DoT measures for strengthening Indian telecom ecosystem
The DoT continues to lead the charge towards transforming the Indian telecom ecosystem making it more- Samaveshit (ubiquitous connectivity fuelling inclusive growth), Viksit (developed India through triad of perform, reform and transform), Tvarit (accelerated development and swift resolutions), and Surakshit (safe and secure).
Clarification regarding regularization of refund of IGST
It is clarified that refund cannot be claimed where the registered person has only paid Integrated Goods and Services Tax and Compensation Cess on inputs and has availed exemption of only Basic Customs Duty (BCD) under the said notifications.
Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Upgrades IT Systems in Pursuit of Improving its Service Delivery Mechanism
The Dhanwantari Hospital Information System (HIS) is now being used more widely in ESIC hospitals and dispensaries, with a 40% growth in adoption, enabling healthcare providers to better manage patient care and hospital operations. The connection pool for the concurrent users of the Dhanwantari Module as well as the Insurance Module has been increased very significantly.
International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System
The DoT advises Citizens that they should show caution with respect to answering calls from unfamiliar international numbers which are not starting with +91 and which claims to be from government authorities of India. Citizens are advised to report such suspected fraud communications at Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi (www.sancharsaasthi,gov.in).
Review of Guidelines for setting up and operation of International Trade Financing Services Platform
The revised IFSCA guidelines for setting up and operating these platforms, released on December 23, 2024, introduce key changes aimed at enhancing operational flexibility and expanding the scope of services. These changes come after extensive consultations with market participants and stakeholders following the initial guidelines issued on July 9, 2021.
SEBI’s New Circular on Data Sharing Policy for Research Purposes
The circular sets clear guidelines on how market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) should segregate data into two categories and share it with accredited academic institutions, while ensuring that sensitive and personal information remains protected.
SEBI Circular on Industry Standards for Reporting of BRSR Core
The primary objective of this circular is to facilitate the effective implementation of the BRSR Core disclosure requirements for listed entities. The BRSR Core, introduced by SEBI in 2021, mandates listed companies to report their performance across several sustainability indicators, covering areas such as climate risk, resource use, stakeholder engagement, and governance practices. This circular serves to standardize the process and simplify the way companies report these parameters, ensuring consistency, comparability, and transparency in their ESG disclosures.
SEBI Circular on Draft Scheme Information Documents (SID) Submission
The recent SEBI circular marks a significant step in improving the mutual fund disclosure process in India. By reducing the public comment period and simplifying certain procedural requirements, SEBI is enhancing the efficiency of the process without compromising on transparency and investor protection. These changes reflect SEBI’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of the asset management industry while ensuring that investors continue to receive the necessary information to make informed investment decisions.
Review of IFSCA (Fund Management) Regulations, 2022
The revised regulations aim to enhance ease of doing business, protect investor interests, and align the regulatory framework with global best practices.
TRAI issues “Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024” and “Telecommunication Tariff (Seventieth Amendment) Order, 2024”
Trai mandate separate Special Tariff Voucher (STV) for Voice & SMS to give consumers an option to pay for the services they require in general and to provide benefit to certain segments of consumers especially the elderly persons and those living in rural areas.