News for 'Budget 2025'

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.'

The Top 25 Pan India Films In 25 Years

The Top 25 Pan India Films In 25 Years

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

This is also the time when South Indian films started doing well, commercially and critically, on a Pan-India scale.

E2W companies seek PM E-Drive subsidy extension beyond March 2026

E2W companies seek PM E-Drive subsidy extension beyond March 2026

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

India's electric two-wheeler (e2W) manufacturers have urged the government to extend subsidies under the PM E-Drive (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme beyond March 2026, cautioning that a withdrawal could slow near-term demand even as confidence in long-term electric mobility adoption remains intact.

'Dhurandhar Has Changed The Landscape Of Cinema'

'Dhurandhar Has Changed The Landscape Of Cinema'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Established filmmakers want to go with the sequels of earlier hit films like Housefull 5 or Mastiii 4. They don't want to come up with fresh ideas. This is pure laziness.'

Mumbai civic poll: Phase-wise counting may delay result declaration

Mumbai civic poll: Phase-wise counting may delay result declaration

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Phase-wise counting of votes in Mumbai civic polls, instead of simultaneously across all 227 electoral wards as done in 2017, could delay the declaration of results when the enumeration process begins on Friday morning, civic officials said on Thursday.

'Audiences Are No Longer Loyal To Language'

'Audiences Are No Longer Loyal To Language'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

'Audiences are loyal to good content.'

Advice For Investors: How To Handle Bull Market Traps, Invest In Gold

Advice For Investors: How To Handle Bull Market Traps, Invest In Gold

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

'People become guided by emotions, fear of missing out, and greed. They tend to invest in booming sectors that may prove exceptionally expensive.' 'Typically, that represents the peak, and subsequently, they lose substantially.'

YOLO Spirit Ignites 2026 Travel

YOLO Spirit Ignites 2026 Travel

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The growing YOLO (You Only Live Once) mindset, coupled with a desire for immersive outdoor experiences, is driving demand, primarily across age groups from 20 to 45 years.

Sagarmala Finance expecting at least Rs 2K cr equity infusion from govt: MD

Sagarmala Finance expecting at least Rs 2K cr equity infusion from govt: MD

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

India's first maritime lender, state-owned Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL) hit the ground running with a Rs 4,300 crore disbursement announcement last Tuesday, within months of being registered as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) in June 2025.

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'...not merely in managing fiscal mathematics, but in demonstrating conservatism and prudence within that framework.' 'Looking forward, we believe sufficient growth drivers exist -- ranging from government reforms to revival in consumption to favourable monsoons. Numerous factors support the Indian economy.'

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.

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced reservation for Muslims in supplying goods and services up to a value of Rs 1 crore to various government departments, corporations and institutions in the state budget for 2025-26. The budget also increased the value limit of government contracts in which Muslims can avail reservation to Rs 2 crore. The reservation to Muslims under 2B category is in addition to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Castes coming under Category-1, Category-2A. The budget also included various welfare schemes for minorities, including Rs 50,000 to support simple marriages and Rs 1,000 crore under the Chief Minister's Minority Colony Development Programme.

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.

GST rate cut: Housing demand to rise during festivals, says CREDAI

GST rate cut: Housing demand to rise during festivals, says CREDAI

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Indian government's decision to cut GST rates on various products will increase purchasing power of consumers and boost demand for residential properties in the upcoming festive season, according to realtors' body CREDAI. The association, which has a 13,000 members from across India, said the construction cost is expected to come down because of reduction in GST rates on cement and few other building materials.

PM Internship Scheme Tweaks Ahead

PM Internship Scheme Tweaks Ahead

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The 12-month programme is expected to offer shorter internship duration in the third phase of the pilot in certain sectors such as services.

Net direct tax mop up grows 8% to Rs 17 lakh cr

Net direct tax mop up grows 8% to Rs 17 lakh cr

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Net direct tax collection grew 8 per cent to over Rs 17.04 lakh crore this fiscal till December 17 on slower refunds and higher advance taxes from corporates, the income tax department data showed on Friday.

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'We expect inbound numbers in 2025 to come close to pre-pandemic levels -- if not fully match them -- by early 2026.'

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

US visa curbs, AI surge will shape Indian IT in 2026

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

India's $280-billion IT industry heads into 2026, balancing visa-related headwinds and global trade uncertainty against its biggest-ever push into artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of global capability centres (GCCs). Heightened scrutiny of the US H-1B visa programme - including a proposed $100,000 fee for new visas and concerns over a potential 25 per cent outsourcing tax - has complicated cross-border delivery for Indian firms, even as companies accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on onsite staffing.

India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics: Modi

India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics: Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Moody's cautions about tax cut impact on Indian economy

Moody's cautions about tax cut impact on Indian economy

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Moody's Ratings on Tuesday said tax cuts in the current fiscal has dented India's revenue growth, leaving less scope for fiscal policy support for the economy.

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

I am inclined to believe that the Venezuela adventure is not an indication of American strength, alas, but rather of American weakness, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

A Budget that balances prudence with growth: Birla

A Budget that balances prudence with growth: Birla

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Budget 2025-26 delivers a carefully calibrated strategy-stimulating demand and investment while keeping fiscal discipline intact. In an environment marked by global trade disruptions, and a softening in urban consumption, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has taken a measured approach.

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.

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor addresses concerns about his recent statements, asserting his alignment with the party's principles and goals.

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

G RAM-G replaces MGNREGA after President's assent

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, which aims to replace MGNREGA and guarantee 125 days of wage employment per rural household.

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

BJP issues three-line whip to MPs to be present in Parl on Friday

BJP issues three-line whip to MPs to be present in Parl on Friday

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday issued a three-line whip to all of its Lok Sabha MPs asking them to be present in the House for the passing of the Union Budget 2025-26.

Fiscal deficit slips to 0.8% of full-year target at May-end 2025: CGA data

Fiscal deficit slips to 0.8% of full-year target at May-end 2025: CGA data

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

The central government's fiscal deficit fell to 0.8 per cent of the full-year target at the end of May, mainly due to a whopping Rs 2.69 lakh crore dividend received from the Reserve Bank of India. The fiscal deficit, or gap between the government's expenditure and revenue, had touched 11.9 per cent of the Budget Estimates (BE) for 2025-26 or Rs 1.86 lakh crore in April.

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Centre restarts MGNREGA in West Bengal, but conditions apply

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

After a gap of more than three years, the central government has agreed to resume the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) works in West Bengal with immediate effect, but subject to mandatory adherence to stringent conditions. These include a prohibition on any work valued at more than 20 lakh, compulsory 100 per cent electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) verification of all workers, and mandatory pre-estimation field visits for all works before they are undertaken.

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday emerged victorious in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also vanquished the alliance of Nationalist Congress Party factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in the Pune civic body.

Manager's 'stuff-up': Green to play as all-rounder in IPL 2026

Manager's 'stuff-up': Green to play as all-rounder in IPL 2026

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has confirmed that he will be fully available to bowl in the Indian Premier League's 2026 season, clarifying that his listing as a batter rather than an all-rounder ahead of Tuesday's auction was due to a "stuff-up" by his manager.

2026 under spotlight: An action-packed year awaits Indian sports

2026 under spotlight: An action-packed year awaits Indian sports

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Lots to look forward to in Indian sports as packed 2026 calender awaits

RBI Dividend To Help Govt With Defence Budget

RBI Dividend To Help Govt With Defence Budget

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Defence expenditure was pegged at 1.4 per cent of GDP in the Budget for 2025-26 but it may widen, depending on tensions between India and Pakistan.

India logs 6-quarter high GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2

India logs 6-quarter high GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Indian economy recorded a six-quarter high growth of 8.2 per cent in July-September, as factories churned out more products in anticipation of a consumption boost from the GST rate cut, according to government data.

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Union Budget as a "people's budget" that fulfills the dreams of every Indian and said that it is a "force-multiplier" that will boost consumption, investment and growth. He highlighted a host of measures for different sectors, including welfare initiatives for gig workers, tax relief for the middle class, and support for the manufacturing sector.

Will GST Rate Cuts Bring Back FPIs?

Will GST Rate Cuts Bring Back FPIs?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Foreign portfolio investors sold stocks worth Rs 1.42 trillion in 2025, with their sales hitting Rs 12,257 crore in the first four trading days of September.

Pak hikes defence budget amid tension with India

Pak hikes defence budget amid tension with India

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Pakistan on Tuesday increased its defence budget by 20 per cent, allocating PRs. 2,550 billion ($9 billion) for the fiscal year 2025-26, amid tensions with India.

State Legislatures In Rush To Pass Bills

State Legislatures In Rush To Pass Bills

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

=In 21 states, the time gap between the general Budget and ministry-specific discussions was just one day.

Why steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is leaving UK

Why steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is leaving UK

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Indian-origin steel magnate Lakshmi N Mittal, until now based in Britain and a regular on the country's richest billionaires tally, has decided to quit the UK as the Labour Party-led government's feared tax shake-up for the super-rich nears, according to a UK media report on Sunday.

Folks, The State Of The Indian Economy

Folks, The State Of The Indian Economy

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

On Friday, January 31, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2024-2025 in the Lok Sabha.