Daily Current Affairs : 4-June-2024
The Civil Aviation Ministry of India has currently delivered the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023, with the goal of modernizing the country’s aviation policies. This bill seeks to update the Aircraft Act, 1934, which has become outdated in addressing the evolving needs of the aviation sector. The new bill aims to streamline aviation laws and align India’s regulations with international standards, specifically those of the Chicago Convention.
Aim of the Draft Bill
The primary objective of the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023 is to simplify and update the rules governing civil aviation in India. These include areas like:
- Aircraft design and manufacture
- Possession, use, and operation of aircraft
- Sale, import, and export of aircraft
The bill also aims to remove the redundancies found within the 1934 law and align India’s regulations with global aviation standards. By doing so, the draft bill intends to strengthen the civil aviation sector and ensure its compliance with international norms set by the Chicago Convention.
Major Provisions of the Draft Bill
The Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023 includes several important provisions that will improve the regulatory framework for aviation in India:
Creation of Statutory Bodies
Two new statutory bodies will be established under the bill:
- Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
These organizations will be responsible for implementing the standards and practices set out in the Chicago Convention, ensuring both safety and security in civil aviation. They will also play a key role in regulatory and oversight functions.
Enhanced Powers for Regulatory Bodies
The bill gives sufficient powers to existing regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This will enable them to enforce regulations more effectively and respond to emerging challenges in the aviation industry.
Understanding the Chicago Convention
The Chicago Convention, officially known as the Convention on International Civil Aviation, was signed in 1944. This international treaty lays down the core principles and standards for the global aviation industry. It established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which oversees the implementation of these principles across countries.
The convention recognizes the nine freedoms of air, which grant countries specific rights for international air travel. These rights include:
- The ability to fly over foreign territories
- The right to land in foreign airports
- The right to transport passengers and cargo between countries
India, as a member of the Chicago Convention, is committed to adhering to its standards and practices. The Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023 seeks to ensure that India’s aviation laws comply with these international norms.
Important Points:
Objective: The Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023 aims to modernize and simplify India’s aviation laws, replacing the outdated Aircraft Act, 1934.
Scope of the Bill: It covers areas such as:
- Aircraft design and manufacture
- Possession, use, and operation of aircraft
- Sale, import, and export of aircraft
Alignment with Global Standards: The bill seeks to bring India’s aviation regulations in line with international standards, particularly those set by the Chicago Convention.
Creation of Statutory Bodies:
- Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
These bodies will implement Chicago Convention standards and ensure safety and security in civil aviation.
Enhanced Powers for Regulatory Bodies: The bill grants more powers to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce regulations and address emerging challenges in the aviation sector.
Chicago Convention Overview:
- Signed in 1944, it sets international aviation standards and created the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- It recognizes the nine freedoms of air, allowing countries the right to fly over, land in, and transport passengers and cargo across territories.
India’s Commitment: India, as a member of the Chicago Convention, will ensure that its aviation laws comply with international norms through the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023.
Why In News
The Civil Aviation Ministry has issued the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023 to replace the outdated Aircraft Act, 1934, aiming to modernize India’s aviation regulations and address the evolving needs of the sector in line with global standards.
MCQs about The Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023
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What is the primary objective of the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023?
A. To create a new national airline for India
B. To modernize and replace the **Aircraft Act, 1934** with updated regulations
C. To privatize the aviation sector in India
D. To regulate airfares for domestic airlines
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Which two statutory bodies will be created under the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023?
A. National Aviation Authority and Civil Aviation Bureau
B. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
C. Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Air Traffic Control Bureau
D. Ministry of Civil Aviation and Indian Airlines Authority
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What does the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023 seek to align India’s aviation laws with?
A. European Union aviation regulations
B. Chicago Convention standards
C. The United Nations Aviation Agreement
D. International Trade Organization guidelines
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What are the “nine freedoms of air” recognized by the Chicago Convention?
A. Rights related to the movement of passengers across countries
B. Rights that grant nations the ability to fly over, land in, and transport passengers and cargo between countries
C. Rights related to the regulation of domestic airline fares
D. Rights that ensure security at international airports
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