News for 'Finance Commission'

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Bihar's Populist Promises Clash With Fragile Economy

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

A string of welfare schemes and promises tests the state's budget, which is already heavily dependent on central support and spends little as capital outlay.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

With the summer approaching sooner than scheduled, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal have already started experiencing heat waves with temperatures soaring above 40°C.

Pak turns to ADB for $7 bn railway funding after China backs out

Pak turns to ADB for $7 bn railway funding after China backs out

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Pakistan has approached the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a USD 7 billion loan to upgrade a major railway line after China apparently declined to support the project. The development of Mainline-I (ML-I) railways between Peshawar and Karachi is stuck due to a lack of funds.

No need to relabel existing medicine stock: FinMin

No need to relabel existing medicine stock: FinMin

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Recalling or relabelling medicines already in the supply chain before September 22 will not be mandatory, the finance ministry said on Tuesday, issuing a fresh set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address industry concerns following the announcement of goods and services tax (GST) revisions.

Zubeen Garg's death: ED, I-T dept to probe event manager's financial crimes

Zubeen Garg's death: ED, I-T dept to probe event manager's financial crimes

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T) Department are likely to join the Assam Police in investigating alleged organised financial crimes and acquisition of benami properties by event manager Shyamkanu Mahanta, an accused in the death of Assam's cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Trump's Tariffs: No More Protectionism Please!

Trump's Tariffs: No More Protectionism Please!

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

Brave statements such as we will continue to be the fastest growing large country are of no consolation, because the direction of trade also determines the flow of investment, points out M Govinda Rao.

'Petrol, Diesel In GST? Not In Immediate Future'

'Petrol, Diesel In GST? Not In Immediate Future'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

'Tax cannot be emotional.'

'This Shock May Trigger Suicides'

'This Shock May Trigger Suicides'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Marathwada is the suicide capital of Maharashtra.' 'To stop such man-made disasters, the government should immediately come up with a rightful package, not this charitable approach to compensation.'

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

'Karur could still impact Jana Nayagan's box-office success if Vijay and the TVK do not get their act together,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The critical event signalling a new era for India was Dr Singh's 1991 Budget in which he quoted Victor Hugo to say that no power on earth could stop an idea whose time has come,' recalls T N Ninan.

HSBC flags 5 positives for Indian equities

HSBC flags 5 positives for Indian equities

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Equity benchmarks face a key test as investors weigh consumption revival hopes against tariff pressures and weak earnings. Amidst this, HSBC has outlined tailwinds and risks that could cap gains.

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'When people have money in their hands, they make their judgment about whether they want to spend it entirely or spend some out of it.'

Ex-India pacer Prasad set to contest in KSCA elections

Ex-India pacer Prasad set to contest in KSCA elections

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad had served as a vice-president from 2013 to 2016 when Anil Kumble was the KSCA president.

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'All governments are scared of a negative image.' 'Somehow, this government has a tendency to create a narrative that things are improving.' 'When the real data gives a different picture, they are upset.'

'Bihar, bidis start with B': Congress's GST post triggers row

'Bihar, bidis start with B': Congress's GST post triggers row

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Union Minister Nityanand Rai launched a scathing attack on Congress, stating that the party takes "pleasure" in insulting Bihar and its people.

Weaker Nations Get Used. Warning For India

Weaker Nations Get Used. Warning For India

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Trump does have a master plan in mind to put pressure on India with the additional tariff of 25 per cent to get Modi to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to freeze the Ukraine war.' 'It has not worked so far. By end-September only we'll know for sure the future trajectory of India's oil purchases from Russia,' observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Her husband made her CM when...: Nitish lashes out at Rabri

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Rabri Devi, calling her appointment as Chief Minister "suspension-induced" during a heated debate in the state legislative council. The verbal sparring, marked by accusations and counter-accusations on law and order, saw Kumar accusing the RJD of being unable to handle Hindu-Muslim tensions and engaging in "mischief." Rabri Devi, in response, asserted her right to speak about her achievements during her tenure as Chief Minister. Kumar, however, retorted with a sharp, local phrase, dismissing Rabri Devi's claims. The exchange, which saw both sides engage in mudslinging, ended with the Chairman admonishing the opposition for their unruly behavior.

What If Property Papers Go Missing?

What If Property Papers Go Missing?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

File a written complaint with the bank's grievance redressal officer and secure an acknowledgement.

What You Must Know About New Income Tax Act

What You Must Know About New Income Tax Act

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The contrast with the old Income-Tax Act is stark. The 1961 law ran into 512,000 words; the 2025 one pares that down to 259,000. Chapters have been cut from 47 to 23, while sections have reduced from 819 to 536. One of the clearest changes is terminological. The confusing twin concepts of 'assessment year' and 'previous year' have been scrapped.

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Amit Shah seemingly encouraging AIADMK dissident Sengottaiyan after party boss Edappadi K Palaniswami had removed his one-time mentor from all party posts has not gone down well with party cadres. They are now ready to buy Team EPS' theory that the BJP and Amit Shah are out to liquidate the AIADMK, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

GST rejig: Consumer stocks are top investment pick

GST rejig: Consumer stocks are top investment pick

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The proposed reforms in goods and services tax (GST) announced by the government last week, coupled with the eighth pay commission dole-out, is likely to push consumption-driven stocks - such as air conditioners (ACs), select automobiles, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, and counters of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) - into higher orbit over the next few months, believe analysts.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

Tax devolution not about richer vs poorer states

Tax devolution not about richer vs poorer states

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Tax devolution shares, which threaten to create a north-south divide among states, may have more to do with per capita income, and not so much with population.

This couldn't occur without money support: FATF on Pahalgam attack

This couldn't occur without money support: FATF on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The FATF statement comes in the backdrop of Indian authorities highlighting Pakistan's persistent support for terrorism and its funnelling of multilateral funds for arms procurement.

When Gujarati Muslims Dominated Bombay Politics

When Gujarati Muslims Dominated Bombay Politics

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'They wanted the city to be a great business hub. They didn't like the fact that taxes collected in Bombay would go outside the city.'

Pakistan Boosts Military Spending By 20%

Pakistan Boosts Military Spending By 20%

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

India has decided to submit a dossier at the upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting, calling for Pakistan to be placed back on the grey list of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'It is good for us if the JMM contests. That will divide the Opposition and give us the upper hand.'

COP29: India, developing world face EU resistance to climate finance

COP29: India, developing world face EU resistance to climate finance

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Talks on global climate finance virtually ground to a halt last week at COP29, the annual United Nations (UN) Climate Change event in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the developed world, led by the European Union (EU), and developing countries including India, Brazil, South Africa, and a clutch of island nations and African countries faced a wide chasm between their expectations. This has raised doubts about whether an agreement can be reached this week or whether talks will spill over to COP30, to be held next year in Benem, Brazil.

Taxes comprise 66 paise of every rupee in govt coffer

Taxes comprise 66 paise of every rupee in govt coffer

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

For every rupee in the government coffer, the biggest pie of 66 paise will come from direct and indirect taxes, according to the Union Budget 2025-26 documents. Around 24 paise will come from borrowings and other liabilities, 9 paise from non-tax revenue like divestment, and 1 paise from non-debt capital receipts, the Budget documents said.

'Sweeping powers' to EC: Gogoi, other ex-CJIs flag concern

'Sweeping powers' to EC: Gogoi, other ex-CJIs flag concern

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Former chief justices of India, who have conveyed their views to a parliamentary committee on the bill proposing simultaneous polls, have endorsed the constitutionality of the 'one nation, one election' concept but have raised concerns over its various aspects, including the power given to the Election Commission, and offered suggestions.

'We're the largest gig worker employer in country'

'We're the largest gig worker employer in country'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Today, we have 2 million active drivers earning through our platform every month.'

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

In the Union Budget for Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had held forth on the need for better governance and investor protection in the banking sector. She had proposed certain amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act (RBI Act), 1934; the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act), 1949; and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

India Wants Pakistan Back On FATF 'Grey List'

India Wants Pakistan Back On FATF 'Grey List'

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Re-entry into the list could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan, including diminished foreign investment, increased borrowing costs, and tighter scrutiny from global financial institutions.

Budget 2025: What states want from Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What states want from Sitharaman

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Finance ministers of states demanded an increase in allocation under 50-year interest-free loan scheme, while fiscally stressed states like Punjab and Kerala pitched for a special package and borrowing flexibility, sources said on Friday. In a pre-budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, states have also urged for higher borrowing limits to support fiscal activities, besides additional funds for Jal Jeevan Mission.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

Preventive detention must be used sparingly: SC

Preventive detention must be used sparingly: SC

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Preventive detention is an extraordinary power in the hands of the state that must be used sparingly, said the Supreme Court as it set aside an order to detain a man indulging in money lending in Kerala.

India pushes to get Pakistan back in FATF 'grey list'

India pushes to get Pakistan back in FATF 'grey list'

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India will argue for Pakistan's return to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list due to its alleged failure to combat money laundering and terror financing. The move comes after recent tensions between the two countries following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India. India believes Pakistan has not adequately addressed the issue of terrorism emanating from its territory and has diverted funds from multilateral agencies towards arms purchases.

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

'Companies Will Be More Powerful Than Nations'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'If you align your ambition with India's rise, the peak of your careers will unfold alongside the peak of India's power.'

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Initially, we will look to take a small batch of a few hundred students, with a plan to increase this to 5,000 students in the next five years, and eventually 10,000 by 2036.'