News for '-urbanization'

Varanasi Is One Of The 10 Oldest Cities In The World

Varanasi Is One Of The 10 Oldest Cities In The World

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Which are some of continuously-inhabited cities of the world? These are urban centres -- with a rich culture plus connnection to the oldest civilisations, ancient monuments -- that have had a ringside seat of the world's history. And they still flourishing today.

How Urban Flooding Affects Lives

How Urban Flooding Affects Lives

Rediff.com27 Jul 2023

Year by year, our cities remain defeated in the face of weather conditions, costing us time, money, resources and often lives, observe Amit Kapoor and Bibek Debroy.

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Normally, the southwest monsoon makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15.

Dabur is one of the FMCG majors which may be hard hit

Dabur is one of the FMCG majors which may be hard hit

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is likely to report muted results in the fourth quarter of 2024-25 (Q4FY25) due to weakness in urban consumption. The weakness may persist through the first half of 2025-26 (H1FY26).

India was fighting for deterrence, not vengeance: Expert

India was fighting for deterrence, not vengeance: Expert

Rediff.com14 May 2025

John Spencer, the chair of Urban Warfare Studies at US-based think-tank Modern War Institute, said India showcased its ability to strike any target in Pakistan "at will" and drew and enforced a "new red line" for cross-border terrorism under the operation that was launched early on May 7.

10-km traffic jam in B'galuru as 100 mm rains create chaos

10-km traffic jam in B'galuru as 100 mm rains create chaos

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Heavy overnight rains severely affected parts of the city on Monday, leading to water-logged roads, inundated residential areas and traffic pile-up, as the city braces for more spells in the coming days.

Renault gets the Urban Nights to our roads

Renault gets the Urban Nights to our roads

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

Renault has launched limited edition versions of its three bestsellers -- the Kwid, Kiger, and Triber -- called the Urban Night.

Volume, margin gains likely to rev up M&M

Volume, margin gains likely to rev up M&M

Rediff.com15 May 2025

A robust show during the March quarter of 2024-25 (Q4FY25) and hopes of a strong demand momentum have led to an upward revision of Mahindra & Mahindra's (M&M's) earnings. With a slew of launches lined up amid a steady demand environment, brokerages see M&M outperforming peers in passenger vehicles (PVs), tractors and commercial vehicles (CVs).

Why South Cinema Scores Big Over Bollywood

Why South Cinema Scores Big Over Bollywood

Rediff.com26 May 2025

South Indian filmmakers have kept their focus on the single-screen cinemagoer. They have kept their finger on the pulse of the single-screen cinema fan, who goes to movies once a month or more, to forget his weekly chores, explains Ambi Parameswaran.

Faulty PSLV fails to launch earth observation satellite

Faulty PSLV fails to launch earth observation satellite

Rediff.com18 May 2025

A PSLV rocket carrying Earth observation satellite EOS-09 failed to launch from the Sriharikota spaceport early on Sunday.

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has underscored the importance of not equating the victims and perpetrators of terror attacks, highlighting the need for global unity in combating terrorism. Speaking at Raisina Tokyo 2025, Misri expressed appreciation for Japan's support following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He also cautioned against the trend of some Western countries hyphenating India and Pakistan in the context of their recent military confrontation. Misri further outlined India's economic aspirations and its commitment to becoming a factor of stability in a turbulent world.

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'I am glad Aranyer Din Ratri is being shown at Cannes.' 'The film was better appreciated outside India even when released originally.'

Sensex drops 315 points at close; HUL down 4%

Sensex drops 315 points at close; HUL down 4%

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, Eternal, Mahindra & Mahindra, HCL Technologies, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Consultancy Services and Bajaj Finance were also among the laggards.

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Observing an "unholy nexus" between the banks and developers to dupe homebuyers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the CBI to register seven preliminary enquiries against builders in NCR, including Supertech Limited.

'Mamata's Fundamental Concern Is The Muslim Vote'

'Mamata's Fundamental Concern Is The Muslim Vote'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

'Rather than assuaging the feelings of the Hindus accommodated in schools and hospitals, she calls a meeting of imams and tries to assuage them.'

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Be Prepared! Heat Waves Coming!

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'The intensity and frequency of heatwaves will be much higher than in previous years over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.'

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

Development potential, cash flows to ensure growth for Macrotech in FY26

Development potential, cash flows to ensure growth for Macrotech in FY26

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Macrotech Developers (Lodha), the country's second-largest listed real estate company, exceeded its 2024-25 (FY25) guidance, aided by a strong pre-sales performance in the January-March quarter (Q4), driven by launches. The company had guided for Rs 17,500 crore in pre-sales for FY25 and surpassed that with bookings of Rs 17,630 crore.

Protein vs Junk Food: What Is India Spending More On?

Protein vs Junk Food: What Is India Spending More On?

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Food budgets in urban areas spent less on protein as compared to beverages and processed foods, reveals the Household Consumption Expenditure survey data for 2023-24.

Automobile retail sales up 2.95% in April: FADA

Automobile retail sales up 2.95% in April: FADA

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Overall automobile retail sales in India grew a modest 2.95 per cent in April this year to 22,87,952 units with completion of purchases by customers around Chaitra Navratri, Akshay Tritiya, Bengali New Year, Baisakhi and Vishu helping April end on a positive note, Federation of Automotive Dealers Associations said on Monday.

Rs 1 Trillion Welfare Funds Idle in States

Rs 1 Trillion Welfare Funds Idle in States

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen has the highest unutilised amount (Rs 13,111 crore) compared to any other centrally sponsored scheme.

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'They are going to create so many nations within one nation.' 'If you do this exercise without a clear vision, it will have far reaching repercussions. It will end up in disaster and that will be dangerous.'

Glamorous Kalki!

Glamorous Kalki!

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The actor had fun on the ramp.

Utility vehicle demand drives PV sales to record high at over 43 lakh units in FY25: SIAM

Utility vehicle demand drives PV sales to record high at over 43 lakh units in FY25: SIAM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Passenger vehicle dispatches in India from factories to dealers rose to record levels at over 43 lakh units in FY25, with utility vehicles accounting for 65 per cent of the total sales in the segment, industry body SIAM said on Tuesday. Passenger vehicle (PV) dispatches rose to 43,01,848 units in the last fiscal year, marking a 2 per cent increase compared to 42,18,750 units in FY 2023-24.

Not All Need Subsidies: Finance Secy

Not All Need Subsidies: Finance Secy

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'If in our cities, all urban bus transport services are free, then the taxpayers are paying for it, or if electricity were to be made free, that's a huge cost to the rest of the people'

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

As Scorching Temp Grips India, NDMA Drafts Heatwave Plan

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

With the summer approaching sooner than scheduled, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal have already started experiencing heat waves with temperatures soaring above 40°C.

Vibe Coding's Challenge For India's IT Cos

Vibe Coding's Challenge For India's IT Cos

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Could the impending new crisis, vibe coding, similarly create not a disaster like what befell Indian handlooms during the Industrial Revolution but another opportunity like what the Y2K crisis created?' asks Ajit Balakrishnan.

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'My life has been quite difficult. I felt I could see it in words. I thought if everyone else can write, then I can too.'

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Brokerages expect a further slowdown in Indian firms' revenue and earnings growth in Q4FY25, following low single-digit growth in the preceding three quarters, as factors like weak consumer demand and credit growth linger on.

Trade war hit on India likely to be limited: RBI

Trade war hit on India likely to be limited: RBI

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Indian economy could remain less affected by global trade wars than other countries because the two engines of domestic growth - consumption and investment - are likely to face a limited impact from such headwinds, according to an article on the 'State of the Economy' in the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) bulletin, released on Tuesday.

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Diets rich in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats tend to result in quicker growth and earlier puberty, notes Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of unit bloom IVF, DY Patil School of Medicine.

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Banking on the Budget's tax relief, the BJP seeks to energise Delhi's middle class; the AAP is doing its bit too. But will their outreach mobilise this politically crucial yet disengaged electorate?

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Archaeological Survey of India informed the JPC that 280 protected monuments have been listed as Waqf properties.

Infra development: Rs 1.5 lakh cr outlay for interest-free loans to states

Infra development: Rs 1.5 lakh cr outlay for interest-free loans to states

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said Rs 1.5 lakh crore will be provided towards 50-year interest free loans to states, for infrastructure development. Also, an asset monetisation plan will be launched for 2025-30 period to infuse Rs 10 lakh crore capital in new projects.

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deprecated the practice of announcing freebies prior to elections, and said people were not willing to work as they were getting free ration and money.

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The restaurant chains are riding the Hallyu wave -- a phenomenon about the growing global prominence of South Korean pop culture.

Only 12% Indian households can afford to buy a car: Maruti's Bhargava

Only 12% Indian households can afford to buy a car: Maruti's Bhargava

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Car purchases in India are largely limited to the top 12 per cent of households with an annual income exceeding Rs 12 lakh, while even small cars have become unaffordable for the remaining 88 per cent, said R C Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), on Friday. "How can you get high car sales growth if 88 per cent of the country are below the levels of income where they cannot afford these cars costing Rs 10 lakhs and above?

Extreme poverty nearly alleviated in India: SBI research

Extreme poverty nearly alleviated in India: SBI research

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

As the poverty rates in the country declined below 5 percent in 2024, a research study by State Bank of India also highlighted that the extreme poverty in the country has been reduced to minimal.

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The 31st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in December 2018, deferred a decision to reduce the GST rate for cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This was despite recognising that cement - along with automobile parts - remained among the few mass-consumption items still taxed at the highest slab, which was originally meant for luxury and sin goods.