News for '-------h--'

Badminton star Satwiksairaj's father passes away

Badminton star Satwiksairaj's father passes away

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Asian Games champion shuttler Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's father R Kasi Viswanatham died of cardiac arrest on Thursday morning.

This is legal, mine...: Kangana on club demolition over Kamra's joke

This is legal, mine...: Kangana on club demolition over Kamra's joke

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticized comedian Kunal Kamra for his recent remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling them "disrespectful" and "in bad taste." Ranaut, who was speaking to reporters outside Parliament, said that Kamra's comedy was "disgracing" and that Shinde had earned his position through hard work. She also echoed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' call for Kamra to apologize for his "low level comedy." The controversy comes after Shiv Sena members damaged the comedy club where Kamra's show took place, in response to his jokes about Shinde's political career and recent developments in Maharashtra.

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Headline growth was quite weak heading into the Covid period but averaged 6.4 per cent and 6.7 per cent in the five years between FY16 and FY20 for GVA and GDP respectively, points out Abhishek Upadhyay.

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar denied on Monday making any comments regarding changing the Constitution to accommodate four per cent reservation for Muslims in the state. He claimed he was "misquoted" and warned of moving a breach of privilege motion. Shivakumar's remarks came after the BJP forced repeated adjournments in the Lok Sabha over his alleged comments on the matter. The BJP has accused Shivakumar of seeking to change the Constitution for political gain, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding reservation policies in India.

Infosys Q3 profit up 11.5%; raises growth guidance

Infosys Q3 profit up 11.5%; raises growth guidance

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

IT services major Infosys on Thursday reported 11.46 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 6,806 crore for December quarter FY25 and raised its guidance on the back of growth in financial services and manufacturing. The company had logged a profit of Rs 6,106 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The new Waqf bill sows the seed for conflict in every town and village of India.'

Huge relief for spouses and children of H-1B visa holders

Huge relief for spouses and children of H-1B visa holders

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

In a huge relief for H-1B visa holders, a White House-backed bipartisan deal has been unveiled under which automatic work authorisation would be granted to about 100,000 H-4 visa holders, who are spouses and children of a certain category of H-1B visa holders. The National Security Agreement that was announced on Sunday after long negotiations between the Republican and the Democratic leadership in the US Senate also provides a solution to about 250,000 aged-out children of H-1B visa holders. The move comes as good news for hundreds and thousands of Indian technology professionals who are waiting in a painstakingly long wait for a Green Card, in the absence of which their spouses cannot work and their aged-out children face the threat of deportation.

Novelis expects improved outlook in near term, Q4FY25 to outperform Q3

Novelis expects improved outlook in near term, Q4FY25 to outperform Q3

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Novelis' Q3FY25 volume stood at 904,000 tonnes (down 1 per cent Y-o-Y, down 4 per cent Q-o-Q), due to lower VAP and automotive shipments. Revenue stood at $4.1 billion (+4 per cent Y-o-Y, down 5 per cent Q-o-Q).

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Meerut Conspiracy Case was aimed at curbing communist influence in India. However, it fueled nationwide sympathy, shaping the course of leftist politics in the country.

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'Brazil, China, Colombia and India each had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstaying student/exchange visas, with India having the highest number (7,000).'

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Posing a series of questions to the prime minister, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also asked if Modi would convey to the US president that India would send its own aircraft -- like Venezuela and Colombia did -- to bring back Indian deportees in the future.

Godrej Consumer may be the fastest growing FMCG player in FY26

Godrej Consumer may be the fastest growing FMCG player in FY26

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) had a disappointing third quarter (Q3FY25) with flat volumes (after 7 per cent growth H1FY25). Price hikes will be required to maintain margins to offset the cost of palm oil inflation. However, some analysts see Q3 as an exception with strong volume growth expected to resume and it may be the fastest growing FMCG player in FY26.

'Trump Respects India's Friendship'

'Trump Respects India's Friendship'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'The cooperation in technology is one of the most important aspects of the visit.' 'It will have a long-lasting impact because it will shift the entire paradigm in the context of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.'

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

18 BJP MLAs suspended in Karnataka assembly amid protest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Eighteen BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for disrupting the budget session and disrespecting the Speaker. The incident occurred on the last day of the budget session, when the opposition BJP MLAs staged a massive protest over the allocation of a four percent reservation to Muslims in public contracts. The MLAs climbed onto the podium where the Speaker's chair is situated and threw papers at him.

India Inc to clock 7-8% revenue growth in Q4

India Inc to clock 7-8% revenue growth in Q4

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Domestic rating agency ICRA on Monday said Indian companies are likely to clock 7-8 per cent revenue growth during the March quarter of the current fiscal year, led by revival in rural demand and uptick in government spending. ICRA expects the private capital expenditure (capex) cycle to remain measured in view of the uncertainties around geopolitical developments and relatively subdued outlook on merchandise exports from India.

'We are confident our H2 will be better than H1'

'We are confident our H2 will be better than H1'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2023

'Our Q1 was almost flat, and there was very negligible growth in Q2, but the deal pipeline and the order book have been fairly significant.'

Sangam water was fit for bathing during Maha Kumbh: Centre

Sangam water was fit for bathing during Maha Kumbh: Centre

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

The Indian government has stated that the water in the Ganga river at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj was fit for bathing during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh, citing a new report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The report, however, contradicts an earlier CPCB report that found high faecal coliform levels at several locations in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. The government also highlighted measures taken to ensure water quality during the event, including the installation of sewage treatment plants and the use of advanced oxidation techniques to treat wastewater.

'Trump Will Unite America Provided...'

'Trump Will Unite America Provided...'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'...he keeps his campaign promises, does what he said he will do which led to his huge victory.'

Top 5 pvt equity players invested $9 bn in H1CY24

Top 5 pvt equity players invested $9 bn in H1CY24

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The funding environment in India for startups is improving this year if one were to go by Bain & Company estimates. Five private equity (PE) investors that come on top on the criterion of deal size collectively put in $9 billion in the first half of 2024, surpassing their outlay for last calendar year, when it was $8 billion. At the top of the list is Swedish firm EQT, which acquired US-based and listed Perficient at an enterprise value of $3 billion, the deal being done by the Indian wing of the company. It has also added to its list by putting in $500 million in WSO2, a "software as a service" company, increasing its tally to $3.5 billion.

Everyday Glam: Vandana Sharma's Style Tips

Everyday Glam: Vandana Sharma's Style Tips

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

If you would like to feature in this series, do send us your photographs (at least five). Tell us about yourself and what you do in around 300 words. Do also tell us about the role fashion plays in your life. Mail us at getahead@rediff.co.in (Everyday glam).

Meity To Tap Global AI & ML Experts

Meity To Tap Global AI & ML Experts

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'We will start reaching out to researchers, academics, and experts on AI from top universities and companies from across the world.'

How Will Trump's Tariff Threat Affect India?

How Will Trump's Tariff Threat Affect India?

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Unless something changes, Mr Trump is a huge threat right now, which is perhaps not being recognised fully, cautions Debashis Basu.

Mid- and small-cap MFs attract Rs 30,350 cr in H1 FY25

Mid- and small-cap MFs attract Rs 30,350 cr in H1 FY25

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

Mid-cap and small-cap mutual fund schemes have continued to attract strong investor interest, garnering nearly Rs 30,350 crore in inflows during the April-September period of the current financial year, driven by impressive returns delivered by these segments. In comparison, the cumulative inflow into mid-cap and small-cap funds stood at Rs 32,924 crore during the same period last year, according to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi).

Average ticket size on UPI down 10% in H1 2023

Average ticket size on UPI down 10% in H1 2023

Rediff.com4 Oct 2023

The average ticket size (ATS) of all transactions on United Payments Interface (UPI) in H1 2023 was pegged at Rs 1,604, marking a 10 per cent decline, compared to Rs 1,774 in H1 2022, according to data from Worldline India's Digital Payments Report. The reduction in the overall ATS on UPI is a good sign, suggesting a deeper embedding of UPI as it is being used for smaller or micro-transactions, and the dip is driven by the growth in person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions, the report said. The ATS of P2M transactions dipped 21 per cent from Rs 839 in H1 2022 to Rs 659 in H1 2023.

Dealers optimistic about future of cement industry

Dealers optimistic about future of cement industry

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

After several years of consolidation and price weakness, the cement industry may be moving towards a more stable phase. Pan-Indian, average cement prices have risen through the past three months consecutively.

India to be 3rd largest economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley

India to be 3rd largest economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

India will be the world's third-largest economy by 2028 as it becomes the world's most sought-after consumer market and gains share in global output, driven by macro stability influenced policy and better infrastructure, Morgan Stanley said. From a $3.5 trillion economy in 2023, the Indian economy is projected to expand to $4.7 trillion in 2026, which will make it the fourth largest in the world behind the US, China and Germany.

Injury puts Sindhu out of Asia Mixed Team Championship

Injury puts Sindhu out of Asia Mixed Team Championship

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Two-time Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu pulled out of the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship in China due to a hamstring issue, dealing a huge blow to the country's chances of improving the colour of their medal in the prestigious edition.

No southern state, including TN, will lose LS seats: Shah

No southern state, including TN, will lose LS seats: Shah

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has refuted claims made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin regarding fund allocation and delimitation, accusing him of spreading misinformation and engaging in diversionary tactics. Shah asserted that the Modi government has provided significant financial support to Tamil Nadu and denied claims of any reduction in Parliamentary representation for the state following delimitation. He also criticized the DMK government's handling of law and order, citing issues such as drug trafficking and corruption. Shah expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections, predicting a larger victory than in Maharashtra and Haryana.

Court to rule on death plea for Sajjan Kumar on Feb 25

Court to rule on death plea for Sajjan Kumar on Feb 25

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

A Delhi court reserved its order on the quantum of sentence against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a murder case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots for February 25. The complainant, whose husband and son were killed, sought the maximum punishment of death penalty for Kumar. The court on February 12 convicted Kumar for the offence and sought a report from Tihar jail on his psychiatric and psychological evaluation.

'An Incredible Real HERO'

'An Incredible Real HERO'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

'You made India proud!'

'Everyone Hated Me And I Loved It'

'Everyone Hated Me And I Loved It'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'Mrs shows a dark side to the son and the father.' 'I had to do things that I wouldn't dare to do in real life.'

Bizarre! Leaking roof halts badminton match at Malaysia Open

Bizarre! Leaking roof halts badminton match at Malaysia Open

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

H S Prannoy's first round match against Canada's Brian Yang was suspended midway due to a leaking roof at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

RBI sees 'sequential pickup in economic activity'

RBI sees 'sequential pickup in economic activity'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

High frequency indicators, like vehicles sales, air traffic, steel consumption and GST E-way bills, point towards a sequential pickup in momentum of economic activity during the second half of the fiscal 2024-25 and sustain moving forward, RBI Bulletin said on Wednesday. However, a strong dollar, driven by US economic resilience and trade policy pivots, could exacerbate capital outflows from emerging economies, push risk premiums higher, and intensify external vulnerabilities, said an article on 'State of the Economy' published in RBI's February bulletin.

'No Speed Bumps In The Relationship'

'No Speed Bumps In The Relationship'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'For the Indian economy to maintain a growth rate of 7 to 8 per cent, it needs large foreign direct investment coming in, and that's mainly coming from the US.'

'US May Demand Not Just Tariff Cuts But...'

'US May Demand Not Just Tariff Cuts But...'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

I'...additional concessions, such as opening government procurement, reducing agricultural subsidies, weakening patent protections, and allowing unrestricted data flows -- demands India has resisted for decades.'

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government, citing a scientist, has asserted that Ganga water at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is as pure as "alkaline water", debunking concerns raised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about water quality. The government claims that a scientist found no bacterial growth or decline in the water's pH level, despite millions of devotees bathing in the river. However, experts caution that the quality of the Ganga water is not static and can vary greatly depending on various factors.

How Indian IT sector will fare in FY25

How Indian IT sector will fare in FY25

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The Indian IT services industry is expected to clock revenue growth in the mid-single digit for the financial year 2024-2025 (FY25), according to a report by Icra for the year.

Zoos on alert as avian flu kills 3 tigers, 1 leopard in Maha

Zoos on alert as avian flu kills 3 tigers, 1 leopard in Maha

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Three tigers and a leopard died of avian influenza at an animal rescue center in Maharashtra's Nagpur, prompting authorities to put zoos on alert. The animals had been relocated to the Gorewada Rescue Centre from Chandrapur following incidents of man-animal conflict. The big cats died at the end of December after showing symptoms including limping and fever.

India to develop affordable AI model under Rs 100/hour: Vaishnaw

India to develop affordable AI model under Rs 100/hour: Vaishnaw

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

He said that as compared to global models costing 2.5 to 3 US dollars per hour usage, India's AI model will cost less than less than Rs 100 per hour (1.16 US dollars per hour) after 40 percent government subsidy.

Chennai airport resumes ops after Fengal crosses TN, Puducherry coasts

Chennai airport resumes ops after Fengal crosses TN, Puducherry coasts

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

The airport had temporarily suspended operations on Saturday due to strong winds and heavy rainfall caused by cyclones.