News for 'Finance Ministry'

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

'Fully agree with you': Modi, Meloni strike a chord at G7

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of bilateral meetings with his global counterparts on the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, with discussions focusing on a range of issues such as trade, investment, counter-terrorism and global challenges.

'I Needed To Follow My Karma'

'I Needed To Follow My Karma'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Once bitten, twice shy, I didn't take up the challenge this time...' 'I realised I had failed to follow my karma because I feared failure.'

Gautam Singhania-backed SCCG seeks licence to restore foreign cars

Gautam Singhania-backed SCCG seeks licence to restore foreign cars

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Car restoration service provider Super Car Club Garage (SCCG), backed by Raymond chairman and managing director Gautam Singhania, has sought the Centre's green light for a licence to import foreign vehicles for restoration and subsequent re-export.

Why prices of edible oils may go up

Why prices of edible oils may go up

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

The government on Friday hiked customs duty on crude and refined sunflower oil to 20 per cent and 32.5 per cent, respectively. According to a finance ministry notification, the basic customs duty on crude palm, soybean and sunflower seed oil has been increased from nil to 20 per cent.

Advances worth 8cr to TOPS athletes unaccounted for

Advances worth 8cr to TOPS athletes unaccounted for

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

As per the official procedure, athletes have to submit bills within 15 days of the completion of a training or competition for which advance has been disbursed.

We Haven't Seen This In 39 Years!

We Haven't Seen This In 39 Years!

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Dr T V Somanathan is the first finance secretary to be appointed Cabinet secretary since 1985. His appointment at this juncture seems to carry much meaning for the forthcoming trajectory of reforms and restructuring of India's steel frame.

India Set For Rs 32 Trillion Defence Budget... In 2047

India Set For Rs 32 Trillion Defence Budget... In 2047

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Make-in-India played a key role in India's effective action against terrorism during Operation Sindoor.'

HDFC Bank to pursue legal remedies against Mehta family of Lilavati Trust

HDFC Bank to pursue legal remedies against Mehta family of Lilavati Trust

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

HDFC Bank on Sunday said that it will "pursue all lawful remedies" to recover public funds and address the retaliatory actions taken by the Mehta family of the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical (LKMM) Trust, which has filed a complaint against the bank's managing director (MD) & chief executive officer (CEO) Sashidhar Jagdishan alleging financial fraud.

NGOs getting foreign funds can't publish newsletters

NGOs getting foreign funds can't publish newsletters

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Indian government has announced new rules for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving foreign contributions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). These rules include requiring NGOs to obtain a "Not a Newspaper" certificate from the Registrar of Newspapers for India if they engage in publication-related activities, as well as submitting financial statements and audit reports for the past three years. Additionally, NGOs must submit a commitment letter from the donor, a project report detailing proposed expenses, and a declaration that administrative expenses will not exceed 20% of the foreign contribution.

Cross-border share swaps eased by govt

Cross-border share swaps eased by govt

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

The Union Finance Ministry on Friday announced key amendments to foreign exchange (forex) regulations, including mandating government approvals for all investments originating from countries that share land borders with India. The latest amendments also seek to simplify cross-border share swaps and streamline key definitions, such as "control". The updated regulations have aligned the treatment of downstream investments made by overseas citizen of India (OCI)-owned entities with those owned by non-resident Indians (NRIs) on a non-repatriation basis.

On India's request, Interpol issues 1st silver notice

On India's request, Interpol issues 1st silver notice

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Interpol has issued its first Silver notice, at India's request, to track the global assets of former French Embassy officer Shubham Shokeen, who is wanted in connection with a visa fraud. The Silver notice, introduced in January this year, aims to track illicit assets across the globe. India is among 51 countries participating in the pilot project for the Silver notice, which will continue until November. The Interpol has issued two Silver notices on the CBI's request - one against Shokeen for allegedly facilitating Schengen visas for illegal gratification and another against Amit Madanlal Lakhanpal, who is wanted by the Enforcement Directorate for allegedly creating a cryptocurrency without permission and defrauding investors.

FMCG distributors flag deep discounts by qcom cos to govt

FMCG distributors flag deep discounts by qcom cos to govt

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors' association has written to the finance ministry, highlighting concern over fund utilisation and fund accumulation by quick commerce companies and deep discounting of goods on their platforms. According to a recent letter seen by Business Standard, All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) noted that its analysis indicated that approximately 80 per cent of these funds were directed toward customer acquisition strategies instead of creating cutting-edge innovations or sustainable growth models for the retail sector.

Govt May Save Over Rs 70K Cr In FY25

Govt May Save Over Rs 70K Cr In FY25

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The government may save over Rs 70,000 crore (Rs 700 billion) on capital and revenue expenditure allocated towards new schemes in the FY25 Budget that are yet to be implemented.

Sensex, Nifty end in red on rising India-Pak tensions

Sensex, Nifty end in red on rising India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com8 May 2025

From the Sensex firms, Eternal, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti, Bajaj Finance, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints, Power Grid and State Bank of India were among the laggards. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, Titan, HCL Tech, Tata Motors, Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services were the gainers.

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

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.

Indian Reits distribute Rs 6,070 crore in FY25, up 13% from previous year

Indian Reits distribute Rs 6,070 crore in FY25, up 13% from previous year

Rediff.com16 May 2025

India's four listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) collectively distributed 13 per cent more funds to their shareholders in fourth quarter of financial year 2024-25 (Q4FY25) at Rs 1,553 crore on year, reflecting the growing strength of the sector fuelled by strong leasing activity, especially from Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

JSW Steel becomes world's most valuable steelmaker with $30.3 bn mcap

JSW Steel becomes world's most valuable steelmaker with $30.3 bn mcap

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

JSW Steel, owned by Sajjan Jindal, has emerged as the world's most valuable steelmaker, boasting a market capitalisation (mcap) of nearly $30.31 billion, according to Bloomberg data.

Which is the new battleground in tax disputes?

Which is the new battleground in tax disputes?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

In October 2024, Jindal Stainless challenged a Goods and Services Tax (GST) notice in the Delhi high court. It was about corporate guarantees issued to related parties by its former group company, Jindal Stainless (Hisar), before their merger in March 2023.

Banking, oil shares drag Sensex down 156 points

Banking, oil shares drag Sensex down 156 points

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Among Sensex firms, Eternal, Tata Motors, State Bank of India, Adani Ports, NTPC, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, Axis Bank and Sun Pharma were the major losers. Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle and Maruti were among the gainers.

PIX: Prez feeds 'dahi-cheeni' to Sitharaman ahead of budget

PIX: Prez feeds 'dahi-cheeni' to Sitharaman ahead of budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

As per established tradition, the finance minister met the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before heading to Parliament.

'Illegal Gambling Sites Are National Security Threat'

'Illegal Gambling Sites Are National Security Threat'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'Illegal gambling operators are systematically exploiting India's advertising and payment infrastructure, siphoning off crores of rupees from outside the country.'

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kumar, who played a key role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the Union home ministry, took charge as an election commissioner on March 15, 2024.

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'The finance minister missed yet another opportunity to simplify the income tax structure in the Budget.' 'This was an opportune moment to get rid of the old tax system entirely and move fully to the new system,' asserts M Govinda Rao, member of the 14th Finance Commission.

Nirmalaji Listens To Economists' Ideas

Nirmalaji Listens To Economists' Ideas

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

'The Budget needs to focus more on social welfare schemes.'

Can AI Improve Customer Service At PSBs?

Can AI Improve Customer Service At PSBs?

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'AI analyses body language, etiquette, and communication skills, providing an in-depth performance matrix and a ranking system to help employees identify areas of improvement.'

Centre doubles Mudra loan ceiling to Rs 20 lakh under new category

Centre doubles Mudra loan ceiling to Rs 20 lakh under new category

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The government on Friday doubled the limit of Mudra loan amount under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh under a new 'Tarun Plus' category to promote entrepreneurship in the country.

India's GDP to grow 6.4% in 2024-25, slowest in 4 years

India's GDP to grow 6.4% in 2024-25, slowest in 4 years

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

India's economic growth rate is estimated to slip to a four-year low of 6.4 per cent in 2024-25, mainly on account of poor showing by the manufacturing and services sector, according to government data released on Tuesday. The gross domestic product (GDP) rate of 6.4 per cent will be the lowest since the Covid year (2020-21) when the country witnessed a negative growth of 5.8 per cent.

Cooking gas to be costlier by Rs 50 from Tuesday

Cooking gas to be costlier by Rs 50 from Tuesday

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Cooking gas or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) price has been raised by Rs 50 per cylinder by distribution companies, Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

Sitharaman to present Modi 3.0's 1st budget on July 23

Sitharaman to present Modi 3.0's 1st budget on July 23

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

This will be the first budget presented by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in its third term amid high anticipation following President Droupadi Murmu's assertion that it will be marked by many historic steps.

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a PIL alleging that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu awarded government contracts to his family members. The court has asked the state government to provide details of the beneficiaries and inform if due process was followed. The bench also sought responses from union ministries of home affairs, finance and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the issue within five weeks.

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday presented the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha. The Economic Survey is an annual document presented by the government ahead of the Union Budget to review the state of the economy.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

PSG's Neymar transfer sparks tax scandal

PSG's Neymar transfer sparks tax scandal

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

French police search finance ministry tax offices over Neymar transfer

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

How to conduct the mock exercise with active public participation of people was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Top civil and police officers of the country participated in the meeting, official sources said.

GDP growth of 6.5-7% in FY25 is feasible: CEA Nageswaran

GDP growth of 6.5-7% in FY25 is feasible: CEA Nageswaran

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday said economic activity in some sectors have picked up pace during October-November and a GDP growth of 6.5-7 per cent in the current fiscal is feasible.

Budget is by the people, for the people: Sitharaman

Budget is by the people, for the people: Sitharaman

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Paraphrasing Abraham Lincoln, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday described the Union Budget as "by the people, for the people, of the people", and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fully behind the idea to cut taxes for the middle class but it took time to convince the bureaucrats. "We have heard the voice of the middle class" who had been complaining about their aspirations not being met despite being honest taxpayers, she told PTI in an interview.

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an ambitious plan to develop the country's top 50 tourist destinations in a "challenge mode", with the aim of boosting employment-led growth and attracting international visitors. The Ministry of Tourism has received a significant budget increase for 2025-2026, with a focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure, promoting domestic and international travel, and ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly women. The government plans to promote homestays, improve connectivity to tourist spots, and provide performance-linked incentives to states that demonstrate effective destination management. The budget also includes investments in public enterprises, skill development programs, and initiatives to promote medical tourism and spiritual tourism.

Insurance amendment bill may be introduced in Budget session

Insurance amendment bill may be introduced in Budget session

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

The government is likely to introduce a bill seeking amendments to the Insurance Act, 1938, during the upcoming Budget session to achieve 'Insurance for All by 2047'. Some of the provisions, which could be part of the amendment bill, include composite license, differential capital, reduction in solvency norms, issuing captive license, change in investment regulations, one-time registration for intermediaries and allowing insurers to distribute other financial products, sources said.