SEBI gave its nod for online subscription of bonds. 

Objective: To cut the timeline for completion of the process.

In order to provide a mechanism to decrease the timelines of the issue process for public issue of debt securities, SEBI extends Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) facility to public issues. Currently ASBA is allowed only in case of Initial Public Offer (IPO) of shares.

SEBI has instructed exchanges to install necessary systems and infrastructure for execution of this notification.

With the aim to expand the reach of insurance in the country, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has suggested to permit owners of kirana shops, fair price shops, medical shops, petrol pumps, individual Public Call Office (PCO) to sell micro insurance products.
As per the IRDA’s exposure draft on Micro Insurance Regulations, the insurance schemes are targeted towards rural and urban poor.
At present entities like non-government organizations (NGOs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) and Self help Groups (SHGs), District Cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks, primary Agricultural Cooperative societies, and individual agents work as micro insurance agent.

The Sectoral Innovation Council established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has suggested to introduce a National Media Policy.
The recommendation calls for developing an alternative to Television Audience Measurement-TAM ratings, review broadcast licensing procedures and regulation of media education in the country.
In order to integrate all existing media segments and to address the emerging issue, the council recommended has called for a comprehensive media policy.

• India has banned entry of US-sanctioned Iranian ships into its water.
• The move will adversely impact crude oil imports from the country’s 4^th largest crude oil exporter.

Background:

In July 2012, after EU imposed sanctions against Iran, India had permitted state oil refiners including Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) to import oil from Iran on CIF (cost, insurance and freight) basis, wherein, Tehran was responsible for arranging for ships and insurance. But the the govt revoked the permission after a few days. The U.S. imposed sanctions on the National Iranian Tanker Company and its 58 vessels. To get a waiver from the U.S. sanctions India slashed its crude oil imports from Iran. While India was later exempted from the sanctions for its import of crude oil from Iran, shipping is not included under it. Domestic ships can import crude oil only if state insurers led by General Insurance Corp (GIC) provide insurance cover for domestic to them.

The Government has planned to install 1 lakh eco-friendly bio-toilets in about 300 backward Gram Panchayats in the country in next 2 years. This will alleviate the problem of open defecation in villages. The project will cost Rs 150 crore in its first phase.

An MoU has been signed b/w the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation for Bio-Digester based Eco-friendly toilets developed by DRDO.

The Ministry has also proposed to install with DRDO developed bio-toilets in all new railways coaches.