Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

The World Health Organization adopted its first global Pandemic Agreement under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution during the 78th World Health Assembly. This legal instrument, only the second after the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2003), aims to enhance global health security through equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics during pandemics. The agreement promotes international cooperation, ensures technology transfer, mandates affordable access, and establishes financial and logistical frameworks for effective pandemic response. By using Article 19, which allows the WHO to adopt conventions or agreements for health-related matters, this treaty sets a vital precedent for global collaboration in public health emergencies.

The original Consumer Protection Act in India was enacted in 1986, marking a significant step toward safeguarding consumer rights. This legislation laid the foundation for establishing consumer forums and redressal agencies across the country to address grievances related to unfair trade practices, defective goods, and deficient services. It was a pioneering effort to institutionalize consumer justice within India's legal framework. Over time, the law has evolved to meet emerging challenges, especially with the rise of digital commerce. However, the foundational act of 1986 remains crucial in shaping the consumer rights movement and guiding subsequent reforms, including the updated 2019 version.

The imposition of service tax on broadcasting services falls under the Finance Act of 1994, utilizing the residuary powers of Parliament outlined in Entry 97 of the Union List. This classification allows the Centre to tax broadcasting as a service, while states can simultaneously impose entertainment tax under their jurisdiction, specifically Entry 62 of the State List. The Supreme Court has upheld this dual taxation model, endorsing the aspect theory in taxation law. Recognizing the 1994 Act as the legal origin for service tax in this domain helps clarify the division of powers and resolves potential conflicts in fiscal policy enforcement.

The concept of mandatory registration of Waqfs in India originates from the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. This legal requirement has been consistently upheld through subsequent legislation, including the Waqf Act of 1954 and the Waqf Act of 1995. Even the 2025 Amendment Act does not alter this obligation but rather emphasizes its continued relevance. The historical significance of the 1923 Act lies in its foundational role in regulating Islamic charitable endowments within the country's legal framework. Understanding this origin is crucial to evaluating the continuity and changes in waqf-related governance over the years.

The Civil Defence Act was enacted in 1968 as a strategic legislative response to the growing security concerns following the 1962 war with China and the 1965 war with Pakistan. Its primary aim is to ensure the protection of civilians, infrastructure, and property from possible hostile attacks via air, land, or sea. The Act empowers the government to establish the Civil Defence Corps and lays down the authority to frame rules and regulations necessary for its implementation. It marked a critical step in institutionalising civil preparedness during times of national emergencies or external aggression.