
Amarnath Yatra records resurgence despite natural & man-made disruptions

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NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Russia Begins Monthly Direct Flights To North Korea Amid Ukraine Conflict
Russia on Sunday began direct commercial flights to North Korea, in a further sign of closer ties with its Asian ally helping its offensive in Ukraine. The first Moscow-Pyongyang flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, was scheduled to take off at 1600 GMT and land in the North Korean capital some eight hours later, according to the carrier's website. Nordwind Airlines -- a company that used to serve holiday destinations in Europe before the EU imposed a ban on Russian flights -- had tickets priced at 45,000 rubles ($570). Russia's state news agency TASS reported that the first flight going the other way, from Pyongyang to Moscow, would take place on Tuesday. Russia's transport ministry said the route would be serviced once a month. Russia and North Korea restored train links on June 17 after suspending them in 2020 during the Covid pandemic. The two countries have been forging closer military bonds in recent years, with Pyongyang supplying troops and weapons for Russia to use in its military operations in Ukraine. They signed a mutual defence pact last year, when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea. North Korea confirmed for the first time in April that it had deployed a contingent of its soldiers to the frontline in Ukraine, alongside Russian troops.


NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Video: Fliers Agitated Over IndiGo Take-Off Delay, Air Hostess Folds Hands
Mumbai: Chaotic scenes played out onboard an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Varanasi last night after checks on the aircraft delayed take-off by two hours. In a video that has since circulated on social media, fliers are asking when the flight will take off as the cabin crew requests them to remain seated. At one point, an air hostess also folds her hands and requests a passenger to take his seat as he protests the delay. The video captures the anxiety around air travel in the aftermath of the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad last month that left 260 people dead. With air travel prices witnessing significant hikes post-Covid, safety concerns are now triggering passengers. The Varanasi flight, NDTV has learnt, was delayed due to a technical issue that was identified just before take-off. As the ground teams worked on the aircraft, other flights got the runway space. Once checked, the IndiGo flight carrying 176 passengers took off from Mumbai. According to the plane tracker flightradar24, the Mumbai-Varanasi flight, 6E 5028, took off at 9.53 pm, over two hours after its scheduled departure, and landed in Varanasi at 11.40 pm. Its scheduled time of arrival was 9.45 pm. The viral video shows cabin crew requesting passengers to sit patiently as the ground staff complete the checks. An air hostess approaches the man shooting the video and says, "Excuse me, Sir, video is not allowed, please." The passengers protest this. "Your flight is not taking off for the past one hour, sounds are coming and you are telling us that shooting a video is not allowed," a flier is heard saying. "Does our life have no value?" asks another. The air hostess then folds her hands and says, "All the tests on the aircraft have been completed." This angers the passengers more. "You are running the tests after making the passengers board the plane? What if something happens in the air? Who will take that risk?" says a passenger. Several passengers are seen recording videos and questioning the cabin crew, "You guys expect us to cooperate with you. You guys should also cooperate with us. Arrange an alternate solution," a passenger is heard saying. The woman pilot of the aircraft is seen asking the agitated passengers to take their seats. "Let's talk, but please sit down. We will not close the door till you are satisfied, but please sit down. Let us clarify all the doubts." View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Varanasi News (@thevaranasinews) Another video shows the pilot, Captain Urvashi, assuring the passengers that they had delayed take-off so that every system is checked thoroughly. "We are ready for take-off in 10 minutes. If you do not resort to chaos, I guarantee you we will all reach Varanasi." At this point, some of the passengers chant, "Har Har Mahadev" and the pilot joins in. Let's have a good flight and be positive. You have to trust me that if there was any issue, I would not fly this plane. The aircraft is fit to fly. Let us all reach Varanasi safely, happily, nicely. Please don't worry," says the pilot.


News18
6 hours ago
- News18
From Sacred Trails To Scenic Tours: Understanding Amarnath Yatra's Impact On Tourism
The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindu devotees. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake this pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani. Every year, the Amarnath Yatra weaves together devotion, endurance, and an unmistakable economic upswing for Jammu & Kashmir. This sacred pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave, nestled deep within the Himalayas, doesn't just move pilgrims; it powers an entire region's tourism economy. 'The annual Amarnath Yatra is not only a spiritual pilgrimage but the life-giving soul of the economy of Jammu & Kashmir," says Mr. Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Pilgrims Powering Local Prosperity In the June-July window, more than three lakh pilgrims descended upon the valley, triggering a cascade of benefits across transport, hospitality, food services, and the local handicrafts market. 'Hotels, guesthouses, and homestays were overflowing, while local vendors and artisans had a hefty business," Mr. Gosain shares. The towns of Pahalgam and Baltal came alive with the energy of visitors, creating an unusually extended high season for surrounding tourist hotspots. Srinagar, thus extending the tourist season," says Mr. Gosain. This blend of spiritual travel and leisure tourism has led to tangible infrastructural gains: improved roads, enhanced healthcare access, and better mobile connectivity, which benefit both locals and tourists year-round. Challenges on the Trail: Managing Security and Sustainability Yet, the pilgrimage isn't without its hurdles. Environmental degradation, waste management, and safety remain key concerns. 'Security was the major concern, and therefore, to ensure safety, 50,000 security personnel were deployed after the terrifying recent events in Pahalgam," he notes. 'It's not just an annual recurrence, but an occasion of the local community coming together with new hope, offering visitors the best holiday experience," adds Mr. Gosain. The Amarnath Yatra stands as a vivid example of how faith-fueled travel can shape a region's economy, cultural exchange, and community spirit. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.