Government and Industry Collaborate to Boost Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Sector
The Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) led a roundtable discussion with business leaders from the food processing and packaging machinery sector. The meeting provided a platform for industry representatives and government officials to discuss opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions to drive growth and enhance global competitiveness in this crucial sector.
India Boosts Wildlife Research and Pashmina Certification with New Advanced Facilities
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with the Minister of State for the same ministry, inaugurated two significant facilities at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun: an Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and a Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility. These developments build upon the foundation laid last year with the inauguration of the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC).
Draft Gas Cylinders (Amendment) Rules, 2024
The Central Government has announced amendments to the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, through the draft Gas Cylinders (Amendment) Rules, 2024. These changes seek to introduce fee reductions for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), Micro & Small Startups, and Women Entrepreneurs. The most significant change will be the reduction in license fees for various activities related to gas cylinders, including import, filling, storage, dispensing CNG, and transport.
Telangana Government Announces List of National, Festival, and Other Holidays for 2025
Government of Telangana issued an important notification regarding the National and Festival Holidays for 2025 under the National and Festival Holidays Act.
Government Proposes Amendments to Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has published a draft notification proposing amendments to the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012. These amendments aim to streamline the licensing process and reduce regulatory burden for certain categories of businesses. The draft proposes significantly reduced fees for obtaining licenses and approvals related to ammonium nitrate for businesses categorized as MSEs, Micro & Small Startups, and Women Entrepreneurs.
Jute Commissioner Sets Maximum Ex-Factory Prices for Jute Bags in December 2024
Jute Commissioner has announced the final maximum ex-factory prices for 580gm “Type-A” and “Type-B” jute bags for December 2024. The prices fixed in this notification are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The purchaser is responsible for paying GST in addition to the stated ex-factory price. This price regulation aims to provide price stability and transparency in the jute bag market for December 2024.
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.
Government Targets Misleading Coaching Advertisements
The National Consumer Helpline (NCH), administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs, has emerged as a vital platform for pre-litigation grievance redressal. Accessible nationwide in 17 languages through a toll-free number (1915), the NCH also allows grievance registration via WhatsApp, SMS, email, the NCH app, the Umang app, and the web portal.
Central Government Amends Wheat Stockholding Limits for Traders and Processors
The amended order applies to all States and Union Territories. The stockholding limit for wheat has been extended until March 31, 2025. Traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, and processors are required to declare their current wheat stockholdings on the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoFPD) portal. Entities exceeding the prescribed limits must bring their stocks within the limit by December 26, 2024.
Government to Allocate Land for MSMEs in New Townships
The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has announced the government’s intention to allocate land to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the 20 new townships being developed across India. This move is aimed at fostering the growth of MSMEs and strengthening their role in India’s industrial ecosystem.
