News for '-bi'

Retail inflation rises marginally to 4.48% in Oct

Retail inflation rises marginally to 4.48% in Oct

Rediff.com12 Nov 2021

Retail inflation inched up to 4.48 per cent in October due to an uptick in food prices, government data showed on Friday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was at 4.35 per cent in September and 7.61 per cent in October 2020.

Factory output slips in May; sector heading towards stagnation

Factory output slips in May; sector heading towards stagnation

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

India's manufacturing sector activity witnessed a significant loss of growth momentum in May due to the intensification of the COVID-19 crisis and its detrimental impact on demand, a monthly survey said on Tuesday. The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), fell to 50.8 in May, down from 55.5 in April, as companies observed the slowest rises in new work and output in ten months amid intensification of the COVID-19 crisis. In PMI parlance, a print above 50 means expansion while a score below 50 denotes contraction.

Manufacturing sector sees strongest growth in 3 months in July

Manufacturing sector sees strongest growth in 3 months in July

Rediff.com2 Aug 2021

India's manufacturing sector activities witnessed the strongest rate of growth in three months in July amid improved demand conditions and easing of some local COVID-19 restrictions, a monthly survey said on Monday. The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose from 48.1 in June to 55.3 in July, pointing to the strongest rate of growth in three months. In PMI parlance, a print above 50 means expansion while a score below 50 denotes contraction.

'No need to give special attention to COVID-19 anymore'

'No need to give special attention to COVID-19 anymore'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2022

'All actions for COVID-19 should be the same as for other routine health conditions.' 'There is no need to report the matter in the media all the time; not on front page please.'

Indian Army's Achilles Heel: Artillery Power

Indian Army's Achilles Heel: Artillery Power

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

The army has long been deficient in artillery, the modern battlefield's most lethal killer, says Ajai Shukla.

RBI raises temporary liquidity limit for states, UTs by 46%

RBI raises temporary liquidity limit for states, UTs by 46%

Rediff.com7 Apr 2021

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday announced an extension of interim ways and means advances (WMAs) limit of Rs 51,560 crore to state governments till September, to help them tide over the financial stress posed by the second wave of COVID-19. WMAs are temporary advances given by the RBI to the states to tide over any mismatch in receipts and payments. There are two types of WMA - normal and special. While normal WMA are clean advances, special WMA are secured advances provided against the pledge of the government of India dated securities.

RBI cuts inflation projection to 5.3% for FY'22

RBI cuts inflation projection to 5.3% for FY'22

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation is now projected to be at 5.3 per cent for 2021-22 with risks evenly balanced. In its August policy, the central bank had estimated inflation to be at 5.7 per cent due to supply side constraints, high crude oil and raw materials cost.

Pak parliament to vote on no-trust motion against Imran on March 31

Pak parliament to vote on no-trust motion against Imran on March 31

Rediff.com28 Mar 2022

Pakistan's National Assembly resumed its crucial session on Monday after a two-day recess where Opposition is likely to formally table the no-trust motion against embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan amidst fluid political situation in the country.

Stunning! Anamika's inspiring fashion week collection

Stunning! Anamika's inspiring fashion week collection

Rediff.com17 Mar 2021

The curtain rises on the FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week 2021 with Anamika Khanna's gorgeous collection.

Inflation likely to be high in Q2: Das

Inflation likely to be high in Q2: Das

Rediff.com6 Aug 2020

Das said that global economic activity has remained fragile and the surge in COVID-19 cases has subdued early signs of revival.

Services sector shrinks for third straight month in July: PMI

Services sector shrinks for third straight month in July: PMI

Rediff.com4 Aug 2021

India's services sector remained in contraction territory for the third straight month in July, as business activity, new orders and employment declined further largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local restrictions, a monthly survey said on Wednesday. The seasonally adjusted India Services Business Activity Index rose from 41.2 in June to 45.4 in July, but was stuck in the red due to subdued demand conditions amid the COVID-19 crisis. In Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) parlance, a print above 50 means expansion, while a score below 50 denotes contraction.

'It is very difficult to see my mother like this'

'It is very difficult to see my mother like this'

Rediff.com24 May 2022

'The only way to kill time in prison is to read and she can't even do that properly any more.' 'Her knees, too, are in terrible shape. I could see how she was trying to hide her pain every time she got up from the bench where she was seated.'

Sohrabuddin case: Another witness turns hostile, tally rises to 50

Sohrabuddin case: Another witness turns hostile, tally rises to 50

Rediff.com18 Apr 2018

Till now, the CBI has examined 73 witnesses in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh alleged fake encounter case.

RBI may not tinker with rates in August policy: SBI report

RBI may not tinker with rates in August policy: SBI report

Rediff.com16 Jun 2021

With retail inflation witnessing significant uptick in May, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to maintain status quo in its August monetary policy review, according to a report. According to the SBI's research report- Ecowrap, inflation may remain elevated in the coming months due to several global and domestic factors. "We expect a status-quo in August. We believe RBI would still try to find a marriage of convenience of regulatory and developmental measures and monetary policy in August policy," the research report said on Wednesday.

Retail inflation eases to 5.59% in July on softer food prices

Retail inflation eases to 5.59% in July on softer food prices

Rediff.com12 Aug 2021

Declining prices of food items like vegetables pulled down retail inflation to 5.59 per cent in July, bringing it back within the RBI's comfort zone after two months, official data showed on Thursday. The retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) had remained above 6 per cent during May and June. The government has mandated the RBI to maintain retail inflation at 4 per cent, with a margin of 2 per cent on either side. The CPI based inflation stood at 6.26 per cent in June 2021 and 6.73 per cent in July 2020.

Strolling down the street

Strolling down the street

Rediff.com22 Mar 2022

... and I learn more about economic trends than from books, says Ajit Balakrishnan.

Retail inflation falls to 4.35% in Sep; lowest in five months

Retail inflation falls to 4.35% in Sep; lowest in five months

Rediff.com12 Oct 2021

Retail inflation fell to a five-month low of 4.35 per cent in September from 7.27 per cent in the year-ago period as prices of vegetables and other items declined, according to government data released on Tuesday. The moderation in Consumer Price Index-based inflation is in line with the assessment of Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das who recently projected substantial softening of retail inflation. The CPI inflation was at 5.3 per cent in August and at 7.27 per cent in September 2020.

GST cut on Covid drugs, equipment, retained for vaccines

GST cut on Covid drugs, equipment, retained for vaccines

Rediff.com12 Jun 2021

Pulse oximeters, hand sanitisers, temperature check equipment and ambulances too will attract lower 5 per cent tax.

Sensex, Nifty end marginally lower after choppy trade

Sensex, Nifty end marginally lower after choppy trade

Rediff.com29 Sep 2020

ONGC was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding around 3 per cent, followed by IndusInd Bank, PowerGrid, Axis Bank, HCL Tech, NTPC and ITC. On the other hand, UltraTech Cement, TCS, Tata Steel, Titan and HDFC were among the gainers.

Industrial production remains muted; inflation @ 6-month high

Industrial production remains muted; inflation @ 6-month high

Rediff.com12 Jan 2022

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 1.4 per cent in November as most components like manufacturing, electricity, mining, primary goods, and consumer durables witnessed a slowdown, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Wednesday. This is on the base of a decline of 1.7 per cent in November 2020 and before the new Covid variant started impacting economic activity. IIP growth was lower than the 4 per cent expansion recorded in the previous month but was better than a 1.6 per cent contraction seen in November 2020. Separately, rising prices of kitchen staples pushed retail inflation, or rate of price increase, to 5.59 per cent in December 2021, bringing it close to the upper band of Reserve Bank's comfort zone.

India's Jobs Crisis

India's Jobs Crisis

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

The number of Indians over 15 either working or looking for work is lower as a percentage than in the United States, China, Bangladesh or Pakistan, points out Aakar Patel.

What Rise In Interest Rates Means For Banks

What Rise In Interest Rates Means For Banks

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

With the rise in interest rates, bond yields have been on the rise; this will dent banks' treasury profits. Also, many retail borrowers may find it difficult to service their loans when the loan rates rise, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

High retail inflation may force RBI to hold rates

High retail inflation may force RBI to hold rates

Rediff.com14 Jan 2020

Inflation breached the upper end of the RBI's comfort level of 4 per cent plus-minus two percentage points.

'People are losing relatives because...'

'People are losing relatives because...'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2021

'...of the non-availability of doctor expertise or appropriate treatment.' 'That's because of the nature of the disease at this point of time, it is very difficult to contain.'

Retail inflation spurts to 7-month high in Jan

Retail inflation spurts to 7-month high in Jan

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The retail inflation rate breached the 6 per cent upper tolerance limit of the RBI for the first time in seven months in January, while the wholesale price index stayed in double-digits for the 10th month in a row, showed two sets of data released by the government on Monday. Retail inflation, the key input for the RBI while reviewing the repo rate every two months, soared during the month mainly because of a spike in certain food items. The previous high for retail inflation was 6.26 per cent in June 2021.

Indian boxing officials spar among themselves

Indian boxing officials spar among themselves

Rediff.com2 May 2015

Boxing India president Sandeep Jajodia and Secretary General Jay Kowli are set to be ousted through a No Confidence Motion.

FY'22 GST compensation shortfall estimated at Rs 2.69 lakh cr

FY'22 GST compensation shortfall estimated at Rs 2.69 lakh cr

Rediff.com26 May 2021

The shortfall in GST compensation payable to states in the current fiscal is estimated at Rs 2.69 lakh crore, of which Rs 1.58 lakh crore would have to be borrowed this year. The Centre expects to collect over Rs 1.11 lakh crore through cess on luxury, demerit and sin goods which will be given to the states to compensate them for the shortfall in revenue arising out of GST implementation. The remaining Rs 1.58 lakh crore would have to be borrowed to meet the promised compensation to states under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

RBI retains growth forecast at 9.5% for FY22

RBI retains growth forecast at 9.5% for FY22

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

The Reserve Bank on Friday retained the GDP forecast for the current financial year at 9.5 per cent and flagged global semiconductor shortages, elevated commodity prices and potential global financial market volatility as downside risks to economic growth. In his address after the three-day meeting of the rate-setting panel, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said recovery in aggregate demand gathered pace in August-September, and it is reflected in high-frequency indicators, like railway freight traffic; port cargo; cement production; electricity demand; e-way bills; GST and toll collections. "The ebbing of infections, together with improving consumer confidence, has been supporting private consumption," he said, and added the pent-up demand and the festival season should give further fillip to urban demand in the second half of the financial year.

Rebalancing India-China, The Sri Lanka Way

Rebalancing India-China, The Sri Lanka Way

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

Colombo seems to be veering to the middle path between China and the US on global matters, but in regional matters of strategic security, it is increasingly identifying with India, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Interest rates on hold, RBI promises enough liquidity for huge govt borrowing

Interest rates on hold, RBI promises enough liquidity for huge govt borrowing

Rediff.com5 Feb 2021

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday decided to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4 per cent but maintained an accommodative stance, implying rate cuts in the future if need arises to support the economy hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

10 HOT Tech Careers

10 HOT Tech Careers

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

From cloud computing to people analytics, most lucrative future jobs will be dominated by people with digital skills and expertise, explains Sarita Digumarti, chief learning officer, UNext Learning.

Banks are reasonably resilient to withstand any future shocks: RBI Guv

Banks are reasonably resilient to withstand any future shocks: RBI Guv

Rediff.com1 Jul 2021

Economic activity has regained momentum from late-May after the dent caused by the second wave of COVID-19, and the pandemic's impact on the overall asset quality has been less than expected, Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Thursday. However, Das flagged rising data breaches and cyber-attacks as among the risks for the recovering economy, along with others like firming global commodity prices. The governor also said the second wave had a "grievous toll" on the country.

Facebook, Google agree to publish transparency reports

Facebook, Google agree to publish transparency reports

Rediff.com30 Jun 2021

While Facebook said on Tuesday it will publish an interim report on July 2 as mandated by the IT rules, Google will publish its transparency report as required under the new IT Rules in India.

Despite its FMCG push, for D-Street ITC is still a tobacco play

Despite its FMCG push, for D-Street ITC is still a tobacco play

Rediff.com20 Jun 2021

Most of the changes have come about in the last four years and ITC is now reaping the dividends - standalone revenues from the non-cigarettes FMCG business have grown 40 per cent from FY17 to Rs 14,728.21 crore in FY21 and pre-tax profits 30 times to Rs 823.69 crore. The business accounted for 30.58 per cent of gross revenues and 4.85 per cent of pre-tax profits in FY21. "In the last four years, our margins in FMCG have gone up by 640 basis points (bps) and EBITDA margins have been moving up consistently. "We created levers that enabled a sustained growth trajectory," said ITC chairman and managing director Sanjiv Puri. Puri took charge as the chief executive officer in 2017; in 2018, he was redesignated managing director and effective May 2019, he became chairman.

RBI likely to maintain status quo on interest rate

RBI likely to maintain status quo on interest rate

Rediff.com1 Aug 2021

Amid fears of a third wave of coronavirus pandemic and hardening of retail inflation, the Reserve Bank is likely to maintain status quo on interest rate and watch the developing macroeconomic situation for some more time before taking any decisive action on monetary policy. The RBI is scheduled to announce its bi-monthly monetary policy review on August 6 at the end of the three-day meeting -- August 4-6 -- of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The RBI Governor-headed six-member MPC decides on the key policy rates.

'I'm helpless', says judge as all 22 accused acquitted in Sohrabuddin case

'I'm helpless', says judge as all 22 accused acquitted in Sohrabuddin case

Rediff.com21 Dec 2018

Special CBI Judge S J Sharma ruled the prosecution has failed to put forth any "documentary and substantive evidence" to suggest or establish the alleged conspiracy.

Dawood's ancestral home auctioned for more than Rs 11 lakh

Dawood's ancestral home auctioned for more than Rs 11 lakh

Rediff.com10 Nov 2020

Delhi-based lawyer Ajay Shrivastav purchased 'Ibrahim Mansion', the ancestral property of the underworld don in Mumbke village of Khed taluka, for Rs 11.20 lakh, the official said. Dawood's family had lived in the house before moving to Mumbai in 1983, he said.

Fadnavis writes to Sonia, slams Maha's handling of pandemic

Fadnavis writes to Sonia, slams Maha's handling of pandemic

Rediff.com15 May 2021

The former Maharashtra chief minister in his letter pointed out the high mortality rate in the state and alleged that the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress government was neglecting Vidarbha, Marathwada and North Maharashtra in the fight against the pandemic.

RBI may take dovish stance in February policy

RBI may take dovish stance in February policy

Rediff.com16 Jan 2019

A Kotak research report expects RBI to cuts rates by 50 basis points in the first half of 2019. RBI will announce its sixth bi-monthly monetary policy on February 7.

Sensex hits record closing high, surges 185 points

Sensex hits record closing high, surges 185 points

Rediff.com2 Apr 2019

Tata Motors drove the Sensex rally for the second session in a row, surging over 8 per cent. Other top gainers were Bharti Airtel, TCS, Bajaj Finance, PowerGrid, IndusInd Bank and State Bank of India -- rising as much as 5 per cent.