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India and Israel come closer with reduced flight time

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India and Israel come closer with reduced flight time

Air India flies over Saudi Arabia to reach Tel Aviv

The ties between India and Israel have witnessed a major jump when two capitals were connected with direct Air India Flight with reduced flight duration due to Saudi Arabia’s permission to Air India to fly over its airspace.

The first direct flight arrived in Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport from New Delhi late on Thursday night. It left New Delhi at 6 pm that evening.

Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, who was present at the airport told an Indian news agency, “This is really a historical moment…We are in a new era. I am sure that we will see many more Indian tourists coming to Israel…and Israelis would also come to India in much higher numbers,”

Air India’s flight covered the distance in 7.15 hours, 2.10 hours less than the time taken by the only other airline that flies between the two countries Tel Aviv and Mumbai by Israel’s national carrier El Al.

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu posted a tweet on this occasion.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Tourism Minister was cautious on Saudi Arabia allowing Air India to use its air-space for reaching Tel Aviv. He said: “We have to very cautious. This is really a first step — a very important one… I hope with times we have more and more normal relation with our neighbour in this region….India played a very important bridge (by introducing this flight over Saudi airspace) not only between India and us but also between Israel and other countries in this region.”

Many Arab and Muslim countries do not recognise Israel as a nation because of its illegitimate occupation of Palestinian land and disallow airlines from using their airspace for flights connecting with Israel.India and Israel come closer with reduced flight time

Meanwhile Indian Ambassador to Israel Pavan Kapoor called Air India’s arrival a “historic” moment saying that a lot of efforts had gone into it over the last two years with a strong vision and support for the initiative from the prime ministers of both the countries.

He said the initiative would strengthen the relationship between the two countries in various spheres, including political, trade and cultural.

The flight will be operating its 256-seater Boeing 787 Dream-liner every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The inaugural flight left at 6 pm IST on Thursday while the scheduled departure will be 4.50 pm IST from Sunday when the Air India’s summer schedule comes into effect.

However, amidst joyous mood on the beginning of the direct Air India flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, Israel’s national carrier El Al has decided to petition at their Supreme Court for getting access to the Saudi airspace.

Read More: Saudi Arabia grants airspace permission to Air India for Israel

Yisrael Katz, Israel’s transport minister, while welcoming direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, said, “I hope that Israeli airlines like El Al (Israel’s flagship carrier) will be allowed to use this route in the future.”

Al-Jazeera reports that the court appeal will come early next week. The Saudi government has not officially commented on the development.

However, observers believe that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who is currently trying to moderate Kingdom’s image to the outside world under his Vision 2030, may positively consider such a request from Tel Aviv.

Riyadh allowed Air India to fly over its air-space when ties between India and Saudi Arabia were growing steadily. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with highest civilian award: King Abdul Aziz Sash, by Saudi King Salman when he visited Riyadh in April 2016.

The permission by Saudi authorities to fly over its territories has reduced flight time by almost 2 hours and 10 minutes compared to the longer route taken by Israel’s national carrier El Al, which has direct flights between Tel Aviv and Mumbai.

The new air route between the two countries was first announced by PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Israel in July last year. Israeli PM Banjamin Netanyahu, while visiting India in January this year had asserted the new air route over Saudi territory would drastically reduce flight time.

At present El Al takes a circuitous route over the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and then enters India and avoids countries that are on the direct flight path such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Pakistan.

India News

Home Ministry convenes emergency meeting amid rising security concerns after Pahalgam terror attack

After the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, the Home Ministry convened a high-level meeting in Delhi as intense security operations unfold across Jammu and Kashmir.

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Amid heightened security concerns following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Ministry of Home Affairs convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Key officials attending the meeting include Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Generals of the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and the National Security Guard (NSG), along with senior representatives from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Meanwhile, extensive counter-terrorism operations are ongoing at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir. Sources familiar with the matter noted that, due to the sensitive nature of these operations, no specific updates are currently being disclosed.

In a related development on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at 13 locations in the Doda district, targeting terrorist hideouts and individuals suspected of links to terrorist activities.

Additionally, Srinagar Police carried out a series of extensive searches across the city. These operations focused on the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and associates linked to banned terrorist outfits, as part of ongoing investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to a police statement, searches were conducted at the homes of 63 individuals. These operations were executed in accordance with legal procedures, under the supervision of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses, aiming to collect evidence such as weapons, documents, and digital devices to thwart any potential conspiracies threatening national security.

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Family Man 3 actor Rohit Basfore found dead near Guwahati waterfall

Actor Rohit Basfore, part of Family Man 3, was found dead at Garbhanga Waterfalls. Initial police reports cite accidental drowning, but further investigation is ongoing.

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In a tragic turn of events, actor Rohit Basfore, known for his role in the upcoming third season of The Family Man, was found dead near the Garbhanga Waterfalls in Guwahati on Sunday, April 27. The incident has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and among fans.

According to police reports, Basfore had gone on a picnic with nine colleagues when the mishap occurred. Officials from Rani Police Outpost stated that he allegedly fell into the waterfall around 2 pm. The authorities were alerted by 4 pm, and a rescue operation led by the SDRF team resulted in the recovery of his body at approximately 6.30 pm.

Initial findings suggest that Basfore died by accidental drowning, with the police currently not suspecting foul play. However, the final confirmation on the cause of death will depend on the awaited post-mortem report. Despite the preliminary conclusions, Basfore’s family members have voiced concerns over possible foul play, prompting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

In recent weeks, Rohit Basfore had shared glimpses from the set of Family Man 3 on his social media, expressing excitement about his experience. He posted photographs alongside co-actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Dalip Tahil, reflecting on his enthusiasm for learning and acting.

The Family Man series, a creation by Raj & DK for a leading OTT platform, stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role of Srikant Tiwari. The popular thriller debuted its first season in 2019, followed by a second season in 2021, and has gained a loyal fanbase awaiting its third chapter.

As the investigation continues, friends, fans, and colleagues mourn the untimely loss of a budding talent whose career was just beginning to blossom.

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India News

PM Modi to chair crucial security meeting after Pahalgam attack

PM Modi will chair crucial security and cabinet meetings tomorrow to assess national preparedness after the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead in Jammu and Kashmir.

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PM Modi

In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a series of crucial meetings tomorrow to review India’s security preparedness.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the nation’s apex body for national security decisions, is scheduled to convene around 11 am. This will be the second high-level review since the tragic incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the CCS meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by the Prime Minister, will also gather to discuss political and strategic issues. Senior leaders, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister JP Nadda, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will participate in the deliberations.

Later, the Cabinet’s Economic Affairs Committee will meet, culminating in a full cabinet session.

During the previous CCS meeting, held two days after the attack, the government placed security forces across the country on heightened alert and vowed strict action against those responsible. Measures taken included suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, halting SAARC visas, closing the Wagah-Attari border, and downgrading diplomatic ties with Islamabad.

Additionally, Pakistani nationals residing in India were asked to return to their country, with a slight extension given to those holding medical visas until Tuesday. In retaliation, Pakistan announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the historic Simla Agreement.

As tensions between the two countries escalate, tomorrow’s meetings are expected to chart the next course of action amid rising security concerns.

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