News for 'Lower House'

New Tax Regime Turns More Attractive

New Tax Regime Turns More Attractive

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The old tax regime remains unchanged. 'Taxpayers opting for it will continue to follow the existing slab rates and deductions.'

Winter Session: Opposition presses for debate on Adani

Winter Session: Opposition presses for debate on Adani

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The opposition on Sunday asked the Centre to allow discussions in the Parliament on the United States prosecutors' bribery charges against the Adani Group even as Union minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that the matters to be taken up in the two Houses will be decided by their authorised committees with the consent of the respective Chair.

Short-Duration Funds: Should You Invest?

Short-Duration Funds: Should You Invest?

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'They are ideal for short-term financial goals like children's education or a down payment for a house.' 'They are also useful for transitional savings, such as during job switches or while starting a business.'

India saw simultaneous elections 4 times: A timeline

India saw simultaneous elections 4 times: A timeline

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

In 2019, an all-party meeting was held in Delhi and it was attended by 19 political parties to discuss critical reforms in governance. One of the subjects of the discussions was simultaneous elections

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.

Suspected GBS toll rises to 6 in Pune after 63-year-old man's death

Suspected GBS toll rises to 6 in Pune after 63-year-old man's death

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The number of suspected Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS) deaths in Pune district, Maharashtra, has reached six after a 63-year-old man died. The outbreak has been linked to water contamination caused by campylobacter jejuni, a common bacterial pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and can trigger GBS. The number of suspected GBS cases has risen to 173, with 140 diagnosed with GBS. 34 patients are in Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 87 from newly added villages in PMC area, 22 from Pimpri Chinchwad civic limits, 22 from rural parts of the district, and eight from other districts. Of the 173, a total of 72 have been discharged, 55 are in ICU and 21 are on ventilator support.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Shadow bank risks persist despite RBI relief

Shadow bank risks persist despite RBI relief

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Towards the end of February, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) restored the risk weighting on banks loans to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs; including to microfinance institutions, or MFIs) to 100 - back to its November 2023 position - from 125. It is only a partial relief though. "Higher risk weighting on unsecured lending continues to be in place while the same on bank funding to NBFCs has been done away with. "This is a positive step by RBI," says Rajiv Sabharwal, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), Tata Capital.

Planning To Buy A House? Read This

Planning To Buy A House? Read This

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

'Some buyers believe prices may correct in the future.' 'This is unlikely. Many developers are increasing prices amid strong sales and inflationary trends.'

Delhi: BJP has 16 MLAs with criminal cases, AAP 15

Delhi: BJP has 16 MLAs with criminal cases, AAP 15

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Thirty-one of the 70 candidates elected to the eighth Delhi Assembly have declared criminal cases against their names, according to poll rights body ADR. The figure is lower than the 43 MLAs in the seventh assembly who had declared criminal cases. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Delhi Election Watch, which analysed the affidavits submitted by all 699 candidates who contested the assembly elections, said the number of winning candidates with serious criminal cases remained a concern. The analysis found that 17 newly-elected candidates were facing serious criminal cases, including those related to attempted murder and crimes against women. The analysis also highlighted the growth in assets of re-elected MLAs. The 22 candidates re-elected to the House saw their average assets rise 25 per cent from Rs 7.04 crore in 2020 to Rs 8.83 crore in 2025.

Speaker's remarks on Emergency trigger massive Opposition protests

Speaker's remarks on Emergency trigger massive Opposition protests

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday read out a resolution condemning the imposition of Emergency and termed the decision by then prime minister Indira Gandhi an attack on the Constitution, triggering a wave of protests by the opposition in the House.

Housing sales in Apr-Jun rise 5% in top 7 cities; down 8% from Q1: Anarock

Housing sales in Apr-Jun rise 5% in top 7 cities; down 8% from Q1: Anarock

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Housing sales in seven major cities rose 5 per cent annually to about 1.2 lakh units during the April-June period, while demand fell 8 per cent from the preceding quarter on surge in prices, according to Anarock. Real estate consultant Anarock, which is one of the leading housing brokerage firm, on Thursday released the data of housing market for the current April-June quarter. In April-June 2024, housing sales across seven major cities are estimated at 120,340 units, up 5 per cent from 115,090 units in the year-ago period.

'Post acquisition funding cost will come down'

'Post acquisition funding cost will come down'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

'Earlier, our cost of funds was higher than most in the peer group.'

NDA open to having Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha: Sources

NDA open to having Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha: Sources

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is open to the idea of having a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha, sources said on Thursday, stressing that a call on the matter will be taken later.

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Subramanyam's mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport, watched her son being sworn-in on the Bhagavad Gita.

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

How To Avoid Back Pain While Riding Your Bike

How To Avoid Back Pain While Riding Your Bike

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Riding a bike daily for long distances can put stress on your back so maintaining proper posture is essential, says rediffGURU Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan.

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'It was a disaster on his part to give an oral remark which allowed ascertainment of the religious character of places of worship.' 'This disrupted the social harmony of the country.'

Stage set for MVA vs Mahayuti as Maha to vote tomorrow

Stage set for MVA vs Mahayuti as Maha to vote tomorrow

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are taking place today, with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance seeking to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) hoping for a comeback. The campaign saw prominent leaders like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra crisscrossing the state to garner votes. The Mahayuti is banking on popular schemes while the MVA focuses on issues like caste-based census and social justice. The elections have also seen a significant rise in the number of candidates and voters.

Maha reports 1st suspected GBS death, number of cases rises to 110

Maha reports 1st suspected GBS death, number of cases rises to 110

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

A man suspected to have contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has died in Maharashtra's Solapur district, while the number of cases of the immunological nerve disorder in Pune rose to 110, health officials said on Monday.

Most brokerages lift targets for UltraTech Cement

Most brokerages lift targets for UltraTech Cement

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Although UltraTech Cement's results for the December quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY25) were not an improvement compared to Q3FY24, the company managed to surpass Street expectations. The company's profit attributable to the owners of the parent dropped 17.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 1,469.5 crore in Q3FY25 as against Rs 1,777 crore in Q3FY24.

'Investments Of Over Rs 4 Trillion To Create 100,000 Jobs'

'Investments Of Over Rs 4 Trillion To Create 100,000 Jobs'

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

'The size of the investments is important, but equally crucial is the number of jobs that these proposals create.'

16 out of 31 MPs on Waqf bill JPC are from NDA

16 out of 31 MPs on Waqf bill JPC are from NDA

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to name the committee's chairperson soon.

Trump Tariffs: How Must India Respond?

Trump Tariffs: How Must India Respond?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

India should convert the Trump threat to an India opportunity, re-embracing a more liberal trade regime as a way of reviving manufacturing output and exports.

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Banking on the Budget's tax relief, the BJP seeks to energise Delhi's middle class; the AAP is doing its bit too. But will their outreach mobilise this politically crucial yet disengaged electorate?

'We Want Justice, Not Money'

'We Want Justice, Not Money'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

'Sanjay Roy is not alone.' 'If he's kept alive, maybe we will know what happened.' 'Why was he in the chest medicine department that night when he never went there earlier?' 'Nobody will parade in front of a CCTV camera and then go and murder someone.' 'There are several people who are involved in this heinous crime. They have to be identified and punished.'

Parl protest melee: Cong claims Kharge pushed, Rahul manhandled

Parl protest melee: Cong claims Kharge pushed, Rahul manhandled

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

The Congress said BJP MPs had sticks in their hands and Kharge was threatened and pushed.

Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Bite Into Apple's India Growth Plans

Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Bite Into Apple's India Growth Plans

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Apple's ambitious strategy to expand iPhone exports, shift more production from China to India at a faster pace, and grow its domestic market hits a Trump-sized roadblock.

New Tax Rates: Who Saves How Much

New Tax Rates: Who Saves How Much

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Curious? Find out how much you will save...

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'Brazil, China, Colombia and India each had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstaying student/exchange visas, with India having the highest number (7,000).'

Budget sets a comprehensive blueprint for India's economic growth

Budget sets a comprehensive blueprint for India's economic growth

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has presented a forward-looking Budget, reinforcing the government's commitment to 'Reform, Perform, and Transform'.

Working hours to increase from 70 or 90 hrs per week? Govt says...

Working hours to increase from 70 or 90 hrs per week? Govt says...

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The take by the Economic Survey 2024-25 on work hour week had come weeks after Larsen & Toubro Ltd Chairman and Managing Director SN Subrahmanyan sparked off a raging debate on social media when he said employees should work 90-hour a week, including on Sundays rather than sit at home.

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

'Can I Sell Shares To Pay Home Loan And Avoid Tax?'

'Can I Sell Shares To Pay Home Loan And Avoid Tax?'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Do you have financial planning or income tax queries? Ask rediffGURU Anil Rego.

Maha's GBS toll rises to 4, case tally at 140; T'gana reports 1st case

Maha's GBS toll rises to 4, case tally at 140; T'gana reports 1st case

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

A 36-year-old man diagnosed with Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder, died in a civic-run hospital in Pune, taking the number of suspected GBS fatalities to three in Maharashtra. The patient, a driver with a cab service, was admitted to the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH) in Pimpri Chinchwad on January 21. An expert committee at YCMH concluded that the cause of death was trauma to the respiratory system due to pneumonia, leading to severe difficulty in breathing. The committee also noted that the patient had been diagnosed with GBS, with a nerve conduction test done on January 22. The immediate cause of death was identified as severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). With the latest loss of life, the number of suspected GBS deaths in Maharashtra has reached three. According to health officials, the suspected cases of the rare nerve disorder have risen to 130 in the state. Most of the cases in the state are from Pune and surrounding areas, and these infections, including the latest case, are likely linked to contaminated water sources. Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria found in contaminated food and water, is believed to be the reason for the outbreak.

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Bank credit growth is expected to moderate this financial year after a robust 16 per cent estimated for last financial year, driven by strong economic activity and retail credit demand. There are three reasons for this: a statistical high-base effect given the strong growth seen last financial year, revision in risk weights by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and relatively slower economic activity.

Trump backs 'great' H-1B visa programme amid opposition

Trump backs 'great' H-1B visa programme amid opposition

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

In a major shift from his earlier stance, United States-President elect Donald Trump has expressed his support for the H-1B visa programme and acknowledged frequently using it for his own properties, calling it a 'great programme', according to a report by New York Post.

Strong growth prospects for the affordable housing finance sector

Strong growth prospects for the affordable housing finance sector

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

The affordable housing segment may be seeing an uptick which is a good sign of consumption momentum. This is the biggest-ticket purchase for middle income and lower income families. The current activity is at least partly driven by a pause in interest rate hikes.

Reliance Q3 net rises 7.4% on rebound in retail, higher telecom earnings

Reliance Q3 net rises 7.4% on rebound in retail, higher telecom earnings

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Reliance Industries Ltd on Thursday reported a 7.4 per cent rise in its December quarter net profit, as its retail business rebounded and telecom earnings rose. Its consolidated net profit of Rs 18,540 crore, or Rs 13.70 per share, in October-December - the third quarter of April 2024 to March 2025 fiscal (FY25) - compared to Rs 17,265 crore, or Rs 12.76 a share, in the same period a year back, according to a stock exchange filing by the company.

'We Are Always Watchful. We Will Be Nimble'

'We Are Always Watchful. We Will Be Nimble'

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

'We will be very, very proactive in providing whatever liquidity requirements are needed.'