Modernization of National Sample Surveys through adoption of digital platforms such as Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) integrated with e- ...
Shri Piyush Goyal Invites Indian and Uzbek Businesses to Co-invest and Co-manufacture; Calls for Doubling Bilateral Trade at India-Uzbekistan Business...
Savings account access expands through video KYC, mobile banking, no-minimum-balance options, monthly interest payments and deposit insurance coverage. Savings accounts provide monthly interest payments, liquidity and access to funds, subject to eligibility, internal policies and applicable terms. Digital account opening through Video KYC is available for an account with no minimum balance requirement, supported by mobile banking for UPI transfers, bill payments and balance monitoring. Account variants include premium, value-oriented, agricultural, financial-inclusion, children's and basic no-frills accounts. Deposit insurance applies up to the prescribed limit per depositor per bank.
Foreign-exchange market conditions supported a modest early rupee gain, while importer demand and policy data remained key factors. Foreign-exchange market conditions supported a marginal early appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, led by broad US-dollar weakness, improved risk sentiment, lower oil-price levels and foreign portfolio inflows. Importer demand for dollars moderated the movement. Market direction remained linked to the forthcoming monetary-policy decision and US economic data, while reported central-bank activity was described as helping smooth currency volatility. The US dollar index, crude-oil movements, global supply expectations and domestic equity-market activity were relevant exchange-rate influences.
Quality statistics drive statistical-system reform through administrative data, interoperable systems, stronger governance, and international cooperation for evidence-based policymaking. Quality statistics are advanced through modernised national statistical systems, administrative data, digital public infrastructure, and stronger data-governance and privacy standards. Cooperation among national statistical offices is intended to address data gaps through knowledge sharing, methodological harmonisation and statistical innovation. Discussions also emphasised digital dissemination, transformational statistical reforms, and the use of administrative data for timely, cost-effective and granular official statistics, supported by harmonised metadata, interoperable systems and institutional collaboration.
Digital statistical modernisation strengthens survey quality, macroeconomic indicators, international standards alignment and infrastructure performance monitoring through standardised data systems. National statistical modernisation uses digital survey platforms with validation checks, AI-enabled support and multilingual interfaces, alongside short-duration surveys and administrative data to improve sampling and timely official statistics. Reforms include base revisions for Gross Domestic Product, Consumer Price Index and Index of Industrial Production; adoption of metadata, quality-assessment and classification standards; and alignment with international statistical principles and methodologies. Sustainable development indicators and infrastructure monitoring are supported through a national indicator framework, PAIMANA and a standardised performance dashboard.
Windfall gains tax on petroleum exports increases to discourage exports and preserve domestic fuel availability during regional supply disruptions. Special additional excise duty on exports of petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel has been increased for the relevant fortnightly period, while existing duty rates for petrol and diesel cleared for domestic consumption remain unchanged. The windfall gains tax is intended to preserve domestic availability of petroleum products during the West Asia crisis and prevent exporters from benefiting unduly from price differences linked to elevated global crude oil prices.
Online Astrology Platform Regulation: consumer department reported no guidelines, while information requests required revised factual disclosures. Online astrology platforms were reported as lacking specific regulatory guidelines within the consumer affairs department. The RTI application sought information on alleged unfair trade practices, investigations, complaints, licences, approvals, and applicable rules. The National Consumer Helpline stated that it had not investigated because it functions as a grievance-resolution platform. A revised factual response was required on investigations and complaint data, while queries concerning regulation, licences, approvals, and related investigations were to be transferred to the public authorities likely to hold that information.
Business combination disclosure outlines shareholder approval, registration requirements, financing conditions, and forward-looking risks for the proposed public listing. The proposed business combination would take Yellow.ai public through a definitive agreement with Bluerock Acquisition Corp., subject to customary closing conditions and shareholder approval. Bluerock intends to file a Form S-4 registration statement containing a proxy statement/prospectus for proxy solicitation and securities issuance in connection with the transaction. The communication is not an offer or solicitation and states that no securities offering may occur without compliance with applicable registration, qualification or exemption requirements. Transaction projections and anticipated benefits are forward-looking statements subject to material risks and uncertainties.
Bilateral investment and trade facilitation drive proposed co-investment, digital cooperation and advanced manufacturing partnerships between Indian and Uzbek businesses. India-Uzbekistan cooperation is proposed through co-investment, co-manufacturing and co-innovation, supported by the Bilateral Investment Treaty to promote investor confidence and reciprocal investment. Priority sectors include mining, textiles, healthcare, agriculture, food processing, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing. Trade facilitation measures include reducing trade barriers, mutual recognition of standards, approvals, testing and certification, customs digitalisation and improved trade routes. Regulators and standard-setting bodies are expected to cooperate under a structured, time-bound economic partnership.
Concessional agricultural credit supports working capital, crop diversification, allied activities, and digital expansion under the Kisan Credit Card scheme. The Kisan Credit Card-Modified Interest Subvention Scheme provides concessional institutional credit to reduce farmers' interest burdens and improve timely working-capital access. The scheme is reported to support cropping intensity, multi-season cultivation, diversified crop portfolios, timely input use, and credit discipline through the Prompt Repayment Incentive. It also supports dairy, livestock, and fisheries-based income diversification. Credit-delivery measures include collateral-free lending, digital platforms, simplified applications, coverage expansion, and awareness campaigns. State-wise data tracks operative accounts, outstanding credit, and non-performing Kisan Credit Card accounts.
Banking inclusion expands rural access while digital credit systems and payment security controls address service delivery and cyber fraud. Banking inclusion is pursued by providing banking outlets within a five-kilometre radius of inhabited villages, with branch expansion permitted subject to rural-coverage requirements and continuing assessment of uncovered areas. Agricultural credit delivery uses digital loan, beneficiary-verification, processing and claim-settlement systems. Digital payment security measures require minimum controls for payment channels and include fraud-intelligence sharing, artificial-intelligence-based identification of money-mule activity, digital lending-app analysis, cyber-incident reporting, public awareness campaigns and electronic-banking training.
Foreign exchange market movement strengthened the rupee as lower crude prices, investment inflows and improved risk sentiment provided support. Foreign exchange market movement saw the rupee strengthen for a sixth consecutive trading session against the US dollar, supported by declining global crude oil prices, a softer dollar, foreign institutional investment inflows and gains in domestic equity markets. Improved global risk sentiment followed the decision to defer planned US military strikes against Iran and allow diplomatic engagement. Renewed geopolitical tensions were identified as a factor that could limit further appreciation.
Quarterly financial performance reflects revenue growth, improved standalone profitability, and continued investment in AI-led digital technology platforms. Quarterly financial performance reported revenue growth in standalone and consolidated operations, higher standalone profit before tax, and a return to consolidated profitability. The company continues to invest in an AI-led, intellectual-property-driven digital technology strategy through enterprise software, SaaS platforms, digital commerce, cloud, data and AI solutions. Its priorities include scalable platforms, proprietary technology assets, recurring-revenue offerings, partnerships and selective acquisitions. Complete financial results, notes to accounts and regulatory disclosures are available through exchange filings and the company website.
MSME delayed-payment reforms strengthen award recovery, faster dispute adjudication, invoice discounting, and interim supplier payment protection. MSME delayed-payment reforms seek faster adjudication, strengthened recovery and improved liquidity for enterprise suppliers. Courts may direct payment of at least half of an awarded amount where a setting-aside application remains pending beyond six months. Mediated settlements and arbitral awards may be recovered as arrears of land revenue and recognised as legally enforceable debts under the insolvency framework. The measures also provide graded penalties, voluntary digital registration, invoice settlement through the Trade Receivables Discounting System, and additional Facilitation Councils.
Monetary policy rate setting remains cautious as inflation, liquidity, growth and global uncertainty shape the policy stance. Monetary policy rate setting is expected to remain cautious amid global uncertainty, rising inflation risks and steady domestic growth. The inflation outlook is affected by energy-price pass-through, higher input costs, and seasonal and monsoon-related food-price pressures. Policy decisions are expected to remain data-dependent, guided primarily by domestic inflation, liquidity conditions and economic growth. A cautious or neutral stance is identified as preferable while external risks and inflation developments persist.
Forward-looking financial disclosure raises revenue and earnings guidance while describing non-GAAP measures, capital allocation, and material business risks. Financial performance reporting identifies increased bookings, revenue growth, continuing earnings, and backlog, with segment-level operating and margin measures. The release addresses cash flow, capital allocation through dividends, acquisitions and share repurchases, and increased full-year revenue and earnings guidance. Forward-looking statements concerning financial performance, operations, demand, liquidity and capital deployment are subject to identified risks and uncertainties. Non-GAAP measures are presented as supplemental to GAAP measures, with definitions and reconciliations stated to be available in accompanying materials.
Counterfeit drug enforcement targets illicit manufacture, storage and trafficking networks, with coordinated seizures and referral of non-narcotic stock. Counterfeit-drug enforcement under Operation Vajra addressed an inter-state network involved in the illicit manufacture, storage and distribution of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and spurious pharmaceutical products. Searches of unregistered godowns recovered narcotic products, unauthorisedly manufactured Buprenorphine injection ampoules, and counterfeit non-NDPS medicines. A farmhouse-based illicit manufacturing facility was dismantled, with machinery, chemicals and related materials seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Anti-smuggling enforcement targets concealed gold, narcotics, protected products, prohibited e-cigarettes and restricted imports through coordinated intelligence operations. Intelligence-led anti-smuggling operations resulted in seizures of foreign-origin gold, narcotic drugs, hydroponic weed, protected wildlife and forest products, prohibited electronic cigarettes, and restricted poppy seeds and areca nuts. The operations identified concealment through fabricated baggage cavities, false cargo declarations, misdeclaration of origin, forged documentation, and concealment in transport vehicles. Poppy seeds are restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy and may be imported only subject to conditions concerning legally cultivated produce from designated countries and registration of import contracts with the Narcotics Commissioner.
Tax devolution advance instalment strengthens State finances for accelerated capital and developmental expenditure through distribution of Union tax proceeds. Tax devolution was released to State Governments as an additional advance instalment alongside the normal monthly devolution schedule. The fiscal transfer shares net proceeds of Union taxes and duties with States, with the stated purpose of strengthening State finances and supporting accelerated capital and developmental expenditure. The release includes a State-wise distribution of tax-devolution proceeds.
Financial performance reporting highlights revenue and EBITDA growth, garmenting recovery, retail optimisation, ESG commitments, and forward-looking risk disclosures. Financial performance reflects growth in total income and EBITDA, with improved margin, reduced net working-capital days, and a net-cash position. Branded textiles and high-value cotton shirting reported lower revenue due to the prior-year base effect, while branded apparel grew but faced lower margin from channel mix. Garmenting improved through order-book execution, tariff rationalisation, and new global clients. ESG priorities include female representation, waste-management initiatives, renewable energy, emissions reduction, and workplace safety. Forward-looking statements remain subject to regulatory, political, economic, and technological risks.
Foreign exchange market support strengthens the rupee as lower crude prices, portfolio inflows and reserve growth improve sentiment. Foreign exchange market conditions supported an early appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, attributed to lower global crude oil prices, a weaker dollar, sustained foreign portfolio inflows, higher foreign exchange reserves, and Reserve Bank of India presence in the foreign exchange market. Domestic equity market gains and net foreign institutional equity purchases were also identified as supporting factors.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs took up a comprehensive revision of the Companies Act, 1956 (the Act) in 2004 keeping in view that not only had the number of companies in India expanded from about 30,000 in 1956 to nearly 7 lakhs, Indian companies were also mobilizing resources at a scale unimaginable even a decade ago, continuously entering into and bringing new activities into the fold of the Indian economy. In doing so, they were emerging internationally as efficient providers of a wide range of goods and services while increasing employment opportunities at home. At the same time, the increasing number of options and avenues for international business, trade and capital flows had imposed a requirement not only for harnessing entrepreneurial and economic resources efficiently but also to be competitive in attracting investment for growth. These developments necessitated modernization of the regulatory structure for the corporate sector in a comprehensive manner.
2. Earlier, a Bill called Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2003 had been introduced by M/o Corporate Affairs (MCA) (then Department of Company Affairs) in the Rajya Sabha on 7.5.2003. Later on, a large number of changes were found to be necessary in the Bill. A decision was, therefore, taken to carry out a comprehensive review of the Companies Act, 1956 and to introduce a new Companies Bill for the consideration of the Parliament.
3. The review and redrafting of the Companies Act, 1956 was taken up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on the basis of a detailed consultative process. A `Concept Paper on new Company Law' was placed on the website of the Ministry on 4th August, 2004. The inputs received were put to a detailed examination in the Ministry. The Government also constituted an Expert Committee on Company Law under the Chairmanship of Dr. J.J. Irani on 2nd December 2004 to advise on new Companies Bill. The Committee submitted its report to the Government on 31st May 2005. Detailed consultations were also taken up with various Ministries, Departments and Government Regulators. The Bill was thereafter drafted in consultation with the Legislative Department of the Central Government.
4. The Companies Bill, 2008 seeks to enable the corporate sector in India to operate in a regulatory environment of best international practices that fosters entrepreneurship, investment and growth and provides for :-
(i) The basic principles for all aspects of internal governance of corporate entities and a framework for their regulation, irrespective of their area of operation, from incorporation to liquidation and winding up, in a single, comprehensive, legal framework administered by the Central Government. In doing so, the Bill also harmonizes the Company law framework with the imperative of specialized sectoral regulation
(ii) Articulation of shareholders democracy with protection of the rights of minority stakeholders, responsible self-regulation with disclosures and accountability, substitution of government control over internal corporate processes and decisions by shareholder control. It also provides for shares with differential voting rights to be done away with and valuation of non-cash considerations for allotment of shares through independent valuers.
(iii) Easy transition of companies operating under the Companies Act, 1956, to the new framework as also from one type of company to another.
(iv) A new entity in the form of One-Person Company (OPC) while empowering Government to provide a simpler compliance regime for small companies. Retains the concept of Producer Companies, while providing a more stringent regime for not-for-profit companies to check misuse. No restriction proposed on the number of subsidiary companies that a company may have, subject to disclosure in respect of their relationship and transactions/dealings between them.
(iv) Application of the successful e-Governance initiative of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA-21) to all the processes involved in meeting compliance obligations. Company processes, also to be enabled to be carried out through electronic mode. The proposed e-Governance regime is intended to provide for ease of operation for filing and access to corporate data over the internet to all stakeholders, on round the clock basis.
(v) Speedy incorporation process, with detailed declarations/ disclosures about the promoters, directors etc. at the time of incorporation itself. Every company director would be required to acquire a unique Directors identification number.
(vi) Facilitates joint ventures and relaxes restrictions limiting the number of partners in entities such as partnership firms, banking companies etc. to a maximum 100 with no ceiling as to professions regulated by Special Acts.
(vii) Duties and liabilities of the directors and for every company to have at least one director resident in India. The Bill also provides for independent directors to be appointed on the Boards of such companies as may be prescribed, along with attributes determining independence. The requirement to appoint independent directors, where applicable, is a minimum of 33% of the total number of directors.
(ix) Statutory recognition to audit, remuneration and stakeholders grievances committees of the Board and recognizes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Company Secretary as Key Managerial Personnel (KMP).
(x) Companies not to be allowed to raise deposits from the public except on the basis of permission available to them through other Special Acts. The Bill recognizes insider trading by company directors/KMPs as an offence with criminal liability.
(xi) Recognition of both accounting and auditing standards. The role, rights and duties of the auditors defined as to maintain integrity and independence of the audit process. Consolidation of financial statements of subsidiaries with those of holding companies is proposed to be made mandatory.
(xii) A single forum for approval of mergers and acquisitions, along with concept of deemed approval in certain situations.
(xiii) A separate framework for enabling fair valuations in companies for various purposes. Appointment of valuers is proposed to be made by audit committees.
(xiii) Claim of an investor over a dividend or a security not claimed for more than a period of seven years not being extinguished, and Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) to be administered by a statutory Authority.
(xv) Shareholders Associations/Group of Shareholders to be enabled to take legal action in case of any fraudulent action on the part of company and to take part in investor protection activities and 'Class Action Suits'. (xvi) A revised framework for regulation of insolvency, including rehabilitation, winding up and liquidation of companies with the process to be completed in a time bound manner. Incorporates international best practices based on the models suggested by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
(xvii) Consolidation of fora for dealing with rehabilitation of companies, their liquidation and winding up in the single forum of National Company Law Tribunal with appeal to National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. The nature of the Rehabilitation and Revival Fund proposed in the Companies (Second Amendment) Act, 2002 to be replaced by Insolvency Fund with voluntary contributions linked to entitlements to draw money in a situation of insolvency.
(xviii) A more effective regime for inspections and investigations of companies while laying down the maximum as well as minimum quantum of penalty for each offence with suitable deterrence for repeat offences. Company is identified as a separate entity for imposition of monetary penalties from the officers in default. In case of fraudulent activities/actions, provisions for recovery and disgorgement have been included.
(xix) Levy of additional fee in a non-discretionary manner for procedural offences, such as late filing of statutory documents, to be enabled through rules. Defaults of procedural nature to be penalized by levy of monetary penalties by the Registrars of Companies. The appeals against such orders of Registrars of Companies to lie with suitably designated higher authorities.
(xx) Special Courts to deal with offences under the Bill. Company matters such as mergers and amalgamations, reduction of capital, insolvency including rehabilitation, liquidations and winding up are proposed to be addressed by the National Company Law Tribunal/ National Company Law Appellate Tribunal.
Corporate governance reform: new framework strengthens director duties, independent directors, investor protections and streamlined insolvency and dispute forums.
The Bill creates a comprehensive corporate law framework covering incorporation through liquidation, emphasizes corporate governance by strengthening shareholder rights, disclosures, independent directors and directors' duties, mandates unique director identification and electronic compliance, introduces One-Person Companies and tighter regimes for not-for-profits, restricts public deposit raising, criminalizes insider trading by directors/KMPs, requires consolidated financial statements and independent valuation, and consolidates insolvency, merger and liquidation adjudication into specialised tribunals with time-bound rehabilitation and enhanced enforcement measures.
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