News for 'Consumer Choice'

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Kejriwal to march to PM's residence on Aug 4 over E20 issue

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is leading a march to the Prime Minister's residence to submit a petition with two lakh signatures against E20 petrol. He is demanding consumer choice, lower E20 prices, and transparency regarding studies supporting the fuel. The government defends the E20 programme, citing energy security and no evidence of vehicle harm.

Mercedes-Benz India to launch more hybrid vehicles, undeterred by policy support gaps

Mercedes-Benz India to launch more hybrid vehicles, undeterred by policy support gaps

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Mercedes-Benz India plans to continue introducing hybrid vehicles, including the new AMG E 53 plug-in hybrid EV, to meet consumer demand, viewing hybrids as a crucial bridge to full electrification despite the absence of supportive government policies.

Police stops Kejriwal's E20 protest march to PM's house

Police stops Kejriwal's E20 protest march to PM's house

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, staged a protest in New Delhi against the government's E20 petrol policy, attempting to march to the Prime Minister's residence with over 2.30 lakh petitions from vehicle owners concerned about the ethanol-blended fuel.

How To Protect Yourself From Online Dark Patterns

How To Protect Yourself From Online Dark Patterns

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'Dark patterns exploit human psychology, cognitive biases, urgency, confusion, or lack of attention to increase revenue for digital platforms at the expense of consumer choice and transparency.'

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Govt adviser bats for E10 petrol to protect older vehicles

Rediff.com7 days ago

A government adviser has called for India to reintroduce a petrol variant with a lower ethanol blend, such as E10, alongside the current E20 fuel. This move aims to protect millions of older vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, which may experience performance issues and damage from the higher 20 per cent ethanol blend.

Can Cutting Down Sugary Tea, Coffee Help Lose Weight?

Can Cutting Down Sugary Tea, Coffee Help Lose Weight?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A diabetic can safely enjoy occasional sweets if their overall blood sugar control is good and the portion is small, advises rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani, a nutritionist with nearly three decades of experience.

Ayodhya fish feast sparks political storm in UP; Yogi targets Ajay Rai

Ayodhya fish feast sparks political storm in UP; Yogi targets Ajay Rai

Rediff.com17 hours ago

A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused state Congress chief Ajay Rai of participating in a fish feast in Ayodhya during the holy month of Shravan, near the Ram temple. Rai has vehemently denied the allegations, challenging Adityanath to provide proof and threatening to resign if proven, while also demanding the CM's resignation if no evidence is found. The Congress party has defended the event, stating it was a Nishad community gathering with their own food traditions.

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Can Social Media Age Bans Work?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

Rediff.com7 days ago

China sailed through the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz relatively unscathed even as the impact of its steps shielded other consuming nations from having to pay high crude oil prices.

8 Foods To Boost Your Immunity This Monsoon

8 Foods To Boost Your Immunity This Monsoon

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Consultant-Clinical Dietitian Sabah Ghare recommends why you must include seasonal fruits like jamun along with colourful veggies in your monsoon diet.

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

How Paytm's AI And App Simplification Are Fueling UPI Growth And Attracting Gen Z

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Mobile payments pioneer Paytm reported significant growth in its UPI payments business for Q1 FY27, driven by app simplification, AI investments, and a focus on attracting Gen Z customers. The company saw a 45% year-on-year increase in Consumer UPI Gross Transaction Value and a rise of 60 lakh in Monthly Transacting Users, outpacing the industry. Paytm's strategy prioritises customer retention and product innovation, leading to a profitable quarter with strong revenue and EBITDA growth, further supported by AI-led operational efficiencies and an India-focused language model.

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

With political divisions dominating conversations, can couples with opposing views stay together?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

One Hospitalisation Can Ruin Your Retirement Goals

One Hospitalisation Can Ruin Your Retirement Goals

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

If you do not insulate your retirement corpus from the true cost of modern critical care, you don't have a retirement plan -- you have a fragile strategy waiting for an expensive medical emergency to break it

Before Awarapan 2, Emraan Hashmi's 10 Best Films, Ranked

Before Awarapan 2, Emraan Hashmi's 10 Best Films, Ranked

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Before Awarapan 2 tests his comeback, we revisit the 10 films that made Emraan Hashmi the ultimate frontbencher favourite.

Modern Marriage: 'His Mother Was Not Happy About Our Relationship'

Modern Marriage: 'His Mother Was Not Happy About Our Relationship'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Riya tells Divya Nair how a brief separation from her husband gave her clarity and encouraged her to make peace with her mother-in-law.

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Lok Sabha passes bill to allow charges on UPI, digital payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.

India-UK FTA: Alcobev Industry Welcomes Tariff Cuts, Domestic Makers Seek Level Playing Field

India-UK FTA: Alcobev Industry Welcomes Tariff Cuts, Domestic Makers Seek Level Playing Field

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Industry bodies representing alcoholic beverage manufacturers have welcomed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will see tariffs on UK whisky and gin reduced, boosting bilateral trade and supporting premiumisation. However, domestic manufacturers are calling for state governments to withdraw concessions currently enjoyed by imported liquor brands.

FSSAI issues notices to 8 food companies over misleading 'healthy' claims

FSSAI issues notices to 8 food companies over misleading 'healthy' claims

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food business operators, including Emami Healthy & Tasty and Plan B, for using misleading brand names, trade names, and product claims that violate the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

World IVF Day: 10 Habits That Lower Sperm Count

World IVF Day: 10 Habits That Lower Sperm Count

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

From what goes on your plate to how long someone sits with a laptop on their lap, seemingly harmless habits can make a big difference, warns says Dr Aakil Khan, consultant and urologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

FDA Cracks Down On Hospital Pharmacies

FDA Cracks Down On Hospital Pharmacies

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'Hospitals sometimes compel patients to purchase medicines only from pharmacies owned by or attached to the hospital, refuse to provide prescriptions, withhold prescriptions, or send prescriptions directly to the hospital pharmacy without patient consent.'

What People Munch On At Half-Time

What People Munch On At Half-Time

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

What do we eat when we watch football?

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Businesses across sectors are positioning themselves to capitalise on the expected surge in demand.

EV sales in India hit record high, with 63% YoY increase in June

EV sales in India hit record high, with 63% YoY increase in June

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India's electric vehicle market achieved a significant milestone in June 2026, accounting for over 12% of total vehicle retail sales for the first time. This growth, driven by strong demand across electric two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles, saw overall EV retail sales surge by 63% year-on-year to a record 306,220 units, indicating a mainstream shift in mobility.

The Hotspot For Indian Weddings In 2025 Was...

The Hotspot For Indian Weddings In 2025 Was...

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Indian wedding bookings to Sri Lanka are projected to grow 20-25 per cent annually over the next few years.

Google challenges Delhi HC ruling on keyword bidding

Google challenges Delhi HC ruling on keyword bidding

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Google has challenged a Delhi High Court single-judge bench ruling that held it liable for trademark infringement by allowing competitors to bid on and use the 'Hindware' trademark as keywords in its Google Ads programme. Google argues that keyword bidding promotes competition and is a globally accepted norm, citing previous rulings that allowed the practice. The tech giant contends that the Trade Marks Act does not distinguish between coined and generic words for such infringements.

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

At the heart of the decision is concern over the survival of Meghalaya's neighbourhood retailers.

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Loss-making Air India has introduced a new 'Basic Fare' category for select domestic flights, which does not include complimentary meals, as part of its efforts to trim expenses amid rising operational costs.

10 Simple Ways To Protect Planet Earth

10 Simple Ways To Protect Planet Earth

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

From bringing down your plastic waste output to conserving water, every little bit helps. When small actions are taken by many and millions sign on there's powerful impact.

JSW Motors to roll out 15 new-energy vehicles in India by 2027, targeting premium segment

JSW Motors to roll out 15 new-energy vehicles in India by 2027, targeting premium segment

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

JSW Motors, part of the JSW group, is set to enter India's passenger vehicle market with plans to launch 15 new-energy vehicles (NEVs) over the next four years, with deliveries commencing from December 2026.

Are You In An Obsessive Relationship?

Are You In An Obsessive Relationship?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Sometimes, what looks like overwhelming love is actually overwhelming anxiety, warns Tanvi Singh, co-founder and director, Leap of Love Foundation.

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

AscI Proposes Guidelines For Labelling AI-Generated Ad Content

AscI Proposes Guidelines For Labelling AI-Generated Ad Content

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released draft guidelines for responsible labelling of synthetically generated Artificial Intelligence (AI) content in advertising, proposing a risk-based framework to ensure transparency and protect consumers.

Ekta Kapoor:'You Can't Make A Business Out Of Doomscrolling'

Ekta Kapoor:'You Can't Make A Business Out Of Doomscrolling'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

'Of our population of 1.4 billion, 80 per cent are into doomscrolling.'

App Trap: Hidden Cost Of 'Free' Investing

App Trap: Hidden Cost Of 'Free' Investing

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

In modern investing, transparency is more valuable than zero fees and not all investing app score big on this front, says Ramalingam Kalirajan.

'Indians Have The Worst Metabolism, Diets High In Refined Carbs'

'Indians Have The Worst Metabolism, Diets High In Refined Carbs'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

'Refined carbohydrates are the quiet troublemaker in our diet.' 'We eat plenty of calories, but not enough nutrition.'

TN Welfare Push Raises Fiscal Risks For New Government

TN Welfare Push Raises Fiscal Risks For New Government

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Amid the arithmetic of subsidies, consumption and capacity, whichever government assumes office in Tamil Nadu after May 4 is likely to inherit a growing debate over how far the state can continue to expand welfare promises without placing additional strain on public finances and the power sector.

Made in India: A Titan Story Review: A Feel-Good Docudrama

Made in India: A Titan Story Review: A Feel-Good Docudrama

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Made in India: A Titan Story chronicles the history of the homegrown watch brand Titan, highlighting its journey from challenging a conservative market to becoming a successful consumer brand, driven by the vision of Xerxes Desai and the mentorship of J R D Tata.

Shape of Momo Review: Sublime Slice Of Womanhood

Shape of Momo Review: Sublime Slice Of Womanhood

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Shape of Momo is a compelling drama that masterfully portrays a young woman's rebellion against societal expectations in Sikkim, offering a nuanced look at feminism, family dynamics, and the search for identity, observes Sukanya Verma.

Shweta Tripathi: 'I Don't Want Drama In My Life'

Shweta Tripathi: 'I Don't Want Drama In My Life'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'I like to celebrate who I am. I like to experiment, and am not afraid to make mistakes. You have to be your biggest cheerleader.'