News for 'Commerce and Economics'

Why do we need to worry about e-commerce start-ups

Why do we need to worry about e-commerce start-ups

Rediff.com2 May 2016

There is ample fuel in the computer revolution to do many useful things.

How Modi govt plans to spur economic growth

How Modi govt plans to spur economic growth

Rediff.com27 May 2019

There is talk of a fresh approach to a new labour code as well as reforming land acquisition laws in such a way as to be politically.

'Asian Games is a cash-burning project'

'Asian Games is a cash-burning project'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

With economic problems and job cuts, Hangzhou locals and people in other parts of China are not very pleased about hosting the Asian Games.

Zomato's future plan - focus on three key areas

Zomato's future plan - focus on three key areas

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

Online food delivery platform Zomato has decided to narrow its focus on three key areas of food ordering and delivery; supplies to restaurants through 'Hyperpure' and quick commerce, company Chairman Kaushik Dutta said on Tuesday. In his address to shareholders at the company's annual general meeting, Dutta said the move was part of strategy to focus "only on areas that have the potential to become meaningfully large businesses ten years from now". In FY22, he said Zomato was able to achieve strong top line growth while keeping its "adjusted EBITDA burn under control", despite multiple challenges such as disruptions due to Covid-19 pandemic, macro-economic uncertainty, rising inflation, fuel prices, among others.

'We talk about India in every board meeting'

'We talk about India in every board meeting'

Rediff.com23 May 2023

'India has a lot of potential, not just in commercial aspects, but also in hiring of people and sourcing of products.'

Reliance net profit rises 9%, planned shutdown at oil refinery subdues earnings

Reliance net profit rises 9%, planned shutdown at oil refinery subdues earnings

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

Reliance Industries Ltd on Friday reported a 9 per cent rise in its December quarter net profit as a planned maintenance-induced weakness in oil business earnings was offset by stability in retail and telecom verticals. The oil-to-retail-to-telecom conglomerate's consolidated net profit of Rs 17,265 crore, or Rs 25.52 per share, in October-December - the third quarter of the current 2023-24 fiscal - was 9.3 per cent higher than Rs 15,792 crore, or Rs 23.19 a share, earning a year back, according to a company statement. Quarter-on-quarter, the profit was lower when compared to Rs 17,394 crore earnings in the preceding three months ended September 30.

Why implementing stricter e-com rules won't be easy

Why implementing stricter e-com rules won't be easy

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

There is a significant difference of opinion within the government on the draft e-commerce rules put out by the consumer affairs ministry, a top government official said on Wednesday and flagged concerns that continuous change of the policy causes a great deal of uncertainty. The official said that unnecessary fear is created that the government's current e-commerce policy is hurting small traders. "There is a significant difference of opinion within the government on the draft Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules put out by the consumer affairs ministry... Continuous change of the policy causes a great deal of uncertainty," the official said on the condition of anonymity.

Govt losing revenue due to GST: Bibek Debroy

Govt losing revenue due to GST: Bibek Debroy

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) chairman Bibek Debroy on Tuesday said the government was losing revenue due to the GST, which should be revenue neutral with a single rate. Speaking at an event organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, he however said that GST has led to a lot of simplification. "The ideal GST is one that has a single rate, and it was meant to be revenue neutral.

India's exports up 6% to $447 billion in 2022-23

India's exports up 6% to $447 billion in 2022-23

Rediff.com13 Apr 2023

The country's exports rose by about 6 per cent to a "record" $447 billion during 2022-23 on account of healthy growth in the outbound shipments of sectors such as petroleum, pharma and chemicals and marine, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. The country's imports also grew by 16.5 per cent to $714 billion in 2022-23 as against $613 billion in 2021-22. He said that the exports of goods and services together scaled "new heights" and has increased by 14 per cent to $770 billion in 2022-23 as against 676 billion in 2021-22.

Indo-Australia trade pact: Over 6000 products to get free access

Indo-Australia trade pact: Over 6000 products to get free access

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

The interim free trade agreement between India and Australia will come into force on Thursday, providing duty-free access to thousands of domestic goods such as textiles, and leather in the Australian market. The agreement will help almost double the bilateral commerce to $45-50 billion in around five years, according to exporters and industry players. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which was signed on April 2, would provide duty-free access to Indian exporters of over 6,000 broad sectors, including textiles, leather, furniture, jewellery and machinery in the Australian market.

Australian parliament approves FTA with India

Australian parliament approves FTA with India

Rediff.com22 Nov 2022

India and Australia would now implement the free trade agreement on a mutually agreed date as the Australian Parliament on Tuesday approved the pact between the two countries. "BREAKING: Our Free Trade Agreement with India has passed through parliament," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a tweet. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) needed ratification by the Australian parliament before its implementation.

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

As the United States focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its 'downward trend of democratic values and institutions', said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Images: Bandh hits industry, airlines, commerce

Images: Bandh hits industry, airlines, commerce

Rediff.com7 Sep 2010

On September 7, the trade unions have called a dawn to dusk bandh to protest against rise in price of daily commodities and, once again, fuel price hikes.

Sittwe Port: India's Move Against China

Sittwe Port: India's Move Against China

Rediff.com20 May 2023

The project, the agreement for which was signed way back in 2009, had been gaining strategic relevance over the years as India-China ties took a hit.

Why India Has Shortage Of Skilled Workers

Why India Has Shortage Of Skilled Workers

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

'The second generation of migrant labourers is not enthusiastic about continuing in this field.' 'The parents of the next generation do not wish their children to be part of this trade.'

Modi's 3-nation tour from Friday packs in over 40 engagements

Modi's 3-nation tour from Friday packs in over 40 engagements

Rediff.com18 May 2023

According to the external affairs ministry, the prime minister will first visit Hiroshima in Japan from May 19 to 21 to participate in the annual summit of the G7 advanced economies under the Japanese Presidency.

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

China on Thursday criticised India's latest decision to block access to 54 more Chinese mobile apps over security and privacy concerns, saying that the move has damaged the legitimate interests of companies from China. India on Monday blocked 54 more apps with Chinese links, including Tencent Xriver, Nice Video baidu, Viva Video Editor, and gaming app Garena Free Fire Illuminate. The Chinese apps allegedly obtain various critical permissions and collect sensitive user data. The collected real-time data are being misused and transmitted to servers located in a hostile country, sources in India said, adding that the IT ministry has issued interim directions for the blocking of 54 apps.

New order in economic ministries

New order in economic ministries

Rediff.com25 Sep 2004

'They want to suffocate our voices'

'They want to suffocate our voices'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2024

'Farmers have been sent notices in which the government is threatening that if you will join the movement, then we will impound your ancestral properties.' 'We will seal your bank accounts.' 'We will revoke the passports of your kids.'

Hurrah For These Women Achievers!

Hurrah For These Women Achievers!

Rediff.com22 Feb 2024

More and more women are making their presence felt in jobs related to sciences, technology, and engineering across organisations.

RBI likely to hold repo rate at 6.5% on June 8

RBI likely to hold repo rate at 6.5% on June 8

Rediff.com4 Jun 2023

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will maintain the policy repo rate at 6.5 per cent during its upcoming June 8 announcement, considering the easing of retail inflation in April and the potential for further decline, indicating the effectiveness of previous policy rate actions, anticipate experts. Headed by Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das, a meeting of the six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled for June 6-8. The decision of the 43rd meeting of the MPC would be announced on Thursday, June 8.

Wayanad May Not Be A Breeze For Rahul

Wayanad May Not Be A Breeze For Rahul

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Wayanad will continue to support Rahul but not to the same extent as in 2019, when his margin of victory had been enormous. Articulate, to the point and speaking in fluent Malayalam, CPI's Annie Raja, had the people who gathered to see her, listening in rapt attention, notes Shyam G Menon.

Costs near Rs 10K crore, Swiggy losses widen 2x to Rs 3.6K crore

Costs near Rs 10K crore, Swiggy losses widen 2x to Rs 3.6K crore

Rediff.com3 Jan 2023

Food delivery aggregator Swiggy's losses widened 2.24 times to Rs 3,628.9 crore during last financial year, as its expenses surged 227 per cent in a year. This is even as the decacorn's revenue jumped more than twofold to Rs 5,704.9 crore in FY22, according to details from company research platform Tofler. While the company's losses surged from a base of Rs 1,616.9 crore in FY21, its total expense in FY22 touched Rs 9,748.7 crore, from Rs 4,292.8 crore a year ago.

Salaries in India likely to increase by 10.3% in 2023: Survey

Salaries in India likely to increase by 10.3% in 2023: Survey

Rediff.com23 Feb 2023

Salaries in India are expected to increase by 10.3 per cent in 2023, highest among major world economies and Asian peers, according to Aon plc. In 2022, salaries in India witnessed an actual increase of 10.6 per cent in 2022. As per Aon plc's 28th Annual Salary Increase Survey in India, double-digit salary growth will continue in India despite economic volatility, largely as a response to high attrition rates.

Wholesale price-based inflation hits 3-year low in May

Wholesale price-based inflation hits 3-year low in May

Rediff.com14 Jun 2023

Wholesale price-based inflation rate fell to a 3-year low of (-) 3.48 per cent in May on easing prices of food, fuel and manufactured items, strengthening the case for continuing with the pause in rate hike in the coming months of the current fiscal. This is the second straight month when WPI has been in the negative zone mainly on account of a higher base and falling prices of fuel and manufactured goods. Food prices also eased during May. In May, 2022 WPI inflation was at 16.63 per cent. Last month, it was (-) 0.92 per cent.

India exported goods worth $280 mn to Russia in Oct, up 3.7%

India exported goods worth $280 mn to Russia in Oct, up 3.7%

Rediff.com20 Dec 2022

As sanctions-hit Russia increasingly relies on consumer products from India, outbound shipments to Russia have started picking up for the second consecutive month in October. This comes after it witnessed contraction for six consecutive months starting March, commerce and industry ministry data showed. During October, India exported goods worth $280 million, up 3.7 per cent as compared to a year ago. It was led by demand for items such as vegetables, tea, coffee, chemicals as well as iron and steel products.

India-US joint statement puts trade at heart of enhanced ties

India-US joint statement puts trade at heart of enhanced ties

Rediff.com23 Jun 2023

India and the US on Thursday said they are looking forward to the reconvening of the India-US Trade Policy Forum later this year to further enhance trade relationship and identify new areas for engagement.

Why India Inc is moving to Dubai in droves

Why India Inc is moving to Dubai in droves

Rediff.com7 Nov 2022

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani might have made news for purchasing the most expensive beach-side villa in Dubai recently, but he is not the only Indian eyeing the city for investment. Since Dubai allowed foreign investors full ownership in specific sectors in June 2021, a horde of Indian companies have moved or expanded into the desert city. The list even includes a kindergarten, an elementary and middle school, and a hotel that has sought 100 per cent ownership.

Modi embarks on historic US visit, says this before departure

Modi embarks on historic US visit, says this before departure

Rediff.com20 Jun 2023

Modi said this 'special invitation' from President Joseph Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for a state visit is a reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between the democracies.

FDI inflow to India declines to $74.01 billion in 2021

FDI inflow to India declines to $74.01 billion in 2021

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

Total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow to India declined to $74.01 billion in the calendar year 2021, which is 15 per cent lower from $87.55 billion recorded in the previous year, the ministry of commerce & industry said on Wednesday. The FDI inflow includes equity inflow, equity capital of unincorporated bodies, re-invested earnings and other capital. "FDI is largely a matter of commercial business decisions and FDI inflow depends on a host of factors such as availability of natural resource, market size, infrastructure, political and general investment climate as well as macro-economic stability and investment decision of foreign investors.

Tesla looking at sourcing components worth about $1.9 bn from India: Goyal

Tesla looking at sourcing components worth about $1.9 bn from India: Goyal

Rediff.com13 Sep 2023

US-based electric vehicle maker Tesla is looking to source components worth around $1.9 billion this year against $1 billion last year, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday. The minister said that going forward, demand for electric vehicles will increase and it will help in pushing the growth of the sector. "Tesla already last year bought one billion dollars of components from I think all of you sitting here.... I have the list of companies who supply to Tesla.

Peace is necessary, but...: Modi on China threat

Peace is necessary, but...: Modi on China threat

Rediff.com13 Jul 2023

"We work with other countries to develop their capabilities and support their efforts to make free sovereign choices. More broadly, we aim to advance peace and stability in the region," he asserted.

Modi's economic vision is borrowed and rehashed: Anand Sharma

Modi's economic vision is borrowed and rehashed: Anand Sharma

Rediff.com4 Mar 2014

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma takes on Narendra Modi, says: Gujrat cannot be sold as a model state as it has many flaws.

Tides turning for India's startups?

Tides turning for India's startups?

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

The recovering valuations, will lead to enhanced optimism among investors about funding startups.

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Rediff.com27 Jan 2023

Coming Wednesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 2023 Union Budget - the last full Budget ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While India exited 2022 as a relatively bright spot in the global economy, the FM will endeavour to present a Budget that insulates India's economy against global headwinds and recession in advanced economies, while sticking to the path of fiscal consolidation. In this, she is being helped by her core team of trusted advisors.

India Inc lauds Modi govt's push for economic reforms

India Inc lauds Modi govt's push for economic reforms

Rediff.com8 Aug 2014

Industry bodies said the decisions will help attract much-needed capital, create jobs, encourage collaboration and benefit cash-starved small and medium enterprises.

After Amazon, Flipkart fined for allowing sale of poor quality cookers

After Amazon, Flipkart fined for allowing sale of poor quality cookers

Rediff.com18 Aug 2022

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on e-commerce firm Flipkart for allowing sale of substandard domestic pressure cookers on its platform, in violation of mandatory standards. Headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare, the CCPA has directed Flipkart to recall all such 598 pressure cookers sold on its platform, reimburse their buyers, and submit a compliance report within 45 days. The central government routinely notifies the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), specifying compulsory conformity to a standard and use of the standard mark for a product to protect consumers from the risk of suffering injury and harm and in the interest of the public at large.

Exports saw sharp fall on decline in US and UAE share

Exports saw sharp fall on decline in US and UAE share

Rediff.com24 May 2023

Exports to India's key markets - the US, the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, Bangladesh and Germany - witnessed a sharp decline, resulting in a 12.69 per cent contraction in outbound shipments during the first month of the current financial year, commerce department data showed. India's biggest export market - the US - with 17 per cent share witnessed 17.16 per cent contraction at $5.9 billion in April. This was followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that saw 22.09 per cent decline at $2.23 billion exports.

India's economic reforms not enough: US official

India's economic reforms not enough: US official

Rediff.com12 Jul 2013

Expressing concern over the investment and innovation environment in India, a top US trade official has said the recent set of economic reforms initiated by the country were not enough to return to the path of robust growth.

20-min pizza promise by Domino's gets stuck in traffic, kitchen

20-min pizza promise by Domino's gets stuck in traffic, kitchen

Rediff.com8 Mar 2023

As promised, Domino's 20-minute delivery started across 170 stores in Bengaluru on Tuesday. But, as the day progressed, some teething issues came to the fore. If delivery partners' accounts are anything to go by, these are unlikely to go away anytime soon.