eNews
Yahoo! India’s Taraporewalla appointed IOAI chairman
MUMBAI: Internet & Online Association of India (IOAI) has appointed Yahoo Web Services India Pvt Ltd country head Neville Taraporewalla as the chairman of IOAI.
Subsequently, Times Internet Ltd CEO Mahendra Swarup will take over as vice-chairman of the association.
According to Taraporewalla, “There is a huge potential in online marketing industry and it is IOAI’s constant endeavor to ensure that online media will be appreciated along with other mediums.”
The association was founded in January 2004 by Indian portals Hindustantimes.com, Indiatimes.com, MSN.co.in, Rediff.com, Sify.com, Yahoo.co.in and the online media agency, Mediaturf, informs a media release.
As quoted in the release, Mahendra Swarup said, “The rapid development of eCommerce is forcing companies today to adopt business strategies revolving around the internet. The ecommerce market size in India is estimated to reach Rs 800 crores while the online advertising market is expected to touch Rs 137 crores by 2005-06.”
eNews
India strengthens global enforcement to crack down on smuggling
CBIC ramps up tech-driven inspections and international partnerships to stop illicit trade
NEW DELHI: India is ramping up its battle against cross-border smuggling, with 42 Mutual Customs Cooperation Agreements already in place and 21 more in the pipeline with major trading partners, said Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Speaking at Ficci Cascade’s 5th Anti-Smuggling Day, Singh described smuggling as a sophisticated, technology-fuelled crime that threatens both the economy and national security.
“CBIC’s customs teams and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are stepping up efforts. In just the first three quarters of this year, we seized around 500 kilograms of gold, nearly 150 million illicit cigarettes, over 20 tonnes of red sanders, and substantial quantities of cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and cannabis. We also uncovered more than 100 wildlife trafficking cases, along with illegal arms, drones and counterfeit currency,” said CBIC member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Singh added that modern smuggling networks are flexible and tech-savvy, mixing old-school concealment with digital anonymity and complex financial schemes. “We are moving from simply intercepting shipments to dismantling the networks behind them. Advanced cargo screening, AI-driven analytics and risk-based inspections help us stop illegal goods before they hit the domestic market,” said CBIC member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Highlighting recent Union Budget initiatives, Singh noted that AI-powered image analysis and expanded container scanning will further boost enforcement, while GST simplification and customs reforms make legal trade easier and illicit trade harder.
Emphasising the need for global collaboration, Anil Rajput said, “Ficci Cascade, chairman, Anil Rajput, Strong partnerships, intelligence sharing and coordinated action are key. An International Anti-Smuggling Day recognised by the United Nations could give this fight a worldwide platform, and India is ready to lead.”
P C Jha added, “Ficci Cascade, advisor, P C Jha, Anti-Smuggling Day is more than a symbolic event. Smuggling thrives on organised networks and digital platforms. Effective enforcement must dismantle these networks and the financial flows that sustain them.”
Ficci Cascade research shows the economic impact is huge. A 2024 study estimates India’s illicit market at nearly Rs 8 lakh crore in 2022–23, with millions of legitimate jobs lost to unlawful trade.
The event featured two expert panels. The first focused on protecting the economy and borders through coordinated intelligence and technology, while the second explored international partnerships with representatives from Undoc, US Customs and the Indian enforcement community.
The day also celebrated young talent through the “Stand Against Smuggling” digital art competition, which drew over 10,000 entries nationwide, highlighting growing awareness and civic responsibility among youth.
Launched in 2022, Anti-Smuggling Day has quickly become a major platform for government, industry, international bodies and civil society to unite against illicit trade.
