Govt could acquire 30% stake in Shell's Rajasthan oil block
Government on Thursday said it could acquire upto 30 per cent stake in Shell India Production Development's discovered oil field in Barmer district of Rajasthan. "Government through its designated nominee shall have an option to acquire a participating interest upto 30 per cent in the block, in terms of the production sharing contract (PSC)," minister of state for petroleum and natural gas E Ponnuswamy said in Parliament on Thursday.

Govt considering autonomous body for aircraft safety audit
Government is undertaking safety audit of aircraft belonging to all airlines, including private ones, and considering a suggestion to set up an autonomous body for this purpose, Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday. Replying to a query by Madhavrao Scindia (Cong) whether the government was considering safety audit of Allianz Air's aircraft, which were 17 to 18 years old, and pursuing a policy of open sky beneficial to passengers, civil aviation minister Sharad Yadav said, "the suggestions are under consideration."

Development of oil field in Iraq not possible
Petroleum and natural gas minister Ram Naik said in Parliament on Thursday the matter of India pursuing opportunities in development of oil fields in Iraq was a "sensitive issue" and it would not be possible due to United Nations sanctions against Baghdad.

Govt may give airports to MNCs
Government will soon give some airports on "long-term deals" to multinational companies to make them user-friendly with multi-model linkages in order to enhance international trade and tourism, minister of state for civil aviation Chaman Lal Gupta said in New Delhi on Thursday. "This was necessary to make the airports at par with world class," Gupta said.