News for 'Department of Economic Affairs'

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Govt issues updated SOP for processing FDI applications

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.

Subbarao is economic affairs secy

Subbarao is economic affairs secy

Rediff.com1 May 2007

Duvvuri Subbarao on Monday joined as secretary, department of economic affairs, Ministry of Finance. He belongs to the 1972 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (Andhra Pradesh cadre).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tarun Bajaj returns to finance ministry as economic affairs secretary

Tarun Bajaj returns to finance ministry as economic affairs secretary

Rediff.com1 May 2020

Tarun Bajaj, an old hand at the finance ministry, on Friday assumed charge as the economic affairs secretary. He comes back to North Block at a time when the economy is facing headwinds due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.

India, US chief negotiators to begin three-day trade pact talks in Washington from Apr 20

India, US chief negotiators to begin three-day trade pact talks in Washington from Apr 20

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Chief negotiators from India and the US are set to begin three-day talks in Washington to recalibrate the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) framework, following significant changes in the US tariff landscape, including a new 10 per cent tariff imposed on all countries.

India Extends 4% Retail Inflation Target for RBI Until 2031

India Extends 4% Retail Inflation Target for RBI Until 2031

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Indian government has extended the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) mandate to maintain retail inflation at 4 per cent, with a tolerance band of 2 per cent on either side, for another five years until March 2031.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 yrs

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 yrs

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district is set to resume this year after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Derek O'Brien Fact-Checks Modi's Claims on Poverty, Development in India

Derek O'Brien Fact-Checks Modi's Claims on Poverty, Development in India

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about India's progress, citing poverty statistics and West Bengal's economic growth.

Govt receives financial bids for IDBI Bank stake sale, says Dipam

Govt receives financial bids for IDBI Bank stake sale, says Dipam

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The government on Friday received financial bids for the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (Dipam) said in an official statement on X.

Sooryavanshi Set For Bumrah Test As Mumbai Indians Face Resurgent Royals

Sooryavanshi Set For Bumrah Test As Mumbai Indians Face Resurgent Royals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Mumbai Indians will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat when they face a confident Rajasthan Royals side in their upcoming IPL match. The Royals will be aiming to continue their winning streak.

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Iran rejects Trump's talks claim, says US buying time for military plans

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

"The US President's statements are within the framework of efforts to reduce energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans," the ministry stated.

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

'Stay tuned' for Modi-Trump meet: US envoy

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The US President had hosted Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC, on February 13 last year.

BMW driver faces culpable homicide charge in Sep Delhi accident

BMW driver faces culpable homicide charge in Sep Delhi accident

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Delhi Police inform court that a BMW driver involved in a fatal accident last September is charged with culpable homicide for allegedly delaying medical assistance to the victim.

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Kerala CM Discusses Gulf Crisis with Loka Kerala Sabha Members

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an online meeting with Loka Kerala Sabha members in the Gulf region to discuss support for the expatriate community amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

'Global Uncertainties Are Of A Magnitude We've Never Seen Before'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Global uncertainty is something which definitely occupies the minds of officials when we are preparing for the Budget.'

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

New Delhi will substantially reduce tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods while continuing to protect sensitive sectors. Tariffs on some agricultural products that are not traditionally considered sensitive will be brought down to zero, while in the case of relatively sensitive items, duties will be reduced in a graded manner and quotas will be imposed.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday presented the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha. The Economic Survey is an annual document presented by the government ahead of the Union Budget to review the state of the economy.

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defence, reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

GST 2.0 bolstered momentum, economy on stable footing

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rates has increased the momentum in India's economic activity both on the supply and demand sides, while robust agricultural activity - reflected in the strong onset of rabi sowing and adequate reservoir levels - has reinforced the outlook for food supply and rural incomes, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organisations, including United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance, calling the institutions 'redundant' and 'contrary' to America's interests.

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Railways have exceeded the national average capital expenditure (capex) by spending 63 per cent and 57 per cent of Budget estimates (BE), respectively, in the first half of 2025-26 (FY26). The total capital expenditure for April-September of FY26 stood at 52 per cent of the BE, according to the latest data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

US tariff threat puts India's Chabahar port plans in doubt

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India is evaluating its involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran due to potential US tariffs. The US had granted India a waiver for the project, but it expires soon. India is exploring options to continue supporting the port's development while minimizing exposure to US sanctions.

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

India's leading agriculture commodity exchange, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), has decided to acquire around a 20 per cent stake in a new commodities and financial derivatives exchange being set up in Sri Lanka, subject to regulatory and governmental approvals. The move aims to deepen NCDEX's footprint in the financial ecosystem of its neighbouring country.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'