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Thursday, August 14, 2025
TopicMinistry of Commerce and Industry

Topic: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

India’s patent officers on WFH for over a year as office lies vacant due to red tape & unpaid bills

New comptroller general patent designs & trademark authorised renovation work without approval from ministry. Statutory clearances cannot be given since 20% of repair work still incomplete.

Piyush Goyal sets steel production target to 500 million tonnes

The minister urged the industry leaders to focus on economies of scale through decarbonisation to get green steel.

With Musk set to visit India, here’s a look at which Indian states are favourites for auto FDI & why 

Government data shows MNCs have favourite states when it comes to where to invest. Auto companies especially look for specific advantages that some states have & concentrate on those.

India’s trade deficit with China is so far lower in 2023 than last year. Here’s why

Smaller deficit this year could be down to slowing Chinese economy. In terms of volume, Indian exports to China remain roughly one-tenth of Chinese exports to India.

New import management system still restricts import of laptops. Licence has now become ‘authorisation’

Govt had announced in August that imports of laptops, PCs, tablets etc would require a licence. This has now been tweaked, but these items remain in 'restricted' category.

Industry reacts to import curbs on laptops & PCs — ‘timing not ideal’ but boost to Make in India

China accounted for 58% of inflow of 7 items imports of which are now restricted. Move could've been prompted by 'genuine apprehension of a future security risk’, it is learnt.

India foreign trade crosses $1tn in 2022. Record $100bn imports from China widen deficit

With exports worth $453 billion and imports to the tune of $723 billion, India’s overall international trade reached $1.17 trillion, 21% above previous year’s $969 billion, official data show.

Modi govt just expanded scheme to give exporters tax refunds. Why steel industry isn’t cheering

RoDTEP gives refunds to exporters on embedded taxes & duties. But, Indian Steel Association says govt's move doesn't cover sector, which remains weighed down by 4-12% of levies.

Decriminalisation bill can end Inspector Raj and create jobs, wealth and large enterprises

India’s predatory and rent-seeking policy infrastructure ensures that businesses choose to remain under the regulatory radar.

Mobile phones boom puts India on course to beat 2019-20 electronic goods exports record by 30%

Latest commerce ministry data shows electronic goods exports touched Rs 83,000 cr in the first 3 quarters of FY22 — a 26% rise over FY20, when the country hit its previous high.

On Camera

Asim Munir wants to be guardian of the Middle East. He’s fated to fail at home

Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

India, US troops to undertake joint military exercise next month, first after Op Sindoor

21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.