INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 13TH JULY 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-35

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 13TH JULY 2025.

1.    Air India Crash: Fuel Switches Cut Off, Pilot Denies Action (AI-171 Preliminary Report)

The preliminary investigation into the June 12 Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, reveals that both engine fuel control switches transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ seconds after take-off, indicating fuel starvation. The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot questioning the other about cutting fuel, who denied doing so. However, investigators stress caution, as the cause—whether mechanical, electrical, or human error—remains undetermined. Experts find accidental switch movement unlikely due to stop-lock mechanisms and protected placements. Although the switches reverted to ‘RUN’, the aircraft's low altitude prevented recovery. The report found no defects in the fuel systems and noted that Air India had not acted on a 2018 FAA advisory related to switch locking. While experts warn against premature conclusions, the focus is now on determining if the cut-off was manual or system-induced. The final report is expected within a year.

2.    EC Expands Voter Roll Revision Beyond Bihar Amid SC Scrutiny

Following Supreme Court scrutiny of Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Election Commission (EC) has directed all states to begin similar exercises to include all individuals turning 18 by January 1, 2026. Bihar’s 2003 roll serves as the baseline to presume citizenship, potentially setting a precedent for other states. The EC, while defending the legitimacy of the exercise, has faced criticism for placing the burden of proof on voters already enrolled post-2003. Despite the SC suggesting inclusion of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards—currently excluded—the EC insists due process under Article 326 of the Constitution will be followed. State officers will evaluate each case, and voters failing to produce requisite documents can appeal. While the EC frames the exercise as necessary to eliminate duplication and ineligible entries, opposition parties and civil rights groups have likened it to an NRC-like initiative targeting vulnerable populations.