Air-travel mishaps
It is important to analyse the reasons for the increasing air mishaps in rigorous detail. In addition, first, we need to ensure that the pilots who fly these planes receive adequate training. They should also be looked after well in terms of salaries, working hours, rest-breaks and mental well-being.
Second, the manufactures of aeroplanes need to tighten their quality controls on their flying machines. People like me are mere passengers. Manufacturers know where they have to focus, to make their machines safe. Third, governments and allied bodies must work with aeroplane manufacturers and airport authorities to resolve possible safety issues. If the weather is tricky, it is best to delay or cancel a flight, rather than take a risk. Discretion is always better than valour in safety matters, when human lives are involved.
Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India
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Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Air-travel mishaps
In the last few months, there have been augmenting instances of air accidents, in many countries. This is terrifying. The latest accident is that of a Russian plane, where 48 persons perished. The plane crashed due to poor visibility. People of all income levels travel by air these days, in our globally networked world. The affluent and celebrities travel in private airplanes. The middle-class flies by normal flights. Then, there are budget airlines which cater to economy passengers. Air-travel has become a normal mode of travelling in our world. Air-travel has shrunk our world. It is important to analyse the reasons for the increasing air mishaps in rigorous detail. In addition, first, we need to ensure that the pilots who fly these planes receive adequate training. They should also be looked after well in terms of salaries, working hours, rest-breaks and mental well-being. Second, the manufactures of aeroplanes need to tighten their quality controls on their flying machines. People like me are mere passengers. Manufacturers know where they have to focus, to make their machines safe. Third, governments and allied bodies must work with aeroplane manufacturers and airport authorities to resolve possible safety issues. If the weather is tricky, it is best to delay or cancel a flight, rather than take a risk. Discretion is always better than valour in safety matters, when human lives are involved. Rajendra Aneja Mumbai, India
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Travel guide to Estonia: What you must see, eat and visit
The rustic charm and medieval vibes were unmissable as I stood in the middle of Tallinn old town whose skyline is dominated by gothic spires and brick roofs. I instinctively asked our guide Roman if most people in the city were into agriculture. He was super quick in correcting me and said that it was indeed a very small percentage as most of Tallinn's economy is driven by a very robust technology sector. It was indeed a revelation to me that the Estonian capital has a thriving IT and fintech industry coupled with a bustling start up scene, which has seen the rise and growth of names like Skype, Bolt and TransferWise. Well, Tallinn, the alluring capital of Estonia is truly a city of charming contrasts. While the city has evolved at an exponential rate since 1991, it has managed to retain its intrinsic character and old-world feel. Located about 70 km from Helsinki, this European capital is situated along the Gulf of Finland and is approximately half way between Stockholm and St Petersburg. Thus, it is no surprise that the city has both Nordic and Russian influences. Stately Upper Town One of the most popular ways to reach Tallinn is by a cruise from Helsinki, which makes it an interesting day trip from the Finnish capital. As you alight at the port of Estonia, which is incidentally one of the biggest in the Baltic Sea region, make your way to Tallinn's engaging old town which has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site since 1997. It is key to note that the old town of Tallinn, often considered to be one of Europe's best preserved medieval old towns, is divided into the upper town and lower ones. The upper town perched on Toompea hill is replete with watch towers, fortified walls and viewing platforms. At the entrance is the majestic Toompea, which is the main gate of Tallinn dating to the Swedish era. It leads to the 14th century Toompea Castle, a key symbol of Estonia and its history. Today, the Toompea Castle houses the Riigikogu or Estonian Parliament and can be visited on weekdays provided you book your tickets in advance. Also located in the upper town is the renowned St Mary's Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. Known for its majestic baroque style bell tower, about 69 metres tall, the church has tombs of Swedish Kings and Queens who ruled Estonia from 1561 to 1710. On days when the weather is clear, it is a great idea to climb the tower to catch a spectacular view of the landscape in and around Tallinn. One of the key landmarks in the upper town is the grandiose Alexander Nevsky Cathedral that was completed in 1900 when Estonia was under Russian rule. With five ornate onion domes, rich tile and Finnish granite work and an ensemble of 11 massive bells, this eastern Orthodox church was designed by architect Mikhail Preobrazhensky in the classic Russian revival style of architecture. Incidentally the largest of the 11 bells, weighs a whopping 15 tonnes. Vibrant Lower Town Located just next to Toompea is the Danish King's Garden which is believed to be the place where the flag of Denmark was born. Estonia was under the rule of the Danish from the 13th to 14th century and again for a brief period from the 16th to 17th century. Climb down a small flight of stairs from the gardens which leads you to the lower town which is the beating heart of Tallinn. The lower town is filled with antiquated buildings, winding streets and eclectic establishments. From the remains of the city's defensive walls to a lively market square, the lower town is characterised by its energetic vibe and bustling ambience. Apart from boutique shops selling native artefacts like ceramics and souvenirs and cafes retailing local fare like seafood and of course marzipan, there are several structures that date back centuries and are still going strong even today. Case in point is the marzipan room of Café Maiasmokk that dates back to 1864. It is here that you can explore aesthetic marzipan figurines that were made decades ago and even follow the art of marzipan painting. Further, Tallinn Town Hall pharmacy located in the middle of the lower town is the oldest pharmacy in Europe and has been operational since 1422. Visit the tiny museum to view some antique medicine making apparatus, medicine bottles, labels, old documents and information on medieval healing methods. The painted ceiling rafters, warm interiors crafted in wood and glass cupboards all reflect life as it existed centuries ago. The lower town also holds several secrets like narrow alleyways and cobbled pathways that are teeming with workshops and studios that are several hundred years old. Take time to explore St Catherine's passage which is a rather enigmatic medieval alleyway whose walls are clad with tomb stones from the Church of St Catherine of Alexandria. This Instagrammable alley is lined by artisan workshops who produce handcrafted items using textiles, glass and ceramics. Taking a stroll along the lower town's watchtowers, flower markets, lively restaurants and its main Town Hall square is an ideal way to soak in the local culture and unique vibe of Tallinn. Multifaceted Sights Whether you are interested in art, architecture history or culture, Tallinn is home to some insightful museums including the Tallinn city museum, Kadriorg Art Museum, Sea plane harbour and Estonian Open-Air Museum. If you are a fan of palaces do take time to visit the baroque Kadriorg Palace and the tranquil Kadriorg gardens. Telliskivi Creative City is Tallinn's hip quarter filled with art galleries, shops, cafes and plenty of street art. This erstwhile industrial area is a community driven creative centre and home to a plethora of events, festivals and exhibitions. And for all of you seeking some coastal calm, head over to the Pirita District, which offers large stretches of pristine beaches with some breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea.
Gulf Today
18-07-2025
- Gulf Today
North Korea bans foreign tourists to newly opened beach resort
North Korea is banning the entry of foreign tourists to a recently opened mega beach resort, a move that dims prospects for the complex that leader Kim Jong Un hailed it as "one of the greatest successes this year.' DPR Korea Tour, a website run by North Korea's tourism authorities, said in a notice Friday that the eastern coastal Wonsan-Kalma tourist complex "is temporarily not receiving foreign tourists.' It gave no further details including why a ban was established or how long it would last. North Korea says the complex can accommodate nearly 20,000 guests. The resort opened to domestic tourists July 1 before receiving a small group of Russian tourists last week. Observers expected North Korea to open the resort to Chinese tourists while largely blocking other international tourists. The announcement came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov flew to the complex to meet Kim and Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui for talks last weekend. Domestic tourists visit the Mokran Recreation Centre at the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in Wonsan. AFP North Korea and Russia have sharply expanded military and other cooperation in recent years, with North Korea supplying weapons and troops to back Russia's war against Ukraine. During a meeting with Choe, Lavrov promised to take steps to support Russian travel to the zone. "I am sure that Russian tourists will be increasingly eager to come here,' he said. But experts say North Korea likely decided to halt foreigner travels to the zone because of a newspaper article by a Russian reporter who travelled with Lavrov that implied North Koreans at the zone appeared to be mobilized by authorities and not real tourists. "The North Korean government is believed to have determined that it would face some negative consequences when it opens the site to foreigners,' said Oh Gyeong-seob, an analyst at Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification. Oh said the ban would include Russians, but the North Korea-focused NK News website, citing tour groups specializing in North Korea trips, said Russians won't likely be targeted. Domestic tourists react after riding a slide into a swimming pool at the Myongsasimni Water Park in the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in Wonsan. AFP Analyst Lee Sangkeun of Seoul's Institute for National Security Strategy said the ban could be associated with difficulties in recruiting Russian tourists because many would consider North Korea too far away and the trip too expensive. Experts say North Korea must open the Wonsan-Kalma zone, the country's biggest tourist complex, to Russian and Chinese tourists, given what was likely a huge construction and operational expenditure from the country's tight budget. "If foreign tourists aren't allowed to the site, no Russian rubles, Chinese yuans and dollars won't come in. Then, North Korea can't break even and it has to shut down the resort,' said Ahn Chan-il, head of the World Institute for North Korean Studies think tank in Seoul. Kim has said the site would be "one of the greatest successes this year' and "the proud first step' in tourism development. North Korea's state media reports the Wonsan-Kalma site has been crowded with local tourists. The first group of 15 Russian tourists arrived in the resort July 11 after visiting Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, NK News reported earlier this week. "It was magnificent. Everything is new, clean and stunning," Russian tourist Nina Svirida said in the report. North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But the country hasn't said if it would fully resume international tourism. Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled. In February, North Korea allowed a small group of international tourists to visit the northeastern city of Rason, only to stop the program in less than a month. Associated Press
