The ramp-up of traffic at Noida International Airport is lagging behind expectations, primarily due to the withdrawal of a launch airline and the existing Delhi airport operating under capacity. In its opening month, the new airport managed 104 flights and accommodated 25,000 passengers. Connectivity hurdles and strong competition from Delhi present notable challenges. Despite this, Zurich Airport remains optimistic about the Indian aviation sector's long-term growth outlook.
Security forces are on high alert after a Pakistani drone was detected near the LoC. Military personnel tracked the unmanned aerial vehicle over the Rajouri sector on Friday evening. This incident follows several other suspected drone sightings reported in Jammu and Kashmir recently. Security forces have intensified search operations in forward areas to detect any dropped materials. Border monitoring remains active as authorities await further official updates on the situation.
The panel, headed by Infosys co-founder and technology expert Nandan Nilekani, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month amid heightened scrutiny of the examination system following NEET-UG paper leak controversy and youth protests over alleged lapses in the test’s conduct. It will also look at measures to improve accessibility and inclusion, while factoring in student well-being during the examination process.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, CJI Kant said, “Countries that are finally industrialising are being asked to move rapidly towards renewable power, and are often made to bear the brunt of criticism when they cannot move fast enough.” “The challenge, therefore, is to reconcile the urgency of the clean energy transition with the principles of fairness and shared responsibility that must underpin it,” the CJI said.
Of 7,500 In Himalayan Regions, 200 Are High Risk
The recently concluded UNCCD conference in Mongolia set the stage for enhanced global drought resilience with innovative initiatives. Highlighted was a significant $1.3 billion commitment for land restoration and drought resilience projects. The newly introduced Drought Resilience Index will aid nations in evaluating their strategies, while the Drought Resilience Investment Facility seeks to attract public and private funding for impactful projects, aiming to scale solutions worldwide.
In an effort to enhance patient care, beneficiaries of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana in Punjab are receiving follow-up communications from the 104 Health Helpline. The objective is to collect valuable feedback concerning their treatment journeys and medications. Such insights enable officials to identify potential post-treatment challenges and gauge satisfaction with healthcare services. Furthermore, the helpline facilitates free medical consultations and information regarding the scheme.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led Raksha Bandhan celebrations in Lucknow by participating in the Snehbandhan programme, while Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini marked the festival at Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh, where schoolgirls tied rakhis to him.
In a significant announcement, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami revealed a series of initiatives aimed at empowering women. Notably, women aged sixty and older will enjoy free travel on Roadways buses. Additionally, ten electric buses in Dehradun are designated as Pink e-Buses for women’s convenience. Moreover, the loan limit for women's self-employment schemes has been raised to Rs 2.
New research reveals 61 percent of Indian children face extra heat stress annually. Climate change has doubled young children's exposure to dangerous heat levels. This exposure outpaces all other age groups, affecting millions of youngsters. Future warming scenarios project even greater heat stress for Indian children. Developing nations and younger populations bear a disproportionate burden of this threat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Rakshabandhan by celebrating the occasion with schoolgirls at his residence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined the festivities alongside students and cadets. Notably, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi sent heartfelt greetings to the nation, emphasizing the festival's essence of mutual respect and social harmony, while wishing for strengthened bonds of affection and trust among everyone.
Jairam Ramesh criticized the Centre's new digital education initiatives. He alleged the government announced free online coaching after Rahul Gandhi's remarks. Ramesh questioned the scheme's implementation, citing a report on past enrollment shortfalls. The government's focus should be on public education, not online coaching. Rahul Gandhi's campaign highlights student concerns and women's strength in India.
A comprehensive audit of nearly five thousand kilometers of highway projects will be carried out by a third-party inspection agency. Engineers India Ltd has been chosen for these essential quality checks, aiming to rectify issues related to project shortcomings and untimely road failures. The focus will be on expressways along with six-lane and four-lane national highways, ensuring elevated quality standards in infrastructure development.
