News for 'Department of Economic Services'

UPSC cracks down on IAS officer Puja Khedkar, files FIR for forgery

UPSC cracks down on IAS officer Puja Khedkar, files FIR for forgery

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Khedkar, a 2023 batch Indian Administrative Service officer, was accused of misusing power and privileges during her training in Pune recently.

'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.'

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Perhaps because the Modi government had some differences of opinion with two of the economist governors (one of whom was appointed by the Manmohan Singh government), there is a view that its political leadership prefers a civil servant to head the RBI, notes A K Bhattacharya.

Stalin sacks PTR as finance minister, gives him IT and digital services

Stalin sacks PTR as finance minister, gives him IT and digital services

Rediff.com11 May 2023

Palanivel Thiaga Rajan was on Thursday relieved of the finance portfolio by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Above-normal monsoon likely to ease food prices: FinMin

Above-normal monsoon likely to ease food prices: FinMin

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

With the prediction of an above normal monsoon in 2024, the government is expecting food prices to come down, the finance ministry's monthly economic report for March has said. The report, released on Thursday, said robust foreign inflows and comfortable trade deficits were expected to keep the rupee within a comfortable range. "Further easing of food prices is on the anvil as IMD (India Meteorological Department) has predicted above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, which is likely to lead to higher production, assuming good spatial and temporal distribution of the rainfall," the monthly report, released by the Department of Economic Affairs, said.

Pawan Kalyan to be Andhra dy CM; Naidu's son gets IT

Pawan Kalyan to be Andhra dy CM; Naidu's son gets IT

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

The actor-turned-politician has been allotted Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Environment, Forests, and Science and Technology portfolios.

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The mortal remains of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh were consigned to flames at the Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday amid the chanting of religious hymns. The funeral pyre was lit by his eldest daughter Upinder Singh.

Modi to launch 5G services on Oct 1

Modi to launch 5G services on Oct 1

Rediff.com30 Sep 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the much-awaited 5G services in India on October 1, 2022, an official release said on Friday. According to the release, 5G to be launched by the Prime Minister in select cities, will progressively cover the entire country over the next couple of years. The cumulative economic impact of 5G on India is estimated to reach $450 billion by 2035. Capable of supporting ultra-high-speed internet services, the fifth generation or 5G is expected to unleash new economic opportunities and societal benefits, serving as a transformational force for Indian society.

Airtel to launch 5G services by end-August

Airtel to launch 5G services by end-August

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel will start rolling out 5G services later this month as it signed requisite agreements with Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung. At the recently held much-awaited spectrum auction for 5G services by the Department of Telecom, Airtel bid for and acquired 19867.8 MHZ spectrum in 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz frequencies. "We are delighted to announce that Airtel will commence roll out of 5G services in August.

Mahatma Carter

Mahatma Carter

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Carter was in politics, but not a politician, certainly not a transactional politician, points out Shreekant Sambrani.

ED allowed to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies

ED allowed to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies

Rediff.com28 Nov 2022

The government has allowed the Enforcement Directorate to share information about economic offenders with 15 more agencies, including SFIO, CCI and NIA, a move that will expedite nailing of law-breakers. The finance ministry notified changes to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on November 22. Through the notification, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which deals primarily with cases of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws, would be able to share data with a total of 25 agencies, including the 10 specified earlier.

Russia now global economic pariah: US after sanctions

Russia now global economic pariah: US after sanctions

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

'The Ruble is now down 50 per cent and worth less than one American penny since Putin announced his war'

Uniform KYC Norms On The Cards

Uniform KYC Norms On The Cards

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

'The committee has been constituted. Different government departments and FSDC members are part of it.'

India Needs A National Security Strategy

India Needs A National Security Strategy

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The National Security Strategy document should flag all major issues concerning security strategy and provide guidelines to concerned departments to work out suitable action plans. Since the global and regional geopolitical canvas is dynamic, the NSS document should be deliberated at length before formulation and should be reviewed periodically, recommends Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Revamped SEZ law unlikely before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections

Revamped SEZ law unlikely before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections

Rediff.com24 Feb 2024

The revamped Special Economic Zone (SEZ) law is unlikely to see the light of the day before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, two people aware of the matter said. The commerce department had sought the Union Cabinet's nod to bring amendments to the existing SEZ Act, 2005 late last year. The plan, thereafter, was to introduce the Bill in the winter session of Parliament. Cabinet's approval remains pending.

'God Save Insurance Industry'

'God Save Insurance Industry'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

'Some of the astounding proposals, if translated into statutory provisions, would be suicidal.' 'This would not be a wonder cure for increasing insurance penetration and only result in mushrooming growth of players like paan kiosks with deleterious consequences.'

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.

Want To Study at IISER-Bhopal?

Want To Study at IISER-Bhopal?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, Bhopal (IISER) is inviting applications from science students for its 5-year BS-MS programme and 4-year BS in Engineering Sciences and Economic Sciences.

Old Tax Regime May Soon Be History

Old Tax Regime May Soon Be History

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

There are a number of steps taken that will leave more money in the hands of the taxpayers.
These include the reduction in tax rates under the new tax regime, increase in standard deduction, allowing tax collected at source to be adjusted against tax deducted at source from salaries, notes Harsh Roongta.

Under Trump India-US Space Sector May Soar

Under Trump India-US Space Sector May Soar

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

'With India's growing capabilities in the space sector, this creates promising opportunities for enhanced collaboration and market access.'

Centre to revise SEZ Act, limiting tax sops and enhancing integration

Centre to revise SEZ Act, limiting tax sops and enhancing integration

Rediff.com16 Nov 2023

The Centre is unlikely to offer new direct tax incentives for units operating in special economic zones (SEZs) and may instead allow the grandfathering of previous exemptions that such units were entitled to, according to proposed amendments to the SEZ Act, 2005, people aware of the matter said. The amendments, proposed by the commerce department, will soon be considered by the Cabinet for approval. This represents a departure from the department's earlier plan to introduce these changes through the Development Enterprises and Services Hubs (DESH) Bill, 2023, which faced strong criticism from the ministry of finance.

Arvind Subramanian likely to be chief economic advisor

Arvind Subramanian likely to be chief economic advisor

Rediff.com22 Aug 2014

Noted economist Arvind Subramanian is favoured as the choice for the government's Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).

ED arrests ex-IAS officer in Rs 2000-cr Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam' case

ED arrests ex-IAS officer in Rs 2000-cr Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam' case

Rediff.com21 Apr 2024

The IAS officer was later taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and is expected to be produced before a magistrate seeking his remand, the sources said.

ED to quiz J'khand minister Alamgir Alam after Rs 37-cr cash seizure

ED to quiz J'khand minister Alamgir Alam after Rs 37-cr cash seizure

Rediff.com12 May 2024

Alamgir Alam had distanced himself from the activities of Lal while speaking to reporters after the ED raids, pointing out that he had earlier served with other ministers of the state government too.

RBI raises GDP growth projection to 7.2% for FY25

RBI raises GDP growth projection to 7.2% for FY25

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday revised upwards the GDP growth projection for the current fiscal to 7.2 per cent from 7 per cent on rising private consumption and revival of demand in rural areas. Unveiling the bi-monthly monetary policy, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) placed India's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 8.2 per cent in 2023-24. "During 2024-25 so far, domestic economic activity has maintained resilience," he said, adding that manufacturing activity continues to gain ground on the back of strengthening domestic demand.

Siddaramaiah Goes Backfoot On Local Quota Bill

Siddaramaiah Goes Backfoot On Local Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

Sources within the Congress, including those who have been members of the teams that drafted its 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha poll manifestos, said the Karnataka government decision lacked any empirical basis.

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

US-India: A Chicken And Egg Situation

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Delhi's appeasement strategy may now translate as more mega arms deals with the US, generating substantial business and job creation in the American economy. Make no mistake, Americans will use it to pressure India, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Modi Preaches World Peace But...

Modi Preaches World Peace But...

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

'...We should first look at and acknowledge what we have done to ourselves.' 'To not do so opens us to the accusation of rank hypocrisy and also reduces the stature of our globetrotting peaceniks,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Banks are catalysts of economic revival: Sitharaman

Banks are catalysts of economic revival: Sitharaman

Rediff.com9 Sep 2020

The finance minister said easy access and efficiency in providing banking services will help in revival of businesses which are restarting operations after the lockdown.

Modi 3.0: Focus Shifts To Governance

Modi 3.0: Focus Shifts To Governance

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

'It would be reasonable to assume that Modi 3.0 would be more focused on projects and schemes which do not require any legislative change or which have the support of its coalition partners,' asserts A K Bhattacharya.

Muted spectrum auction sees telcos placing bids worth Rs 11,000 cr

Muted spectrum auction sees telcos placing bids worth Rs 11,000 cr

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

The auction of radio waves used for mobile services saw a muted opening on Tuesday, with five rounds attracting bids worth about Rs 11,000 crore from telecom companies. The government has put over 10,500 Mhz spectrum in eight frequency bands -- 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300 MHz and 26 GHz, valued at Rs 96,238 crore at base price, for auction.

Govt likely to tweak SEZ rules for better land use

Govt likely to tweak SEZ rules for better land use

Rediff.com4 May 2023

With the fate of the Development Enterprise and Services Hub (DESH) Bill in limbo, the commerce department is working towards tweaking some rules under the existing special economic zone (SEZ) law to allow use of unutilised spaces in IT/ITES for non-SEZ purposes. The move, when implemented, will free-up the land area that is not in demand through partial de-notification of certain floors or buildings, thereby allowing easier exit. "The department of commerce is discussing the matter with the revenue department before making changes in the Special Economic Zone Act, 2005," a person aware of the matter

Cong govt issues order for caste survey in Rajasthan

Cong govt issues order for caste survey in Rajasthan

Rediff.com8 Oct 2023

Ahead of the assembly polls in Rajasthan, the Congress government on Saturday night issued an order for the conduct of a caste survey in the state.

Meet The *Real* Stars Of Sholay

Meet The *Real* Stars Of Sholay

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

Salim-Javed became the first Hindi film writers who could be considered brands, and they are still boldface names, celebrities in their own right, chronicles Dinesh Raheja.

Govt seeks Parl nod for additional Rs 2 lakh cr spend

Govt seeks Parl nod for additional Rs 2 lakh cr spend

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

The supplementary demands for grants include a gross additional spending of over Rs 2 lakh crore, which would be matched by savings of over Rs 1.21 lakh crore.

Moody's ups India's growth forecast to 6.7% for 2023

Moody's ups India's growth forecast to 6.7% for 2023

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

Moody's Investors Service on Friday raised India's growth projection for 2023 calendar year to 6.7 per cent on account of robust economic momentum. "Strong services expansion and capital expenditures propelled India's 7.8 per cent real GDP growth in the second (April-June) quarter from a year ago. "We have accordingly raised our 2023 calendar year growth forecast for India from 5.5 per cent to 6.7 per cent," Moody's said in its Global Macro Outlook. - el nino

Israel sends new Ambassador to India

Israel sends new Ambassador to India

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

The Israeli government on Sunday approved the appointment of Reuven Azar as the new Ambassador to India.

Women employees may now nominate children for family pension

Women employees may now nominate children for family pension

Rediff.com29 Jan 2024

In a path-breaking decision with far-reaching socio-economic impact, the Centre has allowed woman employees to nominate her son or daughter for family pension, instead of her husband, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

Family pension: Major decision for women employees

Family pension: Major decision for women employees

Rediff.com29 Jan 2024

In a path-breaking decision with far-reaching socio-economic impact, the Centre has allowed woman employees to nominate her son or daughter for family pension, instead of her husband, according to an official statement issued on Monday. Previously, family pension was granted to the spouse of a deceased government servant or pensioner, while other family members became eligible only after the spouse's ineligibility or demise, the statement said. Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said that the Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) has introduced an amendment to the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, allowing female government employees or pensioners to grant family pension to their eligible child/children after their own demise, in place of of their spouse.

Women candidates constitute only 8% in first two phases of LS polls

Women candidates constitute only 8% in first two phases of LS polls

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

In the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls, there were 135 women candidates while in the second phase, there were 100 women candidates, bringing the combined total for the first two phases to 235 women candidates.