News for 'Ministry of Economic Development'

Budget: Time To Bet On Big Ideas

Budget: Time To Bet On Big Ideas

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

The generation of quality jobs and skill development should be the focal point, cutting across ministries and departments, asserts Nivedita Mookerji.

GST Gamed For Rs 81,875 cr, Finds Report

GST Gamed For Rs 81,875 cr, Finds Report

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

The highest-ever goods and services tax (GST) evasion has been done by the online money gaming industry.

Defence gets Rs 6.21 lakh cr, 4.79% hike from previous allocation

Defence gets Rs 6.21 lakh cr, 4.79% hike from previous allocation

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The total allocation to the defence sector is 12.9 per cent of the total budget of the government of India for the financial year 2024-25.

Diplomatic Expulsions: Games Nations Play

Diplomatic Expulsions: Games Nations Play

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

India and Canada have mutually beneficial political and economic linkages. The two countries should get together and find a solution. The expulsion war should, in the meantime, be a guarantee against any deterioration of the situation, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, the first Indian head of mission to be ever expelled by any country.

World Bank president nominee Ajay Banga tests Covid positive; India meetings cancelled

World Bank president nominee Ajay Banga tests Covid positive; India meetings cancelled

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

US nominee for World Bank president, Ajay Banga, has tested positive for COVID-19 following which the meetings scheduled during his two-day visit to India have been cancelled. According to a Finance Ministry statement, Banga's meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman would not happen as he is in quarantine. "During routine testing, Ajay Banga tested positive for COVID-19 but remains asymptomatic.

Reeling under high prices? Finance ministry says it's downside to growth

Reeling under high prices? Finance ministry says it's downside to growth

Rediff.com6 Mar 2021

'While intensification of fuel prices and broad-based domestic cost pass-through pressures is a downside risk, core inflation is expected to strengthen further as demand recovers to pre-Covid levels,' the ministry said on Friday.

'God Save Insurance Industry'

'God Save Insurance Industry'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

'Some of the astounding proposals, if translated into statutory provisions, would be suicidal.' 'This would not be a wonder cure for increasing insurance penetration and only result in mushrooming growth of players like paan kiosks with deleterious consequences.'

Aid for Maldives cut, Bhutan gets largest share from MEA pie

Aid for Maldives cut, Bhutan gets largest share from MEA pie

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

In line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the largest share of aid portfolio has been granted to Bhutan with the allocation of Rs 2,068 crore.

Modi meets Meloni in Italy, here's what they discussed

Modi meets Meloni in Italy, here's what they discussed

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Bari during which they discussed defence and security cooperation and hoped for further enhancing the defence industrial collaboration.

Development is the solution to all problems: PM in Varanasi

Development is the solution to all problems: PM in Varanasi

Rediff.com22 Sep 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lashed out at previous governments, saying they seemed to hate development and "looted" public money to win elections.

Law To Govern AI Coming Soon!

Law To Govern AI Coming Soon!

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

'The focus of the legislation will be to minimise user harm and increase the accountability of platforms, while also promoting innovation.'

India's water crisis detrimental to credit health, warns Moody's

India's water crisis detrimental to credit health, warns Moody's

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

Moody's Ratings on Tuesday said India's growing water shortage can disrupt farm and industry sectors and is detrimental to the credit health of the sovereign as rising food inflation and decline in income may spark social unrest. It said decreases in water supply can disrupt agricultural production and industrial operations, resulting in inflation in food prices and hence can be detrimental to credit health of sectors that heavily consume water, such as coal power generators and steel-makers.

Govt to set up e-comm hubs to promote exports

Govt to set up e-comm hubs to promote exports

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday announced setting up of hubs to promote exports through e-commerce medium in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode and initially 10-15 hubs will be established. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that these hubs, under a seamless regulatory and logistic framework, will facilitate trade and export-related services under one roof. "To enable MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and traditional artisans to sell their products in international markets, e-commerce export hubs will be set up in PPP mode," she said.

Modi brainstorms over 'Viksit Bharat 2047' in last meet with ministers

Modi brainstorms over 'Viksit Bharat 2047' in last meet with ministers

Rediff.com3 Mar 2024

Sources said a 100-day agenda for immediate steps to be taken after a new government is formed in May was deliberated upon during the meeting for its quick implementation.

India set to launch first-ever offshore mineral auction in Q1 FY24

India set to launch first-ever offshore mineral auction in Q1 FY24

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

In a step towards diversifying its resource base and securing green energy minerals, India is poised to launch its first-ever offshore mineral auction in the first quarter of 2024, announced Union Minister of Mines Pralhad Joshi during the launch event of the National Geoscience Data Repository portal. The government plans to hold auctions in March, offering 10-15 blocks for bidding. Meanwhile, the ministry of mines is currently developing rules and regulations for offshore mining.

BJP Manifesto To Feature Bullet Trains

BJP Manifesto To Feature Bullet Trains

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

A source in the know said realistically two-three of the seven bullet train corridors could be included as a practical election promise.

Govt constitutes GoM to roll out J-K development plans

Govt constitutes GoM to roll out J-K development plans

Rediff.com28 Aug 2019

The GoM will suggest various development, economic and social steps to be taken for the two UTs which will come into existence on October 31, sources said.

'Budget Is Not Serious About Jobs'

'Budget Is Not Serious About Jobs'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

'They think quick fixes like internship in the private sector will help. 'In fact, internships have been going on for the last one decade.' 'In 2014-2015 itself, we had a ministry of skill development. None of the programmes have yielded results, still they are continuing with such schemes under some other name.' 'We don't see any seriousness on the part of the government to attack the problem of unemployment.'

China: 'India Must Not Accept Ceding Of Patrolling Rights'

China: 'India Must Not Accept Ceding Of Patrolling Rights'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

'Disengagement is merely the first step in a lengthy process of arriving at a new normal along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and the entire land boundary.' 'The Indian government should insist on the restoration of the status quo ante in Eastern Ladakh.'

Maldives to get 'non-lethal' arms, training from China

Maldives to get 'non-lethal' arms, training from China

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

The Maldives will get free 'non-lethal' military equipment and training from China's military under a newly inked agreement with Beijing, President Mohamed Muizzu has said, underlining that it would further strengthen the Indian Ocean island nation's independence and autonomy.

'Middlemen' part of Shinde's Davos delegation: Aaditya

'Middlemen' part of Shinde's Davos delegation: Aaditya

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

Former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday claimed nearly '50 people', including 'some middlemen' and personal assistants, will be part of the delegation that will travel with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the World Economic Forum (WEF) gathering in Davos, Switzerland.

'Consequence of...': India reacts to violent protests in PoK

'Consequence of...': India reacts to violent protests in PoK

Rediff.com17 May 2024

Two days ago, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was, is and will always be part of India.

G20's Delhi declaration sent a 'positive signal': China

G20's Delhi declaration sent a 'positive signal': China

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

India on Saturday pulled off a big diplomatic win after the G20 summit held under its presidency adopted a consensus declaration overcoming major differences on the Russia-Ukraine war, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for ending the "global trust deficit".

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

The report highlights that India's population in 2036 is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2011 population, as reflected in the sex ratio which is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, highlighting a positive trend in gender equality.

A tool used...: China blows hot and cold over Quad summit

A tool used...: China blows hot and cold over Quad summit

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Ever since the Quad started taking shape in 2007, China has been saying that the four-member grouping will be bound to fail. But much to the chagrin of Beijing, it picked up pace in the recent years emerging as a premier strategic group especially challenging China's assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.

Stimulus package for economic revival 'inadequate': Par panel

Stimulus package for economic revival 'inadequate': Par panel

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

The stimulus package announced by the government for the revival of the pandemic-hit economy has been found to be "inadequate", according to a Parliamentary panel report. The report of the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has noted that in the process of economic recovery post-first wave of the pandemic, the second wave has even more vigorously ripped the economy particularly the MSME sector. "The committee observes that the stimulus package announced by the government for the economic revival from the pandemic hit economy has been found to be inadequate as the measures adopted were more of loan offering and long-term measures instead of improving the cash flow to generate demand as immediate relief," it said.

Why Talks With Naga Groups Have Stalled

Why Talks With Naga Groups Have Stalled

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

'People's expectations were very high.' 'We felt both sides had understood each other.' 'But the removal of Article 370 triggered apprehensions within the Naga people.'

New co-operation ministry gets Rs 900 cr Budget allocation

New co-operation ministry gets Rs 900 cr Budget allocation

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

The government on Tuesday announced Rs 900-crore allocation in the Budget for the newly set up Ministry of Cooperation for the 2022-23 fiscal, besides slashing Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) on cooperative societies to 15 per cent and surcharge to 7 per cent, which nodal minister Amit Shah hailed saying it will boost the sector. Of the total allocation for the next fiscal, a significant amount of Rs 350 crore has been provided for digitisation of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACs), while Rs 274 crore for an umbrella scheme 'Prosperity through Cooperatives' which would have a number of sub-components with the aim of all-round development of cooperatives in the country. For the first time, a separate budget of Rs 11 crore has been provided to Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICON).

ED to quiz J'khand minister Alamgir Alam after Rs 37-cr cash seizure

ED to quiz J'khand minister Alamgir Alam after Rs 37-cr cash seizure

Rediff.com12 May 2024

Alamgir Alam had distanced himself from the activities of Lal while speaking to reporters after the ED raids, pointing out that he had earlier served with other ministers of the state government too.

Amid row, Maldives seeks info on Indian coast guard's activity

Amid row, Maldives seeks info on Indian coast guard's activity

Rediff.com3 Feb 2024

On January 31, the Indian Army intercepted a Maldivian fishing boat engaged in fishing activities within the Maldives' Special Economic Zone (EEZ), located 72 nautical miles northeast of Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, the Maldives' defence ministry claimed in a statement on Friday.

Global economic uncertainties may cast shadow on India's exports in 2023

Global economic uncertainties may cast shadow on India's exports in 2023

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

India's exports may have touched an all-time high of $422 billion in 2021-22 but recession in key western markets and geo-political crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine war are expected to impact the growth of the country's outbound shipments in 2023. All the global trade promoting factors like political stability, movement of goods, adequate availability of containers and shipping lines, demand, stable currency and smooth banking systems are in disarray. Adding to the woes, COVID cases have again started rising in countries like China, Japan, South Korea and the US.

AFSPA may become obsolete in J-K's future: Rajnath Singh

AFSPA may become obsolete in J-K's future: Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com5 May 2024

The defence minister, however, said the matter is under the domain of the Union home ministry and it will take appropriate decisions.

Modi 3.0: Focus Shifts To Governance

Modi 3.0: Focus Shifts To Governance

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

'It would be reasonable to assume that Modi 3.0 would be more focused on projects and schemes which do not require any legislative change or which have the support of its coalition partners,' asserts A K Bhattacharya.

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Over 7,200 Indian students return home post Bangladesh unrest: Govt

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The high commission of India in Dhaka and the assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting in the voluntary return of Indian nationals, he said.

Does India need a Ministry of AI?

Does India need a Ministry of AI?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2018

Without our realisation, basic AI is already managing our personal and work lives through emails, work processes and even entertainment

Major changes in finance ministry after Budget

Major changes in finance ministry after Budget

Rediff.com10 Jan 2017

Three key babus will make room for a new set of officers to carry the baton of Budget programmes.

China 'welcomes' India-Europe corridor so long as it doesn't...

China 'welcomes' India-Europe corridor so long as it doesn't...

Rediff.com11 Sep 2023

China welcomes all initiatives that truly help developing countries build infrastructure and sincere efforts to promote connectivity and common development, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

As the United States focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its 'downward trend of democratic values and institutions', said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

How India Won Back Maldives's Trust

How India Won Back Maldives's Trust

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

The avoidable stresses and strains in ties helped in one way. It showed for the entire region how a matured India handled diplomatic relations, especially with a smaller and suspicious neighbour, with practised dignity and patience, unruffled by provocations in word, deed and action, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

How Much Did Govt Spend On Minorities?

How Much Did Govt Spend On Minorities?

Rediff.com4 Apr 2023

The ministry of minority affairs informed the Lok Sabha that in 2022-2023, it had been allotted Rs 5,020.5 crore (Rs 50.20 billion); in the Revised Estimates, it had got Rs 2,612.66 crore (Rs 26.12 billion); and had spent, until the end of March this year, Rs 712.5 crore (Rs 7,12 billion).