News for 'commerce ministry'

Bharat Rice to be sold at Rs 29/kg in retail market from next week

Bharat Rice to be sold at Rs 29/kg in retail market from next week

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

The Centre on Friday said it will sell 'Bharat Rice' in the retail market at Rs 29 per kg from next week to give relief to the common man and has also directed traders to disclose rice/paddy stock, as part of its efforts to control prices that have risen by around 15 per cent in the last one year. In a press conference, Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra exuded confidence that these two measures along with the various restrictions of exports will help in cooling down the prices. Seeking to dispel market rumours, he categorically said the government has no plans to lift restrictions on rice exports any time soon.

Nirmala Sitharaman says discussing Apple's request for FDI rules waiver

Nirmala Sitharaman says discussing Apple's request for FDI rules waiver

Rediff.com30 May 2016

The minister, however, said she was not in favour of relaxing rules for Apple to sell refurbished second-hand phones in India

SC decision on Novartis historic: Anand Sharma

SC decision on Novartis "historic": Anand Sharma

Rediff.com1 Apr 2013

Says Indian Patent Law conforms fully with global obligations under the WTO IPR pact-TRIPS.

Costly veggies push wholesale price inflation to 8-month high

Costly veggies push wholesale price inflation to 8-month high

Rediff.com14 Dec 2023

Wholesale price-based inflation rose to an eight-month high of 0.26 per cent in November, driven by a sharp jump in food prices, especially onion and vegetables. The WPI inflation was in the negative or deflationary zone for the past seven months since April and was at (-)0.52 per cent in October. The last positive WPI inflation was recorded in March at 1.41 per cent.

No big-ticket changes in economic ministries

No big-ticket changes in economic ministries

Rediff.com12 Jul 2011

Without making big-ticket changes in the economic ministries, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday shifted Law Minister M Veerappa Moily to the ministry of corporate affairs and inducted young Milind Deora in his council of ministers.

India's exports to China grow 16.15% to $21bn in 2020

India's exports to China grow 16.15% to $21bn in 2020

Rediff.com23 Feb 2021

India's exports to China have increased by 16.15 per cent to USD 20.87 billion in 2020 from USD 17.9 billion in the previous year on account of healthy growth in the shipments of ores, iron and steel, aluminum and copper, according to the data of the commerce ministry.

Govt to consider fresh SEZ proposals on Sep 30

Govt to consider fresh SEZ proposals on Sep 30

Rediff.com28 Aug 2009

Senior officials from different ministries, including finance, home affairs and defence, would be attending the meeting. The last BOA held on August 11 had allowed Maytas Ventures, promoted by the disgraced former Satyam chairman B Ramalinga Raju's son, to surrender its biotech SEZ and approved three new proposals, including that of Brooke Bond Real Estates IT/ITES tax-free enclave in Karnataka.

ComMin wants RBI to slash rates on export credit

ComMin wants RBI to slash rates on export credit

Rediff.com19 Jan 2010

The Commerce Ministry wants the Reserve Bank to reduce interest rate for dollar credit in its forthcoming monetary policy to help sustain the fledgling recovery in the exports sector.

Drawback rates may be hiked to help exporters

Drawback rates may be hiked to help exporters

Rediff.com8 Jun 2007

The finance ministry is considering a suggestion by the Commerce Ministry to enhance duty neutralisation rates to make up for revenue lost by exporters due to sharp appreciation in the rupee.

Exports: Service tax waiver has PM's support

Exports: Service tax waiver has PM's support

Rediff.com24 Apr 2007

The recent Foreign Trade Policy announcement to waive service tax for exporters had the backing of the Prime Minister, Commerce Ministry sources said on Tuesday.

Rupee recovers from record lows to end 7 paise higher at 77.47/USD

Rupee recovers from record lows to end 7 paise higher at 77.47/USD

Rediff.com17 May 2022

The rupee on Tuesday recovered from its all-time intra day low of 77.79 to close higher by 7 paise on a stellar rally in domestic stock markets. After opening lower at 77.67, the local unit plunged further to its all-time intra-day low of 77.79 due to a spike in crude oil prices and disappointing macroeconomic data. However, a strong rally in domestic equities helped the rupee rebound and close at 77.48 (provisional), showing net gains of 7 paise over the last close of 77.55. The forex market was closed on Monday on account of Buddha Purnima.

Govt hints at sops to achieve $320 bn export target

Govt hints at sops to achieve $320 bn export target

Rediff.com21 Nov 2012

Trade deficit with China has risen to $40 billion, a cause for worry.

Finance ministry wants reasons for IKEA climb down

Finance ministry wants reasons for IKEA climb down

Rediff.com9 Jan 2013

DEA official writes to DIPP suggesting that govt needs to understand what has been left out, and why, in the revised application of the retailer.

Govt extends current foreign trade policy till Sep

Govt extends current foreign trade policy till Sep

Rediff.com31 Mar 2021

The government on Wednesday extended the existing foreign trade policy (FTP) for six more months up to September 30 this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a notification. FTP provides guidelines for enhancing exports to push economic growth and create jobs. On March 31, 2020, the government had extended the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 for one year till March 31, 2021, amid the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown.

E-commerce firms ride Make in India to reach rural markets

E-commerce firms ride Make in India to reach rural markets

Rediff.com18 Apr 2016

Paytm plans to induct 5,000 manufacturers and sellers; has started programmes to identify and train new sellers.

Anand Sharma seeks relief for exporters

Anand Sharma seeks relief for exporters

Rediff.com15 Jun 2009

Batting for exporters hit hard by global downturn, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Monday met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and made out a strong case for fiscal relief for the export sector in the Budget next month.

40-year-old fintech gurus need 60-year-olds to handhold them

40-year-old fintech gurus need 60-year-olds to handhold them

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

The message is clear: The 60-year-old wise uncles need to handhold the 40-year-old entrepreneurs when, obsessed with ambition and greed for growth, they become a victim of hubris, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

SKM to hold 15 more farmers' conclave ahead of Feb 26 Delhi march

SKM to hold 15 more farmers' conclave ahead of Feb 26 Delhi march

Rediff.com24 Dec 2023

According to the Morcha, the demands which Delhi Chalo has been called include: MSP should be guaranteed as per C2+50 percent formula and, as promised, a law should be made to guarantee it; all the farmers should be made debt free, and all agricultural loan must be waived.

India crosses $400-bn milestone in exports

India crosses $400-bn milestone in exports

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

The country's exports for the first time crossed the $400 billion mark in a fiscal on healthy performance by sectors such as petroleum products, engineering, gems and jewellery, and chemicals, according to the commerce ministry's data released on Wednesday. The merchandise exports rose by by 37 per cent to $400.8 billion in 2021-22 until March 21 against $292 billion in 2020-21. Previously, the outbound shipments had touched a record of $330.07 billion in 2018-19.

Exports grow 47% to $32.46 bn in June; trade deficit at $9.4 bn

Exports grow 47% to $32.46 bn in June; trade deficit at $9.4 bn

Rediff.com2 Jul 2021

The country's exports rose by 47.34 per cent to $32.46 billion in June on account of healthy growth in sectors such as engineering, gems and jewellery and petroleum products, even as trade deficit aggregated at $9.4 billion during the month, according to the data released by the commerce ministry on Friday. Exports in June last year stood at $22 billion and $25 billion in June 2019. In May 2021, the outward shipment was worth $32.27 billion, while in April this year, it was $31 billion. Imports in June 2021 grew by 96.33 per cent to $41.86 billion, from $21.32 billion in June last year. In June 2019, imports stood at $41 billion.

FBT rebate plan on exports held up

FBT rebate plan on exports held up

Rediff.com24 Apr 2006

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

From toys, footwear and furniture to insulated flasks, smart meters, and air coolers - the Central government over the last decade has mandated higher standards for production and imports of such items. Sample this: Till 2014, there were 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 106 products. By the latest count, there are 156 QCOs on 672 products.

Key infra sector growth rises to 14-month high of 12.1% in Aug

Key infra sector growth rises to 14-month high of 12.1% in Aug

Rediff.com29 Sep 2023

The growth of eight key infrastructure sectors rose to a 14-month high of 12.1 per cent in August 2023 against 4.2 per cent a year ago, mainly due to expansion in production of coal, crude oil, and natural gas, according to the official data released on Friday. The expansion in August is the highest since June 2022, when it was 13.2 per cent. The production of refinery products, steel, cement and electricity also grew in August, the data showed.

Govt plans to provide high insurance cover for exporters

Govt plans to provide high insurance cover for exporters

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

Under the scheme, also called the Export Credit Insurance Scheme, the insurance guaranteed could cover up to 90 per cent of the principal and interest.

Exports jump to $34.5 bn in Jan; trade deficit widens to $17.43 bn

Exports jump to $34.5 bn in Jan; trade deficit widens to $17.43 bn

Rediff.com15 Feb 2022

India's exports in January rose 25.28 per cent to $34.50 billion on account of healthy performance by mainly engineering, petroleum and gems and jewellery sectors, even as trade deficit widened to 17.43 billion, according to data released by the commerce ministry on Tuesday. Imports grew by 23.54 per cent to $51.93 billion during the month under review. Trade deficit, difference between imports and exports, stood at $14.50 bn in January 2021.

Pakistan grants MFN status to India

Pakistan grants MFN status to India

Rediff.com2 Nov 2011

The MFN status, which means that Pakistan will give trade treatment to India at par with its other partners, is likely to boost bilateral economic ties.

Key 'dissenter' Anand Sharma excluded from Himachal Cong panels

Key 'dissenter' Anand Sharma excluded from Himachal Cong panels

Rediff.com23 Dec 2020

The action comes two days after Congress president Sonia Gandhi held a key meeting and broke the ice by starting dialogue with some of the prominent 'letter-writers', who had earlier written to her demanding an overhaul of the party and an effective leadership.

GOOD News! No Drug Price Hike In 2024

GOOD News! No Drug Price Hike In 2024

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

For the consumer, there would be practically no impact on prices of essential medicines this year.

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 eyes $2 trillion exports by 2030

Rediff.com31 Mar 2023

The government on Friday came out with Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 which seeks to boost the country's exports to $2 trillion by 2030 by shifting from incentives to remission and entitlement based regime. Unlike the practice of announcing 5-year FTP, the latest policy has no end date and will be updated as and when needed, said Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Sarangi while briefing media about FTP 2023. Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled FTP 2023 which will come into effect from April 1, 2023.

India bans wheat exports to control rising domestic prices

India bans wheat exports to control rising domestic prices

Rediff.com14 May 2022

India has banned wheat exports with immediate effect as part of measures to control rising domestic prices, according to official notification. However, the export shipments for which irrevocable letters of credit (LoC) have been issued on or before the date of this notification will be allowed, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification dated May 13. "The export policy of wheat ... is prohibited with immediate effect...," the DGFT said. It also clarified that wheat exports will be allowed on the basis of permission granted by the Government of India to other countries to meet their food security needs and based on the request of their governments.

Foreign Trade Policy by Apr 10: Nath

Foreign Trade Policy by Apr 10: Nath

Rediff.com28 Mar 2005

Commerce Minister Kamal Nath on Monday ruled out any differences with the finance ministry on certain provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy and said the Policy will be announced before April 10.

Aviation FDI may soon take wing

Aviation FDI may soon take wing

Rediff.com24 Oct 2011

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion under the commerce ministry has floated a draft Cabinet note for inter-ministerial discussions on foreign direct investment in aviation.

Shaktikanta Das: RBI Governor Who Walks The Talk

Shaktikanta Das: RBI Governor Who Walks The Talk

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

'Das is friendly, but he finally does what he does. The quality of engagement is very good.'

Navy deploys frontline destroyers, frigates in Arabian Sea

Navy deploys frontline destroyers, frigates in Arabian Sea

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

The Indian Navy has deployed task groups comprising frontline destroyers and frigates in the central and north Arabian Sea and augmented its force levels in the region to undertake maritime security operations in view of recent attacks on commercial vessels in key shipping lanes.

Like Uber, You Can Book A Drone Soon

Like Uber, You Can Book A Drone Soon

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

E-commerce players may soon rent out drones, so you can use them the way you book a cab on an app, and test viable use-cases for last-mile delivery.

'First Congress Candidate To Get Vote From A Thackeray'

'First Congress Candidate To Get Vote From A Thackeray'

Rediff.com9 May 2024

While the responses of the candidates were predictable, depending on which side they belonged to, an interesting point slipped through when Rahul Shewale cited the Dharavi Redevelopment Project as a scheme that would add to Mumbai's importance. No big infrastructural project in Mumbai, he said, could be successful without the Centre's nod.

Ministries get 60 days to decide on FDI plans

Ministries get 60 days to decide on FDI plans

Rediff.com7 Jun 2017

A panel led by the secretaries of the DEA and the DIPP would conduct a quarterly review on the pending proposals.

Govt urged to cut customs duties on British alcohol

Govt urged to cut customs duties on British alcohol

Rediff.com19 Jan 2022

The apex body for liquor firms Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies has urged the government to gradually reduce customs duties on British alcoholic beverages under the proposed India-UK free trade agreement to support domestic players. India and the UK have formally launched negotiations for an FTA, under which duties would be reduced or eliminated on several goods traded between the two countries. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has also suggested the government to ensure that the UK allows the selling of domestic whiskies as 'Indian Whisky', irrespective of whether they are made from malt, grain spirits or molasses-based spirits.

Rs 500 crore sops for exporters

Rs 500 crore sops for exporters

Rediff.com11 Feb 2011

The sops, to be given under different schemes like 'Focus Market' and 'Focus Products' from January to December 2011, were unveiled here by Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.

Exports record flat growth; trade deficit widens in Nov

Exports record flat growth; trade deficit widens in Nov

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

India's exports recorded a flat growth of 0.59 per cent to $31.99 billion in November, even as trade deficit widened to $23.89 billion during the month, according to the data released by the government on Thursday. Exports stood at $31.8 billion in November last year. Imports rose by 5.37 per cent to $55.88 billion in November as compared to $53.03 billion in the corresponding month a year ago, the data showed. During April-November 2022, exports rose by 11 per cent to $295.26 billion as against $265.77 billion in the same month last year.