IAF band performs in Delhi to celebrate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'
New Delhi (PTI): Ahead of the 77th Republic Day, the Indian Air Force band performed in the heart of the national capital on Wednesday, enthralling the audience with a vibrant repertoire comprising patriotic compositions and popular melodies.
The show at the Central Park in Connaught Place was hosted as part of the celebrations being held to mark 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The IAF ensemble mesmerised the audience with a vibrant repertoire, comprising patriotic compositions and popular melodies, seamlessly blended with elements of jazz, rock and soulful orchestration, creating an engaging and uplifting musical experience, a senior official of the IAF said.
The performance, featured 30 accomplished musicians, showcasing the exceptional military precision and musical excellence of the IAF band, the official said.
The event was organised as part of a nationwide initiative by the IAF to honour the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the composer of 'Vande Mataram', and to reinforce the ideals of national pride, unity and patriotism among citizens, the IAF said.
Through the timeless notes of 'Vande Mataram' and other patriotic and popular melodies, the performance rekindled a profound sense of pride, passion and sacrifice, resonating deeply with audiences and celebrating the enduring spirit that defines the nation, it said.
"The Indian Air Force continues to engage with citizens across the country through such outreach initiatives, strengthening the bond between the armed forces and the people," the IAF said.
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Govt directive to offer 60 pc flight seats without additional charges put on hold
Mumbai (PTI): The government on Thursday "put in abeyance" its earlier direction to airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats in a flight without levying any additional charge from April 20, according to sources.
On March 18, the civil aviation ministry announced that directions have been issued to the DGCA to direct airlines to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats for selection on any flight free of any additional charges to ensure fair access for passengers.
"The matter has been reviewed in light of representations received from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, highlighting operational and commercial implications of the above provision, including its potential impact on fare structures and consistency with the prevailing deregulated tariff regime.
"In view of the above, and pending a comprehensive examination of the issue, it has been decided that the provision relating to offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders," Civil Aviation Ministry said in a communication to the DGCA.
At present, 20 per cent of the seats can be booked free of charge, while the rest are paid.
Generally, airlines charge Rs 200 to Rs 2,100 for choosing seats, depending on various factors, including front rows and extra leg room, a travel industry executive had said last week.
The move to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats for selection on any flight came against the backdrop of rising complaints that airlines were levying high charges for various services, including seat selection.
