News for 'Finance Minister'

Bhagoda economics: Cong slams Modi govt over Mallya's Jaitley claim

Bhagoda economics: Cong slams Modi govt over Mallya's Jaitley claim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The Congress shared a video clip from a recent podcast Mallya did with social media influencer Raj Shamani in which he claimed he had informed Jaitley before leaving India in 2016.

India flags 'huge mountain of debt' in developed nations as matter of concern

India flags 'huge mountain of debt' in developed nations as matter of concern

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The "huge mountain of debt" in developed economies and the risk of a possible unravelling is a matter of concern for India, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday, pointing to the recent spike in Japanese bond yields.

Australian PM ties knot at 62; Modi wishes newlyweds

Australian PM ties knot at 62; Modi wishes newlyweds

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Albanese, 62, who is divorced with an adult son, proposed to Haydon, 46, at The Lodge on Valentine's Day last year.

Modi is frightened of Trump, allows him to decide...: Rahul

Modi is frightened of Trump, allows him to decide...: Rahul

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

His assertion came after Trump claimed that his "friend" PM Modi has assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, a move he described as a big step toward increasing pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

'Prime Minister Modi Has Been Fiscally Conscious'

'Prime Minister Modi Has Been Fiscally Conscious'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Spend, but create assets, spend but make sure that people benefit from it.' 'This has been a beautiful guiding principle. And I think as a finance minister I owe so much to the prime minister for keeping this path clear before us.'

Bengal SIR redraws voter map with over 58 lakh deletions

Bengal SIR redraws voter map with over 58 lakh deletions

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Election Commission released the names of deleted voters in West Bengal ahead of the publication of the draft electoral rolls for the upcoming assembly elections.

Q3 earnings, global trends to drive stock markets this week

Q3 earnings, global trends to drive stock markets this week

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Trading pattern in the stock market this week will largely depend on the ongoing Q3 earnings announcement from corporates, global trends, and foreign fund movement, analysts said. Moreover, geopolitical developments and any update on trade negotiations would also be keenly tracked by investors, experts noted.

Real challenges for the Finance Minister

Real challenges for the Finance Minister

Rediff.com15 Feb 2007

The finance minister should worry more about long-term problems than short-term imbalances.

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

India-US Deal Shields Farmers

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

New Delhi will substantially reduce tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods while continuing to protect sensitive sectors. Tariffs on some agricultural products that are not traditionally considered sensitive will be brought down to zero, while in the case of relatively sensitive items, duties will be reduced in a graded manner and quotas will be imposed.

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Govt plans to levy excise duty on tobacco, cess on pan masala

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha to levy excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products, and a new cess on manufacturing of pan masala, which will replace the GST compensation cess on such sin goods.

Why MF Investors Can't Trade on Budget Day

Why MF Investors Can't Trade on Budget Day

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Rediff explains why the system, not the Budget, is the problem.

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

New lower GST rates kicked in from Monday, resulting in a slashing of prices of as many as 375 items ranging from toothpaste and shampoo to cars and television sets, a move seen as an attempt to boost consumption to cushion an economy facing tariff headwinds. Tax rates of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent have been clubbed into two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, resulting in a reduced price of 99 per cent of daily use items.

Canada PM cautions against weaponising tariffs at Davos

Canada PM cautions against weaponising tariffs at Davos

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday warned that the world is witnessing a fundamental 'rupture' in the global order rather than a gradual transition, cautioning against weaponising trade, finance, and supply chains.

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo!' - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gentle nudge to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December last year sparked the beginning of a mammoth exercise to overhaul the tangled goods and services tax regime. And the final outcome is a significantly simplified system with lower tax rates and easier compliance for businesses.

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) adoption rate has risen to over 4.35 per cent, with more than 100,000 people out of 2.3 million eligible individuals opting for it, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) chairman S Ramann said in an exclusive interview with Business Standard on Monday. He also said that six states had approached the PFRDA for help in adoption of the scheme.

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'That is going to have an impact on literally every one, whether you buy a toothpaste, a safety pin, a car, shoes or medicines or you go to a diagnostic centre.'

Behind the scenes: Sitharaman chaired 3 separate meetings on GSTN preparedness for GST 2.0

Behind the scenes: Sitharaman chaired 3 separate meetings on GSTN preparedness for GST 2.0

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

To ensure a glitch-free rollout of the next-generation GST with reduced rates and lesser slabs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired three separate meetings to assess GSTN's preparedness and the time it would take to implement technological changes required in the software systems.

Privatisation of banks unlikely to hurt national interest: FM

Privatisation of banks unlikely to hurt national interest: FM

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday allayed apprehension that privatisation of state-owned banks would hurt financial inclusion and national interest. She said the bank nationalisation done in 1969 has not yielded the desired result as far as financial inclusion was concerned.

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 1,024.30 crore for expenses incurred by the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Minister's Office, and for hospitality and entertainment of state guests. The allocated amount is a bit more than the Rs 1,021.83 crore earmarked in 2024-25.

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The home portfolio of Bihar, which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar kept with himself all through his nearly 20-year-long tenure, has been given to his deputy, BJP leader Samrat Chowdhury, this time, according to an official notification issued on Friday.

'Who Does Not Want To Be Prime Minister?'

'Who Does Not Want To Be Prime Minister?'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

'We are going to need more technical people in government.' 'You can't expect a generalist to understand the complicated world of financial engineering.' 'I regret to say that most of our politicians have no competence to deal with these things. Nor is there a willingness to learn.'

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Railways have exceeded the national average capital expenditure (capex) by spending 63 per cent and 57 per cent of Budget estimates (BE), respectively, in the first half of 2025-26 (FY26). The total capital expenditure for April-September of FY26 stood at 52 per cent of the BE, according to the latest data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

Mr Finance Minister, how do we save?

Mr Finance Minister, how do we save?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2013

While the average CPI hovers at 10 per cent for five years now, our tax benefits are almost a decade old.

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.

ITR forms under new Income Tax Act to be notified prior to FY28: Govt

ITR forms under new Income Tax Act to be notified prior to FY28: Govt

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

The new income tax returns (ITR) form based on the I-T Act, 2025, will be notified prior to 2027-28 fiscal year, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Monday. The CBDT committee on simplification of ITR forms is carrying out extensive consultations with tax experts, institutional bodies, and field formations of the I-T Department, he said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Rubaiyya Sayeed prime kidnapping suspect nabbed after 36 years

Rubaiyya Sayeed prime kidnapping suspect nabbed after 36 years

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The CBI arrested Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, an absconder carrying a Rs 10 lakh reward, in connection with the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed. He is allegedly part of a conspiracy hatched by the banned JKLF.

India a 'stabilising force';can withstand external shocks: Sitharaman

India a 'stabilising force';can withstand external shocks: Sitharaman

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the world is facing "profound imbalances" in trade and energy security, and is undergoing a structural transformation, with India standing out as a 'stabilising force' that can withstand external shocks.

If you reject votes, I will reject funds: Ajit Pawar to voters

If you reject votes, I will reject funds: Ajit Pawar to voters

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

The remarks drew flak from the Opposition, with Shiv Sena-UBT leader Ambadas Danve accusing Pawar of threatening voters.

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The largest tranche came in July, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the DAC according acceptance of necessity -- or initial approval -- for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately 1.05 trillion through indigenous sourcing.

PSU banks write off loans worth Rs 6.15 lakh cr in last 5.5 years

PSU banks write off loans worth Rs 6.15 lakh cr in last 5.5 years

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Public sector banks have written off loans worth Rs 6.15 lakh crore in the last five and a half years, Parliament was informed on Monday.

'Glad Trump stated facts': Rahul backs 'dead economy' remark on India

'Glad Trump stated facts': Rahul backs 'dead economy' remark on India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The BJP flayed Gandhi for "echoing" Trump's "dead economy" jibe at India, calling it a "shameful" insult to the aspirations, achievements, and well-being of the people of the country.

Imran Khan, Wife Get 17 Year Jail Term

Imran Khan, Wife Get 17 Year Jail Term

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana corruption case, involving alleged fraud related to state gifts.

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar's most dangerous idea is that Director Aditya Dhar envisions an Indian state run by a deep state -- an intelligence machinery not accountable to Parliament, courts, or voters. A future political system where unelected officials decide when Indian democracy is 'fit' to function, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.'

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

BJP sources said the formal process to elect current party President J P Nadda's successor will begin in mid-January, following Makar Sankranti, with Nitin Nabin expected to be the frontrunner to file his nomination.

Sitharaman carries tablet wrapped in 'bahi khata' for 6th year

Sitharaman carries tablet wrapped in 'bahi khata' for 6th year

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Sitharaman, India's first full-time woman Finance Minister, broke away from the colonial tradition of carrying a Budget briefcase in July 2019, opting instead for a traditional 'bahi-khata', to carry the Union Budget papers.

India, Russia call for 'uncompromising' global fight against terrorism

India, Russia call for 'uncompromising' global fight against terrorism

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

India and Russia have called for an uncompromising global fight against terrorism without hidden agendas and double standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the menace is a direct attack on the values of humanity.

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Google plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years in setting an artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam, a senior official of the company said on Tuesday.

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

I am inclined to believe that the Venezuela adventure is not an indication of American strength, alas, but rather of American weakness, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

Sitharaman creates history with 8th consecutive budget

Sitharaman creates history with 8th consecutive budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Here are some facts related to the Budget presentation in independent India.