NASA delays Sunita Williams' return to Earth again amid Boeing starliner spacecraft issues
Washington DC: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' return to Earth has been postponed again due to ongoing technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The spacecraft has been experiencing problems, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, which are essential for a safe re-entry.
Despite initial assurances, Williams' return has been delayed twice, with no new date announced yet. She and her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, are currently safe on the International Space Station (ISS) along with seven other crew members.
The delay has sparked concerns and controversy, with 20 whistleblowers alleging that NASA and Boeing ignored their warnings about the spacecraft's technical issues. Boeing has faced similar allegations regarding its other aircraft, raising questions about the reliability of its products.
NASA has emphasized that the spacecraft is ready for an emergency return if needed and is taking its time to ensure a safe return. The agency is assessing future return opportunities, pending a planned spacewalk on July 2.
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KSRTC introduces gender ticketing in buses across Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The KSRCTC on Saturday began implementing gender ticketing in buses operating across the state.
According to a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) circular issued on Friday, the gender ticketing system is intended to record whether a passenger is a woman, a man or a child in tickets issued on KSRTC buses from Saturday.
To facilitate the system, Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) have been updated.
The circular stated that conductors in all KSRTC depots should record the gender category of passengers while issuing tickets through the ETMs.
Options for women, men, and children have been included in the ETMs to identify passenger categories when issuing tickets.
The printed tickets generated by the ETMs will also indicate the passenger's category, officials said.
The UDF had promised free KSRTC travel for women across the state during the Assembly election campaign.
UDF, which won 102 of 140 seats, would soon form the government after the Congress party finalises the discussion on the next Chief Minister.
The introduction of gender ticketing is being viewed as an effort to estimate the number of women travelling daily on KSRTC buses before implementing the poll promise.
Some conductors have reportedly raised concerns over the additional time required to record passenger details, especially during rush hours.
