
UK's F-35 fighter jet refuses to leave, Kerala Tourism explains why
Kerala Tourism also acknowledged the satirical news platform Fauxy, from which it took inspiration for the poster, adding, "Thank you".HOW THE BRITISH F-35 LANDED IN KERALA IN THE FIRST PLACEThe F-35B, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was conducting operations 100 nautical miles off Kerala's coast when adverse weather and low fuel forced an emergency landing.The Indian Air Force (IAF) facilitated the safe touchdown, providing refuelling and logistical support.advertisementHowever, when the jet was getting ready to fly back to its carrier, a hydraulic failure was encountered. It potentially affects the jet's ability to take-off and landing capabilities. That was discovered during pre-departure checks.Initial repair attempts by a small Royal Navy team, including three technicians, were unsuccessful due to the complexity of the issue.The jet, parked at Bay 4 under Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protection, endured Kerala's monsoon rains, with the Royal Navy initially declining Air India's offer to move it to a hangar.Later, the British Navy agreed to move the jet into a hangar, and it was decided last week that a team of 40 experts, along with a specialised tow vehicle, would be flown in from the UK to fix the glitch.Kerala Tourism's lighthearted post came in even as the online buzz tapped into it. The jet had already sparked satire and jokes, including a mock OLX listing offering the $110 million jet for just $4 million.As the jet's stay in Kerala approaches three weeks, hopes now rest on the 40-member UK engineering team and the tow vehicle, both on their way to Thiruvananthapuram. Until then, Kerala Tourism will surely continue extending its hospitality to the F-35B.- EndsTrending Reel
IN THIS STORY#Kerala

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Mint
9 hours ago
- Mint
Meet the foreign royals who own more property in London than King Charles
The ruling royal family of Qatar, the House of Al-Thani, now owns more of London than the British monarchy — and the scale of their influence is raising eyebrows. According to a report by GB News, the Al-Thani family has built a vast property empire across the capital. Their real estate portfolio includes around 1.8 million square feet of land — far surpassing the private holdings of King Charles III. While King Charles is linked to many historic sites like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace, these are not personally owned by him. They belong to the Crown Estate, meaning they are held 'in trust' for the country, not private property of the monarch. The Qatari royals, however, face no such limits. Their investments are personal or state-owned assets, and their reach stretches far across London. They reportedly own a quarter of northwest Mayfair — now nicknamed 'Little Doha' — and have full ownership of Harrods, the world-famous department store. They also own luxury hotels including The Berkeley, Claridge's, The Connaught, and The Emory through Maybourne Hotels, which is run by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani. Their influence isn't limited to property and hospitality. The Al-Thanis also hold a 95% stake in The Shard, the tallest building in Europe, and co-own Canary Wharf, one of London's key business districts. In transport and retail, their power is also growing. Qatar owns 20% of Heathrow Airport, which is expected to handle over 84 million travellers in 2025. In addition, the Qatari state owns 14.3% of Sainsbury's, one of the UK's largest supermarket chains. Despite their growing presence, much of the Al-Thani family's activity has been quiet and gradual. Today, their influence in London rivals — and even surpasses — that of the British royal family, at least in terms of land ownership. With an estimated family wealth of around £2.4 billion, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, personally worth about £1.6 billion, their investment power continues to grow — reshaping London's landscape along the way.


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Cruise comeback: Boats to sail on Sirhind canal in Ludhiana after 140 years
Doraha (Ludhiana): For Ludhiana, this is a deja-vu moment. After over a century, boats will sail down waters of the Sirhind Canal (combined branch). There will be no logs this time though and the boats will ply on a one-kilometre stretch of the canal's Bathinda branch in Ludhiana district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative, led by the water resources department, marks the revival of navigation on the canal, as was the practice during the British era. The department has awarded a contract to a private party to operate boating services and develop an adjoining amusement park near the old bridge, close to the beginning of the Sidhwan Canal. Executive engineer, water resources department (Ropar division) confirmed the development, saying that the canal stretch identified for boating spans approximately three kilometres, with the activity concentrated in the first kilometre. "This is perhaps the first time since the 1880s that boating will be done in this canal. During the British era, boats were used for transporting wood logs, and the Doraha area even had a dedicated wood log market. This revival is part of Punjab's new tourism policy, which aims at attracting visitors and generating revenue," the officer said. The initiative follows a similar project launched in Ropar around five months ago, which has reportedly received a positive response. Inspired by that success, the Ludhiana district is now preparing to offer a unique recreational experience along the canal. As part of the agreement, the private contractor has been granted a seven-year lease for both the boating area and the land designated for the amusement park. The annual lease fee for each is Rs 10 lakh, with a 10% increase every year. The contractor is also responsible for all development expenses, including landscaping, infrastructure, and safety measures. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Work on the site is progressing rapidly. Landscaping has already been completed along the canal banks, and two boats were spotted parked at the location during a visit by TOI. A private employee working on the project said that three motorboats have been brought in and more may be added in future as there is no cap on the number of boats allowed. "We've made most of the preparations. We're just waiting for final touches on the amusement park. A test run for boating is expected in a day or two," he added. The amusement park will feature fun activities for children, and a restaurant. Trained drivers will operate the motorboats, and safety protocols are being put in place to ensure secure rides for visitors. While local residents have expressed excitement about the upcoming facility, they have also emphasised the importance of safety. SBS Nagar resident Vivek Verma said, "It's great to see boating coming to our canal. But authorities must ensure that safety is given top priority. Life jackets, trained staff, and emergency protocols should be mandatory." In addition to the Doraha project, the water resources department has floated a tender for a similar boating initiative near Neelon Bridge, on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh National Highway. Although the tender has not yet matured, officials are optimistic about expanding boating activities across the region. Another proposal is in the works for the Sidhwan Canal, from Brahman Majra village to the Lohara area. Officials confirmed that private parties will be invited to bid for this project as well, indicating a broader push to integrate canal-based tourism into the district's development plans. The Sirhind Canal, constructed during the British era around 1882, was originally designed for irrigation and played a crucial role in supporting agriculture in Punjab's Malwa region. The revival of boating on this historic waterway is being seen not just as a tourism initiative, but also as a nod to the canal's rich legacy. Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura welcomed the development, stating, "This is the first time after the British era that boating is going to start in the canal. It will be a great source of amusement for people, and the work is progressing at a fast pace." If successful, it could pave the way for similar ventures across Punjab, transforming its historic canals into vibrant hubs of leisure and tourism. A milestone for Ludhiana Unique initiative | Contract awarded to a private party by the water resources department for boating and amusement park development Boating to take place near the Old Bridge, close to the start of the Sidhwan Canal Historical revival | Boats were last used in the canal during the British era (circa 1880s) for wood log navigation Tourism boost | Part of Punjab's new tourism policy to attract visitors and generate revenue Lease details | 7-year lease for boating and amusement park; Rs 10 lakh annual fee for each, with a 10% yearly hike Infrastructure | Landscaping completed; three motorboats already brought in; more may be added Safety measures | Trained drivers and safety protocols planned; locals emphasise safety as a priority Additional proposals | Boating tender floated near Neelon Bridge; plans underway for Sidhwan Canal stretch . MSID:: 123218116 413 |


The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Surfer Ramesh Budihal's achievement inspires budding surfers, says Kerala Tourism Minister
The achievement of Ramesh Budihal, who created history as the first Indian surfer to qualify for the Open Men's final at the ASF Asian Surfing Championships 2025, gives a fillip to the attempts by Kerala Tourism to make the State as a popular adventure tourism destination. Lauding Mr. Budihal, who hails from the State, Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said his remarkable achievement at the ongoing championships in the picturesque coastal town of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, underscores the rapid advancement of Kerala on the global surfing map, along with inspiring budding surfers to pursue their dreams in the exhilarating world of surfing. The surfing sensation from Kovalam in Kerala secured his spot in the finals after an impressive performance in the semifinal heat, finishing with a score of 11.43 points, which earned him second place. His accomplishment not only celebrates individual talent but also validates Kerala's dedicated efforts to position itself as a prominent hub for adventure sports, Mr. Riyas said. He dominated his heat with a remarkable score of 14.84 points, surpassing top competitors from across Asia, including the Philippines' Neil Sanchez, who finished with 12.80 points. The journey of the young man, who started surfing the waves of Kovalam and established himself among the top surfers in Asia, is a hope for the adventure sport buffs from the State. The State has recently hosted events like the International Surfing Championship, in Varkala, significantly attracting energetic youth to explore this exhilarating discipline and drawing surfing enthusiasts to Kerala coasts from across the globe. 'Kerala is at the forefront of major events in adventure sports,' Mr. Riyas said, highlighting major events listed on the God's Own Country's tourism calendar. All of these events attract global champions, helping Kerala to emerge as a model for adventure sports in India. They include the Malabar River Festival, which is one of Asia's largest white-water kayaking tournaments; the National Surfing Championship in Varkala; the Paragliding Festival in Vagamon; and the Mountain Terrain Bike Tournament in Mananthavady.