News / Author / Anjuli Bhargava

Anjuli Bhargava

Articles by Anjuli Bhargava

Airlines must avoid getting grounded by pilot burnout

The situation in India, airline executives say, is already at alarming levels with many pilots being declared unfit

The director general of civil aviation (DGCA) came up with new duty guidelines in October 2023 aimed at making the life of crew easier, with adequate and enhanced rest periods. For the airlines, this meant a spike in costs as they would need additional crew, and the matter expectedly landed up in court (HT Photo)

Opinion

Published on May 01, 2025 08:23 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Why industry-driven, tailored courses are an alternative to bachelor’s degrees

As the worth of the time-tested bachelor’s degree becomes questionable, a bevy of newbies is luring students with new and attractive propositions

These new institutes are trying to grab the student early if he or she has a reasonable idea of which field they wish to pursue. (Representational image)

Opinion

Updated on Apr 28, 2025 02:49 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

In Deep Slumber| 10 Hours on the Tarmac

Air India flight 2412 faced a 10-hour delay due to missing cockpit crew after boarding, frustrating passengers who endured worsening conditions.

Unlike Jet Airways which always had robust contingency plans in place and within 15-20 minutes, its operations control centre would have a solution, Air India clearly flew its own kite, whatever that was, he thought to himself. (PTI)

India News

Updated on Apr 23, 2025 04:17 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Education in India: Why NEP has so far failed to move the needle

Education reforms will not yield results unless the problem of plenty and the ambiguity over profit-making are addressed

Education has been the single biggest failure of successive governments. (Representational image)

Opinion

Updated on Apr 15, 2025 12:28 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Civil Aviation: The Third Wave of Privatisation

A massive learning exercise, the privatisation of India’s airports remains a work in progress as it enters its next phase.

An aerial view of the under-construction Noida International Airport in Jewar, Greater Noida. (Sunil Ghosh/ HT Photo)

Business

Updated on Apr 09, 2025 04:52 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Public transport to connect our airports

Airports are beginning to think beyond the building and looking at other aspects like functionality and connectivity.

The advantages, including the reduction in emission footprint, need no elaboration (Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Apr 03, 2025 08:09 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Air India’s flight into training turbulence

Allegations of compromised flight training is the most worrisome problem the airline faces, given ensuring passenger safety is the cornerstone of the business

The recent sacking of the trainer based on the airline’s own internal investigation leaves observers with many doubts (Wikimedia)

Opinion

Published on Mar 20, 2025 07:33 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Eyeing the Exits

As Indian pilots scout around for greener pastures, Indian carriers, fliers will end up paying the price

The pandemic took a significant toll on humanity and like many other professions, many in the aviation sector — commanders, co-pilots and cabin crew in particular — were either laid off or took sharp pay cuts as airlines globally struggled to keep their head above water (PTI)

India News

Published on Mar 06, 2025 02:23 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

UDAN: Soaring ambition grounded by lack of committed, credible regional players

The scheme was reasonably well-planned and executed but barely any credible player came forward to enter the regional space.

Several small airlines players with regional plans and ambitions have run for a few months, maybe years, before shutting shop in the past decade. (REUTERS)

India News

Published on Feb 26, 2025 12:06 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

A case of multiple failures, at too many checkpoints

Three primary violations by a Kanpur-based Flight Training Organisation were brought to the attention of the authorities.

Low visibility, aircrafts operating on different frequencies and no transponders on some aircraft are a recipe for disaster and could lead to a serious incident or even accident (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Feb 20, 2025 09:05 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Air India: Three Years Hence

Air India, under Tata ownership, shows mixed progress with improved passenger numbers but ongoing safety and service issues raise concerns.

Former CMD of Air India Vishwapati Tridevi echoed this sentiment while quoting Shakespeare :”Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and the Tatas can see Air India’s intrinsic value” (REUTERS)

India News

Updated on Feb 12, 2025 02:24 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Why civil aviation in India needs further consolidation

The best bet for airline owners will be to try and get their businesses to a healthy state and viable size for a stake sale

FILE PHOTO: The tail fins of Go First airline, formerly known as GoAir, passenger aircrafts are seen parked on the tarmac at the airport in New Delhi, India, May 11, 2023. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi/File Photo (REUTERS)

Opinion

Published on Feb 06, 2025 08:23 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Why India badly needs a trauma care ministry

In its most common form, trauma is associated with road accidents but many other incidents and happenings in India lead to trauma of varying severity.

Ambulances need to be well-equipped with trained paramedics adept at providing death-preventing treatment. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP) (AFP)

Opinion

Published on Jan 23, 2025 08:17 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

As tourism in Goa seemingly takes a hit, the state govt has to step in now

Goa does not offer the same bang for one’s buck as Thailand, Bali, Vietnam or even Sri Lanka as travellers to these destinations will attest

Tourists enjoy at the Arabian Sea as the Sun sets for the last time in 2024, at Calangute Beach in North Goa, on December 31, 2024. (PTI)

Opinion

Updated on Jan 13, 2025 01:14 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Unbundling returns: Where will low-fare airlines stop?

Be it seat preference, food, water, or check-in baggage, extra charges are being levied for virtually anything.

Navi Mumbai, India - Dec. 29, 2024:First commercial aircraft landing on the runway of Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd at Ulwe in Navi Mumbai, India, on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO)

Opinion

Published on Jan 09, 2025 08:51 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Why the AirSewa grievance portal needs an urgent reboot

Grievances are building up against AirSewa, the civil aviation ministry’s badly functioning public grievance portal.

Image for representational purposes only.

India News

Published on Jan 03, 2025 02:51 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Interview: Sridhar Rajagopalan on fixing India’s education landscape

Sridhar Rajagopalan, Chief Learning Officer at Educational Initiatives and a veteran in India’s education sector reflects on the rise and fall of Byju’s

Analysis

Updated on Dec 30, 2024 03:26 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

2025 promises to be exciting for aviation

Construction of Noida International Airport is on track for April 2025, while Navi Mumbai Airport faces delays. Air India and IndiGo are also under scrutiny.

Greater Noida, India- December 09, 2024: The Noida International Airport (NIA) conducted a first flight validation test at the newly built airport in Noida (Jewar), Uttar Pradesh on Monday. (Photo by Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Updated on Dec 26, 2024 08:35 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Why government schools are failing our children

India's education system struggles with regulation, affecting quality in government and private schools.

India News

Updated on Dec 20, 2024 12:10 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Battle against low visibility takes off in Indian aviation

As we head into the annual winter chaos in aviation, a feeling of dread begins to accompany all ticket bookings by passengers coming into the region

New Delhi, India - Dec. 6, 2024: A plane lands at IGI Airport amidst early morning fog and chill, in New Delhi, India, on Friday, December 6, 2024. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Dec 12, 2024 08:50 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

The good, the bad, and the ugly in poverty alleviation

The graduation approach to poverty alleviation has made some headway but we need more states to jump onto the bandwagon

The last thing India needs is the quibbling over poverty numbers that erupts from time to time

Opinion

Published on Nov 28, 2024 08:06 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Knowing the business, hiring experts helps to build successful airlines

Two airline success stories from India -- Jet Airways and IndiGo – were founded by people from similar backgrounds, both hired experts.

An Indigo aircraft prepares for take-off at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. (AFP File Photo)

Business

Updated on Nov 28, 2024 08:56 AM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

The Hows, Whys and the What Nows

The damage and repercussions of such big failures are not yet fully understood by the sector.

A student trying out the BYJU's learning app. (Mint File Photo)

Education

Updated on Nov 26, 2024 12:45 PM IST

ht_print | ByAnjuli Bhargava

Clean city goals call for roping in the private sector

How do we prevent the North from swimming in its own garbage? Perhaps the only viable and workable solution is to look at a public-private partnership model

Garbage dumped on the streets at Chandni Chowk in New Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Opinion

Published on Nov 18, 2024 06:25 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

States must bridge the early childhood education gap

Various studies globally and India’s National Education Policy reiterate that close to 85% of a child’s brain development happens during age zero to six.

By 2030, 35% of Indian children under the age of five will be stunted. (Sneha Srivastava/ Mint File Photo)

India News

Published on Nov 14, 2024 11:03 AM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Lessons for aviation sector from IndiGo’s new financial results

IndiGo's ₹1894 crore profit challenges myths of India's airline sector's inherent losses, highlighting mismanagement as a key issue for struggling airlines.

Mumbai, India - May 28, 2020: Planes parked at The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. A media tour was conducted witness the preparedness at CSMIA post resuming its domestic air service operation in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, May 28, 2020. (Photo by Satyabrata Tripathy/Hindustan Times) (Satyabrata Tripathy/HT Photo)

India News

Updated on Oct 03, 2024 01:04 AM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Looking beyond the DGCA and the CAA

The aviation sector in India needs an independent regulator focused on safety and safety alone

While many airline industry insiders have always maintained that the DGCA is overly top-heavy, it is quite possible that, given the pace the country’s aviation market has grown, more officers are needed even at the senior levels

Opinion

Published on Sep 27, 2024 08:13 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Who will safeguard the interests of fliers?

In a country where the number of fliers is growing by the day and the choice of airlines shrinking by the year, we urgently need an empowered body or ombudsman that can exclusively safeguard passenger interests on a daily basis.

An Indigo aircraft prepares to land as Air India airline's employees gather during its groundbreaking ceremony of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility, at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on September 4, 2024. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP) (AFP)

Opinion

Updated on Sep 17, 2024 08:53 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Curbing the suicide contagion

The media plays a critical role in influencing fence-sitters who might be contemplating taking the drastic final step

Numerous studies have shown that there is an increased correlation between the way a news report or even a news headline is structured or displayed and higher suicide rates. (HT File)

Opinion

Published on Sep 16, 2024 09:21 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

Vistara’s promising run grounded at take-off

Vistara's merger with Air India evokes nostalgia for Jet Airways as loyal passengers express concern over service quality and uncertainty post-merger.

Will Air India up its game and operate more like Vistara or will Vistara lower its standard and end up more like Air India? (IHA via AP) (AP)

Opinion

Updated on Sep 09, 2024 09:16 PM IST

ByAnjuli Bhargava

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Anjuli Bhargava

The situation in India, airline executives say, is already at alarming levels with many pilots being declared unfit

As the worth of the time-tested bachelor’s degree becomes questionable, a bevy of newbies is luring students with new and attractive propositions

Air India flight 2412 faced a 10-hour delay due to missing cockpit crew after boarding, frustrating passengers who endured worsening conditions.

Education reforms will not yield results unless the problem of plenty and the ambiguity over profit-making are addressed

A massive learning exercise, the privatisation of India’s airports remains a work in progress as it enters its next phase.

Airports are beginning to think beyond the building and looking at other aspects like functionality and connectivity.

Allegations of compromised flight training is the most worrisome problem the airline faces, given ensuring passenger safety is the cornerstone of the business

As Indian pilots scout around for greener pastures, Indian carriers, fliers will end up paying the price

The scheme was reasonably well-planned and executed but barely any credible player came forward to enter the regional space.

Three primary violations by a Kanpur-based Flight Training Organisation were brought to the attention of the authorities.

Air India, under Tata ownership, shows mixed progress with improved passenger numbers but ongoing safety and service issues raise concerns.

The best bet for airline owners will be to try and get their businesses to a healthy state and viable size for a stake sale

In its most common form, trauma is associated with road accidents but many other incidents and happenings in India lead to trauma of varying severity.

Goa does not offer the same bang for one’s buck as Thailand, Bali, Vietnam or even Sri Lanka as travellers to these destinations will attest

Be it seat preference, food, water, or check-in baggage, extra charges are being levied for virtually anything.

Grievances are building up against AirSewa, the civil aviation ministry’s badly functioning public grievance portal.

Sridhar Rajagopalan, Chief Learning Officer at Educational Initiatives and a veteran in India’s education sector reflects on the rise and fall of Byju’s

Construction of Noida International Airport is on track for April 2025, while Navi Mumbai Airport faces delays. Air India and IndiGo are also under scrutiny.

India's education system struggles with regulation, affecting quality in government and private schools.

As we head into the annual winter chaos in aviation, a feeling of dread begins to accompany all ticket bookings by passengers coming into the region

The graduation approach to poverty alleviation has made some headway but we need more states to jump onto the bandwagon

Two airline success stories from India -- Jet Airways and IndiGo – were founded by people from similar backgrounds, both hired experts.

The damage and repercussions of such big failures are not yet fully understood by the sector.

How do we prevent the North from swimming in its own garbage? Perhaps the only viable and workable solution is to look at a public-private partnership model

Various studies globally and India’s National Education Policy reiterate that close to 85% of a child’s brain development happens during age zero to six.

IndiGo's ₹1894 crore profit challenges myths of India's airline sector's inherent losses, highlighting mismanagement as a key issue for struggling airlines.

The aviation sector in India needs an independent regulator focused on safety and safety alone

In a country where the number of fliers is growing by the day and the choice of airlines shrinking by the year, we urgently need an empowered body or ombudsman that can exclusively safeguard passenger interests on a daily basis.

The media plays a critical role in influencing fence-sitters who might be contemplating taking the drastic final step

Vistara's merger with Air India evokes nostalgia for Jet Airways as loyal passengers express concern over service quality and uncertainty post-merger.

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