PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak’s political adviser at No10, Ameet Jogia, received his MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from Buckingham Palace, a statement said.
He has been honoured for his services to politics and public service. Jogia was one of the last people to receive an honour by Her late Majesty The Queen last year, the statement added.
He has been a leading activist for the Tory party since the age of 16 for over 20 years. He is a councillor in Harrow, serving as a magistrate and school governor.
Jogia started his political career in Westminster as a political aide to Lord Dolar Popat, supporting him in the Lords as a minister and trade envoy for almost 15 years.
In December 2022, he was chosen by Sunak to join his new team at No10.
From L to R - Deepak Jatania, Priya Jogia, Ameet Jogia MBE and Lord Dolar Popat
Jogia is also co-chair of the Conservative Friends of India, the party’s largest affiliate member group.
At his investiture ceremony, he was joined by his wife Priya Jogia, his father-in-law and former president of Lohana community north London, Deepak Jatania and his political mentor Lord Popat.
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer on Thursday (12) expressed his anguish following a plane crash involving a London-bound Air India flight with 53 British nationals among 242 on board, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said in a statement.
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he said.
Foreign secretary David Lammy took to social media to express his support to those affected."Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected.
The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” he said.
People gather near a damaged building and trees as firefighters work at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved.
It issued a contact number for consular assistance.“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad.
The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” the FCDO’s travel advisory notes.
“British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000,” it adds.
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Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, said, “I am deeply concerned by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171. Harrow is home to a large British-Gujarati community, many of whom have close family ties to Gujarat, and this devastating news will be felt particularly strongly here.
"My thoughts are with all those who have been injured or lost loved ones and I stand ready to support any Harrow residents who are concerned about the wellbeing of their family or friends affected by this tragedy.”
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, was due to land at London Gatwick Airport at 1825 local time. The flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff near the Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday.
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FILE PHOTO: Officials inspect the wreckage of an Air India Express jet at Calicut International Airport in Karipur, Kerala, on August 8, 2020. (Photo by ARUNCHANDRA BOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
INDIA has witnessed several major air disasters over the decades, reflecting both the challenges of aviation safety and the complexities of its growing air traffic. While many flights operate safely each day, a few tragic incidents have left lasting impacts on the nation’s aviation history. Below is a list of some of the most significant plane crashes that have occurred in India.
1. Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision (Nov 12, 1996) A Saudi Boeing 747 and a Kazakh IL-76 cargo plane collided mid-air near Delhi due to communication failures. All 349 people on both aircraft died, making it the deadliest air disaster in Indian airspace.
2. Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka bombing) (Jun 2, 1985) The Boeing 747 exploded mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb detonated on board. All 329 people were killed in the terrorist attack, which remains the worst aviation-related act of terrorism involving Air India.
3. Air India Flight 855 ("Emperor Ashoka") (Jan 1, 1978) Shortly after take-off from Mumbai, the Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea due to instrument failure and pilot disorientation. All 213 passengers and crew were killed.
4. Air India Express Flight 812 (May 22, 2010) The aircraft overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore airport and crashed into a valley. 158 of the 166 people on board lost their lives.
5. Air India Express Flight 1344 (Aug 7, 2020) Attempting to land in heavy rain at Kozhikode’s tabletop runway in Kerala, the plane skidded off and broke into pieces. 21 people died, while many others were injured.
6. Indian Airlines Flight 605 (Feb 14, 1990) The Airbus A320 crashed short of the runway while landing at Bengaluru airport. 92 of the 146 people on board were killed.
7. Alliance Air Flight 7412 (Jul 17, 2000) While approaching Patna airport, the plane crashed into a residential area after engine issues and loss of control. 60 people, including some on the ground, died.
8. Air India Flight 403 (Jun 21, 1982) The Boeing 707 crash-landed at Mumbai during a monsoon storm. 17 people were killed in the accident.
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A yellow alert indicates potential increased pressure on health services
The UK is set to experience a combination of hot and humid weather alongside a series of thunderstorms over the next few days, prompting a heat-health alert and multiple weather warnings from the Met Office. Temperatures could reach up to 30°C in some areas, particularly in parts of south-east and central England.
Heat-health alert issued across southern and eastern England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Met Office, has issued a yellow heat-health alert covering the east of England, the East Midlands, London and the South East. The alert will be in place from 9pm on Thursday, 13 June, until 8am on Sunday, 16 June.
Under the UKHSA’s guidance, a yellow alert indicates potential increased pressure on health services, especially due to impacts on vulnerable populations. People over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, are particularly at risk. The agency has advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid excess sun exposure during peak hours, and check on elderly neighbours or those with health concerns.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, noted: “Even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults. It is important for people to take sensible precautions and remain aware of the forecast. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, please ensure they are following health guidance.”
Thunderstorm warnings in place through Saturday
Alongside the heat alert, the Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings as warm, humid air moves northwards from the Iberian Peninsula.
A yellow warning was issued for the South West of England and Northern Ireland from Thursday until 1pm. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to develop and move north, with the potential for travel disruption. The Met Office warned of difficult driving conditions due to spray, standing water, and possibly hail. Delays to rail and bus services are also possible, with a risk of short-term power outages.
A second yellow thunderstorm warning covers the South East of England from 3pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. The warning highlights the possibility of sudden flooding, road closures, and the chance that isolated communities could be temporarily cut off by floodwaters. There is also a risk of damage to buildings caused by lightning, hail, strong winds, and fast-flowing floodwater.
“There is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life,” the Met Office stated.
Weather overview: temperatures climb as storms approach
Temperatures are expected to peak later in the week. Highs of 27°C are forecast on Wednesday, with parts of central and south-east England potentially reaching 30°C on Friday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said, “After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south.”
This warm spell may feel more uncomfortable than May’s fine weather due to increased humidityiStock
Mr Silverstone added that heatwave thresholds could be reached in some regions, including the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales. However, he noted that this depends on cloud cover, making it uncertain.
He also pointed out that this warm spell may feel more uncomfortable than May’s fine weather due to increased humidity. “Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people’s sleep,” he said.
Detailed forecast: Wednesday to Sunday
Wednesday: A largely dry and sunny day is expected across much of the UK, especially after morning cloud dissipates in the south. The far northwest of Scotland will remain cloudy with periods of rain. Temperatures will be widely very warm.
By the evening, showers will begin to move into western areas, followed by a more organised band of thundery rain developing overnight. Many areas will experience a warm night.
Thursday: Rain, occasionally heavy, will push north and east across the country throughout the day. Brighter spells may follow in some regions, though scattered showers are also likely. The day will remain warm and increasingly humid, despite breezy conditions.
Friday to Sunday Outlook: The warm and humid conditions will continue on Friday, with another round of heavy and thundery rain forecast, particularly during the afternoon and evening. The weekend will remain unsettled with further spells of rain and showers, although fresher air will gradually begin to spread across the country.
Some western areas could receive between 20-40mm of rain within a few hours on Thursday. The Met Office has indicated that lightning and intense downpours may cause localised flooding and disruption.
Advice for the public
The UKHSA and the Met Office have advised the public to monitor weather updates and follow health and safety guidance during the period of high heat and storm activity. Precautionary measures include:
Staying hydrated and avoiding physical exertion during the hottest part of the day
Using fans or opening windows at night to cool down interiors
Keeping homes shaded during the day
Looking out for vulnerable individuals in the community
With a combination of high temperatures and stormy weather likely to affect travel, health services and daily routines, authorities are urging residents to plan ahead and stay informed.
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People gather near the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
In this combo of images, a London-bound Air India plane crashes moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (PTI Photo)
AN Air India plane headed to London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from India's western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday (12), the airline and police said, without specifying whether there were any fatalities.
The plane was headed to Gatwick airport in the UK, Air India said, while police officers said it crashed in a civilian area near the airport.
Aviation tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.
"At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates," Air India said on X.
The crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported. One channel showed the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge cloud of fire rising into the sky from beyond the houses.
Visuals also showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport. They also showed visuals of people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.
According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad airport, the aircraft departed at 1.39pm (0809 GMT) from runway 23. It gave a "Mayday" call, signalling an emergency, but thereafter no there was no response from the aircraft.
Flightradar24 also said that it received the last signal from the aircraft seconds after it took off.
In this combo of images, a London-bound Air India plane crashes moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (PTI Photo)www.easterneye.biz
"The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB," it said. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
India's aviation minster said he was "shocked and devastated" at the tragic incident, saying his "thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families".
"I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a statment.
"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," he added. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."
The last fatal plane crash in India involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm. The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a "table-top" runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India in 2020. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.
THE London mayor, Sadiq Khan (right), was knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace in the capital on Tuesday (10).
Sir Sadiq, who was re-elected for a historic third term in May 2024, went down on one knee during the traditional ceremony, as the King dubbed him with a sword. The mayor was recognised in the monarch’s New Year honours list for his political and public service.
He has become the first person to receive this honour while serving in the role.
Speaking after the ceremony, Sir Sadiq said: “I am immensely proud to receive a knighthood from His Majesty the King.
“Growing up on a council estate in Tooting, I never could have imagined that I would one day receive this great honour while serving as the mayor of London. It is a truly humbling moment for myself and my family, and one that I hope inspires others to believe in the incredible opportunities that our great capital offers. I will forever be honoured to serve the city that I love and will continue to do all I can to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”
He revealed that he joked with the King about which of them was a bigger workaholic, adding that the monarch “was very chuffed that he managed to personally give me this honour”.
Sir Sadiq described the ceremony as “a great day for the family”, with his mother in attendance and emotional since the honour was announced.
“Obviously, from my background, being the son of immigrants, my parents coming here from Pakistan, it’s a big deal for us,” he said.
Before becoming mayor, Sir Sadiq worked as a human rights lawyer and served as Labour MP for Tooting from 2005.
He held various ministerial positions, including minister of state for transport, becoming the first Muslim to attend cabinet.
Dame Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury, also received her damehood during the ceremony for political and public service.