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Railways (Amendment) Act, 2024 The Railways (Amendment) Act, 2024 represents a major structural overhaul of India’s railway governance, shifting from a colonial-era framework to a modern, corporate-style system. Area Details Statutory and Legal Reform • Simplification: Repeals the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, and merges its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989, creating a unified legal code. • Statutory Status: Provide

Protection and Enforcement of Interests in Aircraft Objects Act, 2025

Protection and Enforcement of Interests in Aircraft Objects Act, 2025 The Protection and Enforcement of Interests in Aircraft Objects Act, 2025 establishes a robust legal framework to safeguard the rights of aircraft lessors and financiers in India. It aligns domestic aviation law with the Cape Town Convention, 2001, ensuring international standards in aircraft leasing and financing. Key Provision Details Insolvency Protection The Act allows lessors

Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025

Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 On 4 April 2025, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 received Presidential assent. The Act repeals four existing laws and modernizes India’s immigration framework. Area Details Repealed Laws 1. The Foreigners Act, 1946 2. The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 3. The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 4. The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 On April 5, 2025, the President gave assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, officially renamed the UMEED Act — Unified Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development. It replaces the 1995 framework and repeals the colonial-era Mussalman Waqf Act, 1923. Key Provision Details Property Verification Prevents arbitrary property declarations by requiring strict verification and stakeholder consultation, especially for

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025, this Bill mandates the removal of a Prime Minister (PM), Chief Minister (CM), or Minister if they are detained in custody for serious criminal offences. It seeks to ensure that executive heads do not govern from prison, thereby maintaining administrative integrity. Key Provision Details Grounds for Removal A Minister is liable for removal

Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025

Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025 Released by the Ministry of External Affairs in October 2025, this draft Bill seeks to replace the outdated Emigration Act, 1983. It aims to modernize migration governance, enhance the welfare of Indian workers abroad, and curb irregular migration and human trafficking. Key Provision Details Defining Returnees The Bill defines a “returnee” as an Indian national returning after 182 da

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 18, 2025, this Bill seeks to amend 17 Central Acts, including the Motor Vehicles Act and Legal Metrology Act, to decriminalize minor offences. It aims to enhance the Ease of Doing Business by replacing criminal provisions with administrative penalties. Key Provision Details Decriminalization Replaces imprisonment with monetary penalties for offences such as driving

4-Factor Test to Avoid Undue Sympathy in Sentencing

4-Factor Test to Avoid Undue Sympathy in Sentencing On February 17, 2026, the Supreme Court, in Parameshwari vs. State of Tamil Nadu, ruled that increasing victim compensation cannot be used as a reason to reduce an offender’s imprisonment. The Court clarified that compensation and punishment serve different purposes: compensation restores the victim to some extent, while punishment upholds criminal deterrence and public confidence in justice. The ruling is significant because

Rights of Widowed Daughters-in-Law (HAMA, 1956)

Rights of Widowed Daughters-in-Law (HAMA, 1956) On January 13, 2026, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict affirming that a widowed daughter-in-law can claim maintenance from her deceased father-in-law’s estate under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956. The ruling strengthens the protective purpose of maintenance law and prevents dependents from being denied support because of narrow technical interpretations. The Court clarified that the phrase &ld

Konkan Coast Geoglyphs

Konkan Coast Geoglyphs Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums nominated the Konkan coast geoglyphs for UNESCO World Heritage status. These prehistoric geoglyphs may date back nearly 12,000 years, placing them among the world’s oldest rock art traditions. These open-air rock engravings are significant because they preserve early artistic expressions on laterite plateaus along the Konkan coast and represent a rare prehistoric rock art tradition in India.

Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025

Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 was held in Bonn, Germany, from 16–26 June. The conference serves as an important technical meeting under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Key Details Aspect Details Venue Bonn, Germany. Dates Held from 16–26 June. Nature of Conference An annual technical meeting held under the UNFCCC.