After Indigo, now Jet Airways opts out of Air India disinvestment process

Less than a week after budget airline IndiGo rescinded its interest from participating in the disinvestment process of debt-laden Air India, Mumbai-based full-service carrier Jet Airways also said it will not take part in the strategic sale. Another low-cost airline SpiceJet had already pulled itself out of the race even before the preliminary information memorandum was issued and has maintained its stance even after the Centre formally invited expressions of interest. “We welcome the government’s move to privatise Air India. It is a bold step. However, considering the terms of…

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Kidneys can be affected because of poor air quality, says study

Polluted air increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which occurs when a person’s kidneys are damaged, or cannot filter blood properly, researchers, including one of Indian origin, have found. The study highlighted that people with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or heart disease are at an increased risk of developing CKD. Apart from PM2.5, air pollution also contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium -all of which are known to negatively affect the kidneys. Researchers from the University of Michigan in the US, warn high risk…

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Women’s Day: Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet to operate all-women crew flights

Air India Express, Vistara, SpiceJet and Air India are among the airlines whose flights will feature an all-women crew on Thursday to celebrate International Women’s Day. Photo: Ramesh Pathania/Mint New Delhi: Air India Express, Vistara, SpiceJet Ltd and Air India Ltd are among the airlines whose flights will feature an all-women crew on Thursday to celebrate International Women’s Day. Eight international flights of Air India Express would be operated with all-women crew. “All women-crew flights will take off from Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mangalore, Mumbai and Delhi on Thursday,” the airline…

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Delhi air pollution: 8 techniques to battle airborne toxins and stay healthy

Delhi’s air pollution level hit a new high this winter, leaving people gasping for breath. The smog that blankets the city is a result of high air pollution combined with no-wind cold weather conditions. “With little or no signs of improvement, we, on an individual level, have to find ways to beat it,” says Dr Walia Murshida Huda, Senior Medical Officer, Healthians. The dip in the air quality poses health concerns particularly for children, the elderly and those suffering from lung diseases and asthma. Many also experienced itchy eyes and irritation in…

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Delhi air pollution: Your blood type may indicate risk of heart attack from pollution

People who have A, B, or AB blood types are at an elevated risk of having a heart attack during periods of significant air pollution, compared to those with the O blood type, a study warned today. The ABO gene — which is present in people who have A, B, and AB blood types — is the only gene that is been validated in large international studies to predict heart attacks among people with coronary disease, researchers said. Previous research also suggested that blood type are the best indicator of your…

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6 Natural Ways to Purify Air at Home

As Delhi’s air pollution remains at hazardous levels, we’ve listed 6 natural ways to purify at home. Did you know: The air inside your home is actually 2 to 5 times more polluted and toxic than the air you breathe outdoors? It’s appalling, really. We go for regular health check-ups, pop pills on a daily basis, stress over allergies, but neglect the most basic thing there is – the quality of the air we breathe 24/7. Everything from the mattresses we sleep on to our kids’ pajamas can contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Dr.…

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