“IP Mitra” introduced for Startups in Patents, Trademarks, and Designs
The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has issued a press release on the introduction of IP Mitra for Startups in patents, trademarks, and designs. With the help of IP Mitra, startups can look forward to much simpler time creating and directing innovative technology and successfully marketing them to fuel the growth of the Indian economy. This would be carried out under the Scheme for Facilitating Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP).
DCI invites applications for Screening Test for Recognition of Foreign PG Dental Qualification
Dental Council of India (DCI) has issued a public circular inviting applications for Screening Test for recognition of foreign PG dental qualification upon fulfilling prescribed conditions. The circular applies to persons who had previously applied to the DCI to appear in the Screening Test for recognition of their foreign PG dental qualification but failed or were absent in the examinations. The circular states that if such persons are willing to reappear in the Screening Test, they may apply to DCI positively by 27th January, 2023.
SEBI introduces Information database and Repository on Municipal Bonds
SEBI had organised an outreach programme on Municipal Bonds and Municipal Finance on 20th and 21st January, 2023 at New Delhi. This programme formed a part of SEBI’s initiative to develop Bond markets. The event also witnessed the launching of an Information Database including a repository of information pertaining to Municipal Bonds on the SEBI website. The database is intended not merely to serve as a guide but also to create awareness about municipal debt securities.
BSE has allowed Manager of the InvITs to conduct meetings of unit holders through Video Conferencing or Other Audio-Visual means
While conducting meetings of unit holders through Video Conferencing or Other Audio-Visual means, the Manager of the InvITs is required to adopt these procedures in addition to any other requirement specified under the SEBI (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
BSE allows Manager of the REITs to conduct meetings of unit holders through Video Conferencing or Other Audio-Visual means
While conducting meetings of unit holders through Video Conferencing or Other Audio-Visual means, the Manager of the REIT is required to adopt these procedures in addition to any other requirement specified under the SEBI (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
Food Safety and Standards (First Amendment) Rules, 2022
The amendment provides that the designated Officer under the rules shall be a whole time Officer, not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer or equivalent and shall possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s or Doctorate degree in Science with chemistry as one of the subjects or shall possess at least one of the educational qualifications prescribed for the Food Safety Officers under these rules or who has possessing not less than five years of experience as Food Safety Officers or has not less than seven years combined experience as Food Safety Officer and Food Inspector of which minimum four years as Food Safety Officer after commencement of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
UGC publicises its UGC SWAYAM Courses for January 2023 Semester
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification regarding UGC SWAYAM Courses for January 2023 Semester. These include a total of four Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These will be offered on the SWAYAM Platform from January 2023.
DGFT amends a part of Chapter 5 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2015-20
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has published a notice amending Chapter 5 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2015-20. This amendment relates to one-time relaxation from maintenance of Average Export Obligation and extension in the Export Obligation period for specified EPCG Authorisations. The notice was issued on January 20, 2023.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry relaxes the EPCG Scheme
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a press release relaxing the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme for Sectors Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The press release has announced a one-time relaxation from maintaining average export obligation and an option to extend the export obligation period for a longer duration. These reliefs will be enabled without the necessity of having to pay any additional fees. This relaxation has been provided in light of the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief will help the sectors to cope with the negative impact of the pandemic on their export activities
TRAI extends the last date for inputs on TRAI’s Consultation Paper on ‘Licensing Framework and Regulatory Mechanism for Submarine Cable Landing in India’
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued an extension of the last date to receive comments/counter comments on TRAI’s Consultation Paper on ‘Licensing Framework and Regulatory Mechanism for Submarine Cable Landing in India.’ The notification was issued on 18th January, 2023.
