News for 'Business Line'

Nasscom President Highlights AI's Transformative Role In India's BPM Sector

Nasscom President Highlights AI's Transformative Role In India's BPM Sector

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar stated that artificial intelligence is not making India's Business Process Management (BPM) industry obsolete but is instead driving its significant reinvention. He highlighted that the sector has an opportunity to become the world's "intelligent operations and transformation hub" by leveraging AI, analytics, and cloud-based operations, moving beyond traditional call centres. Nambiar outlined three key priorities for the industry, including reimagining processes, building hybrid human-AI operating models, and redefining India's global BPM representation.

Why IIT-Bombay Wants UPI MDR Cut To 0.08%

Why IIT-Bombay Wants UPI MDR Cut To 0.08%

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A report by IIT-Bombay professors recommends reducing the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions from 0.40 per cent to 0.08 per cent. It suggests that banks should fund the UPI ecosystem using their net interest margins from CASA deposits, rather than relying on MDR. The report also addresses transaction costs, credit card MDR, and ATM withdrawal allowances, aiming to ensure UPI's long-term sustainability and public trust by proposing remuneration only from large merchants.

H-1B visa 'completely broken', should be scrapped: Vance

H-1B visa 'completely broken', should be scrapped: Vance

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

US Vice President J D Vance has labelled the H-1B visa programme as "completely broken" and expressed support for its total abolition. He argues that corporations exploit the system to replace American workers with cheaper international staff, rather than bringing in elite talent. Vance also defended the controversial $100,000 levy on certain H-1B petitions, viewing it as a deterrent against cost-cutting exploitation.

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Paytm CEO Foresees Increased Profitability From New UPI Charges

Paytm CEO Foresees Increased Profitability From New UPI Charges

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma stated that the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on large-value UPI transactions will significantly increase the company's revenue and profitability. The 0.4% fee on UPI transfers exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants, effective October 15, is expected to give Paytm a competitive edge. Sharma also highlighted the company's focus on generating free cash flow, expanding internationally, and developing proprietary artificial intelligence capabilities to drive future growth.

Work With The US, With Or Without Trump

Work With The US, With Or Without Trump

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

India-US ties may be strained, but abandoning the relationship is not the answer; India must deal with Washington firmly without becoming either servile or hostile, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Tata Trusts Propose Merger to Keep Tata Sons Unlisted, Shed NBFC Tag

Tata Trusts Propose Merger to Keep Tata Sons Unlisted, Shed NBFC Tag

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Tata Trusts, the majority shareholders of Tata Sons, have proposed merging two operating companies, Tata Electronics Systems Solutions Pvt Ltd (TESS) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), with Tata Sons. This restructuring aims to shed Tata Sons' classification as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and a core investment company (CIC), thereby allowing it to retain its status as an unlisted private company and resolve ongoing disputes regarding its future ownership.

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively courting Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist party with strong Sinhalese nationalist roots, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations despite ideological differences. This engagement, highlighted by a recent high-profile visit by JVP leader Tilvin Silva, aims to foster cooperation on economic projects and address New Delhi's concerns over slow progress in India-aided initiatives in the island nation.

Maruti Suzuki Bets On Premium Hatchbacks With New Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Bets On Premium Hatchbacks With New Baleno

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Maruti Suzuki India is strategically investing in the premium hatchback segment, launching a refreshed Baleno with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to capture a significant share of the evolving Indian passenger vehicle market, even as SUVs continue their dominance.

India's Unbeaten Run Continues, Semifinal Berth Looms

India's Unbeaten Run Continues, Semifinal Berth Looms

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Defending champions India, currently unbeaten in the men's hockey Pool A at the Asian Games, are set to face hosts Japan in a crucial match. Both teams have won all their games, but India holds a superior goal difference. The winner of this match will secure the top spot in the pool and a direct semifinal berth, with India's forwards showing exceptional form.

Why India Needs A Unique AI Safety Framework

Why India Needs A Unique AI Safety Framework

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Industry experts advocate for India to develop its own artificial intelligence (AI) safety framework, distinct from US or EU models, to address unique challenges like deepfakes and cyberattacks. They call for a comprehensive commitment involving all stakeholders and a hybrid regulatory approach combining voluntary and binding measures, as the Indian government also considers new AI regulations.

Lupin eyes $500 million from biosimilars, expands global footprint

Lupin eyes $500 million from biosimilars, expands global footprint

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Pharma major Lupin is significantly increasing its focus on biosimilars, aiming for a turnover of nearly $500 million from this segment over the next five years, driven by new product launches and expanded presence in key global markets like the US, Europe, and Japan.

FIFA friendly: India secure impressive draw against 44th ranked Panama

FIFA friendly: India secure impressive draw against 44th ranked Panama

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Indian football team, ranked 138th, achieved a commendable 1-1 draw against world No. 44 Panama in a FIFA International friendly. Ryan Williams scored for India, while Omar Valencia equalised for Panama. This result is considered a significant achievement under coach Khalid Jamil and provides a morale boost ahead of upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.

Father's 30-year-old gun helps Kynan Chenai strike Asian Games gold

Father's 30-year-old gun helps Kynan Chenai strike Asian Games gold

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Indian shooter Kynan Chenai secured a trap mixed team gold at the Asian Games, attributing his success to a 30-year-old gun barrel borrowed from his father, Darius. This vintage barrel, which helped his father win national championships, proved to be Kynan's lucky charm, and he has no plans of returning it. The article also details his performance alongside Neeru Dhanda and his father's continued mentorship.

Digger Review: Tom Cruise Goes Bonkers!

Digger Review: Tom Cruise Goes Bonkers!

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Tom Cruise lets go of the suave, sexy image and embraces the gloriously unsexy with supreme confidence, making this truly impossible mission utterly possible, raves Mayur Sanap.

Why India's Global Capability Centres Struggle With AI Scaling

Why India's Global Capability Centres Struggle With AI Scaling

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A joint report by Dell Technologies and Zinnov reveals that despite high ambition, nearly 70% of India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are stuck at the pilot stage for AI adoption. Foundational gaps in data, infrastructure, and governance are identified as key bottlenecks preventing the scaling of AI initiatives into enterprise-wide production. The report highlights the need for significant reskilling of the workforce and robust foundations for industrialising AI responsibly.

Dabur delivers steady Q1 performance, but volume growth and monsoon worries persist

Dabur delivers steady Q1 performance, but volume growth and monsoon worries persist

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Dabur India reported a steady performance in Q1 FY27 with 10.6 per cent year-on-year revenue growth, a 12-quarter high, driven by broad-based gains across India and international businesses. However, volume growth, particularly in beverages due to unseasonal rains, and concerns over monsoon impact on rural demand remain key challenges.

Bharti Airtel's Homegrown Cloud Platform Secures 40 Customers, Targets Manufacturing Sector

Bharti Airtel's Homegrown Cloud Platform Secures 40 Customers, Targets Manufacturing Sector

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Bharti Airtel's homegrown cloud platform, Airtel Cloud, has acquired approximately 40 customers within a year of its launch, with a significant portion coming from the manufacturing sector. The platform, designed for Indian companies, offers sovereign, telco-grade cloud infrastructure, connectivity, and GenAI-based provisioning, addressing the growing demand for secure, India-hosted data solutions, particularly for sensitive workloads and regulated sectors.

India Hockey Team Eye Redemption At Asian Games After World Cup Disappointment

India Hockey Team Eye Redemption At Asian Games After World Cup Disappointment

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Indian men's hockey coach Craig Fulton discusses the team's preparations for the Asian Games, aiming to defend their title and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Xi arrives in Delhi for BRICS summit, talks with Modi at 6 pm

Xi arrives in Delhi for BRICS summit, talks with Modi at 6 pm

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping's first visit to India in seven years for the BRICS Summit and bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address crucial aspects of India-China relations, including trade, investment, and persistent border tensions.

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has voiced concerns that the government's new 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 could reverse the progress of digital payment adoption among small retailers. This fee, effective October 15, places the burden on merchants operating on thin margins, potentially pushing them back to cash transactions and undermining the government's formalisation agenda, especially ahead of the festive season.

All about UPI charges: Will merchants pass on MDR to customers?

All about UPI charges: Will merchants pass on MDR to customers?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective from October 15, with a comprehensive framework set to take full effect by October 15, 2026. This policy aims to regulate transaction fees while protecting small merchants and person-to-person transactions.

India crush Sri Lanka for record women's T20 Asia Cup crown

India crush Sri Lanka for record women's T20 Asia Cup crown

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana's explosive partnership propelled India to 183/5 in the Women's T20I Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. Despite a late slowdown, their record-breaking fifties laid a strong foundation for India's innings.

Avengers: Endgame Encore: How The 4 New Crucial Scenes Set Up Doomsday

Avengers: Endgame Encore: How The 4 New Crucial Scenes Set Up Doomsday

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Avengers: Endgame Encore adds four crucial scenes that connect the old MCU to Avengers: Doomsday, from Loki's shocking return to Doctor Doom's sinister plans for the multiverse.

10 CV Tips To Get Hired

10 CV Tips To Get Hired

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Weak verbs and poor language can make even impressive achievements seem ordinary, points out Nayagam PP, a career coach and founder of EduJob360.

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy merge to create India's largest AI-powered insurance platform

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy merge to create India's largest AI-powered insurance platform

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy have merged to establish India's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled insurance distribution platform, targeting a significant premium book and extensive reach across the country.

'I'm here with my homies': Shelton's US Open fairytale

'I'm here with my homies': Shelton's US Open fairytale

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Ben Shelton has reached his first Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, defeating compatriot Frances Tiafoe. He credits his newfound consistency for this breakthrough. Shelton will face Alexander Zverev in the final, aiming to end a 23-year American drought for a men's singles Grand Slam champion and become the first Black American man to win the New York title since Arthur Ashe in 1968. He expresses excitement and a business-like approach despite the nerves.

Neeraj Chopra Reflects On Missing Asian Games Due To Injury

Neeraj Chopra Reflects On Missing Asian Games Due To Injury

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

India's Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra discusses the emotional and physical challenges of missing the Asian Games due to a ligament injury. He shares his process of accepting the setback, focusing on rehabilitation, and preparing for future competitions, while also offering advice to fellow athletes and aspiring javelin throwers.

Mahindra Thar OG: More Refined, More Capable, Unbeatable Value

Mahindra Thar OG: More Refined, More Capable, Unbeatable Value

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Mahindra has launched the Thar OG, an upgraded version of its popular SUV, built on a new M Glyde 4G platform with advanced features like Frequency Dependent Damping and Electric Power Steering, while retaining an accessible starting price of 10.32 Lakh.

India vs Afghanistan: Where to watch T20I series

India vs Afghanistan: Where to watch T20I series

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Sony Sports Network has secured exclusive television broadcast rights for the upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, scheduled from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The series will feature India led by Shreyas Iyer and Afghanistan led by Ibrahim Zadran, with both teams showcasing aggressive T20 cricket. This acquisition strengthens Sony's sports portfolio and offers a platform for Afghanistan to demonstrate its talent against a top-tier team.

Who Will Succeed Sashidhar Jagdishan At HDFC?

Who Will Succeed Sashidhar Jagdishan At HDFC?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Potential external candidates include Anup Bagchi, Rajiv Sabharwal and CSB Bank's Pralay Mondal.

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Asian Games Kick Off With A Spectacle Of Innovation And Culture

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

Commonwealth Champion Bids Farewell To Her Guns

Commonwealth Champion Bids Farewell To Her Guns

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Arjuna Awardee Roopa Unnikrishnan gives away the rifles that shaped her brilliant shooting career, hoping they will inspire a new generation of Indian shooters.

How New UPI MDR Will Boost Digital Payments Ecosystem

How New UPI MDR Will Boost Digital Payments Ecosystem

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Experts laud the decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, along with a dedicated fund for small merchants, is seen as crucial for creating a sustainable digital payments ecosystem, incentivising expansion in rural areas, and funding innovation while keeping most transactions free for users.

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'The way the government behaves, sometimes I ask myself: Are not Tamils Sri Lankans too? Why do you discriminate so much?'

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former chief selector and head coach Haroon Rasheed has attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to the domestic structure changes implemented by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who insisted on reducing first-class teams despite recommendations for a hybrid model.

5 Signs that you should no longer be a spectator, but a shareholder

5 Signs that you should no longer be a spectator, but a shareholder

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Becoming a shareholder isn't about predicting markets perfectly. What matters more is recognising when you're financially and mentally prepared to participate in wealth creation. If you've been wondering when you should start investing, here are five signs that suggest you're already ready.