News for '-sitharaman'

Markets open higher ahead of Budget presentation

Markets open higher ahead of Budget presentation

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

From the 30-share blue-chip pack, ITC Hotels, IndusInd Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, Sun Pharma, UltraTech Cement and NTPC were among the biggest gainers. Titan, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Nestle, Asian Paints, HCL Tech and ICICI Bank were among the laggards.

Some improvement in India-China ties from Oct last year: Jaishankar

Some improvement in India-China ties from Oct last year: Jaishankar

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

He said that the two nations will have issues in the foreseeable future. However, there are ways of addressing those issues and what happened in 2020 was not the way to address those issues.

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

US-designed nuke reactors to be built in India, tech transfer likely

US-designed nuke reactors to be built in India, tech transfer likely

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have vowed to move forward with plans to work together to build US-designed nuclear reactors in India. The decision was made during their meeting at the White House, where they also agreed to significantly expand energy cooperation. The move comes after India announced plans to amend its nuclear liability law and the Atomic Energy Act, which had previously been obstacles to the implementation of the US-India civil nuclear deal.

Why L&T Chief Works 90 Hours A Week

Why L&T Chief Works 90 Hours A Week

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

S N Subrahmanyan earns Rs 13,98,630.14 per day!

What Will Nirmalaji's Budget Be Like?

What Will Nirmalaji's Budget Be Like?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Budget assumes significance as it comes on the back of lower-than-expected growth numbers during the second quarter and geopolitical uncertainty.

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 1,024.30 crore for expenses incurred by the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Minister's Office, and for hospitality and entertainment of state guests. The allocated amount is a bit more than the Rs 1,021.83 crore earmarked in 2024-25.

Rs 8.7 Trn Individuals Vs Rs 4.53 Trn Corporates

Rs 8.7 Trn Individuals Vs Rs 4.53 Trn Corporates

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

From FY20 to FY24, the revenue forgone due to tax incentives for individuals and Hindu undivided families stood at Rs 8.7 trillion, significantly higher than the Rs 4.53 trillion forgone for corporations.

'No Plan To Phase Out Old I-T Regime'

'No Plan To Phase Out Old I-T Regime'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'Going forward, the encouragement would be to move to the new tax regime.'

Rahul's allegations baseless, no undue favours to Adani: Sitharaman

Rahul's allegations baseless, no undue favours to Adani: Sitharaman

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday came down heavily on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making baseless allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Adani issue, and described him as a "repeat offender" in levelling such charges.

'If There Is No Money In The Hands Of People...'

'If There Is No Money In The Hands Of People...'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'...how do they consume and contribute to the GDP?'

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Do we have enough trained oncologists and medical professionals in India to man these over 4,500 beds in the public sector?

Vijay Mallya slams ED, banks for taking more than 2x his debt

Vijay Mallya slams ED, banks for taking more than 2x his debt

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has said that he will pursue relief for the Enforcement Directorate and banks taking more than two times the debt he owed. His remarks came following a statement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament about recovery of over Rs 14,130 crore from his attached assets.

Confused About New Tax Rates? Ask Our Experts

Confused About New Tax Rates? Ask Our Experts

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Ask tax gurus Mihir Tanna, Samkit Maniar, Vivek Lala, Anil Rego, T S Khurana and Mahesh Padmanabhan your Budget-related tax questions

Private hospitals to boost cancer care, beds count

Private hospitals to boost cancer care, beds count

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

'Cancer incidence is projected to increase by 12.8 per cent by 2025 compared with 2020, necessitating more dedicated cancer treatment centres and specialised beds.'

Rs 47.66 lakh cr: Size of Sitharaman's sixth budget

Rs 47.66 lakh cr: Size of Sitharaman's sixth budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The size of Budget 2024-25 has increased 6.1 per cent to Rs 47.66 lakh crore because of the rise in expenditure and higher allocation for capital expenditure and social sector schemes.

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'If the BJP detoxifies the nuclear liability law, it will bring economic, environmental and, most of all, strategic benefits.' 'Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that this Budget promise is met soon -- ideally, before Mr Modi heads to his first meeting with Trump 2.0,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Budget announcement of zero tax for earnings upto Rs 12 lakh per annum and the rejig of tax slabs across the board should prompt more than 90 per cent of individual taxpayers to embrace the new tax regime as compared to the about 75 per cent as of now, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said. Agrawal also highlighted the government's focus on "non-intrusive" tax administration through enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simplified tax processes for common taxpayers. He emphasized the benefits of the new tax regime (NTR), which offers simple calculations and allows taxpayers to file their ITR without professional help. The CBDT chief stated that the Budget provisions related to income tax payment benefit all income earners, not just those earning Rs 12 lakh per annum, creating a positive sentiment in the economy and propelling growth. The department is also harnessing technology, including AI and data analytics, to widen and deepen the tax base, resulting in increased compliance and tax revenue. Agrawal further highlighted the positive impact of data availability and simplified tax processes on compliance rates, citing examples of taxpayers filing revised returns and paying taxes after being prompted by the department's data analysis.

Budget allocation makes Census unlikely this year too

Budget allocation makes Census unlikely this year too

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's decadal census is likely to be further delayed after the budget allocated only Rs 574.80 crore for the exercise, a significant reduction from previous years. The census, originally scheduled for 2021, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government has not yet announced a new schedule. The budget allocation suggests that the exercise may not be carried out even after the delay. The upcoming census will be the first digital census, allowing citizens to self-enumerate using a dedicated portal. The exercise will be made compulsory for citizens who wish to self-enumerate, and Aadhaar or mobile numbers will be required. The census will include questions on household demographics, amenities, and economic status.

What Our Leaders Were Up To

What Our Leaders Were Up To

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Glimpse what our politicians were doing at the beginning of 2025.

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Following the lacklustre growth numbers in the second quarter (Q2FY25), economists believe the upcoming Union Budget for 2025-26 should focus on reforms that will stimulate consumption, manufacturing and spur employment. India's growth unexpectedly slowed to 5.4 per cent in the second quarter, due to low capital formation, weak consumption, besides adverse weather impact.

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'When people have money in their hands, they make their judgment about whether they want to spend it entirely or spend some out of it.'

New tax regime now more attractive: Sitharaman

New tax regime now more attractive: Sitharaman

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the government has made the new income tax regime more attractive for taxpayers and has thus brought about 'substantial changes' in its structure for the benefit of the middle class. The Budget 2023-24 has proposed changes in the optional tax regime, which was introduced in 2020-21. Speaking to reporters after presentation of the Budget, Sitharaman said the country has been waiting for a direct tax regime which is simplified and easy in compliance.

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

What's New for Indian Sports in This Year's Budget?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sports budget raised by over Rs 350 crore, Khelo India gets biggest share

'Budget's Main Objective Was To Honour Taxpayers'

'Budget's Main Objective Was To Honour Taxpayers'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Our attempt to honour the taxpayer has been since 2014 and more actively since 2019-2020 onwards.'

Yay or nay? Rate Sitharaman's 5th Budget!

Yay or nay? Rate Sitharaman's 5th Budget!

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

So how do you rate the Modi government's 11th budget?

'Budget Gives Middle Class Some Breathing Room'

'Budget Gives Middle Class Some Breathing Room'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'But this Budget alone will not fix what ails the Indian economy.'

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

RBI's interest rate decision, quarterly earnings and global cues would be the major driving factors for equity markets this week, analysts said adding that the impact of the Union Budget could linger on this week. Trading activity of foreign investors will also be a key driver for the markets, experts noted. "US and India's manufacturing PMI for January to be released on Monday, will be the key macro data to watch out for.

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received Rs 13,611 crore in the Union Budget announced on Saturday, while the allocation for disability welfare now stands at Rs 1,275 crore.

Budget: 25% I-T Slab, Higher Rebate Likely

Budget: 25% I-T Slab, Higher Rebate Likely

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

'If our Budget allows, we may implement both measures -- making income up to Rs 10 lakh tax-free and introducing a 25 per cent slab for income between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.'

Gold jumps Rs 1,100 to all-time high of Rs 84,900 per 10g

Gold jumps Rs 1,100 to all-time high of Rs 84,900 per 10g

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Gold prices hit a fresh record high of Rs 84,900 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday, driven by robust domestic demand and strong global cues, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity continued its ascent for the third straight session, jumping by Rs 1,100 to hit a new peak of Rs 84,900 per 10 grams.

Have Indian regulators made the system more transparent?

Have Indian regulators made the system more transparent?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday commended Indian financial sector regulators for doing a "world-class job" and bringing greater transparency into the system. Underlining that she is not against questioning or critiquing regulators, Sitharaman said there is a need to be "extremely conscious" about contributions made by them as well. Speaking at the Financial Express Best Banks Awards, the finance minister said, "I strongly recommend that facts are taken on board before we discuss anything to do with the regulators, strictly speaking."

India's pace of debt reduction leaves room for downside risk

India's pace of debt reduction leaves room for downside risk

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Fitch Ratings on Monday said India's pace of debt reduction is gradual, leaving room for a downside risk to sovereign rating in the eventuality of a significant economic shock. However, the rating agency expressed confidence in India's ability to stick to its medium-term fiscal framework, which aims to reduce debt and bring it on a downward trajectory over time.

What The Budget Has For Senior Citizens

What The Budget Has For Senior Citizens

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'The increase in the limit for TDS on interest to Rs 1 lakh will ensure greater cash flow in the hands of senior citizens.'

For a slightly higher government capex outlay

For a slightly higher government capex outlay

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

While the capital spending is being maintained at 3.1 per cent of the GDP, a little more would have boosted economic growth even further, suggests Rajiv Memani.

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Tamil Nadu is set to protest against the National Education Policy (NEP) on February 18, with the ruling DMK and its allies announcing a demonstration. The state government has been at odds with the Centre over the implementation of the NEP and the three-language formula proposed in the policy. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dismissed the state's opposition as "politics" and asserted that the Centre is committed to implementing the NEP across the country. The DMK, however, accused the Centre of encroaching on the state's rights and using the office of the Governor to push the NEP.

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Budget should undertake further reductions in import tariffs and seriously consider an announcement of India's intention to join one or both of the two Asian mega-regional free trade agreements, suggests Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

Want To Invest In ELSS? Read This

Want To Invest In ELSS? Read This

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

ELSS investments require a long-term commitment of at least seven years.

Govt announces new Fund of Funds scheme with Rs 10k cr corpus for startups

Govt announces new Fund of Funds scheme with Rs 10k cr corpus for startups

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The government on Saturday announced a host of measures such as setting up of a new Fund of Funds Scheme (FFS) with Rs 10,000 crore corpus; and extension of period of incorporation by five years with a view to promote growth of budding entrepreneurs.

India to amend nuclear liability law ahead of Modi's US visit

India to amend nuclear liability law ahead of Modi's US visit

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India on Saturday announced plans to amend its nuclear liability law and set up a nuclear energy mission, a move that came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to the United States.