News for 'union-finance'

Remittances from overseas Indians up by 12% to $100 billion in 2022: Sitharaman

Remittances from overseas Indians up by 12% to $100 billion in 2022: Sitharaman

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

Underlining the contribution of non-resident Indians, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said remittances sent to the country by overseas Indians were about $100 billion for the year 2022, an increase of 12 per cent in one year. Speaking at a session during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city, she described NRIs as the "real ambassadors of India" and appealed to them to use made in India products and services as far as possible so that the country's individual brand can be promoted across the globe. Sitharaman also said that after the "China plus one" policy, the world is now talking about the "European Union (EU) plus one" policy.

PAN to be invalid if not linked with Aadhaar by March 2023

PAN to be invalid if not linked with Aadhaar by March 2023

Rediff.com24 Dec 2022

The Income Tax department Saturday issued an advisory that those permanent account numbers (PAN) which are not linked with Aadhaar by the end of March next year will be rendered "inoperative". "What is mandatory, is necessary. Don't delay, link it today!" the department said in a public advisory. "As per Income-tax Act, 1961, it is mandatory for all PAN holders, who do not fall under the exempt category, to link their PAN with Aadhaar before 31.3.2023. From 1.04.2023, the unlinked PAN shall become inoperative," it said.

Pay more for pre-packed atta, pulses, curd as 5% GST kicks in from today

Pay more for pre-packed atta, pulses, curd as 5% GST kicks in from today

Rediff.com18 Jul 2022

A 5 per cent GST rate kicked in on Monday on pre-packed and labelled food items such as cereals, pulses and flour weighing less than 25 kg.

Modi urges India Inc to 'think out of box' to grab global oppotunities

Modi urges India Inc to 'think out of box' to grab global oppotunities

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said both public and private sectors need to leverage synergies and think out of the box to seize opportunities arising as a result of the emerging global environment. While interacting with noted economists and experts at NITI Aayog ahead of the Union Budget, the prime minister also applauded the success of the India Digital story and the rapid adoption of fintech across the country, an official statement said. During the meeting, economists offered suggestions on ways in which India can sustain its development momentum, it added.

India's richest 1% own more than 40% of total wealth: Oxfam

India's richest 1% own more than 40% of total wealth: Oxfam

Rediff.com16 Jan 2023

The richest one per cent in India now own more than 40 per cent of the country's total wealth, while the bottom half of the population together share just 3 per cent of wealth, a new study showed on Monday.

How the wealth of India's richest can make a difference

How the wealth of India's richest can make a difference

Rediff.com16 Jan 2023

The richest one per cent in India now own more than 40 per cent of the country's total wealth, while the bottom half of the population together share just 3 per cent of wealth, a new study showed on Monday. Releasing the India supplement of its annual inequality report on the first day of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, rights group Oxfam International said that taxing India's ten-richest at 5 per cent can fetch entire money to bring children back to school. "A one-off tax on unrealized gains from 2017-2021 on just one billionaire, Gautam Adani, could have raised Rs 1.79 lakh crore, enough to employ more than five million Indian primary school teachers for a year," it added.

Govt to borrow record Rs 15.4 lakh crore in FY24

Govt to borrow record Rs 15.4 lakh crore in FY24

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

The government plans to borrow a record Rs 15.4 lakh crore from dated securities in FY24 to meet its expenditure requirement to prop up the economy.

Sitharaman, 6th FM to present budget 5 times in a row

Sitharaman, 6th FM to present budget 5 times in a row

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

Other ministers who have presented five straight annual financial statements include Arun Jaitley, P Chidambaram, Yashwant Sinha, Manmohan Singh and Morarji Desai.

Sitharaman on why GST compensation to some states is delayed

Sitharaman on why GST compensation to some states is delayed

Rediff.com13 Feb 2023

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said GST compensation to some states is delayed due to non-availability of AG's authenticated certificate, and that Kerala has not sent even a single such certificate since 2017-18. Replying to a supplementary question, she also said that Rs 86,912 crore has been released for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation payable to all states up to May 31, 2022. She said as per law, GST Council decides to whom the GST compensation is to be released, not by the central government.

First act, then think: Oppn has field day over 2000 note ban

First act, then think: Oppn has field day over 2000 note ban

Rediff.com20 May 2023

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Jayanta Dey/Reuters The Congress also said demonetisation has come a full circle and added that the Rs 2,000 note was a "band-aid to cover up the foolish decision of demonetising" Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

Banks wrote off Rs 10 lakh crore loans in 5 years, Sitharaman tells LS

Banks wrote off Rs 10 lakh crore loans in 5 years, Sitharaman tells LS

Rediff.com19 Dec 2022

Scheduled commercial banks have written off loans amounting to over Rs 10.09 lakh crore in the last five financial years and the process of recovery of dues from the borrowers continues, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.

French firm cancels sale of 500-yr-old Nataraj idol stolen from TN temple

French firm cancels sale of 500-yr-old Nataraj idol stolen from TN temple

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

The efforts drew the spontaneous appreciation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

'Provide more fiscal powers to states', Kerala FM's Budget wish

'Provide more fiscal powers to states', Kerala FM's Budget wish

Rediff.com25 Nov 2022

Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Friday urged the Centre to provide more fiscal powers to the states as well as increase the shareable proportion of the GST collections. Besides, he asked the central government to expedite approval for the semi-high-speed railway line or the Silverline project from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod. The project is mired in controversies.

K'taka actor-turned politician Sumalatha may join BJP, announcement on Friday

K'taka actor-turned politician Sumalatha may join BJP, announcement on Friday

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

According to reports Sumalatha, an independent MP, is likely to announce her decision to join the BJP in a press meet at Mandya on Friday.

RS polls: BJP wins in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana; Congress in Rajasthan

RS polls: BJP wins in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana; Congress in Rajasthan

Rediff.com11 Jun 2022

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala and senior leader Jairam Ramesh were among the 10 candidates elected to the Rajya Sabha on Friday from Karnataka, Rajasthan and Haryana, while counting was underway in Maharashtra after an eight-hour delay due to wrangling by rival parties over alleged breach of voting rules.

Sitharaman on freebies promised by political parties

Sitharaman on freebies promised by political parties

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said political parties that come to power on pre-poll promises of freebies should pay for those through budgetary provisions. Citing the example of free electricity being promised in many states, the finance minister said the burden for the freebies should not be thrust upon the power discoms or gencos. "If a promise has been made to the people at the time of the election, you are looking at a quid pro quo. "You should be, as a responsible party, assume after you come to power, make a provision in the budget for it," Sitharaman said, speaking at the FE Best Bank Awards event.

PHOTOS: Netas celebrate World Yoga Day

PHOTOS: Netas celebrate World Yoga Day

Rediff.com21 Jun 2022

The theme for this year's Yoga day is "Yoga for Humanity".

BJP hails note ban verdict; asks will Rahul apologise

BJP hails note ban verdict; asks will Rahul apologise

Rediff.com2 Jan 2023

The Supreme Court in a 4:1 majority verdict upheld the government's 2016 decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination notes, saying the decision-making process was not flawed.

Prez poll: Nirmala votes wearing PPE kit, Sunny Deol among absentees

Prez poll: Nirmala votes wearing PPE kit, Sunny Deol among absentees

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

Bharatiya Janata Party MPs Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dhotre were among those who missed casting their votes in the presidential poll on Monday.

Karnataka sees 72% voter turnout; results on May 13

Karnataka sees 72% voter turnout; results on May 13

Rediff.com10 May 2023

Voting came to an end for the Karnataka assembly elections on Wednesday at 6 pm with data showing a voter turnout of 65.69 per cent an hour ago.

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

The stormy second part of Budget Session continues. Both houses of Parliament have been facing continuous protests by opposition parties over issues like fuel price hike.

A peek into Sitharaman's next Budget

A peek into Sitharaman's next Budget

Rediff.com12 Oct 2022

The next annual budget of India will have to be very carefully structured to sustain the country's growth momentum, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday, noting that it will also address inflation concerns. Visiting Washington DC to attend the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the finance minister was responding to a question on the next year's Budget at a fire-side chat with eminent economist Eshwar Prasad at the prestigious Brookings Institute. "Specifics (of the next Budget) may be difficult at this stage because it's a bit too early. "But broadly, the growth priorities will be kept absolutely on the top. "Even as I speak about the concerns that inflation brings before me. So, inflation concerns will have to be addressed. "But then how would you manage growth would be the natural question," Sitharaman said.

'I am not the target, my leader KCR is'

'I am not the target, my leader KCR is'

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

'He is exposing the failings of the BJP, which is rankling the party.'

Biren Singh named Manipur chief minister for 2nd term

Biren Singh named Manipur chief minister for 2nd term

Rediff.com20 Mar 2022

The BJP has returned to power in Manipur by winning 32 seats in the 60-member House in the recent assembly elections in the state.

Govt saved Rs 10,000 crore in interest costs in FY22

Govt saved Rs 10,000 crore in interest costs in FY22

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Union finance secretary T V Somanathan recently said the Centre had saved Rs 10,000 crore in FY22 on interest payments after adopting new accounting mechanisms for central government agencies and centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) for state governments. Speaking at an event, Somanathan said due to these, there was an unspent balance of Rs 1.2 trillion with state agencies from CSS as on March 31, 2022. This means this amount will be reduced from the Centre's borrowing for now and it can be considered a short-term saving for the exchequer.

Adani Crisis: No Harm To National Interest

Adani Crisis: No Harm To National Interest

Rediff.com22 Feb 2023

Those who worry that the Adani saga will turn the world off India are not looking at the entire picture, asserts Mihir S Sharma.

India looking at tapping new markets for edible oil: FM

India looking at tapping new markets for edible oil: FM

Rediff.com10 May 2022

India was looking at tapping new markets for import of edible oils, following the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. According to her, the country was facing various hurdles on import of edible oils due to the conflict. "Everyone knows there is a war going on between Russia and Ukraine. There are various hurdles in terms of importing oils.

Poll-bound Karnataka gets Rs 5,300 cr aid in budget

Poll-bound Karnataka gets Rs 5,300 cr aid in budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

According to state officials, the project envisages lifting of 17.40 thousand million cubic feet of water from river Thunga to Bhadra reservoir and 29.90 TMC from Bhadra reservoir.

CBDT targets resolving about 3,000 taxpayers' grievances by Oct-end

CBDT targets resolving about 3,000 taxpayers' grievances by Oct-end

Rediff.com10 Oct 2022

The grievances of as many as 2,500-3,000 taxpayers could be addressed and resolved between October 2 and October 31. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has asked tax officials to dispose of at least 20 per cent of the pending matters during the period. The move comes after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently nudged the income-tax (I-T) department to redress the grievances promptly.

Parliament completes Budgetary exercise amid ruckus

Parliament completes Budgetary exercise amid ruckus

Rediff.com27 Mar 2023

First Rajya Sabha approved the Rs 45 lakh-crore spending proposed in the Budget, followed by the nod to the Finance Bill that contains tax proposals.

Centre in 'mission mode' to fill job vacancies in govt depts and ministries

Centre in 'mission mode' to fill job vacancies in govt depts and ministries

Rediff.com29 Sep 2022

The Centre is in "mission mode" to fill vacancies in government departments and ministries. The Department of Expenditure is currently following up with other wings of the government to expedite pending appointments. Regular follow-ups are being made to fill the vacant positions, so that the stated target of eliminating 1 million vacancies is met by December 2023, ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections. Even as the nodal ministry for filling vacant positions in the government is the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Department of Expenditure's Establishment Coordination (Personnel) division is providing support for the recruitment drive.

States pitch for continuation of GST compensation for another 5 years

States pitch for continuation of GST compensation for another 5 years

Rediff.com30 Dec 2021

The demand for extension of the GST cess regime among others was made by several state finance ministers at a pre-budget consultation called by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. Besides, many states also demanded raising the share of the Union government in the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). Currently, the central government and state government share in some CSS is 60:40 while in others it is 75:25.

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Watch Live! All the action in Parliament

Rediff.com13 Feb 2021

Catch all the debates here!

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.

Budget has very little to offer for marginalised: Rights groups

Budget has very little to offer for marginalised: Rights groups

Rediff.com2 Feb 2023

"There has been a 0.05 percentage points decline in the share of allocation for child budget to the Union Budget from 2.35 per cent (2022-23 BE) to 2.30 per cent (2023-24 BE).

Army not being fair to women officers, remarks SC in case over delayed promotions

Army not being fair to women officers, remarks SC in case over delayed promotions

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Army to put its "house in order", saying that it feels that it has not been "fair" to the women officers who have alleged delay in promotions after being granted permanent commission on the directions of the top court in 2020.

SC asks Sebi to probe allegations against Adani group

SC asks Sebi to probe allegations against Adani group

Rediff.com2 Mar 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Sebi to probe within two months allegations of stock price manipulation by the Adani group and any lapses in regulatory disclosures, and also set up a panel to look into protection of Indian investors after a damning report by a US short seller wiped out more than USD 140 billion of the conglomerate's market value. The top court while directing the setting up of a six-member committee headed by former apex court judge Justice A M Sapre for the assessment of the extant regulatory framework and for making recommendations to strengthen the process said it was appropriate to set up such a panel of experts in order to "protect Indian investors against volatility of the kind which has been witnessed in the recent past". The court-appointed Justice Sapre panel, which will be provided assistance by the Centre and other statutory agencies including the Sebi chairperson, will have to submit its report in a sealed cover within two months, said the bench which comprised Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala.

Tax sleuths raid Mumbai's Shiv Sena corporator over tax evasion charges

Tax sleuths raid Mumbai's Shiv Sena corporator over tax evasion charges

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

A team of tax department officials is undertaking the raids against Jadhav, also the chairman of the BMC standing committee, since early morning, they said.

BJP appoints Union ministers as in-charge for RS polls in 4 states

BJP appoints Union ministers as in-charge for RS polls in 4 states

Rediff.com1 Jun 2022

The BJP on Wednesday also named its in-charges for assembly bypolls to four seats in Tripura.

India to grow at around 7.4% in FY23 and next: FM

India to grow at around 7.4% in FY23 and next: FM

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

India will grow at around 7.4 per cent in 2022-23 and continue at the same pace in the next year as well, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday. Sitharaman said there are risks on the external front and this is not the right time to throw caution to the wind, and also assured exporters of all the necessary support from the government as they face the headwinds. Speaking at the FE Best Bank Awards event here, Sitharaman said global agencies like IMF and the World Bank have taken cognisance of the strengths of the Indian economy by saying that it will be among the fastest growing ones in the next two years.