Shine Jacob, Shivani Shinde, Ajinkya Kawale

Stories by Shine Jacob, Shivani Shinde, Ajinkya Kawale

Harley, Triumph blaze a trail, give Enfield a tough ride

Harley, Triumph blaze a trail, give Enfield a tough ride

Rediff.com   19 Feb 2024

It has been seven months since the iconic motorcycle manufacturers, Harley-Davidson and Triumph, embarked on their journey in India with the backing of partners Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto. According to data shared by the Indian majors, both brands are already creating ripples in the above 350cc category. The increase in sales has prompted a ramp-up in production and even the doubling of retail touchpoints for one of them.

RBI restrains commercial card payments by a network

RBI restrains commercial card payments by a network

Rediff.com   16 Feb 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on Thursday issued orders restraining commercial transactions routed through intermediaries by a card network. The central bank, without naming the card network, said the intermediary with an arrangement with the network, did not have the authorisation to function under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act. This led the regulator to suspend the arrangement till further notice.

India's 1st Private Launchpad Preps For Liftoff

India's 1st Private Launchpad Preps For Liftoff

Rediff.com   13 Feb 2024

Preparations are in the final stages by the Chennai-headquartered space-tech startup Agnikul Cosmos for the maiden launch of India's first-ever private launchpad and the second rocket launch by a private sector player.

Paytm shock: Fintech cos wary as frequent regulatory actions hurt sentiment

Paytm shock: Fintech cos wary as frequent regulatory actions hurt sentiment

Rediff.com   13 Feb 2024

Following the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) action against Paytm Payments Bank, participants in the fintech ecosystem have turned their attention to giving priority to compliance with regulatory norms. Fintech industry players say the episode will ensure adherence to such measures. Executives Business Standard spoke to said companies should have clarity on their requirements.

Rooftop solar charges up electric vehicle boom in India's smaller cities

Rooftop solar charges up electric vehicle boom in India's smaller cities

Rediff.com   12 Feb 2024

The push given to rooftop solar installation in the Interim Budget ties in with its high rate of adoption in Tier-II and -III cities of India. If original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automobile industry, government, and the solar sector are to be believed, in cities of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Kerala, 45-50 per cent of electric-vehicle (EV) users are employing rooftop power to charge their vehicles. This is compared to the national average of 25 per cent, say industry sources.

'The more we automate, the more work will come'

'The more we automate, the more work will come'

Rediff.com   10 Feb 2024

'We do not see people getting reduced, but because of automation, we will do more work.'

Fintechs boost hiring, strengthen leadership

Fintechs boost hiring, strengthen leadership

Rediff.com   8 Feb 2024

In the backdrop of the crisis brewing at Paytm Payments Bank, major fintech companies are ramping up their workforce and inducting new faces in their leadership teams, industry sources said on Wednesday. Users will not be able to add funds to their Paytm Payments Bank Wallet after February 29, though they will still be able to use the services and the existing balance in the wallets, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) diktat. Industry sources said that competitors to Paytm are investing heavily in offline payments while doubling their salesforce.

Wipro set to cut hundreds of jobs

Wipro set to cut hundreds of jobs

Rediff.com   8 Feb 2024

After startups and Big Tech, the layoff season may have begun at the $245 billion Indian information-technology (IT) industry. Bengaluru-based IT major Wipro is looking to cut hundreds of jobs, targeting mid-level employees working onsite as the company looks to improve margins, according to a media report, citing two sources. The company has said it is aligning its business and talent to the changing market environment.

Paytm: What's working and what's next?

Paytm: What's working and what's next?

Rediff.com   7 Feb 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred Paytm Payments Bank from most operations, including taking deposits and fund transfers with effect from March 1, 2024. The curbs on the bank come amid several alleged failures such as violations of know-your-customer (KYC) norms. Under such a scenario, here's what works for customers using Paytm Payments Bank, according to the company.

Paytm denies any Enforcement Directorate probe into money laundering

Paytm denies any Enforcement Directorate probe into money laundering

Rediff.com   5 Feb 2024

One97 Communications Ltd (OCL), the parent firm of fintech major Paytm, has denied reports about any investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the company, its associates, and its founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The company, in an exchange filing on Sunday, said it had cooperated with the authorities when users or merchants on its platform were subject to enquiries in the past. "We would like to set the record straight and deny any involvement in anti-money laundering activities.

Why This 2-Time MP Won't Contest Polls

Why This 2-Time MP Won't Contest Polls

Rediff.com   2 Feb 2024

'If businessmen should be included in the political process -- which is essential in my opinion -- they need to have the freedom to express themselves and to take stands against the government of the day, without fear of reprisals and attacks on their business.'

How AI Is Transforming Auto Manufacturing

How AI Is Transforming Auto Manufacturing

Rediff.com   30 Jan 2024

'From data on enquiries, we can build what we call a data lake or a data warehouse where data is classified into various cohorts and then we use AI and ML tools to predict demand down the line.'

'GenAI is going to be the tip of the arrow for HCLTech'

'GenAI is going to be the tip of the arrow for HCLTech'

Rediff.com   29 Jan 2024

'It will drive a lot of surrounding business, that is where we see some good projects coming in.'

Corporate India on overdrive to celebrate Ram Mandir inauguration

Corporate India on overdrive to celebrate Ram Mandir inauguration

Rediff.com   19 Jan 2024

As Ayodhya readies itself for the glittering, much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22, and as millions of pilgrims and devotees pour into the holy city for the momentous event, companies are rushing to do their bit and be a part of the mega celebrations. Some are offering a part of their profits as donations, telcos are beefing up the number of cellular towers to ensure better connectivity, and there are those distributing jalebis and food platters.

Apple reclaims most valued brand title; Tata only Indian brand in top 100

Apple reclaims most valued brand title; Tata only Indian brand in top 100

Rediff.com   18 Jan 2024

Technology companies continue to be the most valued brands globally, with the top five most valued companies from the technology sector, according to Brand Finance 2024. Samsung has entered the top five most valued brands globally. Apple secured the first position after falling to the second spot in 2023.

'YouTube Shorts pulls in people from all over India'

'YouTube Shorts pulls in people from all over India'

Rediff.com   18 Jan 2024

'Two in three creators in India who earn money from YouTube agree that YouTube is their primary source of revenue.'

Why Fog Grounds Flights?

Why Fog Grounds Flights?

Rediff.com   16 Jan 2024

The phenomenon of fog is largely Delhi-centric. 'Airlines may think that we only have conditions of extreme fog on a few days every year, and spending a pilot's time and the airline's money on training can add up to its expenses.' 'So, they may prefer holding it for a few days.'

Tata Power, Adani lead Rs 6.64 trn funding plans at TN Investor Meet

Tata Power, Adani lead Rs 6.64 trn funding plans at TN Investor Meet

Rediff.com   13 Jan 2024

Driven by mega investment proposals from Tata Power, Adani group, Singapore's Sembcorp Industries and Leap Green Energy, among others, the two-day Global Investors Meet 2024 in Tamil Nadu is expecting an infusion of around Rs 6.64 trillion. This is likely to create around 2.69 million direct and indirect jobs in the state. "Due to our tireless efforts and your participation during this Global Investors' Meet, we have attracted an unprecedented Rs 6.64 trillion of investments.

Indian crypto firms welcome US SEC approval for bitcoin ETF

Indian crypto firms welcome US SEC approval for bitcoin ETF

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The securities regulator's approval for the first US-listed exchange traded funds (ETF) to track bitcoin has given Indian cryptocurrency companies hope that the move would create domestic support for the digital assets. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday approved 11 ETFs for bitcoin, perhaps the most popular virtual currency. It would enable investors to access bitcoin without challenges such as setting up wallets or accounts with crypto exchanges that have previously suffered cyberattacks or implosion.

War Has Broken Between IT Giants

War Has Broken Between IT Giants

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

Trouble started brewing after Cognizant announced that Ravi Kumar, former Infosys president, would take over as the Nasdaq-listed company's CEO.