News for 'House and Union Finance'

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2025 with 35 amendments

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2025 with 35 amendments

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Finance Bill 2025, along with 35 government amendments, including one that abolishes a 6 per cent digital tax on online advertisements.

Shapoorji Pallonji calls for public listing of Tata Sons

Shapoorji Pallonji calls for public listing of Tata Sons

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

SP Group chairman Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry on Friday reiterated calls for public listing of Tata Sons to bring transparency, amid infighting among trustees of Tata Trusts which controls a 66 per cent stake in the holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate. Shapoorji Pallonji family is the single largest minority shareholder with about 18.37 per cent in Tata Sons.

If India wants to be treated as a strategic ally of US...: Trump official

If India wants to be treated as a strategic ally of US...: Trump official

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Notably, US President Donald Trump and his administration have continuously targeted India over its purchase of Russian crude oil. India, on the other hand, has always maintained that India's purchases are based on its domestic needs and economic security.

SC cancels bail granted to Dheeraj Wadhawan in loan scam case, directs him to surrender in 2 weeks

SC cancels bail granted to Dheeraj Wadhawan in loan scam case, directs him to surrender in 2 weeks

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday cancelled bail granted to former DHFL promoter Dheeraj Wadhawan in the multi-crore bank loan scam case. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Satish Chandra Sharma passed the order after perusing the report filed by a medical board and directed Wadhawan to surrender within two weeks.

Will money in hand from tax breaks spur housing demand?

Will money in hand from tax breaks spur housing demand?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Real estate developers are hoping that the slew of tax concessions announced in Union Budget 2025, set to take effect this financial year, will spur demand for affordable and mid-segment housing, even as the broader housing market shows signs of fatigue.

How Trump's Tariffs Hurts Dollar Town Of Garments

How Trump's Tariffs Hurts Dollar Town Of Garments

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

'The US slump could hit our hosiery market hard since 40 per cent of our exports go there.' 'Job losses could be severe if the government doesn't step in fast.'

Imposed tariffs on India for...: Trump admin tells SC

Imposed tariffs on India for...: Trump admin tells SC

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has told the US Supreme Court that it imposed tariffs against India for purchasing Russian energy products as part of its strategy to address the war in Ukraine.

Sitharaman introduces New Income Tax Bill in LS

Sitharaman introduces New Income Tax Bill in LS

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and urged Speaker Om Birla to refer it to a select committee of the House. Opposition members opposed the Bill at the introduction stage but the House passed a motion by voice vote for its introduction.

Relief for house owners, can claim zero tax on 2 self-occupied properties

Relief for house owners, can claim zero tax on 2 self-occupied properties

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

As per the Budget memorandum, the government has proposed amendment to Sub-Section 2 of Section 23 of Income Tax Act, which relates to determination of annual value of house properties.

BJP issues three-line whip to MPs to be present in Parl on Friday

BJP issues three-line whip to MPs to be present in Parl on Friday

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday issued a three-line whip to all of its Lok Sabha MPs asking them to be present in the House for the passing of the Union Budget 2025-26.

Parliament's Budget session to be held from Jan 31 to April 4

Parliament's Budget session to be held from Jan 31 to April 4

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

Parliament's Budget Session will be held from January 31 to April 4, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to table her eighth straight budget on February 1. The session will begin with President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on January 31, followed by the tabling of the economic survey. The first part of the Budget Session will have nine sittings from January 31 to February 13, after which Parliament will break for recess to examine the budget proposals. The session will reconvene on March 10 to discuss the demands for grants of various ministries and complete the budgetary process, concluding on April 4.

Is That Flying Radha?

Is That Flying Radha?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Budget plans to complete 1 lakh homes in stalled projects

Budget plans to complete 1 lakh homes in stalled projects

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a fresh Rs 15,000 crore 'SWAMIH Fund' for completion of 1 lakh units in stalled housing projects across various cities, a move aimed at providing relief to distressed homebuyers whose investments are stuck. In November 2019, the Centre announced a stress fund named 'Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing' (SWAMIH), to complete stalled housing projects across India.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Indian government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to ban online games played with money, aiming to curb addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud. The bill also targets advertisements and financial transactions related to such games.

What You Need To Know About New I-T Bill

What You Need To Know About New I-T Bill

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'The new Bill introduces no policy or rate changes, leaving financial planning strategies largely unaffected.'
'The considerations for choosing between the old and new tax regimes remain essentially unchanged.'

Family nod for Manmohan memorial at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal

Family nod for Manmohan memorial at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The family of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has approved the proposed site for his memorial at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in New Delhi. The memorial, measuring around 900 square metres, will be located adjacent to the memorial of former President Pranab Mukherjee. A trust will be set up to oversee the construction of the memorial, which will be funded by a government grant of Rs 25 lakh.

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Trump's 24-hr threat to India; Russia steps in to defend

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has not been a good trading partner and announced that he will raise the tariffs on New Delhi 'very substantially' over the next 24 hours because it is buying Russian oil.

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.

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.

Trump Tantrum: 'Present Moment Difficult For India'

Trump Tantrum: 'Present Moment Difficult For India'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'Geopolitically and diplomatically it's a very difficult situation for India.'

Step-By-Step ITR E-Filing, Choosing Right Tax Regime

Step-By-Step ITR E-Filing, Choosing Right Tax Regime

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Master the online ITR filing process and then learn the differences between the old and new tax regimes to pick your best option.

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received Rs 13,611 crore in the Union Budget announced on Saturday, while the allocation for disability welfare now stands at Rs 1,275 crore.

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.

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.

Puri: 3 killed in stampede during Rath Yatra ceremony

Puri: 3 killed in stampede during Rath Yatra ceremony

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The incident took place around 4 am when hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple to witness Rath Yatra festivities, Puri district collector Siddharth S Swain said.

Good or bad? Rate Sitharaman's pre-poll Budget!

Good or bad? Rate Sitharaman's pre-poll Budget!

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

So tell us, does Sitharaman's budget deserve cheers or boos?

Budget 2025: FM takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Budget 2025: FM takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday participated in a traditional 'halwa' ceremony, marking the final stage for the preparation of Union Budget 2025-26 to be unveiled on February 1 in the Lok Sabha. The ceremony is a customary ritual in which traditional dessert 'halwa' is prepared and served to officials and staff members of the finance ministry who are involved in the preparation of the Budget.

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The deportation of Indians from the United States, deaths in the Maha Kumbh stampede and the joint Parliamentary committee report on the Waqf bill were among the issues that led to heated exchanges and some disruptions in an otherwise smooth first part of the Budget session that ended on Thursday.

Modi's Budget agenda: Jobs, farm productivity, funds for infr

Modi's Budget agenda: Jobs, farm productivity, funds for infr

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Job creation, improving farm productivity, and mobilising public funds for infrastructure development were some of the issues that figured during the interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and economists ahead of the 2025-26 Union Budget. The prime minister on Tuesday met eminent economists and sectoral experts at NITI Aayog to hear their views and suggestions for the upcoming Budget. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Budget for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2025.

Was mocked on streets for learning Hindi: Sitharaman

Was mocked on streets for learning Hindi: Sitharaman

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday expressed anguish over not being allowed to learn Hindi in Tamil Nadu as a student and was even mocked on the streets for attempting to learn the language.

First time no foreign attempt to disrupt Parliament session: Modi

First time no foreign attempt to disrupt Parliament session: Modi

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that there have been no attempts from abroad to stoke trouble in India ahead of the Parliament's Budget session, which begins on Saturday. Modi's statement comes as his government prepares to present its first full-fledged budget in its third term. He expressed confidence that the Budget session will infuse new confidence and energy in attaining the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, and said his government has been working in a mission mode for an all-round development.

Coming! New Affordable Housing Scheme

Coming! New Affordable Housing Scheme

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

The new scheme may be announced before the Lok Sabha elections.

'Halwa' ceremony over; stage set for Nirmalaji's 7th Budget

'Halwa' ceremony over; stage set for Nirmalaji's 7th Budget

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday participated in a traditional 'halwa' ceremony, marking the final stage for preparation of Union Budget 2024-25 to be unveiled on July 23 in Lok Sabha. The ceremony is a ritual in which traditional dessert 'halwa' is prepared and served to officials and staff members of the finance ministry who are involved in the preparation of the Budget.

Waqf bill to be listed in budget session of Parliament

Waqf bill to be listed in budget session of Parliament

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The government has also listed three new bills for the session -- 'The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 'Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill', and the 'Immigration and Foreigners Bill'.

'If There Is No Money In The Hands Of People...'

'If There Is No Money In The Hands Of People...'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'...how do they consume and contribute to the GDP?'

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Budget announcement of zero tax for earnings upto Rs 12 lakh per annum and the rejig of tax slabs across the board should prompt more than 90 per cent of individual taxpayers to embrace the new tax regime as compared to the about 75 per cent as of now, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said. Agrawal also highlighted the government's focus on "non-intrusive" tax administration through enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simplified tax processes for common taxpayers. He emphasized the benefits of the new tax regime (NTR), which offers simple calculations and allows taxpayers to file their ITR without professional help. The CBDT chief stated that the Budget provisions related to income tax payment benefit all income earners, not just those earning Rs 12 lakh per annum, creating a positive sentiment in the economy and propelling growth. The department is also harnessing technology, including AI and data analytics, to widen and deepen the tax base, resulting in increased compliance and tax revenue. Agrawal further highlighted the positive impact of data availability and simplified tax processes on compliance rates, citing examples of taxpayers filing revised returns and paying taxes after being prompted by the department's data analysis.

Nifty Indices Rebalance Begins

Nifty Indices Rebalance Begins

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The changes will take effect on March 28, with portfolio adjustments expected before the market closes on March 27.

Union Budget '24: Realty players' high-rise expectations

Union Budget '24: Realty players' high-rise expectations

Rediff.com11 Jan 2024

During 2023, the Indian real estate sector - both housing and commercial - witnessed buoyancy fuelled by demand, supply, and absorption, and the sector is banking on the upcoming Budget to keep the momentum going. Mumbai-based Sattva Group wants the government to focus on the critical pillars for long-term growth. The company emphasised on the infrastructure boom with increased allocation, lower goods and services tax (GST) rates, incentives for affordable housing and single-window clearance to fast-track projects and support liquidity.

The Regret About This Budget Is...

The Regret About This Budget Is...

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'... that it once again shies away from renewing its commitment to strategic divestment,' points out A K Bhattacharya.