Akshara Srivastava, Gulveen Aulakh

Stories by Akshara Srivastava, Gulveen Aulakh

Glowcations: When Travel Becomes Skincare Routine

Glowcations: When Travel Becomes Skincare Routine

Rediff.com   2 days ago

More Indians are choosing trips based on beauty rituals, skincare treatments and access to cult products.

Airtel to approach DoT on AGR in coming days: MD

Airtel to approach DoT on AGR in coming days: MD

Rediff.com   4 days ago

Telecom firm Bharti Airtel will approach the government on the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) it has to pay the exchequer following the Supreme Court's judgment that the government can reassess all AGR dues, according to vice-chairman and managing director Gopal Vittal.

How Much Will Jio Platforms Be Worth After IPO?

How Much Will Jio Platforms Be Worth After IPO?

Rediff.com   5 days ago

Jio Platforms Limited is likely to have a valuation of $148 billion by the time it goes public on the back of strong free cash flow and potential deleveraging, ICICI Securities said.

'Napcations' Catch On In India

'Napcations' Catch On In India

Rediff.com   14 Oct 2025

Instead of ticking off bucket-list activities, 'Nap'cations revolve around curated rest. Think blackout curtains, memory foam beds, herbal teas, rejuvenating spa sessions, and even anytime breakfasts.

Tourist Footfalls Drop Across J&K, Ladakh

Tourist Footfalls Drop Across J&K, Ladakh

Rediff.com   14 Oct 2025

'The Pahalgam terror attacks and the conflict that followed were a big blow to local tourism.' 'And just when things were starting to go back to normal, the floods, caused by heavy rain, spoiled all chances of a bounce-back this season.'

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Rediff.com   4 Oct 2025

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is looking into complaints of additional charges being levied by ecommerce platforms when customers choose cash-on-delivery (COD) option instead of paying while ordering items. "The Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against ecommerce platforms charging extra for cash-on-delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers," Pralhad Joshi, Union minister of consumer affairs, wrote on X on Friday afternoon.

Hotel Industry Faces Crores in GST Demands

Hotel Industry Faces Crores in GST Demands

Rediff.com   29 Sep 2025

'This is not a case of tax evasion but the result of long-standing ambiguities in GST rules and unawareness.'

Entry-level 5G smartphone market hots up ahead of festival season

Entry-level 5G smartphone market hots up ahead of festival season

Rediff.com   19 Sep 2025

India's entry-level 5G smartphone segment, typically held to be those priced below 10,000, is set to bustle in the upcoming festival season as brands like HMD, Poco, and Lava launch their products.

FMCG majors cut prices as firms pass on GST benefit to consumers

FMCG majors cut prices as firms pass on GST benefit to consumers

Rediff.com   17 Sep 2025

Several fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have said that they would pass on the full benefit of goods and services tax (GST) rate cuts to consumers starting September 22. Dairy major Mother Dairy, on Tuesday, announced rate cuts in products spanning its portfolio-- from milkshakes to paneer and jams to frozen products under its Safal brand.

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

How Gen Z And Social Media Are Changing Nepal

Rediff.com   16 Sep 2025

From mobilising protests to choosing the interim prime minister -- Discord, Bitchat became virtual control rooms, even as familiar platforms like TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, etc. played their part.

One Reit may enter market annually for next 3-5 yrs: IRA chief

One Reit may enter market annually for next 3-5 yrs: IRA chief

Rediff.com   15 Sep 2025

India's real estate investment trust (Reit) sector is set for robust expansion, with at least one new Reit expected to enter the market each year over the next three-five years. This growth trajectory builds on rising occupancies, surging leasing activity, and increasing investor interest.

Jio's Rs 30,000 Cr IPO: India's Largest

Jio's Rs 30,000 Cr IPO: India's Largest

Rediff.com   2 Sep 2025

Reliance holds 67.03% of Jio Platforms Limited and the public listing would provide an exit to many investors.

'India Is Critical Hub For GlobalLogic's Operations'

'India Is Critical Hub For GlobalLogic's Operations'

Rediff.com   30 Aug 2025

'The scale and depth of talent here plays a central role in core software product engineering for some of the biggest brands in tech.'

Monsoon Mayhem Forces Change In Travel Plans

Monsoon Mayhem Forces Change In Travel Plans

Rediff.com   29 Aug 2025

Strong demand for cultural and spiritual hubs is expected for destinations like Varanasi, Kolkata during Durga Puja, and Pushkar for the camel fair, besides leisure destinations like Goa, Udaipur, Jaipur and Coorg.

Why Hotels Are Building Branded Residences

Why Hotels Are Building Branded Residences

Rediff.com   29 Aug 2025

'While the concept was introduced globally over four decades ago, branded residences have taken off now in India.'

India-UK FTA Adds Cheer to Whiskey Lovers

India-UK FTA Adds Cheer to Whiskey Lovers

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2025

'The India-UK FTA is an enormous win for both the Indian consumer and the Scotch whisky industry. It will make whisky more affordable while expanding the Scotch market by about a billion dollars.'

I-Day Weekend Inspires Holiday Rush

I-Day Weekend Inspires Holiday Rush

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2025

'The upcoming long weekend has ignited strong travel intent, with robust bookings across leisure, spiritual and wellness destinations.'

Hospitality Business Needs People, Not AI

Hospitality Business Needs People, Not AI

Rediff.com   15 Jul 2025

With the rise of wellness tourism and experiential travel, specialised jobs are being created in spa management, event planning and local experience curation, besides social media management.

IPOs mark a new era for India's hospitality industry with scale, ambition

IPOs mark a new era for India's hospitality industry with scale, ambition

Rediff.com   15 Jul 2025

India's hospitality sector is rolling out the red carpet for investors. A flurry of upcoming IPOs, or initial public offerings, the entry of new players, and ambitious expansion plans by Indian and global hotel brands are ushering in what could be the industry's most formalised era yet. Leading the charge are real estate titans, who are turning their hotel arms into global hospitality chains.

Why Affordable Housing Will Remain Muted Despite Rate Cut

Why Affordable Housing Will Remain Muted Despite Rate Cut

Rediff.com   10 Jul 2025

While demand for sub Rs 50-lakh affordable housing prevails, market players cite increased land rates, escalated construction costs and low margins as key prohibiting factors.