News for 'State for Commerce'

'We are not worried what Modiji says about Muslims'

'We are not worried what Modiji says about Muslims'

Rediff.com18 May 2024

While political experts claim that the Modi Magic is missing in the 2024 general election, the common people in the street -- at least those in the crowd on Thursday -- vow that they will vote for Modi and the candidate who contests the election doesn't matter much.

SKM to hold 15 more farmers' conclave ahead of Feb 26 Delhi march

SKM to hold 15 more farmers' conclave ahead of Feb 26 Delhi march

Rediff.com24 Dec 2023

According to the Morcha, the demands which Delhi Chalo has been called include: MSP should be guaranteed as per C2+50 percent formula and, as promised, a law should be made to guarantee it; all the farmers should be made debt free, and all agricultural loan must be waived.

Govt to release buffer onion stock in open market immediately

Govt to release buffer onion stock in open market immediately

Rediff.com11 Aug 2023

The government on Friday announced it will release onion from its buffer stock in the targeted regions with immediate effect to ensure prices remain under check till the new crop arrives from October onward. The government is exploring multiple options for disposal of onion: e-auction, e-commerce as well as through states at discounted rates via retail outlets of their consumer cooperatives and corporations, it said. The government has currently maintained 3 lakh tonnes of onion under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to meet any exigencies, if rates go up significantly during the lean supply season.

Belgian ex-PM backs India's permanent UNSC seat, urges UN reform

Belgian ex-PM backs India's permanent UNSC seat, urges UN reform

Rediff.com14 Jan 2024

Leterme contended that there is a need for the United Nations Security Council to adapt to the realities of the 21st century as it requires representation that goes beyond the structures established in the 20th century.

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.

Export preparedness: Tamil Nadu takes top spot, Gujarat slips to 4th

Export preparedness: Tamil Nadu takes top spot, Gujarat slips to 4th

Rediff.com18 Jul 2023

After topping it for two consecutive years, Gujarat slipped three places on the NITI Aayog's Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for 2022, as Tamil Nadu emerged as the most export-ready state, the central think tank said in its report released on Monday. In a continuing trend, coastal states were found to have the most robust export infrastructure, which officials attributed to the integration of maritime trade into the core of their economies. Maharashtra and Karnataka retained their positions -- second and third, respectively; Haryana was ranked first among landlocked states and fifth overall.

Commerce ministry seeks tax sops for exporters

Commerce ministry seeks tax sops for exporters

Rediff.com14 Apr 2008

The commerce ministry will approach the 13th Finance Commission next month suggesting measures to reduce the incidence of local taxes on exports. With the state levies accounting for 6 per cent of the cost of exporters' consignments, the ministry wants to ensure that these taxes are rebated on the lines of refund of Central levies through different schemes.

Pawar asks Commerce Ministry to scrap onion export floor price

Pawar asks Commerce Ministry to scrap onion export floor price

Rediff.com23 Dec 2013

In the retail markets, rates have fallen to Rs 30-35 a kg from Rs 100-level.

Farmers' protest 'limited to one state': Tomar

Farmers' protest 'limited to one state': Tomar

Rediff.com16 Dec 2020

The minister noted that while there is an agitation going on one side, there are also lakhs of farmers coming in support of these laws.

Jaishankar meets US officials, discusses security ties

Jaishankar meets US officials, discusses security ties

Rediff.com30 Sep 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and held a productive conversation with him on deepening bilateral defence cooperation, including in the co-production of defence articles, and exchanged perspectives on a variety of security issues.

US commerce secretary in hospital after causing mishaps

US commerce secretary in hospital after causing mishaps

Rediff.com11 Jun 2012

An unconscious United States Secretary of Commerce John Bryson has been hospitalised with injuries after he allegedly caused a series of traffic accidents in Los Angeles, the police said on Monday

Imports from Russia up 64% to $36.27 bn in Apr-Oct

Imports from Russia up 64% to $36.27 bn in Apr-Oct

Rediff.com15 Nov 2023

India's imports from Russia rose 64 per cent to $36.27 billion during the April-October period this fiscal on higher shipments of crude oil and fertiliser, according to the commerce ministry data. With this, Russia has become India's second-largest import source during the first seven months of this fiscal. The imports were $22.13 billion during April-October 2022.

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.

Karnataka bandh: 44 flights cancelled; train, bus services hit

Karnataka bandh: 44 flights cancelled; train, bus services hit

Rediff.com29 Sep 2023

As many as 44 flights to and from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru were cancelled owing to the Karnataka bandh over the Cauvery water sharing issue with Tamil Nadu, airport authorities said.

'They want to suffocate our voices'

'They want to suffocate our voices'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2024

'Farmers have been sent notices in which the government is threatening that if you will join the movement, then we will impound your ancestral properties.' 'We will seal your bank accounts.' 'We will revoke the passports of your kids.'

'First Congress Candidate To Get Vote From A Thackeray'

'First Congress Candidate To Get Vote From A Thackeray'

Rediff.com9 May 2024

While the responses of the candidates were predictable, depending on which side they belonged to, an interesting point slipped through when Rahul Shewale cited the Dharavi Redevelopment Project as a scheme that would add to Mumbai's importance. No big infrastructural project in Mumbai, he said, could be successful without the Centre's nod.

E-commerce vs kirana: And the winner is. . .

E-commerce vs kirana: And the winner is. . .

Rediff.com6 Dec 2014

Foreign retail chains, reluctantly allowed limited entry, have begun to make their initial moves and, like Ikea, intend to spend big money -- sometimes in the billions of dollars.

E-commerce firms find it hard to do business in India

E-commerce firms find it hard to do business in India

Rediff.com7 May 2014

It is hard enough to make a profit in e-commerce without having to deal with excessive paperwork, legal fees and the constant threat of harassment by revenue officials.

Obama nominates Gary Locke as Commerce Secretary

Obama nominates Gary Locke as Commerce Secretary

Rediff.com26 Feb 2009

Locke, who is the third choice for this post, became America's first Chinese-American governor when he served two terms in the Washington state house from 1997 to 2005. "Gary will be a trusted voice in my Cabinet, a tireless advocate for our economic competitiveness and an influential ambassador for American industry who will help us do everything we can, especially now, to promote our industry around the world," Obama said.

'My daughter wants to pursue astrophysics. Pls help'

'My daughter wants to pursue astrophysics. Pls help'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

rediffGURU Rohit Gupta, co-founder and COO of College Vidya, offers expert advice on career programmes in India.

Why India Is Buying 5 Argentine Lithium Mines

Why India Is Buying 5 Argentine Lithium Mines

Rediff.com2 Jan 2024

The Centre will invest around Rs 200 crore over five years for the exploration and development of these mines.

How Amazon Works With Indian Railways

How Amazon Works With Indian Railways

Rediff.com13 Oct 2023

'Building a whole product with the railways was challenging; we had to figure out how to load and unload a train when it stops for only about five minutes at a station.' 'We also helped them understand the revenues this would generate for them.'

Centre Assesses Threats As Sea Piracy Surges

Centre Assesses Threats As Sea Piracy Surges

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

'Due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, a faction operating in the Red Sea -- which is a typically safe area - has been firing projectiles arbitrarily.' 'Additionally, there have been two incidents involving Somali pirates, and one vessel has been hijacked.'

E-commerce policy draft may bring cheer to the realty sector

E-commerce policy draft may bring cheer to the realty sector

Rediff.com1 Mar 2019

With the insistence on data centres to be onshore, entities in real estate believe there is going to be a rise in demand for specialised Grade-A commercial spaces to set these up.

What does Piyush Goyal's Tesla visit mean?

What does Piyush Goyal's Tesla visit mean?

Rediff.com14 Nov 2023

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has visited the manufacturing facility of US-based electric vehicle major Tesla at Fremont, California and said that the company would be doubling its auto components imports from India. The minister is in the US on a four-day visit. The world's largest electric car producer Tesla Inc's chief Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in New York and after the meeting Musk had said that he planned to visit India in 2024.

Imports from Russia doubles to $25.69 billion in Apr-Aug

Imports from Russia doubles to $25.69 billion in Apr-Aug

Rediff.com15 Sep 2023

The country's imports from Russia almost doubled to $25.69 billion during the April-August period this fiscal due to increasing inbound shipments of crude oil and fertiliser, according to the commerce ministry data. With this, Russia has become India's second-largest import source during the first five months of this fiscal. The imports were $13.77 billion during April-August 2022.

Talent Crunch Affects Bank's Cybersecurity Plans

Talent Crunch Affects Bank's Cybersecurity Plans

Rediff.com14 Dec 2023

'We are also conducting ongoing training and grooming at the branch level to pre-empt such cyberattacks.'

Imports from Russia up 67% to $30.42 bn in Apr-Sep

Imports from Russia up 67% to $30.42 bn in Apr-Sep

Rediff.com13 Oct 2023

India's imports from Russia rose by about 67 per cent to $30.42 billion during the April-September period this fiscal on higher shipments of crude oil and fertiliser, according to the commerce ministry data. With this, Russia has become India's second-largest import source during the first half of this fiscal. The imports were $18.24 billion during April-September 2022.

Tatas to be India's first homegrown iPhone maker

Tatas to be India's first homegrown iPhone maker

Rediff.com27 Oct 2023

Tata Group is set to become India's first homegrown iPhone maker after Taiwan's Wistron Group agreed to sell a plant in Bengaluru to India's largest conglomerate. Wistron's board approved the sale of Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Private Ltd to Tata Electronics for $125 million, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer said in a statement on Friday. The unit operates an iPhone assembly plant near Bengaluru.

J-K NIT declares early winter vacation amid protests over social media post

J-K NIT declares early winter vacation amid protests over social media post

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

Non-local students left the institute in the afternoon in a convoy of 15 vehicles under security escort to Jammu for onward journey to their respective home states, officials said.

Voter's right trumps donor's privacy: SC on electoral bonds

Voter's right trumps donor's privacy: SC on electoral bonds

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

A voter's right to know is 'far too important' in democracy than the privacy of a donor, Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna said on Thursday as the apex court scrapped the 2018 electoral bond scheme for funding political parties.

Obama appoints ex-DD newsman to Commerce Dept

Obama appoints ex-DD newsman to Commerce Dept

Rediff.com30 Oct 2009

The Obama Administration has appointed Secunderabad-born Suresh Kumar, currently president and managing partner of KaiZen Innovation, LLC, a management advisory firm that specializes in installing global marketing processes and programs, based in Princeton, New Jersey, as Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service.Kumar said that he was a sports commentator and anchor for Doordarshan.

'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.

Sonia asks Congress-ruled states to override farm laws

Sonia asks Congress-ruled states to override farm laws

Rediff.com28 Sep 2020

The Congress is strongly opposed to the three Central legislations which were signed into laws by President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday.

Taxmen take notice, now e-commerce firms on I-T radar

Taxmen take notice, now e-commerce firms on I-T radar

Rediff.com26 May 2015

The Income Tax department has trained its scanner on the burgeoning 'e-commerce' business in the country.

E-commerce giants to absorb big real estate this year

E-commerce giants to absorb big real estate this year

Rediff.com16 Feb 2015

From 690,800 sq ft in 2013, the absorption by e-commerce companies in Chennai dropped to 31,150 sq ft last year.

Foxconn unit in talks for $200 million components plant in Tamil Nadu

Foxconn unit in talks for $200 million components plant in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group, the subsidiary of Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii), is in talks with the Tamil Nadu government to invest around $200 million to set up an electronic components unit in the state. According to a Reuters report, FII, which makes communication, mobile network and cloud computing equipment, has shared the plan with the Tamil Nadu state officials. Business Standard had reported last week that Fii's chief executive officer (CEO) Brand Cheng met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce TRB Rajaa.

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.

E-com start-up Dukaan lays off 90% staff for AI bot

E-com start-up Dukaan lays off 90% staff for AI bot

Rediff.com11 Jul 2023

E-commerce startup Dukaan has replaced 90 per cent of its customer support team with an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, founder and CEO Suumit Shah informed on Tuesday. Attributing the decision to prioritising profitability, he said customer support costs reduced by 85 per cent while resolution time went down from over two hours to three minutes. "We had to lay off 90 per cent of our support team because of this AI chatbot. Tough? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely," Shah tweeted.

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.