Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to introduce a bill in Parliament for the renaming of a state, upon recommendation. This process requires a simple majority in Parliament to enact the name change into law. State assemblies can propose resolutions for renaming, but their views are not binding on Parliament, as seen in the case of Kerala's recent resolution to rename the state as 'Keralam', which was previously returned by the Centre due to procedural issues.

The Nalanda University Act, which laid the foundation for the establishment of Nalanda University, was passed in the year 2010. Recently, on June 19, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near the ancient ruins of Nalanda in Rajgir, Bihar. This event marked a significant milestone in the revival of this historic institution, originally thriving for 800 years until its destruction in the 12th century. The Act was instrumental in formalizing decisions taken during the East Asia Summits in 2007 and 2009, underscoring India's commitment to restoring its legacy as an international centre of learning and cultural exchange.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was enacted in the year 1967 to enhance the prevention of certain unlawful activities, including those related to terrorism and acts challenging India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This legislation provides legal measures for investigating and prosecuting individuals and associations involved in unlawful activities across the country. The Act passed after the promulgation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Ordinance in 1966, aims to safeguard national security and maintain public order by empowering agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to handle cases under its provisions.

The Special Marriage Act, of 1954, enacted by the Parliament of India, provides a special form of marriage for all Indian nationals, irrespective of their religion or faith. This Act allows inter-religious marriages and marriages not governed by personal laws, aiming to provide a legal framework for civil marriages in India.

The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) is a crucial legislation enacted in India to safeguard the country's diverse wildlife. This act aims to provide legal protection to various species of flora and fauna, ensuring their conservation and preventing their exploitation. It establishes protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves to conserve habitats and species. The act prohibits hunting, poaching, or trade of endangered species and their products. It also regulates activities affecting wildlife habitats, such as deforestation and industrialization. Additionally, the act empowers authorities to enforce strict penalties for violations, contributing significantly to wildlife conservation efforts in India.