News for 'Finance Ministry'

EPFO retains 8.25% interest rate for 2024-25

EPFO retains 8.25% interest rate for 2024-25

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Retirement fund body EPFO on Friday retained an interest rate of 8.25 per cent on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits for 2024-25, sources said. In February 2024, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had increased the interest rate on EPF marginally to 8.25 per cent for 2023-24, from 8.15 per cent in 2022-23.

RBI, finance ministry on right path: Rajan

RBI, finance ministry on right path: Rajan

Rediff.com8 Sep 2003

The International Monetary Fund chief economist-designate Raghuram Rajan feels big deficits -- whether India's fiscal deficit or the United States' current account deficit -- are not sustainable in the long term.

Markets fall on selling in IT shares, foreign fund outflows

Markets fall on selling in IT shares, foreign fund outflows

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty declined on Monday, extending the losing run to the fourth day amid selling in IT shares and foreign fund outflows. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped by 247.01 points or 0.30 per cent to settle at 82,253.46. During the day, it fell 490.09 points or 0.59 per cent to 82,010.38 but recovered some of the losses towards the close.

Sensex drops 345 points on weakness in IT stocks

Sensex drops 345 points on weakness in IT stocks

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

From the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, Infosys, Bharat Electronics, Tech Mahindra and Eternal were major laggards. However, Maruti, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Trent and Tata Consultancy Services were among the gainers.

Tax officer who arrested Kejriwal, Soren resigns

Tax officer who arrested Kejriwal, Soren resigns

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Kapil Raj, a former Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer who supervised the arrests of two chief ministers under the anti-money laundering law, has resigned from government service after serving for about 16 years, citing personal reasons.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

India eyes 2000 GCCs beyond metro cities by yearend

India eyes 2000 GCCs beyond metro cities by yearend

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

MeitY is in discussions with global Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, mid-tier firms, and state government officials on a three-pronged approach to setting up new GCCs in India.

'The ball is now in finance ministry's court'

'The ball is now in finance ministry's court'

Rediff.com31 Oct 2012

The finance ministry will have to rely on the weapons in its arsenal, since monetary policy is not providing the support.

Former NITI Aayog VC Arvind Panagariya to head Finance Commission

Former NITI Aayog VC Arvind Panagariya to head Finance Commission

Rediff.com31 Dec 2023

The government on Sunday appointed former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya as the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission. Joint Secretary in the finance ministry Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey will be the secretary to the commission, the government said in a notification. "The President is pleased to constitute a Finance Commission with Dr Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog and Professor, Columbia University, as the Chairman. Members of the Commission will be notified separately," it said.

The Teen Who Built A Tax Education Game

The Teen Who Built A Tax Education Game

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Manas Sood, a Class 12 student from the Delhi Public School, has distributed 2,650 boxes of Tax City Education and empowered over 12,000 students from 52 schools across India. His aim? To help young Indians understand taxes and become financially literate.

Emission Norms Battle Hots Up: M&M Counters Maruti Suzuki

Emission Norms Battle Hots Up: M&M Counters Maruti Suzuki

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The growing rift between MSIL and rival automakers has complicated the government's efforts to finalise the CAFE norms.

Payments banks urge FinMin to raise deposit limit to Rs 5 lakh

Payments banks urge FinMin to raise deposit limit to Rs 5 lakh

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Payments banks have urged the Union finance ministry to increase their deposit limit for each account to Rs 5 lakh, according to a source who participated in a meeting, chaired by the Department of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju, in New Delhi. At present, they can accept deposits of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

How India plans to tackle possible import surge from China, others

How India plans to tackle possible import surge from China, others

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The government has set up an inter-ministerial group to monitor a possible surge in imports from countries like China, Vietnam and Thailand, fearing a surge in inbound shipments following the imposition of high reciprocal tariffs by the US on these countries, sources said. The product categories that may see an upsurge in diversion of imports from the US to India include consumer goods, electronics, chemicals and steel.

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'The larger and more opaque this shadow economy becomes, especially online, the greater the risk to India's national security.'

Draft Tax Bill 2025: Relief For LLPs On LTCG Front?

Draft Tax Bill 2025: Relief For LLPs On LTCG Front?

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

'The original provision will be restored. AMT is meant only for those claiming deductions, not for firms earning regular income like capital gains,' a senior government official said.

Das lists the most important tasks for the new RBI Guv

Das lists the most important tasks for the new RBI Guv

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Outgoing Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Tuesday that restoring inflation-growth balance is the most important task ahead of the central bank. Addressing a press conference on his last day as the central bank chief, Das said his successor will have to navigate the changing world order, effectively deal with cyber threats, and focus on harnessing new technologies.

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

In a double-dose bid to boost growth and employment prospects, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs 2.07 trillion outlay for a research development and innovation (RDI) Scheme to fund private sector innovations, and an employment-linked incentive (ELI) to create over 35 million new jobs over the next two years.

WII revokes order to cut salaries for skipping Yoga Day event

WII revokes order to cut salaries for skipping Yoga Day event

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

Citing poor attendance at the International Yoga Day event on June 21, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) issued a warning on Monday, saying this month's salaries of the employees who skipped the programme without prior intimation would be withheld, but withdrew the order within hours.

FTA talks may figure in Sitharaman's London meetings

FTA talks may figure in Sitharaman's London meetings

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Issues related to the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) and bilateral investment treaty between India and the UK are expected to figure during the three-day visit of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to London from April 8-10, official sources said. The minister will attend a host of meetings, including the India-United Kingdom Economic and Financial Dialogue, in London.

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

India registered its protest at the board of IMF, which met on Friday to review the EFF lending programme for Pakistan.

Urban demand stress under watch, festivals may boost consumption: FinMin

Urban demand stress under watch, festivals may boost consumption: FinMin

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

Days before Diwali, the monthly economic review by the finance ministry has highlighted moderation in urban demand, softening consumer sentiments and limited footfall as areas that need to be watched. In its review, released on Monday, the ministry also noted the early signs of artificial intelligence displacing workers, as described in anecdotal reports. The commentary from several large consumer goods companies, including Nestl India, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC, in their recent quarterly earnings, has been around a sluggish urban demand. Rural consumption, however, has mostly seen a revival, the companies pointed out.

Countdown Begins To Budget 2025

Countdown Begins To Budget 2025

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

It will be the second Budget of the Modi 3.0 government and eighth straight Budget for Nirmala Sitharaman, rare in Indian polity.

RBI cuts policy rate by 25 bps to 6.25%, first reduction in five years

RBI cuts policy rate by 25 bps to 6.25%, first reduction in five years

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The RBI under new Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday cut interest rate for the first time in nearly five years as the central bank pivoted the policy stance to support a shuttering economy. The 25 basis points rate cut to 6.25 per cent comes after last rate reduction in May 2020. The last revision of rates happened in February 2023 when the policy rate was hiked by 25 basis points to 6.5 per cent.

'History Will Remember Him With Gratitude'

'History Will Remember Him With Gratitude'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

'During his stint as prime minister, he got 270 million people out of poverty.' 'This, according to the World Bank, is the fastest compression of poverty anywhere in the world.' Arvind Mayaram, the former finance secretary, recalls his encounters with Dr Manmohan Singh.

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.

China vows to protect its firms after India, others ban DeepSeek

China vows to protect its firms after India, others ban DeepSeek

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

China has defended its newly-released AI tool DeepSeek, after several countries, including India, imposed restrictions on government officials accessing it. Beijing claims actions against DeepSeek amount to "politicisation" of trade and tech issues and vowed to protect the interests of its companies. India's Finance Ministry directed officials to avoid using DeepSeek on office devices, citing confidentiality risks. The tool has garnered global attention for its low-cost model and efficient use of resources, surpassing ChatGPT in popularity on Apple's Appstore.

Bank Deposits: Govt Plans To Increase Insurance

Bank Deposits: Govt Plans To Increase Insurance

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Currently, deposits of up to Rs 5 lakh are covered under the deposit-insurance scheme.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

Finance Secretary TV Somanathan is new Cabinet Secy

Finance Secretary TV Somanathan is new Cabinet Secy

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

He will succeed incumbent Rajiv Gauba, who completes his unprecedented five-year term in the top bureaucratic post this month-end.

Pak gets $1 bn as second tranche from IMF; budget under scanner

Pak gets $1 bn as second tranche from IMF; budget under scanner

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The disbursement of the second tranche comes on a day when the International Monetary Fund is holding virtual discussions on Pakistan's upcoming budget, as the visit of its mission to Islamabad was delayed due to security concerns in the region.

Sisodia, Satyendar Jain summoned over Rs 2,000 cr 'scam'

Sisodia, Satyendar Jain summoned over Rs 2,000 cr 'scam'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The summons come after an FIR was registered by the ACB on April 30 based on allegations of financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of over 12,000 classrooms or semi-permanent structures in Delhi government schools.

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

The formulations in the declaration in reference to terrorism is going to be to our "satisfaction", Dammu Ravi, secretary (economic relations) in the external affairs ministry said on Monday.

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.

Rs 1 Trillion Welfare Funds Idle in States

Rs 1 Trillion Welfare Funds Idle in States

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen has the highest unutilised amount (Rs 13,111 crore) compared to any other centrally sponsored scheme.

Golden Opportunity For Modi To Reverse Brain Drain

Golden Opportunity For Modi To Reverse Brain Drain

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

President Trump with his MAWA has unwittingly provided us this opportunity. Will PM Modi grasp this and leave a legacy of an ushered in scientific and technological revolution in India, asks Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why Has FATF Summoned Indian Gaming Firms?

Why Has FATF Summoned Indian Gaming Firms?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Dream11, Baazi Games, Zupee and WinZO among others are invited for the discussion with the anti-money laundering watchdog.

Now, You Can Study In A UK College... In India

Now, You Can Study In A UK College... In India

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

At least six major UK universities have announced plans to set up campuses or liaison offices in India.

Budget 2025: What Nirmalaji Needs To Fix

Budget 2025: What Nirmalaji Needs To Fix

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

If the fiscal deficit target of 4.9% of GDP has to be met for 2024-2025, which the government must in view of the uncertainties and challenges emerging both domestically and globally, the finance ministry may see in the composition of the current year's capex a sliver of hope, notes A K Bhattacharya.