RTI flags staff shortage in DGCA, Govt to launch nationwide HPV vaccination drive, more

An exclusive India Today report based on an RTI reveals a critical staff shortage within India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, with a 44% vacancy in the Airworthiness Wing and 30 vacant posts in the Air Safety Wing. Aviation expert Sanjay Lal described the situation as 'highly, highly alarming', noting the regulator is overstretched. This report follows recent incidents including an air ambulance crash. Other major headlines include a patricide case in Lucknow, where a 21-year-old allegedly murdered his father over NEET exam pressure. In Noida, the Allahabad High Court issued notices after a techie died driving into an unmarked pit. On the health front, India is launching a nationwide HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls to combat cervical cancer. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for a two-day visit to Israel to discuss defence and technology with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The broadcast also covers the official relationship announcement of actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda.