Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) doubles simplified documentation limit to ₹10 lakh for duplicate securities.
[Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]
Key Updates:
- Sebi has doubled the monetary threshold for the simplified documentation process for issuing duplicate securities to ₹10 lakh from ₹5 lakh.
- Investors holding securities valued up to ₹10 lakh will now be required to submit fewer documents.
- Notarisation of the Affidavit-cum-Indemnity Bond will no longer be required where the value of securities is up to ₹10,000.
- Sebi has prescribed a standardised Affidavit-cum-Indemnity Bond format and rationalised documentation for securities valued above ₹10 lakh.
- Listed companies and RTAs must process requests strictly in line with the revised procedure, and investors who have already submitted documents under the old framework will not be required to resubmit them.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Total Expense Ratio shall now be the sum of BER, brokerage, regulatory levies and statutory levies.
- Base expense ratio limits for equity-oriented schemes and other than equity oriented schemes under various AUM slabs have been cut by up to 15 basis points.
- Base expense ratio limit for index funds or ETF revised to 0.9 per cent from 1 per cent.
- Close-ended equity-oriented schemes BER limit now stands at 1 per cent as against 1.25 per cent.
- Maximum brokerage fee that mutual funds pay on cash market transactions halved to 6 bps from 12 bps.
- Brokerage cap for derivative transactions revised downwards to 2 bps from 5 bps, excluding applicable levies.
- SEBI removed the additional 5 bps expense allowance currently permitted to be charged to schemes with exit loads as a transitory measure.
- Sebi overhauled merchant bankers rule by introducing a capital adequacy framework, requiring a liquid net worth, and mandating minimum revenue from permitted activities.
- Sebi allowed merchant bankers to undertake activities falling outside its purview under the same firm, subject to certain conditions.
- As per a notification dated December 3, a merchant banker can undertake fee-based, non-fund based activities pertaining to the financial services sector that fall under another Financial Sector Regulator (FSR) or do not fall under Sebi or any other FSB.
- Sebi categorized merchant bankers, requiring Category 1 to have a net worth of at least ₹50 crore and allowing them to undertake all permitted activities.
- Category 2 merchant bankers must have a net worth of at least ₹10 crore and can undertake all permitted activities except managing equity issues on the main-board.
- Merchant bankers must maintain a liquid net worth of at least 25% of the minimum net worth requirement at all times.
- Underwriting obligations of merchant bankers are capped at 20 times their liquid net worth.
- Category 1 merchant bankers must have cumulative revenues of at least ₹12.5 crore in the three immediately preceding financial years, while Category 2 must have at least ₹2.5 crore.
- The revenue criteria do not apply to merchant bankers managing only the issuance of non-convertible securities, securitised debt instruments, security receipts, municipal debt securities, commercial papers, REITs, and InvITs.
- Sebi replaced merchant bankers with independent registered valuers for the valuation of Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP) and Sweat Equity.
- Previously, merchant bankers were mandated for valuations related to ESOPs and other share-linked benefits.
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) relaxed educational qualification criteria for Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs).
- Previously, applicants were required to hold a graduate or postgraduate degree in finance-related fields such as Finance, Business Management, Commerce, Economics, or Capital Markets.
- Under the new framework, graduates from any discipline are eligible to become IAs and RAs.
- Applicants must have a graduate degree or equivalent educational qualification from a recognized university or institution, or a CFA Charter from the CFA Institute.
- Passing the NISM certification exam or relevant certification from NISM or an NISM-accredited organization remains mandatory.
- Sebi eased the corporatisation process for individual IAs, allowing a transition period once an IA crosses the threshold of 300 clients or ₹3 crore in fees.
- The IA must immediately notify Sebi and initiate the transition process upon crossing these limits.
- The IA has three months to apply for in-principle approval and an additional three months to complete the conversion to a non-individual entity.
- During this transition period, the IA is allowed to onboard new clients and continue collecting fees.
- Earlier, an individual IA was required to complete the transition to a corporate structure within three months after crossing the prescribed client or fee limits.
- Sebi amended norms for investment advisers and research analysts to give these effects.
- Sebi has introduced a threshold-based framework to determine the materiality of related party transactions (RPTs), based on the annual consolidated turnover of the listed entity.
- The new norms are aimed at addressing practical challenges, removing ambiguities, and striking a balance between investor protection and ease of doing business under the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) norms.
- For entities with turnover up to Rs 20,000 crore, a transaction will be considered material if it exceeds 10 per cent of the annual consolidated turnover.
- In the case of entities with turnover between Rs 20,001 crore and Rs 40,000 crore, the threshold would be Rs 2,000 crore plus 5 per cent of the turnover exceeding Rs 20,000 crore.
- For entities with turnover exceeding Rs 40,000 crore, the threshold will be Rs 3,000 crore plus 2.5 per cent of the turnover exceeding Rs 40,000 crore, or Rs 5,000 crore, whichever is lower.
- An absolute threshold of Rs 5,000 crore as an upper ceiling has been notified for listed entities having a turnover above Rs 40,000 crore to protect the interests of minority shareholders.
- Earlier, a listed entity was required to consider an RPT as material if the transaction exceeded Rs 1,000 crore or 10 per cent of the entity's annual consolidated turnover, whichever is lower.
- The new norms came after stakeholders pointed out that the absolute materiality threshold of Rs 1,000 crore promotes a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.
- Sebi has relaxed the minimum information required to be furnished to the audit committee and shareholders for RPT approvals for smaller transactions.
- If the total value of RPTs with a related party in a financial year does not exceed 1 per cent of the listed entity's annual consolidated turnover or Rs 10 crore, whichever is lower, then a simplified set of disclosures would be submitted for approval.
- Omnibus approval granted by the shareholders for material related party transactions in an annual general meeting shall be valid till the date of the next annual general meeting (AGM).
- In case of omnibus approvals for material related party transactions, granted by shareholders in general meetings other than AGM, the validity of such omnibus approvals shall not exceed one year from the date of such approval.
Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 unveils updated NIA Crime Manual, Organised Crime Network Database and Weapon Database
[National Investigation Agency (NIA)]
Key Updates:
- Union Home Minister released the updated crime manual prepared by NIA for use by State police in investigation and prosecution.
- An Organised Crime Network Database was launched to help States, under NIA-CBI guidance and IB cooperation, eliminate networks that channel ransom money into terrorism.
- A national e-database on lost/looted and recovered weapons was inaugurated to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Union government is finalising India’s first anti-terror policy which will provide a template for all States to combat and respond to terror-related incidents.
- The policy is being finalised by the Home Ministry with inputs from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- Key focus areas include digital radicalisation, misuse of open borders, and foreign-funded conversion networks.
- The eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) took place in Doha, Qatar, on 15-19 December 2025.
- The Conference is the largest global anti-corruption gathering and brought together representatives from governments, regional and intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
- Under the theme 'Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity', participants discussed emerging threats in the fight against corruption and explored ways to harness AI and new technologies to strengthen international cooperation against complex criminal activities.
- The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument and enjoys near universal adherence.
- The UNODC GlobE Network connects law enforcement and anti-corruption investigators worldwide, enabling fast, direct cooperation and information sharing on cross-border corruption cases.
- The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award Ceremony recognized individuals and initiatives driving integrity, accountability, and progress against corruption.
- The 5th Anti-Corruption Academic Symposium focused on how Artificial Intelligence can support the fight against corruption.
- The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Police’s special cell seized 329 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 262 crore.
- The seizure occurred from a house in south Delhi’s Chattarpur on Nov 20.
- Two people were arrested in the joint exercise, codenamed Operation Crystal Fortress.
- The operation targeted a transnational drug network linked to a foreign-based kingpin.
- The kingpin is also wanted in last year’s seizure of 83 kg cocaine in Delhi.
- Union home minister Amit Shah called the operation “a brilliant example of seamless multi-agency coordination to achieve PM Modi’s vision for a drug-free India”.
- The breakthrough followed months of surveillance and technical intercepts, exposing a cartel using multiple couriers, safe houses and layered handlers, with Delhi as a key hub.
- One arrested suspect, Shane Waris (25) from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, was picked up from Noida’s Sector 5 on Nov 20.
- Waris, employed as a sales manager, allegedly operated under instructions from his handler, using fake SIM cards and encrypted apps.
- Waris admitted his role and provided leads, identifying Esther Kinimi from Nagaland.
- Esther Kinimi recently managed one narcotic consignment transported through a rider of a logistics platform.
- NCB personnel raided Kinimi’s Chattarpur Enclave Phase 2 residence the same day, recovering the consignment and arresting her with assistance from Nagaland Police.
- Preliminary findings suggest the syndicate was part of a larger cartel, functioning under foreign operators.
- Authorities are working with international enforcement agencies to trace and secure the deportation of the kingpin.
- This seizure is among the largest of methamphetamine in Delhi, with efforts underway to dismantle the entire network.
- The sleuths of Telangana Eagle Force in coordination with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi Police Crime Branch and with support of Noida Police, executed a massive multi-state operation against a Nigerian drug cartel operating across India.
- In coordinated raids across 20 locations in Delhi, more than 50 overstaying Nigerians were arrested, along with key cartel operatives in Noida, Gwalior and Visakhapatnam.
- The operation led to the seizure of 5,340 ecstasy pills, 250 grams of cocaine, 109 grams of Heroin, 250 grams of Methamphetamine from four locations, all worth Rs.3.5 crore.
- A total of 59 mule accounts were uncovered during the investigation, along with individuals responsible for deposits, withdrawals, and coordination with handlers abroad.
- Around Rs.15 crore had been deposited into six of Badruddin's accounts and withdrawn almost immediately, indicating active money laundering.
BIS Standard IS 19412:2025 for Agarbattis to Ensure Consumer Safety and Boost Market
[Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)]
Key Updates:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced 'IS 19412:2025' to prohibit insecticidal chemicals like alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil in agarbatti manufacturing.
- The standard classifies agarbattis into machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala categories and sets requirements for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance, and chemical parameters.
- Products complying with the standard can carry the BIS Standard Mark, helping consumers make informed choices and boosting the Rs 8,000 crore agarbatti market.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Policy Name: New Seeds Act (proposed) – Union Agriculture Ministry
- Objective: "ensure that farmers receive high quality seeds"
- Key Feature: Legislation will include "stringent" provisions to "protect farmers" and curb counterfeit seeds
- India has removed mandatory quality checks (Quality Control Orders - QCOs) on numerous raw materials, including textiles, plastics, and metals.
- This move aims to reduce delays and costs for businesses, especially MSMEs.
- The withdrawal, notified on November 13, eliminates mandatory BIS certification for 14 products under the Chemicals & Petrochemicals Ministry and six under the Mines Ministry.
- The list of affected inputs includes PTA, MEG, polyester fibres, polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC resin, ABS, polycarbonate, and metals such as aluminium, lead, nickel, tin and zinc.
- The reforms flow from the Gauba Committee’s findings, which noted that QCOs grew significantly, many covering raw materials without direct safety implications.
- The rollback is expected to immediately ease sourcing pressures in textile hubs like Surat, Ludhiana, Tiruppur and Bhilwara, and among plastics processors, nearly 90% of whom are MSMEs.
- The withdrawal of QCOs for metals restores supply flexibility for downstream sectors including auto components, electronics, batteries, construction and defence.
- ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Luxembourg Industries Ltd. (Israel) signed licensing agreements to establish Semiophore Ltd., a 50-50 Indo-Israeli partnership.
- Semiophore Ltd. will manufacture and commercialize 18 Indian-developed pheromone-based crop protection technologies in Israel and export them to markets including Brazil and the United States.
- The technologies are designed to reduce insecticide use by more than 80%, offering a low-toxicity alternative to chemical pesticides.
- The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam.
- The event is hosted by the Government of India, with the Spices Board of India serving as the Secretariat under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).
- The CAC is a joint intergovernmental body established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), playing a vital role in setting science-based international food standards.
- The CCSCH, established in 2013, develops international Codex standards for spices and culinary herbs, ensuring uniformity in quality parameters, testing methods, and labeling practices.
- The Guwahati session deliberates on draft and proposed standards for key spices such as cardamom, coriander, and vanilla, and will develop new standards for emerging spices like nutmeg, curry leaves, and saffron.
- The global spice market is valued at USD 28.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 41.9 billion by 2033.
- India accounts for nearly 43% of global spice exports and produces over 75 of the 109 varieties recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- The session saw the participation of 140 delegates from 40 countries, including representatives from FAO, WHO, the European Union, the United States, Japan, and the African Union.
Special Campaign 5.0 Assessment Report & CPGRAMS Annual Report Released
[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]
Key Updates:
- The Assessment Report of Special Campaign 5.0 and the Annual Report of CPGRAMS were released by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
- Special Campaign 5.0 institutionalised Swachhata and reduced pendency across government offices, generating over Rs 4100 crores through systematic disposal of scrap and e-waste.
- CPGRAMS report highlights the Government’s focus on responsive, technology-enabled and time-bound grievance redressal.
Similar / Past Coverage
- December 25 is celebrated every year as National Good Governance Day to honour former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
- He served three terms as Prime Minister and delivered landmark speeches during the Pokhran nuclear tests, 1996 resignation, 2000 US Congress address, 1977 UN speech, and 2002 Independence Day.
- Scheme Name: National Blockchain Framework (NBF) | Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) | Launch: September 2024 | Financial Outlay: ₹64.76 crore
- Core Objective: Shift governance from "centralized control to decentralized validation" using blockchain’s "immutability, shared ledgers, and trust-by-design systems"
- Technology Backbone: Vishvasya Blockchain Stack—a home-grown modular "Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)" platform managed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) and hosted in data centres at Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad
- Key Components: NBFLite (sandbox for startups/researchers) and Praamaanik (blockchain-enabled mobile-app authenticity verifier)
- Achievement: Over 34 crore documents verified across property, judiciary, logistics and education databases as of 21 October 2025
- The Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, chaired the Apex Council meeting under the Bharat 6G Mission and reviewed the progress of the Bharat 6G Alliance.
- The Government has approved a ₹1-lakh-crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund under the Department of Science & Technology to boost frontier research in AI-native networks, semiconductors, photonics, sensing, cybersecurity and satellite–terrestrial integration.
- India secured inclusion of “Ubiquitous Connectivity” in the ITU IMT-2030 (6G) framework, strengthening global recognition of India’s capabilities.
- The Bharat 6G Alliance has grown from 16 founding members to over 84 organisations and released eight technical reports and whitepapers covering spectrum, AI-native networks, green telecom, emerging applications, and RF sensing.
- Four institutions—Punjab Engineering College, Banasthali Vidyapith, IIT Roorkee (AMRIT), and Thapar University—were awarded for exemplary innovation, societal impact and industry collaboration under the 5G Use Case Labs initiative.
- **Initiative/Integration:** Integration of eDistrict Services, HIMParivar, and HimAccess Cards on the DigiLocker platform.
- **Implementing Body/State:** Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDT&G) of Himachal Pradesh.
- **Key Feature/Scope:** Integration of 51 eDistrict Services, HIMParivar, and HimAccess Cards on DigiLocker.
- **Main Objective:** To enhance digital governance and facilitate seamless access to government services for citizens.
Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) grants NOCs to three new airlines to increase competition and lower flight costs
[Ministry of Civil Aviation]
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has given no objection certificates (NOCs) to three airlines – Al Hind Air, FlyExpress and Shankh Air – to provide more choice for consumers and bring down the cost of flights.
- Shankh Air, which aims to be the leading full-service airline of Uttar Pradesh, plans to launch its flight services around the first quarter of 2026.
- Al Hind Air, owned by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, has an initial investment between Rs 200 and Rs 500 crore and will focus on domestic and regional travel using ATR 72-600 model aircraft.
- FlyExpress, which received its NOC from the MoCA, is reportedly backed by a courier and cargo services company from Hyderabad.
- To begin operations, these carriers must next get an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by proving they have financial backing, aircraft, and trained crew.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Air India has been recognised as the ‘Best Domestic Airline’ at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025, for the second consecutive year.
- The recognition is decided through a customer vote and reflects the trust placed in Air India by its patrons.
- The award underscores the strides made by Air India in delivering an elevated product and service experience across touchpoints for millions of passengers.
- Air India is investing significantly in modernising its fleet and enhancing customer experience, including a USD 400 million retrofit programme to refurbish existing aircraft cabins.
- Scheme Name: National Aviation Safety Centre – "the first of its kind institution in the region to train investigators and aviation professionals modelled on global best practices"
- Objective: "to train aircraft accident investigators and aviation professionals" and "build world-class safety infrastructure and human capital"
- Implementing Authority: Civil Aviation Ministry (announced by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha)
- Key Provision: Government is "doubling" the number of professionals in regulatory and investigation roles
- Institutional Support: Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will continue to classify occurrences and conduct detailed accident investigations
- Scheme Name: UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik); Launch: October 21, 2016; first flight 27 April 2017
- Objective: Regional air connectivity; 649 routes operationalised connecting 93 unserved/underserved airports, 15 heliports, 2 water aerodromes
- Financials: Over ₹4,300 crore disbursed as Viability Gap Funding to airlines; ₹4,638 crore invested for airport development
- Future Plan: Scheme to continue beyond April 2027 with expanded framework targeting hilly, North-Eastern and aspirational regions and around 120 new destinations
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) researchers discover 47-million-year-old snake fossil in Gujarat
[Gujarat, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee)]
Key Updates:
- Along the Kutch coast, researchers unearthed fossils hinting at an ancient serpent, now estimated to be a mind-blowing 49 feet long and weighing nearly 1,000 kilograms.
- For almost two decades, dedicated researchers from IIT Roorkee have meticulously studied these remains.
- At a breathtaking 49 feet, it potentially takes the crown as the largest snake ever unearthed on Earth.
- Early snakes, dating back over 160 million years, first emerged in the oceans.
- Given the striking references to Vasuki Naag in Hindu scriptures, the scientific community has aptly named this newly identified serpent 'Vasuki'.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Archaeologists have discovered a remarkable circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra, identified as the largest of its kind ever recorded in India.
- The labyrinth consists of 15 concentric stone circuits, each carved with meticulous precision.
- The structure's patterns are reminiscent of those found on ancient Roman coins, suggesting possible connections to trade routes.
- The site’s location along historic Indo-Roman trade routes points to potential cultural exchanges between ancient India and distant empires.
- The discovery emerged when a wildlife NGO, monitoring Great Indian Bustards and local wolf populations, noticed the stone arrangement in the tall grass.
- A 37,000-year-old fossilized bamboo stem, unearthed in Manipur, reveals early thorn evolution as a defense mechanism against Ice Age herbivores.
- The fossil, found along the Chirang River in Manipur’s Imphal Valley, is the earliest known thorny bamboo in Asia and is assigned to the genus *Chimonobambusa*.
- Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) analysed the fossil, with findings published in Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology.
- This discovery highlights northeast India's role as a vital biodiversity refuge during climatic shifts, maintaining warm and humid microclimates as part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
- Bamboo, particularly thorny varieties, responds sensitively to temperature, rainfall, and soil conditions, making it a reliable indicator of past environmental parameters and ecologically important in stabilising soil, supporting wildlife, and maintaining forest structure.
- Scientists have unveiled Lycodon irwini, a new species of wolf snake discovered in Great Nicobar Island's dense forests.
- The species is named in honor of Steve Irwin.
- Lycodon irwini has an exceptionally slender body, dark-sheened serpent reaching around 1.2 metres in length.
- It features a slim, elongated body, narrowing tail, smooth upper body with bluish black sheen, and underside ranging from black to brownish black.
- The species is extremely rare with only four confirmed records, primarily from moist evergreen forest.
- Lycodon irwini is restricted entirely to Great Nicobar Island.
- Researchers recommend classifying the species as Endangered under IUCN guidelines due to its limited range and threats from habitat disturbance.
- A comprehensive five-year study by scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) led to the discovery of 13 new amphibian species across Northeast India.
- The study was based on extensive sampling across 81 localities in eight states, including 25 protected areas.
- Of the 13 new bush frog species, six were found in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Meghalaya and one each in Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur.
- The study integrates acoustic, genetic and morphological analyses, and re-examines century-old museum specimens from the Indo-Burma region.
- Bush frogs bypass the tadpole stage entirely: their eggs hatch directly into froglets, making them independent of standing water and reliant on humid forest microhabitats.
PV Sindhu elected chair of BWF Athletes’ Commission to serve as BWF Council Member
[Badminton World Federation (BWF)]
Key Updates:
- PV Sindhu was elected chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission for the 2026-29 term.
- She will also serve as a BWF Council Member, giving players a voice in governance.
- Chan Ho Yuen Daniel of Hong Kong China elected to similar role in Para Badminton wing.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals 2025 will be held in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, from 17-21 December 2025.
- The series finale features the top eight eligible players or pairs in the BWF World Ranking across five categories including singles and doubles.
- In the women's singles, World No.1 and Paris 2024 Olympic champion An Se Young is aiming for a record 11th title.
- The 2025 world gold and silver medallists in men's singles, Shi Yu Qi of China and Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn, are participants in the tournament.
- In the Paris 2024 Mixed Doubles Finals, Zheng/Huang claimed the gold medal with a 2:0 victory over Kim/Jeong.
- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan presented the Gundadhur Samman to international weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav and the Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo Samman to archer Chandani Sahu.
- Gyaneshwari Yadav secured fifth place in the World Weightlifting Championship held in Manama, Bahrain.
- Chandani Sahu won a silver medal for Chhattisgarh in the team event at the 38th National Games and was part of the four-member Chhattisgarh team that won a bronze medal in the team archery event.
- Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), received the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2025 in the Outstanding Achievement category.
- During his tenure as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honorary secretary from 2019-2024, he introduced the Women's Premier League (WPL) and implemented pay parity for women's teams.
- India's women's cricket team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and head coach Amol Muzumdar, won the Indian of the Year Award in the Sports category following their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 victory.