News for 'Department of Economic Affairs'

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.

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.

India's trade deficit with Russia grows seven-fold to $34.79 billion

India's trade deficit with Russia grows seven-fold to $34.79 billion

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

The rising dependence on discounted crude oil has resulted in India's trade deficit with Russia hitting the second-highest place last year, after China, reveals Department of Commerce data. From April through January 2022-23 (FY23), India's maximum trade deficit was with China, at $71.58 billion. This was followed by Russia, where the deficit expanded sevenfold - from $4.86 billion in April-January of 2021-22 (FY22) to $34.79 billion during the same period in FY23.

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.

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.

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.

With Jet-Etihad in mind, MEA pushes FinMin to 'expedite' UAE trade talks

With Jet-Etihad in mind, MEA pushes FinMin to 'expedite' UAE trade talks

Rediff.com19 Jul 2013

Abu Dhabi national carrier had bought 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways for $379 million in April.

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.

Sebi asks Goyal to sell 6% more in Jet

Sebi asks Goyal to sell 6% more in Jet

Rediff.com1 Oct 2013

Though public shareholding in Jet is already down to the mandated 25 per cent, the regulator wants its promoters to pare their stake further.

'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.'

Corporate espionage: More officials may be involved in leaks, say CBI sources

Corporate espionage: More officials may be involved in leaks, say CBI sources

Rediff.com13 Mar 2015

Probe reveals "first and second" level of decision making in ministries of finance and commerce was "compromised".

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".

Govt may curb tech transfer royalty

Govt may curb tech transfer royalty

Rediff.com13 Jan 2014

Worried over excessive outflow of foreign exchange as royalty and fees for technology transfer and use of brand names, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma wrote to Finance Minister P Chidambram on the matter.

Govt puts Ford Foundation on 'watch list'; curbs on funding

Govt puts Ford Foundation on 'watch list'; curbs on funding

Rediff.com24 Apr 2015

In a fresh crackdown on foreign fundings to NGOs, the Union Home Ministry has put the Ford Foundation of the USA on its "watch list" and ordered that all funds coming from the international organisation have to be routed only with its nod due to "national security concerns".

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.

Air India sale likely in first half of FY21

Air India sale likely in first half of FY21

Rediff.com14 Feb 2020

The airline's 100 per cent shareholding in profit-making budget carrier Air India Express as well as 50 per cent shareholding in equal joint venture Air India SATS Airport Services would also be sold.

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.

Who should the next RBI Governor be? Vote now!

Who should the next RBI Governor be? Vote now!

Rediff.com17 Aug 2016

Will Arundhati Bhattacharya be the RBI's first woman governor? Or will Urjit Patel succeed Raghuram Rajanas RBI governor when his term ends on September 4?

Alert: Use up your old Rs 500 notes by Thursday midnight!

Alert: Use up your old Rs 500 notes by Thursday midnight!

Rediff.com14 Dec 2016

While cancelling the legal tender of 500 and 1,000 notes on November 8, the government had allowed them to be used for utility bill payments for the first 72 hours. This deadline was extended repeatedly and the last extension was granted till December 15.

The Star Gazer Stars At TIME Gala

The Star Gazer Stars At TIME Gala

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

At this year's TIME ball in New York City on Thursday, April 25, you would have run into a Coimbatore-born American scientist, looking lovely in Sabyasachi Mukherjee designer finery, who would most likely have been hanging out with Dua Lipa.

Sachin Pilot on how India can curb ponzi schemes

Sachin Pilot on how India can curb ponzi schemes

Rediff.com2 Jul 2013

According to him, there are enough laws but their implementation is important.

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.'

Govt to shut 3 HMT units, offers VRS to employees

Govt to shut 3 HMT units, offers VRS to employees

Rediff.com6 Jan 2016

The Department of Heavy Industry has been undertaking appraisals of each loss making CPSE to assess the prospects of revival.

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.

FIPB clears 7 pharma FDI proposals, defers 3

FIPB clears 7 pharma FDI proposals, defers 3

Rediff.com5 Jul 2013

The FIPB, headed by Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram, discussed 30 foreign direct investment proposals, including 10 from pharma sector.

Centre opens 10 joint secy level posts for 'outstanding individuals'

Centre opens 10 joint secy level posts for 'outstanding individuals'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2018

The initiative is being called lateral recruitment to senior positions in the government.

Sitharaman takes stock of coronavirus impact on economy

Sitharaman takes stock of coronavirus impact on economy

Rediff.com21 Mar 2020

While the meetings on Friday were preliminary discussions, it is learnt that sectors like tourism; hospitality; aviation; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and livestock have sought deferring loan repayments and temporary tax holidays in specific cases to help them tide over the steep fall in economic activity.

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Rediff.com13 Mar 2014

The Cabinet can take a decision on the matter only after the Election Commission's approval.

Chronology: How Tatas are back in Air India's cockpit

Chronology: How Tatas are back in Air India's cockpit

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

After more than two decades and three attempts, the government has finally sold its flagship national carrier Air India, and it is deja vu for Maharaja as it returned home to its founding father the Tata group. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy (JRD) Tata founded the airline in 1932 and named it Tata Airlines. In 1946, the aviation division of Tata Sons was listed as Air India, and in 1948, the Air India International was launched with flights to Europe. The international service was among the first public-private partnerships in India, with the government holding 49 per cent, the Tatas keeping 25 per cent and the public owning the rest. In 1953, Air India was nationalised and for the next over four decades it remained the prized possession for India controlling the majority of the domestic airspace.

Invested in Bitcoin etc? Get ready for the taxman

Invested in Bitcoin etc? Get ready for the taxman

Rediff.com20 Jan 2018

Income tax department sends out notices to cryptocurrency investors on suspicion of tax evasion.

'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.'

WB, ADB assure Odisha of $313-million aid for cyclone

WB, ADB assure Odisha of $313-million aid for cyclone

Rediff.com14 Nov 2013

Accepting Odisha's proposal of constructing an additional 162 cyclone shelter houses as they helped in providing safe stay for people after evacuation from the coast, WB team agreed to provide assistance of $55 million for the purpose, the sources said.

Revealed: How PM Planned Demonetisation

Revealed: How PM Planned Demonetisation

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

November 8 marks 6 years after demonetisation. A K Bhattacharya reveals how the prime minister and the RBI worked together for months before Modi's 8 pm speech. A riveting excerpt from The Rise Of Goliath: Twelve Disruptions That Changed India.

BPCL may sell IGL, Petronet pie to shed promoter status

BPCL may sell IGL, Petronet pie to shed promoter status

Rediff.com25 May 2021

Privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) may sell a part of its stake in Petronet LNG and Indraprastha Gas (IGL) to shed its promoter status to obviate the need for its new owner to make open offers for the two gas companies, sources said. BPCL holds 12.5 per cent of shareholding in India's largest liquefied natural gas importer, Petronet, and a 22.5 per cent stake in city gas retailer, IGL. It is a promoter of both the listed companies and holds board positions. As per the legal position evaluated by Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) - the department running the process for sale of government's entire 52.98 per cent stake in BPCL - the acquirer of BPCL will have to make an open offer to the minority shareholders of Petronet and IGL for acquisition of 26 per cent shares, three sources with knowledge of the matter 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'.

Budget 2020: Centre, Sebi spar over transfer of surplus funds to exchequer

Budget 2020: Centre, Sebi spar over transfer of surplus funds to exchequer

Rediff.com28 Dec 2019

In 2009, FinMin proposed to move regulators' reserves into public account. These accounts were finally opened in 2013-14. However, no funds have been deposited in it so far.

Portfolio rejigs of RBI deputy governors soon

Portfolio rejigs of RBI deputy governors soon

Rediff.com10 Jan 2019

Given the pressure from India Inc and the banking fraternity, it is surmised that the portfolio rejig will take place before April.

Cricket Australia says to continue with tour of Sri Lanka

Cricket Australia says to continue with tour of Sri Lanka

Rediff.com12 May 2022

Cricket Australia continues to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka but has no plans to change the schedule of the upcoming tour of the island state despite continued violence, the governing body said on Thursday.

Ashok Lavasa named as new ADB vice-president

Ashok Lavasa named as new ADB vice-president

Rediff.com15 Jul 2020

Lavasa, a career bureaucrat, joined as Election Commissioner on January 23, 2018, and being senior most on the poll panel would have become CEC in April next year after the term of incumbent Sunil Arora ends.

UAE Prez Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed dies, India declares state mourning

UAE Prez Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed dies, India declares state mourning

Rediff.com13 May 2022

Since becoming the president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa has presided over a major restructuring of both the Federal Government and the government of Abu Dhabi.