An Air India flight AI-171 travelling from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick Airport crashed just minutes after takeoff on Thursday, prompting the closure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for all operations.

The plan crashed into a residential hostel for intern doctors shortly after takeoff, igniting a massive blaze and leaving a trail of destruction.

More than eight people are suspected dead, with dozens more injured or missing.

According to preliminary reports, the aircraft's wing clipped the third, fourth and fifth floors of the multi-storey hostel building near Meghani Nagar.

A London-bound Air India aircraft carrying 130 passengers crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. This took place near Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad.

Visuals from the crash site showed thick plume of grey smoking rising from the ground.

Firefighters and emergency teams were dispatched immediately to begin rescue and containment efforts. Officials are yet to release information about possible injuries or the cause of the crash.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as operations are still underway.

The Gujarat government has officially closed all 27 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the state to tourists for a period of four months, from June 16 to October 15.

This annual closure aims to protect wildlife during the crucial breeding season, particularly mammals, birds, and reptiles, by minimising human interference. A notification was recently issued by the office of the Conservator of Forests in Gandhinagar, following a directive from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

The decision reiterates the state's commitment to conservation by ensuring that the habitats remain undisturbed during this sensitive phase of the animal life cycle.

As part of this closure, popular destinations like Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Sanand will also remain off-limits to visitors for the entire 120-day period. Tourist access will resume after October 15, 2025, once the mating and nesting activities conclude.

In view of continuous heavy rainfall and the heightened risk of landslides and flooding, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Ranipet and Arakkonam have been deployed in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore.

The deployment comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the Nilgiris district on Thursday (June 12) and Friday (June 13).

The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and the adjoining hilly regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated areas likely to witness extremely heavy downpours exceeding 204.4 mm over the next two days.

Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are also forecast to accompany the rain, posing additional risk to vulnerable areas.

Tension prevailed in the Maheshtala area of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, as police crackdown on protesters continued on Thursday. So far, 18 have been arrested.

The arrests were made during a joint operation by the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, which started on Wednesday night and continued till Thursday morning in connection with the clashes that broke out on Wednesday afternoon.

While 14 were arrested on Wednesday night only, the remaining four were arrested early Thursday morning, a senior official of the state police confirmed.

However, the overall situation in the Maheshtala area continued to be quite tense, with most of the shops remaining closed even on Thursday morning.

Delhi-NCR reeled under an intense heatwave on Thursday as temperatures remained dangerously high, touching 36 degrees Celsius by 10 A.M., with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a 'Red Alert' for the national Capital and surrounding areas.

The IMD warned that the sweltering heat would persist throughout the day, with maximum temperatures expected to hover between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius. A gradual decline in temperature is anticipated from Friday, June 13.

The 'Red Alert', the highest-level warning issued by the IMD, urges residents to take serious precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct Sun exposure, and limiting outdoor movement during peak heat hours.

People across the city shared their struggle with the punishing weather.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a massive crackdown on Thursday in connection with a Rs 2,700 crore money laundering case involving a real estate scheme. The ED conducted raids at approximately 24 locations across Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

According to agency sources, the ongoing investigation is linked to a large-scale financial fraud related to a real estate scheme named Red Nexa Evergreen.

In Rajasthan, ED teams carried out operations in cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu.

Simultaneous raids were also conducted in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and parts of Delhi. The crackdown is being executed under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In a shocking incident, a woman Constable was killed and two other on-duty officers were grievously injured after being rammed by a speeding Scorpio SUV on the four-lane Atal Path under the jurisdiction of Sri Krishnapuri police station in the early hours of Thursday.

Confirming the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Avkash Kumar said that two individuals, including the SUV driver, have been arrested.

The vehicle has also been seized for further investigation. What has raised eyebrows is the presence of a powerful political party's flag on the vehicle, suggesting possible political links with the ruling coalition.

According to an official, the incident occurred at around 12:30 AM during a special night vehicle checking campaign aimed at curbing criminal activities in the city.

A Scorpio travelling at an estimated speed of 90 kmph from the Digha side was signalled to stop for checking by the police team.

A person died and six others were severely injured in a road accident in Amarpatan of Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district, the police said on Wednesday.

The person who died was a local leader of Maihar district from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former municipal councillor identified as Purushottam Chaurasia.

All the occupants were from same family who were returning from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj after performing the last rites of a family member.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, security forces engaged in an intense encounter with Maoist insurgents on Wednesday, resulting in the elimination of two Naxal cadres, including a high-ranking commander.

The operation took place in the Pusgunna forest area under the jurisdiction of Kukanar Police Station, a region known for frequent Maoist activity. Among the slain insurgents was Baman, the LOSC (Local Organisation Squad Commander) of Pedaras, who had a Rs 5 lakh bounty on his head. The second casualty was a female Maoist, whose identity remains unconfirmed.