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UN Unveils Key Recommendations for Global AI Governance

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The United Nations (UN) has released a landmark report proposing a global framework to address the risks and governance gaps associated with artificial intelligence (AI). Titled “Governing AI for Humanity,” the report outlines seven key recommendations to ensure that AI development aligns with human rights, ethical principles, and sustainable development goals. The report, prepared by a 39-member UN advisory body established last year, highlights the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging governments, private companies, civil society, and international organizations to collaborate on AI governance. These recommendations will be discussed at an upcoming UN summit later this month. In a video statement accompanying the report’s release, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of the document, calling it a “key milestone” in the UN’s ongoing efforts to ensure that AI serves the common good and benefits all of humanity. Among the proposals, the report calls for the creation of a global AI governance system that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable. It advocates for an international AI standards exchange and a global AI capacity development network to strengthen governance capabilities. The report also stresses the need to address AI-related risks such as bias, privacy violations, and job displacement. One notable recommendation is the establishment of a global AI fund to close gaps in governance capacity and collaboration. Additionally, the UN proposes forming a global AI data framework to enhance transparency and accountability in AI systems. The report also warns of the concentration of AI development in a few multinational companies, which could lead to the technology being imposed on populations without proper input or oversight. To support these governance efforts, the UN proposes the creation of a small AI office to coordinate and implement these recommendations. As AI continues to rapidly evolve, the UN’s report aims to ensure that it remains a force for good, aligning with global standards and benefiting all sectors of society. Source: CGTN

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Arvind Kejriwal Resigns as Chief Minister, Atishi to Take Over

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Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has stepped down as the Chief Minister of Delhi, submitting his resignation to Lt Governor VK Saxena. Kejriwal’s decision came after recent political developments, and Atishi, a senior AAP leader and minister, has been selected by the party to succeed him. At a meeting with AAP legislators, Kejriwal proposed Atishi’s name, which was unanimously accepted by all present. Following her selection, Atishi met with Lt Governor Saxena to formally stake her claim to the Chief Minister’s post. Addressing the media after her meeting, Atishi remarked, “This is the first time in history that a Chief Minister steps down, asserting that the verdict of the people matters more than the court’s decision. The people of Delhi still see Arvind Kejriwal as their rightful leader, and they will bring him back in the next elections.” Atishi, a key figure in AAP since its inception and a trusted aide of Kejriwal, is set to take her oath in a special Assembly session on September 26-27. There will be no Deputy Chief Minister, and Atishi, who represents Kalkaji constituency, will manage a broad array of portfolios, including education, finance, and public works. Delhi Minister Gopal Rai praised Atishi’s appointment, noting the challenges AAP faces from “misuse of agencies aimed at destabilizing the government.” He said Atishi has the dual responsibility of serving the two crore citizens of Delhi while countering the political opposition. Atishi’s rise comes as a pivotal moment in Delhi’s political landscape. Known for her academic background as an Oxford graduate and a Rhodes Scholar, Atishi has been instrumental in improving Delhi’s education system. She gained prominence as the party’s public face during the AAP leadership’s legal challenges and Kejriwal’s arrest in the liquor policy case. Atishi’s immediate task will be to lead AAP into the upcoming Assembly elections, expected in February next year, and continue the party’s focus on governance and development for the people of Delhi. Source: India Today

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Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Major Reforms for Holistic Development and Governance

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The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, approved several landmark decisions during a meeting held on Monday. The meeting focused on the “Reforms 3.0” initiative, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India and a developed Arunachal Pradesh. The Cabinet reviewed and reaffirmed 24 action points, initially laid out in its first meeting on June 13, 2024. These points form the foundation of the state’s ambitious governance reforms, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens, addressing youth aspirations, and fostering development through increased investments. The government emphasized a “whole-of-government” approach to ensure the successful implementation of these action points, stressing the need for department collaboration and technological interventions. Key decisions were made to streamline various sectors, including health, governance, and recruitment processes: Health Sector Boost: The state government highlighted its commitment to improving health infrastructure. Over the past eight years, initiatives have been launched to ensure affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all. The Cabinet approved amendments to the Arunachal Pradesh Health Service Rules, 2000, and framed recruitment rules for newly created posts like Director of Medical Education and Director of Family Welfare. Additionally, 10 new Nursing Superintendent posts were created, and the ‘Arunachal Pradesh Allied and Health Care Council Rules, 2024’ were approved. Governance and Recruitment Reforms: To enhance transparency and efficiency, the Cabinet approved amendments to various recruitment rules, including those for Group-A, B, and C posts. Changes were made to the minimum qualifying marks for ex-servicemen in Group-C posts to address the issue of vacant posts reserved for this category. The Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board Rules, 2018, were also amended to include the APSSB in the selection process for Meritorious Sportspersons, ensuring compliance with central policy guidelines. Legal and Fire Services: The Cabinet approved amendments to recruitment rules for public prosecutors to align with new criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. The recruitment rules for Sub Fire Officers in the Department of Fire and Emergency Services were also updated to meet current requirements. These comprehensive reforms are expected to bring transformative changes to Arunachal Pradesh’s governance, health, and administrative sectors, driving progress and development across the state. Source: India Today

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 SEBI Levels Playing Field for FVCIs with New Governance Norms

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The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued new norms that bring foreign venture capital investors (FVCIs) under the same regulatory framework as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). This move marks a significant overhaul of the registration and governance framework for FVCIs, aiming to establish greater parity between the two investor categories. Under the updated norms, effective from January 1, 2025, FVCIs will be required to delegate their registration and governance processes to designated depository participants (DDPs), aligning with the current requirements for FPIs. The amendments also mandate FVCIs to disclose details of beneficial ownership under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, enhancing transparency and compliance. Key changes include revisions to registration and eligibility criteria, application requirements, the rationalization of registration costs, and the introduction of a renewal fee. Previously, SEBI managed the registration and due diligence processes directly, but these responsibilities will now be handed over to DDPs. This change reflects SEBI’s broader strategy to reduce its direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of intermediaries, allowing the regulator to concentrate more on policy-making and regulatory oversight. Gazal Rawal, Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, noted that while the changes may increase compliance burdens for DDPs amid ongoing regulatory adjustments, they will ultimately enhance governance and transparency. She added that the application process for FVCIs is expected to be streamlined in the future, similar to FPIs, with registration, PAN allotment, and KYC for bank and dematerialized accounts to be managed through a common form. Legal experts see these reforms as an effort to replicate SEBI’s success in delegating responsibilities to DDPs for FPIs. “New concepts like notifying the DDP of material changes, renewal of registration, and the imposition of late fees for renewal have been introduced for FVCIs. This move aligns SEBI’s approach to reduce its direct operational involvement with intermediaries,” said Ritul Sarraf of Nishith Desai Associates. Interestingly, restrictions under Press Note 3 on foreign direct investment from land-bordering countries and additional disclosure requirements for FPIs do not appear to apply to FVCIs, signaling nuanced regulatory considerations. The updated norms come after a year-long consultative process, providing stakeholders ample time to adapt. In 2023-24, 28 new FVCIs were registered, bringing the total to 279 as of March 2024, with investments increasing by 12% year-on-year to Rs 53,922 crore, predominantly in the information technology sector. SEBI’s revamped framework is expected to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and bring FVCIs and FPIs onto an equal regulatory footing, reinforcing India’s commitment to a robust and transparent investment ecosystem. Source: Business Standard  

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MCA Notifies ₹2,000 Crore Deal Value Threshold for Mergers and Acquisitions

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The Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has introduced a significant update to India’s merger and acquisition regulations by notifying the deal value threshold (DVT) provision under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023. Effective from September 10, this new rule mandates that all mergers or acquisitions with a deal value exceeding ₹2,000 crore must undergo review by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) if the target company has substantial business operations in India. This move aims to address potential gaps left by traditional asset or turnover-based thresholds, especially in the context of high-value transactions within digital markets. By incorporating the DVT, the MCA intends to provide additional scrutiny to ensure that large digital deals do not escape regulatory oversight merely because they do not meet conventional financial criteria. Alongside the DVT provision, new rules under the Competition (Minimum Value of Assets or Turnover) Rules have been introduced, offering a safe harbour for certain combinations. Transactions involving enterprises with assets below ₹450 crore and turnover less than ₹1,250 crore are exempt from CCI approval, thereby easing regulatory burdens on smaller deals unlikely to pose anti-competitive risks. The CCI has also updated its regulations under the Competition Commission of India (Combinations) Regulations, 2024, detailing how deal value is to be calculated. All forms of valuable consideration—whether direct, indirect, immediate, deferred, or non-cash—are included. This encompasses payments related to covenants, technology assistance, intellectual property rights, branding, and other inter-connected transactions within two years of the deal. The updated regulations also specify filing fees for different types of combinations: ₹30 lakh for Form I filings and ₹90 lakh for Form II filings. If a combination’s market share exceeds specified thresholds, a more detailed review (Form II) is mandated to assess its impact on competition. The newly notified regulations will have an overriding effect on all other regulations under the Competition Act related to mergers and combinations, reinforcing the importance of these updates. The amendments, passed by the Lok Sabha in 2023, are intended to modernize India’s merger control regime by introducing a more comprehensive assessment criterion focused on deal value, particularly relevant to rapidly evolving digital and tech markets. This regulatory overhaul marks a critical step in aligning India’s competition framework with global standards, ensuring fair competition and protecting the interests of consumers in an increasingly digital economy. Source: Times of India

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Assam’s ‘Shiksha Setu Axom’ App Wins Gold for Excellence in e-Governance

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The Assam government’s ‘Shiksha Setu Axom’ mobile application has been awarded the prestigious gold category award for excellence in e-governance by the Centre’s Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. The award was received by Assam Samagra Siksha Mission Director Om Prakash and Executive Director Sanjoy Dutta at the National Conference on e-Governance 2024, held in Mumbai on Tuesday. The conference was organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievance, as stated in an official release on Wednesday. The ‘Shiksha Setu Axom’ app was recognized for its innovative use of technology to enhance real-time monitoring and attendance management, setting new benchmarks in educational governance. With a user base of 4.9 million, the app captures real-time, geo-fenced attendance of teachers, students, and non-teaching staff. Its AI-based system eliminates proxy attendance and ghost students, ensures timely teacher attendance, monitors prolonged student absence, predicts potential dropouts, and helps re-engage students. The department presented a total of nine gold, six silver, and one jury awards in the e-governance sector. By integrating AI-based solutions, the app provides an efficient and transparent platform that addresses critical issues like absenteeism, dropout rates, and the challenge of maintaining accurate attendance records. Its geo-fencing capabilities ensure that attendance data is captured only when users are physically present within designated school premises, thereby maintaining the integrity of the system. This forward-thinking approach not only supports the state’s mission to enhance educational governance but also serves as a model for other states looking to implement digital reforms in the education sector. Source: Times of India

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Himachal Pradesh Government Rationalises Subsidies for Financial Prudence

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The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is taking steps to rationalise subsidies and freebies to address the State’s financial challenges. With the total debt soaring from ₹47,906 crore in 2018 to ₹76,651 crore in 2023, Sukhu has criticized the previous BJP regime for its wasteful expenditures and financial mismanagement. Sukhu’s government aims to improve revenue by curbing subsidies given to affluent sections of society. “We are working towards fiscal prudence, and rationalising various subsidies is one among them,” said the Chief Minister. Subsidy cuts include stopping the electricity subsidy for hotels and large commercial establishments, and imposing charges for water on rural households earning above ₹50,000 annually, while weaker sections continue to receive it for free. The government has also introduced water cess on power projects, though its implementation faces legal hurdles. Other austerity measures include deferring the salaries of top government officials for two months to symbolize the State’s commitment to financial discipline. The opposition BJP has targeted the Congress government, blaming it for the rising debt, now approaching ₹90,000 crore. Sukhu argues that his government inherited this financial burden and is taking steps to correct it, such as adopting an open tender policy for auctioning retail liquor vends, generating significant revenue compared to the previous government’s approach. Sukhu also criticized the BJP for not adequately presenting the State’s case before the 15th Finance Commission, resulting in a reduction of the revenue deficit grant and restrictions on borrowing for external projects. Sukhu’s government continues to push for reforms to stabilize the State’s finances and curb further debt accumulation. Source: The Hindu  

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Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to Provide Assured Pension, But Adds Financial Strain on Exchequer

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The newly approved Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), set to be implemented from April 1, 2025, promises to provide an assured pension to 23 lakh eligible central government employees, adding an annual financial burden of Rs 6,250 crore on the exchequer. Under this scheme, the government’s contribution will rise from the current 14% to 18.5%, while employees’ contributions will remain unchanged at 10% of their basic salary. The UPS aims to address long-standing demands of government employees by offering a guaranteed minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month for those with at least 10 years of service. Additionally, it ensures an assured family pension in case of a pensioner’s demise, with dearness relief linked to the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW). For employees retiring before March 31, 2025, under the National Pension System (NPS), a total arrear of Rs 800 crore will be provided if they choose to switch to the UPS. The scheme, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, is seen as a move ahead of upcoming assembly elections in states like Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The UPS allows employees under NPS to opt in, but once chosen, there is no option to revert. The pension payout will be linked to the corpus accumulated, unlike the NPS, which is solely contributory. Employees with a service length of 25 years will receive a pension amounting to 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement. For those with service periods between 10 to 25 years, the pension will be proportionate. This move comes amid demands from several states to revert to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which was linked to dearness allowance, in contrast to the NPS. Despite the shift to NPS since January 1, 2004, some states have been pushing for a rollback to OPS. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the UPS ensures dignity and financial security for government employees, aligning with the government’s commitment to their well-being and a secure future. The scheme represents a significant transformation of NPS, integrating features like dearness relief and fixed pension amounts. The approval of UPS follows a review by a committee set up by the finance ministry last year, tasked with recommending improvements to the NPS while balancing fiscal implications. The UPS is expected to reshape the pension landscape for central government employees, offering enhanced benefits while managing long-term fiscal sustainability. Source: Economics Times

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Maharashtra Becomes First State to Implement Unified Pension Scheme for Employees

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In a significant move ahead of upcoming elections, Maharashtra has become the first state to introduce the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for its employees, following demands from central government employee organizations for state governments to adopt the scheme. The decision came just 24 hours after the Union Cabinet approved the UPS, which offers 50% of an employee’s average salary from the last 12 months as pension, with inflation adjustments and additional benefits. The scheme is designed to address the demands of government employees who joined service in 2004 or later, offering a viable alternative to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). While 23 lakh central government employees are set to benefit from the UPS, the number could rise to 90 lakh if all states implement the scheme. Top representatives of central government employees have urged states to adopt the UPS and avoid politicizing the issue. Although they consider OPS the best option since it did not require employee contributions, they expressed satisfaction with the new UPS, noting that it incorporates 90% of the OPS features. Shiv Gopal Mishra, of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, emphasized the practicality of the UPS given the current economic scenario. The panel reviewing the National Pension System (NPS), led by Cabinet Secretary-designate T V Somanathan, highlighted that the UPS template can be replicated by states and would benefit over 99% of employees currently covered under NPS. JCM chief M Raghavaiah called for more states to implement the UPS and urged the government to reduce the service requirement for guaranteed pensions from 25 years to 20 years. He also suggested that the lump sum payment at retirement should be based on one-fourth of an employee’s monthly pay over the last six months. The scheme is expected to particularly benefit over eight lakh railway employees who have joined service in the past 20 years. Addressing concerns about political implications, a senior representative emphasized that the welfare of government employees should not be a partisan issue. Source: Al Jazeera

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Protests Erupt Across Indonesia as Parliament Delays Election Law Changes

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Mass protests have swept across Indonesia after the parliament postponed ratifying controversial changes to the country’s election law. The proposed revisions have sparked outrage, with many accusing the government of trying to consolidate political power for outgoing President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The parliamentary session to pass the amendments was delayed on Thursday due to insufficient attendance, leading to a standoff outside the legislature in Jakarta, where protesters attempted to breach the gates. Demonstrations also took place in multiple cities across Java, with some turning violent as authorities responded with tear gas. The proposed changes would overturn a recent constitutional court ruling that blocked a vocal government critic from running for the Jakarta governor position. Additionally, the revisions could allow Jokowi’s youngest son to participate in upcoming elections in Java this November, raising concerns about political dynasties. President Widodo has downplayed the unrest, framing the situation as a normal part of Indonesia’s democratic system and checks and balances. However, legal experts have warned that the dispute between the judiciary and parliament could lead to a constitutional crisis. Analyst Titi Anggraini described the situation as “constitutional insubordination.” In Jakarta and other cities, demonstrators carried signs and banners criticizing Jokowi, accusing him of undermining democracy. Many protesters, including members of the Ummat Party, expressed concerns that the government’s actions represent a move towards authoritarianism. The situation remains tense, with parliament yet to decide whether it will reconvene before the regional election registration opens next week. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their concerns are addressed.

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