Shine Jacob, Deepak Patel

Stories by Shine Jacob, Deepak Patel

PV inventory surges even as auto retail sales rise

PV inventory surges even as auto retail sales rise

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2024

Automobile (auto) retail sales in India grew by an impressive 14 per cent in July compared to the same period last year, driven by a surge in the rural economy, good product availability, and product launches. While passenger vehicles (PVs) saw a 10 per cent increase during this period, inventory levels have surged to a historic high of 67-72 days in PVs, equating to Rs 73,000 crore worth of stock, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada). This poses a risk to dealer sustainability. Inventory levels in July 2023 were only 50-55 days, equating to a stock worth Rs 49,833 crore. In June 2024, inventory was between 62 and 67 days, with a stock value of Rs 60,000 crore.

M&A wave set to sweep over South cement market, say industry experts

M&A wave set to sweep over South cement market, say industry experts

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2024

UltraTech Cement's announcement that it would snap up a controlling stake in India Cements may only be a sign of more to come. In the wake of one of the country's most expensive deals in recent times, cement majors may slug it out to add smaller firms from the region to their portfolio. UltraTech's buy is the latest in the four deals the southern market has seen in less than a year, with Adani Cement being the other buyer.

'India Needs More Than 2 Airlines'

'India Needs More Than 2 Airlines'

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2024

'Just look at China: They have five or six major airlines and some smaller ones.'

Why Are Bengaluru IT Workers Protesting?

Why Are Bengaluru IT Workers Protesting?

Rediff.com   5 Aug 2024

'The overwhelming evidence from various studies and reports indicates that the current work culture in the IT sector, characterised by excessive hours, has severe consequences for health, productivity, and overall quality of life.'

Skilling plan laudable, but needs clarity: Biz leaders

Skilling plan laudable, but needs clarity: Biz leaders

Rediff.com   2 Aug 2024

While praising the internship scheme announced in the Budget, India Inc wants clarity on how it will be implemented. The scheme is expected to help companies address the skill gap in employment. Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman, auto major Ashok Leyland, said: "We had started an internship programme at our plant in Pantnagar, which we established in 2010 with colleges there.

After Air India, Vistara announces VRS for permanent ground staff

After Air India, Vistara announces VRS for permanent ground staff

Rediff.com   30 Jul 2024

Indian carrier Vistara on Monday announced voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) and voluntary separation scheme (VSS) for its permanent ground staff ahead of its merger with Air India, which had announced similar plans for its non-flying permanent staff two weeks ago.

'Made in India' Apparel Off To Paris Olympics

'Made in India' Apparel Off To Paris Olympics

Rediff.com   24 Jul 2024

If you see 'Made in India' apparel at any of the IOC's retail channels, it may have well come from Tiruppur, manufactured by a firm, which is owned by a mother-daughter duo, called Back Bay India.

Indian Biz Sees Hope After Bangladesh SC Order

Indian Biz Sees Hope After Bangladesh SC Order

Rediff.com   22 Jul 2024

'Bilateral trade has suffered seriously because of the growing unrest.' 'There is a standstill on both sides amid the curfew.'

Nipah Death Puts Kerala On Alert

Nipah Death Puts Kerala On Alert

Rediff.com   22 Jul 2024

The scare of communicable diseases seems to be gripping the country with Maharashtra reporting 28 Zika cases this year, the highest since 2021.

Downpour Of Diseases In India

Downpour Of Diseases In India

Rediff.com   20 Jul 2024

Kerala has had 202 fatalities in 2024 so far. In July alone, there were 202,122 episodes of fever, 2,250 cases of dengue, 1,850 cases of mumps and several other illnesses. 10,000 cases of dengue have been reported from Karnataka. 1,000 swine flu cases have been documented in Rajasthan.

Who's To Be Blamed For Bridge Collapses?

Who's To Be Blamed For Bridge Collapses?

Rediff.com   18 Jul 2024

Government officials believe that central bridge projects perform better than state projects due to stricter checks and balances.

JSW MG To Launch 5 New Cars

JSW MG To Launch 5 New Cars

Rediff.com   18 Jul 2024

'Two would be premium products and three would be mainstream products.'

Honda 2W share rises after on-board norms compliance

Honda 2W share rises after on-board norms compliance

Rediff.com   17 Jul 2024

The battle for the top spot in the two-wheeler market is intensifying. The gap between Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) in retail sales narrowed to just 45,607 units in June. This improvement comes as HMSI has clawed back market share after dipping to a historic low of 18 per cent in May 2023. Now, the retail market shares of the two companies are 28.86 per cent and 25.54 per cent, respectively, compared to 35.54 per cent and 18.05 per cent in May 2023.

Priyanka's Entry To Boost Congress In South

Priyanka's Entry To Boost Congress In South

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2024

Priyanka's victory seems assured, but the broader implications for Kerala's political landscape and South Indian politics remain to be seen.

Taj Is No. 1 Tourist Choice, What Is No. 2?

Taj Is No. 1 Tourist Choice, What Is No. 2?

Rediff.com   12 Jul 2024

It's the Qutub Minar!

Labour Pains, The Silent Crisis Undermining India's Infrastructure Boom

Labour Pains, The Silent Crisis Undermining India's Infrastructure Boom

Rediff.com   11 Jul 2024

Severe skilled, unskilled shortage threatens to pull emergency brakes on India's industrial engine.

Does No One Want To Buy Cars?

Does No One Want To Buy Cars?

Rediff.com   2 Jul 2024

Passenger vehicle sales are expected to experience muted growth in the current financial year.

Even MBAs Find It Tough To Get Jobs

Even MBAs Find It Tough To Get Jobs

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

'Corporations that were recruiting 15 or 20 [students] have reduced the number to two or three.'

How Kalki's Bujji Was Born

How Kalki's Bujji Was Born

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2024

'Fun stuff does, indeed, happen on X.'

Noida airport faces delay, to start commercial flights by April 2025

Noida airport faces delay, to start commercial flights by April 2025

Rediff.com   25 Jun 2024

Being touted as a competitor to the country's busiest Delhi airport -- which handles approximately 1,200 flights a day -- the Noida airport was expected to start flight operations by the end of this year. But supply-chain disruption, caused by pandemic and subsequent global upheaval, has hit the pace of construction at the airport which is coming up in the Jewar area of UP's Gautam Budh Nagar, some 75-km from the Delhi airport.