News for '-urban'

Worst may be over for Asian Paints, but prospects still far from bright

Worst may be over for Asian Paints, but prospects still far from bright

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Asian Paints reported a good performance for the second quarter (July-September) of 2025-26 (Q2FY26), with some help from base effects, despite strong competition and extended monsoon. Volume grew in low double digits in the key domestic decorative paints, and value in that segment grew by 6 per cent. Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) grew 21 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), and PAT (profit after tax) grew 14 per cent. Asian Paints also defended market share better after several quarters where it had lost ground to Birla Opus.

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

'The question for the TMC is not whether it can hold its bastions, but whether it can expand effectively into regions where the BJP already possesses a good ecosystem.'

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka after causing widespread destruction and over 120 deaths, heading towards the Indian coast. Heavy rains and high winds are expected to continue.

Planning To Freeze Your Eggs? What You Must Know

Planning To Freeze Your Eggs? What You Must Know

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Dr Sulbha Arora, clinical director and fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, explains everything you need to know about egg freezing in India, including the process, the cost and the risks involved.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

Will Indians' reluctance to talk money derail NSO survey?

Will Indians' reluctance to talk money derail NSO survey?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The NSO previously tried to collect household income data in its ninth (1955), 15th (1959), 19th (1964), and 24th (1969) rounds (July 1969-June 1970), but these efforts were not completed, partly due to non-responsiveness by respondents.

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

Unemployment rate rises marginally to 5.2% in Sep

Unemployment rate rises marginally to 5.2% in Sep

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The unemployment rate for those aged 15 and above increased marginally to 5.2 per cent in September, according to a government survey released on Wednesday. The unemployment rate (UR) was 5.1 per cent in August, 5.2 per cent in July and 5.6 per cent in May and June, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The likes of Sengottaiyan can help Vijay navigate it better and faster -- but not necessarily to his goal, which is farther, and can move towards or away from him as well in the weeks and months to come, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.

Yamaha Gears Up for India's E2W Race With 2 Models

Yamaha Gears Up for India's E2W Race With 2 Models

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Yamaha expects its first EVs to hit showrooms by the last quarter of FY26 (January - March), once network readiness is complete.

Low-Wage Trap Looms Over India's Services Sector, Warns Niti Report

Low-Wage Trap Looms Over India's Services Sector, Warns Niti Report

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The services sector employs 188 million people but remains highly informal, trapping most workers in low-wage jobs without social protection.

Kochi And 6 Other Trending Destinations To Explore In 2026

Kochi And 6 Other Trending Destinations To Explore In 2026

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

A guide to travel in 2026.

Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium to be revamped as Sports City

Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium to be revamped as Sports City

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The iconic Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will be "dismantled" to create a Sports City that will cater to all major disciplines and include lodging facility for athletes.

It's Time For Rahul Gandhi To Step Aside

It's Time For Rahul Gandhi To Step Aside

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Democracy in India is too important to be left to a leader with a limited appeal. If Rahul Gandhi cares for India, he should step aside for a new crop of leaders, suggests Harishchandra.

The Bolero Is Back With Lower Price, More Tech

The Bolero Is Back With Lower Price, More Tech

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Mahindra makes an interesting entry into urban centres with the relaunched Mahindra Bolero, writes Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com.

Lucknow earns UNESCO recognition for culinary heritage

Lucknow earns UNESCO recognition for culinary heritage

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Lucknow has been officially inducted into UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (CCN) under the 'Gastronomy' category, recognizing its culinary heritage.

Kerala Cong MLA booked over corruption in bank appointments

Kerala Cong MLA booked over corruption in bank appointments

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has registered a case against Congress MLA I C Balakrishnan over alleged corruption in appointments at a local cooperative bank in Sultan Bathery. The allegation involves accepting bribes for facilitating appointments at the bank.

'Bihar Supplies Labour To The World...'

'Bihar Supplies Labour To The World...'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'...yet struggles to convert that human capital into domestic productivity.'

'Husband Faked Marriage To Be With My Cousin'

'Husband Faked Marriage To Be With My Cousin'

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

rediffGURU Shalini Singh, founder of andwemet, emphasises how to prioritise self healing and build your confidence and come out stronger.

Hybrids outpace petrol, EVs for buyers, shows survey

Hybrids outpace petrol, EVs for buyers, shows survey

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Grant Thornton Bharat's latest survey indicates that hybrids are set to consolidate market share this festive season, bridging the gap between conventional petrol engines and the emerging electric vehicle segment.

Movies To Watch In Theatres In November

Movies To Watch In Theatres In November

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

A look at the interesting movie releases lined up for November.

MP Min slammed for remarks on Aus cricketers' molestation

MP Min slammed for remarks on Aus cricketers' molestation

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'...but in a time when we bid for the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and when we invite investors too, to India, it is shameful to have such a pathetic mentality in the government.'

'No Anti-Nitish Or Pro-Tejashwi Wave'

'No Anti-Nitish Or Pro-Tejashwi Wave'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

'This will be a close election. At least now, it appears that the NDA has an edge.'

India's Diwali sales cross record Rs 6 lakh crore: CAIT

India's Diwali sales cross record Rs 6 lakh crore: CAIT

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

India's Diwali sales touched a record Rs 6.05 lakh crore -- comprising Rs 5.40 lakh crore in goods and Rs 65,000 crore in services -- buoyed by the recent GST reform and strong consumer sentiment, traders' lobby CAIT said on Tuesday. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) based its findings on a nation-wide survey across 60 major distribution centres including state capitals and Tier 2 & 3 cities conducted by its research wing.

Over 17 lakh died in India due to air pollution in 2022: Report

Over 17 lakh died in India due to air pollution in 2022: Report

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

A Lancet report reveals a significant increase in deaths attributable to PM2.5 pollution in India, with fossil fuels being a major contributing factor. The report highlights the economic and health consequences of air pollution and the urgent need for a transition to cleaner energy sources.

And the most polluted city in the world is....

And the most polluted city in the world is....

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Lahore, Pakistan, has once again been ranked as the world's most polluted city, with hazardous smog levels far exceeding WHO guidelines. The city is battling a toxic mix of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop residue burning.

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'If all of us (all the 57 Shiv Sena MLAs) stand together we can change the dynamic. We are not afraid of anyone.'

Auto Sales May Extend Past Diwali Thanks to GST Cut

Auto Sales May Extend Past Diwali Thanks to GST Cut

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The demand for passenger vehicles (PVs) is expected to sustain even beyond the ongoing festival season as a new set of customers, those who gained confidence to buy cars following the recent GST rate cuts, will begin to visit dealerships now, said Shailesh Chandra, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), on Wednesday.

'No Such Thing As Diabetes Reversal'

'No Such Thing As Diabetes Reversal'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

'In diabetes remission, you go below a 6.5 HbA1c without medication.' 'And this happens only when you lose 10 to 15 per cent of your body weight with a good amount of lifestyle and dietary changes, exercise and sometimes medication.' 'You have to be able to sustain your HBA1C below 6.5 for at least a year without medication to say that the patient is in remission.'

8 killed as passenger, cargo trains collide in Bilaspur

8 killed as passenger, cargo trains collide in Bilaspur

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

At least eight persons, including the loco pilot, were killed and 14 others injured after a passenger train allegedly jumped a red signal and collided with a goods train from behind near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, officials said.

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Despite Ban, Girl Child Marriages Continue

Despite Ban, Girl Child Marriages Continue

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Over 2019 to 2023 West Bengal and Jharkhand saw the share of girl child marriages in total weddings rise.

Jain monk begins indefinite fast over kabutarkhana closure

Jain monk begins indefinite fast over kabutarkhana closure

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The monk claimed that since the closure of the feeding area, the pigeon population has drastically declined.

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The FMCG industry in India achieved a 10.6% growth in value terms in the December quarter of 2024, driven largely by rural markets, which have surpassed the large urban markets in growth for the fourth consecutive quarter. Festive demand and consumption-driven growth played a key role, with overall volume up 7.1% despite inflationary pressures. However, the industry also saw a "preference shift of consumers towards smaller packs" due to high food inflation. Local manufacturers continue to outperform larger FMCG companies, fueled by consistent volume growth.

Raj Thackeray to join MVA protest rally in Mumbai

Raj Thackeray to join MVA protest rally in Mumbai

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Top leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi, including Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar head Sharad Pawar along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray, will lead the Opposition's November 1 protest march in Mumbai against alleged irregularities in voters' lists.

Modi inaugurates Navi Mumbai airport, metro to Cuffe Parade

Modi inaugurates Navi Mumbai airport, metro to Cuffe Parade

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and dedicated the Mumbai Metro Line 3 to the nation, marking significant infrastructure developments in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Pace of volume recovery key to gains for Hindustan Unilever

Pace of volume recovery key to gains for Hindustan Unilever

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Hindustan Unilever Ltd's (HUL's) second quarter 2025-26 (Q2FY26) consolidated revenue rose 2 per cent to Rs 16,250 crore, with low or flat volume growth. Demand remained stable but goods and services tax (GST) transition and prolonged monsoon hurt offtake.

Stocks for Diwali 2025: Shares That Historically Outperform in Oct-Nov

Stocks for Diwali 2025: Shares That Historically Outperform in Oct-Nov

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Indian stock market in the October-November period sees high trading activity due to increased consumer spending, festive demand, upbeat sentiment, renewed investor confidence, and the auspicious Muhurat trading session. This impacts many stocks and sectors in the festive season.