News for 'Commerce and Industry Ministry'

Sourcing norm won't apply to Tesla, says government

Sourcing norm won't apply to Tesla, says government

Rediff.com23 May 2017

It is only for retail trading of goods that sourcing conditions are mandated. Such norms are not applicable to manufacturers as goods are produced in India, the government said.

Farmers to take call on govt offer to buy pulses, maize at MSP

Farmers to take call on govt offer to buy pulses, maize at MSP

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

A panel of Union ministers held a fourth round of talks with farmer leaders in Chandigarh on Sunday over their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP, as thousands of protesting farmers camped at the Punjab-Haryana border.

Ravneet Kaur: An IAS officer with varied experience

Ravneet Kaur: An IAS officer with varied experience

Rediff.com17 May 2023

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has named Ravneet Kaur, a Punjab cadre IAS officer of 1988 batch, as chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Kaur will hold the post for five years or until attaining the age of 65. She is the second woman to serve in an 'economic regulator' role after Madhabi Puri Buch, who was appointed chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India last year and the first woman to head the country's chief national competition regulator.

Indian inflation eases to lowest since March

Indian inflation eases to lowest since March

Rediff.com9 Jun 2003

India's annual inflation rate dropped to its lowest since March in the week ended May 24, the government said on Sunday, and analysts forecast further falls that would allow the central bank to keep interest rates soft.

Energy prices push inflation lower

Energy prices push inflation lower

Rediff.com21 Apr 2003

A fall in prices of some oil products nudged India's wholesale price inflation lower in the week ended April 5, and analysts said they expected a further easing of prices as the war in Iraq comes to an end.

What India Inc wants from Suresh Prabhu

What India Inc wants from Suresh Prabhu

Rediff.com27 Sep 2017

Relax fiscal consolidation, boost public capex and reduce cost of finance, industry tells Centre

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

The Centre on Tuesday said it will not seek disclosure of flash sales from e-commerce players to regulate the fraudulent sale of goods and services but will take appropriate action as per the law on consumer complaints. Discount sales that benefit maximum to consumers will continue, but not fraudulent flash sales on the e-commerce platforms, the government said, adding that the e-tailers need not be "anxious" about the draft rules. Ban on fraudulent flash sales, mis-selling and appointment of chief compliance officer/grievance redressal officer -- are among key amendments proposed to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, on which the government has sought public comments by July 6.

Govt reshuffles bureaucrats, Air India chairman is aviation secretary

Govt reshuffles bureaucrats, Air India chairman is aviation secretary

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

Air India Chairman Rajiv Bansal has been appointed as the new aviation secretary as part of a major top-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre on Wednesday. K Rajaraman, additional secretary in the department of economic affairs, has been appointed as secretary, department of telecommunications, a personnel ministry order said.

All The Muslim Union Ministers

All The Muslim Union Ministers

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that not a single Muslim is part of the Union Cabinet.

India, US to end 6 WTO disputes, Delhi to drop tit-for-tat tariffs

India, US to end 6 WTO disputes, Delhi to drop tit-for-tat tariffs

Rediff.com23 Jun 2023

In a major development, India and the US have agreed to end six trade disputes at the WTO through mutually agreed solutions, while New Delhi will remove retaliatory customs duties on certain American products such as almonds, walnuts, and apples.

E-com firms want govt to 'tweak' existing export policies

E-com firms want govt to 'tweak' existing export policies

Rediff.com9 Mar 2021

E-commerce firms and sellers including Amazon and eBay have made recommendations to the government for a differentiated policy framework for e-commerce in the revised Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) which is expected to come into effect from April 1, 2021. This is because the existing policies on exports have catered largely to traditional, offline and business-to-business exports. Suggestions have been made to the government that through the FTP, it is important to create a conducive policy framework for e-commerce exports that lowers the entry barrier for small businesses to start exporting, according to the industry sources.

UP bans sale of halal-certified products, no restriction on exports

UP bans sale of halal-certified products, no restriction on exports

Rediff.com19 Nov 2023

In a statement, the state government alleged 'malicious attempts' to discourage the use of products lacking a halal certificate not only seek 'unfair financial benefits' but also form part of a 'pre-planned strategy to sow class hatred, create divisions in society, and weaken the country' by "anti-national elements".

Wholesale prices plunge to 4.5-year low

Wholesale prices plunge to 4.5-year low

Rediff.com15 Jun 2020

Inflation in food articles during May stood at 1.13 per cent, as against 2.55 per cent in April.

Indian Chamber of Commerce seeks lowering corporate tax to 25%

Indian Chamber of Commerce seeks lowering corporate tax to 25%

Rediff.com7 Jul 2014

It emphasised that agricultural infrastructure needs considerable investments and hence Section 80IA benefits must be extended to all such investments like IT infrastructure, computers, VSAT, solar panels, water harvesting facilities, storage etc.

Core sector growth slows to 3-month low of 4.1% in March

Core sector growth slows to 3-month low of 4.1% in March

Rediff.com2 May 2018

Cumulatively, the eight core sectors grew by 4.2 per cent in 2017-18, lowest in the last three financial years.

Core sector growth hits 6-mth high of 5.2% in Sep

Core sector growth hits 6-mth high of 5.2% in Sep

Rediff.com31 Oct 2017

The expansion in September is highest since April, when the core sectors' growth stood at 2.6 per cent.

Prez accepts Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation

Prez accepts Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation

Rediff.com18 Sep 2020

'The President of India, as advised by the prime minister, has accepted the resignation of Harsimrat Kaur Badal from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect,' the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.

Why railway budget, ministry must be done away with

Why railway budget, ministry must be done away with

Rediff.com25 Jan 2011

The time is opportune for doing away with the practice of a separate rail budget, and for replacing the railway ministry with an umbrella ministry of transport.

Campbell Wilson all set to become Air India's new CEO

Campbell Wilson all set to become Air India's new CEO

Rediff.com26 Jul 2022

The home ministry has given security clearance to Air India CEO-designate Campbell Wilson, paving the way for him to take charge of the airline, according to a senior official. The appointment of Wilson as the chief executive officer and managing director of Air India was announced by Tata Sons on May 12. Tata Sons took over the loss-making carrier on January 27.

Why electric two-wheelers missed the ambitious 1 million sales target

Why electric two-wheelers missed the ambitious 1 million sales target

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

With just a month left in this financial year, electric two-wheeler sales, so far, are at just 62 per cent of the ambitious target of 1 million units set for 2022-23 by the NITI Aayog. According to VAHAN data, compiled by the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), 620,006 units of electric two-wheelers were sold across the country in FY23 until February 21. Though the industry may miss the 1-million target, sales in FY23 are already up 146 per cent from 249,621 units sold in FY22.

Govt monitoring exports of products used in Covid management

Govt monitoring exports of products used in Covid management

Rediff.com29 Dec 2022

The move is aimed at dealing with any possible emergency situation on account of a spurt in coronavirus cases.

Infra growth slows to 4.8% in Oct; fertiliser, crude oil decline

Infra growth slows to 4.8% in Oct; fertiliser, crude oil decline

Rediff.com30 Nov 2018

Fertiliser production dropped sharply by 11.5 per cent, crude oil by 5 per cent and natural gas by 0.9 per cent in October over the year-ago month

Gold imports up 6.4% to $13 billion in Q1

Gold imports up 6.4% to $13 billion in Q1

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

India's gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's Current Account Deficit (CAD), rose 6.4 per cent to $12.9 billion during April-July this fiscal due to healthy demand, according to government data. The imports stood at $12 billion during the same period a year ago. In July 2022, however, imports of the precious metal fell sharply by 43.6 per cent to $2.4 billion, as per the latest data released by the commerce ministry.

National retail trade policy may include insurance plan for traders

National retail trade policy may include insurance plan for traders

Rediff.com10 Jan 2022

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will soon start public consultation for a national retail trade policy, which is likely to include an insurance scheme aimed at providing financial protection against losses caused by theft, accidents or natural calamities. The policy will also spell out ways to give traders access to low-cost finance, promote digital inclusion, and create necessary infrastructure to support them, a senior government official told Business Standard. This is expected to offer relief especially to traditional traders, who are facing stiff competition from large e-commerce players.

India's exports dip 5.4% in Oct, trade deficit narrows

India's exports dip 5.4% in Oct, trade deficit narrows

Rediff.com3 Nov 2020

After recording positive growth in September, India's exports declined 5.4 per cent to $24.82 billion in October on account of dip in shipments of petroleum products, gems and jewellery, leather, and engineering goods. Trade deficit in October narrowed to $8.78 billion as against $11.76 billion, as imports also fell 11.56 per cent to $33.6 billion during the month under review.

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.

From FDI to e-com, traders now want a bigger say in policy matters

From FDI to e-com, traders now want a bigger say in policy matters

Rediff.com17 Jun 2019

However, in recent times, the clout that trader bodies such as CAIT and other organisations like Swadeshi Jagran Manch and Laghu Udyog Bharati has is steadily increasing. Earlier this year, trader bodies were able to convince the government not to extend the deadline for implementation of the new norms in FDI policy on e-commerce.

8 core sectors' production drops to a dismal 17-month low

8 core sectors' production drops to a dismal 17-month low

Rediff.com30 Apr 2015

The output had expanded by 4 per cent in March 2014.

Wholesale inflation eases to over 3-year low in September

Wholesale inflation eases to over 3-year low in September

Rediff.com14 Oct 2019

Inflation print for food articles, as a basket, remained nearly flat at 7.47 per cent during the month.

Govt approves revised DTH guidelines; to issue 20 year licence

Govt approves revised DTH guidelines; to issue 20 year licence

Rediff.com23 Dec 2020

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved revision in guidelines for providing direct to home (DTH) services in the country under which licenses would be issued for 20 years, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said. The Union Cabinet has also approved 100 per cent FDI in the DTH broadcasting services sector, Javadekar said, adding that while the commerce ministry had spoken of 100 per cent FDI in the DTH sector, the guidelines of the information and broadcasting ministry needed to be changed.

Indian govt prepares to battle US pressure on trade laws

Indian govt prepares to battle US pressure on trade laws

Rediff.com22 Apr 2014

A certain segment of the US pharma industry have become vocal about Indian policies on domestic content requirements and IPR.

Chinese dragon spooks markets, Sensex crashes 839 pts

Chinese dragon spooks markets, Sensex crashes 839 pts

Rediff.com31 Aug 2020

After rallying 543 points in the morning session and touching the 40,000-mark, the BSE Sensex surrendered all gains to close at 38,628.29, showing a loss of 839.02 points or 2.13 per cent. Similarly, the NSE Nifty tanked 260.10 points or 2.23 per cent to end at 11,387.50.

More bad news: Core sector output shrinks for 4th month

More bad news: Core sector output shrinks for 4th month

Rediff.com1 Aug 2020

Infra segment, refinery product impacted the most, even as contraction narrows in latest month.

From April 20 you can order cellphone, fridge, laptop online

From April 20 you can order cellphone, fridge, laptop online

Rediff.com16 Apr 2020

Mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, laptops and stationary items will be allowed to be sold through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal from April 20 during the lockdown, officials said on Thursday. The clarification from a senior home ministry official came a day after Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla issued revised guidelines for the extended lockdown period till May 3.

India's core sector growth slows to 2.6% in August

India's core sector growth slows to 2.6% in August

Rediff.com30 Sep 2015

The growth of eight core sectors slowed down to 2.6 per cent in August mainly due to contraction in steel output.

FDI in railways should be examined carefully, quickly: Survey

FDI in railways should be examined carefully, quickly: Survey

Rediff.com9 Jul 2014

The Commerce and Industry Ministry has circulated a draft Cabinet note for inter-ministerial consultations.

FDI policy in pharma set for major overhaul

FDI policy in pharma set for major overhaul

Rediff.com16 Aug 2013

After a high-level meeting held on Friday chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it has been decided that the Commerce and Industry would soon start a consultation process to address 'dangers inherent' in the current model of FDI in brownfield pharma units.

Around 55% land bank of SEZs in Tamil Nadu lying vacant

Around 55% land bank of SEZs in Tamil Nadu lying vacant

Rediff.com10 Dec 2014

Around 55 per cent of land in the 36 operational special economic zones (SEZs) in Tamil Nadu is lying vacant owing to various reasons, including the recent economic slowdown.

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.

Feb WPI inflation spikes to 13.11% on costlier crude

Feb WPI inflation spikes to 13.11% on costlier crude

Rediff.com14 Mar 2022

The wholesale price-based inflation in February rose to 13.11 per cent on hardening of prices of crude oil and non-food items, even though food articles softened. After two months of mild easing, WPI inflation accelerated in February and remained in double digits for the 11th consecutive month, beginning April 2021. WPI inflation last month was 12.96 per cent, while in February last year, it was 4.83 per cent. The rise in crude oil and natural gas prices after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, beginning February 24, has put pressure on the wholesale price index, even though food articles saw softening across categories of vegetables to pulses to protein-rich items.