News for 'State for Commerce'

E-commerce deliveries come to a grinding halt

E-commerce deliveries come to a grinding halt

Rediff.com25 Mar 2020

There is a lot of police action on the ground and even inter-state movement has been stopped, because of which deliveries of essential items via platforms, such as Flipkart, Amazon, Grofers, and Milkbasket, aren't happening. Food-delivery firms -- Swiggy and Zomato -- are facing similar challenges, according to the sources.

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

In a statement, the Chinese ministry of commerce said that it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation against the US for its "wrongful practice," the Global Times reported.

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

No one should make China an issue in their bilateral relations and their cooperation should not harm the interests of another country, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday reacting to queries on the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Trump.

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.

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his visit to France, which included co-chairing an AI summit and bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He is now headed to the US for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. Modi's visit to France included discussions on trade, defense, energy, and cultural linkages. He also inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille. During his visit to the US, Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

'If they tax us, we tax them': Trump's tough message to India over high tariffs

'If they tax us, we tax them': Trump's tough message to India over high tariffs

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs in retaliation for the high tariff imposed by New Delhi on import of certain American products. Trump said India and Brazil were among countries that impose high tariffs on certain US products. He also said that reciprocity is something that is going to be a key topic for the Trump administration.

No Of Nil Tax Returns Nearly Doubles In 5 Years

No Of Nil Tax Returns Nearly Doubles In 5 Years

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

ITRs with zero tax liability have increased to 55.7 million in FY25.

Govt warns against new scam targeting potential investors

Govt warns against new scam targeting potential investors

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

A new cyber fraud known as 'pig butchering scam' or 'investment scam' has emerged, targeting unemployed youths, housewives, students, and needy people who are made to lose large sums of money daily, according to the latest annual report of the Union home ministry.

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Among urban users, 57 per cent mentioned a preference for accessing Internet content in vernacular languages.

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

China on Tuesday retaliated US President Donald Trump's imposition of 2nd round of ten per cent tariffs on its export by slapping an additional 15 per cent tariffs on American goods and initiated legal action against Washington in WTO while leaving the door open for talks to address each other's concerns.

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over information regarding USAID funding in India, calling it "concerning" and hinting at potential "bad faith" activities. Jaishankar asserted that India is looking into the matter and that the country should know who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized the need to expand India's security definition in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and narratives on public perception. The statements come amid controversy surrounding USAID funding for certain activities in India, with the US President Donald Trump questioning the agency's funding of voter turnout efforts.

Why did e-commerce services get choked in India?

Why did e-commerce services get choked in India?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2020

A single format and simpler, uniform rules would have kept the service going. In other parts of the world including in the US, managing demand and capacities along with ensuring preventive measures were an issue, but there was hardly any administrative hurdle anywhere.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

Arrest warrant against Bangladesh's cricket legend

Arrest warrant against Bangladesh's cricket legend

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The IFIC Bank in October 2024 issued a legal notice over the bounced cheques and subsequently filed the case on December 24 against the cricketer-turned-businessman and three other officials of his company.

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.

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Our ties shouldn't be transactional, says outgoing US envoy

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Richard Verma, the highest-ranking Indian-American official in the State Department, has expressed optimism about the future of US-India ties and emphasized the need to base the relationship on shared values rather than mere transactional dealings. Verma, who previously served as America's Ambassador to India, stressed the importance of the Quad in defending the international order, highlighting its shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Reciprocal tariffs against India from April 2: Trump

Reciprocal tariffs against India from April 2: Trump

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Trump has made it clear to Prime Minister Modi that India will not be spared from Washington's reciprocal tariffs and emphasised that "nobody can argue with me" on tariff structure.

Investors' kitty swells by nearly Rs 8 lakh crore

Investors' kitty swells by nearly Rs 8 lakh crore

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Investors became richer by nearly Rs 8 lakh crore on Wednesday as benchmark BSE Sensex surged by 740 points amid value buying in utilities and power shares and a strong trend in global markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex surged by 740.30 points or 1.01 per cent to close at 73,730.23.

Eicher enters 2-3.5 tonne segment with electric SCV

Eicher enters 2-3.5 tonne segment with electric SCV

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Eicher Pro X is assembled on an all-women assembly line.

Gold demand in India saw 5% rise at 802.8 tonnes in 2024

Gold demand in India saw 5% rise at 802.8 tonnes in 2024

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Gold demand in India witnessed a 5 per cent on-year rise at 802.8 tonnes in 2024 supported by reduction in import duty, and purchases related to weddings and festivals, and going ahead consumption of the yellow metal in 2025 is likely to be between 700-800 tonnes, according to the the World Gold Council. The World Gold Council (WGC) in a report on Wednesday said gold demand in the country in 2024 stood at 802.8 tonnes, as against 761 tonnes in 2023.

Can India's Gold, Silver Slash US Trade Deficit?

Can India's Gold, Silver Slash US Trade Deficit?

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council says step will balance trade deficit with the US.

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.'

Can India become a global innovation hub?

Can India become a global innovation hub?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into a partnership with the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a premier industry organisation representing India's leading new-age companies.

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

US shale oil would act as an alternative to India's heavy dependency on Russian crude, which is currently facing sanctions.

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The finance minister, in her Budget speech, should focus more on what she is directly responsible for, rather than on programmes where her role is largely supportive, notes Nitin Desai.

Trump 2.0: Quad Ministers Meet Today

Trump 2.0: Quad Ministers Meet Today

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Dr Jaishankar is expected to discuss the dates for the fifth Quad leaders' summit in India later this year.

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Brokerages expect a further slowdown in Indian firms' revenue and earnings growth in Q4FY25, following low single-digit growth in the preceding three quarters, as factors like weak consumer demand and credit growth linger on.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

'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.

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.

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

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.

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.

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

'We Will Have A Mutually Beneficial Trade Agreement'

'We Will Have A Mutually Beneficial Trade Agreement'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'The US has agreed to negotiate with us a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, which will go for reduction of tariffs on both sides so that our trade can grow.'

The chink in the e-commerce draft

The chink in the e-commerce draft

Rediff.com25 Feb 2019

While the new norms are part of the draft policy's guidelines to fight counterfeit and fake products on platforms, they might end up helping brands and e-commerce firms sign exclusive sale deals.

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.

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.

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.

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.