News for 'Consumers Association of India'

Packaged food sector leaving consumers spoilt for choice with new launches

Packaged food sector leaving consumers spoilt for choice with new launches

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

Over the past year, Amul has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a dairy-centric entity to a comprehensive foods company. Since 2022, PepsiCo India, too, has embarked on extensive launches in the food category. Not to be left behind, ITC, which has been introducing an average of 100 fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products across categories every year, has also launched a number of packaged food items.

Retail inflation eases to over 6-yr low of 2.1% in June

Retail inflation eases to over 6-yr low of 2.1% in June

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Retail inflation declined to over six-year low of 2.1 per cent in June, nearing the RBI's comfort zone, on account of subdued prices of food items, including vegetables, driven by widespread monsoon.

For Tesla, India is a challenge as well as opportunity

For Tesla, India is a challenge as well as opportunity

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

With India's EV penetration at just 2.5 per cent, the market presents an opportunity -- provided Tesla gets its pricing right.

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme in the works for recycling critical minerals

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Following the disruption in the supply of rare earth or permanent magnets after China's notification on April 4, the mines ministry is planning to introduce a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to recycle critical minerals, according to a top official.

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.

British American Tobacco sells 2.5% stake in ITC for Rs 12,927 crore

British American Tobacco sells 2.5% stake in ITC for Rs 12,927 crore

Rediff.com28 May 2025

British multinational BAT Plc on Wednesday trimmed its ownership in conglomerate ITC by divesting a 2.5 per cent stake for Rs 12,927 crore ($1.51 billion) through a block deal, according to a revised term sheet accessed by PTI. Following the stake sale, shares of ITC went lower by 1.15 per cent to trade at Rs 421.15 apiece on the NSE.

The Turbaned Tornado: Fauja Singh's Inspiring Life

The Turbaned Tornado: Fauja Singh's Inspiring Life

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Overwhelmed by the loss of his youngest son in the 1990s, Fauja Singh found solace in running with a local club in Essex after moving out of India following the death of his wife and daughter.

Why Vacation Costs Are On The Rise

Why Vacation Costs Are On The Rise

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

The primary drivers: Geopolitical disruptions inflating fuel and operational costs, and a surge in travel demand.

Festival season fail to light up apparel sales, consumer durables shine

Festival season fail to light up apparel sales, consumer durables shine

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

Sales of apparel were a mixed bag this festive season while those of consumer durables saw an uptick with mobiles, laptops, and air conditioners being in demand. In apparel, Tier-2 and -3 markets did better for some brands, because these have been witnessing an uptick for the past 18-20 months compared to metros. "The past two weeks have been good, and we saw a 13 per cent increase in value sales, and volume sales have also been similar," Manish Kapoor, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), Pepe Jeans

'Sensex Is Barometer Of Economy And Capital Markets'

'Sensex Is Barometer Of Economy And Capital Markets'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

'BSE has facilitated nearly Rs 35 trillion in capital raising across multiple segments.'

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.

'Our India centre is a hub for global innovation'

'Our India centre is a hub for global innovation'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

'Our business continues to roll out its strategy, the role of this GDTC continues to grow.'

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.

Shimla police bust 500-member online drug trafficking network

Shimla police bust 500-member online drug trafficking network

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

An extensive drug trafficking network operating throughout north India, with a particular focus on Shimla, has been busted following the arrest of two individuals - one from Kolkata and one from Delhi. The syndicate used online platforms for booking drugs, misusing innocent people's accounts and delivering drugs through couriers. Police have frozen 21 accounts associated with the network and arrested 16 individuals, including the kingpin, Sandeep Shah.

Gold tumbles Rs 1,550 to Rs 91,450/10 g on trade war fears

Gold tumbles Rs 1,550 to Rs 91,450/10 g on trade war fears

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Gold prices tumbled by Rs 1,550 to Rs 91,450 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday amid heavy selling by jewellers and stockists as well as weak global trend, according to the All India Sarafa Association. On Friday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had finished at Rs 93,000 per 10 grams.

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

There is no guarantee that if we speak in only Indian languages, all our faults will be washed away and India will shine. Why then do they bully and belittle the English-speaking? asks Shyam G Menon.

Gold demand in India saw 5% rise at 802.8 tonnes in 2024

Gold demand in India saw 5% rise at 802.8 tonnes in 2024

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Gold demand in India witnessed a 5 per cent on-year rise at 802.8 tonnes in 2024 supported by reduction in import duty, and purchases related to weddings and festivals, and going ahead consumption of the yellow metal in 2025 is likely to be between 700-800 tonnes, according to the the World Gold Council. The World Gold Council (WGC) in a report on Wednesday said gold demand in the country in 2024 stood at 802.8 tonnes, as against 761 tonnes in 2023.

Religare Enterprises begins governance review of firm, subsidiaries

Religare Enterprises begins governance review of firm, subsidiaries

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) on Monday notified the exchanges that its Board has commissioned a governance review of REL and its subsidiaries - Religare Finvest and Religare Housing Development Finance. Additionally, the Board has decided to approach the new promoters, the Burman Group, for immediate funding support to sustain operations of the company.

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

India fully utilised its military modernisation budget in 2024-2025 -- the first time in five years -- and signed a record Rs 2 trillion defence contracts.

Hero expects EV biz to break even with 30K monthly sales

Hero expects EV biz to break even with 30K monthly sales

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Hero MotoCorp is expecting its electric vehicle (EV) business to break even once it reaches monthly sales volumes of 25,000 to 30,000 units, which is a couple of years away, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Vivek Anand said on Tuesday. "This year, in 2024-25 (FY25), if I really look at my EV performance, our volumes have grown by 200 per cent," Anand told analysts during the company's post-results conference call.

30 minutes, 25,000 people, and a flawless evacuation!

30 minutes, 25,000 people, and a flawless evacuation!

Rediff.com9 May 2025

We had to evacuate 25,000 people without pressing panic button: IPL chairman Dhumal

US tariffs risk Chinese goods flooding India

US tariffs risk Chinese goods flooding India

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

India stares at the risk of an influx of Chinese products as US tariffs on a range of Chinese goods, including solar panels, electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, syringes, and steel, are set to take effect from September 27. With higher tariffs reducing China's access to the US market, there is concern that China may divert its exports to other markets, including India, which could lead to potential dumping of goods. This situation could challenge Indian industries, particularly in sectors where competition with Chinese products is already fierce.

US tariff on Indian shrimp may go up from 8pc to 45 pc

US tariff on Indian shrimp may go up from 8pc to 45 pc

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Seafood is one of India's largest agricultural exports after basmati rice and buffalo meat.

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

With the rapid evolution of channels like quick-commerce and the emergence of ONDC, the Indian retail industry is 'cautiously optimistic' for 2025, in which new-age technologies such as AI and automation will play a crucial role, driving efficiency and personalisation.

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Retail inflation eased to a nearly six-year low of 3.16 per cent in April mainly due to subdued prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and other protein-rich items, creating enough room for the Reserve Bank to go for another round of rate cut in the June monetary policy review. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was 3.34 per cent in March and 4.83 per cent in April 2024. It was 3.15 per cent in July 2019.

Govt Seeks Siam's Ideas to Rev Up EV Adoption

Govt Seeks Siam's Ideas to Rev Up EV Adoption

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Top executives from Siam and major carmakers recently met with Heavy Industries Secretary Kamran Rizvi to discuss the matter. Officials from NITI Aayog were also present.

Tighter norms, rising compliance failures driving scrutiny for startups

Tighter norms, rising compliance failures driving scrutiny for startups

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, once hailed as rising stars in India's clean energy sector, are now facing serious regulatory action.

No-contest clause in Ratan Tata's will raises questions on legal validity

No-contest clause in Ratan Tata's will raises questions on legal validity

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The inclusion of a "no-contest" clause in Ratan Tata's will has caught the attention of India Inc, prompting a wave of interest among promoters of listed companies and business families. Legal advisors and estate planners are seeing a noticeable uptick in queries, as wealthy individuals look for ways to shield their legacies from courtroom battles.

Address grievance redressal promptly, RBI guv tells banks

Address grievance redressal promptly, RBI guv tells banks

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'In this age of competition, we will not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our consumers'

Vehicle retail sales in India sees 32% rise Y-o-Y in Oct: FADA

Vehicle retail sales in India sees 32% rise Y-o-Y in Oct: FADA

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

The total vehicle retail sales in India witnessed a 32 per cent on-year rise in October to 28,32,944 units with all segments including two-wheelers and passenger vehicles registering strong growth, Federation of Automobile Dealers' Association (FADA) said on Wednesday. The total vehicle retail sales in October 2023 stood at 21,43,929 units, as per FADA. The strong growth in October this year was largely driven by the rural market, especially boosting two-wheeler and passenger vehicles sales, supported by increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops, FADA said.

FMCG distributors flag deep discounts by qcom cos to govt

FMCG distributors flag deep discounts by qcom cos to govt

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors' association has written to the finance ministry, highlighting concern over fund utilisation and fund accumulation by quick commerce companies and deep discounting of goods on their platforms. According to a recent letter seen by Business Standard, All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) noted that its analysis indicated that approximately 80 per cent of these funds were directed toward customer acquisition strategies instead of creating cutting-edge innovations or sustainable growth models for the retail sector.

Fintechs may shift to secure products after RBI order on consumer loans

Fintechs may shift to secure products after RBI order on consumer loans

Rediff.com23 Nov 2023

Fintech companies believe that the impact of Reserve Bank of India's order last week on unsecured loans will be visible in six to 12 months and prompt them to diversify and strengthen their secured portfolio. Fintechs which source funds through banks or non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) are looking at quickly building their secured portfolio options to at least 40 per cent of their total portfolio. "Over the medium to long term, as part of our product strategy, we are evaluating secured products which can be enabled over a digital platform" said Yogi Sadana, the founder of Zype, a lending-focussed fintech.

How Weak Rupee Affects Your Travel Plans

How Weak Rupee Affects Your Travel Plans

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Many travellers are now opting for domestic destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, and the North East.

Gold Hits 1 Lakh: Hold, Buy or Sell?

Gold Hits 1 Lakh: Hold, Buy or Sell?

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'Investors' decisions should reflect their financial goals, risk tolerance, and the amount of gold already present in their portfolio.'

Lessons For Start Ups From UPI Success Story

Lessons For Start Ups From UPI Success Story

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Isn't there something significant in the UPI example for all of us to learn from and execute to enable world-scale success for our startups?, asks Ajit Balakrishnan.

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Quick commerce (qcom) industry is poised to lead gig workforce hiring in 2025, propelled by a surge in demand for faster deliveries, expansion by existing players, entry of new competitors, and evolving consumer preferences in the post-pandemic era, according to industry experts. The qcom industry currently employs nearly 260,000 people - around 200,000 delivery personnel and 60,000 dark store workers, according to TeamLease Staffing.

Builder-Buyer Deals: How To Stay Alert

Builder-Buyer Deals: How To Stay Alert

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

'Buyers should be provided either a fixed possession date or a firm date for the start of construction.'

Pharma, consumer durables sectors likely to feel China curb heat

Pharma, consumer durables sectors likely to feel China curb heat

Rediff.com12 Dec 2022

The pharmaceutical and the consumer durables sectors, which depend on China for imports, have not been impacted yet due to unrest in China with people protesting against lockdowns. But the lockdown could have an impact on the supply of components used in consumer durables if it continues for the next fortnight. In the pharmaceutical industry, Indian players import 66-70 per cent of their bulk drug requirements from China.

Can India become a chip manufacturing hub?

Can India become a chip manufacturing hub?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2024

Due to the prevailing geopolitical situation, like-minded countries are collaborating with India to make it a major semiconductor manufacturing destination, a top Electronics and IT ministry official said on Sunday. In an interview with PTI, Ministry of Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said pilot facilities of US storage semiconductor maker Micron and Tata Electronics have already rolled out chips, and their main plants in Gujarat will begin to produce made-in-India chips from the later part of 2025.

Hero Moto says sales may rebound in 'big way'

Hero Moto says sales may rebound in 'big way'

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Hero MotoCorp anticipates a big rebound in two-wheeler (2W) sales in rural India over the next four to eight quarters, driven by favourable factors such as a decent monsoon, rising crop prices, improved employment conditions, and increasing consumer confidence, its chief executive officer (CEO) Niranjan Gupta said on Wednesday. Amid tepid rural sales, he stated that there is a "strong case" for GST (goods and services tax) on entry-level two-wheelers, which are under 125 CC, to be moved down from 28 per cent to 18 per cent as they are used by "masses".