Category: News

Two weeks after Latvian national Liga Skromane went missing from Kovalam, the State Government has sought the help of Navy and Air Force for underwater search in the area. As per State Govt’s request, Air Force transport aircraft AN-32 from Sulur Airforce Station reached Kochi and transported naval assets from Kochi Naval Command to Trivandrum on 1st April afternoon. Thereafter the naval assets weighing around 1000 kg in two trucks were transported from Air Force Technical Area, Shangumugam  to Kovalam. Southern Naval command mobilised Gemini inflatable boats, under-water sonar and 6 deep sea divers for the search around Kovalam area.  The divers have started the ... Read more

The new aviation tax imposed by Sweden, as part of reducing the carbon footprint, could benefit air traffic in Denmark. The added charges for the flights include 60 to 400 kronas ($7 to $49), with regards to the length of the flight. Meanwhile, babies in arms, flight crew and long-haul passengers were exempted from the tax. According to a share analyst from Denmark, a favourable rerouting of airlines to their airspace will give a better network and options for flights in and out of the country, which may benefit the economy. “The charges eventually would hit the airline’s pocket more than ... Read more

Etihad Airways has begun a month-long trial to test the SkyLights Aero Virtual Reality (VR) entertainment technology in order to gather customer feedback before introducing the offering at the Midfield Terminal in Abu Dhabi International Airport. The trial takes place at its First Class Lounge and Spa and Business Class Premium Lounge. “By conducting trials such as this, we already understand that modern travellers expect more information and seek increasingly connected and immersive experiences which engage and entertain them on every level. Gone are the days when a premium lounge experience just meant comfortable design, luxurious amenities and fine dining,” ... Read more

Hyderabad Police issued a temporary ban on unmanned flying aircraft (drones) and other RC controlled devices from 8th April to 7th May. “No flying activities of remotely controlled drones or para-gliders or Remotely Controlled Micro-Light Aircraft will be allowed in the Jurisdiction of Hyderabad city limits without prior police permission in writing,” said Anjani Kumar, Hyderabad police chief on a statement. The new move is as part of a notification received from intelligence agencies, stating that there could be terrorist attacks and security breach, which could create chaos among the public. The police also states that anyone violating the rules ... Read more

Amazon.com Inc may submit an offer to buy Indian e-commerce firm Flipkart, which is currently in talks with Walmart Inc for a stake sale. The deal with Walmart is more likely to go through, according reports to Mint. Walmart is in talks to buy a stake of over 55 per cent in Flipkart, which a direct challenge to Amazon in Asia’s third-largest economy. It is planning to buy Flipkart through through a mix of primary and secondary share purchases in a deal that could value Flipkart at $21 billion. Amazon is the largest Internet retailer in the world as measured by ... Read more

The first train between India and Bangladesh, dedicated to transport containers was flagged off from Kolkata. The new project would run on a trial basis and would pass through Sealdah, Naihati, Ranaghat and Gede in India, followed by entering Darsana and Ishurdi in Bangladesh. The train left for Bangladesh with 60 containers (1,200 tonnes) of animal feed. “The customs clearance for the train would be done easier, delivering the materials on time. Exporters forums had been lobbying for container trains to help them save time and significantly cutting costs,” said Harindra Rao, General Manager of Eastern Railway Zone. Meanwhile, the ... Read more

Beppu in western Japan, is famous for its natural hot springs, in which hoteliers are in competition with one another to draw tourist attention. Since the past five years, the city is showing good number of tourist arrivals with the continuous efforts from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ministry. The occupancy chart of the hotels and resort show the growth of tourism in the area. “Beppu is one of the world’s most famous hot springs resorts, but it didn’t have a luxury hotel of international fame. The wealthy Japanese market is very attractive, and inbound tourism is also booming.”, said ... Read more

A travel alert has been issued by South Korea for its citizens regarding travelling to Ecuador, on the occasion of a severe security breach in some parts of the South American country. According to media reports, a travel advisory is imposed over cities of San Lorenzo and Eloy Alfaroin in Ecuador along with the travel alert. South Korea further declared orders for citizens living in Ecuador to avoid local trips and called back their citizens until the situation is under control. Meanwhile, in January Ecuador government has ordered emergency in its two cities, as a result of drug-associated bombing.  

India’s all-time favourite budget carrier IndiGo, is about to start direct flights from Chennai to Tiruchirapalli from 1st June onwards. IndiGo assigns its 7th ATR aircraft for the new mission. Additionally, IndiGo also features same day return facility, along with four departures on its inaugural day, for the customers on Tiruchirappalli – Chennai zone. “The new flights are designed to cater to business and leisure travellers, who are constantly on the lookout for new and affordable flying options,” said the airline in a statement. “The introduction of these flights will further strengthen airline’s ATR operations, and will provide enhanced connectivity ... Read more

International travel advisories against India are “hugely biased” and “uncalled for” because crime and violent incidents in the country are only “few and far between”, said Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons. He also asserted that India was a “perfectly safe” tourist destination for foreigners and the government was making efforts to get negative advisories against the country removed. The minister said this in an interview with IANS. “Most of these advisories are hugely biased. Why is the advisory for Assam is still on Level 2? Such advisories are completely uncalled for,” the minister added. The External Affairs Ministry has been ... Read more

The Australian flag carrier Qantas is providing Qantas Points to its app users. So far about 200,000 people have been rewarded with 200 million Qantas Points.The points are generated by the airline’s own health insurance company, Qantas Assure. Points can be generated via tasks, based on a list of activities like walking with the dog, cycling to work, taking the stairs, swimming and also early morning gym activities. Additionally, the app has a Body Mass Index Calculator that gives extra 50 points for being in shape. The 200 million Qantas Points gained so far equates to over 3500 business class ... Read more

Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus is all about to launch its flagship model OnePlus 6 by the end of April this year. The company has recently launched their phone’s promo via Twitter. ‘OnePlus 6 for its next flagship, 6et ready, it tweeted. The phone has similarities with i Phone X in terms of screen design. The OnePlus 6 will have a 20MP +16 MP dual rear camera with f/1.7 aperture, followed by a 20MP selfie shooter. The phone is paired with a 6GB and 8GB RAM along with a 3,450 mAh battery. The device is said to be calibrated by a ... Read more

Etihad Airways has officially opened its Etihad Eco Residence, Abu Dhabi’s first purpose-built, sustainable Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rated cabin crew accommodation. The project is the result of a unique partnership between the UAE’s national airline and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar. The Etihad Eco Residence was inaugurated in the presence of Khaled Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace, Renewables & Information Communications Technology (ICT) for Mubadala, by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer for Masdar, alongside senior executives from Etihad Airways and Masdar ... Read more

Emirates, looking for “motivated and service-oriented” candidates to expand its cabin crew team, will be organising open days for cabin crew recruitment in Dubai later this month. Interested candidates should attend the open days on April 13 and 28. Candidates can get details on the venue and the timing by visiting the website. Job requirements At least 21 years of age at the time of joining Arm reach of 212 cm while standing on tiptoes Minimum height of 160 cm High school graduate (Grade 12) Fluency in English (written and spoken) No visible tattoos while you’re in Emirates cabin crew ... Read more

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, on the issue of private data leak, revealed that the firm needs a few years to fix the security firewall. Mark states that Facebook’s major compilation was its idealistic nature on connecting people, “we didn’t spend enough time investing in, or thinking through, some of the downside uses of the tools,” said Mark. “I think we will dig through this hole, but it will take a few years. I wish I could solve all these issues in three months or six months, but I just think the reality is that solving some of these questions is ... Read more