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Here is what senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh promised to a Pakistan-origin journalist about Kashmir

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In a conversation with a Pakistani-origin journalist on the Clubhouse app, Congress leader Digvijay Singh hinted at reversing the decision made by the Modi government to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was taken on 5th August 2019 by the Modi government in a bid to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India by revoking the draconian provisions of the article.

Shahzeb Jillani, the Pakistani journalist currently residing in Germany, had claimed that he was shocked at the changing landscape of politics and Indian society under the Modi regime. He alleged that the freedom of the press in India has shrunk and that the revocation of Article 370 has strained the relationship between India and Pakistan. Interestingly, Jillani also said that it is only in the last couple of months that he can notice how the media is speaking up against the Narendra Modi government.

“If and when this government goes and India does get rid of PM Modi, what will be the way forward on Kashmir? I know it is on the margins because of what is going on in India right now. But this is an issue that has existed between the two countries for so long,” Shahzeb Jillani asked Digvijay Singh.

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The City’s Sanitation Suffers As More Than 8,000 NMMC Contract Workers Go On An Indefinite Strike

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Over 8,000 NMMC Contract Workers Go on Indefinite Strike, City’s Sanitation Hit

The Workers

More than 8,050 contractual workers of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have launched an indefinite strike, bringing garbage collection and other civic services to a standstill. The workers are demanding equal pay for equal work, citing a policy adopted by NMMC in 2007.

The protest stems from wage disparities between contractual and permanent employees. Workers are demanding salaries on par with fourth-class permanent staff, along with benefits such as gratuity, earned leave, medical leave, provident fund, and uniforms.

Union leader Mangesh Ladh stated that despite years of legal battles, committee reports, and government assurances, no final decision has been implemented. A 2022 committee found that equal pay for contractual workers would cost the NMMC an additional ₹20.43 crore annually. However, proposals sent to the state government have not been acted upon.

Protesting workers have accused the administration of prioritizing other projects over their rightful wages. They point out that while newly hired permanent employees in 2024 receive significantly higher salaries, many contractual workers with over 29 years of service remain underpaid.

The strike is expected to severely impact sanitation, garbage collection, vector control, and public garden maintenance, raising public health concerns.

“Road sweeping, garbage collection, and sewage complaints will be unattended if the strike continues. I hope the NMMC Commissioner resolves the issue soon,” former corporator Divya Vaibhav Gaikwad said.

Workers have vowed to continue their protest until they receive a written assurance from the authorities.

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NMMC Promises To Take Action On Demands And Urges Contract Workers To End Their Strike Over The Demand For Equal Pay

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NMMC urges contract workers to end Illegal strike, cites ongoing efforts.

The Actions

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has urged contract workers to call off their indefinite strike, calling it unlawful and unnecessary. Despite the administration’s steps to address their concerns, the Samaj Samata Kamgar Sangh (Navi Mumbai) began the strike on Monday.

NMMC clarified that contract workers have been employed through contractors since its inception and are paid as per the Minimum Wages Act, not entitled to “equal pay for equal work” per a 2013 Supreme Court ruling. The corporation assured that wages, allowances, and bonuses are being regularly disbursed.

To resolve the issue, NMMC sought guidance from the state government in 2022 and 2023. In September 2024, the government advised the corporation to evaluate its financial capacity and decide accordingly. A committee found that implementing “equal pay for equal work” would lower wages below the minimum wage. This was conveyed to labor unions in meetings on December 27, 2024, and January 16, 2025.

A high-level meeting on January 3, chaired by NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, led to the formation of a special committee under a retired Additional Chief Secretary to reassess the issue. The panel’s first meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2025.

Despite these steps, workers accuse NMMC of submitting incorrect reports and ignoring the Chief Minister’s directives. NMMC has urged unions to await the committee’s report and warned that disrupting civic services through an unlawful strike would harm citizens.

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AAI Completes Airspace Design for Navi Mumbai and Noida Airports

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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has successfully completed airspace design and flight procedures for the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and Noida International Airport (Jewar). This achievement marks a crucial step in improving operational efficiency at these new airports.

As India’s Air Navigation Service Provider, AAI is responsible for managing air navigation services nationwide. Its expert team has designed the airspace and Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) for both airports, ensuring seamless integration with existing operations at Delhi IGI and Mumbai CSMIA airports.

AAI collaborated with Boeing India, which provided advanced simulation and conflict analysis using the Total Airspace and Airport Modeler (TAAM) in Bengaluru. These new flight procedures, including Standard Instrument Departures and Standard Terminal Arrivals, will optimize flight efficiency, reducing emissions, flight time, and congestion along the busy Delhi-Mumbai air corridor.

Vipin Kumar, Chairman of AAI, highlighted the project’s benefits, stating, “The anticipated increase in air traffic will be managed efficiently, conserving fuel, reducing track miles for airlines, and easing the workload of air traffic controllers while maintaining safety.”

The IFPs have been successfully tested by a domestic airline and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for implementation. This development is expected to enhance safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency in India’s growing aviation sector.

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