News for 'US Customs'

India's tour of New Zealand: 50,000 tickets sold in 14 days!

India's tour of New Zealand: 50,000 tickets sold in 14 days!

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The marquee series against India starting late October has set the cash registers ringing at New Zealand Cricket headquarters as the parent body confirmed sale of more than 50,000 tickets since going on sale just over two weeks ago.

Banking services impacted as unions go on nationwide strike to press for 5-day workweek

Banking services impacted as unions go on nationwide strike to press for 5-day workweek

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Banking services, particularly at public sector banks across India, were impacted by a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to demand the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolution of pending wage-related issues.

Tata Sierra #DARK Launched: Prices Start at 13.99 Lakh, Features & Variants Detailed

Tata Sierra #DARK Launched: Prices Start at 13.99 Lakh, Features & Variants Detailed

Rediff.com2 days ago

Tata Motors has officially launched the Tata Sierra #DARK in India, with prices starting from 13.99 Lakh (ex-showroom). This new edition features a Friesian Black exterior, a Violet Eclipse interior, and a range of engine and transmission options across multiple variants.

'Three Days' Banking Strike Is A Big Issue'

'Three Days' Banking Strike Is A Big Issue'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'There will be some inconvenience to people. But we have given one-month notice to the government one month ago.'

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over a notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees, especially on transactions above Rs 2,000. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is surrendering to American pressure, while Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the potential burden on common citizens amidst inflation. The government's notification prohibits charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 but remains silent on higher amounts, sparking fears of a "Digital Payments Tax."

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

'This 2,000 MDR Limit Is Bogus'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'These limits will change. Very soon restrictions, restrictions will come.'

Opposition Slams New UPI Charges, Questions GDP Calculation

Opposition Slams New UPI Charges, Questions GDP Calculation

Rediff.com7 days ago

Opposition MPs have voiced strong criticism against the government's new fee on UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants, calling it "anti-people" and expressing widespread "outrage". The issue was raised in a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting, where concerns were also flagged regarding the methodology of GDP growth calculation and the government's stance on Virtual Digital Assets.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles rebrands as TATA.CARS to attract younger buyers

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles rebrands as TATA.CARS to attract younger buyers

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV) has launched its new brand identity, TATA.CARS, aiming to appeal to a younger demographic with a focus on smarter, greener, and more connected mobility experiences.

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

AI-led pricing pressure to drive consolidation among mid-tier IT firms

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's IT services industry is witnessing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, particularly among mid-cap companies, as AI-led pricing pressure and macroeconomic uncertainty compel firms to seek scale, capabilities, and broader market reach. This trend is exemplified by the recent merger of Happiest Minds Technologies and ITC Infotech, aiming to offer end-to-end solutions and compete for larger transformation programmes.

Adobe Appoints Anil Chakravarthy As New CEO, Shantanu Narayen Becomes Executive Chair

Adobe Appoints Anil Chakravarthy As New CEO, Shantanu Narayen Becomes Executive Chair

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Adobe has announced Anil Chakravarthy as its new president and CEO, succeeding Shantanu Narayen, who will transition to executive chair. Chakravarthy, an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University and IIT, will assume the role on December 1, leading the company into an AI-driven era.

RBI Authorises RNFI Services As Physical Payment Aggregator

RBI Authorises RNFI Services As Physical Payment Aggregator

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

RNFI Services Ltd has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator - Physical (PA-P). This approval allows the company to expand its financial infrastructure into physical, offline, and in-store payments, complementing its existing regulated financial services portfolio.

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 19.90 lakh debited from a widow's fixed deposit to recover her deceased husband's personal loan. The court deemed the bank's action an "abominable" breach of banking practice and also directed SBI to pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation to the woman.

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Can your money be protected against online frauds like hacking, digital arrests, etc?

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Rediff.com23 hours ago

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that no decision has been made regarding allowing Delhi and Mumbai airport operators to own and run airlines, as the government is carefully considering the implications of relaxing cross-ownership restrictions, including potential conflicts of interest and the need for more airlines.

How To Pick The Right Broker

How To Pick The Right Broker

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Investors opening new brokerage accounts must choose a broker suited to their style.

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

New UPI Charges: Understanding The Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com7 days ago

The government is introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends the zero-MDR regime, aiming to fund UPI infrastructure and sustainability, as the previous government subsidy was insufficient to cover operational costs. Payments between individuals and most everyday merchant transactions will remain free.

Hero Motors IPO Fully Subscribed on Day 1, Retail Investors Lead Demand

Hero Motors IPO Fully Subscribed on Day 1, Retail Investors Lead Demand

Rediff.com7 days ago

The initial public offering (IPO) of auto components maker Hero Motors Ltd was fully subscribed on its first day of bidding, receiving bids for 1.38 times the shares on offer, with strong interest from retail investors.

How PSBs Plan To Target Gen Z

How PSBs Plan To Target Gen Z

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged PSBs to become 'cool' and shed their 'government bank' image to attract young customers.

Congress Slams Government Over New UPI Charges, Cites US Pressure

Congress Slams Government Over New UPI Charges, Cites US Pressure

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Congress party has accused the Indian government of imposing new charges on UPI transactions due to pressure from the United States, specifically to benefit American card companies. The opposition party demanded the withdrawal of the decision, calling it "anti-national" and alleging it fills the coffers of US firms while burdening Indian citizens. The government, however, clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges apply only to commercial transactions above Rs 2,000 and are not levied on consumers, a stance supported by the BJP which accused Congress of spreading "fake news".

Microsoft India President On AI's Future And Investment In The Nation

Microsoft India President On AI's Future And Investment In The Nation

Rediff.com2 days ago

Microsoft India and South Asia President, Puneet Chandok, discusses the company's strong belief in human-centric AI development, significant investments in India's cloud and AI infrastructure, and the country's pivotal role as an AI market, talent hub, and technology builder. He highlights AI's impact on jobs and the need for responsible innovation.

Bengaluru Customs Seizes Rs 1.37 Crore Gold From Dubai Passenger

Bengaluru Customs Seizes Rs 1.37 Crore Gold From Dubai Passenger

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Customs officials at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport arrested a passenger from Dubai for attempting to smuggle 899.50 grams of 24K gold, valued at Rs 1.37 crore, concealed in capsules.

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Salesforce President and CEO for South Asia, stated that cloud and AI are democratising capabilities, offering India a unique opportunity to leapfrog in technology. Speaking at the IMC Chamber of Commerce, she emphasised that AI will create more jobs and urged Indian businesses to transform using technology, rather than merely digitising. She also highlighted the significant economic potential of AI adoption for India.

How Cloud And AI Can Propel India's Economic Growth

How Cloud And AI Can Propel India's Economic Growth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Arundhati Bhattacharyya, Salesforce President and CEO for South Asia, highlighted how cloud and AI are democratising capabilities, offering India a unique opportunity to leapfrog in the technology revolution. Speaking at the IMC Chamber of Commerce, she emphasised that AI will create more jobs by addressing unmet business demands and could significantly boost India's GDP, with NITI Aayog estimating a USD 500-600 billion addition by 2035. She urged Indian businesses to transform using technology, focus on data, redesign work, and invest in skills, stressing that AI is not just for large corporations.

Understanding The New UPI Transaction Fees For Merchants

Understanding The New UPI Transaction Fees For Merchants

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments exceeding Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, marking the end of nearly six years of free service. Person-to-person transfers and small-value transactions below Rs 2,000 remain free. The new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is capped at Rs 300 for transactions above Rs 75,000, with differentiated rates for essential sectors and investments, and safeguards to prevent costs from being passed to consumers.

OpenAI launches GPT-6 Astra, calls it 'world's most intelligent' AI model

OpenAI launches GPT-6 Astra, calls it 'world's most intelligent' AI model

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

OpenAI has officially launched GPT-6 Astra, hailed as 'the world's most intelligent and aligned model,' designed to excel in computer browsing, software engineering, mathematics, and enterprise workflows, with immediate deployment for select organisations.

Mahindra Thar OG: More Refined, More Capable, Unbeatable Value

Mahindra Thar OG: More Refined, More Capable, Unbeatable Value

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Mahindra has launched the Thar OG, an upgraded version of its popular SUV, built on a new M Glyde 4G platform with advanced features like Frequency Dependent Damping and Electric Power Steering, while retaining an accessible starting price of 10.32 Lakh.

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Customs officials at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport arrested an Indian passenger and seized 10.397 kg of suspected hydroponic marijuana, valued at approximately Rs 10.39 crore, from his baggage. The seizure was made following specific intelligence, and the passenger has been booked under the NDPS Act. This incident follows a similar large bust in Varanasi, indicating a wider network under investigation.

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Customs officials at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport arrested an Indian passenger and seized 10.397 kg of suspected hydroponic marijuana, valued at approximately Rs 10.39 crore, from his baggage. The seizure was made following specific intelligence, and the passenger has been booked under the NDPS Act. This incident follows a similar large bust in Varanasi, indicating a wider network under investigation.

How MP Transco Is Protecting Birds And Power Supply In Vindhya Region

How MP Transco Is Protecting Birds And Power Supply In Vindhya Region

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) has successfully eliminated bird-related power failures in the Vindhya region by installing custom-designed bird guards and excreta preventers on high-voltage transmission towers. This initiative not only ensures uninterrupted electricity supply but also protects local wildlife, significantly reducing tripping incidents and promoting bird conservation.

RBI Deputy Governor: UPI MDR won't trigger shift back to cash

RBI Deputy Governor: UPI MDR won't trigger shift back to cash

Rediff.com4 days ago

RBI Deputy Governor S C Murmu stated that the introduction of merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions is unlikely to cause a shift back to cash, despite some concerns, emphasising that MDR will help the payments ecosystem recover costs.

Oppex AI Raises Rs 4.2 Crore To Revolutionise Production Operations

Oppex AI Raises Rs 4.2 Crore To Revolutionise Production Operations

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Bengaluru-based Oppex AI, an AI-native platform for production operations, has successfully raised Rs 4.2 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Info Edge Ventures. The capital will be utilised to expand its team, accelerate product development, and scale deployments, aiming to advance AI-led transformation in enterprise technology.

Commonwealth Champion Bids Farewell To Her Guns

Commonwealth Champion Bids Farewell To Her Guns

Rediff.com2 days ago

Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Arjuna Awardee Roopa Unnikrishnan gives away the rifles that shaped her brilliant shooting career, hoping they will inspire a new generation of Indian shooters.

Some give, some take for Indian automakers in EU FTA

Some give, some take for Indian automakers in EU FTA

Rediff.com2 days ago

India-EU FTA opens a bigger European market for Indian carmakers while giving European brands greater access to India.

India-born man added to FBI's most wanted list in fraud case

India-born man added to FBI's most wanted list in fraud case

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India-born Manjit Singh Bedi has been placed on the FBI's most wanted fraudsters list for allegedly orchestrating a significant US government benefits fraud scheme and subsequently fleeing to India.

Paytm CEO Foresees Increased Profitability From New UPI Charges

Paytm CEO Foresees Increased Profitability From New UPI Charges

Rediff.com7 days ago

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma stated that the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on large-value UPI transactions will significantly increase the company's revenue and profitability. The 0.4% fee on UPI transfers exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants, effective October 15, is expected to give Paytm a competitive edge. Sharma also highlighted the company's focus on generating free cash flow, expanding internationally, and developing proprietary artificial intelligence capabilities to drive future growth.

The 17 Year Old Running A Business For Women

The 17 Year Old Running A Business For Women

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Seventeen-year-old Naavya Shah's idea was simple -- source fresh flour from a women-run mill, sell it directly to customers and, wherever possible, put women in charge of the parts of the business they had traditionally been excluded from.

India's Geospatial Sector Gets Boost With Mirai-GreenValley LiDAR Partnership

India's Geospatial Sector Gets Boost With Mirai-GreenValley LiDAR Partnership

Rediff.com7 days ago

GIS intelligence solutions provider Mirai Aerospace Systems and Software Solutions has signed an MoU with US-based GreenValley International Inc to strengthen India's geospatial and LiDAR remote sensing manufacturing base. The collaboration focuses on local assembly, manufacturing, technical support, and the development of AI-driven LiDAR applications, aiming to meet India's growing demand across various sectors.

Government Forms Task Force To Explore Formula 1 Revival In India By 2028

Government Forms Task Force To Explore Formula 1 Revival In India By 2028

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced the formation of a 10-member Task Force, chaired by Niti Aayog's Yugal Kishore Joshi, to assess the feasibility and challenges of reviving Formula 1 in the country. The committee aims to develop a roadmap for India to host a Grand Prix by 2028, focusing on sustainable growth, policy interventions, and addressing past issues like taxation. The Adani group, owners of the Buddh International Circuit, will also be involved.

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Indian government has mandated that banks and payment providers cannot levy charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made via RuPay debit cards. This directive follows an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, aiming to sustain and expand the digital payments ecosystem.

Buying A Used Car On Loan? Know The Cost

Buying A Used Car On Loan? Know The Cost

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Used-car financing has seen significant growth, but borrowers must be aware of higher interest rates, conservative loan-to-value ratios, shorter tenures, and the risk of owing more than the car's depreciated value. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions.