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Buying an existing property, the seller has to provide the possession certificate of the concerned property to you stating the date of possession. This certificate can be used to include the property in the land revenue records. You can also use this document to get a home loan. In case of any legal dispute concerning the ownership of property, you can use the certificate as evidence. Possession certificate is an important property-related document held by every property owner. The legal possession of the property by the owner is valid only with a possession certificate. Possession certificate contains the details of the possession date of the property; hence it is used to claim one’s right to a particular property. Concerned Tahasildhar issues possession certificate in rural areas and Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in urban areas Uses of Possession Certificate To obtain subsidy provided by statement Government For applying for housing loan Documents Required Ration card Income proof Scanned passport-size photo Applying for Possession through MeeSeva Franchise Step 1: Visit your closest MeeSeva Franchise. Step 2: Submit the application form at the franchise in the prescribed format with all the required details. Step 3: Submit all the required documents along with the application form to the MeeSeva Franchise. Step 4: The request will be forwarded to the concerned authority. Step 5: A field visit will be conducted by Tahsildar or RDO. Step 6: Upon the completion of verification, the possession certificate will be issued within 7 working days Applying Online through MeeSeva Online Portal Step 1: Visit MesseSeva’s official website and click on “MeeSeva Online Portal” located at the bottom of the right side of the page (https://ap.meeseva.gov.in/DeptPortal/UserInterface/LoginForm.aspx). Step 2: It will redirect you to a new page where you have to register yourself by clicking on the “New Registration” tab located on the left-hand side of the page. Step 3: Register on the portal by providing the required details and click on the “Submit” button.  Step 4: After registration, log in to the portal by using your login ID and password. Step 5: Select “Possession Certificate” and enter all the details required for the certificate. Step 6: Upload all the necessary documents and submit them. Step 7: This will be followed by a verification process. Step 8: Upon verification, your possession certificate will be issued. FAQs What is a Possession Certificate in Andhra Pradesh? A Possession Certificate is an official document issued by the local revenue authorities in Andhra Pradesh that certifies an individual’s ownership and possession of a particular property or land. Why is a Possession Certificate important? A Possession Certificate is crucial for: Proving ownership and possession of property. Applying for loans or mortgages where property documents are required. Legal disputes related to property ownership.

To form or setup a co-operative society one has to follow certain set rules or guidelines which have to be followed in sequential order which will be dealt in the latter part of this paper, but firstly it is important to ascertain the nature and importance or advantages of forming a society in present scenario over other business structures. The co-operative movement started because to protect the interests of weaker sections of society. The primary or main objective of this movement is ‘how to protect economically weaker sections of society’ from the middlemen who gain illegally by eating away the major chunk of the profits. In all forms of business structures whether be it is a sole trade, partnership or joint stock company, the primary motive is to increase profits. The laws governing the societies are “THE co-operative societies act, 1912” which is a central Act formed by the Union with the liberty to the concerned states to form their State Act governing the societies to suit their local conditions but the condition being that it should not be in derogation to the central Act. Many states have enacted their own co-operative society Act and rules there under but more or less the requirements to be met by persons who want to form the society remains the same. A co-operative society may be governed by the respective state’s Co-operative Societies Act or by the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. The societies whose primary objective is to serve the interests of its members in a particular State are governed by the co-operative societies Act of that specific state. While, a Society whose primary objective is to serve the interests of its members in more than one state, is governed by the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act of 2002. The National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI) and the National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC) are the essential agencies working for the promotion of co-operative movement in India. Types of Co-operative societies Housing Society Producer’s Society Agricultural Marketing Society Consumers Society Co-operative Bank Federal Society Objectives of Co-operative Societies Promotion of cooperative movement. To encourage and promote the growth of co-operative societies. Render services, not for profit. Mutual help, not competition. Self-help, not dependence. Laws Applicable to Co-Operative Society The Cooperative Societies Act, 1912 expanded the sphere of cooperation between its members and provided for supervision by central organization. A cooperative society, which has its object the promotion of the economic interests of its members in accordance with the co-operative principles may be registered with limited or unlimited liability by filing application to the registering authority with requisite documents to be submitted by them Co-operative Societies Act under which the same is registered whether it be under state Act or Cental Act. Co-operative Societies rules made there under whether it be central or state rules Bye-laws approved by the registrar at the time of registration and amendments made from time to time and approved by the registrar, these bye-laws have to be formed by the concerned members themselves and present it to the registration authority for its approval. Notification and Orders by the concerned Government Co-operative Societies under the Income Tax Act As stated in Section 2(19) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, “Co-operative Society” means a co-operative society officially registered under the co-operative societies Act, 1912 (2 of 1912), or under any other declared law for the time being in force in any State for the registration of co-operative societies. According to the Co-operative Societies Act of each State, a Co-operative Society registered within any State under the law of that particular State is not allowed to operate in any other State without the permission and sanction of the Government or Registrar of co-operative societies of that State. In the case of a Multi-State co-operative society, it can work in more than one State as a matter of right, under the Act and the permission of any other State is not required to do its business. Eligibility An individual competent to contract, attained majority and is of sound mind and belongs to a class of persons if any for whom the society is formed as per its bye-laws. A society registered or deemed to be so under the Co-operative Societies Act. The Central Government and any State Government, or the Government of a Union Territory Checklist to Form a Co-operative Society The following are the steps involved in establishing a Co-operative Society under the State Act. The prescribes application duly filled in shall be made to the Registrar of Co-operative Societies. The application should be attached along with four copies of the proposed bye-laws of the co-operative society. All the applicants must be individuals, and the number of applicants shall be above ten. All the applicants should sign the application if the applicants are individuals. If the applicant is a society by itself, then by a member duly authorised by such society. Taxability The co-operative society is a separate entity under the Income Tax Act of 1961. However, it is not explicitly mentioned either in the definition of ‘assessee’ or the ‘person’. One has to look for the provisions of Section 80P which provide tax incentives to co-operative societies to find out whether co-operative society is an ‘assessee’ or not. As per the section, since co-operative societies are explicitly mentioned for the availability of exemption benefit, it can be inferred that co-operative societies are also assessees within the meaning of the Act. Taxpayers should remember that the co-operative societies do not enjoy complete exemption from taxes. They are entitled to certain specified deductions from the total gross income. The total gross income is determined in the same way as in the case of any other assessee. That is, the income is computed under specified heads of income and then aggregated to arrive at Gross Total Income. In the case of a co-operative society, the total income is computed as in the case of any other assessee. From the Gross Total Income, the deductions available under Section 80 are

Front Running refers to the unethical practice of a broker or trader executing orders on a security for its account while taking advantage of advanced knowledge of pending orders from its customers. It involves placing orders to buy or sell securities ahead of a large order from another investor, potentially increasing the security’s price. Front Running is considered an unfair practice because it allows the broker or trader to profit at the expense of their clients. What Is Front-Running? Front Running is an unethical practice in which a broker or trader takes advantage of confidential information about pending client orders to execute trades for its benefit. “Front Running” refers to placing orders ahead of a large order to profit from the expected price movement. It involves prioritizing the broker’s or trader’s interests over the best interests of their clients. The Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States defines Front Running as “the practice of executing orders on a security for its account while taking advantage of advance knowledge of pending orders from its customers.” This practice can undermine market integrity and erode investor confidence. How Front-Running Works Front Running typically involves a broker or trader accessing confidential information about pending orders from their clients. They may have insights into the intentions of large institutional investors or other market participants. Armed with this information, the broker or trader can take advantage of the expected price movement by placing their orders ahead of the client’s. The mechanics of Front Running can vary, but here is an example to show the concept: A prominent institutional investor contacts their broker and expresses their intention to buy a significant number of shares of a particular stock. The broker, engaged in Front Running, realizes that the client’s order will likely drive up the stock’s price. Instead of immediately executing the client’s order, the broker places their order to buy the stock at a lower price. Once the broker’s order is filled, the stock price increases due to the client’s order. The broker then sells the shares they purchased at a higher price, realizing a profit. Finally, the broker executes the client’s order at a higher price than initially intended due to the increased market price. Example of Front-Running John, a retail investor, contacts his brokerage firm to place an order to buy 1,000 shares of XYZ Company. The brokerage firm employs a trader, Lisa, who engages in Front Running. Upon receiving John’s order, Lisa realized it was a significant order that could potentially drive up the price of XYZ Company’s stock. Instead of immediately executing John’s order, Lisa decides to place her order to buy XYZ Company’s stock ahead of John’s order. Lisa’s order is filled, and the price of XYZ Company’s stock rises due to the increased demand. Once stock prices reach a certain level, Lisa sells the shares she purchased earlier, realizing a profit. Lisa executed John’s order only after selling her claims, but at a higher price than initially intended due to the increased market price. In this example, Lisa has engaged in Front Running by prioritizing her financial gain over John’s best interests. She used her knowledge of John’s pending order to profit from the expected price movement. Index Front-Running Another form of Front Running is indexing Front Running. This practice involves trading securities to take advantage of anticipated index composition changes. Index providers periodically rebalance their indices by adding or removing securities based on specific criteria. These changes can impact the prices of the affected securities. Unscrupulous traders or brokers may engage in index Front Running by purchasing or selling securities anticipating the index changes. By front-running the index rebalancing, they can benefit from the expected price movement resulting from the buying or selling pressure associated with the rebalancing. Index Front Running can be challenging to detect and prevent since the information about the upcoming index changes is typically known only to a select group of individuals. Regulators and market participants employ various measures to mitigate the risks associated with index Front Running and maintain market integrity. Difference between Front Running and Insider Trading Front Running is often compared to insider trading due to similarities in its unethical nature. However, there are differences between these two practices. Insider trading involves trading securities based on material non-public information about a company. Insiders, such as company executives, employees, or individuals with access to confidential information, use this privileged information to make trades for personal gain. On the other hand, Front Running involves trading securities based on knowledge of pending orders or anticipated market movements. It typically occurs when a broker or trader exploits their position or advanced expertise to prioritize their trades over their clients or the general public. The critical difference lies in the source of information and the relationship with the affected parties. Insider trading involves accessing non-public information, while Front Running focuses on taking advantage of impending orders or anticipated market movements. Both practices are considered unethical and illegal in many jurisdictions, as they undermine fair and transparent markets. Regulators actively monitor and investigate instances of insider trading and Front Running to maintain market integrity and protect the interests of investors. FAQs Is Trading Ahead Front-Running? Trading ahead is when a broker or market maker uses their firm’s account to make a trade instead of matching available bids and offers from others in the market. Trading ahead is illegal, but it is not considered by regulators to be the same as front-running. Is Payment for Order Flow Front-Running? Payment for order flow (PFOF) is when a broker receives compensation for routing customer orders first to a particular market maker or trading firm. This practice has been criticized for discouraging best-execution for customers, but it is not considered front running since the firm receiving the flow will trade with the customer, not place trades going in the same direction in front of them.

On 11 December 2023, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the power of the President of India to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This abrogation in August 2019 led to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories of J&K and Leh and also denuded the state of its special privileges. The top court said that Article 370 was only a temporary provision to facilitate the accession of the erstwhile princely state to the Union of India during a time fraught with internal strife and external aggression. The judgement was passed by a five-judge constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant. The SC said that steps should be taken to conduct elections in the assembly by September 30, 2024. The Supreme Court did not accept the argument of petitioners that the Union government cannot take actions of irreversible consequences in Jammu & Kashmir during President’s Rule (the abrogation was done during President’s Rule). The Supreme Court also said Jammu and Kashmir did not retain an element of sovereignty after joining India. Article 370 – Introduction Article 370 is a constitutional provision that gave Jammu and Kashmir its special status. The provision was incorporated in Part XXI of the Constitution: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions. As evident from the title of the Part, it was supposed to be a temporary provision and its applicability was projected to last till the formulation and adoption of the State’s constitution. It restricted the Parliament’s legislative powers with respect to the state of J&K. Pandit Nehru, on the floor of Lok Sabha on 27th November 1963, said that Article 370 has been eroded and the process of gradual erosion is going on. A year later, the then Home Minister Gulzari Lal Nanda, again on the floor of Lok Sabha on 4 December 1964, said, Article 370 is a tunnel to take the Constitution of India to Jammu and Kashmir. He further said that in the end, only the shell will remain there and it will be bereft of its contents, and it will hardly make any difference whether it is kept or not. These two statements by two tall leaders of the country speak volumes about the dilution of Article 370 of the Constitution of India just merely after one decade of its enactment. The process had right away started in the year 1950, with the issuance of the Constitutional Application Order 1950, and thereafter, a number of parlances took place between the Centre and the State leadership, which evolved into an agreement known as the Delhi Agreement of 1952, wherein a number of subjects apart from those in the Instrument of Accession were agreed to be made applicable to the State of J&K. Some of them are as under: Appointment of the head of State. Persons having domicile in the State of J&K shall be Citizens of India. Fundamental Rights Jurisdiction of Supreme Court National Flag Financial Integration Emergency Powers Presidential Orders Under Article 370 of the Constitution of India, the President had the power of issuing orders for the application of provisions of the Constitution of India with modifications, exceptions and amendments in the provisions. And this power has been upheld in several cases by the Supreme Court, e.g., in P. L. Lakhanpal vs the State of J&K. As already said, for the application of other provisions of the Constitution of India to the State of J&K, the only mode available was the Constitutional Application Order. And the same was to be done with the consultation and concurrence of the State Government. The Presidential Orders, broadly speaking, deal with the following subject matters: Enhancing the jurisdiction of the Parliament to enact laws in the State of J&K out of the Union List. Laws relating to an increase or decrease in the area of the State. Making provisions for the return of the permanent residents of the State who migrated to the territories included in Pakistan under permit for settlement. Providing for constitutional protection to the laws relating to permanent residents of the state, their special rights and privileges, employment under Government, acquisition of immovable property, settlement in the State, scholarship. Earmarking the number of seats in the House of the people, excluding the area under the occupation of Pakistan. Provision for delimitation of Parliament Constituencies. Transfer of judges from the High Court of J&K or to the said Court. Exclusion of the State List. Provision as regards the decision affecting the disposition of the State of J&K. Acquisition and requisition of immovable property on behalf of and at the expense of the Union. Provision relating to the use of the official language of the Union and in the proceedings before the Supreme Court. Provisions for the proclamation of emergency. Provisions for non-application of the amendments carried out by the Parliament of India in the Constitution of India. Provision for Governor and the Election Commission. In the year 1954, the Constitutional Application Order 1950 was renamed as the Constitutional Application Order 1954 and its issuance was the first infringement on the constitutional autonomy of the State of J&K. It culminated with the issuance of the Constitution (Application to J&K) Order, 2019. Article 370 itself was used to make it weak after remaining on the Constitution book for 70 years. Facts on Article 370 Article 370 – Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, (a) The provisions of Article 238 shall not apply in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir; (b) The power of Parliament to make laws for the said State shall be limited to Those matters in the Union List and the Concurrent List which, in consultation with the Government of the State, are declared by the President to correspond to matters specified in the Instrument of Accession governing the accession of the State to the Dominion of India as the matters with respect to which the Dominion Legislature may make laws for that

The Quality Council of India (QCI) is a national body established for raising the quality and standards related to every aspect of life for the overall development of the nation. This works as a quality infrastructure, maintaining the quality of Indian goods and services and leading them easily to the foreign markets. The Quality Council of India was formed in 1997 as a public-private partnership model working towards assuring quality standards throughout all the social and economic spheres of the country. Role of Quality Council of India The role of the Quality Control Council of India is establishing and operating a structure for national accreditation while promoting quality by the National Quality campaign. The QCI functions with their own set of resources as well as through the fees obtained from accreditations and quality promotion investments. When it comes to quality eco-system across the world, QCI is the National Accreditation Body (NAB). It creates a mechanism in which processes, products and services are subjected to a third-party assessment. History of the Quality Council of India India required an accreditation body for the assessment of standard quality with global acceptance. This led to the formation of a committee including the relevant ministries, the industry stakeholders, and the governing bodies in the year 1992. The committee came up with the agenda of proposing recommendations for the formation of an industry body abiding by the concept. The overseeing of the process was done by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. The final recommendations were sent to the Union Council of Ministers in the year 1996. This eventually led to the formation of the QCI in 1997. Swachh Bharat Mission The Ministry of Urban Development commissioned the Quality Council of India to conduct an extensive survey for measuring the overall success of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The hygiene rankings for a total of 73 cities were released by the Quality Council of India under the Swachh Survekshan 2016. FAQs Who frames the rules for the QCI? The QCI has its own Memorandum of Association and Rules. It is an autonomous organisation representing the government, relevant industries, and industry associations. How many members constitute the decision-making body in the QCI? A total of 38 members act on the strategic decision related to the QCI. A Secretariat headed by a Security General manages the operations of the QCI.

Infrastructure investment trusts are investment instruments that work like mutual funds and are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. What are InvITs? Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvITs full form), their units are listed on different trading platforms like stock exchanges and are a wholesome combination of both equity and debt instruments. The primary objective of InvITs is to promote the infrastructure sector of India by encouraging more individuals to invest in it which can be modified according to a given situation. Typically, such a tool is designed to pool money from several investors to be invested in income-generating assets. The cash flow thus generated is distributed among investors as dividend income. When compared to Real Estate Investment Trust or REITs, the structure and operation of both are quite similar. Types of InvITs Investment in Revenue-generating Finished Projects –  One of the types allows investment in revenue-generating finished projects and tends to invite investors through a public offering. Investment in Projects Under Construction –  Additionally, investors are also allowed to invest in projects that are under construction or have been finished. Notably, this type opts for a private placement of its units. Structure of InvITs in India An InvIT is established as a trust and is registered with the SEBI. Typically, infrastructure investment trust SEBI comprises 4 elements, namely – Trustee: They are required to be registered with SEBI as debenture trustees. Also, they are required to invest at least 80% into infra assets that generate steady revenue. Sponsor: Typically, a body corporate, LLP, promoter or a company with a net worth of at least Rs. 100 crore classifies as a sponsor. Further, they must hold at least 15% of the total InvITs with a minimum lock-in period of 3 years or as notified by any regulatory requirement. When it comes to a public-private partnership or PPP projects, sponsors serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Investment manager: As a body corporate of LLP, an investment manager supervises all the operational activities surrounding InvITs. Project manager: The authority is mostly responsible for executing projects. However, in the case of PPP projects, it serves as an entity that also supervises ancillary responsibilities. What is the Purpose of InvITs? The purpose of InvITs is to enable Infrastructure Companies to repay their debt obligation quickly and effectively. Since infrastructure-oriented projects tend to take time to generate substantial cash flow, InvITs come in handy for paying off loan interests and other expenses conveniently. What are the Advantages of InvITs? Diversification- InvITs with multiple assets offer individuals an opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio. Such a feature directly helps lower associated risks and further allows investors to generate steady returns in the long run. Accrues fixed income- The option to redistribute risks and accrue a fixed income serves as a potent alternative for generating fixed income, especially for retirees. Also, including such an investment tool would help those who intend to plan retirement effectively. Liquidity- Generally, it is easy to enter or exit from infrastructure investment trust, which directly enhances their liquidity aspect. However, small investors may find it challenging to sell a high-valued property quickly. Quality Asset Management- InvITs offer investors the opportunity to get their assets managed professionally. It not only ensures effective management and allocation of resources but also helps to prevent fragmentation of holdings. Nevertheless, the pointers below help to understand how different elements tend to benefit by investing in an infrastructure investment trust. Investors- Parking funds into this investment option allows investors to generate fixed returns on the same. For instance, an infrastructure investment trust has to distribute 90% of its total net cash flow to its investors. It means that investors can generate steady earnings throughout the course of investment. Additionally, investors also receive dividend income on their investment in case the InvITs have surplus cash flow. Promoters- By investing in InvITs, promoters would be able to lower their debt burden significantly via an asset sale. Further, promoters can use the proceeds to reinvest in other portfolio projects. What are the Disadvantages of InvITs? Regulatory Risk- Even the slightest change in the regulatory framework like taxation or policies concerning the infrastructure sector would have a ripple effect on InvITs. Inflation Risk- A high rate of inflation has a significant impact on the performance of infrastructure investment trusts. For instance, inflation may increase the sector’s operating costs. Further, an increase in the toll rates would lower the prospect of generating substantial returns. Asset Risk- Typically, investment in infrastructure has a long gestation period, and hence the process of generating returns is often delayed. Such a delay not only takes a toll on the cash flow but further hampers profit projections. FAQs What is InvIT? Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvITs) is a Collective Investment Scheme that enables direct investment of money from institutional investors and individuals in projects related to infrastructure in order to earn a little part of the income in the form of return. What are the examples of InvITs? Examples of InvITs include roads, railways, power generators, telecommunications, airports.

A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in a country that is designed to generate positive economic growth. An SEZ is normally subject to different and more favorable economic regulations compared to other regions in the same country, including tax incentives and the opportunity to pay lower tariffs. SEZ economic regulations tend to be conducive to—and attract—foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI refers to any investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country. Special Economic Zone – SEZ in India were introduced to provide an internationally competitive and hassle-free climate for export promotion in India. SEZ in India is established through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, 2005. The SEZ Act provides for drastic simplification of procedures and for single window clearance on matters relating to Central as well as State Governments. SEZ Act in India Generation of additional economic activity Promotion of exports of goods and services Promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources Creation of employment opportunities Development of infrastructure facilities Features of SEZs As opposed to the international counterparts, the SEZs in India are developed by the government, private, and the joint sector. Hence, it provides equal opportunities to both local as well as international players. The government has allocated at least 1,000 hectares for the greenfield special economic zones in the country. However, there is no restriction as to the favourable areas in constructing the specific SEZs. 100% of the FDI is allowed for all SEZ endowments apart from the activities listed under the unconstructive records. The SEZ units are required to encourage the net foreign exchange yield. They are not entitled to any least amount of additional guidelines or exports. Commodity boost from the DTA (Domestic Tariff Area) into the SEZ is known as exports, while the commodity boost from the SEZ into the DTA is called imports. Advantages of Setting up a Business in an SEZ Exemption from Central Sales Tax Exemption from Service Tax Single window clearance for Central and State level approvals Exemption from State sales tax and other levies as extended by the respective State Governments Duty-free import / domestic procurement of goods for development, operation and maintenance of units in SEZ Exemption from minimum alternate tax under section 115JB of the Income Tax Act 100% Income Tax exemption on export income for SEZ units under Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act for first five years, 50% for next five years thereafter and 50% of the reinvested export profit for next five years External commercial borrowing by SEZ units up to USD500 million in a year without any maturity restriction through recognized banking channels Types of Special Economic Zones Type Description Free Trade Zones (FTZ) Tax-free area that provides essential facilities for activities like shipping, trading, import, and export. Businesses under such areas enjoy exempted, reduced, or less controlled rules and regulations on labor, etc. Export Processing Zones (EPZ) These areas promote the growth of the sickening export business in India.     They were established to help and revive the growth of Indian export commodities, particularly from the fast-growing sectors. Free Zones (FZ) / Free Economic Zones (FEZ) They are a unit of SEZs designated by the trade and commerce organizations of the countries. The free or free economic zones are in which the companies are taxed bare minimum to encourage economic activities. Industrial Parks/ Estates (IE) It is an area planned for the purpose of industrial development within the country. The industrial parks consist of offices and light industries instead of heavy ones. Free Ports It is a port or other similar area with relaxed jurisdiction of customs and/ or national regulations. A free port is a special customs area or territory with less strict customs regulations. Bonded Logistics Parks (BLP) Trade arrangements are similar to that of a bonded warehouse over a particular geographic area. Goods can be stored, manufactured, or manipulated without any duties or customs. Urban Enterprise Zones Policies to encourage economic growth and development They generally provide add-ons like tax concessions, reduced regulations, and infrastructure incentives to lure the investors and private companies to such zones Who can set up SEZs in India? Any private, public, joining sector, or state government or its agencies are permissible to set up an SEZ for hassle-free trade activities A foreign agency is also allowed to establish SEZs in India For that, prior approval is required from the respective state governments. As well, it must be ensured that the SEZs satisfy in terms of water, electricity, etc. Locations of SEZs in India The following are the functional Special Economic Zones in India: Santacruz (Maharashtra) Cochin (Kerala) Chennai (Tamil Nadu) Kandla & Surat (Gujarat) Noida (Uttar Pradesh) Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Falta (West Bengal) Objectives of the SEZ Act in India Generation of additional economic activity Promotion of exports of goods and services Promotion of investment from foreign and domestic sources Development of infrastructure facilities Creation of employment opportunities FAQs What is a special economic zone? What are special economic zones in China? Where are special economic zones located? Special Economic Zone (SEZ) offers economic regulations in a specific geographic area to promote economic activities for foreign direct investments. Among the important Special Economic Zones in China are Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Xiamen, which were founded at the end of the 1970s. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are located worldwide, spanning various countries and regions. They are typically situated in strategic areas with favorable infrastructure, transportation, and business environments. What do special economic zones do? Why are special economic zones important to the economy? Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are places within a country that gives certain benefits to the people who want to invest in these zones, so they become attractive places for investment. These places are designed to provide an effective environment for companies. They aim to boost (economic) growth by providing tax exemptions, etc. Special economic zones are considered the backbone of any economy as they enable a country to enhance its global

Among the low-risk investment tools with moderate and assured returns, Recurring Deposit (RD) is a popular investment option in India. It comes with an option of flexibility for customers in the choice of investment amount and tenure accompanied by multiple other benefits. Available in flexible tenure options ranging from 6 months to 10 years, this investment tool offered by multiple banks and NBFCs helps channelize monthly savings for long or short-term corpus creation.  Investors can thus choose a minimum amount to be invested every month over the term for assured wealth generation. What is a Recurring Deposit? Among the low-risk investment tools with moderate and assured returns, Recurring Deposit (RD) is a popular investment option in India. It comes with an option of flexibility for customers in the choice of investment amount and tenure accompanied by multiple other benefits. Available in flexible tenure options ranging from 6 months to 10 years, this investment tool offered by multiple banks and NBFCs helps channelize monthly savings for long or short-term corpus creation. Investors can thus choose a minimum amount to be invested every month over the term for assured wealth generation. If you do not have a lump sum amount to meet short-term goals, depositing a small share of your income to the RD account every month serves the purpose well. Features of Recurring Deposit RD allows you to earn fixed interests on the amount invested at frequent intervals until the investment matures or a predetermined term ends. The total amount (i.e., the capital invested and the interest accumulated) is disbursed to the investor after the maturity period completes. Here is a table that provides a brief overview of RD features: RD Features  Applicability Rate of interest Between 5% to 8% (variable from one bank to another) Amount of minimum deposit From Rs. 10 Tenure of investment Between 6 months and 10 years Frequency of interest calculation Usually every quarter Mid-term or partial withdrawal Not allowed Premature account closure Allowed with penalty Now, take a look at the features of RD in detail. Minimum investment The minimum investment amount varies from one bank to another. You can open this account with an amount as small as Rs. 10. Deposit term The minimum deposit tenure starts from 6 months. You can choose a suitable period of deposit with a maximum tenure stretching up to 10 years. Interest rate The interest rate offered on RDs is always higher than the interest earned through a savings account. The interest rates offered on RDs are also similar to what you can earn through FDs. Returns on RD – Interest Earned Almost all banks in the country along with several other institutions offer Recurring Deposit investment options. The interest rates are, thus, highly competitive. Depending on the prevalent market trends at the time of account creation, the interest rates may vary anywhere between 5% and 8%. The average interest rates, however, hover around 6% to 7% for most banks. Eligibility for a Recurring Deposit Anyone can do it. Any minor above the age of ten is entitled to open a recurring deposit account if he or she produces proof of identity. Any minor under the guardianship of a natural or legal guardian who is under the age of ten. Any corporation, firm, sole proprietorship, or commercial enterprise. Any government institution. Important Factors to Check Before Applying for Recurring Deposit Term Period of the Recurring Deposit Account There are mainly 3 categories into which the term periods are divided. Short-Term Tenure that lasts from 6 months to a year, Medium-term tenure that lasts from more than a year to 5 years, and Long-term tenure that lasts from more than 5 years to 10 years. You must consider checking the tenure before applying. Interest Rate Offered Consider reviewing the interest rate offered before you apply for an RD account as different banks offer different interest rates depending on different term periods. Premature Withdraw Conditions Usually, all banks offer the facility of opening an RD account. They also offer the choice of premature withdrawal of the same. If you decide to withdraw before maturity, the interest payable will be calculated on the basis of the tenure completed. Also, banks will charge a penalty for such withdrawal. Thus, before you invest, choose a bank that offers a high rate of interest and charges a less amount of penalty on premature withdrawal. Types of Recurring Deposit Accounts Regular deposit Account The regular RD account is intended for Indian residents who are above 18 years of age and have a fixed amount to invest. Regular Recurring Deposit allows account holders to deposit a fixed amount once a month for a fixed period to earn fixed interest on the deposited amount on maturity. RD account for Minors RD Current Account is for Indian residents above 18 years of age and with a consistent amount to invest. Regular RD account allows account holders to deposit a fixed amount once a month for a fixed maturity period to earn fixed interest on the deposited amount at maturity. RD account for Senior Citizens Banks offer special RD accounts for people over 60 years of age. Seniors can earn higher interest on their RD accounts than ordinary depositors according to the bank’s terms and conditions.  NRE/NRO RD Account Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can open NRE i.e. Non-Resident External account and NRO i.e. Non-Resident Ordinary account. NRIs can then invest in RD using an NRE or NRO deposit account. The most significant advantage of NRIs for depositing money in an RD account is that the account does not have to pay any taxes in India. Documents Required to Open a Recurring Deposit Account An application form Passport size photograph of the applicant ID and Address proof KYC documents How to Open a Recurring Deposit Account Online? Log in to the bank’s mobile application. Find the option to open a RD account , for example under “investments” or “savings”. Enter the desired deposit amount and select the desired duration and type of RD account Enter

Revenue mapping is an essential pre-requisite for tracking the revenue contributed by all your campaigns and journeys. It’s a simple one-time setup that helps you draw a correlation between certain user actions (prompted by a campaign) and your business’s revenue. What is revenue mapping? Revenue mapping is a technique to identify revenue-generating opportunities in your business. By creating revenue maps for your company, you can find out what revenue streams are most profitable and where there are gaps that need to be filled. It will help you generate more revenue by analyzing the data from past years and projecting future trends into the next five or ten years. Why do you need to map your business’s revenue? Revenue mapping is the key to revenue growth, and revenue projections are a critical component of revenue mapping. The revenue map captures data about your business in order to find areas for improvement. Once you have these data points mapped out, you can start implementing changes that will increase profitability and revenue production. Do you want to increase revenue? If so, a revenue map is your answer! It is a process that helps businesses figure out the best areas of revenue growth. It also provides insights into where you can increase or decrease your revenue. With revenue maps, it’s easier to decide about how to spend money because they show what strategies are working and which ones you should change. How revenue mapping relates with your sales funnel? Revenue mapping is the revenue forecasting process that helps to optimize your revenue. You can do this before or after revenue funnel analysis. But you should do this in order to have a complete understanding of where each revenue stream is coming from. You should use your revenue map as part of your funnel analysis because your revenue map is the key to revenue growth. The revenue map captures data about your organization in order to identify areas for improvement and revenue-generating opportunities. By applying revenue mapping, you can figure out how to increase revenue. Also, you can find areas where you can decrease or redirect your revenue towards other areas of the company. What is the difference between your value ladder and revenue mapping? The revenue map is part of the value ladder. The revenue map captures data about your business in order to identify areas for improvement and revenue-generating opportunities. While the value ladder is a visual representation of how revenue flows through your business, from each stage to the next one, and then into revenue. The revenue map is more specific than the value ladder because it captures data about your business, while value ladders are a visual representation of revenue flow. Also, the revenue map is more actionable because it provides insights into how to increase revenue. The value ladder is a great place to start when you’re using revenue mapping because it helps to lay out the steps and stages that are in your sales funnel. After you’ve laid everything out on a value ladder, your revenue map will help you identify areas for revenue growth. Identifying revenue-generating opportunities with revenue mapping is a surefire way to help your business grow. By using a revenue map with the value ladder, you can increase revenue and optimize your sales funnel. Why revenue mapping works? Revenue mapping has been revenue generation gold for companies of all sizes and industries. It’s a revenue forecast tool that considers past revenue performance, current market trends, and future predictions to generate a revenue map. The revenue map is a visual tool that allows business owners to see their business in terms of revenue. It’s a big-picture view that business owners can use to make informed decisions about their revenue growth. The revenue map results from compiling data. Then, you can analyze it to see where revenue you can increase or decrease it. The revenue map will help business owners to focus revenue-generating efforts on the revenue streams that are most profitable for their business. The revenue map will also help to identify revenue gaps and areas that need to be filled. Then, you can address these revenue gaps can and redirect revenue streams towards these areas in order to increase revenue, as well as profitability. FAQs What is a revenue map? A revenue map is a visual representation of a region showing the distribution and sources of revenue. It typically includes information on tax revenue, property values, land usage, and other economic indicators. How is a revenue map useful? A revenue map is useful for government authorities, planners, and businesses to understand the economic landscape of a region. It helps in identifying revenue sources, planning infrastructure development, and making informed decisions about resource allocation.

Dynamic economic landscape, the need for accessible and inclusive financial services is more important than ever. Nidhi Companies have emerged as a unique solution, containing the spirit of community-driven financial growth. These specialized Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) operate under the purview of the Companies Act 2013, with a primary focus on fostering a culture of savings and providing micro-lending services among their members. What is Nidhi Company? Nidhi Company is a type of NBFC (a non-banking finance company) registered under Section 406 of the Companies Act 2013. Its primary function is to accelerate lending money between the prime members of the company. By doing so, the members of the company are encouraged to save money and put them into the company. The company then gives loans or advances to its member (or shareholders) and buys government securities/stocks/debentures/ bonds with the deposits. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs controls this type of company, and the RBI keeps an eye on all its money matters. The Purpose and Nature of Nidhi Companies Nidhi Companies serve a distinct purpose in the Indian financial landscape, primarily focused on promoting savings among their members. These companies are unique in that they can accept deposits from and offer loans exclusively to their members. The term “Nidhi” in Nidhi Company, derived from Hindi, signifies “treasure.” Nidhi Companies fall within the category of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). While they do not fall under direct regulation by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the RBI holds the authority to issue directives regarding their deposit acceptance activities.  What sets Nidhi Companies apart is their exclusive engagement with their members, who are also shareholders. This exclusive relationship grants them exemptions from certain core provisions of the RBI Act and other regulatory guidelines that apply to traditional NBFCs. As a result, a Nidhi Company is a legally sound entity for accepting deposits and providing loans exclusively to a specific group of members, making it a unique financial institution in India. Understanding what is Nidhi company comes down to these key characteristics and purpose distinguishing it from other forms of companies. Activities Prohibited in a Nidhi Company Nidhi Company can’t deal with chit funds, hire-purchase finance, leasing finance, insurance or securities business. It is strictly prohibited from accepting deposits from or lending funds to, any other person except members. Nidhi companies have certain rules they must follow to keep their focus on serving their members. They are not allowed to: Advertise for deposits from the public. Get involved in chit funds. Provide leasing or hire-purchase financing. Run lotteries. Offer insurance services. Sell, mortgage, or use assets as security. Partner with others for lending and borrowing. Take deposits or lend money to people who aren’t their members. Issue certain types of shares or debt instruments. Exceed a limit on the value of shares. Open current accounts for members (though savings accounts are fine). Lend to or take deposits from corporations. Pay commissions or fees for attracting deposits. Do any business beyond borrowing and lending to members. Get involved in hire-purchase financing. Pay fees for loans to brokers. Benefits of Nidhi Company Easy Formation: Nidhi Companies boast a straightforward and hassle-free formation process with minimal requirements, making it accessible for those looking to establish such entities. Non-Compliance with RBI: Nidhi Companies are not bound by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, allowing them to set their own operational rules and regulations. Lower Risk: Transactions involving lending, borrowing, or depositing are carried out by members of the Nidhi Company, reducing financial risks and ensuring a sense of security within the community. Economic Registration: The registration process for a Nidhi Company is cost-effective when compared to other Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) registration procedures, which facilitates easier access to business loans and financing options. Savings Promotion: Nidhi Companies play a pivotal role in promoting a culture of saving among the Indian population, thereby contributing to financial prudence. Net-Owned Funding System: Nidhi Companies typically adopt a cost-effective net-owned funding system, which can enhance their business growth prospects by efficiently utilizing their own resources and funds Documents required for registration Proof of the registered place of business (Ownership documents/ rent or lease agreement) No Objection Certificate (signed by the owner/ landlord) Identity proofs Address proofs of the members Photos of the members PAN card copies of the members Digital Signature (DSC) Director Identification Number (DIN) of the directors Memorandum of Association of the company (MoA) Articles of Association of the company (AoA) Nidhi Company Incorporation Requirements Requirements before Registration: Minimum Shareholders or Members: A minimum of 7 members is required to initiate the registration process. Minimum Directors: You must have a minimum of 3 directors to form the company. Minimum Capital: A minimum capital of Rs. 5 lakhs is essential to kickstart your Nidhi Company. Director Identification Number (DIN): Directors must obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN). Number of Directors: At least three directors are necessary to establish the company. No Preference Shares: Issuing preference shares is not permitted. Focus on Savings: The Company’s primary objective should be to promote the habit of saving by receiving deposits from and lending to its members exclusively for their mutual benefit. Requirements After Registration: Membership Quota: By the end of the first year, your Nidhi Company must have at least 200 members or shareholders. Net Owned Funds (NOF): Your company’s NOF should exceed Rs. 10 lakhs. NOF to Deposit Ratio: The NOF to deposit ratio should be greater than 1:20. Unencumbered Deposits: Unencumbered deposits must be over 10% of outstanding deposits. Nidhi Company Registration Procedure Step 1: Applying for DIN and DSC Directors of the Nidhi Company must apply for Directorâ??s Identification Number (DIN) and acquire a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). DIN is issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), while DSC is essential for all e-filing processes. Directors with pre-existing DIN and DSC can bypass this step. Step 2: MoA & AoA Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), specifying the primary purpose of establishing the Nidhi company. These documents, along with a subscription statement, need to be filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).