News for 'Consumers Association of India'

When Modi's offer 'alarmed' Trump's security detail

When Modi's offer 'alarmed' Trump's security detail

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but he also trusted me enough in that moment to walk with me into the crowd,' Modi tells Lex Fridman on his podcast.

More the merrier? A tale of multiple self-regulatory organisations

More the merrier? A tale of multiple self-regulatory organisations

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Mint Road, on December 21, 2023, flagged the role of self-regulatory organisations (SROs) in strengthening the compliance culture in regulated entities (REs) and providing a consultative platform for policymaking. It also decided to issue an omnibus framework for SROs.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

'Media Frenzy Has Ruined Justice Varma's Reputation'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'Presumption of innocence must guide all formal actions, but transparency must not be mistaken for pre-judgment.' 'The cruel irony, however, is that Justice Varma is a fine judge who enjoys a reputation for writing well-reasoned judgments.'

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.

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.

Diwali Shopping Still Sluggish

Diwali Shopping Still Sluggish

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

While there was a 6 to 7 per cent increase in volume compared to last year in the first few days of the month which coincided with festivals, a large part of the demand is yet to hit the market.

Small Town India Falls In Love With MFs

Small Town India Falls In Love With MFs

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

More than 50 per cent of SIP accounts come from semi-urban and rural areas.

LML owner sues Bajaj Auto over 'Freedom' trademark

LML owner sues Bajaj Auto over 'Freedom' trademark

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

SG Corporate Mobility - the parent company of the Indian two-wheeler brand LML - has taken auto major Bajaj Auto to high court, claiming that it was illegally using its 'Freedom' trademark in newly-launched Bajaj Freedom CNG motorbikes, the company said in a statement on Thursday. SG Corporate Mobility claims that the term 'Freedom' has a deep-rooted association dating back to 2002 when the company had introduced its 'LML Freedom' motorcycle. The trademark 'Freedom,' along with the 'LML' brand, was officially assigned to SG Corporate Mobility in 2021 after being transferred by LML.

Space Industry Thrilled With FM Plans

Space Industry Thrilled With FM Plans

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

'The scrapping of import duty would help Indian companies compete in international markets, thus paving the way for India becoming a space manufacturing hub for the world.'

Gold strikes fresh all-time high of Rs 83,750/10 gm

Gold strikes fresh all-time high of Rs 83,750/10 gm

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Gold prices rallied Rs 910 to hit a fresh all-time high of Rs 83,750 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday due to heavy buying from jewellers and retailers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had settled at Rs 82,840 per 10 grams in the previous trading session.

Auto retail sales up 11.21% in Nov riding on two-wheeler demand: FADA

Auto retail sales up 11.21% in Nov riding on two-wheeler demand: FADA

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Retail sales of vehicles across categories in India grew by 11.21 per cent at 32,08,719 units in November, as compared to 28,85,317 units in the same month last year riding on two-wheeler demand, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations said in Monday. Retail sales of two-wheelers were at 26,15,953 units last month, as compared to 22,58,970 units in November 2023, a growth of 15.8 per cent buoyed by the festive spillover.

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Among urban users, 57 per cent mentioned a preference for accessing Internet content in vernacular languages.

Economy recovering from Q2 slowdown, says RBI bulletin

Economy recovering from Q2 slowdown, says RBI bulletin

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

The Indian economy is recovering from the slowdown in momentum witnessed in the September quarter, driven by strong festival activity and a sustained upswing in rural demand, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bulletin released on Tuesday. An article on the 'State of the Economy' in the December bulletin noted that the global economy continues to exhibit resilience with steady growth and moderating inflation.

India's internet economy likely to reach $1 trillion by 2030: Experts

India's internet economy likely to reach $1 trillion by 2030: Experts

Rediff.com17 May 2024

India's internet economy is estimated to reach $1 trillion by 2030, primarily due to e-commerce, which is expected to be worth $325 billion and rank third globally, according to industry experts. Last year marked a crucial turning point for India's e-commerce sector, with notable changes in consumer trends, technology, and regulations. InGovern Research Services, a leading corporate governance advisory firm, hosted a virtual roundtable to deliberate on the notable developments in India's e-commerce sector in 2023, with a particular focus on the essential role of customer trust in fueling its ongoing expansion.

Dhoni Ups His Investment In This Aerospace Company

Dhoni Ups His Investment In This Aerospace Company

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

Drone maker Garuda Aerospace have renewed their brand ambassador contract with M S Dhoni after he tops up investment in the company.

Trump's reciprocal tariffs and WTO rules: An explainer

Trump's reciprocal tariffs and WTO rules: An explainer

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

American President Donald Trump has announced imposing reciprocal tariffs on its major trading partners including China that levy higher import duties on goods shipped from the United States. He has already announced a 25 per cent duty on steel and aluminium imports, which will come into effect from March 12.

FPIs return to Indian equities; infuse Rs 22,766 cr

FPIs return to Indian equities; infuse Rs 22,766 cr

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Foreign investors have made a strong comeback to Indian equities with a net investment of Rs 22,766 crore in the first two weeks of December driven by expectations of rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. This revival follows significant outflows in the preceding months, with Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulling out a net Rs 21,612 crore in November and a massive Rs 94,017 crore in October -- the worst monthly outflow on record.

PC makers look to hitch a ride on the q-com bandwagon

PC makers look to hitch a ride on the q-com bandwagon

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Bengaluru-based Sunny Gupta had been searching for a laptop for months. In August, while sitting at a coffee shop, he decided to order an Acer Predator laptop - typically priced between Rs 95,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh - through the quick-commerce (q-com) platform Flipkart Minutes. "It took exactly 13 minutes from payment to receiving it at the Starbucks I ordered it to," he wrote in a now-viral post on social media platform X.

Q-com's growth disrupting retail, say distributors

Q-com's growth disrupting retail, say distributors

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distributors' association has written to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, expressing its apprehensions that the "unchecked expansion" of quick commerce platforms was leading to severe disruptions in the retail ecosystem. India Consumer Products Distributors Federation on Thursday shot an email to the government, saying that significant challenges were posed by the rapid growth of quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart to the traditional retail sector and the FMCG distribution network in the country.

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.

From hatchbacks to holidays, consumers ready to loosen purse strings

From hatchbacks to holidays, consumers ready to loosen purse strings

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

With Onam and Raksha Bandhan just around the corner, the festival season is ready to kick off in full swing. As people embrace the celebratory spirit, companies anticipate a surge in sales this year. Consumer durables firms are expecting strong growth of 40-50 per cent in the premium segment during the upcoming season. Appliance makers also foresee increased demand for cooling appliances - refrigerators and air conditioners - which were impacted by unseasonal rainfall.

Dhoni Beats Bachchan, SRK!

Dhoni Beats Bachchan, SRK!

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Dhoni endorses 42 brands to Bachchan's 41 and SRK's 34.

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Traversing from being just vehicle manufacturers to mobility solutions providers amid a raging debate over which eco-friendly technology must be incentivised, the Indian automobile industry is driving in the new year under the shadow of a slowdown in sales with the post-pandemic pent-up demand in distant memory. The shift in the auto industry -- where advanced technologies like autonomous driving, vehicle intelligence, connected features and electrification are quickly gaining traction -- will be reflected in the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo in which India's flagship Auto Expo has been clubbed to be held from January 17-22, 2025 in Delhi-NCR.

Buy Health Insurance Or Invest In FD?'

Buy Health Insurance Or Invest In FD?'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Milind Vadjikar your insurance, stocks, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.

Credit card spends rise 14.5% in October on festive season purchases

Credit card spends rise 14.5% in October on festive season purchases

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Credit card spending reached Rs 2 trillion in October, a 14.5 per cent rise from September, largely driven by festival season purchases. However, the volume of outstanding credit cards increased only marginally during the same period. The spike in spending comes at a time when nearly all major credit card issuers are calibrating their growth in the segment due to visible signs of stress.

FACE's ambitious goal: Uniting 75% fintech players

FACE's ambitious goal: Uniting 75% fintech players

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE), the only self-regulatory organisation for financial technology/fintech (SRO-FT) companies, is aiming to secure membership from at least 75 per cent of players across all key fintech categories within the next three years, according to a senior executive. The total number of members in the organisation has increased to 110, up from around 60 when it received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an SRO-FT in August.

Focus On 26 EV Launches, Charging Infra At Auto Expo

Focus On 26 EV Launches, Charging Infra At Auto Expo

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

With nearly 100 launches and unveils, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held in Delhi from January 17 to 22, made one thing clear to automobile enthusiasts: Electric vehicles (EVs) are the way ahead for the Indian auto market for years to come.

Early 'end of season' sale amid muted demand

Early 'end of season' sale amid muted demand

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

The spring/summer end-of-season sales have been advanced by a week with brands having high inventories due to weak demand in May because consumers avoided shopping in the hot month.

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?

Credit card delinquencies rise even as retail credit growth moderates

Credit card delinquencies rise even as retail credit growth moderates

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Balance-level delinquencies in the credit card segment saw a 17 basis points (bps) year-on-year (Y-o-Y) rise in the quarter ending June 2024 (Q1FY25). In all other credit segments, including personal loans, delinquencies declined even as retail credit growth moderated, consequent to banks tightening the supply of credit to the unsecured segments, a report by TransUnion CIBIL said on Monday. Data shows that balance-level delinquencies, measured in terms of 90 days or more past due, in the credit card segment stood at 1.8 per cent in Q1FY25- highest among all other credit segments.

Coffee Aroma Is Spreading Across India

Coffee Aroma Is Spreading Across India

Rediff.com16 May 2024

India has been a tea sipping society. But the aromatic wave of coffee culture is wafting across it.

Will Skoda's New SUV Kylaq Make It big?

Will Skoda's New SUV Kylaq Make It big?

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

The company is eyeing sales of 8,000 units per month for the Kylaq, which starts at Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom) and boasts 96 per cent localisation.

Why Brands Are Chasing Gukesh

Why Brands Are Chasing Gukesh

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

'With an achievement like this, Gukesh could even be endorsing global brands.'

Gold slumps by Rs 1,150/10 gm; silver declines Rs 300

Gold slumps by Rs 1,150/10 gm; silver declines Rs 300

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Gold prices slumped for the second straight session by Rs 1,150 to Rs 78,350 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday on frantic selling by stockists and retailers, the All India Sarafa Association said. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity closed at Rs 79,500 per 10 grams on Friday.

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Budget: Why exporters are seeking Rs 750 cr from Sitharaman

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Exporters on Thursday sought a fund of Rs 750 crore for three years to tap USD 25 billion export potential in the US, aiming to seize potential opportunities that may arise as the US President-elect, Donald Trump, has threatened to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. In its pre-Budget meeting with the finance ministry, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ashwani Kumar has also demanded extension of the five per cent Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES).

Consumer product companies likely to pause price hikes

Consumer product companies likely to pause price hikes

Rediff.com8 Aug 2022

Indian consumers are likely to get respite from rising prices just before the festival season. Some consumer companies, including automakers, have indicated that they are planning to pause price hikes just before demand picks up in August, while keeping a close eye on volatile raw material prices.

Lorries Being Gifted This Wedding Season!

Lorries Being Gifted This Wedding Season!

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Another trend: A preference for coloured diamonds among brides, who are pairing them with their groom's birthstone. So, along with yellow or white diamonds, they are choosing pink, green, blue sapphires, emeralds or red rubies.

Consumer durables may see double digit growth in 2022

Consumer durables may see double digit growth in 2022

Rediff.com21 Dec 2021

The industry is expecting double-digit growth on a year-on-year basis, helped by a possible price correction after softening of raw material inputs and factors such as positive sentiments, pent up demand and improving economic conditions. Besides, a shift in consumer behaviour from price consciousness towards technologically advanced premium products with quality, value proposition and safety aspects leading to a rise in demand for home automation products is making the industry upbeat. With the government's production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, which has witnessed a committed investment of Rs 4,614 crore, in place, many manufacturers are gearing up to make the most out of the opportunity as well as take steps towards reducing their dependency on imports and make products more affordable.