News for 'State for Business and Trade'

Govt caps trade margin on oxygen concentrators at 70%

Govt caps trade margin on oxygen concentrators at 70%

Rediff.com4 Jun 2021

The government has capped the trade margin on oxygen concentrators at 70 per cent in order to keep in check the price of the much in demand critical life saving component amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The trade margin has been capped at 70 per cent on price to distributor level on oxygen concentrators. In an official release, the chemicals and fertilisers ministry said the decision has been taken in view of the extraordinary circumstances arising due to the pandemic which has resulted in volatility in Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of oxygen concentrators.

CBIC Goes Soft On GST Investigations

CBIC Goes Soft On GST Investigations

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

The principal commissioner has been made responsible for developing and approving any intelligence, conducting search, and completing investigations and relevant subsequent actions, including at the lower field formations, points out T N C Rajagopalan.

Working on target to become $5-10 trillion economy: Modi

Working on target to become $5-10 trillion economy: Modi

Rediff.com17 Dec 2023

The government has also set targets for the next 25 years. We are working on the target of becoming a $5-10 trillion economy as well as taking exports to a record high, he said.

Has Joe Biden Lost Interest In India?

Has Joe Biden Lost Interest In India?

Rediff.com7 May 2024

Had it not been for the slow but sure emergence of China as a threat to the western order, would India have been accepted as a near-equal partner by individual western nations, jointly and severally, questions N Sathiya Moorthy.

Japan-Philippines Send Strong Message To China

Japan-Philippines Send Strong Message To China

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The trigger that led Japan and the Philippines to ink the deal was because of the deteriorating security situation in the South China Sea. China's coast guard increased the frequency and intensity of incursions into Philippine waters, provoking the Philippines to take countermeasures to deter China, explains Dr Rajaram Panda.

No dispute with neighbours, but shared future with BRI, says China

No dispute with neighbours, but shared future with BRI, says China

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

Lou also spoke about China's tensions with neighbouring countries without directly mentioning the eastern Ladakh border standoff with India since May 2020 which resulted in the Galwan Valley clash in June of that year.

Quad is 'not just a passing fad, we mean business': Biden

Quad is 'not just a passing fad, we mean business': Biden

Rediff.com24 May 2022

Biden welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the Summit and said "it is wonderful to see you again in person".

A Tale Of Unlikely Politicians

A Tale Of Unlikely Politicians

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

Many ethical, competent corporate leaders aspire to join public life today. However, the transition to politics is far from easy, observes Indrajit Gupta.

How To Stop Kids From Eating Junk Food

How To Stop Kids From Eating Junk Food

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Ensure that the meals provided in their tiffins and snack breaks are colourful, says Dr Imran Patel.

Will TDP, JD-U Toe BJP Line On Hindutva?

Will TDP, JD-U Toe BJP Line On Hindutva?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

The TDP and JD-U will have a lot to answer inside Parliament, day after day, session after session, notes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Inter-state trade costs may rise

Inter-state trade costs may rise

Rediff.com1 Jun 2005

2021: An year of record trade amid frozen India-China ties

2021: An year of record trade amid frozen India-China ties

Rediff.com24 Dec 2021

India and China achieved a major milestone this year when their bilateral trade crossed the landmark figure of $100 billion but it did not generate any fanfare in both capitals as the two Asian giants are going through a "particularly bad patch" in their relations due to a set of actions by Beijing in violation of agreements that led to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Starting with a modest $1.83 billion in 2001, the bilateral trade crossed $100 billion-mark in the first 11 months this year, a significant milestone for which the two countries carried out campaigns to boost trade and build it as a major stakeholder to improve the relations between two nations, whose ties otherwise remained frosty over the festering boundary dispute and strategic rivalry. According to last month's data from China's General Administration of Customs (GAC), the India-China bilateral trade totalled $114.263 billion, up 46.4 per cent year-on-year from January to November 2021.

After 6 days and a haul of over Rs 350 cr, I-T raids in Odisha end

After 6 days and a haul of over Rs 350 cr, I-T raids in Odisha end

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

As the raids were completed, the I-T team took two managers of the distillery located at Sutapada to an unknown location for interrogation, they said.

How To Prevent Terror On The High Seas

How To Prevent Terror On The High Seas

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

The world needs to wake up to this new dimension of war at sea and be prepared to face the 'unknown enemy' who have the advantage of attacking at their choice of location and time, cautions Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

India Inc feels the heat of West Asia conflict

India Inc feels the heat of West Asia conflict

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

Closely watched by the world for any escalation, the Iran-Israel conflict is already showing early signs of stress for India Inc - longer deliveries, doubling freight rates, extended working capital cycles, and higher costs. For those yet to feel the heat, there is growing apprehension and nervousness over future developments, observed industry executives.

'This government prefers only ease of doing business, they are not interested in ease of living'

'This government prefers only ease of doing business, they are not interested in ease of living'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2022

'We are worried for the workers because in the private sector, jobs are not secure, there is no decent work condition and there is no social security.' 'That's why we are opposing the economic policies of this government.'

People in democracies need a sense of uncertainty

People in democracies need a sense of uncertainty

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

For trust in democracy to be retained, elections need to be not just free of intervention -- ruling out Pakistan and Russia -- but also demonstrate the capability to both deliver ruling mandates and hold the potential for large swings in favour of the opposition, points out Mihir S Sharma.And, after an election is done, they need to see a mandate in order to go back to their lives and let their representatives get on with the business of government, points out Mihir S Sharma.

After Galwan standoff, India eyes free trade deal with US

After Galwan standoff, India eyes free trade deal with US

Rediff.com20 Jun 2020

The trade deal, officials say, can lead to an effective trading bloc against the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Interim Budget 2024-25: Funds to boost reach on fintech industry wishlist

Interim Budget 2024-25: Funds to boost reach on fintech industry wishlist

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

Indian fintechs and associated entities are hoping that the Union Budget 2024 will provide a boost and empower firms to extend their reach beyond Tier-II regions, with an emphasis on supporting enterprises led by women. The fintech industry, which has witnessed regulatory reforms over the last year, expects the Budget, scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, will further encourage financial inclusion, empower micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) with lending solutions, and push for upskilling initiatives for the country's young workforce.

EPFO mulls reinvesting 50% of ETF redemption proceeds in equity market

EPFO mulls reinvesting 50% of ETF redemption proceeds in equity market

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

In a bid to enhance its equity exposure and earn higher returns for its nearly 65 million subscribers, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is considering reinvesting 50 per cent of its exchange-traded funds (ETFs) redemption proceeds back into equity. Sources close to the development said a proposal regarding this was discussed in the investment committee (IC) meeting in October last year, and the recommendation has been sent to the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the apex decision-making body of the EPFO for its approval. The next CBT meeting is scheduled to be held on Saturday.

Modi must oversee India's trade policy

Modi must oversee India's trade policy

Rediff.com22 Nov 2019

India needs a National Trade Policy Council, chaired by a minister who reports directly to the PM, says Jayanta Roy, former economic advisor to the Union commerce ministry.

Will Ombudsman Fix Air Travel Hassles?

Will Ombudsman Fix Air Travel Hassles?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

'The ministry may like to consider setting up an ombudsman similar to electricity ombudsman and insurance ombudsman, to ensure a time-bound resolution of consumer issues within the airline sector.'

Israel has right for self-defence, but...: Putin on Hamas attack

Israel has right for self-defence, but...: Putin on Hamas attack

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

Russia proceeds "from the postulate, a negotiated solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has no alternatives," said Putin while speaking at the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Bishkek, Kyrgystan on Friday.

Have Zomato, Swiggy finally figured out the right recipe?

Have Zomato, Swiggy finally figured out the right recipe?

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

Something is cooking in online food delivery. After 15 years of grappling with the demands of the business - read cash burn - Gurugram-based Zomato reported its first profit in the first quarter of 2023-24 (FY24). Not satiated, it reported a profit in the following quarter as well: Of Rs 36 crore in the second quarter compared to Rs 2 crore in the first. A year ago, in the second quarter of FY23, it had reported a loss of Rs 251 crore.

Imports of California walnut rise after India removes tariff

Imports of California walnut rise after India removes tariff

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

The California walnuts shipped from the US to India have seen a sharp uptick with imports more than doubling from September to November against the same period last year. This comes after New Delhi removed its retaliatory customs tariffs on the key dry fruit. Two days ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit on September 9-10, India dropped additional customs duties on about half a dozen US goods that were imposed in 2019 in response to America raising tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products coming from India.

Trade unions call for nationwide strike on Nov 26

Trade unions call for nationwide strike on Nov 26

Rediff.com2 Oct 2020

While all indicators pointed to economy drastically slowing down due to lack of demand, the government continued to steer its policies in the name of 'ease of doing business', aggravating widespread impoverishment and deepening the crisis further, the unions alleged.

'Historically, 2023 is the best year for India-US ties'

'Historically, 2023 is the best year for India-US ties'

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

The relationship between the US and India has been very productive, in particular on the trade and technology front, and 2023 can be considered the best year historically for bilateral ties, according to a former top American trade official. Arun Kumar, an Indian-American, who served as the assistant secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and director general of the US and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) during the Obama administration, said this during an interview with PTI in Washington. "Looking back on 2023, it was a very productive year for the US-India relationship, by many accounts the best year historically," he said.

Coming Soon! The Bullet Train!

Coming Soon! The Bullet Train!

Rediff.com5 Mar 2024

With land acquisition completed and infrastructure work streamlined, India's bullet train dreams are slowly, but finally, inching closer to reality.

Modi first foreign head to get Bhutan's highest civilian honour

Modi first foreign head to get Bhutan's highest civilian honour

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received Bhutan's highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo', making him the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour.

'Trudeau painted Modi in a corner'

'Trudeau painted Modi in a corner'

Rediff.com23 Oct 2023

'By making it so public in the House of Commons, you know the reaction in India... Mr Modi is not very happy about it; you're kicking out Canadian diplomats; you suspended visa services for Canadians...'

BSE-listed firms' m-cap at record high of Rs 343.48 lakh crore

BSE-listed firms' m-cap at record high of Rs 343.48 lakh crore

Rediff.com4 Dec 2023

The combined market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies hit an all-time high of Rs 343.48 lakh crore on Monday, amid a rally in equities after the BJP registered victory in assembly polls in three Hindi heartland states. Following the sharp uptick in the market, investors became richer by over Rs 5.81 lakh crore on Monday. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,383.93 points, or 2.05 per cent, to close at a lifetime high of 68,865.12.

Amid border issue, China shouldn't expect...: Jaishankar

Amid border issue, China shouldn't expect...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com14 Jan 2024

You don't want to fight and do trade at the same time. Meanwhile, diplomacy is going on and sometimes solutions to difficult situations do not come in haste, Jaishankar asserted.

Himachal's Independent MLA, Cong rebel's father booked for poll offences

Himachal's Independent MLA, Cong rebel's father booked for poll offences

Rediff.com10 Mar 2024

A case of criminal conspiracy, corruption practices and undue influence on election has been registered on the complaint of two Congress MLAs, police said on Sunday.

Unlock 2.0: States urged to ease shopping hour curbs

Unlock 2.0: States urged to ease shopping hour curbs

Rediff.com21 Jul 2020

The demands from retailers are fourfold: One, allow kiranas, general trade stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and wholesalers to operate every day of the week till 9 pm. Two, ensure uniform and regular opening of all categories of retail. Three, hassle-free movement of goods and employees, and four, lift bans on malls in states like Maharashtra.

Do Modi's ministers understand business?

Do Modi's ministers understand business?

Rediff.com31 Jan 2020

Piyush Goyal's comments about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's investment in India reveals an inability to understand how businesses function, says Kanika Datta.

Send us your tourists, Prez Muizzu urges China amid row with India

Send us your tourists, Prez Muizzu urges China amid row with India

Rediff.com10 Jan 2024

He urged China to bolster the flow of its tourists to the Maldives.

How farmers' Bharat Bandh impacted various states

How farmers' Bharat Bandh impacted various states

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a forum comprising 40 farmer unions, called for a Bharat Bandh on Monday against the Centre's three agriculture laws. Here is its impact across the country:

Amazon accuses Future of insider trading

Amazon accuses Future of insider trading

Rediff.com11 Nov 2020

Amazon has shot off yet another letter to market regulator Sebi, accusing Future Retail of insider trading and called for an investigation as the US online retailer looks to ratchet up pressure against the Future-RIL deal. Future Group, however, vehemently denied the charges, saying these allegations were "Amazon's ill-motivated attempts to throw everything at the situation to stultify the transaction."

Trade margins capped at 70% for oximeters, BP meters, other medical devices

Trade margins capped at 70% for oximeters, BP meters, other medical devices

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

The medical devices, which have been in high demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, will now see a drop in prices, as the earlier margins were up to 709 per cent for some of these products.