IndiGo Flight’s Fuel Crisis Sparks Emergency Landing in Bengaluru: A Close Call in the Skies

In a heart-stopping incident that has raised serious questions about aviation safety, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai was forced to declare a "mayday" distress call and make an emergency landing in Bengaluru on Thursday, June 19, 2025, due to critically low fuel levels. The Airbus A321, operating as flight 6E-6764 and carrying 168 passengers, narrowly averted disaster after encountering heavy congestion at Chennai airport, leading to a failed landing attempt and a desperate diversion. This alarming event comes on the heels of another aviation scare involving an Air India Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad just a week prior, intensifying concerns about operational reliability in India's aviation sector.

The Incident: A Race Against Time

The IndiGo flight took off from Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at 4:40 PM IST, scheduled to land in Chennai at approximately 7:45 PM. However, the aircraft encountered significant challenges upon reaching its destination. Chennai International Airport was reportedly grappling with heavy air traffic congestion, which prevented the flight from landing as planned. After a failed landing attempt—likely exacerbated by adverse weather or runway unavailability—the pilots were forced to make a critical decision as the aircraft's fuel reserves dwindled to dangerously low levels.

Faced with a rapidly escalating situation, the pilots issued a "mayday" call, the international distress signal reserved for life-threatening emergencies. This prompted an immediate diversion to Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, approximately 300 miles away. The declaration of a fuel emergency sent shockwaves through air traffic control, triggering a swift response from ground authorities in Bengaluru. Emergency protocols were activated, with fire trucks, ambulances, and medical teams mobilized to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Safe Landing Amid High Stakes

Despite the tense circumstances, the IndiGo A321 touched down safely in Bengaluru at 8:20 PM, much to the relief of the 168 passengers and crew onboard. No injuries were reported, and passengers were safely disembarked. However, the incident has left a lingering sense of unease among travelers and aviation experts alike. Both pilots involved in the flight have been temporarily removed from duty—referred to as being "derostered"—pending a thorough investigation by IndiGo and aviation regulators, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The probe is expected to examine factors such as fuel management, air traffic control coordination, and the decision-making process that led to the fuel crisis.

 A Troubling Pattern?

This incident is not an isolated one for IndiGo, India's largest low-cost carrier. Just a day later, on Friday, June 20, 2025, another IndiGo flight bound for Madurai encountered a technical issue mid-air, forcing it to return to Chennai. The aircraft, carrying 68 passengers, landed safely, and all passengers were deplaned without incident. While details of the technical issue remain unclear, the back-to-back disruptions have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the airline's operational protocols and aircraft maintenance standards.

The timing of these incidents is particularly concerning, as they follow closely on the heels of an Air India Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad. Though unrelated to IndiGo, the crash has already heightened public scrutiny of aviation safety in India, a country with one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. Questions are now being raised about whether airlines are adequately prepared to handle the pressures of increasing air traffic, unpredictable weather, and the complexities of operating in congested airspace.

What Went Wrong?

While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary reports suggest that a combination of factors may have contributed to the fuel crisis on flight 6E-6764. Heavy congestion at Chennai airport likely delayed the aircraft's landing, forcing it to enter a holding pattern—a common procedure where planes circle above an airport while awaiting clearance. Holding patterns, however, burn significant amounts of fuel, and if an aircraft is not carrying sufficient reserves, this can quickly escalate into an emergency. The failed landing attempt may have further depleted the fuel, leaving the pilots with no choice but to divert to Bengaluru.

Fuel management is a critical aspect of flight planning, and airlines are required to carry enough fuel to account for contingencies such as diversions or holding patterns. The DGCA mandates that aircraft carry a minimum amount of reserve fuel, including contingency fuel (typically 5% of the trip fuel or enough for 30 minutes of flight) and alternate fuel (for diversion to an alternate airport). If the investigation reveals lapses in fuel planning or operational decisions, it could have significant implications for IndiGo's procedures and the broader industry.

Broader Implications for Aviation Safety

The "mayday" incident underscores the challenges faced by airlines operating in India's increasingly crowded skies. With air travel demand surging, airports like Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi often experience congestion, particularly during peak hours or adverse weather conditions. This places immense pressure on air traffic control systems and pilots to make split-second decisions that can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe.

The incident also highlights the importance of robust contingency planning. Questions are likely to arise about whether IndiGo's fuel calculations were adequate, whether air traffic control at Chennai could have prioritized the landing, and whether the pilots' decision to divert was made in a timely manner. The DGCA's investigation will likely scrutinize these aspects, along with the airline's training protocols and adherence to safety regulations.

 IndiGo's Response and Next Steps

IndiGo has not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the incident, but the airline is expected to cooperate fully with the DGCA's investigation. The derostering of the pilots is a standard procedure in such cases, ensuring that they are not assigned to further flights until the investigation clears them of any wrongdoing. Passengers affected by the emergency landing were reportedly accommodated on alternative flights or provided with necessary assistance, though the airline has not disclosed specific details.

As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community and the public will be closely watching for answers. Was this a one-off incident caused by unforeseen circumstances, or does it point to systemic issues within IndiGo's operations or India's aviation infrastructure? The findings could lead to stricter regulations, enhanced training, or changes in how airlines manage fuel and diversions.

A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

The safe landing of flight 6E-6764 is a testament to the skill and composure of the pilots and ground crews involved, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in aviation safety. For passengers, the incident is a sobering reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in air travel, even on routine domestic flights. 

As India's aviation sector continues to grow, incidents like these highlight the need for continuous improvements in infrastructure, coordination, and safety protocols to ensure that such close calls remain just that—close calls, not tragedies.

Oben Electric closes Series A round of ₹100 Cr, with additional ₹50 Cr raised in extended Series A

• Funding to accelerate expansion to 150+ showrooms across 50+ cities in FY26, deepen product development via the new 'O100' platform, and scale production infrastructure within existing facility

 

Bengaluru, 18^th June 2025: Oben Electric, an R&D driven homegrown electric motorcycle manufacturer, has raised additional ₹50 Cr in May 2025 through an extended Series A funding round. The extended series A round follows series A round of ₹50 Cr raise in January 2025, bringing the total Series A funding to ₹100 Cr and overall funding raised to ₹200 Cr. The round saw participation from new and existing investors including Helios Holdings, Sharda family office, Kay family and other new & existing investors. This fund raise signals strong investor conviction in Oben Electric's consistent growth, product quality, financial metrics and electric motorcycle segment leadership.

Mr. Sandesh from Sharda family office commented: "Oben Electric had the right technology, product market fit and growth indicators. They are operating in an untapped large market opportunity with multi-fold revenue growth QoQ, the feedback of the electric motorcycle was great and their vertical integration of critical EV components, including LFP battery, motor and vehicle control unit is a key differentiator. We were also impressed by the maturity of the founders which is required to build such a large & complex business and believe that they would be successful in building the first global electric motorcycle brand from India."

This latest infusion of funds will power Oben Electric's continuing growth and accelerate its expansion to over 150 showrooms across 50+ cities by FY26, fast-tracking product development of the company's new 'O100' platform for affordable electric motorcycles under ₹1 lakh, and scaling up its manufacturing within Bangalore facility and strengthening its after-sales service network across markets.

Following the initial Series A raise, Oben Electric rapidly scaled with 37 retail outlets across 26 cities in 13 states, entering key markets like Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, underscoring strong post-funding execution and demand.

Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO of Oben Electric, said, "The extended Series A funding is a strong vote of confidence from our investors and comes at a time when our momentum is accelerating nationwide. We're expanding not just our retail footprint but also our innovation roadmap with platforms like O100 that aim to democratize electric motorcycles for the mass market. Backed by full vertical integration and a resilient supply chain, this funding prepares us for a new phase of scale, impact, and growth opportunities."

Oben Electric stands apart as an R&D-led, vertically integrated company, designing and manufacturing not just electric motorcycles but also all critical components, including batteries, motors, vehicle control units, and home fast chargers. Backed by a 500+ member expert team, Oben operates a fully compliant, 100,000-units-per-year manufacturing facility in Jigani, Bengaluru, supported by a strong domestic supply chain of 150+ vendors. Its e-motorcycles undergo testing across 200+ performance parameters and are supported by 68,000+ public charging stations and 10+ ecosystem partners for insurance, financing, and roadside assistance.

Oben Electric has emerged as a preferred choice for daily commuters with its Rorr electric motorcycle lineup. The Oben Rorr EZ, starting at ₹99,999, is tailored for city commuters with rapid acceleration (0–40 km/h in just 3.3 seconds), a top speed of 95 km/h, and a range of up to 175 km (IDC) across three battery variants. Alongside, the company continues to offer its flagship Oben Rorr, known for delivering high-performance electric mobility. Both motorcycles are powered by high performance LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology, a first in India's electric two-wheeler segment, ensuring superior durability, safety, and consistent performance across extreme weather conditions.

Looking ahead, Oben Electric plans to raise USD 30 million in Series B in 2025 to support international expansion and further scale-up of production and product lines, building on its vision of "Designed in India for the World."

JIIF Investors Invest in a ₹350 Crore Consumer-Focused Fund by Atomic Capital

New Delhi, June 16, 2025 — Investors from the early-stage angel network JIIF have invested in a ₹350 crore fund for Atomic Capital, a newly launched consumer-focused venture capital firm. JIIF-affiliated angel investors alone contributed ₹26.5 crore to the fund.

This marks one of the largest collective bets by JIIF's investors in the consumer VC space, underscoring rising conviction in India's next wave of consumption, driven by digital-first brands, regional demand, and wellness-oriented products.

Commenting on the investment, Jeenendra Bhandari, Chairman, JIIF, said, "It is a proud moment to see JIIF members backing Atomic Capital's first fund. Their investment aligns with our broader thesis of supporting category-defining, purpose-led startups. India's consumer opportunity is massive and Atomic's operating model is well positioned to unlock enduring brand value."

Speaking on the investment Apoorv Gautam, Founder Atomic Capital said "We are delighted to have JIIF Angel members join us on our mission to empower the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs. Our approach is rooted in deep founder collaboration, strategic insight, and a relentless focus on capital-efficient scale. This investment signals strong alignment with this model and further strengthens our ability to partner with exceptional founders early in their journey"

Atomic Capital operates with an "Operating VC" approach, offering not just capital but also hands-on support in brand building, growth marketing, supply chain optimization, and leadership hiring.

In FY 2024–25, JIIF's investor base deployed over ₹60 crore across more than 20 startups, spanning fintech, healthtech, AI, logistics, and consumer. The network now supports a portfolio of over 150 companies, further reinforcing its role as a key player in India's early-stage startup ecosystem.

Atomic Capital's launch comes at a time when India's consumer market is at an inflection point. With the rise of digital commerce, growing aspirations in non-metro cities, and a maturing brand ecosystem, early-stage investors are increasingly betting on the next generation of Indian consumer startups.

This fundraise signals a shared vision between Atomic Capital and JIIF to build scalable, resilient consumer brands tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.

IndiGo Slams $1 Billion Stake Sale Rumors: "No Truth to Speculation

New Delhi: InterGlobe Aviation Limited, the parent company of IndiGo, has firmly denied media reports suggesting a 4% stake sale to raise $1 billion (approximately Rs 8,600 crore). Labeling the claims as "speculative" and baseless, the company reaffirmed its commitment to IndiGo's long-term growth strategy.

In a statement, InterGlobe Enterprises emphasized, "We are fully focused on IndiGo's next phase of growth, with no plans for a stake sale." The clarification addressed rumors that co-promoter Rahul Bhatia was planning to offload shares through block deals, following his June 2024 sale of a 2% stake (77.2 lakh shares) for Rs 3,292 crore, which supported InterGlobe's hospitality and other ventures.

Meanwhile, co-founder Rakesh Gangwal has been steadily reducing his stake, with a 5.7% share sale in May 2025, bringing his family's holding to 7.8% from 37% pre-2020. Gangwal has previously signaled his intent to exit the airline.

Despite the rumors, IndiGo shares surged, closing at Rs 5,390 on the NSE, up 2.43% or Rs 128, reflecting investor confidence.

Tragedy in the Himalayas: Seven Lives Lost in Kedarnath Helicopter Crash

Uttarakhand News
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: A devastating accident near Kedarnath Dham claims seven lives, leaving the nation in mourning. Rescue operations are underway amidst challenging conditions.

In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken the nation, a helicopter carrying seven souls crashed near the sacred Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand's Gaurikund region on Sunday morning. The ill-fated chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route from Kedarnath to Phata when it plummeted near Trijuginarayan, reportedly due to treacherous weather conditions. All seven aboard, including passengers and crew, are feared dead, casting a pall of grief over the serene Himalayan valleys.

The crash, which occurred at approximately 7:00 AM, sent shockwaves through the pilgrimage hub, where devotees throng to seek blessings at the revered Kedarnath Temple. Eyewitnesses described a haunting scene: the helicopter, struggling against gusty winds and dense fog, veered off course before crashing into the rugged terrain. The deafening sound of the impact echoed through the mountains, shattering the morning calm.

Uttarakhand's Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Law and Order, Dr. V. Murugeshan, rushed to the site with police teams, joined by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel. 

Rescue operations are underway, but the remote location and inclement weather have posed significant challenges. "We are doing everything possible to reach the site and investigate the cause," Dr. Murugeshan said, his voice heavy with resolve.

Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility and turbulent weather played a critical role in the disaster. The Himalayan region, known for its unpredictable climate, has witnessed several aviation incidents in recent months, raising concerns about the safety of helicopter operations during the Char Dham Yatra season. Just a week ago, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter made an emergency landing in Rudraprayag due to a technical snag, narrowly averting a catastrophe.  For the families of the victims, the news is unbearable. 

"They were so excited to visit Kedarnath," sobbed a relative of one of the passengers, speaking to News24 from Dehradun. "How could this happen?" The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially released, pending confirmation from authorities.The tragedy comes on the heels of another devastating incident—an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 240 lives. 

The back-to-back disasters have sparked nationwide calls for stricter aviation safety protocols, with experts urging a thorough review of operations in high-risk zones like Uttarakhand.  As rescue teams battle the elements to recover the wreckage, the nation holds its breath, praying for closure for the grieving families. The Kedarnath Temple, a symbol of faith and resilience, now stands as a somber backdrop to this unfathomable loss. News24 will continue to bring you updates as this story unfolds.

Vadodara’s Grand Comeback: Kotambi Stadium to Host First Men’s International in 15 Years

In a thrilling development for cricket fans, Vadodara is poised to reclaim its spot on the international stage as it hosts its first men's international match in over 15 years. On January 11, 2026, the newly constructed Kotambi Stadium will come alive with the roar of the crowd as India takes on New Zealand in the opening ODI of a highly anticipated white-ball tour. This marks a historic moment for the city, which last witnessed a men's international game in December 2010 at the Reliance Stadium, where a young Gautam Gambhir smashed a match-winning century and Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 63.

Vadodara's return to the international cricket calendar is more than just a match—it's a celebration of the city's rich cricketing legacy and a testament to its modern ambitions

The Kotambi Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue, is no stranger to high-stakes cricket. It has already proven its mettle by hosting three Women's ODIs between India and West Indies in December 2024 and six matches during the 2025 Women's Premier League (WPL). Now, it's ready to shine under the global spotlight as it welcomes the first of three ODIs and five T20Is in New Zealand's 2025-26 tour of India. This series, the first clash between the two sides since India's triumph in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, promises to be a blockbuster.

The tour kicks off in Gujarat, with Vadodara setting the tone before the action shifts to Rajkot for the second ODI on January 14. The ODI leg wraps up in Indore on January 18, followed by a T20I extravaganza across central and eastern India. Nagpur (January 21) and Raipur (January 23) will host the first two T20Is, before the teams head east to Guwahati (January 25) and Visakhapatnam (January 28). The tour culminates in the scenic city of Thiruvananthapuram on January 31, where the fifth T20I will serve as a crucial dress rehearsal for India ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted with Sri Lanka.

For New Zealand, the stakes are just as high. Fresh off their India tour, the Black Caps will face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series, fine-tuning their squad for the global showpiece. With India, the defending T20 World Cup champions, looking to assert their dominance, and New Zealand eager to upset the hosts, this series promises intense battles and unforgettable moments.

Vadodara's return to the international cricket calendar is more than just a match—it's a celebration of the city's rich cricketing legacy and a testament to its modern ambitions. As Kotambi Stadium prepares to host this historic ODI, fans can expect a carnival of cricket, blending nostalgia with the excitement of a new era.

Men at Greater Heart Health Risk: Redcliffe Labs Study Finds Higher Abnormalities in Heart Health Markers Among Men Than Women

• New analysis of over 1 lakh diagnostic test records reveals that men exhibit higher red flags in key parameters, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, hs-CRP, and other heart health indicators, compared to women.

• Redcliffe Labs urges men to take proactive steps this Father's Day by offering a Free hs-CRP test for early heart risk detection.

• Pan-India health check study shows men have 11–17% more abnormalities in key heart risk markers than women.

India, 12th June 2025: Aiming to raise awareness around men's health ahead of Father's Day, Redcliffe Labs has released a study revealing that men are consistently at a higher risk of developing heart-related conditions. The three-year study, which analysed over 1 lakh preventive health checkups across India, highlights that men exhibit abnormal cardiovascular indicators 11–17% more frequently than women. It highlights the urgent need to take proactive measures to combat the increased risk around men's heart health. 

In the study, Redcliffe Labs analyzed abnormalities for more than 20 health parameters in males and females. The data unveils that men had significantly more abnormal results in total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, and hs-CRP, all of which are clinically associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. These parameters serve as early red flags, indicating silent deterioration that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other chronic heart conditions if left unchecked.

The findings of the study were particularly notable across several critical cardiovascular markers. Elevated total cholesterol levels, linked to plaque buildup in arteries and increased blockage risk, were observed in 40.2% of men, significantly surpassing the 29.6% recorded among women. Similarly, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), commonly known as "bad cholesterol" and responsible for arterial plaque accumulation, was found to be abnormal in 43.9% of men compared to 31.7% in women.

Another crucial highlight was that elevated triglyceride levels, typically resulting from poor lifestyle choices and associated with increased heart disease risk, were detected in 37.4% of men versus 27.1% of women. Another critical marker, hs-CRP (High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein), which indicates chronic inflammation and early cardiovascular risk, was elevated in 45.3% of men. It is much higher than the 34.2% observed among women. 

According to the study by Redcliffe Labs, the elevated heart health risk in men is not a short-term trend but a persistent and growing concern. Heart conditions often progress silently, and significant damage may already have occurred by the time symptoms appear. The study highlights the importance of preventive diagnostics, which helps intervene early and mitigate long-term risk. 

Aditya Kandoi, Founder & CEO, Redcliffe Labs, said, "Heart disease doesn't develop overnight. These early markers are like red flags waving years in advance. At Redcliffe Labs, we believe that timely and affordable diagnostics can shift the curve from treatment to prevention. That's the true transformation India's healthcare needs. The earlier the intervention, the higher the number can be for saving lives."

To mark Father's Day, and as part of its mission to drive awareness around preventive heart care, Redcliffe Labs is offering a complimentary hs-CRP test with every full-body checkup specially curated for men. The initiative aims to help men take control of their health and detect inflammation-driven cardiac risk well before symptoms appear.