The Competition Commission of India (CCI) received the following three Green Channel combinations filed under sub-section (2) of Section 6 of the Competition Act, 2002 (Act) read with regulation 5A of the Competition Commission of India (Procedure in regard to the transactions of business relating to combinations) Regulations, 2011 (Combination Regulations):

1. Acquisition of IDBI Asset Management Ltd. (IAML) and IDBI MF Trustee Company Ltd. (IMTL) by Muthoot Finance Limited (MFL) [filed on 16^th December, 2019]

The notification relates to the acquisition of 100% equity shares of both IAML and IMTL by MFL. MFL, a non-deposit taking NBFC registered with the RBI and provides secured and unsecured loan (financing) against collateral of gold jewellery to companies and individuals. IAML’s principal activity is to act as an asset management company to the IDBI Mutual Fund. IMTL acts as the trustee company of IDBI MF in India. IDBI Bank holds 100% shareholding in IMTL.

Summary of the Proposed Combination is available at: https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/notice_order_summary_doc/C-2019-12-710.pdf 

2. Acquisition of Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) and Adani Electricity Mumbai Services Limited (AEMSL) by Qatar Holding LLC (QH) [filed on 19^th December, 2019]

The notification relates to the acquisition by QH of 25.1% equity shares of AEML and AEMSL from Adani Transmission Limited.  QH, registered as a FPI with SEBI, is an investment holding company of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).  AEML is the licensee for an integrated power distribution, transmission and generation business. AEMSL is a newly incorporated entity and is currently not engaged in any business activity. AEMSL intends to provide certain captive services to AEML and ATL.

Summary of the Proposed Combination is available at

https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/notice_order_summary_doc/C-2019-12-712.pdf

3. Acquisition of GVK Airport Holdings Limited (GVKAHL ) by Green Rock B 2014 Limited (Green Rock), National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Indo-Infra Inc. (Indo-Infra) [filed on 19^th December, 2019]

The notification relates to acquisition of shares of, and control over, GVKAHL (and / or of its affiliates) and through GVKAHL (and / or through its affiliates), control over GVKAHL’s subsidiaries, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) and Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIA) by Green Rock, NIIF, and Indo-Infra. Green Rock, a trustee of Green Stone Trust has made certain investments in India and does not carry out any business activities directly in India. NIIF is an alternative investment fund with a focus to provide long-term capital to the country’s infrastructure sector. Indo-Infra is a holding company and part of the PSP group. PSP is a Canadian Crown corporation established by the Canadian Parliament under the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act. GVKAHL is an affiliate of the GVK group. GVKAHL is a holding company for MIAL and its subsidiaries and joint ventures, and is also intended to engage in the business of developing infrastructure facilities and investing in companies directly or indirectly developing, operating and managing airports.

Summary of the Proposed Combination is available at

https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/notice_order_summary_doc/C-2019-12-713.pdf

The Proposed Combinations filed under sub-section (2) of Section 6 of the Act read with regulations 5A of the Combination Regulations (i.e. notice for approval of Combinations under Green Channel) shall be deemed to have been approved upon filing and acknowledgement thereof.

CCI Green Channel

The CCI introduced an automatic system of approval for combinations under ‘Green Channel’. Under this process, the combination is deemed to have been approved upon filing the notice in the prescribed format. This system would significantly reduce time and cost of transactions and thereby contributing towards ease of doing business in India.

Delhi Postal Circle has made special arrangements for acceptance of X-Mas/New Year Greetings Mail at 34 Post Offices and 2 RMS Offices at Railway Stations as given below from 18.12.2019 to 07.01.2020. Separate reception counters are being set up at these Post Offices. Members of public are Welcome to post their X-Mas/New Year Greetings Mail at these collection centers. These centers are made available in addition to the existing centres already functioning.

***

The Indian Railway splans to invest USD 700 billion through partnerships, joint ventures and collaborations to strengthen the infrastructure and reach the farthest corners of the country in the next 12 years said the Commerce and Industry& Railways Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi today. He was addressing ASSOCHAM which is celebrating 100 years.He was addressing ASSOCHAM about Strengthening India’s Global Positioning in New Delhi today.

In his address the Commerce and Industry Minister urged Indian Industry to be in constant dialogue with the Government so that all the problems and hurdles that industry and business face today may be dealt with so that the Government’s commitment for a better India, for the 1.3 billion aspirational citizens who are looking for a better quality of life, can be met at the earliest.

Government of India will be a facilitator and an enabler for industry and entrepreneurship to ensure that harassment at the hands of government functionaries both at the centre and the states comes to an end said the Minister. For this he urged ASSOCHAM with its 4 lakh plus members to give feedback that will help Government both at the Centre and the States to look at regulatory, non-regulatory, judicial and any other impediments that are roadblocks for industry and entrepreneurship.

Commerce and Industry Minister urged industry to adopt and encourage innovation by funding research and development and work closely with academia so that India may become a true innovation nation where startups can flourish and become positive disruptors in industry by creating more jobs for the youth of the country. He gave the example of the United States of America and China that have more than 4,200 and more than 1,200 researchers respectively and India has only 216 number of researchers per million people.

Commerce and Industry Minister congratulated ASSOCHAM in its centenary year and appreciated the commendable work it has done for a century for Indian industry and business.

The Chairman Fifteenth Finance Commission Shri N K Singhmet  theChief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in Vijaywada on 19^th December, 2019 and discussed various issues specific to state finances for the award period of the Commission from 2021 to 2026.  Shri Reddy highlighted the State’s fiscal challenges arising out of the bifurcation of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and stressed on the requirement of financial management by the new State Government.

While stating that the new State Andhra Pradesh was the most backward among all the southern States, the Chief Minster urged the support of theCommission to rebuild the governance systems from scratch. He also stressed on the need to support the newly initiated unique welfare schemes, Navaratnalu, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Polavaram Project, and other flagship projects to cover all backward districts in Rayalaseema and North Coastalparts of the State. The CM also briefed the Chairman  about the newly created Village Secretariats of the State.

Shri Reddy listedout the  commitments made in the State Reorganisation Act  along with the demand for Special Category status to the State and requested the Commission to recommend immediate stepsby the Centre to release all pending dues to the State to ensure that the progress of the new State is not hampered.

The State Government officials made a detailed presentation on the fiscal situation of the State and sought about Rs. 5 lakh crore as Revenue deficit grant, increased limits for borrowings and waiving off the past liabilities of the State on account of NSSF loans.

The Chairman, Shri N K Singh assured that all issues raised by the State government would be carefully examined and duly considered and the Commission will continue its dialogue with the State. However, he advised the State to make serious efforts to invest the scarce resources in the areas which would ensure future stream of income. He was accompanied by Arvind Mehta, Secretary and other officials of the Finance Commission.

The Fifth and final Phase of election took place in 16 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) spread across six districts (Sahebganj, Pakur, Dumka, Jamtara, Deoghar and Giridih) in Jharkhand today.

The poll today went off peacefully, without any incident, with very enthusiastic participation of voters including PWDs, senior citizens, youth etc.

• 3,690 out of 5,389 polling stations (more than 68.47%) were categorized as critical; adequate security arrangements were made.
• 1 chopper was deployed to drop 62 polling personnel.
• This phase covered 40,05,287 voters, including 3,076 service voters and 50,053 PwD voters. Total 237 Candidates including 29 female Candidates are in fray.
• In this phase 7,505Volunteers facilitated bringing PwD voters from their houses to the polling stations. 2,766vehicles were deployed to facilitate their transport. 2,065wheelchairs were provided at the Polling Stations.

In all phases, a total of 31,833 Volunteers facilitated to bring PwD voters from their houses to the polling stations; 11,338 vehicles were deployed to facilitate their transport and 14,036 wheelchairs were provided at the Polling Stations.

• The Absentee Voter status was provided to PwD and 80+ aged Voters of four Assembly Constituencies of Phase-V (namely Rajmahal, Pakur, Godda and Jamtara) and they were given the facility to vote through Postal Ballot at their doorstep.

In this phase, 802 PwD and 80+ aged voters exercised their franchise using this provision of Postal Ballot.

This facility of Absentee Voter status was provided for the first time in the country to PwD and 80+ aged voters of total 7 Assembly Constituencies in Jharkhand (viz, 01-Rajmahal AC, 05-Pakur AC, 09-Jamtara AC, 15-Deoghar AC, 17-Godda AC, 36-Bokaro AC and 40-Dhanbad AC). A total of 2,018 PwD and 80+ aged voters exercised their franchise using this provision of Postal Ballot across the State.

• Total value of seizures across the State till today is Rs 18.76Crore.
• In 10 Assembly Constituencies of Phase-II, III & IV, the Booth App was used successfully.

1. Approx. voter turnout figures (at 5.00 PM) : 

At the time of release of the Press Note, the voting in some of the Polling Stations was still going on. The final Voting Turnout will be known after the verification and scrutiny of Presiding Officers’ Diaries and other documents.

            As of reports received till 5.00 pm, the approximate voter turnout figure for all the 16 ACs of 5^thphase today is 70.83%. The final voter turnout in LAE 2014 for these 16 ACs was 73.31%.

            The approximate voter Turnout for all 81 ACs across all phases of Jharkhand is 65.17%. The final voter turnout for LAE2014 was 66.53%.

2. EVMs& VVPATs :

No complaint regarding EVM/VVPAT have been reported during the poll today. Across the 16 ACs today, as per figures received till now only 0.53% BUs,0.78% CUs and 2.23% VVPATs were replaced.

SBS/MR/ac

The Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today urged people to place national interest at the center of their actions and not to indulge in violence.

Addressing the gathering after releasing the book “ Turbulence and Triumph – The Modi Years” written by Rahul Agarwal and Bharti S Pradhan at Uparashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi today, he said that while dissent was the basic quality of democracy, people must follow peaceful, democratic methods and function according to the spirit of the Constitution.

Observing that unity, safety, integrity and sovereignty of the nation were of paramount importance, the Vice President said that people must move forward in a constructive and positive manner. He said people should not do anything that would be detrimental to the image of the country.

He also wanted public representatives to live up to the expectation of people and effectively utilize forums such as Parliament and state legislatures to highlight people’s issues.

Shri Naidu said that he was impressed by Shri Modi’s Mantra of “Reform, Perform and Transform” and added, “Transformation of the nation is the need of the hour and that is what is happening now.”

Vice President applauded the reforms undertaken by the Prime Minister and referred to the profile on Shri Narendra Modi penned by the former President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama, in which he described him as the ‘reformer-in-chief’.

Shri Naidu said that Prime Minister was translating the vision of Mahatma Gandhi into a reality through several schemes such as Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Skill India, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and the initiatives on environmental protection that combat the deleterious effects of climate change.

Appreciating the initiatives launched by the Prime Minister to improve agricultural productivity and double farmers’ income by 2022, the Vice President lauded the administration headed by the Prime Minister for achieving a significant number of milestones that his administration has achieved in a short span.

“Modi Ji gave a new impetus to the economy through a number of initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas is an eloquent expression of his world view,” he added.

Stating that India’s outreach to the world has been enhanced under Shri Modi’s leadership, the Vice President said “I am happy to note that the world is recognizing and respecting India much more than earlier,” he added.

Congratulating the authors for bringing out the book, he expressed the hope that it would inspire the people to imbibe some of the qualities of head and heart as exemplified by Shri Narendra Modi Ji.

Shri Ajay Mago, Publisher of Om Books International, members of the publishing house, Authors and several other eminent dignitaries were present at the book release event.

The following is the full text of the speech:

On the special occasion of the launch of the book Turbulence & Triumph: The Modi Years, it is a pleasure for me to recall the extraordinary journey of Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi, the 14^th and current Prime Minister of India who is now serving a second term in office.

At the outset, let me extend hearty congratulations to the authors of this book, Shri Rahul Agarwal and Bharthi S Pradhan for chronicling the life of Shri Narendra Bhai Modi.

A politician, a statesman, an orator, a leader, an ascetic committed to the idea of New India, he is truly a multifaceted personality.

My dear sisters and brothers,

Mahatma Gandhi once observed, “The history of the world is full of men who rose to leadership, by sheer force of self-confidence, bravery and tenacity”.

Modi Ji’s life is an embodiment of these virtues.

It is by this sheer force of self-confidence, bravery, and tenacity that Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi made the extraordinary transition from an ordinary man with a humble background to become a popular Prime Minister of the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy.

Modi ji led the BJP in the 2014 General Elections which gave the party a majority in the Lok Sabha, a first for any single party since 1984.

When he became Prime Minister of India with such an overwhelming mandate, we began to see so much more of the ‘People’s Prime Minister’—he undertook extensive travels, meeting people within India, meeting world leaders across the globe, never resting for a moment.

I have personally known Modi ji for several decades.

I have seen Modi ji as a worker with wonderful organizational skills, never shying away from rising to the task, paying attention to every detail.

He proclaims himself as ‘pradhan sevak’ of the people and is striving hard to live up to that ideal.

He is always known for his discipline, dedication, devotion and development–4Ds.

4959. ability to communicate and connect so effectively with people is truly remarkable.

It is through reading and travelling that he could broaden his worldview and become such a repository of cultural, historical and political knowledge.

To reach where he is today, Shri Narendra Modi has gone through many trials and tribulations, both as Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister of India. I applaud the authors for capturing all these tribulations with clarity and honesty.

My dear Sisters and brothers,

He is also a reformist and I recall that the former US President, Mr. Barack Obama had in a profile penned by him on Modi Ji in Time Magazine, described him as the ‘reformer-in chief’.

I am impressed by his Mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform. Transformation of the nation is the need of the hour and that is what is happening now.

India’s outreach to the world has been enhanced under his leadership. I am happy to note that the world is recognizing and respecting India much more than earlier.

Modi Ji also passionately promoted Yoga and is spearheading the need for health and wellbeing of people, especially the youth, through the Fitness India campaign.

He is translating the vision of Mahatma Gandhi into a reality through several schemes such as Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Skill India, Beti Bahchao, Beti Padhao and the initiatives on environmental protection that combat the deleterious effects of climate change.

He has played a pioneering role in promoting clean energy and the leadership provided by India in the formation of International Solar Alliance is a testimony to his commitment to the protection of environment.

I also appreciate the initiatives launched by the Prime Minister to improve the agricultural productivity and double farmers’ income by 2022.

One need only look at the significant number of milestones that his administration has achieved in a short while to understand his commitment to transform people’s lives.

Proclaiming that “a clean India would be the best tribute India could pay to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150 birth anniversary in 2019,” Modi ji launched the Swachh Bharat Mission. India was declared Open Defecation Free in October 2019, an incredible achievement.

Modi ji gave a new impetus to the economy through a number of initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST). ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas’ is an eloquent expression of his world view.

He ushered in game-changing reforms such as the Jan Dhan Yojna to promote inclusive growth and introduced many social security schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

Recognizing the potential demographic dividend that India has at its disposal, India is now revamping its education system to improve quality, access and affordability. Modi ji once said, “I dream of a young India that is not constrained by any limitations whatsoever. I want the youth of this country to lead a life filled with hope and opportunity.”

Determined to protect and empower women, the motto ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padao’ given by the Prime Minister now echoes all through the country.

The progressive mindset of the Prime Minister can be gleaned through a number of forward-looking legislations passed by the Parliament in recent times, including the abolition of Triple Talaq.

His staunch belief in breaking the shackles of the past and moving forward to a brighter tomorrow is reflected in each one of these bold decisions.

We now dream of building a 5 Trillion Dollar economy. We wish to partner with the international community to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and at the same time usher in inclusive development in our country.

The times call for a strong, determined and agile leader to be at the helm of affairs. We are fortunate to have an able leader and a stable government.

Let me once again congratulate the authors of the book. I hope the book will inspire the people to imbibe some of the qualities of head &heart exemplified by Shri Naredra Bhai Modi, so that we can collectively shape a New India.

Thank you!

Jai Hind!

Displaying dedication and efficiency, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of Indian Railways has produced its 3000^th coach of the year in less than 9 months. This would help in meeting the growing demand for coaches. The number of working days to achieve the above figure has been reduced from 289 days in the last year to 215 days in the current year, a reduction of 25.6%. Till the year 2014, the same amount of time was being taken for the production of only 1000 coaches.

The Secretary to the President, Shri Sanjay Kothari said that aim of Public Services delivery is to ensure ease of living to citizens. He was addressing at the inauguration function of two-day Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, in Nagpur, Maharashtra today. The 2-day conference is being organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari and Minister of State (Independent charge) of the Ministry of DONER, Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh, will address the Valedictory Session of the Regional Conference on “Improving Public Services Delivery – Role of Governments” tomorrow (22.12.19).

In his address, Shri Kothari said that the real power lies with the citizens of the country and it is the prime duty of the government to work towards making their lives easy.This realisation has empowered the citizens. He  said that the systems and processes should be made transparent. He said that any proposed change in the existing rules should be put in public domain first for suggestions and feedback from citizens. These inputs can be considered for decision making while incorporating changes. He added that Public Service Delivery is very important as citizens are now focussed on getting their work done. He encouraged the young officers to serve the citizens of India. He said that we should be more concerned about the citizens, and not the system. The system should be made simple and not complicated. While emphasising on ‘ease of living’ to citizens, he said Government need not control the delivery of services, but facilitate efficient, transparent and time-bound delivery.

Shri Kothari spoke about various initiatives of the Government for the ease of citizens. He said that interviews for recruitment to junior level posts in Government have been discontinued, which has boosted the confidence in Government. He also said that Government has done away with the mandatory police verification prior to joiningon appointment in Government service. The appointment letters can be issued after self-attestation by the candidates and the police verification can be completed within six months. He also emphasised that forms should be made simple and not complicated for ease of citizens. He also spoke about Grievance redressal mechanism. He further said that the officers should interact with people to have field experience and there is no substitute to it. Shri Kothari stressed upon ‘Out of Box’ thinking to find solutions to the problems of the citizens.

The Chief Commissioner, Right to Services, Maharashtra, Shri S. S. Kshatriya said that Information technology should be used optimally to benefit the citizens. He spoke about three aspects of Public Service Delivery i.e. Lokabhimukh (citizen-centric), Pardarshita (transparency) and Kalmaryada (time-bound). He said that a bilingual (Marathi and English) Mobile App and web portal (Aaple Sarkar) have been designed under RTS. He added that 486 services are under the ambit of Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act. Shri Kshariya said that 30,800 centres have been set up in Maharashtra to offer assistance to the people who apply online. He stressed upon the monitoring and evaluation of the performance. He said that ‘Yashogatha’ i.e. best practices should be aptly publicised to encourage the concerned officers.

Earlier while delivering her welcome address, the Deputy Secretary, DARPG, Smt. Renu Aroraunderlined the significance of the theme of the conference. She said the best practices in public service delivery will be deliberated upon during the two-day event.

The Commissioner RTS, Konkan, SmtMedhaGadgil,Secretary, GAD (O&M), Govt of Maharashtra, Smt. Anshu Sinha, Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur, Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Commissioner, RTS, Punjab, Shri Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Chief Commissioner, Shri Hardeep Kumarsand delegates from various states attended the inaugural session.

The Regional Conference is being attended by the officials representing 22 States and Union Territories and also officials from the State Administration. Discussions are being held in 6 Technical Sessions. The Technical Sessions in the Regional Conference are:

1. How the Enactment of the Right to Services Law has helped in Improving Delivery of Public Services
2. Electronic Delivery of Public Services
3. Creating Awareness in Society regarding Right to Public Services
4. Centralized Public Grievances – Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
5. Innovative Practices regarding delivery of Public Services
6. Ek Bharat-Shresht Bharat with focus on Improving Public Services Delivery in the Districts of Maharashtra and Odisha.

The 66th National Film Awards for 2018 is all set to take place at a gala event in New Delhi on 23rd December, 2019. The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu will give away the Awards in gracious presence of Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar, and other senior dignitaries. The function will witness film luminaries being awarded for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.

The great doyen of Indian cinema, Shri Amitabh Bachchan is being awarded with the prestigious 50th Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s biggest honour in his 50th year in the Indian film industry. Earlier, in a Press Conference in August this year, presided over by Shri Rahul Rawail, Chairperson, Feature Film Category;  Shri AS Kanal, Chairperson, Non-Feature Film Category and Shri Utpal Borpujari, Chairperson, Best Writing on Cinema, it was announced that Gujarati film Hellaro won Best Feature Film Award. Badhaai Ho bagged award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Hindi movie Padman declared Best Film on Social Issues, Aditya Dhar won Best Director Award for Uri: The Surgical Strike, Ayushman Khurana and Vicky Kaushal jointly won Best Actor Award for their performances in Andhadhun and Uri: The Surgical Strike, Keerthy Suresh bagged Best Actress trophy for her performance in Telugu movie Mahanati, Marathi movie Paani won the award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/ Preservation, Kannada film Ondalla Eradalla gets Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration and Uttarakhand declared Most Film Friendly State.

It is noteworthy to mention that the selections for National Film Awards are made by an independent and impartial jury consisting of eminent film makers and film personalities.

For more details of Jury and award winners for 66th National Film Awards, click here

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1581667#.Xf3BpRlttBU.whatsapp

A Combined Graduation Parade was held at Air Force Academy, Dundigal today, the 21^st December 2019, which marked the successful culmination of training for 127 Flight Cadets of Flying and Ground duty branches of the IAF. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC was the Reviewing Officer of the Combined Graduation Parade, where he conferred the ‘President’s Commission’  on the graduating Flight Cadets who successfully completed their professional training. Twenty one women officers joined the growing number of women in the IAF.  On this day the President’s Commission is formally conferred on these young and tough air warriors after a long period of rigorous training. The graduation ceremony was undertaken through a smart parade and administration of Oath.  The parade commenced with the flag bearing skydivers of the famous Akash Ganga team, spreading the tricolor over the blue skies of Dundigal. The Air Warrior Drill Team once again put up a sharp synchronized performance, delighting the spectators with their handling of weapons. The event was witnessed by the proud family members and friends of passing-out cadets. Several senior serving and retired officers from the three services were present.

The Reviewing Officer was received by Air Marshal AS Butola, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command and Air Marshal J Chalapati, Commandant Air Force Academy. The Reviewing Officer was presented with a ceremonial Salute by the Parade followed by an impressive March Past.  The highlight of the Parade was the ‘Pipping Ceremony’, where the Flight Cadets were awarded their ‘Stripes’ (Air Force rank) by the Chief Guest. They were then administered the ‘Oath’ by the Commandant of the Academy in the presence of the Reviewing Officer and other dignitaries.

After the ‘Pipping Ceremony’ the Reviewing Officer gave away awards to the Flying Officers who excelled in various disciplines of training.Flying Officer ArunabhaChakrabortyfrom the Flying Branch was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ and President’s Plaque for standing First in Overall Merit in the Pilots’ Course. Flying Officer Aayush Pandey and Flying Officer Purnendu Kumar Singh were awarded President’s Plaque for being first in Overall Merit in Navigation and Ground Duty branches respectively.

Later, addressing the Parade, the Reviewing Officer complimented the newly Commissioned ‘Flying Officers’ fortheir immaculate turn out, precise drill movementsand high standards of parade.Congratulating the passing-out cadets, the Chief of the Air Staff said, “It is a matter of great pride for me to witness this momentous occasion of the Combined Graduation Parade of the Indian Air Force”. He emphasized in his address the importance of core values of the Indian Air Force namely, Mission, Integrity and Excellence and exhorted the newly commissioned officers to uphold these values in professional as well as personal lives. On this occasion, he also conveyed his congratulations to all the proud parents who supported their wards and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
Aerobatic displays by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team(SKAT) and Sarang, the Helicopter Display Team held the audience spellbound with their gaze fixed upwards watching a painting being created right in front of their eyes. An impressive flying display by the Pilatus PC-7 trainer aircraft added to the ceremonial setting of the occasion.

The grand ceremony culminated with the newly Commissioned Officers marching-out in two columns in slow march to the traditional notes of  ‘Auld Lang Syne’(the poignant farewell tune played by Armed Forces of the world when bidding adieu to colleagues and comrades), acknowledging the first salute given to them by their immediate juniors. They marched in step past the reviewing officer with synchronous strides. The newly commissioned officers passed through the portals from where the best Pilots and Ground Duty Officers of IAF have begun their journey to take-on the future assignments and challenges. An unflinching determination was visible in the eyes of the young officers to surmount the challenges and to ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’.