Draft Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2023

The draft amendment amongst other aspects, seeks to clarify the duration of licences which were previously unregulated. It states that the duration of such licences shall be 25 years from the coming into force of these amendment rules. The concerned stakeholders and the public at large are invited to furnish their comments on the same within 30 days from the date of the notification, i.e. by 17th February, 2023.

NISE issues Skill Development Programme on Design of Solar PV Systems (Online Mode)

The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has issues a Skill Development Programme on Design of Solar PV Systems (Online Mode). The Programme will take place from 23rd to 25th January, 2023. The programme targets graduate engineers with basic knowledge of electrical concepts; solar entrepreneurs; Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Officials; EPC contractors; MNRE channel partners; Senior Energy Department Officials of Govt. of India and Officers from State Nodal Agencies etc.

“IP Mitra” introduced for Startups in Patents, Trademarks, and Designs

The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has issued a press release on the introduction of IP Mitra for Startups in patents, trademarks, and designs. With the help of IP Mitra, startups can look forward to much simpler time creating and directing innovative technology and successfully marketing them to fuel the growth of the Indian economy. This would be carried out under the Scheme for Facilitating Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP).

DCI invites applications for Screening Test for Recognition of Foreign PG Dental Qualification

Dental Council of India (DCI) has issued a public circular inviting applications for Screening Test for recognition of foreign PG dental qualification upon fulfilling prescribed conditions. The circular applies to persons who had previously applied to the DCI to appear in the Screening Test for recognition of their foreign PG dental qualification but failed or were absent in the examinations. The circular states that if such persons are willing to reappear in the Screening Test, they may apply to DCI positively by 27th January, 2023.

SEBI introduces Information database and Repository on Municipal Bonds

SEBI had organised an outreach programme on Municipal Bonds and Municipal Finance on 20th and 21st January, 2023 at New Delhi. This programme formed a part of SEBI’s initiative to develop Bond markets. The event also witnessed the launching of an Information Database including a repository of information pertaining to Municipal Bonds on the SEBI website. The database is intended not merely to serve as a guide but also to create awareness about municipal debt securities.

Food Safety and Standards (First Amendment) Rules, 2022

The amendment provides that the designated Officer under the rules shall be a whole time Officer, not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Officer or equivalent and shall possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s or Doctorate degree in Science with chemistry as one of the subjects or shall possess at least one of the educational qualifications prescribed for the Food Safety Officers under these rules or who has possessing not less than five years of experience as Food Safety Officers or has not less than seven years combined experience as Food Safety Officer and Food Inspector of which minimum four years as Food Safety Officer after commencement of the Food Safety and Standards Act.