India's Captain Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's Presidential Award for saving 174 passengers
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims·
Civil aviation security and bilateral cooperation: a relevant GS2 and GS3 context.
Why in news
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for thwarting a hijacking attempt.
Background
Captain Smit Machchhar of India saved 174 passengers and crew on a flydubai plane after his co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami (an Omani national), attacked him with a crash axe. The aircraft was successfully landed in Saudi Arabia by off-duty pilots after the hijack attempt was thwarted.
Facts for Prelims
- PostCaptain Smit Machchhar: Indian pilot awarded by Israel for heroism.
- Fact174 passengers and crew members were saved during the flydubai plane incident.
- PlaceSaudi Arabia: Location where the aircraft was safely landed.
- BodyState of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism: Israel's highest bravery award for civilians.
Prelims practice question
In which country was the flydubai aircraft successfully landed after the hijacking attempt was thwarted?
- (a)Oman
- (b)Jordan
- (c)Saudi Arabia
- (d)United Arab Emirates
Show answer
Answer: (c) Saudi Arabia — The aircraft was successfully landed in Saudi Arabia by off-duty pilots.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of civil aviation security protocols in preventing hijackings and the role of international cooperation in ensuring passenger safety.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Aviation security: Need for rapid-response cockpit door locking mechanisms and real-time threat monitoring.
- International cooperation: Role of bilateral aviation agreements in coordinating emergency landings and security protocols.
Keywords: Civil Aviation Security · Bilateral Relations · Aviation Safety · Counter-terrorism · Human Heroism
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