News for '-urban'

Real estate slow to embrace technology as expenses mount

Real estate slow to embrace technology as expenses mount

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Even as sectors across India embrace technological transformation, the construction side of the real estate industry continues to trail global trends. While technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), 3D printing, drone surveillance, and IoT-enabled smart building systems are increasingly common overseas, their adoption in Indian construction remains limited and largely experimental, developers said.

Vijay is TVK's CM candidate, says no tieup with DMK, BJP

Vijay is TVK's CM candidate, says no tieup with DMK, BJP

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Actor-politician Vijay, founder-chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), will be its chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 Assembly election. The party announced this at an executive committee meeting where they also ruled out any alliance with the ruling DMK or the BJP.

Extreme poverty in India falls by over 21%: World Bank

Extreme poverty in India falls by over 21%: World Bank

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

India's extreme poverty rate declined sharply to 5.3 per cent over a decade from 27.1 per cent in 2011-12 even as the World Bank revised upwards its threshold poverty line to $3 per day.

'Migration Will Be Most Challenging Aspect Of Census'

'Migration Will Be Most Challenging Aspect Of Census'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

'What is going on is the under counting of the migration population in urban areas.' 'It has been going on in the last few censuses.'

Most Anticipated IPOs of 2025 Everyone is Waiting For!

Most Anticipated IPOs of 2025 Everyone is Waiting For!

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The IPO wave of 2025 is here, and it's bigger than ever. From fintech unicorns to financial powerhouses and infrastructure giants, some of India's biggest names are all set to make their stock market debut. PhonePe, Zepto, Tata Capital, NSE, NSDL, and JSW Cement are just a few of the highly awaited listings that have investors and analysts buzzing with excitement.

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'It is good for us if the JMM contests. That will divide the Opposition and give us the upper hand.'

K'taka traders call bandh on Friday over UPI-based GST notices

K'taka traders call bandh on Friday over UPI-based GST notices

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Traders in Karnataka are raising concerns over GST demand notices based on UPI transaction data. A tax official defends the action, stating it's within the law and recipients can respond with documentation.

Andhra Bets on AI to Fight Mosquito Menace

Andhra Bets on AI to Fight Mosquito Menace

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

When mosquito numbers cross safe limits in any area, automatic alerts will be sent, and civic teams will carry out spraying or fogging operations.

High equality ranking for India masks deeper gaps, say economists

High equality ranking for India masks deeper gaps, say economists

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

A recent World Bank report placing India among the most equal countries globally may present a limited view of inequality, with economists suggesting that broader data sets could tell a different story. According to the report, India's Gini index (or coefficient/ratio), a key measure of inequality, stood at 25.5 in 2022-23, placing the country fourth globally in terms of equality, behind only the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus.

Retail inflation falls to 6-yr low of 2.82% in May on cooling food prices

Retail inflation falls to 6-yr low of 2.82% in May on cooling food prices

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Retail inflation dipped to an over six-year low of 2.82 per cent in May due to subdued food prices, remaining below the RBI's median target of 4 per cent for the fourth consecutive month, according to government data released on Thursday. Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation was 3.16 per cent in April and 4.8 per cent in May 2024.

Rural FMCG growth overtakes urban after 5 quarters

Rural FMCG growth overtakes urban after 5 quarters

Rediff.com8 May 2024

India's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector witnessed growth in rural consumption in volume terms outpace urban consumption for the first time in five quarters, in the January-March period. According to a report from consumer intelligence firm NIQ, rural consumption grew at a rate of 7.6 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in Q1CY24, overtaking that in urban areas which stood at 5.7 per cent.

Govt to provide homes for 1cr urban poor, middle-class

Govt to provide homes for 1cr urban poor, middle-class

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday announced central assistance of Rs 2.2 lakh crore over the next five years to meet housing requirement of 1 crore urban poor and middle class families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban and proposed interest subsidy to provide loans at affordable rates. In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "Under the PM Awas Yojana Urban 2.0, housing needs of 1 crore urban poor and middle-class families will be addressed with an investment of Rs 10 lakh crore." "This will include the central assistance of Rs 2.2 lakh crore in the next 5 years," she added.

Why Tejashwi Threatened To Boycott Bihar Polls

Why Tejashwi Threatened To Boycott Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'Talking about boycotting polls is simply a move to galvanise party leaders, workers, and supporters for the big political fight.'

'Short-Term Panic Influences Investor Behaviour'

'Short-Term Panic Influences Investor Behaviour'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'Investors who remain calm, consistent, and disciplined through short-term volatility are usually the ones who benefit most in the long run.'

Operation Sindoor casts shadow on car sales in May

Operation Sindoor casts shadow on car sales in May

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

Fada estimates that global supply chain headwinds like scarce availability of rare earth elements for electric vehicle components and geopolitical tensions may affect urban consumer sentiment in June as well.

Govt's obesity combat plan: Display oil and sugar in snacks

Govt's obesity combat plan: Display oil and sugar in snacks

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Union health ministry is urging all ministries and departments to display 'oil and sugar boards' in common areas to raise awareness about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods and promote healthier lifestyles.

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'There is no doubt about the antiquity of Tamil Nadu.'

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'If you look around the world at people of colour, religion, caste, sexuality or any of the marginalised communities, we are always talking in numbers.' 'We are always assigning them a statistic.' 'That is an easy way to assuage your urban guilt. Because you hide your apathy with hollow sympathy.' 'We are, in a way, making them invisible.'

Passenger vehicle retail sales dip 3% in May as demand softens: FADA

Passenger vehicle retail sales dip 3% in May as demand softens: FADA

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Passenger vehicle retail sales witnessed 3 per cent on-year decline in May with customers delaying purchases in several states due to India-Pakistan conflict and further softening of demand for entry-level models, dealers' body FADA said on Friday. The passenger vehicle registrations last month stood at 302,214 units, as compared to 311,908 units in May 2024.

Not Just A Superwoman

Not Just A Superwoman

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Some of the suggested strategies include making thoughtful trade-offs between career choices and family responsibilities to avoid the guilt of not spending adequate time with elders and children at home; resisting the pressure to be a 'superwoman' by trying to manage everything alone; demanding, negotiating, and selecting jobs with flexible working hours; exploring work-from-home options; choosing an appropriate time for a career break; upskilling to re-enter the workforce after a break; and communicating openly with family members -- including spouse and in-laws -- about the support needed to grow professionally and the challenges faced at work, highlights N Ravichandran.

Odisha to ban non-veg food, liquor near Jagannath temple in Puri

Odisha to ban non-veg food, liquor near Jagannath temple in Puri

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

He said the government was also planning to bring uniformity in the height and facade of all buildings along the Grand Road.

EV Sales Surge on Back of Government Push; Hybrids Lag

EV Sales Surge on Back of Government Push; Hybrids Lag

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Despite the benefits of hybrid technology, a lack of government backing and few launches have kept the segment from gaining ground.

'India is a land of opportunities'

'India is a land of opportunities'

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'We've maintained that India is a high-penetration game. It's not only a premiumisation game.'

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

More than 25 crore workers engaged in sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal to coal mining, highway and construction are expected to go on a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, potentially disrupting services across the country. A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or 'Bharat Bandh' to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government".

Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan Review: Engaging

Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan Review: Engaging

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Ishwak Singh's earnestness and the rustic energy of his mates keeps Mitti engaging, even when it starts to get preachy, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Why I Will Be Going Back To Vietnam

Why I Will Be Going Back To Vietnam

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Vietnam was wonderful and the people warm and hospitable, Radhika Mittal discovered over a 11-day stay.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

How UPI, AePS, Wallets Are Changing India

How UPI, AePS, Wallets Are Changing India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

UPI has catapulted India into the forefront on the global digital payments landscape. Working hand in hand, the AePS payments system is making life easy for rural folks, notes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Congress Infighting Blocks Shivakumar's Rise

Congress Infighting Blocks Shivakumar's Rise

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Going by political tradition, another formation will likely come to power in Karnataka in the next assembly election, due 2028. And if that happens, Mr Shivakumar will have to sit it out till 2033, points out Aditi Phadnis.

'Marathis Are Anxious About Survival'

'Marathis Are Anxious About Survival'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'Maharashtrians are facing a dual battle -- numerical battle with North Indians and financial battle with Gujaratis and Marwaris.' 'This has created anxiety about survival and ownership over Mumbai and Maharashtra.'

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

From royalty to a tea vendor-turned-politician's wife and from a first lady to a Bengali actress, the 18 Muslim women who treaded the hallowed corridors of power in the Lok Sabha are an eclectic mix, with each of them having an interesting backstory, but one common thread -- their path to power was always strewn with struggle and hurdles.

SC asks Centre to vacate ex-CJI Chandrachud's residence

SC asks Centre to vacate ex-CJI Chandrachud's residence

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court administration has written to the Centre for vacating the official residence of the Chief Justice of India at Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi, noting that the current occupant ex-CJI D Y Chandrachud has stayed beyond the permissible period.

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President V V Giri's resignation in 1969 triggered political upheavals that saw the ruling party defy its own presidential nominee, the expulsion of a sitting prime minister by her party president, and a historic split in the Indian National Congress, recounts Utkarsh Mishra.

FMCG volume growth slows to 5.1% in Q4

FMCG volume growth slows to 5.1% in Q4

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The volume growth of India's FMCG industry has slowed down in the March quarter to 5.1 per cent, driven by increased consumer purchases of small-value packs, according to the latest report from data analytics firm NielsenIQ. Volume growth is slowing across categories, and non-food segments are still outpacing food in the FMCG sector.

Rare earth curbs to hit EV, RE, defence sectors

Rare earth curbs to hit EV, RE, defence sectors

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

India's macroeconomic health is in a "relative goldilocks situation", and although the risk of higher landed oil prices, due to insurance cost surges and closure of choke points due to the brief Israel-Iran war, has receded, it is "too soon to sound the 'all clear' for the rest of the year", the Finance Ministry said on Friday.

Affordable Homes Within Reach As Banks Ease Lending Norms

Affordable Homes Within Reach As Banks Ease Lending Norms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

The move is to align affordable housing finance flows to the increase in property costs and inflation, says Raghu Mohan.

Truck rentals, EV and tractor sales rise in June

Truck rentals, EV and tractor sales rise in June

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Truck rentals saw a positive momentum across most key trunk routes due to an increased pre-kharif agricultural activity and a resilient manufacturing sector. The Kolkata-Guwahati-Kolkata corridor witnessed a month-on-month (M-o-M) rise of 2.4 per cent, while the Mumbai-Chennai-Mumbai route grew by 1.9 per cent and the Delhi-Hyderabad-Delhi route saw a 1.6 per cent increase in truck rentals, said June edition of the Shriram Mobility Bulletin.

Chandrachud reveals why he overstayed in CJI's residence

Chandrachud reveals why he overstayed in CJI's residence

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud addresses the controversy surrounding his continued stay at his official residence after retirement, citing his daughters' medical needs and ongoing efforts to move to suitable accommodation.

Paint major Berger's palette finds contrast in a washed-out quarter

Paint major Berger's palette finds contrast in a washed-out quarter

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Listed paint majors posted another lacklustre showing in the January-March quarter (Q4) of 2024-25 (FY25), with average revenue growth under 3 per cent. Sales were weighed down by Asian Paints - the market leader and the only major to report a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline.

'I Adopted A Cat To Understand Motherhood'

'I Adopted A Cat To Understand Motherhood'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

'I am not a mother and never had an abortion either, so I had to understand motherhood and child loss from anecdotal experiences of others.'