The Lok Sabha passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, which proposes to fast-track the patent application process and encourage foreign investment when it comes to the use of India’s biological resources, thus facilitating the commercial use of traditional resources. The Bill was passed on July 25, nearly two years after it was first introduced in the Lok Sabha and subsequently sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for deliberation. The Committee submitted a report of its recommendations earlier this year which have been incorporated in the Bill that was passed.