19 PM Modi praises Maori business leaders in New ZealandLauding the cultural synergy between India and the indigenous community of New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the shared values of respect for nature, community, and sustainability between India and the Maori people can pave the way for a unique model of inclusive global trade.Delivering his address at the Business and Sports Engagement event in Auckland, PM Modi expressed special gratitude to Maori business leaders and highlighted that special provisions have been carved out for them in the newly concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).- ANIJuly 11, 2026 09:18 Prime Ministers call for 'bold and effective' UN reformPrime Ministers Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon call for a ‘bold and effective’ UN reform.They also affirm support for the expansion of the UN Security Council.- PTIJuly 11, 2026 09:14 PM Modi, Luxon express concern over escalations in West Asia warPM Narendra Modi and Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon express concern over renewed escalation of tensions in West Asia.Mr. Modi and Mr. Luxon urge all parties in West Asia to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of
Railways had recently sent out an alert to audit signalling installations across its network. File | The serious safety lapse occurred in the Ambattur–Avadi section on March 5, 2026. A multi-departmental inquiry has been ordered into the incident, official sources told The Hindu on Friday.According to the sources, an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) suburban train approaching Automatic Signal S192 received a ‘Double Yellow’ aspect, authorising it to proceed with caution. As the train advanced, the motorman noticed two trains standing on the same line within visible distance. Realising the potential danger, he immediately brought the train to a halt just short of the signal, averting what could have been a serious accident.Preliminary inquiries revealed that the signalling system had malfunctioned and displayed an incorrect aspect, allowing the approaching suburban train to proceed despite the track ahead being occupied. Railway officials suspect that the incident was triggered by the unauthorised resetting of a Multi Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) by a member of the technical staff, the sources said.In a similar case of signalling failure on June 28, 2026, an express train carrying about 900 passengers was cleared to proceed from Arakkonam towards Renigunta. However, owing to an incorrect setting of points, the train was inadvertently diverted towards Katpadi. After realising that the train was heading in the wrong direction, the loco pilots brought it to a halt and cautiously reversed it back to Arakkonam.Locopilots express concernMembers of the All India Loco Running Staff Association have expressed concern over recurring signalling failures, saying loco pilots and motormen operated trains entirely based on the signal aspects displayed on the track. Any incorrect signal, whether caused by technical malfunction or human error, could compromise passenger safety and disrupt train operations.The association noted that signaling failures had been identified as a contributing factor in several major train accidents in recent years. “Such incidents undermine the confidence of loco pilots and motormen, who depend entirely on the integrity of the signaling system while operating trains. The crew cannot be expected to work with peace of mind if the reliability of the signaling system itself becomes doubtful,” a senior loco pilot said, quoting from a letter submitted by the association to Southern Railway. Published - July 11, 2026 05:30 am IST
Image for representation | The Air India Express flight IX2980, which was scheduled to take off at 7.05 a.m., initially accelerated for the take-off but the speed soon reduced, following which the flight was aborted.Airport officials told The Hindu that a technical issue had forced the pilots to return the flight.The passengers are still inside the flight. Air India Express will be arranging another flight to Bengaluru to accommodate the passengers, they added. Published - July 10, 2026 10:31 am IST
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