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The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 30, 2026, focusing on crucial issues such as WTO reform, fisheries subsidies, and e-commerce. India, led by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, actively contributed to the discussions, emphasizing sustainable practices
E-commerce
In a significant move to enhance consumer protection, 26 leading e-commerce platforms in India have voluntarily declared compliance with the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023. These platforms have conducted self-audits to ensure their user interfaces are free from manipulative designs. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
Country of Origin
The Department of Consumer Affairs in India has proposed a draft amendment to make it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to include searchable and sortable filters for the 'Country of Origin' of packaged commodities. This initiative aims to enhance consumer empowerment and transparency, allowing consumers to make informed purchasing
CCPA
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined Digital Age Retail Pvt. Ltd. (FirstCry) ₹2,00,000 for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. The company misrepresented prices by advertising products as 'MRP inclusive of all taxes' while charging additional GST at checkout, misleading consumers about discounts. Following
WTO
At the SCO Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Vladivostok, India emphasized the need for a fair and inclusive multilateral trading system centered around the WTO. Key discussions included export diversification, resilient supply chains, and the importance of digital public infrastructure. India proposed cooperation on e-commerce frameworks and highlighted sustainable development initiatives,
Consumer Helpline
In July 2025, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) facilitated refunds totaling ₹2.72 crore, addressing 7,256 grievances across various sectors, with e-commerce leading the complaints. The helpline has seen a significant increase in call volume and digital complaint registrations, particularly through WhatsApp. NCH's collaborative model with companies
MSME
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to digitally empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those owned by Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Key initiatives include the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for procurement, MSME TEAM for e-commerce integration, and the MSME Global Mart for B2B trade. As
MSME
The Ministry of MSME is launching the 'MSE TEAM Initiative' under the RAMP Programme to empower Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) with digital tools and e-commerce support. This initiative includes the eKhadi portal for Khadi products, MSME Global Mart for B2B connections, and the PMS Scheme to enhance
E-commerce
The E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) initiative aims to facilitate cross-border e-commerce exports from India by providing dedicated zones for SMEs, artisans, and small businesses. The initiative focuses on reducing logistics costs and time, streamlining regulatory processes, and simplifying re-imports for e-commerce returns. Integrated services will include customs clearance, quality certification,
Textile Sector
The Indian government has approved the establishment of seven PM MITRA Parks across various states to enhance the textile sector's competitiveness. Infrastructure development worth Rs 1,197.33 crore is underway, with significant financial assistance provided to modernize the handloom and handicrafts sectors. The Samarth scheme aims to
Consumer Protection
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in India has enacted the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, establishing the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to safeguard consumer rights. Recent actions include the removal of 13,118 car seat belt alarm stopper listings, halting unfair practices in e-commerce, and mandating
India Post
Union Minister Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar reviews the ongoing reforms at India Post, emphasizing a technology-driven transformation aimed at modernizing the postal service. The initiative, part of the IT 2.0 framework, includes the digitalization of over 86,000 post offices, the establishment of new delivery centers, and integration with