MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS (MCA)
1. National Financial reporting Authority (NFRA) Amendment Rules, 2022
Rule 13 of the National Financial reporting Authority (NFRA) Rules were amended and notified by the Central Government. The amended rule states that anyone who acts contrary to the provisions of these rules will be punished with fine not exceeding Rs. 5000 & where the act is a continuing one, added fine not exceeding Rs. 500 for everyday the contravention continues. Read More
2. Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Second Amendment Rules, 2022
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has released a notification regarding the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Amendment rules. In rule 6, sub-rule (4) was amended by the Central Government regarding the individual whose name has been removed from the databank. Read More
3. Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Amendment Rules, 2022
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has released a notification regarding the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Amendment rules. Rule 8 proviso, Rule 10, sub-rule (1) was amended by the Central Government. Read More
4. Companies (Removal of Names of Companies from the Register of Companies) Amendment Rules, 2022
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has released a notification regarding the Companies (Removal of Names of Companies from the Register of Companies) Amendment Rules, 2022. In Rule 4, after sub-rule (3), an additional sub-rule is inserted, Form No. STK 1, Form No. STK- 5 & Form No. STK-5A are to substituted with amended forms. Read More
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (SEBI)
1. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Employees’ Service) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2022
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a notification regarding the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Employees’ Service) Regulations, 2001. In the Table below the Schedule, in column 3, the words, numbers and symbols are substituted. Read More
2. Names of the companies/Intermediaries/MIIs having complaints pending for more than 3 months on SCORES as on May 31, 2022
On June 9, 2022 SEBI provided status update on its SCORES complaints pending for more than 3 months- Grovalue Financial Services Pvt. Limited, Highlight Investment Research, Chitranjan Singh Chouhan Proprietor Wealth Research Financial Services & Artha Vriddhi Securities Limited. Read More
3. Shri Ashwani Bhatia takes charge as Whole Time Member, SEBI
SEBI issued a press release on 1st June, 2022 announcing Shri Ashwani Bhatia as Whole Time Member, SEBI. Prior to this, he held the position of Managing Director in State Bank of India. He was the MD and CEO of SBI Funds Management Pvt. Limited before becoming the Managing Director of State Bank of India. Read More
4. Extending the facility for conducting annual meetings and other meetings of REIT and InvIT unitholders via Video Conferencing (VC) or other audio-visual means (OAVM)
This circular is issued in accordance with Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, as amended by Regulation 33 of the SEBI (REIT) Regulations, 2014 and Regulation 33 of the SEBI (InvIT) Regulations, 2014. Read More
5. Investor Redressal Grievance Mechanism
On 3rd June, 2022, SEBI issued a circular regarding amendment to clause 4 of the circular dated November 6, 2020 making substitutions in Arbitration & Stock Exchanges and Depositories. Read More
6. Procedure for seeking prior approval for change in control of Portfolio
Managers
This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, read with Regulation 43 of the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020, to protect the interests of investors in the securities market and to promote and regulate the securities market’s development. Read More
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)
1. Export Target of $1 Trillion to Be Achieved by 2030 Says MOS Finance
Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, is very confident that the government will achieve its export target of $1 trillion by 2030. He represented his confidence by assuring that they will for sure reach the goal. Read More
2. PM Modi Launches Development Projects worth Rs 33,000 Cr in Karnataka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth 30,000 crore rupees. On the completion of this project, Karnataka’s GDP will increase by 2%. Karnataka recently became a center of attention for FDI. The state has seen fantastic progress in agricultural production and manufacturing as well, attracting the highest FDI. Read More
3. India’s EV Ecosystem to Increase Its FDI Inflow to USD 20 Billion by 2030
According to the most recent report, India’s EV start-ups are expected to more than triple their FDI to 20 billion by 2030. Keeping environmental benefits aside, India is expected to save more than USD 14 billion & to create 10 million jobs in India by 2030. Read More
4. China’s Tencent Takes $265 Million Stake in Flipkart as the Sino-Indian FDI Tensions Continue Rising
Tencent, a Chinese tech company, struck an investment deal of a 0.72% stake in Flipkart with its founder, Binny Bansal. Tencent Holdings carried out this purchase of shares worth $264 million (or 2,060 crores) from Bansal through its European subsidiary. Read More
5. WEF President States India as a Bright Spot in Global Economic Arena
Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, described India as one of the main drivers of the global economy amid post-Cold War disruptions and ongoing turmoil in Ukraine during a panel discussion. Read More
6. India and UAE to Build New and Strong Bonds in the Advanced Technology and Industrial Sectors
Recently the MoU between India and the United Arab Emirates has been signed that entails their cooperation in the Industrial and Advanced Technology Sector. Read More
7. In 2021-2022, India Reported the Highest FDI Inflow of $83 Billion: Central Government
Despite the Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic, the figures for 2021-22 are $1.60 billion higher than the previous fiscal year, according to the ministry. FDI inflows into the manufacturing sector increased by 76 percent in the previous fiscal year ($21.34 billion) compared to $12.09 billion in 2020-21, according to the government. Read More
8. India Has 7th Highest Foreign Direct investment Despite Falling FDI, Says UN Report
Despite a decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India significantly from $6,400 billion to $4,500 million between 2020 and 2021, India ranked among the top 10 countries of the world in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD). Read More
9. Maharashtra Signs INR 80,000 Crore Investment Deal at WEF, Davos
Maharashtra’s delegation to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022 in Davos was a success. The state secured investments worth INR 80,000 crore (USD 10.5 billion), with 24 companies and three memorandums of understanding signed. Read More
10. Implementing FDI Reforms and Easing Market Entry Conditions in the Telecommunications Sector
In recent years, the Indian telecom sector has seen significant reform to improve sectorial health and ease of doing business. Foreign investors can now invest up to 100 percent in any local Indian company without government approval. Read More
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA (RBI)
1. Performance of Private Corporate Business Sector during Q4:2021-22
The Reserve Bank of India in press release dated 21st June, 2022 provided data on the performance of the private corporate sector in the fourth quarter of 2021-22, based on abridged quarterly financial results from 2,758 listed non-government non-financial (NGNF) companies. Data for Q4:2020-21 and Q3:2021-22 are also presented in the tables for comparison. Read More
2. Interaction of RBI Deputy Governors with MD & CEOs of Small Finance Banks
Shri M. K. Jain and Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governors, Reserve Bank of India, held discussion with Managing Directors (MDs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of small finance banks (SFBs) on June 10, 2022. Executive Directors of Supervision and Regulation and other senior officials of the Reserve Bank also attended the meeting. Read More
3. RBI cancels Certificate of Registration of 3 NBFCs (including 2 Housing Finance Companies)
The Reserve Bank of India, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of Malik Motor Finance Limited. Furthermore, the RBI, in exercise of powers under Section 29A (6) of the National Housing Bank Act, 1987, has cancelled the CoR of two other companies. Read More
4. Discontinuation of Return under Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
The RBI dated its circular RBI/2022-23/69 provided for Discontinuation of Return under Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. The directions in this circular are provided in accordance with Sections 10(4) and 11(2) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999), and are without prejudice to any permissions/approvals necessary under other laws. Read More
5. Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Variation Margin) Directions, 2022
The Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies, was released as part of the Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement for 2019-20, for information on the issuance of Directions on the exchange of variation margin (VM). The draft Directions were reviewed and finalised based on feedback received from market participants. The RBI dated its circular RBI/2022-23/93 provided for Master Direction- RBI (Variation Margin) Directions, 2022 in exercise of the powers conferred under section 45W of the RBI Act, 1934. Read More
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
1. Press Note and Proposed draft Amendment to IT Rules, 2021 (Posted on: June 06, 2022)
As the digital eco-system and connected Internet users in India expand, so do the challenges and problems faced by them, as well as some of the infirmities and gaps that exist in the current rule vis-a-vis Big Tech platform. Therefore. New amendments have been proposed to the IT Rules 2021, to address these challenges and gaps. Read More
2. Inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) for transfer of technology of SMART ENERGY METER
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, launched the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET). India in 2004, with the goal of enabling the country to become a dominant player in Power Electronics Technology. Companies with skills and experience in mass manufacturing of electronics equipment, particularly energy metres, or with good knowledge of the utility metering business who are willing to take on the production and deployment of Smart Energy Meter technology in accordance with the C-DAC ToT guideline agreement are eligible to apply. Read More
3. Counter use of technology for cybercrime, India tells UN Ad Hoc group
In order to rein in cybercrime globally, member states must agree on a cooperation framework for “freezing and return” of proceeds obtained from cybercrime, Indian officials stated while addressing the UN Ad Hoc committee, which met in Vienna between May 30 and June 10. Read More
4. Switch over to e-office completely by June 30, Delhi govt tells all depts
In 2015, the Delhi Cabinet approved the implementation of e-office in all departments, autonomous and local bodies of the Delhi government, and the IT department issued various circulars in response. Some departments implemented it, but the new order mandates that all departments make the switch. According to the guidelines, all orders, circulars, and sanction orders issued in offline mode must be uploaded to e-office. Read More
5. Indian cities rise up global startup ranks in research released at London Tech Week
According to Startup Genome’s separate ‘Global Startup Ecosystem’ report,the Asian scenario in the sector that was once dominated by Beijing,Singapore, Hong Kong, and Korea is now being significantly disrupted by the likes of Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.Read More
6. Govt declares ICICI Bank’s IT resources as ‘critical information infra’
The government has designated ICICI Bank’s IT resources as “critical information infra.” Any harm to it can endanger national security, and anyone who gains unauthorised access to it may face imprisonment. Read More
GAMING AND CRYPTO
1. Gaming Platform WinZO Acquires Majority Stake in Upskillz Games
Online gaming platform WinZO has acquired a majority stake in Gurugram- based startup Upskillz Games in an all-cash deal. With this acquisition, WinZO will add Upskillz’s blockchain and Web3 offerings to its platform. Besides, it will also add Upskillz’s 1.3 Mn captive audience base to its platform. Read More
2. Most OK with higher GST on e-games, crypto
A majority of Indians want the government to levy a 28% or higher goods and services tax (GST) on cryptocurrencies, online gaming, casino and horse racing. But they are against a GST hike on household goods. Read More
ARBITRATION
1. Court Can’t Decide Disputed Questions of Facts U/S 11(6) Arbitration Act, Question of Arbitrability Can Be Examined by Arbitral Tribunal: Gujarat HC
The Gujarat High Court has ruled that the High Court cannot decide disputed factual issues in a petition filed under Section 11(6) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 for the appointment of an arbitrator. “All these issues, including arbitrability, can be examined by the Arbitral Tribunal itself,” the Bench, led by Chief Justice Aravind Kumar, observed. Read More
2. If ‘Value of Commercial Dispute’ Is More Than Rs. One Crore, Section 9 Application Under A&C Act Would Lie Only Before the Commercial Court: Telangana High Court
The Telangana High Court has ruled that if a dispute is classified as a ‘commercial dispute’ under Section 2 (1) (c) (vii) of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, and is the subject of a domestic arbitration with a ‘Specified Value’ of more than Rs. One Crore, an application under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (A&C Act) would lie only before the Commercial Court and not before the Civil Court. Read More
3. Even In the Absence of An Arbitration agreement, The Matter Can Be Referred to Arbitration Under Section 18 Of the MSMED Act: Punjab and Haryana High Court
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that even if the parties do not have an arbitration agreement, the matter can be referred to arbitration under Section 18 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006. (MSMED Act). Read More:
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
1. Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5 per cent this year: PM Modi
According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian economy will grow by 7.5% this year, making it the fastest growing major economy. He emphasised the growth of India’s digital economy, claiming that its value will reach USD one trillion by 2025 and that the government is encouraging innovation in all sectors. Read More
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
1. India’s food inflation likely to top 9% in second half of 2022, according to Nomura
According to a Nomura report, food inflation in India is likely to exceed 9% in the second half of 2022 due to higher feedstock costs and an increase in minimum support prices. According to the report, food inflation will average more than 8% year on year in 2022, up from 3.7 percent in 2021. Read More
2. Varun Beverages’ Jaipuria settles case with Sebi after paying Rs 56 lakh
Jaipuria was accused of communicating unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) about a strategic partnership between Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL) and PepsiCo for the sale and distribution of the larger Tropicana to two individuals. Shares of Varun Beverages, PepsiCo India’s bottling partner, were traded based on the information. As a result, it was held that Jaipuria, as an Insider with UPSI, communicated the same and violated insider trading
rules. Read More
REAL ESTATE
1. CBI books DHFL, its former CMD and director in Rs 34,615 crore bank fraud
Following the registration of case, a team of over 50 officials from the agency carried out coordinated searches in Mumbai at 12 locations belonging to listed accused in the FIR which also includes Sudhakar Shetty of Amaryllis Realtors and eight other builders. Read More
2. Gurugram town planning official to meet NBCC next week over Green View project refund issues.
The Green View residents have been demanding a refund of the flat cost with 15 per cent interest, registry charges, interior cost and a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for ‘mental harassment’. Read More