Latest news with #ELTA
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tejas-Mk-1A roll out from Nashik this month, Astra firing likely in Aug: HAL CMD
HAL CMD DK Sunil BENGALURU: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will roll out the first LCA Tejas Mk1A from its new Nashik production line by the end of July, with integration and test firing of the Astra air-to-air missile scheduled for early August, HAL CMD DK Sunil told TOI in an interview. The rollout from Nashik marks a key milestone in HAL's efforts to scale up Tejas production, even as the programme works through engine supply constraints and indigenous radar integration delays. 'The first aircraft from Nashik is already in final assembly and under testing. We expect the rollout in a month,' Sunil said, adding that while the current year may see three to four aircraft from Nashik, the plant has been built to support an annual output of eight. At present, HAL is operating two production lines in Bengaluru and has initiated the third at Nashik. A parallel private-sector supply chain — comprising VEM Technologies (centre fuselage), Alpha (rear fuselage), and L&T (wings) — is expected to contribute towards an additional six aircraft a year, eventually raising the overall production capacity to 30 aircraft annually. He said that despite engine supply delays from GE, HAL is pressing ahead with deliveries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Забрави климатика – това е най-доброто решение срещу жегата Coolbox Научете повече Undo 'We have already built six aircraft which are ready and flying,' Sunil said. HAL expects to produce 12 aircraft this year, using available GE engines in rotation to carry out critical test flights. GE has assured delivery of 12 engines this year, with the second engine expected this month after only one had arrived by April. Integration of Astra missile, developed by DRDO, is scheduled for early August. 'We need to have some of the other issues sorted out like the firing of the missile, the Astra missile, which we plan to do in August, early August,' he said. On radar integration, HAL faced criticism for opting to continue with the imported ELTA radar from Israel for all Tejas Mk1A fighters under the current contract, instead of switching midstream — from the 41st aircraft — to the indigenous Uttam AESA radar. Sunil clarified that 40 ELTA radars were contracted initially, with a plan to introduce Uttam from the 41st aircraft onwards. However, delays in certification of both the Uttam radar and associated electronic warfare (EW) suite, also being developed by DRDO, forced HAL's hand. He noted that over the last three years, HAL has held several meetings with senior officials from DRDO and IAF, but the certification timelines have repeatedly slipped. 'As a manufacturer, when we're under pressure for not delivering, the risk becomes ours. If we wait and the systems still aren't certified, we are left with no aircraft to hand over.' 'There was a clear directive from DRDO headquarters in Feb 2024 that if certification is not achieved by year-end, HAL may proceed. That meeting and directive are on record. We waited until March this year, but when progress still hadn't been made, we moved forward.' In response to persistent concerns from the Indian Air Force about unmet aircraft staff qualitative requirements (ASQRs), Sunil attributed the delays to legacy issues and dependency on various partners including ADA and DRDO. 'Parallel efforts are underway to close these issues across multiple aircraft. It's not that there's no effort — it's just that the closure needs to be more structured,' he said. HAL aims to deliver all 12 Tejas Mk1As scheduled for this year, with the full production ecosystem — including public and private lines — expected to reach a steady state of 30 aircraft annually from 2026-27.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
English Teachers Across Madagascar Receive International Training
The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar is proud to launch the English Language Teacher Training program, which brings together over 100 teachers nationwide to strengthen the quality of instruction, introduce innovative teaching methods, and foster collaboration among educators. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented in partnership with the English Language Teachers Association (ELTA) of Madagascar, this two-day training — centered on the theme Empowering Teacher Educators through Innovative Teaching and Leadership — features a dynamic blend of hands-on workshops, focus group discussions, and expert-led presentations grounded in best practices in English language teaching. Participants will engage with leading experts from the U.S., Madagascar, and beyond — including U.S. English Language Specialists, the Regional English Language Officer, English Language Fellows from Southern Africa, and representatives from ELTA Africa, ELTA Madagascar, and the TESOL International Association. The U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar delivered a keynote address highlighting the vital role of English teachers in shaping future generations and emphasized the importance of quality education as a foundation for lasting growth and opportunity. This program builds on the U.S. Embassy's longstanding commitment to advancing the professional development of English educators throughout Madagascar. Since 2019, the U.S. Government has provided high-quality training and capacity-building opportunities to over 3,000 English educators nationwide — enhancing teaching methodologies, promoting student-centered learning, and expanding access to resources in schools, universities, and community-based learning spaces such as English clubs and teacher associations. The Embassy is also proud to support this milestone event as a continuation of its investment in English language education—most notably, the creation of ELTA Madagascar in July 2024. The establishment of this national association of English teachers is a direct result of the Embassy's sustained engagement, including a series of targeted professional development initiatives. Through this training, the Embassy aims to sustain the momentum by helping ELTA Madagascar expand its membership, strengthen its presence in all regions of the country, and develop robust, teacher-led programming. Through continued collaboration with local education leaders and institutions, the U.S. Embassy remains dedicated to advancing excellence in English teaching—helping build a future where both teachers and students can thrive, connect, and unlock new opportunities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Madagascar.
Travel Daily News
10-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Sojern, Sonders and ELTA find 2025 Global Pride Travel Trends
Sojern, Sonders and Beach, and ELTA unveil fresh insights into LGBTQ+ travel behaviour across top Pride destinations worldwide. As Pride Month kicks off, new global flight data from the leading digital marketing platform built for hospitality, Sojern, in collaboration with partners Sonders & Beach and the European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance (ELTA), reveals how – and where – the world is travelling for Pride in 2025. Sonders & Beach is bringing these insights to life by certifying destinations, hotels, and events – ensuring Pride travellers can enjoy verified inclusive and sustainable travel experiences across Europe and beyond. Key findings include: Pride Planning Starts Early: Searches for Athens, Brussels, and Rome spiked around Valentine's Day, suggesting it may act as a key emotional trigger. Brussels, in particular, showed early planning behaviour – valuable insight for marketers looking to capture interest from this audience in advance. Long-Haul, Solo & Leisure-Led: Over 45% of Pride travel involved long-haul trips (4,800+ km), with 58% of travellers booking solo and primarily for leisure—though 'bleisure' travel sees a noticeable rise ahead of parade weekends. Where They're Coming From: Western Europe (35%) just edges out North America (33%) in total volume, but the USA (28%) remains the single largest feeder country, followed by Brazil (7%) and Spain (5%). New York, London, and Los Angeles lead by metro. World Pride Watch: While Copenhagen (2021) and Sydney (2023) triggered clear travel surges, Washington D.C.'s 2025 edition has shown more modest momentum—potentially reflecting broader geopolitical concerns or a shift in traveller priorities toward cost, proximity, or local programming over attending the 'biggest' global Pride. As Pride travellers seek not just celebration but meaningful, inclusive experiences, brands that proactively invest in authentic engagement stand to gain. With new EU regulations emphasising social sustainability – and LGBTQ+ rights globally under scrutinity – ELTA is working with partners to not only harness these trends for Pride Month, but to shape the future of inclusive tourism. With the LGBTQ+ tourism market valued at $357b. in 2025, these insights offer critical guidance for destinations, travel brands, and marketers looking to connect authentically with Pride travellers.
AsiaOne
08-06-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
The biggest misconceptions about buying property in Singapore's CCR in 2025, Money News
Singapore's Core Central Region (CCR) is as straightforward as HDB eligibility rules. Everyone thinks they have a good idea of how it works, until questions are asked and they look deeper. Then suddenly there are 50 exceptions to every rule, a dozen gaps in the online information, and a stunning realisation that you've been wrong all your life about something. This is pretty much how it works with CCR properties: on the surface, you think you know the region: it's that place with all the rich expats, tech moguls, and one old uncle who has holes in his singlet but owns a GCB in Tanglin. But with the Singapore property market pivoting more toward this mysterious region (and I assure you, the CCR is a mystery,) it's time to take a more nuanced look; and to realise that quite often, much of the "property knowledge" you've been told about the CCR is wrong, or grossly oversimplified: For those not in the know: What is the CCR? The CCR is the region that houses Singapore's most expensive real estate options, like The Sail, Marina One, Ardmore Park, and various other condos that are basically a property agent's retirement fund. Historically, this is an area favoured by high-net-worth individuals, foreign buyers, and investors, and it's not necessarily about money either. Investors may also buy "cultural capital" or clout, by owning prestige properties here. Projects here are usually freehold or 999-year leasehold. Districts include: District 1: Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Cecil District 2: Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar District 6: City Hall, Clarke Quay District 9: Orchard, Cairnhill, River Valley District 10: Tanglin, Holland, Bukit Timah District 11: Newton, Novena Sentosa: Not geographically central, but it's lumped into the CCR due to its high-end positioning. Why should we regular folks be paying attention to the CCR in 2025? I've linked the relevant article in the intro, but to quickly recap: around 22 launches remain for the year of 2025, and of these, around 14 will be in the CCR. If you missed out on the non-central launches like Parktown Residence, Emerald of Katong, ELTA, etc., then consider me the bearer of luxury news: your next new launch option is likely going to be in Singapore's high-end CCR. Even before this happened, back in 2023, I'd pointed out that Rest of Central Region (RCR) prices were narrowing with CCR prices. This was partly due to the 60 per cent Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD), which removed a good number of wealthy foreign buyers from the CCR market. Moving forward to today, the price gap between the CCR and RCR is at an all-time low of 4.5 per cent. Given that over half the upcoming new launches are going to be in the CCR, consider this early preparation of the sales pitch: we're going to hear, over and over again, that this is a "big opportunity" to own a CCR property; especially if you already have a Rest of Central Region (RCR) property to upgrade from. So here are the oversimplified beliefs to address about the CCR, before we're neck-deep in it this year: The CCR is the most prime region, you won't go wrong here CCR properties are all top luxury properties Freehold status makes CCR properties better The best amenities are in the CCR 1. The CCR is the most prime region, you won't go wrong here This has the same energy as "WeWork is so huge it can't fail at this point." The glamour and high quantum properties packed into the CCR do give the impression that everything there is infallible, but in reality, it's quite the opposite. I feel it's the cheaper Outside of Central Region (OCR) where it's often harder to make a mistake, as you're starting with lower initial costs. The CCR isn't just high quantum, it's possibly the most volatile of the three regions — and you need to be more careful when buying here, not less. The CCR isn't rock-solid and infallible: we saw this just last year. At year-end 2024, I pointed out that the CCR saw an 11.8 per cent price decline, as opposed to a 9.8 per cent increase in the OCR. And yes, this was due to the ABSD hike as mentioned above, but that demonstrates the point: Why didn't other regions see a big stumble from the ABSD hike? Because the OCR — and to a smaller extent the RCR — have their values tied to everyday Singaporean homeowners. The CCR is packed with investors, wealthy foreigners, and a more exotic demographic. Buyer and seller behaviours here are not as predictable as those of regular HDB upgraders. This also goes for rental: as of Q1 2025, the vacancy rate for completed private residential units in the CCR stood at 10.3 per cent, higher than the RCR's 6.6 per cent and the OCR's 4.7 per cent. For the first nine months of last year (2024), median rent for condos in the CCR declined by a chunky 3.5 per cent, unlike a small 1.4 per cent in the OCR, and a 0.4 per cent increase in the RCR. Why? Because when the wider economy is in turmoil, companies like to trim the number of pricey expats they hire, or shrink housing allowances. In the OCR, where expats or landlords are fewer in number, the effect is more muted. The RCR may even see a small boost, as expats move from the CCR into the city fringe as the next alternative. It's the CCR that's most subject to fluctuations in the wider economy. This doesn't mean the CCR isn't investment-worthy, but it does mean that you need to pick your properties with even greater care than elsewhere. So the opposite of the saying is true: a low-cost OCR property is usually where you can afford to make a mistake, but still recover. The CCR is much more punishing toward bad choices, and you absolutely can go wrong. 2. CCR properties are all top luxury properties For the newer properties in the CCR, sure. But for resale… Look, I say this with all respect, and I don't want to disparage any properties, but let's accept that age and time have somewhat changed the definition of "top luxury." How many of you have seen, say, The Claymore, Orchard Court, Lien Towers, or any one of the many older properties in the CCR? Even the ones near highly prestigious areas like Orchard Road? These projects can still be expensive because of their location, freehold status, and large floor plates. But if you were to compare facilities, there are 10-year-old condos in the OCR that make some of these "prime freehold" properties look like budget office buildings. This is a real problem that parts of the CCR — especially Districts 9 and 10 — will face over the coming years. At some point, buyers are going to look at the peeling walls of 1980s squash courts, then back at the price, and start wondering why Treasure at Tampines or some OCR mega-development won't be better. Simply put, "CCR = luxury" is a misconception. You might find mass-market, OCR projects today that are both cheaper and better for your lifestyle. 3. Freehold status makes CCR properties better Let's put it this way: no one on a pro-basketball team talks about their height much. Because when everyone else has that quality, it's far less special. In the same vein, freehold status can matter when it's rare in an area, such as one freehold condo amidst leasehold counterparts. But freehold is the norm in the CCR, and a freehold condo surrounded by others is little more than the baseline. So this shouldn't be a particularly big selling point, even on the brochures. 4. The best amenities are in the CCR A bit of personal opinion here: from the 1980s when I was growing up, through to around the mid-2000s, the CCR was truly the centre of Singapore. The malls here had brands you couldn't find in heartland malls, there were restaurants and eateries we'd travel all the way just to visit, and HMV was a big deal because we needed to fill half our room with physical CDs. This died around 2009, when Uniqlo opened its flagship store in Tampines instead of somewhere in Orchard. URA's aggressive decentralisation has created multiple hubs of amenities, and the CCR is no longer the centre of our universe. Ask around: most Singaporeans will tell you that whatever they can find in Orchard, they can find in their neighbourhood mall, be it NEX, Clementi Mall, JEM, etc. Now, there are parts of the CCR which are still arguably unique, like the Holland V identity node. But as Singapore decentralises further, we may one day reach a point where "superior amenities" are no longer a defining trait of many CCR neighbourhoods. It's worth thinking about, for long-term investors. So if you're looking at CCR properties in 2025, remember: prestige doesn't pay your mortgage, and clout doesn't cover vacancy. The only thing worse than overpaying for a "prime" unit is realising too late that you were buying into the idea more than an actual, viable asset. Again, this isn't to shut down the CCR as an investment prospect or a home; it's worked for many people. My intent is just to point out that, thanks to years of conditioning and sales pitches, we may have dangerously oversimplified a very complex region, going through some very big changes. [[nid:718515]] This article was first published in Stackedhomes .
AsiaOne
12-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
The ultimate work-from-home homebuyer checklist (that most people still overlook), Lifestyle News
Ever since Covid-19, more people have been on Work From Home (WFH) arrangements. This changes up quite a few concerns regarding layout and renovation: besides the need for quiet home offices, for example, certain features you could ignore in the past, like more afternoon sun exposure, can get more annoying. Even size starts to matter a bit more, if you happen to have specialised equipment at home; so for those of you who no longer go to the office, here are some added concerns to address: 1. Rethink open layouts, if you need a dedicated office space If the home is strictly not for work, then there may be no issues minimising partitions. However, open concept layouts can be disruptive when you need to make private Zoom calls, or just need to concentrate: without enclosed rooms, you'll be able to hear everyone else and vice versa (including your clients on a conference call). For those who have pets or children, open layouts raise the chances they'll wander up to you and interrupt you in the process of work. This is why some layouts, which allow you to enclose an extra nook, can be useful for office spaces. One excellent recent example of this was in ELTA: Notice that the study space is an actual room that can be enclosed, not just a "flexible" corner to place a desk and chair. As an interesting aside, bay windows — usually derided as an inefficient feature — can sometimes be repurposed to create a home office space. Here's an example: Since a bay window is already taking up space by protruding, it's best if it can double as a work desk. This also gives you a scenic view as you work (but you need to experiment with the placement of screens, as it may result in a bit of sun glare). 2. A dumbbell layout can be less desirable, depending on the work environment you need A dumbbell layout mitigates the need for corridors or hallways, by having the bedrooms flank the living/dining area (i.e., the living/dining room becomes the connecting point, rather than a hallway). But not everyone likes this, especially if they need a quiet Work From Home environment: In a dumbbell layout, sounds from both bedrooms more easily get into the living/dining area, and vice versa. If you're working in one of those bedrooms, for example, you might not want to hear the explosions from a movie or PlayStation 5 game right outside your door — you'd wish there was a hallway distancing it from you. The same is true if you work in the living/dining area: besides people crossing your workspace more often, your work noises may annoy the people in their bedrooms. Landlords with unrelated tenants, by the way, should take note of this. This is dependent on personal work habits, though. For example, we once met a single parent who prefers a dumbbell layout, as it's easier for her to keep an eye on her children in their bedrooms (she works in the dining room). 3. Noise control is more important Highway facings, or ground floor units with pool facings, are known to be much noisier. When working from home, you could be exposed to it all day — there's no other office to run to. For this reason, you may need to pick furnishings like heavier drapes or double-glazed windows (to absorb noise from the outdoors). Besides being on a low floor or close to roads, be wary of ground floor units that face the car park (usually in older flats and condos), or that are very close to pick-up/drop-off points. You're bound to be interrupted by car or lorry horns more often, or movers unloading furniture right out the window. A deeper, inward-facing unit on a higher floor may be preferable. Likewise, corner units, which have fewer neighbours, are preferable if you require more silence. 4. Dual-key layouts can be some of the best WFH units Dual-key units are actually intended for intergenerational family living, or for rental prospects. These units are subdivided into two, usually with the larger unit for a home and the smaller unit for rental or a single. But you can probably see how this could be the ultimate choice for a home office: by using the sub-unit, it allows for complete separation from the home unit. That means total privacy and silence, and no distractions from the home side. This is also ideal for sole proprietors or business people who actually meet with clients at their home address. If you're a professional photographer, for example, it's a lot more professional to meet clients in your sub-unit studio. If you're living alone or are a couple, a dual-key unit can also provide an emergency back-up: it gives you a sub-unit to rent out for extra cash. That could be an important consideration for new, home-based start-ups just finding their feet. That said, do be aware that dual-key units may not be the easiest to resell; these layouts have niche appeal, as the typical family buyer doesn't want to waste space on a separate sub-unit with an extra toilet, pantry, etc. 5. Larger balconies or patio/rooftop access may be more valuable Regular homeowners tend to be less enthused about these spaces, as they may feel it's unnecessary square footage to pay for. But unlike you, they don't spend their nine-to-five workday at home. For some, this can get claustrophobic or oppressive, as you're seeing nothing but the inside of your unit all day. Units that have Private Enclosed Spaces (PES), like a patio or decking, let you change the scene a bit by working outside. A large enough balcony (something big enough to set up a table and chair, preferably with a water or power point) may be invigorating, after hours of emails and spreadsheets. If you're the sort who loathes the idea of the Singapore rain and sun though, you can skip this! 6. Speak to your Interior Designer or Contractor if you'll need way more power outlets This depends on your home office setup, but from our experience, WFH types often need multiple monitors, docking stations, printers, and other gadgets. Older condos sometimes have surprisingly few power points, meaning ugly extension cables and potential circuit overloads. You may want to talk to your ID about additional power outlets, or using smart home systems (e.g., smart lighting) so you have fewer switches and power points to worry about. At the same time, you may want to run through your office set up with them, so you don't end up with tripping hazards from dozens of crossed cables. Don't forget the electrician can change the height level of sockets and switches too — this can come in handy if you need access while sitting at a desk. Finally, you might want to look into more comprehensive home content insurance A common mistake among the WFH crowd is that, because they're home all day, the property is safer from fires, leaks, etc. This isn't true though, as WFH also means keeping more appliances and gadgets running, and keeping more expensive professional-grade equipment at home. You might in fact want higher coverage, if your home content includes expensive work tools (e.g., musical instruments in sound studios, painting equipment, high-end cameras and more). Either look for insurance specific to these items, or broaden your home insurance for higher payouts. [[nid:716760]] This article was first published in Stackedhomes.
