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Government Notification

Government Notifies Tri-Service Act, Paving the Way for Unified Theatre Commands

News on Governance 3 ArdorComm Media Group Government Notifies Tri-Service Act, Paving the Way for Unified Theatre Commands

The government has taken a significant step towards military integration and efficiency by enforcing the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, paving the way for the creation of unified theatre commands. This landmark move aims to streamline command and control structures, leading to better operational synergy and effectiveness. The enforcement of the ISO Act, which received presidential assent on August 15 last year and was passed by Parliament during the monsoon session, marks a crucial milestone in the most radical military reorganization since Independence. This development comes in line with the BJP manifesto’s commitment to establish military theatre commands for more efficient operations, following the creation of the chief of defence staff (CDS) post in December 2019. CDS General Anil Chauhan chaired a “Parivartan Chintan” recently, during which sub-committees made presentations on various domains and aspects towards jointness and integration, signaling the impending establishment of integrated theatre commands (ITCs). The momentum for ITCs had stalled after the unfortunate demise of the first CDS Gen Bipin Rawat in December 2021, amidst inter-service turf conflicts. India’s transition to a cost-effective war-fighting machinery through ITCs is imperative, considering the inefficiencies of the existing 17 single-service commands. The ISO Act empowers military commanders of tri-service organizations with administrative and disciplinary powers over personnel from the Army, Navy, and IAF, without compromising the unique service conditions of each service. The ISO Act is instrumental in enabling requisite command and control structures for proposed ITCs. The current plan includes two adversary-specific ITCs—one for the northern borders with China at Lucknow and another for the western front with Pakistan at Jaipur. Additionally, the Maritime Theatre Command at Karwar in coastal Karnataka will cover the Indian Ocean Region and the larger Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Defence stated that the Act will empower the heads of ISOs, expedite case disposal, avoid multiple proceedings, and foster greater integration and jointness among the armed forces. This move underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s defence infrastructure and enhancing its strategic capabilities.    

Government Slashes Windfall Tax on Petroleum Crude: New Rates Effective January 16

News on Government 2 1 ArdorComm Media Group Government Slashes Windfall Tax on Petroleum Crude: New Rates Effective January 16

In a recent development, the Indian government has revised the windfall tax on petroleum crude, bringing it down to 1,700 rupees ($20.53) per tonne from the previous rate of 2,300 rupees per tonne. The decision, outlined in a government notification on Monday, is set to take effect from January 16. This move comes on the heels of a significant hike in the windfall tax on petroleum crude on January 2, when the government increased it from 1,300 rupees to 2,300 rupees per tonne. The latest reduction is seen as an adjustment to strike a balance and address concerns in the energy sector. The windfall tax was initially introduced in July 2022 on crude oil producers in India. The tax was extended to cover exports of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, as private refiners sought to capitalize on robust refining margins through overseas sales rather than selling domestically. Notably, the government revises the tax fortnightly to adapt to changing market dynamics. This adjustment aims to create a more favorable environment for the energy sector while ensuring a fair balance between government revenue and the interests of crude oil producers. As the revised rates come into effect from January 16, stakeholders in the energy industry will be closely monitoring the impact on refining margins and the overall dynamics of the petroleum crude market in India.