News for 'Indian Department of Commerce'

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.

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.

'Many Indian unicorns have set up businesses in Dubai'

'Many Indian unicorns have set up businesses in Dubai'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

'As part of our D33 strategy, the plan is to establish 30 unicorns in Dubai within the next 10 years.'

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.

100% FDI in e-commerce exposes BJP's double standard

100% FDI in e-commerce exposes BJP's double standard

Rediff.com4 Apr 2016

"Not a single step has been taken by this government to empower small businesses in India," says Praveen Khandelwal, national secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders and former treasurer of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi unit.

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The finance minister continues to be backed by the same policy team in charting out the broad strategy as in the few earlier Budgets.

Govt seeks to allay concern over 'retaliatory' duty cut on US apples

Govt seeks to allay concern over 'retaliatory' duty cut on US apples

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

India's recent move to remove additional 'retaliatory' duty on eight products from the United States (US), including apples and walnuts, would not have any negative impact on the domestic producers, the government clarified, even as the issue threatened to snowball into a political slugfest between the ruling and Opposition parties. The move would, in fact, result in competition in the premium market segment, ensuring better quality at better prices for consumers, especially for apples, a senior government official said. "There were certain concerns that were being raised on the mutually agreed solution that has come in, more specific to seven-eight agriculture products where we had levied additional import duties in retaliation to the steel and aluminum measures (imposed by the US)," Peeyush Kumar, additional secretary in the commerce department, told reporters in a briefing.

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.

Smartphones, India's 4th Largest Exports!

Smartphones, India's 4th Largest Exports!

Rediff.com23 May 2024

Smartphones have been a key success story of the government's production-linked incentive scheme, helping India become the second-largest mobile phone manufacturing country, after China.

A yr of Israel-Hamas war: Trade with W Asia holds steady

A yr of Israel-Hamas war: Trade with W Asia holds steady

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

A year after a Hamas attack against Israel on October 7 and the ensuing Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, India's trade with most West Asian countries has largely escaped any major disruption, except with countries like Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. However, repeated flare-ups of geopolitical tensions in the region continue to drive up shipping and logistics costs.

Progress made over early return of stranded Indian students, says China

Progress made over early return of stranded Indian students, says China

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

China said on Thursday that "progress" has been made in facilitating the return of thousands of Indian students stranded back home due to Beijing's COVID visa bans and efforts were on for "early return" of the first batch.

Govt bats for 50% foreign investment in e-commerce

Govt bats for 50% foreign investment in e-commerce

Rediff.com8 Jan 2014

Government seeks stakeholders' comments by Jan 30 on discussion paper.

How Modi plans to tackle spiralling trade deficit with Russia

How Modi plans to tackle spiralling trade deficit with Russia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

India's trade deficit with Russia continued to widen for the second consecutive year to $57 billion in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), with Moscow becoming New Delhi's largest source of crude oil imports. All eyes will now be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia during July 8-9, where he is set to meet President Vladimir Putin. This will be Modi's first visit to the Kremlin since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began over two years ago.

Government plans to allow FDI in e-commerce before April

Government plans to allow FDI in e-commerce before April

Rediff.com31 Dec 2013

Floats discussion paper for stakeholders' feedback with a deadline of January 28.

Jaitley meets US commerce secretary, bats for H-1B

Jaitley meets US commerce secretary, bats for H-1B

Rediff.com21 Apr 2017

Taking up the case of Indian IT companies and professionals, Jaitley told Ross about the contribution of highly-skilled Indians in the economic development of the United States and India and stressed that they should continue to do so, which is in the best interest of the two countries, officials said.

Spice row: Govt plans greater scrutiny, SOPs

Spice row: Govt plans greater scrutiny, SOPs

Rediff.com13 May 2024

The government is formulating guidelines on the use of ethylene oxide (ETO) in samples of spices for the domestic market and exports, people aware of the matter said, as it plans to step up efforts to make quality checks more stringent. ETO, a flammable, colourless gas, is typically used as a disinfectant. It is also used as a sterilising agent and an insecticide to reduce microbial contamination in spices. However, its use is considered carcinogenic, beyond permissible limits.

ED arrests ex-IAS officer in Rs 2000-cr Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam' case

ED arrests ex-IAS officer in Rs 2000-cr Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam' case

Rediff.com21 Apr 2024

The IAS officer was later taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and is expected to be produced before a magistrate seeking his remand, the sources said.

Commerce secy sees double-digit growth in exports

Commerce secy sees double-digit growth in exports

Rediff.com3 Sep 2013

Exports had risen over 11 per cent in July, year-on-year.

Jack Ma comes calling again, discusses e-commerce future with Modi

Jack Ma comes calling again, discusses e-commerce future with Modi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2015

Jack Ma is learnt to have discussed about e-commerce, mobile telephony

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Rediff.com13 Mar 2014

The Cabinet can take a decision on the matter only after the Election Commission's approval.

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.

It's raining job promises in Odisha

It's raining job promises in Odisha

Rediff.com13 May 2024

Despite declining by three percentage points in 2022-23 (FY23) compared to FY19, Odisha's unemployment rate remains higher than the average in India.

Uncertain future awaits Indian pharma exporters

Uncertain future awaits Indian pharma exporters

Rediff.com25 Aug 2021

As uncertainty looms large in Afghanistan, Indian pharma exporters are apprehensive to send goods to the war-torn country and the target of exporting $126 million worth of pharmaceutical goods to the Taliban-ruling nation now depends on the future outcome. Udaya Bhaskar, director general of Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) body under the Department of Commerce on Tuesday said as the situation is grim over there and India pharma exporters have cordial relations with Afghanistan. "The projected target for 2021-22 is $126.22 million.

Siddaramaiah Goes Backfoot On Local Quota Bill

Siddaramaiah Goes Backfoot On Local Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

Sources within the Congress, including those who have been members of the teams that drafted its 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha poll manifestos, said the Karnataka government decision lacked any empirical basis.

How Many Letters Does The Post Office Still Deliver?

How Many Letters Does The Post Office Still Deliver?

Rediff.com28 Aug 2023

Nearly two million postcards and eight million letters pass through India's post offices daily.

Amazon sets the pace for e-commerce in India

Amazon sets the pace for e-commerce in India

Rediff.com27 May 2016

Flipkart and Snapdeal take a cue from Amazon even as they differ on who is ahead in the race

Fake call centre 'duping' US citizens busted in Hyderabad, 115 held

Fake call centre 'duping' US citizens busted in Hyderabad, 115 held

Rediff.com11 Aug 2023

According to the police, the accused persons collected data, such as phone numbers and personal data from a portal, and the employees of the call centre randomly made calls using VoIP to US citizens.

Exports dip 10.3% in May; trade deficit at 5-month high

Exports dip 10.3% in May; trade deficit at 5-month high

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

Exports declined for the fourth-consecutive month by 10.3 per cent year-on-year to $34.98 billion in May, while the trade deficit widened to a five-month high of $22.12 billion. According to the data released by the commerce ministry on Thursday, key export sectors recording negative growth include petroleum products, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, ready-made garments of all textiles and chemicals. Imports also declined 6.6 per cent, six-month in a row, to $57.1 billion against $61.13 billion in the same month last year, the data showed.

'When innocent children die...': Modi to Putin on Ukraine war

'When innocent children die...': Modi to Putin on Ukraine war

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told Russian President Vladimir Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed in the midst of bombs and bullets even as he flagged concerns over a missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

Telangana: A hotspot for e-commerce, retail and aviation companies

Telangana: A hotspot for e-commerce, retail and aviation companies

Rediff.com9 Oct 2015

Riding on e-commerce wave is the youngest state, which faces competition from neighbours.

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

The government on Friday came out with Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 which seeks to boost the country's exports to $2 trillion by 2030 by shifting from incentives to remission and entitlement based regime. Unlike the practice of announcing 5-year FTP, the latest policy has no end date and will be updated as and when needed, said Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Sarangi while briefing media about FTP 2023. Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled FTP 2023 which will come into effect from April 1, 2023.

Pharma export body suspends Marion Biotech for no reply on syrup deaths

Pharma export body suspends Marion Biotech for no reply on syrup deaths

Rediff.com30 Dec 2022

The drug maker will lose some incentives if its membership is suspended, sources in Pharmexcil said.

Centre seeks info from embassy on Iran's bar on rice, tea imports

Centre seeks info from embassy on Iran's bar on rice, tea imports

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

The department of commerce has urged the agriculture ministry as well as the diplomatic mission in Tehran to apprise it of details as to why Iranian buyers have stopped import of rice and tea from India, a senior government official said. Exporters said that exports of items such as high quality tea and rice have stopped since last week. As of now, there has been no confirmation from the authorities and the response from the embassy in Tehran is also taking time, they said.

Indian exporters feel the heat of India-China tension

Indian exporters feel the heat of India-China tension

Rediff.com26 Jun 2020

The FIEO on Thursday reiterated that the Customs authorities at several ports in India had ordered a sudden examination of Chinese consignments without any official word from the government, and this may have led to the Chinese retribution.

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

From toys, footwear and furniture to insulated flasks, smart meters, and air coolers - the Central government over the last decade has mandated higher standards for production and imports of such items. Sample this: Till 2014, there were 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 106 products. By the latest count, there are 156 QCOs on 672 products.

India may buy more oil from UAE in the coming months after COP talks

India may buy more oil from UAE in the coming months after COP talks

Rediff.com11 Dec 2023

India is expected to ramp up its purchase of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the coming months following discussions between the two countries on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai, multiple sources in the know said. The UAE has historically been India's third-largest source of crude. It has suffered the largest drop in shipments since Indian refiners began to binge on Russian crude in 2022.

Shaktikanta Das: RBI Governor Who Walks The Talk

Shaktikanta Das: RBI Governor Who Walks The Talk

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

'Das is friendly, but he finally does what he does. The quality of engagement is very good.'

Can India Create Multi Language AI Like Chat GPT?

Can India Create Multi Language AI Like Chat GPT?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

Creating an LLM trained on Indian languages is not easy. Experts say each language in India has a nuance of its own, so creating a ChatGPT-like product is an ambitious challenge.

Kissinger used racist, misogynist language for then PM Indira Gandhi

Kissinger used racist, misogynist language for then PM Indira Gandhi

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

Speaking about the issue in India in March 2012 at a media conclave, Kissinger defended his use of unparliamentary language while referring to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

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.