News for 'Department for Business'

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

Will CBI Train Bankers To Detect Fraud?

Will CBI Train Bankers To Detect Fraud?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The number of frauds in the banking sector increased over four times in the past five years to 36,075.

Open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians: Jaishankar in US

Open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians: Jaishankar in US

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

India has always been open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians to their country, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, noting that New Delhi is still in the process of verifying those from the United States who can be deported to India and the number of such individuals cannot be determined yet.

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Prayagraj is transforming into a massive temporary city to host the Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, expected to draw over 40 crore pilgrims. The preparations include extensive infrastructure development, including 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets, and a 1,250-km pipeline network. The event, starting on January 13, will culminate on February 26, bringing together millions of devotees for the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Is Novak Djokovic The GOAT?

Is Novak Djokovic The GOAT?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The unanswerable question, of course, is whether Djokovic is the GOAT. That's a complex issue over which fans will forever bicker, observes Kanika Datta.

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Days after 'will go to war' vow, Musk says H-1B visa system 'broken'

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Elon Musk, who has previously vowed to "go to war" to defend the H-1B visa program, has reignited debate surrounding the program by labeling it "broken" and in urgent need of "major reform." Musk, along with Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tapped by Trump to lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Musk acknowledges the need for foreign workers in the tech industry, he believes the current H-1B system needs significant changes, including raising the minimum salary and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the visa. The H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, has been a subject of debate for years. The tech industry advocates for more H-1B visas to attract highly skilled workers, while some argue that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers.

PwC US to cut 1,800 jobs over restructuring, its first layoffs in 15 years

PwC US to cut 1,800 jobs over restructuring, its first layoffs in 15 years

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

The US unit of PwC will lay off about 1,800 workers, marking its first formal job cuts since 2009 as the company seeks to restructure its technology group. This comes amid a slowdown in demand for some of its advisory business, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Half of the anticipated layoffs will target offshore positions, impacting a wide range of employees from associates to managing directors.

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?

Maha govt declares desi cows 'Rajyamata Gomata'

Maha govt declares desi cows 'Rajyamata Gomata'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

The decision, which comes ahead of the state assembly elections, underscores the cow's spiritual, scientific, and historical significance in Indian society, an official said. It highlights the integral role that cows have played in India's cultural landscape for centuries, he added.

Indian banks in Canada fear biz loss amid row

Indian banks in Canada fear biz loss amid row

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

If there is a decline in the number of Indian students pursuing higher studies in Canada due to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, it may have implications for Indian banks operating in the North American country, senior bank officials said.

20,000 GST Notices Issued For Rs 800 Bn Taxes

20,000 GST Notices Issued For Rs 800 Bn Taxes

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

About 1.2 trillion tax evasion cases have been detected and as many as 59,000 entities identified for verification in order to ascertain whether they are fake.

50% of Delhi govt staffers to work from home amid rising air pollution

50% of Delhi govt staffers to work from home amid rising air pollution

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Delhi government has ordered half of its staff to work from home, urging private organizations to follow suit as the national capital faces an alarmingly high level of air pollution. The move comes as Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426 in the "severe" category, with residents reporting health issues. Essential services will continue to operate at full capacity. The government has also advised companies to provide shuttle bus services for employees and suggested that private entities consider shifting office hours to reduce traffic congestion.

Why gold import computation went wrong

Why gold import computation went wrong

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The government's initiative to migrate SEZ data from NSDL software to ICEGATE system for streamlined reporting of import data caused double counting of gold imports, resulting in inflated figures and the issue has now been largely rectified, government sources said. The downward revision has provided the actual picture of trade deficit (difference between imports and exports), which was earlier looking very high. The deficit for November will now be revised downwards from $37.84 billion to about $32.8 billion. Similarly, there will be a revision in overall import numbers as well.

'I Should Have Won 1.25 Lakh Votes'

'I Should Have Won 1.25 Lakh Votes'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

'There is a difference between a politician and leader.' 'A politician will have his pound of flesh first and do everything else later.' 'A leader will sacrifice everything to help people.'

Beware! IT Sleuths On The Prowl

Beware! IT Sleuths On The Prowl

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The suspected undisclosed income in these cases could reach as much as Rs 15,000 crore.

Xiaomi India head Muralikrishnan B resigns

Xiaomi India head Muralikrishnan B resigns

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Chinese smart devices firm Xiaomi's India head Muralikrishnan B has resigned from the company to pursue his interest in academic research, the company said on Monday. He will continue to support Xiaomi India as an independent Strategic Advisor, the company said. "Muralikrishnan B, the current President of Xiaomi India, will be transitioning out of his role at the end of the year.

When Ustad Zakir Hussain Made Me Blush

When Ustad Zakir Hussain Made Me Blush

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

Seeing a certain tousle-headed gentleman standing in the queue, I was both astonished and elated. My happiness radiated on my face and words suddenly deserted me.

How DoT Plans To Check Rising Spam

How DoT Plans To Check Rising Spam

Rediff.com15 May 2024

Launched in March, it triggers re-verification of suspected fraudulent numbers. Failing re-verification, the number will be disconnected.

Adani crisis: No negative actions so far by lenders, investors, says Crisil

Adani crisis: No negative actions so far by lenders, investors, says Crisil

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Backing embattled Adani Group, rating agency CRISIL Ratings on Friday said the conglomerate has sufficient liquidity and operational cash flows to meet debt obligations and committed capex and that there has been no negative actions so far by lenders and investors following the US indictment of group founder chairman. The Adani Group, which has the flexibility to reduce certain discretionary capital expenditure (capex) depending on developments in financial markets and future capital availability, has a healthy Ebitda and cash balance that reduces its dependence on external debt to sustain operations, it said in a bulletin.

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

'PLI Has Been A Big Boost To Manufacturing'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

'We can hope to see a lot of creation of jobs in the days to come.'

Space Kidz Is Planning A Moon Mission

Space Kidz Is Planning A Moon Mission

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

If it becomes a reality, the Chennai-based company will become the first private player from India to conduct such a mission to the lunar surface.

Why FSSAI called up qcom companies

Why FSSAI called up qcom companies

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought a meeting with quick-commerce (qcom) platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto on Tuesday to discuss issues regarding violations of food safety standards, according to sources familiar with the matter. This comes at a time when there have been issues raised about food safety standard violations by qcom platforms for packaged food products, including violations related to expiry and best before dates.

'I am getting repeated mails from Income Tax department'

'I am getting repeated mails from Income Tax department'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2022

Mihir Tanna, Associate Director, S K Patodia & Associates, answers your tax queries.

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

'The message that we intend to leave with at the end of this trip is one of real gratitude for the friendship and the close partnership that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have enjoyed over the last four years, but also one of tremendous optimism because we see a lot of opportunity in the future.'

Good news for those in US on business or tourist visa

Good news for those in US on business or tourist visa

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

The US has announced that individuals travelling to the country on a business or tourist visa - B-1 and B-2 - can apply for new jobs and even appear in interviews, but the prospective employees must ensure that they have changed their visa status before starting a new role. B-1 and B-2 visas are generally referred to as "B visas", and they are the most common types of visa issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B-1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B-2 visa is issued mainly travelling for tourism purposes.

BEST bus was at 46 kmph when it ploughed into crowd in Mumbai

BEST bus was at 46 kmph when it ploughed into crowd in Mumbai

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

A BEST electric bus, traveling at a speed of 46 kmph, collided with a crowd in Kurla, Mumbai, killing seven people and injuring 42 others. The driver, Sanjay More, has been arrested for reckless driving. The accident has raised concerns about speed limits and training for drivers of automatic transmission buses.

Ban alcohol in Goa to make it 'viksit': BJP MLA

Ban alcohol in Goa to make it 'viksit': BJP MLA

Rediff.com31 Jul 2024

The MLA pointed out that there is already a ban on the consumption of alcohol in four other states, and Goa should also join the list.

'Film Industry Doesn't Like New Things'

'Film Industry Doesn't Like New Things'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'When you try to do something that's not been tried before, nobody likes that.'

Call them back to office, they'll quit: Musk-Vivek's bold plan

Call them back to office, they'll quit: Musk-Vivek's bold plan

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Tesla owner billionaire Elon Musk and Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in an op-ed provided an insight into their blueprint for an unprecedented government reform that includes mass federal job cuts and massive expense reduction.

ITR Filings Hit Record 72.8 Million

ITR Filings Hit Record 72.8 Million

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

The platform recorded a peak rate of 917 filings per second on July 17 and 9,367 filings per minute on July 31.

PSBs clocked 11% growth in H1FY25

PSBs clocked 11% growth in H1FY25

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Union Finance Ministry on Tuesday said that aggregate business of public sector banks (PSBs) has shown strong growth of 11 per cent in the first half of the financial year 2024-25 (H1FY25) to touch Rs 236 trillion. The operating and net profit were also robust. At Rs 1.5 trillion, operating profit grew by 14.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) while the net profit saw an impressive 25.6 per cent jump at Rs 85,520 crore in the first half of FY25.

Retro amendment, GAAR keep revenue dept busy in 2012

Retro amendment, GAAR keep revenue dept busy in 2012

Rediff.com27 Dec 2012

After taking charge, P Chidambaram promised fine-tuning of policies and place a stable tax regime.

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The new guidelines, effective from August 1, aim to expedite visa approvals for nationals from China and other countries sharing land borders with India.

Trump 47: Disruptor Or Savvy Dealmaker?

Trump 47: Disruptor Or Savvy Dealmaker?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Donald Trump's exaggerated opinion of his dealmaking capacity can get him into trouble, observes R Sriram.

T20 WC: India women rout SL; keep semis hopes alive

T20 WC: India women rout SL; keep semis hopes alive

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

Images from the Women's T20 World Cup match between India and Sri Lanka in Dubai on Wednesday.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

How Government Is Making Use Of AI

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The National Informatics Centre uses AI to automate document analysis and detect fraud in government departments.

Fadnavis' First Challenge: Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case

Fadnavis' First Challenge: Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

'The CM's credibility is on the line.'

Want To Study Leadership At IIM-C, IIT-K and IIT-M?

Want To Study Leadership At IIM-C, IIT-K and IIT-M?

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

The course comprises 36 weeks of classroom study, which includes lectures, case studies, tutorials, lab sessions, videos, individual and team assignments, guest lectures from the Japanese faculty, industry experts and business leaders, totalling 1,173 interaction hours.

Shami's absence a big loss for India: Aus coach McDonald

Shami's absence a big loss for India: Aus coach McDonald

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald believes the absence of Mohammed Shami during the marquee Border Gavaskar Trophy next month is a huge loss for India.