India · 20202020

Consolidates three laws on trade unions, industrial disputes and standing orders, easing retrenchment rules for larger firms.

Why it matters: Part of the four labour codes; key for Economy (labour reform) and the flexibility-vs-security debate.

Brings gig, platform and unorganised workers within the ambit of social security for the first time.

Why it matters: First recognition of gig workers in law; high-yield for Economy (future of work) and Social Justice.

Merges thirteen labour laws on workplace safety, health and working conditions across factories, mines, docks and other sectors.

Why it matters: Fourth labour code; relevant for Economy (labour welfare) and migrant-worker governance post-COVID.

Extends reserved seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by ten years and ends the nomination of Anglo-Indians.

Why it matters: Touches political reservation and nominated seats; relevant Polity topic on representation.

One of the three farm laws — allowed trade in farm produce outside notified APMC mandis; repealed in 2021 after year-long protests.

Why it matters: Centre of the 2020–21 farm-laws agitation; high-yield for Economy (agri-marketing) and federalism.

The contract-farming farm law — created a framework for agreements between farmers and buyers; repealed in 2021.

Why it matters: Part of the repealed farm-laws package; relevant for Economy (contract farming, MSP debate).

The third farm law — removed cereals, pulses, oilseeds, onion and potato from routine stock limits; repealed in 2021.

Why it matters: The deregulation farm law; relevant for Economy (food management, hoarding-vs-investment debate).