Archis Mohan, Arindam Majumder

Stories by Archis Mohan, Arindam Majumder

Chirag Paswan has the BJP-JD-U worried, and rightly so

Chirag Paswan has the BJP-JD-U worried, and rightly so

Rediff.com   26 Oct 2020

Insiders say the BJP is now concerned the LJP putting up a good fight against the JD-U would mean benefitting the MGB in those seats. Moreover, Chirag and Tejaswi are known to be friends, and the former is battling for his political survival.

Mandavia to focus on regional airline post Jet flyaway

Mandavia to focus on regional airline post Jet flyaway

Rediff.com   26 Oct 2020

The pilot-turned-airline owner and his partner Biraja Jena plan to launch FlyBig, which has secured 16 routes under the fourth phase of UDAN, the government's regional connectivity programme.

Kalanithi Maran moves HC against non-payment of Rs 243 cr by SpiceJet

Kalanithi Maran moves HC against non-payment of Rs 243 cr by SpiceJet

Rediff.com   25 Oct 2020

Maran had sought attachment of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh's shares by an administrator unless the payment was made.

After facing criticism, govt may rewrite airport privatisation policy

After facing criticism, govt may rewrite airport privatisation policy

Rediff.com   5 Oct 2020

In the upcoming round of privatisation, unviable airports are likely to be clubbed with six main airports and a prospective bidder may be restricted to bid for two airports.

Govt planning to absorb large portion of Air India's debt to woo buyers

Govt planning to absorb large portion of Air India's debt to woo buyers

Rediff.com   22 Sep 2020

Air India owns 32 aircraft, and has 37 aircraft on finance lease; Air India Express owns 17 aircraft on finance lease. The aircraft-related debt of Air India is Rs 16,000 crore; it's Rs 1,100 crore for Air India Express.

Covid curbs push Airports Authority into loss for first time

Covid curbs push Airports Authority into loss for first time

Rediff.com   19 Sep 2020

To counter the pandemic, air transport was suspended from March 25 till May 24 which rendered zero traffic at AAI airports. Even after resumption of flights, traffic is yet to pick up at airports due to quarantine measures implemented by states and an overall fear of flying.

Why Amarinder backs Rahul to lead Congress

Why Amarinder backs Rahul to lead Congress

Rediff.com   15 Sep 2020

While it made sense for Capt Amarinder Singh to support the Gandhis since none of the 23 'rebels' had any mass base, the truce was important for his ambition to lead the party in the February 2022 state elections. Archis Mohan reports.

Auto dealers sceptical about signs of recovery

Auto dealers sceptical about signs of recovery

Rediff.com   10 Sep 2020

Dealers say the significant increase in sales was driven by a need to plug the diminishing inventory as most dealerships were transitioning from BS-IV to BS-VI when the Covid-19 lockdown was announced.

Adani's ambitious plans for Mumbai airport

Adani's ambitious plans for Mumbai airport

Rediff.com   3 Sep 2020

Adani said he expected the number of flyers in the country to grow five-fold, which means India would require 200 additional airports to handle over 1 billion domestic and international passengers across the tier-1, -2 and -3 cities.

Govt to rope in ex-IAF officers to probe Kozhikode crash

Govt to rope in ex-IAF officers to probe Kozhikode crash

Rediff.com   11 Aug 2020

Along with IAF officials, the AAIB will also reach out to experienced private sector executives, meteorologists, and aviation psychologists to be part of the probe.

Automakers let go of contractual workers as slowdown bites

Automakers let go of contractual workers as slowdown bites

Rediff.com   8 Aug 2020

Availability of jobs at India's auto companies has shrunk significantly over the last two years, as the industry goes through one of its worst slowdowns. More than 60 per cent of the total workforce fell by 24 per cent in 2019-20, against 2017-18.

SpiceJet hits air pocket as losses mount

SpiceJet hits air pocket as losses mount

Rediff.com   30 Jul 2020

On a full year basis, the airline made a loss of Rs 934.8 crore. The company has incurred a net loss during the current and previous year and, the its current liabilities exceeded its current assets

Amid Raj crisis, Union minister to face credit scam probe

Amid Raj crisis, Union minister to face credit scam probe

Rediff.com   24 Jul 2020

Court orders probe into Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's role in a complaint linked to Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society, in which thousands of investors allegedly lost Rs 900 crore a year ago.

How airlines are monetising the middle seat amid Covid fear

How airlines are monetising the middle seat amid Covid fear

Rediff.com   9 Jul 2020

Vistara started allowing passengers to book an extra seat from Tuesday. IndiGo and SpiceJet, too, are in the final stages of designing such a product to be sold as an add-on.

Parliament's monsoon session likely in September

Parliament's monsoon session likely in September

Rediff.com   4 Jul 2020

The plan involves the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha seating half of their members in their respective chambers, reports Archis Mohan.

Rural sales bring cheers to motown

Rural sales bring cheers to motown

Rediff.com   2 Jul 2020

Analysts said the demand recovery in two-wheeler and car segments was skewed towards the semi-urban and rural markets.

US-India green corridor will ease international travel

US-India green corridor will ease international travel

Rediff.com   24 Jun 2020

Travel bubbles, also called travel bridges or green corridors, do away with the waiting period for travellers from certain countries. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning flyers from both countries will enjoy similar benefits.

SARC & Associates appointed as auditors of PM CARES Fund

SARC & Associates appointed as auditors of PM CARES Fund

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2020

The firm, headed by Sunil Kumar Gupta, was appointed auditors of the PM's National Relief Fund in 2019, reports Archis Mohan

Social distancing throws spanner in holding monsoon session of Parliament

Social distancing throws spanner in holding monsoon session of Parliament

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2020

Officials have said the national capital lacked a convention centre big enough to seat so many MPs and adhere to social distancing norms. Additionally, holding a 'virtual session' looks slims as any change in the rules requires a motion to be carried in both the Houses of Parliament.

With draft rules India takes first step to drone deliveries

With draft rules India takes first step to drone deliveries

Rediff.com   6 Jun 2020

India took the first step towards legalising drones by officially publishing draft rules for drone operations in the Official Gazette on Friday. The rules, termed The Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2020, are open for public consultation for 30 days.