1.India Simplifies Wet Leasing Rules for Aircraft

In December 2024, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the finalization of revised rules simplifying wet leasing of aircraft by Indian carriers to counter global plane shortages and rising airfares.

Key Points

• Enhanced Flexibility:Airlines can deploy wet-leased planes on alternate routes, improving operational efficiency.
• Mandatory Safety Oversight:Lessors must meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety standards, with periodic maintenance and safety data furnished to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Incident Reporting:Indian airlines must report incidents involving wet-leased aircraft within 24 hours and provide access for DGCA inspections.
• Capacity Expansion:IndiGo and SpiceJet have leveraged wet leasing to tackle grounded fleets, with IndiGo operating 25 wet-leased planes and SpiceJet adding six.
• Strategic Move:The updated norms aim to reduce airfare hikes by mitigating supply chain issues delaying aircraft deliveries and maintenance.

2.Rajya Sabha Passes Boilers Bill

On 4th December 2024, the Rajya Sabha passed the Boilers Bill, replacing the Boilers Act of 1923, to enhance industrial safety and streamline boiler regulations across India.

Key Points

• Uniform Boiler Standards:The Bill mandates uniformity in boiler construction, pressure specifications, registration, and periodic safety inspections.
• Focus on Safety:Aimed at preventing boiler explosions, the legislation prioritizes protecting lives and property in industrial settings.
• Opposition Concerns: MPs raised objections over inadequate environmental and safety provisions. Amendments to address sustainability were defeated in a voice vote.
• Government Stance: Union Commerce Minister defended the Bill, emphasizing its role in ensuring safety and addressing fake narratives regarding industrial reforms.
• Environmental Critique: Opposition leaders criticized the Bill for neglecting sustainability and downplaying penalties for industrial accidents.

3.Coastal Shipping Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha

On 2nd December 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to enhance coastal trade and promote Indian-flagged vessels owned and operated by Indian citizens.

Key Points

• Licensing for Coastal Trade:The Bill prohibits foreign vessels from trading in coastal waters without a licence, with provisions for inland vessels to participate under specified conditions.
• Employment and Shipbuilding:Aims to create jobs for Indian seafarers and promote domestic shipbuilding by setting citizenship and building requirements for licensed vessels.
• National Database and Strategy:Proposes a National Database of coastal shipping and a Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan to ensure transparency and foster growth.
• Maritime Sector Reforms:Replaces outdated laws like the Coasting Vessel Act, 1838, and regulates mechanized vessels under a unified framework.
• Cost-Effective Transport:Recognizes coastal shipping as a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative for transportation, leveraging India’s 7,500 km coastline.

4.India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue

 

On 3rd December 2024, the second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue took place in New Delhi focusing on enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Key Outcomes

• Strategic Initiatives:Both sides reviewed progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and discussed advancing collaboration in areas like clean energy, health, and education.
• Trade and Defence:Emphasis on concluding a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and bolstering defence cooperation, particularly in cyber and counter-terrorism.
• Innovation and Technology:Advancements in the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership and Defence Industrial Roadmap highlighted.
• Regional Cooperation:Commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, promoting a free, open, and inclusive regional order.

5.Developing Nations Take Climate Fight to ICJ

On 2nd December 2024, the International Court of Justice began hearings to determine nations’ legal obligations under international laws to address climate change and the consequences of failing these obligations.

Key Developments

• ICJ Advisory Opinion:The recently concluded UN climate talks in Baku left developing nations disillusioned, as the agreed $300 billion in annual climate finance fell short of the $1.3 trillion demanded
• Origins:The case stems from a 2023 UNGA resolution spearheaded by Vanuatu, co-sponsored by 132 countries.
• Broader Legal Basis:The ruling could extend accountability beyond UNFCCC and Paris Agreement to other international legal frameworks, bolstering demands for compensation by vulnerable nations.
• Impact on Lawsuits:With over 2,600 climate lawsuits filed globally, the advisory opinion could set a precedent.
• Global Participation:A record 97 countries and multiple organizations are participating, including key emitters like the US, China, and India, despite their limited recognition of ICJ authority.

6.Joint Commission for Cooperation

 

On 4th December 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya signed an MoU in New Delhi to form a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) to enhance bilateral ties.

Key Points

• Formation of JCC:New Joint Working Groups in trade, education, technology, agriculture, security, and culture will monitor bilateral relations under the JCC framework.
• Strengthened Cooperation:Discussions focused on expanding India-Kuwait ties across diverse sectors, including trade, investment, and energy.
• PM Meeting:Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s support to the Indian community and discussed enhancing GCC collaboration under Kuwait’s Presidency.
• West Asia Stability:Both nations emphasized peace, security, and stability in the region, reaffirming their shared vision for regional development.