Cell – The Basic Unit of Life | Functions, Organelles & MCQs

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🧬Cell – The Basic Unit of Life A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life . It is the building block of all living organisms, carrying out essential processes like growth, energy production, and reproduction. For competitive exams like NEET , UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs, understanding the structure and functions of the cell is important because it forms the foundation of biology. Questions are frequently asked on cell theory , organelles , plant vs. animal cells, and cell division , making this topic a high-scoring and must-prepare section . 🕵🏻‍♂️Discovery of Cell The discovery of the cell was a turning point in biology, and many scientists contributed step by step to our understanding. In 1665, Robert Hooke observed thin slices of cork under a simple microscope and saw small box-like structures. He called them “cells” because they looked like the tiny rooms (cells) in a monastery. In 1674, Anton van Leeuwenhoek developed a better microscope and was ...
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Miracle and Tragedy: The Air India Dreamliner Crash in Ahmedabad — Complete Timeline & Updates

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1. Snapshot

  • What happened: Air India Boeing 787‑8 Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick, crashed into the B.J. Medical College hostel in Meghani Nagar about 30 seconds after takeoff on June 12, 2025, at 13:38 IST 

  • Fatalities: 241 occupants onboard plus at least 28 on the ground—totaling at least 269 deaths 

  • Survivor: A sole survivor—British national Viswashkumar Ramesh, seated in exit row 11A—escaped with non-life-threatening injuries 

2. The Crash Sequence

  • After liftoff, the aircraft climbed to around 625 ft before rapidly descending and crashing within 33 seconds 

  • CCTV and witness videos show the jet suddenly plummeting, crashing into residential buildings, and erupting in flames.

3. Victims & Ground Impact

  • Onboard: 230 passengers and 12 crew—including 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian nationals.

  • On the ground: Over 28 killed and around 60 injured among hostel residents and medical students 

4. Story of Survival

  • Ramesh exited through a broken emergency door:

    “When my door broke, I saw ... I can try to go out. So I tried and got out.” 

  • His brother, in seat 11J, sadly did not survive 

5. Rescue & Recovery Efforts

  • Deployed last 28 hours: 7 NDRF teams, CISF, NSG, CRPF, Indian Army, Gujarat ATS and others 

  • Recovered both flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder; DVR also located 

  • Black boxes are now in New Delhi, to be reviewed by AAIB with assistance from US (NTSB/FAA), UK (AAIB), Boeing, and GE Aerospace 

6. Investigation Focus

  • Early probe targets: engine thrust reduction/failure, flap and landing gear operations, and potential human or mechanical error 

  • Experts caution against speculation—black box data will reveal key facts .

7. Regulatory Safeguards

  • DGCA has mandated pre-departure technical inspections on all Air India Boeing 787-8/9s starting June 15; possible temporary grounding being evaluated 

  • This marks India’s first-ever fatal crash of a 787 Dreamliner 

8. Official Statements & Support

  • Air India CEO Campbell Wilson: pledged full cooperation and transparency in the investigation 

  • Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah, and global leaders visited the site and hospitals; expressed condolences 

  • Tata Group compensation: ₹1 crore (~US $118,000) per victim and full support for DNA and victim identification 

9. Human Touch

  • The discovery of a Bhagavad Gita in the wreckage became a powerful symbol of hope amid tragedy 

  • Plight of hostel students—some injured, many lost—captured community grief and outrage .

10. What Lies Ahead

  • Black box data analysis in New Delhi is underway—the next major update.

  • AAIB findings likely to drive decisions on possible fleet grounding and new safety protocols.

  • Wider implications for Boeing 787 operations and global aviation safety standards.

✅ Conclusion

The AI171 crash stands as India’s deadliest aviation disaster in years and the first fatal incident involving the Boeing 787. With investigations zeroing in on potential engine failure or control issues, the world awaits full analysis of the black box data. For families and communities, this tragedy is deeply personal—but in the lone survival of one man and the resilience of responders, there's glimpses of hope amid heartbreak.

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