Author: Staff Reporter

Ahmedabad crash: Why aircraft are most likely to meet with accidents during takeoffs, landings

Staff ReporterScience, Nation 0

Ahmedabad plane crash news: Data show that the majority of all aviation accidents occur during the short window of time when the aircraft is taking off or landing. Here’s why

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick with 242 people on board crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft went down in the densely populated Meghani Nagar, right outside the perimeter of Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Thick plumes of black smoke were visible for miles. Click here for latest updates.

Details of what caused the crash are still not available, and it may be months before there is any official confirmation on the matter. That said, data has shown that most crashes take place during landing, takeoff, or the phases immediately before/after these two events. Here’s why.

What the data say

According to data from the trade group International Air Transport Association (IATA), the landing phase accounted for more than half (53%) of all aviation accidents from 2005 to 2023. The takeoff phase was the next most deadly, accounting for 8.5% of all accidents (see Chart 1).

CHART IATA

The phases immediately before/after these two events — the approach phase before landing and the initial climb phase after takeoff — contributed to another 8.5% and 6.1% of accidents, respectively. Rejected takeoffs accounted for 1.8% of accidents.

Boeing’s own data, which looked at fatal commercial jet accidents from 2015 to 2024, also paints a similar picture (see Chart 2).

BoeingDATA_pages-to-jpg-0001

The takeoff and the initial climb phases accounted for 20% of all such accidents as well as 20% of all fatalities despite accounting for only 2% of exposure. The subsequent climb phase accounted for another 10% of fatal accidents and, notably, 35% of fatalities, despite accounting for only 14% of exposure.

On the other hand, the final approach and landing phases accounted for 47% of all accidents and 37% of fatalities, despite making up 4% of exposure. The descent phase accounted for another 3% of accidents and 7% of fatalities.

But despite making up 57% of exposure, the cruise phase, that is, when the aircraft is flying at a stable altitude and steady speed, accounts for only 10% of fatal accidents and less than half a percent of fatalities.

(Boeing has defined “exposure” as the percentage of flight time estimated for a 1.5-hour flight. For longer flights, the cruise phase has even more exposure, while takeoff and landing has less exposure. Also note that IATA and Boeing define these phases slightly differently, and as such, the two sets of data are not perfectly comparable).

Why takeoffs and landing are deadliest

Both datasets mentioned above make one thing clear: an aircraft is at the highest risk of meeting an accident at the beginning and end of the flight. But why?

The most basic explanation for this is that during these phases, aircraft are what in aviation lingo is called “low and slow”, leaving pilots very little time to react if something goes wrong.

“When cruising at 36,000 feet, a pilot has the luxury of time and space to course correct. Even if both engines go out, the plane won’t just fall out of the sky. It becomes a glider. In this state, a typical airliner loses about a mile in altitude for every 10 it moves forward, giving the pilot a little over eight minutes to find a place to land. But if something goes wrong on the ground, that window shrinks considerably,” according to an article by Business Insider.

A multitude of environmental and situational factors put stresses on the aircraft during the takeoff and landing phases, meaning that the probability of something going wrong is also higher at this time.

For instance, it is more likely that the wings of an aircraft will stall during takeoff than while in stable flight. A stall is essentially a condition where the wings of an aircraft lose lift due to the critical angle of attack being exceeded. In simpler words, if during takeoff, the pilot takes an excessive nose up attitude, the aircraft can simply fall out of the air.

While in the rare occasion, stalls can occur mid-flight, at higher altitudes, pilots have a lot more time to take corrective action, which in the case of stalls is to, somewhat counterintuitively, reduce the angle of attack or point the nose down.

Aircraft engines are also under the maximum stress during takeoff, especially the moment when the hundreds of tonnes heavy vehicle has to fight the forces of gravity to lift off from the ground. This too increases the possibility of failures.

On the other hand, the pilot herself is most stressed during landings. This is because this is the most technically challenging aspect of flying, requiring the pilot to consider a host of variables, from wind speed and direction to how heavy the aircraft is, while making constant decisions regarding attitude and speed. Most aviation accidents, more so during the landing phase, occur due to pilot error.

Lastly, aircraft are also more likely to encounter bird strikes, turbulence, and unavoidable inclement weather at low altitudes, increasing the likelihood of accidents

Still safest mode of travel

Nonetheless, it is much safer to travel by airplane than by any other mode of transport. And data show that aviation has become progressively safer over the years.

According to data from the UN body International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), accidents per million departures in commercial flights went down from 4.9 in 2005 to 1.9 in 2023. Notably, the ICAO’s definition of an aircraft accident is fairly broad, including even minor events where the aircraft is damaged and needs repairs, or temporarily goes missing.

Similarly, air crash fatalities have shown a general downward trend, although this statistic is more prone to year-on-year fluctuation. For instance, in 2014, two major accidents contributed to almost 60% of the 911 total fatalities.

Gulf Powers Race to Leverage Trump Visit for Strategic Gains

Staff ReporterNews, World 0

Three energy-rich Gulf nations—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—are moving swiftly to transform their influence over U.S. President Donald Trump into tangible advantages as he prepares to visit the region this week. The leaders of these nations have fostered personal relationships with Trump, collectively committed trillions of dollars to American investments, and positioned themselves as indispensable players in conflicts that Trump aims to address, including those in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran.

In return, they’re being rewarded with the prestige of hosting Trump’s first official state visits since beginning his second term. The trip kicks off in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, with scheduled stops in Qatar and the UAE, extending through May 16.

Given Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy, the Gulf nations hold considerable appeal.

“In Trump’s book, the Gulf states tick all the right boxes,” said Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain. “They pledge to invest trillions in the US economy and spend colossal amounts on US weapons systems.”

This well-orchestrated strategy to win Trump’s favor stems from a desire among Gulf leaders to entrench their status as crucial security and economic partners to the United States, while also maximizing their own gains.

Relations between the US and Gulf nations have markedly improved since Trump’s return to the White House. Under President Biden, Gulf leaders had grown disillusioned with what they perceived as waning U.S. interest in their concerns. During that period, Saudi Arabia and the UAE actively diversified their military, technological, and economic alliances. Now, Trump’s leadership presents what a Gulf official described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to realize long-standing goals.

“This is the time to consolidate ties with Washington,” said EbtesamAlKetbi, founder and president of the Emirates Policy Center in Abu Dhabi, “and even secure greater privileges in their relationship with the world’s most powerful nation.”

Each of the three countries on Trump’s itinerary has distinct objectives for his visit, and each is employing a tailored strategy to achieve its goals.

Saudi Arabia Seeks a Security Agreement

Saudi Arabia’s top priority is clear: bolstering its security partnership with the United States.

“Security, security and security,” said Ali Shihabi, a commentator and author on Saudi politics and economics, when asked about what Riyadh expects from Trump’s trip. “Gulf States are looking for reassurance of the US security commitment to the Gulf’s stability. Trump has many priorities and has been known to lose interest quickly … and they want to keep him engaged.”

Last year, Washington and Riyadh nearly completed a major defense and trade agreement. However, negotiations stalled due to Saudi Arabia’s demand that Israel make a formal commitment toward establishing a Palestinian state.

Firas Maksad, managing director for the Middle East and North Africa at Eurasia Group, suggested that Trump may push ahead with significant deals regardless of progress on Israeli-Palestinian normalization, which he declared “dead.”

Saudi Arabia is also pursuing U.S. support for its civil nuclear ambitions. Yet its insistence on enriching uranium within its borders has caused concern in both Washington and Tel Aviv due to the potential for nuclear weapons development. High-grade uranium can be weaponized, making this a contentious point.

Despite these hurdles, a U.S.-endorsed Saudi nuclear initiative could be a windfall for American companies in terms of lucrative contracts.

Riyadh appears eager to frame its dealings with the United States as mutually beneficial. In March, Trump said, “They’ve agreed to do that, so I’m going to be going there,” referencing a proposed $1 trillion Saudi investment in the U.S.

Though Saudi Arabia did not confirm that specific amount, in January it did announce plans to boost trade and investment with the United States by $600 billion over four years, with potential for further increases.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil still depend heavily on oil revenues. Recent price drops, partly driven by Trump’s trade tariffs, have undercut Saudi efforts. Trump has made his preference for lower oil prices clear, a stance that conflicts with Riyadh’s need for high oil revenues to bankroll its economic transformation.

UAE Aims for Technological Leadership

Of the Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates is perhaps the most focused on leveraging investment to cement its relationship with the U.S. and generate substantial returns. Backed by vast financial resources and holding one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, the UAE has pledged trillions in American investments. Its capital, Abu Dhabi, even brands itself as “the capital of capital.”

“Expanding trade and investment is a way to reinforce this strategic partnership,” said AlKetbi. “The US remains a critical security guarantor for the Gulf region, while also offering a dynamic economy full of opportunities and capabilities that align with the long-term Gulf development plans.”

In March, the UAE revealed a $1.4 trillion investment plan over the next decade focused on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy. Its existing American investments already amount to $1 trillion, according to its embassy in Washington.

“The UAE sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a significant contributor in AI and advanced technology,” said Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president. “The commitment to invest $1.4 trillion… aligns with the UAE’s goal to diversify its economy away from its over reliance on hydrocarbons to ensure prosperity for the country in the future.”

However, realizing its ambition to lead globally in AI by 2031 will be difficult without access to advanced U.S. microchips. Toward the end of President Biden’s term, the U.S. enacted tighter restrictions on AI exports to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching adversaries such as China. These restrictions, set to take effect on May 15, include limits that also affect the UAE.

On Thursday, the U.S. announced that Trump will rescind some of those Biden-era restrictions, potentially removing a significant obstacle for the UAE.

Qatar Focuses on Strategic Diplomacy

Qatar stands out for having the most formalized security arrangement with the United States among the Gulf states. It hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, which the State Department has labeled “indispensable” for regional operations.

Last year, the U.S. discreetly extended its military presence at the base for another decade. Washington also updated its 1992 defense cooperation agreement with Qatar to further strengthen bilateral security ties.

In 2022, the Biden administration granted Qatar the status of Major Non-NATO Ally, a title reserved for nations with close military cooperation with the U.S.

Qatar has also played mediator in several global conflicts—from Gaza to Afghanistan—partly as a means of maintaining its relevance in Washington’s eyes.

“The Gulf states view conflict mediation as a source of influence and prestige,” said Alhasan. “They have managed to use their role as mediators to position themselves as indispensable partners for Trump’s political agenda.”

Doha also maintains ties with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and is pushing for a U.S. review of sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act. An official familiar with the matter told CNN that Qatar will raise this issue with Trump during his visit, though Doha is reluctant to offer financial support to Syria without U.S. approval.

Ultimately, Trump’s trip is seen by experts as an opportunity for all sides to finalize substantial agreements.

“He’s coming here because he believes it is in the interest of the US economy, perhaps his interest and those around him, to have those deals here with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar,” said Maksad. “So expect big announcements.”

American Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as New Pope in 2025 Papal Conclave

Staff ReporterReligion, USA 0

In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement, made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, was met with thunderous applause and emotional outbursts from tens of thousands of faithful gathered in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square.

The declaration, “Habemus Papam!”—Latin for “We have a pope!”—was delivered by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the senior cardinal deacon, shortly after white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election. It followed days of intense but secretive deliberation among 133 cardinal electors, who were secluded from the outside world throughout the conclave.

Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, is the first American ever to be elevated to the papacy. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this year. At 69, Prevost brings with him a reputation for pastoral care, theological depth, and a broad understanding of global church dynamics—attributes many cardinals considered essential in a time of deep social and religious transitions.

A Moment of Joy and Renewal

Cheers erupted the moment the white smoke was spotted. The mood across St. Peter’s Square was electric, with flags from across the globe waving above crowds of pilgrims, clergy, and tourists. Bands played as the Swiss Guard, clad in traditional harlequin uniforms, prepared for the ceremonial reveal.

Caroline Cooper, 70, who traveled from London, described the event as “a deeply emotional and historic moment.” “We were here for Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. But never did I imagine I would witness an American pope,” she said tearfully.

Nicole and Ryan, a couple visiting from New York, called the moment “surreal.” “It’s like Times Square on New Year’s Eve, but holier,” Ryan added with a smile.

A Papal Identity with Global Relevance

Pope Leo XIV’s election was seen by many as a reflection of the Church’s shifting demographic center. With Catholic populations growing fastest in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, the election of a pope from North America marks a notable evolution in the Church’s global outlook.

“This is a pope who understands universality,” said Father Piere Domerson, a Haitian priest studying in Rome. “He has the heart of the Global South and the structure of the West. That balance is what the Church needs.”

In Philadelphia, Archbishop Nelson Jesus Pérez praised the new pontiff, calling him a “wonderful, gentle, profound man of God” and “a great gift to the Church and the world.”

Conclave Amid High Anticipation

The papal conclave began under tight security and strict isolation, with the cardinal electors forbidden from any contact with the outside world. Voting took place inside the Sistine Chapel under the watchful eyes of Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment.”

Unlike political elections, papal conclaves offer no public campaigning or polling. Cardinals take oaths of secrecy and cast handwritten ballots after prayerful reflection, swearing before God to vote for the man they believe is most worthy.

The ballots are burned after each round, producing either black smoke (inconclusive) or white smoke (a successful election). On Thursday afternoon, thick white smoke finally signaled a decision had been reached.

A Party in St. Peter’s Square

The announcement transformed the square into a scene of celebration. Jubilant cries of “Viva il Papa!” rang out, and crowds took selfies and waved national flags. One clergyman, hoisted on shoulders, held a Brazilian flag aloft as he flashed peace signs to the cheering masses.

Restaurants surrounding the Vatican saw surges of customers, despite limited mobile signals due to the conclave’s communication blackout. “It’s hard to work under these conditions, but today is different—we’re part of history,” said café manager Flor Venegas.

Even the culinary scene played a role in the day’s color. Alessandro Masseroni, a deacon from northern Italy, proudly stated, “We celebrated with carbonara. No cream—just the Roman way.”

What’s Next for Pope Leo XIV

Inside the Vatican, shortly after his election, the new pope donned his white papal cassock and the symbolic Fisherman’s Ring. He prayed in the Pauline Chapel before stepping onto the central balcony—the Loggia of the Blessings—to greet the world for the first time as Pope Leo XIV.

In his first remarks, he offered blessings to the faithful and paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis. While his full vision for the papacy is yet to be outlined, observers expect a focus on unity, social justice, and re-engaging younger generations.

“He carries the humility of Francis but has the clarity and reformist instincts of John Paul II,” noted one Vatican analyst.

A Symbol of Change

Pope Leo XIV’s election symbolizes more than just geographic diversity. It’s a message to Catholics worldwide that the Church is willing to embrace change while staying rooted in tradition.

For many watching, from Brazil to Poland to the Philippines, this day will be remembered not only for the historic choice of an American pope but also for the renewed hope and connection it brought to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica continued to ring and pilgrims lingered long after dusk, the message was clear: A new chapter in the Church’s long and storied history has begun.

Source Credit: NBC News

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/the-vatican/live-blog/conclave-2025-live-updates-rcna205525

Bernie Sanders Leads the Charge Against Trump’s Second Term

Staff ReporterUSA 0

Bernie Sanders stands on the back of a pickup truck, using a bullhorn to address an enthusiastic crowd outside a suburban Detroit high school. Several hundred supporters, unable to fit inside the packed gymnasium and overflow rooms, eagerly listen as he shares a remarkable turnout figure.

“What all of this tells me, is not just in Michigan or in Vermont, the people of this country will not allow us to move toward oligarchy. They will not allow Trump to take us into authoritarianism,” Sanders declared, prompting cheers. “We’re prepared to fight. And we’re going to win.”

At 83, Sanders is not seeking the presidency again, but the seasoned democratic socialist has positioned himself at the forefront of the movement resisting Donald Trump’s return to power. By openly challenging Trump’s governance and condemning his plans to dismiss tens of thousands of government workers, Sanders is defying those who want Democrats to focus on economic issues or remain passive.

For now, Sanders stands alone as the only progressive leader actively mobilizing national opposition to Trump.

His rally in Kenosha, Wisconsin, attracted 4,000 attendees. The following morning, he addressed about 2,600 in Altoona, a small town of under 10,000 people. The Detroit rally exceeded expectations, drawing 9,000 supporters. Each event was strategically held in a swing congressional district represented by a Republican.

Newly reelected for a fourth Senate term from Vermont, Sanders acknowledges that this is not the role he expected at this stage in his career.

His team initially delayed launching what they now call the “stop oligarchy tour” to see if a prominent Democrat would take on the role. But as no one stepped up, Sanders—who is not officially a Democrat despite his close ties to Senate Democrats and past presidential bids—found himself at the center of speculation about another White House run.

“This is like presidential campaign rallies, isn’t it? But I’m not running for president, and this is not a campaign,” Sanders told The Associated Press. “You gotta do what you gotta do. The country’s in trouble and I want to play my role.”

A Fractured Democratic Opposition

Since losing the White House, Democrats have struggled to form a unified strategy or rally behind a single leader to counter Trump’s aggressive policies, including his efforts to reduce government oversight and strengthen the influence of billionaire Elon Musk.

No coordinated effort has emerged to organize the anti-Trump resistance.

“You look around—who else is doing it? No one,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., when asked about Sanders’ efforts. “My hope is that the dam will break in terms of Democrats going on the offense … We need to take the argument directly to the people.”

Ocasio-Cortez, a longtime Sanders ally, plans to join him on the road and make independent appearances in Republican-held districts in Pennsylvania and New York, particularly where GOP lawmakers have avoided in-person town halls.

“It’s not about whether Bernie should or shouldn’t be doing this. It’s about that we all should,” she said. “But he is unique in this country, and so long as we are blessed to have that capacity on our side, I think we should be thankful for it.”

Apart from Sanders, much of the organizing has fallen to grassroots groups like Indivisible, which have successfully pressured some House Republicans. In response to public outcry, some GOP lawmakers have distanced themselves from Musk or questioned the policies being pushed by his allies.

Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, who has frequently criticized Democratic leadership, praised Sanders’ activism.

“I wish more Democrats were traveling the country, including to red states, to rally the majority against Musk and Project 2025,” Levin said. “Sure as hell beats (House Democratic leader Hakeem) Jeffries traveling the country for his children’s book tour during a constitutional crisis.”

Jeffries, during the last congressional recess, made two appearances promoting a children’s book on democracy. He also traveled in support of House Democrats and was recently in Selma, Alabama, to mark the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

The reality is that few Democratic leaders can draw large crowds on short notice or manage a national-scale operation. Rising Democratic figures with 2028 presidential potential, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, have yet to establish strong national presences.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, one of Trump’s more vocal critics in Congress, said Democrats must improve their organization.

“People are desperate to be plugged into action right now. People see the threat. They are anxious and angry and motivated and they want to be sent in a direction to help,” he said.

Murphy acknowledged that Sanders still faces resistance from many Democrats who see his progressive proposals—such as Medicare for All, free public college, and the Green New Deal—as too extreme.

Five years ago, Democrats united around Joe Biden to prevent Sanders from securing the 2020 presidential nomination.

“There still are a lot of folks who view Bernie as a danger to the party,” Murphy admitted. “Whereas I see his message as the core of what we need to build on.”

Sanders’ Focus on the Working Class

While Sanders was a staunch Biden supporter over the past four years, he criticized the Democratic Party after Kamala Harris’ defeat, arguing that Trump’s win was possible only because Democrats had “abandoned” the working class.

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who introduced Sanders in Michigan, urged Democrats to follow Sanders’ example.

“They’ve got to take a hard look in the mirror, in my opinion, and decide who the hell they want to represent,” Fain said. “We’ve been clear as a union, if they aren’t looking out for working-class people, we’re not going to be there for them.”

Voices from the Crowd

The diverse crowds attending Sanders’ rallies included some who had never supported his previous campaigns but now see him as the strongest opposition to Trump.

“I’m here because I’m afraid for our country. The last six weeks have been horrible,” said Diana Schack, a 72-year-old retired lawyer at her first Sanders rally. “I am becoming a more avid Bernie fan, especially in light of the work he’s doing traveling around the country. These are not normal times.”

In Kenosha, Amber Schulz, a 50-year-old medical worker, demanded more action from Democrats.

“Bernie is the only politician I trust,” she said.

Tony Gonzales, a 56-year-old independent voter from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, expressed concern that Trump might try to extend his presidency beyond two terms, despite constitutional limits.

“It’s a dangerous time right now,” Gonzales said. “What Bernie has to say—and the turnout—is important. His voice is still being heard.”

Over the weekend, Sanders continued to push his long-standing populist message, calling for expanded social programs, free health care, and free public higher education. He especially criticized Trump’s administration, which he said is dominated by billionaires like Musk.

“They want to dismantle the federal government and cut programs that working people desperately need,” Sanders warned.

“Yes, the oligarchs are enormously powerful. They have endless amounts of money. They control our economy. They own much of the media, and they have enormous influence over our political system,” he continued. “But from the bottom of my heart, I believe that if we stand together, we can beat them.”

Sanders’ Future in the Fight

At 83, with a history of heart issues, Sanders’ long-term role in the movement remains uncertain. However, his spokesperson confirmed he has not had health concerns since his 2019 hospitalization.

For now, Sanders shows no signs of slowing down. His 2020 campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, is helping coordinate his stops, backed by a team of former campaign staffers working on a contract basis.

Shakir, who unsuccessfully ran for chair of the Democratic National Committee, acknowledged differing strategies within the party on how to confront Trump.

Last month, veteran political strategist James Carville suggested Democrats should “roll over and play dead,” hoping that Trump’s actions would lead to a backlash.

“One theory is you can play dead; you can strategically retreat,” Shakir said. “Or, you play alive, and you go out to people and you talk to them with conviction and integrity.”

Cruise Bharat Mission Launched to Boost India’s Cruise Tourism Industry

Staff ReporterTravel 0

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently inaugurated the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ at Mumbai port, aiming to significantly enhance India’s cruise tourism sector. This ambitious initiative is poised to revitalize both sea and river cruise tourism in India, with an objective to double the number of cruise passengers by 2029.

The mission is centered on increasing the number of cruise passengers across India’s waterways, particularly focusing on attracting over 1.5 million river cruise tourists. India’s vast network of more than 5,000 kilometers of operational waterways offers considerable potential for development, which the mission seeks to tap into.

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Sonowal described the launch of Cruise Bharat as a pivotal moment for India’s maritime tourism industry. He pointed out the significant opportunity the nation has to exploit the largely untapped Blue Economy, given its extensive coastline and network of waterways. The minister also acknowledged that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering growth through sustainable and world-class infrastructure in the maritime sector.

Phased Implementation of Cruise Bharat Mission

The Cruise Bharat Mission is set to be implemented in three phases, starting from October 1, 2024, and running until March 31, 2029. These phases will mark a series of developmental milestones aimed at expanding and modernizing India’s cruise tourism infrastructure.

– Phase 1 will prioritize research, master planning, and forging alliances with neighboring countries to improve cruise tourism connectivity. The phase will also focus on modernizing existing ports, marinas, and destinations to optimize India’s cruise circuits.

– Phase 2 is designed to build on the existing infrastructure by developing new marinas, cruise terminals, and tourist destinations. This phase seeks to enhance the country’s capacity to host more cruise routes and engage high-potential cruise sites.

– Phase 3 will continue expanding marinas, terminals, and destinations while focusing on the integration of all cruise circuits within the Indian Subcontinent, symbolizing a matured ecosystem. By the end of this phase, the mission aims to fully develop India’s cruise tourism infrastructure.

The targets for these phases include increasing the number of sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3. Similarly, the sea cruise calls, which currently stand at 125, will grow to 500 by the end of Phase 3. Additionally, river cruise passengers are expected to rise from 0.5 million to 1.5 million. International cruise terminals will also expand from the current two to 10, and river cruise terminals will grow from 50 to 100. In total, the mission is projected to generate around 400,000 new jobs within the cruise sector.

By 2047, the mission aims to increase sea cruise passengers to 5 million, marking a dramatic rise from the 460,000 passengers expected in 2024. Cruise calls, which are projected to increase to 500 by 2030, will further rise to 1,100 by 2047. These targets were reported by Business Standard, which emphasized the long-term scope and impact of the mission.

Cruise Tourism Segments

The Cruise Bharat Mission outlines three distinct segments within the cruise tourism industry:

  1. Ocean & Harbour Cruise: This segment includes ocean cruises, coastal and deep-sea trips, as well as yachting and sailing adventures originating from various harbors along India’s vast coastline.
  1. River & Inland Cruise: This segment targets river and inland waterways, offering cruises that explore India’s intricate network of canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes. The potential to draw tourists to lesser-explored water routes presents significant opportunities for growth.
  1. Island Cruise: Focusing on boutique cruises and live-aboard experiences, this segment caters to those interested in exploring India’s islands. It offers excursions to hidden gems, lighthouse tours, and inter-island cruises, catering to a niche market of travelers seeking unique maritime experiences.

The Cruise Bharat Mission’s comprehensive approach aims to utilize India’s abundant natural maritime resources to boost tourism, generate employment, and stimulate the economy. By expanding the infrastructure and offering new and diverse cruise experiences, the mission will establish India as a major destination for cruise tourism on the global stage.

Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the mission is not only about promoting tourism but also about creating sustainable opportunities in the maritime sector. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our focus is on building a robust cruise tourism infrastructure that supports both economic growth and job creation,” he said.

With a detailed roadmap and phased implementation, the Cruise Bharat Mission sets ambitious targets that reflect India’s commitment to growing its cruise tourism industry. The initiative is expected to position India as a premier destination for cruise travelers, while also contributing to the country’s broader economic development plans through its focus on sustainable growth and world-class infrastructure.

Supreme Court Rules on Trump’s Immunity in Election Interference Case

Staff ReporterUSA 0

In a landmark decision on Monday, the Supreme Court determined that former President Trump has presumptive immunity regarding his efforts to persuade then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 presidential election results by certifying slates of so-called “fake electors” on January 6, 2021.

This ruling was part of the justices’ broader opinion on presidential immunity, which established that core presidential powers are exempt from criminal prosecution. The case will now return to a lower court to determine if Trump’s actions leading up to January 6 qualify for this immunity.

Trump is accused of attempting to “enlist” Pence to “fraudulently alter the election results” in seven pivotal swing states. Chief Justice Roberts emphasized that any discussions between the president and vice president about their official responsibilities constitute official conduct. Presiding over the certification of presidential election results is both a constitutional and statutory duty of the vice president.

Roberts stated, “The indictment’s allegations that Trump attempted to pressure the Vice President to take particular acts in connection with his role at the certification proceeding thus involve official conduct, and Trump is at least presumptively immune from prosecution for such conduct.”

However, the chief justice did not definitively rule on whether Trump’s specific actions are immune from criminal prosecution, leaving this determination to the lower courts. Roberts noted, “The question then becomes whether that presumption of immunity is rebutted under the circumstances.”

The lower courts will also need to decide if other allegations against Trump fall under presidential immunity, including his interactions with state officials, private parties, and the general public. Nevertheless, the justices have already concluded that some allegations are directly related to Trump’s official duties and are thus protected by absolute immunity.

Among these allegations is Trump’s purported use of the “power and authority” of the Justice Department to “conduct sham election crime investigations.” It is alleged that he met with the acting attorney general and other senior officials in the DOJ and the White House to discuss these investigations.

Roberts explained that since the executive branch has the “exclusive authority and absolute discretion” to determine which crimes to investigate and prosecute, Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for these actions. He wrote, “The President cannot be prosecuted for conduct within his exclusive constitutional authority. Trump is therefore absolutely immune from prosecution for the alleged conduct involving his discussions with Justice Department officials.”

In his federal election subversion case, Trump faces four counts and has pleaded not guilty.

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