News for '-finance-ministry'

Paddy Bonus: Stalin Vs Sitharaman

Paddy Bonus: Stalin Vs Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The finance ministry has clarified that its letter to state chief secretaries, urging them to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets, was an advisory and not a directive. This clarification comes in response to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's criticism, who called the advisory a 'treacherous act against farmers'.

Banks On Alert Over AI Security Risks

Banks On Alert Over AI Security Risks

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss risks related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns over Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

Banks On Alert As AI Model Threatens Data Security

Banks On Alert As AI Model Threatens Data Security

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss risks related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns over Anthropic's Mythos model threatening data security of financial systems.

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman convened a high-level meeting with bank heads to assess cybersecurity risks linked to advanced AI models, following concerns over Anthropic's Claude Mythos system and its potential impact on financial data security.

IBC-tax law mismatch clouds loss carry-forward benefits

IBC-tax law mismatch clouds loss carry-forward benefits

Rediff.com3 days ago

A growing conflict between India's insolvency law and tax rules is creating fresh uncertainty for companies undergoing resolution, with tax authorities increasingly denying the benefit of carrying forward past losses even after resolution plans have been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

CII seeks fiscal support, credit lines for industries hit by West Asia conflict

CII seeks fiscal support, credit lines for industries hit by West Asia conflict

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has proposed a 20-point policy agenda to the finance ministry, including a conflict-linked emergency credit line guarantee scheme and tax rationalisation on energy inputs, to support MSMEs, exporters, and energy-intensive industries affected by the ongoing West Asia war.

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

Rediff.com5 days ago

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has reached a record Rs 314 lakh crore in transaction value in FY26, representing more than a 4,000-fold increase since inception.

GST growth slipped to five-year low of 5.6% in FY26

GST growth slipped to five-year low of 5.6% in FY26

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's like-for-like gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue growth slowed to a five-year low of 5.57 per cent in FY26, reaching Rs 23.32 trillion, primarily driven by a significant surge in import revenues.

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns about Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist with experience in government, the private sector, and electoral politics, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, tasked with strengthening India's reform trajectory and policy-making.

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian government has increased the export duty, or windfall tax, on diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre and on aviation fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 a litre, effective immediately, to boost domestic availability and prevent exporters from exploiting global price differences.

Mastermind Of Rs 1,825 Crore GST Fraud Arrested

Mastermind Of Rs 1,825 Crore GST Fraud Arrested

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Kapil Chugh, accused of masterminding a Rs 1,825 crore GST refund fraud, has been arrested by DGGI officers upon his return from Dubai. He is alleged to have evaded investigation and is wanted in other economic criminal cases.

Stock Gains Vs Loss: What Gets Taxed?

Stock Gains Vs Loss: What Gets Taxed?

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

rediffGURU T S Khurana answers readers' personal income tax queries

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Israeli Finance Ministry has warned that the ongoing war with Iran could cost Israel an estimated NIS 9.4 billion (USD 3 billion approximately) per week under current restrictions on economic activities.

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

2 Years On, Automakers Still Waiting For Govt to Clear FAME-II Dues

2 Years On, Automakers Still Waiting For Govt to Clear FAME-II Dues

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Under FAME-II, automakers provided subsidies to electric vehicle (EV) customers at the time of purchase, with the understanding that the government would reimburse the firms later.

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'Whether you will bring this down and cause hurt to senior citizens, who are probably living on that little interest rate that they earn out of it... But equally, if I just look at the kitty of the National Small Savings Fund, it is from that same kitty that I'm borrowing.'

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has asked the finance ministry to spell out a clear legal strategy, including options such as a "golden share" or indirect control structures, to maintain strategic oversight in public sector entities if state ownership falls below 51 per cent.

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

HDFC Bank reports a 12% credit growth for the March quarter, alongside the unexpected resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, due to ethical concerns.

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has waived customs duty on critical petrochemical products until June 30 to ensure supply stability and provide relief to consumers amid disruptions caused by the crisis in West Asia.

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has maintained the interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF and NSC, for the eighth consecutive quarter, starting April 1, 2026.

Jio IPO Set To Break All Records

Jio IPO Set To Break All Records

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Only 2.5 per cent of the equity in Jio Platforms will be offloaded through the OFS route -- meant for secondary share sale.

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Lenders are actively monitoring gold price volatility, prompting them to ask borrowers for additional gold collateral or partial principal repayment when loan-to-value (LTV) thresholds are breached, particularly for loans disbursed in February.

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Revenue collection next financial year may be affected, and, along with this, subsidies on food and fertilisers can go up if the war in West Asia drags for long, according to experts.

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and oil companies amidst volatile international oil markets.

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

BMW mows down senior finance ministry official in Delhi

BMW mows down senior finance ministry official in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

A senior official from the Union Ministry of Finance died and three others were injured after a BMW allegedly struck his motorcycle in Delhi. Police are investigating the incident.

Chairman Exit Exposes HDFC Bank Power Clash: FT

Chairman Exit Exposes HDFC Bank Power Clash: FT

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Financial Times, citing multiple bankers and shareholders, reports that the real tensions ran far deeper than compliance concerns.

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a statement assuring the public of HDFC Bank's stability and sound financial position following the resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, citing ethical concerns.

With Nirmala Sitharaman In This Pic Are...

With Nirmala Sitharaman In This Pic Are...

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

We know what Mrs Sitharaman and Mr Chaudhary (who may soon be moving out of the finance ministry to head to Lucknow to take charge as president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh unit) look like, but who are the others in these photographs?

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Atanu Chakraborty has resigned as chairman of HDFC Bank, citing ethical concerns, marking an unusual departure and prompting the appointment of an interim chairman.

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'It's a changing world and the opening up doesn't mean that concerns with regards to security have gone away.'

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to maintain the interest rate on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25 per cent for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking the second consecutive year at this rate.

Eligible Manufacturer Importers Scheme, Starting April 1, Will Ease Customs Duty Payments

Eligible Manufacturer Importers Scheme, Starting April 1, Will Ease Customs Duty Payments

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) announced the implementation of the Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMI) scheme from April 1, allowing eligible importers to defer customs duty payments.

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Sitharaman took charge of the Finance Ministry on May 31, 2019, and has steered the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical turmoil, making India the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, focusing on investments and growth. The speech was marked by its business-like approach and lack of cultural references, while opposition members raised concerns about regional representation.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

There is more room for monetary policy easing, says Finance Ministry

There is more room for monetary policy easing, says Finance Ministry

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

With inflation comfortably below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) 4 per cent median target and likely to undershoot its 3.7 per cent projection for 2025-26 (FY26), there is room for the monetary policy easing cycle to be sustained, the Finance Ministry said on Monday. The comments, featured in the ministry's Monthly Economic Review for June 2025, assume significance ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) scheduled to begin from August 5.

Sitharaman takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Sitharaman takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday participated in a traditional 'halwa' ceremony, marking the final stage for the preparation of the Union Budget 2026-27, to be unveiled on February 1 in the Lok Sabha.