India, Aug. 8 -- Boeing's 737 Max programme is facing renewed regulatory scrutiny this week, after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered inspections of hundreds of jets for possible fuselage cracks - the latest in a long line of controversies that have followed the aircraft and the company since twin crashes killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019.

Here's a look back:

The FAA this week finalised a rule ordering inspections on 471 US-registered Boeing 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 aircraft - part of roughly 1,429 such jets worldwide - effective September 10. The directive requires checks on a metal reinforcing plate - a bear strap - near the forward galley door, and on the fuselage skin of aircraft with existing repairs, to address...