News for 'State for Business and Trade'

Trump unveils 50% tariffs as US-Canada trade war escalates

Trump unveils 50% tariffs as US-Canada trade war escalates

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The US-Canada trade war has escalated sharply, with US President Donald Trump on Monday announcing that tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel imports will be raised to 50 percent from January 2027, following the collapse of trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa last week.

Canada suspends trade talks with US, 50% tariff kicks in

Canada suspends trade talks with US, 50% tariff kicks in

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have collapsed, leading to the US imposing 50% tariffs on nearly $28 billion worth of Canadian imports, with Canada immediately vowing to retaliate dollar-for-dollar.

How AI Is Revolutionising Advertising For Indian Small Businesses

How AI Is Revolutionising Advertising For Indian Small Businesses

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A study by Amazon Ads reveals that nearly 87% of Indian small and medium businesses (SMBs) believe AI has opened up new advertising opportunities, including streaming TV. The research indicates that 75% of surveyed SMBs attribute business growth to AI-enabled advertising, with 68% noting increased creativity. AI is also facilitating international trade for 59% of businesses, though human oversight remains crucial in decision-making.

25 US states move court against Trump's forced-labour tariffs

25 US states move court against Trump's forced-labour tariffs

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A coalition of 25 Democratic-ruled US states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to impose new tariffs on 60 economies, including India. The states contend that these tariffs, ostensibly aimed at combating forced labour, are illegal taxes that will raise costs for consumers and businesses, and were implemented without proper legal justification.

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies, including a customs broker and three other firms, for their involvement in importing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. This action is part of "Operation Economic Outcast," a broader US campaign to sever Iran's financial lifelines and prevent funding for its destabilising activities.

Eway Bills Cross 139 Million in August, Signalling Sustained Economic Momentum

Eway Bills Cross 139 Million in August, Signalling Sustained Economic Momentum

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's eway bill generation reached 139.08 million in August, marking the third-highest monthly count on record and indicating sustained momentum in goods movement and formal economic activity, according to official data.

What's Holding Up India-US Trade Deal?

What's Holding Up India-US Trade Deal?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India is waiting for assurance from the US on comparative advantage over other economies under the deal.

CCI Chairperson Flags AI Risks In Digital Markets

CCI Chairperson Flags AI Risks In Digital Markets

Rediff.com1 days ago

Competition Commission of India (CCI) chairperson Ravneet Kaur has warned that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could intensify anti-competitive practices in digital markets, including self-preferencing, discriminatory pricing, and market manipulation. She highlighted the CCI's ongoing study into AI's impact on competition and stressed the regulator's role in fostering growth while preventing abuse of dominance.

West Asia crisis: Putin assures India of steady energy, fertiliser supplies

West Asia crisis: Putin assures India of steady energy, fertiliser supplies

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Russia on Monday assured India of uninterrupted supply of energy and fertilisers amid disruption caused by the West Asia crisis, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held talks with his key interlocutors.

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

A Chinese military trading company executive has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information to intelligence agencies from two countries, China's top spy and anti-espionage agency said on Monday.

Augmont Enterprises makes strong market debut, shares jump nearly 22%

Augmont Enterprises makes strong market debut, shares jump nearly 22%

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Augmont Enterprises Ltd, an integrated gold and silver platform, saw its shares list with a premium of nearly 22 per cent against the issue price of Rs 788 on its market debut.

India may seek sunset clause in US trade pact

India may seek sunset clause in US trade pact

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

India may press for an automatic review mechanism in its proposed interim trade deal with the United States (US), mirroring a sunset clause introduced by the European Parliament in its trade agreement with Washington, people aware of the negotiations said. The European Parliament last week approved the EU-US trade deal but inserted a sunset clause requiring the arrangement to expire on December 31, 2029, unless both sides agree to extend it.

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

India's Biggest Stock Market Booms And Busts

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Every period of excessive optimism eventually gives way to a correction, while periods of extreme pessimism often create the best investment opportunities.'

RBI Deputy Governor Outlines Vision For India's Evolving Forex Market

RBI Deputy Governor Outlines Vision For India's Evolving Forex Market

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain discussed the future of India's foreign exchange markets, highlighting the increasing role of local currencies in cross-border trade, the impact of technology, and existing challenges. He emphasised the need for market evolution to facilitate India's global engagement, absorb shocks, and serve all users efficiently. Jain also addressed concerns about unauthorised forex trading platforms and the importance of customer awareness.

'West Bengal Doesn't Need To Experiment With The Bulldozer'

'West Bengal Doesn't Need To Experiment With The Bulldozer'

Rediff.com17 hours ago

'We have a very demanding electorate which expects us to do something. So we will have to do something which is a bit out of the ordinary while at the same time keeping in mind the risk factors.'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'You have to get private investment to somewhere between 35% to 36% of GDP. It is hovering about 30%-31%.'

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'

Why Tata Must Put The Group Before Individuals

Why Tata Must Put The Group Before Individuals

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Corporate leaders' half-life has shrunk over the past few decades. That is the Tata experience as well. Over 144 years till 2012, Tata Sons had just five chairmen. However, in the 15 years till 2027, the same group will see three, points out R Gopalakrishnan.

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

BMW India CFO Carsten Lammers has expressed surprise at the extensive scale and prolonged duration of tax and Customs litigation in India, advocating for faster dispute resolution and simpler procedures to ensure business stability.

No word on India-US interim trade deal as tariff deadline looms

No word on India-US interim trade deal as tariff deadline looms

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India and the United States have reviewed progress on a proposed interim bilateral trade agreement, discussing market access, digital trade, and non-tariff barriers, as they race to finalise a deal before a temporary 10 per cent US tariff regime expires on July 24.

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'

Active MFs reduce bets to multi-year low

Active MFs reduce bets to multi-year low

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

HDFC Bank's share in active mutual fund schemes has fallen to multi-year lows, despite overall MF ownership in the bank rising, as the stock faces weak performance, soft margins, and governance concerns.

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Kolkata hotel blaze: Govt orders safety audit of hotels, guest houses

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in a central Kolkata building resulted in nine deaths, primarily due to asphyxia, and the rescue of around 80 people. West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury highlighted the quick response of the Fire Brigade but raised concerns about safety norms, lack of windows, and the proliferation of cramped hotels within the building. An investigation committee will be formed, and fire audits will be conducted across all hotels in the state.

Why Smart People Still Fail At Retirement Planning

Why Smart People Still Fail At Retirement Planning

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Retirement planning is not a test of how smart you are; it is a test of how well you control your behaviour.

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

India-UK trade pact: 85% of India's exports out of British steel measures

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India has successfully negotiated the protection of its steel export interests under the free trade agreement with the UK, ensuring 85 per cent of its outbound shipments remain outside Britain's steel safeguard measures. This consensus addresses a key sticking point ahead of the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) coming into force on July 15.

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Who is running the show in Dhaka? This kind of flip-flop, culminating in a last-minute decision to skip a maiden visit, can happen only when the remote is in the hands of one of the competing lobbies within the BNP -- one that appears determined to play a game of chess with India.

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India's CFO, Arnab Roy, has urged the central government to introduce an amnesty scheme or an 'as-is' settlement option to resolve past indirect tax disputes, aiming to clear legacy litigation and foster growth in the automotive industry. Roy emphasised the need for a 'smarter way to address the past' to provide long-term certainty for businesses.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.

Govt allows FDI in inventory-based e-commerce model only for export purposes

Govt allows FDI in inventory-based e-commerce model only for export purposes

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Indian government has permitted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in an inventory-based e-commerce model exclusively for the export of domestically manufactured or produced goods, aiming to boost outbound shipments without affecting small local retailers.

SBI Boosts YONO Platform With New AI Features And Digital Journeys

SBI Boosts YONO Platform With New AI Features And Digital Journeys

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

State Bank of India has launched a suite of AI-powered digital innovations on its YONO platform, enhancing both retail and business banking services. These new features include a 3-in-1 digital onboarding process, a sustainability tracker, integrated trade finance, and an AI virtual assistant, aiming to provide intelligent and future-ready banking experiences for its 53 crore customers.

How Delhi Police Busted Illegal Forex Trading Call Centre

How Delhi Police Busted Illegal Forex Trading Call Centre

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Delhi Police busted an illegal forex trading call centre in Indore, arresting six individuals involved in defrauding victims nationwide through fake online investment schemes. The syndicate allegedly used a fake trading platform to lure people into investing in forex and online trading products, showing fabricated profits and gains.

Ethanol Blending In Petrol Causes No Damage To Vehicles: Brazilian Minister

Ethanol Blending In Petrol Causes No Damage To Vehicles: Brazilian Minister

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'As long as the vehicle has a flex engine, it is irrelevant if the mixture is 15 per cent or 30 per cent; the performance is the same.'

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

US Team Likely to Visit India in June for Crucial Trade Discussions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a US team is expected to visit India next month for trade talks, following an earlier Indian delegation's visit to Washington, DC, in April to finalise an interim pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral trade agreement.

Consumer forum lifts liquor seller's spirits, tells insurer to pay Rs 1.2 cr

Consumer forum lifts liquor seller's spirits, tells insurer to pay Rs 1.2 cr

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A consumer disputes commission in Mumbai has directed National Insurance Company Ltd to pay a liquor wholesaler over 1.2 crore for stock ruined during the 2017 Mumbai floods, deeming the claim rejection 'arbitrary and unreasonable'.

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at cracking down on 'birth tourism' and limiting eligibility for birthright citizenship, weeks after the Supreme Court rejected a similar directive.

How Generative AI Will Reshape India's Job Market

How Generative AI Will Reshape India's Job Market

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

A Goldman Sachs report indicates that up to 12% of India's non-agricultural workforce is at risk of substitution by generative AI, while 42-48% could be complemented. The report highlights uneven impacts across sectors and job types, with IT-enabled services facing higher risk and physical tasks remaining less affected. Gen-AI is projected to boost India's labour productivity growth over the next decade.

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Church objections can't override law, says Meghalaya HC on liquor shop

Church objections can't override law, says Meghalaya HC on liquor shop

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Meghalaya High Court has ruled that moral objections from church elders and locals cannot be a valid ground to deny the operation of a legally licensed liquor outlet. The court directed authorities to permit a shop owner to operate her IMFL retail outlet, noting she fulfilled all statutory requirements and that the objections were based on moral rather than legal grounds. The ruling also highlighted that a legal outlet could help curb illegal liquor sales.

NITI Aayog Member Gauba Outlines Sweeping Deregulation to Boost Ease of Doing Business

NITI Aayog Member Gauba Outlines Sweeping Deregulation to Boost Ease of Doing Business

Rediff.com13 May 2026

NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba has detailed an extensive deregulation agenda, moving India towards a 'permitted unless prohibited' principle to dismantle new forms of the Licence Raj and clear 'regulatory cholesterol' for businesses.

Indian diamond merchant abducted in Mali; freed after ransom payment

Indian diamond merchant abducted in Mali; freed after ransom payment

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

An Indian-origin diamond businessman, Dhiru Ramani, abducted in Mali in April, has been freed after his family reportedly paid a 4 million euro ransom. Ramani, originally from Gujarat, remains in Mali for questioning by local authorities.