Latest news with #StandardOperatingProcedures
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Declare wild pigs as vermin in conflict zones, Kerala asks Centre in fresh appeal
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has once again written to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav reiterating the State's key demands to address the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala. The State's demands chiefly include an amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the declaration of wild pigs as vermin, at least temporarily in identified hotspots. The renewed appeal comes in the light of a letter from the Union Ministry, explaining the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, particularly those pertaining to hunting animals listed under Schedules I and II. 'Limits powers' Arguing that these limited the powers of the Chief Wildlife Warden and hampered timely action, Mr. Saseendran also flagged the ambiguity in the definition of the term 'dangerous animal' in the Act. Highlighting the growing threats posed by wild animals in human habitats, he emphasised the impracticality of the current procedures. He pointed out that due to these constraints, the Forest department had been unable to act swiftly, thereby intensifying the conflict and endangering human lives and livelihoods. He also proposed simplifying the Standard Operating Procedures for eliminating dangerous animals. The State has also called for declaring wild pigs as vermin in villages identified as hotspots. 'Such a declaration, even if limited to a duration of six months, would greatly facilitate site-specific management of the species in these areas and contribute significantly to mitigate the ongoing human-wildlife conflicts,' the letter states. The government also renewed its demand for an assistance of ₹620 crore to implement preventive measures to tackle the unfolding crisis.
Techday NZ
a day ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Acron Aviation launches Astra app to boost airline efficiency
Acron Aviation has announced the launch of its new iOS application, Astra, which is designed to provide pilots and management teams with personalised performance data and insights before and after each flight. The app is described as a tool for transforming how flight performance data is accessed and used by pilots and airline operators. Astra incorporates modules that focus on safety and efficiency, making use of advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to deliver tailored intelligence to end-users. Designed to be customisable, Astra integrates with both Acron Aviation's own Flight Data Monitoring platform and third-party systems, enabling seamless adoption across fleets. Data-driven flight operations Astra's safety module offers pre- and post-flight insights, prioritising safety and fostering continuous improvement for pilots and operations teams. Key features include the monitoring of fuel consumption, aircraft wear-and-tear, and performance metrics, all available through an intuitive dashboard that provides management teams with comprehensive oversight at fleet level. Mitesh Patel, Vice President and General Manager Flight Data Intelligence at Acron Aviation, commented on the launch: "With Astra, we're closing the gap between Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and actual flight performance." Patel continued, "by leveraging Machine Learning algorithms and our database of 45 million flights, we're delivering personalised, timely, and engaging feedback directly to pilots. Astra represents a significant advancement in how airlines can monitor and optimise fuel consumption and reduce wear-and-tear. This approach not only enhances safety it also improves operational effectiveness and reduces costs." The comprehensive information provided by Astra empowers both pilots and management. For pilots, critical data is consolidated in one application, aiming to reduce the burden of switching between tools while in the cockpit or during pre-flight preparation. Efficiency partnership Astra was developed through a strategic partnership between Acron Aviation and FuelVision, a company with a focus on flight efficiency and data-driven performance. Elena Escrivá de Romaní Pérez, Chief Executive Officer of FuelVision, explained: "Astra increases awareness and engagement with efficiency programs by providing pilots with individual feedback and coaching, as well as providing detailed analytics on fuel consumption patterns, identifies potential savings opportunities, and offers actionable recommendations to optimise flight operations." She continued, "FuelVision was founded by pilots, which means we do things in a fundamentally different way and our starting point is always through the lens of a pilot." The Efficiency module in Astra enables airlines to benchmark performance, track adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, and tailor training programmes based on observed areas for improvement. Customisable parameters also make it possible to inform and adapt fleet-wide pilot training aligned to the latest performance data and trends. Key features Astra processes over 25,000 flights daily, ensuring that debriefs and feedback are delivered to pilots within 15 minutes of landing. Its features include a dashboard for monitoring fuel usage and wear indicators, machine learning-driven analysis of operational effectiveness, unified performance views covering safety and efficiency metrics, and the development of individualised training plans targeted at specific needs. The app can provide pre-flight briefings to pilots with route-specific operational data, enhancing preparation and situational awareness. Following each flight, pilots receive a debrief based on rapid analysis of flight data. Comparative benchmarking allows crew members to measure performance relative to peers within their fleet, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement and team-based oversight. For management, Astra adds value by highlighting both strong performance and areas that require additional support or intervention. The ability to monitor adherence to company procedures and assess return on investment is designed to support both efficiency and risk management objectives. Industry integration Astra is compatible with Acron Aviation's Flight Data Connect platform, which processes large volumes of flight information in a matter of minutes. This integration supports broader safety and operational initiatives, including contributions to IATA's Flight Data eXchange programme. The application is available for further demonstrations at key industry events, with Acron Aviation continuing to showcase Astra's capabilities to prospective users from the global aviation community.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC questions DC's TikTok activity
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought a response from the Director of the Performance Management and Reforms Unit (PMRU) over a petition challenging the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Swabi's act of sharing a video from an event at Women University Swabi on social media platform TikTok. A division bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal heard the petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Hamdan on Thursday. The petitioner informed the court that the DC attended multiple events, recorded videos, and shared them on his personal TikTok account instead of an official government platform. He argued that while the government permits the use of platforms like Facebook and Twitter for official communication, the use of TikTok by public officials is unauthorized and raises serious privacy concerns — particularly when such content features individuals without their consent. Justice Arshad Ali inquired where the TikTok video was filmed. The court was told that the DC recorded the video during a ceremony at Women University Swabi and uploaded it from his personal account. The video included footage of female students, allegedly shared without their permission. Advocate Hamdan further argued that public officials are only permitted to share content through official government websites or verified accounts. At this point, Justice Arshad Ali questioned whether any departmental representative was present, to which the Additional Advocate General responded that none were in attendance. Expressing concern, Justice Arshad Ali remarked, "What is going on here? These officers have created pages for self-promotion. This isn't for official useit's personal branding on social media." Following a brief recess, the Deputy Director of PMRU appeared before the court. Justice Arshad Ali asked him whether PMRU had issued any notification allowing such social media accounts and questioned the basis upon which every officer had started their own pages and was sharing all kinds of content. The court directed PMRU to frame clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and submit a detailed report within 10 days. Justice Arshad Ali also cited a recent case where a District Police Officer used inappropriate language regarding civil judges on social media, emphasizing the need for regulation. "The purpose of these accounts should be strictly official," he stressed. "We are monitoring everything. Videos featuring university students should not be shared online." The hearing was adjourned until July 10, with clear instructions for PMRU to submit its report before the next session.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Why the Kedarnath Yatra has become accident prone
The Kedarnath Yatra is among the oldest and sacred pilgrimages in India. Its roots are traced to the time of Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have restored the shrine. For pilgrims, it used to be a spiritual journey marked by devotion and endurance rather than mere physical expedition, something I experienced during my tenure as the superintendent of police in Chamoli district in 1994. However, this pilgrimage has undergone a drastic transformation in the last 10 years. Following the devastating 2013 floods and extensive reconstruction efforts by the government, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the shrine, the Yatra has seen an unprecedented surge in footfall. From a daily average of just 2,500 pilgrims in the early 1990s, the number now exceeds 30,000 per day. This brings forth logistical, ecological, and spiritual challenges. The massive influx of pilgrims has placed enormous pressure on Kedarnath's fragile Himalayan ecosystem and carrying capacity. Managing such vast numbers has become increasingly difficult, especially since the subject is deeply emotional and religious, making regulatory enforcement sensitive. In more recent times, the Yatra has morphed into a status symbol, driven by social media trends where the spiritual essence is often overshadowed by selfie culture and digital bragging rights. After the 2013 disaster, the trekking path had to be extended from 14 km to 19 km due to terrain shifts, making the journey more arduous. The shared pathway for horses and pedestrians has become overcrowded, unhygienic, unsafe, and even inhumane. It holds the potential to turn into a major tragedy someday. Helicopter services, once introduced as a relief and convenience utility, have now become another source of ecological and administrative strain. It causes heavy noise pollution, consumes fossil fuels, and generates vibrations that negatively impact the delicate mountain ecology. More importantly, the sudden changes in altitude and temperature, from the plains to an elevation of 12,000 feet, often result in medical emergencies due to poor acclimatisation. Accessing heli-tickets has become a nightmare, with long queues, black marketing and fake website scams. Though only about 2,000 pilgrims can be flown in a day, and that too only when the weather is clear, demand often exceeds 10,000 as a result of VIP requests and public demand. The weather in the region is highly unpredictable. Visibility can drop to zero within minutes, rendering safe landings impossible even if helicopters are hovering directly above the helipad. In such scenarios, pressure mounts on both the administration and pilots to overlook safety protocols. Strict enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can significantly reduce the possibility of accidents, but it would also substantially reduce the number of flights, something that goes against commercial interests and public demand. On June 15, 2025, a Bell 407 helicopter en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed, claiming the lives of all seven onboard including a child and the pilot. Poor weather and low visibility appear to be the main cause. The pilot took off before the scheduled time despite adverse weather conditions, risking his life and those of the passengers. This is the fifth helicopter accident during the 2025 Char Dham Yatra season. The growing pressure on pilots from helicopter operators, VIPs, and pilgrims alike, combined with violations of SOPs, has made helicopter services dangerous. This calls for scrutiny and introspection. To ensure a safe and sustainable Yatra, a multi-pronged approach must be adopted. First and foremost is the construction of a large-capacity, high-quality ropeway system, similar to those found in the Swiss Alps. This would offer a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to both trekking and helicopter travel. Once operational, the use of horses must be completely phased out, with comprehensive rehabilitation plans provided for horse owners. The ropeway project, already announced, must be executed urgently. Weather-based flight restrictions should be mandatory, supported by real-time monitoring systems at all helipads. Pilots should receive specialised training in mountain flying, and their duty hours must be strictly regulated. Helipads should be technologically upgraded to ensure safe take-offs and landings, and only technically superior helicopters meeting the highest maintenance standards should be allowed to operate in the Kedarnath Valley. A centralised command centre for all helicopter operations should be set up, and public safety advisories backed by enforceable SOPs must be widely disseminated. Kedarnath is not merely a destination; it is a living embodiment of India's spiritual and cultural heritage. Overcrowding, exceeding the carrying capacity, and rampant commercialisation are threatening the very essence of this sacred site. Unsafe air travel, ecological degradation, and mounting logistical chaos demand immediate and honest introspection by all stakeholders, including the government, pilgrims, service providers, and the society at large. Ashok Kumar, a former Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, is Vice Chancellor of Sports University of Haryana. The views expressed are personal.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business Standard
Beyond beaches: Goa to promote temple visits under spiritual tourism drive
The Goa government is planning to provide a spiritual experience to visitors, away from the beaches, by promoting a pilgrimage circuit comprising 11 iconic temples in the state, officials said on Tuesday. These temples will be the highlight of the Goa Tourism's 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' campaign, they said. A meeting was held on Monday with representatives of all the 11 temples to discuss promotion of the pilgrimage circuit and resolve any coordination-related issues, Goa Tourism Director Kedar Naik told PTI. The 'Ekadasha Teertha Yatra' will cover the 11 temples representing Goa's rich spiritual legacy. These include Sri Manguesh Temple in Mangeshi (North Goa), Sri Mahalasa Narayani Temple in Mardol (North Goa), Mahadev Temple in Tambdi Surla (South Goa) and Sri Shantadurga Temple in Fatorpa (South Goa). As part of the pilgrimage circuit, tourists will be taken around four temples in a day, covering the entire journey in two-three days, Naik said. The visitors will also be taken to other tourist attractions nearby, providing them a holistic travel experience, he said. Naik said the committee members of the temples have welcomed the initiative and expressed support for its successful implementation. "They also provided valuable inputs to ensure that the spiritual sanctity of each temple is maintained while hosting tourists," he said. Naik said that 'Ekadasha Teertha' is not just a tourism product, it is a "journey of spiritual immersion, local engagement and cultural preservation". "We are grateful to the temple committees for their wholehearted support and valuable inputs, which will help us co-create a meaningful and respectful experience for all visitors," he added. The committees emphasised the importance of formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the visitors. They also recommended that tourist itineraries be planned carefully during temple festivals and utsavs, he said. Parking and traffic management emerged as another key concern, particularly when buses and large vehicles carrying tourists arrive at temple sites. The temple committees urged the tourism department to consider site-specific solutions to ensure smooth visitor movement and avoid congestion, Naik said. The Department of Tourism assured continued collaboration with all stakeholders to refine the yatra plan and uphold the core values of Goa's cultural and spiritual heritage, he said.
