News for 'commerce department'

India, US Fast-Track Trade Deal Talks

India, US Fast-Track Trade Deal Talks

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'A deal will only be possible if India stops buying Russian oil -- but even then, New Delhi must not compromise its core red lines.'

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Sergio Gor, Agrawal Talk Trade Deal

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

While both sides have announced the decision to restart talks for a trade deal, government officials said discussions are continuing virtually.

Budget wishlist: Industry seeks easier tax rules, dispute fixes

Budget wishlist: Industry seeks easier tax rules, dispute fixes

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

With the Union Budget three months away, major industry chambers have submitted to the government proposals on common taxes, seeking simpler compliance and a quicker resolution of tax disputes.

Trump slaps 100% tariffs on imported pharma products

Trump slaps 100% tariffs on imported pharma products

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Friday announced that his administration will impose a 100 per cent tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products beginning October 1, 2025, unless the manufacturing companies are building production facilities in the US.

CAG to conduct pan-India audit on ease of doing biz for MSMEs

CAG to conduct pan-India audit on ease of doing biz for MSMEs

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has launched an integrated audit across 32 states and Union Territories to assess the ease of doing business for the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.

India's June exports shrink but shipments to US zoom

India's June exports shrink but shipments to US zoom

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Merchandise exports to the US jumped 23.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to $8.3 billion in June, even as India's overall outbound shipments witnessed contraction during the month, according to the data released by the commerce department on Tuesday. The increase in outbound shipments to the US was largely driven by the rush among exporters to utilise America's pause on its plans to impose country-specific reciprocal tariffs.

India to resume postal services to US from Oct 15

India to resume postal services to US from Oct 15

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

"The postal tariffs will remain unchanged, ensuring that exporters continue to benefit from affordable international delivery rates while complying with the revised US import requirements. This measure has been introduced to maintain affordability, support MSMEs, and boost India's exports through the postal channel," India Post said.

Exports To Key Global Hubs Drop Sharply

Exports To Key Global Hubs Drop Sharply

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'There is definitely tepid demand because of the (reciprocal tariff) uncertainty.'

Govt approves schemes worth Rs 45,000 cr to boost exports

Govt approves schemes worth Rs 45,000 cr to boost exports

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

The government on Wednesday approved two schemes worth Rs 45,000 crore to help exporters tide over the impact of high tariffs imposed by the US on Indian shipments.

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Another priority in the first 100 days could be the launch of an e-platform -- Trade Connect -- to help exporters connect with stakeholders of international trade.

Trump meets 'friend' Xi amid trade tension

Trump meets 'friend' Xi amid trade tension

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Trump also praised Chinese President as "a great leader of a great country" and said the two sides had "already agreed to a lot of things."

Student alleges caste bias by Pune Univ cost him UK job

Student alleges caste bias by Pune Univ cost him UK job

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

A Pune college refutes allegations of caste bias by a former student who claimed the college withheld job verification, leading to job loss. The college clarifies it sent the document and the student did not lose his job.

US sanctions 2 largest Russian Oil companies

US sanctions 2 largest Russian Oil companies

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The US Department of the Treasury on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to pressure the Kremlin to end its war in Ukraine.

India's EU Trade Deal Has A LONG Way To Go

India's EU Trade Deal Has A LONG Way To Go

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

'Even if tariffs are reduced, non-tariff may still remain a challenge.'

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is looking into complaints of additional charges being levied by ecommerce platforms when customers choose cash-on-delivery (COD) option instead of paying while ordering items. "The Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against ecommerce platforms charging extra for cash-on-delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers," Pralhad Joshi, Union minister of consumer affairs, wrote on X on Friday afternoon.

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar following President Donald Trump's imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the Trump White House to 50 per cent.

India-US trade deals: 'Both sides to push for early conclusion'

India-US trade deals: 'Both sides to push for early conclusion'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The commerce ministry on Tuesday said the discussions with visiting US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch on the proposed bilateral trade agreement were positive and forward looking.

Trump's Tariff Give Electronics A Breather

Trump's Tariff Give Electronics A Breather

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

But the respite may not last long.

Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee rule kicks in; US releases FAQs

Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee rule kicks in; US releases FAQs

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in a 'H-1B FAQ' document, released on Sunday, said that the September 19 proclamation took an "important, initial, and incremental step" to reform the H-1B visa programme to curb abuses and protect American workers.

India dials up record smartphone exports; shipments touch $13.4 bn in H1

India dials up record smartphone exports; shipments touch $13.4 bn in H1

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Smartphone exports for the first six months (April to September) of 2025-26 (FY26) surged to $13.4 billion, based on industry estimates. Driven by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, this marks a 59 per cent jump over the $8.5 billion exported during the same period of the previous financial year (2024-25/FY25).

'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.'

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.

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.

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Trump introduces 'Gold Card' for permanent US residency

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has launched a premium immigration programme targeting wealthy individuals worldwide, offering permanent residency in the United States through expensive 'Gold Cards' that could generate billions in revenue for the American Treasury.

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.

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.

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.

FY25 trade deficit with China close to $100 bn amid dumping concerns

FY25 trade deficit with China close to $100 bn amid dumping concerns

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

India's trade deficit with China neared $100 billion in FY25, amid escalating concerns of dumping, data released by the commerce department on Wednesday showed. Chinese imports rose by 11.5 per cent to $113.45 billion, while outbound shipments to the neighbouring country saw 14.5 per cent contraction to $14.2 billion.

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.

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.

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his visit to France, which included co-chairing an AI summit and bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He is now headed to the US for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. Modi's visit to France included discussions on trade, defense, energy, and cultural linkages. He also inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille. During his visit to the US, Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

India flagged concerns with Russia over non-tariff barriers: Commerce secy

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

India has flagged concerns over non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by its exporters with the Russian government, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Monday. NTBs faced by Indian exporters are mainly in sectors such as marine products and pharmaceuticals.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.