News for 'Commerce and Industry'

Will Trump 2.0 See More US Oil To India?

Will Trump 2.0 See More US Oil To India?

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'The US is strongly placed to expand its crude supplies to India.'

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

E-commerce rules to get stricter; flash sales may soon be history

E-commerce rules to get stricter; flash sales may soon be history

Rediff.com21 Jun 2021

The Centre on Monday proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 and sought public comments on banning mis-selling and fraudulent flash sale of goods and services on e-commerce platforms, and also on making registration of these entities mandatory with DPIIT. Ban on misleading users by manipulating search results, appointment of chief compliance officer and resident grievance officer are some of the other amendments being proposed. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 were first notified in July last year.

Nestle, IndusInd, Bandhan, Asian Paints from BSE 500 index hit 52-week lows

Nestle, IndusInd, Bandhan, Asian Paints from BSE 500 index hit 52-week lows

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Share prices of Nestle India, Asian Paints, Bandhan Bank, Tata Technologies, AU Small Finance Bank and Avenue Supermarts, all a part of the BSE 500 index, have hit their respective 52-week lows on the BSE in Thursday's intra-day trade after a sharp correction in the equity markets.

'Urban demand is under stress, would need an upward spiral'

'Urban demand is under stress, would need an upward spiral'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

'Spending by the middle class is limited with a focus on savings. However, there is buoyancy at the top-end.'

Fadnavis's PA, turncoats in Maha BJP's third list

Fadnavis's PA, turncoats in Maha BJP's third list

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Jitesh Antapurkar, who won a bypoll in 2021 on a Congress ticket and is considered close to former chief minister Ashok Chavan, has been nominated from Deglur.

Despite import cuts, govt seeks smooth supply of laptops

Despite import cuts, govt seeks smooth supply of laptops

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

As the Union government explores ways to restrict import of laptops and other electronic devices starting with a 5 per cent reduction from the current level, it is working to ensure that there's no supply disruption in India even if an import cap is introduced, it is learnt. The caveat assumes significance in the context of the government's announcement of its plan in August 2023 to issue licences for import of select IT hardware products to reduce the country's dependence on China.

Gold imports doubled to record high of $10.06 bn in August

Gold imports doubled to record high of $10.06 bn in August

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Gold imports more than doubled in August to a record high of $10.06 billion, mainly on account of a drastic cut in customs duty and ongoing festive demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data. Gold imports stood at $4.93 billion in August 2023. On record high imports, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that the tariff rates on gold have been reduced drastically so that smuggling and other activities can come down.

In a way, pandemic was a boon for Indian e-commerce firms

In a way, pandemic was a boon for Indian e-commerce firms

Rediff.com1 Jan 2021

E-commerce firms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra and others witnessed successful festive season sales this year, Experts say e-commerce adoption in the country is accelerating by multiple years or what it would have looked like in 2025.

Exports up 17.25% in Oct; highest in over 2 years

Exports up 17.25% in Oct; highest in over 2 years

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

India's merchandise exports in October rose by 17.25 per cent to $39.2 billion against $33.43 billion a year ago, according to government data released on Thursday. Imports increased by 3.9 per cent to $66.34 billion in October compared to $63.86 billion in the year-ago period.

Has Amazon actually broken India's e-commerce laws?

Has Amazon actually broken India's e-commerce laws?

Rediff.com19 Mar 2021

Last November, a lawyer for Future Retail Limited (FRL) told Delhi high court that Amazon is interfering with its lawful business and thousands may lose their jobs and FRL may go bankrupt. Senior advocate Harish Salve, who appeared for FRL, likened Amazon to East India Company. Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, who represented Amazon, told the Future counsel to keep the "East India Company" rhetoric aside, as Amazon has invested $6.5 billion all over India and created 900,000 jobs. This drama played out in the case in which Amazon has challenged Future's $3.4-billion deal with Reliance, alleging the retailer's deal breached an agreement with the American e-commerce firm.

Will content creators drive the next wave of e-commerce?

Will content creators drive the next wave of e-commerce?

Rediff.com9 Jan 2022

First it was called content-led commerce. Then it came to be known as influencer-led commerce. And its latest iteration is creator economy. This evolution of the terminology for online personas impacting buying decisions -- through blogs, memes, bite-sized videos, and podcasts -- has happened over the past five to seven years.

Govt turns down FDI in retail e-commerce

Govt turns down FDI in retail e-commerce

Rediff.com10 Jun 2015

Ecommerce firms will have it tough as govt turns down FDI proposal.

72% employers intend to hire freshers in second half of 2024: Report

72% employers intend to hire freshers in second half of 2024: Report

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Around 72 per cent of employers in India intend to hire freshers in the second half of 2024, according to a report released by TeamLease EdTeach on Wednesday. The report titled 'Career Outlook Report HY2 (July-December 2024), based on a survey of over 603 companies across India conducted between April and June 2024, indicated a positive trend in the job market for new graduates.

Smartphones Not Diamonds Drive India's Exports To US

Smartphones Not Diamonds Drive India's Exports To US

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

In the June quarter of 2024-2025, smartphone exports hit $2 billion, well ahead of non-industrial diamond exports, which stood at $1.44 billion.

After UPI and ULI, banks to set up Unified Recovery Interface

After UPI and ULI, banks to set up Unified Recovery Interface

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

Eying benefits from digital banking, lenders are now looking at building Unified Recovery Interface (URI) for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and getting good prices for properties of defaulters. This would be managed by PSB Alliance Ltd, a company set up by all public sector banks in the country. M V Rao, chairman, Indian Banks' Association (IBA), said: "Till now we had Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a product developed by National Payments Corporation Ltd (NPCI).

India Inc slams draft e-commerce policy, calls it vague

India Inc slams draft e-commerce policy, calls it vague

Rediff.com3 Apr 2019

Data localisation, an overarching theme across recent government policy proposals, has been a thorny issue with industry

Digital firms, traders to lobby for e-commerce policy with Piyush Goyal

Digital firms, traders to lobby for e-commerce policy with Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com7 Jun 2019

According to CAIT, e-commerce policy should take within its ambit not only foreign players but also domestic ones.

Gangsters kidnap 2 Hindu traders in Pakistan

Gangsters kidnap 2 Hindu traders in Pakistan

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Two Hindu traders in Pakistan have been kidnapped by gangsters who have demanded the release of their accomplices from police custody in exchange for the safe release of the businessmen, police said Wednesday.

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

'We can hope to see a lot of creation of jobs in the days to come.'

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

Union Budget 2024-25: MSMEs bat for Rs 5,000 crore export booster

Union Budget 2024-25: MSMEs bat for Rs 5,000 crore export booster

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

India SME Forum, an organisation for small and medium businesses, has called for creating a dedicated fund of Rs 5000 crore for the export capacity development, promotion, and marketing of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in its Budget recommendation. The forum for MSMEs with over 98,000 members said that to enhance India's global competitiveness and increase its market share in global exports, it was "crucial to increase the number of active exporters and enable at least 3-4 lakh first-time micro, small, and medium exporters while supporting them in promoting Indian products globally."

J&K's 5.9 mn tonne lithium reserve to be re-explored after failed auction

J&K's 5.9 mn tonne lithium reserve to be re-explored after failed auction

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

The Ministry of Mines has directed the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to conduct a re-exploration of the 5.9 million tonnes of lithium block in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K's) Reasi district after repeated setbacks to put the reserve up for auction again in six months.

Wholesale inflation falls to 3-month low of 2.04% in July

Wholesale inflation falls to 3-month low of 2.04% in July

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

Wholesale inflation fell to a 3-month low of 2.04 per cent in July on decline in prices of food items especially vegetables, government data released on Wednesday showed. The decline in wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation in July came after it rose for four months in a row till June, when it was 3.36 per cent. It was (-) 1.23 per cent in July last year. In April wholesale inflation stood at 1.19 per cent.

E-commerce, tech firms call for clarity on Personal Data Protection Bill

E-commerce, tech firms call for clarity on Personal Data Protection Bill

Rediff.com5 Dec 2019

The biggest fear many of the e-commerce firms have is the possible requirement to change business models overnight, which would drastically increase costs as well as disrupt businesses.

India's gig economy may add 90 mn jobs, contribute 1.25% to GDP

India's gig economy may add 90 mn jobs, contribute 1.25% to GDP

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The gig economy market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent to reach a gross volume of $455 billion by the end of 2024, according to a white paper by The Forum for Progressive Gig Workers. Estimates suggest the gig economy has the potential to create 90 million jobs and add 1.25 per cent to India's GDP (gross domestic product) over time.

India's GDP expected to grow at 6.5% in Q2 FY25

India's GDP expected to grow at 6.5% in Q2 FY25

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Economists at the country's largest lender SBI on Wednesday said they see Q2 real GDP growth slowing down further to 6.5 per cent in the September quarter of this fiscal year. Amid concerns over the country's economic growth rate and if it is slowing down, the analysts said they expect FY25 growth to come "closer to" 7 per cent. It can be noted that the April-June period saw the real GDP expanding by 6.7 per cent, the lowest in 15 quarters.

AI, Cloud, super app: Adani group to bet big on tech

AI, Cloud, super app: Adani group to bet big on tech

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

Coal-to-airports conglomerate Adani group is set to make a splash in the tech world. The group is considering the creation of customised artificial intelligence (AI) models for commercial prospects and consolidating digital services on a super app, according to people in the know. The Adani One app, part of its consumer-facing businesses, is reportedly in talks to expand into e-commerce and digital payments, according to a Financial Times report.

Indian eCommerce market to hit $15 bn in 2 years: Google

Indian eCommerce market to hit $15 bn in 2 years: Google

Rediff.com20 Nov 2014

India is estimated to have 302 million Internet users by December 2014, overtaking the US as the world's second largest online userbase.

Money Courses To Help Earn Up To Rs 2 Cr

Money Courses To Help Earn Up To Rs 2 Cr

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Pratham Barot, CEO and co-founder, Zell Education, explains how specialised courses in finance can help you earn a cushy six-figure salary.

E-commerce firms in India form their own lobby group

E-commerce firms in India form their own lobby group

Rediff.com14 Mar 2019

The founding members of The E-Commerce Council of India include Snapdeal, ShopClues, UrbanClap, Shop101, Flyrobe and Fynd, among others.

Amazon, trade bodies' courtroom battle may impact e-commerce policy

Amazon, trade bodies' courtroom battle may impact e-commerce policy

Rediff.com24 Feb 2020

The case may drag for a few years, experts say, as CAIT and DVM have said they will appeal against the interim relief granted to Amazon.

Only 2-3 eCommerce firms will survive market bloodbath: Study

Only 2-3 eCommerce firms will survive market bloodbath: Study

Rediff.com29 Oct 2014

At the same time, Tier II and III cities are expected to have a faster adoption rate with greater sales margins derived directly from online channels.

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Nitin Desai, who has known Dr Singh from 1971, extends his 'deepest condolences to his wife Gurcharan Kaur and to his three talented daughters Upinder, the historian; Daman, the writer; and Amrit, the human rights activist.'

Startups Funding On Path To Recovery

Startups Funding On Path To Recovery

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

Investors attribute the revival to the country's strong public markets, which are boosting confidence in initial public offering (IPO)-bound startups offering viable exit opportunities.

Budget 2024: Mobile phones, gold, silver get cheaper

Budget 2024: Mobile phones, gold, silver get cheaper

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The FM proposed reduction in basic customs duty on gold and silver to 6 per cent and platinum to 6.4 per cent.

Sitharaman urges banks to make loans affordable

Sitharaman urges banks to make loans affordable

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said people are finding current interest rates "very stressful" and urged banks to make them affordable. Speaking at an event organised by State Bank of India, the finance minister said that at present, India requires industry to ramp up and invest in new facilities, and added that lowering lending rates can help achieve the "Viksit Bharat" aspiration.

Troubled times ahead for India's e-commerce start-ups

Troubled times ahead for India's e-commerce start-ups

Rediff.com10 Mar 2016

Morgan Stanley writing down its investment in the e-commerce leader by 27 per cent does not augur well for the sector.

Reliance ready for next level of growth: Ambani

Reliance ready for next level of growth: Ambani

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Reliance Industries Ltd has consolidated its balance sheet after the previous round of capex and is ready for the next level of growth, its chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said outlining plans from net zero to roll-out of True5G telecom network and retail. In the firm's latest annual report, he said in the world of volatility and uncertainty, India is shining as a beacon of stability and prosperity.

Healthy growth outlook, market share gains positive for Marico

Healthy growth outlook, market share gains positive for Marico

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Marico may buck the industry trend with the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major reporting strong growth and favourable commentary in a weak quarter for the industry. The company reported consolidated revenue growth of 8 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in Q2FY25. Domestic revenue growth was 8 per cent Y-o-Y with 5 per cent volume growth (4 per cent in Q1FY25).