COMMERCE MINISTRY
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
DGTR recommends imposition of quantitative restrictions on soda ash imports for 2 years
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies has signaled its intention to introduce protective measures to curb the influx of soda ash imports. This action responds to an appeal from the Alkali Manufacturers Association of India due to a troubling spike in imports. The proposed two-year quantitative restrictions will allocate specific quotas per country, distributing these annual restrictions in quarterly segments to ensure domestic manufacturers are protected.
India coffee output to miss forecast after below-normal rains
India's Coffee Board has adjusted its coffee production outlook for the fiscal year concluding in March due to insufficient monsoon rains. The revised estimate stands at approximately 380,000 metric tons, a decrease from the previous prediction of over 400,000 tons.
Cabinet approves VGF plan for grid-scale energy storage with Rs 14,500 crore support
The Union Cabinet has approved a significant ₹14,500 crore funding scheme to develop 92 GWh of energy storage capacity. This initiative supports both hydro pumped storage and battery energy storage systems aimed at accelerating renewable energy. Additionally, a scheme has been approved for processing critical minerals like lithium and nickel to reduce import dependency. The government aims to modernize its statistical system with a ₹4,371.10 crore scheme.
Piyush Goyal sets March 2027 deadline for digitisation of DGFT services, aims to end physical visits
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has set March 31, 2027, as the deadline for complete digitisation of DGFT services, including licence, permit and SCOMET approvals. From April 1, businesses will no longer need physical visits to government offices for these services. The move also includes digitising historical records and simplifying procedures.
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US midterm election results 2026: India sees some trade relief, new risks after US midterm vote
Indian officials are cautiously optimistic about the recent US midterm election results and their implications. While the election reduces trade tension, it introduces new uncertainties for US-India relations. Analysts suggest it is too early to gauge the long-term effects of these political changes. The potential for increased tariffs still looms due to ongoing investigations.
Govt moves to resolve Scotch tariff dispute under UK trade pact, sources say
India has assured industry executives that it will honor the trade pact with Britain regarding Scotch whisky tariffs. Ongoing investigations into bulk Scotch imports are expected to result in a resolution. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal detailed steps to address concerns over duty concessions for bulk imports. The disagreement centers on customs classifications affecting the whisky industry significantly.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation ahead of December signing
In an effort to advance their free trade agreement, India and the European Union held pivotal discussions led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, who visited Brussels for dialogues with prominent EU officials. Central to the talks were customs cooperation and trade facilitation, deemed critical for the agreement's efficacy. Additionally, industry stakeholders from the diamond sector were engaged to harness opportunities within India's expanding market.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation, customs cooperation and market access in Brussels
India and the European Union engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held meetings with various senior European Commission officials in Brussels, focusing on market access and customs procedures. The FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on the majority of exports from both regions. Both parties are working towards the proposed signing and full ratification of the agreement.
Jammu Airport initiates consultations for commencement of international flights
Jammu Airport has commenced discussions with various stakeholders to assess the feasibility of international flights. A planning meeting involved representatives from airlines and regulatory agencies to identify potential international destinations. The Airport Director highlighted religious tourism and strategic location as key factors for successful operations. Suggestions were made to prioritize routes to West Asia and Europe based on passenger demand.
CDSL Q2 results: Net profit jumps 24% YoY to Rs 173 crore, revenue up 24%
CDSL reported a 24% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to Rs 173 crore, while revenue grew 23.7% to Rs 395 crore. EBITDA margin expanded to 58%. The depository opened around 75 lakh new demat accounts during the quarter, taking assets under custody beyond Rs 89 lakh crore.
Commerce ministry sets up committee for better utilisation of RELIEF initiative for exporters
The commerce ministry has established a six-member committee to enhance the RELIEF initiative for exporters. This initiative aims to mitigate challenges posed by rising freight costs and insurance premiums. The committee includes officials from various government departments working to improve fund utilization. It will assess the implementation of the initiative and recommend measures for better uptake. The overall goal is to support exporters during trade disruptions in crucial regions.
Govt to meet liquor firms as domestic giants join foreign peers in Scotch dispute
India's government is holding talks with liquor companies regarding tariff reductions on bulk Scotch imports. Major firms, including Diageo and Pernod, are expressing alarm about the investigation. Approximately 80% of Scotch imports from Britain arrive in bulk for local manufacturing. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies has warned of adverse effects on domestic production. Companies seek urgent intervention from the government to avoid disruption caused by the tariff issue.
UPI payments expanded to online bookings at tourist attractions in UAE, Singapore
Indian travellers can now use UPI apps to book tickets online for major attractions in the UAE and Singapore, including Burj Khalifa's At the Top and Resorts World Sentosa. NPCI International has partnered with local payment providers to enable the facility, expanding UPI's international footprint across 10 countries.
TRAI releases draft guidelines on responsible AI use in telecom networks, services
TRAI has released draft guidelines for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence across telecom networks and services, inviting public comments by November 27, 2026. The proposed framework seeks to align the sector's AI adoption with the Centre's India AI Governance Guidelines, focusing on accountability, transparency, fairness and safety.
The next AI advantage for India's developers: Turning code into companies
In India's rapidly growing builder economy, AI is revolutionising software creation, allowing developers to generate code and build prototypes in minutes. But speed is only half the battle-code to deployment is the other half. Through tools like GoDaddy's Developer Platform, the real opportunity is achieving this next half of the challenge seamlessly and turning fast-built applications into viable, long-lasting products and thriving companies.
Union Minister Hardeep Puri nominated for third Rajya Sabha term
Party leaders said Puri's diplomatic experience has proved valuable in handling the petroleum portfolio at a time when global conflicts and geopolitical tensions have put pressure on energy supplies. His continuation also ensures senior Sikh representation in the Union government ahead of the Punjab assembly elections.
India, Mexico begin talks for trade pact; aim to boost commerce, investments
India and Mexico have initiated negotiations for a preferential trade agreement to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The agreement aims to create new economic opportunities while addressing market access, customs procedures, and trade facilitation. Discussions included organising a Mexican business mission to India in early 2027 to improve commercial ties. India had a trade surplus with Mexico, largely due to exports in autos and pharmaceuticals.
Hardeep Singh Puri nominated for Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, ending uncertainty over his seat
Hardeep Singh Puri has been nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Rajya Sabha polls. He previously served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh starting in 2018. His term was initially set to end in 2026, and he has a background as a diplomat. Puri contested the Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar in 2019 but lost to Congress candidate Gurjeet Singh Aujla.
Babus who call late meetings, delay files face scrutiny as cabinet secretary lists 12 types of secretaries
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan highlighted issues with bureaucratic efficiency at a recent performance review meeting. He presented a list of problematic behaviors affecting government productivity using cartoons. Somanathan emphasized the necessity of timely decision-making and better communication between ministries. Another topic addressed was the improper usage of ration cards by railway employees.
India, Mexico sign terms of reference to kickstart trade pact negotiations
India and Mexico have signed the Terms of Reference to initiate negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement. This agreement aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Key negotiating areas include market access, customs procedures, and trade facilitation measures. Both delegations discussed organizing a Mexican business mission to India in early 2027.
India considers measures to boost local production of 100 critical inputs to cut import reliance, government official says
India is taking steps to encourage the local manufacturing of 100 key items that are currently imported. This initiative aims to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China, to enhance domestic production capabilities. The government has identified these crucial items from a broader import list valued at $51 billion, which includes various sectors. By reducing reliance on imports, India hopes to strengthen its economy and mitigate supply chain risks.
DPIIT advances trust-based governance to ease business regulations across India
The government has cut 47,957 compliance requirements across Central ministries and states to ease business operations, including 22,290 digitised, 16,141 simplified, 5,255 decriminalised and 4,271 eliminated, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said.
India-Russia trade grew by 20 per cent this year: Russian State Duma Chairman
India imported $44.9 billion of Russian goods during the period, including $36 billion in crude oil. Indian exports to Russia totaled $2.8 billion, with Moscow increasing purchases of chemicals, electrical goods, medical equipment, seafood, tea, and spices.
India-US trade deal enters fine-tuning stage as most talks conclude, says Piyush Goyal
India and the US are refining their bilateral trade agreement after concluding most discussions on the deal. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicated significant progress has been made towards finalizing the agreement. Recent talks have involved high-level meetings between officials from both nations, focusing on tariff reductions and trade frameworks. Goyal is currently leading a significant delegation to the Netherlands and Germany to promote bilateral business ties.
Pakistan reopens Iran border crossing after week-long suspension of trade
The Gabd-Rimdan border crossing between Pakistan and Iran is back in action, after being closed for a week. This suspension had a significant impact, leading to supply disruptions and increased worries about LPG shortages just as winter sets in. With enhanced security measures now in place, local officials are optimistic that this reopening will ease the strain on traders affected by the border's temporary closure.
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