Omicron has pushed back the resumption of scheduled international flights. They will now remain suspended till January 31, 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced. Expensive options under air bubbles, which India now has with 32 countries, with the latest being Switzerland, will continue till regular flights resume. India had late last month announced a graded resumption of regular international flights — which were suspended on March 23, 2020 — from December 15, 2021. “This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA… international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis,” the DGCA said.
Gujarat CM woos global investors at Dubai Expo
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel visited the India Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 and made a strong pitch to global investors to capitalise on the state’s ease of doing business, conducive policies, robust industrial ecosystem and futuristic infrastructure. Patel lead a delegation to the United Arab Emirates to promote the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022 to be held in January. One-to-one meetings were held between the CM and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and DEO, DP World, Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE minister for foreign trade, Azad Moopen, CMD of Aster DM Healthcare, Mishal Al Mutlaq, CFO, Alfanar Group, Sharafuddin Sharaf, vice chairman of Sharaf Group and others. Patel also met and interacted with the Indian diaspora in Dubai.
DRDO successfully tests indigenous missile-assisted torpedo system
An indigenous supersonic missile-assisted torpedo system (SMART), which has a far greater range than conventional torpedoes to target enemy submarines, was successfully tested from Wheeler Island in Odisha. "The SMART system is a next generation standoff torpedo delivery system designed to enhance the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The medium-range supersonic missile carries a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms," a DRDO official said. Congratulating the DRDO, defence minister Rajnath Singh said the SMART system's development "is a perfect example of building futuristic defence systems" within the country.
'Shri Ramayana Yatra' becomes first Indian train to get vegetarian certificate
In a bid to encourage vegetarian-friendly Indian Railways services, Shri Ramayan Yatra has been provided with ‘vegetarian certification’ by the Sattvik Council of India in association with Bureau Veritas (global audit partner), recently at Delhi’s Safdarjung railway station. With this, ‘Shri Ramayana Yatra’ theme based pilgrimage tour by Indian Railways’ Dekho Apna Desh Deluxe air-conditioned tourist train has become the world’s first vegetarian-friendly train service. 'Shri Ramayana Yatra’ rail tour package in India will cover various destinations related to Lord Ram’s life such as Ayodhya, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Nandigram and Varanasi. The duration of this tour package will be 16 nights and 17 days and tourists or passengers can board this Deluxe AC train at Safdarjung railway station in New Delhi.