News for 'Nirmala Sitharaman'

Vijay Or EPS: Who Will Fill Anti-DMK Space?

Vijay Or EPS: Who Will Fill Anti-DMK Space?

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The two weeks that EPS took fending off the Sengottaiyan rebellion has since become lost time for the AIADMK as that was also the time Vijay took to go all-out against Stalin and the DMK, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Nirmala, Kejriwal take COVID-19 vaccine

Nirmala, Kejriwal take COVID-19 vaccine

Rediff.com4 Mar 2021

Here's a look at just some of the bigwigs who took the anti-Covid jab.

No room for politics: Govt after all-party meet on Op Sindoor

No room for politics: Govt after all-party meet on Op Sindoor

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The Indian government briefed an all-party meeting on Thursday on the success of "Operation Sindoor", the retaliatory airstrikes against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Top government functionaries and opposition leaders met for a second time in a fortnight amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by several prominent leaders from various political parties. The government highlighted the strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke.

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

First part of Budget Session ends with heated debates

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The deportation of Indians from the United States, deaths in the Maha Kumbh stampede and the joint Parliamentary committee report on the Waqf bill were among the issues that led to heated exchanges and some disruptions in an otherwise smooth first part of the Budget session that ended on Thursday.

Govt to operationalise Rs 1-trillion innovation fund in next 3 months

Govt to operationalise Rs 1-trillion innovation fund in next 3 months

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Rs 1-trillion Research Development and Innovation (RDI) fund, which was announced in the July budget for FY25, of which Rs 20,000 crore has already been allocated, will be operationalised in the next two to three months, a top official said.

India Wants Pakistan Back On FATF 'Grey List'

India Wants Pakistan Back On FATF 'Grey List'

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Re-entry into the list could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan, including diminished foreign investment, increased borrowing costs, and tighter scrutiny from global financial institutions.

Sitharaman to explain Budget in 15 states

Sitharaman to explain Budget in 15 states

Rediff.com1 Feb 2021

The finance minister will also visit the school in Tamil Nadu where she studied from KG to Class 5.

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Some of the key names include: Maruti, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Britannia, Ultratech, JK Cement, Havells, Voltas, Amber, Metro, Trent, LemonTree, Indian Hotels, Niva Bupa, HDFC Life, IGL, Acme Solar, Suzlon, Swiggy, Delhivery, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

GST revenue hits record high of Rs 2.37 lakh cr in April

GST revenue hits record high of Rs 2.37 lakh cr in April

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection rose 12.6 per cent Y-o-Y to an all-time high of about Rs 2.37 lakh crore in April, which the government said shows resilience of the Indian economy and the effectiveness of cooperative federalism. The gross GST mop-up was Rs 2.10 lakh crore in April 2024 -- the second highest collection ever since GST was rolled out on July 1, 2017. The net mop-up was Rs 1.92 lakh crore.

Nirmalaji Is Back In Action!

Nirmalaji Is Back In Action!

Rediff.com7 Jan 2023

After a brief health scare at the year-end, when she was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi on December 26 with a reported 'minor stomach infection, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy in New Delhi on Friday, January 6, 2022.

Relief for taxpayers, late refund claim may be allowed

Relief for taxpayers, late refund claim may be allowed

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

'Experts and stakeholders have raised concern over the refund provision in the draft Bill. That was a drafting error, which will be rectified,' a government official said.

Sitharaman's parents in Parliament to watch Budget

Sitharaman's parents in Parliament to watch Budget

Rediff.com5 Jul 2019

Savitri and Narayanan Sitharaman arrived in a separate car in Parliament.

FM warns of strict action if gold auction norms violated

FM warns of strict action if gold auction norms violated

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said action will be taken in case there are violations of well laid down processes for auctioning of gold by banks and NBFCs when a borrower fails to pay the gold loan. During Question Hour in Lok Sabha, she said Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) are guided by similar rules.

At 91 minutes, Sitharaman's 4th Budget speech the shortest ever

At 91 minutes, Sitharaman's 4th Budget speech the shortest ever

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

With Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget presentation lasting for about one hour 31 minutes on Tuesday, the finance minister's budget speech this year became the shortest ever since 2019.

Budget 2024: What economists want from Nirmalaji

Budget 2024: What economists want from Nirmalaji

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

The Budget for 2024-25 should focus on employment generation, besides promoting the manufacturing sector, economists attending the pre-Budget consultation meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Wednesday said. The meeting was attended by National Co-convenor Swadeshi Jagran Manch Ashwani Mahajan, Director and Chief Executive of the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) Nagesh Kumar, and TCA Anant among others.

Kharge takes 'mataji', 'pakoda-jalebi' jibe at Sitharaman

Kharge takes 'mataji', 'pakoda-jalebi' jibe at Sitharaman

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday questioned Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the Union Budget and claimed that the plates of all states except Bihar and Andhra Pradesh were empty in the budget allocation.

Budget: Nirmalaji's Chance To Revisit Fiscal Math

Budget: Nirmalaji's Chance To Revisit Fiscal Math

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Whether she will pare the fiscal deficit target of 5.1 per cent of GDP, using the record dividend received from the RBI, or expand flagship government programmes will be keenly watched.

No income tax up to Rs 12 lakh under new regime

No income tax up to Rs 12 lakh under new regime

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually will not have to pay any income tax under the new tax regime as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday gave relief to middle class by raising exemption limit and rejigging slabs. For salaried employees, this nil tax limit will be Rs 12.75 lakh per annum, after taking into account a standard deduction of Rs 75,000.

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G20 Presidency.

Budget allocates Rs 3,481 cr to wipe out Maoist menace

Budget allocates Rs 3,481 cr to wipe out Maoist menace

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 3,481.27 crore for security-related expenditure (SRE) and the Special Infrastructure Scheme for Left Wing Extremist (LWE) areas. The BJP-led Centre has set a target of March 2026 to end the Maoists menace in the country. The allocation is considered significant in the wake of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's repeated statements that the Narendra Modi government has resolved to end Naxalism in the country by March 2026. This year, till January-end, 40 Naxalites have been killed in separate gunfights in the worst Naxal-hit state of Chhattisgarh. Last year, 219 Naxalites were neutralized by security forces in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh. Six Maoists were killed in Odisha in 2024, while eight were arrested and 24 had surrendered. According to the home ministry's data, 48 Naxals have so far been killed this year in all Naxal-affected states, 290 were killed in 2024 and 50 in 2023. The government has also established 290 camps of security forces in Naxal-affected areas since 2019 and 88 more are proposed to be set up in 2025.

Centralised KYC system in works, says Sebi

Centralised KYC system in works, says Sebi

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Markets regulator Sebi is actively working with the Ministry of Finance and other financial regulators on setting up a centralised KYC (Know Your Customer) system, chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has said. The Central KYC is an online database that maintains KYC records of customers in a centralised manner, aiming to streamline compliance across financial institutions.

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India will oppose the World Bank funding to Pakistan next month, arguing that Islamabad has used such funds in the past to procure arms and ammunitions. India previously lobbied against the IMF extending a USD 2.3 billion assistance to Pakistan earlier this month, presenting evidence of Pakistan's misuse of funds for military purposes. India feels that Pakistan has failed to act on terror emanating from its territory and has been diverting funds from multilateral agencies to buy arms and ammunition.

Step-By-Step ITR E-Filing, Choosing Right Tax Regime

Step-By-Step ITR E-Filing, Choosing Right Tax Regime

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Master the online ITR filing process and then learn the differences between the old and new tax regimes to pick your best option.

RBI Eases KYC Deadline For Low-Risk Customers

RBI Eases KYC Deadline For Low-Risk Customers

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

'Self-declaration from the customer in case of no change in KYC information or change only in the address details may be obtained.'

Govt withdraws equalisation levy of 2%: FinMin

Govt withdraws equalisation levy of 2%: FinMin

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday announced withdrawal of the 2 per cent equalisation levy or digital tax on overseas e-commerce supplies.

Will Sitharaman's Debt-GDP vs Fiscal Deficit Gamble Pay Off?

Will Sitharaman's Debt-GDP vs Fiscal Deficit Gamble Pay Off?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Using the debt-to-GDP ratio as a fiscal anchor aligns with efforts to promote fiscal transparency through proper disclosure of off-budget borrowings.

Countdown Begins To Budget 2025

Countdown Begins To Budget 2025

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

It will be the second Budget of the Modi 3.0 government and eighth straight Budget for Nirmala Sitharaman, rare in Indian polity.

Prez poll: Nirmala votes wearing PPE kit, Sunny Deol among absentees

Prez poll: Nirmala votes wearing PPE kit, Sunny Deol among absentees

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

Bharatiya Janata Party MPs Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dhotre were among those who missed casting their votes in the presidential poll on Monday.

Sitharaman lists 7 priorities for India in Budget

Sitharaman lists 7 priorities for India in Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

"The budget adopts following seven priorities -- inclusive development, reaching the last mile, infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, green growth, youth power and financial sector," she said.

Why L&T Chief Works 90 Hours A Week

Why L&T Chief Works 90 Hours A Week

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

S N Subrahmanyan earns Rs 13,98,630.14 per day!

Govt announces 9 priorities in Budget

Govt announces 9 priorities in Budget

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced nine priorities in the Union Budget 2024-25 for generating ample opportunities in the economy. The nine priorities include productivity, jobs, social justice, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation and reforms.

Govt plans to skill 20 lakh youth over 5 years

Govt plans to skill 20 lakh youth over 5 years

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday announced a new centrally-sponsored scheme for skilling 20 lakh youth over the next five years. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024-25. The minister said that model skilling loan scheme will be revised to facilitate loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh.

Import duties on 25 critical minerals, 36 drugs removed

Import duties on 25 critical minerals, 36 drugs removed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the removal of import duties on 12 critical minerals, lithium-ion batteries scrap, cobalt products, LED, zinc and 36 drugs for cancer and rare diseases.

Naidu expunges Sitharaman's reference to Sonia Gandhi in RS

Naidu expunges Sitharaman's reference to Sonia Gandhi in RS

Rediff.com1 Aug 2022

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday expunged the references made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Sonia Gandhi in the House on July 28.

Number of women ministers in Modi govt down from 10 to 7

Number of women ministers in Modi govt down from 10 to 7

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Seven women, including two in the Cabinet role, have been inducted into the new council of ministers in the 18th Lok Sabha.

Sitharaman pegs FY22 economic growth at 9.2%

Sitharaman pegs FY22 economic growth at 9.2%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the country's economic growth is expected at 9.2 per cent in the current financial year, on the back of a sharp rebound in the economy. She also said virtuous cycle of investment is expected to revive on account of capex (capital expenditure) and crowd in private investment. "Government focus since 2014 is on poor and marginalised.

Sitharaman extends ECLGS scheme for MSMEs till Mar 2023

Sitharaman extends ECLGS scheme for MSMEs till Mar 2023

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

The additional amount will be exclusively earmarked for the hospitality and related segments to help them recover to pre-pandemic levels. Presenting the Budget 2022-23 in Parliament, the finance minister said the Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme will be revamped with required infusion of funds.

Can't fight elections, don't have money: Sitharaman

Can't fight elections, don't have money: Sitharaman

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said she declined the offer of the Bharatiya Janata Party to contest elections pleading that she did not have the 'kind of funds' required for fighting the Lok Sabha polls.

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

In a continued push to spiritual tourism, there will be a focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha.

Events linked to Ram temple banned, says Sitharaman; TN govt denies charge

Events linked to Ram temple banned, says Sitharaman; TN govt denies charge

Rediff.com21 Jan 2024

Citing a Tamil daily's reportage, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday alleged that the Tamil Nadu government administered temples have barred puja for Lord Ram on the day of the consecration of the grand temple in Ayodhya, which was dismissed by the state as a false news with ulterior motives.