News for 'Consumer Commission'

Of power, privatisation and politics

Of power, privatisation and politics

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

As the Centre pushes reforms in the power sector, especially for the beleaguered electricity distribution segment, several states, especially those ruled by Opposition parties, are clamouring against it. Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerela have voiced their reservations against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003. The irony is the states opposing the amendments on the ground of threat of privatisation already have private partnerships in power supply. The proposed Bill was slated to be placed on the floor of Parliament in the Monsoon session. But it still awaits Cabinet approval amid several states complaining that they have been not consulted on the issue.

The Election Festival Is Here!

The Election Festival Is Here!

Rediff.com18 Oct 2022

After the Gujarat and Himachal elections and the municipal polls in Mumbai and Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh will elect new assemblies next year leading up to the Lok Sabha election in April-May 2024, points out Virendra Kapoor.

Power crisis: Gencos may not switch on idle units soon

Power crisis: Gencos may not switch on idle units soon

Rediff.com9 May 2022

Power generating companies (gencos) that use imported coal to produce electricity, may find it difficult to switch on their idle units immediately in the wake of high fuel costs, several players have told Business Standard. Recently, the Union power ministry had invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act mandating all imported coal-based plants to generate power at full capacity. However, some generating companies that use imported coal, argue that it is simply unviable for them to produce power when the price of coal in the international market is high, while the per-unit price of power has been capped at Rs 12 per unit on the domestic power exchange.

When botched surgery amounts to medical negligence

When botched surgery amounts to medical negligence

Rediff.com25 Nov 2019

The Kerala consumer commission recently concluded in a medical complaint that while negligence had necessitated a second surgery, as there was no evidence to show that it was the cause of disability, it reduced the original compensation ordered, points out consumer activist Jehangir B Gai.

PharmEasy buys Medlife, becomes largest e-pharma company

PharmEasy buys Medlife, becomes largest e-pharma company

Rediff.com26 May 2021

PharmEasy has acquired Medlife for an undisclosed amount, the e-pharmacy unicorn said on Tuesday. The deal will make PharmEasy the largest player in the domestic online pharmacy sector, with the combined entity set to serve 2 million customers a month.

Hurt by higher expenses, Reliance net drops 7% in Q1

Hurt by higher expenses, Reliance net drops 7% in Q1

Rediff.com23 Jul 2021

Reliance Industries Ltd on Friday reported a 7 per cent drop in its June quarter net profit as retail business got hit by the second wave of COVID infections.

Google probed for alleged unfair business

Google probed for alleged unfair business

Rediff.com23 Jun 2021

The Competition Commission has ordered a detailed probe against Google for alleged anti-competitive practices in the smart television operating systems market in the country. After assessing a complaint, the watchdog has reached the prima-facie view that Google is dominant in the relevant market for licensable smart TV device operating systems in India. In a 24-page order, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said that prima-facie mandatory pre-installation of all the Google applications under TADA amounts to imposition of unfair conditions on the smart TV device manufacturers.

With AAP, Capt in fray Punjab no more a Cong-SAD duel

With AAP, Capt in fray Punjab no more a Cong-SAD duel

Rediff.com8 Jan 2022

Punjab's 117 assembly seats are going to be a keenly-watched contest with the Congress, the AAP, the SAD-BSP alliance, and the BJP-PLC-SAD (Sanyukt) battling to form the government in the state, with a probable entry of farmers' front in the form of Sanyukt Samaj Morcha.

Don't Underestimate Indian Voters!

Don't Underestimate Indian Voters!

Rediff.com17 Oct 2022

Voters can be relied on to punish a party which makes reckless promises without actually implementing them, asserts Virendra Kapoor.

'People of this country are not hardcore communal at all'

'People of this country are not hardcore communal at all'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2022

'We are losing the battle of secularism, but we have not lost.'

HC dismisses FB, WhatsApp pleas against CCI order to probe privacy policy

HC dismisses FB, WhatsApp pleas against CCI order to probe privacy policy

Rediff.com22 Apr 2021

The court said it saw no merit in the petitions of Facebook and WhatsApp to interdict the investigation directed by the Competition Commission of India.

Should Big Tech be broken up?

Should Big Tech be broken up?

Rediff.com16 Aug 2020

Are the big five using their dominance to shut out rivals? That is the key question, says Prosenjit Datta.

When companies override the regulators

When companies override the regulators

Rediff.com23 Mar 2016

Companies think they are too big to bow before regulators.

US regulator rollbacks net neutrality rules that protect open internet

US regulator rollbacks net neutrality rules that protect open internet

Rediff.com15 Dec 2017

The critics say the move is against the interest of the consumers and favours big corporate companies.

What to check when you buy a car online

What to check when you buy a car online

Rediff.com22 Jun 2017

A consumer wins a case against a financial company for selling him a car online, but not transferring the ownership in his name.

Indian firms reject Google Play's new bill plan

Indian firms reject Google Play's new bill plan

Rediff.com19 Mar 2021

Indian industry snubbed Google Play's decision to cut by half its commission for developers when they make $1 million in annual revenue for in-app purchases, saying the US tech giant may continue its "abrasive & monopolistic abuse" as it owns the Android system. Google Play said Tuesday that beginning July 1 it would slash its 30 per cent billing fee to 15 per cent for developers globally when they make the first $1 million of their annual revenue.

Breather for Unitech; govt can't take over the realty firm, rules SC

Breather for Unitech; govt can't take over the realty firm, rules SC

Rediff.com13 Dec 2017

Unitech alleged that the takeover of the management of the company by the Centre would make it difficult for them to deposit Rs 750 crore as directed by the apex court to safeguard the interests of homebuyers.

Delhi govt withdraws new excise policy facing CBI probe

Delhi govt withdraws new excise policy facing CBI probe

Rediff.com30 Jul 2022

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of using agencies like the CBI and Enforcement Directorate to threaten liquor licensees and excise officials but the BJP alleged that the AAP government's 'rushed' move was an 'admission of violations and corruption' and it was 'scared' of the CBI probe.

Why J-K Has A Power Crisis

Why J-K Has A Power Crisis

Rediff.com20 Dec 2021

'We feel that till the time statehood is not restored power sector should not be touched in J-K.'

India's E-Commerce: Great Leap Forward

India's E-Commerce: Great Leap Forward

Rediff.com8 Jan 2022

Live commerce, quick commerce, group buying, WhatsApp commerce, dukaantech have made their mark.

Hotel liable for guest's stolen car from its parking lot

Hotel liable for guest's stolen car from its parking lot

Rediff.com17 Mar 2018

Merely stating that parking was 'at owner's risk' would not absolve the hotel of its liability.

Ola, Uber score 0 in gig worker rankings

Ola, Uber score 0 in gig worker rankings

Rediff.com5 Jan 2022

Fairwork focuses on five principles of fair gig work: Fair pay, fair conditions, fair contracts, fair management, and fair representation.

CarTrade IPO to open on Aug 9; price band set at Rs 1,585-1,618/share

CarTrade IPO to open on Aug 9; price band set at Rs 1,585-1,618/share

Rediff.com3 Aug 2021

Online auto classified platform CarTrade Tech on Tuesday said it fixed a price band of Rs 1,585-1,618 a share for its nearly Rs 2,999-crore initial public offer. The initial public offering (IPO) will open for subscription on August 9 and conclude on August 11. The bidding for anchor investors will open on August 6, the company announced. The initial share-sale will be entirely an offer for sale (OFS) of 18,532,216 equity shares.

Tribunal to hear Amazon's plea to stay CCI order on Feb 14

Tribunal to hear Amazon's plea to stay CCI order on Feb 14

Rediff.com7 Feb 2022

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) will hear e-commerce major Amazon's interim plea on February 14, seeking a stay over the order passed by fair trade regulator CCI that had suspended the over two-year-old approval for its deal with Future Coupons Pvt Ltd (FCPL). A three-member bench on Monday directed to list Amazon's plea on February 14 to pass an interim order and stay the operations of the order passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in December last year till it finally decides the matter. "The registry is directed to list on February 14 for hearing," said the NCLAT bench. The appellate tribunal also directed to list the appeals filed by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and All India Consumer Product Distributors Federation on the same date.

Who Says Gujarat Is A BJP Bastion?

Who Says Gujarat Is A BJP Bastion?

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

The Congress won 77 seats or 42% of seats in the 2017 polls. How then can Gujarat be called a BJP bastion, asks Sanjeev Nayyar.

Narayana Murthy urged to extend support to antitrust probe against Amazon

Narayana Murthy urged to extend support to antitrust probe against Amazon

Rediff.com11 Aug 2021

Indian Sellers Collective (ISC), a trade association of micro and small enterprises and family businesses, on Wednesday urged IT veteran NR Narayana Murthy to cooperate in the Competition Commission of India's antitrust probe against Amazon for alleged anti-competitive practices. In 2014, Murthy's Catamaran and Amazon had formed a joint venture, Prione Business Services. On Monday, the partners announced that they have mutually decided not to continue the JV beyond May 2022. ISC thanked Murthy for deciding to end the joint venture with Amazon.

Govt releases 5 survey reports but holds back study it junked

Govt releases 5 survey reports but holds back study it junked

Rediff.com25 Nov 2019

The government's decision to release the reports comes two days after over 200 scholars from across the globe issued a statement demanding release of all withheld reports produced by the NSO, including the household consumer expenditure survey that was junked.

Biggest challenge facing Modi's Ujjwala Yojana

Biggest challenge facing Modi's Ujjwala Yojana

Rediff.com5 Jun 2019

One of the major challenges before the government is that the annual average refill by a PMUY consumer is 3.28 cylinders compared to seven for others.

How govt plans to improve GST compliance

How govt plans to improve GST compliance

Rediff.com13 Dec 2019

To improve compliance, govt may introduce lottery reward for filing GST. The Consumer Welfare Fund, where anti-profiteering proceeds are deposited, will be used to reward the lucky winners on monthly and annual bases. The prize money, yet to be fixed, may run into several lakhs of rupees for the annual draw, and about Rs 50,000 for monthly draws.

How COVID-19 derailed govt's plan on GDP and CPI

How COVID-19 derailed govt's plan on GDP and CPI

Rediff.com8 Jun 2020

The revision of the consumer price index and GDP base years from 2011-12 and 2012, respectively, were dependent on the outcomes of the consumer expenditure survey of 2017-18 that the government decided to junk recently.

Tatas plan to acquire over 60% stake in BigBasket

Tatas plan to acquire over 60% stake in BigBasket

Rediff.com13 Mar 2021

The Tata group has proposed to acquire more than 60 per cent stake in online grocery platform BigBasket, according to a filing, as the conglomerate seeks to expand in the fast-growing e-commerce space. The group plans to buy up to 64.3 per cent stake in Supermarket Grocery Supplies Pvt Ltd (SGS) through a combination of primary and secondary acquisitions, a filing with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) showed. The parties to the proposed deal are Tata Digital Ltd (TDL), SGS and Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt Ltd (IRC) -- which is engaged in B2C (Business to Consumer) sales through www.bigbasket.com and related mobile applications.

How she won her battle against an insurance firm

How she won her battle against an insurance firm

Rediff.com8 Jun 2018

Sukhwinder Kaur doggedly pursued her case against Bharti Axa Life Insurance in the consumer courts.

Over Rs 950-crore tax evasion by Swiggy, Flipkart unit,: I-T department

Over Rs 950-crore tax evasion by Swiggy, Flipkart unit,: I-T department

Rediff.com21 Jan 2021

Tax concealment in case of Walmart-owned Flipkart's unit is about Rs 650 crore while the remaining estimation is related to Swiggy.

PayU buys BillDesk for $4.7 bn in one of largest Indian fintech deals

PayU buys BillDesk for $4.7 bn in one of largest Indian fintech deals

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

Prosus-backed fintech firm PayU is set to acquire India's earliest payment gateway BillDesk in an all-cash transaction of $4.7 billion. This will be the largest acquisition in India's digital payments space. The deal will also give exit to investors General Atlantic, TA Associates, Temasek, Clearstone Ventures, and Visa. The proposed acquisition will help PayU, the payments and fintech business of Prosus which operates in more than 20 markets, become one of the leading online payment providers globally by total payment volume (TPV).

Aryan Khan procured, distributed drugs: NCB to court

Aryan Khan procured, distributed drugs: NCB to court

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

Senior counsel Amit Desai, appearing for Aryan Khan, termed the NCB's contention as 'inherently absurd' and argued that when there was no recovery of drugs from him, then he should not be penalised at the stage of granting bail.

State can't get free pass saying 'national security': SC orders Pegasus probe panel

State can't get free pass saying 'national security': SC orders Pegasus probe panel

Rediff.com27 Oct 2021

Citing national security, the Centre had refused to file a detailed affidavit in the matter.

Gadkari launches cow dung soap, bamboo water bottles

Gadkari launches cow dung soap, bamboo water bottles

Rediff.com1 Oct 2019

The bamboo water bottle is priced at Rs 560 and the soap variant of 125 grams costs Rs 125 each.

Desis in US Internet scam to pay $1m as settlement

Desis in US Internet scam to pay $1m as settlement

Rediff.com9 Jun 2017

Rajiv Chhatwal, Rupinder Kaur and Harinder Singh and companies Global Access Technical Support, Source Pundit and Helios Digital Media LLC were the defendants that had been charged in October 2016 by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as part of its ongoing crackdown against tech support scams.

Govt considers regulating air-ticket prices after lockdown

Govt considers regulating air-ticket prices after lockdown

Rediff.com29 May 2020

The move if implemented, will be a temporary measure to protect both consumers and airlines. A section of airline executives and experts, however, warned that any intervention in pricing would be counterproductive.

Anil Deshmukh's journey in Maha politics hits a roadblock

Anil Deshmukh's journey in Maha politics hits a roadblock

Rediff.com5 Apr 2021

Except for the Devendra Fadnavis- led government during 2014-19, Anil Deshmukh has managed to find a berth in the state ministry irrespective of which party came to power in the last over two decades.