AI to save Rs 900 cr through fuel efficiency programme

MUMBAI, Jan 2 (PTI): National air-carrier Air India today said it targets to save around Rs 800-900 crore annually after the implementation of the fuel efficiency programme that started in 2008. The airline is currently implementing various initiatives to enhance its fuel efficiency in association with global airlines body International Air Transport Association.

“We have saved Rs 146 crore on account of fuel savings programme, so far. By the time we get software (to facilitate better fuel management), we expect around Rs 800-900 crore in savings,” Air India Chairman and Managing Director Arvind Jadhav told reporters here.

The fuel efficiency programme envisages vital changes in AI’s operational techniques, equipment settings, use of fuel management, flight planning, engine maintenance and cabin weight management.

Jadhav said the airline is currently implementing certain fuel efficiency initiatives, which did not require much technology. Once the required software is in place, it will lead to better fuel efficiency management.

“There are several components of the fuel efficiency programme—those which we can do immediately and those which can be achieved by the procurement of the software,” Jadhav said. The national air-carrier was also looking at achieving savings from other segments such as hotel and transportation, he said.

Rathore gets interim relief, asked not to leave country

Chandigarh, Jan 1: A Haryana court on Friday gave interim relief to disgraced former police chief S P S Rathore and allowed him bail till January 7 if he is arrested for the two fresh cases registered against him in connection with the 1990 Ruchika molestation case.

The district and sessions court in Panchkula near here said Rathore would be allowed to avail interim bail on furnishing bail bonds of Rs 100,000 in each of the two cases if he is arrested by the Haryana police before January 7. The Haryana government has been asked to submit its reply to the court by January 6 for the next hearing of Rathore’s anticipatory bail plea to be held on January 7.

Sensex ends lacklustre day 57 points lower

Sensex ends lacklustre day 57 points lower

Mumbai, Dec 30: A key Indian equities index ended a lacklustre day of trading amid range-bound volatility on Wednesday 57 points lower than its previous close.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) opened at 17,402.24 points and shut shop at 17,343.82 points, down 57.74 points or 0.33 per cent from its previous close at 17,401.56 points. It had fallen to 17,322.8 points around noon. At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty was at 5,169.45 points, against the previous close at 5,187.95 points, a loss of 0.36 per cent.

Ruchika’s family assured of justice by Home Minister

NEW DELHI, Dec 30: The father of Ruchika Girhotra said after meeting Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday that he was hopeful of getting justice following fresh charges against former Haryana police chief SPS Rathore whose molestation apparently led his daughter to commit suicide. Describing his meeting with Chidambaram at the latter’s office here as “satisfactory”, Subhash Chander Girhotra told reporters: “I am satisfied with the meeting. He (Chidambaram) gave me a patient hearing.”

The meeting came a day after the government decided to act afresh against Rathore, who has been convicted of molesting 15-year-old Ruchika in 1990. The family says he should be charged with abetment to suicide. “I am hopeful we will get justice,” said Girhotra, who was accompanied by his lawyer Pankaj Bhardwaj. The young Ruchika committed suicide three years later in 1993 after she and her family faced continuous harassment at the hands of police.

The ministry called Girhotra and his lawyer to New Delhi to discuss how to pursue the case. “We discussed (with the minister) how to re-open the case. We are hopeful of justice,” the lawyer said. He said Chidambaram knew the facts of the case and “we have put forward our point of view. I have given him some ideas as there are many ways to reopen the case”. Asked when the case was likely to be reopened, Bhardwaj said the Home Minister would talk to his officials and “maybe we will be called again”.

The 67-year-old Rathore, who faces arrest, was on Wednesday refused interim bail by a court in Haryana. Rathore was on Tuesday evening booked by police in two cases of serious and non-bailable criminal charges including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, forging evidence, wrongful confinement, fabricating false evidence and criminal conspiracy. Girhotra demanded death penalty for Rathore. “He has killed my daughter by misusing his official position. We want the death penalty for him,” he added. (IANS)