Advisory –System Enhancement for Order-Based Refunds

Earlier, taxpayers could claim refunds under the category “On account of Assessment/Enforcement/Appeal/Revision/Any Other Order (ASSORD)” only when the cumulative balance of a Demand ID was negative and marked “Refund Due.” This restriction prevented refund claims in cases where individual components (minor heads) reflected negative balances but the overall demand was zero or positive.

Processing of waiver applications by Exchanges for commonly listed entities

SEBI’s SOP framework requires stock exchanges to monitor compliance filings and impose penalties or restrictions on companies that fail to comply. Exchanges were permitted to consider waiver applications but had to record reasons for any relaxation. Internal Committees were set up by Exchanges to review such waiver requests.

Exemption from Transfer for PwD Employees in Telangana

The Telangana Government has issued orders exempting certain categories of Government employees from routine transfers and postings under Section 20(5) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Employees with 70% or more disability will be retained at their existing posting or place of choice, subject to administrative needs. Parents of children with intellectual disabilities and employees

Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer (KYC)) (2nd Amendment) Directions, 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had issued the KYC Master Directions, 2016 to ensure uniformity in customer identification and monitoring in line with the PMLA, 2002. With evolving financial services, increased use of technology, and a need to strengthen customer inclusion safeguards, RBI has reviewed the framework and issued this 2nd Amendment to KYC Directions, 2025.

EPFO Simplifies Death Claims – Guardianship Certificate Not Required

EPFO had been facing delays in processing death claims where surviving minor children of deceased members were legal beneficiaries. Many regional offices were insisting on production of Guardianship Certificates from courts before releasing funds, which caused hardship and prolonged settlement timelines for families

Seeding/Correcting Aadhaar in Universal Account Number (UAN)

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had introduced Aadhaar seeding with UAN in 2014 to enable direct service delivery and reduce processing time for member benefits. In January 2025, a simplified process allowed members to update their profiles directly if Aadhaar was verified with UIDAI, minimising employer or EPFO involvement.

 Merchant Shipping Act, 2025

An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India’s obligations under maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party

Schedule A Demo