Local Round-up: Trial Flight at Navi Mumbai Airport, Sridevi Chowk, New Government in J&K, & More!

Local Round-up brings to you what's happening across the country in travel, food, infrastructure, sports, and herein, we have curated the updates from the weekend and the initial of this week for you. So, read these below. 

Skies in Leh, Ladakh lit up by a rare aurora borealis 

A mesmerising display of aurora - a natural light display that shimmers in the sky was seen in Leh and Ladakh on October 10. This phenomenon took place due to a strong geomagnetic storm triggered by a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun that reached the Earth. Along with India, the U.S. and Europe also witnessed this rare sighting. 

Delhi Zoo's only African Elephant released after 28 years 

After the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) expressed concerns about the well-being of Shankar, an African elephant, he was released from the chains into the wild. Shankar was a gift from Zimbabwe to India in 1996 and kept in the Zoo with his companion. After his companion died in 2005, he was isolated and alone before this decision to free him came. 

Navi Mumbai Airport gets its inaugural trial flight landing 

The newly developed Navi Mumbai Airport by Adani Group saw its first flight landing on Saturday, October 12. In an inaugural landing, Indian Airforce transport aircraft C-295 was tested at the airport's southern runway 26. This marks an important milestone before the airport opens for commercial flights, potentially in March next year.

4 cities from India in the 10 fastest-growing cities in the world 

As personal wealth continues to increase across Asia, many cities are witnessing the emergence of a thriving middle class. India is one of the major countries in the list of the fastest-growing cities in the world with Bengaluru ranking on the top, followed by Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai in third, fourth and fifth positions. 

1.55 lakh candidates register for the PM Internship Scheme

Prime Minister Internship Scheme which aims to address youth unemployment by connecting young people with companies seeking talent saw a staggering number of registrations within a day of its launch. About 1,55,109 candidates applied for internships posted by major companies like Jubilant Foodworks, Maruti Suzuki India, Larsen & Toubro, Muthoot Finance, and Reliance Industries, according to government sources. These internships are available across 24 sectors, in more than 20 fields, and 737 districts across 37 states and union territories.

President's rule finally revoked in Jammu & Kashmir after 6 years

After the National Conference-Congress alliance won the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the President's rule in the Union Territory was lifted after 6 years. The newly elected party after winning the historical elections is set to form the government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah. A gazette notification issued by the Union Home Ministry confirmed the development. 

The foundation stone of the Shirdi Airport terminal  

PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the new integrated terminal building at the Shirdi Airport in Maharashtra via video conference on Wednesday. This airport aims to provide convenient facilities to devotees travelling to Shirdi for worship at Sai Baba's temple. Revenue Minister and Ahilyanagar district guardian minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, MLA Ashutosh Kale, district collector Siddharam Salimath, Zilla Parishad CEO Ashish Yerekar, Shirdi Airport director Gaurav Upshyam were present at Shirdi Airport along with Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde who attended the launch via audio-video facility.

Cricketer Mohammed Siraj appointed as DSP in Telangana

India cricketer Mohammed Siraj assumed the role of the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Telangana on Saturday, October 12. The pace bowler was promised a Group-I government position job by Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for his contribution to the Indian cricket team. His new role was confirmed and made official during a formal ceremony.

One of Andheri Lokhandwala's streets named 'Sridevi Chowk' 

A chowk in Mumbai's Lokhandwala has been named in honour of the late actress Sridevi. The actress' husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Khushi Kapoor inaugurated the Chowk on Saturday. Boney Kapoor shared a photograph of the stone signage which carried a photo of the actress and read "Sridevi Kapoor Chowk”. The chowk is situated at the junction near Green Acres Tower, where Sridevi had lived for many years.