Daily Current Affairs : 2-August-2024
India is ready to update the British-era Aircraft Act of 1934 with the brand new Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, which aims to bring the country’s aviation laws up to date with modern technology and international standards. This change is crucial because it addresses the rapid growth of the aviation industry and aligns with international aviation conventions.
Why the Aircraft Act of 1934 Needs to be Replaced
The Aircraft Act of 1934 has been amended several times over the years, but these changes have led to confusion and inefficiencies. Some key reasons for replacing it include:
- Frequent Amendments: The Act has been altered multiple times to enhance safety and oversight, but these changes have created ambiguities, making it difficult for stakeholders to understand and follow the rules.
- Redundancy Removal: The Act contains outdated provisions that are no longer relevant in the context of modern aviation practices.
- Simplification: The new law aims to streamline processes, making it easier to do business and comply with regulations.
- Modernization: The updated law will address the latest technological advancements in aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Key Provisions of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak
The new bill introduces several important provisions that will modernize India’s aviation sector:
- Revised Aircraft Definition: Balloons and gliders are no longer included in the definition of aircraft, which now focuses more on modern aviation technologies.
- Empowerment for Rule-Making: The government can now make rules to implement international conventions like the Chicago Convention (1944) and the International Telecommunication Convention (1932).
- Enhanced Powers for Aviation Authorities:
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will have more authority.
- The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will also gain enhanced powers.
- Emergency Powers: In case of a public safety threat, the government can take emergency actions such as detaining aircraft.
- License and Certification Management: The central government will have the authority to suspend or cancel licenses or certifications, with an opportunity for affected parties to be heard.
- Appeal Process: A two-level appeal process will be introduced, allowing for a second appeal between the initial and final appeal stages.
Significance of the Bill
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak is significant for several reasons:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Bill supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative by regulating aircraft design and manufacturing within the country.
- Expanding Coverage: The law will now cover emerging technologies such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), flying taxis, and electronic gliders.
- Aviation Growth: With India’s aviation market growing rapidly, the bill will help meet the needs of an expanding sector. According to ICRA, domestic air passenger traffic is expected to grow by 8-13% in FY2024.
Opposition and Government’s Response
Some parliamentarians have raised concerns about the Hindi name of the bill, claiming that it violates the Constitution, which mandates that parliamentary bills be in English. They also pointed out that the name might be difficult for people in South India to pronounce. However, the government has responded by clarifying that the bill’s text will remain in English, and the Hindi name is intended to create a new identity for India without violating constitutional provisions.
About the Chicago Convention
The Chicago Convention, established in 1944, is an international treaty that set the foundation for global air travel. It created the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to oversee the implementation of international standards in civil aviation. India is a member of the ICAO and adheres to the principles of the Chicago Convention, which includes the “freedoms of the air,” granting countries the right to fly over and land in other territories, as well as transport passengers and cargo.
Important Points:
Certainly! Here are the important bullet points based on the essay:
- Objective of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak:
- Replace the British-era Aircraft Act of 1934 with a modern law.
- Align India’s aviation laws with current technology and international standards.
Reasons for Replacing the Aircraft Act of 1934:
- Frequent Amendments: Multiple changes over time created ambiguities and confusion.
- Redundancy Removal: Outdated provisions that are no longer relevant.
- Simplification: Streamline processes to improve ease of business and compliance.
- Modernization: Address advancements in aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Key Provisions of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak:
- Revised Aircraft Definition: Excludes balloons and gliders, focusing on modern aviation.
- Empowerment for Rule-Making: Government can enforce international conventions like the Chicago Convention (1944) and the International Telecommunication Convention (1932).
- Enhanced Powers for Aviation Authorities:
- Increased authority for DGCA, BCAS, and AAIB.
- Emergency Powers: Government can take actions such as detaining aircraft in emergencies.
- License and Certification Management: Central government can suspend or cancel licenses, with an opportunity for a hearing.
- Appeal Process: Introduction of a two-level appeal process.
Significance of the Bill:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Supports self-reliant India by regulating domestic aircraft design and manufacturing.
- Expanding Coverage: Includes emerging technologies like drones, UAVs, flying taxis, and electronic gliders.
- Aviation Growth: Supports the rapidly growing aviation sector, with a forecasted 8-13% growth in domestic air passenger traffic for FY2024.
Opposition and Government Response:
- Opposition to Hindi Name: Some parliamentarians raised concerns about the Hindi name violating the Constitution.
- Government’s Response: Clarified that the bill’s text will remain in English, and the Hindi name is intended to create a new identity for India.
About the Chicago Convention:
- International Treaty: Established in 1944, it set global air travel standards.
- ICAO Oversight: Created the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to oversee aviation standards.
- Freedoms of the Air: Grant countries the right to fly over, land in, and transport passengers between territories.
Why In News
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak is set to replace the British-era Aircraft Act of 1934, marking a significant step towards modernizing India’s aviation laws. This new legislation aims to address the challenges posed by the rapid growth of the aviation industry and ensure that India’s regulations are in line with current technological advancements and international standards.
MCQs about The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak
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What is the main reason for replacing the British-era Aircraft Act of 1934?
A. To promote international travel
B. To simplify the aviation processes and align with modern technology
C. To regulate drone usage
D. To create more bureaucratic oversight
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Which of the following is NOT a key provision of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak?
A. Empowering the government to make rules based on international conventions
B. Enhanced powers for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
C. Removing outdated provisions from the Aircraft Act
D. Introducing a third level of appeal process for aviation cases
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How does the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak support India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative?
A. By promoting foreign aircraft manufacturing
B. By regulating the design and manufacturing of aircraft within India
C. By creating global aviation alliances
D. By limiting foreign airlines operating in India
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What does the Chicago Convention (1944) primarily establish?
A. International tax rules for airlines
B. The principles of international air transport
C. Regulations for airport security
D. Rules for commercial drone usage
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