News for 'finance-minister'

EC asks Kejriwal to prove Yamuna 'poisoning' claim amid slugfest

EC asks Kejriwal to prove Yamuna 'poisoning' claim amid slugfest

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

A heated political battle erupted Tuesday over Arvind Kejriwal's claim of the Haryana government 'poisoning' the Yamuna water, with the Bharatiya Janata Party saying he cannot be forgiven for his 'dangerous statement', while the Aam Aadmi Party chief asserted he won't let the people of Delhi die due to the dirty, poisonous water.

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya enters Canada PM race

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Canada's Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya has announced that he is running to be the next prime minister, hours before his Liberal Party announced that their next leader will be chosen on March 9.

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.

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.

HC stays trial proceedings against Chidambaram in ED case

HC stays trial proceedings against Chidambaram in ED case

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Delhi high court on Wednesday stayed the trial court proceedings against senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate.

Canadian PM Trudeau steps down, hunt on for new leader

Canadian PM Trudeau steps down, hunt on for new leader

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Trudeau said that he had spoken to the Liberal Party President to start looking for a new prime ministerial candidate.

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.

50:50 Chance Of An RBI Rate Cut

50:50 Chance Of An RBI Rate Cut

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'If it doesn't, it will continue with measures to infuse liquidity, signalling a new cycle,' predicts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

'Would like to move on': Annapoorna Hotel on owner's video with FinMin

'Would like to move on': Annapoorna Hotel on owner's video with FinMin

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

Sri Annapoorna Hotel on Saturday appealed to the people to put to rest unnecessary assumptions and political misunderstanding after a video of its owner apologising to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over his remarks on Goods and Services Tax (GST) went viral on September 13.

Vijay Mallya slams ED, banks for taking more than 2x his debt

Vijay Mallya slams ED, banks for taking more than 2x his debt

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has said that he will pursue relief for the Enforcement Directorate and banks taking more than two times the debt he owed. His remarks came following a statement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament about recovery of over Rs 14,130 crore from his attached assets.

'Only If There Is Chamatkar Can BJP Win Delhi'

'Only If There Is Chamatkar Can BJP Win Delhi'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'Till the BJP does not understand Kejriwal they cannot win Delhi.'

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Economists see reforms in the air ahead of Budget

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Following the lacklustre growth numbers in the second quarter (Q2FY25), economists believe the upcoming Union Budget for 2025-26 should focus on reforms that will stimulate consumption, manufacturing and spur employment. India's growth unexpectedly slowed to 5.4 per cent in the second quarter, due to low capital formation, weak consumption, besides adverse weather impact.

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

How Manmohan Singh safeguarded environment and tribal rights

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Under his leadership, India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change, passed the landmark Forest Rights Act to protect the rights of tribal communities and established the National Green Tribunal to safeguard the environment through swift legal action.

Will budget for agri research get a big boost this year?

Will budget for agri research get a big boost this year?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Several leading scientists, academicians, and agriculturalists have called for raising government support for research and development to make Indian agriculture future-ready.

India Inc pays rich tributes to Manmohan Singh

India Inc pays rich tributes to Manmohan Singh

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Singh, who opened up the economy as finance minister and served as prime minister for two consecutive terms, died on Thursday at the age of 92. "History will forever honour his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world.

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Budget should undertake further reductions in import tariffs and seriously consider an announcement of India's intention to join one or both of the two Asian mega-regional free trade agreements, suggests Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

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.

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.

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.

Budget 2025: What farmers want from Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What farmers want from Sitharaman

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Farmer representatives and agricultural stakeholders urged the government to provide cheaper long-term credit, implement lower taxes, and double the PM-KISAN income support during a comprehensive pre-budget consultation with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday. The two-hour meeting saw a detailed discussion of proposals, aimed at addressing multiple challenges in the agricultural sector, with key demands focusing on financial relief, market reforms, and strategic investments.

Trudeau in trouble as ally vows to 'bring him down'

Trudeau in trouble as ally vows to 'bring him down'

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The future of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership appears increasingly uncertain after New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, a key ally, said he would introduce a motion to topple the minority Liberal government. Singh's announcement comes after a series of political setbacks for Trudeau, including the resignation of his deputy prime minister and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, and calls for his resignation from within his own party. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has also called for an early election. Trudeau has not responded publicly to these calls and has reportedly told members of the party that he will take the holidays to reflect and decide what to do.

Sitharaman again takes tablet in red pouch to present paperless Budget

Sitharaman again takes tablet in red pouch to present paperless Budget

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

With the tablet carefully kept inside a red cover with a golden-coloured national emblem embossed on it instead of the briefcase, Parliament will be her next destination after the call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Perhaps because the Modi government had some differences of opinion with two of the economist governors (one of whom was appointed by the Manmohan Singh government), there is a view that its political leadership prefers a civil servant to head the RBI, notes A K Bhattacharya.

When Dr Singh Met Sachin...

When Dr Singh Met Sachin...

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

22 images that captures glimpses of a most unusual Indian who led the nation for 10 years.

'Arrogance': Cong slams govt over TN bizman's 'apology' to FM

'Arrogance': Cong slams govt over TN bizman's 'apology' to FM

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Annapoorna chain of restaurants owner Srinivasan is seen purportedly highlighting concerns over varying GST rates. In the second video, Srinivasan was seen purportedly apologising in person to the Finance Minister.

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.

Union Budget 2025-26: Economists stress need for manufacturing policy

Union Budget 2025-26: Economists stress need for manufacturing policy

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The need for a manufacturing policy, reining in food inflation and raising investment in the country were among key suggestions given by economists who met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior ministry officials in the first round of pre-Budget consultations on Friday.

Have Indian regulators made the system more transparent?

Have Indian regulators made the system more transparent?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday commended Indian financial sector regulators for doing a "world-class job" and bringing greater transparency into the system. Underlining that she is not against questioning or critiquing regulators, Sitharaman said there is a need to be "extremely conscious" about contributions made by them as well. Speaking at the Financial Express Best Banks Awards, the finance minister said, "I strongly recommend that facts are taken on board before we discuss anything to do with the regulators, strictly speaking."

Some people trying to disturb peace by spreading venom of caste politics: Modi

Some people trying to disturb peace by spreading venom of caste politics: Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Inaugurating the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, the Prime Minister exuded confidence that villages will play a key role in pushing forward the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Nirmalaji Wants To Bring Taxes To Nil But...

Nirmalaji Wants To Bring Taxes To Nil But...

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

'... there are challenges to overcome and the country needs money for that.'

GST mop-up rises 6.5% Y-o-Y to Rs 1.73 lakh cr in Sep

GST mop-up rises 6.5% Y-o-Y to Rs 1.73 lakh cr in Sep

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in September, in gross terms, were at Rs 1.73 lakh crore, with a yearly jump of 6.5 per cent, according to data from finance ministry released on Tuesday. In September 2023, the total collection was to the tune of Rs 1.62 lakh crore. CGST, SGST, IGST, and cess all increased year-on-year in September, official data made available on Tuesday showed.

Sovereign Gold Bonds On Way Out

Sovereign Gold Bonds On Way Out

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

'It has also outlived its initial purpose of reducing physical gold imports.'

Backbencher but...: Teacher recalls student Fadnavis

Backbencher but...: Teacher recalls student Fadnavis

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Devendra Fadnavis, who is set to become the chief minister of Maharashtra for a third time, was a sensitive, polite and helpful student who never boasted about his family's political background, recalls one of his school teachers. Savitri Subramanium, who was Fadnavis' teacher in Saraswati Vidyalaya from Class 8 to 10, says he was an average student but studied well. She remembers him as a polite and simple student who never boasted about his family's political background even though his father Gangadharrao Fadnavis was an MLC at the time. Subramanium said she never thought that Fadnavis would become a good orator as he never came on stage or performed on stage during the school days. She added that he may have inculcated these qualities during his participation in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) as a student activist.

Consensus eludes GoM on GST rate rationalisation, over 100 items discussed

Consensus eludes GoM on GST rate rationalisation, over 100 items discussed

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

The Group of Ministers (GoM) on goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation, which convened in Goa on Wednesday, reviewed the GST rates for over 100 items, including textiles, handloom goods, agricultural products, fertilisers, and educational materials. However, no consensus was reached on any of the items, with further discussions scheduled for next month in Delhi.

Manmohan Singh's reforms transformed India, unshackled economy: Economists

Manmohan Singh's reforms transformed India, unshackled economy: Economists

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 1991 budget unshackled India's economy, significantly enhancing the economic prospects for hundreds of millions of Indians, first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Gita Gopinath said on Friday.

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'...still have lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but could have won 140 seats.'

Muslim woman's handshake violates Sharia? HC says...

Muslim woman's handshake violates Sharia? HC says...

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

The Kerala high court has observed that no religious belief stands above the Constitution.

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.

Bumper kharif production to lower food inflation in coming months: FinMin

Bumper kharif production to lower food inflation in coming months: FinMin

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Prospects of a bumper kharif harvest are expected to lower food inflation in the coming months, making the country's inflation outlook benign, the Union Ministry of Finance (FinMin) said in its monthly economic report for October released on Monday.

'Dr Singh Didn't Take Orders From Sonia Gandhi'

'Dr Singh Didn't Take Orders From Sonia Gandhi'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

'Mrs Gandhi had nothing to do in the day-to-day working of Dr Singh's government.' 'People say Mrs Gandhi's office used to give orders, which is nonsense.'