Page 10 - NIS English 16-31 Jan, 2026

SPECIAL | PM’s Article
SECURITIES MARKET REFORM:
n Securities Market Code Bill has been introduced
in Parliament. It will enhance governance norms
in SEBI, also enhance investor protection, reduce
compliance burden and enable a technology-driv-
en securities market for a Viksit Bharat.
n Reforms will ensure savings thanks to reduced
compliances and other overheads.
JAN VISHWAS…ENDING THE ERA OF
CRIMINALISATION:
n Hundreds of outdated laws have been scrapped.
n 71 Acts have been repealed through the Repeal-
ing and Amendment Bill, 2025.
BOOSTING EASE OF DOING BUSINESS:
n A total of 22 QCOs were revoked across synthetic
fibres, yarns, plastics, polymers, and base metals,
while 53 QCOs were suspended in various steel,
engineered, electrical, alloy, and consumer end
product categories, covering a broad spectrum of
industrial and consumer materials.
n This will increase India’s share of apparel exports;
lower production costs in diverse industries like
footwear, automobiles; ensure lower prices for
domestic consumers for electronics, bicycles and
automotive products.
8 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || January 16-31, 2026
Maritime and Blue
Economy Reforms
n In a single Parliament session, the
Monsoon Session, five landmark
maritime legislations were passed: the
Bills of Lading Act, 2025; the Carriage
of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025; the Coastal
Shipping Bill, 2025; the Merchant
Shipping Bill, 2025; and the Indian
Ports Bill, 2025.
n These reforms simplify documentation,
make dispute resolution easier and
reduce logistics costs.
n Outdated Acts dating back to 1908,
1925 and 1958 have also been replaced.
HISTORIC LABOUR REFORMS:
n Labour laws have been reshaped, merging 29
fragmented laws into four modern codes.
n India has created a labour framework that
secures the interests of workers while boosting
the business ecosystem.
n The reforms focus on fair wages, timely payment
of wages, smoother industrial relations, social
security and safer workplaces.
n They ensure greater female participation in the
workforce.
n Unorganised workers including contract workers
are brought under the ESIC and EPFO expanding
the coverage of formal workforce.
DIVERSIFIED AND EXPANDED MARKETS
FOR INDIAN PRODUCTS:
n Trade deals inked with New Zealand, Oman and
Britain. These will add to investments, boost job
creation and also encourage local entrepreneurs.
They reinforce India’s position as a trusted and
competitive partner in the global economy.
n The FTA with the European Free Trade Associ-
ation, comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
and Liechtenstein, has been operationalised. This
marks India’s first FTA with developed European
economies.