AI’s jumbo order bares pilot pinch
Summary:
Air India's recent order for 470 aircraft has brought attention to the existing shortage of pilots in India's aviation industry. The 7,000-8,000 pilots needed to operate these aircraft over the next decade are a challenge, especially as the current shortage is causing delays, cancellations and fatigue among pilots. The operational costs of the airlines are being pushed up by the lack of pilots, which results in airfares rising and harm to the airlines and end-users. In addition, the arrival of the A350s requires a fresh batch of crew, as pilot training is specific to each type of aircraft.
GST appellate tribunal gets nod; dues of States cleared
Summary:
The GST Council in India has reached a consensus on the formation of the GST Appellate Tribunal, which is expected to address the increasing number of disputes under the indirect tax regime that are currently clogging high courts and other judicial fora. The Council has also reduced tax levies on liquid jaggery and pencil sharpeners, and extended GST exemptions to educational institutions and central and state educational boards for conducting entrance examinations. The Centre has released GST compensation dues to states amounting to INR 33,506 crore, and reduced penal charges for delayed filing of annual returns.
L-G approves AAP govt.’s recommendation to hold mayoral polls on Feb. 22
Summary:
The Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has approved the recommendation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to hold the Delhi mayoral elections on February 22, which will be the fourth attempt at conducting the polls. The decision comes after the Supreme Court directed that the nominated persons (aldermen) cannot vote in meetings of the MCD House, which sees the Mayor’s election, and to notify the date for the election within 24 hours. The AAP had accused the L-G of delaying the election unconstitutionally in connivance with the BJP.
ED has so far nabbed nine accused in excise policy case
Summary:
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted a money laundering probe and so far arrested nine individuals based on the Central Bureau of Investigation's investigation into the Delhi excise policy case. The ED has accused the then-communication in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Vijay Nair, of receiving INR 100 crore ($13.3 million) as kickbacks in advance from a group, whose prominent persons were YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, his son Raghav Magunta, P. Sarath Chandra Reddy, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K. Kavitha. AAP leaders allegedly created the excise policy to channel illegal funds to themselves, and the policy allegedly promoted cartel formations and exorbitant profits. The ED has also alleged that a part of the "kick-backs" was used for AAP's poll campaign in Goa in 2022. AAP leaders have denied the charges, and the BJP has attempted to paint AAP as corrupt.
Pensioners brace for joint legal battle over EPFO decision to ‘recover’ higher payments
Summary:
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has asked retired employees of the Haryana State Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development (HSCARD) Bank to return higher pensions they were receiving based on their actual salaries at the time of retirement. The pensioners had received the pension after a legal battle, but the EPFO has now stopped the higher pension based on a misinterpretation of a recent Supreme Court verdict, according to the pensioners. They allege that the EPFO is targeting them for fighting for pensioners' rights. Over 20,000 pensioners have received similar notices.
Meghalaya’s UDP fancies being in the driver’s seat this time
Summary:
The United Democratic Party (UDP) in India, known for introducing the formula of splitting Assembly terms 50-50 with the toss of a coin, aims to play a decisive role in the formation of the next government in Meghalaya. The UDP, perceived to be a Khasi region-specific party, is contesting 46 seats, including 16 in the Garo Hills region, and is banking on the confusion created by the "too many entities" in the fray and its new-found image as a pan-Meghalaya party. The party is also pinning hope on its pledges, including safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities and minorities in the state, and maintaining the territorial integrity of Meghalaya.
Russia committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine, says Harris
Summary:
US Vice President Kamala Harris stated at the Munich Security Conference that the US has determined that Russia committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Harris cited widespread and systematic attacks on civilians including murder, torture, rape, and deportation, as well as execution-style killings, beatings, and electrocutions. She also pointed to the forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of people, including children, and cruel separation of families. Harris emphasized the importance of gathering facts and holding them up against the law, stating that "these are crimes against humanity." Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who also attended the conference, issued a statement that "we reserve crimes against humanity determinations for the most egregious crimes."
India’s ‘eyes and ears’ on the China border
Summary:
India's Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force, which is responsible for securing India's 3,488km long border with China, will increase its strength by 9,400 personnel. This follows the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision to raise seven new battalions for deployment in Arunachal Pradesh, where the force will build 47 new border outposts and 12 staging camps. The new battalions, expected to be established by 2025-26, will increase ITBP strength to 97,000 personnel, making it the fourth largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in India. The ITBP has also built 25 strategic roads and is constructing another 32, which have provided faster troop mobility and improved logistics in border areas.
Govt. taps consultants to monetise land
Summary:
The National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC), created last year to monetize surplus land and building assets of central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) and other government agencies, is now inviting proposals from international property consultancy firms (IPCs) or other firms engaged in transaction advisory services to assist in the monetization of assets. The empaneled firms will be responsible for formulating monetization strategies, conducting techno-economic feasibility studies, providing end-to-end transaction advisory services, and ensuring the completion of transactions. The IPCs will also be required to assist in finalizing monetization models, transaction structure, and valuation, among other things.