Ninth Abbakka Utsava from tomorrow

Mangaluru: Air India Express (AIE) has postponed its much-anticipated direct flight service between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Singapore, citing low bookings. Passengers who had booked tickets for the inaugural flight scheduled for January 21 and subsequent dates have been notified of the cancellation through email.

In its email, AIE assured passengers of alternative travel arrangements, including connecting flight options between MIA and Singapore. However, the decision to delay the direct service has left travelers and travel agents disappointed.

An AIE official attributed the postponement to operational challenges but clarified that the airline has not abandoned plans for the route. “We are committed to starting the service, but there is no immediate confirmation on the new launch date,” the official stated. He further explained that sustaining a route requires consistent demand, and seasonal travel alone is insufficient to justify operations.

Another AIE representative admitted that the number of bookings for the inaugural flight was below expectations but declined to disclose specific figures.

Rajesh H Acharya, director of HQ Connections Pte Ltd in Singapore and coordinator of the Singapore Tuluver community, expressed his disappointment. Acharya, who has been advocating for a direct flight between Mangaluru and Singapore since 2017, said, “After years of effort, we finally convinced the airline to start this service, but it has now been deferred.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Acharya posted: "Did not expect such behavior from @AirIndiaX, now owned by @TataCompanies & @SIAirlines. If there are issues, travelers deserve to be informed well in advance. This decision needs investigation at the highest level."

The delay has raised questions among the travel community, with many hoping the airline will address these concerns and provide a clear timeline for the launch of the Mangaluru-Singapore direct flight.

Udupi: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 38-year-old woman from Karkala in Udupi district, has reportedly lost Rs 24 lakh to a digital arrest scam. The victim, Preema Sheril D'Souza, fell prey to a fraudulent scheme orchestrated through fake calls and threats.

According to the complaint filed, the incident unfolded on Tuesday when Preema received a call at 12:30 pm from an individual claiming to represent the Delhi Telecom Department. The caller alleged that another SIM card had been purchased using her Aadhaar number and was being used for illegal activities in Uttar Pradesh, leading to multiple cases being registered against her.

To add credibility to the scam, the caller arranged a video call where a person dressed as a police officer introduced himself as a CBI official. This individual instructed her to cooperate with the "investigation" and warned her not to disclose the matter to anyone. The scammer also issued threats, claiming that harm would come to her husband and child if she failed to comply.

Under duress, Preema was coerced into sharing her bank account details and transferring a staggering Rs 24 lakh to accounts specified by the fraudsters. She transferred Rs 14 lakh to an account in Federal Bank and Rs 10 lakh to an account in Yes Bank via RTGS from her Fixed Deposit account. The threats of an arrest warrant further pressured her into complying with the scammers' demands.

Upon realizing the fraud, she reported the incident to the authorities. A case has since been registered at the Karkala Rural Police Station, and investigations are underway.

This incident serves as a critical reminder to stay vigilant against such scams. Individuals are advised to verify the identity of callers and refrain from sharing sensitive information or transferring money without proper authentication. If you encounter similar fraudulent activities, report them immediately to the police or cybercrime cell.

Mangaluru: The Tannirbhavi beach stretch up to the forest department's Tree Park is on the brink of a remarkable transformation under the ‘One Beach, One Destination’ initiative. This ambitious project aims to elevate the beach into a top-tier tourist hotspot through comprehensive upgrades and strategic developments.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP shared updates during a press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that fresh tenders have been floated for maintaining the main beach. The technical evaluation of tenders for the Tannir Bhavi Blue Flag Beach is nearing completion, with the financial bids set to open shortly. “We are pleased to see major players participating in the tender process,” the DC remarked.

For the main beach, the maintenance contract will span 10 years. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag Beach’s successful bidder will face a progressive financial model—starting with a Rs 50 lakh payment in the first year, escalating to Rs 2 crore by the 10th year, alongside a minimum 5% revenue share for the administration. “Upon completion of the development, the beach will feature continuous activities to enhance its appeal,” he added.

Approximately 90% of the beach’s development work is already complete. Eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management systems and solar installations are operational at the Blue Flag Beach. While entrance work by Mangaluru Smart City Limited is ongoing, the beach remains accessible to the public. Entry fees, set in accordance with Blue Flag guidelines, aim to support sustainable maintenance efforts.

The ‘Blue Flag’ certification represents a global standard in eco-tourism, ensuring clean bathing water, state-of-the-art amenities, safety measures, and sustainable development. Karnataka’s Padubidri and Kasarkod beaches are among the few in India to hold this prestigious certification.

Mangaluru Smart City Limited is spearheading the development of the 1.8-acre area, with an investment of approximately Rs 16 crore. Once completed, the Tannirbhavi Beach is expected to stand out as a vibrant and eco-friendly destination, drawing tourists and locals alike.