News for 'Department of Economic Services'

FY21 GDP shrank 7.3%, worst contraction in 4 decades

FY21 GDP shrank 7.3%, worst contraction in 4 decades

Rediff.com31 May 2021

India's economy grew by 1.6 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020-21, restricting the full-year contraction to 7.3 per cent, official data showed on Monday. The fourth quarter growth was better than the 0.5 per cent expansion in the previous October-December quarter of 2020-21. The gross domestic product (GDP) had expanded by 3 per cent in the corresponding January-March period of 2019-20, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Fear of the future provokes mental health crisis

Fear of the future provokes mental health crisis

Rediff.com14 Sep 2020

The young are most vulnerable to self-harm and suicidal ideas at this time.

'Congrats Param, you just made sanitation sexy'

'Congrats Param, you just made sanitation sexy'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2022

No prizes for guessing what the BJP's election campaign is going to be, and who will provide important inputs for it.

Disquiet in Sri Lanka over maritime pact with India, govt tries to firefight

Disquiet in Sri Lanka over maritime pact with India, govt tries to firefight

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

The Sri Lankan government has asserted that the recently signed maritime security pacts with India will "neither result in hindrance nor threat" to the island nation's security as "misinterpreted" by several media outlets in this country.

Why Facebook and Google are under I-T scanner

Why Facebook and Google are under I-T scanner

Rediff.com17 Jul 2019

Taxmen have come across instances where global firms - charged a withholding tax of 6 per cent - are underreporting the exact income they earned from an Indian user.

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.

Budget 2022: Centre may not target sharp fiscal correction

Budget 2022: Centre may not target sharp fiscal correction

Rediff.com28 Dec 2021

While presenting her 2021-22 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had set a fiscal deficit target of 6.8 per cent of nominal gross domestic product (GDP) against the 2020-21 Revised Estimate of 9.5 per cent. The fiscal correction in the upcoming 2022-23 Union Budget is unlikely to be that steep. Even as discussions among top Budget-makers are ongoing, the fiscal deficit target for 2022-23 may likely be in the range of 6.5-6.8 per cent.

The Two Faces of India's Democracy

The Two Faces of India's Democracy

Rediff.com22 Sep 2022

How should one billion Indians, for whom deprivation has become an inescapable way of life, join us in celebrating 75 years of Independence? And where do we go from here? asks Kalyan Singhal.

US toughens stand, slaps sanctions on Putin, other leaders in rare move

US toughens stand, slaps sanctions on Putin, other leaders in rare move

Rediff.com26 Feb 2022

The US, in coordination with allies and partners, continued to forcefully respond to Russia's "unjustified, unprovoked and premeditated" invasion of Ukraine by imposing sanctions on Putin and Lavrov.

'India has to catch a train that left 25 years ago'

'India has to catch a train that left 25 years ago'

Rediff.com2 May 2017

'In contrast to the generally buoyant tone of the Economic Survey in January, he sounds uncharacteristically pessimistic, saying that forces in the world economy -- slowing global trade, protectionism, robots -- will limit India's manufacturing to levels well below what propelled East Asia's economies decades ago.'

Why I Became An IPS Officer

Why I Became An IPS Officer

Rediff.com6 May 2022

'Any person who wants to enter this service should have a single object of serving the public irrespective of hindrances.'

India-born US judge will decide antitrust case against Google

India-born US judge will decide antitrust case against Google

Rediff.com22 Oct 2020

India-born US district judge Amit Mehta, an Obama appointee, has been assigned the justice department's crucial lawsuit against internet search giant Google.

Sitharaman asks banks to be more customer-friendly

Sitharaman asks banks to be more customer-friendly

Rediff.com21 Feb 2022

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said banks need to focus more on being customer-friendly so that the process of availing credit becomes more hassle-free for borrowers. However, the minister made it clear that banks do not have to be lenient on credit underwriting standards by taking any adverse risks on a proposal. At a meeting between industry representatives and the finance minister, a startup founder in the baking business suggested for credit to be available hassle-free, to which largest lender SBI's chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara said a startup's worries are more on the equity side and assured full support in lending if sufficient equity is on the table.

Bureaucratic rejig at Centre: New secys appointed

Bureaucratic rejig at Centre: New secys appointed

Rediff.com13 Dec 2019

The appointment of new expenditure secretary comes a month-and-a-half ahead of the Budget for 2020-21 to be presented on February 1.

Budget making exercise starts, health outlay may get 50% boost

Budget making exercise starts, health outlay may get 50% boost

Rediff.com30 Nov 2020

Outlay for infra is also expected to see a significant increase in view of the government's Rs 111-trillion investment plan under the national infrastructure pipeline to develop social and economic infrastructure over five years.

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.

Rajiv Mehrishi appointed Finance Secretary

Rajiv Mehrishi appointed Finance Secretary

Rediff.com11 Nov 2014

He was last month appointed as Secretary in Department of Economic Affairs in place of his batchmate Arvind Mayaram, who was first shifted to Tourism and then to Minority Affairs Ministry.

Cabinet paves way for privatisation of govt-owned insurers

Cabinet paves way for privatisation of govt-owned insurers

Rediff.com29 Jul 2021

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, paving the way for privatisation of government-owned insurers. The amendments, approved by Cabinet, will remove the clause for the Centre to hold at least 51 per cent in public sector insurance companies at any given time. It will also have an enabling provision for the transfer of management control from the government to the potential buyer of the public sector insurance company. The finance ministry will move amendments to the insurance Act in the ongoing Parliament session.

IMF foresees India's GDP bouncing back to 7 pc next year

IMF foresees India's GDP bouncing back to 7 pc next year

Rediff.com23 Oct 2019

"We see the Indian economy rebounding from our projected 6.1 per cent growth this fiscal year to something like 7 per cent in the next fiscal year (2020). We see the factors that will support growth, including monetary policy stimulus, working their way through the pipeline," Jonathan Ostry, Deputy Director, Asia Pacific Department at the IMF, told reporters.

Explained: How Covid got HR to relook its role in a changed world

Explained: How Covid got HR to relook its role in a changed world

Rediff.com17 Jan 2022

India Inc has weathered many a storm during Covid-19: from supply chain disruptions to demand dips, steep increase in input costs to shortage of key raw materials. As most companies navigated unprecedented challenges on multiple fronts, realisation dawned also about the criticality of employee welfare in the survival of the business. And it was the human resources (HR) department that faced the greatest test on this front.

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

The ministry's year-end review is silent on the continued occupation by Chinese troops of territory that India has always claimed and patrolled.

Pranab, Modi, Demonetisation

Pranab, Modi, Demonetisation

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

'Modi had not discussed demonetization with me prior to his announcement on 8 November 2016. 'I learnt of it along with the rest of the country. 'I was not surprised when he did not discuss the issue with me prior to making the public announcement. 'It fitted in with his style of making dramatic announcements.' A fascinating excerpt from Pranab Mukherjee's The Presidential Years: 2012-2017.

How Governments Harm Job Creators

How Governments Harm Job Creators

Rediff.com21 Apr 2022

From small restaurants to mighty software companies, it is businesses, not the government, that create jobs. Yet, in a cruel irony, they have to fight extortive and brutal State power every step of the way, says Debashis Basu.

FDI inflows seen to grow further in the New Year

FDI inflows seen to grow further in the New Year

Rediff.com21 Dec 2021

A series of steps taken by the government to promote ease of doing business and liberalisation of foreign direct investment norms have helped India receive record FDI inflows so far this year, and implementation of measures like PM Gati Shakti, single window clearance and GIS-mapped land bank are expected to further push investments in 2022. Notwithstanding the global slowdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, total foreign direct investments into India rose to a record $81.72 billion in 2020-21. During April-July this fiscal, FDI (foreign direct investment) into the country increased by 62 per cent to $27.37 billion.

US seeks roadmap for normalcy in Kashmir

US seeks roadmap for normalcy in Kashmir

Rediff.com25 Oct 2019

"We continue to press for the release of detainees for the full restoration of everyday services, but most importantly, for roadmap to the restoration of political and economic normalcy," said Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells.

Planned after Mumbai terror attack, Modi likely to launch NATGRID soon

Planned after Mumbai terror attack, Modi likely to launch NATGRID soon

Rediff.com12 Sep 2021

"Had corona (COVID-19) not been there, the prime minister would have dedicated NATGRID to the country. I am hopeful that the prime minister will dedicate NATGRID to the country in some time," Union home minister Amit Shah said during the 51st Foundation Day event of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) here on September 4.

Questions that linger over CDS Rawat

Questions that linger over CDS Rawat

Rediff.com2 Jan 2020

'Is the appointment of a CDS likely to achieve the creation of battle-ready, tri-service military commands, from the current 17 single-service commands?', asks Ajai Shukla.

Data leak shows massive infiltration by China's Communist Party

Data leak shows massive infiltration by China's Communist Party

Rediff.com14 Dec 2020

The data leak obtained by 'The Australian' newspaper has revealed how the alleged CPC members are employed with some of the world's biggest corporations in the areas of defence, banks and pharmaceutical giants manufacturing coronavirus vaccines.

How the wealth of India's richest can make a difference

How the wealth of India's richest can make a difference

Rediff.com17 Jan 2022

Indian billionaires saw their combined fortunes more than double during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their count shot up by 39 per cent to 142, while the wealth of the ten richest is enough to fund school and higher education of children in the country for 25 years, a new study showed on Monday. In its annual inequality survey released on the first day of the World Economic Forum's online Davos Agenda summit, Oxfam India further said that an additional one per cent tax on the richest 10 per cent can provide the country with nearly 17.7 lakh extra oxygen cylinders, while a similar wealth tax on the 98 richest billionaire families would finance Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest health insurance scheme, for more than seven years. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a huge rush for oxygen cylinders and insurance claims during the second wave last year.

Audit norms: RBI, govt not on same page

Audit norms: RBI, govt not on same page

Rediff.com8 Jun 2021

North Block is concerned that when India is trying to attract more investment, putting up restrictions on audit firms could create an avoidable bad advertisement.

NEW! Generals involved in national security talks

NEW! Generals involved in national security talks

Rediff.com26 Oct 2020

The future can only get better if we continue to break silos and work as integrated teams focussed on promoting national interests, recommends Sanjeev Nayyar.

China's aggressive behaviour can spark crisis: US

China's aggressive behaviour can spark crisis: US

Rediff.com11 Jun 2021

US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin described China as a pacing challenge for the United States.

OBC quota in medical education is Modi's masterstroke

OBC quota in medical education is Modi's masterstroke

Rediff.com14 Aug 2021

This step by the Modi government is in the right direction and will go a long way in safeguarding the interests of socially and economically backward communities, asserts Professor T V Kattimani, Vice-Chancellor, Central Tribal University, Andhra Pradesh, Vizianagaram.

Kamala Harris chooses all-women team for chief of staff, NSA, domestic policy advisor

Kamala Harris chooses all-women team for chief of staff, NSA, domestic policy advisor

Rediff.com4 Dec 2020

United States Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has named her Chief of Staff, Domestic Policy Advisor and National Security Advisor -- an all-women team -- which she said has the experience to hit the ground from day one.

Customary 'Halwa ceremony' kickstarts Budget proceedings

Customary 'Halwa ceremony' kickstarts Budget proceedings

Rediff.com23 Jan 2021

As part of the ritual, ''halwa'' is prepared in a big ''kadhai'' (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff involved in the Budget making exercise of the ministry. Halwa was served while maintaining COVID protocol with all present in mask and those distributing sweets were wearing gloves.

Tata Sons sets the ball rolling for buying Air India

Tata Sons sets the ball rolling for buying Air India

Rediff.com21 Jul 2021

Tata Sons has started the process of due diligence of state-owned Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express. Sources said the group has appointed Bain and Company and Seabury Group for this purpose. Once complete, a financial bid will be submitted and a deal to take over the airline is likely to fructify by end of this year or even earlier, people involved in the process said. Simultaneously, the group has brought in veterans in the aviation business from Delta and United Airlines to prepare a plan for post-merger integration of Air India with its existing airline ventures. Tata Sons operates Vistara - a 51:49 percent joint venture with Singapore Airlines and Air Asia India, in which Tatas hold 83.67 per cent stakes.

Meet Subhash C Garg, the new DEA secretary

Meet Subhash C Garg, the new DEA secretary

Rediff.com23 Jun 2017

DEA is currently headed on an interim basis by Corporate Affairs Secretary Tapan Ray

Sitharaman wanted me out: ex-finance secretary Garg

Sitharaman wanted me out: ex-finance secretary Garg

Rediff.com31 Oct 2020

Subhash Chandra Garg, the former finance secretary who was shunted out of the finance ministry within three weeks of Modi-2.0 government's first budget last year, on Saturday alleged that new Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman got him transferred out.

Modinomics Ain't Right. It's Hindu-Left

Modinomics Ain't Right. It's Hindu-Left

Rediff.com31 Jan 2022

It is in no way a government of the economic Right. The Right is limited to religion and nationalism. The rest is as Left as the Congress or any other party, observes Shekhar Gupta.

Govt announces liberalisation of policies governing geo-spatial data

Govt announces liberalisation of policies governing geo-spatial data

Rediff.com15 Feb 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the liberalisation of policies governing the acquisition and production of geospatial data is a "massive step in government's vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat". The reform will benefit country's farmers, start-ups, private sector, public sector and research institutions to drive innovations and build scalable solutions, he said.