The Gujarat government has introduced further relaxations to liquor licensing regulations within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar along the Sabarmati River. This development aims to facilitate a more accessible and efficient environment for professionals and visitors without compromising legal supervision.

Simplified Permit Procedure for Employees and Guests

The Home Department, through a notification dated 15 April, amended its earlier provisions under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949, allowing employees and guests of businesses operating in GIFT City to consume alcohol with fewer formalities. Previously, employees were required to approach a company-appointed ‘Recommending Officer’—usually the HR head or PRO—to apply for liquor permits via Form A-1. Under the updated rule, this step is no longer mandatory.

Following verification, permit cards will be issued by an authorised officer designated by the managing director of GIFT City and shared with the Superintendent of Prohibition and Excise along with the permit holder. Additionally, permit-holding employees can recommend up to five visitors at a time using Form A-2, provided they accompany them to approved wine and dine areas.

Expansion of Group Permits and Business Outlook

The relaxation also introduces the availability of ‘group permits’ to both temporary and regular permit holders, further facilitating the hosting of guests and business gatherings. According to officials, these measures are part of a broader initiative to make GIFT City more business-friendly and globally competitive, while maintaining necessary regulatory control.

Real estate developers and industry participants have welcomed the decision, noting that the streamlined process would contribute towards creating a dynamic ecosystem. Covering 880 acres, GIFT City includes a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) hosting banks and financial institutions, alongside a non-SEZ area featuring residential and commercial developments.

Read More: GIFT City Opens Doors to Outbound Investing for Indian Residents.

Conclusion

The easing of liquor licensing procedures in GIFT City reflects the Gujarat government’s effort to foster a modern, business-conducive environment while retaining essential oversight. The amendment marks a significant step towards enhancing GIFT City’s appeal for global investors and professionals.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable urban mobility, the Maharashtra government has officially sanctioned a policy framework for the operation of bike taxis across the state. Announced on Monday, the new Guidelines emphasise environmental responsibility, safety, and improved last-mile connectivity.

Focus on Safety, Inclusivity, and Electric Transition

The new policy allows bike taxis to operate in all cities across Maharashtra with a population of one lakh and above, provided they use fully electric vehicles. Aimed at promoting eco-friendly transportation, the framework stipulates that all drivers must be over 20 years of age and may only carry one passenger per ride. Children under 12 years of age are prohibited from using the service.

To enhance safety, particularly for female passengers, a shield separating the rider and passenger is mandatory. Additionally, the government plans to gradually increase the participation of female drivers to 50%, although no definitive timeline has been set. Initially, the state transport department will issue 50 permits, each valid for five years and non-transferable.

Read More: Maharashtra Cracks Down on Ola Electric Stores Operating Without Trade Certificates.

Rider Security and Service Regulations

The policy mandates that all bike taxis be fitted with GPS tracking systems, emergency contact facilities, and seasonal covers to offer protection during the monsoon. Aggregators must also provide insurance coverage for both riders and passengers in the event of accidents or fatalities.

To maintain service standards and regulate usage, each ride will be limited to a maximum distance of 15 kilometres. The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen last-mile connectivity in urban areas while advancing the state’s commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation alternatives.

Conclusion

Maharashtra’s new bike taxi policy marks a crucial advancement in sustainable urban transport. By enforcing strict safety measures and encouraging the use of electric vehicles, the state aims to modernise urban mobility while addressing environmental and passenger safety concerns.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has introduced a significant regulatory change by mandating Aadhaar authentication for individuals seeking subsidies and benefits under the electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) scheme.

In a notification dated 21 April 2025, the Ministry clarified that Aadhaar will serve as a mandatory proof of identity for accessing benefits, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen transparency and efficiency across government schemes.

Linking Aadhaar for Agricultural Reforms

Aadhaar, the 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), utilises biometric and demographic data to verify individuals’ identities. 

It plays a vital role in accessing various government services. Under the new directive, individuals without an Aadhaar number must apply for enrolment to remain eligible for the eNAM benefits. This initiative is expected to streamline the authentication process, ensuring that the subsidies and incentives reach genuine beneficiaries efficiently.

Read More: RBI Pushes for Safer Digital Banking with Mandatory ‘.bank.in’ Domain by October 2025.

Expansion Plans and Financial Assistance Under eNAM

The eNAM scheme is a flagship digital initiative aimed at enhancing inter-mandi and inter-state agricultural trade. The Central Government is set to expand the platform through measures such as Warehouse Based Sale (WBS), integration of the electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (eNWR) system, and improved farmer access via Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Financial support is provided through a one-time grant of up to ₹75 lakh per mandi, with ₹30 lakh allocated for computer hardware, internet facilities, and assaying equipment, and ₹40 lakh for establishing sorting, grading, and composting units. FPOs stand as primary beneficiaries under this scheme, which is funded through the Consolidated Fund of India.

Conclusion

The Ministry’s decision to mandate Aadhaar for eNAM beneficiaries marks a pivotal move towards enhancing accountability and transparency in the agricultural sector. By reinforcing authentication processes, the initiative aims to improve the effectiveness of subsidy distribution and bolster the broader objectives of the eNAM scheme.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its April 2025 update to the World Economic Outlook, has lowered India’s GDP growth estimate for FY26 to 6.2%, down from 6.5% projected in January. The revision comes amid growing trade tensions and global economic uncertainty.

Drivers Behind the Revision

According to the IMF, the outlook remains supported by private consumption, particularly in rural regions. However, heightened global trade disruptions and economic unpredictability have contributed to a downward adjustment of 30 basis points.

Consumer inflation in India is expected to ease to 4.2% in FY26 from 4.7% in FY25. For FY27, inflation is projected to decline further to 4.1%.

Broader Economic Projections

India’s longer-term economic trajectory is also under review. Between 2025 and 2050, growth is expected to decline marginally by 0.7 percentage points, although favourable demographics are likely to support the economy in the near term.

Comparison with Other Forecasts

India’s central bank recently cut its FY26 growth estimate to 6.5%, down from 6.7% in February. Some brokerages have projected the growth rate even lower, at 6.1%. The government’s Economic Survey has pegged the range between 6.3% and 6.8%.

Global Economic Context

The IMF has also revised global growth projections. The world economy is now expected to grow at 2.4% in 2025, down from 3.5% in 2024. This is 80 basis points lower than the January forecast. Trade growth is expected to slow to 1.7%.

Impact of Tariffs

Recent tariff hikes by the US, starting in January and culminating in widespread levies by April 2, have affected global growth projections. The IMF noted that these tariffs have increased global economic uncertainty and disrupted existing trade structures. The US effective tariff rate has now exceeded levels seen during the Great Depression.

Read more: IMF Raises Concerns Over Indian NBFCs’ High Exposure to Power and Infrastructure!

Conclusion

While India’s short-term outlook remains steady, global developments, particularly in trade policy are beginning to reflect in growth projections, with further adjustments possible in future updates.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

As per the NDTV Profit report, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is in the process of building technology tools to detect pump-and-dump schemes, track bulk deals, and identify abnormal trading activity. The project has been underway since last year, with some progress reported. The tools are being designed to generate alerts for suspicious trades and improve regulatory oversight.

Central Repository System Planned

A central repository system is also being developed with an aim to organise data more effectively and simplify inspection processes. This will support investigations and streamline the regulator’s access to trading records and related information.

AI Use in Document Review

SEBI is working on applying large language models(LLMs) to read and process documents submitted by companies, including draft red herring prospectuses (DRHPs). This was previously indicated by former SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The idea is to automate the review process for public offerings and related filings.

IT Team 

The regulator has increased its in-house technology staff. In 2021, SEBI’s IT team had about 20 to 25 officers. By 2025, this number will have risen to nearly 100. The team is expected to grow further over the next five years as SEBI expands its digital operations.

Existing Alert Systems

SEBI already uses internal alert mechanisms for detecting insider trading and front-running. In a past case involving Ketan Parekh, SEBI’s systems flagged suspicious activity, leading to penalties totalling ₹65.7 crore.

Actions on Manipulative Trading

SEBI has recently passed orders against several entities involved in price manipulation and misleading trading practices. These include companies such as Pacheli Industrial Finance Ltd., Bharat Global Developers Ltd., and LS Industries. The new tech tools are being built to support faster detection of similar cases.

Read more: SEBI and DigiLocker Join Hands to Reduce Unclaimed Assets Securities Market!

Conclusion

SEBI’s current focus is on improving its surveillance and detection using technology. The measures are being developed to handle a growing number of market irregularities without relying on manual processes.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.