News for 'Finance Minister'

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

NEET, UGC-NET fallout: NTA axes 50 staffers, begins leadership overhaul

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is undergoing significant reforms, including the removal of over 50 staff members and the onboarding of new leadership and domain specialists. This comes after recent issues like errors in UGC-NET papers, leading to re-tests, and the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026. The Education Ministry has directed a complete overhaul of exam protocols and a thorough audit of all processes to ensure integrity.

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.

First Biotech Startups Receive Funding Under India's Rs 1 Trillion R&D Fund

First Biotech Startups Receive Funding Under India's Rs 1 Trillion R&D Fund

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has chosen seven to eight biotechnology startups as the initial group to receive funding from the government's ~1 trillion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, with an average investment of approximately ~25 crore per startup.

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Indian government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations for field trials, aiming to enhance durability. This move comes as the Finance Minister also addressed Parliament on declining retail inflation, GST reforms, and other fiscal measures taken to support the economy and household consumption.

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has announced that the newly enacted anti-sacrilege law in Punjab leaves no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The law proposes stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

What Went Wrong At Tata Sons After Ratan Tata?

What Went Wrong At Tata Sons After Ratan Tata?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Chandrasekaran's exit is more than a change of chairman. It represents the breakdown of the informal consensus that governed the Tata system under Ratan Tata.

Tata power struggle deepens as Chandra, other Ratan Tata allies step away

Tata power struggle deepens as Chandra, other Ratan Tata allies step away

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, announced he would not seek reappointment when his term ends in February 2027, following a series of departures by senior figures closely associated with former chairman Ratan Tata, including Vijay Singh and Mehli Mistry, amid a deepening power struggle and governance dispute within the Tata Group.

Chandrasekaran latest among Ratan Tata allies to step down

Chandrasekaran latest among Ratan Tata allies to step down

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

N Chandrasekaran's decision not to seek reappointment when his term as chairman of Tata Sons ends in February 2027 signals a significant shift in leadership amidst an ongoing power struggle and governance disputes within the Tata Group.

West Asia Crisis Impact: FM Warns of Higher Fuel Costs, Economic Challenges

West Asia Crisis Impact: FM Warns of Higher Fuel Costs, Economic Challenges

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has warned that the ongoing West Asia crisis is not merely a geopolitical issue but will directly lead to higher fuel costs for common people and businesses, impacting shipping, input availability, and export orders.

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The BJP has announced its new national organisational team, with eight leaders from Uttar Pradesh receiving key appointments. These include two national vice-presidents, two general secretaries, two secretaries, and the chiefs of the OBC and Minority Morchas. The appointments reflect a strategic focus on youth, social diversity, and experienced campaigners, particularly after the party's recent electoral setbacks in the state.

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Japan is deepening its defence relationship with India while simultaneously expanding its economic, infrastructure and security engagement with countries around India -- particularly Bangladesh. The result is an emerging Japanese conception of South Asia in which India remains the strategic anchor, but the geography surrounding India is becoming increasingly important, points out Varun Arya.

Will show my scholarship letter if PM shows his degree: Dipke

Will show my scholarship letter if PM shows his degree: Dipke

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has publicly challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to disclose his educational degree. Dipke stated he is ready to make his US scholarship and loan documents public if PM Modi reveals his degree, amidst ongoing demands for verification of the Prime Minister's academic qualifications. Dipke also criticised the current political climate, citing concerns about party defections and the use of central agencies.

Sitharaman: Focus on Fuel, Fertiliser, Forex Amid West Asia Crisis

Sitharaman: Focus on Fuel, Fertiliser, Forex Amid West Asia Crisis

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged an increased focus on '3Fs'-fuel, fertiliser, and forex-to maintain India's economic resilience amidst the West Asia crisis, while also criticising those who spread pessimism.

Why Was TN's Finance Minister Removed?

Why Was TN's Finance Minister Removed?

Rediff.com11 May 2023

Palanivel Thiaga Rajan was on the hit-list, not because the chief minister was unhappy with his performance, but because there were constant complaints from other ministers that he was sitting on their files far too long, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

Can Fast-Track Courts Handle Paper Leak Cases?

Can Fast-Track Courts Handle Paper Leak Cases?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

As of December 2025, India had 880 Fast-Track Courts with 1.39 million pending cases, despite disposing of 1.33 million cases during the year.

'Gen Z Has Shown How The Government's Arrogance Can Be Broken'

'Gen Z Has Shown How The Government's Arrogance Can Be Broken'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

What remained at Shivaji Park was not Gen Z anger but of momentum -- a generation that had, in its own telling, made an emperor bow, and intends to keep singing and meme-ing about it.

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Opposition protests force LS adjournment as Parliament stalemate continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Relentless protests by Opposition parties forced the adjournment of the Lok Sabha for the day after the passage of the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill without a debate on Wednesday, with the government accusing them of coming to the House to disrupt proceedings and not for discussion.

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Premature life policy exits surpass maturity payouts

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Premature surrender and withdrawal of life insurance policies in India have surpassed maturity payouts over the past five years, indicating a growing trend of policyholders exiting long-term policies before their full tenure, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha.

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet secretaries of key Union ministries and departments to review their performance, focusing on ease of living, ease of doing business, and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, amidst strong speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle.

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

PSBs' Profit Nearly Trebles in Five Years to Record Rs 1.98 Trillion

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's public sector banks (PSBs) have seen their net profit nearly treble over the past five years, reaching a record Rs 1.98 trillion in FY26, driven by significant improvements in asset quality and sustained lending growth across key economic sectors.

TVK allocates lone Rajya Sabha seat to Cong

TVK allocates lone Rajya Sabha seat to Cong

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The TVK's decision to offer the lone Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress came against the backdrop of key meetings between national party leaders, including former union finance minister P Chidambaram and Congress Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar at the Secretariat.

How Bank Staff Exploit Depositors' Trust For Fraud

How Bank Staff Exploit Depositors' Trust For Fraud

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A sophisticated cross-bank syndicate is systematically defrauding non-resident Indians (NRIs) and elderly citizens by exploiting their fixed deposits through forged documents and fictitious loans, often involving colluding bank employees and real estate deals.

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

It is because dealing with a regulatory system that is largely headed by retired IAS officers then becomes relatively easy, points out A K Bhattacharya.

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

India to prioritise maritime security during UNSC bid

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has affirmed India's commitment to ensuring issues like a free, open, and rule-based maritime order, seafarer safety, and countering terror financing receive due attention at the UN Security Council during its 2028-29 term.

How Deepfake Video Duped Belagavi Man Of Rs 7.9 Lakh

How Deepfake Video Duped Belagavi Man Of Rs 7.9 Lakh

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A 76-year-old man in Belagavi was allegedly cheated of Rs 7.9 lakh in an online investment scam that used an AI-generated deepfake video misusing the name of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to lure investors.

My Friend, Chief Minister V D Satheesan

My Friend, Chief Minister V D Satheesan

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'The most enduring part of Satheesan's personality is he is good at heart. That is the reason why everybody, from the old to small children, get attracted to him.'

What's Vijay Doing In New Delhi?

What's Vijay Doing In New Delhi?

Rediff.com28 May 2026

During the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay raised concerns, including rendering Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the beginning of government events, opposition to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project, the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lanka, and the establishment of a key defence research facility in the state.

India sees 4-fold surge in high-income earners over five years

India sees 4-fold surge in high-income earners over five years

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The number of individuals reporting a gross total income of 100 crore or more in their income tax returns has quadrupled to 576 in Assessment Year 2025-26, up from 142 in AY 2021-22, according to data shared in Parliament.

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Karnataka Minister Nagendra Faces Charges In Funds Diversion Case

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The CBI has filed three chargesheets against former Karnataka minister B Nagendra and his associate Nekkanti Nagaraj for allegedly diverting Rs 89 crore in state government funds intended for Scheduled Tribes.

Q1 PSU Stake Sales Beat FY26 Divestment Total

Q1 PSU Stake Sales Beat FY26 Divestment Total

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Divestment has emerged as a priority for the government following a moderation in direct tax collections.

AAP Accuses BJP Of Political Vendetta After ED Arrest Of Minister

AAP Accuses BJP Of Political Vendetta After ED Arrest Of Minister

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid and subsequent arrest of Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, calling it a politically motivated act by the BJP-led central government. AAP leaders allege the BJP is misusing central agencies to suppress opposition voices and destabilise the AAP government in Punjab.

India's fertiliser subsidy bill set to double to Rs 3.4 trillion in FY27

India's fertiliser subsidy bill set to double to Rs 3.4 trillion in FY27

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's Central government is likely to see its fertiliser subsidy bill double to a record 3.4 trillion in FY27, up from the Budget estimate of 1.7 trillion, due to surging global fertiliser prices exacerbated by the West Asia war. This significant increase, coupled with revenue losses from excise duty cuts for oil-marketing companies, is straining the government's fiscal space, though capital expenditure plans remain unchanged.

Infosys Veteran Ashiss Kumar Dash Appointed CEO Designate, To Succeed Salil Parekh in 2027

Infosys Veteran Ashiss Kumar Dash Appointed CEO Designate, To Succeed Salil Parekh in 2027

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Infosys, India's second-largest IT services firm, has appointed company veteran Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO designate, with the leadership transition scheduled for April 1, 2027, after current CEO Salil Parekh completes his second term.

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rs 10, Rs 20 Polymer Notes Approved

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

RBI says polymer notes have a significantly longer lifespan, potentially reducing printing costs and replacement frequency.

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

576 Indians Report Rs 100 Crore Income

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The number of individuals who declared a gross income of Rs 100 crore or more in their income-tax returns had risen to 301 in 2022-23, moderated slightly to 284 in 2023-24, then climbed to 415 in 2024-25.