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Indo-US pact on aviation soon
Nine dead in Russian plane crash
Probe plunges towards Saturn’s moon
9 killed in Gaza violence
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Lady doctor assaulted
in Pakistan
Maoists burn 3 Indian vehicles
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Indo-US pact on aviation soon
Calling the existing, nearly half-century-old air service agreement between the United States and India “restrictive and outmoded,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta on yesterday said he hoped a new treaty would allow nonstop airline service between the two countries. The secretary was speaking at the launch of “Open Skies” aviation talks with an Indian delegation led by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel in here.
Both Mr Mineta and Mr Patel were optimistic that an agreement that would benefit consumers, the aviation industry and the economies of India and the U.S. would be signed within a couple of months. “We have before us the opportunity to give the people of India and the United States a modern Open Skies agreement that will deliver tremendous benefits for the aviation industry and for consumers in both countries, building ties between our people and creating new jobs and opportunities,” Mr Mineta told reporters at a joint briefing with Mr Patel. Open Skies agreement permit unrestricted service by the airlines of each side to, from and beyond the other’s territory, without restrictions on how often carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge. Mr Mineta noted trade between the India and the U.S. totaled $18 billion in 2003, a 13.5 per cent increase from the previous year, and was growing at an even faster pace in 2004. “Such a relationship needs to be supported by strong commercial aviation ties,” he said, adding, more direct flights would serve the approximately 2 million passengers a year traveling between the two countries. Pointing out that Indian aviation was moving into a “new era,” Mr Patel said he was hopeful that “a fairly substantive agreement” could be reached with the U.S. “We want more connectivity between India and the U.S.,” he said. Mr Patel said Indian carriers would buy 200 to 250 planes in the next year, and “the U.S. and Boeing have a fair chance” to bag these orders. The current US-India aviation agreement, which dates back to 1956, places restrictions on the number of airlines that can fly between the two countries, cities that can be served, the frequency of service and pricing. While Mr Patel said an agreement would be a “win-win” situation, Mr Mineta said U.S. airlines, many of which have been driven to bankruptcy following the September 11, 2001, hijackings and terrorist attacks, were looking for “increased revenue opportunities.” |
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Nine dead in Russian plane crash
Moscow, January 14 The wreckage of the aircraft was found early on Friday near an airfield in Siberia. "All nine persons have died," the Emergencies Ministry spokesman said. Russian news agencies reported that local administration officials had been travelling on the Antonov-2, a small Russian-built passenger plane. On Thursday, the Emergencies Ministry said a plane with 10 persons aboard disappeared from controllers' radar screens in Siberia. It was not clear what caused the plane to crash, but officials said there would be an investigation. "Already on Friday a special commission will begin determining the reason for the catastrophe," a local administration official told Interfax news agency. "The black box (flight recorder) has been
found." — Reuters |
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Bush for tsunami alert system
Washington, January 14 Administration officials offered few details about plans to expand the current system, now in the Pacific Ocean. The administration has been considering setting up a similar system in the Atlantic, officials said. President George W. Bush said after last month's tsunami that he would ask US government agencies to assess whether "we have enough of a warning system for the West Coast" of the USA. "It makes sense for the world to come together to develop a warning system that will help all nations," Mr Bush added.
— Reuters |
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Probe plunges towards Saturn’s moon
Darmstadt, January 14 The unmanned craft plunged into Titan’s atmosphere at the start of a parachute glide in which it would measure the moon’s intriguing weather system and atmospheric gases, scientists said. Mission controllers — worried that the most ambitious interplanetary mission ever attempted would end disastrously — shouted for joy when Huygens sent a radio signal, proving that it had survived the buffeting entry. “The baby is alive,” exulted David Southwood, Director of Science at the European Space Agency (ESA).
— AFP |
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Jerusalem, January 14 Israel defence forces at the scene fired back, killing three Palestinian gunmen. The attacks at the Karni goods crossing were jointly claimed by Hamas, the Popular Resistance Committees and the
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an offshoot of Chairman-elect, Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement.
— PTI |
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Lady doctor assaulted
in Pakistan
Karachi, Jan 14 The lady doctor was examined by a woman medico-legal officer, who after examination handed over her initial findings to the victim and the police, official sources said. According to the Pakistan Petroleum Limited the lady doctor posted at the Sui Field Hospital, was severely beaten up by a few persons who broke into her room on Jan 2. She was later shifted to her Karachi residence. The examination report suggested that the Dr Shazia Khalid was beaten up as marks of resistance were found on her body. However, the report was being kept secret and all of the officials were tight-lipped. Official sources said that a sub-inspector came from Sui, Naseerabad district to her residence here and recorded her statement, which was made part of the FIR. In her statement, she said that she was assaulted but she failed to identify the men who broke into her room, they added. The official sources claimed bed sheet with blood stains, broken hair and condoms were found from her room of the hostel, which were sent for medical examination. Meanwhile, a notice was served on Dr Shazia asking her to appear before a judicial tribunal on Jan 17, adds APP. The notice was issued by Justice Ahmed Khan Lashari of Balochistan High Court heading the tribunal. |
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Maoists burn 3 Indian vehicles
Kathmandu, January 14 A group of armed Maoists stopped two Tata Mobiles and one truck, all with Indian number plates, at Nawalparasi district, 200 km south west of Kathmandu and later set them on fire, they said. However, no one was injured in the incident, the police said. The Maoists had called a general strike in Nawalparasi district today of which the drivers were unaware.
— PTI |
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