close

COVER STORY

COVER STORYNavy

LAUNCH OF DSC A24 DIVING SUPPORT CRAFT PROJECT

by Editor on
DSC A24

New Delhi: DSC A24, the fifth ship of five Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, was launched on 01 Aug 2026 at Titagarh, Kolkata (WB) by Mrs Kamal Singh in presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel. The event was conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial splendour, in presence of senior officials from Indian Navy and M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL).

The construction of Diving Support Craft is being undertaken by M/s TRSL, Kolkata. Featuring a catamaran-hull form and an approximate displacement in range of 300 to 400 tons, these ships offer superior stability, enhanced deck area, and improved sea-keeping characteristics, which make them suitable for undertaking Diving operations. Designed and built in accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

With induction of these ships, the Indian Navy’s capabilities in Diving Support, Underwater Inspection, Salvage Assistance, and Coastal Operational Deployment will be augmented. With 70 percent of main and auxiliary equipment sourced from indigenous manufacturers, Diving Support Craft are proud flag bearers of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative of Government of India (GoI)/ Ministry of the Defence (MoD).

read more
Civil AviationCOVER STORY

Civil Aviation Launches Hub & Spoke Flights from Amritsar

by Editor on
Hub & Spoke Flights from Amritsar

Amritsar becomes the second spoke airport under India’s International Aviation Hub Strategy

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation today inaugurated Hub & Spoke International Flight Operations from Amritsar, making it the second airport in the country to be integrated into India’s pioneering Hub & Spoke framework for international passenger movement. The inauguration marks the next phase of the Government’s strategy to transform India into a global aviation hub by providing seamless international connectivity to passengers from across the country through Indian hub airports.

The launch follows the successful commencement of India’s first Hub & Spoke operations from Varanasi on 25 June 2026. Over the past one month, the system has operated smoothly, demonstrating the operational viability of the model and receiving an encouraging response from passengers. During this period, passengers originating from Varanasi have been seamlessly connected through Delhi to eighteen international destinations, validating the effectiveness of the initiative in simplifying international travel.

Through a video message congratulating all the stakeholders present at the Amritsar airport, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu said, ““Hub & Spoke is not merely an aviation model; it is an opportunity model. Delhi will serve as the hub, while Amritsar will emerge as a major international gateway for Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. With its strong diaspora connections and vast regional catchment, Amritsar is among the Indian cities that stand to benefit the most from this transformation in global connectivity.”

Amritsar occupies a unique position as one of India’s major international gateways, serving pilgrims, members of the Indian diaspora, business travellers and tourists from Punjab and neighbouring regions. Its inclusion under the Hub & Spoke framework is expected to substantially improve access to global destinations through Indian hubs while providing passengers with a faster, more convenient and predictable travel experience.

Emphasizing the larger national vision, the Minister added, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is working towards building its own globally competitive aviation hubs. This is not only about improving passenger convenience; it is about strengthening India’s aviation sovereignty and ensuring that Indian hubs connect India to the world.”

read more