Foreign Currency Accounts by Resident Individuals: Fifth Amendment
A new sub-regulation (CA) under Regulation 5 now permits Indian exporters to open, hold, and maintain Foreign Currency Accounts with banks outside India. This allows for greater control over their foreign exchange earnings and simplifies certain transactions.
Foreign Exchange Management (Deposit) (Fifth Amendment) Regulations, 2025
Authorised dealers in India and their branches abroad can now extend services, broadening their operational reach. Transfer of funds between repatriable Rupee accounts is now permitted for all legitimate transactions.
India Launches Diamond Imprest Authorization Scheme to Revitalize Diamond Sector
The Department of Commerce and Industry has introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme, effective April 1, 2025, to boost the global competitiveness of India’s diamond industry. The scheme aims to streamline duty-free imports of small diamonds, promote value addition, and boost exports, particularly benefiting MSME exporters.
India’s Digital Health Revolution Gains Global Recognition
India’s healthcare system is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, driven by government initiatives and technological advancements. This transformation is gaining international attention, with the World Economic Forum (WEF) recently highlighting India’s potential to become a global leader in digital health.
FSSAI Ensures Food Safety at Maha Kumbh 2025
In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration, FSSAI has deployed 10 Mobile Food Testing Labs (Food Safety on Wheels) across the Maha Kumbh area. A total of 56 Food Safety Officers (FSOs), including five Chief Food Safety Officers (CFSOs), are stationed across the grounds. Regular inspections are conducted at hotels, dhabas, and food stalls within the Mela premises to verify food quality.
Agriculture Minister Reviews Rabi Sowing Progress and Price Stability
The Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development held a review meeting with senior agriculture ministry officials to assess the progress of rabi sowing, monitor weather conditions, and discuss strategies for marketing agricultural produce. It was noted that several key crops, including wheat, rice, gram, mustard, and sesame, are currently fetching market prices higher than their respective Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), which is positive news for farmers.
New Legal Metrology Rules for Radar Speed Measurement Equipment
The Indian government has introduced new rules under the Legal Metrology (General) Amendment Rules, 2025, specifically addressing the use of radar equipment for measuring vehicle speed. These rules, set to come into force on July 1, 2025, aim to standardize the operation, construction, and testing of radar speed measurement devices used for traffic enforcement.
GIA Laboratory in Dubai Added to List of Authorized Diamond Certification Labs in India
The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced an update to the Handbook of Procedures (HBoP) 2023. This amendment adds the GIA Laboratory, located in the DMCC Free Zone of Dubai, UAE, to the list of authorized laboratories for certifying and grading diamonds of 0.25 carats and above.
India Amends Import Regulations for Pet Food Containing Probiotics
The amendment introduces additional certification needed for pet food containing probiotics. The probiotics used must be tested and certified as free from other facultative aerobic microorganisms (including pathogenic ones) and other contaminants.
Guidelines for Standardization And Interoperability in AMI Systems
The guidelines address interoperability at various levels, from the meter to the Head-End System (HES) and ultimately to the Meter Data Management System (MDMS). The guidelines outline two distinct phases for implementation: Phase A and Phase B.
