News for 'Department of Economic Affairs'

UN warns of 'similar episodes' as second Covid wave in India

UN warns of 'similar episodes' as second Covid wave in India

Rediff.com13 Jan 2022

'In India, a deadly wave of infection with the Delta variant stole 240,000 lives between April and June and disrupted economic recovery. Similar episodes could take place in the near term,' said the report.

Why Jaitley is upbeat about Sino-Indian ties

Why Jaitley is upbeat about Sino-Indian ties

Rediff.com19 Apr 2016

'Economy is leading the way as far as the relationship between the two countries is concerned'.

CBI examines Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case

CBI examines Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case

Rediff.com16 Dec 2014

The sources said the matter should have been referred to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs as foreign investments above Rs 600 crore (Rs 6 billion) can only be cleared by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs headed by the Prime Minister.

All post offices to start working on new tech by 2015: FM

All post offices to start working on new tech by 2015: FM

Rediff.com17 Feb 2014

The IT modernisation project with this outlay was approved by Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs in November 2012.

'Government is doing the right thing'

'Government is doing the right thing'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2022

'It is building the country's infrastructure, and delivering it very efficiently.'

Bureaucratic reshuffle: Rajiv Gauba replaces Mehrishi as Home Secy

Bureaucratic reshuffle: Rajiv Gauba replaces Mehrishi as Home Secy

Rediff.com21 Jun 2017

A total of 16 secretaries have been appointed to various central government departments.

Budget may open window for big-ticket foreign investments

Budget may open window for big-ticket foreign investments

Rediff.com26 Jan 2021

The Centre plans to create a special window for strategically important investors such as sovereign wealth funds and pension funds that wish to invest over Rs 3,000 crore through a single transaction.

Russia protests note ban; threatens retaliatory action

Russia protests note ban; threatens retaliatory action

Rediff.com6 Dec 2016

Russia says cash shortage is affecting the functioning of its embassy in New Delhi.

China's population declines for first time since 1961

China's population declines for first time since 1961

Rediff.com17 Jan 2023

China's population in 2022 -- 1.4118 billion -- fell by 850,000 from 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

On day 2 of review, Jaitley bullish on keeping fiscal deficit down

On day 2 of review, Jaitley bullish on keeping fiscal deficit down

Rediff.com16 Sep 2018

Finance ministry tells PM fiscal deficit target will be met, capex expenditure won't be cut and GDP growth will surpass 7.5%.

Sitharaman may announce 2nd coronavirus relief package this week

Sitharaman may announce 2nd coronavirus relief package this week

Rediff.com6 Apr 2020

The finance ministry is working on a second relief package for the Indian economy hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak and the 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the contagion, sources said. Last month, the government announced a Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package in the form of foodgrains and cash transfers for the poor and vulnerable section of the society to help them deal with the hardships caused by the lockdown. Now, the government is working on a stimulus to be given to hard-hit sectors of the economy after the lockdown is lifted, sources said, adding that an announcement is expected in the next few days depending on the severity of the pandemic.

India-Germany ties a model of success, says Modi, as 2 nations sign $10.5 bn green deal

India-Germany ties a model of success, says Modi, as 2 nations sign $10.5 bn green deal

Rediff.com2 May 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that the partnership between India and Germany could serve as an example of success in a complex world as the two sides inked several agreements focused on sustainable development under which India would receive USD 10.5 billion assistance by 2030 to boost the use of clean energy.

US-China rivalry a marathon, has led to regional arms race: Navy chief

US-China rivalry a marathon, has led to regional arms race: Navy chief

Rediff.com13 Mar 2023

Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Monday flagged concerns over growing geo-political power play in the Indo-Pacific, and noted that the US-China rivalry in the region is likely to be a "marathon".

Dr M S Swaminathan, who made India self-sufficient in food, passes away

Dr M S Swaminathan, who made India self-sufficient in food, passes away

Rediff.com29 Sep 2023

Renowned agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan and the driving force behind the nation's 'Green Revolution,' passed away in Chennai on Thursday.

Modi's plans to make ministers redundant

Modi's plans to make ministers redundant

Rediff.com11 Jun 2014

The prime minister's office will play the principal role in decision-making.

Was Narasimha Rao India's Best Prime Minister?

Was Narasimha Rao India's Best Prime Minister?

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

'He told senior journalists a few days after the Babri Masjid demolition, 'Jo hua theek hua. Maine isliye hone diya ki BJP ki rajniti hamesha ke liye khatam ho jaye.'

Foreign listing of start-ups, MSMEs will now be easier

Foreign listing of start-ups, MSMEs will now be easier

Rediff.com10 Nov 2020

The criteria for allowing companies to avail of this provision will include profitability, networth, paid-up capital, and turnover.

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

'...Market-linked debentures, high-value insurance, exemptions from capital gains by investment in real estate, etc.' 'So, there are a number of measures directed at collecting a fair share from higher income individuals.'

The 5 men who will decide how funds get shared by Centre and states

The 5 men who will decide how funds get shared by Centre and states

Rediff.com28 Nov 2017

The panel will also recommend a fiscal consolidation road map for the central and state governments, study the impact of GST on the divisible pool, and propose performance-based incentives for states.

Railway Budget to be history

Railway Budget to be history

Rediff.com22 Aug 2016

The Union Budget for 2017 is likely to be presented on February 1. An approval for merging the Railway Budget with the General Budget was accorded by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday.

Stung by shift from finance ministry, Garg seeks VRS

Stung by shift from finance ministry, Garg seeks VRS

Rediff.com25 Jul 2019

It was not immediately clear when Garg submitted his voluntary retirement scheme application to the government. It was also not known if the government would accept the application. If he hadn't applied for VRS, he would have retired from government service at the end of October 2020 on attaining of 60 years of age. Garg did not answer phone calls seeking his comments.

'Total halt' in smuggling of fake notes, finmin tells PAC

'Total halt' in smuggling of fake notes, finmin tells PAC

Rediff.com10 Feb 2017

The finance ministry on Friday informed a parliamentary committee that smuggling of fake currency has totally stopped post demonetisation and the tax department has seized Rs 515 crore in cash, including Rs 114 crore of new currency notes, up to January 10.

CBI takes over probe into BJP leader Sonali Phogat's death

CBI takes over probe into BJP leader Sonali Phogat's death

Rediff.com15 Sep 2022

The central probe agency re-registered the first information report (FIR) of Goa Police on a reference from the Ministry of Home Affairs which was routed to it through the Department of Personnel and Training, officials said.

Dilution norms for large IPOs tweaked

Dilution norms for large IPOs tweaked

Rediff.com21 Jun 2021

Easier dilution norms for mega initial public offerings (IPOs) have come into effect. Companies with post-listing market capitalisation (m-cap) of more than Rs 1 trillion will not be required to dilute a minimum of 10 per cent. The move to relax dilution norms is seen as a precursor to Life Insurance Corporation's IPO. The central government has said companies with an m-cap exceeding Rs 1 trillion will have to dilute Rs 5,000 crore and at least 5 per cent of their m-cap. Experts said the earlier framework discouraged large companies from listing since they were forced to offload a large volume of shares during the time of their IPO.

Govt to snip red-tape in PSU sale approval, cut time frame by 90%

Govt to snip red-tape in PSU sale approval, cut time frame by 90%

Rediff.com7 Apr 2021

The idea is to do away with the need for the approval of the Core Group of Secretaries on Divestment for privatisation of companies, especially in non-strategic sectors.

No one in govt questioned offshore bonds issue: Garg

No one in govt questioned offshore bonds issue: Garg

Rediff.com26 Jul 2019

Refusing to link his seeking voluntary retirement, a year before his superannuation, to his transfer to the relatively low profile power ministry, he said that he had conveyed his decision to the Prime Minister's Office on July 18.

In its zeal to sell A-I, govt goes slow on others

In its zeal to sell A-I, govt goes slow on others

Rediff.com13 Oct 2021

The Centre's push to sell Air India on priority has led to delays in other strategic divestment proposals, such as privatising United India Insurance, as well as ongoing transactions, such as Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), revealed multiple officials involved in the process. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) is yet to take new privatisation recommendations of the NITI Aayog to the core group of secretaries on disinvestment (CGD) headed by the Cabinet secretary, said one of the officials. The priority now is to ensure all approvals for Air India are in place since the government intends to hand over the national carrier as early as this month.

Kenneth Juster to be America's new ambassador to India: WH

Kenneth Juster to be America's new ambassador to India: WH

Rediff.com22 Jun 2017

Juster, who is the Deputy Assistant to the US president for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of his National Economic Council, would replace Richard Verma if nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

Vodafone's ownership in Indian arm may be probed

Vodafone's ownership in Indian arm may be probed

Rediff.com10 Mar 2014

The letter was written on February 20, two weeks after the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs had approved the 100 per cent ownership proposal of Vodafone Plc in Vodafone India, at a proposed investment of Rs 10,141 crore (Rs 101.41 billion).

Cabinet note on Abu Dhabi bilateral to be amended

Cabinet note on Abu Dhabi bilateral to be amended

Rediff.com4 Jul 2013

UAE's promise of $50-bn investment in Indian infra won't be included.

'This is governance by fear'

'This is governance by fear'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

'The Emergency was a temporary affair. It was withdrawn after 20 months.' 'But we are in this situation for the last 10 years.' 'If the Emergency was jhatka, this is halal, slow killing.'

'GST is not the only remedy for all economic ills'

'GST is not the only remedy for all economic ills'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2016

'It is important to improve the quality of spending.'

FIPB may consider Tata-SIA airline proposal on Oct 18

FIPB may consider Tata-SIA airline proposal on Oct 18

Rediff.com27 Sep 2013

In their new venture, Tata SIA Airlines Ltd, Tata Sons would hold 51 per cent stake and Singapore Airlines 49 per cent.

'Commercial pact with Etihad not to override Jet board powers'

'Commercial pact with Etihad not to override Jet board powers'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2013

Naresh Goyal-led Jet has also changed the shareholders agreement and amended the investment agreement and the articles of association, as suggested by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, headed by DEA Secretary Arvind Mayaram, official sources said.

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

'US-India initiatives will face new scrutiny'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

'This incident offers ammunition to those inside the US government and elsewhere who question the wisdom of trusting India, so it will have a lasting consequence no matter how it is managed.'

FM holds meeting with key officials on Re slide

FM holds meeting with key officials on Re slide

Rediff.com12 Jun 2013

The high-level meeting comes against the backdrop of the rupee touching a record low of 58.98 to a dollar on Tuesday.

Shah, Sitharaman stand tall among ministers

Shah, Sitharaman stand tall among ministers

Rediff.com22 Jul 2021

Strengthening the portfolios of the home minister and the finance minister is a message that should not be missed, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Biden picks Kashmiri-origin Sameera Fazili in WH team

Biden picks Kashmiri-origin Sameera Fazili in WH team

Rediff.com16 Jan 2021

In December, Aisha Shah was named as Partnerships Manager at the White House Office of Digital Strategy.

Spectrum sale: Govt hopeful of achieving Rs 40,000 cr target

Spectrum sale: Govt hopeful of achieving Rs 40,000 cr target

Rediff.com27 Dec 2013

The govt is expected to achieve the revenue target of Rs 40,000 crore from spectrum sale this fiscal, Telecom Secretary M F Farooqui said.

Did poverty and inequality spike during Covid?

Did poverty and inequality spike during Covid?

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

Claims of a spike in poverty and inequality in India during the Covid-19 pandemic are patently false as such claims are based on uncomparable different surveys, according to a paper co-authored by eminent economist Arvind Panagariya. The paper also noted that inequality fell in the country during Covid years, both in rural and urban areas as well as nationally. Panagariya, Columbia University Professor and former vice chairman of NITI Aayog and Vishal More of Intelink Advisors, New Delhi have co-authored a detailed paper 'Poverty and Inequality in India: Before and After Covid-19'.