India – Monsoon Session, Parliament
1. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 12, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Standing Committee for review. It proposes to refine insolvency resolution timelines, strengthen creditor protections, and simplify procedures for MSMEs. The referral signals the government’s intent to seek broader stakeholder consultation before enactment. The reforms are expected to improve India’s ease of doing business, boost investor confidence, and enhance credit discipline.
2. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025
Introduced on August 11, 2025, and passed swiftly by both Houses, this bill modernizes India’s mining regime. Key features include faster approvals, expanded private participation, and sustainable mining norms. It prioritizes domestic production of critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, vital for clean energy technologies. The law aims to attract global investors, reduce import dependence, and balance growth with environmental safeguards.
3. Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Introduced and passed within two days (August 11–12, 2025), this legislation reforms both direct and indirect taxation. It rationalizes exemptions, strengthens dispute resolution, and integrates digital reporting to curb evasion. For startups and SMEs, compliance has been simplified. These measures are expected to broaden the tax base, improve transparency, and ensure fiscal stability amidst global economic headwinds.
4. Income-Tax (No. 2) Bill, 2025
Also passed within record time, this bill revises personal and corporate tax structures. It rationalizes slab rates, clarifies digital asset taxation, and addresses cross-border tax loopholes. By balancing relief for middle-class taxpayers with fiscal prudence, the amendments aim to improve clarity, reduce compliance burdens, and foster an investor-friendly ecosystem.
5. Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Introduced on August 7, 2025, and quickly passed, this bill aligns Manipur’s GST framework with national amendments. It simplifies return filing, strengthens anti-evasion provisions, and enables faster refunds via digital compliance. For local businesses, the reform reduces administrative burdens and improves cash flow.
6. National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
Introduced on July 23, 2025, and passed on August 11–12, this landmark law overhauls sports administration. It establishes transparent governance structures, introduces tenure limits for office-bearers, and mandates independent oversight. The reforms, aligned with global best practices, aim to professionalize sports management and prepare India for major international events, including a potential Olympic bid.
7. National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Introduced on July 23, 2025, and passed in August, this bill strengthens India’s anti-doping framework in line with WADA standards. It expands NADA’s powers, enhances testing protocols, and mandates grassroots awareness programs. The legislation underscores India’s commitment to fair play and clean sport.
India – State Policy Developments
Andhra Pradesh Bar Policy 2025–28: Cabinet approves issuance of 840 bar licences via lottery, with 10% reserved for toddy tappers at half fee. Bars may operate 10 AM–11 PM, with licences valid for three years.
Kerala Draft Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025: Issued on August 13, expands coverage to ovens, driers, and thermic fluid heaters; empowers Chief Inspector to revoke competency certificates.
Maharashtra Draft Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2025: Issued on August 7, mandates state-wide awareness campaigns across TV, radio, and digital platforms; introduces streamlined reporting mechanisms for violations.
Himachal Pradesh Draft Land Revenue (Special Assessment) Amendment Rules, 2025: Issued on August 8, revises provisions for special land revenue assessments (Official Gazette link).
International Updates
Dubai
Conciliation Law Reform (Law No. 9 of 2025): Modernizes civil and family conciliation, making agreements enforceable as writs; introduces a 5-day challenge period.
Visa Policy: Expanded Golden Visa eligibility to teachers and nurses; introduced Blue Visa for environmental contributors.
DIFC Data Protection Amendments: Effective July 15, 2025, raise fines up to $50,000, strengthen rights, and regulate data sharing.
Free Zone Regulation: Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 governs Free Zone Establishments.
Other Changes: Flexible public sector work extended till Sept 12; new tobacco-free nicotine pouch regulations; public health enhancements.
United Kingdom
Arbitration Act, 2025: Effective August 1, updates arbitration law for England, Wales, NI—clarifies governing law and expands tribunal powers.
Immigration Policy: UK-France returns agreement launches; increased border funding and stricter online controls for illegal migration promotion.
Tax & Estates: Draft reforms to inheritance tax (consultation until Sept 15). Updates clarify IHT on pensions and exemptions for death-in-service benefits (effective 2027).
Immigration Rules Guidance: Updated August 13, 2025.
United States
Senate Activity (Aug 1, 2025): Passed H.R. 3944 (FY2026 military construction and veterans’ affairs appropriations). Amendments cover veteran housing and hemp provisions.
Trade Policy: New Section 232 tariffs on copper (40%); anti-transshipment penalties announced. Section 301 probe into Brazil’s trade practices underway.
Texas State Updates: Momentum on bills covering property tax reform, censorship laws, cybersecurity/AI training, impact fees; post-session updates on severance pay and public information laws.
Singapore
Work Permit & S Pass Reforms: From July 2025, extended employment duration, raised age limits (WP up to 63, new non-Malaysian applicants up to 61). Adjusted S Pass criteria to expand talent pool.
GST Voucher Scheme: In August 2025, 1.5 million citizens to receive up to $850 cash; seniors to get $150–$450 MediSave top-ups. Threshold for eligibility raised to $39,000.