News for 'finance ministry'

BMW mows down senior finance ministry official in Delhi

BMW mows down senior finance ministry official in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

A senior official from the Union Ministry of Finance died and three others were injured after a BMW allegedly struck his motorcycle in Delhi. Police are investigating the incident.

Free Divestment From Finance Ministry

Free Divestment From Finance Ministry

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

The new government that presents the full Budget for 2024-2025 in July should be ready to restructure the way divestment is managed and implemented, proposes A K Bhattacharya.

There is more room for monetary policy easing, says Finance Ministry

There is more room for monetary policy easing, says Finance Ministry

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

With inflation comfortably below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) 4 per cent median target and likely to undershoot its 3.7 per cent projection for 2025-26 (FY26), there is room for the monetary policy easing cycle to be sustained, the Finance Ministry said on Monday. The comments, featured in the ministry's Monthly Economic Review for June 2025, assume significance ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) scheduled to begin from August 5.

Paddy Bonus: Stalin Vs Sitharaman

Paddy Bonus: Stalin Vs Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The finance ministry has clarified that its letter to state chief secretaries, urging them to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets, was an advisory and not a directive. This clarification comes in response to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's criticism, who called the advisory a 'treacherous act against farmers'.

Banks On Alert Over AI Security Risks

Banks On Alert Over AI Security Risks

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss risks related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns over Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

Banks On Alert As AI Model Threatens Data Security

Banks On Alert As AI Model Threatens Data Security

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss risks related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns over Anthropic's Mythos model threatening data security of financial systems.

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman convened a high-level meeting with bank heads to assess cybersecurity risks linked to advanced AI models, following concerns over Anthropic's Claude Mythos system and its potential impact on financial data security.

CII seeks fiscal support, credit lines for industries hit by West Asia conflict

CII seeks fiscal support, credit lines for industries hit by West Asia conflict

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has proposed a 20-point policy agenda to the finance ministry, including a conflict-linked emergency credit line guarantee scheme and tax rationalisation on energy inputs, to support MSMEs, exporters, and energy-intensive industries affected by the ongoing West Asia war.

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

$3 Billion a Week: The Cost of Israel's Iran War

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Israeli Finance Ministry has warned that the ongoing war with Iran could cost Israel an estimated NIS 9.4 billion (USD 3 billion approximately) per week under current restrictions on economic activities.

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns about Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

Finance ministry bans ChatGPT, DeepSeek on office devices over data risk

Finance ministry bans ChatGPT, DeepSeek on office devices over data risk

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The Indian Finance Ministry has instructed its officials to refrain from using AI tools and apps like ChatGPT and DeepSeek on government devices, citing concerns over data confidentiality. This move comes amidst global discussions regarding the potential security risks associated with AI tools and follows similar actions by countries like Australia and Italy, which have restricted access to DeepSeek due to privacy concerns. The directive highlights the growing awareness of the potential security implications of AI technology in government environments.

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Sunetra Pawar gets 3 ministries, Fadnavis keeps finance

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has been allocated the portfolios of State Excise Duty, Sports and Youth Affairs and Minorities Development and Aukaf.

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist with experience in government, the private sector, and electoral politics, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, tasked with strengthening India's reform trajectory and policy-making.

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

Rediff.com5 days ago

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has reached a record Rs 314 lakh crore in transaction value in FY26, representing more than a 4,000-fold increase since inception.

Household savings report: There is no distress, says finance ministry

Household savings report: There is no distress, says finance ministry

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

The finance ministry on Thursday sought to clarify that there was no distress in household savings and the data indicated that changing consumer preference for different financial products was the real reason for the change in the pattern of household savings. The clarification comes in the backdrop of Reserve Bank of India data showing that household net financial savings rate is at its lowest in decades, at 5.1 per cent of GDP in FY23 compared to 7.2 per cent of GDP in FY22. The divergence in the data for household gross financial assets and liabilities is not a cause for concern for the government, as the loans have largely been taken to buy real assets or automobiles, the finance ministry said.

Mastermind Of Rs 1,825 Crore GST Fraud Arrested

Mastermind Of Rs 1,825 Crore GST Fraud Arrested

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Kapil Chugh, accused of masterminding a Rs 1,825 crore GST refund fraud, has been arrested by DGGI officers upon his return from Dubai. He is alleged to have evaded investigation and is wanted in other economic criminal cases.

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Gold Loans On RBI, Finance Ministry Radar

Rediff.com28 Mar 2024

Loan against gold as a product is catching on fast. Let's keep the momentum going, but aim for sustainable growth. A few bad apples should not ruin the brunch, argues Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

IBC-tax law mismatch clouds loss carry-forward benefits

IBC-tax law mismatch clouds loss carry-forward benefits

Rediff.com3 days ago

A growing conflict between India's insolvency law and tax rules is creating fresh uncertainty for companies undergoing resolution, with tax authorities increasingly denying the benefit of carrying forward past losses even after resolution plans have been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Govt hikes windfall tax on diesel to Rs 55.5/litre, ATF to Rs 42/litre

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian government has increased the export duty, or windfall tax, on diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre and on aviation fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 a litre, effective immediately, to boost domestic availability and prevent exporters from exploiting global price differences.

With Nirmala Sitharaman In This Pic Are...

With Nirmala Sitharaman In This Pic Are...

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

We know what Mrs Sitharaman and Mr Chaudhary (who may soon be moving out of the finance ministry to head to Lucknow to take charge as president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh unit) look like, but who are the others in these photographs?

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'Whether you will bring this down and cause hurt to senior citizens, who are probably living on that little interest rate that they earn out of it... But equally, if I just look at the kitty of the National Small Savings Fund, it is from that same kitty that I'm borrowing.'

GST growth slipped to five-year low of 5.6% in FY26

GST growth slipped to five-year low of 5.6% in FY26

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's like-for-like gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue growth slowed to a five-year low of 5.57 per cent in FY26, reaching Rs 23.32 trillion, primarily driven by a significant surge in import revenues.

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

PSU stakes can go below 51% with a golden share' shield

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has asked the finance ministry to spell out a clear legal strategy, including options such as a "golden share" or indirect control structures, to maintain strategic oversight in public sector entities if state ownership falls below 51 per cent.

Finance Ministry officials grilled

Finance Ministry officials grilled

Rediff.com28 Jan 2011

As the debate on revealing names of those who had stashed money abroad was hotting up, a Parliamentary panel grilled finance ministry officials on why the confidentiality clause was put in tax treaties in the first place.

Stock Gains Vs Loss: What Gets Taxed?

Stock Gains Vs Loss: What Gets Taxed?

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

rediffGURU T S Khurana answers readers' personal income tax queries

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

2 Years On, Automakers Still Waiting For Govt to Clear FAME-II Dues

2 Years On, Automakers Still Waiting For Govt to Clear FAME-II Dues

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Under FAME-II, automakers provided subsidies to electric vehicle (EV) customers at the time of purchase, with the understanding that the government would reimburse the firms later.

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

PPF and NSC Interest Rates Unchanged for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Indian government has maintained the interest rates on small savings schemes, including PPF and NSC, for the eighth consecutive quarter, starting April 1, 2026.

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Nirmala Sitharaman, the longest serving FM will present record 9th Budget on Feb 1

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Sitharaman took charge of the Finance Ministry on May 31, 2019, and has steered the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical turmoil, making India the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

Finance ministry starts Budget preparations

Finance ministry starts Budget preparations

Rediff.com1 Oct 2013

The Finance Ministry has started preparations for Budget 2014-15 by asking different central ministries and departments to come out with their estimates of receipts as well as expenditure for the next financial year.

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

HDFC Bank reports a 12% credit growth for the March quarter, alongside the unexpected resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, due to ethical concerns.

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

India Relaxes Import Duties on Key Petrochemicals to Stabilise Supply Chains

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has waived customs duty on critical petrochemical products until June 30 to ensure supply stability and provide relief to consumers amid disruptions caused by the crisis in West Asia.

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Govt cuts excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre, exempts diesel

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This move aims to provide relief to consumers and oil companies amidst volatile international oil markets.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan's skewed foreign reserves got a major boost after Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits while extending its existing $5 billion facility for a further three years.

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Iran war: Fiscal pressures on govt may mount next FY, say experts

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Revenue collection next financial year may be affected, and, along with this, subsidies on food and fertilisers can go up if the war in West Asia drags for long, according to experts.

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

EPFO Keeps EPF Interest Rate Unchanged at 8.25% for 2025-26

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to maintain the interest rate on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits at 8.25 per cent for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking the second consecutive year at this rate.

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Andhra Pradesh aims for Rs 50,000 crore investment in rare earth corridor

Rediff.com5 days ago

Andhra Pradesh is spearheading an ambitious initiative to establish a fully integrated beach sand minerals, rare earth, and titanium ecosystem, aiming to attract over 50,000 crore in investments over the next decade. This move is part of India's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on China for strategic minerals and permanent magnets, with the state preparing a comprehensive rare earth policy and planning specialised industrial clusters.