News for 'Ministry of Finance'

'Industry Has To Help Us'

'Industry Has To Help Us'

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

'There will be 200 ITIs developed as hubs, while 800 will be developed as spoke, connected with five National Skill Training Institutes.'

India cuts arbitration time for foreign investors in UAE pact

India cuts arbitration time for foreign investors in UAE pact

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

India has reduced the time period for foreign investors to seek international arbitration from five years to three years as part of the recently signed investment pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a departure from its model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Under the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism, if the Indian judicial system is unable to resolve a dispute within this shortened period, investors can resort to international arbitration. The investment pact, signed on February 13 in Abu Dhabi, came into force on August 31, replacing the previous pact.

Sitharaman wanted me out: ex-finance secretary Garg

Sitharaman wanted me out: ex-finance secretary Garg

Rediff.com31 Oct 2020

Subhash Chandra Garg, the former finance secretary who was shunted out of the finance ministry within three weeks of Modi-2.0 government's first budget last year, on Saturday alleged that new Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman got him transferred out.

High-level delegation of US pension funds to visit India next week

High-level delegation of US pension funds to visit India next week

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

A delegation of high-level executives from US public pension funds (non-profit and government sectors) is visiting India next week to assess and familiarise themselves with the investment opportunities in the country. These executives belong to various American states and cumulatively represent $1.8 trillion in assets under management (AUM) invested across the US and global markets. The United States (US) mission to India, which includes its embassy and consulates and the Department of Treasury, along with India's Ministry of Finance and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), is hosting the delegation.

Centre in 'mission mode' to fill job vacancies in govt depts and ministries

Centre in 'mission mode' to fill job vacancies in govt depts and ministries

Rediff.com29 Sep 2022

The Centre is in "mission mode" to fill vacancies in government departments and ministries. The Department of Expenditure is currently following up with other wings of the government to expedite pending appointments. Regular follow-ups are being made to fill the vacant positions, so that the stated target of eliminating 1 million vacancies is met by December 2023, ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections. Even as the nodal ministry for filling vacant positions in the government is the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Department of Expenditure's Establishment Coordination (Personnel) division is providing support for the recruitment drive.

How To Fix Ayushman Bharat: Experts To FM

How To Fix Ayushman Bharat: Experts To FM

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

'Patients under the scheme may ultimately have to go to private hospitals.'

Labour ministry engages with job portals over skilling ecosystem

Labour ministry engages with job portals over skilling ecosystem

Rediff.com11 Feb 2022

The labour ministry on Thursday held discussions with representatives of private job portals, including Naukri, Monster, LinkedIn, Indeed and TimesJobs. The ministry held discussions towards strengthening the 'Employment and Skilling Ecosystem' in India, an official release said. Sunil Barthwal, secretary, ministry of labour and employment held a meeting on 10th February 2022 with representatives of the top private job portals of the country, the release said.

Finmin reimposes spending curbs on ministries, depts for Q2

Finmin reimposes spending curbs on ministries, depts for Q2

Rediff.com1 Jul 2021

The finance ministry on Wednesday reimposed expenditure curbs on ministries and government departments for July-September quarter. There will be no spending restrictions on the ministries of health, rural development, agriculture, MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) and railways as part of a two-pronged strategy. "The existing guidelines for expenditure control have been reviewed. "Keeping in view the evolving situation arising out of Covid-19 and anticipated cash position of the government, it is felt essential to regulate Quarterly Expenditure Plan (QEP)/Monthly Expenditure Plan (MEP) of specific ministries/departments for July-September, 2021," the Department of Economic Affairs in the finance ministry said in a notification.

GST collection rises 10% to Rs 1.73 lakh crore in May

GST collection rises 10% to Rs 1.73 lakh crore in May

Rediff.com1 Jun 2024

The country's gross GST collections rose to Rs 1.73 lakh crore in May, growing 10 per cent year on year driven by increased revenues from domestic transactions, the finance ministry said on Saturday. GST collections had touched a record high of Rs 2.10 lakh crore last month.

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Udhayanidhi Stalin elevated as TN deputy CM, Balaji back as minister

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

Amid a growing chorus in the party for his elevation, Tamil Nadu sports minister and son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Udhayanidhi, was elevated as the deputy CM on Saturday with additional responsibility, in a cabinet reshuffle that saw the return of V Senthil Balaji to the council of ministers two days after securing bail in a money laundering case.

Modi govt creates new 'Ministry of Cooperation': Sources

Modi govt creates new 'Ministry of Cooperation': Sources

Rediff.com6 Jul 2021

This ministry will provide a separate administrative, legal and policy framework for strengthening the cooperative movement in the country, sources added.

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Everybody talks of China as the real threat, but we aren't even building a decisive capability against Pakistan, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Got fake govt e-notice? Here's what to do

Got fake govt e-notice? Here's what to do

Rediff.com14 Jul 2024

Users should be aware of "fake emails" sent in the garb of a government e-notice, said the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in a public advertisement.

Summer sowing may ease inflation: FinMin

Summer sowing may ease inflation: FinMin

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

The finance ministry expects a broad-based moderation in inflationary pressures on the back of an anticipated reduction in food prices as a result of the uptick in summer sowing. The retail inflation rate remained stubbornly clung to the 5 per cent mark in seven of the past eight months. "Core inflation is trending downwards, indicating a broad-based moderation in price pressures... Driven by strong domestic growth and benign global commodity prices, core inflation is declining continuously.

Outward foreign direct investment by Indian companies stabilises in FY24

Outward foreign direct investment by Indian companies stabilises in FY24

Rediff.com22 Apr 2024

The outward foreign direct investment (FDI) by Indian companies stabilised in 2023-24 (FY24) after witnessing a fall in 2022-23 (FY23). The actual outward FDI inched up slightly to $13.75 billion in FY24 from $13.49 billion in the previous financial year (FY23), according to finance ministry data. This stability came after a sharp fall in outward flows in FY23 from $18.52 billion in 2021-22 (FY22).

Talks underway at MCA for expansion of audit companies

Talks underway at MCA for expansion of audit companies

Rediff.com24 May 2024

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has been engaging with officials from several audit firms over the past two months to streamline the process for the expansion of audit firms in the country, according to sources familiar with the matter. These discussions have involved representatives from notable firms who have independently submitted their recommendations to the ministry.

Hero Electric, Benling barred from all EV incentive schemes

Hero Electric, Benling barred from all EV incentive schemes

Rediff.com29 May 2024

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has debarred Hero Electric and Benling India, two defaulters under its flagship Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase-II (FAME-II) scheme, from participating in any of its incentive programmes in future. This action follows the ministry's findings that the phased manufacturing programme (PMP) guidelines were violated by these two companies, senior officials told

Use or threat of use of nukes unacceptable: India, Germany on Ukraine war

Use or threat of use of nukes unacceptable: India, Germany on Ukraine war

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

The leaders also noted the "negative impacts" of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least-developed countries.

SBI focuses on JanDhan, trusts, societies to mobilise incremental deposits

SBI focuses on JanDhan, trusts, societies to mobilise incremental deposits

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

In order to boost its deposit base, State Bank of India (SBI) is focusing on various segments, including JanDhan account holders, trusts, societies, and the segment below the affluent class but above the normal account holders. According to Ashwini Tewari , managing director, SBI, the bank is focusing on three broad segments. One is wealth banking, where the bank is focusing on individuals who perhaps do not qualify for private banking but are above regular accounts and require individual attention.

Indians Dominate TIME 100 AI Titans List

Indians Dominate TIME 100 AI Titans List

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The TIME 100 AI list is an interesting assortment of titans. Indians make up about 20 per cent of the coveted list, which is pretty commendable, notes Sandeep Goyal.

FinMin rejects plea to double minimum EPS pension

FinMin rejects plea to double minimum EPS pension

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

The Union finance ministry has rejected a proposal sent by the labour ministry to double the monthly minimum pension amount to Rs 2,000 under the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS). The Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the apex decision-making body of the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), was apprised of the proposal's rejection during a meeting on Saturday. "According to the recommendations made by a highly-empowered monitoring committee constituted by the government, a proposal to increase the minimum pension under EPS from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month, by providing additional budgetary support, was sent to the ministry of finance.

New Tax Regime Could Pinch Small Savings

New Tax Regime Could Pinch Small Savings

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

>According to the latest RBI data, PPF receipts have already experienced a decline between April 2023 and February 2024. Other schemes like the Sukanya Samriddhi Account and National Savings Certificate are also witnessing reduced inflows.

Want To Open PPF Account For Your Child?

Want To Open PPF Account For Your Child?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

Long-term tax-saving FDs can also be considered after the PPF limit has been exhausted.

Uniform KYC Norms On The Cards

Uniform KYC Norms On The Cards

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

'The committee has been constituted. Different government departments and FSDC members are part of it.'

'Individuals focused on monetary gain': P T Usha hits back

'Individuals focused on monetary gain': P T Usha hits back

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

IOA president P T Usha on Sunday slammed the revolting executive council members, saying they 'seem more focused on self-serving power play and monetary gain'

2G: Pages missing from finance ministry file placed before SC

2G: Pages missing from finance ministry file placed before SC

Rediff.com29 Sep 2011

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tursday placed before the Supreme Court the finance ministry file on the issue of fixing the price of 2G spectrum in 2008, but it could not be taken on record and returned to the agency as some pages of the file were missing.

How Postmen Can Help Micro-Entrepreneurs

How Postmen Can Help Micro-Entrepreneurs

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

'The dakiyas will be our partners, receiving credit proposals from micro-enterprises at the grassroots level.'

Gold loan business is shining as regulatory scrutiny of sector grows

Gold loan business is shining as regulatory scrutiny of sector grows

Rediff.com27 May 2024

In mid-March this year, the finance ministry asked state-run banks to review their gold loan portfolio for the two-year period between January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2024. This business had grown at a fast clip. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data has it that it grew 15 per cent to Rs 1 trillion in FY24. Now, in recent times, any kind of exuberance in financial services has seen the authorities swoop down - be it pushing the lines on governance or unsecured credit.

Govt exempts non-basmati white rice from export duty

Govt exempts non-basmati white rice from export duty

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

Withdrawing a blanket ban on overseas shipments of non-basmati white rice, the government on Saturday imposed a floor price of $490 per tonne and exempted the commodity from export duty. Exports of non-basmati white rice have been banned since July 20, 2023 to boost domestic supply. "The export policy for non-basmati white rice (semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or gazed) ...is amended from prohibited to free, subject to MEP (minimum export price) of $490 per tonne with immediate effect and until further orders," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

MPS: FinMin may extend August deadline for PSBs, insurers

MPS: FinMin may extend August deadline for PSBs, insurers

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The finance ministry is in favour of extending the August deadline for public sector banks (PSBs) as well as insurance companies to increase their minimum public shareholding (MPS) to the mandated 25 per cent, said a senior government official. "The election results will determine the course of action. "Most likely, those who did not receive an extension to meet the minimum shareholding norm will be granted one," the senior government official said.

GST Council's fitment committee likely to consider dropping 12% slab

GST Council's fitment committee likely to consider dropping 12% slab

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

The fitment committee under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, comprising central and state officials, has begun a rate rationalisation exercise afresh, checking the possibility of dropping some of the rates, particularly the 12 per cent slab, to achieve a revenue-neutral structure, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter

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.

Above-normal monsoon likely to ease food prices: FinMin

Above-normal monsoon likely to ease food prices: FinMin

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

With the prediction of an above normal monsoon in 2024, the government is expecting food prices to come down, the finance ministry's monthly economic report for March has said. The report, released on Thursday, said robust foreign inflows and comfortable trade deficits were expected to keep the rupee within a comfortable range. "Further easing of food prices is on the anvil as IMD (India Meteorological Department) has predicted above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, which is likely to lead to higher production, assuming good spatial and temporal distribution of the rainfall," the monthly report, released by the Department of Economic Affairs, said.

GST collection breaches Rs 2 lakh cr-milestone

GST collection breaches Rs 2 lakh cr-milestone

Rediff.com1 May 2024

The country's gross GST collections hit a record high of Rs 2.10 lakh crore in April, growing 12.4 per cent year on year driven by a strong increase in domestic transactions and imports. GST collections breach landmark milestone of Rs 2 lakh crore, the finance ministry said in a statement.

Ajit Pawar skips visit to RSS founder's memorial

Ajit Pawar skips visit to RSS founder's memorial

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

Nationalist Congress Party leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday didn't join his cabinet colleagues Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in visiting the Nagpur-based memorial of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh founder.

PSG's Neymar transfer sparks tax scandal

PSG's Neymar transfer sparks tax scandal

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

French police search finance ministry tax offices over Neymar transfer

Ministries face cash crunch as winter session scrapped

Ministries face cash crunch as winter session scrapped

Rediff.com28 Dec 2020

The health and family welfare ministry spent 70 per cent of its allocation till October. The ministry may need additional funds for the vaccination drive which is expected to be kicked off from January.

Sitharaman to ensure 'Ease of Living' during Modi 3.0

Sitharaman to ensure 'Ease of Living' during Modi 3.0

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday assumed charge as the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister for the second consecutive term and is slated to soon present the final Budget for FY '25 that is going to set the tone for the Modi 3.0 government's priorities and direction for Viksit Bharat. Upon her reaching the North Block office, Sitharaman was greeted by Finance Secretary T V Somanathan and other top officials. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary was also present. Chaudhary assumed charge on Tuesday evening.

BSNL bags Rs 82,916 cr from Rs 1.28 lakh cr telecom budget

BSNL bags Rs 82,916 cr from Rs 1.28 lakh cr telecom budget

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Of the total proposed allocation, over Rs 1 lakh crore is meant for BSNL and MTNL-related expenses, including Rs 82,916 crore infusion in BSNL for technology upgradation and restructuring at BSNL.

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.