News for 'State for Commerce'

Bharat Bandh ends peacefully, life hit in some states

Bharat Bandh ends peacefully, life hit in some states

Rediff.com8 Dec 2020

With almost all opposition parties and several trade unions backing the 'Bharat Bandh' and many announcing parallel protests in support of the farmers, the Centre has issued an advisory directing all the states and Union Territories to tighten security and ensure COVID guidelines are followed.

Gurudas Kamat cremated with full state honours

Gurudas Kamat cremated with full state honours

Rediff.com23 Aug 2018

His son Sunil lighted the pyre and a police contingent gave the departed leader a gun salute.

'Many Indian unicorns have set up businesses in Dubai'

'Many Indian unicorns have set up businesses in Dubai'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

'As part of our D33 strategy, the plan is to establish 30 unicorns in Dubai within the next 10 years.'

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.

Exports saw sharp fall on decline in US and UAE share

Exports saw sharp fall on decline in US and UAE share

Rediff.com24 May 2023

Exports to India's key markets - the US, the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, Bangladesh and Germany - witnessed a sharp decline, resulting in a 12.69 per cent contraction in outbound shipments during the first month of the current financial year, commerce department data showed. India's biggest export market - the US - with 17 per cent share witnessed 17.16 per cent contraction at $5.9 billion in April. This was followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that saw 22.09 per cent decline at $2.23 billion exports.

UP seeks to take embassies' help to boost exports

UP seeks to take embassies' help to boost exports

Rediff.com2 Aug 2022

The Uttar Pradesh government will tap the Indian embassies in the US and European countries in its bid to double merchandise shipments to Rs 3 trillion in the next 4-5 years. The Indian embassies in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, Israel, Singapore, etc. will promote the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) products, apart from traditional handicrafts and indigenous products, under the state's flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. "Indian embassies will provide the much-needed traction and visibility to our traditional products in key export destinations across the globe," UP additional chief secretary (MSME and export promotion) Navneet Sehgal told Business Standard.

Modi inaugurates railway, Kochi Metro Phase II projects in Kerala

Modi inaugurates railway, Kochi Metro Phase II projects in Kerala

Rediff.com1 Sep 2022

The prime minister, who is on a two-day visit to the state, inaugurated, laid the foundation stone of and dedicated to the nation, railway and metro projects in the state worth Rs 4,500 crore.

New India knows its direction, has no confusion, Modi tells diaspora

New India knows its direction, has no confusion, Modi tells diaspora

Rediff.com24 Jun 2023

Wrapping up his four-day state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that a new and proud journey of India-US ties has begun and the world is watching the two great democracies strengthening their bond.

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.

Modi gifts green diamond to Jill Biden

Modi gifts green diamond to Jill Biden

Rediff.com22 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the United States for a three-day state visit, has gifted an eco-friendly lab-grown 7.5 carat diamond, placed in Kashmir's exquisite Papier mache box, to First Lady Jill Biden.

Amazon, Flipkart HQs get battle-ready: Draw up sales strategy in war rooms

Amazon, Flipkart HQs get battle-ready: Draw up sales strategy in war rooms

Rediff.com23 Sep 2022

E-commerce companies managed to beat the odds by adopting a flexible approach in terms of transforming their business models and leveraging emerging technologies. They had to constantly align their objectives with evolving customer needs. With companies hiring thousands of temporary workers, expanding to smaller cities, and launching new products, e-commerce giants gird up to celebrate the peak festival season without Covid restrictions after a three-year time-out.

Indo-Australia trade pact: Over 6000 products to get free access

Indo-Australia trade pact: Over 6000 products to get free access

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

The interim free trade agreement between India and Australia will come into force on Thursday, providing duty-free access to thousands of domestic goods such as textiles, and leather in the Australian market. The agreement will help almost double the bilateral commerce to $45-50 billion in around five years, according to exporters and industry players. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which was signed on April 2, would provide duty-free access to Indian exporters of over 6,000 broad sectors, including textiles, leather, furniture, jewellery and machinery in the Australian market.

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.

'We couldn't imagine this 15 years ago'

'We couldn't imagine this 15 years ago'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2023

'At the heart of the strategic relationship between our countries are economic ties.'

Pranab cremated with full state honours in shadow of pandemic

Pranab cremated with full state honours in shadow of pandemic

Rediff.com1 Sep 2020

Mukherjee's family and relatives paid their last respects clad in PPE kits while conforming to COVID-19 safeguards.

'FICCI is focusing on start-ups'

'FICCI is focusing on start-ups'

Rediff.com19 May 2023

'For our traditional membership base, it would be an access to disruptive ideas,' FICCI President Subhrakant Panda tells Asit Mishra/Business Standard.

Agricultural growth: India's TOP 5 states

Agricultural growth: India's TOP 5 states

Rediff.com13 Jul 2011

Gujarat has registered the highest agricultural growth in real terms during the past decade leaving other states far behind, states a study conducted by Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham).

Kerala first state to have 4 international airports

Kerala first state to have 4 international airports

Rediff.com9 Dec 2018

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan jointly flagged off the inaugural Air India Express flight, carrying 186 passengers to Abu Dhabi.

Internet usage grows faster in rural India; knowhow still a deterrent

Internet usage grows faster in rural India; knowhow still a deterrent

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

The number of internet users in rural India increased 18 percent last year, faster than growth in urban areas and continuing a trend that started two years ago. Internet users in urban India increased 5 percent in 2021. Rural India has 351 million users, or 37 percent of people there, according to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and data analytics company KANTAR.

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

PM Modi's US visit: India's entry into critical mineral alliance on table

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US is expected to see discussion on India's possible entry into a US-led global alliance on critical minerals, officials told Business Standard. In June last year, the US, the European Union, and other G7 partners launched the Minerals Security Partnership to ensure that China did not further strengthen its grip on supplies of critical minerals the world over. Various ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, have communicated to the Ministry of External Affairs to explore the possibility of India joining the partnership, officials said.

Cong protests against farm laws in several states, 3 PCC chiefs held

Cong protests against farm laws in several states, 3 PCC chiefs held

Rediff.com28 Sep 2020

Party's state unit chiefs of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat were also detained along with the workers during the protests.

Judiciary must be allowed to interpret Constitution: SC judge Kohli

Judiciary must be allowed to interpret Constitution: SC judge Kohli

Rediff.com5 Mar 2023

It is equally essential to recognise the judiciary's role in the constitutional dialogue as it acts like a safety valve for fostering our democratic values, she said.

West Bengal seeks STP benefits for IT cos

West Bengal seeks STP benefits for IT cos

Rediff.com14 Jun 2012

Although Infosys was given 50 acre at Rajarhat for setting up its first development centre in West Bengal, the firm was insisting on getting special economic zone status, which the state was not keen to consider due to political reasons.

India's unemployment rate rises to 3-month high of 7.8% in March

India's unemployment rate rises to 3-month high of 7.8% in March

Rediff.com1 Apr 2023

India's unemployment rose to a three-month high in March to 7.8 per cent as the country's labour markets deteriorated, according to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). Unemployment rate in the country surged in December 2022 to 8.30 per cent but declined in January to 7.14 per cent. It edged up again in February to 7.45 per cent, the CMIE data released on Saturday showed. During March, the unemployment rate in urban areas was at 8.4 per cent while in the rural areas it was at 7.5 per cent.

Commerce minister plans to push the idea of co-working spaces

Commerce minister plans to push the idea of co-working spaces

Rediff.com20 Jun 2017

To tap into the growing demand for offices, several global and Indian co-working entities are creating stock in the top cities.

When Modi Met Former PM

When Modi Met Former PM

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

What some of our leaders were up to on Tuesday, December 13.

Govt proposes host of incentives to revamp Special Economic Zones

Govt proposes host of incentives to revamp Special Economic Zones

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

The commerce ministry is proposing a host of direct and indirect incentives such as deferral of import duties and exemption from export taxes to revamp Special Economic Zones through a new legislation, an official said. In the Union Budget this year, the government proposed to replace the existing law governing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with a new legislation to enable states to become partners in 'Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs' (DESH). The official said the commerce ministry has sought views of different ministries, including finance, on the new bill.

Foreign e-com firms destroying small traders: RSS arm

Foreign e-com firms destroying small traders: RSS arm

Rediff.com1 Nov 2021

The Centre must bring an "all-encompassing" policy to protect the interests of the consumers as well as offline traders and small traders, he said, underlining that the proposed consumer protection e-commerce rules are "inadequate" to address the issue. The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) is an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

States may have separate labour laws

States may have separate labour laws

Rediff.com5 Aug 2005

The Union government is considering a proposal to empower the states to frame separate labour laws in certain specific locations to attract investments, Union Commerce and Industries Minister Kamal Nath said on Friday.

Flipkart's Bengal warehouse to create about 3,500 jobs

Flipkart's Bengal warehouse to create about 3,500 jobs

Rediff.com16 Jun 2021

Walmart-owned Flipkart on Wednesday said it has set up a new fulfilment centre (warehouse) in West Bengal, its second-largest in the state, that will help in creating nearly 3,500 direct jobs. Spread across an area of over 2.2 lakh sq ft, the new facility in Dankuni will cater to the needs of Flipkart and Myntra customers in the region and bolster the e-commerce major's efforts to ramps up supply chain infrastructure in the eastern part of the country. The facility will also help thousands of sellers offer a wider selection and enable faster deliveries of customer orders within the region and neighbouring states while also helping create national market access, according to a statement.

Five new SC judges to take oath on Monday, 2 short of full strength

Five new SC judges to take oath on Monday, 2 short of full strength

Rediff.com5 Feb 2023

The senior most among the five judges, whose names were officially announced by the Centre on Saturday, is Justice Mithal whose parent cadre is the Allahabad high court.

Apple boost helps India double smartphone exports; shipments hit $11.1 bn

Apple boost helps India double smartphone exports; shipments hit $11.1 bn

Rediff.com13 Apr 2023

India doubled its exports of smartphones to $11.1 billion (about Rs 91,000 crore) in 2022-23 (FY23) over the previous year's figure of $5.48 billion (Rs 45,000 crore), thanks largely to the Apple juggernaut, according to data from the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw said: "With the doubling of exports of smartphones to over Rs 90,000 crore, India is well on its way to becoming a leader in the global mobile device market." On the flip side, despite the government prodding Chinese companies to export more, their smartphone shipments fell steeply by 26 per cent from $214 million in FY22 to $157 million in FY23.

When People Cried Seeing Modi

When People Cried Seeing Modi

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

There was not a dry eye in sight as 3,024 beneficiaries of a slum rehabilitation project were overwhelmed by emotion as Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi handed them the keys to their new homes at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

India's trade deficit with Russia grows seven-fold to $34.79 billion

India's trade deficit with Russia grows seven-fold to $34.79 billion

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

The rising dependence on discounted crude oil has resulted in India's trade deficit with Russia hitting the second-highest place last year, after China, reveals Department of Commerce data. From April through January 2022-23 (FY23), India's maximum trade deficit was with China, at $71.58 billion. This was followed by Russia, where the deficit expanded sevenfold - from $4.86 billion in April-January of 2021-22 (FY22) to $34.79 billion during the same period in FY23.

ED investigating 281 cases of FDI violation

ED investigating 281 cases of FDI violation

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

About 281 cases have been taken up for investigation by the Directorate of Enforcement regarding suspected violations of foreign direct investment (FDI) norms all over the country during April 2019 to March this year, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. Necessary action as per provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) has been taken, which includes issuance of show cause notices, adjudication and imposition of penalty, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Parkash said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. In these cases, following the due process of adjudication, penalties of more than Rs 2,600 crore have been imposed under the FEMA, he said, adding the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has done compounding of contraventions of FDI related FEMA provisions in total of 1,421 cases across the country during the last three years.

Botched deliveries take toll on Amazon and Flipkart festival sales

Botched deliveries take toll on Amazon and Flipkart festival sales

Rediff.com3 Oct 2022

Flipkart claims that over one billion customers visited its platform during the eight-day-long The Big Billion Festival. Amazon's Great Indian Festival 2022, which will go on for a month, is throwing discounts at customers that can hardly be ignored. But some of the stories that are coming out from these sales are not so great.

Govt plans short-term foreign trade policy, may release before Sep

Govt plans short-term foreign trade policy, may release before Sep

Rediff.com28 Jul 2022

The government may roll out a new foreign trade policy (FTP) of a shorter term of two-three years in a bid to keep pace with the fast-evolving scenarios in international trade which have been triggered by recent disruptions, such as the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. An FTP is an elaborate policy guideline and strategy to promote the export of goods and services, with a duration of five years usually. The existing policy came into force on April 1, 2015, and was valid for five years, before multiple extensions.

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

As the United States focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its 'downward trend of democratic values and institutions', said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Clarifications on FDI in e-com soon: Goyal

Clarifications on FDI in e-com soon: Goyal

Rediff.com2 Jul 2021

Amid domestic traders continuously complaining alleged violations of FDI norms by foreign online players, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said the ministry will "very shortly" come out with certain clarifications on the e-commerce sector. Goyal said the ministry is not changing any policy on e-commerce for foreign direct investment as the policy is crystal clear. "We will also come out with the e-commerce policy and whatever clarifications... Certain instances have come to our notice where the policy is not being followed in letter and spirit, we will obviously be clarifying that very shortly," he told reporters in New Delhi.

Pak wants vegetables, other edible items from India

Pak wants vegetables, other edible items from India

Rediff.com29 Aug 2022

Pakistan's Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Monday said the government can consider importing vegetables and other edible items from India following the destruction of standing crops due to massive floods, three years after Islamabad downgraded trade ties with New Delhi over the Kashmir issue.