News for 'Customs department'

Virgin Atlantic flyers stuck in Turkey land in Mumbai after 40 hrs

Virgin Atlantic flyers stuck in Turkey land in Mumbai after 40 hrs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Over 250 Virgin Atlantic passengers, including Indians, landed at the Mumbai airport late in the evening on Friday after being stranded for more than 40 hours at a Turkey airport. The passengers were stuck at the Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey after their Mumbai-bound aircraft from London was diverted to the airport on Wednesday. The flight landed at around 9 pm at the Mumbai airport. A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said the plane departed Diyarbakir Airport at 13:00 local time on Friday, April 4, operating as flight VS1358. The passengers were provided with overnight hotel accommodation on Thursday evening.

Ash questioned by Mumbai Customs

Ash questioned by Mumbai Customs

Rediff.com20 Nov 2006

A packet containing 23 euros was addressed to the actress.

India Needs More Minds Like Suhas & Anjan

India Needs More Minds Like Suhas & Anjan

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

These are 'hidden champions' of strategic research and innovation. They are worthy of emulation within Indian industry, and maybe even a Padma!, notes R Gopalakrishnan.

Central GST offices to remain open from March 29-31

Central GST offices to remain open from March 29-31

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Central GST (CGST) field offices will remain open on March 29-31, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said on Friday. The CBIC directive came days after a similar directive from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) regarding income tax department offices "to facilitate completion of pending departmental work.

Mid-tier IT firms outpaced larger peers' growth in FY25

Mid-tier IT firms outpaced larger peers' growth in FY25

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Mid-tier information-technology (IT) companies last financial year reported better growth numbers than their larger counterparts, highlighting their ability to navigate the uncertain macroeconomic environment. Most of these companies - such as Persistent Systems, Coforge, KPIT, and Mphasis - focus on niche businesses and industries that allow them to go deeper in terms of client mining and expanding wallet share from existing customers.

India's exports to US up 16.9%, imports dip 5.76% in May

India's exports to US up 16.9%, imports dip 5.76% in May

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

India's merchandise exports to the US rose by 16.93 per cent to $8.83 billion in May, while imports dipped by 5.76 per cent to $3.62 billion during the month, according to the commerce ministry data. During April-May, the country's exports to the US increased by 21.78 per cent to $17.25 billion, while imports rose by 25.8 per cent to $8.87 billion, the data showed.

'Bomb threat': Hyderabad-bound flight forced to make a U-turn

'Bomb threat': Hyderabad-bound flight forced to make a U-turn

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

In Hyderabad, airport sources on Monday said, "A bomb threat email targeting Lufthansa flight LH 752 was received at the Hyderabad airport at 18:01 hrs on 15th June 2025."

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Modi-Musk Talk: Will Starlink Get Go Ahead?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Starlink's application for offering satcom services in India had been held up for the company's inability to comply with mandatory ownership disclosure norms.

Shubhanshu Shukla gets ready for historic spaceflight

Shubhanshu Shukla gets ready for historic spaceflight

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others were getting ready for their journey to the International Space Station on board SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket that is scheduled to blast off from the Kennedy Space Centre (KSC) in Florida on Tuesday evening.

India, US trade talks to start from April 23 in Washington

India, US trade talks to start from April 23 in Washington

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Indian and US officials will begin deliberations on the proposed bilateral trade agreement in Washington from Wednesday with an aim to iron out issues and give an impetus to the negotiations.

Uber Liable For Poor Service

Uber Liable For Poor Service

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Though Uber functions as a cab aggregator, the Delhi state commission ruled it should ensure timely and reliable delivery of services offered through its platform.

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

Air India faces worst crisis, cancels 7 int'l flights amid crash fallout

Air India faces worst crisis, cancels 7 int'l flights amid crash fallout

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

While Air India cancelled six international flights due to aviation regulator DGCA subjecting its Dreamliner fleet to enhanced checks, the Ahmedabad-London Gatwick one was cancelled due to unavailability of aircraft, the airline said.

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Law enforcement officials from the US Department of Homeland Security have started visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey to check for the presence of illegal immigrants, drawing a sharp reaction from some Sikh organisations which see such actions as a threat to the sanctity of their faith. The Trump administration has rescinded the Biden administration's guidelines that protected places of worship from immigration enforcement actions, leading to concerns that gurdwaras are being targeted. Sikh organisations argue that gurdwaras are not just places of worship but also vital community centres and that surveillance and raids by armed law enforcement would burden religious exercise and limit the ability of Sikhs to gather and associate with one another.

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

At a time when the finance ministry is focusing on addressing employee grievances, the number of employees in most public-sector banks (PSBs) has declined over the last three financial years.

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, a citizen and national of India, entered the United States on a F-1 student visa as a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Friday. It added that Srinivasan was "involved in activities supporting" Hamas, a terrorist organisation.

India's Drone Future Begins at IIT-K

India's Drone Future Begins at IIT-K

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'The defence forces have come up with certain problems they face in the drone space.' 'Recently we had a meeting at which they presented the problems to many of our start-ups and faculty.' 'Some of the start-ups have started working on the problems.'

Payments banks urge FinMin to raise deposit limit to Rs 5 lakh

Payments banks urge FinMin to raise deposit limit to Rs 5 lakh

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Payments banks have urged the Union finance ministry to increase their deposit limit for each account to Rs 5 lakh, according to a source who participated in a meeting, chaired by the Department of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju, in New Delhi. At present, they can accept deposits of up to Rs 2 lakh.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission postponed to Wednesday

Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission postponed to Wednesday

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket was scheduled to blast off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Tuesday evening.

Piyush Goyal to lead team to Washington for trade talks

Piyush Goyal to lead team to Washington for trade talks

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a team of senior Indian officials to Washington starting May 16 for discussions with their US counterparts on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), an official said on Tuesday. Goyal is expected to hold meetings with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during his visit.

From warehouses to local stores: Ola Electric shifts gear

From warehouses to local stores: Ola Electric shifts gear

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid the ongoing controversy in Maharashtra over Ola Electric stores operating without a trade certificate, sources at the Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer said the company is currently transitioning from a centralised warehouse model to a retail-focused approach. They emphasized that Ola Electric is ensuring all regulatory compliances are being met during this shift.

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

'If you follow the law, America offers opportunities. But those who violate the law will face the consequences.'

Another team from India will visit Washington this month for trade talks

Another team from India will visit Washington this month for trade talks

Rediff.com8 May 2025

A team of senior officials from India will again visit Washington this month to hold discussions with their US counterparts on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), government sources said on Thursday. To give impetus to the talks, India's chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, special secretary in the Department of Commerce, and Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch had last month held three-day talks in Washington.

FM to hold review meet with Customs, Excise officials tomorrow

FM to hold review meet with Customs, Excise officials tomorrow

Rediff.com3 Dec 2013

According to a senior official of the Customs Department, the Finance Minister will hold review meeting on Service Tax Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme.

Adani Group to invest $5-20 bn over next 5 years

Adani Group to invest $5-20 bn over next 5 years

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

The Adani Group plans to invest a record $15-20 billion across businesses over the next five years to chart out the next phase of growth, chairman Gautam Adani said on Tuesday as he touted the conglomerate's strong balance sheet and robust business to shrug off relentless scrutiny it faces. Record earnings from the businesses ranging from seaports to airports, renewable energy parks to data centres, cement to gas and electricity has built India's largest infrastructure group that not only exists just to serve the markets but to serve the nation's destiny, he said.

Customs allows e-clearance for moving laptops

Customs allows e-clearance for moving laptops

Rediff.com27 Mar 2020

The Customs clearance required for moving equipment like laptops, desktops, etc out of SEZ units was delaying things as the clearance had to be taken in person after a first level of approval online.

London's Heathrow airport closure disrupts flight ops

London's Heathrow airport closure disrupts flight ops

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Following a significant power outage, operations at the London Heathrow (LHR) have been suspended till 2359 hours (local time) on March 21 (05.30 am March 22, IST).

Starlink deal: What it actually means for Airtel, RIL

Starlink deal: What it actually means for Airtel, RIL

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

India's biggest telecom players, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries-backed Jio Platforms, will soon bring billionaire Elon Musk-led SpaceX's Starlink satellite services to India. According to analysts, the move could boost India's tele density, especially in the rural areas, and may be an opportunity for investors to add the two stocks on dips for long-term gains

ISRO Arm All Set To Launch US Satellite

ISRO Arm All Set To Launch US Satellite

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The LVM3 rocket will orbit one Block 2 BlueBird satellite in Low Earth Orbit.'

Customs nets 23% more illegal gold consignments in Q1

Customs nets 23% more illegal gold consignments in Q1

Rediff.com31 Aug 2019

A rise in import duty could be a reason for increase in illegal consignments, say experts.

Health budget up by 11%, daycare cancer centres announced

Health budget up by 11%, daycare cancer centres announced

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union health ministry has been allocated Rs 99,858.56 crore in the Budget 2025-2026, an around 11 per cent hike over the Rs 89,974.12 crore in the budget (revised estimates) of 2024-2025 with the government announcing setting up daycare cancer centres at all district hospitals over the next three years.

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, is facing deportation after US authorities accused him of "spreading Hamas propaganda" and having "close connections to a suspected terrorist." The Department of Homeland Security claims Suri has been actively promoting antisemitism on social media and is connected to a senior Hamas advisor. Suri's lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argues that his client is being targeted due to his wife's Palestinian heritage and their opposition to US foreign policy towards Israel. The incident follows the self-deportation of another Indian student from Columbia University who was also accused of supporting Hamas.

Cancer vaccine for women in 5-6 months: Union minister

Cancer vaccine for women in 5-6 months: Union minister

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A vaccine to fight cancers affecting women will be available in five to six months, and those in the age group of nine to 16 years will be eligible for inoculation, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said on Tuesday. The Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare and Ayush (Independent Charge) said that research on a vaccine is nearly complete and trials are underway. The government has also waived off customs duty for medicines used in cancer treatment.

Bomb threat 'non-credible' but...: American Airlines on Delhi flight

Bomb threat 'non-credible' but...: American Airlines on Delhi flight

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

However, it said that the Delhi airport protocol required the aircraft to be inspected elsewhere before being cleared to land.

India's next big business op: Hub for undersea cables?

India's next big business op: Hub for undersea cables?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

While India has become the largest data generating nation, and hosts more than 152 data centres, it is fed by only 18 undersea cables.

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

In his petition, Suri's lawyer said that he is being punished as his wife, who is a US citizen, is of Palestinian heritage and because the government suspects that he and his wife are against the US foreign policy towards Israel.

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

US judge stops Indian student's deportation weeks before graduation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Krish Lal Isserdasani is an engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Stricter Steel Rules May Crush Small Manufacturers

Stricter Steel Rules May Crush Small Manufacturers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Since India relies heavily on specialised imported fasteners for critical applications in industries, such as automobiles, aerospace, electronics, and defence, their sudden unavailability will jeopardise production.

NY-Delhi flight escorted by fighter jets to Rome after bomb scare

NY-Delhi flight escorted by fighter jets to Rome after bomb scare

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Italian news agency ANSA said the flight was diverted following a request from American Airlines for security checks related to a "suspected bomb threat".