News for 'Union Finance'

India eyes 2000 GCCs beyond metro cities by yearend

India eyes 2000 GCCs beyond metro cities by yearend

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

MeitY is in discussions with global Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, mid-tier firms, and state government officials on a three-pronged approach to setting up new GCCs in India.

TDS limit raised for seniors, rents and remittances

TDS limit raised for seniors, rents and remittances

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday proposed to double the limit for Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) on interest income for senior citizens to Rs 1 lakh, and also increase the threshold to Rs 6 lakh on rent from the current Rs 2.4 lakh.

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.

Family nod for Manmohan memorial at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal

Family nod for Manmohan memorial at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The family of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has approved the proposed site for his memorial at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in New Delhi. The memorial, measuring around 900 square metres, will be located adjacent to the memorial of former President Pranab Mukherjee. A trust will be set up to oversee the construction of the memorial, which will be funded by a government grant of Rs 25 lakh.

Electoral bonds: Court orders FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman

Electoral bonds: Court orders FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

According to police, a first information report (FIR) was registered under Sections 384 (punishment for extortion) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) against Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Enforcement Directorate officials, office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party at state and national level, based on the order of a special court.

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

At a time when the finance ministry is focusing on addressing employee grievances, the number of employees in most public-sector banks (PSBs) has declined over the last three financial years.

Sitharaman cuts short US-Peru visit after J-K terror attack

Sitharaman cuts short US-Peru visit after J-K terror attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is cutting short her official visit to the US and Peru and will depart for India at the earliest, following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Sitharaman arrived in the US on Sunday for a six-day visit, after which she was scheduled to travel to Peru for a five-day trip. The decision comes after 26 people were killed in a terror attack near Kashmir's Pahalgam town on Tuesday.

'A Tsunami is coming on April 2': Oppn on Trump's tariff war

'A Tsunami is coming on April 2': Oppn on Trump's tariff war

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Opposition MPs in India's Rajya Sabha raised concerns about US President Donald Trump's tariff threats, demanding the government clarify its response and engage in discussions with opposition parties. Leaders like P Chidambaram and Sagarika Ghose warned of potential economic repercussions, including depressed exports, lower FDI, and a significant tariff burden. The debate also touched on other issues such as the government's economic policies, demonetization, and the impact of GST on common citizens.

RBI Dividend To Help Govt With Defence Budget

RBI Dividend To Help Govt With Defence Budget

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Defence expenditure was pegged at 1.4 per cent of GDP in the Budget for 2025-26 but it may widen, depending on tensions between India and Pakistan.

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.

'Auto industry has resilience to tackle rare earth issue'

'Auto industry has resilience to tackle rare earth issue'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'The government is actively engaging with EU to ensure that concerns of Indian companies and hard-to-abate sectors are adequately addressed under CBAM'

The story behind Nirmala's sari

The story behind Nirmala's sari

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is often known for making statements with her sarees on Budget Day. Each year, she wears a saree that represents India's rich textile heritage and traditional craftsmanship, and this year was no different. This year, Sitharaman chose to wear a beautiful off white saree with intricate golden work, paired with a red blouse and a shawl while carrying her trademark 'bahi-khata', a tablet wrapped in a red-coloured cloth with a golden-coloured national emblem embossed on it.

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Social justice and empowerment budget expanded by 35%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received Rs 13,611 crore in the Union Budget announced on Saturday, while the allocation for disability welfare now stands at Rs 1,275 crore.

Budget plans to complete 1 lakh homes in stalled projects

Budget plans to complete 1 lakh homes in stalled projects

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a fresh Rs 15,000 crore 'SWAMIH Fund' for completion of 1 lakh units in stalled housing projects across various cities, a move aimed at providing relief to distressed homebuyers whose investments are stuck. In November 2019, the Centre announced a stress fund named 'Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing' (SWAMIH), to complete stalled housing projects across India.

'Sensex Is Barometer Of Economy And Capital Markets'

'Sensex Is Barometer Of Economy And Capital Markets'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

'BSE has facilitated nearly Rs 35 trillion in capital raising across multiple segments.'

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Crypto use suspected in terrorism, secessionist activities: FIU report

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A trends study conducted by India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has expressed suspicion that cryptocurrency is being used across the country in serious criminal acts like terrorist financing, fuelling secessionist activities, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, illegal betting and gambling. The report, which was based on suspicious transaction reports and operational analysis, shared these trends and credible intelligence with law enforcement agencies.

Nirmala Sitharaman presents her 7th Union Budget

Nirmala Sitharaman presents her 7th Union Budget

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented the Budget for 2024-25, her 7th straight presentation surpassing the record of former prime minister Morarji Desai. This is the first Budget during Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's third term in office.

Centre plans to list at least five RRBs by FY27-end

Centre plans to list at least five RRBs by FY27-end

Rediff.com24 May 2025

After the merger of regional rural banks (RRBs) under the "One State, One RRB" policy to improve their efficiency and minimise competition among public-sector banks (PSBs) that sponsor them, the government is planning to list at least five RRBs by the end of financial year 2026-27 (FY27). After the latest amalgamation that came into effect on May 1, there are 28 RRBs in 26 states and two Union Territories (UTs), with more than 22,000 branches covering 700 districts.

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Liverpool Univ to Open Bengaluru Campus

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Initially, we will look to take a small batch of a few hundred students, with a plan to increase this to 5,000 students in the next five years, and eventually 10,000 by 2036.'

Puri: 3 killed in stampede during Rath Yatra ceremony

Puri: 3 killed in stampede during Rath Yatra ceremony

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The incident took place around 4 am when hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple to witness Rath Yatra festivities, Puri district collector Siddharth S Swain said.

BJP's 3-day crash course for MP leaders amid over Op Sindoor remarks

BJP's 3-day crash course for MP leaders amid over Op Sindoor remarks

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh will hold a three-day training camp for its leaders from June 14 in Pachmarhi in Narmadapuram. The move comes amid the party facing flak for some statements from its leaders post Operation Sindoor. BJP president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been invited to the camp to lecture the party cadre. The BJP said the event was pre-planned and was a routine affair, but the camp is seen as an attempt to discipline party leaders who have been making controversial statements.

'I Needed To Follow My Karma'

'I Needed To Follow My Karma'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Once bitten, twice shy, I didn't take up the challenge this time...' 'I realised I had failed to follow my karma because I feared failure.'

Patriarchy didn't stop Indira from becoming PM: Sitharaman

Patriarchy didn't stop Indira from becoming PM: Sitharaman

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Replying to a question about women empowerment, Sitharaman insisted that patriarchy is a concept invented by the Left.

Budget: 25% I-T Slab, Higher Rebate Likely

Budget: 25% I-T Slab, Higher Rebate Likely

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

'If our Budget allows, we may implement both measures -- making income up to Rs 10 lakh tax-free and introducing a 25 per cent slab for income between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.'

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Geopolitics, mkt volatility pose growth risks: FinMin

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainties, volatility in international commodity prices and financial market uncertainties pose considerable risks to India's economic growth in the coming year, the finance ministry cautioned on Wednesday. "Global trade continues to be affected by uncertainty in the policy environment... tariff-related developments in multiple countries have heightened trade-related risks, affecting investment and trade flows globally.

Road, rail, coal may dominate National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

Road, rail, coal may dominate National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Roads, railways, and coal together are likely to account for 70 per cent of the government's takings from the upcoming second edition of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), set to run from FY26 to FY30. In comparison, these three sectors are estimated to have contributed 66 per cent in the first edition of the NMP - FY22 to FY25.

FM unveils simpler tax law, middle class gets relief

FM unveils simpler tax law, middle class gets relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday unveiled 'transformative' tax reforms that ranged from a simpler income tax law to higher TCS threshold for remittances and income tax benefits for middle class.

Multiple triggers ahead for affordable housing finance companies

Multiple triggers ahead for affordable housing finance companies

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

Mortgage finance remains a structural growth opportunity in India with a policy focus on affordable housing, housing shortages, low mortgage penetration, and rising incomes as drivers. Affordable Housing Finance Companies (AHFCs) serve the mass market, low-income segments, which is the least-serviced category, and to operate in this segment, the mortgage provider needs good assessment skills. AHFCs and HFCs have also been increasing exposure in other mortgage segments (loan against property, developer loans among others).

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.

Mahayuti Supporters Throng Azad Maidan

Mahayuti Supporters Throng Azad Maidan

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra in a grand ceremony at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Union Budget as a "people's budget" that fulfills the dreams of every Indian and said that it is a "force-multiplier" that will boost consumption, investment and growth. He highlighted a host of measures for different sectors, including welfare initiatives for gig workers, tax relief for the middle class, and support for the manufacturing sector.

Proposed RBI norms may hit gold-loan NBFCs in near term: Analysts

Proposed RBI norms may hit gold-loan NBFCs in near term: Analysts

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) draft guidelines on gold loans, if implemented in their current form, are expected to impact non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and mid-tier banks in the near term, more significantly than larger banks, according to analysts.

CBI gets moving on Bofors, seeks info from US investigator

CBI gets moving on Bofors, seeks info from US investigator

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sent a judicial request to the United States seeking information from private investigator Michael Hershman, who has claimed to possess crucial details about the Rs 64-crore Bofors bribery scandal of the 1980s. Hershman, the head of the Fairfax Group, had previously expressed his willingness to share information with Indian agencies, alleging that the investigation into the scam was derailed by the then Congress government. The CBI's request comes after previous attempts to obtain information from US authorities yielded no results. This move highlights the continued efforts to uncover the truth behind the decades-old scandal, which has had a significant impact on Indian politics.

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in LS

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday presented the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha. The Economic Survey is an annual document presented by the government ahead of the Union Budget to review the state of the economy.

Why is India Inc not speaking about investment?: Sitharaman

Why is India Inc not speaking about investment?: Sitharaman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'The answer is not for me to give. The answer either way has to be heard from the industry itself. Tell us why not if you are not doing it; tell us if you are doing it -- why should this question remain unanswered?'

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

An Indian delegation led by the BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad will tour key European capitals to expose Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism and State-sponsored extremism.

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Concerned over the rise in mis-selling of products by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is examining whether to come up with norms to curb such practices. Observing that pushing financial products, such as insurance, indiscriminately to unaware consumers may be detrimental to their well-being, RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao said, "We are examining whether it necessitates framing of guidelines to address mis-selling of financial products and services by REs (regulated entities)."

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an ambitious plan to develop the country's top 50 tourist destinations in a "challenge mode", with the aim of boosting employment-led growth and attracting international visitors. The Ministry of Tourism has received a significant budget increase for 2025-2026, with a focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure, promoting domestic and international travel, and ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly women. The government plans to promote homestays, improve connectivity to tourist spots, and provide performance-linked incentives to states that demonstrate effective destination management. The budget also includes investments in public enterprises, skill development programs, and initiatives to promote medical tourism and spiritual tourism.

Govt to open nuclear power sector for private participation

Govt to open nuclear power sector for private participation

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Ushering in reforms, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday proposed to open up the nuclear power sector for private players and announced a Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission for research in the field, with an aim to set up five small and modular reactors by 2033.