• MINISTRY OF FINANCE

CBEC Excise

Instruction From File No. 267/117/2010-CX8 Dated 14.01.2011 - Enforcement of penal provisions for non-submission of returns under Central Excise Law

Under Central Excise Law, the assessee is required to file different categories of returns depending on its applicability to them. Some of them are monthly viz.ER-1, ER-2 and ER-6, some are quarterly viz. ER-3 and some others are yearly viz. ER-4, ER-5 and ER-7. Central Excise Law envisages self-assessment of duty by the assessee and filing of the prescribed returns periodically, so that department is kept informed about the assessment and duty payment by the assessee. Fundamental ingredient of this trust based scheme, is the regular filing of returns by the assessee. These returns enable the department to verify the duty payment, cenvat credit taken and other such parameters related to assessment. Many assessees are not filing the returns at all and some others are submitting the same after long delays. Board directs that immediate action may be taken by the jurisdictional Commissioners to institute a mechanism to identify such defaulters, and ensure that follow-up action including invoking penalty under the provisions of Central Excise law are taken against them.

CBEC Customs

Circular No. 05/2011 Dated 17.01.2011 - Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ceases to be National Sports Federation / Apex Body for the game of Cricket

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not complied with the mandatory requirements of submitting the necessary documents to the Government of India for annual recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF) /Apex Body for the game of cricket in India. Thus it has ceased to be a National Sports Federation (NSF) /Apex Body for the game of cricket with immediate effect. Henceforth goods imported by BCCI or certified by BCCI for import are not entitled to any exemption benefit which is available to sports goods / equipment / consumables imported or certified by a National Sports Federation (NSF) or Apex body in terms of any Customs duty exemption notification issued by the Central Government.

Circular No 04/2011 Dated 10.01.2011 - Handling of Cargo in Customs Areas Regulations, 2009

Handling of Cargo in Customs Areas Regulations, 2009 provide comprehensive guidelines for receipt, storage, delivery or otherwise handling of goods in the Customs area. It has been decided that no relaxation or exemption from requirements on safety and security of premises shall be allowed by Commissioners of Customs to the Custodians or Cargo Service Providers in terms of provisions of Regulation 7 of the Handling of Cargo in Customs Areas Regulations, 2009. Further, custodians under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 and Airports Authority of India Act, 1994 shall not be required to make an application under Regulation 4 or 9 for approval or renewal under these regulations, but they would be required to necessarily discharge the responsibilities cast upon them in terms of Regulations 5 and 6 of the regulations without any exception.

Notification No. 1/2011 Dated 06.01.2011 - Exemption from duty of customs subject to conditions specified - All items of machinery, instruments, apparatus and appliances, control gear and transmission equipment and auxiliary equipment and components required for the initial setting up of a solar power generation project or facility

Central Government has exempted all items of machinery, including prime movers, instruments, apparatus and appliances, control gear and transmission equipment and auxiliary equipment (including those required for testing and quality control) and components, required for the initial setting up of a solar power generation project or facility, when imported into India, from the duty of customs leviable thereon which is specified in the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975), as is in excess of 5% ad valorem, and from the whole of the Additional Duty of Customs leviable thereon under section 3 of the said Customs Tariff Act, subject to specified conditions.

Corrigendum From file No 354/64/2003-TRU (Pt.I)] Dated 10.01.2011 - Amendment to Notification No. 135/2010 - Customs, Dated 31.12.2010 - In the Table, against S.No. 264, in column (4), read "6.0"

The parent Notification i.e Notification No.153/2009 Dated 31.12.2009 exempts goods of the description as specified in column (3) of the Table appended thereto and falling under the Chapter, Heading, Sub-heading or tariff item of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975) as specified in the corresponding entry in column (2) of the said Table, when imported into India from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand from so much of the duty of customs leviable thereon as is in excess of the amount calculated at the rate specified in the corresponding entry in column (4) of the aforesaid Table. Now by this amendment, in the Table, against S.No. 264, in column (4), read "6.0".

Service Tax

Circular No. 133/02/2011-ST Dated 18.01.2011 - Clarification on Service tax exemption for Janata Personal Accident Policy

A clarification has been sought as to the scope and meaning of the description namely ‘Janata Personal Accident Policy (JPAP)' appearing in the Notification No. 3/1994-ST dated 30.06.1994

No description of JPAP Policy is available in the relevant notification, it is clarified that customized group JPAP insurance schemes floated by various insurance companies as per the specifications of state governments concerned, to extend risk cover to target populations, and to fulfill the prescribed ‘rural or social sector' obligation, are covered by the subject service tax exemption.  

Circular No 132/01/2011-ST Dated 12.01.2011 - Fumigation of export cargo including agricultural/horticultural produce loaded into containers or otherwise - Whether taxable under 'cleaning services' - Clarification

Fumigation, per se, is a cleaning activity. However, the definition under section 65(24b) of the Finance Act, 1994, as amended, taxes cleaning of 'objects or premises' of (i) commercial or industrial buildings and premises thereof; or (ii) factory, plant or machinery, tank or reservoir of such commercial or industrial building and premises thereof. Fumigation of export cargo including agricultural/horticultural produce, whether loaded into containers or otherwise, does not satisfy the statutory definition of 'cleaning activity' under Section 65(24b) of the Finance Act, 1994.

Economic Affairs

Notification No. 4 (3)-W&M/2010 Dated 10.01.2011 - Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of '7.17 per cent Government Stock, 2015'

Government of India notified sale (reissue) of '7.17 per cent Government Stock, 2015' for an aggregate amount of Rs. 4,000 crore (nominal). The sale will be subject to the terms and conditions spelt out in this notification (called 'Specific Notification') as also the terms and conditions specified in the General Notification F.No.4(13)-W&M/2008, dated October 8, 2008 issued by Government of India.

Notification No 4 (3)-W&M/2010(i) Dated 10.01.2011 - Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of '8.13 per cent Government Stock, 2022'

Government of India notified sale (reissue) of '8.13 per cent Government Stock, 2022' for an aggregate amount of Rs. 4,000 crore (nominal). The sale will be subject to the terms and conditions spelt out in this notification (called 'Specific Notification') as also the terms and conditions specified in the General Notification F.No.4(13)-W&M/2008, dated October 8, issued by Government of India.

Notification No 4 (3)-W&M/2010(ii) Dated 10.01.2011 - Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of '8.30 per cent Government Stock, 2040'

Government of India notified sale (re-issue) of '8.30 per cent Government Stock, 2040' for an aggregate amount of Rs. 3,000 crore (nominal). The sale will be subject to the terms and conditions spelt out in this notification (called 'Specific Notification') as also the terms and conditions specified in the General Notification F.No.4(13)-W&M/2008, dated October 8, issued by Government of India.

Notification No 14/33/2010-EM Date 30.12.2010 - Creation of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)

With a view to establishing a body to institutionalise and strengthen the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, financial sector development and inter-regulatory coordination, the Government in consultation with the financial sector regulators has decided to set up the Financial Stability and Development Council. The composition and responsibility of the council have been laid down in the Notification. The Council would meet as and when deemed necessary by the Chairperson and it shall also have a Sub-committee headed by the Governor, RBI. The Sub-committee will replace the existing High Level Coordination Committee on Financial Markets (HLCCFM).

Notification No SO2978(E) Dated 20.12.2010 - Coins of the denomination of 25 paise and below to be called in from circulation with effect from 30.06.2011

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section 15A of the Coinage Act, 1906 (3 of 1906), the Central Government determines to call in from circulation the coins of the denomination of 25 paise and below, issued from time to time, with effect from June 30, 2011, and from this date, these coins shall cease to be a legal tender for payment as well as on account.

Notification No. S.O.2979(E) Dated 20.12.2010 - Indian Government Accounting Standards: Guarantees given by Governments: Disclosure Requirements relating to the form of accounts of the Union, States and Union Territory Governments

The objective of this Standard is to set out disclosure norms in respect of Guarantees given by the Union, the State Governments and Union Territory Governments (with legislature) in their respective Financial Statements to ensure uniform and complete disclosure of such Guarantees.

This Standard applies to preparation of the Statement of Guarantees for inclusion and presentation in the Financial Statements of the Governments. Financial Statements should not be described as complying with this Standard unless they comply with all its requirements.

Notification No 4 (3)-W&M/2010 Dated 17.01.2011 - Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of '7.99 per cent Government Stock, 2017'

Government of India notified sale (reissue) of '7.99 per cent Government Stock, 2017' (hereinafter called 'the Stock') for an aggregate amount of Rs. 4,000 crore (nominal). The sale will be subject to the terms and conditions spelt out in this notification (called 'Specific Notification') as also the terms and conditions specified in the General Notification F. No. 4 (13)-W&M/2008, dated October 8, 2008 issued by Government of India.

Notification No 4 (3)-W&M/2010(i) Dated 17.01.2011 - Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of '8.08 per cent Government Stock, 2022'

Government of India notified sale (reissue) of '8.08 per cent Government Stock, 2022' (hereinafter called 'the Stock') for an aggregate amount of Rs. 4,000 crore (nominal). The sale will be subject to the terms and conditions spelt out in this notification (called 'Specific Notification') as also the terms and conditions specified in the General Notification F. No. 4 (13)-W&M/2008, dated October 8, 2008 issued by Government of India.

Notification No. 4 (3)-W&M/2010(ii) Dated 17.01.2011 - Auction for Sale (Re-issue) of '8.26 per cent Government Stock, 2027'

Government of India notified sale (reissue) of '8.26 per cent Government Stock, 2027' (hereinafter called 'the Stock') for an aggregate amount of Rs.3,000 crore (nominal). The sale will be subject to the terms and conditions spelt out in this notification (called 'Specific Notification') as also the terms and conditions specified in the General Notification F. No. 4 (13)-W&M/2008, dated October 8, 2008 issued by Government of India.

Notification No. S.O.7(E) Dated 31.12.2010 - Appointment of Shri K.N. Prithviraj as the Administrator of the Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India extended for a period of two months beyond 31-12-2010

Extension of appointment of Shri K.N. Prithviraj as the Administrator of the Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India in carrying on the management of the Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India for and on behalf of the Central Government for a period of two months beyond 31-12-2010 or until the appointment of a new incumbent to the post or until further order, whichever is earlier.

CBDT

Notification No 01/2011 Dated 05.01.2011 - Scheme for slum redevelopment prepared by the Maharashtra Government under sub-section (2) of Section 37 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act. 1966 notified for the purpose of section 80-lB of the Income Tax Act, 1961

The above stated scheme has been notified subject to the condition that any amendment to the Scheme hereby notified shall be required to be re notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes and this notification shall be deemed to apply to projects approved by a local authority under the aforesaid scheme on or after the 1st day of April, 2004 and before 31st day of March, 2008 thereby making the incomes arising from such projects eligible for deduction under sub-section (10) of Section 80-JB from the Assessment Year 2005-06 onwards.

Notification No 02/2011 Dated 05.01.2011 - Amendment to Notification Number S.O. 1898(E) dated 03.08.2010 - Notification to apply to housing projects approved by a local authority on or after 01.04.2004 and before 31.03.2008

In the notification number S.O. 1898(E), dated the 3rd August, 2010 in paragraph 2 for "This notification shall come into force with effect from the date of its publication", read "This notification shall be deemed to apply to projects approved by a local authority under the aforesaid scheme on or after the 1st day of April, 2004 and before 31st day of March, 2008 thereby making the incomes arising from such projects eligible for deduction under sub-section (10) of section 80-IB from the assessment year 2005-06 onwards."

Notification No 03/2011 Dated 10.01.2011 - SAARC Limited Multilateral Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters to be given effect to in India with effect from the 1st day of April, 2011

Governments of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Member States comprising the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Republic of India, the Republic of Maldives, the Kingdom of Nepal, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; Desiring to conclude an Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in tax matters with a view to promoting economic cooperation amongst the SAARC Member States have agreed upon specified terms and conditions. The provisions of the said Agreement shall be given effect to in the Union of India with effect from the 1st day of April, 2011.

Order No 1/FT&TR/2011 Dated 12.01.2011 - Constitution of the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) comprising of three Commissioners of Income-tax/Directors of Income-tax as Members of DRP who shall perform such duties in addition to their regular duties with effect from 12.03.2011 and until further orders - Issued with the approval of Chairman, CBDT

In exercise of powers conferred under section 144C of the Income-tax Act, 1961, and in supersession of Order No. 1/FT&TR-II/2010 dated 10.02.2010, Order No. 2/FT&TR-II/2010 dated 17.02.2010 and Order No. 4/FT&TR-II/2010 dated 26.08.2010, the Board has constituted the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) comprising of three Commissioners of Income-tax/Directors of Income-tax as Members of DRP at the places as mentioned in the order, who shall perform such duties in addition to their regular duties with effect from 12.03.2011.

Circular No 08/2010 Dated 13.12.2010 - Finance Act, 2010 - Rates at which Income-tax is to be required to be deducted under Section 192 of the Income-tax Act 1961 from income chargeable under the head "Salaries" for the financial year 2010-2011

The Circular contains the rates of deduction of income-tax from the payment of income chargeable under the head "Salaries" during the financial year 2010-2011 and explains certain related provisions of the Income-tax Act.

• MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

Consumer Affairs

Notification No. S.O.1(E) Dated 31.12.2010 

The notification specifies Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (1 of 2010) to be effective from 1st day of March, 2011.

Notification No. S.O.2988(E) Dated 22.12.2010 - Schedule to the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (10 of 1955) - Amendment at serial number (7), after item (iii), the item "(iv) cotton seed" shall be added

The amendment to the Schedule to the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (10 of 1955) is essential to regulate the production, quality, distribution and other aspects of cotton seed.

Notification No SO2970(E) Dated 07.12.2010 - Bikaner Commodity Exchange Ltd. granted recognition for the period from 20th January, 2011 to 31st March, 2012 in respect of forward contracts in Guarseed

The recognition granted as stated above is subject to the condition that the said Exchange shall comply with such directions as may, from time to time, be given by the Forward Markets Commission.

Order No. GSR1040(E) Dated 31.12.2010 - No recognized dealer of sugar to hold any stock of vacuum pan sugar or khandsari (open pan sugar) for a period exceeding thirty days from the date of receipt by him of such stock

Central Government has directed that no recognized dealer of sugar shall hold any stock of vacuum pan sugar or khandsari (open pan sugar) for a period exceeding thirty days from the date of receipt by him of such stock and shall not keep in stock at any time vacuum pan sugar or khandsari sugar, in the places mentioned in excess of quantities mentioned against each place.

• MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

Notification No. M1013/41/2006-IA.II(I) Dated 30.12.2010 - Guidelines for preparation of pre feasibility report for obtaining prior environmental clearance in terms of the provisions of EIA notification, 2006

EIA notification, 2006 requires submission of Form I and pre-feasibility report for obtaining prior environmental clearance. Guideline is being issued for preparation of pre-feasibility report as the pre- feasibility report submitted by the proponent for seeking prior environment clearance is sometimes sketchy and does not contain all the relevant information. The enclosed guidelines are generic in nature to be followed by all concerned . However, there could be some variations from sector to sector depending on the sector specific requirement of information.

• PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU

Release Dated 17.01.2011 - Appointment of Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court

(i) Shri Justice Rajan Gupta, (ii) Shri Justice Ajay Tewari, (iii) Shri Justice Jitendra Kumar Chauhan, and (iv) Shri Justice Augustine George Masih Additional Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court, have been appointed to be Judges of that High Court, in that order of seniority, with effect from the dates they assume charge of their offices.

CRZ Notification, 2011 Dated 07.01.2011 - Ministry of Environment and Forests Announces Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), 2011 and Island Protection Zone, 2011

Minister of State for Environment & Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh in a Press Conference in New Delhi announced Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011 and Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification, 2011

The CRZ Notification, 2011 replaces the CRZ Notification, 1991. In addition, for the very first time an Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011 is being notified and published covering Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Both these new Notifications reconcile three objectives: (i) protection of livelihoods of traditional fisherfolk communities; (ii) preservation of coastal ecology; and (iii) promotion of economic activity that have necessarily to be located in coastal regions 25 amendments were made to CRZ Notification, 1991 between 1991-2009. Apart from this the CRZ Notification, 2011 also has several new features.

• RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

UBD

Circular No. UBD.BPD.(PCB) Cir. No 5/13.05.000/2010-11 Dated 11.01.2011 - Interest subvention of 2% on pre-shipment rupee export credit and post shipment rupee export crediton the specified export sectors / sub-sectors with effect from 01.04. 2010 to 31.03.2011

As per Circular No.UBD. BPD.(PCB) Cir. No 1/13.05.000/2009-10 dated 16.09.2009 the interest subvention on rupee export credit to specified export sectors had been extended till March 31, 2010. Now it has been decided to extend interest subvention of 2% on pre-shipment rupee export credit upto 270 days and post shipment rupee export credit upto 180 days on the specified export sectors / sub-sectors with effect from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

Circular No. UBD. CO. BPD. No. 35/12.05.001/2010-11 Dated 10.01.2011 to The Chief Executive Officers All Primary (urban) Co-operative Banks - Opening of bank accounts - salaried employees

For opening bank accounts of salaried employees some banks rely on a certificate / letter issued by the employer as the only KYC document for the purposes of certification of identity as well as address proof. Such practice is open to misuse and fraught with risk. Hence with a view to containing the risk of fraud, banks need to rely on such certification only from corporates and other entities of repute and should be aware of the competent authority designated by the concerned employer to issue such certificate/letter. Further, in addition to the certificate from employer, banks should insist on at least one of the officially valid documents as provided in the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules (viz. passport, driving licence, PAN Card, Voter's Identity card etc.) or utility bills for KYC purposes for opening bank account of salaried employees of corporates and other entities.

RPCD

Circular No. RPCD.CO. RRB.AML.No. 7857/03.05.28 (A)/2010-11 Dated 17.01.2011 - Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/Combating of Financial Terrorism (CFT) - Standards

All Regional Rural Banks are advised to take into account risks arising from the deficiencies in AML/CFT regime of Iran, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Sao Tome and Principe while entering into business relationships and transactions with persons (including legal persons and other financial institutions) from or in these countries/ jurisdictions.

Circular No. RPCD.CO.RRB.AML.No. 7861/03.05.28(A)/2010-11 Dated 17.01.2011 - Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Statement identifying a list of jurisdictions which have strategic AML/CFT deficiencies

In reference to circular RPCD.CO..RRB.AML.NO.3186/03.05.28(A)/2010-11 dated 09.09.2010 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Statement identifying a list of jurisdictions which have strategic AML/CFT deficiencies is being forwarded therewith.

Circular No RPCD.CO RRB.AML.BC.No. 46/03.05.33(E)/2010-11 Dated 12.01.2011 - Know Your Customer(KYC) norms/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards - Obligation of banks - Guidelines issued under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 read with Rule 7 of Prevention of Money-laundering Rules, 2005

In terms of Para 2(vi) of the guidelines on 'Know Your Customer' norms and Anti- Money Laundering Measures annexed to the circular RPCD. No. RRB.BC.81/03.05.33 (E)/2004-05 dated 18.02.2005; RRBs are required to apply enhanced due diligence measures on higher risk customers. It is further advised that in view of the risks involved in cash intensive businesses, accounts of bullion dealers (including sub-dealers) & jewellers should also be categorised by banks as 'high risk' requiring enhanced due diligence.

Accordingly, in terms of paragraph 4 of the guidelines annexed to the circular cited above, RRBs are also required to subject these ' high risk accounts ' to intensified transaction monitoring. High risk associated with such accounts should be taken into account by banks to identify suspicious transactions for filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to FIU-IND.

IDMD

Circular No. IDMD / 3174 /08.02.033/2010-11 Dated 17.01.2011 - to All Scheduled Commercial Banks /All State Co-operative Banks/All Scheduled Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks /All Financial Institutions/ All Primary Dealers - Auction of Government of India interest bearing Securities of different maturities

Government of India have offered to sell (re-issue) of (a) "7.99 percent Government Stock 2017 " for a notified amount of Rs.4,000 crore (nominal) through a price based auction using uniform price method vide Notification No.4(3)-W&M/2010 dated January 17, 2011, (b) "8.08 percent Government Stock 2022 " for a notified amount of Rs.4,000 crore (nominal) through a price based auction using uniform price method vide Notification No.4(3)-W&M/2010(i) dated January 17, 2011 and (c) "8.26 percent Government Stock 2027" for a notified amount of Rs. 3,000 crore (nominal) through a price based auction using uniform price method vide Notification No.4(3)-W&M/2010(ii) dated January 17, 2011.The salient features of the auctions and the terms and conditions governing the issue of the Stocks are given in the Notifications,which should be read along with the General Notification F. No. 4 (13)-W&M/2008, dated October 8, 2008 issued by Government of India.

DNBS

Circular No DNBS.PD.CC.No.207/ 03.02.002/2010-11 Dated 17.01.2011 - Introduction of Provisioning for standard assets of NBFCs

In the interests of counter cyclicality and so as to ensure that NBFCs create a financial buffer to protect them from the effect of economic downturns, it has been decided to introduce provisioning for standard assets also according to the specified terms.

Others

Circular No. DPSS.CO.AD.No.1568/02.27.005/2010-11 Dated 07.01.2011 - Issued to all Authorised entities operating payment system in India - List of Terrorist Individuals/Organisations under UNSCR 1267(1999) and 1822(2008) on Taliban/ Al-Qaida Organisation

All the payment system operators (PSOs) required to update the consolidated list of individuals/entities as circulated by Reserve Bank and before opening any new account/registering or offering service to new customer, it should be ensured that the name/s of the proposed customer does not appear in the list. Further, PSOs should scan all existing accounts to ensure that no account is held by or linked to any of the entities or individuals included in the list.

Circular No. DPSS (CO) RTGS No.1654/ 04.08.002/ 2010 – 11 Dated 18.01.2011- Centralised Funds Management System (CFMS) - Extension of timings

Members of CFMS are using the funds transfer module to transfer funds from one DAD to another DAD from their payment gateways. On requests from the members, it has since been decided to extend the CFMS timings. Now the timings will be from10:00 hours to 17:00 hours on week days and 10:00 hours to 15:00 hours on Saturdays. Revised timings will be implemented with effect from January 24, 2011.

• MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Commerce

Notification No. S.O.8(E) Dated 03.01.2011 - Appointment 

Shri S. Thangavelu, Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha has been appointed as Member of the Spices Board for a period of three yearsand thus the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Commerce) vide number S.O. 123(E), dated the 26th February, 1987 has been amended to that effect.

Notification No. S.O.3079(E) Dated 31.12.2010 - Special Economic Zone for information technology and information technology-enabled services at Gurgaon, in the State of Haryana

An additional area of 3.2829 hectares is being notified to be included as a part of that Special Economic Zone for information technology and information technology-enabled services at Gurgaon, in the State of Haryana.

Notification No. S.O.3016(E) Dated 22.12.2010 - Special Economic Zone for electronic hardware and software - Notification of area by the Central Government as proposed by M/s. Uppal Housing Limited

In furtherance to the letter of approval under sub-section (10) of Section 3 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 for development, operation and maintenance of the above sector specific Special Economic Zone on 15.02.2008 the Central Government has notified Knowlegde Park-V at survey/plot No. 8 measuring 10.5242 hectares as a Special Economic Zone for electronic hardware and software.

Notification No. S.O.3015(E) Dated 22.12.2010 - Special Economic Zone for Gems and Jewellery Sector

Central Government has notified areas at Village Bhondsi, Tehsil-Sohna, District-Gurgaon in the State of Haryana as a Special Economic Zone for Gems and Jewellery sector.

Notification from file No 15/19/2010-DGAD Dated 20.12.2010 - Initiation of Sunset review in accordance with section 9A (5) of the Act read with Rule 23 of Antidumping Rules of Anti-dumping duty imposed on imports of 'Aniline' originating in or exported from USA and Japan

Continued imposition of Anti Dumping Duty on imports of 'Aniline' originating in or exported from USA and Japan, notified vide Notification No 128/2000-Customs dated 06.10.2000. The final findings in the Sun Set Review were issued by the Authority vide notification No. 15/5/2005-DGAD dated 5th April, 2006 and Duty was consequently extended by the Central Government vide Notification No.58/2006-Customs Dated 09.06.2006.

Notification No. 14/40/2010-DGAD Dated 20.12.2010 - Initiation of Anti-Dumping Investigation concerning imports of "Geogrid/Geostrips/Geostraps made of Polyester or Glass Fibre in all its forms" (including all widths and lengths) originating in or Exported from China PR

Sufficient evidence of dumping of the Geogrid/Geostrips/ Geostraps made of Polyester or Glass Fiber in all its forms", including all widths and lengths (hereinafter also referred to as the subject goods originating in or exported from China PR(hereinafter also referred to as the subject country)from the subject countries, 'injury' to the domestic industry and causal link between the alleged dumping and 'injury' exist to justify initiation of an anti-dumping investigation; the Authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry in terms of the Rules 5 of the AD Rules, to determine the existence, degree and effect of any alleged dumping and to recommend the amount of antidumping duty, which if levied would be adequate to remove the 'injury' to the domestic industry.

Notification No 14/41/2010-DGAD Dated 15.12.2010 - Initiation of Anti-Dumping Duty investigation concerning imports of 'Morpholine' originating in or exported from China PR, European Union and USA

Designated Authority notified the Initiation Notification No.14/41/2010-DGAD dated 07.12.2010. In aforesaid Notification para 11 relating to Period of Investigation is rectified to read as follows :

"The period of investigation (POI) for the purpose of present investigation is 1st July, 2009 to 30th June, 2010 (12 months). The injury investigation period will however cover the periods April, 2007--March, 2008, April, 2008--March, 2009, April, 2009--March, 2010 and the POI. For threat of material injury, the data beyond the POI would also be examined."

Industrial Policy and Promotion

Notification No GSR1024(E) Dated 29.12.2010 - Trade Marks (Second Amendment) Rules, 2010

Principal rules were published vide notification number G.S.R. 114(E), dated 26.02. 2002 and subsequently amended vide notification number G.S.R. 428(E), dated the 20.05.2010.

Certain draft rules further to amend the Trade Marks Rules, 2002 were published vide notification number G.S.R. 731(E), dated the 7th September, 2010 inviting objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected thereby before the expiry of a period of forty-five days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing notification were made available to the public. The said notification was made available to the public on the 13th September, 2010 and objections and suggestions received from the public have been considered by the Central Government.

Now, therefore the Central Government has made the following rules further to amend the Trade Marks Rules, 2002, namely The Trade Marks (Second Amendment) Rules, 2010.

Order No. S.O.3050(E) Dated 23.12.2010 - Newsprint Control (Amendment) Order, 2010

Principal order was published vide No. S.O.1105(E), dated 11.10.2004 and subsequently amended vide Order No. S.O.2810(E), dated 16th November, 2010 published in the Gazette of India. Now the Newsprint Control (Amendment) Order, 2010 is made to amend the Newsprint Control Order, 2004.

Notification No SO3022(E) Dated 21.12.2010 - Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2010 - Draft Rules

Draft of Certain rules further to amend the Patents Rules, 2003, which the Central Government proposes to make in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 159 of the Patents Act, for the information of all persons likely to be affected thereby; and notice is hereby given that the said draft shall be taken into consideration on or after the expiry of a period of thirty days from the date on which the Official Gazette, containing the notification, are made available to the public;

Any objections or suggestions that may be received from any person with respect to the said draft before the expiry of the aforesaid period shall be considered by the Central Government;

Objections or suggestions, if any, may be sent to the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion), Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi-110011.

DGFT

Public Notice No. 23/(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 17.01.2011 - Procedure for Inviting applications for allocation of the TRQ of Natural Rubber from Actual users

In view of Customs Notification No. 128/2010-Customs dated 22.12.2010, to allow import of Natural Rubber under exim codes 4001 21, 4001 22 and 4001 29 at concessional duty in the current financial year 2010-11, it has been decided by Director General of Foreign Trade to invite applications for allocation of the TRQ of Natural Rubber from Actual users as per specific details.

Public Notice No 24/(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 17.01.2011 - Amendment in ANF 2B - Non-requirement of submission of Proforma Invoice from the foreign supplier

ANF 2B has been prescribed as the application form for import of restricted items. It has 14 entries & 7 declarations. It also contains a set of guidelines for the applicant towards the end of the form. Guideline 4(b) requires a self certified copy of the proforma invoice from the foreign supplier. It has been decided to dispense with this requirement. Such self certified copy of the proforma invoice from the foreign supplier would no longer be needed to accompany the application form.

Public Notice No 22/(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 14.01.2011 - Re-Credit Certificate for Re-export of defective / unfit goods and/or Re-assessment of Debited Duty and/or re-exports on account of any other reason

Modification of the handbook of procedures - By this Public Notice the procedure for utilization of re-credit certificate is simplified, the scope is expanded to cover cases of re-assessment of duty cases and re-export for any other reason and the validity of Re-credit Certificate shall be 6 months.

Public Notice No. 21/(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 10.01.2011 - Procedure relating to tracing and tracking of export consignment of pharmaceuticals and drugs

Exporters of pharmaceutical products will be required to affix barcodes on their export products to facilitate tracing and tracking of their products. In order to enable exporters of pharmaceutical products for incorporation of this technology, adequate time is being given and that is why trace and track technology will come into effect from 1st July, 2011.

Exporters would also be required to submit certificate of analysis issued by the manufacturer for the subject products; or issued by approved laboratory of the importing country/ FDA; or issued by a laboratory approved by Drugs Controller under Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the rules made there under.

Policy Circular No 12 (RE-2010)/2009-14 Dated 17.01.2011 - Clarifications on issues pertaining to EPCG Scheme raised in the Port Officers' Meeting held on 03.12.2010

A number of issues relating to EPCG Scheme were raised by Regional Authorities in the Port Officers meeting. All issues have been clarified by way of this policy circular.

Trade Notice No 4/2011 Dated 14.01.2011 - Procedure to be adopted by allottees to obtain the registration Certificate - The 4 Zonal Joint Director General of Foreign Trade at Chennai, (CLA) Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai to receive the documents, scrutinize them and if found correct, issue Registration Certificate by following the existing procedures

Trade Notice No.1 of 2011 issued on 10/1/2011 - contained the allocation for export of cotton. Trade Notices issued subsequently (No.2 of 2011 dated 10/1/2011 and No.3 of 2011 issued on 11/1/2011) gave further details as to how the allottees would proceed to obtain their Registration Certificate.

To expedite the issue of such Registration Certificate, it has now been decided to decentralize this work. Therefore, the 4 Zonal Joint Director General of Foreign Trade at Chennai, (CLA) Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai shall receive the documents, scrutinize them and if found correct, issue Registration Certificate by following the existing procedures. This work will begin in the Zonal Joint DGFT Offices with effect from 17.01.2011 and will be completed by 25.01.2011.

Trade Notice No 3/2011 Dated 11.01.2011 - Further Guidelines to Trade Notice No. 2/2011 issued on 10.01.2011

Notice issued to the members of trade in continuation of the previous Trade Notice No. 2/2011 issued on 10.01.2011 regarding procedures to be followed for submission of hard copies of application for grant of registration certificate.

Trade Notice No 1/2011 Dated 10.01.2011 - Declaration of Allocation of quantities of cotton for export against applications received from 31.12.2010 to 06.01.2011

Policy Circular No. 09(RE-2010)/2009-14 dated 29.12.2010 - had stated that the declaration will be made on 10.01.2011. Annexure to this Trade Notice contains the allocation of 19,00,000 Bales of cotton. A separate trade notice is being issued about the scheme and modalities of scrutiny of documents.

• MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Health

Notification No GSR988(E) Dated 21.12.2010 - Draft Drugs and Cosmetics (7th Amendment) Rules, 2010.

Draft rules to further amend the principal Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 dated 21st December, 1945 and last amended vide notification number G.S.R.683(E) dated the 19-8-2010. These rules may be called the Drugs and Cosmetics (7th Amendment) Rules, 2010

The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, in rule 127, in sub-rule (1),--

(i) under the heading (1) relating to Natural colours, after the entry "Black Oxide of Iron", the following shall be inserted, namely:--

"Titanium dioxide coated mica pearlescent pigments".

(ii) after the heading (4) relating to Lakes, the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:--

"Provided that disinfectants may also contain colours specified under Schedule Q, which are non-staining."

• MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

Notification No. S.O.3058(E) Dated 30.12.2010 - Coal Industry declared Public Utility Service

Vide this notification, Coal industry has been declared to be a public utility service for the purpose of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 Act for a period of six months.

Notification No. S.O.2987(E) Dated 21.12.2010 - Reconstitution of the Central Board of Trustees (Employees' Provident Fund) - Amendment to the Notification No.SO2509(E) Dated 23.10.2008

Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 5A of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 reconstituted the Central Board of Trustees (Employees' Provident Fund) and made the following amendment in this Ministry's Notification published in the Gazette of India having number S.O. 2509(E) dated 23.10.2008.

In the said notification at serial number 31 the name Shri Dipak Sarkar be substituted.

Notification No S.O.2957(E) Dated 15.12.2010 - Iron Ore Mining Industry declared a Public Utility Service for a period of six months from the 18.12.2010

The Central Government hereby declares the Iron Ore Mining Industry to be a Public Utility Service for the purposes of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 Act, for a period of six months from the 18th December, 2010.

Notification No S.O.2930(E) Dated 13.12.2010 - Prohibition on the employment of Contract Labour in the repairs or maintenance work of BG Permanent Railway Line of Paradip Port Trust, District Jagdisinghpur (Orissa)

Having regard to the conditions of work and benefits provided for the contract labour and other relevant factors enumerated in sub-section (2) of Section 10 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, the Notification hereby prohibits the employment of contract labour in the repairs or maintenance work of BG Permanent Railway Line of Paradip Port Trust, District Jagdisinghpur (Orissa), from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.

• SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA

Derivatives

Circular No CIR/DNPD/2/2011 Dated 11.01.2011 - Decision to permit Stock Exchanges to introduce derivative contracts (Futures and Options) on foreign stock indices in the equity derivatives segment

Circular issued to Chief Executive Officers of Equity Derivatives Segment, National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSEIL) and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE) to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market. The decision to permit Stock Exchanges to introduce derivative contracts (Futures and Options) on foreign stock indices in the equity derivatives segment has been granted in accordance with Guidelines mentioned in Annexure-1 to the Notification.

Regulations

Notification No.LAD-NRO/GN/2010-11/23/31506 Dated 31.12.2010 - Renewal of recognition to Vadodara Stock Exchange 

 Renewal of recognition granted to Vadodara Stock Exchange Limited for a period of one year commencing on the 4th day of January, 2011 and ending on 3rd day of January, 2012 in respect of contracts in securities.

Foreign Institutional Investors

Circular No CIR/IMD/FIIC/2/2011 Dated 18.01.2011 - Addendum to the Circular No. CIR/IMD/FIIC/1/2011 dated 17.01.2011

With respect to Circular No. CIR/IMD/FIIC/1/2011 dated 17.01. 2011 it is to be stated that the word 'revised' as mentioned in the paragraph 4 subject line and text may be substituted with the word 'additional'.

Circular No CIR/IMD/FIIC/1/2011 Dated 17.11.2011 - Revision of Reporting Formats for reporting issuance / renewal / cancellation / redemption of Offshore Derivative Instruments (ODIs)/ Participatory Notes (PNs) against underlying Indian securities

SEBI Circular No. IMD/CUST/8/2003 dated August 8, 2003 read with Circular No. IMD/CUST/9/2003 dated November 20, 2003 read with Circular No. IMD/CUST/15/2004 dated April 02, 2004, advised FIIs issuing Offshore Derivative Instruments (ODIs)/ Participatory Notes (PNs) against underlying Indian securities about the reporting format for reporting issuance / renewal / cancellation / redemption of the aforesaid instruments. On a review, it has been decided to revise the reporting formats. The revised reporting formats are given in the circular. The FIIs issuing ODIs/PNs shall be now be required to provide information about their ODI/PN activity and their underlying trade(s) activity in India in the specified manner. The reports shall now be submitted with the following revised undertaking: "We undertake that the beneficial owner and the person(s) to whom the Offshore Derivative Instrument is issued in compliance with Regulation 15A of SEBI (FII) Regulations. We also undertake that the KYC compliance norms have been followed for the beneficial owner of the Offshore Derivative Instrument"

• MINISTRY OF POWER

Order No. S.O.2980(E) Dated 13.12.2010 - Conferment of powers under Section 164 of the Electricity Act on M/s. Adani Power Limited under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 with respect to the placing of telegraph lines and posts for the purposes of a telegraph established or maintained, subject to specified terms and conditions

On 31-7-2009, vide letter No. 11/4/2007-PG, the Government of India, Ministry of Power, had granted to M/s. Adani Power Limited, approval under Section 68 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for installation of its dedicated Mohindergarh (HVDC) - Bhiwani (PGCIL) 400 kV D/C Transmission line, passing through the route in Haryana. Now the applicant has requested to confer upon him all the powers under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 which telegraph authority possess under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 with respect to the placing of telegraph lines and posts for the purposes of a telegraph established or maintained, by the Government or to be so established or maintained. The approval has been granted subject to specified conditions.

• MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

Personnel and Training

Notification No. G.S.R.1003(E) Dated 22.12.2010 - All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Amendments Rules, 2010

Principal rules were published vide number G.S.R.197 (E) dated the 14.03.2007 and were subsequently amended vide number G.R.S.296 (E), dated 16.04.2007 and G.R.S.256 (E), dated 31.03.2008.

Now these All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Amendments Rules, 2010 have been framed to further amend the All India Services (Performance Appraisal Report) Rules, 2007.

Notification No S.O.2985(E) Dated 21.12.2010 - Appointment of Shri Satyananda Mishra as Chief Information Commissioner in the Central Information Commission with effect from 20.12.2010

The President, on the recommendation of the Committee constituted under sub-section (3) of Section 12 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (22 of 2005), is pleased to appoint Shri Satyananda Mishra as Chief Information Commissioner in the Central Information Commission with effect from the 20th day of December, 2010.

• MINISTRY OF MINES

Notification No. S.O.2817(E) Dated 22.11.2010 - Appointment of a Commission of Inquiry consisting of Shri Justice M.B. Shah, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India to look into illegal mining of iron ore and manganese ore - Terms of reference of the Commission

Central Government being satisfied that it is necessary to appoint a Commission of Inquiry for the purpose of making an inquiry into a definite matter of public importance, namely, mining of iron ore and manganese ore in contravention of the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (67 of 1957), the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, (69 of 1980), the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) and other Central and State Acts and the Rules and guidelines issued thereunder and raising, transportation and exporting of such ores illegally or without lawful authority at various places within the country, has appointed a Commission of Inquiry consisting of Shri Justice M.B. Shah, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India. The terms of reference of the Commission shall be as specified.