Articles by News18,Satyaki Baidya

What Exactly Is A Sonic Boom That Terrified Jodhpur Residents And How Is It Created?

On Tuesday night in Jodhpur, a loud explosion-like sound accompanied by a slight tremor caused panic among residents. The Indian Air Force later clarified that the sound was a sonic boom created by a fighter jet flying at supersonic speed. In this context, News18 examines what a sonic boom is, how it’s produced, and why similar loud sounds have been reported across cities from Bengaluru to Jodhpur. Such sounds are extremely loud and can be frightening, resembling a large explosion. They are usually associated with fighter jets of the Air Force. When these jets fly faster than Mach 1, a sonic boom occurs. Essentially, when an object moves faster than the speed of sound, it generates a sonic boom. This phenomenon often leads to public concern, prompting the Air Force to quickly clarify the situation. Typically, a sonic boom is heard when an aircraft transitions from supersonic to subsonic speeds, usually at altitudes between 36,000 and 40,000 feet. What Is A Sonic Boom? When an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound, it is termed supersonic speed. For example, if an object moves faster than 332 meters per second, it is considered supersonic. For aircraft, speeds over 1,225 kilometres per hour produce a sonic boom. An aircraft creates sound waves as it moves through the air. There are no issues as long as its speed is below the speed of sound. However, once it surpasses this speed, an explosion-like sound is generated. Can Passenger Planes Create Sonic Booms? Any aircraft flying faster than the speed of sound can create a sonic boom. However, fighter jets are more commonly associated with sonic booms as they are designed for supersonic speeds, which are often required for their missions. Commercial passenger planes, such as Boeing and Airbus, usually do not create sonic booms, as they are designed to fly at subsonic speeds, typically between Mach 0.78 and 0.85, for fuel efficiency and safety. How Different Countries Regulate Sonic Booms Supersonic flights are banned over populated areas worldwide due to the loud and disturbing nature of sonic booms, which can break windows and cause structural damage. In India, sonic booms caused by fighter jets are generally not considered a violation of rules if they occur in controlled and necessary situations. However, under DGCA rules, supersonic flights over populated areas are typically banned to prevent potential problems and damage. Does A Sonic Boom Affect The Pilot Too? Loud sounds can cause hearing problems, stress, and concentration difficulties. However, modern aircraft are robust enough that sonic booms do not directly cause structural damage. Instances Of Sonic Booms In India Bengaluru: Sonic boom-like sounds are often heard, especially during IAF test flights, with notable occurrences in May 2020 and July 2021. Amritsar: Near the Pakistan border, sonic booms are frequently reported during Indian Air Force exercises. Jodhpur: On the night of November 11, 2025, loud explosion-like sounds and tremors were reported during Air Force training flights. Dehradun: Reports of buildings shaking and windows cracking due to loud sounds have been attributed to sonic booms. Saurashtra Region: In 2004, ‘blast’-like sounds were heard in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, later linked to sonic booms from overflying jets. Ludhiana: Loud explosion-like sounds were connected to fighter jets near Halwara Air Force Station. Tirupur: A mysterious loud sound heard in 2020 was said to be a sonic boom from a Tejas aircraft. These events usually occur when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound (Mach 1), creating a powerful shock wave that produces a loud explosion-like sound on the ground. How Sonic Booms Once Led To Building Collapses In Israel In 1966-67, sonic booms created by Israeli Air Force jets caused the collapse of walls in about 70 buildings and broke numerous windows. Similarly, during the 1960s, tests of the US Air Force’s YF-12 jets resulted in broken windows and some structural damage, leading to multiple lawsuits against the Air Force. Supersonic Flights Milestones In 1947, US Army pilot Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound in the Bell X-1 aircraft. Since then, many supersonic flights have broken the sound barrier, with some advanced aircraft now flying at three times the speed of sound. According to the Indian Air Force website, India’s fastest jets are the Sukhoi 30MKI and Mirage-2000.

16 hours ago

Politics

Will Prashant Kishor Quit Politics If JD(U) Wins Over 25 Seats In Bihar? Why Exit Polls Led To Buzz

Exit poll results of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections have sparked claims on social media that Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj party, may quit politics, fueling widespread speculation. The second and final phase of voting concluded, and since Tuesday evening, almost all exit polls have forecasted a clear majority for the NDA, except for the Journo Mirror Exit Poll, which predicts the Mahagathbandhan will form the government. Most survey agencies estimate that the NDA is likely to comfortably cross the 122-seat mark required to form the government. Why Speculation Is Rising About PK Quitting Politics These claims about Prashant Kishor quitting politics stems from his bold pre-election claims. In multiple interviews, he had asserted that Nitish Kumar’s party, the JD(U), would win no more than 25 seats. Following the release of Bihar exit poll results, a clip of Kishor’s interview on News18 has gone viral on social media, prompting people to question whether he will indeed quit politics after the results are announced on November 14. In a conversation with Rubika Liyaquat on News18 Bharat, Prashant Kishor stated, “After the results, if JD(U) wins more than 25 seats, please come and tell me. Even if Jan Suraaj wins, inform me; otherwise, I will quit politics.” When asked the reason, he said, “You asked how could this happen? I am saying with certainty that JD(U) won’t win more than 25 seats. Write down what I say.” “अगर जेडीयू को बिहार चुनाव में 25 से ज़्यादा सीटें मिल जाएं, तो मैं राजनीति छोड़ दूंगा।” – प्रशांत किशोर pic.twitter.com/zwtpA1KQyN — Lutyens Media (@LutyensMediaIN) November 12, 2025 Kishor added, “There’s no need to explain why. This is like a bet. I see the election over for JD(U).” Kishor has often warned against underestimating Nitish Kumar, recalling how Kumar has made comebacks when people thought he was finished. However, when it comes to predicting Nitish Kumar’s performance, Prashant Kishor seems to have repeatedly overlooked his own statements. Earlier, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prashant Kishor had predicted that JD(U) would be reduced to just six seats. Contrary to his forecast, the party secured 12 seats. According to political experts, the situation has now evolved to the point where Narendra Modi’s government at the Centre continues to rely on Nitish Kumar’s support. In the 2020 Bihar elections, JDU became the third-largest party with 43 seats, leading to speculation that Nitish Kumar’s era was over. Nevertheless, Kumar demonstrated his resilience in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Exit Polls Predict JD(U) As The Single Largest Party According to News18’s exit poll, JDU is expected to win the most seats in the 2025 elections. The mega exit poll forecasts NDA will receive 140 to 150 seats, Mahagathbandhan 85 to 95, Jan Suraaj 0 to 5, and others 5 to 10 seats. Prashant Kishor has consistently asserted that a Jan Suraaj government would be formed, predicting his party would either reach the top or hit the bottom. Based on exit polls, however, it appears Jan Suraaj is set to remain at the bottom.

1 days ago

Technology

7 Courtroom Dramas Based On Real Cases With Impressive IMDb Scores

The allure of courtroom dramas lies not only in their portrayal of the quest for justice but also in their reflection of society’s darker truths. Inspired by landmark cases, these films bring real-life events to the screen, leaving audiences in awe. Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam’s ‘Haq,’ set to release on November 7, has been making headlines. This film is based on the Shah Bano case. Before its release, let’s look at the top 7 films inspired by real events and their impressive IMDb ratings. Haq: Starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, this film draws inspiration from the 1980 Shah Bano case. When Indore lawyer Mohammad Ahmed Khan abandoned his wife Shah Bano and their children, they approached the Supreme Court. The film is expected to ignite fresh debates on women’s rights and secularism and is scheduled to hit theatres on November 7. Shahid: Directed by Hansal Mehta, Rajkummar Rao portrays lawyer Shahid Azmi. The film chronicles the true story of Azmi, a human rights activist who was wrongly imprisoned on terror charges. Accused in a false case, he later fought for justice. The film has an IMDb rating of 8.1. Jolly LLB 3: This film, featuring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, is inspired by the 2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh. It tells the harrowing story of a farmer whose land was taken away. The film has an IMDb rating of 7.1. Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway: Rani Mukerji’s film is based on the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty, who fought a legal battle against Norway’s Child Welfare Services. Rani Mukerji plays Indian mother Debika Chatterjee, whose children were taken away by Norwegian Child Welfare on charges of “improper training.” Rani won a National Award for her role. The film has an IMDb rating of 7.3. No One Killed Jessica: Featuring Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji, this film is based on the 1999 Jessica Lal murder case. It depicts a journalist and the victim’s sister fighting for justice against a wealthy and powerful accused. Rani Mukerji plays journalist Meera, while Vidya Balan plays Jessica’s sister Sabrina, who battles for justice against a politician’s son. The film has a rating of 7.2. Sir Ek Banda Kaafi Hai: Manoj Bajpayee stars as lawyer P.C. Solanki, inspired by the Asaram Bapu rape case. The film portrays the struggle between a powerful godman and a minor girl, highlighting the courage of one man who challenges the system. The film has an IMDb rating of 8. Talvar: Directed by Meghna Gulzar, this film is based on the 2008 Noida double murder case (Aarushi-Hemraj). Starring Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Neeraj Kabi, it effectively captures the contradictions of the investigation and the media trial. The film has an IMDb rating of 8.1.

Nov 5, 2025

Technology

Planning To Buy Gold? This Latest US Market Trend Could Change Your Mind

Gold prices experienced a sharp decline on Tuesday, falling by 5 percent to $4,120 per ounce after reaching a record high of $4,381 on Monday. This marks the largest one-day drop in gold since 2020. Despite this, gold remains at elevated levels, boasting a gain of approximately 60 percent this year. Profit Booking And Market Volatility Increased Experts suggest that investors are now engaging in profit booking following such a rapid rise. Metal trader Tai Wong noted that market volatility is encouraging short-term investors to secure profits. Similarly, silver prices plummeted by over 6 percent, dropping below $50 per ounce. Investors Now Eyeing US Inflation Attention has now shifted to US inflation data, which has been delayed until Friday due to the government shutdown. Traders are eager to discern future interest rate trends. Typically, lower interest rates make precious metals like gold and silver more appealing as safe investment options. Will The Gold Rally Stop Here? David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation, said, “Gold’s long-standing bullish momentum seems to be slowing. The key question is whether this is a normal correction or the start of a downtrend.” Analysts indicate that the market’s future direction will hinge on the depth and duration of this decline. It is a period for investors to proceed with caution and prudence.

Oct 22, 2025