News for 'finance minister'

GST To See Two Slab Rate Structure?

GST To See Two Slab Rate Structure?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Of the two rate structures on the table, one suggests tax slabs of 8 per cent, 16 per cent, and 24 per cent. The other proposes tax slabs at 9 per cent, 18 per cent, and 27 per cent.

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Modi arrives in Canada for G7 Summit amid Israel-Iran conflict

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The Kananaskis gathering on June 16-17 is the Prime Minister's 6th consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

Rs 1 Trillion Welfare Funds Idle in States

Rs 1 Trillion Welfare Funds Idle in States

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen has the highest unutilised amount (Rs 13,111 crore) compared to any other centrally sponsored scheme.

Will stock markets remain open on Budget day?

Will stock markets remain open on Budget day?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Stock markets will remain open for trading on February 1, Saturday, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget, bourses BSE and NSE said on Monday. Stock markets are generally closed on Saturdays and Sundays, except for special circumstances.

'History Will Remember Him With Gratitude'

'History Will Remember Him With Gratitude'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

'During his stint as prime minister, he got 270 million people out of poverty.' 'This, according to the World Bank, is the fastest compression of poverty anywhere in the world.' Arvind Mayaram, the former finance secretary, recalls his encounters with Dr Manmohan Singh.

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The interest rate on these schemes have remained unchanged for over a year now.

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.

What Our Leaders Were Up To

What Our Leaders Were Up To

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Glimpse what our politicians were doing at the beginning of 2025.

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Term life insurance policies, and senior citizens' health insurance premium are likely to be exempted from GST as most members of a state ministerial panel favoured cutting taxes to benefit the common man, an official said on Saturday. The GoM to decide on GST on health and life insurance premiums in its meeting on Saturday decided to exempt GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. However, 18 per cent GST will continue to be levied for health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh.

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Mahmud went to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to "catch a flight en route to Delhi," an Airport Aviation Security official was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

Vehemently opposed ADB's loan to Pakistan: Govt sources

Vehemently opposed ADB's loan to Pakistan: Govt sources

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

India had vehemently opposed Asian Development Bank's decision to grant $800 million loan to Pakistan saying the fund could be misused for increasing expenditure on its military, government sources said.

Sitharaman presents Rs 50.65 lakh cr Budget for FY26

Sitharaman presents Rs 50.65 lakh cr Budget for FY26

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday presented Union Budget 2025-26, envisaging an expenditure of Rs 50,65,345 crore, an increase of 7.4 per cent over the current fiscal.

Centre doubles Mudra loan ceiling to Rs 20 lakh under new category

Centre doubles Mudra loan ceiling to Rs 20 lakh under new category

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The government on Friday doubled the limit of Mudra loan amount under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh under a new 'Tarun Plus' category to promote entrepreneurship in the country.

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

How Dr Manmohan Singh became India's 'reforms' man

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

He drew the roadmap of India's economic reform, unshackled it from the licence raj and pulled it back from the brink when even its gold reserve was pledged.

What Are Trump, Putin, Kim Doing?

What Are Trump, Putin, Kim Doing?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Rose Monday Parade is the highlight of Germany's carnival celebrations, particularly in cities like Cologne, Dusseldorf and Mainz.

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.

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.

All conditions met: IMF defends $1 billion loan to Pakistan

All conditions met: IMF defends $1 billion loan to Pakistan

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said its executive board granted $1 billion in assistance to Pakistan this month after finding out that the country met all conditions and targets for it.

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. He was brought to the emergency department of AIIMS Delhi in critical condition after "sudden loss of consciousness."

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

India may strike at any point: Pak defence min's big claim

India may strike at any point: Pak defence min's big claim

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Last week, Information Minister Atta Tarar had said that 24-36 hours were important, fearing a possible strike by India. However, the time passed and there was no action by India.

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.

For a slightly higher government capex outlay

For a slightly higher government capex outlay

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

While the capital spending is being maintained at 3.1 per cent of the GDP, a little more would have boosted economic growth even further, suggests Rajiv Memani.

After foreign minister, China sacks missing defence minister

After foreign minister, China sacks missing defence minister

Rediff.com24 Oct 2023

China also removed Finance Minister Liu Kun and appointed Lan Fo'an in his place. Liu is the third senior Cabinet minister to be replaced without any explanation.

'Halwa' ceremony over; stage set for Nirmalaji's 7th Budget

'Halwa' ceremony over; stage set for Nirmalaji's 7th Budget

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday participated in a traditional 'halwa' ceremony, marking the final stage for preparation of Union Budget 2024-25 to be unveiled on July 23 in Lok Sabha. The ceremony is a ritual in which traditional dessert 'halwa' is prepared and served to officials and staff members of the finance ministry who are involved in the preparation of the Budget.

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Carney defeated former cabinet minister Karina Gould, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, and Businessman and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis. All four contenders entered the room to much fanfare and addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for injecting energy into the party.

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Led by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule, Group 7 will engage with key countries in Africa -- Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia -- and Qatar to present India's position on Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Next Laadki Baahin Payout Will Come In...

Next Laadki Baahin Payout Will Come In...

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

It is not clear how much money the government will transfer into the bank accounts of women in Maharashtra.

FM allocates Rs 1.48 lakh cr for education, employment, skill

FM allocates Rs 1.48 lakh cr for education, employment, skill

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

She added that the government has extended the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for five years which is benefiting 80 crore people of the country.

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Salaries, allowances, pensions of MPs hiked; monthly income rises to...

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Indian government has increased the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs) by 24 percent, effective April 1, 2023. This increase was based on the Cost Inflation Index and brings their monthly salary to Rs 1.24 lakh. The notification also included increases in daily allowances for sitting members, pension, and additional pension for former MPs. While some MPs welcomed the increase, others expressed dissatisfaction and instead advocated for a rise in the MP Local Area Development Fund (MPLADS). The increase has been implemented based on the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act and the Cost Inflation Index specified in the Income Tax Act of 1961.

The Hotelier Who BJP Apologised To

The Hotelier Who BJP Apologised To

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Sree Annapoorna Sree Gowri Shankar is a familiar name across the country. With over 1,500 employees, it is renowned for its filter coffee and Keerai Vada throughout Tamil Nadu. Its operating revenues range from Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore.

Tax dept invites public suggestions for I-T Act review

Tax dept invites public suggestions for I-T Act review

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

The Income Tax department on Monday invited public inputs for review of the six-decade old I-T Act with regard to simplification of language, litigation reduction, compliance reduction, and obsolete provisions. Pursuant to the Budget announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for a comprehensive review of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had set up an internal committee to oversee the review and make the Act concise, clear, and easy to understand, which will reduce disputes, litigation, and provide greater tax certainty to taxpayers.

Finance Bill passed in LS with 64 amendments

Finance Bill passed in LS with 64 amendments

Rediff.com24 Mar 2023

Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Finance Bill 2023 with 64 official amendments, including the one that seeks withdrawal of long-term tax benefits on certain categories of debt mutual funds and another for setting up the GST Appelate Tribunal. The Finance Bill that gives effect to tax proposals for fiscal year starting April 1 was passed without a discussion amidst ruckus by opposition members demanding a JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) probe into the allegations against the Adani group of companies. While moving the bill for passage and consideration, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced the setting up of a committee under finance secretary to look into pension issues of government employees.

Yay or nay? Rate Sitharaman's 7th Budget!

Yay or nay? Rate Sitharaman's 7th Budget!

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

So tell us, does Sitharaman's 7th consecutive Budget deserve cheers or boos?

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way'

Political Savvy Nirmalaji's Bold Budget

Political Savvy Nirmalaji's Bold Budget

Rediff.com3 Aug 2024

Few finance ministers announce any taxation measure that could upset the stock market. Ms Sitharaman decided to take that risk, observes A K Bhattacharya.

Ex-finance secy booked for corruption in currency security thread supply

Ex-finance secy booked for corruption in currency security thread supply

Rediff.com12 Jan 2023

The CBI, in its FIR, alleged that Mayaram, the UK-based company De La Rue International Ltd and unidentified officials of the finance ministry and RBI hatched a criminal conspiracy to extend undue favour to the firm.

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Core Budget Team

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The finance minister continues to be backed by the same policy team in charting out the broad strategy as in the few earlier Budgets.

Relief for house owners, can claim zero tax on 2 self-occupied properties

Relief for house owners, can claim zero tax on 2 self-occupied properties

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

As per the Budget memorandum, the government has proposed amendment to Sub-Section 2 of Section 23 of Income Tax Act, which relates to determination of annual value of house properties.

India looks for good trade agreement with US: Sitharaman

India looks for good trade agreement with US: Sitharaman

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said India is looking for a "good" trade agreement with the US to promote economic growth and ensure smooth supply chains. She also said that amid a growing global tariff war, India will have to move "smartly" to guard against possible dumping of goods from countries that are facing higher US tariffs.