Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has put in place well-defined mechanisms to ensure timely collection and publication of official s...
Practical legal training and structured internships strengthen judicial examination preparation, professional skills, and career exposure for law students. Legal education employability initiatives combine curriculum alignment for judicial and competitive examinations with mentoring, legal drafting practice, research training, and professional interaction. Internships provide practical exposure to courts, judicial institutions, government bodies, law firms, advocates' chambers, corporate legal departments, and non-governmental organisations. Students in integrated and three-year law programmes complete prescribed minimum internship periods, with summer and winter placements commencing after the first year. Specialisation-based internships cover civil, criminal, corporate, cyber, intellectual property, arbitration, taxation, and government or non-governmental legal work.
Student fashion showcase celebrates identity, personal storytelling, craft preservation and conscious creation through nine contemporary design collections. Student fashion showcase 'Astitva' presented nine contemporary collections exploring identity, belonging, transformation, memory, resilience, grief and cultural heritage through personal design narratives. The collections included a contemporary reinterpretation of Bhujodi weaving, Ajrakh block printing and Kumaoni hand-knitting, emphasising preservation of Indian craft traditions. Recognition included a designer award for the craft-revival collection and a sustainability award for a collection focused on craftsmanship, conscious creation, heirloom design and mindful luxury.
Rupee exchange-rate movements face pressure from elevated crude prices and equity outflows, moderated by possible central-bank intervention. Rupee exchange-rate movement in early foreign-exchange trading reflected a modest appreciation against the US dollar after depreciation in the preceding session. Possible dollar sales by state-owned banks, widely viewed as central-bank intervention, and a weaker US dollar supported the currency. Elevated crude-oil prices, foreign institutional equity outflows, and negative domestic equity-market sentiment continued to create downside pressure, although expected central-bank support was considered likely to limit losses.
Official statistics dissemination uses digital validation, release calendars, anonymised microdata and accessible platforms to strengthen timeliness and transparency. Official statistics collection and dissemination are supported through digital survey platforms with built-in validation, real-time monitoring and supervisory quality controls. Consumer Price Index, National Accounts Statistics and Index of Industrial Production data are collected, compiled or validated through specified quality and timeliness mechanisms. An Advance Release Calendar supports accountable publication, while anonymised survey microdata, stakeholder engagement and digital portals improve transparency, accessibility and use of official statistics.
Official statistical modernization strengthens macroeconomic measurement through revised bases, digital surveys, validated data collection and district-level estimates. Official statistical methodology and National Sample Surveys are periodically reviewed to reflect changing economic conditions, emerging data needs and international standards. Base revisions for key macroeconomic indicators incorporate updated data, expanded coverage, revised weights, administrative sources and improved estimation of the unincorporated sector. Survey methods are updated through expert consultation, pilot studies and field testing. Digital collection platforms, validation checks, real-time monitoring, AI-enabled tools and multilingual interfaces support improved data quality, quicker releases, high-frequency surveys and district-level estimates.
Energy statistics reporting expands with internationally aligned consumption data, energy-sector credit flows, and improved coal and electricity coverage. Energy Statistics India 2026 reports Total Primary Energy Supply and renewable energy potential, supporting energy policy and infrastructure planning. Its 33rd edition adds data on credit flow to the energy sector, the international energy scenario, and international marine and aviation bunker use. It aligns end-use consuming sectors for energy commodities with international standards and addresses data gaps in industry-wise coal and electricity consumption.
Competition approval for full acquisition integrates cash replenishment, ATM hardware, software, managed services and maintenance operations. Competition approval has been granted for The Brink's Company's acquisition of the entire equity share capital of NCR Atleos Corporation, which will become wholly owned and controlled by the acquirer. The acquirer provides cash replenishment and ancillary first-line maintenance in India. The target's Indian activities include ATM hardware manufacture and supply, ATM software development and licensing, ATM managed services, and first-line and second-line ATM maintenance.
Forced-labour import controls face proposed Section 301 tariff action, while India contests the investigations through bilateral trade discussions. Section 301 investigations concerning forced-labour imports examine whether 60 major trading partners, including India, have adopted and effectively enforced import prohibitions on goods produced with forced labour. Proposed additional tariffs would vary according to the strength of existing forced-labour import controls. India has contested the investigations and indicated that these issues may be addressed through the bilateral trade agreement under discussion. India has also initiated an anti-dumping investigation into global soda ash imports to assess potential injury or threat of injury to domestic industry.
Disproportionate-assets investigation examines property, bank accounts, tax returns and investments linked to a power company official and relatives. Disproportionate-assets investigation concerns allegations that a power distribution company official and close relatives acquired movable and immovable assets beyond known sources of income. Lokayukta Police conducted searches, identified assets and bank deposits linked to the official, family members and associated business entities, and sought freezing of account transactions. The inquiry includes verification of property acquisitions, income-tax returns, and stock-market and mutual-fund investments, with further investigation pending.
Farm loan waiver eligibility requires verified data, Agristack registration and Aadhaar authentication before direct transfer to loan accounts. The farm-loan waiver and one-time settlement mechanism applies to eligible beneficiaries whose loan data is uploaded by participating banks and verified through the scheme portal. Excluded categories include legislators, local-body office-bearers, government employees, certain income-tax payers, and specified cooperative-sector personnel. Eligible farmers must register on Agristack and complete Aadhaar authentication using their Aadhaar number or unique ID. After successful authentication, the eligible benefit is transferred directly to the loan account through the Direct Benefit Transfer system.
Sea-route mango export protocol validates cold-chain shipping that can reduce logistics costs and expand overseas market access. A sea-route export protocol for Dashehari and Langra mangoes was commercially validated for shipment from Uttar Pradesh to Dubai under an extended harvest-to-market transit period. The process used scientific post-harvest management, shelf-life treatment, grading, packing, refrigerated-container transport and a continuous cold chain. The reported marketable condition on arrival supports wider use of cost-effective sea freight, potentially reducing logistics costs, improving grower procurement prices and expanding access to overseas markets.
Core banking migration supports faster transactions, stronger cyber security, transparent services and more convenient digital banking for customers. Migration of the cooperative bank's core banking system to the Finacle 10.2.25 platform is intended to enable faster, more transparent and secure banking services. The platform is expected to support customer-friendly transactions, stronger cyber security, convenient digital banking and improved operational efficiency. It may also strengthen the bank's delivery of financial benefits under government welfare schemes.
Foreign investment recovery signals improved economic confidence amid sustained trade momentum and renewed food- and fuel-led inflation pressures. Foreign investment recovery, external trade momentum and inflation developments are examined amid geopolitical and supply-chain uncertainty. Strong export and import growth, the operationalisation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, renewed portfolio inflows and higher foreign direct investment were identified as supporting external-sector confidence. Consumer price inflation increased, led by food and fuel, while core inflation remained unchanged. Food-price pressures continued across staples, edible oils and vegetables, although comfortable foodgrain stocks could mitigate food-inflation effects.
Interim trade deal negotiations near completion as bilateral discussions advance tariffs, defence agreements, strategic cooperation, and regional security. India-US bilateral engagement focused on advancing an interim trade arrangement reported to be nearing completion, alongside discussions on tariffs, energy, defence and security, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. The talks included a shared interest in finalising the interim trade deal and completing unspecified defence agreements connected with prior bilateral commitments. Regional security, West Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and Quad cooperation were also discussed amid efforts to restore bilateral relations following trade, immigration, and security-related strains.
Bail cancellation requires harm to criminal justice administration, not merely a legally flawed order granting liberty. Bail cancellation must turn on whether continued liberty obstructs the administration of criminal justice, not solely on legal error in the order granting bail. A deficient bail order, without more, does not justify revoking liberty. Challenges to bail orders should not displace the objective of timely trials and securing convictions. Although erroneous legal principles may require correction for consistency, they may not alone warrant cancellation of bail. Broader questions concerning the governing cancellation standard remain open.
Corporate law amendments face extended parliamentary review of proposals on compliance decriminalisation, ease of doing business, and governance modernisation. Parliament extended the Joint Parliamentary Committee's reporting deadline on the proposed Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 until the end of the Monsoon Session. The Committee is examining amendments to the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 and the Companies Act intended to facilitate ease of doing business, decriminalise minor procedural defaults, and modernise the corporate governance framework.
Same-day gifting delivery expands access to cakes, flowers and curated gifts through an integrated pan-India online platform. Archies Online has introduced a pan-India same-day delivery service for cakes, flowers, gifts and hampers across major cities. Its integrated online platform offers greeting cards, personalised gifts, chocolates, soft toys and curated hampers for personal, professional and festive occasions. Same-day options include Rakhi and Friendship Day collections, supported by product curation, fresh sourcing and a delivery network intended to provide timely and dependable gifting services.
Mephedrone trafficking enforcement uncovered a clandestine laboratory, controlled precursors, alleged drug proceeds and an intended receiver. Illicit manufacture and trafficking of Mephedrone, a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, were addressed through an intelligence-led operation involving a clandestine laboratory. Manufacturing equipment, Mephedrone, its controlled precursor, Monomethylamine, and other chemicals used in manufacture were seized under the Act. Cash believed to be drug-trafficking proceeds and a further amount intended as token payment for delivery were recovered. Three persons were arrested in connection with the alleged network.
Bail parity in liquor-scam proceedings sustained where principal accused had bail; adverse investigative remarks were removed. Bail in the alleged liquor-scam proceedings was sustained on the basis of parity, the applicant's comparatively lesser alleged role, prolonged custody, and the documentary nature of the investigation. The evidentiary value of statements, financial records and digital material was regarded as an issue for trial rather than conclusive assessment at the bail stage. Adverse observations against the state economic-offence investigation were expunged.
Generic medicine import tariffs are designed to encourage domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing while preserving policy for patented, branded and innovative drugs. Generic medicine imports into the United States are proposed to remain duty-free for two years, followed by escalating tariffs. The structure is intended to encourage pharmaceutical companies to establish manufacturing plants and equipment in the United States, with higher duties applying where companies do not do so within the stated period. The policy is confined to generic drugs, while the approach for patented, branded and innovative medicines is stated to remain unchanged.
Government has made changes in the Investment Pattern for Non-Government Provident Funds, Superannuation Funds and Gratuity Funds. A Notification to this effect was issued by Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, here today. The Investment Pattern is reviewed from time to time and revisions are effected based on the developments in the financial market and economy. The investment pattern was last revised on 24th January, 2005. Subsequently, it was decided to revise the investment pattern to make it more flexible and give the trustees of these funds more autonomy and discretion. Accordingly, the proposed revised pattern was put up on the website of the Ministry of Finance in draft form in September, 2007 inviting comments. A large number of comments were received and these have been examined by the Government.
Based on this feedback, the revised investment pattern was finalised and notified today. It explicitly recognises the fiduciary responsibility of the Trustees and the need for the exercise of due diligence by them and gives them greater flexibility in terms of a wider variety of financial instruments as well as greater freedom to actively manage the portfolio. The changes suggested in the new investment pattern include:
(i) merger of Central Government Securities, State Government Securities and units of gilt Mutual Funds into a single category and allowing investment up to 55% of the investible funds;
(ii) providing a flexible ceiling for various category of instruments instead of fixed investment ceiling as at present;
(iii) providing new category of instruments, such as, rupee bonds of multilateral funding agencies, money market instruments ;
(iv) permitting investment in term deposit receipts of not less than one year duration issued by scheduled commercial banks subject to the specified financial criteria; and
(v) permitting direct investment up to 15% of the investible funds in shares of companies on which derivatives are available in the Bombay Stock Exchange or National Stock Exchange.
Further, it has been provided that,-
(i) The Trustees of these funds will have freedom to exit from a rated financial instrument when their rating falls below investment grade as confirmed by one credit rating agency;
(ii) The Trustees have been given freedom of trading of securities, subject to the turnover ratio (i.e., the value of securities traded in the year divided by average value of the portfolio at the beginning and end of the year) not exceeding two.
(iii) Though it is expected that throughout the year the investments are in conformity with the investment pattern, the same may be achieved by the end of the financial year. Trusts will have the flexibility of exceeding the investment ceiling up to 10% of the limit prescribed during the year.
This investment pattern would come into force from 1st April, 2009, that is, from the financial year 2009-10.
BSC/SS/GN-196/08
Investment pattern reform grants trustees greater fiduciary discretion and wider permissible instruments, with staged implementation.
Notification revises the investment pattern for Non Government Provident Funds, Superannuation Funds and Gratuity Funds, consolidating gilt instruments into one category with an elevated ceiling, replacing fixed category ceilings with flexible limits, and adding eligible instruments including rupee bonds of multilateral agencies, money market instruments and qualifying bank term deposits; limited direct equity investment in companies with listed derivatives is permitted. Trustees are recognised as fiduciaries with duties of due diligence and are granted powers to exit downgraded rated instruments, trade within a turnover limit, and temporarily exceed ceilings subject to year end compliance.
Note: It is a system-generated summary and is for quick reference only.
TaxTMI 
of 3352
Join Channel
TaxTMI 