Aneesh Phadnis And Megha Manchanda

Stories by Aneesh Phadnis And Megha Manchanda

CAA protests: Tourism may be hit badly

CAA protests: Tourism may be hit badly

Rediff.com   23 Dec 2019

Foreign tourists are postponing their India holiday and there have been some cancellations as well, with trips to the North-East seeing the most adverse impact.

No cut in spectrum price as govt okays airwave auction

No cut in spectrum price as govt okays airwave auction

Rediff.com   21 Dec 2019

Although the industry is disappointed with the government decision not to lower spectrum prices at a time telcos are saddled with over Rs 4-trillion debt and an estimated Rs 1.43-trillion licence fee dues, the DCC has relaxed the payment structure to offer some relief to the financially stressed sector.

Despite slump, Airtel to go ahead with Rs 20K-cr investment plan

Despite slump, Airtel to go ahead with Rs 20K-cr investment plan

Rediff.com   19 Dec 2019

Mittal said he discussed a plethora of issues with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and sought the government's support for faster clearances to streamline the group's investment plans.

Delhi is crumbling under its own weight

Delhi is crumbling under its own weight

Rediff.com   18 Dec 2019

While Delhi boasts of one of the best metro systems in the world and decent infrastructure, reckless construction, legalising unauthorised colonies, and the worsening water and air quality dent its image of being a robust cosmopolitan city.

Air India may be unable to sustain operations

Air India may be unable to sustain operations

Rediff.com   18 Dec 2019

Air India is seeking government approval to raise a Rs 2,000 crore loan and refinance $819 million aircraft debt, which would help tide over the financial crisis.

At 11.2%, Nov's air traffic growth fastest this year

At 11.2%, Nov's air traffic growth fastest this year

Rediff.com   13 Dec 2019

About 1.2 crore passengers flew in November compared to 1.1 crore in October. While the industry opinion is divided over the sustainability of unprofitable growth, which is primarily led by low fare, some described it as the resilience of air travel against the economic slump.

How BSNL plans to save Rs 7,500 crore

How BSNL plans to save Rs 7,500 crore

Rediff.com   29 Nov 2019

'BSNL employee cost is Rs 14,500 crore and we anticipate that around 80,000 should opt for VRS.'

GoAir chooses Pratt & Whitney engines for 2nd lot of 72 Airbus planes

GoAir chooses Pratt & Whitney engines for 2nd lot of 72 Airbus planes

Rediff.com   21 Nov 2019

The selection gives a boost to the US engine firm, which lost out to rival manufacturer CFM International for IndiGo's 280 aircraft engine order in June.

Good news for fliers to Saudi Arabia as seat quota hiked by 78%

Good news for fliers to Saudi Arabia as seat quota hiked by 78%

Rediff.com   11 Nov 2019

Among the Indian carriers, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights to Saudi Arabia while Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas are the two carriers operating in India.

BSNL, MTNL to spend Rs 11,000 cr on 4G infrastructure

BSNL, MTNL to spend Rs 11,000 cr on 4G infrastructure

Rediff.com   25 Oct 2019

The asset monetisation exercise in the first phase will help BSNL shave off its Rs 14,000-crore debt. The government has said that these firms are strategically important and will not be closed down or divested.

India issues advisory against travel to Turkey

India issues advisory against travel to Turkey

Rediff.com   24 Oct 2019

The advisory was issued by the Indian embassy in Ankara on Tuesday against the backdrop of strained India-Turkey relations and Turkey's offensive against Kurdish rebels in Syria.

Cleartrip, Taj Hotels to spread wings in West Asia

Cleartrip, Taj Hotels to spread wings in West Asia

Rediff.com   23 Oct 2019

Cleartrip acquired Saudi travel firm Flyin last July and it provides bilingual ground support service and itineraries for inbound tourists.

DGCA error forced Pak F-16s to intercept SpiceJet flight

DGCA error forced Pak F-16s to intercept SpiceJet flight

Rediff.com   19 Oct 2019

The DGCA official who wrongly assigned the code of Antonov AN-32 -- an aircraft used by the IAF -- to the SpiceJet aircraft has been suspended, report Arindam Majumder and Aneesh Phadnis.

Both 5G spectrum and 700 MHz band auction may see few bidders

Both 5G spectrum and 700 MHz band auction may see few bidders

Rediff.com   15 Oct 2019

Analysts at rating agency ICRA say the debt level of the telecom companies is very high and the ecosystem for the premium band is not in place.

How brands are fighting back as global crises hit home

How brands are fighting back as global crises hit home

Rediff.com   15 Oct 2019

Trust today means more than the belief that a brands' products will work as advertised; consumers want to believe that the company truly cares for its customers.

Amit Shah to inaugurate mobile congress on Monday

Amit Shah to inaugurate mobile congress on Monday

Rediff.com   13 Oct 2019

Home minister heads several groups of ministers, including the one to decide the revival package for Bharat Sanchar Nigam and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam. His ministry also takes decisive calls on national security in relation to telecom operations as well as equipment and technology used in the industry.

Demystifying the new Motor Vehicles Act

Demystifying the new Motor Vehicles Act

Rediff.com   28 Sep 2019

While some states have proposed to dilute the hefty penalty provisions in the Act, there are those like West Bengal which have refused to implement right away.

With 5G spectrum shrinking, telcos may stay off auction

With 5G spectrum shrinking, telcos may stay off auction

Rediff.com   25 Sep 2019

It is learnt that the defence ministry is refusing to let go of its 100 MHz spectrum, which was allotted earlier. In that case, the department of telecommunications (DoT) will be left with only 175 MW of 5G spectrum of the total 300 MHz.

Hoping for a revival, BSNL staff pen their anguish to PM Modi

Hoping for a revival, BSNL staff pen their anguish to PM Modi

Rediff.com   24 Sep 2019

BSNL is providing telecom services in remote parts of the country and maintaining 17,000 to 18,000 exchanges, incurring Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 crore losses every year. Otherwise, these villages will be cut off.

Why Goa hotels may be forced to cut rates

Why Goa hotels may be forced to cut rates

Rediff.com   24 Sep 2019

The company operated chartered flights from London Gatwick and Manchester airports to Goa between November and March and its closure will adversely impact local tourism.