Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India to oversee, direct, and control the electoral process. This provision ensures that elections are conducted efficiently and are completed before the term of the existing assembly expires. Article 324 plays a critical role in upholding the democratic process by giving the Election Commission the authority to ensure free and fair elections.

Uttarakhand has enacted the Uttarakhand Public (Government) and Private Property Damage Recovery (Ordinance) Act 2024, a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the financial consequences of civil unrest and riots. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude for the Governor's approval of this law, which provides a comprehensive framework for compensating damages to both government and private properties. This act also includes provisions for reimbursing expenses incurred by government staff involved in riot control, reflecting a proactive approach to managing the impact of civil disturbances on state resources.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established in 1964 under the Food Corporation Act. It functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. FCI plays a crucial role in India's food security by conducting price support operations, distributing food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS), and maintaining operational and buffer stocks. These efforts ensure the availability of food grains across the country, stabilizing prices and securing food supply during shortages.

The Income Tax Act of 1961, introduced in India, has been a significant piece of legislation governing income tax since April 1962. This act was a major reform following earlier tax laws, establishing a comprehensive and structured tax system. It replaced previous tax regulations and has undergone several amendments over time to address evolving fiscal needs. The act is crucial in India's tax administration, marking a major milestone in the evolution of tax policy and management in the country.

The central government has banned 156 cocktail drugs, many of which are commonly available at home. These banned drugs are used for various purposes, including hair growth, skin care, pain relief, and treating allergies. The ban affects fixed-dose combinations (FDCs), where multiple drugs are combined into a single pill. This list includes drugs that were already discontinued or had limited use. The ban was recommended by the expert committee appointed by the Centre after an examination by the apex panel of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). This decision was based on the finding that there is no therapeutic justification for these FDCs. The pharmaceutical industry is currently assessing the financial impact of this ban.