News for 'commerce department'

'Significant' H1B Visa Changes Before 2026

'Significant' H1B Visa Changes Before 2026

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'This idea that inexpensive tech consultants should be coming into this country and bringing their families, I find it just wrong.'

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

India suspends postal services to US amid new customs rules

India suspends postal services to US amid new customs rules

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Under an Executive Order issued by the US administration on July 30, 2025, goods valued above USD 100 will be subject to customs duties in America with effect from August 29 onwards.

No need to relabel existing medicine stock: FinMin

No need to relabel existing medicine stock: FinMin

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Recalling or relabelling medicines already in the supply chain before September 22 will not be mandatory, the finance ministry said on Tuesday, issuing a fresh set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address industry concerns following the announcement of goods and services tax (GST) revisions.

UAE to address India concerns on imports

UAE to address India concerns on imports

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to look into India's concerns over compliance to rules related to the import of silver products, platinum alloy and dry dates, the commerce department said on Tuesday. During a joint committee meeting under the India-UAE trade deal, officials from New Delhi raised concerns over the recent surge in imports of these products. These were being shipped to India, taking advantage of the lower tariffs under the pact.

Hope Rises As China Processes Rare-Earths Requests

Hope Rises As China Processes Rare-Earths Requests

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

China accounts for about 70 per cent of global rare earth mining and nearly 90 per cent of rare earth magnet production, making it a dominant player and giving it significant leverage in global supply chains.

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Trump admin faces lawsuit over H-1B visa fee hike

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, arguing it harms American innovation and competitiveness.

Pre-tariff rush to US lifts exports by 7% in July

Pre-tariff rush to US lifts exports by 7% in July

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

India's goods exports rebounded in July after two months of contraction, with outbound shipments rising 7.3 per cent to $37.24 billion, led by a surge in exports to the United States before the country's reciprocal tariff kicked in and bolstered by a recovery in exports to other key markets.

Advertising doyen Piyush Pandey passes away at 70

Advertising doyen Piyush Pandey passes away at 70

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Advertising legend Piyush Pandey has passed away. He was 70. The news of Piyush Pandey's demise was shared by columnist Suhel Seth on X on Friday morning.

E-commerce policy may miss 2019 deadline

E-commerce policy may miss 2019 deadline

Rediff.com10 Oct 2019

The proposed policy is increasingly becoming an item of negotiation, as the US pushes hard to change India's stance.

Expect India to strike first trade pact: US Treasury Secy Scott Bessent

Expect India to strike first trade pact: US Treasury Secy Scott Bessent

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

As in-person negotiations between India and the US kickstarted on Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expected India to strike the first bilateral trade deal to avert President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs.

How Will Trump Change The World On April 2?

How Will Trump Change The World On April 2?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

We have entered a new era in human history, asserts Aakar Patel.

Govt moves to ease business rules, tables Jan Vishwas Bill in LS

Govt moves to ease business rules, tables Jan Vishwas Bill in LS

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2025, aimed at decriminalizing minor offenses to promote ease of living and business, was introduced in the Lok Sabha and referred to a Select Committee.

How To Apply for GATE 2026

How To Apply for GATE 2026

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The application process for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will begin on August 25.

Can Global Superfood Makhana Survive Trump's Tariff?

Can Global Superfood Makhana Survive Trump's Tariff?

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'Traders and exporters will have to explore alternative markets.'

Govt tells e-com firms to audit dark patterns, submit yearly reports

Govt tells e-com firms to audit dark patterns, submit yearly reports

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The government on Wednesday asked e-commerce platforms to conduct annual internal audits to make sure that they are not resorting to manipulative tactics to mislead consumers and prevent them from making right choices -- a technique commonly referred to as dark pattern -- and submit reports to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA). It comes just a week after Uber was issued a notice by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) over its "advance tip" feature.

US to limit visas for foreign students, journalists

US to limit visas for foreign students, journalists

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The Trump administration is proposing to limit the duration of visas for foreign students and media personnel in the US, potentially impacting their ability to stay in the country.

US team in India for trade talks; negotiations progressing well: Goyal

US team in India for trade talks; negotiations progressing well: Goyal

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The US team is in New Delhi for the next round of negotiations for the proposed bilateral trade agreement and the negotiations are progressing well, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. Some more US officials will reach India on June 6 to join the negotiations with their Indian counterparts.

Apple Boosts Output For iPhone 17 Launch

Apple Boosts Output For iPhone 17 Launch

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

India has become Apple's main export hub to the US, which consumes over $40 billion worth of iPhones annually.

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Basmati rice exports rose 22% till February FY24 on West Asia demand

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

Exports of high-quality basmati rice from India grew by 22 per cent to $5.2 billion during April 2023-February 2024, amid robust demand, primarily from West Asia. According to data compiled by the commerce department, exports of basmati rice increased to 4.68 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April-February, from 4.1 MMT during the same period a year ago, registering a growth of 14 per cent.

4-day trade talks between India and US to start today

4-day trade talks between India and US to start today

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

An Indian commerce ministry team has reached Washington for another round of talks from Monday on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), an official said. Chief negotiator of India and special secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, will join the team on Wednesday.

US tariff jolts UP's export hubs; industry seeks govt bailout

US tariff jolts UP's export hubs; industry seeks govt bailout

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Uttar Pradesh's leading export hubs are reeling under the impact of a steep 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Indian imports, with exporters warning of job losses, stalled orders and shrinking market access. Industry leaders from Noida, Kanpur and Varanasi said the tariff has put years of painstaking market-building at risk, even as protests and demonstrations erupted in several districts last week.

How Iran-Israel conflict affects India's overseas trade

How Iran-Israel conflict affects India's overseas trade

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The commerce ministry on Friday held consultations with key stakeholders, including shipping lines, exporters, container firms, and other departments, to assess the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on India's overseas trade, an official said. The meeting was chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Donald Trump administration has clarified that the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas does not apply to current visa holders and is a one-time payment only for new petitions.

US trade officials may visit India in coming weeks

US trade officials may visit India in coming weeks

Rediff.com26 May 2025

A team of US officials is expected to visit India in the coming weeks for the next round of discussions on the proposed interim trade agreement between the two countries, sources said. The visit gains importance as India and the US are likely to agree on an interim trade agreement before July 9, with New Delhi pushing for full exemption from the 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on domestic goods.

Putin will face severe economic consequences if...: Trump warns again

Putin will face severe economic consequences if...: Trump warns again

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Trump stated that Russia will face "severe economic consequences" if Putin doesn't show interest in de-escalating the Ukraine conflict.

India's exports to US up 16.9%, imports dip 5.76% in May

India's exports to US up 16.9%, imports dip 5.76% in May

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

India's merchandise exports to the US rose by 16.93 per cent to $8.83 billion in May, while imports dipped by 5.76 per cent to $3.62 billion during the month, according to the commerce ministry data. During April-May, the country's exports to the US increased by 21.78 per cent to $17.25 billion, while imports rose by 25.8 per cent to $8.87 billion, the data showed.

Indian team to soon visit Washington again for trade talks

Indian team to soon visit Washington again for trade talks

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

An Indian commerce ministry team will soon visit Washington for another round of talks on the proposed trade agreement with the US to iron out differences in sectors, like agriculture and automobiles, a government official said on Thursday.

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Will Modi Opt For More Energy Imports From US?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

US shale oil would act as an alternative to India's heavy dependency on Russian crude, which is currently facing sanctions.

Centre to revise SEZ Act, limiting tax sops and enhancing integration

Centre to revise SEZ Act, limiting tax sops and enhancing integration

Rediff.com16 Nov 2023

The Centre is unlikely to offer new direct tax incentives for units operating in special economic zones (SEZs) and may instead allow the grandfathering of previous exemptions that such units were entitled to, according to proposed amendments to the SEZ Act, 2005, people aware of the matter said. The amendments, proposed by the commerce department, will soon be considered by the Cabinet for approval. This represents a departure from the department's earlier plan to introduce these changes through the Development Enterprises and Services Hubs (DESH) Bill, 2023, which faced strong criticism from the ministry of finance.

Prada Steps Into Kolhapur

Prada Steps Into Kolhapur

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

The team toured four clusters in and around Kolhapur where Kolhapuri chappals are made.

Govt likely to tweak SEZ rules for better land use

Govt likely to tweak SEZ rules for better land use

Rediff.com4 May 2023

With the fate of the Development Enterprise and Services Hub (DESH) Bill in limbo, the commerce department is working towards tweaking some rules under the existing special economic zone (SEZ) law to allow use of unutilised spaces in IT/ITES for non-SEZ purposes. The move, when implemented, will free-up the land area that is not in demand through partial de-notification of certain floors or buildings, thereby allowing easier exit. "The department of commerce is discussing the matter with the revenue department before making changes in the Special Economic Zone Act, 2005," a person aware of the matter

Indian team to return to US for further trade talks

Indian team to return to US for further trade talks

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

India and the US have concluded the fifth round of talks for the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in Washington. Both sides are looking at finalising an interim trade deal before August 1. Issues related to agriculture and automobiles figured during the negotiations.

US policy towards India takes 'unfortunate turn', says Kaushik Basu

US policy towards India takes 'unfortunate turn', says Kaushik Basu

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Former World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu on Thursday said the US economic policy towards India has taken an unfortunate turn, noting that President Donald Trump's harsh stance against New Delhi appears baffling. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August 1, amid signs of a stalemate in the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations between the two countries.

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years.'

Great deal with India coming up, says Trump

Great deal with India coming up, says Trump

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

United States President Donald Trump said a 'very big' trade deal is on cards with India, hinting at significant progress in the negotiation process of a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.