National

Odisha Government Dedicated to Improving Regional Connectivity in Aviation

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2025

The Odisha government is dedicated to improving regional connectivity, modernizing airport infrastructure, and cultivating strategic partnerships to strengthen its aviation sector, focusing primarily on the development of Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri. This was highlighted during the High Power Committee (HPC) meeting addressing aviation-related advancements on Wednesday.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, speaking to the committee, underscored the vital role of aviation in stimulating economic growth, enhancing tourism, and improving connectivity for a more empowered Odisha.

“Odisha is rapidly emerging as an aviation hub, characterized by world-class infrastructure, improved air connectivity, and progressive policies. These initiatives are crucial for achieving the vision of Viksit Odisha,” he remarked.

The meeting prioritized the upgrading of key airports including Jeypore, Amarda Road, and Utkela, with issues related to land acquisition and forest clearance being addressed. The Works Department has been designated as the nodal agency to accelerate these developments.

Discussion also centered on the revamped Small Aircraft Scheme (SAS) aimed at boosting air connectivity to remote areas like Jeypore, Malkangiri, and Jharsuguda, with an emphasis on providing affordable travel options. Plans for establishing a new Greenfield airport at Paradip were also on the agenda, with instructions for identifying land and conducting feasibility studies.

Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, spoke about extending financial assistance through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to airline operators such as IndiGo, Alliance Air, and IndiaOne Air, to enhance both domestic and international flight operations from Odisha.

The establishment of the Aviation Security Training Institute (ASTI) at Chandaka was recognized as a vital initiative for developing a skilled workforce in the aviation sector. Additionally, the restructuring of the Directorate of Aviation was reviewed, with proposals for modern infrastructure and improved staffing to support Odisha’s expanding aviation landscape.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Development Commissioner, Principal Secretaries of Law, Finance, Works, Health, and Tourism, as well as senior officials from Housing & Urban Development, Commerce & Transport Departments, IDCO, and Biju Patnaik International Airport.

With solid strategies and collaborative engagement among stakeholders, Odisha is poised to reach new heights as a model state for efficient, inclusive, and modern air travel. The state government reiterated its strong commitment to propelling aviation projects that will position Odisha as a global leader in the aviation industry, as emphasized by the officials.

National

Delhi Techie Found Dead During Honeymoon Trip

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A 27-year-old IT professional from Delhi was found dead at a homestay in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The woman, P Radha Gayatri, had gone on a honeymoon trip with her husband.

According to police, the couple checked into a homestay on June 14. Her husband said they had consumed alcohol and went to sleep late at night.

The next morning, he found Gayatri unconscious on the floor. Police said she was lying in a pool of urine, and blood was coming from her nose. She was declared dead at the scene.

The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination. Police are investigating the case and waiting for the autopsy report to determine the cause of death.

National

Pakistan Ranked World’s Most Polluted Country in 2025

Published

5 days ago

June 13, 2026

Namma Kudla

Islamabad: Pakistan has been ranked as the most polluted country in the world in 2025, according to a new report released by Swiss air quality monitoring company IQ Air.

The report found that Pakistan’s average PM2.5 pollution level was 13 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). PM2.5 refers to tiny harmful particles in the air that can enter the lungs and cause serious health problems.

IQ Air said that only 13 countries and territories met the WHO air quality guideline of less than 5 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter of air in 2025. This was an improvement from seven countries in 2024.

The report also revealed that 130 out of 143 monitored countries and territories failed to meet the WHO standard.

Bangladesh was ranked as the second most polluted country, while Tajikistan secured the third position. Chad, which was the most polluted country in 2024, ranked fourth in 2025.

Experts said that Chad’s lower ranking may be linked to missing pollution data. In March 2025, the United States ended a global air quality monitoring program due to budget cuts. The program had collected pollution data from US embassies and consulates around the world.

Christi Chester Schroeder, the lead author of the report, said that the loss of data makes it difficult to know the true pollution levels in some countries.

Because of data shortages, Burundi, Turkmenistan and Togo were not included in the 2025 report.

The report also identified Loni in India as the world’s most polluted city. The city recorded an average PM2.5 level of 112.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Hotan in China ranked second with 109.6 micrograms.

According to the report, the 25 most polluted cities in the world were all located in India, Pakistan and China.

Only 14 percent of cities worldwide met the WHO air quality standard in 2025. This was lower than the 17 percent recorded in the previous year.

The report noted that large wildfires in Canada increased air pollution levels across the United States and even affected parts of Europe.

Countries that met the WHO air quality guideline in 2025 included Australia, Iceland, Estonia and Panama.

Meanwhile, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia reported significant improvements in air quality. Experts said wetter and windier La Niña weather conditions helped reduce pollution levels in these countries.

Mongolia also recorded a 31 percent drop in average PM2.5 levels during the year.

Overall, 75 countries reported lower pollution levels in 2025, while 54 countries experienced an increase in air pollution, according to the IQ Air report

National

Indian Air Force AN-32 Transport Aircraft Crashes

Published

5 days ago

June 13, 2026

Namma Kudla

Dispur: An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed at the Air Force Station in Jorhat, Assam, on Saturday. The aircraft caught fire after the crash.

According to reports, the AN-32 aircraft went down within the premises of the air base. A fire broke out immediately after the accident.

Rescue and firefighting teams rushed to the spot and launched an operation to control the flames. The fire was brought under control after their prompt response.

The exact cause of the crash is not known yet. Authorities are investigating the incident.

So far, there have been no reports of any deaths or injuries. The Indian Air Force has confirmed the accident and said that more details will be shared after a complete assessment of the situation.

Further information is awaited.