News for 'State for Commerce'

India Inc holds breath for Trump's new tariffs to kick in

India Inc holds breath for Trump's new tariffs to kick in

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Industry insiders in India warn that any such move in the pharmaceutical sector could be counterproductive for the US as it may face increased drug shortages if tariffs are imposed on such imports.

'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.

Why I Rejected An Offer From Google

Why I Rejected An Offer From Google

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

The journey of life will always come with its temptations; it is the ability to stick to your goal that will eventually lead you to success. A fascinating excerpt from Manish Vij's must-read book, Brick by Brick.

US removes restrictions on 3 Indian nuclear entities

US removes restrictions on 3 Indian nuclear entities

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

In a significant move, the United States on Wednesday removed restrictions on three Indian nuclear entities, over a week after National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that Washington was finalising steps to 'remove' hurdles for civil nuclear partnership between Indian and American firms.

Does Battery Swapping Make Sense For e2Ws?

Does Battery Swapping Make Sense For e2Ws?

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Leading Indian electric two-wheeler (e2W) companies have said that "swapping" of batteries is currently unviable and will only increase the cost for a consumer to run the vehicle.

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Quick commerce (qcom) industry is poised to lead gig workforce hiring in 2025, propelled by a surge in demand for faster deliveries, expansion by existing players, entry of new competitors, and evolving consumer preferences in the post-pandemic era, according to industry experts. The qcom industry currently employs nearly 260,000 people - around 200,000 delivery personnel and 60,000 dark store workers, according to TeamLease Staffing.

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

As the US gets tougher with visas, the prayers of US-bound devotees in India are getting more fervent, and their purse strings looser. Called Visa Hanuman temples (there are half a dozen all over India), some of them ask for a 'fee'.

Online vs offline retail: Industry divided over Piyush Goyal's comments

Online vs offline retail: Industry divided over Piyush Goyal's comments

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal's recent comments on large e-commerce players have reignited the debate about their impact on smaller offline retailers. On Wednesday, Goyal said that the rapid growth of e-commerce in India is a "cause for concern" and is diminishing the market share of small, mom-and-pop stores by offering high-margin products such as consumer electronics and apparel at discounted rates.

Will Trump 2.0 See More US Oil To India?

Will Trump 2.0 See More US Oil To India?

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'The US is strongly placed to expand its crude supplies to India.'

US Commerce Secretary John Bryson resigns

US Commerce Secretary John Bryson resigns

Rediff.com21 Jun 2012

United States Commerce Secretary John Bryson resigned from the key post on Thursday, days after being involved in two car accidents that occurred after he suffered a seizure.

Trump 2.0: Govt In Wait-And-Watch Mood

Trump 2.0: Govt In Wait-And-Watch Mood

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

'We may see even more restrictive policies during 2.0.'

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The GST Council on Saturday postponed a decision on cutting tax rate on life and health insurance premiums, officials said. The 55th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, decided that some more technicalities needed to be ironed out and tasked the GoM for further deliberations.

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

Lack of charging infra a shock for booming EV market

Lack of charging infra a shock for booming EV market

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Proliferation of home chargers of around 7 KWh and above, which take six to seven hours to fully charge a car depending on the model, bring running costs down by a third or so. That, coupled with the increasing range of modern electric cars, can lead to a massive increase in sales.

Private consumption is back; to boost economy: RBI Bulletin

Private consumption is back; to boost economy: RBI Bulletin

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Private consumption is back driven by festive spending, and the medium-term economic outlook remains bullish as the innate strength of the macro-fundamentals reasserts itself, the Reserve Bank Bulletin said on Wednesday. Global economic activity remained resilient during Q4:2024 amidst fragile confidence and rising protectionism, said an article on 'State of the Economy' published in the November Bulletin.

Meet US commerce secretary's Indian 'hand'

Meet US commerce secretary's Indian 'hand'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2011

Parita Shah, one of United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke's closest advisers, is among the several second-generation Indian Americans serving in the Obama administration.

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Meerut Conspiracy Case was aimed at curbing communist influence in India. However, it fueled nationwide sympathy, shaping the course of leftist politics in the country.

Trump 2.0: Return Of The Maverick

Trump 2.0: Return Of The Maverick

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

In the weeks between his phenomenal electoral victory and swearing-in as the 47th president of the United States, the world got a preview of what a second Donald Trump presidency will entail -- both for itself and America.

Govt to set up e-comm hubs to promote exports

Govt to set up e-comm hubs to promote exports

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday announced setting up of hubs to promote exports through e-commerce medium in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode and initially 10-15 hubs will be established. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that these hubs, under a seamless regulatory and logistic framework, will facilitate trade and export-related services under one roof. "To enable MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and traditional artisans to sell their products in international markets, e-commerce export hubs will be set up in PPP mode," she said.

India's exports down 1% to $38.01 bn in Dec

India's exports down 1% to $38.01 bn in Dec

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

India's merchandise exports dipped by about one per cent to $38.01 billion in December 2024 against $38.39 billion a year ago, according to government data released on Wednesday. Imports increased by 4.8 per cent to $59.95 billion in December 2024 compared to $57.15 billion in the year-ago month.

Coming Soon! New Internship Scheme

Coming Soon! New Internship Scheme

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'We are getting to understand the mind of this generation.' 'Minor tweaks are being made to ease the process as we go along.'

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Meet Delhi's new cabinet: A diverse power mix

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The cabinet of the new government led by Rekha Gupta balances representation of all major communities that propelled the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in Delhi with a massive majority after over 26 years.

More the merrier? A tale of multiple self-regulatory organisations

More the merrier? A tale of multiple self-regulatory organisations

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Mint Road, on December 21, 2023, flagged the role of self-regulatory organisations (SROs) in strengthening the compliance culture in regulated entities (REs) and providing a consultative platform for policymaking. It also decided to issue an omnibus framework for SROs.

'If There Is No Money In The Hands Of People...'

'If There Is No Money In The Hands Of People...'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'...how do they consume and contribute to the GDP?'

What's Raksha Mantri Doing In Memphis?

What's Raksha Mantri Doing In Memphis?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh take the India-US defence relationship forward.

Trump's Tariff War: India Waits, Watches

Trump's Tariff War: India Waits, Watches

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'We have to be prepared for the larger disruption that is likely to take place.'

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'After his warm and affectionate farewell speech, the Chief of Staff of the formation asked me, "So, now you are off to Coorg to look after your coffee estates?"' For the last time, in Army uniform and much to his surprise, I replied, "Sir, I am not from Kodagu.".'

Swiggy launches Rs 11,330-cr IPO

Swiggy launches Rs 11,330-cr IPO

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Food delivery app Swiggy on Wednesday launched a Rs 11,330-crore initial share sale, asking investors to take a pie of Indian middle class' rising propensity of online ordering. The company, which is present in over 650 cities and towns of the country, is launching the initial public offering (IPO) amid heightened concerns on urban demand slump, and the management stressed that it is unaffected by the broader trends in the economy. "We are also reading about it, but we are not seeing that yet in the business... So far, we have not seen the impact of demand on our business," its chief financial officer Rahul Bothra said.

Gold imports doubled to record high of $10.06 bn in August

Gold imports doubled to record high of $10.06 bn in August

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Gold imports more than doubled in August to a record high of $10.06 billion, mainly on account of a drastic cut in customs duty and ongoing festive demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data. Gold imports stood at $4.93 billion in August 2023. On record high imports, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that the tariff rates on gold have been reduced drastically so that smuggling and other activities can come down.

Fadnavis's PA, turncoats in Maha BJP's third list

Fadnavis's PA, turncoats in Maha BJP's third list

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Jitesh Antapurkar, who won a bypoll in 2021 on a Congress ticket and is considered close to former chief minister Ashok Chavan, has been nominated from Deglur.

'Kanda Express' to bring 1,600 tonnes of onions to Delhi on Oct 20

'Kanda Express' to bring 1,600 tonnes of onions to Delhi on Oct 20

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

In a significant move to control spiralling onion prices ahead of the festive season, the government will transport 1,600 tonnes of buffer stock via railways from Maharashtra to Delhi - the first such initiative using rail transport for the kitchen staple. The special rake, dubbed 'Kanda Express', will depart from Maharashtra's Lasalgaon Railway Station and reach Delhi's Kishanganj Railway Station on October 20, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced on Thursday. The government expects this bulk movement to help stabilise prices in the Delhi-NCR region, where buffer stock onions are currently being sold at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg.

Indians deeply love you: Manmohan had told Bush during 2008 US trip

Indians deeply love you: Manmohan had told Bush during 2008 US trip

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's effusive praise of US President George W Bush during their 2008 meeting in the White House is revisited as a testament to their close relationship and the impact of the landmark Indo-US civil nuclear deal. Singh's statement, while drawing criticism from the Left and BJP, highlighted the transformative nature of the relationship between the two democracies. The article explores the context of their meeting and the broader significance of their relationship in the context of the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Nitin Desai, who has known Dr Singh from 1971, extends his 'deepest condolences to his wife Gurcharan Kaur and to his three talented daughters Upinder, the historian; Daman, the writer; and Amrit, the human rights activist.'

'RBI has a tough balancing act to do'

'RBI has a tough balancing act to do'

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

'Inflation is not good for industry. Nor for the economy as a whole.'

Decision soon on whether to fight Jharkhand poll alone: Chirag Paswan

Decision soon on whether to fight Jharkhand poll alone: Chirag Paswan

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Union minister Chirag Paswan on Monday said his Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas wants to fight the assembly election in Jharkhand and a final decision will be taken soon on whether it would contest under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or alone.

2025: Top 10 Stocks To Watch Out

2025: Top 10 Stocks To Watch Out

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

These 10 stocks represent the best mix of value and growth, offering relatively low price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, a high return on equity, and sufficiently high potential from current levels.

Flipkart's Shopsy intensifies efforts to tap into Bharat

Flipkart's Shopsy intensifies efforts to tap into Bharat

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Flipkart's hyper-value e-commerce platform Shopsy is intensifying efforts to tap over half of the 821 million internet users (about 442 million) in rural India. These efforts are being led by Prathyusha Agarwal, who recently joined as business head at Shopsy. The aim is to become the go-to destination for consumers seeking entry-level products across various categories.

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.

Post govt's move, onion prices drop in major cities

Post govt's move, onion prices drop in major cities

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

The government's subsidised onion sale initiative, launched on September 5, has led to price drops in major cities within days, the consumer affairs ministry said on Saturday. In Delhi, retail onion price fell from Rs 60 to Rs 55 per kg, while Mumbai saw a decrease from Rs 61 to Rs 56 per kg. In Chennai, the retail price reduced from Rs 65 to Rs 58 per kg, the ministry said in a statement.