Affordable aero sports training program to be launched in Karnataka shortly
Bengaluru: Karnataka is reportedly planning to introduce certified training courses for aero adventure sports pilots, making such training more accessible and affordable within India.
According to the department of youth empowerment and sports, formal training and certification in activities like paragliding, parasailing, hot air balloon and skydiving, are available only overseas and the cost runs into thousands of dollars, as reported by Deccan Herald on Monday.
This pioneering move by the state government aims to bridge the gap by providing quality training at affordable rates.
“The course fee, together with boarding and lodging in a foreign country, makes the whole programme expensive. We want to make it as affordable as possible,” DH quoted Naveen Raj Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, as saying.
The popularity of aero adventure sports has soared across India in recent years. With numerous tourist destinations in the Himalayas, Pune, and the Nilgiris now offering these thrilling activities, there has been a significant rise in demand for trained pilots. Additionally, many young people are increasingly viewing these sports not only as a passion but as a promising career opportunity.
To meet this demand, the state government plans to launch the program through a public-private partnership (PPP). While a private partner will handle the training process, the government will be responsible for providing essential infrastructure at the Jakkur Aerodrome in Bengaluru.
In the program's first phase, pilots will receive training in paramotoring, hot air ballooning, powered hang gliders, and parasailing.
The initiative is currently awaiting approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other necessary clearances to move forward.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
