FirstUp: Air India to cut wide-body international flights, Iran foreign minister in Geneva... Top news today

Air India will reduce its international services on wide-body aircraft by 15 per cent starting today and will continue until at least mid-July amid concerns over safety and operational challenges after the Ahmedabad plane crash. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet his European counterparts in Geneva today as the conflict with Israel escalates read more
Air India has announced a temporary reduction in its international services, cutting wide-body aircraft operations by 15 per cent starting today, a move that will remain in effect until at least mid-July. File image/ PTI
Friday, June 20, is going to be a busy end to the week, with several important events lined up for the day.
First, Air India will reduce its international services on wide-body aircraft by 15 per cent starting today and will continue thereafter until at least mid-July. The decision comes just days after the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, Tehran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Geneva to meet his European counterparts in Geneva. The United Nations' Security Council (UNSC) will also hold their emergency session on the West Asian conflict.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
PM Narendra Modi will also visit Odisha and participate in a state-level event scheduled at Janata Maidan.
Here is all that is set to take place today.
Air India to cut wide-body international flights
Air India has announced a temporary reduction in its international services, cutting wide-body aircraft operations by 15 per cent starting today, a move that will remain in effect until at least mid-July.
The airline, which typically operates around 70 international flights daily using its twin-aisle fleet, is scaling back amid a series of operational challenges.
Air India has announced a temporary reduction in its international services, cutting wide-body aircraft operations by 15 per cent starting June 20. File image
A combination of factors has led to this decision. Airspace closures across several countries have increased flight durations to and from Western destinations. Additionally, following last Thursday's crash of flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, enhanced inspections of Boeing 787 aircraft have further limited the availability of wide-body planes.
In recent days, a number of Air India flights have experienced delays and cancellations, prompting growing concerns among passengers.
Iran's Foreign Minister to meet European counterparts in Geneva
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet with his European counterparts in Geneva today, as an Israeli airstrike campaign continues to target his country.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet with top European diplomats in Geneva today. File Image/Reuters
According to Iran's state news agency IRNA, Araghchi will hold talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Araghchi noted that the meeting is taking place at the request of the European foreign ministers.
As per a Times of Israel report citing a German source, the aim of the talks between Iran and the Europeans, taking place in coordination with the United States, is to persuade the Iranian side to firmly guarantee that it will use its nuclear program solely for civilian purposes. The talks are said to be followed by a structured dialogue at the expert level.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
UNSC to hold emergency session on Israel-Iran conflict
The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for Friday to address the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
This marks the second session requested by Iran in recent days, with support from Russia, China, and Pakistan, following Israel's recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
As part of its request, Iran has asked for briefings from the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, as well as the UN political affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, to once again address the council.
PM Modi to visit Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Odisha on Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of the BJP-led government in the state.
After arriving at Biju Patnaik International Airport, the prime minister will lead a roadshow and participate in a 'Tiranga Yatra' on his way to Janata Maidan, where the main anniversary event will be held.
PM Modi will travel to Mumbai and is scheduled to inaugurate the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (Waves). PTI/File Photo
Modi is expected to address a public gathering during the celebration, where he will highlight the government's achievements and outline future plans for the state. As part of the event, the Odisha government will also unveil its 'Vision Document for 2036,' laying out long-term development goals and priorities.
In anticipation of large crowds and to ensure smooth arrangements, the state government has declared a school holiday in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on Thursday.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
India-England test series
The much-awaited Test series between India and England is all set to kick off a fresh cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (2025–27), bringing two red-ball powerhouses head-to-head once again.
The first of the five-Test series begins on Friday, June 20, at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, promising a thrilling contest between two sides.
India Squad
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
England Squad
Ben Stokes (Captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
With input from agencies

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

India.com

28 minutes ago

• India.com

5 Most Beautiful Hill Stations Near Coimbatore For Your Next Getaway

Coimbatore earns its 'Manchester of South India' nickname because it serves as a major textile manufacturing center in this part of the state. The expansive urban district of Coimbatore gives way to peaceful mountain destinations which bring peaceful relaxation to city residents. The nearby scenic hill stations serve as excellent escape destinations for quick vacation trips and provide instant access to city amenities. The following list contains the most stunning hill stations which can be reached from Coimbatore. 1. Valparai: A Verdant Paradise From Coimbatore at 100 kilometers distance rises Valparai as a hill station abundant with greenery at 3,500 feet elevation. Visitors come to Valparai for its extensive tea plantations and widespread waterfalls along with its soft morning mists in a natural setting. Leisure seekers visiting this destination should explore both Aliyar Dam and Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary which offer more attractions. Adventure-loving visitors can experience two exciting activities to explore in this area through trekking and birdwatching adventures. 2. Ooty (Udhagamandalam): The Queen of Hill Stations Ooty stands as a well-known hill station at about 170 kilometers from Coimbatore because of its popularity among tourists. The town draws its 'Queen of Hill Stations' reputation because it has enchanting landscapes that feature the combination of steep rolling hills and dense woodlands together with serene lakes such as Pykara and Ooty lakes. Tourists can board the UNESCO-documented Nilgiri Mountain Railway for train rides that grant spectacular Western Ghats perspective. The botanical gardens together with the rose gardens in Ooty offer remarkable sights that combine natural landscape with European architectural features. 3. Coonoor: A Hidden Gem Coonoor lies around 190 kilometers due south of Coimbatore where it sparkles as a gem within the Nilgiris range. Coonoor stands out from Ooty as it experiences fewer crowds because it offers visitors emerald-green tea estates and fragrant eucalyptus groves combined with a refreshing cool climate. The must-visits in Coonoor include Sim's Park along with Lamb's Rock and Dolphin's Nose cliff area which gives wonderful views of valley scenery. Trekking the Coonoor trails remains the best choice for people who seek outdoor adventure. 4. Kotagiri: Serenity Amidst the Hills Kotagiri stands as the oldest hill station inside Nilgiri district yet remains unpopulated in comparison to both Ooty and Coonoor. The town provides visitors a peaceful atmosphere alongside its untouched natural scenery and scenic areas including Catherine Falls and Rangaswamy Peak. The organic farming projects in Kotagiri attract visitors who seek peace while being secluded. 5. Topslip: A Haven for Wildlife Enthusiasts Topslip functions as an access point to Western Ghats biodiversity from Coimbatore at its 70 kilometer distance. During past logging times local tribesmen utilized 'top slips' as sliding tools to access the trees. The region now bears this historical name as Topslip. Tourists now visit Topslip because it provides an excellent setting for wildlife students to conduct jungle safaris and participate in elephant rides and bird observation activities. Nature-lovers find Topslip very attractive because its wildlife reserve contains tigers with leopards and elephants alongside guard and different bird species. Why Choose These Hill Stations? The three locations each provide distinct experiences to visitors through their diverse attractions which include Valparai's tea garden view and Ooty's colonial atmosphere while Topslip offers virgin wilderness experiences. Travel convenience to Coimbatore enables visitors to visit these sites without long travel arrangements. Travelers with diverse interests can find a suitable match among these hill stations because they offer various recreational choices which accommodate families as well as romantics and lone explorers. Tips for Visiting Hill Stations Near Coimbatore Hill stations around Coimbatore should be visited from October through June since this period brings pleasant weather conditions for outdoor recreational activities. The majority of these destinations offer easy road access thus cab rentals and personal vehicle travel prove to be the most convenient transportation choices. Travelers need to bring thermally insulated attire as well as walking footwear and the basic outdoor necessities of sunscreen and insect repellent. Local Cuisine should be experienced by visitors because eating local delicacies such as filter coffee, idlis, dosas, and traditional Tamil meals forms a part of a trip to the region. Final Tholughts The scenic hill stations near Coimbatore serve as excellent locations for regional exploration because of their proximity to this city. These locations offer memorable moments surrounded by spectacular natural scenery to tourists who seek rest or wilderness discovery or escapes from urban existence. Take a trip to explore enchanting destinations that exist just past Coimbatore's city border.

Time of India

29 minutes ago

• Time of India

EU to press China for better rare earth access at July summit

European Union leaders will use a summit with China next month to seek better access to Chinese rare earths and critical minerals, four sources familiar with the plans said, as the two sides tackle an array of tariff-related issues. For years, China has had a near monopoly on rare earth production . It increased its export controls on the minerals, in demand from automakers, the defence industry and producers of renewable energy, following the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2. China also has grievances with the EU as the bloc has sought to protect its auto-making sector from cheaper Chinese imports, while China has imposed measures on France's brandy industry. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will travel to Beijing for the summit on July 24-25. It marks 50 years of EU-Chinese relations and will also take place two weeks after a deadline set by the United States for most trade partners to agree deals to avert higher tariffs. As automakers have said China's export restrictions on rare earth alloys, mixtures and magnets could cause production delays, European leaders are expected to press their case with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in separate meetings, said an EU official, who declined to be identified. Two EU sources said the EU mission to China is solely focused on rare earths until the summit. China's ministry of commerce in May said a "green channel" expediting rare earth licences for EU firms had been set up. However, one EU diplomat said that out of several hundred applications, no more than half had shown signs of being processed. "The situation is improving, although the percentage of cleared licences does vary. Additionally, even once the licence is given, delays can still be seen in customs clearances," Adam Dunnett, secretary general of the European Chamber of Commerce in China, said. The quest to resolve the supply crunch is among a number of trade conflicts between Europe and China. Brussels has imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles alleging unfair state subsidies, prompting China to impose anti-dumping measures on EU brandy. Beijing has also initiated trade probes into EU pork and some dairy goods. Beijing not Brussels The lead-up to the summit, has not been smooth. It had been Brussels' turn to be the host but after China indicated Xi would not travel to the Belgian capital, Beijing was chosen as the venue. Some EU officials said they did not expect the summit to produce major deals, one commenting that China was "playing its cards very well". The official said China had identified rare earths as a major vulnerability and was waiting until the last minute to make any concessions. The EU wants China to grant rare earth licences for a longer period or to scrap them for exports to the bloc. In any case, it wants Beijing to clearly differentiate between the EU and the United States. China offered to prioritise civilian-use rare earth export licences for US firms during talks in London earlier this month. "If China wants the EU equidistant between itself and the Trump administration, China's trade regimes cannot equate the US and Europe either," said Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of trade think tank ECIPE, who met senior Chinese officials last week. Another EU official said the impending deadline to secure an agreement with the United States, which might press the EU to be hard on China in exchange for moderating US tariffs, made it difficult for the EU to work on a deal with Beijing. The official said it was always possible the July 9 deadline would be postponed or that details of any US deal could emerge later, limiting the possibility of EU progress with China. China wants the EU to replace its import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles with minimum price commitments and other concessions after it delayed the imposition of duties on EU brandy. China has said talks are in the final stages, but EU officials say progress has been limited.

Mint

30 minutes ago

• Mint

Air India Plane Crash: Parliament panel had flagged 'discrepancy' in aviation funding, months before Ahmedabad tragedy

Air India Plane Crash: A parliamentary standing committee report flagged a 'distinct imbalance' and 'discrepancy' in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies in March, about three months before the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The panel observed that the discrepancy raised important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel recommended the adoption of performance-based budgeting for aviation regulatory bodies, linking allocations to specific performance indicators and outcomes. 'The Committee observes that the Capital Outlay for BE 2025 distinct imbalance in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), entrusted with regulatory oversight, commands the largest share of ₹ 30 Crore, nearly half of the total budget,' reads the report by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. Air India Plane Crash: The 32-member standing committee, headed by Janata Dal United MP Sanjay Jha, presented its report in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025. The London-bound Air India flight AI-171 carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed in Ahmedabad on 12 June. All but one on board the plane died along with nearly 29 on the ground when the aircraft smashed into a medical complex. 'While its role in ensuring compliance with aviation standards is indisputable, the justification for such a significant allocation must be carefully examined to ensure efficiency and accountability,' the report reads. Air Indai Plane Crash: According to the report, while the DGCA was allocated ₹ 30 crore for the financial year 2025-26, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) got ₹ 20 crore, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) received only ₹ 15 crore According to the report, while the DGCA was allocated ₹ 30 crore for the financial year 2025-26, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) got ₹ 20 crore, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) received only ₹ 15 crore. The AAIB is probing the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash. 'In contrast, the BCAS and AAIB receive ₹ 15 Crore and ₹ 20 Crore, respectively. While regulatory compliance remains essential, the rapid expansion of aviation infrastructure – with airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 147 in 2022 and a target of 220 by 2024-25 – necessitates proportional growth of security capabilities and accident investigation resources. In view of the growing complexity of aviation security threats and the critical nature of accident investigations, the Committee finds these allocations relatively modest," the report reads. The 32-member standing committee, headed by Janata Dal United MP Sanjay Jha, presented its report in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025. Apart from Jha (Chairman), the other members of the panel included M Mohamed Abdulla, M Nadimul Haque, Jaggesh, Sudha Murty, Imran Pratapgarhi from the Rajya Sabha and Mina Altaf Ahmad, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Manoj Tiwari, KC Venugopal from the Lok Sabha to name a few. The report said the 'funding discrepancy' raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel recommended that aviation regulatory bodies adopt performance-based budgeting, linking allocations to specific performance indicators and outcomes. 'This approach would enhance accountability and ensure that funds are utilised efficiently to address the most pressing challenges within each domain. Regular performance audits should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of allocated resources and inform future budgeting decisions," it said. Air India Plane Crash: The report said the 'funding discrepancy' raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The discrepancy raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel, as reported by LiveMint earlier, also raised serious concerns over the limited manpower in the DGCA, BCAS, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). More than 53 per cent of positions are vacant in the DGCA, 35 per cent in the BCAS, and 17 per cent in the AAI, which manages airport infrastructure, according to the 375th report on Demands for Grants (2025–26) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.