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Business Standard
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Investigation team dispatched to probe AI171 crash: UK PM Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday said that a UK investigation team has been dispatched as part of the ongoing investigation into the London-bound Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad. His statement came soon after a British agency that investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents said it will be deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation into the crash. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it has "formally offered its assistance" to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in India. The investigation is going on, we have dispatched an investigation team; that's been deployed, said Starmer. The Foreign Secretary (David Lammy) is leading on this, and we will obviously update as soon as we can. But we are working with the Indian authorities in this to establish the facts. I would say to all family, friends of anybody impacted to please contact the Foreign Office for further information, he said. The AAIB has said it would have expert status in the Indian investigation because UK citizens were on board the plane. The AAIB statement reads: The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India. In addition, the UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation because UK citizens were on board the aircraft. We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian led investigation. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident. In a video message issued from Downing Street on Thursday evening, the UK PM also reiterated an earlier statement about being devastated by the scenes from the crash site in Gujarat. The images and news from India is absolutely devastating and I speak for the entire country in saying that our thoughts are with each and every one of those involved. There will be British and Indian families across the land who are absolutely impacted and our thoughts, first and foremost, are with them, he said. The Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off. There were 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals onboard apart from 12 crew members.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
US, UK investigators to assist crash probe
A US government agency that investigates civil aviation accidents on Thursday said it would be leading a team of American investigators to India to assist in the investigation of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in a post on X that it will be "leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday." A British agency that investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents on Thursday said it will also be deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation into the plane crash . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo
NDTV
a day ago
- General
- NDTV
British Agency To Send Team To India For Air India Plane Crash Probe
London: A British agency that investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents on Thursday said it will be deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation into the plane crash in Ahmedabad. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it has "formally offered its assistance" to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in India. It said it would have "expert status" in the Indian investigation because UK citizens were on board the plane. "We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident," AAIB said. The Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off. There were 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals onboard apart from 12 crew members.
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
IPL 2025: Can RCB Finally Break the Title Jinx Under Rajat Patidar?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a stage where dreams are forged, legacies are built, and heartbreaks are endured. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the journey has been a rollercoaster of electrifying performances and agonizing near-misses. Despite boasting cricketing giants like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle over the years, RCB remains one of the IPL's most beloved yet trophyless franchises. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes are on new captain Rajat Patidar to lead RCB to their elusive maiden title. With a revamped squad, strategic acquisitions, and a fresh leadership approach, can RCB finally break their title jinx under Patidar's helm? A New Era Under Rajat Patidar Rajat Patidar's appointment as RCB's captain for IPL 2025 came as a surprise to many, especially with speculation that Virat Kohli might reclaim the leadership role after Faf du Plessis' departure to Delhi Capitals. Patidar, a 31-year-old batter from Madhya Pradesh, has been a consistent performer for RCB since joining in 2021. His standout moment came in the 2022 IPL Eliminator, where he smashed a scintillating 112 off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his ability to dominate under pressure. His ability to read match situations, as demonstrated in toss predictions, will be crucial in setting the right strategy. Patidar's leadership credentials were further solidified in domestic cricket, where he guided Madhya Pradesh to the final of the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to lead by example have earned praise from RCB's management, including head coach Andy Flower and team director Mo Bobat. Kohli himself has backed Patidar, stating, 'The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB.' With such endorsements, Patidar's appointment signals a shift toward a new, Indian-led era for RCB, a decision the franchise believes will resonate with its passionate fanbase. A Revamped Squad for 2025 RCB's squad for IPL 2025 is a blend of explosive batting, versatile all-rounders, and disciplined bowling, designed to exploit the high-scoring conditions at their home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The franchise retained core players like Kohli, Patidar, and left-arm pacer Yash Dayal before the mega auction, where they made strategic signings to bolster their lineup. Key acquisitions include England's Phil Salt for aggressive starts, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, all-rounder Liam Livingstone, and experienced pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. This depth in batting and bowling addresses RCB's historical reliance on their top order and inconsistent bowling performances. The batting lineup is formidable, with Salt and Kohli opening, followed by Devdutt Padikkal, Patidar, and Livingstone in the middle order. Tim David and Jitesh Sharma provide firepower in the death overs, as evidenced by David's hat-trick of sixes against Chennai Super Kings, pushing RCB close to 200 in a match-winning effort. On the bowling front, Hazlewood's accuracy, Kumar's swing, and Dayal's left-arm pace form a potent attack, complemented by spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. This balanced squad gives Patidar the tools to adapt to various match situations, a critical factor in breaking the title jinx. Early Success in IPL 2025 RCB's 2025 campaign has started on a high note, with back-to-back victories against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, including a historic 50-run win at Chepauk, ending a 17-year jinx against CSK at their fortress. Patidar's leadership has been pivotal, with his aggressive captaincy and knack for winning crucial tosses—such as opting to bowl first against Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals—setting the tone for disciplined performances. His own batting contributions, including a quickfire 51 off 32 balls against CSK, have inspired the team to play with intent. Posts on X highlight RCB's strong start, with fans buzzing about Patidar's ability to lead the team to playoff contention, securing a spot with 17 points by May 18, 2025. The team's aggressive approach, especially in chases, has been a standout feature. Against KKR, Kohli and Salt's fifties powered a flawless 175-run chase, with Patidar's brisk knock and Livingstone's finishing touches sealing a seven-wicket victory. This early momentum, coupled with a focus on net run rate, as noted by commentators Harsha Bhogle and Ian Bishop, positions RCB as serious contenders. Challenges and the Title Jinx Despite the optimism, RCB's history of faltering in crucial moments looms large. The franchise reached the IPL finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016 but fell short each time. Inconsistent middle-order performances and over-reliance on Kohli have often been their Achilles' heel. While the 2025 squad appears more balanced, challenges remain. The high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium demands precision from bowlers, and RCB's spinners will need to step up against spin-heavy teams like CSK and Rajasthan Royals. Additionally, Patidar's relative inexperience as an IPL captain could be tested in high-pressure knockout games. Punjab Kings exposed vulnerabilities in a rain-curtailed match, where RCB's batting collapsed to 95/9, despite Tim David's heroic 50. Punjab's bowlers, including ex-RCB star Yuzvendra Chahal, exploited early wickets, highlighting the need for consistency across the batting order. Gujarat Titans also handed RCB an eight-wicket defeat at home, with Mohammed Siraj's seam movement outshining RCB's bowlers. These setbacks underscore the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, a key factor in ending the title drought. The Road Ahead For RCB to lift the IPL 2025 trophy, Patidar must leverage his squad's depth and maintain the aggressive yet calculated approach seen in their early wins. The team's bowling unit, led by Hazlewood and Kumar, must deliver in crunch moments, while the batting lineup needs to fire collectively, not just rely on Kohli or Salt. Fans are also hopeful for a mega jackpot moment—a defining performance that could finally deliver the title. RCB's loyal fanbase, one of the most vocal in the IPL, continues to believe in the team's potential. With Patidar's calm leadership, a balanced squad, and early successes, the 2025 season offers a golden opportunity to rewrite history. As Kohli said, 'This guy is going to lead you for a long time.' If Patidar can harness this momentum and navigate the pressures of the IPL's knockout stages, RCB might just end their 17-year wait for glory. Can they finally break the jinx? The answer lies in Patidar's hands—and the hearts of RCB's millions of fans.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Mati Carbon, winner of $50million XPRIZE, has been helping smallholder farmers leading fight against climate change
Mati Carbon, an Indian-led climate initiative has secured the $50 million grand prize in the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, outshining over 1,300 teams from 112 countries. Their model seems simple, but is quite complex. Mati Carbon uses an Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) model, which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) while boosting crop yields for smallholder farmers. This offers a rare synergy of environmental and social impact. Mati operates in India, Tanzania, and Zambia, and has partnered with over 16,000 farmers since 2022. They aim to reach 30,000 by year-end, with a bold vision to impact 100 million by 2045. As India grapples with climate-induced agricultural stress and a nascent carbon market, scaling this solution faces formidable hurdles. In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Shantanu Agarwal, Mati Carbon's founder and CEO, and Jake Jordan, chief science officer, outlined their mission. 'This XPRIZE win validates our science and commitment to smallholder farmers who bear the brunt of climate change,' Agarwal said. 'But scaling in India, with its fragmented landholdings and uneven infrastructure, is a massive challenge.' How enhanced rock weathering works Mati's ERW process involves spreading pulverised basalt—a volcanic rock—on farmlands, accelerating a natural weathering process that captures atmospheric CO2 and stores it as bicarbonate in groundwater and oceans for over 10,000 years. 'The process forms a weak acid from rainwater and CO2, breaking down the rock faster than natural weathering,' Jordan explained. 'It's like dissolving powdered sugar versus a sugar cube.' The basalt also releases nutrients, enhances soil fertility and results in healthier crops and better yield. The rigorous Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework, developed with IIT Kanpur, Yale University, and the University of Sheffield, ensures precise carbon quantification, earning trust from buyers like Shopify, Stripe, and H&M. Empowering India's smallholder farmers Smallholder farmers, cultivating 47 per cent of India's farmland, are uniquely vulnerable to climate change. The 2024 Monsoon Report by the India Meteorological Department noted eight per cent above-average rainfall, yet flooding and crop losses disproportionately affected smallholders. Mati's model addresses this by improving soil health and incomes. Agarwal shared the story of a Chhattisgarh farmer with two acres whose rice yield surged from 2,500 to 3,500 kilos—a 70 per cent increase—after basalt application. 'He paid off debts because it's free. We deliver and spread the basalt; he farms as usual,' Agarwal said. Mati targets climate-vulnerable regions like northern Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, often hours from airports. 'We focus on small farmers in backward areas,' Agarwal explained. 'We analyse crop types, soil compatibility, and basalt composition to ensure viability.' The Deccan Traps' vast basalt supply—capable of removing all anthropogenic CO2 with just one per cent of its reserves—makes India an ideal hub. Mati piggybacks on existing rock-crushing for construction, minimizing environmental impact. Farmers also report a 65 per cent reduction in pesticide use, as nutrient-rich soils yield healthier, disease-resistant crops. 'It's like humans eating vitamins for better immunity,' Agarwal said. 'Healthy plants don't get sick.' This organic, nature-driven approach aligns with India's push for sustainable agriculture under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. Scaling challenges: Trust, logistics, and markets Mati's ambition to reach 100 million farmers by 2045 is daunting. 'Farmers dependent on a few acres are risk-averse,' Agarwal noted. 'Explaining that we remove invisible CO2 for distant buyers sounds dubious.' Mati overcomes this through demonstration: trials in the first season, 10-20 per cent adoption in the second, and overwhelming demand by the third. 'They see yield increases and lower pesticide needs with their own eyes,' he said. Logistics in remote areas pose another hurdle. Transporting basalt to villages and training farmers across India's diverse agro-climatic zones is costly. Mati's proprietary platform, matiC, uses AI to streamline operations, from farmer engagement to carbon verification, but scaling to millions requires more. 'Our tech stack enables farmer-entrepreneur partners to deliver our model regionally,' Agarwal said, emphasizing a franchise-like approach to achieve the 'unreasonable' 100-million-farmer goal. The carbon market, where Mati sells credits to fund its free basalt applications, is another challenge. Currently priced at $300-$400 per ton, credits are bought by net-zero-focused firms like Shopify, Stripe, and H&M. 'These buyers support our scaling to hit $100 per ton in five to seven years,' Agarwal said. However, India's carbon market is nascent, with prices volatile ($10-$30/ton globally in 2024, per the World Bank). Convincing Indian unicorns to buy removal credits as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) requires education. 'Indian companies with net-zero goals should include removal in their portfolios to mitigate past emissions,' Agarwal urged. The role of Government Mati has garnered local support from district magistrates, agriculture officers, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). 'They love our technology and collaborate closely,' Agarwal said. Studies with government universities, like IIT Kanpur, provide years of data to prove ERW's efficacy. Yet, national-level adoption could unlock greater impact. 'Subsidies for basalt transport or carbon credit incentives would accelerate scaling,' Agarwal suggested, aligning with India's net-zero-by-2070 goal. Jordan emphasized ERW's fit for India's agriculture-heavy economy. 'Governments serve farmers, a key constituency. Our yield increases and climate benefits are a strong match for national priorities,' he said. However, policy inertia and the need for extensive proof points slow progress. 'We're building scientific momentum with Indian research to convince policymakers,' Agarwal said. A broader climate context Mati's focus on removal doesn't negate the need for emissions reduction. 'We need both,' Jordan stressed. 'Reduction stops new CO2; removal balances unavoidable emissions, like agriculture's residual CO2.' India, the world's third-largest emitter, relies heavily on coal, complicating its net-zero path. Mati's ERW, with its permanence, offers a robust tool, but it's not a panacea. The Global South's degraded soils make it ideal for ERW, unlike chemically optimized farms in the US. 'Skeptics in the West question small farms' scalability, but their yield gains drive adoption,' Jordan said. This economic incentive positions India as a leader in inclusive climate solutions. Looking ahead Mati's XPRIZE win and $50 million prize provide a springboard to scale its smallholder-focused model, sustained by carbon credit sales. Its partnerships with IIT Kanpur, Yale, and the University of Sheffield ensure scientific rigor, while local collaborations amplify reach. Yet, success hinges on overcoming logistical, market, and policy barriers. As India navigates climate change and food security for 1.4 billion people, Mati's model—rooted in nature and farmer empowerment—offers a blueprint. Whether it can scale to 100 million farmers remains a test of innovation, collaboration, and political will. 'For us, the farmer is the only stakeholder,' Agarwal concluded. 'If we help them, society helps us back.'
