Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks Announces Tentative Schedule for Patent and Trade Marks Agent Examinations 2027 a...
CCI approves proposed combination inter alia involving share acquisition(s) and merger of certain entities e.g. AAPC India, Triguna, Caddie, SMPL, Tec...
Ethanol imports for fuel blending remain excluded from trade commitments, with domestic producers continuing to supply the blending programme. Ethanol imports for fuel blending remain outside concessions or commitments in India-US trade discussions. Under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol Programme, ethanol procurement is governed solely by domestic policy requirements and is sourced entirely from domestic producers. Claims of existing or intended large-scale ethanol imports from the United States for fuel blending, or of a policy change permitting them, are stated to be baseless.
Domestic ethanol sourcing for fuel blending continues unchanged, with no import commitments or concessions involving United States ethanol. Ethanol used for fuel blending under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol Programme is sourced entirely from domestic producers, with no imports from the United States for that purpose. No concessions or commitments on importing United States ethanol for fuel blending have been made in trade discussions. Fuel blending and ethanol procurement continue to be governed solely by domestic policy requirements, and claims of a policy change allowing large-scale imports are incorrect.
Patent and trade marks agent qualification examinations require written-paper minimums, aggregate passing scores, and viva voce assessment for registration. Patent and trade marks agent examinations comprise an objective Paper I, a descriptive Paper II and a viva voce assessing suitability to practise before the Intellectual Property Office. Candidates must secure the stipulated minimum marks in each written paper and the required aggregate score to pass. Registration in the relevant Register of Patent Agents or Register of Trade Marks Agents is available only to candidates who satisfy all prescribed eligibility conditions and qualify the examination.
Draft NBFC credit-facilities amendments open for stakeholder consultation through designated online and email feedback channels. Draft amendments to the Non-Banking Financial Companies credit-facilities framework have been released for public consultation. Regulated entities and other interested stakeholders may submit comments or feedback through the 'Connect 2 Regulate' platform or by email using the specified subject line.
Mandatory jute packaging reservations were urged to protect cultivators, mill workers, crop absorption, and environmentally sustainable packaging. Mandatory jute packaging reservations were sought to be retained at full coverage for foodgrains and increased for sugar packaging for the forthcoming Jute Year. The submission before the Standing Advisory Committee emphasised absorption of bumper jute output, remunerative prices for cultivators, uninterrupted mill operations, and protection of farm and worker livelihoods. It also stressed that biodegradable jute bags offer an environmentally friendly alternative to HDPE and polypropylene woven sacks, and that dilution of compulsory packaging could undermine plastic-pollution reduction efforts.
NBFC Upper Layer classification imposes enhanced regulation and listing obligations, while de-registration applications remain under examination. NBFC Upper Layer classification subjects identified large non-banking financial companies to enhanced regulatory requirements for at least five years and requires stock-exchange listing within three years of identification. The framework divides NBFCs into Base, Middle, Upper and Top Layers. Seventeen large NBFCs were included in the Upper Layer list, while Tata Sons' classification remains subject to the pending examination of its de-registration application.
Closing auction price discovery may affect benchmark levels differently based on constituent liquidity and concentrated institutional order flow. The Closing Auction Session in the equity cash segment uses an auction-based method to determine closing prices of eligible shares with futures and options contracts, aiming to strengthen transparent and robust price discovery. Its effect on benchmark closing levels may differ according to constituent liquidity and institutional order flow. The Reserve Bank of India retained the policy repo rate and neutral stance, indicating that future policy decisions will be data-dependent and influenced by assessment of energy-cost effects on inflation.
Public grievance redressal strengthens through monitoring, senior review, workshops, stakeholder coordination, and customer-centric service delivery improvements. Public grievance redressal is assessed through the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index, which analyses grievance categories and disposal. The Department of Financial Services' Insurance and Banking Divisions received third and sixth ranks respectively in the June 2026 assessment. Its framework includes disposal of grievances, random reviews by senior officials, and workshops on effective grievance redressal, supporting best practices, stakeholder coordination, technology use, customer-centric service, and accountable public service delivery.
Distressed asset resolution integrates restructuring, insolvency advisory, funding facilitation and digital marketplaces for transparent financial recovery transactions. The platform provides integrated advisory, management and transaction-facilitation services for Non-Performing Assets, stressed assets and distressed assets. Its services include NPA resolution, debt restructuring, One-Time Settlements, funding assistance, insolvency and bankruptcy advisory, asset reconstruction, financial restructuring and capital raising. Digital and offline marketplaces facilitate transactions involving distressed assets, receivables and related movable or immovable properties, supported by collaborations with banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies, Asset Reconstruction Companies, corporates and investors.
Merchant discount rate framework may permit charges on notified UPI and digital payments through a government notification mechanism. The proposed amendment to Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 replaces the existing income-tax-linked reference with a Central Government notification-based mechanism for electronic payment modes. It removes the current statutory restriction preventing banks and payment service providers from charging Merchant Discount Rate on notified modes, enabling the Government to permit charges for UPI and other digital payments. The policy rationale is to support funding for payment infrastructure and a sustainable revenue model for service providers.
Neutral monetary policy stance continues as resilient growth and food-fuel inflation risks require close macroeconomic monitoring. The Monetary Policy Committee retained the policy repo rate and continued the neutral monetary policy stance, citing the need to assess evolving growth-inflation conditions. Domestic activity was assessed as resilient, supported by consumption, investment, credit, manufacturing, services and exports, although global uncertainty, energy prices, supply-chain pressures, geopolitical developments and monsoon conditions remain risks. CPI inflation increased mainly because of food and fuel pressures, while underlying inflation remained moderate. The Committee considered that price pressures were not yet generalised and reaffirmed its commitment to align inflation with the target.
Closing auction price discovery and a neutral monetary policy stance shaped equity market conditions amid lower crude prices. The Closing Auction Session in the equity cash segment introduced an auction-based mechanism for determining closing prices of eligible shares with futures and options contracts, intended to make price discovery more transparent and robust. The Reserve Bank of India retained its neutral stance and left the benchmark policy rate unchanged, pending greater clarity on the inflationary effects of higher energy costs. Future policy decisions were stated to be data dependent.
Monthly public accounts review records receipts, expenditure, tax devolution, interest payments, subsidies, and capital spending through June. Consolidated monthly accounts up to June 2026 report total receipts of Rs.10,49,243 crore, comprising net tax revenue, non-tax revenue and non-debt capital receipts. Tax devolution transfers to State Governments total Rs.2,63,336 crore. Total expenditure is Rs.13,57,076 crore, including revenue expenditure of Rs.10,16,818 crore and capital expenditure of Rs.3,40,258 crore. Revenue expenditure includes interest payments and major subsidies.
Illicit psychotropic drug manufacture triggered seizure, apprehensions, and investigation into planned trafficking under narcotics control law. Illicit manufacture and trafficking of Alprazolam and Diazepam, psychotropic substances regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, were detected at a clandestine facility. Searches recovered finished and intermediary substances, together with raw materials and reaction mixtures used in manufacture, and the goods were seized under the Act. The manufacturer and an intended buyer were apprehended, with material indicating a proposed transaction for further illicit trafficking. Preliminary investigation indicated prior involvement in illegal drug production and trafficking.
Competition approval for hotel-sector consolidation covers share acquisitions and merger of Accor-branded hotel entities into InterGlobe Hotels. Competition approval was granted for related share acquisitions and the merger of AAPC India, Caddie, Triguna, Srilanand Mansions, Techpark and Accent into InterGlobe Hotels. The combination involves entities jointly controlled by the Bhatia Family Group and the Accor Group, including hotel-owning and developing entities, hotel management and franchising operations, leasing activities, and captive consultancy and support services relating to Accor-branded hotels in India.
Rupee appreciation followed unchanged monetary policy, lower crude prices, weaker dollar and expectations of orderly exchange-rate management. The rupee strengthened after the central bank maintained its policy rate and neutral monetary-policy stance. Lower crude oil prices, a weaker US dollar and declining US Treasury yields supported investor sentiment. Earlier measures to attract capital inflows remained part of the framework supporting the rupee, while the central bank stressed its endeavour to preserve an orderly currency trajectory. Future movement was linked to geopolitical de-escalation, global risk sentiment and US economic data.
Fiscal consolidation through revenue mobilisation and leakage control aims to reduce deficits while expanding capital expenditure capacity. Tamil Nadu's Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 project a revenue deficit and fiscal deficit, with outstanding liabilities comprising public debt and public-account liabilities. Revenue mobilisation is proposed through improved tax administration, collection efficiency, closure of leakages, liquor-manufacturer privilege fees, and eligible Union grants. The strategy projects gradual deficit reduction to create room for capital expenditure, supported by expenditure reforms aimed at eliminating leakages, optimising expenditure, and improving service delivery.
Political criticism of public office-holders raises debate over media accountability, personal remarks, and acceptable public discourse. Political criticism followed a social-media post describing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as "gungi gudiya" in connection with a press interaction on law-and-order issues in Beed district. Congress representatives stated that the post was not a personal insult, had been deleted after adverse reactions, and was followed by an expression of regret. NCP representatives termed the expression inappropriate and stressed that the principal dignitary should conduct media interactions. Shiv Sena (UBT) representatives described the phrase as not unparliamentary and linked it to criticism of a guardian minister's public responsibilities.
On-tap licensing for Urban Co-operative Banks enters public consultation through draft guidelines inviting stakeholder feedback. Draft guidelines for 'on tap' licensing of Urban Co-operative Banks have been issued for public and stakeholder consultation. Comments and feedback may be submitted until September 05, 2026, through the designated online consultation facility or by written or email submission to the specified regulatory department.
Prohibition on indirect Pakistan-origin imports targets alleged origin misdeclaration and UAE routing used to circumvent trade restrictions. Import prohibition on goods originating in Pakistan applies to direct and indirect imports under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. Pakistan-origin dry dates routed through the UAE were allegedly declared as UAE-origin goods for import, and were intercepted under the Customs Act, 1962. Investigation indicated that the goods were first sent from Pakistan to Dubai, re-containerised, and then exported to India. A separate interception involved Pakistan-origin guggul resin allegedly declared as Somali natural resin and routed through Dubai.
Huge Untapped Potential for Investment and Trade Between India and South Africa: Anand Sharma – Addresses India Business Forum – Meets South African President
January 11, 2011
Contents
Summary
Note
Bookmark
Share
✓ Copied successfully !
Print
Print Options
For full text, please login
Login to TaxTMI
Verification Pending
The Email Id has not been verified. Click on the link we have sent on
Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, while addressing the India Business Forum, in Johannesburg last evening, said that there are huge untapped potential exists in the area of investment and bilateral trade between India and South Africa. Interacting with the captains of industry from both sides, Shri Sharma said that for Indian businessmen, Africa is an untested but potential huge trade and investment market for the future. South Africa could provide the key to unlocking this market. While it is hardly possible to see any better partner for Africa than India. He further added that India has become an important destination for investment and we are inviting foreign capital to fulfill our development requirements, at the same time many of our companies are expanding across the world and have earned a name for themselves as global challengers. "There is also a need to move into other sectors. Besides the business areas mentioned above, South Africa also offers enormous opportunities for Indian firms, especially in sectors like construction and engineering, mining, renewable energy and space science", the Minister said.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sharma said that Indian investment in South Africa has been substantially rising, at the same time there is a growing trend of South African investments in India. "India's involvement with Africa is and has been focused on helping African countries develop their own potential for human resource development. This has been an evolving process and India has, over the years, extended cooperation not just in IT, but also in agriculture, SMEs, transportation, infrastructure, health and education", he added.
During his visit, Shri Sharma participated in the commemorative celebrations of 150 years of arrival of Indians in South Africa. In his meeting with the President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma, Shri Sharma congratulated President Zuma on South Africa joining BRIC. He also conveyed India's desire to work together with South Africa in BRIC even as both the countries continue to deepen their partnership in the IBSA framework.
As regards India-SACU PTA, Shri Sharma said that India is now hoping for early conclusion of India - SACU Preferential Trade Agreement and added that this should provide an enormous boost to ongoing levels of bilateral trade—especially in products such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, automobiles, where India enjoys a competitive advantage.
Inaugurating the first-ever MMTC Office in Johannesburg, Shri Sharma said that this will allow us to enhance our direct purchases of key commodities from South Africa including gold and other metals and minerals. The Minister mentioned that MMTC would like to use this office for exploring vast opportunities for sourcing ferrous and non-ferrous metals i.e. nickel, aluminum, copper, tin, zinc, silicon, magnesium, titanium and cobalt from South Africa. The office of MMTC in South Africa could look at business opportunities in the entire African continent and would facilitate greater cooperation. Sourcing of Rough Diamonds and cooperation in the field of Precious Stones could be focus areas for both the countries. MMTC is looking for import of coal and joint ventures for coal exploration with African companies with a committed buy-back arrangement.
India is South Africa's largest trading partner in South and South-East Asia and one of South Africa's top-ten trading partners globally. Total trade has more than doubled since 2004-05 to cross $7.5 billion. The bilateral trade, has grown from US $ 3.18 billion in 2004-05 to US $ 7.73 billion in 2009-10. In the year 2009-10, India's exports to South Africa were US $ 2,058 million and imports from South Africa were US $ 5,674 million. Bilateral trade during this period (April-Sep. 2010) was to the tune of US $ 5,393 mn, up from US $ 3,757 mn in the corresponding 6-month period of April-Sep. 2009. Exports from India to South Africa during the 6-month period of April, 2010 to September, 2010 were US $ 2,267 mn, registering a growth of 118 % over the corresponding 6-month period of April-Sep. 2009. Imports from South Africa to India during the 6-month period of April, 2010 to September, 2010 were US $ 3,125 mn, registering a growth of 15% over the corresponding 6-month period of April-Sep. 2009.
India's exports to South Africa comprises mineral fuels, automobiles, iron & steel, machinery and instruments, organic and inorganic chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, cotton yarn and fabrics and rice and other cereals. India's imports from South Africa were gold, aluminium, phosphoric acid, coal, pulp and waste paper, precious stones including diamonds, etc.
Investment and trade potential between India and South Africa urged to be unlocked, with PTA and sectoral cooperation driving growth.
Huge untapped investment and trade potential exists between India and South Africa, with calls to diversify sectoral engagement into construction, mining, renewable energy and space science. The note urges early conclusion of an India-SACU Preferential Trade Agreement to boost trade in pharmaceuticals, machinery and automobiles, and highlights MMTC's new Johannesburg office to strengthen direct sourcing of metals, minerals, rough diamonds and coal, including joint exploration ventures and pan African business outreach.
Note: It is a system-generated summary and is for quick reference only.
TaxTMI 
of 3351
Join Channel
TaxTMI 