Arnab Dutta

Stories by Arnab Dutta

Import ban on TVs: Chinese majors face double whammy

Import ban on TVs: Chinese majors face double whammy

Rediff.com   10 Aug 2020

The steep rise in prices of key components, coupled with a ban on the import of finished sets, is expected to hit prominent Chinese brands, such as OnePlus, Xiaomi, TCL, and Realme.

Smartphone biz in India: It's advantage Samsung for now

Smartphone biz in India: It's advantage Samsung for now

Rediff.com   4 Aug 2020

Streamlining its delivery network and shifting focus back to the mass segment - at a time when competitors were struggling to restore normalcy in operations due to the pandemi - aided the firm's revival.

Unlock 2.0: States urged to ease shopping hour curbs

Unlock 2.0: States urged to ease shopping hour curbs

Rediff.com   21 Jul 2020

The demands from retailers are fourfold: One, allow kiranas, general trade stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and wholesalers to operate every day of the week till 9 pm. Two, ensure uniform and regular opening of all categories of retail. Three, hassle-free movement of goods and employees, and four, lift bans on malls in states like Maharashtra.

All mobiles, TVs sold in India have a China connection

All mobiles, TVs sold in India have a China connection

Rediff.com   3 Jul 2020

It was expected that supplies from China will be back to normal by end-June as their factories are now operating at nearly 90 per cent of normal capacity. But the recent issue with shipments has placed an obstacle that manufacturers can't bypass.

18 phone launches run into Boycott China campaign

18 phone launches run into Boycott China campaign

Rediff.com   26 Jun 2020

The smartphone category as a whole was expected to spend around Rs 1,000 crore on marketing and promotional activities over the next six months, even as India unlocks gradually, said media industry experts. This spending is expected to come down, as firms temper their launches.

Chinese firms in India gear up for more boycott calls

Chinese firms in India gear up for more boycott calls

Rediff.com   25 Jun 2020

People in the know said that from social and digital media campaign teams to communications specialists -- all hands were on deck, and every possible post or campaign with the potential to intensify the crisis, was being tracked.

These sectors will see demand reach pre-Covid levels

These sectors will see demand reach pre-Covid levels

Rediff.com   15 Jun 2020

Steel, cement, aluminum, fertilisers, tractors, two-wheelers, beverages and carbonated drinks, tyres and FMCG could see demand back to near normal levels by the third or the fourth quarter of the financial year, or even earlier.

Delhi's traders want markets to shut down: online poll

Delhi's traders want markets to shut down: online poll

Rediff.com   14 Jun 2020

The Confederation of All India Traders has approached Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and urged them to shut markets in Delhi.

Consumer goods: How lockdown 4.0 was different

Consumer goods: How lockdown 4.0 was different

Rediff.com   8 Jun 2020

From fast food and athleisure to ACs, the demand for several non-discretionary items has spiked since May 17, when Lockdown 4.0 was extended till May 31.

How India Inc plans to woo buyers amid COVID-19

How India Inc plans to woo buyers amid COVID-19

Rediff.com   8 Jun 2020

From auto, refrigerator, and mobile handset makers to real estate firms, companies are tying up with banks to dole out attractive finance schemes and discounts to make buying more affordable.

Ghost from the past does not haunt Maggi anymore

Ghost from the past does not haunt Maggi anymore

Rediff.com   5 Jun 2020

In 2019, the growth in sales of the Maggi brand of products surpassed the pre-ban level of 2014, in terms of both volume and value. While, Nestle raised prices of Maggi products by an average 3.1 per cent, its volume rose by 9.6 per cent year-on-year.

Amazon/Netflix or theatres? Movie business' dilemma

Amazon/Netflix or theatres? Movie business' dilemma

Rediff.com   18 May 2020

'While OTTs are a reality, big film producers will prefer a theatrical release before a digital one.'

Lockdown curbs may scorch summer sales

Lockdown curbs may scorch summer sales

Rediff.com   24 Apr 2020

With states in north India imposing stricter measures to curb intra-state movement after April 20, makers of summer products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, colas, and ice creams are estimating a 25-60 per cent drop in yearly sales.

Lockdown puts question mark over corporate results

Lockdown puts question mark over corporate results

Rediff.com   20 Apr 2020

Most listed corporate entities in the country are in a fix. With the sudden declaration in late March of a nationwide lockdown to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, the final calculations of their financial results for the year 2019-20 (FY20) are hanging in limbo. Till April 19, only 41 of the 3,947 companies listed on the BSE have managed to finalise the dates for the declaration of their yearly financial results.

India Inc hails reboot bid, buckles up to deliver

India Inc hails reboot bid, buckles up to deliver

Rediff.com   16 Apr 2020

While FMCG companies were not barred from carrying out their operations during the 21-day lockdown, since most manufacture staples and essential products, capacity utilisation remained poor, owing to the restricted movement of raw materials, finished goods, and labour.

FMCG cos see huge demand but hampered by low capacity utilisation

FMCG cos see huge demand but hampered by low capacity utilisation

Rediff.com   11 Apr 2020

Top companies reported that despite most of them making staples and essential products, movement of raw material, goods and labour remained restricted, impacting sales.

Manufacturing cos look to kickstart ops post-lockdown

Manufacturing cos look to kickstart ops post-lockdown

Rediff.com   8 Apr 2020

According to sources, government officials have asked industry bodies and manufacturers to submit key concerns and requirements to begin manufacturing activity.

Corona effect: Job offers for IIMs, IITians cancelled

Corona effect: Job offers for IIMs, IITians cancelled

Rediff.com   7 Apr 2020

What will happen to the job placement and summer internship plans of India's management and IIT students? Many campuses are stepping in to help students hang on to their placements, in spite of the lockdown.

Smartphone market may remain flat in 2020

Smartphone market may remain flat in 2020

Rediff.com   2 Apr 2020

Even as most manufacturers are still assessing the overall impact on their businesses, early projections suggest the market may grow at its lowest ever rate, in 2020.

Noida, Chennai's electronics hubs in total lockdown

Noida, Chennai's electronics hubs in total lockdown

Rediff.com   24 Mar 2020

The usually busy Greater Noida expressway is empty except small groups of commuters that gather at its sidelines, seeking lift from every passing vehicle.