Copy of ???? Nepal's history of air disasters | ???? Security incidents marr build-up to Paris Olympics

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Market Watch

• Indian benchmark indices ended the day in the red with the Sensex down 280.16 points at 80,148.88, and the Nifty down 65.50 points at 24,413.50.
• Sectorally, Nifty Media was the biggest gainer, while Nifty Bank shed the most.

18 killed in plane crash at Kathmandu airport; pilot is lone survivor

A Saurya Airlines aircraft carrying 19 people crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. 18 bodies have been recovered. The incident occurred around 11 am, according to TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur.

• The pilot was the only survivor in the crash. The plane involved was a Bombardier CRJ200 plane, which is a jet, and not a turboprop, which are more common in Nepal.

The big picture: Nepal has a history of aviation accidents, attributed to multiple factors.

• Nepal's topography is one of the most challenging in the world for aviation, with airports located in valleys surrounded by high peaks. Short runways and the need for precise navigation add to the complexity of operating flights in Nepal.
• Nepali airlines operate older aircraft, which are more prone to mechanical failures. Financial constraints prevent operators from upgrading their fleets to newer, safer models. Additionally, the airport infrastructure is often outdated and lacks modern safety equipment.
• The weather in Nepal is highly unpredictable and can change rapidly. Sudden weather changes, especially during the monsoon season, can create hazardous flying conditions.

By the numbers: At least 52 crashes have occurred in Nepal over the last 30 years and approximately 720 people have died in these crashes, making Nepal one of the deadliest countries for aviation.

• Nepal ranks 33rd out of 207 countries in terms of the number of plane crashes and 12th in terms of fatalities between 1990 and 2023. 1992 was a particularly bad year, with two major crashes - Pakistan International Airlines (167 dead), and Thai Airways (113 dead).

Clip du jour

This epic image of Delhi police having arrested "Spiderman". This individual has had multiple run-ins with the law.

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Security incidents marr build-up to Paris Olympics

Two disturbing security incidents - one where a terrorist threatened that “rivers of blood” would flow through Paris and another where an Australian tourist was sexually assaulted - have cast a shadow on the preparations that are underway for the Paris Olympics.

The first incident involved a video of what appears to be a Hamas terrorist threatening that “rivers of blood” will flow through the streets of Paris during the Olympics.

• Without citing evidence to back their claims, NBC cited Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center as saying that it appears to have come from a known Russian disinformation group.

The second incident was far more disturbing - a 25-year-old Australian tourist was raped by five men of African origin.

• She managed to get into a kebab shop to take shelter, but things took a turn for the worse after one of the perpetrators followed her into the shop. Thankfully bystanders took action, confronted the man, and also consoled the woman until police could arrive on the scene.

The big picture: With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, organizers are making extensive security preparations to ensure safety amid potential threats.

• France will deploy around 35,000 police officers daily, peaking at 45,000 for the Opening Ceremony, and 10,000 soldiers will also be stationed in the Paris region.
• Over 40,000 barriers and extensive security perimeters, including QR code checks, will be enforced, creating an unprecedented security environment in Paris.
• 1 million background checks have been conducted on Olympic volunteers, workers as well as those applying for passes to enter along the banks of the Seine, and 5,000 people have been blocked from attending as a result, including 1000 suspected of spying for foreign nations

ICYMI

• ?? India ranks 82nd on the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free entry to 58 countries.
• ???? The Supreme Court has ruled that only one answer is correct for the controversial Physics question in the NEET exam, dismissing the argument of having two correct answers.
• ?? Bangladesh has submitted an official note to New Delhi expressing concern over Mamata Banerjee's statement offering refuge to people from violence-hit Bangladesh.
• ?????? Videos of athletes testing out the cardboard beds at the Paris Olympics has gone viral.
• ?? The Centre has asked Pune Police to determine the marital status of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's parents amid allegations of fraudulent claims for the OBC non-creamy layer quota.