Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

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.

The Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FIC Act, 2001), under which the State Bank of India's South Africa branch was fined for non-compliance, was enacted in 2003. This legislation aimed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by establishing a regulatory framework for financial institutions to report suspicious transactions and maintain customer due diligence. The Act plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of South Africa's financial system and aligning with international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.

The Explosive Act was enacted in 1884 by the British colonial government in India to regulate the manufacture, storage, possession, use, sale, import, and export of explosives, aiming to establish safety standards and prevent accidents.

The Supreme Court made a ruling in 1995, in the case of Indian Medical Association vs V P Shantha, regarding medical professionals' liability under the Consumer Protection Act. This ruling established that medical professionals could be sued in consumer court for providing faulty service, as defined by the Consumer Protection Act.

The Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA) was enacted in India in 1994 to regulate organ transplantation and prevent commercial trading of organs, ensuring that donations are based on altruism and close relationships between donors and recipients.