Legislative Developments

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

• Overview: Regulates the collection, processing, and storage of personal data.
• Key Features:
  • User consent as the cornerstone.
  • Penalties for data breaches.
  • Cross-border data transfer guidelines.
• Relevance: Strengthens data privacy and security frameworks.

Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023

• Overview: Proposes 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• Relevance: Promotes gender inclusivity in politics.

Anti-Child Marriage Amendment

• Overview: Raise the legal marriage age for women from 18 to 21.
• Relevance: Ensures gender parity and addresses child marriage concerns.

Environment Protection (Amendment) Bill

• Overview: Enhances penalties for violations and promotes sustainable practices.
• Relevance: Aligns with India’s commitments to global climate goals.

Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act

• Overview: Updates archaic criminal laws with modern provisions for cybercrime and terrorism.
• Relevance: Enhances efficiency and relevance in law enforcement.

Review Questions

1. Explain the significance of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
2. How does the Women’s Reservation Bill impact political representation?
3. Discuss the rationale behind raising the legal marriage age for women.
4. What are the major changes proposed in the Environment Protection (Amendment) Bill?
5. Analyze the importance of the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act.