India's aviation landscape witnessed a significant shift in punctuality rankings for March 2023, as Akasa Air, the nation's newest airline, claimed the title of the most punctual carrier, according to the latest report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The quarterly performance review for January - March 2023 highlighted a remarkable 94.2 percent On-Time Performance (OTP) for Akasa Air, surpassing industry giant IndiGo. IndiGo, which has long held the position of India's most punctual airline, secured the second spot with a commendable 92 percent OTP. The Tata Group
Iran has announced that it was lifting visa requirements for citizens of India as well as 32 other countries — being an addition to several other countries that have recently announced visa-free travel for Indian nationals. The decision, revealed by Ezzatollah Zarghami, Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts after a recent cabinet meeting, is geared towards advancing worldwide tourism and enhancing international relations. The list of 32 countries granted visa-free travel to Iran includes Russia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, and seve
The Ministry of Railways in India has announced a visionary plan to eradicate waiting lists within the next 4-5 years. This initiative, backed by a substantial investment of Rs 1 lakh crore, aims to acquire 7,000-8,000 new train sets over the next 15 years, primarily targeting the burgeoning demand in the general and sleeper-class coaches. Data analysis from April to October 2023 reveals a significant shift in passenger distribution, with non-AC coaches dominating the landscape. General and Sleeper classes, accounting for a remarkable 95.3% of total passengers carried, witnessed a substant
At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, representatives from almost 200 nations committed on Wednesday to initiate a global reduction in fossil fuel consumption, heralding a decisive shift away from the age of oil. After intense negotiations spanning two weeks, the deal sends a resounding message to investors and policymakers, affirming the world's united front in addressing climate change, considered the last best hope to stave off climate catastrophe. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber hailed the agreement as "historic," emphasizing that its true success would be in its implementation. "We
Azerbaijan has secured the hosting rights for the COP29 climate change summit, gaining support from Eastern European nations during the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai. The decision, resolving months of geopolitical deadlock, drew attention to Azerbaijan's oil production and human rights record. While Azerbaijan's Ecology Minister, Mukhtar Babayev, expressed gratitude for the support, concerns were raised by Zhala Bayramova, daughter of anti-corruption researcher Gubad Ibadoghlu, who criticized the country's oil and gas industry. Bayramova noted that hosting COP29 gives legitimacy to the gov
Kenyan President William Ruto declared on Tuesday that visitors from around the world will no longer need a visa to enter Kenya, effective January. Ruto unveiled a state-of-the-art digital platform designed to streamline the process, ensuring all visitors receive electronic travel authorization in advance. During an event in Nairobi commemorating 60 years of independence from Britain, President Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to easing travel barriers. He expressed that individuals globally will no longer be burdened with visa applications when planning a trip to Kenya. This
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII), famously dubbed the 'Vaccine Prince,' has reportedly sealed a deal to purchase the most expensive home to be sold in London this year. Mr. Poonawalla will pay approximately £138 million (Rs 1,446 crore) for the opulent 25,000 square foot Mayfair mansion known as Aberconway House. The lavish 1920s residence, located near Hyde Park, will be acquired by Serum Life Sciences, a UK-based subsidiary of SII, according to sources familiar with the transaction. The deal was finalized with Dominika Kulczyk, daughter of the late Jan Kulczyk, Pol
Austria has signaled a willingness to reconsider its opposition to Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen open-travel area, but with conditions. While expressing openness to easing restrictions on air travel, Austria demands enhanced security measures at the EU's external borders. Austria, a leading voice against the Schengen accession of Romania and Bulgaria, previously cited concerns about high levels of illegal immigration. The proposal for a compromise focuses on allowing passport-free travel between Romania, Bulgaria, and Schengen countries, specifically for air travel. “On th
The U.N. human rights chief urged countries to work together to defeat threats such as war and pollution at an event marking 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, risking overshadowing by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Speaking in Geneva, Turk invoked the spirit that led to the adoption of the declaration in 1948, responding to what the document calls "barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind." Turk characterized the event as a "call to hope" and a "call to action," highlighting the declaration's historical impact, including the end of racial segregation
The United Nations has issued a plea for $46 billion in funding for 2024 to assist millions of people grappling with humanitarian crises worldwide. The Global Humanitarian Overview for 2024, released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) on December 11, highlights that nearly 300 million individuals will require humanitarian aid in the coming year due to conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic challenges.Of particular concern is East and Southern Africa, where 74.1 million people are affected, notably in crisis-ridden Sudan. "We will target for our spe