1763418597 representative image.jpg

Tracking tools become mainstay in IT, BPM companies

BENGALURU: IT and BPM firms are accelerating the use of advanced productivity tools that provide clients with real-time operational insights. Many of these tools include built-in time tracking, analyse workforce patterns, and proactively flag inefficiencies in performance trends. Tracking workforce productivity has been part of industry routines, largely at the clients’ behest, as companies seek…

Read More
1763402601 unnamed file.jpg

Trade relief: India to gain from US tariff cuts on select agri items; officials say level playing field restored

India is set to benefit modestly from the United States’ decision to withdraw reciprocal tariffs on a set of agricultural products, including tea, coffee and spices, the commerce ministry said on Monday, PTI reported. The tariff exemptions, announced through a White House Executive Order on November 12, took effect the next day.The move rolls back…

Read More
1763401159 unnamed file.jpg

Trade watch: Govt tightens curbs on platinum jewellery; move targets FTA misuse

The government on Monday tightened import controls on select categories of platinum jewellery, imposing licensing requirements until April 30, 2026, in an effort to check misuse of free trade agreements (FTAs), particularly with ASEAN nations, PTI reported.The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in a fresh notification, revised the import policy for these platinum jewellery…

Read More
1763395308 unnamed file.jpg

Gold surge: Imports hit record $14.72 bn in Oct; festive demand drives spike as trade deficit widens

India’s gold imports surged nearly threefold to a record $14.72 billion in October, propelled by strong festive and wedding-season demand, government data showed on Monday. Imports stood at $4.92 billion in the same month last year, PTI reported.Cumulatively, gold inflows rose 21.44 per cent to $41.23 billion in April–October, up from $34 billion a year…

Read More
1763392360 unnamed file.jpg

Export mission: Centre to roll out EPM norms this month, tariff-hit sectors get priority; MSMEs to see finance push

The commerce ministry has begun preparing detailed guidelines for the Rs 25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and will start releasing them before the end of November, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday.The government approved the six-year mission on November 12 for implementation from 2025-26, aiming to help exporters navigate global tariff shocks, including the…

Read More
1763387940 unnamed file.jpg

Fiscal roadmap: Finance Commission submits report for 2026-31; formula for Centre-state tax share sent to President Murmu

Finance Commission submits report to President Murmu (Photo credit- PTI ) The 16th Finance Commission on Monday submitted its report for the five-year period 2026-31 to President Droupadi Murmu, marking a key step in finalising the formula that will determine how central taxes are shared with states, PTI reported.The panel, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, had…

Read More