Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved a bill extending 10% reservation to the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government employment, surpassing the 50% cap. This decision follows a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission justifying the extension.

The Assam cabinet, under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, aimed at curbing magical healing practices that exploit individuals suffering from congenital diseases.

The Delhi High Court sought the Centre’s response to a petition challenging the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which permits female aged between 23 to 50 to undergo surrogacy. This age range was questioned by a couple, contesting that it infringes upon their right to procreation.

The Telangana Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a bill banning hookah parlours in the state. State Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu introduced the bill on behalf of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, highlighting the health hazards associated with hookah smoking compared to cigarettes.

The Parliament passed three bills addressing reservation and modification of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes lists specifically for Jammu and Kashmir. These bills aim to address reservation gaps and ensure the recognition and inclusion of marginalized communities in the Union territory.