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Rajya Sabha Passage: The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, has been passed, aiming to implement international conventions on aviation equipment leasing.
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Cape Town Convention: It implements the
Cape Town Convention of 2001 and its Aircraft Equipment Protocol, to which India became a signatory in 2008. -
Purpose: To secure rights over high-value mobile assets like aircraft, helicopters, and engines, ensuring legal clarity in the aviation industry. It aims to protect creditors and stakeholders in aviation leasing.
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DGCA Role: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is designated as the registry authority for aircraft registration and de-registration. Airlines must inform DGCA about dues to lessors, and lessors must inform DGCA about their activities.
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Creditor Rights: Creditors must notify DGCA before initiating remedies in case of default. They can recover assets within two months or a mutually agreed timeframe.
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Benefits: The bill is expected to provide clarity and security in the leasing industry, potentially reducing leasing costs by 8-10%, which may lead to lower airfares.
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Need for the Bill: With 86.4% of planes operating in India under a leasing model, the bill aims to establish a domestic leasing industry, addressing the absence of prior legislation in this area, creating provision for intimation of dues to lessors periodically.
9K33 Osa-AK Missile System
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Indian Army Exercise: The Indian Army’s White Tiger Division recently conducted a live missile-firing exercise involving the 9K33 Osa-AK missile system, demonstrating operational readiness.
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System Overview: The 9K33 Osa-AK is a Russian-built, highly mobile, low-altitude, short-range tactical surface-to-air defense missile system.
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Historical Context: Developed in the 1960s and introduced in 1972, it remains a crucial asset for many armies, including India’s. NATO reporting name: SA-8 Gecko.
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Features:
- All-in-one TELAR vehicle for independent threat engagement.
- Carries six ready-to-fire missiles.
- Maximum range of 12 km.
- Amphibious and air transportable.
- Range of 500 km on road for quick relocation.
- NBC protection system.
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Mobility: Its high mobility allows for rapid response to threats in dynamic combat situations and strategic deployment to various regions.