Latest news with #ManojSharma
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Time of India
Uttarakhand chopper crash: No radar, no rules; inside Kedarnath's risky circuit
No radar, no rules: Inside Kedarnath's risky circuit (Photo: PTI) DEHRADUN/NEW DELHI: Manoj Sharma doesn't fly by the book in the Kedarnath sector - he flies by sight, by wind, by instinct. "We are flying in one of the world's most unforgiving regions with very little real-time weather support," he said. "Operations are being conducted on pilot observation and visual reference. The weather is unpredictable and changes rapidly." That reality now has the country's attention. In just six weeks, Uttarakhand has recorded five helicopter accidents - two fatal, others involving emergency landings and rotor damage - all on the Kedar route. In one case, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter crash-landed near a road, injuring the pilot. This is not an outlier year. In 2022, an Aryan Aviation chopper crash killed seven. In 2023, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) finance controller Amit Saini died after being struck by a tail rotor. In 2013, a military rescue helicopter crash killed 20. The terrain is tough, but not the only challenge. Pilgrimage flights have surged, but there's no dedicated air traffic control network. "There is no ATC or weather station," said a veteran pilot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo "Flying in the narrow valley from Gaurikund to Kedarnath needs experience and safety awareness, as there are no emergency landing sites." Another pilot added, " No route info is provided. Until these issues are fixed, operations should be stopped." This month, the civil aviation ministry suspended Aryan Aviation and grounded two TransBharat pilots for flying in bad weather. UCADA has been tasked with reviewing operations, setting up a command-and-control room, and coordinating with operators. DGCA has deployed officers for oversight. But many in the sector say this isn't enough. "There are no checks. Faulty parts are being swapped with others to show repairs. Conscientious operators and passengers suffer," said one operator. Others point to pressure and compromise. "Five chopper crashes in 1.5 months - the worst we've seen," said a senior pilot. "Char Dham ops are among the toughest, but we fly like nothing's wrong." Another pilot said: "Stop operations this yatra season - greed is driving it, not safety."
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
5 crashes in 6 weeks expose gaps in Uttarakhand's chopper safety
1 2 Dehradun/New Delhi: Manoj Sharma doesn't fly by the book in the Kedarnath sector — he flies by sight, by wind, by instinct. "We are flying in one of the world's most unforgiving regions with very little real-time weather support," he said. "Operations in such large numbers are being conducted on pilot observation and visual reference. The weather is very unpredictable and changes very rapidly." That reality, long known to those in the cockpit, now has the country's attention. In just six weeks, Uttarakhand has recorded five helicopter accidents — two of them fatal, others involving emergency landings and rotor damage — all on the Kedar route. In one case, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter crash-landed near a road after a mechanical failure, injuring the pilot and damaging a vehicle. This is not an outlier year. In 2022, an Aryan Aviation chopper crashed near Kedarnath, killing seven. In 2023, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) finance controller Amit Saini died after being struck by a tail rotor. And in 2013, a military rescue helicopter went down during flood relief, killing 20. The terrain is tough — but it is not the only challenge. The system built to manage it is, in many ways, still catching up to the traffic it supports. Pilgrimage flights have surged over the past decade, but the region lacks a dedicated air traffic control network. "There is no ATC control nor any weather station in these areas," said a veteran pilot. "Flying in the narrow valley from Gaurikund to Kedarnath needs a lot of experience and safety awareness, as there are no landing sites on this stretch that can be used in an emergency or bad weather." Another pilot added, "There is no information provided on routes where major helicopter operations take place. Till such time these issues can't be addressed, these operations should immediately be stopped. " This month, the civil aviation ministry suspended Aryan Aviation from Char Dham operations and grounded two TransBharat pilots who flew in unsuitable weather, suspending their licences for six months. UCADA — established by the state in 2013 to oversee civil aviation development and safety, including helipad infrastructure and coordination with private operators — has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review with all operators and setting up a command-and-control room to monitor real-time risks. DGCA has deployed officers to oversee safety, airworthiness and the functioning of the control centre. But many in the sector say these moves fall short. "It seems there are no checks and balances in place," said one chopper operator. "There is someone who replaced one inoperative part on a chopper with another inoperative part from another chopper to show that the part has been changed. Because of unscrupulous operators, conscientious operators and passengers are suffering." Others point to a deeper culture of pressure and compromise. "There have been five chopper crashes in the country within the last 1.5 months, which is the worst we have ever seen in helicopter operations in our country," said a senior pilot. "Char Dham operations are one of the toughest... yet we still fly as if nothing needs fixing." Another pilot was more direct: "We need a complete stop on chopper operations for this yatra season. All stakeholders — owners, pilots, commercial, engineers, DGCA and UCADA — need to look within and change." One added, simply, "It's greed. That's what's driving this. Not safety."
India Today
14-06-2025
- India Today
After Air India plane crash, flyers struggle with anxiety and doubts over safety
The devastating crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad has not only claimed hundreds of precious lives but has also shaken people across India and around the world. Since the Boeing 787 Dreamliner began operating in India, this tragic incident marks the first catastrophic crash involving the aircraft, raising many unanswered investigation is underway to determine whether the cause was a technical failure or human error, but the horrific videos of the crash have left many sleepless and restless. Beyond the heartbreak of losing hundreds of lives and the personal stories of the victims, there is now a growing sense of fear and panic, especially among frequent flyers. While passengers have long accepted a certain fear of flying, trust in trained pilots, advanced aircraft, and rigorous safety checks usually offered reassurance, until spoke with several frequent flyers still grappling with shock and anxiety following the Ahmedabad crash. From business travelers juggling multiple cities every week to NRIs flying frequently to visit family, many are now questioning the safety of air travel. 'I kept thinking, that could've been me,' says Manoj Sharma, a Bengaluru-based IT consultant who flies domestically at least ten times a month. 'I've taken that exact aircraft model on that route. You always think flying is safer than driving, but when something like this happens, your brain doesn't process logic, it processes fear.' Manoj, who has a meeting in Delhi next week, admits he is now apprehensive about Gurgaon-based marketing executive Himanshu Gautam, who flies twice monthly across metros, the crash has 'broken the illusion of routine.' He shares, 'I get numb to the idea of risk until it hits so close to home. Next time I fly, I'll be thinking about those passengers and what their last moments might have been like. It's stomach-churning.'advertisementA Canada-based entrepreneur who travels frequently between the UK, Canada, and India also reveals he is experiencing 'a psychological block' about flying Air India again. 'I have always supported Air India despite delays and service issues, but now I feel betrayed. If this is a systemic problem, how can I feel safe on the next flight?'While data confirms that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transport, the AI171 crash has left passengers feeling that safety is no longer guaranteed. Since the tragedy, aviation-related anxiety has surged, with conversations about air travel safety spreading from morning walks to aviation insiders acknowledge that the crash has dented public confidence in the industry. There have been recent incidents involving cabin depressurisation, emergency landings, unusual turbulence, and mid-air disturbances.'People are now paying attention to aircraft safety, maintenance records, pilot fatigue, issues they never considered before,' says a senior airline official who requested Reel IN THIS STORY#Air India
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Aiming for upper hand in Bihar polls, BJP connects with Bihari migrants via queries
Months after it began its outreach to migrant Biharis, the BJP has devised a novel way to step up its efforts to connect with them in a bid to persuade them to return home and vote in the upcoming state Assembly polls. As a part of this new exercise, about 150 state BJP leaders, armed with a list of 14 questions, have been travelling through the country in order to reach out to non-resident Biharis, who are estimated to number around 2.75 crore. According to Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma, the possibility of migrant Biharis returning to the state to vote is high as the polls are likely to be held in October this year, around the Chhath Puja, one of the main festivals of the state, during which the state sees a return of lakhs of migrants. 'With special trains being run during Chhath Puja, it would be all the more easier for them to travel back to Bihar and cast their votes,' he told The Indian Express. The questionnaire, titled 'Aam Bihari pravisiyon ki jaankari (information on common migrants from Bihar)' accessed by The Indian Express, aims to collect details of the Bihari migrants like name, phone number, address, profession, social category, Assembly segment, native district and also if he / she is a BJP supporter. To assess a migrant's ability to convince others to vote in favour of the BJP, a question related to the person's influence back home features in the list. While one of the questions also seek the details of the voter IDs so that the party could help a migrant get it if that person does not have one, a BJP leader calls the entire exercise a 'game changer'. 'The questionnaire also helps us get Assembly constituency-wise data to work with. Also, the caste data will help us identify our focus areas keeping in mind the social composition of each constituency,' he said. Claiming that the exercise is a follow-up of the party's drive held during Bihar Divas celebrations earlier this year to convince non-resident Biharis to return and vote, Sharma said, 'We have a rough list of all 243 Assembly constituencies, which have between 15,000-20,000 migrants each. Even if we convince 5,000 from each seat to return and vote, it will improve the turnout.' The BJP had appointed its general secretary Tarun Chugh and senior leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam to oversee the 11-day Bihar Divas celebrations in March, where the party reached out to non-resident Biharis by organising 'get-together events'. According to sources, the collected data is being processed and would be uploaded on an app once it is finalised by August. 'The next step would be to call the non-resident Biharis to know if they would return to cast their vote,' a source said.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Many Bengalureans are trying digital fasting
Dr Sparsha S Vasisht Bengalureans who keep their gadgets away say they feel happier when they do that Gadgets outnumber people in most Bengaluru homes. The average daily screen time of Bengalureans is eight hours, says Manoj Sharma of Nimhans who has done extensive studies on gadget addiction. The situation is concerning. Sharma, who oversees the SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic at Nimhans, says they attend to about 20 cases every week. The growing addiction to electronic devices among children has also become a significant concern. Following Nimhans' recent introduction of an online support group for parents, over 400 people have joined seeking assistance. Most of them required advice on addressing their children's gaming-related challenges. Many today spend one-third of their waking hours staring at screens. Complete disconnection from electronic devices seems impractical. Our daily activities, from purchasing household essentials to maintaining social connections and unwinding after a hard day at work, heavily rely on technology. Ditching gadgets could make us feel lonely and create practical challenges. Nonetheless, many are now realising that electronic devices can only offer synthetic happiness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo They are limiting their device usage with some even opting for simpler mobile phones. And they say they are happier now. Unplug and reconnect with yourself When 41-year-old Ramya Shripathi first heard about digital detox, she thought it was impossible to disconnect from screens. 'I had tried deleting WhatsApp but then realised it was useful especially for official communication or kid's school-related communication,' she says. Meanwhile, the constant buzzing in groups would leave her anxious, wanting to check her phone again and again, to the point of making her feel miserable and helpless. It took Ramya a lot of effort to reclaim her life. Ever since she became a life coach, she has been practising digital detox and noticing the benefits of screen-free time. N Ramakrishnan vouches for it too. A resident of One Bangalore West Apartment in Rajajinagar, Ramakrishnan has reduced his daily screen time from 12 to two hours. The 73-year-old had worked in the IT sector for many years, where long hours in front of computer screens were routine. Additional exposure to television, mobile phones, and laptops further increased screen dependency. After moving to the gated community and being elected as president of the residents' association, he found ways to get away from gadgets and keep himself occupied. 'I invested effort in understanding the intricacies of residential complex management. This led to an increased focus on outdoor activities. I started learning tennis and encouraged others to learn badminton, cricket and other outdoor activities. I also created a group for sloka chanting and another for musical activities that have fostered a community spirit,' he says. Remedies for pathological trading and porn addiction One of Sharma's patients suffered substantial losses due to compulsive online trading activities. The patient's family sought help. He was asked to use a basic phone instead of a smartphone. 'It really worked. The basic phone reduced his access to trading, controlled his urges to browse, and helped him recover from the addiction,' Sharma recalls. Another case involved a young adult seeking assistance for pornography addiction. The addiction began affecting both his personal and work life significantly. 'He used pornography as a coping mechanism to improve his emotional state. Despite addressing the psychological aspects through counselling sessions, he continued to report strong cravings and difficulty in controlling his urges,' recalls Sharma. He then decided to implement a more fundamental approach – restrict the patient's access to such content by recommending a basic phone with minimal features. That helped the patient overcome the porn addiction and take back control of his life. 'He even started engaging in other activities that improved his productivity and overall feeling of well-being,' says Sharma. The crucial factor in digital detoxing, Sharma says, is identifying specific triggers. 'These could be feelings of loneliness, excess free time, easy access to technology, or other psychological conditions. Once these triggers and their associations are recognised, appropriate coping mechanisms can be employed,' he says. VOICE BOX 'Leaders should make offline life more meaningful, vibrant' I've brought down my average screen time to just 90 minutes a day. Dr Sparsha S Vasisht I delivered my daughter six months ago. I've kept all gadgets including my phone away since pregnancy. It allows me to give more attention to my baby and keep myself and her radiation free. Nowadays, I use my phone only if my patients need me to attend to them. I am mindful of my social media usage as well. Dr Sparsha S Vasisht, RESIDENT, MALLESWARAM People should seek help when electronic devices become an overwhelming focus in their daily routines, hindering their ability to operate without them. Manoj Sharma The constant preoccupation with devices could also result in various negative outcomes including health problems, physical exhaustion, reduced productivity, or strained family relationships. When these indicators appear, one should either implement personal digital detox strategies or obtain professional assistance. Manoj Sharma, Coordinator, SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic, NIMHANS. During my juggle between heavy academic reading, household responsibilities, raising teenagers and preparing lessons, brief Instagram breaks provided momentary escape. However, as I noticed signs of dependency, I sought methods to reduce its usage. Ikrook Chamba I changed my Instagram app's name to restrict my access. Now I don't even know how the app is renamed on my phone. The reduction in device usage sharpened my concentration. It has also led to improved sleep quality and better overall wellbeing. Ikroop Chamba, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CHRIST UNIVERSITY By silencing app notifications and letting go of the need to respond immediately to messages and calls, I have reduced anxiety and improved my sleep. I don't keep any gadgets in my bedroom. Ramya Shripathy I also prioritise mindful moments – eating without gadgets, taking mindful walks, or just being with my thoughts. I have learnt to appreciate the beauty of solitude. Morning journaling has enhanced my creativity and I make time for activities like reading and doodling. Ramya Shripathi, LIFE COACH, KORAMANGALA Reducing screen time takes a lot of discipline. I have managed to reduce it from 12 hours to two hours. Keep yourself occupied so you don't feel tempted to get hooked to your gadgets. Now I work with the sustainability committee, particularly focussing on water conservation and waste management. Residents are guided on wet waste composting, with the resulting compost being utilised to grow vegetables and greens on balconies. N Ramakrishnan We exchange plants and seeds and collect old clothes and shoes to be donated to the underprivileged. I encourage residents to use intercoms and participate in face-to-face conversations within common areas, rather than depending on messaging. Walking and networking have further promoted understanding of the challenges and requirements faced by community members, assisting in providing timely support. All these have been made possible as I made a conscious decision to reduce my screen time. N Ramakrishnan, 73, RESIDENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBER, ONE BANGALORE WEST People get addicted to gadgets because the real world is dull and boring. It often fails to compete with the digital one. People don't resist digital detox. They just need a better experience. Arun Chittilappilly As leaders, planners and creators, our job is to make offline life more meaningful, vibrant and worth showing up for. That's the kind of environment we should be building – one where digital balance is not enforced but enabled. Arun K Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & MD, Wonderla Holidays
