News for 'nirmala-sitharaman'

Stock markets edge down on STT, LTCG hike

Stock markets edge down on STT, LTCG hike

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Adani Ports, NTPC, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, HCL Technologies and Sun Pharma were among the other big gainers. However, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank were amonh the major laggards.

Budget is by the people, for the people: Sitharaman

Budget is by the people, for the people: Sitharaman

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Paraphrasing Abraham Lincoln, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday described the Union Budget as "by the people, for the people, of the people", and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fully behind the idea to cut taxes for the middle class but it took time to convince the bureaucrats. "We have heard the voice of the middle class" who had been complaining about their aspirations not being met despite being honest taxpayers, she told PTI in an interview.

PSBs clocked 11% growth in H1FY25

PSBs clocked 11% growth in H1FY25

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Union Finance Ministry on Tuesday said that aggregate business of public sector banks (PSBs) has shown strong growth of 11 per cent in the first half of the financial year 2024-25 (H1FY25) to touch Rs 236 trillion. The operating and net profit were also robust. At Rs 1.5 trillion, operating profit grew by 14.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) while the net profit saw an impressive 25.6 per cent jump at Rs 85,520 crore in the first half of FY25.

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Key decisions taken at the 55th GST Council meet

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The GST Council on Saturday postponed a decision on cutting tax rate on life and health insurance premiums, officials said. The 55th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, decided that some more technicalities needed to be ironed out and tasked the GoM for further deliberations.

Budget 2025: What states want from Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What states want from Sitharaman

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Finance ministers of states demanded an increase in allocation under 50-year interest-free loan scheme, while fiscally stressed states like Punjab and Kerala pitched for a special package and borrowing flexibility, sources said on Friday. In a pre-budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, states have also urged for higher borrowing limits to support fiscal activities, besides additional funds for Jal Jeevan Mission.

Modi 3.0: The Cabinet Meets

Modi 3.0: The Cabinet Meets

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

On Monday, June 10, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra D Modi held the first meeting of his Cabinet at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

Budget 2024: Mobile phones, gold, silver get cheaper

Budget 2024: Mobile phones, gold, silver get cheaper

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The FM proposed reduction in basic customs duty on gold and silver to 6 per cent and platinum to 6.4 per cent.

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.

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The finance minister, in her Budget speech, should focus more on what she is directly responsible for, rather than on programmes where her role is largely supportive, notes Nitin Desai.

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said his party was fighting the 'Bharatiya Janata Party, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Indian state itself', triggering a row with the BJP alleging that everything the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha does or says is in the direction of breaking India and dividing the society.

Can't accept FDI blindly, need safeguards: Sitharaman

Can't accept FDI blindly, need safeguards: Sitharaman

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

India will place restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the national interest to ensure safeguards because of its location in a highly sensitive neighbourhood, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during an interactive session at the Wharton Business School in the US on Tuesday. "I cannot blindly accept FDI simply because we need investment, unmindful of where it is coming from. "We want business, we want investment, but we also need some safeguards, because India is located in a neighbourhood that is very, very sensitive," Sitharaman said.

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.

What Are New RBI Governor's Challenges?

What Are New RBI Governor's Challenges?

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

'Challenge is basically near-term growth as the outlook has turned a bit adverse.'

'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.'

Nirmalaji Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai?

Nirmalaji Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2024

'The conspiracy is to end India's entrepreneurship culture even before it fully blooms.' 'Negativity is being spread in society towards all those who do business, and this hatred for business and wealth creators is spilling everywhere.'

When Sitharaman travels by Mumbai local train

When Sitharaman travels by Mumbai local train

Rediff.com24 Feb 2024

She interacted with fellow commuters during the 30-km ride, the social media post said.

28% GST on online gaming spiked revenue by 412%: Sitharaman

28% GST on online gaming spiked revenue by 412%: Sitharaman

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that GST collection from online gaming has increased 412 per cent in six months from October 1, 2023, when 28 per cent tax was levied on these services. Briefing media on the decisions taken at the 54th meeting of the GST Council, Sitharaman said the status on revenue collection from casinos, online gaming and horse races after six months of implementation of 28 per cent GST was presented to the Council. "The revenue from online gaming has increased by 412 per cent and reached Rs 6,909 crore in just for six months.

Nirmala Sitharaman says discussing Apple's request for FDI rules waiver

Nirmala Sitharaman says discussing Apple's request for FDI rules waiver

Rediff.com30 May 2016

The minister, however, said she was not in favour of relaxing rules for Apple to sell refurbished second-hand phones in India

Govt to provide Rs 11.11 lakh cr towards capex

Govt to provide Rs 11.11 lakh cr towards capex

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government will provide Rs 11.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure for 2024-25 and introduce viability gap funding to spur private investment in infrastructure, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. Presenting the Union Budget for FY2024-25, she said that the government will endeavour to maintain strong fiscal support for infrastructure over the next five years, in conjunction with imperatives of other priorities and fiscal consolidation.

Angel tax abolished for all investors: Sitharaman

Angel tax abolished for all investors: Sitharaman

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The removal of the angel tax is expected to be a boost for startups as it will help in promoting a more conducive environment for them.

Govt to launch 3 employment-linked schemes, says FM

Govt to launch 3 employment-linked schemes, says FM

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

These schemes will be based on enrolment in Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha.

Key numbers to watch out for in Sitharaman's 7th Budget

Key numbers to watch out for in Sitharaman's 7th Budget

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

All eyes will be on whether Sitharaman provides the much-expected tax relief for the middle class, leaving more money in their hands, as there is tax buoyancy

Fadnavis meets Shinde ahead of crucial BJP meet

Fadnavis meets Shinde ahead of crucial BJP meet

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Ahead of the crucial legislature party meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis met with caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, the first in-person meeting since their discussions in Delhi last week for government formation.

Shinde signals exit from power as Fadnavis aide visits

Shinde signals exit from power as Fadnavis aide visits

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

The name of the Maharashtra chief minister will be announced on Wednesday, a day ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the Mahayuti government, after the Bharatiya Janata Party elects its legislature party leader, a senior functionary said on Monday.

'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.

'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.

No state has been denied money in FY25 Budget: Sitharaman

No state has been denied money in FY25 Budget: Sitharaman

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday termed misleading claims by opposition leaders that if any state is not named in the Budget speech, then it does not get any budgetary allocation. Replying to a Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman asserted that no state was being denied money. She recalled that in the past Budgets by the UPA government also did not mention names of all states in their Budget speech.

Govt seeks Parl nod for additional Rs 2 lakh cr spend

Govt seeks Parl nod for additional Rs 2 lakh cr spend

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

The supplementary demands for grants include a gross additional spending of over Rs 2 lakh crore, which would be matched by savings of over Rs 1.21 lakh crore.

'Petty mindset': Rahul's I-Day celebrations seating triggers row

'Petty mindset': Rahul's I-Day celebrations seating triggers row

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

Gandhi was seen sitting behind a few rows of seats, which were occupied by members of the Indian contingent that took part in the recently-held Paris Games.

Direct tax: Budget 2025-26 eases burden, boosts spending and growth

Direct tax: Budget 2025-26 eases burden, boosts spending and growth

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The eighth Budget of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman continued to focus on 'GYAN' (Garib, Youth, Annadata, Nari) to maintain a consistent and coherent strategy initiated over the years in pursuing the government's vision for Viksit Bharat. The approach, characterised by incremental yet impactful steps, aims to create a compounding effect over time.

Nirmala Sitharaman gets defence, Piyush Goyal gets railways

Nirmala Sitharaman gets defence, Piyush Goyal gets railways

Rediff.com3 Sep 2017

In the third reshuffle since coming to power, Prime Minister Modi raised the strength of his Council of Ministers from 73 to 76.

155,000 Apply For 91,000 Internships

155,000 Apply For 91,000 Internships

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

A shortlist using artificial intelligence would be prepared to identify eligible candidates and match them to the suitable internship opportunity. The shortlist would be shared with the companies on Tuesday, October 15.

3rd Modi govt to implement 'one nation, one election': Sources

3rd Modi govt to implement 'one nation, one election': Sources

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government will implement 'one nation, one election' within its current tenure, sources said, exuding confidence that the reform measure would receive support across party lines.

Taxes comprise 63% in govt coffer: Budget documents

Taxes comprise 63% in govt coffer: Budget documents

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

For every rupee in the government coffer, the biggest pie of 63 paise will come from direct and indirect taxes, according to the Union Budget 2024-25 documents.

Govt announces Critical Mineral Mission to boost domestic output

Govt announces Critical Mineral Mission to boost domestic output

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday proposed to launch a mission to give fillip to the domestic output of critical minerals like copper and lithium, their recycling as well as acquisition of such assets abroad. Presenting Union Budget for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said the government will launch the auction of the first round of offshore mining blocks.

What Nirmalaji told India's taxmen

What Nirmalaji told India's taxmen

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday asked tax officers to use simple language in income tax communications so that notices do not instil fear in the minds of taxpayers. Advising the income tax officers not to take "disproportionate" action and use enforcement measures only, as the last resort, Sitharaman said tax officers should use "power judiciously".

Survey pegs India's FY25 GDP growth at 6.5-7%

Survey pegs India's FY25 GDP growth at 6.5-7%

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

India's GDP is likely to grow at 6.5 to 7 per cent in the current fiscal year amid global challenges which may impact exports, said Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday. The growth projected for 2024-25 is lower than the economic growth rate of 8.2 per cent estimated for the previous financial year. The Reserve Bank has projected the GDP growth for the fiscal year ending March 2025 at 7.2 per cent.

Short-term inflation outlook benign: Survey

Short-term inflation outlook benign: Survey

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

The short-term inflation outlook for India is benign, and the expectation of a normal monsoon and moderating global prices of key imported items give credence to the projections made by the RBI and IMF, the Economic Survey said on Monday. However, to ensure long-term policy stability, the Survey 2023-24 suggested making focused efforts to increase the production of major oilseeds, expanding the area under pulses, and assess the progress in developing modern storage facilities for specific crops.

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Fresh plans of privatisation or divestment in central public sector enterprises and public sector banks might take a back seat this financial year because these may require a large consensus among coalition partners.

Will GST Council cut taxes on insurance premium?

Will GST Council cut taxes on insurance premium?

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

The GST Council, in its meeting on Saturday, is likely to decide on reducing tax rates on life and health insurance premiums, while hiking it on high-end wrist watches, shoes and apparels, besides considering a separate 35 per cent tax slab for sin goods. The 55th meeting of the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts, is likely to discuss rate rejig in about 148 items, besides, it will also deliberate on bringing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), a major component for airline industry's operation cost, in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) fold.