News for 'department of commerce'

Lawsuit filed against Trump's new H-1B visa rules

Lawsuit filed against Trump's new H-1B visa rules

Rediff.com20 Oct 2020

Several individuals and organisations, including the US Chambers of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's recent rules related to the H-1B visa, terming them "arbitrary" and "haphazard" regulations that will undermine high skilled immigration into America. Early this month, the Trump administration announced new restrictions on H-1B non-immigrant visa programme which it said is aimed at protecting American workers, restoring integrity and to better guarantee that H-1B petitions are approved only for qualified beneficiaries and petitioners, a move which is likely to affect thousands of Indian IT professionals.

60 GST registrations linked to Chinese national in Bengaluru found

60 GST registrations linked to Chinese national in Bengaluru found

Rediff.com26 Jun 2020

A total of 25,446 Chinese made electronic and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) were seized from the warehouse on Old Airport Road during the recent raids.

India's rising medical devices imports hurt small and medium units

India's rising medical devices imports hurt small and medium units

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

India's medical devices imports surged 41 per cent to touch Rs 63,200 crore in 2021-22, led by a 48 per cent year-on-year (YoY) jump in imports from China to Rs 13,538 crore, the commerce ministry data analysed by the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) has showed. Local industry players say this has led to several small and medium units to shut shop. Rakesh Vaid of Usha Fabs, a garments exporter, had started making N95 masks in his Gurgaon factory during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ex-IAS Rajiv Aggarwal succeeds Ankhi Das as FB India policy head

Ex-IAS Rajiv Aggarwal succeeds Ankhi Das as FB India policy head

Rediff.com20 Sep 2021

Aggarwal, in this role, will define and lead important policy development initiatives for Facebook in India on an agenda that covers user safety, data protection and privacy, inclusion and internet governance, a statement said.

FRL independent directors threaten to 'expose' Amazon

FRL independent directors threaten to 'expose' Amazon

Rediff.com11 Nov 2021

Independent directors of Future Retail Ltd are collating information and will expose the details of contradiction and misrepresentation made by Amazon before the Competition Commission of India (CCI), said FRL independent director Ravindra Dhariwal. Speaking to PTI, Dhariwal said the independent directors are "collating" all the pieces of information together, going "deeper into each and every representation" which Amazon had made before the CCI and showing how its "intent was totally contradictory." "We are going out to point exactly to CCI, this is what they have told you and this is what the internal documents are saying. "We are going to expose the details of contradiction and details of misrepresentation, which they have made," Dhariwal said adding "We are going to show the true face of Amazon to the whole world". In November 2019, Amazon had acquired a 49 per cent stake in Future Coupons Pvt Ltd (FCPL), a company that holds a stake in FRL.

What does India export the most to China?

What does India export the most to China?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2020

Though the government has been pushing for exports of high-value manufactured goods across major markets in place of raw materials and input goods, India's top exports to China remain in the raw materials category.

What Sitharaman did after becoming the finance minister

What Sitharaman did after becoming the finance minister

Rediff.com3 Jun 2019

This is not her first stint in North Block or in leading a major economic ministry. She started Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term as minister of state for finance, was made the commerce minister, and then became the defence minister.

NITI Aayog CEO to head panel on ecommerce FDI norms

NITI Aayog CEO to head panel on ecommerce FDI norms

Rediff.com10 Aug 2016

Representatives from four states including Maharashtra and Karnataka will also be members of the panel.

UK's PM-in-waiting Liz Truss remains committed to India ties

UK's PM-in-waiting Liz Truss remains committed to India ties

Rediff.com5 Sep 2022

Newly-elected Conservative Party leader and prime minister in waiting Liz Truss is among the senior British politicians known for championing deeper India-UK strategic and economic ties, describing them as a "sweet spot" of global trade dynamics.

Droupadi Murmu's journey from Councillor to President

Droupadi Murmu's journey from Councillor to President

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

At 64, the woman who will be India's 15th president, taking over from Ram Nath Kovind, will also be the youngest and India's first President to be born after Independence.

Google tax contributes merely 1% of direct tax kitty

Google tax contributes merely 1% of direct tax kitty

Rediff.com26 Aug 2020

A total of Rs 396 crore has been mopped up, as on August 20 against Rs 407 crore collected in the same period last year. This was despite the expansion of the levy to online e-commerce players from this financial year.

Rajasthan orders closure of schools in urban areas, Sunday curfew

Rajasthan orders closure of schools in urban areas, Sunday curfew

Rediff.com9 Jan 2022

The Rajasthan government on Sunday announced the closure of schools in urban areas, Sunday curfews, time limits on markets and a cap on occupancy at restaurants and movie theatres in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

India hits back at Uncle Sam with tariff hikes

India hits back at Uncle Sam with tariff hikes

Rediff.com15 Jun 2019

The commerce department has said that earnings through the new tax will equal the losses faced by Indian industry after the US tariffs on steel and aluminium.

India helped Ukraine, understand its ties with Russia: US

India helped Ukraine, understand its ties with Russia: US

Rediff.com12 Apr 2022

The 2+2 was attended by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and their Indian counterparts S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh respectively.

Mouni Roy's Sexy Disco Moves!

Mouni Roy's Sexy Disco Moves!

Rediff.com16 Sep 2021

Sonakshi gets up close and personal... Anil parties in Germany...

Coronavirus: India mulls imposing duties on Chinese imports

Coronavirus: India mulls imposing duties on Chinese imports

Rediff.com1 Mar 2020

The issue is set to be discussed early next week as the commerce department meets with industry bodies to discuss the widening supply gap for key imports.

Govt tightens noose around e-tailers, 9 depts to monitor biz

Govt tightens noose around e-tailers, 9 depts to monitor biz

Rediff.com30 Jan 2015

Each dept could handle a designated area.

US recovery helped India hit $400-bn export target

US recovery helped India hit $400-bn export target

Rediff.com1 Apr 2022

Economic recovery from the pandemic in the US has helped India achieve the $400-billion mark for exports for the first time in any fiscal year. According to the preliminary data compiled by the Department of Commerce, India exported goods worth $73 billion to the US from April 1 to March 21 - up 47 per cent, compared to last year. The US' share of exports, compared to total exports, stood at 18.2 per cent. The country is also India's largest trading partner and export destination.

Why public sector companies are unable to attract talent for higher posts

Why public sector companies are unable to attract talent for higher posts

Rediff.com18 Sep 2022

Earlier this year, the Union Cabinet gave the management of state-run companies the freedom to decide on divesting their subsidiaries. However, the very next day a meeting was held at the top level of the Government of India, for the presentation of proposals for more autonomy for state-run companies. Interestingly, no chiefs of any of these companies were invited. It is a problem that will stare the government in the face with the state-owned banks too, as talks have again begun for inviting strategic investments in these companies.

Govt rejects Walmart-Flipkart's bid to enter food retail sector

Govt rejects Walmart-Flipkart's bid to enter food retail sector

Rediff.com1 Jun 2020

The department for promotion of industry and internal trade has rejected Walmart-backed Flipkart's proposal seeking approval for entry to the food retail sector, citing a regulatory issue, an official said on Monday. The government permits 100 per cent foreign direct investment in food retail for food produced and manufactured in India.

Consumer protection agency sends notice to Ola, Uber

Consumer protection agency sends notice to Ola, Uber

Rediff.com21 May 2022

CCPA said the primary issues raised in the notices included 'deficiency in service'. This includes lack of proper response from customer support, driver refusing to take payment by online mode and insisting for cash only.

Indian exporters feel the heat of India-China tension

Indian exporters feel the heat of India-China tension

Rediff.com26 Jun 2020

The FIEO on Thursday reiterated that the Customs authorities at several ports in India had ordered a sudden examination of Chinese consignments without any official word from the government, and this may have led to the Chinese retribution.

Art 370 gone, Google tax may come to J&K

Art 370 gone, Google tax may come to J&K

Rediff.com7 Aug 2019

Digital commerce operators advertising on global social media, which earlier did not pay Google tax on their operations in Jammu & Kashmir, may now have to cough it up at 6 per cent.

India's clean app approach will boost its sovereignty: US

India's clean app approach will boost its sovereignty: US

Rediff.com1 Jul 2020

'We welcome India's ban on certain mobile apps that serves as an appendage of the CCP's surveillance State'

E-com policy, data localisation figure in Indo-US trade talks

E-com policy, data localisation figure in Indo-US trade talks

Rediff.com6 May 2019

However, the countries did not take up the issue of proposed withdrawal of export incentives by the US to Indian exporters under Generalized System of Preference.

Nationwide protest planned against Walmart-Flipkart deal

Nationwide protest planned against Walmart-Flipkart deal

Rediff.com28 Jun 2018

Ever since the deal was announced of Walmart spending over $16 bn for a 77 per cent stake in Flipkart, the road to the takeover of India's biggest online marketplace has been quite bumpy

Cash-strapped Vodafone Idea gets nod for FDI up to Rs 15,000 crore

Cash-strapped Vodafone Idea gets nod for FDI up to Rs 15,000 crore

Rediff.com23 Jul 2021

Cash-strapped telco Vodafone Idea's proposal for investment of up to Rs 15,000 crore through foreign direct investment (FDI) has been approved by the Union government, according to officials. A top-level group, comprising representatives from the ministries of home affairs, external affairs, finance and commerce and industry, took the decision. The nod, which is an enabling provision, would help the financially-stressed company raise funds to pay up some of its dues linked to adjusted gross revenue (AGR), reduce debts and use the money for operational expenses.

'My boss doesn't think I deserve a raise'

'My boss doesn't think I deserve a raise'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2022

HR Guru Mayank Rautela tells you what you can do when you face such a situation.

Centre waives off customs duty on oxygen, vaccines

Centre waives off customs duty on oxygen, vaccines

Rediff.com24 Apr 2021

This will boost availability of these items as well as make them cheaper, it said, adding that Modi also directed the revenue department to ensure seamless and quick custom clearance of such equipment.

Meet Alka Mittal, first woman to head ONGC

Meet Alka Mittal, first woman to head ONGC

Rediff.com4 Jan 2022

Alka Mittal has been appointed interim chairman and managing director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) - the first woman to head the country's largest oil and gas producer. Mittal replaces Subhash Kumar, another interim head who retired after reaching superannuation age on December 31. "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for entrustment of additional charge of the post of chairman and managing director (CMD), ONGC to Alka Mittal, director (HR), ONGC for a period of six months with effect from January 1, 2022, or till the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post, or until further order, whichever is the earliest," the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said in an order dated January 3, 2022.

Coronavirus scare: Manufacturers, retailers flock to offices of ministries

Coronavirus scare: Manufacturers, retailers flock to offices of ministries

Rediff.com21 Feb 2020

From the rollback of customs duty on key electronic components to fast tracking delivery of goods imported from China, players are looking for incentives on several counts.

Reliance Retail raises another Rs 5,512.5 crore

Reliance Retail raises another Rs 5,512.5 crore

Rediff.com6 Oct 2020

Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, run by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, on Tuesday raised Rs 5,512.50 crore from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), taking the total fundraise to Rs 37,710 crore in less than four weeks.

US to probe India's 'Google tax'; levy non-discriminatory, says govt

US to probe India's 'Google tax'; levy non-discriminatory, says govt

Rediff.com4 Jun 2020

The US Trade Representative's (USTR) office will also conduct the Section 301 probe against nine others, including Austria, Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the Czech Republic, the UK, and the EU, for levying or considering digital services taxes "discriminating against US companies".

Can govt meet fiscal deficit targets? RBI has doubts

Can govt meet fiscal deficit targets? RBI has doubts

Rediff.com29 Dec 2021

The government has budgeted for total expenditure of Rs 34.83 lakh crore or 6.8 per cent of GDP. While the net tax revenue rose from Rs 5,75,697 crore in October 2020 to Rs 10,53,135 crore till October 2021, a growth of 82.93 per cent annualized, total expenditure rose only by 9.95 per cent, led by infra spending to Rs 18,26,725 crore from Rs 16,61,454 crore during the same period, the RBI said in the financial stability report.

Sebi didn't dilute NSE orders, acted as per remit: Tyagi

Sebi didn't dilute NSE orders, acted as per remit: Tyagi

Rediff.com2 Mar 2022

Days after the government went public with its intent to examine a Sebi order in the NSE matter, its outgoing chairman Ajay Tyagi on Wednesday made it clear that the markets regulator did not "dilute" any of the quasi-judicial verdicts. The comments assume significance as they come after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as per reports, recently said the government is examining if Sebi has taken "necessary punitive" action in the case. In a media interview, the FM had said the government was analysing if there had been "enough application of mind in dealing with this" and if after applying its mind, Sebi took adequate corrective steps.

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Rediff.com1 Oct 2021

Tata Sons has emerged as the top bidder for the takeover of debt-laden State-run airline Air India but the bid is yet to be approved by a group of ministers headed by Home Minister Amit Shah, sources said.

Start-up lay-offs accelerate on capital crunch worries

Start-up lay-offs accelerate on capital crunch worries

Rediff.com27 May 2022

Falling valuations, slowing funding rounds and faltering investor sentiment seem to have prompted many start-ups to lay off employees in a bid to conserve cash. The latest to do so is SoftBank-backed Cars24, a leading e-commerce platform for pre-owned vehicles, which has laid off over 600 staff, according to sources in the know. The move, they said, is aimed at conserving cash amid cautious investor sentiment and a slowdown in funding.

Major boost for electronic giants, as SEZs clear local sourcing test

Major boost for electronic giants, as SEZs clear local sourcing test

Rediff.com27 Feb 2020

While 100 per cent FDI is allowed in single-brand retail, if the foreign investment exceeds 51 per cent, the 30 per cent mandatory local sourcing norm kicks in.

Govt waives import duty on Remdesivir

Govt waives import duty on Remdesivir

Rediff.com20 Apr 2021

This import duty exemption would remain in force till October 31 this year.