As finance ministry officials remained glued to news flashes on the LCD screens in their rooms, others were constantly monitoring news on the web. The support staff got its share of the news feed by keeping a close watch on politicians visiting North Block, reports Vrishti Beniwal
From second homes and AC rail travel to private tutors, astrologers and marriage-makers come under the tax net
The growth, below the long-term trend of about 3-3.3 per cent, prompted many experts to question the policy of over-emphasis on cereals.
The finance ministry has asked state-run general insurers to increase premiums on health insurance, motor and other policies, and refrain from undercutting each other to get new business.
Corporations and business associations must strengthen their direct communications and consultations with citizens - and earn the trust of society.
FDI cap may remain intact at 26% as Cabinet takes up legislation this week.
Tax amount of Rs 10-15 crore may be the threshold above which rule could be invoked
After the enactment of retrospective amendments to the Income Tax Act next month, the government may ask Vodafone to pay in excess of Rs 20,000 crore (Rs 200 billion) -- more than two and half times the tax amount the telecom major was "advised to withhold" on its $11-billion deal with Hutchison in 2007.
A finance ministry official said Vodafone had threatened arbitration against something that had not happened. He said the UK-based telecom company was presuming it might happen.
Higher online filing of returns that is expected in the ongoing financial year will enable faster processing of claims and hence a further increase in refunds.
Usually, the annual monsoon forecast is released around mid-April.
To ensure its financial inclusion drive is not restricted to meeting branch opening targets, the Union finance ministry is to ask banks for a performance report of the 'ultra small' branches set up in the past two years in about 73,000 villages.
Developers say an increase in the FSI was long due, given the scarcity of land, but stress the need for stronger infrastructure to support such high-rise buildings.
A senior income tax department official in the know of the discussions to have taken place in the finance ministry said the ministry was looking into the issue as a possible option.
The next time Amitabh Bachchan hosts Kaun Bangea Crorepati or Sachin Tendulkar hits a ton in an Indian Premier League match, the taxmen may come knocking on their doors.
Officials said apart from infrastructure and skill development, agriculture could be the next big focus area.
Non-flagship programmes to get a mere 5% hike in allocation
Warehousing law amendment on cards to allow farmers use storage receipts as security for bank loans
Budget likely to list tax-exempt items as finance ministry, states agree
Though the Centre's fiscal consolidation story is taking a hit, Plan expenditure is likely to provide some respite. In the Budget, expected to be tabled by mid-March, the Plan expenditure is likely to be scaled down in the revised estimates for 2011-12, compared to Budget estimates.
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