News for 'finance minister'

Diwali bonanza! New GST reforms will lower tax burden, benefit small industries

Diwali bonanza! New GST reforms will lower tax burden, benefit small industries

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The finance ministry on Friday said it has proposed a two-slab GST rate structure to the Group of Ministers (GoM), along with special rates for select items.

Finance Minister expects rate cut by RBI

Finance Minister expects rate cut by RBI

Rediff.com17 May 2015

Finance Minister expects rate cut by RBI.

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Proposed Nuclear Bill Caps Liability At 3,000 Cr

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

The operator's liability in the case of an incident is limited to 3,000 crore for reactors with thermal power above 3,600 Megawatt; 1,500 crore for reactors with thermal power between 1,500 Mw and 3,600 Mw; 750 crore for reactors with thermal power between 750 Mw and 1,500 Mw; 300 crore for reactors with thermal power between 150 Mw and 750 Mw; and 100 crore for reactors having thermal power up to 150 Mw, fuel cycle facilities other than spent fuel reprocessing plants and transportation of nuclear materials.

Letter to finance minister on the day of Budget

Letter to finance minister on the day of Budget

Rediff.com16 Mar 2012

Need to classify clinics as industries.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Railways have exceeded the national average capital expenditure (capex) by spending 63 per cent and 57 per cent of Budget estimates (BE), respectively, in the first half of 2025-26 (FY26). The total capital expenditure for April-September of FY26 stood at 52 per cent of the BE, according to the latest data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

Former financial official executed in China over $ 57 mn bribery case

Former financial official executed in China over $ 57 mn bribery case

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

China executed Bai Tianhui, a former top official of a state-owned financial firm, for accepting bribes totaling CNY 1.108 billion (about USD 157 million).

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) adoption rate has risen to over 4.35 per cent, with more than 100,000 people out of 2.3 million eligible individuals opting for it, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) chairman S Ramann said in an exclusive interview with Business Standard on Monday. He also said that six states had approached the PFRDA for help in adoption of the scheme.

The mistakes Finance Ministers make

The mistakes Finance Ministers make

Rediff.com10 Mar 2007

In the seven intervening years since his "dream" Budget of 1997, the only thing that doesn't seem to have changed about him is his name.

Sitharaman introduces Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha

Sitharaman introduces Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to provide tax exemptions to subscribers of the Unified Pension Scheme.

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

This comes a day after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA and has a provision for 125 days of wage employment for rural workers.

India eyes 10% of global green hydrogen exports by 2030: Minister

India eyes 10% of global green hydrogen exports by 2030: Minister

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

India is aiming to become a global hub for green hydrogen exports, eyeing nearly 10 per cent of the worldwide demand by 2030, Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik said on Tuesday. Addressing FICCI Green Hydrogen Summit 2025, the minister said 8.62 lakh tonne annual hydrogen production capacity has been awarded to 19 companies.

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'...not merely in managing fiscal mathematics, but in demonstrating conservatism and prudence within that framework.' 'Looking forward, we believe sufficient growth drivers exist -- ranging from government reforms to revival in consumption to favourable monsoons. Numerous factors support the Indian economy.'

Vijay praises BJP-partnered Puducherry government

Vijay praises BJP-partnered Puducherry government

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Actor-politician Vijay held his first public meeting in Puducherry, criticising the central government for neglecting the union territory's demand for statehood and praising the local government's impartiality. He also targeted the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, suggesting they could learn from Puducherry.

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

As new GST rates kick in, groceries, medicines, cars get cheaper

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

New lower GST rates kicked in from Monday, resulting in a slashing of prices of as many as 375 items ranging from toothpaste and shampoo to cars and television sets, a move seen as an attempt to boost consumption to cushion an economy facing tariff headwinds. Tax rates of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent have been clubbed into two rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, resulting in a reduced price of 99 per cent of daily use items.

CBI suffers setback as court frees Rubaiyya Sayeed kidnapping accused

CBI suffers setback as court frees Rubaiyya Sayeed kidnapping accused

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

A special court has released Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, arrested by the CBI in connection with the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed. The court denied the CBI's request for custody, noting his absence in the charge sheet.

Exports up in first 3 weeks of Nov: Goyal

Exports up in first 3 weeks of Nov: Goyal

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India's merchandise exports grew in the first three weeks of November compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary government data, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. The uptick comes despite globa

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'That is going to have an impact on literally every one, whether you buy a toothpaste, a safety pin, a car, shoes or medicines or you go to a diagnostic centre.'

Bihar Polls: Makhana Turns Into Political Hot Potato

Bihar Polls: Makhana Turns Into Political Hot Potato

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

As it gains commercial viability, the food will likely become a powerful political currency.

'Finance minister should emulate Chanakya'

'Finance minister should emulate Chanakya'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2008

If the FM can levy education cess to meet the cost of education, then why not defense cess for defense cost, health cess, food cess, and so on. What are the tax collections meant for, asks Kanu H Doshi, partner of Kanu Doshi Associates, chartered accountants, Mumbai.

'People Ask Why You Have To Be So Rigid'

'People Ask Why You Have To Be So Rigid'

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

'It is not rigidity.' 'I am just sticking to what I believe very strongly in, particularly if you have been given an opportunity to serve the country....'

Sensex jumps over 513 points on buying in IT stocks

Sensex jumps over 513 points on buying in IT stocks

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

From the Sensex pack, HCL Tech, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Hindustan Unilever, Sun Pharma and Titan were among the biggest gainers. In contrast, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Maruti, Adani Ports and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards.

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo!' - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gentle nudge to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December last year sparked the beginning of a mammoth exercise to overhaul the tangled goods and services tax regime. And the final outcome is a significantly simplified system with lower tax rates and easier compliance for businesses.

IndiGo Board Unsure If CEO Must Go

IndiGo Board Unsure If CEO Must Go

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'I don't think it is right to remove him over one lapse. The focus should be on restoring operations, not on removing a key management personnel.'

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'Previously, contributing only 25 per cent of material costs, states now face burdens of 40 per cent to 100 per cent of total costs, ensuring poorer states will curb project approvals, directly stifling work demand.'

PNB fraud case: Finance Minister Jaitley blames bank management, auditors

PNB fraud case: Finance Minister Jaitley blames bank management, auditors

Rediff.com21 Feb 2018

Without naming either the alleged kingpin of the fraud, billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, or Punjab National Bank, Jaitley questioned the ethics of some businesses in the country and asked as to why the bank's internal and external auditors could not detect the fraud which had been going on for 7 long years.

Behind the scenes: Sitharaman chaired 3 separate meetings on GSTN preparedness for GST 2.0

Behind the scenes: Sitharaman chaired 3 separate meetings on GSTN preparedness for GST 2.0

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

To ensure a glitch-free rollout of the next-generation GST with reduced rates and lesser slabs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired three separate meetings to assess GSTN's preparedness and the time it would take to implement technological changes required in the software systems.

India a 'stabilising force';can withstand external shocks: Sitharaman

India a 'stabilising force';can withstand external shocks: Sitharaman

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the world is facing "profound imbalances" in trade and energy security, and is undergoing a structural transformation, with India standing out as a 'stabilising force' that can withstand external shocks.

Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar's fund remarks; denies rift with Shinde

Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar's fund remarks; denies rift with Shinde

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed concerns about discriminatory fund allocation and reports of a rift with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, dismissing both as unfounded.

Swiss finance minister says US tax deal can be reached

Swiss finance minister says US tax deal can be reached

Rediff.com27 Jan 2013

Meeting planned with U.S. Attorney General in coming weeks

Sensex down 278 points; Nifty ends below 26,000

Sensex down 278 points; Nifty ends below 26,000

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Among Sensex firms, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Eternal, Adani Ports, Hindustan Unilever and Bharat Electronics were the major laggards. However, Bharti Airtel, Axis Bank, Asian Paints and Titan were among the gainers.

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Google plans $15 bn AI hub in Visakhapatnam

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Google plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years in setting an artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam, a senior official of the company said on Tuesday.

Did former PMO, finance minister bailout Vijay Mallya?

Did former PMO, finance minister bailout Vijay Mallya?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2017

The office of former prime minister Manmohan Singh may have taken a special interest to try and keep afloat Vijay Mallya's ailing Kingfisher Airlines against the run of play, e-mails and letters claiming this and accessed by CNN-News18 indicate.

India to submit updated climate goals in December: Yadav

India to submit updated climate goals in December: Yadav

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India will publish its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2035 period by December, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Monday, while urging developed nations to achieve net zero targets ahead of their current timelines.

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'If all of us (all the 57 Shiv Sena MLAs) stand together we can change the dynamic. We are not afraid of anyone.'

How Modi's Committee-Led Governance Is Driving Reforms

How Modi's Committee-Led Governance Is Driving Reforms

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The change in the government's engagement with the economy's need for reforms is more nuanced than how analysts have so far perceived it, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

Govt approves schemes worth Rs 45,000 cr to boost exports

Govt approves schemes worth Rs 45,000 cr to boost exports

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

The government on Wednesday approved two schemes worth Rs 45,000 crore to help exporters tide over the impact of high tariffs imposed by the US on Indian shipments.

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Mehli Mistry is backed by three other trustees -- Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambata and Jehangir HC Jehangir -- against Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and the two vice-chairmen, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh.

'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai' mirrors Nitish Kumar's refusal to slow down

'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai' mirrors Nitish Kumar's refusal to slow down

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The Bihar chief minister had a point to prove in the latest assembly elections, which were held amid speculations of a fatigue factor, if not downright anti-incumbency, made worse by rumours of his indifferent health.