UPSC Prelims 2024: List of important acts to revise before June 16 exam

1. Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023

The Act is designed to oversee the handling of digital personal data, affirming the individual’s autonomy over their personal information which includes various new elements like data fiduciaries’ responsibilities, data principles, roles and responsibilities, and enforcement measures. Singh elaborates on data fiduciaries, “Entities that manage data, encompassing individuals, corporations, and government bodies, are mandated to adhere to specific standards during data processing activities such as collection, storage, and other data-related operations.”

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While, to whom the data pertains, are empowered with rights to control their digital footprint and responsibilities to comply with the law. The above statement reflects data principals’ rights and responsibilities.

2. Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023

The Act specifies that periodicals do not include books or scientific and academic journals, which are exempt from its regulations. Along with the above, the act has a provision of reproduction of foreign periodicals as facsimiles (exact copies) in India which requires prior authorization from the central government. Publishers seeking to print periodicals must obtain a registration certificate through an online application to the Press Registrar General (PRG) and the relevant local authority, read a statement from Singh’s post.

The Act replaces imprisonment with fines, updating the colonial-era law to decriminalise certain offences. Individuals convicted of terrorism, unlawful activities, or actions compromising state security are also prohibited from publishing periodicals.

3. NARI SHAKTI VANDAN [CONSTITUTION (106TH AMENDMENT)] ACT, 2023

Key provisions of the Act

Amended Articles:
– Article 239AA : Mandates a one-third reservation for women in the Legislative Assembly of Delhi

Newly Inserted Articles:
– Article 330A & Article 332A : Introduce a… pic.twitter.com/ctVqDm67m7

— Deepanshu Singh (@deepanshuS27) May 15, 2024

3. Nari Shakti Vandan (Constitution- 106 amendment) Act 2023

The Act mandates a one-third reservation for women in the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, introduction of a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, respectively. This reservation extends to seats already reserved for SCs/STs. The Act will not affect the current members of legislative bodies until their term ends.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023, and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Act, 2023, have also been passed, reserving 33 per cent of seats for women in the assemblies of Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry. The women’s reservation is set to expire after 15 years but can be renewed by Parliament.

4. Telecommunications Act, 2023

The Act specifies that the allocation of the spectrum will be conducted through auctions or administratively for specific purposes such as national security, disaster management, weather forecasting, transport, and satellite services. Notably, this includes the inaugural administrative allocation for satellite broadband services.

TRAI Act now permits individuals with a minimum of 30 years (for Chairperson) and 25 years (for members) of professional experience to be appointed to the regulatory body. An adjudicating officer will be appointed to handle civil offences, with the provision for appeals against committee orders to be made to the Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) within 30 days.

This Act allows for the interception, monitoring, or blocking of messages on grounds of state security, public order, and prevention of incitement to offences. It also mandates prior authorization from the central government to provide, operate, maintain, or expand telecommunication services and to possess radio equipment.

5. Multi -state Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023

The Act rules to develop a new body comprising a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and up to three members will be appointed by the central government to oversee elections within co-operative societies, along with introducing  aid the recovery of ailing multi-state co-operative societies.

A complaint and redressals ombudsman will be appointed by the centre who will address grievances within their territorial jurisdiction and appeals against the Ombudsman’s decisions can be made to the Central Registrar.