News for 'Ministry of Finance'

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

RBI stresses on need to mainstream green finance

RBI stresses on need to mainstream green finance

Rediff.com20 Sep 2021

There is a need to mainstream green finance and devise ways for incorporating environment impact into commercial lending decisions, RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao has said. Addressing climate risk in the financial sector should be the joint responsibility of stakeholders as it would affect the resilience of the financial system in the long run, he said. Rao made these comments while speaking at the CAFRAL Virtual Conference on Green and Sustainable Finance, recently.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

'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'

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.

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.

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.

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.

Halwa ceremony held; stage set for interim Budget

Halwa ceremony held; stage set for interim Budget

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

The Halwa ceremony, marking the final stage of the budget preparation process for Interim Union Budget 2024, was held in North Block on Wednesday in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad was also present. A customary halwa ceremony is performed every year before the "lock-in" process of Budget preparation begins.

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.

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.

Ministries to get the same budget funds as last year

Ministries to get the same budget funds as last year

Rediff.com18 Jan 2021

The government, it would seem, is reserving its firepower to spend on big-ticket items that will be announced in the Budget, reports Subhomoy Bhattacharjee.

Jaitley re-appointed as Finance Minister

Jaitley re-appointed as Finance Minister

Rediff.com23 Aug 2018

He underwent a renal transplant on May 14 and on the same day, his ministerial charges were given to Piyush Goyal on an interim basis.

Govt collected Rs 20.14 lakh crore GST in FY24

Govt collected Rs 20.14 lakh crore GST in FY24

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

GST collections in March grew 11.5 per cent to Rs 1.78 lakh crore, buoyed by domestic transactions, the finance ministry said on Monday. The gross GST collection for the last fiscal (April 2023-March 2024) stood at Rs 20.14 lakh crore, 11.7 per cent higher than the mop-up in the preceding fiscal. The average monthly gross collection for FY24 stood at Rs 1.68 lakh crore, exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the preceding fiscal.

Amit Mitra likely to step down as Bengal finance minister

Amit Mitra likely to step down as Bengal finance minister

Rediff.com11 Jul 2021

Noted economist and senior Trinamool Congress leader Amit Mitra is likely to step down as the West Bengal finance minister and even retire from active politics due to ill health, party sources said on Sunday.

Budget 2024: 'We have to be intelligent'

Budget 2024: 'We have to be intelligent'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2023

'The global situation is not very good.'

Modi Firmly In Control Of Ministers

Modi Firmly In Control Of Ministers

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

The strong message from the prime minister is of continuity of policies he considers right with strong emphasis on execution, points out T N C Rajagopalan.

Coalition Won't Block Modi's Reforms

Coalition Won't Block Modi's Reforms

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

'The BJP's numbers in this government are almost the same as those enjoyed by the Congress under P V Narasimha Rao when the reform process was kicked off in 1991.' 'As before, the only constraints on the prime minister's actions are internal, not external.' 'They come from his own assessment of the political consequences of any action,' points out Mihir S Sharma.

Budget Must Focus On Raising Revenue

Budget Must Focus On Raising Revenue

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

With the fiscal deficit target staring at the government, the FY25 Budget has limited expenditure options, points out A K Bhattacharya.

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.

Rs 5.49 cr fine imposed on Paytm Payments Bank under anti-money laundering law

Rs 5.49 cr fine imposed on Paytm Payments Bank under anti-money laundering law

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) has imposed a Rs 5.49 crore penalty on Paytm Payments Bank for violating anti-money laundering rules, the Finance Ministry said on Friday. FIU-IND initiated a review of Paytm Payments Bank on receipt of specific information from law enforcement agencies in respect of few entities and their network of businesses engaged in a number of illegal acts, including organising and facilitating online gambling.

ICAI, MCA secretary discuss road map to create big Indian companies

ICAI, MCA secretary discuss road map to create big Indian companies

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has held discussions with ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) secretary Manoj Govil on the 'Aggregation of CA Firms' and the roadmap to create big Indian firms, a press statement by ICAI said.