Election Commission Announces Assembly Polls; DPIIT Eases FDI Norms for Border Countries

The Election Commission of India announced single-phase Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, with West Bengal voting in two phases, marking a reduction from previous multi-phase polls. Meanwhile, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) amended foreign direct investment (FDI) norms, allowing up to 10% non-controlling stakes under the automatic route for investors from countries sharing land borders with India, including China, while maintaining government approval requirements for certain ownership changes to safeguard national interests.