News for 'State for Consumer Affairs'

For first time Centre will sell tomatoes at discount in metros

For first time Centre will sell tomatoes at discount in metros

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

In a first, the Centre will start selling tomatoes at discounted rates in retail markets in the national capital and few other cities from Friday to provide relief to the consumers as the price of the kitchen staple is ruling high at over Rs 200 per kilogram in some parts of the country.

Modi govt 3.0: Who is in, who is out

Modi govt 3.0: Who is in, who is out

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Over 65 Union ministers are likely to take oath, going by the visual of the meeting Modi held with his likely council of ministers.

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Will L'affaire Adani Affect Modi's Image?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

Gautam Adani's alleged proximity to Narendra Modi may dent the latter's self-styled image of incorruptibility, points out Kanika Datta.

Zelenskyy explains war situation, Modi says India willing to help

Zelenskyy explains war situation, Modi says India willing to help

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Ukraine and Russia need to engage with each other to find a solution to the ongoing conflict between them, India said on Friday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv under the shadow of the raging war.

Mizoram: 9 out of 11 MNF ministers lose to ZPM

Mizoram: 9 out of 11 MNF ministers lose to ZPM

Rediff.com4 Dec 2023

The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) has faced a rout as it could win only 10 seats, while the main opposition ZPM bagged 27 seats in the 40-member House.

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.

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The National Informatics Centre uses AI to automate document analysis and detect fraud in government departments.

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

'As we enter 2025, it must be acknowledged that there is a convergence of capital, influential people (from business and politics) and technology deciding the destiny of others in the name of pride, patriotism, nationalism, nation building, all of it thinly veiled disguises for personal profit and glory,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Her comments come a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 percent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

Invoke stringent law against those hoarding: MHA to states

Invoke stringent law against those hoarding: MHA to states

Rediff.com8 Apr 2020

In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Union home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the ministry of home affairs, under the Disaster Management Act, has allowed manufacture or production, transport and other related supply-chain activities in respect of essential goods like foodstuff, medicines and medical equipment during the 21-day lockdown.

Govt issues new guidelines banning surrogate ads

Govt issues new guidelines banning surrogate ads

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

The government on Friday came out with new guidelines to prevent misleading advertisements, including those targeting children and making free claims to woo consumers.

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.

Grievance redressal method of e-com players not up to mark

Grievance redressal method of e-com players not up to mark

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

The grievance redressal mechanism of many big e-commerce players is not up to the mark as the number of complaints received by the National Consumer Helpline has risen sharply over the last four years, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said on Thursday. Addressing an event organised by the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), Singh said the number of complaints registered on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has gone up to 90,000 in November compared to 40,000 in the same month last year. "Four years back, the number of complaints pertaining to e-commerce transactions was 8 per cent of the total complaints.

Face masks, hand sanitisers out of essential commodities list

Face masks, hand sanitisers out of essential commodities list

Rediff.com7 Jul 2020

On March 13, the Union consumer affairs ministry had declared face masks and hand sanitisers as essential commodities for 100 days to boost supply and prevent hoarding of these items in its fight to check the spread of coronavirus.

Akshata Gets Rishi Ready For India

Akshata Gets Rishi Ready For India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2023

Rishi Sunak arrived in India for the first time after he took charge as the United Kingdom's prime minister on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Talks fail, farmers to march to Parliament today

Talks fail, farmers to march to Parliament today

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

Farmers will march towards Delhi on Tuesday after a meeting with two Union ministers over their demands, including legal guarantee to minimum support price (MSP) for crops, remained inconclusive.

Over 60% vote in Phase V of LS polls; highest in Bengal, lowest in Maha

Over 60% vote in Phase V of LS polls; highest in Bengal, lowest in Maha

Rediff.com21 May 2024

Over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded on Monday in 49 constituencies in six states and two Union territories in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, with Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir recording its highest-ever voting percentage.

18 states to impose stock limits on edible oils ahead of Diwali

18 states to impose stock limits on edible oils ahead of Diwali

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

In order to check the abnormal surge in edible oil prices during Diwali festivities, as many as 18 states are in the process of imposing stock holding limits on oilseeds and edible oils after being empowered by the Centre for doing so. Of the 18 states that are in the process of imposing stock limit on my edible oils apart from UP, include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Of the 18, Uttar Pradesh, has already imposed stock limits on edible oils, the Centre was informed with as many as 23 states to discuss ways and means to ensure further easing of edible oil prices.

Social media influencers can be penalised for Rs 10 lakh

Social media influencers can be penalised for Rs 10 lakh

Rediff.com20 Jan 2023

The government on Friday made it mandatory for social media influencers to disclose their "material" interest in endorsing products and services and violations can attract strict legal action, including ban on endorsements. The regulations are part of continuing efforts to curb misleading advertisements as well protect the interests of consumers amid the expanding social influencer market which is projected to be worth around Rs 2,800 crore by 2025. The new guidelines named 'Endorsement Know Hows -- for celebrities, influencers and virtual media influencers (Avatar or computer generated character) on social media platforms' has been issued by the Department of Consumers Affairs.

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by CBI pending

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by CBI pending

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation were pending trials in different courts, 361 for more than 20 years, according to the latest annual report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Besides, as many as 658 corruption cases were pending CBI investigation, 48 for more than five years.

Kamala Harris picks Minnesota guv as running mate

Kamala Harris picks Minnesota guv as running mate

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

US Vice President Kamala Harris, who is of Indian and African heritage, has formally secured the Democratic presidential nomination becoming the first Indian-American to win the nomination from a major political party, and chose Minnesota Gov Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday.

'No state should sell pulses at more than Rs 120/kg'

'No state should sell pulses at more than Rs 120/kg'

Rediff.com17 May 2016

Paswan said his Ministry has acquired 55,000 tonnes of pulses.

Govt issues 202 notices to e-com players for violating norm

Govt issues 202 notices to e-com players for violating norm

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

The Union government on Tuesday said it has issued 202 notices to e-commerce players for incorrect declaration of 'country of origin' on products on their platforms in the last one year. The maximum number of such violations were found with respect to electronic appliances, followed by clothing and home products. Out of 217 notices, 202 notices were issued for violations relating to 'country of origin' norm.

State govts start selling tur dal at Rs 120-145/kg

State govts start selling tur dal at Rs 120-145/kg

Rediff.com26 Oct 2015

The Centre had asked the state governments to meet the millers.

Govt to procure 200K-tonne onions amid farmer protest

Govt to procure 200K-tonne onions amid farmer protest

Rediff.com23 Aug 2023

Barely days after imposing a 40 per cent export tax on onions to cool down soaring prices, which, in turn, triggered widespread protests across the main growing belts, the Centre on Tuesday sought to mitigate both political and economic tensions gripping parts of Maharashtra. It decided to procure an additional 200,000 tonnes of onions at Rs 2,410 per quintal for its buffer stock from farmers, a rate that is strikingly close to the price at which they were being exported before the 40 per cent duty was levied on August 19. The export price before the imposition of the duty stood at around $320 per tonne free on board (approximately Rs 2,650 per quintal).

Tur dal prices hit Rs 200/kg, adds to consumers' pain

Tur dal prices hit Rs 200/kg, adds to consumers' pain

Rediff.com19 Oct 2015

Retail tur dal prices on Monday shot up to Rs 200 per kg despite the government's steps to boost supply and check prices, aggravating consumers' woes.

When It Was Bradman Versus India

When It Was Bradman Versus India

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

History has not seen a cricketing rivalry as fierce as this this century, every ball bowled every run taken, coming with no quarter given. Ahead of India's five Test tour of Australia, Norma Astrid Godinho/Rediff.com takes a walk down memory lane, recounting India's sojourns Down Under from 1947 to 2021, in a 4-part series.

How Much Do Indians Spend On Weddings?

How Much Do Indians Spend On Weddings?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

An average Indian couple spends around 2x on weddings versus education (pre-primary to graduation).

24 policemen, 60 protestors hurt in clashes as farmers march to Delhi

24 policemen, 60 protestors hurt in clashes as farmers march to Delhi

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

Farmers from Punjab clashed with Haryana police at two border points between the states on Tuesday, facing tear gas and water cannons as they tried to break past barricades blocking their protest march to the national capital. The police lobbed tear gas shells -- some of them dropped from a drone -- and tried to disperse groups of stone-pelting protesters in the face-off that last several hours at Shambhu border near Ambala in Haryana.

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Rediff.com28 Jul 2024

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk announced on Sunday that he will launch a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the government does not invite Ladakh authorities for talks on demands for statehood and constitutional protection for the union territory.

Consumer court orders fresh sample testing for Maggi

Consumer court orders fresh sample testing for Maggi

Rediff.com17 Aug 2015

The apex consumer court on Monday issued notice to Nestle India Limited on a Rs 640-crore or Rs 6.40 billion suit against it by the Centre.

Why HUL, Nestle gave Rs 175 crore to govt's consumer welfare fund

Why HUL, Nestle gave Rs 175 crore to govt's consumer welfare fund

Rediff.com14 Aug 2018

The deposit has been made on account of the rate reductions approved by the GST Council in its November. The rate was reduced on items including shampoo, detergents, chocolates, beauty products, sanitary ware, leather clothing, cookers, stoves, after-shave, deodorant, detergent and washing power. Companies found it difficult to pass on the benefits to consumers immediately at the time of GST rate reduction owing to logistical issues.

Govt says retail prices of 3 pulses on declining trend

Govt says retail prices of 3 pulses on declining trend

Rediff.com18 Jun 2021

Retail prices of three pulses -- tur, moong dal and urad -- are on a declining trend after the government took coordinated actions with state governments to check hoarding, the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry said on Friday. "The upward pressure on retail prices of tur, moong dal and urad has stabilized in 2021 and is on a stable or declining trend," it said in a statement. According to the ministry, the average increase in prices of these three pulses during April to June 16, 2021 was 0.95 per cent as compared with previous three months (January-March, 2021).

'Dak ghar' to become 'dal ghar' during festive season

'Dak ghar' to become 'dal ghar' during festive season

Rediff.com14 Oct 2016

The Centre will utilise huge network of post offices across the country to sell subsidised pulses, mainly tur, urad and chana, to ensure availability in the ongoing festival season.

Expert panel on food waste to meet on June 23

Expert panel on food waste to meet on June 23

Rediff.com9 Jun 2011

On June 2, the ministry had constituted a 15-member committee, headed by Consumer Affairs Secretary Rajiv Aggarwal, to deliberate and suggest possible ways and means to check food wastage.

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

K'taka portfolios: Siddaramaiah keeps finance, Shivakumar gets irrigation

Rediff.com29 May 2023

Shivakumar has got the all-important Major and Medium Irrigation and Bengaluru City Development, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

Maldivian Prez praises Xi, China amid row with India

Maldivian Prez praises Xi, China amid row with India

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

During his just-concluded visit to China, Muizzu, regarded as a pro-China leader, sought to align Maldives closer to Beijing and both countries elevated their ties to a strategic partnership.

Karnataka minister Umesh Katti dies of cardiac arrest

Karnataka minister Umesh Katti dies of cardiac arrest

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

Karnataka Minister Umesh Katti died due to cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Tuesday night, official sources said.

LPG price cut by Rs 100/cylinder

LPG price cut by Rs 100/cylinder

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a Rs 100 per cylinder cut in cooking gas LPG price to ease financial burden on households. Non-subsidised cooking gas price will be cut to Rs 803 per 14.2-kg cylinder in the national capital with effect from midnight of Friday/Saturday, official sources said. Prices vary from state to state depending on the incidence on local taxes.

Maggi samples being tested, brand ambassadors can be liable: Govt

Maggi samples being tested, brand ambassadors can be liable: Govt

Rediff.com1 Jun 2015

Celebrities endorsing Maggi can face action If Maggi is tested of high content of MSG.