Revised List Of FSSAI Notified Laboratories For Fortified Rice Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has updated its list of approved laboratories capable of testing fortificants in Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), and Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK. This order dated December 18, 2024, supersedes the previous order dated November 18, 2024.
Government and Industry Collaborate to Boost India’s Bakery and Confectionery Sector
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) held a roundtable discussion with leading figures from the bakery and confectionery industry on December 18, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi. Led by the Secretary the meeting aimed to identify challenges and explore solutions to propel the sector’s growth and enhance its global competitiveness.
India Boosts Consumer Protection with Stringent Enforcement
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established in July 2020, plays a crucial role in enforcing consumer rights. The CCPA is empowered to prevent consumer detriment from unfair trade practices, initiate class action lawsuits, and enforce recalls, refunds, and product returns. It also focuses on preventing and regulating false or misleading advertisements. To date, the CCPA has issued 325 notices for violations and imposed penalties totaling Rs. 1.19 crore.
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan
Price Support Scheme (PSS) is implemented on the request of the State Govts. / UTs that agree to exempt from levy of Mandi tax on the procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds and copra in the interest of farmers.
National level multi-state cooperative societies
Ministry of Cooperation has set up three national level multi-state cooperative societies; one each for Exports, Organic produce and quality seeds. These Societies have been registered under MSCS Act, 2002. The cooperative societies of all levels, who are interested in activities specified for each of societies, are eligible to become a member.
Umbrella organization of Urban Cooperative Banks
NUCFDC is envisaged to provide following types of fund-based support and non fund-based services to urban cooperative banks (UCBs) which are its shareholder-members.
‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal ‘ enables public to report incidents of cyber-crimes, with special focus on cyber-crimes against women and children
The Central Government and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers appear to be originating within India. Such international spoofed calls have been made by cyber-criminals in recent cases of fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, impersonation as government and police officials, etc. Directions have been issued to the TSPs for blocking of such incoming international spoofed calls.
RBI circular on Maintenance of Cash Reserve Ratio
Banks are required to maintain the CRR at 4.25 per cent of their NDTL effective from the reporting fortnight beginning December 14, 2024 and 4.00 per cent of their NDTL effective from fortnight beginning December 28, 2024.
RBI directions for Collateral free agricultural loans
RBI vide circular dated December 6, 2024, keeping in view the overall inflation and rise in agriculture input cost over the years, has decided to raise the limit for collateral free agricultural loans including loans for allied activities from the existing level of ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh per borrower.
RBI revises Interest Rates on Foreign Currency (Non-resident) Accounts (Banks) [FCNR(B)] Deposits
The relaxation in the interest rate ceiling will apply to fresh FCNR(B) deposits raised from the effective date, December 6, 2024. The new interest rate ceilings will remain in effect until March 31, 2025. After this date, it is expected that the RBI will review the prevailing economic conditions and may adjust the ceilings accordingly. Banks will be required to adhere to the new ceilings during this period and ensure that their FCNR(B) deposit offerings comply with the updated guidelines.
