Belying Govt Hopes, Piramal Finance Going Down The DHFL’s Failed Path

In a landscape marked by financial instability, the winding down of Dewan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL) has emerged as a pertinent case study on corporate malpractice, regulatory oversight, and the aftermath of unfulfilled promises. Once a key player in India’s housing finance sector, DHFL faced severe operational challenges that led to its downfall, leaving a trail of aggrieved clients and stakeholders. The DHFL Saga, marred with utter mismanagement, client harassments and neck deep in scams, was the reason that prompted the Govt of India, acting in the interests of it’s citizens to shut shop and hand over operations to Piramal Finance, formerly Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd (PCHFL) in hopes of a revitalization and addressing client harassments. But as is unravelling fast, and stories of client harassments that are coming to the fore, it appears that the changeover to Piramal Housing hasn’t improved the situation on the ground, with expectations rapidly turning into disappointments, belying many a govt hopes.

Reasons Behind DHFL’s Closure

1. Massive Financial Irregularities:
   At the core of DHFL’s closure were allegations of financial mismanagement and scams that eroded the confidence of investors and customers alike. The company reportedly used complex financial instruments to hide liabilities and manipulate its balance sheet. A forensic audit revealed a staggering Rs. 31,000 crore worth of irregularities, including questionable lending practices and the diversion of funds.
2. Poor Corporate Governance:
   The governance structure at DHFL had significant flaws, allowing management to indulge in reckless lending without adequate oversight. The company’s board failed to enforce proper risk management protocols, leading to an unsustainable growth strategy that ultimately backfired. When liquidity issues arose, the company could not sustain its operations.
3. Defaulting on Payments:
   After notifying market participants in 2018 that its liquidity position had contracted, DHFL defaulted on commercial paper repayments and other financial obligations. This caused significant concern among creditors and stakeholders, and it was a clear signal of impending doom for the firm.
4. Legal Challenges:
   Following these events, DHFL faced numerous legal cases from creditors, leading to a drawn-out bankruptcy process. The company’s financial troubles culminated in its referral to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which marked the beginning of the end for its operations.

Scams and Client Harassment: Voices of the Affected

The fallout from DHFL’s mismanagement was not just limited to financial metrics; it also manifested as client harassment and distress. Many customers, who had taken loans for their dream homes, found themselves trapped in a quagmire of distressing circumstances.

1. Loan Processing Issues:
   Clients reported delays and miscommunication in loan approvals and disbursements, resulting in significant emotional and financial strain. For instance, several families who relied on promised home loan disbursements found themselves backed into corners, unable to fulfill their commitments for home purchases.
2. Harassment by Recovery Agents:
   As DHFL’s liquidity crisis deepened, recovery agents resorted to aggressive tactics to reclaim dues, leading to instances of harassment. Clients reported being intimidated and threatened by agents, creating an environment of fear. One client, who had fallen behind on payments during the financial crisis, described how agents and bouncers visited their home unannounced, demanding payments and issuing threats in relentless fashion.
3. Disappointing Customer Service:
   As the company spiraled downward, customer service virtually collapsed. Clients found it nearly impossible to get their queries addressed. Those looking for resolution or aid during the struggle of handling their loans faced long wait times and inadequate responses, further aggravating their situations.

DHFL’s Kapil & Dheeraj Wadhawan Booked In INR 34,000-Cr Bank Fraud Case

The Hand-Over to Piramal Finance – No Reprieve For Clients From Harassment: A Questionable Turn

Recognizing the dire need for intervention, the government’s decision to hand DHFL to Piramal Finance (formerly known as Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd) was rooted in optimism. However, the anticipation of Piramal Group’s leadership ushering in professional management has not come to fruition. Many clients expected a smooth transition, better service, and reassurances about their loans. Yet, early signs, now maturing to indicate that the new management of Piramal Finance too is going down the DHFL’s failed path .

1. Lack of Transparency:
   The transition has been marred by a lack of clarity regarding loan terms and restructuring options. The ambiguity has left clients anxious and unsure of their standing, with no clear communication from Piramal.
2. Continuing Client Complaints:
   Complaints about service levels have continued, and former DHFL clients feel abandoned in the transition. Clients have reported difficulty in accessing their account information or receiving timely updates about their loan status. This has ignited frustration, as many expected improvements post-merger.
   
   A case that came to fore is that of an Ex Defence Officer Mr Choudhary (name changed on request). His woes started and continued in DHFL and seem to have only aggravated under Piramal Finance with no resolution in sight. As claimed by Mr Choudhary, Piramal Finance neither believes in the norms set by RBI, violates them at will, nor does it believe in the country’s legal system, giving two hoot’s to the judicial process, mainly the lower Consumer Courts and instead uses it’s ill found patronage and influence on the Courts to harass individuals.
   
   As brought out by Mr Choudhary, he took a loan of 80 lacs in 2007 for a 20 yr period, has already paid back almost 2 crores (about 2.5 times the original Principal) to Piramal Finance / DHFL, but Piramal Finance has gone berserk and has added penalties under the very nose of RBI to the tune of an additional 1.34 crores. As per Mr Choudhary, despite regularly paying the EMI of 67,140 per month, Piramal Finance broke all norms of prudence, flouted every possible regulation of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and charged an amount of Rs 5+ lacs per month in penalties, thereby exponentially increasing and showing an amount of Rs 1.34 crores in penalties over and above the almost 2 crores that have already been paid back.
   
   As per Mr Choudhary, he got his accounts validated by a responsible Chartered Accountant keeping the RBI guidelines in perspective, which shows that the entire amount with interest per the agreements with DHFL have already been recovered by DHFL / Piramal Finance. Furthermore the CA’s Report finds an overcharged amount of approx Rs 57 Lacs several years back that the Company DHFL/Piramal Finance) has to refund to him but the Company is adamant on not returning and instead is trying all possible tricks to harass him by passing on his number to anti-social elements who keep calling him regularly.
   
   A cursory look at the figures quoted above by Mr Choudhary, reflects a clear violation of the RBI guidelines as a 20 year loan at the prevalent floating interest rates would get paid back by maximum double the amount of principal of 80 lacs i.e. around 1.6 crores, but charging and demanding more than 4 times of the principal ie. to the tune of 3.30 crores, in just 16 years can’t be just an aberration that Piramal Finance needs to address to uphold accountability, adherence to government and RBI regulations and to come clean of the charges that puts it in league with it’s predecessor i.e. DHFL.
   
3. Unrealized Hopes:
   While the government hoped that Piramal Group would manage the transition efficiently and restore operational stability, the success of such a merger heavily depends on adequate, transparent communication and a strong strategy to handle the significant backlog of client issues.

To Sum Up:

The saga of DHFL serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of corporate negligence, poor governance, and the resultant client distress. As the situation continues to unfold under Piramal Finance Limited, it serves as a reminder to regulatory bodies like RBI to remain vigilant in overseeing such critical financial institutions and how fairly they treat their clients. Clients deserve clarity, respectful treatment, and, above all, a reliable system that doesn’t cheat on them, to ensure their dreams of homeownership are not dashed by malpractice.

As the Indian housing finance sector navigates these turbulent waters, stakeholders must learn from the past to create a structure that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and customer welfare while keeping track of mounting number of disputes and court cases against these institutions. The lost faith in such organizations highlights the importance of well-managed governance and robust operational protocols—a necessity for preventing other financial institutions like Piramal Finance from experiencing similar fates.

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Moldova Elections: Transparency Under Question

Moldova teeters on the edge of a political crisis as the ruling party “Action and Solidarity” (PAS) and President Maia Sandu face growing accusations of election manipulation. Recent leaks of thousands of emails, allegedly from parliament members, reveal what appears to be a systematic attempt to control the outcome of the upcoming elections.   

Suppressing Votes in Transnistria

The leaks suggest that the government is planning to drastically reduce polling stations in Transnistria—from 41 in the last election to as few as 8—effectively disenfranchising tens of thousands of voters. Critics argue that this move is a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition support and tilt the elections in favor of PAS. Despite the gravity of these claims, authorities have refused to comment, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness.

Constitutional Court as a Political Tool

The emails also reference a “backup plan” involving the Constitutional Court in case the ruling party loses. This alarming revelation implies that PAS may be preparing to manipulate the judiciary to secure its hold on power, undermining the very foundations of Moldovan democracy.

Desperate Measures Amid Falling Support

Internal documents suggest PAS support is dropping to around 20%. To reverse this trend, the party appears to be targeting the diaspora and manipulating information channels, raising red flags about unethical election practices. These revelations depict a government willing to bend rules to cling to power.

Moldova’s European Dream Clashes with a Harsh Reality

Media and Cybersecurity as Weapons

While the government claims it is working with European cybersecurity experts to protect national security, opposition voices argue these measures are being used to intimidate and suppress critical media. Moldova’s already fragile press freedom is at risk as the state leverages “security” as a cover for censorship and control.

Economic Crisis Ignored

All of this political maneuvering occurs while the population suffers. Over 30% of Moldovans live in poverty, and emigration continues to drain the country of talent and hope. Instead of addressing real social and economic challenges, PAS seems focused on consolidating power, leaving citizens caught between hardship and a government more concerned with its own survival than with public welfare. 

Guest Author: Maxim Ceban

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The Glitch in Sino-Indian Tango

The visit of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India on visited India on August 18-19, first time after China’s 2020 incursions in Eastern Ladakh, co-chairing the 24th round Special Representatives boundary talks with NSA Ajit Doval, meeting EAM S Jaishankar and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked news of a thaw in India-China bilateral relations; although China has been consistently salami-slicing Indian territory through the decades.

Termed ‘Silver Fox’ for his diplomatic skills, Wang emphasized that China and India should regard each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats. Both sides agreed to; resume direct flights and ease visas; expand the scale of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra from 2026; China to share hydrological information in emergency situations; re-open trade through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass; facilitate bilateral trade and investment; maintain multilateral trading system with WTO and promote multipolar world.

A joint working group on border issues is expected to meet again in the coming weeks. China also indicated relaxing exports of Rare Earth Elements (REE) and fertilizers to India, as well as releasing the tunnel boring machine required for Prime Minister Nerendra Modi’s pet-project of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train; held up since 2022 for want of this machine.

After Wang’s call on the prime minister, Modi tweeted: “Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity.”

Donald Trump’s tariffs and doubling-down on BRICS has contributed to the thaw in India-China relations; leading to an economically convenient bilateral relationship. India’s economy is growing but our interest payments on outstanding debt have nearly tripled over the past decade and are projected to rise to INR 12.76 trillion (USD 158 billion) in FY26, according to the finance ministry data; which is hardly a comfortable situation. India-China bilateral trade in FY 2024-25 (which continues in USD) was USD 127.7 billion, with the trade balance in China’s favour reaching a record high of USD 99.2 billion. The bilateral trade continues in US Dollars and it remains to be seen whether the common BRICS currency being released in 2026 will be adopted by India-China or will a via media be found for part INR/part Yen trade.

As for the border settlement, this vexed issue is unlikely to make much headway with major Chinese claims on Indian Territory. It remains to be seen whether any minor adjustments will come about in future, if at all. Same goes for the de-induction, especially in Eastern Ladakh where PLA has consolidated its new positions since 2020, augmented weapon deployment and logistics support. Besides, China’s new bridge on Pangong Tso enables quick induction of mechanized forces and China’s second expressway through Aksai Chin (G-695 highway) would touch Galwan, Hot Springs and Pangong Tso by 2035. Beijing would be eyeing ore territory of Ladakh to provide depth to the G-695 Highway – similar to China invading Aksai Chin to give depth to its Western Highway – the road China began constructing through Aksai Chin in the 1950s to link the Chinese regions of Tibet and Xinjiang.

Strategizing India’s National Security

India committed the cardinal sin of not calling China the aggressor in eastern Ladakh during 2020 and meekly vacated our strategic positions on the Kailash Range in our own territory that directly overlooked the PLA garrison at Moldo. To top this Jaishankar publicly said that India cannot pick a fight with China because the latter has a bigger economy – can there be anything more pathetic than the EAM signalling this to Beijing? Former CNS and Chairman Admiral Arun Prakash tweeted: “If relative size of economies is seen as arbiter of int’l relations, how come nations like Cuba, N Korea & Iran thumb their noses at the USA or Vietnam at China? India, as a democracy, nuclear weapon state & significant economic & mil power must stand firm against hegemony.”

With China persistently stressing the border issue should be kept separate from bilateral relations, India did not even raise the issue of return to pre-April 2020 positions by both sides. The Chinese readout on Wang’s visit said Jaishankar told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that “Taiwan is part of China” and Ajit Doval conveyed that India “consistently adhered to the one-China policy”. But the MEA response to this was that there has been no change in India’s position on Taiwan and its ties with Taipei are focused on economy, technology and culture.” India never agreed to the “One China” policy but this clearly shows that New Delhi lacks the spine to tell China don’t expect India to recognize ‘One China” when you don’t recognize “one India” – same way India lacked the spine to call China’s aggression in 2020.

China is also riled on the Tibet issue and succession of the Dalai Lama. As the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday approached on July 6, 2025, headlines in the Indian media read: “India Snubs China, Says No One Except Dalai Lama Can Decide His Successor”. But the MEA spokesperson said, “We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. The government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.” Why this pusillanimous act?

The Chinese embassy in India recently stated that Tibet-related issues are a “thorn” or “bone of contention” in Sino-Indian relations, particularly in the context of Dalai Lama’s succession and his activities in India; urges India to cease support for the Dalai Lama’s group and avoid any actions that interfere with China’s “internal affairs”. True, during the visit of Prime Minister AB Vajpayee to China in 2003, India recognized that the Tibet Autonomous Region is part of China – which was an updated statement of the existing policy under the 1954 Panchsheel Agreement and the 1993 Border Peace and Tranquillity (BPTA) Agreement, which focused on maintaining the status quo of the border and recognizing Tibet as part of China.

But China has hardly maintained peace and tranquillity in border areas since then and now added 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh to its illegal claims to Indian territory. So, why can’t we tell China under these changed circumstances, we do not recognize Tibet a part of China – more evidence of lacking spine. What is the point of Union Ministers bragging at home that India only shares a border with Tibet, not with China? Beijing must be laughing at this pusillanimity.

India joins the All-Russia Cinema Night 2025 Campaign

No doubt India and China need each other’s markets because of US tariffs but we should not expect any change in Beijing’s support to Pakistan, especially when the CPEC through Pakistan is being extended through Pakistan for easy access to Central Asia and its REE reserves. It would be foolish to think China believes India has dumped the US altogether despite Trump’s idiocies, looking beyond when Trump demits office. Our borders with China may remain peaceful till China decides otherwise. China wants a China-led Asia. Zbigniew Brezinsky wrote in his book ‘The Grand Chess Board’ in 1997: China and India are destined by Geography to be Rivals – with venerable culture and vast population, are likely to compete with each other for resources and influence.

Finally, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, referring to the US as a “bully”, said that silence will only embolden the bully. But isn’t China also in the category of bully – holding even Modi’s pet bullet train project to ransom, which is only a small example. Where Jaishankar is in the forefront of showing eyes to the US (unofficially?) and drawing so much applause, why the snivelling when it comes to China? Xu Feihong didn’t elaborate that if you don’t look the bully in the eye, the bully will mount on your head. Can India develop the spine to stand up to China – the major glitch in the Sino-Indian tango?

The author is an Indian Army veteran. Views expressed are personal.

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Cost of Ignoring Aircraft Appraisals: Why India Must Embrace Global Standards While Buying Jets & Turboprops?

India’s business aviation market is expanding rapidly, with NSOPs, corporates, and HNIs investing heavily in jets and turboprops. Yet, in a country where buying decisions are often influenced by urgency, trust, and cost-saving impulses, a critical step is frequently overlooked: the aircraft appraisal.

What is treated as a standard practice in the US and Europe is often dismissed here as “unnecessary.” This cultural oversight has repeatedly led to inflated purchases, surprise maintenance bills, insurance disputes, and even financing roadblocks.

1. What Is an Aircraft Appraisal?

An aircraft appraisal is a formal, objective evaluation of an aircraft’s current market value by a certified professional appraiser, crucial for transactions like sales, purchases, financing, insurance, and tax purposes. The process involves inspecting the aircraft, analyzing its maintenance records, and assessing market conditions to provide a detailed report on its condition and valuation.

Below are the different ways in which aircraft appraisals can be carried out singly or a combination of these.

Type	Scope	Use Cases	Limitations
Basic Pricing Digest (Vref, Bluebook)	Market data & sales history	Routine deals, standard models	Lagging data, ignores upgrades
Desktop Appraisal	Tailored to aircraft docs & market	Turboprops, light jets	No physical inspection
Physical Appraisal	In-person aircraft & logbook inspection	High-value, rare, or modified jets	Costlier, time-consuming

2. Why Indian Buyers Undermine Appraisals

1. Cost Avoidance Mentality – Appraisal fees (₹2–5 lakhs) are viewed as unnecessary in a ₹30–70 crore deal.
2. Over-reliance on Brokers or OEMs – Buyers trust glossy sales presentations rather than neutral third parties.
3. Weak Banking & Insurance Discipline – Unlike global lenders, most Indian banks/insurers do not insist on accredited appraisals.
4. Deal Urgency – Operators rush to close slots or impress stakeholders, skipping technical due diligence.

Appraisal Types in India

• Pricing Digest: 60%
• Desktop: 25%
• Physical: 15%

The below visual highlights the contrast:

Chart 1: Types of Appraisals Used in India

3. The Hidden Cost of Skipping Appraisal

Case studies in India have shown major losses:
– Overvalued Jet Purchase – A corporate bought a pre-owned Challenger at $28M; refinancing valued it at $23M → $5M paper loss overnight.
– Insurance Under-coverage – An NSOP skipped appraisal on a King Air B200; insurance covered only 80% of the claim.
– Maintenance Shock – A turboprop bought “as-is” revealed overdue engine shop visits worth ₹8 crore.

The below visual highlights the contrast:

Chart 3: Case Studies – Financial Impact of Skipping Appraisal (₹ Crores)

4. Global Discipline: Appraisals as Standard Practice

In the US and Europe, aircraft appraisal is non-negotiable. Lenders, lessors, and insurers insist on appraisals performed by ASA (American Society of Appraisers) or ISTAT (International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading) accredited professionals. These reports are globally recognised, legally defensible, and serve as benchmarks for banks and insurers.

Aircraft Appraisal Adoption Rates (Global vs Indian Practice)

• Global (US/EU): >80% of business aircraft transactions include an independent appraisal.
• India: <30% transactions undergo any formal appraisal; majority rely on digest values or broker input.

The below visual highlights the contrast:

Chart 1: Global vs India Appraisal Adoption Rates

5. Discipline vs Neglect:

Example 1 – Europe (Discipline): A European charter operator sought financing for a Cessna Citation XLS+. The bank refused to move forward without an ISTAT-certified appraisal. The appraisal pegged fair market value at USD 11.2M, lower than the seller’s ask. The buyer renegotiated and closed at USD 11.25M, saving USD 750,000 upfront.

Example 2 – India (Neglect): A Delhi NSOP bought a King Air B200 (~₹28 crore) without an appraisal. Hidden engine shop visits worth ₹7.5 crore surfaced, and insurance denied full payout. The aircraft was grounded for nearly a year, bleeding revenue and credibility.

7. The Way Forward for India

– Make Appraisals Mandatory – Banks and insurers must require ASA/ISTAT backed appraisals.
– Educate Buyers – NSOPs and aircraft owners must see appraisals as insurance against shocks.
– Build Domestic Capacity – Train Indian appraisers under ASA/ISTAT frameworks.
– Leverage for Negotiation – Appraisal reports should be buyer’s tools, not afterthoughts.

Conclusion

Aircraft appraisals are not Western over-engineering; they are a discipline India cannot afford to ignore. Whether buying a turboprop or a long-range jet, an appraisal ensures transparency, protects capital, and aligns India with global best practices. The question is no longer ‘Can we afford an appraisal?’ but ‘Can we afford not to?’

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Meerut Airport: Why NSOPs Preferring Meerut Over Delhi For Aircraft Maintenance & Parking?

Meerut Airport, with its SAPL-operated hangar and maintenance facility (CAR 145) with ample parking capacity, is emerging as a strategic alternative for General Aviation (GA) aircraft owners and Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs) in the National Capital Region (NCR). With a 5,000-ft runway planned and often shorter wait times, it offers a compelling value proposition, especially compared to the high tariff environment at Delhi’s Terminal‑4 (T4) General Aviation facility.

Delhi’s Cost Challenge: The GA Parking Premium

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), under the purview of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and regulated by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), enforces steep aeronautical tariffs that cumulatively burden smaller operators.

• Parking slots at IGI are limited—post apron expansion, the airport accommodates 210 to 240 aircraft stands.
• AERA sets and extends aeronautical tariffs (including landing and parking) for NSOPs and GA users.
• Though exact rates for NSOP GA parking weren’t published, the environment is notoriously cost-intensive and restrictive.

Result: Many General Aviation aircraft owners choose to avoid high holding costs and operational inflexibility, driving a search for alternative hubs.

Meerut Airport: A Practical, Cost-Effective Alternative

Located barely 90–100 km from Delhi, with an approximate travel time of 1.5 hours via road, adjustable per traffic conditions, Meerut Airport presents a geographically viable GA option. Many a times, the Noida-IGI Airport run itself surpasses the 1.5 hours via road to Meerut.

• The airport boasts a SAPL-run hangar facility with parking space, a 5,000-ft runway, and dedicated CAR 145 MRO operations—a complete package for GA maintenance and logistics.
• Meerut’s runway expansion efforts are underway, aimed at accommodating even larger aircraft like the Boeing 737’s and Airbus.
• The site, provides GA operators with a robust, low-cost servicing and comprehensive aircraft maintenance alternative.

CAR 145 MRO Facility at Meerut (Photo credits: MRO)

Comparative View: Delhi vs Meerut

Parameter	IGI Airport (T4, Delhi)	Meerut Airport (SAPL Hangar)
Proximity to Delhi (NCR)	Central, but high congestion	~1.5 hours by road
Parking & Holding Cost	High (regulated, premium rates)	Lower (Almost 1/3rd)
MRO & Maintenance Access	Limited access, constrained	On-site CAR 145 MRO facility
Tariff Structure	AERA‑regulated, extensive charges	Commercially negotiated
Expansion & Capacity Potential	Saturated	Growing further, with runway extension

Regulatory Windfall: GST Simplification Aiding MROs In General

Further enhancing MRO appeal as a whole is a recent policy streamlining:

• From July 2024, a uniform 5% IGST applies to aircraft parts, testing equipment, and tools—removing the prior tariff complexity.
• Additionally, the import re‑export window for repairs has doubled from six months to a full year, while warranty repair re-imports are allowed up to five years.
• This significantly improves financial planning and operational flexibility for MRO providers like SAPL and their clients.

Aircraft ready for departure, after undergoing major maintenance at SAPL’s CAR 145 Maintenance Facility at Meerut

Strategic Implication for GA Operators

The convergence of cost-effective parking, ready CAR 145 MRO infrastructure, and reduced landing charges are transforming Meerut Airport as an emerging GA hub challenging Delhi’s T4 Terminal’s (General Aviation) monopoly. Here’s how operators can capitalize:

• Maintenance Contracts: Secure routine servicing and comprehensive aircraft maintenance with SAPL rather than paying premium hangar fees and shifting costs at IGI.
• Cost Savings: Benefit from lower parking and operational costs, to the tune of 1/3rd of that being charged at Delhi, makes Meerut highly viable for both long-term and short-stay, thereby challenging Delhi’s General Aviation monopoly.
• Operational Flexibility: Available slots and MRO capacity reduce downtime, enabling better fleet utilization.

Conclusion

Meerut Airport’s SAPL-run hangar, combined with strategic low cost aircraft maintenance benefits and infrastructural promise, now offers GA operators a compelling, pragmatic alternative to Delhi’s congested and expensive facilities. For NSOPs and private aircraft owners, especially those rooted in the NCR, establishing maintenance partnerships at Meerut is not just prudent—it’s imperative for efficient GA operations.

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India joins the All-Russia Cinema Night 2025 Campaign

On August 23th 2025, the All Russia Cinema Night Campaign marks its 10th anniversary — a genuine celebration night for Russian cinema that traditionally attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers to film screens as summer comes to a close. Cinema Night 2025, an event operated by ROSKINO and the Cinema Fund, is co-organized by the Russian Fund of Culture, as well as with support from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event is traditionally tied to the Day of Russian Cinema, celebrated on August 27th.

For the second year in a row, Cinema Night gains international attention as well: both Russian and foreign viewers will gather together in front of the big screen for Cinema Night. Last year, the campaign united fourteen BRICS and CIS countries, and this time, 37 states are joining this celebration of Russian cinema.

India, China, Brazil, Ethiopia, Egypt, and all the CIS countries will be returning as second-time participants to the campaign. Among the new countries on the Cinema Night’s map are the UAE, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, RSA, Indonesia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, Angola, Djibouti, Mauritius and many more.

Every year, some of the most outstanding newcomers are selected for Cinema Night, allowing viewers to witness the evolution of Russian cinema: films in various genres, films employing cutting-edge techniques, flamboyant films with thrilling storylines featuring the magnificent work of our beloved actors—everything that makes us proud of Russian cinema.

In India, Cinema Night takes place in Russian House in Chennai (Address: 74, Kasturi Rangan Rd, Kasturi Estate, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) and Russian House in New Delhi (Address: 24, Firoz Shah Road, New Delhi). Admission for film visitors is free.

The Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Olga Lyubimova: Our jubilee Cinema Night 2025 is yet another reason to show both Russian and foreign viewers our splendid films, stage a worthy celebration of Russian Cinema Day, and remind everyone about the importance of the cinematic art. Today, our country’s film industry employs tens of thousands of various specialists. The sector continues to develop, and its successes are now also recognized on a global level. Ties with foreign filmmakers are being strengthened, with joint projects being created.By drawing dozens of foreign countries into the orbit of our Cinema Night, we share with them inspiring, sincere film stories, and spread the knowledge of our values, traditions, and meanings through cinema.”

Russian Film Day Being Held in Nepal for the First Time

Cinema Night 2025 Program includes:

– The Wizard of the Emerald City. Part I. Ellie lives in a distant city. One day, the evil witch Gingema conjured a hurricane that took Ellie and her dog Totoshka to the country of the Munchkins. To return home, Ellie and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion will set off along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City in search of the Wizard who will grant their cherished wishes.

– The Poet. The life story of the great Russian poet Aleksandr Pushkin, with ‘Anora’ star Yura Borisov.

– Blood Type. Based on real events. November 1943. The Nazis bring a new batch of Soviet orphans to Vyritsa, where a so-called “children’s shelter” is set up in a former pioneer camp. The conditions here are unbearable: cold, hunger, forced labor, a punishment cell for disobedience, and execution for attempting to escape. But the worst thing is that children are used as blood donors for wounded Germans. Despite all the horror and inconceivability of what is happening, having united, the young heroes find the strength and courage to resist and decide to escape.

India has already participated in the Cinema Night in 2024: screenings were held at the Russian House in New Delhi. India also hosts Russian Film Festivals every year: last year, five Russian films were screened in Mumbai and New Delhi.

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Patterns and Precedents Powered by AI

A Dinner That Turned Into a Discovery

It was supposed to be just a casual dinner with two friends. One works in law, the other in software consulting, and I am a university professor. Three different professions, three different worlds—or so I thought. As the evening unfolded, it became clear that our worlds were not so different after all. In fact, they followed the same hidden pattern. And that pattern explains not only how professions have always worked, but also how artificial intelligence is about to change them forever.

Three Professions, One Playbook

The Lawyer’s World: In court, nothing stands alone. Every argument must be anchored in precedent. Winning cases comes down to organizing evidence within the framework of prior rulings. The Consultant’s World: In software projects, requirements must be scoped, modules defined, and documentation consulted. Without structure and authoritative sources, the project collapses. The Academic’s World: Research is the same. No claim is valid without citations. Every article builds on authority, extends incrementally, and ends with the classic line: ‘further research is needed.’

Explainer Graphic: The Three Pillars of Professional Credibility

The Underlying Pattern

Across law, consulting, and academia, three elements stand out: 1. Structure – frameworks that define the work. 2. Authority – reliance on precedent, sources, or documentation. 3. Incremental Extension – building on what came before to move things forward. This is the DNA of professional credibility across industries.

Enter Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence doesn’t rewrite this pattern. Instead, it accelerates the very mechanics that already exist: – For lawyers: AI can rapidly surface precedents, summarize thousands of pages of case law, and suggest likely arguments. – For consultants: AI can map system requirements, simulate integrations, and generate structured specifications at speed. – For academics: AI can scan vast literatures, highlight gaps, suggest citations, and organize messy notes into draft articles.

WSO2 Introduces AI-Powered Automation for Identity and Access Management

The Broader Implication for Society

The way our institutions work—universities, courts, businesses—has always depended on structure and authority. AI is tipping that balance. Authority can now be surfaced instantly, structure can be generated automatically, and incremental progress can compound at machine speed. This raises urgent questions: If AI can generate precedent-like arguments, how do we ensure legal integrity? If AI can draft research papers, how do we preserve academic rigor? If AI can scope projects instantly, how do consultants maintain trust and accountability?

Conclusion: Patterns and Precedents Powered by AI

That dinner conversation ended with laughter, but also with a profound insight: our professions are not as different as they seem. At the core, they all rely on patterns, precedents, and processes that ensure continuity and credibility. AI doesn’t rewrite that story—it writes it faster. And the real question now is: will we use AI to reinforce the structures that give our work meaning, or allow speed to erode the authority that makes it valuable? That’s the decision facing not just lawyers, consultants, and academics, but all of us.

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