Latest news with #CivilAviation
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian airlines report 183 technical faults in 2025 so far: Aviation Minister Naidu
Advt DGCA steps up inspections after crash By , ETInfra Indian airlines have reported 183 technical faults in aircraft so far this year, the civil aviation ministry informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The number of such faults in 2024 was 421, lower than 448 reported in 2023, indicating a decline of nearly 6 per cent data was shared in written replies by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in the Upper House. The number of reported technical glitches stood at 528 in 2022 and 514 in 2021."Till July 23 this year, 183 technical faults in aircraft were reported by airlines. A total of 2,094 investigations have been carried out against serious defect/snags reported during the last 5 years (up to June 2025)," Naidu Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stepped up checks and inspections of safety systems following the Air India crash on June 12, which led to the deaths of 260 people."Post-accident, DGCA enhanced the check and inspection of the critical component of safety assurance in order to identify and rectify immediate systemic issues," Naidu also noted that the DGCA maintains structured civil aviation regulations that are regularly updated to align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) complaints filed with the DGCA this year stand at 3,925. The count was 4,016 in 2024, 5,513 in 2023, 3,782 in 2022, and 4,131 in 2021.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Senior TDP leader Ashok Gajapathi Raju sworn in as Governor of Goa
VIJAYAWADA: Senior Telugu Desam Party leader and former Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the Governor of Goa on Saturday, succeeding PS Sreedharan Pillai. Ashok Gajapathi Raju took the oath of office at Raj Bhavan in Panaji, administered by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and several dignitaries were present. Addressing the gathering, Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that he would uphold the Constitution while serving the people of Goa. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the newly appointed Goa Governor and expressed hope that he would set a high standard in his new role through impartial and dedicated service. AP Legislative Assembly Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, and HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh also attended the ceremony and congratulated the Goa Governor. Later, they met Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and felicitated him. BJP leaders from Andhra Pradesh, including State President PVN Madhav and Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, also attended the swearing-in and met the Goa Chief Minister. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who was affiliated with the Telugu Desam Party, resigned from the party following the announcement of his gubernatorial appointment.
Mint
4 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Who is Gajapathi Raju? Former Union Minister is the new Goa Governor
Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, a veteran politician and former Union minister, officially assumed the office of Governor of Goa on Saturday, July 26, 2025. He succeeded PS Sreedharan Pillai in this role. The swearing-in ceremony took place in Raj Bhavan, attended by the state's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries. Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, 74, said he would follow the Constitution of India while serving the people. "We all work as a team, and I am very delighted that I am associated with Goans," he said. Referring to his political career, Gajapathi Raju said he had a short tenure in Parliament. "I have been in and out as a minister in the government and also sat in the opposition. I have wide experience," the governor added. Pasupati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, 74, belongs from the Pasupati royal family of the Vizianagaram princely state in Andhra Pradesh. He is the younger son of Maharaja Pasupati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju, also a Parliamentarian. Pasupati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has served as former Union Minister of Civil Aviation from May 2014 to March 2018. He began his political career in 1978, winning the Vizianagaram Legislative assembly constituency as a Janata Party candidate. He was also a cabinet minister, Commercial Taxes, in the Government of Andhra Pradesh from 1983 - 1985. Raju contested the Vizianagaram Lok Sabha seat for the first time in 2014 and emerged victorious. Raju later joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), becoming a key figure in the party. He resigned from the party only recently to take up the Governor's position. Raju is known to have played a significant role in establishing various governmental and non-government educational institutions, particularly as Chairman of MANSAS trust. He is also interested in public health, water and electricity conservation. He launched schemes for housing, drinking water and health, according to the official website of MANSAS.
1News
4 days ago
- 1News
Send in the drones: Resident calls for aerial crackdown on dirt bikers
Warfare, shark-spotting, real estate photography. The drone has become a multi-use agent of the sky, and a Rotorua resident wants them used to fight illegal dirt bike activity plaguing the city. However, local authorities warn the seemingly simple solution is anything but. Rotorua Lakes Council and local police have faced increasing difficulty keeping the city's reserves, play areas and sports fields safe from vandalism – particularly from dirt bikes. Earlier this month, police promised a crackdown on the issue. ADVERTISEMENT Resident Ryan Gray believed drones could be the answer. He deals with the problem daily with "loud and obnoxious" riders hooning down a nearby cycleway. "These riders dive onto footpaths and cycleways where cars can't go, and if they're chased, they'll just ride more dangerously," said Gray. "That's where drones come in. You've got CCTV, you've got the tech so why not use it? "The camera sees them, drone goes up, follows them home, you then knock on their door, and you've got them on video." Rotorua resident Ryan Gray wants more done about illegal dirt bike activity plaguing public areas. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) A video of the issue he posted online recently sparked comments of vigilante action and concerns for innocent bystanders and the riders. "It's not even about catching everyone, it's about deterrence. If people know they'll be caught, they'll think twice. ADVERTISEMENT "Right now, it feels like no one's doing anything, and the community's getting desperate. We shouldn't have to wait for a kid to get killed before police take this seriously." Authorities in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia have trialled similar systems. Their efficacy remains up for debate although, in California, footage of drones chasing and locating nuisance riders has been a hit on social media. In Western Australia, drones have been in use since 2018. They have more than 80 police pilots using them for search and rescue, surveillance, and public safety. This has included crackdowns on problem vehicles. "Western Australia is the single largest policing jurisdiction in the world," said Western Australia Police Sergeant Nathan Gilmour. "The inclusion of drone technology enhances police search capabilities across large distances and over rugged terrain that would unable to be accessed by vehicles or personnel." "Police are guided by Civil Aviation rules and legislation such as the Search and Surveillance Act and the Privacy Act when deploying drones over residential areas," he said. "We also know that these riders often travel considerable distances across town and the drone is also subject to flight time capability and distance from the control point." ADVERTISEMENT Drone use has been banned at Kuirau Park, Rotorua Lakefront Reserve, Village Green, Motutara (Sulphur) Point and Hannah's Bay Reserve. These sites are near an airport, helipad or aerodrome. Generally, operators must fly only in daylight, below 120m, keep drones in sight, and avoid people or private property. Flying near airports or in controlled airspace requires approval. Rotorua Police area prevention manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) Rotorua Police area prevention manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said drones may seem like an "easy solution", but there were complicating factors. He believed collating information, public help and a cultural shift in some communities was needed to tackle the dirt bike issue. "We still require the public to step up and come forward with the street addresses that these dirt bike riders are coming and going from regularly," he said. "This anti-social behaviour is a societal problem, not just a police problem. It requires a mindset shift that the community can have an impact on achieving." ADVERTISEMENT Rotorua Lakes Council was also asking the community for help, with its hands tied by the nature of preventive barriers. "We must balance restricting motorcycle/vehicle access with ensuring that reserves and shared paths are accessible for legitimate users like walkers, people on push bikes, people with prams and people using mobility devices," said a council spokesperson. Drones were not seen as the solution. "The council doesn't have the resources to purchase or operate multiple drones to deter dirt bikers. "For anyone using drones, permission is required from owners of land a drone is being flown over, so they aren't necessarily practical for surveillance purposes." By Mathew Nash, Local Democracy Reporter Local Democracy Reporting is local-body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 23 July
Lulutai Airlines is Tonga's only domestic airline. Photo: Tonga High Commission Canberra Tonga's Civil Aviation Office has temporarily lifted its suspension of Lulutai Airlines engineering licence. The Office took action against Tonga's only domestic airline on Friday, due to breaches of Civil Aviation rules. It said it is now satisfied all non-compliances identified have been resolved. It also warned any further breaches could trigger the reinstatement of the suspension, and it will be closely monitoring. Last week's grounding of Lulutai Airlines two aircraft left dozens of travellers stranded on Ha'apai over the weekend. The director general of the justice ministry says the minister is awaiting legal advice before deciding on next steps for a Commission of Inquiry report into Vanuatu citizenship and related matters. The Vanuatu Daily Post reports the inquiry was launched to investigate alleged irregularities in the country's citizenship programme which has faced scrutiny domestically and internationally in recent years. Arthur Faerua confirmed the report has been completed and was officially handed over to the minister in May. He said legally justice minister Job Andy has full authority to decide on next steps but he is seeking advice from the State Law Office on which parts of the report can be made public. The leader of the opposition Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau recently called on prime minister Jotham Napat to release the report directly to the public and not to the Council of Ministers. Kalsakau argues the public deserves full access to the report, particularly if it involves national leaders. Bougainville's government has given a one million kina cheque to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) to help re-establish air services in the region. The ABG chief secretary Kearnneth Nanei said the cheque symbolises the government's appreciation of MAF, and their ongoing partnership. He said the government is committed to opening up Bougainville's airspace. Nanei said it is part of the promise of open skies in Bougainville within 10 years, and the re-activation of airstrips in Nissan, Buin, Torokina, Oria, and in mountainous communities. A Commonwealth delegation will be in Tonga this week for a number of workshops. Dr Elizabeth Macharia, acting head of the Commonwealth's Rule of Law Section, will host dialogue on the Latimer House Principles, for members of the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Adopted by Commonwealth countries in 2003, the Latimer House Principles are a set of guidelines to make sure that democracy functions effectively by keeping the executive, legislature, and judiciary independent, accountable and respectful of each other's roles. The workshops this week are at the request of the Tongan government. Palau's President is asking the national congress to approve US$237,000 to open an Embassy in Canberra, Australia. The Island Times reports Surangel Whipps Jr says establishing a diplomatic mission in Canberra could strengthen bilateral ties and ensure Australia's continued engagement. He told the news outlet that, whether Palau likes it or not by December 2026, it will no longer be eligible for financial assistance from the EU. Whipps said traditional allies like Japan, the United States and Taiwan are expected to continue supporting Palau while Australia remains undecided. The funding request is included in the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026. Tourism in Fiji has slowed down slightly, with lower annual visitor numbers and earnings in the summer months. The Fiji Bureau of Statistics has recorded a 0.3 percent decrease in tourism revenue between the March 2024 and 2025 quarters. This corresponds with a 4 percent decrease in visitor numbers, or around 10,000 fewer visitors, over the same period. The Bureau puts this down to fewer visitors from neighbouring Pacific nations and territories. Pacific Trade Ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system. The comments were made during the Forum's Trade Ministers meeting last week. Ministers agreed given the Pacific's geographic challenges, countries need to work together through regional initiatives. The initiatives include the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development and the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy.
