India Removes 20% Onion Export Duty to Support Farmers and Maintain Affordability
The Government of India has announced the withdrawal of the 20% export duty on onions, effective from April 1, 2025. This decision, communicated by the Department of Consumer Affairs and formalized through a notification issued by the Department of Revenue, aims to support onion farmers while ensuring the affordability of the essential commodity for consumers.
SEBI Introduces New Regulations for Verification of Past Risk and Return Metrics in Financial Services
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025 aims to enhance the transparency and accuracy of financial performance metrics disclosed by financial intermediaries in India. These new provisions, which come into force immediately upon their publication in the Official Gazette, introduce a dedicated chapter focusing on the verification of past risk and return metrics.
UGC warning against unrecognized universities
If any university/institution is offering academic programmes in contravention of the UGC Act, the same may also be brought to the notice of UGC via email to ugcampc@gmail.com so that appropriate action can be taken against such institutions.
DGFT extends support to exporters
As per the notification, the government has extended the benefits of the RoDTEP scheme for products exported by Advance Authorizations (AAs) holders, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) until February 5, 2025.
Over 96,000 Vehicles Registered as Adapted in India Since 2020
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has reported that a total of 96,265 vehicles were registered as adapted vehicles across India between January 1, 2020, and March 19, 2025. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) issues certificates to persons with orthopaedic physical disabilities of 40% or more, enabling them to purchase cars at a concessional rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
FSSAI Intensifies Efforts to Ensure Safe and Wholesome Food for Consumers
As per the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011, adherence to Sanitary and Hygienic requirements, based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), is mandatory for all licensed Food Business Operators (FBOs). Violations of these requirements can lead to punitive action under the FSS Act, 2006.
Revised framework for Treatment of Right-of-Use (ROU) Assets
RBI has clarified that regulated entities shall not be required to deduct an ROU asset (created in terms of Ind AS 116-Leases) from Owned Fund/ CET 1 capital/ Tier 1 capital (as the case may be), provided the underlying asset being taken on lease is a tangible asset. The ROU asset shall be risk-weighted at 100 per cent, consistent with the risk weight applied historically to the owned tangible assets.
Consultation Paper on Tokenization of Real-World Assets: Revised timeline
IFSCA had previously invited comments/ views from various market participants, academicians, domain experts and other public stakeholders on the subject of tokenization of real-world assets, by way of its consultation paper titled “Regulatory Approach towards Tokenization of Real-World Assets” dated February 26, 2025. The deadline for submission of the same was specified as March 20, 2025. With a view to widen the consultation process and provide adequate time to the stakeholders and public at large to offer their comments on the consultation paper, it is now decided to extend the deadline for submission of responses to April 30, 2025.
SEBI framework for unitholders & employees of AMCs
The amendments to the regulations, which will come into effect on April 1, 2025, introduce revised slabs for the percentage of salary that must be invested in mutual fund schemes. These revisions have been made to further streamline the process and facilitate ease of doing business for AMCs.
New framework for related party transactions: Revised timeline
SEBI issued a circular on March 21, 2025, extending the deadline for listed entities to adhere to the Industry Standards for related party transactions. The circular, titled “Industry Standards on Minimum Information to be Provided for Review of the Audit Committee and Shareholders for Approval of a Related Party Transaction,” aims to simplify the process of review and approval of RPTs, ensuring greater compliance and accountability.
