Black box of crashed Air India jet remains in India, under examination

Reuters,

The flight data and cockpit voice recorders from Air India Flight AI 171, which crashed on June 12 in Ahmedabad, remain in India and are currently being examined by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed to ANI. Earlier reports had speculated that the black boxes might be sent to the United States for analysis. The Indian government stated that the decision on where the decoding will take place will follow a thorough technical, safety, and security assessment by the AAIB. U.S. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy indicated ongoing communication with Indian officials and emphasized the importance of rapid data retrieval for aviation safety. Homendy declined to specify whether the recorders may be sent to the U.S. or their current condition. This crash, which claimed 271 lives, is the deadliest aviation disaster worldwide in a decade.

Iranian‑Americans largely back Trump’s strikes, likening regime to Stalin and Hitler

The Independent,

Following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a wave of support has emerged among Iranian‑Americans toward former President Trump. Many view the attacks as potentially destabilizing Tehran’s theocratic leadership. Simone Derayeh—who lived through post‑revolution Iran—described its regime as oppressive “of the likes of Stalin and Hitler,” and expressed hope the actions could weaken Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s hold. Another Iranian‑American in Washington, D.C., told the Baltimore Sun the strikes sent a decisive message that “Iran… are weak.” Reza Rofougaran, a real-estate broker from Tehran, voiced full opposition to Iran’s clerical rulers yet mixed feelings on the strikes, noting their focus on IRGC commanders. Meanwhile, activist Elham Yaghoubian described the strikes as “beneficial” for Iranians and regional stability, arguing that only the removal of the regime can bring peace and prosperity.

U.S. commits $30 million to Israeli‑backed Gaza food distribution amid deadly chaos

Associated Press,

The U.S. government will provide $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a joint U.S.–Israeli operation distributing food in Gaza, marking the first U.S. support for the initiative spearheaded by former intelligence and military personnel. This funding request went through USAID before its integration into the State Department. GHF asserts it has delivered approximately 44 million meals. However, the move sparked criticism after chaotic and violent scenes, including Israeli troops allegedly firing on crowds at GHF distribution points in southern Gaza, resulting in at least 19 deaths and 50 injuries per Gaza’s Health Ministry. While Israel intends for GHF to take over UN-led efforts—citing alleged Hamas interference—the UN and aid groups deny any such aid theft. Oxfam America condemned the funding as a “multimillion‑dollar distraction” that poses fatal risks, arguing the approach fails to address the root causes of Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe, where more than 2 million residents face the brink of famine.

Xi Jinping to miss BRICS summit in Rio; Premier Li Qiang to lead delegation

South China Morning Post,

For the first time in BRICS history, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro, citing scheduling conflicts. Instead, Premier Li Qiang, who led China at the 2023 G20 summit in India, is expected to head the delegation. Sources suggest Xi’s decision was influenced by his recent meetings with Brazilian President Lula da Silva—first at the G20 in Brazil last November and again in Beijing in May during the China–CELAC forum. This marks the first time Xi will be absent from a BRICS gathering since its inception.