News for 'Ministry of Commerce'

Wholesale price-based inflation hits 3-year low in May

Wholesale price-based inflation hits 3-year low in May

Rediff.com14 Jun 2023

Wholesale price-based inflation rate fell to a 3-year low of (-) 3.48 per cent in May on easing prices of food, fuel and manufactured items, strengthening the case for continuing with the pause in rate hike in the coming months of the current fiscal. This is the second straight month when WPI has been in the negative zone mainly on account of a higher base and falling prices of fuel and manufactured goods. Food prices also eased during May. In May, 2022 WPI inflation was at 16.63 per cent. Last month, it was (-) 0.92 per cent.

Raids in ministries exposes racket of selling documents to corporates

Raids in ministries exposes racket of selling documents to corporates

Rediff.com12 Mar 2015

6 locations in New Delhi and 2 in Mumbai were raided.

Assam's Gamosa, Telangana's Tandur Redgram, Ladakh's apricot get GI tag

Assam's Gamosa, Telangana's Tandur Redgram, Ladakh's apricot get GI tag

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

The government has granted Geographical Indications (GI) tag to various products, including Gamosa of Assam, Tandur Redgram of Telangana, and an apricot variety of Ladakh. The commerce and industry ministry said on Wednesday that the total number of GI has reached to 432. "Famous Gamosa of Assam, Tandur Redgram of Telangana, RaktseyKarpo Apricot of Ladakh, Alibag White Onion of Maharashtra have got their GI tags," it said.

FDI inflow to India declines to $74.01 billion in 2021

FDI inflow to India declines to $74.01 billion in 2021

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

Total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow to India declined to $74.01 billion in the calendar year 2021, which is 15 per cent lower from $87.55 billion recorded in the previous year, the ministry of commerce & industry said on Wednesday. The FDI inflow includes equity inflow, equity capital of unincorporated bodies, re-invested earnings and other capital. "FDI is largely a matter of commercial business decisions and FDI inflow depends on a host of factors such as availability of natural resource, market size, infrastructure, political and general investment climate as well as macro-economic stability and investment decision of foreign investors.

HC seeks status report from govt on illegal sale of medicines online

HC seeks status report from govt on illegal sale of medicines online

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

The petitioner's lawyer interjected the rules are being framed for the last 5-6 years but nothing concrete has been done yet.

IT ministry joins row on SEZ norms

IT ministry joins row on SEZ norms

Rediff.com29 May 2006

Amazon fined for not displaying mandatory info about products

Amazon fined for not displaying mandatory info about products

Rediff.com25 Nov 2020

The government has imposed a penalty on e-commerce major Amazon for not displaying mandatory information, including the country of origin, of products sold on its platform, according to an official order. Last month, the consumer affairs ministry had issued notices to e-commerce majors Flipkart and Amazon for not displaying such information. The ministry has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Bengaluru-based Amazon Seller Services as well as each of its directors as per the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Package Commodities) Rules, 2011.

Will quit politics if charges against wife proved: Himanta

Will quit politics if charges against wife proved: Himanta

Rediff.com14 Sep 2023

Gogoi and Sarma have been locked in a war of words on 'X' since Wednesday on the issue of the chief minister's wife's company allegedly being given a credit subsidy of Rs 10 crore.

TikTok takes a leaf out of FB, Google

TikTok takes a leaf out of FB, Google

Rediff.com25 Jun 2019

Post elections, the company has been making frequent visits to various ministries, including the IT ministry, commerce ministry, as well as different agencies to get the hang of things in the administration.

Ministry fears SEZ delay threat to foreign tie-ups

Ministry fears SEZ delay threat to foreign tie-ups

Rediff.com13 Feb 2007

In another instance, a foreign partner of a notified SEZ had already procured equipment abroad for setting up the units but could not send them to India as all proposals were put on hold.

Govt approves 100% FDI in aviation, defence, e-commerce

Govt approves 100% FDI in aviation, defence, e-commerce

Rediff.com20 Jun 2016

India already allows 100 per cent ownership of greenfield pharma businesses.

Biden urged to enter into a trade deal with India

Biden urged to enter into a trade deal with India

Rediff.com5 Apr 2022

A top Republican lawmaker has welcomed India signing a trade deal with Australia, and urged the Biden administration to enter into a similar arrangement with New Delhi that can advance Washington's strong economic agenda in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. "I'm pleased to see #Australia & #India sign a strong trade deal," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch said in a tweet. "The US needs to do the same and advance a strong economic agenda in the #IndoPacific. "The Biden Admin's failure to lead hurts US growth and our partnership in the region," Risch said in another tweet.

Prescriptions a must to buy ayurveda drugs online, says consumer body

Prescriptions a must to buy ayurveda drugs online, says consumer body

Rediff.com14 Jul 2022

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Thursday directed e-commerce entities to sell specified ayurveda, siddha and unani drugs only after customers upload valid medical prescriptions from registered doctors on the platforms.

Govt tweaks licensing norms for laptop, computer imports

Govt tweaks licensing norms for laptop, computer imports

Rediff.com19 Oct 2023

The government on Thursday tweaked curbs on imports of laptops and computers as it allowed importers to bring in shipments of IT hardware from overseas on a mere 'authorisation' upon detailing quantity and value. The new 'import management system' is aimed at monitoring shipments of laptops, tablets and computers into the country without hurting market supply or creating a cumbersome licensing regime. The announcement is likely to provide relief to companies in the IT hardware segment in India as they had flagged concerns over the imposition of a strict licensing regime for importers.

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

The stormy second part of Budget Session continues. Both houses of Parliament have been facing continuous protests by opposition parties over issues like fuel price hike.

Wholesale inflation eases to over 2-year low of 3.85% in February

Wholesale inflation eases to over 2-year low of 3.85% in February

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

The wholesale price-based inflation declined to over two-year low of 3.85 per cent in January on easing prices of manufactured items, fuel and power, even though food articles remained expensive. This is the ninth straight month of decline in the rate of wholesale price-index (WPI) based inflation. The WPI inflation was 4.73 per cent in January and 13.43 per cent in February, last year.

60 fugitives have so far been extradited to India, but Rana's case is special

60 fugitives have so far been extradited to India, but Rana's case is special

Rediff.com18 May 2023

In more than a decade since 2002, 60 fugitives were extradited or deported by foreign governments to India, which received a major victory in its fight to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to justice when a US federal court agreed to the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to the country.

India exported goods worth $280 mn to Russia in Oct, up 3.7%

India exported goods worth $280 mn to Russia in Oct, up 3.7%

Rediff.com20 Dec 2022

As sanctions-hit Russia increasingly relies on consumer products from India, outbound shipments to Russia have started picking up for the second consecutive month in October. This comes after it witnessed contraction for six consecutive months starting March, commerce and industry ministry data showed. During October, India exported goods worth $280 million, up 3.7 per cent as compared to a year ago. It was led by demand for items such as vegetables, tea, coffee, chemicals as well as iron and steel products.

Indo-Pacific, China top agenda as Modi arrives in Australia for 3-day visit

Indo-Pacific, China top agenda as Modi arrives in Australia for 3-day visit

Rediff.com22 May 2023

During the visit, the Prime Ministers will attend a community event in Sydney to celebrate Australia's dynamic and diverse Indian diaspora, "a core part of our multicultural community", the Australian government said in a statement.

Govt reconstitutes FIPB

Govt reconstitutes FIPB

Rediff.com21 Feb 2003

With the shifting of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board to the finance ministry, the government has now reconstituted the board appointing Finance Secretary S Narayan as its chairperson.\n\n\n\n

All The Muslim Union Ministers

All The Muslim Union Ministers

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that not a single Muslim is part of the Union Cabinet.

Ministry to seek nod for monthly release of WPI

Ministry to seek nod for monthly release of WPI

Rediff.com24 Aug 2009

The Commerce and Industry Ministry will soon seek Cabinet nod to give out inflation data every month instead of the present practice of weekly release.

Ravneet Kaur: An IAS officer with varied experience

Ravneet Kaur: An IAS officer with varied experience

Rediff.com17 May 2023

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has named Ravneet Kaur, a Punjab cadre IAS officer of 1988 batch, as chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Kaur will hold the post for five years or until attaining the age of 65. She is the second woman to serve in an 'economic regulator' role after Madhabi Puri Buch, who was appointed chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India last year and the first woman to head the country's chief national competition regulator.

Exports dip in Feb; trade deficit narrows to $17.43 bn

Exports dip in Feb; trade deficit narrows to $17.43 bn

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

Contracting for the third month in a row, India's exports declined by 8.8 per cent to $33.88 billion in February due to slowdown in global demand, even as the trade deficit touched about a year low of $17.43 billion during the month, according to official data released on Wednesday. Imports also declined by 8.21 per cent to $51.31 billion as against $55.9 billion recorded in the corresponding month last year. Cumulatively, however during April-February this fiscal, the country's overall merchandise exports rose by 7.5 per cent to $405.94 billion.

Govt monitoring exports of products used in Covid management

Govt monitoring exports of products used in Covid management

Rediff.com29 Dec 2022

The move is aimed at dealing with any possible emergency situation on account of a spurt in coronavirus cases.

Wholesale price-based inflation eases to 19-month low of 8.39% in Oct

Wholesale price-based inflation eases to 19-month low of 8.39% in Oct

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

The wholesale price-based inflation declined to a 19-month low of 8.39 per cent in October, on easing prices of fuel and manufactured items. This is the first time in 19 months that WPI inflation print has come in single digit. Last was in March 2021 at 7.89 per cent. Since April 2021, WPI inflation remained in double digits for 18 months with September print at 10.79 per cent.

Amazon to shut down distribution unit in India, focus on core businesses

Amazon to shut down distribution unit in India, focus on core businesses

Rediff.com28 Nov 2022

Amazon India has decided to shut down 'Amazon Distribution', according to sources. This follows its recent decision to shut its food delivery and edtech offerings. The moves are part of the annual operating planning review process amid global macroeconomic uncertainty. The e-commerce giant is looking to focus on its core businesses, sources said.

Rising Covid cases: Exporters keeping fingers crossed

Rising Covid cases: Exporters keeping fingers crossed

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

Indian exporters are keeping their fingers crossed on account of rising Covid infections in China and other countries as it could again disrupt supply chains and affect demand for goods. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) director general Ajay Sahai said that if the cases continue to increase in the coming days, it may have implications on imports. "We are keeping our fingers crossed," he said.

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

China on Thursday criticised India's latest decision to block access to 54 more Chinese mobile apps over security and privacy concerns, saying that the move has damaged the legitimate interests of companies from China. India on Monday blocked 54 more apps with Chinese links, including Tencent Xriver, Nice Video baidu, Viva Video Editor, and gaming app Garena Free Fire Illuminate. The Chinese apps allegedly obtain various critical permissions and collect sensitive user data. The collected real-time data are being misused and transmitted to servers located in a hostile country, sources in India said, adding that the IT ministry has issued interim directions for the blocking of 54 apps.

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

The Centre on Tuesday said it will not seek disclosure of flash sales from e-commerce players to regulate the fraudulent sale of goods and services but will take appropriate action as per the law on consumer complaints. Discount sales that benefit maximum to consumers will continue, but not fraudulent flash sales on the e-commerce platforms, the government said, adding that the e-tailers need not be "anxious" about the draft rules. Ban on fraudulent flash sales, mis-selling and appointment of chief compliance officer/grievance redressal officer -- are among key amendments proposed to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, on which the government has sought public comments by July 6.

External affairs ministry is undergoing change: Khurshid

External affairs ministry is undergoing change: Khurshid

Rediff.com30 Jul 2013

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said his ministry is contemplating a plan to have people from industry on-board to facilitate on issues relating to economic diplomacy.

India-US joint statement puts trade at heart of enhanced ties

India-US joint statement puts trade at heart of enhanced ties

Rediff.com23 Jun 2023

India and the US on Thursday said they are looking forward to the reconvening of the India-US Trade Policy Forum later this year to further enhance trade relationship and identify new areas for engagement.

India to host G20 summit in 2023; Goyal appointed Sherpa

India to host G20 summit in 2023; Goyal appointed Sherpa

Rediff.com7 Sep 2021

Making the announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that India will hold the G20 presidency from December 1, 2022, and will convene the G20 leaders' summit in 2023 for the first time.

PLI scheme for more sectors likely in Budget 2023

PLI scheme for more sectors likely in Budget 2023

Rediff.com20 Jan 2023

The government is likely to extend fiscal incentives for production of toys, bicycles and leather and footwear in the forthcoming budget as it looks to expand production linked incentive (PLI) scheme to cover more high-employment potential sectors, sources said. The government has already rolled out the scheme with an outlay of about Rs 2 lakh crore for as many as 14 sectors, including automobiles and auto components, white goods, pharma, textiles, food products, high efficiency solar PV modules, advance chemistry cell and speciality steel. The scheme aims to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and create global champions in manufacturing, and it is yielding solid results, sources said.

Exports rise marginally in Aug; trade deficit more than doubles to $27.98 bn

Exports rise marginally in Aug; trade deficit more than doubles to $27.98 bn

Rediff.com14 Sep 2022

India's exports rose marginally by 1.62 per cent to $33.92 billion, while trade deficit more than doubled to $27.98 billion in August due to increased crude oil imports, commerce ministry data said on Wednesday. The revised data showed that imports rose by 37.28 per cent to $61.9 billion in August this year. The preliminary data released by the ministry on September 3 had shown a 1.15 per cent decline in exports to $33 billion in August.