Asia Briefing’s India Focused Regulatory and Operationa l Business Updates

TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2025 – New Publication Out Now

Compiled by the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, the "Doing Business in India 2025" guide introduces the fundamentals of investing in India, covering key topics such as India’s investment climate, corporate establishment, tax, transfer pricing, audit, and accounting, human resources and payroll, trade policy, and data protection measures.

India’s Draft DPDP Rules, 2025 Released for Public Review

On January 3, 2025, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, or DPDP Rules, 2025, under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act). These draft rules have been made available for public review till February 18, 2025.

Corporate Social Responsibility in India: Extension for Filing CSR-2 Return

For FY 2023-24, Form CSR-2 should be furnished separately on or before March 31, 2025. Previously, the deadline was December 31, 2024. Form CSR-2 is mandatory for companies to report their CSR activities from the financial year 2020-21 onwards.

India Updates Specialty Steel PLI Scheme to Drive Investments

The second round of the PLI scheme for specialty steel (PLI 1.1 Scheme) relaxes norms to encourage broader industry participation. The updated scheme covers five key product categories: coated/plated steel products, high strength/wear-resistant steel, specialty rails, alloy steel products and steel wires, and electrical steel. The application window is till the end of January.

NSO Projects 6.4% GDP Growth for India in FY 2024-25 amid Sectoral Challenges: First Advance Estimates

Sectoral estimates for FY 2024-25 show mixed growth. The agriculture sector is expected to grow at 3.8%, up from 1.4% in FY 2023-24. The construction and financial, real estate, and professional services sectors are projected to grow robustly at 8.6% and 7.3%, respectively. However, manufacturing growth is expected to slow to 5.3%, down from 9.9%, and the services sector is forecast to grow at 5.8%, lower than the 6.4% in the previous fiscal.

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2025

This publication is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in all ten ASEAN countries and includes a guide to corporate establishment, tax advisory, and bookkeeping, in addition to HR and payroll, double tax agreements, and audit and compliance.

An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2025

Doing Business in China 2025 introduces the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates in December 2024, this guide helps foreign investors navigate changes in China’s business landscape, mitigate risks, and seize new market opportunities.

Guide to Corporate Taxation and Compliance in China 2025

Guide to Corporate Taxation and Compliance in China 2025 provides an overview of key taxes and obligations for foreign businesses in China. Ideal for CFOs, compliance officers, and accounting leads, it helps navigate complex tax regulations to effectively manage and plan China-based operations.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ASIA:

Doing Business in India 2025: Strategic Insights for Investors

Webinar | Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 2:30 PM India / 4:00 PM Vietnam / 5:00 PM China

Investing and Doing Business in Vietnam 2025: Key Sectors, FTAs and FDI Opportunities

Webinar | Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 4:00 PM Vietnam, 5:00 PM China, 10:00 AM CET

Transfer Pricing in the UAE: All You Need To Know

Webinar | Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 2:00 PM Dubai / 5:00 PM Vietnam / 11:00 AM CET