Shreya Nandi &Amp; Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Stories by Shreya Nandi &Amp; Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Non-basmati rice bore the brunt of export curbs imposed in 2023

Non-basmati rice bore the brunt of export curbs imposed in 2023

Rediff.com   18 Jul 2024

As a panel of senior ministers deliberates on the need to review curbs on exports of some rice varieties, data shows that since outbound shipments saw restrictions in July-August last year, the non-basmati segment has suffered more than basmati exports. Sources said the panel is expected to soon deliberate on a few suggestions to ease the export curbs on some rice varieties due to higher-than-required stocks in the central pool. The panel, some observers feel, may also postpone the decision to ease the export curbs till a firm picture emerges on the latest kharif paddy sowing.

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2024

India has flagged concerns over non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by its exporters with the Russian government, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Monday. NTBs faced by Indian exporters are mainly in sectors such as marine products and pharmaceuticals.

How Modi plans to tackle spiralling trade deficit with Russia

How Modi plans to tackle spiralling trade deficit with Russia

Rediff.com   8 Jul 2024

India's trade deficit with Russia continued to widen for the second consecutive year to $57 billion in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), with Moscow becoming New Delhi's largest source of crude oil imports. All eyes will now be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia during July 8-9, where he is set to meet President Vladimir Putin. This will be Modi's first visit to the Kremlin since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began over two years ago.

ONDC likely to start levying small user charges on each transaction

ONDC likely to start levying small user charges on each transaction

Rediff.com   2 Jul 2024

The government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is likely to start levying user charges in the current financial year.

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Not just China, all PLI-led visas being fast-tracked: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

The government is expediting visa-related issues to bring technicians to India from any country, not just China, as and when required, to ensure the smooth implementation of the flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. "If those under the PLI scheme need to get their equipment installed, we try to expedite the ability to get technicians into India from any country, whichever it may be," Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Business Standard in an interview.

Govt may overhaul PLI schemes: Quarterly incentive payments on the table

Govt may overhaul PLI schemes: Quarterly incentive payments on the table

Rediff.com   28 Jun 2024

To burnish production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, the government is considering an overhaul of some of them relating to sectors such as textiles and pharma, and making incentive payments quarterly, officials in the know said. In a bid to cut the delay in processing incentive claims, the government is looking at switching to a quarterly disbursement of incentives. Currently, in most schemes, incentives are annual.

100-day plan: Govt platform for exporters to boost trade

100-day plan: Govt platform for exporters to boost trade

Rediff.com   21 Jun 2024

The commerce department has reaffirmed its plans to launch the 'Trade Connect' e-platform to help exporters connect with stakeholders of international trade, as a part of the new government's 100-day action plan, a senior government official said.

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

Rediff.com   18 Jun 2024

Another priority in the first 100 days could be the launch of an e-platform -- Trade Connect -- to help exporters connect with stakeholders of international trade.

Can Modi 3.0 Keep Food Inflation In Check?

Can Modi 3.0 Keep Food Inflation In Check?

Rediff.com   17 Jun 2024

Increased production of pulses, oilseeds, and cereals will help boost domestic supplies and contribute to keeping inflation low in the coming months.

Modi 3.0: 'Viksit Bharat' Reforms Not To Take Back Seat

Modi 3.0: 'Viksit Bharat' Reforms Not To Take Back Seat

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2024

'The expeditious enactment of labour codes and strategic measures to bridge the skills jobs gap are critical.'

Youth Are 83% Of The Unemployed

Youth Are 83% Of The Unemployed

Rediff.com   3 Jun 2024

'The youth is stressed and students are depressed.'

Delhi's 52.9 Degree Reading Probably Due to Sensor Error

Delhi's 52.9 Degree Reading Probably Due to Sensor Error

Rediff.com   31 May 2024

The Met department blamed the malfunctioning of sensors kept at the Automated Weather Station for the gaffe.

Rains May Be Delayed Over Northwest India

Rains May Be Delayed Over Northwest India

Rediff.com   31 May 2024

The rains after arriving over Kerala will quickly cover Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, but then might slacken a bit, which could delay its arrival over Northwest India.

Soaring Vegetable Prices Add Spice To Lok Sabha Polls

Soaring Vegetable Prices Add Spice To Lok Sabha Polls

Rediff.com   30 May 2024

High vegetable prices are expected to keep food inflation firm in the months to come.

Growth Question Looms Large Over Chandigarh

Growth Question Looms Large Over Chandigarh

Rediff.com   28 May 2024

As Chandigarh braces for a fierce contest between Congress candidate Manish Tewari and the BJP's Sanjay Tandon, its industry leaders harbour a fervent wish: Replicate the success of the National Capital Region model in this Union Territory.

Spice row: Govt plans greater scrutiny, SOPs

Spice row: Govt plans greater scrutiny, SOPs

Rediff.com   13 May 2024

The government is formulating guidelines on the use of ethylene oxide (ETO) in samples of spices for the domestic market and exports, people aware of the matter said, as it plans to step up efforts to make quality checks more stringent. ETO, a flammable, colourless gas, is typically used as a disinfectant. It is also used as a sterilising agent and an insecticide to reduce microbial contamination in spices. However, its use is considered carcinogenic, beyond permissible limits.

19 major commodities see export volume growth, but value declines

19 major commodities see export volume growth, but value declines

Rediff.com   9 May 2024

Exports of 19 major commodities, including petroleum products, coal and marine items, saw growth in terms of volume during April 2023-February 2024, even as they witnessed contraction in value terms during the same period. Government officials said the rise in export volume despite a decline in value implies that these commodities show a stronger market demand.

India's spice exports at potential risk, needs urgent action: GTRI

India's spice exports at potential risk, needs urgent action: GTRI

Rediff.com   2 May 2024

Countries that raised concerns about the quality of Indian spices have called for urgent attention and action, Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said on Wednesday. The stakes are high since India exported spices worth about $692.5 million to the United States (US), Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Maldives in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), it said. During FY24, India's spice exports were worth $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12 per cent share of the global spice exports.

Taiwan keen to help India become leader in chip space

Taiwan keen to help India become leader in chip space

Rediff.com   29 Apr 2024

Taiwan is keen to collaborate with India and help it become a leader in the semiconductor space, Jason Ho, chairman of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in India, said, asserting that the Taiwanese companies have the supply chain for things that the Indian market needs. Manufacturing semiconductors - used in electric and hybrid cars, drones, and communication devices - is fairly complicated, entails huge investment, and can be a cumbersome process.

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Rediff.com   28 Apr 2024

Exports of high-quality basmati rice from India grew by 22 per cent to $5.2 billion during April 2023-February 2024, amid robust demand, primarily from West Asia. According to data compiled by the commerce department, exports of basmati rice increased to 4.68 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April-February, from 4.1 MMT during the same period a year ago, registering a growth of 14 per cent.