Sebi’s New Proposals on REITs and InvITs
Contextual Overview The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has recently proposed additional regulations regarding the issuance of subordinate units by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs). These proposals are a continuation of Sebi’s efforts to refine the framework for subordinate unit issuance which began with a consultation paper released […]
Empowering Rural Women: A Collaborative Leap Forward by SBI and Rural Development Ministry
New Initiative for Self-Help Groups In a move that marks a significant advancement in rural women’s entrepreneurship, the Rural Development Ministry, in conjunction with the State Bank of India (SBI), has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to bolster enterprise financing for women-led self-help groups (SHGs) in […]
Revitalizing Indian Housing: LIC’s Bold Move with 10% Stake in NHB-Backed Venture
Introduction In a significant move, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has approved the acquisition of a 10% stake in a company promoted by the National Housing Bank (NHB). This decision is poised to make a substantial impact on the Indian housing sector. Strategic Investment and Market Implications The company in focus, promoted by […]
Government Postpones $600 Million Top-Up of Strategic Oil Reserve Amid Market Volatility
In a recent development that has significant implications for global oil markets, the government has postponed a $600 million top-up of its strategic oil reserve. This decision comes amid ongoing market volatility and a complex backdrop of international and economic factors influencing oil prices and supply. Market Context and Volatility Oil prices have experienced a […]
Banks Disburse Nearly Rs 70,000 Crore MSME Loans Under PSB 59-Minute Loan Scheme
Scheme Overview The PSB 59-minute loan scheme is a government initiative launched in November 2018 to provide quick and easy credit access to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The scheme offers in-principle bank approval for collateral-free term loans or working capital loans for MSMEs from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 5 crore under the […]
From Rs 1 Trillion This Fiscal to Rs 2.5 Trillion by 2030: The Growth Trajectory of Annual Loan Sanctions
Introduction India is witnessing a surge in annual loan sanctions to various sectors, especially renewable energy, roads and highways, and logistics. The government has been promoting entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) through the Stand-Up India Scheme, which has facilitated more than 1.33 lakh new job-creators and entrepreneurs in six years. […]
Rural Jobs Outlay May See 50% Hike for Women and the Poor in Interim Budget
Introduction The government is likely to allocate around Rs 90,000 crore for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the Budget estimate (BE) for 2024-25, an increase of 50% over 2023-24 BE, in a strong signal to the poor ahead of approaching general elections. Background MGNREGS is a flagship scheme that provides […]
Indian Exporters Must Adapt as EU Shifts to Paperless Customs System from June
The European Union (EU) is moving towards a paperless and risk-based import compliance system, implementing the second phase of its Import Control System (ICS) from June 3, 2024. This change will affect Indian exporting firms, as the EU accounts for about 17% of India’s total merchandise exports. What is ICS2 and how does it work? […]
Hybrid Cars May See Tax Rationalisation: Government Deliberation
The Indian government is considering reducing the tax rates on hybrid vehicles, which are currently higher than those on electric vehicles (EVs). Hybrid vehicles use both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor to power the wheels, resulting in lower emissions and better fuel efficiency than conventional petrol or diesel cars. Current Tax […]
How the Supreme Court Settlement Affects Personal Insolvency of Corporate Guarantors: An Insolvency Code Perspective
The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a landmark judgment that upheld the validity of the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) that enable creditors to initiate insolvency proceedings against personal guarantors of corporate debtors. This ruling has far-reaching implications for the resolution of bad debts and the protection of creditors’ rights […]