- NATIONAL
AIR TAXIS WILL BE A REALITY IN INDIA SOON
- Air taxis are small, electric or hybrid-electric aircraft designed for short-distance travel, typically within urban areas or between nearby cities. They are part of the broader category of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions, which aim to alleviate ground traffic congestion and provide faster, more efficient transportation options.
- Key Features of Air Taxis
- Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL)
- Electric Propulsion: makes them quieter and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional aircraft.
- Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous Operation reducing the need for a human pilot and potentially lowering operational costs.
- Short-Distance Travel: covering distances of up to 100-200 kilometers.
- Air Taxis in India
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced that air taxis will soon become a reality in India. This statement was made during the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, hosted in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- Potential Benefits
- Reduced Traffic Congestion
- Faster Commutes
- Environmental Benefits: fewer emissions
- Economic Opportunities: new jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, and operations
2. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SATELLITE – BASED TOLL SYSTEM LIKELY FROM 2025
- Implementation Timeline
- The satellite-based toll system is set to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2025.
- Responsible Authority: Indian Highways Management Company Limited is preparing bids for toll chargers.
- Hybrid Toll Mechanism: The system will combine satellite-based tracking with existing radio frequency identification (RFID)-based Fastags.
- Technology: Vehicles will be fitted with an onboard unit to receive signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and RFID-based Fastags for toll tracking
3. NATIONAL
DISSOLUTION OF SCOS
- The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently dissolved the 14-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS), which was headed by eminent economist and former chief statistician of India, Pronab Sen. The dissolution was attributed to the overlap of the SCoS’s work with that of the Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys, headed by Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar.
- Key Responsibilities of SCoS The SCoS had several critical roles, including:
- Advising the Centre on survey methodology, including sampling frames, sampling design, survey instruments, and questions.
- Finalizing the tabulation plan of surveys.
- Reviewing the existing framework and addressing issues related to survey subjects, results, and methodology.
- Providing guidance for conducting pilot surveys and pre-testing.
- Exploring the availability of administrative statistics related to surveys.
- Identifying data gaps and additional data requirements.
- Offering technical guidance to Central and State agencies for conducting surveys.
- Role of the New Steering Committee The new Steering Committee, which replaces the SCoS, has 17 members and one non-member secretary. The committee includes at least four members from the SCoS and several officials. Its tenure is set for two years.
- The Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee are similar to those of the SCoS, including:
- Reviewing subject results, methodology, questionnaires, sampling frames, sampling design, concepts, definitions, and survey instruments related to all National Sample Surveys.
- Advising the Ministry on survey methodology and finalizing the tabulation plan of surveys
4. SOCIAL ISSUES
STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROBE SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN BENGALI FILM INDUSTRY
- The issue of women safety, particularly in the context of workplace harassment, has been a significant concern across various industries in India, including the film industry.
- Recently, the West Bengal government has taken steps to address allegations of sexual exploitation in the Bengali film industry, following the example set by the Justice Hema Committee in Kerala.
- Committee’s Objectives: The committee aims to investigate sexual harassment practices within the Bengali film industry and compile a comprehensive report.
- The goal is to unmask and hold accountable those who engage in predatory behavior, thereby cleansing the industry of such individuals.
- The formation of such committees aligns with the broader legal framework in India aimed at preventing sexual harassment at the workplace, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
- Cultural Shift:
- These steps are part of a larger cultural shift towards greater accountability and safety for women in the workplace.
- They reflect a growing recognition of the need to create safe and respectful working environments for all individuals, regardless of industry.
5. POLITY
ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME NOT A REASON TO BULLDOZE PROPERTY
- The Supreme Court of India ruled that the alleged involvement of a person in a crime is not a valid reason for the demolition of their property. This decision underscores the principle that actions of the State must be governed by the rule of law.
- Key points from the ruling:
- Rule of Law: The Supreme Court emphasized that the law is supreme in India, and any action by the State must adhere to legal principles. Arbitrary demolition of property based on alleged criminal involvement violates this principle.
- Protection of Private Property: The court highlighted the need for a panIndia policy to protect private property from arbitrary demolition by government authorities. This ensures that individuals’ rights are safeguarded against unjust actions.
- Case Specifics: The ruling came in response to an urgent plea by Javed Ali, whose family home in Gujarat was under threat of demolition following an FIR against a family member. The court ordered a status quo to be maintained, preventing the demolition.
- Implications: This ruling sets a precedent that the involvement of a family member in a crime does not justify punitive actions against other family members or their legally constructed property.
- It reinforces the idea that each individual’s rights and properties are protected under the law, irrespective of allegations against them. This decision is significant for upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights against arbitrary state actions.
ONE LINER
- China hosted the Ninth edition of the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing
- India’s first conservation and breeding centre for the Asian King Vultures was inaugurated in Gorakpur Forest Division
