Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act was originally enacted in 1957 as the primary legislation to regulate the mining sector in India. Its purpose was to provide a legal framework for the development, control, and regulation of mines and minerals. Over the years, it has been amended multiple times to suit changing industrial needs and economic conditions. The 2025 Amendment introduced significant updates such as provisions for leaseholders to include additional minerals, and the establishment of the National Mineral Exploration Trust to enhance mineral exploration and development across the country.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted its approval for the merger of New India Co-operative Bank Ltd (NICBL) with Saraswat Co-operative Bank under Section 44A(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. This section specifically deals with the amalgamation of co-operative banks, providing a legal framework for such mergers. The approval followed consent from shareholders of both banks and submission of a merger proposal to the RBI. Alongside Section 44A(4), Section 56 of the Act was also invoked, which pertains to the application of certain provisions of the Act to co-operative banks. This ensures regulatory oversight and legal compliance during such consolidations.

The Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 have been introduced by the Union Environment Ministry to manage and rehabilitate chemically contaminated sites, such as polluted landfills and unregulated hazardous waste areas. These rules are legally backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which serves as the central framework for environmental regulation in India. The act empowers the central government to take measures for protecting and improving the environment. Under these new rules, district administrations are now required to submit detailed reports twice a year, enhancing transparency and accountability in managing contaminated sites across the country.

Article 338 of the Indian Constitution mandates the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) to submit an annual report to the President detailing the status of Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes. This report ensures accountability and monitors the implementation of protections and welfare measures for Scheduled Castes. The 2023-24 report was recently submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, as required by this constitutional provision. The NCSC plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes, and Article 338 reinforces its authority and responsibilities.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, responsible for making recommendations on various aspects of GST implementation, was constituted under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution. This Article was introduced by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016. It provides for the creation of the GST Council, which includes the Union Finance Minister as the Chairperson and state finance ministers as members. The Council plays a pivotal role in determining tax rates, exemptions, and other key aspects of GST. Its formation was a significant step in ensuring cooperative federalism in India's tax administration.