News for 'Commerce and Industry'

ITC's Cloud Kitchens Take Quick Commerce Route

ITC's Cloud Kitchens Take Quick Commerce Route

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Through its cloud kitchens, ITC is building a portfolio of shorter shelf-life offerings and selling them through quick commerce platforms.

Now, India's gems & jewellery sector on par with China, Thailand

Now, India's gems & jewellery sector on par with China, Thailand

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Exporters of gems and jewellery have said the free-trade agreement (FTA) has brought relief to their sector because this opens up the world's second-largest market and brings them on a par with China and Thailand, which face zero tariffs on shipments to Europe.

73% employers plan to hire freshers in H1 2026

73% employers plan to hire freshers in H1 2026

Rediff.com1 days ago

Around 73 per cent of employers interviewed intend to hire freshers during January-June 2026, with recruitment decisions mainly driven by internships and real-world project experience rather than academic credentials alone, a report said on Wednesday. Nearly 3 in 4 employers (73 per cent) intend to hire freshers during January-June this year, marking a 3 per cent increase over the previous half-year, according to TeamLease EdTech Career Outlook Report HY1 2026.

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Rediff.com3 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel for two days to discuss bilateral and regional issues, marking his second visit to the Jewish state and highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel.

Adani commits $100 bn for RE-powered AI data centres

Adani commits $100 bn for RE-powered AI data centres

Rediff.com1 days ago

Adani group on Tuesday announced a $100 billion investment to develop hyperscale, artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data centres powered by renewable energy by 2035. The initiative is expected to catalyse an extra $150 billion in investment across server manufacturing, electrical infrastructure, Cloud platforms, and supporting industries over the next decade.

Ficci manufacturing index at all-time high in Q3

Ficci manufacturing index at all-time high in Q3

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

The quarterly manufacturing index by the industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) rose to an all-time high in the third quarter of financial year 2025-26 (Q3FY26), with 91 per cent of respondents reporting either higher or same production levels, against 87 per cent in the previous quarter.

9 Noisiest Cities In The World

9 Noisiest Cities In The World

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

According to a United Nations Environment Program 2022 report, these nine cities are known for particularly high sound levels.

'GST rate cuts are beginning to translate into higher consumption'

'GST rate cuts are beginning to translate into higher consumption'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'Despite a challenging FMCG environment, ITC Foods has grown at or above the industry rate.'

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Farmer groups slam India-US trade deal, call nationwide strike on Feb 12

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Several farmer organisations in India are protesting the proposed India-US trade deal, expressing concerns about its impact on the agriculture sector and demanding the resignation of the Commerce Minister.

Core industries growth flat in October

Core industries growth flat in October

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Growth of eight key infrastructure sectors remained flat in October as expansion in output of petroleum refinery products, fertiliser and steel was offset by a contraction in coal and electricity production, according to official data released on Thursday.

India's trade deficit widens to 3-month high of $34.68 bn

India's trade deficit widens to 3-month high of $34.68 bn

Rediff.com3 days ago

The country's exports rose marginally by 0.61 per cent to $36.56 billion in January, while trade deficit widened to a three-month high of $34.68 billion, government data showed on Monday.

Non-metro push by qcom, ecom players may lift gig hirings

Non-metro push by qcom, ecom players may lift gig hirings

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Ecommerce (ecom) and quick commerce (qcom) platforms are expected to lead gig worker hiring in calendar year 2026 (CY26), adding nearly 1 million workers on the back of sustained demand for last-mile deliveries, higher order volumes, and continued expansion of dark stores into non-metropolitan cities, industry experts have said.

Indian goods to gain edge over China, others in US market

Indian goods to gain edge over China, others in US market

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said Indian goods will have a competitive advantage in US markets compared to products from China and other competitor countries, which face higher levies, following the reduction in reciprocal tariffs to 18 per cent.

Budget wishlist: Industry seeks easier tax rules, dispute fixes

Budget wishlist: Industry seeks easier tax rules, dispute fixes

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

With the Union Budget three months away, major industry chambers have submitted to the government proposals on common taxes, seeking simpler compliance and a quicker resolution of tax disputes.

Indian pharma to get stronger dose of EU mkt access

Indian pharma to get stronger dose of EU mkt access

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The European Union's (EU's) offer to slash tariffs on 97.5 per cent of Indian chemical exports to zero is set to give India's pharmaceutical and medical device firms preferential access to the European markets.

India-EU FTA: 'Mother Of All Deals': Goyal

India-EU FTA: 'Mother Of All Deals': Goyal

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Both India and the EU are likely to announce a conclusion of trade talks on January 27.

Why There's A Music Revolution

Why There's A Music Revolution

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

With the music industry pushing for growth in the paid subscription segment, Universal Music India anticipates that the Indian market will mature, potentially becoming a highly impactful paid market for music over the next five years.

India Will Continue To Buy Russian Oil

India Will Continue To Buy Russian Oil

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'No one can or will bar India from pursuing its energy goals as it wishes.' 'The US FTA wording may sound more restrictive, but the underlying reality will not undermine India's sovereign energy decisions.'

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

New Delhi will substantially reduce tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods while continuing to protect sensitive sectors. Tariffs on some agricultural products that are not traditionally considered sensitive will be brought down to zero, while in the case of relatively sensitive items, duties will be reduced in a graded manner and quotas will be imposed.

India, US To Issue Joint Statement On Trade Deal

India, US To Issue Joint Statement On Trade Deal

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'Based on the joint statement, a formal agreement will be drafted, which may take a month or month-and-a-half to finalise. We aim to sign the formal agreement by mid-March.'

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Lavrov said that the US has set itself the objective of 'achieving economic domination', adding further to it that Americans want to control the routes to leading countries to provide its energy sources to them.

India, US to Sign Trade Agreement by Mid-March

India, US to Sign Trade Agreement by Mid-March

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

India and the US are expected to sign the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement by mid-March, which will result in the US lowering import duties on Indian goods. India will then begin reducing import duties on certain US goods.

India, US to Sign Trade Agreement by Mid-March

India, US to Sign Trade Agreement by Mid-March

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

India and the US are expected to sign the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement by mid-March, which will result in the US lowering import duties on Indian goods. India will then begin reducing import duties on certain US goods.

Congress calls Indo-US trade pact a 'surrender'

Congress calls Indo-US trade pact a 'surrender'

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Congress party has criticized the Indo-US trade agreement, calling it a 'surrender' of India's self-esteem and interests, and a betrayal of Indian farmers and MSMEs.

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Tariffs cut, $30tn market: India, US unveil interim trade pact

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The agreement addresses non-tariff barriers and promotes increased trade in technology products and cooperation between the two countries.

How Quick Commerce Is Reshaping Festive Gifting

How Quick Commerce Is Reshaping Festive Gifting

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

India's gifting market is seeing its biggest festive season yet, with sales through quick commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit and Instamart jumping 40%-50% year-on-year.

'India Has More Job Opportunities Than Skilled People'

'India Has More Job Opportunities Than Skilled People'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

'Given that the population is almost evenly split, the Indian economy cannot grow without women participating in the workforce.' 'While women's participation has increased, it is still well below 40 per cent,' says Kartik Narayan, CEO of the professional networking and jobs platform, Apna.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

AI adoption in MSMEs can unlock over $500 bn value: BCGX-FICCI report

AI adoption in MSMEs can unlock over $500 bn value: BCGX-FICCI report

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India's 64 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) alone could unlock over $500 billion in economic value, but the country must pivot from an "adopt-first" to an "invent-first" mindset to realise this potential, according to a new report.

Blinkit drops 10-minute delivery claim; Swiggy, Zepto may follow suit

Blinkit drops 10-minute delivery claim; Swiggy, Zepto may follow suit

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Eternal-owned quick-commerce firm Blinkit has dropped its '10-minute' delivery claim after intervention by the Labour Ministry amid growing concerns over the welfare and safety of delivery workers.

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

India, EU ink mobility pact for students, professionals

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India and the European Union have finalized a comprehensive mobility pact that will create new opportunities for Indian students and professionals in Europe. The agreement was reached during summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top EU officials.

Q3 earnings, global trends to drive stock markets this week

Q3 earnings, global trends to drive stock markets this week

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Trading pattern in the stock market this week will largely depend on the ongoing Q3 earnings announcement from corporates, global trends, and foreign fund movement, analysts said. Moreover, geopolitical developments and any update on trade negotiations would also be keenly tracked by investors, experts noted.

India, EU FTA: Duty cuts on textiles, footwear, cars, wines likely

India, EU FTA: Duty cuts on textiles, footwear, cars, wines likely

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Import duty cuts on labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and footwear, as well as cars, and wines, are likely to be part of the free trade agreement between India and the 27-nation bloc European Union (EU), the conclusion of which is set to be announced on January 27 here, sources said.

Stock markets end higher on rally in Infosys shares

Stock markets end higher on rally in Infosys shares

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, State Bank of India, UltraTech Cement and HDFC Bank were also among the gainers. In contrast, Eternal, Asian Paints, Bharat Electronics, Sun Pharma and Maruti were among the laggards.

Battles To Do Your Household Chores

Battles To Do Your Household Chores

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

'Instant home services act as an on-demand household support system, bridging the gap between informal domestic help and structured service platforms,'

Prosus says India as one of its most critical growth markets

Prosus says India as one of its most critical growth markets

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Prosus, the Amsterdam-based technology investor with net assets valued at over $200 billion spanning payments to e-commerce, has identified India as one of its most critical growth markets, and is increasing its strategic investments here.

'India Lags Behind In Innovation Leadership'

'India Lags Behind In Innovation Leadership'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'We frequently discuss AI, but we're waiting for other countries to develop solutions rather than creating intellectual property ourselves.' 'We haven't yet produced comprehensive AI solutions developed in India for global markets.'

FMCG players witness strong Q3 recovery

FMCG players witness strong Q3 recovery

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Driven by GST reforms, robust festive demand, and softening raw material prices, the FMCG industry expects volume-based growth, supported by a mid-single digit revenue rise and improved operating margins in the December quarter.

Govt has infused over Rs 3,100 cr in women-led startups in 6 years

Govt has infused over Rs 3,100 cr in women-led startups in 6 years

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The government has infused over Rs 3,100 crore into women-led startups over the past six years, through its three schemes including the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to boost female entrepreneurship across the country, according to an update shared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The sovereign AI park will be a first-of-its-kind, purpose-built district in India, integrating AI compute infrastructure, secure data frameworks, model research labs, and AI innovation clusters, along with a dedicated institute for AI in governance.