News for 'Department of Commerce'

Budget may open window for big-ticket foreign investments

Budget may open window for big-ticket foreign investments

Rediff.com26 Jan 2021

The Centre plans to create a special window for strategically important investors such as sovereign wealth funds and pension funds that wish to invest over Rs 3,000 crore through a single transaction.

Budget 2022: India Inc pitches for more reforms and tax stability

Budget 2022: India Inc pitches for more reforms and tax stability

Rediff.com16 Dec 2021

India Inc on Thursday pitched for continuation of reforms while ensuring tax and policy stability in the forthcoming Budget to prop up the economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the virtual pre-Budget consultation held with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, industry chambers said that government measures will help firmly entrench the nascent signs of recovery being currently seen in private investment. Capital expenditure by the government through enhanced infrastructure spending should in the meantime continue to support growth, CII president TV Narendran said.

Spread of Omicron puts spanner in back-to-office work

Spread of Omicron puts spanner in back-to-office work

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

The spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has made Indian companies persist with their policy of banning overseas trips and allowing only essential travel within India. The IT services firms, which had planned to ask their employees to return to the workplace, are also waiting and watching the Covid-19 situation before fully opening up their offices. Large conglomerates like the Tatas, Birla, JSW and Reliance are continuing with the mandatory social distancing and masking policies within their office premises.

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.

US judge blocks Trump's H-1B visa ban

US judge blocks Trump's H-1B visa ban

Rediff.com2 Oct 2020

In a major relief to thousands of Indian IT professionals, a federal judge in the US on Thursday blocked the enforcement of a temporary visa ban by the Trump administration on a large number of work permits, including the most sought after H-1B visas, ruling that the president exceeded his constitutional authority.

Govt brings ordinance to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Govt brings ordinance to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com29 Oct 2020

Violation of the provisions entails a punishment of a jail term up to five years or with fine up to Rs 1 crore or with both, the ordinance released by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Thursday said.

Delhi metro to run at 50% capacity from Monday: Kejriwal

Delhi metro to run at 50% capacity from Monday: Kejriwal

Rediff.com5 Jun 2021

The Delhi Metro will operate at 50 per cent capacity and markets and malls in the national capital will open on an odd-even basis from June 7, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday as he announced further relaxations in lockdown.

Why e-tailers find it tough to mention 'country of origin' on goods

Why e-tailers find it tough to mention 'country of origin' on goods

Rediff.com28 Jul 2020

Experts say it is difficult to determine country of origin where most products are manufactured and sold, as part of a complex global value chain.

The many battles that Amazon is fighting in India

The many battles that Amazon is fighting in India

Rediff.com8 Jul 2021

Among all the geographies where Amazon is fighting regulators, India is the only place where its lines are also tangled in a major corporate battle, this one with India's largest company by market capitalisation over the acquisition of Mumbai-based Future Group's retail chain, the country's second largest. No other corporate entity in any country offers a challenge to Amazon's hegemony in a way Reliance Industries does - and the final hearing of an arbitration case filed at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre between the two may decide at least some of these issues. This legal battle between one of the world's most powerful corporations and one of India's most powerful conglomerates could be complicated by a host of other developments.

Mumbai police updates lockdown curbs: What's allowed, what isn't

Mumbai police updates lockdown curbs: What's allowed, what isn't

Rediff.com7 Apr 2021

Mumbai Police on Wednesday announced the updated lockdown guidelines which restricts the movement of people in public areas and transport while exempting those involved in essential services.

Shah, Sitharaman stand tall among ministers

Shah, Sitharaman stand tall among ministers

Rediff.com22 Jul 2021

Strengthening the portfolios of the home minister and the finance minister is a message that should not be missed, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Imran Khan meets Putin amid Ukraine attack; talks developments in S Asia

Imran Khan meets Putin amid Ukraine attack; talks developments in S Asia

Rediff.com24 Feb 2022

The leaders of the two countries "discussed the main aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on current regional topics, including developments in South Asia," said a brief statement issued by the Russian President's office - Kremlin.

Bureaucratic rejig at Centre: New secys appointed

Bureaucratic rejig at Centre: New secys appointed

Rediff.com13 Dec 2019

The appointment of new expenditure secretary comes a month-and-a-half ahead of the Budget for 2020-21 to be presented on February 1.

India, US have 'almost closed' contours of limited trade pact: Goyal

India, US have 'almost closed' contours of limited trade pact: Goyal

Rediff.com25 Feb 2020

Having almost closed the last contours of the limited trade deal and with the announcement of a much larger trade deal in the offing, we have moved to a new level of engagement: Goyal.

Covid wave: Govt speeds up import approval for 17 medical equipment

Covid wave: Govt speeds up import approval for 17 medical equipment

Rediff.com30 Apr 2021

Recently, the finance ministry waived off basic customs duty and health cess on imported oxygen and related equipment for three years.

Maharashtra extends Covid curbs, with relaxation in districts with low caseload

Maharashtra extends Covid curbs, with relaxation in districts with low caseload

Rediff.com31 May 2021

The Maharashtra government on Sunday extended the lockdown-like curbs till June 15 and also announced that relaxations will be granted depending upon the Covid-19 positivity rate and availability of oxygen beds.

What US companies want from India: Stable policy

What US companies want from India: Stable policy

Rediff.com27 Jun 2020

Embargo on imports from a neighbouring country would send a chilling signal to foreign investors who look for transparency and companies with manufacturing units in India had requested the government to publish any change in port policy "to provide the business community with the visibility they need to function", says United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

Nykaa's Falguni Nayar: UNAFRAID To Take Risks

Nykaa's Falguni Nayar: UNAFRAID To Take Risks

Rediff.com28 Oct 2021

Beauty, Nykaa's founder Falguni Nayar realised, is a very long-tailed business and with e-commerce picking up in India, it seemed like a good idea to venture into.

How Biden's trade team could influence relations between the two countries

How Biden's trade team could influence relations between the two countries

Rediff.com7 Jan 2021

India will have to show more willingness to import, and since Biden will not encourage sale of oil and gas to bridge the gap, it means there has to be more meaningful duty reduction in other areas even if Delhi baulks at a Free Trade Agreement so soon after walking out of RCEP.

E-tailers face tough times as states tighten tax noose

E-tailers face tough times as states tighten tax noose

Rediff.com25 Jan 2015

Kerala's tax authorities are also reviewing other e-commerce companies for similar discrepancies, and might fine more defaulters.

Home delivery of liquor allowed in Maharashtra

Home delivery of liquor allowed in Maharashtra

Rediff.com12 May 2020

The order, issued by the Home Department, will come into effect only after guidelines are finalised, said a senior official.

Kerala govt slaps fine on Flipkart, Jabong

Kerala govt slaps fine on Flipkart, Jabong

Rediff.com24 Jan 2015

The Kerala commercial taxes department has slapped a fine of Rs 53.63 crore (Rs 536.3 million) on four online trading companies including Flipkart and Jabong for allegedly doing illegal business in the state.

Gangajal by post to be a reality soon

Gangajal by post to be a reality soon

Rediff.com30 May 2016

Receiving Ganga water by post could be a reality soon as the government endeavours to tap the e-commerce platform to bring the holy water at the doorsteps.

Edtech: What Parents Need To Know

Edtech: What Parents Need To Know

Rediff.com15 Jan 2022

'Why is the government asking parents to be careful rather than coming up with strict rules and regulations for the companies?'

Why reopening LoC trade routes remain a pipedream for Kashmir traders

Why reopening LoC trade routes remain a pipedream for Kashmir traders

Rediff.com26 Apr 2019

The chances of the posts opening remain slim, with security agencies recently identifying 10 suspects who smuggled in weapons, narcotics and fake currency.

Aditya Birla group to take over Reebok's India operations

Aditya Birla group to take over Reebok's India operations

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

In a major expansion into sportswear and lifestyle wear segment, the Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Authentic Brand Group of New York, which has the marketing and branding rights of Reebok, to run the operations of the global sportswear, athletic and lifestyle major in the country and ASEAN markets. The new agreement between the largest domestic multi-brand fashion retailer and Authentic Brand is an extension of their existing relationship as ABFRL already markets and sells some ABG brands like Forever 21. The agreement follows the global transfer of ownership of the Reebok brand from Adidas to ABG, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

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.

Bihar Aquaponics Farm Blazes A Trail

Bihar Aquaponics Farm Blazes A Trail

Rediff.com16 Jul 2022

'Aquaponics can effectively cushion the impact of a calamity like COVID.'

FDI from China drops to $141 million in 4 years

FDI from China drops to $141 million in 4 years

Rediff.com25 Oct 2018

Overall, cumulative direct investment from China stood at just $2.05 billion till June 2018, according to consolidated DIPP figures

India Post is grappling with e-tail shift

India Post is grappling with e-tail shift

Rediff.com16 Mar 2016

'A fresh look is being given to ways of processing, transmission, and delivery.'

J-K plans mythological theme park near Vaishno Devi shrine

J-K plans mythological theme park near Vaishno Devi shrine

Rediff.com11 Jun 2021

The Jammu and Kashmir administration is planning to set up India's best mythological theme park near the famous Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district and has sought investors for the project, officials said.

Modi to review ministries' work in quest for turnaround

Modi to review ministries' work in quest for turnaround

Rediff.com3 Jan 2020

Starting today, Modi and top officials in the Prime Minister's Office will be briefed by various central ministries and departments on their plans as well as agenda for the next five years. They will also apprise the PMO of the work they have done so far in realising the agenda of government's second term in office.

Govt will release draft national retail policy soon

Govt will release draft national retail policy soon

Rediff.com26 Jun 2019

For months, offline retailers and traders have been lobbying hard for a national retail policy to protect their business from the growing influx of e-commerce.

Alibaba grappling with policy bottlenecks in India

Alibaba grappling with policy bottlenecks in India

Rediff.com13 May 2016

It is watching e-commerce policy fineprint before spelling out India plan

Why inflation pain could get worse

Why inflation pain could get worse

Rediff.com14 Jun 2021

As India looks to mend its Covid-battered economy, one thing that will grab the attention of all concerned is the path that both wholesale and retail inflation will follow. Even the Reserve Bank of India in its latest policy statement said, "Going forward, the inflation trajectory is likely to be shaped by uncertainties impinging on the upside and the downside.

Why Chinese firms are under govt lens

Why Chinese firms are under govt lens

Rediff.com10 Jan 2019

The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch has pointed out that these firms pose a threat to domestic manufacturing and retailing as they do not pay relevant taxes such as GST, giving them a huge edge over local players.

Trouble brews for Amazon India

Trouble brews for Amazon India

Rediff.com5 Dec 2014

Karnataka tax dept may attach assets of dealers; new retailers not being registered

Budget: Government must explain the numbers

Budget: Government must explain the numbers

Rediff.com26 Feb 2020

'Nirmalaji's Budget announcements have long-term implications and are not backed by enough money when the short-term outlook looks bleak,' notes T N C Rajagopalan.

Govt permits 100% FDI in online market places

Govt permits 100% FDI in online market places

Rediff.com29 Mar 2016

Market place model of e-commerce means providing of an IT platform by an e-commerce entity on a digital and electronic network to act as a facilitator between buyer and seller.

Unlock 5: Central govt allows multiplexes to open

Unlock 5: Central govt allows multiplexes to open

Rediff.com30 Sep 2020

State and UT governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner.