Daily Current Affairs : 4-May-2024
The government has added a new Explosives Bill to replace the old Explosives Act of 1884. The bill seeks to improve the regulation of explosives in India, ensuring better safety and control over substances like gunpowder, nitroglycerine, and other explosive materials. This new law is designed to address the changing needs of the industry and bring India’s regulations in line with modern standards.
Key Features of the Explosives Bill
The new bill focuses on regulating the manufacture, possession, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives. It introduces several updates to strengthen safety measures, simplify procedures, and ensure stricter penalties for violations. Below are the key features of the bill:
- Definition of Explosives: The bill clearly defines what qualifies as an explosive, including materials used for creating explosive or pyrotechnic effects. These substances can be used in industries like mining, defense, and entertainment.
- Licensing Authority: The Central Government will be responsible for appointing a competent authority to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses for the handling of explosives. Currently, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) manages these functions and will continue its role in overseeing compliance.
- Punishment for Violations: The bill introduces stronger penalties. Those found guilty of violating the rules can face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both.
- Power of the Central Government: The bill empowers the Central Government to make rules and regulations to help enforce the law and implement its provisions effectively.
Role of PESO in Regulating Explosives
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) plays a critical role in regulating explosives in India. Established in 1898 during British rule, PESO operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is responsible for overseeing the safe handling of explosives, petroleum, and flammable materials.
Key Functions:
- Regulates the import, export, transport, and storage of explosives.
- Frames safety rules for various sectors, including cinematography, gas cylinders, and petroleum.
- Ensures the safe use of explosives in industries like mining and defense.
PESO is led by the Chief Controller of Explosives and its officers are selected through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This ensures that qualified experts are managing the safety of hazardous materials.
Important Points:
The New Explosives Bill replaces the outdated Explosives Act of 1884 to modernize safety and regulation of explosives in India.
Key Objectives of the Bill:
- Regulates the manufacture, possession, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives.
- Improves safety measures and simplifies procedures.
- Increases penalties for violations.
Key Features of the Bill:
- Definition of Explosives: Clear definition of materials used for explosive or pyrotechnic effects (e.g., gunpowder, nitroglycerine).
- Licensing Authority: Central Government will appoint an authority to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses for handling explosives (currently managed by PESO).
- Punishment for Violations: Violators can face up to 3 years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both.
- Power of the Central Government: Empowered to make rules to enforce the provisions of the Act.
Role of PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization):
- Regulates the import, export, transport, and storage of explosives.
- Frames safety regulations for sectors like cinematography, gas cylinders, and petroleum.
- Ensures safe use of explosives in mining and defense.
- Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is led by the Chief Controller of Explosives.
Selection of PESO Officers: PESO officers are selected through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to ensure qualified management of hazardous materials.
Why In News
The government has proposed a new Explosives Bill to replace the outdated Explosives Act of 1884, aiming to address modern safety concerns and industry needs while aligning with current global standards for explosive materials management.
MCQs about The New Explosives Bill
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What is the primary aim of the new Explosives Bill introduced by the government?
A. To regulate the sale of fireworks only
B. To replace the outdated Explosives Act of 1884 and modernize safety regulations
C. To ban the use of explosives in mining industries
D. To create new laws for nuclear weapons management
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Which organization continues to play a key role in overseeing the regulation of explosives under the new Explosives Bill?
A. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
B. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry
C. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
D. The Central Government
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What is the maximum punishment for violations under the new Explosives Bill?
A. Imprisonment for 1 year and a fine of Rs 50,000
B. Imprisonment for 3 years, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both
C. Imprisonment for 5 years and a fine of Rs 2,00,000
D. A fine of Rs 5,00,000 only
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What is the role of the Central Government under the new Explosives Bill?
A. To control the global trade of explosives
B. To grant, suspend, or revoke licenses for handling explosives
C. To provide financial support for explosives-related industries
D. To create and enforce rules to implement the provisions of the Act
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