News for 'Department of Economic'

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

UN cuts India's 2026 GDP forecast to 6.4%, cites global uncertainties

Rediff.com19 hours ago

The United Nations has revised downward India's economic growth forecast for 2026 to 6.4 per cent from an earlier 6.6 per cent, attributing the change to global uncertainties and economic shocks stemming from the ongoing West Asia crisis.

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

US to close consulate in Pak's Peshawar citing personnel's safety

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The State Department spokesperson said the US will continue to engage meaningfully with the people and officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to foster economic ties, promote regional security, and advance the interests of the American people.

PF Withdrawal Through ATM, UPI Soon

PF Withdrawal Through ATM, UPI Soon

Rediff.com7 days ago

The proposed facility seeks to simplify and speed up PF withdrawals by allowing Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers to access up to 75 per cent of their balance through ATMs and UPI-based systems, while retaining at least 25 per cent in their accounts.

How Flower Dye Can Power The Future Of Solar Energy

How Flower Dye Can Power The Future Of Solar Energy

Rediff.com17 hours ago

Researchers at the Central University of Jharkhand have developed an eco-friendly solar cell using dye extracted from the Mirabilis jalapa flower, demonstrating the potential of natural, non-toxic materials for solar energy applications.

Court orders confiscation of arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari's assets

Court orders confiscation of arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari's assets

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A Delhi court has ordered the confiscation of several properties belonging to UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, following his declaration as a fugitive in a money laundering case.

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

Rediff.com6 days ago

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet, citing a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership, potentially triggering a Labour leadership contest.

US Seizes Oil Tanker Linked To Iran In Indian Ocean

US Seizes Oil Tanker Linked To Iran In Indian Ocean

Rediff.com19 hours ago

The US has seized an oil tanker, 'Skywave', linked to Iran in the Indian Ocean, as part of efforts to disrupt Iran's oil shipments and enforce sanctions. The vessel was part of a network transporting sanctioned Iranian crude oil, with the seizure occurring amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Delhi Police Busts GST Fraud Cartel, Arrests Six

Delhi Police Busts GST Fraud Cartel, Arrests Six

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has dismantled a GST fraud cartel, arresting six individuals involved in swindling Rs 128 crore through shell companies and fake invoicing.

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

Rediff.com3 May 2026

India's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are projected to surpass $90 billion in 2025-26 (FY26), driven by robust policy reforms, free trade agreements, and strong economic growth, according to DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia.

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.

Karnataka Government Reinstates DGP K Ramachandra Rao

Karnataka Government Reinstates DGP K Ramachandra Rao

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Karnataka government has revoked the suspension order of DGP K Ramachandra Rao and reinstated him into service with immediate effect, posting him as Director General of Police (Police Manual). Rao was suspended in January following allegations of misconduct and embarrassment to the state administration.

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Indian government has issued an updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications, aiming to clear all proposals within 12 weeks, a two-week extension from the previous 10-week target, to ensure a fully paperless and transparent process.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com2 days ago

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

'Frustrated' Trump considering resuming war on Iran: Report

'Frustrated' Trump considering resuming war on Iran: Report

Rediff.com12 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering military action against Iran due to stalled negotiations and Tehran's approach to its nuclear issue, according to CNN sources. Divisions within the Trump administration have emerged over the next course of action, with some officials advocating for a more aggressive approach through targeted military strikes.

Did Trump, Xi Reset US-China Relations?

Did Trump, Xi Reset US-China Relations?

Rediff.com5 days ago

US President Donald Trump concluded his Beijing summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing it as 'incredible' and highlighting 'fantastic trade deals' and a 'very strong' relationship between the two leaders.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

GST Fraud: Mastermind Arrested In Rs 410 Crore ITC Scam

GST Fraud: Mastermind Arrested In Rs 410 Crore ITC Scam

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Commercial Taxes Department has arrested Mohammed Tauqeer for his involvement in generating and routing fraudulent ITC across multiple states, unearthing a GST fraud worth Rs 410 crore.

Nine Arrested In Delhi Coaching Scam: What We Know

Nine Arrested In Delhi Coaching Scam: What We Know

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has arrested nine individuals linked to coaching institutes in connection with an alleged Rs 37.20-crore scam involving a Delhi government scheme.

Petrol, Diesel Prices Hiked by Rs 3/Litre Amid Surging Crude Costs

Petrol, Diesel Prices Hiked by Rs 3/Litre Amid Surging Crude Costs

Rediff.com5 days ago

Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first hike in over four years, as state-run fuel retailers pass on some of the impact from surging global crude prices, which have been exacerbated by the Iran war.

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Trump, Xi hold talks in the 'biggest summit ever'

Rediff.com6 days ago

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including trade frictions and the war in Iran.

Tax Official Sentenced to Jail for Accepting Bribe to Process TDS Refund

Tax Official Sentenced to Jail for Accepting Bribe to Process TDS Refund

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A senior tax assistant in the Income Tax department was sentenced to six months in jail and fined Rs 4000 in a bribery case by a special CBI court in Thane.

India Post To Modernise Logistics Infrastructure

India Post To Modernise Logistics Infrastructure

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The government is planning a postal logistics infrastructure upgrade for India Post to modernise parcel facilities, aligning them with those in developed nations, according to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Under the TMC, Bengal has seen expansion of welfare, but not big-ticket private investment.

Shares of life insurers dip as DFS calls for end to exclusive bank tie-ups

Shares of life insurers dip as DFS calls for end to exclusive bank tie-ups

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Shares of Indian life insurance companies, particularly SBI Life Insurance and Canara HSBC Life Insurance, saw significant declines after the Department of Financial Services (DFS) secretary, M Nagaraju, stated that banks are being asked to avoid exclusive tie-ups with their own insurance subsidiaries and instead remain neutral.

Sanjay Bhandari Remains a Fugitive: Delhi HC Backs Money Laundering Order

Sanjay Bhandari Remains a Fugitive: Delhi HC Backs Money Laundering Order

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld a trial court's order declaring UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari a 'fugitive economic offender' in a money laundering case, allowing the Enforcement Directorate to proceed with confiscating his assets.

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

'Is This A Slavery System In India?'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

How Punjab Is Strengthening Public Safety And Rural Economy

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a series of measures aimed at enhancing public safety through forensic science upgrades and boosting rural incomes with a new farm stay policy.

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

US vows to prosecute Iranian oil buyers as Hormuz blockade begins

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The US has threatened to prosecute those buying or selling sanctioned Iranian oil and has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks failed.

Mangaluru Man Duped Of Rs 2.07 Crore In 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Mangaluru Man Duped Of Rs 2.07 Crore In 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A 61-year-old man from Mangaluru was allegedly cheated of Rs 2.07 crore by cyber fraudsters posing as officials of central investigative agencies in a 'digital arrest' scam, police said.

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Through policy interventions, Indian cities need to be reimagined as a network of inter-connected assets and services which serve to strengthen the social contract between citizens and their cities by improving their quality of life, the Economic Survey has flagged.

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Four Census officials were assaulted in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, prompting the state government to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) to safeguard census officials from physical harm and heat-related risks.

Haryana's AI Programme Gains Momentum with World Bank Collaboration

Haryana's AI Programme Gains Momentum with World Bank Collaboration

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the progress of the Haryana AI Development Programme (HAIDP), a Rs 474-crore initiative developed with the World Bank, focusing on AI skilling, startup incubation, and ethical AI governance.

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The BJP-led government in Bihar secured a vote of confidence in the state assembly, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary pledging economic development and significant investments. The motion was passed amidst heated debates and accusations between the ruling NDA and the opposition, highlighting political tensions and differing views on issues like women's reservation.

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.

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A US trade representative described India as a 'tough nut to crack' during trade agreement negotiations in Washington, highlighting India's protection of its agricultural markets and the ongoing discussions on specific commodities.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan's skewed foreign reserves got a major boost after Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits while extending its existing $5 billion facility for a further three years.

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

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.

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Trump signals Iran talks within 36-72 hours, extends ceasefire

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan, aiming to allow Tehran's leadership time to form a unified proposal to end the seven-week war.