unfair trade practices

India is pushing for preferential tariffs and guarantees against future hikes in ongoing trade talks with the US. New Delhi seeks clarity on proposed US tariffs linked to forced labor and excess industrial capacity concerns. Both nations aim to finalize an interim trade agreement, with discussions gaining momentum after recent high-level meetings.

The Union government is engaging with the US concerning a Section 301 investigation into forced labor and industrial capacity. The US Trade Representative has identified India among countries with inadequate measures against goods made with forced labor, proposing potential tariffs. This occurs amidst ongoing bilateral trade deal discussions.

The USTR released the outcome of 60 investigations conducted under Section 301, identifying India among 54 economies that, according to its assessment, do not have adequate measures in place to prohibit or effectively prevent the import of goods allegedly produced using forced labour.

A consumer commission ordered FirstCry to pay Rs 50,000 compensation and refund Rs 2,130 with interest. The online retailer cancelled an order without reason, withheld payment, and labelled the customer a fraud user. The commission found FirstCry's defence contradictory and its actions a deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

A Telangana consumer court has ruled against Flipkart and its associated seller, forcing them to refund a customer a total of Rs 8,398, plus interest, alongside a hefty compensation of Rs 1.51 lakh. The court found them at fault for sending the wrong model of an air purifier, leading to adverse health effects for the customer.

The Section 301 probe launched by the US in March 2026 is a known variable in India’s trade deal talks with America. Yet, the proposal to impose duties on around 60 countries assumes significance at a time when a delegation from the US is in India to finalise terms of the India-US trade deal.

PhysicsWallah has been fined ₹5 lakh by the CCPA for employing 'dark patterns' on its platform. The edtech firm allegedly auto-selected donations during checkout, collecting ₹2.5 crore from users without explicit consent. Concerns were also raised about inaccessible 'free courses' requiring personal data, impacting young consumers.

The US Trade Representative has proposed additional tariffs on goods from 54 economies, including India, over concerns about forced labor in supply chains. This move, stemming from a Section 301 investigation, could impact India's exports, particularly those relying on Chinese inputs, despite existing domestic prohibitions on forced labor.

The ongoing dispute between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment over Don 3, which recently led to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issuing a non-cooperation directive against the actor, has sparked debate across the film industry. Producer and actor Nikhil Dwivedi has now weighed in on the controversy, saying that while industry bodies play an important role in mediation, contractual disputes should ultimately be resolved through legal channels.

Florida has sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT fuels mass shootings, drives suicides, and addicts minors. The state claims the company knowingly released an unsafe product in a race for AI dominance. Attorney General Uthmeier stated the lawsuit seeks accountability for the harms caused, particularly to children and parents.

Apple will now provide its local financial data to India's Competition Commission following a confidential investigation into alleged App Store market abuse. This decision, made after Apple's initial refusal and a court order, moves the high-profile case closer to a potential penalty. The dispute centers on Apple's in-app billing system, which investigators claim unfairly restricts developers.

Florida has sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging they knowingly marketed ChatGPT despite risks to children and the public. The lawsuit claims the company prioritized growth over safety, failing to implement safeguards for minors and contributing to harm, including self-harm and criminal planning. OpenAI disputes these allegations, citing its safety measures.

It’s not a one-off. There’s little private about a private order on quick commerce, as women have found out, with products like massagers, handcuffs and condoms being delivered in open packets or through riders who know exactly what’s inside

Apartment maintenance charges in India are generally mandatory, stemming from RERA, state laws, and association bye-laws. Owners are collectively responsible for common area upkeep, a principle upheld by courts. While tenants' responsibilities are defined by rental agreements, owners remain the primary members liable for dues to the association.

Customers are reporting disturbing encounters with delivery personnel who are revealing knowledge of their private purchases, particularly from quick commerce platforms. Incidents involving sexual wellness products highlight a serious breach of customer privacy, raising questions about company protocols and operational pressures leading to these embarrassing and frightening situations.

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