News for 'Commerce and Industry'

Centre to revise SEZ Act, limiting tax sops and enhancing integration

Centre to revise SEZ Act, limiting tax sops and enhancing integration

Rediff.com16 Nov 2023

The Centre is unlikely to offer new direct tax incentives for units operating in special economic zones (SEZs) and may instead allow the grandfathering of previous exemptions that such units were entitled to, according to proposed amendments to the SEZ Act, 2005, people aware of the matter said. The amendments, proposed by the commerce department, will soon be considered by the Cabinet for approval. This represents a departure from the department's earlier plan to introduce these changes through the Development Enterprises and Services Hubs (DESH) Bill, 2023, which faced strong criticism from the ministry of finance.

Key infra sector growth slows to 6-month low of 7.8 pc in Nov

Key infra sector growth slows to 6-month low of 7.8 pc in Nov

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

The production growth of eight key infrastructure sectors slowed to a six-month low of 7.8 per cent in November due to a decline in the output of crude oil and cement sectors. The growth rate in the production of coal, fertiliser, steel, and electricity also decreased during November this year. According to the data released by the government on Friday, the growth during the month under review, however, is higher than the 5.7 per cent recorded a year ago.

In a major climbdown, govt now says e-commerce firms can sell pvt labels

In a major climbdown, govt now says e-commerce firms can sell pvt labels

Rediff.com4 Jan 2019

Private labels remain big business for e-commerce marketplaces. They comprise almost 15 per cent of the total business of such firms.

Flipkart eyes profitability ahead of IPO

Flipkart eyes profitability ahead of IPO

Rediff.com22 Jan 2024

Flipkart, the e-commerce company owned by Walmart, is intensifying its efforts to achieve profitability as it is eyeing a valuation of approximately $60 billion at the time of its initial public offering (IPO), now planned in 2025-2026, instead of this year, according to people familiar with the matter. The firm might consider listing in the US or any other geography, including India. The company, which counts the likes of Amazon and Reliance's JioMart among its competitors in India's burgeoning e-commerce market, had also contemplated launching an IPO in 2022-2023.

FMCG industry record 9.4% growth in Jan-March

FMCG industry record 9.4% growth in Jan-March

Rediff.com12 May 2021

The Indian FMCG industry has recorded a 9.4 per cent growth in the January-March quarter of 2021, helped by a consumption-led growth and value growth by increased prices of products, especially of staples, said data analytics firm Nielsen. The rural market continued to perform with strong growth of 14.6 per cent during the period and the metro markets have registered a positive growth after two quarters. Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry sales growth from the traditional trade channels jumped to double digits, while growth in e-commerce normalised down to single digits in the January-March quarter.

Eight core industries' output grows 56.1% in April

Eight core industries' output grows 56.1% in April

Rediff.com31 May 2021

The output of eight core sectors jumped by 56.1 per cent in April mainly due to a low base effect and uptick in production of natural gas, refinery products, steel, cement and electricity, official data released on Monday showed. The eight infrastructure sectors of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity had contracted by 37.9 per cent in April 2020 due to lockdown restrictions imposed to control the spread of coronavirus infection. In March this year, the eight sectors had recorded a growth rate of 11.4 per cent.

Microsoft gives ONDC its first Big Tech push

Microsoft gives ONDC its first Big Tech push

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

Microsoft has become the first global Big Tech company to join the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an Indian government initiative for developing a first-of-its-kind open network for digital commerce. The world's second-largest technology firm intends to introduce social e-commerce via its app in the Indian market later this year. ONDC is expected to open to the public in Bengaluru over the next fortnight as it enters into the next phase of the pilot for further fine-tuning before rollouts in other cities, according to a source in the know.

Crisil sees 11% revenue growth for IT industry in FY22

Crisil sees 11% revenue growth for IT industry in FY22

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

The Indian IT industry will stage a "strong recovery" in 2021-22 with a revenue growth of up to 11 per cent, ratings agency Crisil said on Wednesday. The recovery will be led by increasing outsourcing and accelerating digital transformation services mainly in sectors such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), healthcare, retail and manufacturing, it said. As per Nasscom, the IT services industry grew 2.7 per cent to $99 billion in 2020-21.

Goyal focuses on exports, industry growth

Goyal focuses on exports, industry growth

Rediff.com8 Jun 2019

Work on a dozen decisions to start by next week.

New scheme for EVs may put global majors in fast lane

New scheme for EVs may put global majors in fast lane

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

The new scheme, promoting manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) by global majors, will give a fillip to companies like Tesla and its upstart rival Vinfast, both of whom have lobbied for lower import duties from the Centre. While Vinfast has already announced an investment of Rs 4,000 crore to set up an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Tamil Nadu, Tesla's next move will be watched carefully. Four years ago, Musk announced that his company would come to India.

It's raining jobs in e-commerce space

It's raining jobs in e-commerce space

Rediff.com6 Oct 2014

The indicative salary outlook for junior employees is Rs 1.45 lakh-Rs 3 lakh per annum, while for mid-management it is between Rs 12 lakh-Rs 30 lakh per annum

Street gives big-hearted welcome to Britannia's Q4 results

Street gives big-hearted welcome to Britannia's Q4 results

Rediff.com15 May 2024

FMCG major Britannia Industries' results for the January-March quarter (Q4) of the financial year 2023-24 (FY24) were received enthusiastically by the market with the share going up by 6.7 per cent on Monday to close at Rs 5,061.60 on the BSE. However, analysts said the results were in line with margins, and disappointing in terms of revenue growth. The consolidated net sales (excluding other operating income) rose 3 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 4,010 crore in Q4.

E-commerce norms to provide level-playing field, clarity: Minister

E-commerce norms to provide level-playing field, clarity: Minister

Rediff.com4 Apr 2016

E-retailers with foreign investments may now find it difficult to provide discounts.

Eight core industries' output contracts 2.5% in Oct

Eight core industries' output contracts 2.5% in Oct

Rediff.com27 Nov 2020

Contracting for the eighth consecutive month, the output of eight core infrastructure sectors dropped by 2.5 per cent in October, mainly due to decline in production of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products and steel. The production of eight core sectors had contracted 5.5 per cent in October 2019, data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry showed on Friday.

Policy, valuations could keep rural stocks in play post-2024 polls result

Policy, valuations could keep rural stocks in play post-2024 polls result

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Most brokerages are betting that the new government will shift to a policy focussing on boosting rural incomes and consumption since that has clearly been a pain point.

From 41 to 104: High-valued stock universe up 2.5x in a single year

From 41 to 104: High-valued stock universe up 2.5x in a single year

Rediff.com22 May 2024

The universe of stocks trading at a 12-month forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 50x or more has swelled by 2.5x to 104, indicating the growing froth in the market. In March 2023, the number of stocks with a P/E of 50x and 100x stood at 41 and 3, respectively, which has now grown to 104 and 9, according to an analysis by Kotak Institutional Equities (KIE).

E-commerce draft policy plugs gifting loophole for foreign sites

E-commerce draft policy plugs gifting loophole for foreign sites

Rediff.com5 Mar 2019

Among other things, taking note of complaints against several Chinese e-commerce players such as Shein, Ali Express etc for sending shipments as 'gifts' to customers in India and avoiding duties, the government has now mandated that all e-commerce sites and apps must have a registered business entity. This will be the importer on record and subject to customs rules, report Subhayan Chakraborty, Neha Alawadhi and Karan Choudhury.

Fall in other goods freight may put Railways' 2030 target off track

Fall in other goods freight may put Railways' 2030 target off track

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

Indian Railways has managed to improve its freight volumes each year since the pandemic. However, its inability to add new industries and goods will pose a challenge for the national transporter in the wake of it setting an ambitious target of 45 per cent share in the national logistics by 2030. According to officials, the ministry of railways achieved 114 million tonnes (mt) of miscellaneous goods (classified as balance and other goods) in 2023-24.

Avoid dilly-dallying, accept demands before...: Farmers to govt

Avoid dilly-dallying, accept demands before...: Farmers to govt

Rediff.com18 Feb 2024

Three Union ministers and farmer leaders will meet in Chandigarh at 6 pm to discuss their demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP for crops and farm debt waiver.

E-commerce: 25% cap on sales to end monopoly of few vendors

E-commerce: 25% cap on sales to end monopoly of few vendors

Rediff.com3 Apr 2016

After 100% FDI, DIPP has put a condition an e-commerce entity will not be permitted more than 25% of sales through its marketplace from one vendor or their group companies

As govt tighten e-commerce laws, discounts from Amazon, Flipkart may be history

As govt tighten e-commerce laws, discounts from Amazon, Flipkart may be history

Rediff.com26 Dec 2018

Government's decision comes in the backdrop of several complaints being flagged by domestic traders on heavy discounts being given by e-commerce players to consumers.

Battle lines are hardening against govt's e-commerce draft

Battle lines are hardening against govt's e-commerce draft

Rediff.com24 Aug 2018

Smaller Singapore- and US-based venture capital funds, retail associations and trader bodies such as the CAIT and SJM are all planning to approach the government to put pressure on the commerce ministry.

Qatar fund to acquire around 1% stake in Reliance Retail for Rs 8,278 cr

Qatar fund to acquire around 1% stake in Reliance Retail for Rs 8,278 cr

Rediff.com23 Aug 2023

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will acquire around 1 per cent stake in Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), the retail arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, by investing Rs 8,278 crore ($1 billion). A QIA's wholly-owned subsidiary will make the investment in India's largest retailer at a valuation of Rs 8.278 lakh crore ($100 billion). Updating about the development, Reliance Industries in a regulatory filing said: "QIA's investment will translate into a minority equity stake of 0.99 per cent in RRVL on a fully-diluted basis." RRVL is the holding company for all retail businesses of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).

India's gold imports rise 26.7% to $35.95 bn in Apr-Dec FY24

India's gold imports rise 26.7% to $35.95 bn in Apr-Dec FY24

Rediff.com29 Jan 2024

India's gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), increased 26.7 per cent to $35.95 billion during the April-December of this fiscal due to healthy demand, according to government data. The imports stood at $28.4 billion during the same period a year ago. In December 2023, imports of the precious metal jumped by 156.5 per cent to $3 billion, as per the data released by the commerce ministry.

Indian-born in US commerce council

Indian-born in US commerce council

Rediff.com2 Feb 2011

US Commerce Secretary has appointed Purnima Voria to a new National Advisory Council

What's Elon Musk Doing in China?

What's Elon Musk Doing in China?

Rediff.com31 May 2023

This is the Tesla CEO's first visit to China in three years.

Startups call for swift measures to ensure robust safety

Startups call for swift measures to ensure robust safety

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

The blast at The Rameshwaram Caf has caused distress and concern among the startup and information technology (IT) community, raising questions related to safety and security. Approximately 10 people were reportedly injured in a low-intensity bomb blast at The Rameshwaram Caf, a popular restaurant in Bengaluru's Brookfield. The surrounding area is a major hub for the Indian technology (tech) industry, housing many startups and top IT companies such as IBM, SAP, Accenture, International Tech Park Bangalore, and Prestige Technostar.

Why commerce ministry was upset with the Budget

Why commerce ministry was upset with the Budget

Rediff.com22 Mar 2011

According to a senior commerce ministry official, the Budget sought to withdraw some significant stimulus measures "in a clandestine manner", which would affect exports and lead to impediments in efforts to achieve $450 billion worth of exports by 2013-14, from around $250 billion at present.

Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED attaches assets of accused worth Rs 205 cr

Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED attaches assets of accused worth Rs 205 cr

Rediff.com3 May 2024

The attached properties include 14 assets of Tuteja worth Rs 15.82 crore, 115 properties of Anwar Dhebar, the elder brother of Raipur Mayor and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebar, worth Rs 116.16 crore, properties of Vikash Agarwal alias Subbu worth Rs 1.54 crore and 33 properties of Arvind Singh worth Rs 12.99 crore, it said in a statement.

E-com cos told to display 'country of origin' on all products

E-com cos told to display 'country of origin' on all products

Rediff.com9 Jul 2020

The development comes amid a growing clamour for the boycott of Chinese products in India, combined with the government's push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Festive Season To Create 700K Gig Jobs

Festive Season To Create 700K Gig Jobs

Rediff.com17 Oct 2023

'The World Cup alone is expected to create an additional 100,000 jobs, most of which will comprise gig workers in the delivery space, transportation, hospitality and event management.'

Once Nehru said 'India second, China first': Jaishankar

Once Nehru said 'India second, China first': Jaishankar

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday targeted Jawaharlal Nehru and claimed that past mistakes were responsible for the problems such as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and occupation of some parts of the Indian territory by China.

'New e-commerce rules regressive, will harm consumers'

'New e-commerce rules regressive, will harm consumers'

Rediff.com28 Dec 2018

USISPF slammed government's move and alleged that the amendments announced were without any consultation and are akin to changing rules in the middle of the game.

Sonia's letter on retail rattles commerce ministry

Sonia's letter on retail rattles commerce ministry

Rediff.com6 Feb 2007

The commerce ministry went into a huddle following UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's letter to Prime Minister Singh advising caution on allowing FDI in retail.

Durables firms to petition govt over e-commerce discounts

Durables firms to petition govt over e-commerce discounts

Rediff.com12 Oct 2014

Industry body to write to commerce ministry, seek regulation for e-tailers.

Wholesale inflation eases to 0.27% in January

Wholesale inflation eases to 0.27% in January

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation eased in January to 0.27 per cent, mainly due to moderation in prices of food items. WPI inflation was at 0.73 per cent in December 2023. The WPI inflation was in the negative zone from April to October and had turned positive in November at 0.39 per cent.

'Small, mid-caps attractive long-term'

'Small, mid-caps attractive long-term'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

'Given the inherent volatility, investors should take at least a three to five-year view.'

Digital to overtake TV in revenues by end of 2024

Digital to overtake TV in revenues by end of 2024

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

It has been a slow year for the Indian media and entertainment (M&E) business. After two years of double-digit growth, it grew at just about 8 per cent in 2023 over 2022. It now stands at Rs 2.33 trillion in advertising and pay revenues.

8 core industries' output contracts 1.3% in Dec

8 core industries' output contracts 1.3% in Dec

Rediff.com29 Jan 2021

The output of eight core infrastructure sectors contracted for the third month in a row by 1.3 per cent in December 2020, dragged down by poor show by crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel and cement sectors. The core sectors had expanded by 3.1 per cent in December 2019, according to the provisional data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Friday. Barring coal and electricity, all sectors recorded negative growth in December 2020. During April-December 2020-21, the sectors' output declined by 10.1 per cent against a growth rate of 0.6 per cent in the same period of the previous year.