Air India implements new in-flight meal pre-booking requirement, updates halal certification policy
In a major policy update, Tata-owned Air India has announced that all passengers must now pre-book their meals before boarding, a part of the airline's restructuring following its merger with Vistara. This move is designed to streamline in-flight services and cater more precisely to passenger preferences.
One of the significant changes involves halal-certified meals. Going forward, halal meals will only be available to Muslim passengers who select the 'Muslim Meal' (MOML) option during the pre-booking process. These meals will include a halal certificate to guarantee authenticity, but general meal options will not carry halal certification unless specifically designated as MOML.
Air India's internal guidelines clarify that MOML meals will fall under the category of special meals, ensuring that passengers receive halal-certified food only if they pre-book this option. This change allows the airline to better align its meal offerings with the specific dietary requirements of its passengers.
However, the airline will maintain its practice of serving exclusively halal meals on certain international routes. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia—including Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, and Medina—as well as those related to the Hajj pilgrimage, will continue to offer only halal meals, in line with local standards and passenger expectations.
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Mumbai: The Maharashtra Assembly elections have witnessed a fierce battle for power, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance aiming to retain its position and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition striving for resurgence. As counting begins today, 23rd November 2024, 4,140 candidates are in contention for 288 seats. Among these, 234 are general-category seats, while 29 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 25 for Scheduled Tribes. Here are five constituencies to watch closely:
1. Worli:
Milind Deora (Shiv Sena - Shinde faction), Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT), and Sandeep Deshpande (MNS) are contesting. Aaditya Thackeray, the incumbent, is known for his hands-on approach during the pandemic. Milind Deora, a former minister, appeals to urban voters, while Deshpande focuses on infrastructure and housing issues.
2. Baramati:
Ajit Pawar (NCP) and Yugendra Pawar (NCP - Sharad Pawar faction) are in the fray. Ajit Pawar has held this seat since 1991, while Yugendra Pawar, mentored by Sharad Pawar, is making his debut in this traditional stronghold.
3. Vandre East:
Zeeshan Siddique (NCP) and Varun Sardesai (Shiv Sena UBT) are the key contenders. Siddique is popular among young voters and the Muslim community, while Sardesai has strong ties to Shiv Sena's traditional base.
4. Nagpur South West:
Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Praful Gudadhe (Congress) are contesting. Fadnavis seeks his fourth consecutive term, leveraging his development initiatives, while Gudadhe may attract voters dissatisfied with urban infrastructure and public services.
5. Kopri-Pachpakhadi:
Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Kedar Dighe (Shiv Sena UBT) are in a tough contest. Shinde, the current chief minister, highlights his mentor Anand Dighe’s legacy, while Dighe’s nephew, Kedar, challenges him in this Thane constituency.
The election campaign saw prominent leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, actively canvassing across the state.
