DGCA says it has no idea how Jamnagar Airport was upgraded to Intl status during Ambani Festivities
New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has drawn scrutiny after declaring it lacks information on the procedures that temporarily elevated Jamnagar's domestic airport to international status. This rare upgrade coincided with high-profile pre-wedding celebrations organized by the Ambani family from February 25 to March 5.
During this period, Jamnagar experienced an unprecedented surge in air traffic. Reports indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) managed the significant increase in activity, with the airport, which typically handles domestic flights, accommodating up to 70 flights on March 1 alone.
Sources reveal that Reliance Group sought the IAF's assistance for continuous operations, anticipating a substantial influx of international guests. While initial estimates suggested 30-40 aircraft movements, the actual figure surpassed 600, straining the airport's infrastructure.
Activist T. Narasimha Murthy, advocating for transparency, filed a Right to Information (RTI) request to know the basis for the airport's temporary status elevation for Mukesh Ambani's son's pre-wedding ceremony. Murthy's RTI sought details on the DGCA's role and the legal grounds for this extraordinary change.
In response, the DGCA's Chief Public Relations Officer stated, "In regard to the information sought, it is informed that no such information is available with the CPIO." This reply has intensified public concern, as Murthy emphasized the need for clarity on how a primarily military airport, near the Pakistan border, received such a significant status shift.
Murthy also questioned whether similar privileges would be extended to ordinary citizens for their personal events. Additionally, he requested access to the no-objection certificate (NOC) issued by relevant departments and details of expenses incurred during the airport's temporary transformation, given its usual limited resources.
The guest list for the lavish celebrations included notable figures such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Rihanna, and Ivanka Trump.
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Pakistan register 3-wicket consolation win over Ireland
Lauderhill (USA), Jun 16: Former champions Pakistan beat Ireland by three wickets to register a consolation win over Ireland in their inconsequential T20 World Cup match here on Sunday.
Pakistan and Ireland have already been eliminated from the tournament with India and debutants USA progressing to the Super Eight from Group A.
Left-arm pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir wreaked havoc with the new ball, helping Pakistan restrict Ireland to 106 for nine.
Shaheen finally came to the party, albeit in a lost cause, returning with impressive figures of 3/22, while Amir scalped two wickets for 11 runs as Pakistan bowlers ignited fire on a damp pitch after electing to bowl.
Imad Wasim (3/8) bowled brilliantly while Haris Rauf (1/17) also accounted for a batter.
Gareth Delany (31 off 19) and Mark Adair (15 off 19) shared crucial 32-run stand for the seventh wicket to keep Ireland in the game.
Pakistan made a heavy weather of the chase as they were reduced to 57 for 5 in 9.3 overs before skipper Babar Azam (32 not out) and Abbas Afridi (17) did the repair job.
Barry McCarthy (3/15) was the pick of Ireland bowlers.
Brief Scores:
Ireland: 106 for 9 in 20 overs (Gareth Delany 31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/22, Imad Wasim 3/8, Mohammad Amir 2/11).
Pakistan: 111 for 7 in 18.5 overs (Babar Azam 32 not out; Barry McCarthy 3/15).
