News for 'Industries and Investment Departments'

'Multi-task, adapt to changing world of work'

'Multi-task, adapt to changing world of work'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2020

'Young professionals should be open for jobs in adjacent industries, pick up a contract job to have an opening balance, develop skills in the job in hand, invest in learning and develop cognitive skills and capacities.' 'Spend as per the need only.'

UK agrees to support India's defence manufacturing

UK agrees to support India's defence manufacturing

Rediff.com23 Apr 2022

After his wide-ranging talks with Modi on the second and final day of his India visit, Johnson said the new defence and security partnership will enable India to strengthen its domestic defence industry as well as help the two countries protect vital shared interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Deepak Kochhar's assets may come under I-T lens

Deepak Kochhar's assets may come under I-T lens

Rediff.com12 Mar 2019

In April last year, tax authorities had questioned Deepak Kochhar over a Rs 405-crore investment by Accion Diversified Strategies Fund through its Mauritius subsidiary, DH Renewables Holding

Sunil Arora takes over as CEC, rolls out plans for Lok Sabha polls

Sunil Arora takes over as CEC, rolls out plans for Lok Sabha polls

Rediff.com2 Dec 2018

"For the Lok Sabha elections, we are making meticulous planning on all fronts including electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT)," he said.

Govt to press ahead with PSU stake sale: Sitharaman

Govt to press ahead with PSU stake sale: Sitharaman

Rediff.com17 Dec 2020

The government will press ahead with the sale of public sector companies that have been approved by the Cabinet, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday. Highlighting that FDI flow into India is much higher compared to other emerging economies, she said India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals, ability to do reforms and a stable government help attract long-term foreign funds into Indian businesses.

FDI from Cayman Islands to India jumps three-fold

FDI from Cayman Islands to India jumps three-fold

Rediff.com9 Jun 2020

Similarly, FDI from Cyprus too increased by about three-times to $879 million in the last financial year from $296 million in 2018-19.

FDI norms may be eased to attract bidders for Air India

FDI norms may be eased to attract bidders for Air India

Rediff.com28 Oct 2019

In the aviation sector, 100 per cent FDI is allowed under automatic route for MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul), ground handling, and aircraft purchase.

The bizarre tale of Cairn retro tax

The bizarre tale of Cairn retro tax

Rediff.com6 Mar 2022

The levy of retrospective tax on the UK's Cairn Energy Plc is a tale of bizarre twists and turns that saw its attached shares being sold in May 2018 amid the passing of the baton from a full-time finance minister to interim one and the talks at the highest level to resolve the dispute, to claims that levy of back taxes was a result of an investigation into Panama Papers leak. The government late last month refunded about Rs 7,900 crore it had collected from selling residual shares of the British firm in its erstwhile India unit, seizing dividend and withholding tax refunds, to settle an eight-year-old dispute that had tarred the country's reputation as an investment destination. But, this did not come about easily. For seven years, the establishment vehemently justified in courts and outside seeking of Rs 10,247 crore in back taxes plus interest and penalty from a firm that gave India its biggest onshore oil discovery.

Modi sees India's manufacturing output to grow by $520 bn in 5 yrs

Modi sees India's manufacturing output to grow by $520 bn in 5 yrs

Rediff.com5 Mar 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said production linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which is aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and exports, is expected to increase the country's production by $520 billion in the next five years. Addressing a webinar on PLI scheme, organised by Department of Industry and International Trade (DPIIT) and NITI Aayog, through video conference, Modi said the government is continuously carrying out reforms to boost domestic manufacturing. In this year's Budget, about Rs 2 lakh crore was earmarked for the PLI scheme for the next five years and "there is an expectation that the scheme would result in increasing the production by about $520 billion in the next five years", he said. He added that there is also an expectation that the current workforce in the sectors, which will avail the benefits of the PLI scheme, will be doubled and job creation will also increase.

In 1st major reshuffle, Yogi moves out close aides of Akhilesh

In 1st major reshuffle, Yogi moves out close aides of Akhilesh

Rediff.com12 Apr 2017

The Yogi Adityanath government on Wednesday transferred 20 senior IAS officers, shunting out Principal Secretary-Information Navneet Sehgal and others who wielded considerable influence under the Akhilesh Yadav dispensation.

Will go for 'Made in India' even if it takes more time: IAF Chief

Will go for 'Made in India' even if it takes more time: IAF Chief

Rediff.com30 May 2022

Notably, the IAF recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the IIT-Madras to develop indigenous solutions to maintain various weapon systems.

Govt approves easier Angel Tax exemption process for start-ups

Govt approves easier Angel Tax exemption process for start-ups

Rediff.com16 Jan 2019

To seek tax exemption, a start-up will now have to apply, with all the documents, to the DIPP instead of the inter-ministerial board of certification. The earlier requirement of start-up to submit report from merchant banker specifying the fair market value of shares has also been removed.

Why India's airlines are plagued by glitches

Why India's airlines are plagued by glitches

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

The recent spate of technical glitches in aircraft has prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue an order on July 18, making aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) with category B1/B2 licences the final authorities in certifying planes. This has put the spotlight on the availability of such personnel. According to the order, airlines were resorting to frequent one-off authorisation by the Category A certifying staff at transit stations, which is not in line with existing regulatory provisions.

'Does the UP chief minister even know what thermodynamics is?'

'Does the UP chief minister even know what thermodynamics is?'

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

'By calling names and using unparliamentary language, they are trying to divert people's attention from the issues of electricity, water, and income.'

Why e-commerce policy may not take shape this year

Why e-commerce policy may not take shape this year

Rediff.com26 Sep 2018

The final policy may be out only after formation of the new government, according to sources

Investing lessons from 'professional opportunist' Sam Zell

Investing lessons from 'professional opportunist' Sam Zell

Rediff.com10 Aug 2015

Meet Sam Zell or the 'Grave Dancer' who made billions using his business acumen.

Govt revises FDI norms to shield firms from takeover

Govt revises FDI norms to shield firms from takeover

Rediff.com18 Apr 2020

The government on Saturday made its prior approval mandatory for foreign investments from countries that share land border with India to curb 'opportunistic takeovers' of domestic firms following the COVID-19 pandemic, a move which will restrict Foreign Direct Investment from China.

Tatas are committed to make Air India a world-class airline: Chandra

Tatas are committed to make Air India a world-class airline: Chandra

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

"The strategic divestment transaction of Air India successfully concluded today with transfer of 100 per cent shares of Air India to M/s Talace Pvt Ltd along with management control," DIPAM secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said in a tweet. A new board, led by the strategic partner, takes charge of Air India, he added.

'China is investing in Modi's ego'

'China is investing in Modi's ego'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2014

'The Modi-Xi and Modi-Obama meetings, with an interval of just 12 days, are juxtaposed superbly at a crucial point in the prime minister's life. Can Modi carve out a win-win situation with the superpower and the emerging superpower at the same time?'

Reliance to conclude Aramco deal this year: Ambani

Reliance to conclude Aramco deal this year: Ambani

Rediff.com24 Jun 2021

Saudi Aramco chairman and head of the Kingdom's cash-rich wealth fund PIF Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan will join the board of Reliance Industries Ltd as an independent director in a precursor to a $15 billion deal. Reliance chairman and Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani, who had two years back disclosed the talks to sell a 20 per cent stake in the company's oil-to-chemical unit to Saudi Aramco, announced the appointment of Al-Rumayyan at the company's annual meeting of shareholders. Harvard educated Al-Rumayyan, 51, will replace Yogendra P Trivedi, 92, who has expressed a desire to retire, Ambani said. On the sale of a 20 per cent stake in the O2C business, he said the deal is likely to conclude this year.

What Went Wrong at Axis Mutual Fund

What Went Wrong at Axis Mutual Fund

Rediff.com24 May 2022

Following the money and freezing anything unaccounted is the only way to set an example for others, suggests Debashis Basu.

What US companies want from India: Stable policy

What US companies want from India: Stable policy

Rediff.com27 Jun 2020

Embargo on imports from a neighbouring country would send a chilling signal to foreign investors who look for transparency and companies with manufacturing units in India had requested the government to publish any change in port policy "to provide the business community with the visibility they need to function", says United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

KochharGate: A Litmus Test For CBI

KochharGate: A Litmus Test For CBI

Rediff.com9 Jan 2023

In Chanda's defence, one can always say, why would the Videocon Group take care of her husband as a quid pro quo to get a loan? After all, the group has taken money from the entire banking industry and ICICI Bank's share in the pie is not even 10 per cent. So, if it had a quid pro quo with Chanda to get the money, it must have had similar arrangements with other banks, too. If this is not the case, one must accept that it had got money from all banks, including ICICI, without any under-the-table conditions, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Realty goldmine or citizen minefield, Dharavi makeover gets wiggle room

Realty goldmine or citizen minefield, Dharavi makeover gets wiggle room

Rediff.com10 Oct 2022

Shankar Prajapati, a 57-year-old potter in Dharavi, has given up hope of getting a bigger house for his family. He lives cheek by jowl in a hutment measuring 200 square (sq.) feet (ft) in the nondescript shanty town. "We have surrendered to our fate. We cannot wait forever for better accommodation. "Perhaps we are not meant to dream big," despairs Prajapati. Raju Korde, president, Dharavi Redevelopment Committee, and a local resident, agrees with Prajapati.

Why Vodafone Idea has failed to raise fresh funds

Why Vodafone Idea has failed to raise fresh funds

Rediff.com12 Jul 2021

Vodafone-Idea (Vi) has said the key hurdle it faces in raising fresh funding, despite interest from investors, is the 'pricing situation' which is also the reason why it has asked the Department of Telecommunica-tions (DoT) for another extension of the moratorium on payment of spectrum instalment by one more year. Responding to a question during an analysts' call on Friday after its quarterly results on the reason for the delay in fund-raising nine months after it was announced, CEO & MD Ravinder Takkar said: "We are in discussions with investors. There is continued interest in investing in the telecom sector in the country. "The biggest hurdle is that the overall industry is under stress because of the pricing situation." He said that once tariffs go up, it will create a significant amount of confidence.

Tatas to retain all Air India employees for at least 1 yr

Tatas to retain all Air India employees for at least 1 yr

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

The new owners of Air India will have to retain all the employees of the national carrier for at least one year post which they can offer a VRS. The gratuity, pension fund and post retirement medical benefits of existing and past employees too would be honoured by the new owner, civil aviation secretary Rajiv Bansal said. Tata Sons has emerged as the winning bidder for Air India with the government accepting its Rs 18,000 crore offer to acquire 100 per cent of the debt-laden state-run carrier.

'I Will Remove Corruption From Goa'

'I Will Remove Corruption From Goa'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2022

'If you weed out corruption, you will bring glory to Goa.'

Govt approves revised DTH guidelines; to issue 20 year licence

Govt approves revised DTH guidelines; to issue 20 year licence

Rediff.com23 Dec 2020

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved revision in guidelines for providing direct to home (DTH) services in the country under which licenses would be issued for 20 years, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said. The Union Cabinet has also approved 100 per cent FDI in the DTH broadcasting services sector, Javadekar said, adding that while the commerce ministry had spoken of 100 per cent FDI in the DTH sector, the guidelines of the information and broadcasting ministry needed to be changed.

Lockdowns cost insurers Rs 45,000 crore in premiums

Lockdowns cost insurers Rs 45,000 crore in premiums

Rediff.com17 Sep 2020

However, the number of renewals has grown by only 0.4 per cent, which means only high value and ticket size renewals are coming.

Cabinet okays 9 telecom reforms: 100% FDI, 4-year stay on dues and more

Cabinet okays 9 telecom reforms: 100% FDI, 4-year stay on dues and more

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

In big bang reforms, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a relief package for the telecom sector that includes a four-year moratorium on payment of statutory dues by telecom companies as well as allowing 100 per cent foreign investment through the automatic route. Briefing reporters on the decisions taken by the Cabinet, Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said nine structural reforms for the telecom sector were approved. The definition of AGR, which had been a major reason for the stress in the sector, has been rationalised by excluding non-telecom revenue of telecom companies.

Audit norms: RBI, govt not on same page

Audit norms: RBI, govt not on same page

Rediff.com8 Jun 2021

North Block is concerned that when India is trying to attract more investment, putting up restrictions on audit firms could create an avoidable bad advertisement.

Govt looks to sell shares of RIL held through SUUTI

Govt looks to sell shares of RIL held through SUUTI

Rediff.com6 Sep 2021

The government is looking to sell shares of Reliance Industries (RIL) held through Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India (SUUTI) and is soon going to appoint an intermediary to manage it. The plan is to sell about 8 lakh shares of RIL that will help the government garner around Rs 180 crore. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) will appoint an intermediary that will act as a custodian of these shares. The intermediary, based on its market analysis, will offload these shares at the best price, said an official. A final approval on the proposal is expected soon.

Indians flocking to bitcoin after Elon Musk's backing

Indians flocking to bitcoin after Elon Musk's backing

Rediff.com17 Feb 2021

Bitcoin has been on fire ever since Musk announced that Tesla had bought $1.5 billion of the cryptocurrency, and that his electric-vehicle company would accept bitcoin from buyers.

The chinks in India's arbitration laws

The chinks in India's arbitration laws

Rediff.com22 Oct 2020

Treaty

Maharashtra govt unhappy over ease of doing business ranking

Maharashtra govt unhappy over ease of doing business ranking

Rediff.com16 Sep 2015

The govt plans to seek Centre's help for a re-assessment by the World Bank.

Draft ecommerce policy to ensure goods sold online meet standards

Draft ecommerce policy to ensure goods sold online meet standards

Rediff.com15 Mar 2021

Conformity assessment procedures will be put in place to verify that goods and services sold on e-commerce platforms meet required standards and technical regulations, according to the draft e-commerce policy. The policy, which is under discussion, also stated that actions and things which cannot be done by the online platform entities "can also not be done" by any of its associates and related parties. Government may, from time to time, notify parties which fall in the definition of associates and related parties, it said.

Guidelines for ITES sector eased, new norms to facilitate WFH

Guidelines for ITES sector eased, new norms to facilitate WFH

Rediff.com5 Nov 2020

The new rules are aimed at providing a strong impetus to the industry and positioning India as one of the most competitive IT jurisdictions in the world.

Budget has a vaccine for banking's virus

Budget has a vaccine for banking's virus

Rediff.com17 Feb 2021

Of the three major Budget announcements related to the banking sector, privatisation of PSBs is the most audacious, says Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Mobile operators rush to rework equipment sourcing pacts

Mobile operators rush to rework equipment sourcing pacts

Rediff.com14 Apr 2021

While the government has not barred procurement of equipment from Chinese companies, the process to amend the general financial rules (GFR) 2017 has started. This will impose restrictions on bidders in public procurement from countries that share a land border with India, reports Megha Manchanda.

Start-up investors may be exempt from 'angel tax'

Start-up investors may be exempt from 'angel tax'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2018

But, majority might be left out, as only those investing in entities recognised by the government could qualify