June 12, 2026

Air India Ahmedabad plane crash (File photo)Air India Ahmedabad plane crash (File photo) NEW DELHI: Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash on its first anniversary, saying the investigation into the tragedy was continuing with “diligence and professionalism”.In a post on X, Naidu wrote: “Today, as we mark one year since the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident, we remember with profound sorrow those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”He added, “The investigation continues with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures. We remain committed to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident and to further enhancing aviation safety.”The minister’s message came as relatives, friends and members of the aviation community gathered in Mumbai to remember the 260 people who died in the crash near Ahmedabad on June 12 last year. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off during its initial climb. Of the 242 people on board, 241 died, along with 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived, while all 12 crew members lost their lives.At the prayer meeting in Mumbai’s Bandra area, family members spoke of the grief they continue to carry a year later. Amol Tatkare, whose wife Aparna Mahadik, a senior cabin crew member, died in the crash, recalled how he first learnt of the disaster while attending a training session with Air India.“I was still hopeful. The same night I landed in Mumbai and came to know that there were no survivors. I can’t believe that it has been one year since then,” he said.Tatkare said the past year had been deeply traumatic for both families but expressed confidence in the ongoing inquiry. “I have complete faith in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and in all the agencies who are investigating the crash. I am hopeful that the truth comes out in the final investigation report,” he said.Friends of the crew and pilots also attended the memorial, including Sandeep Kapoor, a friend of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who perished in the crash.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Banerjee Faces FIR Over Rally Speech; Complaint Alleges Threat To Communal HarmonyAshok Gehlot Responds To Buzz Around Remarks, Says “Facts Needed To Be Told”Amit Shah Reviews Security Preparedness for Amarnath Yatra, Multi-Agency Plan in PlaceLight-Hearted Exchange Between Jaishankar And Finland FM Steals Spotlight | WatchGehlot Supports Opposition Unity Push As Congress Merger Debate Gains MomentumSC Refuses Relief For Congress’ Meenakshi Natarajan In Rajya Sabha Nomination DisputeBomb Threat On Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Turns Out To Be Hoax, 180 Passengers Deboarded At LucknowHooghly Row: Huge Cache Of Government Relief Material Recovered Near Ex-TMC MLA’s ResidenceMajor Crack In TMC: 19 Lok Sabha MPs Led By Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Seek Separate RecognitionEx-TMC Leader Ritabrata Remains LoP As Calcutta HC Rejects Stay Plea | Watch123PhotostoriesThe bizarre defence mechanisms lizards use to stay aliveAnkita Lokhande and Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore lavish house: Grand entrance, a massive living room and moreThis European city has no cars; just canals, boats, and centuries of historyFIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo to Jude Bellingham – 5 players who dress better than most celebrities8 GI-tagged Bengali sweets that are a must-tryRahul Dravid shares a unique bond with son Anvay Dravid: 6 parenting tips to borrow from him9 unique masks from India and their stories every traveller should know5 warning signs of hearing loss most people ignore10 unhealthy habits that could be stopping you from moving ahead in life, as per psychologyTejasswi Prakash shares 5 powerful life lessons for women that can change the way you think123Hot PicksSpaceX IPOGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPKakoli Ghosh DastidarSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupSean SticklandBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

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Air India Ahmedabad plane crash (File photo)Air India Ahmedabad plane crash (File photo) NEW DELHI: Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash on its first anniversary, saying the investigation into the tragedy was continuing with “diligence and professionalism”.In a post on X, Naidu wrote: “Today, as we mark one year since the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident, we remember with profound sorrow those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”He added, “The investigation continues with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures. We remain committed to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident and to further enhancing aviation safety.”The minister’s message came as relatives, friends and members of the aviation community gathered in Mumbai to remember the 260 people who died in the crash near Ahmedabad on June 12 last year. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off during its initial climb. Of the 242 people on board, 241 died, along with 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived, while all 12 crew members lost their lives.At the prayer meeting in Mumbai’s Bandra area, family members spoke of the grief they continue to carry a year later. Amol Tatkare, whose wife Aparna Mahadik, a senior cabin crew member, died in the crash, recalled how he first learnt of the disaster while attending a training session with Air India.“I was still hopeful. The same night I landed in Mumbai and came to know that there were no survivors. I can’t believe that it has been one year since then,” he said.Tatkare said the past year had been deeply traumatic for both families but expressed confidence in the ongoing inquiry. “I have complete faith in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and in all the agencies who are investigating the crash. I am hopeful that the truth comes out in the final investigation report,” he said.Friends of the crew and pilots also attended the memorial, including Sandeep Kapoor, a friend of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who perished in the crash.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Banerjee Faces FIR Over Rally Speech; Complaint Alleges Threat To Communal HarmonyAshok Gehlot Responds To Buzz Around Remarks, Says “Facts Needed To Be Told”Amit Shah Reviews Security Preparedness for Amarnath Yatra, Multi-Agency Plan in PlaceLight-Hearted Exchange Between Jaishankar And Finland FM Steals Spotlight | WatchGehlot Supports Opposition Unity Push As Congress Merger Debate Gains MomentumSC Refuses Relief For Congress’ Meenakshi Natarajan In Rajya Sabha Nomination DisputeBomb Threat On Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Turns Out To Be Hoax, 180 Passengers Deboarded At LucknowHooghly Row: Huge Cache Of Government Relief Material Recovered Near Ex-TMC MLA’s ResidenceMajor Crack In TMC: 19 Lok Sabha MPs Led By Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Seek Separate RecognitionEx-TMC Leader Ritabrata Remains LoP As Calcutta HC Rejects Stay Plea | Watch123PhotostoriesThe bizarre defence mechanisms lizards use to stay aliveAnkita Lokhande and Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore lavish house: Grand entrance, a massive living room and moreThis European city has no cars; just canals, boats, and centuries of historyFIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo to Jude Bellingham – 5 players who dress better than most celebrities8 GI-tagged Bengali sweets that are a must-tryRahul Dravid shares a unique bond with son Anvay Dravid: 6 parenting tips to borrow from him9 unique masks from India and their stories every traveller should know5 warning signs of hearing loss most people ignore10 unhealthy habits that could be stopping you from moving ahead in life, as per psychologyTejasswi Prakash shares 5 powerful life lessons for women that can change the way you think123Hot PicksSpaceX IPOGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPKakoli Ghosh DastidarSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupSean SticklandBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result


'Probe continuing with diligence': Civil aviation minister on first anniversary of Air India crash
Air India Ahmedabad plane crash (File photo)Air India Ahmedabad plane crash (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash on its first anniversary, saying the investigation into the tragedy was continuing with “diligence and professionalism”.In a post on X, Naidu wrote: “Today, as we mark one year since the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident, we remember with profound sorrow those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”He added, “The investigation continues with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures. We remain committed to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident and to further enhancing aviation safety.”The minister’s message came as relatives, friends and members of the aviation community gathered in Mumbai to remember the 260 people who died in the crash near Ahmedabad on June 12 last year. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off during its initial climb. Of the 242 people on board, 241 died, along with 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived, while all 12 crew members lost their lives.At the prayer meeting in Mumbai’s Bandra area, family members spoke of the grief they continue to carry a year later. Amol Tatkare, whose wife Aparna Mahadik, a senior cabin crew member, died in the crash, recalled how he first learnt of the disaster while attending a training session with Air India.“I was still hopeful. The same night I landed in Mumbai and came to know that there were no survivors. I can’t believe that it has been one year since then,” he said.Tatkare said the past year had been deeply traumatic for both families but expressed confidence in the ongoing inquiry. “I have complete faith in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and in all the agencies who are investigating the crash. I am hopeful that the truth comes out in the final investigation report,” he said.Friends of the crew and pilots also attended the memorial, including Sandeep Kapoor, a friend of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who perished in the crash.



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Air India Ahmedabad plane crash NEW DELHI: One year has passed since Air India Flight AI171 crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad, claiming 260 lives and leaving behind hundreds of grieving families still searching for answers. The wreckage has long been cleared. Life around the crash site has gradually returned to routine. But for many families, June 12, 2025 remains frozen in time..Many wait for answers with a pain almost as acute as the loss itself: What caused the plane to fall? Could it have been prevented? Will the final investigation bring closure? As the nation marks the first anniversary of the Ahmedabad Air India crash, the tragedy remains far more than an aviation disaster. It is a story of dreams cut short, families learning to live with unimaginable loss and questions that continue to linger long after the wreckage was cleared.The impact of AI171 extended far beyond the passengers and their families. Several Air India employees who worked alongside the crew members on board say they too struggled with the aftermath of the disaster. An airline staffer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TOI that the tragedy left many employees traumatised and some resigned within months of the crash.”The trauma of the Air India crash affected us as well. Many crew members resigned within three to four months. We were all dealing with trauma and were not even provided with mental health support,” the employee said.For Parth Patel, who lost his mother Hemangini, uncle Rajnikant and aunt Divya in the disaster, the anniversary is a reminder not only of loss but also of the questions that continue to linger.“Everyone is calling this a tragedy. That is wrong. It was a massive systemic failure. A year has passed and we still do not have a final report or any real accountability. The promises of justice remain only words on paper,” Patel told TOI.Across India, countless families carry similar stories of interrupted futures, unfinished conversations and loved ones whose absence is felt in the smallest moments of everyday life.The wreckage has been cleared and life around the site has largely returned to routine. But for the families of the 260 victims, time has not healed all wounds. An ordinary day, a routine flightFor most people in Ahmedabad, the day began like any other summer afternoon. At Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Air India flight 171 prepared for a routine journey to London Gatwick. Families said goodbye, passengers settled in.At 1:38pm the Boeing 787 lifted off. Less than a minute later, it was gone.The Dreamliner crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Meghaninagar moments after takeoff, creating one of India’s worst aviation disasters.. For residents living near the airport, the first sign that something had gone terribly wrong was the sound: a massive roar, then thick smoke. “When we went to the crash site, dead bodies and debris were scattered all over,” an eyewitness who lived nearby recalled. Another, whose office stood barely 200 metres away, described chaos — a loud blast, choking smoke, fire and confusion that made everything invisible.Within minutes, images of thick black smoke rising above Ahmedabad began flashing on television screens and phones across the country. Rescue teams, firefighters, police, disaster response units and medical staff converged as families scrambled for news. The aircraft carried 242 people; the crash also killed medical students, doctors and residents in the densely populated hostel area. By evening, the scale of the disaster had become horrifyingly clear.How 32 seconds changed everythingCaptain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder performed routine checks as the flight took off. Just three seconds into the flight, something went terribly wrong.The fuel control switches for both engines transitioned from “RUN” to “CUTOFF”, just a second apart. Fuel supply to both engines was interrupted, causing engine power to drop and the aircraft to crash.. According to the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), one pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I didn’t.”The conversation, recorded after the fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF, triggered widespread debate among aviation experts and the public over what may have happened in the cockpit during the aircraft’s final moments.Within seconds, the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency system designed to provide hydraulic and electrical power during critical failures, automatically deployed as engine parameters dropped below minimum levels.The pilots quickly moved the fuel switches back to the RUN position. Fuel supply to the engines resumed and recovery sequences began. But it was too late.At 1:39:05pm, the pilots transmitted a final distress call: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”It was the last communication from the cockpit.Six seconds later, the aircraft crashed less than two kilometres from the airport. At 1:39:11pm, flight data stopped recording.However, the preliminary report stopped short of assigning blame or drawing conclusions. Released under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, the document was intended to establish technical facts and reconstruct the sequence of events rather than determine responsibility..The report also referred to a 2018 advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration regarding the possible disengagement of the locking feature on fuel control switches used on several Boeing aircraft, including the Dreamliner. Air India had not carried out the suggested inspections as the advisory was not mandatory.Investigators further observed that the aircraft’s throttle control module had been replaced in 2019 and again in 2023, though no previously reported defects related to the fuel control switches were found.A year later, what caused the switches to move and ultimately led to the loss of AI171 remains one of the central questions investigators are still working to answer.The lives on flight AI171The aircraft carried 242 people on board, including 230 passengers, two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. Some passengers were travelling to reunite with their families. Others were chasing educational opportunities, returning home or preparing for the next chapter of their lives.. Behind every seat number on the flight was a story.Seat 35J. British national Ramesh Patel had travelled to India for a short visit. “He came here for nine days … he just wanted to eat some fruits … he did not come back home. This was his first trip. I spoke to him 3-4 times a week, but when he video-called on Tuesday, I was working, and I thought I would call him back but I was never able to,” his daughter Priti Pandya said.Seat 27A. Sanket Goswami from Mehsana was travelling to London to pursue higher education.”My nephew lost his only son. He was going to London to study. He was an enthusiastic boy. He has a younger sister,” a relative said.Seat 2D. Gujarat former chief minister Vijay Rupani was going to London to meet his daughter.”I still feel as if he is with us. His memories will stay with us always … We used to celebrate all the festivals together … I cannot believe this has happened,” his neighbour Kiranben said after the tragedy.Seat 25G. Among those on board was Chandu Baguane who died in the crash.. For years, Chandu had worked as a labourer in London, building a life centred on supporting his loved ones back home. Originally from a village near Ahmedabad, he was preparing to return to the United Kingdom on AI171 after completing the final rituals and spending precious time with his family. Those left behind Across India and overseas, families spent the first hours after the crash desperately trying to reconnect with loved ones. Phones rang unanswered. Messages went undelivered. Hope slowly gave way to fear.Many rushed to Ahmedabad in search of information, clinging to reports that survivors might still be found.What followed were days of uncertainty.Families waited outside hospitals, emergency centres and DNA collection facilities as authorities worked to identify victims. For many, acceptance proved difficult.At BJ Medical College, Dean Dr Meenakshi Parikh recalled one father refusing to believe DNA testing was necessary. “My eyes are the DNA test,” he told officials, insisting he would recognise his family no matter what condition they were in.Parikh still remembers the moment. “I could see where he was coming from,” she later said.For many families, the passage of time has not erased the loss. It has simply taught them how to live alongside it.And for those left behind, some conversations remain unfinished.Seat 11A: The man who survivedAmong the 242 passengers and crew was 40-year-old Viswashkumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, next to an emergency exit.Videos of Ramesh stumbling away from the wreckage became one of the defining visuals of the tragedy. Yet behind what many described as a miracle lies a story of grief, trauma and survival.Recalling the final moments of the flight, Ramesh said he sensed something was wrong almost immediately after take-off.”At first, I thought I was dead,” Ramesh recalled. “Later, I realised I was still alive and saw an opening in the fuselage near my seat. I managed to unbuckle myself. I used my leg to push through that opening and crawled out.”Videos from the crash site showed him emerging from the debris, injured and disoriented, shouting in Gujarati, “Plane fatyo che!” (“The plane has exploded”).But survival came with an unbearable loss.Seated across the aisle in 11J was his younger brother, Ajaykumar Ramesh who did not survive.Days later, still bandaged and limping, he carried his brother’s coffin during the final rites at their ancestral village in Diu.”Viswash, along with the father, broke down multiple times during the final rites,” a relative told reporters..Another family member, Dhiru Soma, said the survivor was struggling to come to terms with the loss. “He is not relieved to have survived. He feels more pain over his brother’s death.”A year later, Viswashkumar Ramesh continues to battle physical pain, financial hardship and the psychological scars left by the crash that changed his life forever.Remembering his brother, Ramesh said the loss remains the most difficult part of his journey..“For me, the hardest thing is knowing that my brother isn’t here. We were together that day and I still think about him every day. As grateful as I am to be alive, a part of me was lost that day too. What I’ve had to live through since then has been far more difficult than I can put into words,” he told TOI.Marking the first anniversary of the crash, Ramesh said the day serves as a painful reminder of everything he and dozens of other families lost that day.Vishwas continues to struggle with mobility, cannot drive and largely remains confined to his home. The fishing business he operated with his late brother has suffered significantly.Lives claimed on groundSome victims of flight AI171 never bought a ticket.They never entered the airport.Yet they became part of one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.Just seconds after take-off, AI171 slammed into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. It was packed with students, doctors, hospital staff and families.The plane tore through the college hostel and residential complex, leaving behind twisted metal and concrete, shattered rooms. Many of those inside the hostel had only moments to react.Some were having lunch.Others were studying, resting or preparing for their next classes.19 lives on the ground were lost, pushing the overall death toll in the tragedy to 260.What are the families still asking for? A year has passed since the Ahmedabad Air India crash, but for many families, time is measured differently. It is measured in birthdays missed, festivals observed in silence and phone numbers that can no longer be called.For many families, the most urgent question remains unanswered: what exactly happened in the final moments of AI171?Devarsh Patel, who lost both his parents in the crash, says the absence of clarity continues to overshadow everything else.“We want closure, and the data from the black box must be given to the relatives so that we can learn about the reason for the crash. Even after a year, the agencies have failed to do so,” he told TOI.Others questioned why the findings have not been fully made public. Anil Vyas, who lost his daughter Komi, said transparency cannot be partial.“We are demanding that the entire data be made public,” he said.For some, the wait has turned into a matter of right rather than closure. Ahmedabad resident David Christian, who lost his son Rozar and daughter-in-law Rachana, said the unanswered questions continue to define their grief.“We deserve to know the cause of the crash,” he said.Edwin Pateliya from Vadodara, who lost his daughter Elcena Makwana, said the delay itself has become part of the trauma.“My wife Agnes and I want to know the truth,” he said.And for Mohammad Shethwala, now in the UK, who lost his wife and two-year-old daughter in the crash, the anniversary only sharpens the absence of answers.“I have not had any proper answers on why this happened. The one-year anniversary is very difficult,” he said.Parth Patel, who lost three members of his family, said accountability cannot end with payouts.“Everybody thinks compensation has been offered and the matter is finished. It is not,” he said. “A family’s grief cannot be reduced to a corporate line item. We want transparency, responsibility and justice.”Rajesh Avaiya said that the support must go beyond formal payments.“The authorities should be taking our calls, answering our emails and offering strong support,” he said.Belongings still missingSeveral families have still not received the personal belongings.“We have not received the mobile phones of my parents despite writing multiple emails,” he said. “The phones contain private information. We are simply not getting answers,” Devarsh Patel told TOI. Others point to inconsistencies in recovery and identification of belongings. Families said items such as bags, phones and jewellery have either not been returned or remain unaccounted for.“We identified my brother’s phone, but the airline asked for proof of purchase,” said Avaiya. “Even after sending it, there is no response.”.In April, several families jointly wrote to authorities demanding the release of cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) information, saying it was essential to understand the cause of the tragedy and prevent similar disasters in the future.The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aviation authorities, said families were not seeking speculation but truth.According to Air India, interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh has been paid to 96% of families of the deceased, while ex gratia payments of Rs 1 crore have been completed for 91%.The airline also said over 22,000 personal items were recovered from the crash site, with a majority returned to families, while some remain pending due to documentation issues or disputes.However, compensation and paperwork cannot provide the closure they seek. Where does the probe stand? For many families, the first anniversary of the AI171 crash is not only a moment of remembrance but also a reminder that key questions remain unanswered.Under international aviation rules, accident investigations are expected to be completed within a year. However, authorities are yet to release the final report into the Ahmedabad crash.According to Bloomberg, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to miss that deadline as crucial technical examinations, including analysis of the aircraft’s engines in the United States, are still underway…Instead, investigators are expected to issue a status update explaining the progress made and the reasons for the delay.The investigation involves multiple international agencies and manufacturers, including the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing and GE Aerospace. Engineers are continuing to examine the aircraft’s engines and related systems using specialised equipment available in the United States.The preliminary report released last year reconstructed the final moments of the flight and revealed that both engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ seconds after take-off, cutting fuel supply to the engines. While investigators documented the sequence of events, the report did not establish why the switches moved.Investigators are also examining several other aspects of the crash, including the deployment of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT), the condition of the flight recorders, why the Emergency Locator Transmitter did not activate after impact and whether any maintenance-related issues played a role.For families who lost loved ones, the wait for the final findings has become part of the grief itself.”We want closure, and the data from the black box must be given to the relatives so that we can learn about the reason for the crash,” Devarsh Patel, who lost both his parents in the disaster, told TOI.One year after AI171 crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad, the wreckage has long been cleared. But for many families, the search for truth remains unfinished.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. 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Air India Ahmedabad plane crash NEW DELHI: One year has passed since Air India Flight AI171 crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad, claiming 260 lives and leaving behind hundreds of grieving families still searching for answers. The wreckage has long been cleared. Life around the crash site has gradually returned to routine. But for many families, June 12, 2025 remains frozen in time..Many wait for answers with a pain almost as acute as the loss itself: What caused the plane to fall? Could it have been prevented? Will the final investigation bring closure? As the nation marks the first anniversary of the Ahmedabad Air India crash, the tragedy remains far more than an aviation disaster. It is a story of dreams cut short, families learning to live with unimaginable loss and questions that continue to linger long after the wreckage was cleared.The impact of AI171 extended far beyond the passengers and their families. Several Air India employees who worked alongside the crew members on board say they too struggled with the aftermath of the disaster. An airline staffer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TOI that the tragedy left many employees traumatised and some resigned within months of the crash.”The trauma of the Air India crash affected us as well. Many crew members resigned within three to four months. We were all dealing with trauma and were not even provided with mental health support,” the employee said.For Parth Patel, who lost his mother Hemangini, uncle Rajnikant and aunt Divya in the disaster, the anniversary is a reminder not only of loss but also of the questions that continue to linger.“Everyone is calling this a tragedy. That is wrong. It was a massive systemic failure. A year has passed and we still do not have a final report or any real accountability. The promises of justice remain only words on paper,” Patel told TOI.Across India, countless families carry similar stories of interrupted futures, unfinished conversations and loved ones whose absence is felt in the smallest moments of everyday life.The wreckage has been cleared and life around the site has largely returned to routine. But for the families of the 260 victims, time has not healed all wounds. An ordinary day, a routine flightFor most people in Ahmedabad, the day began like any other summer afternoon. At Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Air India flight 171 prepared for a routine journey to London Gatwick. Families said goodbye, passengers settled in.At 1:38pm the Boeing 787 lifted off. Less than a minute later, it was gone.The Dreamliner crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Meghaninagar moments after takeoff, creating one of India’s worst aviation disasters.. For residents living near the airport, the first sign that something had gone terribly wrong was the sound: a massive roar, then thick smoke. “When we went to the crash site, dead bodies and debris were scattered all over,” an eyewitness who lived nearby recalled. Another, whose office stood barely 200 metres away, described chaos — a loud blast, choking smoke, fire and confusion that made everything invisible.Within minutes, images of thick black smoke rising above Ahmedabad began flashing on television screens and phones across the country. Rescue teams, firefighters, police, disaster response units and medical staff converged as families scrambled for news. The aircraft carried 242 people; the crash also killed medical students, doctors and residents in the densely populated hostel area. By evening, the scale of the disaster had become horrifyingly clear.How 32 seconds changed everythingCaptain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder performed routine checks as the flight took off. Just three seconds into the flight, something went terribly wrong.The fuel control switches for both engines transitioned from “RUN” to “CUTOFF”, just a second apart. Fuel supply to both engines was interrupted, causing engine power to drop and the aircraft to crash.. According to the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), one pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I didn’t.”The conversation, recorded after the fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF, triggered widespread debate among aviation experts and the public over what may have happened in the cockpit during the aircraft’s final moments.Within seconds, the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency system designed to provide hydraulic and electrical power during critical failures, automatically deployed as engine parameters dropped below minimum levels.The pilots quickly moved the fuel switches back to the RUN position. Fuel supply to the engines resumed and recovery sequences began. But it was too late.At 1:39:05pm, the pilots transmitted a final distress call: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”It was the last communication from the cockpit.Six seconds later, the aircraft crashed less than two kilometres from the airport. At 1:39:11pm, flight data stopped recording.However, the preliminary report stopped short of assigning blame or drawing conclusions. Released under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, the document was intended to establish technical facts and reconstruct the sequence of events rather than determine responsibility..The report also referred to a 2018 advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration regarding the possible disengagement of the locking feature on fuel control switches used on several Boeing aircraft, including the Dreamliner. Air India had not carried out the suggested inspections as the advisory was not mandatory.Investigators further observed that the aircraft’s throttle control module had been replaced in 2019 and again in 2023, though no previously reported defects related to the fuel control switches were found.A year later, what caused the switches to move and ultimately led to the loss of AI171 remains one of the central questions investigators are still working to answer.The lives on flight AI171The aircraft carried 242 people on board, including 230 passengers, two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. Some passengers were travelling to reunite with their families. Others were chasing educational opportunities, returning home or preparing for the next chapter of their lives.. Behind every seat number on the flight was a story.Seat 35J. British national Ramesh Patel had travelled to India for a short visit. “He came here for nine days … he just wanted to eat some fruits … he did not come back home. This was his first trip. I spoke to him 3-4 times a week, but when he video-called on Tuesday, I was working, and I thought I would call him back but I was never able to,” his daughter Priti Pandya said.Seat 27A. Sanket Goswami from Mehsana was travelling to London to pursue higher education.”My nephew lost his only son. He was going to London to study. He was an enthusiastic boy. He has a younger sister,” a relative said.Seat 2D. Gujarat former chief minister Vijay Rupani was going to London to meet his daughter.”I still feel as if he is with us. His memories will stay with us always … We used to celebrate all the festivals together … I cannot believe this has happened,” his neighbour Kiranben said after the tragedy.Seat 25G. Among those on board was Chandu Baguane who died in the crash.. For years, Chandu had worked as a labourer in London, building a life centred on supporting his loved ones back home. Originally from a village near Ahmedabad, he was preparing to return to the United Kingdom on AI171 after completing the final rituals and spending precious time with his family. Those left behind Across India and overseas, families spent the first hours after the crash desperately trying to reconnect with loved ones. Phones rang unanswered. Messages went undelivered. Hope slowly gave way to fear.Many rushed to Ahmedabad in search of information, clinging to reports that survivors might still be found.What followed were days of uncertainty.Families waited outside hospitals, emergency centres and DNA collection facilities as authorities worked to identify victims. For many, acceptance proved difficult.At BJ Medical College, Dean Dr Meenakshi Parikh recalled one father refusing to believe DNA testing was necessary. “My eyes are the DNA test,” he told officials, insisting he would recognise his family no matter what condition they were in.Parikh still remembers the moment. “I could see where he was coming from,” she later said.For many families, the passage of time has not erased the loss. It has simply taught them how to live alongside it.And for those left behind, some conversations remain unfinished.Seat 11A: The man who survivedAmong the 242 passengers and crew was 40-year-old Viswashkumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, next to an emergency exit.Videos of Ramesh stumbling away from the wreckage became one of the defining visuals of the tragedy. Yet behind what many described as a miracle lies a story of grief, trauma and survival.Recalling the final moments of the flight, Ramesh said he sensed something was wrong almost immediately after take-off.”At first, I thought I was dead,” Ramesh recalled. “Later, I realised I was still alive and saw an opening in the fuselage near my seat. I managed to unbuckle myself. I used my leg to push through that opening and crawled out.”Videos from the crash site showed him emerging from the debris, injured and disoriented, shouting in Gujarati, “Plane fatyo che!” (“The plane has exploded”).But survival came with an unbearable loss.Seated across the aisle in 11J was his younger brother, Ajaykumar Ramesh who did not survive.Days later, still bandaged and limping, he carried his brother’s coffin during the final rites at their ancestral village in Diu.”Viswash, along with the father, broke down multiple times during the final rites,” a relative told reporters..Another family member, Dhiru Soma, said the survivor was struggling to come to terms with the loss. “He is not relieved to have survived. He feels more pain over his brother’s death.”A year later, Viswashkumar Ramesh continues to battle physical pain, financial hardship and the psychological scars left by the crash that changed his life forever.Remembering his brother, Ramesh said the loss remains the most difficult part of his journey..“For me, the hardest thing is knowing that my brother isn’t here. We were together that day and I still think about him every day. As grateful as I am to be alive, a part of me was lost that day too. What I’ve had to live through since then has been far more difficult than I can put into words,” he told TOI.Marking the first anniversary of the crash, Ramesh said the day serves as a painful reminder of everything he and dozens of other families lost that day.Vishwas continues to struggle with mobility, cannot drive and largely remains confined to his home. The fishing business he operated with his late brother has suffered significantly.Lives claimed on groundSome victims of flight AI171 never bought a ticket.They never entered the airport.Yet they became part of one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.Just seconds after take-off, AI171 slammed into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. It was packed with students, doctors, hospital staff and families.The plane tore through the college hostel and residential complex, leaving behind twisted metal and concrete, shattered rooms. Many of those inside the hostel had only moments to react.Some were having lunch.Others were studying, resting or preparing for their next classes.19 lives on the ground were lost, pushing the overall death toll in the tragedy to 260.What are the families still asking for? A year has passed since the Ahmedabad Air India crash, but for many families, time is measured differently. It is measured in birthdays missed, festivals observed in silence and phone numbers that can no longer be called.For many families, the most urgent question remains unanswered: what exactly happened in the final moments of AI171?Devarsh Patel, who lost both his parents in the crash, says the absence of clarity continues to overshadow everything else.“We want closure, and the data from the black box must be given to the relatives so that we can learn about the reason for the crash. Even after a year, the agencies have failed to do so,” he told TOI.Others questioned why the findings have not been fully made public. Anil Vyas, who lost his daughter Komi, said transparency cannot be partial.“We are demanding that the entire data be made public,” he said.For some, the wait has turned into a matter of right rather than closure. Ahmedabad resident David Christian, who lost his son Rozar and daughter-in-law Rachana, said the unanswered questions continue to define their grief.“We deserve to know the cause of the crash,” he said.Edwin Pateliya from Vadodara, who lost his daughter Elcena Makwana, said the delay itself has become part of the trauma.“My wife Agnes and I want to know the truth,” he said.And for Mohammad Shethwala, now in the UK, who lost his wife and two-year-old daughter in the crash, the anniversary only sharpens the absence of answers.“I have not had any proper answers on why this happened. The one-year anniversary is very difficult,” he said.Parth Patel, who lost three members of his family, said accountability cannot end with payouts.“Everybody thinks compensation has been offered and the matter is finished. It is not,” he said. “A family’s grief cannot be reduced to a corporate line item. We want transparency, responsibility and justice.”Rajesh Avaiya said that the support must go beyond formal payments.“The authorities should be taking our calls, answering our emails and offering strong support,” he said.Belongings still missingSeveral families have still not received the personal belongings.“We have not received the mobile phones of my parents despite writing multiple emails,” he said. “The phones contain private information. We are simply not getting answers,” Devarsh Patel told TOI. Others point to inconsistencies in recovery and identification of belongings. Families said items such as bags, phones and jewellery have either not been returned or remain unaccounted for.“We identified my brother’s phone, but the airline asked for proof of purchase,” said Avaiya. “Even after sending it, there is no response.”.In April, several families jointly wrote to authorities demanding the release of cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) information, saying it was essential to understand the cause of the tragedy and prevent similar disasters in the future.The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aviation authorities, said families were not seeking speculation but truth.According to Air India, interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh has been paid to 96% of families of the deceased, while ex gratia payments of Rs 1 crore have been completed for 91%.The airline also said over 22,000 personal items were recovered from the crash site, with a majority returned to families, while some remain pending due to documentation issues or disputes.However, compensation and paperwork cannot provide the closure they seek. Where does the probe stand? For many families, the first anniversary of the AI171 crash is not only a moment of remembrance but also a reminder that key questions remain unanswered.Under international aviation rules, accident investigations are expected to be completed within a year. However, authorities are yet to release the final report into the Ahmedabad crash.According to Bloomberg, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to miss that deadline as crucial technical examinations, including analysis of the aircraft’s engines in the United States, are still underway…Instead, investigators are expected to issue a status update explaining the progress made and the reasons for the delay.The investigation involves multiple international agencies and manufacturers, including the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing and GE Aerospace. Engineers are continuing to examine the aircraft’s engines and related systems using specialised equipment available in the United States.The preliminary report released last year reconstructed the final moments of the flight and revealed that both engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ seconds after take-off, cutting fuel supply to the engines. While investigators documented the sequence of events, the report did not establish why the switches moved.Investigators are also examining several other aspects of the crash, including the deployment of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT), the condition of the flight recorders, why the Emergency Locator Transmitter did not activate after impact and whether any maintenance-related issues played a role.For families who lost loved ones, the wait for the final findings has become part of the grief itself.”We want closure, and the data from the black box must be given to the relatives so that we can learn about the reason for the crash,” Devarsh Patel, who lost both his parents in the disaster, told TOI.One year after AI171 crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad, the wreckage has long been cleared. But for many families, the search for truth remains unfinished.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Flags Serious Concerns, Summons US Envoy Over Vessel Attack Incidents | WatchMamata Banerjee Faces FIR Over Rally Speech; Complaint Alleges Threat To Communal HarmonyAshok Gehlot Responds To Buzz Around Remarks, Says “Facts Needed To Be Told”Amit Shah Reviews Security Preparedness for Amarnath Yatra, Multi-Agency Plan in PlaceLight-Hearted Exchange Between Jaishankar And Finland FM Steals Spotlight | WatchGehlot Supports Opposition Unity Push As Congress Merger Debate Gains MomentumSC Refuses Relief For Congress’ Meenakshi Natarajan In Rajya Sabha Nomination DisputeBomb Threat On Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Turns Out To Be Hoax, 180 Passengers Deboarded At LucknowHooghly Row: Huge Cache Of Government Relief Material Recovered Near Ex-TMC MLA’s ResidenceMajor Crack In TMC: 19 Lok Sabha MPs Led By Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Seek Separate Recognition123PhotostoriesBefore R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali became the ‘Golden Chess Siblings’; their mother built the foundation: How Nagalakshmi nurtured two grandmastersScientists discovered this 7-minute trick that completely resets a stressed brainSpanish love proverb of the day: “Love is blind, but the neighbours are not”Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian women cricket team captain’s, home in Moga, Punjab is a reflection of her humble roots, family values and cricketing successThe bizarre defence mechanisms lizards use to stay aliveAnkita Lokhande and Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore lavish house: Grand entrance, a massive living room and moreThis European city has no cars; just canals, boats, and centuries of historyFIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo to Jude Bellingham – 5 players who dress better than most celebrities8 GI-tagged Bengali sweets that are a must-tryRahul Dravid shares a unique bond with son Anvay Dravid: 6 parenting tips to borrow from him123Hot PicksSpaceX IPOGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraMP Board 12 Supplementary ResultISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPKakoli Ghosh DastidarSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupSean SticklandBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna 0
UP.gov.in Uttar Pradesh has a wide and varied base of traditional crafts across its districts. From brass metalwork in Moradabad to Banarasi silk in Varanasi, zari-zardozi embroidery in Lucknow, glass beads in Firozabad and wooden toy carving in parts of Varanasi, the state’s 75 districts reflect a deep concentration of long-standing artisanal skills. For many years, however, these artisans had limited access to wider markets and often worked without formal branding, credit support or design inputs. ODOP — One District One Product — was introduced to address these gaps.What is ODOP?ODOP (One District One Product) was started by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2018 as an economic initiative that assigns one signature product per district and supports its development across the entire value chain. This includes access to raw materials, training in skills, product design, branding, packaging, and support for exports. Later, the programme was adopted at the national level by the Government of India under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and expanded across states.District-level products are chosen based on existing local production, strength of the artisan or producer base, export possibilities, and potential for employment generation. Some examples include leather goods from Agra, peda from Mathura, knives from Rampur, jaggery from Bijnor, and flutes from Pilibhit.Who benefits?The programme focuses on the wider ecosystem connected to each product, such as artisans, small manufacturers, weavers, farmers, traders, and logistics workers. Primary support is directed toward micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) and individual craft workers in rural and semi-urban regions. Special attention is given to women entrepreneurs, SC/ST communities, and first-time business owners.Support measures include subsidies for capital investment (margin money support up to Rs 25 lakh for projects up to Rs 50 lakh), interest subsidies on loans, assistance in Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, help with design and packaging improvement, participation in trade fairs, and access to e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and government marketplaces.How to applyArtisans and MSMEs can access ODOP support through the following channels:ODOP Portal: Register on odopup. in as a beneficiary under your district’s product category.District Industries Centre (DIC): Apply locally for margin money subsidy and skill development programmes.MSME Facilitation Centre: Get assistance with loan applications, cluster registration, and export documentation.Common Service Centre (CSC): Use for Aadhaar-linked registration and support for e-commerce onboarding in rural areas.From Moradabad to Dubai: export success storiesODOP has contributed to growth in Uttar Pradesh’s export sector. In Moradabad, known as the ‘Brass City’, support for the brassware cluster has enabled artisans to access GI tagging, co-branding under the “UP Crafts” mark, and listings on global e-commerce platforms such as Amazon Global. Products that were earlier sold mainly in domestic wholesale markets are now being exported to countries including the UAE, UK, and the USA, often at higher value realization. Many participating artisans report an increase of around 60–80 per cent in export earnings compared to domestic sales.In Varanasi, Banarasi silk sarees have been repositioned for global markets under the ODOP framework. GI registration, design support through government-backed institutes, and export clusters at events such as the UP International Trade Show have helped weavers access higher-value markets and improved pricing outcomes compared to earlier years.The 2026 visionThe Government of Uttar Pradesh aims to achieve Rs 25,000 crore in ODOP-linked exports by 2026. With 75 districts mapped to 75 products and a state branding system under the “UP Crafts” label, the programme is being positioned as part of the state’s broader economic development strategy.ODOP is also being linked with the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, a central government initiative for traditional artisans, to create a combined support system covering training, credit access, and market linkage for the informal craft sector.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSC Refuses Relief For Congress’ Meenakshi Natarajan In Rajya Sabha Nomination DisputeBomb Threat On Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Turns Out To Be Hoax, 180 Passengers Deboarded At LucknowHooghly Row: Huge Cache Of Government Relief Material Recovered Near Ex-TMC MLA’s ResidenceMajor Crack In TMC: 19 Lok Sabha MPs Led By Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Seek Separate RecognitionEx-TMC Leader Ritabrata Remains LoP As Calcutta HC Rejects Stay Plea | WatchAir India 171 Probe On Track As Investigators Prepare Comprehensive Final Report | WatchAFSPA May Go From Entire Northeast By 2027 As Centre Cites Peace, Growth And StabilityCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On Board123PhotostoriesAnkita Lokhande and Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore lavish house: Grand entrance, a massive living room and more8 GI-tagged Bengali sweets that are a must-tryRahul Dravid shares a unique bond with son Anvay Dravid: 6 parenting tips to borrow from him9 unique masks from India and their stories every traveller should know5 warning signs of hearing loss most people ignore10 unhealthy habits that could be stopping you from moving ahead in life, as per psychologyTejasswi Prakash shares 5 powerful life lessons for women that can change the way you thinkHow to identify snake eggs: 7 Signs that can help you tell them apart from other reptile eggs8 budget-friendly localities in Bengaluru offering good connectivity and affordable rentsYou’re always the listener, never the priority: Psychology explains what that does to you123Hot PicksSpaceX IPOGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPKakoli Ghosh DastidarSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusSean SticklandBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

UP.gov.in Uttar Pradesh has a wide and varied base of traditional crafts across its districts. From brass metalwork in Moradabad to Banarasi silk in Varanasi, zari-zardozi embroidery in Lucknow, glass beads in Firozabad and wooden toy carving in parts of Varanasi, the state’s 75 districts reflect a deep concentration of long-standing artisanal skills. For many years, however, these artisans had limited access to wider markets and often worked without formal branding, credit support or design inputs. ODOP — One District One Product — was introduced to address these gaps.What is ODOP?ODOP (One District One Product) was started by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2018 as an economic initiative that assigns one signature product per district and supports its development across the entire value chain. This includes access to raw materials, training in skills, product design, branding, packaging, and support for exports. Later, the programme was adopted at the national level by the Government of India under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and expanded across states.District-level products are chosen based on existing local production, strength of the artisan or producer base, export possibilities, and potential for employment generation. Some examples include leather goods from Agra, peda from Mathura, knives from Rampur, jaggery from Bijnor, and flutes from Pilibhit.Who benefits?The programme focuses on the wider ecosystem connected to each product, such as artisans, small manufacturers, weavers, farmers, traders, and logistics workers. Primary support is directed toward micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) and individual craft workers in rural and semi-urban regions. Special attention is given to women entrepreneurs, SC/ST communities, and first-time business owners.Support measures include subsidies for capital investment (margin money support up to Rs 25 lakh for projects up to Rs 50 lakh), interest subsidies on loans, assistance in Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, help with design and packaging improvement, participation in trade fairs, and access to e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and government marketplaces.How to applyArtisans and MSMEs can access ODOP support through the following channels:ODOP Portal: Register on odopup. in as a beneficiary under your district’s product category.District Industries Centre (DIC): Apply locally for margin money subsidy and skill development programmes.MSME Facilitation Centre: Get assistance with loan applications, cluster registration, and export documentation.Common Service Centre (CSC): Use for Aadhaar-linked registration and support for e-commerce onboarding in rural areas.From Moradabad to Dubai: export success storiesODOP has contributed to growth in Uttar Pradesh’s export sector. In Moradabad, known as the ‘Brass City’, support for the brassware cluster has enabled artisans to access GI tagging, co-branding under the “UP Crafts” mark, and listings on global e-commerce platforms such as Amazon Global. Products that were earlier sold mainly in domestic wholesale markets are now being exported to countries including the UAE, UK, and the USA, often at higher value realization. Many participating artisans report an increase of around 60–80 per cent in export earnings compared to domestic sales.In Varanasi, Banarasi silk sarees have been repositioned for global markets under the ODOP framework. GI registration, design support through government-backed institutes, and export clusters at events such as the UP International Trade Show have helped weavers access higher-value markets and improved pricing outcomes compared to earlier years.The 2026 visionThe Government of Uttar Pradesh aims to achieve Rs 25,000 crore in ODOP-linked exports by 2026. With 75 districts mapped to 75 products and a state branding system under the “UP Crafts” label, the programme is being positioned as part of the state’s broader economic development strategy.ODOP is also being linked with the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, a central government initiative for traditional artisans, to create a combined support system covering training, credit access, and market linkage for the informal craft sector.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSC Refuses Relief For Congress’ Meenakshi Natarajan In Rajya Sabha Nomination DisputeBomb Threat On Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Turns Out To Be Hoax, 180 Passengers Deboarded At LucknowHooghly Row: Huge Cache Of Government Relief Material Recovered Near Ex-TMC MLA’s ResidenceMajor Crack In TMC: 19 Lok Sabha MPs Led By Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Seek Separate RecognitionEx-TMC Leader Ritabrata Remains LoP As Calcutta HC Rejects Stay Plea | WatchAir India 171 Probe On Track As Investigators Prepare Comprehensive Final Report | WatchAFSPA May Go From Entire Northeast By 2027 As Centre Cites Peace, Growth And StabilityCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On Board123PhotostoriesAnkita Lokhande and Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore lavish house: Grand entrance, a massive living room and more8 GI-tagged Bengali sweets that are a must-tryRahul Dravid shares a unique bond with son Anvay Dravid: 6 parenting tips to borrow from him9 unique masks from India and their stories every traveller should know5 warning signs of hearing loss most people ignore10 unhealthy habits that could be stopping you from moving ahead in life, as per psychologyTejasswi Prakash shares 5 powerful life lessons for women that can change the way you thinkHow to identify snake eggs: 7 Signs that can help you tell them apart from other reptile eggs8 budget-friendly localities in Bengaluru offering good connectivity and affordable rentsYou’re always the listener, never the priority: Psychology explains what that does to you123Hot PicksSpaceX IPOGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPKakoli Ghosh DastidarSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusSean SticklandBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

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(ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The Trinamool Congress crisis deepened on Friday as dissident MPs prepared to approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as the party’s “real TMC” parliamentary group.According to PTI, rebel MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia said the dissident faction had already submitted a representation to the Speaker and would formally stake its claim next week. “We have submitted the letter… On Monday, we will go to the Speaker and stake our claim to form the real TMC parliamentary group. We will ask the Speaker to give recognition to our claim,” Basunia told PTI Videos.The Cooch Behar MP, who is among lawmakers seeking to support the NDA in the Lok Sabha, claimed that 19 MPs had signed the representation. He said the process of collecting signatures began on June 8. Sources, however, said the timing of the proposed meeting with the Speaker had not yet been finalised.A purported list carrying the names and signatures of 19 TMC Lok Sabha MPs was circulated online, although the alleged letter to Speaker Om Birla was not publicly available and could not be independently verified. Dissident leaders claimed the document reflected support for their move.Basunia also rejected allegations by TMC MP Kirti Azad that lawmakers were being induced to switch sides. “Kirti Azad is a liar. This is not right to say. We are 19 MPs and he is also an MP… it is not right to make such allegations,” he said.Meanwhile, Azad accused the BJP of attempting to engineer defections through “Operation Lotus”. In a post on X, he cited the resignation of Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik, meetings involving dissident MPs and BJP leaders, and recent political outreach efforts as evidence of “an organised attempt” to weaken the party.“Operation Lotus under the guidance of (Home Minister) Amit Shah is underway,” Azad said, while claiming that the effort had failed so far.The crisis follows TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections and has since spread to Parliament. On Thursday, Prakash Chik Baraik became the third TMC parliamentarian this week to resign from both the party and the Rajya Sabha, after Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Sushmita Dev.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHooghly Row: Huge Cache Of Government Relief Material Recovered Near Ex-TMC MLA’s ResidenceMajor Crack In TMC: 19 Lok Sabha MPs Led By Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Seek Separate RecognitionEx-TMC Leader Ritabrata Remains LoP As Calcutta HC Rejects Stay Plea | WatchAir India 171 Probe On Track As Investigators Prepare Comprehensive Final Report | WatchAFSPA May Go From Entire Northeast By 2027 As Centre Cites Peace, Growth And StabilityCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s Tughlakabad123PhotostoriesRahul Dravid shares a unique bond with son Anvay Dravid: 6 parenting tips to borrow from him9 unique masks from India and their stories every traveller should know10 unhealthy habits that could be stopping you from moving ahead in life, as per psychologyTejasswi Prakash shares 5 powerful life lessons for women that can change the way you thinkHow to identify snake eggs: 7 Signs that can help you tell them apart from other reptile eggs8 budget-friendly localities in Bengaluru offering good connectivity and affordable rentsYou’re always the listener, never the priority: Psychology explains what that does to youEvery White Tiger on Earth traces back its origin to this one Royal secret of Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh8 foods doctors quietly avoid buying from supermarketsHow to stop birds from pooping on your patio: 7 Practical ways to keep outdoor spaces clean and bird-friendly123Hot PicksSpaceX IPOGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPKakoli Ghosh DastidarSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

(ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The Trinamool Congress crisis deepened on Friday as dissident MPs prepared to approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as the party’s “real TMC” parliamentary group.According to PTI, rebel MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia said the dissident faction had already submitted a representation to the Speaker and would formally stake its claim next week. “We have submitted the letter… On Monday, we will go to the Speaker and stake our claim to form the real TMC parliamentary group. We will ask the Speaker to give recognition to our claim,” Basunia told PTI Videos.The Cooch Behar MP, who is among lawmakers seeking to support the NDA in the Lok Sabha, claimed that 19 MPs had signed the representation. He said the process of collecting signatures began on June 8. Sources, however, said the timing of the proposed meeting with the Speaker had not yet been finalised.A purported list carrying the names and signatures of 19 TMC Lok Sabha MPs was circulated online, although the alleged letter to Speaker Om Birla was not publicly available and could not be independently verified. Dissident leaders claimed the document reflected support for their move.Basunia also rejected allegations by TMC MP Kirti Azad that lawmakers were being induced to switch sides. “Kirti Azad is a liar. This is not right to say. We are 19 MPs and he is also an MP… it is not right to make such allegations,” he said.Meanwhile, Azad accused the BJP of attempting to engineer defections through “Operation Lotus”. In a post on X, he cited the resignation of Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik, meetings involving dissident MPs and BJP leaders, and recent political outreach efforts as evidence of “an organised attempt” to weaken the party.“Operation Lotus under the guidance of (Home Minister) Amit Shah is underway,” Azad said, while claiming that the effort had failed so far.The crisis follows TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections and has since spread to Parliament. On Thursday, Prakash Chik Baraik became the third TMC parliamentarian this week to resign from both the party and the Rajya Sabha, after Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Sushmita Dev.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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