News for 'Finance Ministry'

BMW mows down senior finance ministry official in Delhi

BMW mows down senior finance ministry official in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

A senior official from the Union Ministry of Finance died and three others were injured after a BMW allegedly struck his motorcycle in Delhi. Police are investigating the incident.

Free Divestment From Finance Ministry

Free Divestment From Finance Ministry

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

The new government that presents the full Budget for 2024-2025 in July should be ready to restructure the way divestment is managed and implemented, proposes A K Bhattacharya.

There is more room for monetary policy easing, says Finance Ministry

There is more room for monetary policy easing, says Finance Ministry

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

With inflation comfortably below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) 4 per cent median target and likely to undershoot its 3.7 per cent projection for 2025-26 (FY26), there is room for the monetary policy easing cycle to be sustained, the Finance Ministry said on Monday. The comments, featured in the ministry's Monthly Economic Review for June 2025, assume significance ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) scheduled to begin from August 5.

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Israeli Finance Ministry has warned that the ongoing war with Iran could cost Israel an estimated NIS 9.4 billion (USD 3 billion approximately) per week under current restrictions on economic activities.

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been allocated the portfolios of State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs and Minorities Development and Aukaf.

Finance ministry bans ChatGPT, DeepSeek on office devices over data risk

Finance ministry bans ChatGPT, DeepSeek on office devices over data risk

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The Indian Finance Ministry has instructed its officials to refrain from using AI tools and apps like ChatGPT and DeepSeek on government devices, citing concerns over data confidentiality. This move comes amidst global discussions regarding the potential security risks associated with AI tools and follows similar actions by countries like Australia and Italy, which have restricted access to DeepSeek due to privacy concerns. The directive highlights the growing awareness of the potential security implications of AI technology in government environments.

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has asked the finance ministry to spell out a clear legal strategy, including options such as a "golden share" or indirect control structures, to maintain strategic oversight in public sector entities if state ownership falls below 51 per cent.

With Nirmala Sitharaman In This Pic Are...

With Nirmala Sitharaman In This Pic Are...

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

We know what Mrs Sitharaman and Mr Chaudhary (who may soon be moving out of the finance ministry to head to Lucknow to take charge as president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh unit) look like, but who are the others in these photographs?

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Indian government has maintained the interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF and NSC, for the eighth consecutive quarter, starting April 1, 2026.

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian government has waived customs duty on critical petrochemical products until June 30 to ensure supply stability and provide relief to consumers amid disruptions caused by the crisis in West Asia.

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and oil companies amidst volatile international oil markets.

Household savings report: There is no distress, says finance ministry

Household savings report: There is no distress, says finance ministry

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

The finance ministry on Thursday sought to clarify that there was no distress in household savings and the data indicated that changing consumer preference for different financial products was the real reason for the change in the pattern of household savings. The clarification comes in the backdrop of Reserve Bank of India data showing that household net financial savings rate is at its lowest in decades, at 5.1 per cent of GDP in FY23 compared to 7.2 per cent of GDP in FY22. The divergence in the data for household gross financial assets and liabilities is not a cause for concern for the government, as the loans have largely been taken to buy real assets or automobiles, the finance ministry said.

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Loan against gold as a product is catching on fast. Let's keep the momentum going, but aim for sustainable growth. A few bad apples should not ruin the brunch, argues Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Revenue collection next financial year may be affected, and, along with this, subsidies on food and fertilisers can go up if the war in West Asia drags for long, according to experts.

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Sitharaman took charge of the Finance Ministry on May 31, 2019, and has steered the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical turmoil, making India the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

Jio IPO Set To Break All Records

Jio IPO Set To Break All Records

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Only 2.5 per cent of the equity in Jio Platforms will be offloaded through the OFS route -- meant for secondary share sale.

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to maintain the interest rate on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25 per cent for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking the second consecutive year at this rate.

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

HDFC Bank initiates independent review after chairman's ethics-based resignation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

HDFC Bank has launched an independent review by external law firms following the abrupt resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited 'ethical concerns and practices within the bank' as the reason for his departure.

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Gold price volatility: Lenders demand more collateral or partial repayment if LTVs breached

Rediff.com1 days ago

Lenders are actively monitoring gold price volatility, prompting them to ask borrowers for additional gold collateral or partial principal repayment when loan-to-value (LTV) thresholds are breached, particularly for loans disbursed in February.

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Why HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty Resigned

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Atanu Chakraborty has resigned as chairman of HDFC Bank, citing ethical concerns, marking an unusual departure and prompting the appointment of an interim chairman.

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank's Financial Health Following Chairman's Exit

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a statement assuring the public of HDFC Bank's stability and sound financial position following the resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, citing ethical concerns.

Fuel Crisis: Will There Be a Lockdown? Govt Says...

Fuel Crisis: Will There Be a Lockdown? Govt Says...

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Calling such reports baseless, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said there was no such move under consideration.

Finance Ministry officials grilled

Finance Ministry officials grilled

Rediff.com28 Jan 2011

As the debate on revealing names of those who had stashed money abroad was hotting up, a Parliamentary panel grilled finance ministry officials on why the confidentiality clause was put in tax treaties in the first place.

Sitharaman takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Sitharaman takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday participated in a traditional 'halwa' ceremony, marking the final stage for the preparation of the Union Budget 2026-27, to be unveiled on February 1 in the Lok Sabha.

Chairman Exit Exposes HDFC Bank Power Clash: FT

Chairman Exit Exposes HDFC Bank Power Clash: FT

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Financial Times, citing multiple bankers and shareholders, reports that the real tensions ran far deeper than compliance concerns.

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, focusing on investments and growth. The speech was marked by its business-like approach and lack of cultural references, while opposition members raised concerns about regional representation.

Eligible Manufacturer Importers Scheme, Starting April 1, Will Ease Customs Duty Payments

Eligible Manufacturer Importers Scheme, Starting April 1, Will Ease Customs Duty Payments

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) announced the implementation of the Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMI) scheme from April 1, allowing eligible importers to defer customs duty payments.

Russia offers to boost oil, gas supplies to India amidst West Asia turmoil

Russia offers to boost oil, gas supplies to India amidst West Asia turmoil

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Amidst global energy market volatility driven by the West Asia crisis, Russia has proposed increasing its crude oil and natural gas supplies to India, strengthening bilateral energy ties and aiming for USD 100 billion in annual trade by 2030.

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Pakistan's deputy PM Ishaq Dar suffers hairline fracture after fall

Rediff.com5 days ago

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar sustained a hairline fracture in his shoulder after a fall during a reception for his Egyptian counterpart. Despite the injury, he continued with scheduled meetings throughout the day.

6 Facts About The Budget You Didn't Know

6 Facts About The Budget You Didn't Know

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

With the Union Budget 2026, India's 74th, fast approaching, all eyes are once again on New Delhi's North Block as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing to table it on February 1, 2026, marking her ninth Budget presentation in a row.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Nirmala Sitharaman creates history with 9th consecutive Budget

Nirmala Sitharaman creates history with 9th consecutive Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday makes history as she presents a record ninth consecutive Budget that is expected to unveil measures to sustain growth momentum, maintain fiscal discipline, and contain reforms that could buffer the economy from global trade frictions, including US tariffs.

Finance ministry starts Budget preparations

Finance ministry starts Budget preparations

Rediff.com1 Oct 2013

The Finance Ministry has started preparations for Budget 2014-15 by asking different central ministries and departments to come out with their estimates of receipts as well as expenditure for the next financial year.

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's privatisation push, once projected as a cornerstone of economic reform, has suffered another setback, with the Centre set to call off the IDBI Bank stake sale, highlighting the political and structural constraints shaping the country's disinvestment policy, experts say.

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'It's a changing world and the opening up doesn't mean that concerns with regards to security have gone away.'

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com7 days ago

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

Government Penalises Companies for CSR Violations

Government Penalises Companies for CSR Violations

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Indian government has imposed penalties totalling nearly 20 crore on various companies for non-compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) norms over the past three financial years, as revealed in the Rajya Sabha.

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Too early to comment on US tariff changes: Sitharaman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that it is premature to comment on the tariff changes announced by the United States, adding that the commerce ministry is currently reviewing the situation.

Tenure of 16th Finance Commission extended till Nov 30

Tenure of 16th Finance Commission extended till Nov 30

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The government has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month till November 30. The 16th Finance Commission was constituted by the government on December 31, 2023, with former Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya as its Chairman.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.