AirAsia India to lower fares, but at a price

April 10, 2013

AirAsia_India

New Delhi, Apr 10: It's the ultimate irony. While travellers are waiting for really low fares from AirAsia India, Indian carriers are waiting for it to begin operations so that they can increase their ancillary revenue by charging more for things like check-in baggage.

Indian carriers have been planning to reduce the current domestic free check-in baggage allowance of 20 kg to 15 kg. But the only reason they have not done this so far is the fear of being asked to reverse the move by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aviation regulator had asked airlines to stop charging extra for pre-selection of seats last year.

"AirAsia does not offer any free check-in luggage and passengers have the option of booking the same at the time of buying tickets. They are likely to get the same policy to India, enabling us to at least lower the current free checkin weight from 20 kg to at least 15 kg," said an airline official.

The official of another airline said, "Once big names like Tata Sons and AirAsia have a JV airline flying here, the mandarins of aviation ministry and the offices they control will not be able to interfere too much. Airlines will hopefully be able to get some more operational freedom."

For instance, airlines point out, charging for pre-selection of seats is a common global practice but that is not allowed in India.

LCCs, which now fly almost 75% of all domestic travellers , say they are looking at unbundling services so that the basic cost of flying from origin to destination is low but a passenger is required to pay for anything else.

"Today, even the full-service Air India is contemplating charging for meals while giving only snacks and peanuts free. Airlines need to generate revenue and given the condition of Indian airlines — with all of them struggling to survive except IndiGo — any revenue stream has to be considered seriously," said an airline official.

Higher billing

Domestic carriers may cut free check-in luggage limit to 15kg from 20kg if AirAsia brings its fee model to India They also want to charge again for pre-selection of seats after DGCA scrapped the move the first time round Full-service carrier Air India is already considering charging for meals and giving only snacks and peanuts free

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Agencies
February 26,2020

Kochi, Feb 26: Kerala High Court on Wednesday imposed a ban on strikes in schools and colleges that impact the functioning of the campuses.

''The functioning of campuses should not be hampered by the strikes. The colleges are for study, not for strikes. There should not be any march or gherao on campuses. Do not incite anyone for a strike," a bench of Justice PB Suresh Kumar said in its order.

"The order applies to schools and colleges. Do not harm the rights of others. The college can be a venue for peaceful discussions or thoughts. If actions are contrary to the orders of the court, the authorities can take action. They can call the police and restore peace," the order reads.

The Kerala High Court issued the order while hearing a petition filed by 20 educational institutions against campus politics.

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News Network
March 27,2020

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 27: Kerala Police social media team is using innovative methods to get people engaged in the home during the lockdown period. From conversing with people to giving them suggestions of must watch movies and sharing links of e-books Kerala police have become new 'chat friend' of people in the state.
"The traditional method of policing of interacting with people is not possible due to social distancing, so Kerala police is using the digital platform to reach out to people," Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Head Quarters Manoj Abraham, who is heading the social media wing told ANI.
"We used social media and tried to be different at the same time innovative. From creating awareness to taking precautions we through various videos like police dance, coronavirus animations etc reached out to people. We used film stars also and used local dialect. It has got good reach and public acceptance. The most important aspect is that they received the underlying message well and are staying home" he added.
Abraham also said that Social Media team of Kerala Police is also fighting the fake news and rumours being spread at the COVID- 19 times.
"Some people were misusing social media by spreading wrong information. We also went behind those who tried to sell medicines saying it is good against Coronavirus. We crushed them with an iron hand - registered cases and arrested them. We send a strong message in social media that no rumour-mongering will be allowed, " he said.
He said the Kerala Police realised that people staying indoors was one of the keys to winning the fight against COVID-19.
"We started a chat box with the public. People were in their houses and they used the time to chat with police on various aspects of lockdown. We provided them with the right information, " he said.
The social media team has prepared a list of e-books that can be downloaded and also has a list of must watch movies. Not only that the team also occasionally share jokes with people during chat sessions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the entire country effective from midnight to deal with the spread of coronavirus, saying that "social distancing" is the only option to deal with the disease.

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Agencies
July 14,2020

Mumbai, Jul 14: Bhima Koregaon case accused Varavara Rao was admitted to JJ Hospital in Mumbai on Monday night.

Rao who is in Taloja proson was rushed to the hospital following complaint of dizziness.

Rao was arrested in November 2018 along with five others, for alleged links with Naxals and for inciting the violence.

On January 1, 2018, the violence at Bhima Koregaon village in Pune district left one dead and several others injured including 10 policemen.

Violence erupted after some people, reportedly with saffron flags, pelted stones at cars heading towards the village for the commemoration of 200 years of Bhima-Koregaon war on New Year's Day.

The police had filed 58 cases against 162 people.

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