Latest news with #Bhalla
News18
7 days ago
- News18
New Proof Points To RAT Activation On Doomed Air India Flight. Here's What It Means
Last Updated: The Ram Air Turbine is a device used on aircraft to generate emergency power when the primary engines fail Did a dual engine failure lead to the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12 in which over 250 people were killed? New evidence in the aftermath of the AI171 crash has shed light on the sequence of events leading up to the disaster, with probe into the emergency systems aboard the aircraft suggesting that a dual engine failure may have played a significant role in the incident. According to aviation experts, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), which was activated shortly after takeoff, could be a critical clue. WHAT IS RAT? The Ram Air Turbine is a device used on aircraft to generate emergency power when the primary engines fail. It deploys into the airstream and uses the aircraft's forward motion to generate power for essential systems, such as flight controls and hydraulics. Its activation on AI171 suggests that the plane may have faced a catastrophic loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Depending on the aircraft and configuration, the RAT can power flight control systems, instruments, communications, hydraulic systems, and basic navigation systems. HOW/WHEN IS IT DEPLOYED? Automatic Deployment: Triggered automatically when there is a complete loss of electrical power or both engines fail. Manual Deployment: The pilot can manually deploy the RAT by activating a switch or lever in the cockpit (used if the automatic system fails). Turbine Spins in Airflow: As the aircraft moves forward, air pressure spins the RAT's small propeller. Power Generation Begins: The RAT drives an emergency generator (electrical) or hydraulic pump, restoring enough power to operate essential systems. According to a Times of India report, the Air India Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad used the entire 3.5-kilometre runway for take-off—longer than the usual 2.5 to 3 kilometres typically required for that type of aircraft. No irregularities were noted before departure. An airport source confirmed there were no requests for changes in runway, engine thrust, or flap settings. Weather and visibility were stable, and ambient temperatures remained within operational norms. These conditions indicate that the take-off seemed routine, making the sudden failure shortly after liftoff—and the rapid descent that followed—all the more baffling for investigators. Aviation expert Captain Sahil Bhalla said the quick activation of the RAT on AI171 is indicative of a dual engine failure. In an interview with The Financial Express, Bhalla explained that the RAT's deployment, which occurs within seconds after the engines fail, is a clear sign that the aircraft had lost power from both engines. 'The activation of the RAT is almost instantaneous. It tells us that the aircraft was relying on emergency backup systems due to a significant loss of power," Bhalla said. Experts suggest that the dual engine failure may have been caused by mechanical issues or a fuel-related problem, which would explain the aircraft's reliance on the RAT system. The aircraft's rapid descent after takeoff and the deployment of the RAT add weight to the theory that the flight was unable to maintain altitude due to engine power loss. An interesting detail that has emerged from the crash investigation is the 'small gray dot" noticed in early images from the crash site. This dot is believed to represent the RAT in its deployed state. This observation has fuelled further speculation that the RAT may have been deployed at a critical time during the flight—right after the engines failed. As reported by Business Today, experts have suggested that this small gray dot could be a physical manifestation of the RAT's location or deployment. It's a detail that could help aviation experts pinpoint when exactly the emergency power system kicked in, adding valuable context to the timeline of the crash. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BOTH ENGINES FAIL? In modern commercial aircraft, dual engine failure is an extremely rare event, but when it occurs, it can be catastrophic. In normal circumstances, aircraft are designed to fly and navigate with one or more engines running. When both engines fail simultaneously, no engine power is available to propel the aircraft forward, which affects aerodynamic stability. The aircraft will still retain momentum and altitude briefly, but the pilots must rely on emergency power and control systems to maintain control of the aircraft. If both engines fail, the RAT will deploy automatically, offering enough power to keep essential flight systems active, though not necessarily enough for normal flight operations. The RAT provides critical time for the pilots to regain control or land the aircraft. Immediate power loss in both engines likely would have left AI171 unable to climb to altitude safely. The RAT was deployed to provide emergency hydraulic or electrical power for essential systems like flight controls and navigation instruments, without which the aircraft could not have continued to function properly. The RAT's role in maintaining basic control systems would have been vital in helping the pilots attempt to bring the aircraft to a safe landing. But without engines, the aircraft would have struggled to regain enough lift to reach a safe altitude. WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE DUAL ENGINE FAILURE? The exact cause of the dual engine failure remains unclear, but experts have been considering several potential scenarios: Mechanical Malfunctions: A failure of both engines, due to mechanical failure, could explain why the RAT was activated. If, for example, there was a fuel problem or an engine defect, this could have led to a simultaneous shutdown of both engines. Fuel-related Issues: A sudden fuel contamination or fuel starvation scenario could cause both engines to fail unexpectedly. This theory is supported by the timing of the RAT deployment, as the aircraft would have been forced to rely on emergency systems until the situation was addressed. Electrical or Hydraulic Failures: The RAT may have also been deployed due to a failure of critical electrical or hydraulic systems, which are necessary for operating the aircraft's primary functions. top videos View all The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8200 hours of experience, and was being copiloted by First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1100 hours of flying experience. Seconds after takeoff, the pilot issued a Mayday call before losing contact with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and crashing into a hostel for MBBS students. About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Ahmedabad Plane Crash Location : Ahmedabad, India, India First Published: June 16, 2025, 10:28 IST News explainers New Proof Points To RAT Activation On Doomed Air India Flight. Here's What It Means | Explained
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Manipur Governor holds security review meeting amid protests over Meitei outfit leaders' arrest
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday (June 8, 2025) held a security review meeting with senior officials in the wake of violent protests across the state over the arrests of Meitei outfit leaders. A Raj Bhavan statement said the Governor also met a delegation of MLAs who apprised Bhalla of the current law and order situation in the state. "The governor held a security review meeting with senior administrative and security officials. During the meeting, a comprehensive discussion and review of various matters relating to the current law and order situation in the state were deliberated," it said. The security advisor, the director general of police, the commissioner (home), the secretary to the Governor, the additional director general of police (law and order), IGAR (S), the inspector general, CRPF and other senior officials were present during the meeting. "Today, a group of MLAs called on Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan during which the MLAs apprised the governor of the current law and order situation in the state and requested his intervention to help find an amicable solution," the Raj Bhavan statement said. The Governor told the delegation that all "necessary steps are being taken to address the concerns and to restore normalcy", it said. Protests were held across Manipur on Saturday (June 7, 2025) night over the arrests of leaders of the Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol, prompting the administration to impose prohibitory orders and suspend internet services in five Imphal valley districts. BJP legislator K. Ibomcha, who was part of the delegation, claimed after the meeting that altogether five people were arrested in connection with earlier incidents of violence, which triggered widespread protests in the northeastern state since Saturday (June 7, 2025). Among the five arrested people, one was apprehended by the CBI, he said. The CBI said it has arrested a member of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol at Imphal Airport on Sunday (June 8, 2025) for his alleged involvement in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023, while the police did not disclose details of the four others. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in the northeastern state after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
India.com
08-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Manipur crisis: Guv holds security review meeting amid protests over Meitei outfit leaders' arrest
Manipur- File image Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday held a security review meeting with senior officials in the wake of violent protests across the state over the arrests of Meitei outfit leaders. A Raj Bhavan statement said the governor also met a delegation of MLAs who apprised Bhalla of the current law and order situation in the state. 'The governor held a security review meeting with senior administrative and security officials. During the meeting, a comprehensive discussion and review of various matters relating to the current law and order situation in the state were deliberated,' it said. The security advisor, the director general of police, the commissioner (home), the secretary to the governor, the additional director general of police (law and order), IGAR (S), the inspector general, CRPF and other senior officials were present during the meeting. 'Today, a group of MLAs called on Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan during which the MLAs apprised the governor of the current law and order situation in the state and requested his intervention to help find an amicable solution,' the Raj Bhavan statement said. The governor told the delegation that all 'necessary steps are being taken to address the concerns and to restore normalcy', it said. Protests were held across Manipur on Saturday night over the arrests of leaders of the Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol, prompting the administration to impose prohibitory orders and suspend internet services in five Imphal valley districts. BJP legislator K Ibomcha, who was part of the delegation, claimed after the meeting that altogether five people were arrested in connection with earlier incidents of violence, which triggered widespread protests in the northeastern state since Saturday. Among the five arrested people, one was apprehended by the CBI, he said. The CBI said it has arrested a member of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol at Imphal Airport on Sunday for his alleged involvement in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023, while the police did not disclose details of the four others. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in the northeastern state after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
The Print
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
J-K Congress demands early restoration of statehood to UT, special package for Pak shelling victims
Addressing a press conference here, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) working president Raman Bhalla said the prime minister should end the ambiguity over the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The party also demanded a special package for the victims of Pakistani shelling along the borders during Operation Sindoor last month. Jammu, Jun 5 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Congress demanded an early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory on Thursday, a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Jammu region to inaugurate the first Vande Bharat train to the valley. 'They (central government) are talking about restoration of statehood at an appropriate time, but how long the people have to wait for the fulfilment of this demand,' he said. Bhalla also questioned the disparity in rights and constitutional safeguards being extended to Ladakh, asking why the same entitlements and democratic provisions were not given to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also wondered whether the government was able to find who was responsible for the 'security lapse' that led to the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The perpetrators of the crime are still at large, and they were also reportedly behind three other deadly attacks in different areas over the past 18 months, he said. On several border areas being bombed last month, Bhalla asked the Centre what it was doing to protect the natives in such places, even as he demanded a special package for the victim families. He said the government must ensure proper relief and rehabilitation of the victims, construction of underground bunkers, a special recruitment drive, and five marlas of plots to border residents in safer places. Bhall also asked Modi to take action against two BJP MLAs for their remarks against the Indian Air Force and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi. He said Modi should rein in the 'loose cannons' in his party. The Congress leader also demanded the latest railway line be extended to Poonch, Kathua and Bhaderwah-Kishtwar. PTI TAS VN VN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
One In Five Adolescents In Delhi Sleep Deprived
New Delhi: Are you a youngster and sleepless in Delhi? Well, you aren't alone. One in five adolescents in the city is experiencing clinical sleep deprivation, according to a new study. The findings emerged from research jointly conducted by doctors at Sir Gangaram Hospital's Institute of Child Health and the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC). The assessment involved students from nine educational institutions located in central Delhi. The study, involving 1,521 students aged 12-18 years, found that 22.5% had insufficient sleep while 60% showed depressive symptoms, indicating an urgent need for mental health support. Academic scores differed significantly, with sleep-deprived students achieving 64% versus 67% among well-rested students. Moreover, 65.7% of the participants experienced mild to moderate cognitive challenges, showing the impact of poor sleep on academic achievement. Dr Latika Bhalla, senior consultant adolescent paediatrician at Institute of Child Health told TOI that proper sleep is crucial for learning capabilities and emotional regulation. Sleep deficit, she noted, could result in reduced academic performance and psychological challenges. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sleep deprivation is "a condition where one doesn't get enough sleep to support optimal health, alertness and functioning". The current findings confirm that insufficient sleep adversely affects academic results, mental health and daily activities. Dr Bhalla indicated that the study's findings were significant and concerning, particularly regarding the high prevalence of depressive indicators and sleep insufficiency in adolescents. The study, she said, is a pioneering effort to enable evidence-based discussion about effects of sleep patterns on cognitive, emotional and physical well-being among school-going youth. Highlighting India's lack of proper sleep education programmes or policies for teenagers, Dr Bhalla said the research offers evidence-based suggestions to address this gap. The findings were presented to the health ministry on Friday. Researchers suggested training teachers and counsellors about adolescent sleep and screentime impact, displaying the Tele-MANAS helpline in schools, training Ayushma Arogya Mandir teams in sleep counselling, and implementing digital detox drives for fixed routines and screen curfews. They also recommended encouraging physical activity through Khelo India and supporting delayed school start times aligned with adolescent biology. The suggestions included incorporating sleep education into school curricula, such as sleep health modules in NCERT's secondary and senior secondary programmes, covering sleep importance, deprivation effects, common disorders, and good sleep practices. The researchers recommended conducting sessions to help educators recognise sleep issues and understand their health and academic impact, providing them with early intervention and referral strategies, and enabling teachers as 'sleep sentinels' to encourage healthy sleep habits. Moreover, they suggested that educators monitor daytime sleepiness indicators, including in-class drowsiness, reduced academic performance and behavioural changes, and share their observations during parent-teacher meetings. To highlight any concerns that may attention, they can include a 'red flag' section. Dr Sanjay Manchanda, chairman of department of sleep medicine at Sir Gangaram Hospital, observed that adolescent sleep problems often indicate future adult sleep disorders, stating, "Not thinking of sleep as essential is the biggest disorder." He supported policy changes regarding school timings, citing global studies and the report's suggestion to adjust school hours to match adolescent sleep patterns. He emphasised that early-life sleep disruptions can have enduring neurocognitive effects. Dr Aashima Dabas, professor in the department of paediatrics, MAMC and Lok Nayak Hospital, said late-night screen use and binge-watching, which disrupt natural rhythms and affect cognitive function, can disturb sleep cycles. She also noted that current schedules hinder alert, productive mornings. Dr Deepak Kumar, professor and head of psychiatry, IHBAS, observed that adolescent sleep issues often develop into adult mental health problems and require early intervention.
