The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently inaugurated the Heli Summit 2023 and UDAN 5.2 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity through helicopters and small aircraft. The two initiatives spearheaded by the government and other involved organizations aim to simplify travel and put necessary mechanisms in place for seamless operations.
Heli Summit 2023: Connecting Regions with Helicopters and Small Aircraft
Heli Summit 2023, jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd., and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), represents a crucial step towards improving regional connectivity. Emphasizing the use of helicopters and small aircraft, the summit seeks to forge an ecosystem that facilitates integrative and efficient transportation solutions.
UDAN 5.2: Achieving Last-mile Connectivity
UDAN 5.2 is designed to enhance connectivity in remote and regional areas. This initiative targets the deployment of small aircraft to achieve last-mile connectivity, focusing on those which fall under Category 1A (<9 seats) and Category 1 (<20 seats). UDAN 5.2 also aims to boost the viability gap funding (VGF) while reducing fare caps, making air travel more accessible to the public.
The HeliSewa Mobile Application
As part of these initiatives, the HeliSewa mobile app was launched. The app envisages creating an interconnected ecosystem between helicopter operators and district authorities to ensure seamless operations.
Mission Shakti: Empowering Women
The National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, organized the First Capacity Building Programme on ‘Mission Shakti- Hub for Empowerment of Women’. This event was conducted for State Nodal Officers and State Mission Coordinators. The NIPCCD, founded in 1966, works towards promoting voluntary action, research, training, and documentation in fields related to women and child welfare.
The Core of Mission Shakti
‘Mission Shakti’ aims to economically empower women, protect them from violence, and increase their participation in the labor force. The scheme is divided into two sub-schemes – ‘Sambal’, which is designed for women’s safety and security, and ‘Samarthya’, for their empowerment.
Batagaika Crater: An Indicator of Escalating Permafrost Thaw
The Batagaika crater in Russia, the world’s largest permafrost crater at 1km long, is continuously expanding due to global warming’s impact on permafrost. The thawing permafrost and the release of potent greenhouse gases like methane are indicative of Russia’s alarming warming rate, which is approximately 2.5 times faster than the global average.
WHO’s Updated HIV and Mpox Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO), during the 12th International AIDS Society Conference, unveiled its updated guidelines on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to the WHO, it’s crucial to suppress HIV viral levels undetectably to improve individual health and curb virus transmission. The organization also called for countries to integrate mpox detection, prevention, and care with existing HIV and sexually transmitted infection programs.
