Akshara Srivastava, Business Standard

Stories by Akshara Srivastava, Business Standard

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.

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.

Future of digital payments in India

Future of digital payments in India

Rediff.com   20 Mar 2024

'The focus needs to shift towards the ability to collect payments, particularly in tier-3 to tier-4 areas where acceptance is still lacking.'

'Small finance banks need to build all product ranges'

'Small finance banks need to build all product ranges'

Rediff.com   15 Mar 2024

'You cannot have only one product or one market or one customer segment.'

Qatar Reprieve Highlights India Diplomacy

Qatar Reprieve Highlights India Diplomacy

Rediff.com   26 Feb 2024

The incident remains a reminder of the inherent fragilities of all geopolitical relationships.

Is Son Preference Hurting India?

Is Son Preference Hurting India?

Rediff.com   9 Feb 2024

A cultural preference for sons in India may be expressed as 'son preference' or 'daughter aversion', arising from patrilocality, patrilineality, the cost of dowry, and old-age support from sons.

What If Trump Wins A Second Term?

What If Trump Wins A Second Term?

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2024

Although India-US relations have strengthened significantly in recent years, partly because of the security situation in the region, the Indian policy establishment would have to be prepared to protect India's interests in a world that could get more unpredictable.

Is The Worst Over For IT Industry?

Is The Worst Over For IT Industry?

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2024

Certain changes in the past two or three years could have a long-term structural impact on the IT services market.

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.

2023: 2nd Warmest Year Since 1901

2023: 2nd Warmest Year Since 1901

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The five warmest years in Indian weather history have occurred in the past 14 years -- the others being 2009, 2017 and 2010, in order of intensity.

Stock Market: Which Sectors Delivered?

Stock Market: Which Sectors Delivered?

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The biggest bounce is in the realty sector, where the industry index jumped 80%. There's been a turnaround also in automobiles and ancillaries (up 45%). The pharma and health care indices have a welcome return of roughly 35%.

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.

The IPL's Pay Problem

The IPL's Pay Problem

Rediff.com   1 Jan 2024

Lower-paid IPL players, domestic or foreign, should be able to try their luck in other T20 tournaments.

Good News For Android App Developers

Good News For Android App Developers

Rediff.com   30 Dec 2023

For many developers, it may not be a sufficient saving to make it worth creating and maintaining alternatives.

2024 Challenge For INDIA Grows Every Day!

2024 Challenge For INDIA Grows Every Day!

Rediff.com   18 Dec 2023

If they wish to have any chance next year, the Congress and the alliance must quickly settle all issues, draw up an alternative agenda, and create a cohesive campaign.

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.

'We are building Kia 2.0. India is a long-term bet for us'

'We are building Kia 2.0. India is a long-term bet for us'

Rediff.com   17 Nov 2023

'India is the sixth-largest market for the Kia Corporation, and contributes 8 to 9 per cent to our global sales.' 'We are eyeing 10 per cent market share over the next few years depending on customer demand and new product innovations.'

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.