Abhijeet Kumar, Akshara Srivastava

Stories by Abhijeet Kumar, Akshara Srivastava

Like Suzuki, Kubota aims to make India its global hub

Like Suzuki, Kubota aims to make India its global hub

Rediff.com   2 May 2024

Japanese agri-equipment firm Kubota is taking cues from Suzuki Motor's strategy to establish India as its global production hub, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. The acquisition of Escorts in 2022, leading to the rebranding as Escorts Kubota, a prominent tractor manufacturer in India, which held the fourth-largest global market share, offered Kubota a crucial foothold in the Indian and international markets, complementing its strengths with Escorts' established presence.

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccine: The TTS Factor

AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccine: The TTS Factor

Rediff.com   1 May 2024

'It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS.'

No cancer-causing agents in our products: MDH on quality claims

No cancer-causing agents in our products: MDH on quality claims

Rediff.com   29 Apr 2024

MDH Spices has denied allegations that its products have traces of cancer-causing agent ethylene oxide (ETO), calling them "untrue" and "lacking any substantiating evidence." "Amid speculations doing rounds that there is presence of ETO in our products, we clarify and state unequivocally that these claims are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence," a statement released by the company said.

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Rediff.com   16 Apr 2024

Consumer goods firms and auto companies are witnessing an upturn in rural demand, which had been lagging for most of FY24. Expectations of a bumper rabi crop harvest have helped turn the tide. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged last week, noting that as rural demand catches up, consumption is expected to support economic growth in 2024-25.

Rising prices, lack of jobs key issues, shows voter survey

Rising prices, lack of jobs key issues, shows voter survey

Rediff.com   13 Apr 2024

62 per cent of respondents across various demographics, including villages, towns, and cities, perceived a greater difficulty in securing employment compared to the previous five years, shows pre-poll survey by Centre for Study of Developing Societies.

Airfares, hotel rates shoot up ahead of Holi, Good Friday

Airfares, hotel rates shoot up ahead of Holi, Good Friday

Rediff.com   22 Mar 2024

As March draws to a close, two consecutive long weekend opportunities - Holi and Good Friday - are driving up hotel occupancy and airfares across major routes. According to travel platform Cleartrip, hotel bookings have seen a 3.5 times spike for the Holi weekend, while a 3.7 times spike has been visible in the Good Friday weekend.

Corporate India on overdrive to celebrate Ram Mandir inauguration

Corporate India on overdrive to celebrate Ram Mandir inauguration

Rediff.com   19 Jan 2024

As Ayodhya readies itself for the glittering, much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22, and as millions of pilgrims and devotees pour into the holy city for the momentous event, companies are rushing to do their bit and be a part of the mega celebrations. Some are offering a part of their profits as donations, telcos are beefing up the number of cellular towers to ensure better connectivity, and there are those distributing jalebis and food platters.

86% CEOs bullish about India's economy in 2024

86% CEOs bullish about India's economy in 2024

Rediff.com   17 Jan 2024

Most Indian chief executives are optimistic about the economy and believe it would improve in the coming 12 months, said a survey by consulting and auditing firm PwC on Tuesday. The company's 27th annual global survey polled 4,702 chief executive officers (CEOs) in 105 countries and territories, including 79 in India, from October 2 to November 10, 2023. As many as 86 per cent of CEOs in India - 30 per cent higher than a year ago - are confident that the economy would improve.

IHG Hotels & Resorts focused on bringing more luxury offerings to India

IHG Hotels & Resorts focused on bringing more luxury offerings to India

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2024

Global hospitality major IHG Hotels and Resorts saw its business surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2023 on the back of "unprecedented growth" in the tourism industry, a senior company official said. The UK-headquartered company, which operates Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and luxury brands like Intercontinental and Six Senses in India, launched its premium lifestyle brand voco in January this year, with the first property set up at Jim Corbett in North India. The group, in total, signed 15 new deals in 2023.

India Could Be Next Whisky Superpower

India Could Be Next Whisky Superpower

Rediff.com   8 Dec 2023

'Indian single malts have a very specific character.' 'They are sweet when you take a frontal palette approach and change significantly with the addition of water.'

Flavours of ICC Cricket World Cup final on apps: Food and flowers

Flavours of ICC Cricket World Cup final on apps: Food and flowers

Rediff.com   20 Nov 2023

As the Men in Blue took on Australia in an intriguing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the orders on quick delivery platforms reflected the pulsating mood of the nation.

Consumer firms see double-digit growth on festive shopping

Consumer firms see double-digit growth on festive shopping

Rediff.com   1 Nov 2023

Consumer durables firms and fashion retailers expect double-digit growth in value terms in the ongoing festival season as consumers have stepped up purchases during this period. They expect to see value sales growth upwards of 15 per cent, which is especially coming in from cities. However, volume growth may lag behind value growth.

Regional FMCG firms see gains over larger peers for second quarter in a row

Regional FMCG firms see gains over larger peers for second quarter in a row

Rediff.com   30 Oct 2023

Regional and local fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands are gaining momentum at the cost of national brands for the second quarter in a row. Consumer brands are now losing out on share, especially at the mass end of the market. Local brands have been able to capture market share as prices of raw materials are lower.

Airfares Zoom For Diwali Week!

Airfares Zoom For Diwali Week!

Rediff.com   26 Oct 2023

During the Diwali week (November 10-16), airfares on major routes across the country have surged by up to 44 per cent.

From hatchbacks to holidays, consumers ready to loosen purse strings

From hatchbacks to holidays, consumers ready to loosen purse strings

Rediff.com   1 Sep 2023

With Onam and Raksha Bandhan just around the corner, the festival season is ready to kick off in full swing. As people embrace the celebratory spirit, companies anticipate a surge in sales this year. Consumer durables firms are expecting strong growth of 40-50 per cent in the premium segment during the upcoming season. Appliance makers also foresee increased demand for cooling appliances - refrigerators and air conditioners - which were impacted by unseasonal rainfall.

G20 Meet: Delhi's Biggest Event This Century

G20 Meet: Delhi's Biggest Event This Century

Rediff.com   26 Aug 2023

AFor a mega event like the G20 Summit -- being attended by so many heads of States and international bodies, top diplomats and bureaucrats -- nothing can be more important than security.

'Make in India can't happen overnight'

'Make in India can't happen overnight'

Rediff.com   14 Aug 2023

'Customers will end up pre-buying laptops, even at inflated rates. The same is true for second-hand and refurbished pieces that a company's authorised stores sell.'

Communal Violence: IT Hub Gurugram Bunkers Down

Communal Violence: IT Hub Gurugram Bunkers Down

Rediff.com   3 Aug 2023

As its backyard remains embroiled in tension, Gurugram is exercising caution.

'What we are seeing today is 'who the accused is' matters'

'What we are seeing today is 'who the accused is' matters'

Rediff.com   29 May 2023

'The law is neither able nor willing to function the way the legal machinery is envisaged.'

Apple Stores Will Up Brand Value Of Its Chosen Addresses

Apple Stores Will Up Brand Value Of Its Chosen Addresses

Rediff.com   20 Apr 2023

'If they are taking marquee locations and, say, are paying 50 per cent higher rent, those locations will see a spurt in rates as well.'