Current Affairs January 2020 - Bills & Acts



1 - JPC on Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019

JPC

The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, which was introduced in Lok Sabha in the winter session last year, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of both the Houses. The JPC has been constituted under the chairmanship of New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi for examination and report.

The Bill seeks to provide for protection of personal data of individuals, create a framework for processing such personal data, and establishes a Data Protection Authority for the purpose.

2 - Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed bill to establish three capitals

Jagan

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed a bill proposing three capitals, Legislative, Executive and Judicial for the state. The Assembly passed the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill in this regard.

Visakhapatnam is proposed to be the Executive capital, Amaravati Legislative capital and Kurnool will be the Judicial capital. The Bill also provides for dividing the State into various zones. It seeks to establish zonal planning and development boards.

3 - Union Cabinet approved amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill

Homoeopathy

Union Cabinet approved official amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill therefore making changes in Homoeopathy Central Council (HCC) Act, 1973.

Features of bill are :

  • To promote the availability of affordable healthcare services in all parts of the country

  • The broad functions constitution, regulation-making powers are identical to those of the Medical Council of India.

  • Act provides a solid foundation for the growth of medical education and practice in Homoeopathy.

  • It will not only ensure transparency but also necessary regulatory reforms in the field of Homoeopathy education.

4 - Centre promulgated Ordinance to amend coal-mining laws

Coal-Mining

Central government announced the promulgation of the ordinance for amendment in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. The amendments were made to promote FDI and ease in doing business such as auction of coal mines.

Features of ordinance are:

  • Amendments will allow unexplored coal blocks for mining through prospecting license-cum-mining lease.

  • Allow any India-registered company to invest in the coal mining sector.

  • Enable FDI in the coal mining sector by removing the restrictions.

  • Enhance ease of doing business.

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