News for 'commerce ministry'

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.

Shift to commerce ministry from railways no demotion: Prabhu

Shift to commerce ministry from railways no demotion: Prabhu

Rediff.com3 Sep 2017

Prabhu was moved out of the important railway ministry and was handed over the commerce and industry portfolio in the Cabinet recast.

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Rediff.com13 Mar 2014

The Cabinet can take a decision on the matter only after the Election Commission's approval.

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

'Where rostering systems are automated and duty time software interfaces directly with DGCA, the assertion that they suddenly discovered crew shortages is simply implausible.' 'If adequate crew planning hasn't materialised within 12 to 24 months from inception, how will 45 days -- from December 5 to February 12 -- suddenly resolve matters?'

China files complaint against India in WTO over EV, battery subsidies

China files complaint against India in WTO over EV, battery subsidies

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

China has filed a complaint against India in the World Trade Organization (WTO) over New Delhi's subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that the ministry will look at the detailed submissions made by China.

EPFO extends deadline for filing EPF return till Oct 22

EPFO extends deadline for filing EPF return till Oct 22

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Retirement fund body EPFO has extended the deadline for filing EPF return or ECR (electronic challan-cum-return) by one week for the wage month of September till October 22, 2025. The employers are mandated to file the ECR by the 15th of every month.

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.

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.

'Indian Youth Can Expect Career Growth In Russia'

'Indian Youth Can Expect Career Growth In Russia'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Don't look at Russia only as a place to earn quickly and then leave.' 'Try to build experience in serious companies, skills and certifications that will serve you anywhere in the world.'

Auto refund, pre-filled forms... GST overhaul on cards

Auto refund, pre-filled forms... GST overhaul on cards

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The government is finalising a major GST overhaul with automated refunds, pre-filled returns, and analytics-based scrutiny to simplify compliance and boost liquidity for MSMEs.

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Pakistan using terrorism as state policy against India since 1947: Report

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Records stretching back to 1947 suggest a consistent strategy by Pakistan's military and intelligence apparatus, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), of using terrorism as a state policy against India.

India-US trade talks to resume with Lynch's arrival

India-US trade talks to resume with Lynch's arrival

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Trump administration's chief negotiator Brendan Lynch is arriving in India to hold talks on the India-US bilateral trade deal, which were impacted after the US imposed 50 per cent import tariffs on Indian goods.

India's exports rise 6.74% in Sep; trade deficit widens

India's exports rise 6.74% in Sep; trade deficit widens

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

India's exports grew 6.74 per cent to $36.38 billion in September, while imports jumped 16.6 per cent, widening the trade deficit to $31.15 billion, the highest in over a year. The increase in inbound shipments of gold, fertiliser and silver has pushed the country's imports in September to $68.53 billion against $58.74 billion in the same month last year, official data released on Wednesday showed.

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.'

Amid tariff row, US team's India visit for trade deal talks deferred

Amid tariff row, US team's India visit for trade deal talks deferred

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Deferment or rescheduling of the meeting assumes significance as the US has announced a staggering 50 per cent duty on Indian goods.

I'm doing a trade deal with India: Trump in South Korea

I'm doing a trade deal with India: Trump in South Korea

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the US is 'doing a trade deal with India' as the two sides continue to hold talks on the proposed trade pact.

Pre-Budget meeting: Ficci seeks faster resolution of tax disputes

Pre-Budget meeting: Ficci seeks faster resolution of tax disputes

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has sought urgent steps to clear the huge backlog of income-tax appeals, simplify tax deducted at source (TDS) compliance, and ensure tax neutrality for fast-track demergers, during its consultation with Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27.

Muttaqi Woos India Inc

Muttaqi Woos India Inc

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) members on Monday to discuss opportunities in his country, especially in the mining sector. The Taliban, who now control Afghanistan, is seeking to repair its ties with New Delhi, and is hopeful of Indian public and private sectors increasing investments in the mining and power sector, and greater trade and commerce.

Exports fall 2.17% in May; trade deficit narrows

Exports fall 2.17% in May; trade deficit narrows

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

After registering a positive growth for two months, India's exports slipped into negative territory again, contracting 2.17 per cent year-on-year to $38.73 billion in May due to a fall in global petroleum prices, while trade deficit narrowed at $21.88 billion during the month.

US Reluctant To Cut Tariff For India

US Reluctant To Cut Tariff For India

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'What we are willing to do is definitely going to depend on what the Indian government wants to do.'

Have Climate Summits Lost The Mojo?

Have Climate Summits Lost The Mojo?

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

How the UN's flagship climate summit lost its direction and what's at stake.

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.

China hits US with 125% tariffs, Xi seeks EU support

China hits US with 125% tariffs, Xi seeks EU support

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

China on Friday raised its additional tariffs on imports from the United States to 125 per cent in retaliation to the Trump administration's 145 per cent levies on Chinese exports.

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Efforts underway to resolve trade deal differences with US: India

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The comments came a day after US President Donald Trump said that Washington is "very close" to the trade pact with India.

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 invokes treaty with Singapore in Zubeen death probe

India invokes treaty with Singapore in Zubeen death probe

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

India has formally invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to investigate the death of singer Zubeen Garg. The Assam government seeks cooperation from Singaporean authorities in the case.

What Canada Can Do To Revive India Relationship

What Canada Can Do To Revive India Relationship

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

For Canada, important steps towards containing domestic elements that fuel pro-Khalistan sentiments can go a long way in signalling trust positively with regard to security and sovereignty, point out Harsh V Pant and Vivek Mishra.

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss issues of 'current concern'

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss issues of 'current concern'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio for bilateral discussions, as the high-level 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) kicks in.

India-China trade: Deficit widens to $99.2 bn

India-China trade: Deficit widens to $99.2 bn

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

The bilateral trade between India and China has been growing at a healthy rate, but the trade gap remains sharply tilted in Beijing's favour. India has time and again flagged its concern over the ballooning trade deficit and the non-trade barriers faced by Indian goods in the Chinese market.

Exports up 9% to $38.49 bn in Apr; trade deficit widens to 5-month high of $26.42 bn

Exports up 9% to $38.49 bn in Apr; trade deficit widens to 5-month high of $26.42 bn

Rediff.com16 May 2025

India's exports rose 9.03 per cent to $38.49 billion in April, the highest in six months, driven by healthy growth in sectors such as electronics and engineering goods, while the trade deficit widened to a five-month high of $26.42 billion. According to the commerce ministry data released on Thursday, imports increased by 19.12 per cent year-on-year to $64.91 billion in April due to a rise in shipments of crude oil and fertiliser.

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 restores embassy in Kabul, vows to deepen ties with Afghanistan

India restores embassy in Kabul, vows to deepen ties with Afghanistan

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The MEA release said that the embassy of India in Kabul will further augment India's contribution to Afghanistan's comprehensive development.

Markets fall on selling in IT shares, foreign fund outflows

Markets fall on selling in IT shares, foreign fund outflows

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty declined on Monday, extending the losing run to the fourth day amid selling in IT shares and foreign fund outflows. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped by 247.01 points or 0.30 per cent to settle at 82,253.46. During the day, it fell 490.09 points or 0.59 per cent to 82,010.38 but recovered some of the losses towards the close.

Commerce Ministry taking legal view on Delhi's U-turn on FDI

Commerce Ministry taking legal view on Delhi's U-turn on FDI

Rediff.com15 Jan 2014

In a major policy reversal, the AAP government wrote to the Centre to withdraw approval given by previous Congress government for FDI in multi-brand retailing in Delhi, saying the entry of global chains such as Walmart and Tesco in India would result in large-scale job losses.

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.

Can India-US Tariff Issue Be Resolved Amicably?

Can India-US Tariff Issue Be Resolved Amicably?

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Communication channels between India and the US are open to resolve the ongoing tariff issues, and the glitch in trade ties is only temporary, given the long-term relationship between the two nations, government sources said on Wednesday. The US' 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports to America came into effect from August 27, barring a few sectors.

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.

Tylenol row may not hit India's pharma exports

Tylenol row may not hit India's pharma exports

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Amid controversy over USPresident Donald Trump's comments linking the use of Tylenol and other related paracetamol products by pregnant women to autism in children, experts and industry executives say that since India's export of the drug to the US is less, it will hardly affect the country's pharma exports to America.

China retaliates with 84% levies on US exports

China retaliates with 84% levies on US exports

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

China on Wednesday hit back at United States President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese exports with 84 per cent levies on its imports from America, intensifying the trade war between the top two economies of the world.

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Senior officials from India and the US engaged in virtual talks to discuss bilateral ties, focusing on trade, investment, critical minerals, and energy security, including civil nuclear cooperation.