News for 'Department for Business'

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Modi Eyes Trade Revival Talks With Trump

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Ahead of the visit, officials from key government departments held intense discussions to identify key trade-related proposals.

US sanctions Indian national for shipping Iranian oil

US sanctions Indian national for shipping Iranian oil

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The US has sanctioned an Indian national based in the United Arab Emirates and two India-based entities for operating as part of Iran's shadow fleet and involved in shipping Iranian oil. The US Department of the Treasury said Jugwinder Singh Brar, who owns multiple shipping companies, operates as part of Iran's shadow fleet, which the US said is used to evade sanctions and transport Iranian oil. Brar also owns or controls India-based shipping company Global Tankers Private Limited and petrochemical sales company B and P Solutions Private Limited. The sanctions come as part of a US campaign of maximum pressure on Iran and target the country's petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

Soros connection? US lawmaker challenges Adani probe

Soros connection? US lawmaker challenges Adani probe

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Challenging the decision of the Biden Administration to investigate the activities of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his companies, an influential Republican lawmaker on Tuesday said such selective actions risk damaging critical alliance partners.

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Govt headhunter fails to find right candidate for BPCL top job

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

After HPCL, the government headhunter struggled to find a suitable candidate for the top job at Bharat Petroleum, as most applicants were narrow specialists lacking multidisciplinary experience needed to run a large organisation. The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) last month interviewed a dozen candidates including BPCL director (finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta and its director (refineries) S Khanna but found none suitable for the job of chairman and managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), according to a PESB order.

'US May Demand Not Just Tariff Cuts But...'

'US May Demand Not Just Tariff Cuts But...'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

I'...additional concessions, such as opening government procurement, reducing agricultural subsidies, weakening patent protections, and allowing unrestricted data flows -- demands India has resisted for decades.'

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The exit deadline for Pakistani nationals visiting India on SAARC visas ended on April 26, while for the rest, except those on medical visas, it is set to close on Sunday, April 27 amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

India's Medtech Industry To Develop High-end Equipment

India's Medtech Industry To Develop High-end Equipment

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals' annual report for 2024-25, India imported medical devices worth $8.1 billion, while exports stood at $3.7 billion in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24)

Elon Musk Takes Centrestage At Trump's Cabinet Meet

Elon Musk Takes Centrestage At Trump's Cabinet Meet

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting of his second term, featuring a controversial appearance by Elon Musk, who stood wearing a "tech support" T-shirt.

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

FAQ: IT Dept Can Check E-mail, WhatsApp

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Here's what you must know about the new rule, its implications, and whether it affects taxpayers' rights and privacy.

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kumar, who played a key role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the Union home ministry, took charge as an election commissioner on March 15, 2024.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Trump Order May Delay Adani Case

Trump Order May Delay Adani Case

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'While the current pause offers temporary reprieve and alleviates any immediate legal pressure, the long-term implications remain uncertain.'

Adani issue national matter, not personal: Rahul Gandhi

Adani issue national matter, not personal: Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his response to questions about the Adani Group controversy during his US visit. Gandhi alleged that Modi downplayed the issue as a 'personal matter' and did not raise it with US President Donald Trump. Gandhi argued that the controversy is a 'matter of the country' and should not be ignored by the Prime Minister.

Modi flies home after 'substantive, productive' US visit

Modi flies home after 'substantive, productive' US visit

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the United States after holding high-level bilateral talks with President Donald Trump on a wide range of subjects, including trade and technology, defence and security, energy and people-to-people ties. The two leaders decided to take a significant step in deepening their strategic ties, particularly in the areas of defence, energy, and critical technology. Modi also met with key American officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and prominent business leaders like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Why are we giving $21 million to India?: Trump on DOGE cut

Why are we giving $21 million to India?: Trump on DOGE cut

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Trump made these remarks after Elon Musk-led DOGE's (Department of Government Efficiency) disclosed that USAID contributed USD 21 million to Election Commission for boosting voter turnout.

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The "construct of the DPDP Act" cannot be changed at this stage, though there may be some minor tweaks in the language of the Rules and formats in certain legitimate cases.

Can China Successfully Challenge The US?

Can China Successfully Challenge The US?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

If Beijing succeeds in this multipronged effort to challenge the current dominant power, it will have not just economic but political and security consequences. There is no let-up in the South China Sea nor any de-escalation moves on the India-China border. This portends to ominous signalling from Beijing, observes China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

Trump says Musk's plan to build Tesla factory in India is 'very unfair'

Trump says Musk's plan to build Tesla factory in India is 'very unfair'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump has said if Elon Musk's Tesla built a factory in India to avoid that country's tariffs, it would be unfair to the US. Trump's comments came amid moves by him to increase tariffs significantly. On February 13, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meeting with Trump at the White House, the US President announced reciprocal tariffs.

'You may get IT department notice if...'

'You may get IT department notice if...'

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

Anil Rego, CEO, Right Horizons, answers your personal income tax queries.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

'Attention Comes With Pressure And Responsibility'

'Attention Comes With Pressure And Responsibility'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'Tomorrow I will go back home, clean my bed, pay my rent, all the normal things that a person does.' 'I'll still be the same person for my friends, my parents.' 'That grounding is the real thing, rather than the feeling of having made it.'

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'The intensity and frequency of heatwaves will be much higher than in previous years over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.'

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Will Miss World Raise Telangana's Profile?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Many states are realising that hosting mega events puts the spotlight on them and raises their profile.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Telangana government has issued a circular allowing Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early during the holy month of Ramzan. The move has been criticized by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed it "appeasement politics". The BJP questioned why similar measures are not extended during Hindu festivals. The ruling Congress party defended the decision, stating that such facilities are provided during various festivals and are not unique to Ramzan.

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Now, Trump says $21 million went to 'my friend Modi' for voter turnout

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump for the fourth time in recent days claimed that the Biden administration allocated $21 million funding to India for 'voter turnout', evoking a sharp response from the Congress which urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'talk to his friend' and strongly refute the allegation.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

Indian-origin tech firms corner 1/5th of H-1B visas

Indian-origin tech firms corner 1/5th of H-1B visas

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Indian-origin tech companies cornered a fifth of all H-1B visas issued by the US with Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services leading the pack, an analysis of data from the US immigration department showed. According to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, in April-September 2024 period, out of the total 1.3 lakh H-1B visas issued to different employers, about 24,766 visas were issued to Indian-origin companies.

Trump Ticks Off Zelenskyy In Heated White House Meeting

Trump Ticks Off Zelenskyy In Heated White House Meeting

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

US President Donald Trump cut short discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday after he and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukraine's leader in a tense Oval Office exchange.

Rs 200 Billion For Bharat Small Reactors

Rs 200 Billion For Bharat Small Reactors

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Whether the ambitious targets are achievable is a moot question as India's earlier target was 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020.

Failure to disclose foreign assets, income to invite Rs 10L penalty: I-T dept

Failure to disclose foreign assets, income to invite Rs 10L penalty: I-T dept

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

The Income-Tax Department on Sunday cautioned taxpayers that failure to disclose assets held abroad or income earned in foreign shores in the ITR can attract a penalty of Rs 10 lakh under the anti-black money law. The department issued a public advisory as part a compliance-cum-awareness campaign launched recently by it on Saturday to ensure that such information is reported by the assessee in their Income Tax Return (ITR) for assessment year (AY) 2024-25.

'Elon Musk was fascinated about Kumbh Mela'

'Elon Musk was fascinated about Kumbh Mela'

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

Musk said on Friday that he believes India-US ties are "trending positive" and that he favours an enhanced trade partnership between the two nations.

LS Speaker asks Rahul to follow rules; LoP says not allowed to speak

LS Speaker asks Rahul to follow rules; LoP says not allowed to speak

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in India's Lok Sabha, has accused the Speaker, Om Birla, of running the House in a "non-democratic style" and preventing him from speaking. Gandhi claims that he was not allowed to speak on various issues, including unemployment and the Maha Kumbh festival, despite raising his hand to speak. He also alleges that the Speaker made unsubstantiated remarks about him and adjourned the House without giving him an opportunity to respond. The Speaker, however, has urged members to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the House, especially the Leader of the Opposition.

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses enforcement of foreign bribery law

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses enforcement of foreign bribery law

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to pause enforcing a nearly half-century-old law that was used to launch a bribery investigation against the Adani Group. Trump signed an order to pause enforcing of the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits American companies and foreign firms from bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain or retain business.

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Relief to Adani? Trump pauses foreign bribery law

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Trump signed an order to pause enforcing of the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits American companies and foreign firms from bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain or retain business.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized the BJP for its allegations that elements in the American "deep state" were behind attempts to destabilize India, saying this "attack-dog" behavior is an embarrassment to India. Tharoor's comments come after the US rejected the BJP's allegations, describing them as "disappointing" and asserting that the US government is a champion of media freedom. The BJP had alleged that the US deep state colluded with the media portal OCCRP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to "damage" India's image.

Unpaid Rs 15 crore loan led to Kolkata triple murder

Unpaid Rs 15 crore loan led to Kolkata triple murder

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Kolkata Police detectives on Wednesday visited the house, where three female members of a family were killed last month, and reconstructed the crime scene with an accused -- the husband of one of the deceased.

Operation Sindoor: 'Escalation Can't Be Ruled Out'

Operation Sindoor: 'Escalation Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

'It could take the form of sporadic LoC violation through heavy artillery and mortar fire, focusing on border villages where the Hindu Dogra population is predominant.'