News for '-francis'

What RBI's 50 bps rate cut mean for the 'aam aadmi'

What RBI's 50 bps rate cut mean for the 'aam aadmi'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decision to cut the repo rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.5% was contrary to the expectations of many economists. Firstly, most of the economists expected the MPC to cut the repo rate by 25 bps citing the weakening of inflation, prospects of economic growth, geopolitical uncertainty and comfortable system liquidity.

Lesson from 2009: Early Monsoon, Not Always Good

Lesson from 2009: Early Monsoon, Not Always Good

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The last time the southwest monsoon arrived earlier than in 2025 -- that is, back in 2009 -- the rains lost steam after the early onset and ended the season with almost 23 per cent deficient rainfall, which was the lowest recorded average rainfall in several decades over India.

If India want to win in England, focus on THIS

If India want to win in England, focus on THIS

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

Nick Knight has high expectations from the likes of Kuldeep and Sai Sudharsan who is expected to make his Test debut at Leeds, the venue for the series opener.

Skip Thug Life, Watch This Film Instead

Skip Thug Life, Watch This Film Instead

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The gangster saga Nayakan not only earned Mani Ratnam's reputation as a great director, the dubbed version of the film also did well in Mumbai, so much so that Feroz Khan's Hindi remake, Dayavan, starring Vinod Khanna, could not compare, recalls Deepa Gahlot.

Oil cos assure public of ample fuel stocks

Oil cos assure public of ample fuel stocks

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's largest oil firm, on Friday said ample stocks of petrol, diesel and cooking gas LPG are available in the country and there is no need for panic buying of fuel. The statement comes after social media was flooded with posts and videos showing people queuing at petrol pumps to stock fuel as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated.

Weak guidance may hit Sun Pharma in FY26

Weak guidance may hit Sun Pharma in FY26

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Despite a healthy performance in the fourth quarter of 2024-25 (Q4FY25), the stock of India's largest listed pharma company, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sun Pharma), was under pressure on Friday due to a muted guidance. The company has guided for a high single-digit revenue growth for FY26, which is below what the Street was working with.

Reliance to invest Rs 75,000 cr in North-Eastern states: Mukesh Ambani

Reliance to invest Rs 75,000 cr in North-Eastern states: Mukesh Ambani

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd will invest Rs 75,000 crore in North Eastern states in setting up 350 biogas plants, expanding its telecom services, retail footprint, and clean energy projects, chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Friday. Speaking at the Rising NorthEast Investors Summit here, Reliance Industries Ltd chairman and managing director said his group will invest in factories for high-quality FMCG products in the region and setting up a 150-bed cancer hospital in Manipur.

Apple India shipments grew 25% in Q4, Vivo tops smartphone market

Apple India shipments grew 25% in Q4, Vivo tops smartphone market

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Apple's iPhone supplies in India grew 25 per cent year-on-year in March quarter 2025, capturing 8 per cent market share, a CyberMedia Research report said on Monday.

Sinner ready for Rome return after doping suspension

Sinner ready for Rome return after doping suspension

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Jannik Sinner held onto his world number one ranking ahead of his return from a three-month doping ban

PHOTOS: US VP JD Vance, family begin 4-day India visit

PHOTOS: US VP JD Vance, family begin 4-day India visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

US Vice President J D Vance and his wife Usha arrived in Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit. They were welcomed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vance's visit comes amid ongoing trade talks between India and the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for the Vances on Monday evening after holding talks with the US Vice President. Vance and his family will also travel to Jaipur and Agra during their trip.

Centralised KYC system in works, says Sebi

Centralised KYC system in works, says Sebi

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Markets regulator Sebi is actively working with the Ministry of Finance and other financial regulators on setting up a centralised KYC (Know Your Customer) system, chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has said. The Central KYC is an online database that maintains KYC records of customers in a centralised manner, aiming to streamline compliance across financial institutions.

SC protects family facing deportation to Pakistan

SC protects family facing deportation to Pakistan

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday directed authorities not to deport to Pakistan six members of a family, who allegedly overstayed their visa, till their citizenship claim is verified.

Moody's cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 6.3% in 2025 on US trade uncertainty

Moody's cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 6.3% in 2025 on US trade uncertainty

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Moody's Ratings on Tuesday cut India's GDP growth projections for 2025 to 6.3 per cent, from 6.5 per cent, saying economies globally will see a slowdown on account of heightened US policy uncertainty and trade restrictions.

Sensex, Nifty fall on selling in Axis Bank, Indo-Pak tensions

Sensex, Nifty fall on selling in Axis Bank, Indo-Pak tensions

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

However, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, IndusInd Bank, Hindustan Unilever and ICICI Bank were the gainers.

Sun Pharma Q4 profit down 19% at Rs 2,149.8 cr, revenue up 8%

Sun Pharma Q4 profit down 19% at Rs 2,149.8 cr, revenue up 8%

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India's largest drug maker Sun Pharmaceutical on Thursday posted a decline of 19 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) for its consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2025 (Q4FY25) at Rs 2,149.8 crore. Meanwhile, its revenue from operations rose by 8 per cent at Rs 12,958.8 crore.

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

The Harsh Reality For Wayanad Survivors

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In Kerala's society, known for its high material standard of living, plunging into a state of having nothing overnight can be terrible for one's social standing and sense of self-esteem. Rehabilitation entails piecing a community back together after a disturbance and while its aim is noble, the act of reassembling will bring alive disparities and inequalities, explains Shyam G Menon.

COVID-19: 'It's Not A Panic Situation'

COVID-19: 'It's Not A Panic Situation'

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'People don't need to take any added medication other than plain fever medication.'

'India is my home, don't want to go back to Pakistan'

'India is my home, don't want to go back to Pakistan'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

'Where my husband lives, that is my home. I want to stay here with him'

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to live in overcrowded camps, struggling to rebuild their lives and facing an uncertain future. Despite the sacking of the Chief Minister and the imposition of President's rule, peace remains a distant hope. While hill-based Kukis demand a separate administration, Meiteis seek implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and deportation of those they consider illegal immigrants. The IDPs, grappling with severe psychological distress, feel forgotten by the government and are forced to depend on the mercy of others for basic needs.

'Pope Leo Greeted People With A Namaste'

'Pope Leo Greeted People With A Namaste'

Rediff.com17 May 2025

'We had prepared tapioca and crabs for him, and he enjoyed the Kerala cuisine thoroughly.'

Despite odds, Maruti, Mahindra saw sales momentum in April

Despite odds, Maruti, Mahindra saw sales momentum in April

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Amid challenging market environment, Maruti Suzuki India and Mahindra & Mahindra reported an increase in vehicle dispatches to dealers last month while Tata Motors and Hyundai saw a year-on-year drop in sales.

US, Ukraine finally sign rare earth minerals deal

US, Ukraine finally sign rare earth minerals deal

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The United States and Ukraine have signed an 'economic partnership agreement,' giving Washington, DC access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in return for creating an investment fund in the country, CNN reported.

Securities market fraud: How to avoid being misled

Securities market fraud: How to avoid being misled

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), in a circular dated April 11, 2025, warned investors about rising fraud and manipulation linked to the securities market on social media platforms.

Bring sponsors to justice: UNSC's clear message on Pahalgam attack

Bring sponsors to justice: UNSC's clear message on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, urging that those responsible be held accountable and brought to justice. The Council issued a press statement expressing its deepest sympathy to the victims' families and calling for all states to cooperate in combating terrorism. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed concern about the situation, urging India and Pakistan to exercise restraint.

Sensex pares most gains, closes up 33 points

Sensex pares most gains, closes up 33 points

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

From the Sensex pack, UltraTech Cement, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, HCL Tech and Tata Consultancy Services were the biggest gainers. Zomato tanked nearly 6 per cent followed by IndusInd Bank which declined about 5 per cent. Adani Ports, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries and Sun Pharma were also among the laggards.

On The Beach With Samantha

On The Beach With Samantha

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Fort Kochi's charm lies in its oldness. Put on that cap, lace up your sneakers and those 10,000 steps are easy-peasy!

Beed cops to wear name plates without surnames

Beed cops to wear name plates without surnames

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Police personnel in Maharashtra's Beed district will now put up their name plates without surnames, in an attempt to eliminate caste-based discrimination. This follows an earlier directive by the Superintendent of Police (SP) Navneet Kanwat in January to address each other by their first name, and not surname. The move comes in the wake of the murder of a village sarpanch, allegedly by members of a dominant community, which had a caste angle. The new policy is being implemented across police stations and offices in the district, with nearly 100 name plates distributed so far.

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Hours after being dismissed from service for 'concealing' his marriage with a Pakistani woman, Central Reserve Police Force trooper Munir Ahmed said he solemnised his marriage nearly a month after getting permission from the force's headquarters last year.

Attari-Wagah border completely shut

Attari-Wagah border completely shut

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Attari-Wagah border crossing point between India and Pakistan was shut completely on Thursday following a week-long heavy rush of people from either side to cross over after the Union government ordered all Pakistani citizens with short-term visa to leave India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, sources said.

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We have to be wary because if an uncontrolled transmission happens, random mutations may lead to something which could be virulent and then that could land us in a problem.'

How war anxiety is haunting Indian homes

How war anxiety is haunting Indian homes

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The escalating military tension between the two nations, a deluge of information, and the inability to sift through fake and real news can significantly affect the psychological well-being of individuals, said mental health experts.

I do not belong to Pak: JK cop after HC stays deportation

I do not belong to Pak: JK cop after HC stays deportation

Rediff.com3 May 2025

For Ali, who hails from Mendhar sub-division near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, the uniform is more than a job -- it's a calling. He has dedicated nearly half his life in the police force, serving its various wings with distinction and earning multiple commendations for his courage and unwavering commitment to duty.

RBI may cut repo rate by 25 bps in April

RBI may cut repo rate by 25 bps in April

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The RBI's monetary policy committee is expected cut benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points in its policy review meeting next month to push growth, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said on Thursday. "We expect the headline inflation in FY25 to cool off to 4.7 per cent. Monetary easing may be limited to 75 bps in FY26," Ind-Ra Chief Economist and Head Public Finance, Devendra Kumar Pant said.

Sun Pharma stock up 2.15% as US court clears alopecia drug launch

Sun Pharma stock up 2.15% as US court clears alopecia drug launch

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries stock ended 2.15 per cent higher on Friday after zooming by almost 5 per cent in the morning trade on the back of an announcement that a court ruling has cleared the deck for the India's largest pharmaceutical company to launch its alopecia drug Leqselvi in the United States.

Pak Airspace Shut: Indian Carriers Redraw Flight Paths

Pak Airspace Shut: Indian Carriers Redraw Flight Paths

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Executives from India's leading airlines are conducting internal meetings to devise alternative routes for their international flights that currently pass through Pakistani airspace.

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A police officer and his eight siblings, including five sisters, were deported to Pakistan on Wednesday despite a court order granting them temporary relief. The nine members of the extended family, who have been living in Jammu and Kashmir for generations, were among more than two dozen people, mostly from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were served deportation notices following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The deportation has sparked outrage, with protests and appeals for intervention from the home minister and lieutenant governor. The family members claim they are not Pakistani nationals and have been living in the region for generations, presenting revenue records to support their claims. The court has ordered a detailed report on the case within two weeks and will hear it again on May 20.

Shocking! Medvedev destroys net camera at Aus Open

Shocking! Medvedev destroys net camera at Aus Open

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Daniil Medvedev destroyed his racket and a net camera in a mid-match meltdown as he survived a huge scare against Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej.

NSE defers switching to Monday expiry after Sebi's consultation paper

NSE defers switching to Monday expiry after Sebi's consultation paper

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has deferred its plan to change the expiry day of all index and stock derivatives to Monday from Thursday until further notice following markets regulator Sebi's consultation paper. The shift, which was scheduled to take effect on April 4, 2025, would have seen all index and stock derivative contracts move from Thursday to Monday.

5 booked for attacking Beed man with cricket bats after video goes viral

5 booked for attacking Beed man with cricket bats after video goes viral

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Police in Maharashtra's Beed district have registered a case against five persons after a purported video showing them attacking a man with a cricket bat surfaced on social media. The video, which appears to be from Bawi village, shows one Sachin Bhosale and four unidentified individuals beating a man with a cricket bat. Authorities are investigating the incident to identify the victim and ascertain the cause of the attack. The five individuals have been charged with causing hurt and using dangerous weapons.

US retaliatory tariffs a major setback for Indian gems, jewellery exports: GJEPC

US retaliatory tariffs a major setback for Indian gems, jewellery exports: GJEPC

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The US retaliatory tariffs are a major setback for the Indian gems and jewellery exports, apex industry body GJEPC said on Thursday as it urged the government to take steps to secure the long-term interest of the sector. The US has announced 27 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India saying New Delhi imposes high import duties on American goods, as the Donald Trump administration aims to reduce US' trade deficit and boost manufacturing.