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Fuel Cutoff Mystery: Air India Crash Sparks Global Concern

A preliminary investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 has revealed that both engine fuel cutoff switches were flipped just seconds after takeoff, starving the aircraft of power and leading to its fatal descent. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, crashed into a residential area, killing 260 people — including 19 on the ground — and leaving only one survivor. According to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking the other why the fuel had been cut off. The response: “I did not do so”. The switches were flipped within one second of each other, a sequence experts say would be highly unusual and difficult to do accidentally. While both engines attempted to restart, only one regained partial thrust before the aircraft crashed. The report did not identify any mechanical faults with the aircraft or its GE engines, and no recommendations were made for Boeing or ...

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U.S. Urges Canada and NATO Allies to Meet 2% Defense Spending Target


The upcoming NATO Summit in Washington is set to address a pressing issue: defense spending commitments among member nations. While most allies have made strides toward meeting the 2% of GDP target, Canada remains an outlier. In this article, we explore the challenges faced by Canada and the potential consequences of failing to step up its defense investment.

Canada’s Lagging Commitment

Canada, one of NATO’s founding members, pledged in 2014 to allocate 2% of its GDP to defense spending. However, it has consistently fallen short of this goal. Unlike many other NATO countries, Canada has not only missed the 2% benchmark but also failed to allocate 20% of that spending to new equipment. This stance has frustrated allies across the board.

Allies’ Frustration

Diplomats from various NATO countries express their frustration with Canada’s lack of urgency. Despite its strong economy and historical alliance with the U.S., Canada has not prioritized defense spending. European allies, who face criticism for their own efforts, feel that Canada escapes similar pressure from Washington.

Potential Consequences

As the NATO Summit approaches, allies are expected to press Ottawa to fulfill its commitment. Failure to do so could have serious implications. Moreover, concerns arise about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, which might exacerbate the situation.

Conclusion

Canada’s diplomatic standing and military readiness are at stake. The NATO Summit serves as a crucial moment for Canada to address its defense spending shortfall and demonstrate its commitment to collective security.


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