Regulators have barred Pakistan International Airlines from the European Union for six months after the state-run carrier grounded nearly a third of its pilots for holding fake or dubious licences, officials said Tuesday. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) told PIA “it is still not sure” if all the remaining pilots are properly qualified, and “they have lost their confidence” in the airline, PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told AFP. In a statement, the EASA said it had suspended PIA and a smaller private Pakistan airline “in view of the recent investigation reported on in the Pakistani Parliament which…
Author: Our Correspondent
Tamil Nadu, which has the third highest number of coronavirus cases in the country, released guidelines for the opening of religious places today — nearly a month after the Central government allowed it. Temples in the state are mostly expected to open on July 1 — the day the second phase of unlock rolls across the country. Entry into religious places will be allowed only to people showing no symptoms of the disease, the government said. People who are elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic health conditions including diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease are not advised to venture…
US FCC has classified Huawei and ZTE as security threats, and banned them as suppliers for projects under its Universal Service Fund, because of alleged ties to Chinese military and intelligence services. The Federal Communications Commission is the US agency that regulates all communications technology. In a news release explaining the decision, the FCC said that this is a step to protect US networks from security risks. The two companies have been banned as suppliers under the FCC’s Universal Service Fund. The fund is a collection of subsidies through which the US government can promote access to telecom services. In…
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent remarks that efforts are being made to oust him after his government redrew Nepal’s political map has backfired, with top leaders of the ruling Nepal Communist Party demanding his resignation on Tuesday. As soon as the powerful Standing Committee meeting of the ruling party started at the PM’s official residence at Baluwatar on Tuesday, former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” slammed KP Oli for the remarks he made on Sunday. “The Prime Minister’s remarks that India was conspiring to remove him was neither politically correct, nor diplomatically appropriate,” he said. “Such a…
India’s Kritika Pandey was on Tuesday awarded the 5,000 pound Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020 for “The Great Indian Tee and Snakes” in a virtual ceremony here. The Asian Regional Winner beat challengers from four other contenders in the final round. “This is an incredible moment; I don’t know what to say. The award is so reassuring. It really makes up for the struggle I went through (to become a writer),” the 29-year-old from Jharkhand, who is currently a final year candidate in the Masters in Fine Arts (MFS) programme at the University of Massachusetts, said after the jury chair,…
Sushmita Sens brother Rajeev Sen will make his Bollywood debut with “Iti: Can You Solve Your Own Murder?” He says he always had a hidden desire to express his creative side. Movies, acting, performing are a massive part of my life. To get such a brilliantly written role in a concept-driven and unique thriller for my debut movie, is an honour,” said Rajeev. He said that he has been an introvert. “Gradually, I opened up but I had this hidden desire to express my creative side and bring alive characters. I contemplated for a long time but my near and…
No individual is above the law, including the leader of a country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today during his 17-minute televised address to the nation, as he warned people against disobeying rules in force to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. The Prime Minister said “negligence in social and personal behaviour” had been seen since “Unlock1” – the first stage in the government’s “calibrated” re-start of economic activity and normal life – came into effect on June 1 and said this could prove disastrous as India looks to get the outbreak under control. “We notice (increasing) negligence in…
The US has increased its presence in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of growing Chinese aggression at a time when the world is fighting the coronavirus pandemic. A press release issued by the US Pacific Fleet said, “(Currently the) USS Nimitz and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups are conducting dual carrier operations in the Philippine Sea. The ships and aircraft assigned to both strike groups began coordinated operations in international waters on June 28.” “The US Navy remains mission ready and globally deployed. Dual carrier operations demonstrate our commitment to regional allies, our ability to rapidly mass combat power…
Indian-American Medha Raj has been named by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden as his digital chief of staff, a key role in his election campaigns which are entirely going virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. In this capacity, Ms Raj will work across all facets of the digital department to streamline and coordinate how to maximise the impact of its digital outputs, Joe Biden’s campaign said. “Excited to share that I’ve joined Joe Biden’s campaign as the Digital Chief of Staff. 130 days to the election and we’re not going to waste a minute!” she said on…
Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda hailed Prime minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to extend the free ration programme for another 5 months, calling his leadership during the pandemic “alert and sensitive”. Hinting that it is a long haul and India’s poor and needy will continue to need the hand-holding by the state, PM Modi declared that India’s Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna has now been extended by another 5 months. It is a programme through which 80 crore Indians get free monthly rations. The BJP President on Tuesday said it reflects Modi’s “commitment and sensitivity for the upliftment of the poor”.…