The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is gearing up for a crucial meeting where it will deliberate on the taxation of insurance premiums and online gaming, two sectors that have been under scrutiny for their tax implications. This discussion is expected to have far-reaching consequences for both the industries i.e., insurance and gaming, thus affecting consumers, businesses, and the overall economic landscape as detailed in a report by the Press Trust of India.

The Taxation of Insurance Premiums and Online Gaming<o:p></o:p>

Insurance premiums have long been a subject of debate when it comes to GST. Currently, the GST rate on health insurance is 18 per cent, but there is a growing consensus that a uniform lower rate could simplify the tax structure and make it more affordable. The council will consider whether to impose a uniform GST rate on all types of insurance premiums, which could include life insurance, health insurance, and general insurance. More details on this particular issue will emerge as the meeting takes place.

The deliberations will also take place with regards to a GST cut on life insurance premiums. Notably, the Centre and states mopped up Rs 8,262.94 crore from GST on health insurance premiums and Rs 1,484.36 crore from GST on health reinsurance premiums, the PTI report added.

Implications of change in the Goods and Services Tax

For consumers, a change in the GST rate on insurance premiums could mean an increase or decrease in their premiums. For instance, if the GST rate is increased, consumers might see a rise in their insurance costs, which could be a deterrent for those already hesitant to invest in insurance products. On the other hand, a reduction in the GST rate could make insurance more affordable, potentially boosting the number of policyholders.

Further, online gaming has emerged as a significant sector in recent years, with millions of users engaging in various forms of digital entertainment. However, the taxation of online gaming has been a contentious issue. Since October last year, the government has imposed 28 per cent GST on entry-level bets placed on online gaming platforms and casinos. In its August 2023 meet, the GST Council recommended the tax levy, which was subsequently amended into the Central GST law to make the provision clear, the report added.

The GST Council will hence discuss whether to impose a GST on the gross gaming revenue or the net gaming revenue. This distinction is crucial because it affects how much tax operators will have to pay.

If the council decides to tax the gross gaming revenue, it could lead to higher tax liabilities for online gaming operators. This might result in higher costs for players, as operators could pass on the increased tax burden. Conversely, taxing the net gaming revenue could be more favorable for operators, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and better user experiences.

Impact on the industry and consumers<o:p></o:p>

The decisions made by the GST Council will have profound implications for both the insurance and online gaming industries. For insurance companies, a uniform GST rate could streamline their operations and reduce compliance costs. However, it could also impact their profitability if the rate is set too high.

For online gaming operators, the tax structure will determine their operational costs and profitability. A favorable tax regime could encourage more investment in the sector, leading to better services and more job opportunities. However, an unfavorable regime could stifle growth and drive operators to seek more tax-friendly jurisdictions.

Further, consumers will be closely watching the outcomes of this meeting, as it will directly affect their wallets. For insurance policyholders, any change in the GST rate will impact their premiums. For online gamers, the tax structure could influence the cost of playing and the variety of games available.

In addition to the financial implications, consumers are also concerned about the fairness and transparency of the tax system. A clear and consistent tax policy can build trust and encourage more people to engage with these services.

Therefore, it is to be noted that the upcoming GST Council meeting is a critical juncture for the insurance and online gaming sectors. The decisions made will shape the future of these industries and have a direct impact on consumers. As the council deliberates, it must balance the need for revenue generation with the need to promote growth and consumer welfare. The outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders across the board, as it sets the stage for the future of taxation in these dynamic sectors.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is gearing up for a crucial meeting where it will deliberate on the taxation of insurance premiums and online gaming, two sectors that have been under scrutiny for their tax implications.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is gearing up for a crucial meeting where it will deliberate on the taxation of insurance premiums and online gaming, two sectors that have been under scrutiny for their tax implications. This discussion is expected to have far-reaching consequences for both the industries i.e., insurance and gaming, thus affecting consumers, businesses, and the overall economic landscape as detailed in a report by the Press Trust of India. The Taxation of Insurance Premiums and Online Gaming Insurance premiums have long been a subject of debate when it comes to GST. Currently, the GST rate on health insurance is 18 per cent, but there is a growing consensus that a uniform lower rate could simplify the tax structure and make it more affordable. The council will consider whether to impose a uniform GST rate on all types of insurance premiums, which could include life insurance, health insurance, and general insurance. More details on this particular issue will emerge as the meeting takes place. The deliberations will also take place with regards to a GST cut on life insurance premiums. Notably, the Centre and states mopped up Rs 8,262.94 crore from GST on health insurance premiums and Rs 1,484.36 crore from GST on health reinsurance premiums, the PTI report added. Implications of change in the Goods and Services Tax For consumers, a change in the GST rate on insurance premiums could mean an increase or decrease in their premiums. For instance, if the GST rate is increased, consumers might see a rise in their insurance costs, which could be a deterrent for those already hesitant to invest in insurance products. On the other hand, a reduction in the GST rate could make insurance more affordable, potentially boosting the number of policyholders. Further, online gaming has emerged as a significant sector in recent years, with millions of users engaging in various forms of digital entertainment. However, the taxation of online gaming has been a contentious issue. Since October last year, the government has imposed 28 per cent GST on entry-level bets placed on online gaming platforms and casinos. In its August 2023 meet, the GST Council recommended the tax levy, which was subsequently amended into the Central GST law to make the provision clear, the report added. The GST Council will hence discuss whether to impose a GST on the gross gaming revenue or the net gaming revenue. This distinction is crucial because it affects how much tax operators will have to pay. If the council decides to tax the gross gaming revenue, it could lead to higher tax liabilities for online gaming operators. This might result in higher costs for players, as operators could pass on the increased tax burden. Conversely, taxing the net gaming revenue could be more favorable for operators, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and better user experiences. Impact on the industry and consumers The decisions made by the GST Council will have profound implications for both the insurance and online gaming industries. For insurance companies, a uniform GST rate could streamline their operations and reduce compliance costs. However, it could also impact their profitability if the rate is set too high. For online gaming operators, the tax structure will determine their operational costs and profitability. A favorable tax regime could encourage more investment in the sector, leading to better services and more job opportunities. However, an unfavorable regime could stifle growth and drive operators to seek more tax-friendly jurisdictions. Further, consumers will be closely watching the outcomes of this meeting, as it will directly affect their wallets. For insurance policyholders, any change in the GST rate will impact their premiums. For online gamers, the tax structure could influence the cost of playing and the variety of games available. In addition to the financial implications, consumers are also concerned about the fairness and transparency of the tax system. A clear and consistent tax policy can build trust and encourage more people to engage with these services. Therefore, it is to be noted that the upcoming GST Council meeting is a critical juncture for the insurance and online gaming sectors. The decisions made will shape the future of these industries and have a direct impact on consumers. As the council deliberates, it must balance the need for revenue generation with the need to promote growth and consumer welfare. The outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders across the board, as it sets the stage for the future of taxation in these dynamic sectors.

GST council to deliberate on taxation of insurance premium and online gaming

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Parliament yesterday that Central Bank RBI is in favor of banning cryptocurrencies completely, the bank had registered concerns over adverse impact of cryptocurrency on the Indian economy.

Crypto poses risk to economy: Indian FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman, India's first full-time female finance minister, will submit the country's annual financial statement for 2022 on February 1.

According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget is a declaration of the government's expected receipts and expenditures for that particular year.

While the Narendra Modi-led BJP administration will be presenting its 10th budget since coming to power in 2014, Sitharaman will be presenting her 4th since taking office in 2019.&nbsp; 
 
Timings

Union Budget 2022 is likely to be presented at 11 am on 1st February (Tuesday), despite staggered timing for Lok Sabha and&nbsp;Rajya Sabha.

Speech Duration

The budget presentation could last anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes.

The FM's speech on the 2020 Budget was the longest in India's independent history, clocking in at almost two hours and forty minutes.

Despite presenting for 160 minutes, she was unable to complete the last two pages and had to break her speech short.&nbsp;

This year's Budget is likely to focus on accelerating India's recovery from the pandemic shock, as well as strengthening the country's healthcare system to prevent future outbreaks.

Budget 2022: Where to Watch

The Union Budget 2022 will be broadcast live on Lok Sabha TV (which will be picked up by other news outlets) as well as on social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter.

On February 1, at 11 am, the FM will present the Budget to the Lok Sabha. Previously, the budget was delivered on the final working day of February.&nbsp;

Economic Survey:

The Economic Survey will most likely be presented in Parliament on January 31 before the Budget is tabled.

The Economic Survey, the finance ministry's flagship yearly report, examines the country's economic development over the previous fiscal year.

It includes statistics from various industries, including industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing.

It's worth noting that India's first Economic Survey was published in the years 1950-51.

Until 1964, the Budget and Economic Survey were presented together.

Both were delinked after 1964.

Budget Session in Parliament:

The budget session of Parliament will begin on the date that the Economic Survey of India is presented. It will commence on January 31 with President Ram Nath Kovind's address to both Houses.&nbsp;

The first half of the session will take place from January 31 to February 11.

On March 14th, the panel will reconvene to sit until April 8th.

What can we expect from Budget 2022?

While India grapples with the third wave of Covid-19, economists, salaried class members, and business experts have great hopes for the annual report.Estimates of GDP will be a significant number to watch.

India's GDP shrank by 7.3 percent in 2020-21 as a result of lockdowns and more Covid-related restrictions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nirmala Sitharaman, India's first full-time female finance minister, will submit the country's annual financial statement for 2022 on February 1. According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget is a declaration of the government's expected receipts and expenditures for that particular year.

Nirmala Sitharaman, India's first full-time female finance minister, will submit the country's annual financial statement for 2022 on February 1. According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget is a declaration of the government's expected receipts and expenditures for that particular year. While the Narendra Modi-led BJP administration will be presenting its 10th budget since coming to power in 2014, Sitharaman will be presenting her 4th since taking office in 2019. Timings Union Budget 2022 is likely to be presented at 11 am on 1st February (Tuesday), despite staggered timing for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Speech Duration The budget presentation could last anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes. The FM's speech on the 2020 Budget was the longest in India's independent history, clocking in at almost two hours and forty minutes. Despite presenting for 160 minutes, she was unable to complete the last two pages and had to break her speech short. This year's Budget is likely to focus on accelerating India's recovery from the pandemic shock, as well as strengthening the country's healthcare system to prevent future outbreaks. Budget 2022: Where to Watch The Union Budget 2022 will be broadcast live on Lok Sabha TV (which will be picked up by other news outlets) as well as on social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter. On February 1, at 11 am, the FM will present the Budget to the Lok Sabha. Previously, the budget was delivered on the final working day of February. Economic Survey: The Economic Survey will most likely be presented in Parliament on January 31 before the Budget is tabled. The Economic Survey, the finance ministry's flagship yearly report, examines the country's economic development over the previous fiscal year. It includes statistics from various industries, including industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing. It's worth noting that India's first Economic Survey was published in the years 1950-51. Until 1964, the Budget and Economic Survey were presented together. Both were delinked after 1964. Budget Session in Parliament: The budget session of Parliament will begin on the date that the Economic Survey of India is presented. It will commence on January 31 with President Ram Nath Kovind's address to both Houses. The first half of the session will take place from January 31 to February 11. On March 14th, the panel will reconvene to sit until April 8th. What can we expect from Budget 2022? While India grapples with the third wave of Covid-19, economists, salaried class members, and business experts have great hopes for the annual report.Estimates of GDP will be a significant number to watch. India's GDP shrank by 7.3 percent in 2020-21 as a result of lockdowns and more Covid-related restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Union Budget 2022: Date, time, where to watch and key expectations

Union Budget 2021 will be preceded by presentation of Economic Survey 2020-2021 in the Indian Parliament. The survey will be presented today. Economic survey is an assessment of the year gone by. It measures the effect of various government schemes on the economy and sets the stage for Union Budget to be presented. Economic survey kicks off the budget session of the parliament. Prior to tabling of the survey, President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint session of both houses of the parliament. WION will bring you all updates of the survey via its LIVE streams

If you want to watch the economic survey online on WION live TV <a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv">here is the link</a>.

The LIVE stream will be available on Facebook as well, click here for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WIONews">WION's FB page</a>

WION will also livestream economic survey on its Youtube channel. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_gUM8rL-Lrg6O3adPW9K1g">Here is the link</a>.

The livestream will be available on Twitter as well. <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews">Here is the link to Twitter page</a>

All eyes are on this year's economic survey as 2020 saw unprecedented impact on global economy due to coronavirus pandemic. India has the challenge to bring the economy back on track. The budget and economic survey this year are hence important.

Stay tuned to WION for latest updates on Economic Survey 2020-21

Union Budget 2021 will be preceded by presentation of Economic Survey 2020-2021 in the Indian Parliament. The survey will be presented today. Economic survey is an assessment of the year gone by.

Union Budget 2021 will be preceded by presentation of Economic Survey 2020-2021 in the Indian Parliament. The survey will be presented today. Economic survey is an assessment of the year gone by. It measures the effect of various government schemes on the economy and sets the stage for Union Budget to be presented. Economic survey kicks off the budget session of the parliament. Prior to tabling of the survey, President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint session of both houses of the parliament. WION will bring you all updates of the survey via its LIVE streams If you want to watch the economic survey online on WION live TV here is the link. The LIVE stream will be available on Facebook as well, click here for WION's FB page WION will also livestream economic survey on its Youtube channel. Here is the link. The livestream will be available on Twitter as well. Here is the link to Twitter page All eyes are on this year's economic survey as 2020 saw unprecedented impact on global economy due to coronavirus pandemic. India has the challenge to bring the economy back on track. The budget and economic survey this year are hence important. Stay tuned to WION for latest updates on Economic Survey 2020-21

Budget 2021: How to watch Economic Survey 2020-21 LIVE streaming

There is a stark difference in India's relationship with the US since the 1998 nuclear tests and bilateral ties are now very good, the outgoing Indian envoy here has said.

Navtej Singh Sarna, India's Ambassador to the US since November 2016, is retiring later this month after an illustrious career spanning 38 years.

In his previous stint in the US from September 1998 to June 2002, Sarna served as the minister/counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. During that time India was slapped with US sanctions in the aftermath of the nuclear tests.&nbsp;

"Well, it's night and day, if I can say that," Sarna said in response to a question when asked about the difference in the India-US relationship in the past 20 years.&nbsp;

After the nuclear tests, he said though the country was slapped with sanctions, there was new respect and understanding for India.

"There was a new understanding of India's potential as an economy. There was a new understanding of India's power as an IT, particularly around Y2K, when suddenly Indians were the ones who were sorting out major problems. And there was an understanding that India had to do its nuclear tests because it lived in a tough neighbourhood," he said.&nbsp;

Sarna said the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US last year gave tremendous impetus to the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;

Describing Modi's visit to the US as the highlight of his ambassadorship, Sarna said the visit was a tremendous success.&nbsp;

"Today, I think the relationship is in a very good place," he told the select audience.&nbsp;

Referring to the recent visit of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sarna said India-US defence relationship has strengthened under the Trump administration.&nbsp;

Early this year, he pointed out, the US renamed one of its commands as US IndoPacific Command. India was given STA-1 Status, he said adding that this is the long run, perhaps may be a hugely significant step. It is very satisfying that India is the only non-NATO country in that category to date.

India was given the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/granting-sta-1-status-to-india-by-us-continued-policy-of-discrimination-against-pak-foreign-office--156692">Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status in August</a>, paving the way for high-technology product sales to the country, particularly in civil space and defence sectors.

In his remarks, Sarna urged the business community, one of the prime drivers of the relationship, to create and sustain good feelings about India across the United States.&nbsp;

Sarna also served as the longest-serving spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs and country's Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Israel.

There is a stark difference in India's relationship with the US since the 1998 nuclear tests and bilateral ties are now very good, the outgoing Indian envoy here has said.

There is a stark difference in India's relationship with the US since the 1998 nuclear tests and bilateral ties are now very good, the outgoing Indian envoy here has said. Navtej Singh Sarna, India's Ambassador to the US since November 2016, is retiring later this month after an illustrious career spanning 38 years. In his previous stint in the US from September 1998 to June 2002, Sarna served as the minister/counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. During that time India was slapped with US sanctions in the aftermath of the nuclear tests. "Well, it's night and day, if I can say that," Sarna said in response to a question when asked about the difference in the India-US relationship in the past 20 years. After the nuclear tests, he said though the country was slapped with sanctions, there was new respect and understanding for India. "There was a new understanding of India's potential as an economy. There was a new understanding of India's power as an IT, particularly around Y2K, when suddenly Indians were the ones who were sorting out major problems. And there was an understanding that India had to do its nuclear tests because it lived in a tough neighbourhood," he said. Sarna said the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US last year gave tremendous impetus to the bilateral relationship. Describing Modi's visit to the US as the highlight of his ambassadorship, Sarna said the visit was a tremendous success. "Today, I think the relationship is in a very good place," he told the select audience. Referring to the recent visit of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sarna said India-US defence relationship has strengthened under the Trump administration. Early this year, he pointed out, the US renamed one of its commands as US IndoPacific Command. India was given STA-1 Status, he said adding that this is the long run, perhaps may be a hugely significant step. It is very satisfying that India is the only non-NATO country in that category to date. India was given the Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status in August, paving the way for high-technology product sales to the country, particularly in civil space and defence sectors. In his remarks, Sarna urged the business community, one of the prime drivers of the relationship, to create and sustain good feelings about India across the United States. Sarna also served as the longest-serving spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs and country's Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Israel.

Stark difference in Indo-US ties since 1998 nuclear tests: Outgoing Indian envoy

Evading a direct answer to a question on whether India will get wavier under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for the S400 missile deal with Russia, US Defence secretary Jim Mattis said that he and his Indian counterpart &nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman will sort out all the issues.

Sitharaman is on a visit to the US. Earlier, in a meeting with his Indian counterpart at&nbsp;the Pentagon, Mattis appreciated India's leadership as a ''stabilising force" in pursuit of promoting peace and security across the region and the globe.&nbsp;

On S400, he said, "We'll work everything out".

"India has spent many, many years in its non-aligned status. It's drawn a lot of weapons from Russia," he further said.&nbsp;

Prior to her meeting with Mattis, the Indian defence minister was received by US Secretary of State and was accorded the Armed Forces Enhanced Honours Cordon welcome.

Sitharaman while "acknowledging the warmth shown" during her visit, complimented the US for "responsiveness to India's sensitivities."

The duo reviewed ongoing initiatives to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and USA

India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence.

During the 17th India Russia Annual Summit in Delhi, the two sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems. Along with it India, Russia also agreed on the construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. But even as India has tradition ties with Moscow, it is also forging ties with the US.

Lauding the ''growing mutual trust and confidence in our defence partnership" Sitharaman said, a strong foundation has been made for the India-US defence relations over the years. The Minister highlighted the steps taken by the Government of India to promote defence sector manufacturing under "Make in India" flag-ship programme.

The visit by Indian Defence minister comes months after the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. Earlier Defence Minister visited the US Department of State, where she signed the condolence book for former US President George HW Bush. She also paid respects at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' by placing a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial.&nbsp;

Following her engagements in Washington DC, Defence Minister will be visiting Reno on 4 December, where she will hold interactions with select leaders of the Indian community in the US. Later, she will visit San Francisco where she would address a roundtable meeting at Stanford.&nbsp;

She will also visit the Defence Innovation unit of the US Department of Defence and interact with start-ups and venture capitalists associated with this Unit.&nbsp;

From 5-7 December, she will visit Honolulu, which is the headquarters of the US Pacific Command (PACOM), recently renamed as INDO-PACOM.&nbsp;

During her visit, she will also hold meetings with Commander of INDO-PACOM, Admiral Philip S. Davidson.&nbsp;

She will also visit Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, where she would board a US Guided Missile Destroyer and will be briefed on INDO-PACOM activities.

Evading a direct answer to a question on whether India will get wavier under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for the S400 missile deal with Russia, US Defence secretary Jim Mattis said that he and his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman will sort out all the issues.

Evading a direct answer to a question on whether India will get wavier under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for the S400 missile deal with Russia, US Defence secretary Jim Mattis said that he and his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman will sort out all the issues. Sitharaman is on a visit to the US. Earlier, in a meeting with his Indian counterpart at the Pentagon, Mattis appreciated India's leadership as a ''stabilising force" in pursuit of promoting peace and security across the region and the globe. On S400, he said, "We'll work everything out". "India has spent many, many years in its non-aligned status. It's drawn a lot of weapons from Russia," he further said. Prior to her meeting with Mattis, the Indian defence minister was received by US Secretary of State and was accorded the Armed Forces Enhanced Honours Cordon welcome. Sitharaman while "acknowledging the warmth shown" during her visit, complimented the US for "responsiveness to India's sensitivities." The duo reviewed ongoing initiatives to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and USA India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence. During the 17th India Russia Annual Summit in Delhi, the two sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems. Along with it India, Russia also agreed on the construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. But even as India has tradition ties with Moscow, it is also forging ties with the US. Lauding the ''growing mutual trust and confidence in our defence partnership" Sitharaman said, a strong foundation has been made for the India-US defence relations over the years. The Minister highlighted the steps taken by the Government of India to promote defence sector manufacturing under "Make in India" flag-ship programme. The visit by Indian Defence minister comes months after the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. Earlier Defence Minister visited the US Department of State, where she signed the condolence book for former US President George HW Bush. She also paid respects at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' by placing a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial. Following her engagements in Washington DC, Defence Minister will be visiting Reno on 4 December, where she will hold interactions with select leaders of the Indian community in the US. Later, she will visit San Francisco where she would address a roundtable meeting at Stanford. She will also visit the Defence Innovation unit of the US Department of Defence and interact with start-ups and venture capitalists associated with this Unit. From 5-7 December, she will visit Honolulu, which is the headquarters of the US Pacific Command (PACOM), recently renamed as INDO-PACOM. During her visit, she will also hold meetings with Commander of INDO-PACOM, Admiral Philip S. Davidson. She will also visit Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, where she would board a US Guided Missile Destroyer and will be briefed on INDO-PACOM activities.

S400 missile deal with Russia dominates Mattis-Sitharaman talks in US

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's comments about the Rafale deal, saying he is 'a confused man' as he has been saying different things about it over time.

She was responding to questions from reporters here on Gandhi's comments over the issue, that the Rafale deal was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Anil Ambani.

"You don't get confused...Rahul Gandhi is a confused man. He talks about different rates over the deal at different times. Besides, he has been saying at different places that we (government) had helped many persons...Sometimes he says it is Adani and sometimes Ambani," she said.

The Congress has accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets.

The Congress has alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal.

However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains.

The minister declined to comment on AIADMK MP and Lok Sabha deputy Speaker M Thambidurai's charge that the Centre has not released Rs 18,000 crore pending funds for Tamil Nadu for various schemes, saying that she did not know what he had specifically said.

Sitharaman said she, however, had a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, thanking her for helping the state secure the release of amount.

She declined to take further questions on the Rafale issue.

Thambidurai had said in response to union minister Pon Radhakrishnan's comment that he should 'self introspect' when he asked for speedy disbursal of the amount, that the centre might announce schemes, but it was the state government which implements them.

Funds are essential for implementation of any scheme, he had said.

The minister, who was here to participate in the announcement of 12 schemes as support and outreach for MSMEs by the Prime Minister through videoconferencing, said

182 applications had so far been uploaded, seeking loans and in principle approval given for Rs 47.50 crore for MSMEs in Coimbatore.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's comments about the Rafale deal, saying he is 'a confused man' as he has been saying different things about it over time.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Friday took a swipe at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's comments about the Rafale deal, saying he is 'a confused man' as he has been saying different things about it over time. She was responding to questions from reporters here on Gandhi's comments over the issue, that the Rafale deal was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Anil Ambani. "You don't get confused...Rahul Gandhi is a confused man. He talks about different rates over the deal at different times. Besides, he has been saying at different places that we (government) had helped many persons...Sometimes he says it is Adani and sometimes Ambani," she said. The Congress has accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. The Congress has alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal. However, the Reliance Group, in a statement, has said Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains. The minister declined to comment on AIADMK MP and Lok Sabha deputy Speaker M Thambidurai's charge that the Centre has not released Rs 18,000 crore pending funds for Tamil Nadu for various schemes, saying that she did not know what he had specifically said. Sitharaman said she, however, had a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, thanking her for helping the state secure the release of amount. She declined to take further questions on the Rafale issue. Thambidurai had said in response to union minister Pon Radhakrishnan's comment that he should 'self introspect' when he asked for speedy disbursal of the amount, that the centre might announce schemes, but it was the state government which implements them. Funds are essential for implementation of any scheme, he had said. The minister, who was here to participate in the announcement of 12 schemes as support and outreach for MSMEs by the Prime Minister through videoconferencing, said 182 applications had so far been uploaded, seeking loans and in principle approval given for Rs 47.50 crore for MSMEs in Coimbatore.

Rahul Gandhi is 'confused man' on Rafale, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators.

Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised."

"Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted.

"But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated.

Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all.

"But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem.

Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented.

"If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added.

Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session.

She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent."

The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something."

"We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman.

During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter.

In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn

Amid the outrage over the Kathua and Unnao incidents, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today lamented that crimes against women were getting politicised based on the identity of the perpetrators. Addressing a gathering as part of BJPs women outreach interactive programme called 'Karunada Mahila Jagruthi', Sitharaman said "You see every morning how such crimes against women are vitiating atmosphere. It is even more painful when that gets politicised." "Crimes against women "who's the perpetrator, whos not the perpetrator" based on that, agony is replayed and charges are levelled," she noted. "But does that mean that you don't talk of politics at all in the context of women? You do! You make parties which don't mouth or make lip services for women in parliament, their emancipation or empowerment," she stated. Sitharaman felt that security of women was not a new topic for India at all. "But periodically the country faces such unfortunate situation of one after the other diabolically human crimes, especially one targeting women, adolescents and sometimes even children who are not even in their teens," she said. She emphasised that while discussing crimes against women, a fine line should be drawn so that the issue does not get politicised and the exercise should not restrict only to lip services but finding out a concrete solution to the problem. Every government, said Sitharaman, has the responsibility to make sure such crimes are prevented. "If there is difficulty in preventing crime, the government should have stringent laws," Sitharaman added. Citing the example of BJP government at the Centre, the defence minister said the government came up with the ordinance because the parliament was not in session. She said, "We brought in an ordinance to make sure that the punishments are even more stringent." The Union Cabinet recently approved an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years amid a nation-wide outrage over cases of sexual assault and murder of minors in Kathua and Surat and the rape of a girl in Unnao. Taking a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka, Sitharaman said the government here failed to identify that such crimes have to be prevented with "methods which meets something." "We are tolerating a lot in Karnataka... Corruption has known no boundary," said Sitharaman. During the question and answer session, a woman asked why the BJP, which talks about women empowerment, gave inadequate number of tickets to women to contest in the May 12 assembly polls, Sitharaman said it was not the gender but the candidate's winning chances which matter. In this context, she cited the example of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who was sitting next to her.

Crimes against women are getting politicised: Nirmala Sitharaman