Baid & Bengani Associates LLP, Company Secretaries

India and EU Launched €15.2 Million/~₹169 Crore Joint Initiative to Strengthen EV Battery Recycling under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)-Working Group-2.

India and EU Launched €15.2 Million/~₹169 Crore Joint Initiative to Strengthen EV Battery Recycling under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)-Working Group-2 Under the framework of the India-EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC)- Working Group 2 on Green and C

The ministry of electronics and IT has notified rules for online gaming, which come into effect May 1. Most social games have will operate freely, while online money games continue to be banned. The rules also formally establish the Online Gaming Authority of India under MeitY, a shift from the self-regulatory model.

https://egazette.gov.in/(S(thgn1a12ue1mmnu0hsgto014))/ViewPDF.aspx

egazette.gov.in

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) invites public comments for reviewing the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 and for the rationalisation of the filing framework under the Companies Act, 2013 A draft notification titled the Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2026, proposing amendment

Financial Intelligence Unit-India and Securities and Exchange Board of India sign MoU to combat money laundering and financial crimes In a significant step towards strengthening India's fight against money laundering and financial cri

Financial Intelligence Unit-India and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority sign MoU to combat money laundering and financial crimes In a significant step towards strengthening India's fight against money laundering and financial cri

Government Notifies India’s First Chip Fabrication Plant at SEZ Dholera Government has notified that an SEZ to be set up by M/s. Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Li

The MCA has released a public notice dated April 8, 2026, proposing the Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2026These changes aim to simplify processes and boost the Ease of Doing Business. Brief overview of changes proposed-

1. Massive Form Consolidation:
To reduce repetitive disclosures, several forms are being merged into two simplified e-forms:
Form E-CHNG: Merges INC-4, 22, 23, and 24 (for changes in Registered Office and Name)[.
- Form E-CON: Merges INC-6, 12, 18, 20, 27, 28, and RD-1 (for conversions and approvals).

2. SPICe+ & DIN Updates:
More DINs: You can now apply for up to 5 DINs (increased from 3) during incorporation.
Simplified Consent: Subscribers to the MoA will have "deemed consent" to act as directors, removing extra paperwork.
DIR-12 Omitted: Since SPICe+ already captures first director details, Rule 17 is being removed to avoid duplication.

3. Registered Office & Verification:
Flexible Documentation: Rule 25 is being updated to specifically cover owned, leased, and co-working spaces, with a wider range of acceptable documents like municipal khata or utility bills.
Risk-Based Verification: Physical verification by the Registrar will move from "mandatory for all" to a risk-based model, involving local witnesses and police only if necessary.

4. Key Legal & Compliance Shifts:
One Person Companies (OPC): Proposed removal of the director's affidavit for conversion and the omission of specific criminal liabilities under Rule 7A.
Deceased Subscribers: New Rule 23B clarifies that if a subscriber passes away before paying for shares, their legal representative steps into their shoes.
Faster Communication: "Registered Post" requirements are being replaced by Speed Post and E-mail for serving notices.
AGILE-PRO-S: Obtaining EPFO, ESIC, and bank accounts through this form will now be optional, giving businesses more flexibility.

Deadline for Feedback: The MCA invites suggestions and comments via the e-Consultation Module by May 9, 2026.

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CBIC introduces one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions, as announced in Union Budget 2026–27

CBIC introduces one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions, as announced in Union... In pursuance of the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement to address the concerns faced by the manufactu

In a targeted relief, Government grants full customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical products in view of ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In a targeted relief, Government grants full customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical products in view of ongoing conflict in West Asia In light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the consequent disruptions in global supply chains

🚨 Key Customs Update | Courier Imports & Exports Regulations Amended (Effective 1 April 2026)

The Government has introduced important amendments to the Courier Imports and Exports (Clearance) Regulations, 1998 via Notification No. 34/2026-Customs (N.T.). Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s changing:

🔹 Faster Action on Uncleared Goods

Goods not cleared within 30 days → liable for detention & disposal

Mandatory notice to courier & importer

Storage charges to be borne by the authorized courier

🔹 Early Re-export Option Introduced

After 15 days, courier can request return/re-export of uncleared goods

Allowed only if goods are not prohibited/restricted and no proceedings are pending

🔹 ₹10 Lakh Value Cap Removed

Earlier value restriction removed → rules now apply irrespective of consignment value

🔹 Definition Clause Rationalized

Certain redundant provisions removed to streamline regulations

💡 What this means:

Improved efficiency in handling stuck shipments

Increased accountability for courier operators

Flexibility for quicker resolution through re-export

📌 A step towards faster clearance, reduced congestion, and better compliance in cross-border courier trade.

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egazette.gov.in