Lufthansa flight to Hyderabad returns to Frankfurt after bomb threat
A Lufthansa flight bound for Hyderabad was forced to make a U-turn and return to Frankfurt Airport on Sunday evening. Flight LH752 had departed from Germany and was scheduled to land at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport early Monday.
Lufthansa Airlines told ANI, "We did not receive a permit to land in Hyderabad and that's why the aircraft took a u-turn and returned."
An official from Hyderabad Airport confirmed to ANI that the flight returned to its origin in Germany, stating that a bomb threat had been received while the aircraft was still outside Indian airspace.
(This is a developing story. Check for more updates.)
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India.com
22 minutes ago
- India.com
Top 6 National Parks Near Ahmedabad For Unforgettable Wildlife Safaris
Ahmedabad operates as both Gujarat's biggest city and a crucial connection point to India's most attractive wildlife reserves. Nature lovers who appreciate wildlife have multiple national parks and sanctuaries near Ahmedabad that provide perfect conditions for wildlife safaris. The protected areas contain numerous plant species along with multiple animal species which provide excellent locations for ecotourism adventures. The following document lists all essential national parks in the vicinity of Ahmedabad which provide excellent conditions for conducting wildlife safaris. 1. Blackbuck National Park (Velavadar) The iconic Blackbuck National Park of Gujarat rests at a distance of 180 kilometers from Ahmedabad in Velavadar. The park stretches across 34 square kilometers of land to become the primary grassland region which provides essential habitat for blackbuck antelope species facing endangered status. The wildlife sanctuary supports wolves and jackals along with jungle cats together with various bird species that include harriers and cranes and flamingos. October through March remains the preferred season to visit since the weather is pleasant with high chances of spotting animals. Workers operating jeep safaris in the early morning or later afternoon periods elevate animal observation opportunities in their native habitats. Observing wildlife becomes simpler within the park because its open fields contrast with the wild density of forested areas. 2. Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Located at a distance of 360 kilometers from Ahmedabad the Gir National Park serves as the last habitat of the Asiatic lion. The 1,412 square kilometer area of Gir has transformed into a vital biodiversity location that wildlife lovers should experience. The park creates a home for lions and accommodates all species including leopards along with spotted deer and sambar and wild boars as well as various reptiles and birds. Safari tourists discover a special environment blend of deciduous trees with scrublands in Gir's territory. Tourists must schedule jeep safaris through officially established corridors of the protected area. Visitors should choose to visit Gir National Park between November and June because heavy monsoon rains make parts of the park unreachable. 3. Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary Despite its famous position as a white salt desert the Rann of Kutch safeguards multiple wildlife sanctuaries such as the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. With its location approximately 450 kilometers outside Ahmedabad the sanctuary occupies 4,954 square kilometers to protect Indian wild ass (khur). Chief inhabitants among the Rann of Kutch include foxes, jackals, chinkaras together with seasonal birds which include flamingos and pelicans. The unusual combination of Rann's wilderness formations with special animals present creates an interesting and fascinating safari destination. It is preferable to explore Rann during the winter season from November to February since both cooler temperatures and better birdwatching conditions present themselves at this time. 4. Thol Bird Sanctuary About 30 kilometers from Ahmedabad exists the Thol Bird Sanctuary which attracts visitors through its birdwatching appeal. The sanctuary spans 7 square kilometers of land where wetlands exist within dry deciduous vegetation forests. The sanctuary becomes a permanent residence for resident birds and serves as migration territory for flamingos and pelicans and cormorants and herons and storks. These bird flyovers create beautiful photo possibilities because their colors reflect beautifully within the tranquil lake surface. The sanctuary welcomes visitors with opportunities to see it by walking independently or by booking boat cruises operated by locals. The optimal time to catch birds in action at this site falls during morning hours and after dark. 5. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary The Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary stands as a well-known birding site that exists 60 kilometers west of Ahmedabad. An area of 120 square kilometers makes up this water reserve which holds Ramsar site status because of its importance to nature. The wetland attracts tens of thousands of Siberian European and Central Asian migratory birds in the winter season. The bird species observed at Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary consist of cranes, ducks, geese, ibises and terns. Through the arrangements of local fishermen guests can participate in boat safaris that provide close aquatic life experiences during their slow navigation across shallow waters. The months from November to February mark the optimal time for birdwatching tours at this location. 6. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary Situated about 75 kilometers from Ahmedabad the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary exists within the Aravalli Hills region. The sanctuary maintains 130 square kilometers of forested land and rolling hills combined with extensive green spaces and dense teak woods. The diverse natural environments at this location create a suitable ecosystem for leopards along with sloth bears and hyenas and various types of deer. Birdwatchers visiting the spot can spot peafowl and partridges with other raptors dispersed throughout the area. Open trekkers and jeep riders can access the scenic sites of the sanctuary through planned trails and safari routes. The sanctuary achieves its best appearance during monsoon followed by post-monsoon but most people choose winter for safari activities. Final Thoughts Ahmedabad serves as an ideal focal point for Gujarat's natural treasures since it exists near several remarkable national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Each destination near Ahmedabad delivers its own distinct safari experience where visitors can observe Asiatic lions in Gir and Nal Sarovar flamingos along with coral reef scanning in the Gulf of Kutch. Travelers who responsibly visit these parks along with respecting the ecosystems take part in conservation activities as they experience the thrill of engaging with nature. Study your journey timing as well as accessibility rules when making plans to experience wildlife near Ahmedabad for maximum enjoyment.
NDTV
33 minutes ago
- NDTV
Manali Zipline Mishap: Is Adventure Tourism In India Worth Your Money?
In 2011, when director Zoya Akhtar released a movie about three male friends, intertwined in their own lives and taking a three-week-long trip, it not only became a commercial hit but also inspired many Indians to think differently about travel. You see, the movie titled (if you haven't guessed it yet), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, revolves around Kabir, Imran and Arjun, and their once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Spain before Kabir's wedding. The trip was essentially meant to help them combat their deepest fears through three adventure sports, each chosen by one of them. The trio explores Spain in a full-on desi way and eventually faces their fears through scuba diving, skydiving and running of the bulls. After facing each challenge, they experience a sense of gratification that makes many of us want to try at least one of the ourselves. Often, Bollywood and social media have glamorised adventure sports and the adrenaline rush that comes with them, turning it into something everyone wanted to chase post the film's release. Today, the Indian adventure tourism market is experiencing significant growth, fuelled by a young, thrill-seeking demographic and rising disposable incomes, all wanting to live life like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (quite literally). The market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 46.731 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 19.6% over the next five years. However, unlike Kabir, Imran and Arjun—who underwent proper training before each sport—India's growing demand is being met without the same level of infrastructure and safety precautions. The Rise In Fatal And Serious Incidents Ft Adventure Sports This boom, however, has been a double-edged sword. As more Indians seek thrill-filled holidays, the infrastructure, regulatory mechanisms and safety checks haven't always kept up. Not everyone goes the ZNMD route of professional preparation and certified guides (Remember Laila from ZMND?). The latest incident occurred in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, when a 12-year-old girl from Nagpur, Maharashtra, fell from a zipline, sustaining serious injuries. A close associate of her family revealed on Sunday that she has been receiving medical care at a hospital since the accident last week. Family sources disclosed that Trisha Bijwe was enjoying a vacation in Manali with her loved ones when the accident happened. The rope attached to her harness reportedly broke, causing her to fall while riding the zipline. A video of the incident has gone viral on X. This is why adventure sports aren't safe in India. In Manali, a young girl fell from a zipline—nearly 30 feet—and is now seriously injured. Anyone without proper experience starts these activities, and there's no one to check. Action is only taken after a fatal accident happens. — Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) June 15, 2025 Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO of Travomint, a travel agency, points out, 'There's been a clear rise in incidents — due to unregistered operators, lack of training, and failure to meet safety standards.' He further lists some incidents: Puri Beach, Odisha - A boat capsize incident happened at the Puri Beach involving Snehasish Ganguly, elder brother of Indian Cricket Team captain Sourav Ganguly, and his spouse, Arpita. Following this incident, the Puri district administration officially suspended all water sports activities in the region, pointing out the critical need for stronger safety measures. While many licensed vendors agree to worldwide norms, some continue to struggle with lack of regulations. Manali: Tadi Mahesh Reddy, a 32-year-old, at Manali was attempting to take off (during paragliding) at Raison when a sudden gust of wind caused his glider to descend instead of ascend, leading to his death. Goa - In January 2025, Shivani Dable, a 27-year-old girl from Pune lost her life during a paragliding activity in Keri Village, North Goa. Her glider crashed into a ravine soon after taking off from a cliff, and even the instructor did not survive. This incident raised concerns over safety practices, unlicensed operators and safety checks in adventure sports. Bir Biling, Himachal Pradesh - A tragic incident happened during paragliding in 2023, when a tourist's safety harness malfunctioned mid-air, raising concerns about unlicensed operators and outdated equipment. After thorough investigation, it was revealed that the flight was operated by an unregistered operator. This tragedy led to widespread public outcry and renewed regulations along with better standards for paragliding operators. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Several cases of rafting accidents were reported due to overloading and untrained guides during river rafting. One such case occured in 2017, when a Delhi tourist tragically died after a raft capsized near Garud Chatti bridge. After this incident, local authorities launched safety audits, however, implementation is still not consistent. Common themes? Unlicensed operators, untrained staff, and inadequate equipment. Today, Adventure sports in India vary in price depending on the location and season. Scuba diving costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,000 per dive, with Andaman and Lakshadweep on the higher end. River rafting in places like Rishikesh can range from Rs 499 to Rs 2,999 per person, depending on the stretch covered. Paragliding prices start at Rs 1,800 and can go up to Rs 5,500 in top spots like Bir Billing. But are they safe? Shreya Chawla* (name changed as per request), a 23-year-old professional from Noida, who loves adventure sports shares, 'They make you sign a waiver. If something happens to you, it's your fault. But the training is almost non-existent. During paragliding in Bir, I was just asked to run at a certain speed. When I went scuba diving in Goa, they dropped me into the water without any special preparation.' Louis D'Souza, Managing Partner at Tamarind Global, a focused destination and event management company, tells NDTV that adventure tourism isn't inherently dangerous, but lack of regulation makes it so. 'We always advise travellers to check if the operator is certified, whether there's insurance, and how trained the guides are,' he adds. Where The Law Stands In 2023, India's Ministry of Tourism laid out formal 'safety guidelines' for adventure tourism. These included age limits, mandatory insurance for operators, and penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for safety breaches. However, enforcement remains inconsistent across states. Mind you, these are just guidelines and not laws. Now, even though states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have issued more stringent region-specific guidelines, insiders say, many operators continue to flout the rules — either due to lack of awareness or because enforcement agencies lack manpower. Like Shreya's case, any first-timers trust operators blindly, not knowing what questions to ask or red flags to spot. How Industry Experts Are Tackling The Crisis Trishal Rao, Chief Sales Officer at SKIL, a travel management company, believes stronger checks are non-negotiable. 'We work only with ISO-certified or Adventure Tour Operators Association of India-affiliated operators. Our checks include reviewing guest feedback, auditing sites like TripAdvisor, and even demanding references for group trips,' he says. Rao adds that clients sign waivers, but it doesn't absolve the vendors of accountability. 'We ensure insurance is in place, and we expect partners to conduct drills, have evacuation plans and keep ambulances accessible. You can't compromise on safety,' he adds. D'Souza agrees and adds, 'Yes, there are more incidents — but mostly from unregulated players. We advise travellers to ask: Does the operator have certification? Is there insurance? Are the guides trained? Our role is to ensure transparency and accountability.' Even equipment matters, says D'Souza. 'We personally review activities before adding them to itineraries. Adventure stalls are everywhere now — not all are reliable,' according to him. But on ground level things are different. Not everyone is authorised, or trained enough. Trekking is one such activity that remains highly unregulated. Often people are misguided. Treks are made to sound 'easy' to appeal to the participants, but the reality might be different. This lack of information is consistent in the other adventure sports as well. Vaibhav Kala, founder of Aquaterra Adventures and senior VP of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), says, 'Adventure tourism is gaining popularity due to the physical and mental thrill. But gear, guides and guidelines are critical. We need stricter enforcement and national registration for operators.' Kala is also part of a core team pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. 'We want a national register for operators and stricter controls. Currently, anyone with a few rafts or parachutes can open shop. That's dangerous,' says Kala. Who's At Fault, Really? While most operators make clients sign disclaimers, legally and ethically, both sides hold responsibility. Experts say that while tourists must be cautious, it's primarily the operators' duty to uphold safety norms. But many small vendors still operate in the grey zone. Scuba Diving is also gaining popularity in India. Photo: Unsplash Rakesh, the owner of a similar adventure sports establishment in Manali, has been in this business for almost 10 years. In Himachal Pradesh, he says, many individuals, especially the inexperienced ones, are able to enter the adventure sports market as obtaining a licence is "pretty easy". According to Rakesh, officials conduct quality checks on equipment used in these activities only twice a year. Kala further notes that unregistered operators shouldn't be allowed to run at all. 'The National Tourism Board for Adventure Tourism is pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. That will be the game-changer,' he says. The debate on disclaimers and liability is far from settled. While many operators use waivers to shift responsibility, legal experts say they are not foolproof. How Can You Stay Safe? India's potential to lead in adventure tourism is undeniable. The geography, biodiversity and growing youth population make it a natural fit. But the foundation has to be solid. Till then, if you want to stay safe follow Kala's advice, 'We need three pillars — enforcement, education and ecosystem. Only then will we stop reading about unnecessary tragedies.' Before committing to an adventure, individuals should ask these key questions, says Kala - Have they researched the outfitter's (elaborate) credentials? Is the company registered with relevant tourism authorities or industry associations? Are the guides certified, trained in first aid and CPR, and experienced? What is the emergency exit plan? Rao adds that educating tourists needs to be a priority. 'At the point of sale, operators should hand out safety checklists. Digital platforms could include reviews specific to safety. Insurance should be offered as standard, not optional.' Remember, adventure tourism, by its nature, involves risk, but that risk can and must be managed. For India to become a world-class destination, safety should not be an afterthought. Until then, maybe watch Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara again — but think twice before trying to recreate the thrills without asking the right questions first.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Three mid-air scares; two U-turns, one emergency landing: Flyers on the edge in the last 24 hours
Representative image NEW DELHI: Within a span of 24 hours, three separate in-flight emergencies were reported involving aircraft from the United Kingdom, Germany, and India. These incidents have left the flyers feeling on the edge especially after tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, that killed 279 people including 241 passengers. The incidents included a British fighter jet making an emergency landing in Kerala on Sunday due to alleged low fuel, a bomb threat forcing a Lufthansa flight bound for Hyderabad to turn back to Frankfurt, and an Air India flight from Hong Kong to Delhi returning mid-air following a suspected technical snag. While none of the incidents resulted in casualties, the rapid succession of mid-air scares has raised fresh concerns over aviation safety and operational preparedness, especially in an era of increasing air traffic and heightened geopolitical tensions. Delhi-bound Air India flight returns to Hong Kong due to technical snag A Delhi-bound Air India flight from Hong Kong experienced a mid-air scare when pilots detected a suspected technical malfunction. As a precaution, the Boeing 787 aircraft, carrying more than 200 passengers, returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff. "AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely at Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo Alternative arrangements have been planned to fly the passengers to their destination Delhi at the earliest," Air India said in a statement. "We are providing all necessary on-ground assistance to the passengers to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption," it said. Lufthansa flight takes U-turn to Germany due to 'bomb threat' In another alarming episode, a Lufthansa flight en route to Hyderabad from Frankfurt was forced to turn back mid-air after a bomb threat was received. "The flight returned to its origin because of a bomb threat which was received while the aircraft was still outside the Indian airspace," an official told news agency ANI. Lufthansa flight LH752 took off from Frankfurt at approximately 2.14pm local time (5.44pm IST) on Sunday and was expected to arrive in Hyderabad early Monday. However, flight tracking data indicated a diversion several hours into the trip. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safely disembarked and screened. Investigations are underway to identify the source of the threat, which caused hours of disruption. British fighter jet makes emergency landing in Kerala due to 'low fuel' A British F-35 fighter made an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday citing 'low fuel'. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) was alerted around 9:20pm, prompting the airport to initiate emergency measures. The aircraft landed safely at approximately 9.28pm and remained stationed at the Kerala airport, where it had since been refuelled.
