News for 'Consumers Association of India'

Festival season, discounts boost Ola Electric sales

Festival season, discounts boost Ola Electric sales

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Under regulatory scanner, Bengaluru-based Ola Electric has witnessed an uptick in its sales after facing a decline during the last few months. The company's daily average sales rose to 1,154 units in October, according to Vahan data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). With sales reaching 17,315 units between October 1 and October 15, the company has also boosted its market share to 34 per cent, up from 27 per cent in September, in the electric two-wheeler (e2W) segment.

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

40 Years Later, Can The Wounds Ever Heal?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

As a consequence of prominence given to the brutality during those few days, a very important aspect of that episode got almost glossed over. This was the intervention by a very significant section of people who restored faith in humanity, and conveyed the message that only a small section of Indians, that too politically backed, were consumed by anti-Sikh majoritarianism. The overlooked facet of the events of 1984 was the story of significant sections of the city's populace, public figures and nondescript ones, stepping out hand-in-hand, to first stand with little but bravery in hands, in the way of attackers, and thereafter to provide immediate relief to those who lives were uprooted and who lost family members in the violence, recalls Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Govt cuts customs duty on 3 cancer drugs

Govt cuts customs duty on 3 cancer drugs

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government proposes to cut custom duties on Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib and Durvalumab from 10 per cent to nil.

How do athletes prepare for weight category sports?

How do athletes prepare for weight category sports?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The weight category sports at the Olympics are wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, judo and weightlifting. Most of these are combat sports and weight categories are designed to match athletes with competitors of similar size.

Consumer firms catch the fancy of venture capitalists

Consumer firms catch the fancy of venture capitalists

Rediff.com15 Nov 2017

As consumers in India seek variety and innovative products, there's a lot of interest among investors for healthier products.

Yuvraj: The Captain Who Brought A Smile

Yuvraj: The Captain Who Brought A Smile

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

The Himalaya Wellness Company, in collaboration with cricket icon Yuvraj Singh, unveiled its flagship initiative, Ek Nayi Muskaan.

PV inventory surges even as auto retail sales rise

PV inventory surges even as auto retail sales rise

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Automobile (auto) retail sales in India grew by an impressive 14 per cent in July compared to the same period last year, driven by a surge in the rural economy, good product availability, and product launches. While passenger vehicles (PVs) saw a 10 per cent increase during this period, inventory levels have surged to a historic high of 67-72 days in PVs, equating to Rs 73,000 crore worth of stock, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada). This poses a risk to dealer sustainability. Inventory levels in July 2023 were only 50-55 days, equating to a stock worth Rs 49,833 crore. In June 2024, inventory was between 62 and 67 days, with a stock value of Rs 60,000 crore.

Indian food services sector to grow by 8.1% from 2024 to 2028: Report

Indian food services sector to grow by 8.1% from 2024 to 2028: Report

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Indian food services sector is expected to grow at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 8.1 per cent between 2024 and 2028 on the back of rapid urbanisation, robust GDP growth, a rising younger population, and greater exposure among consumers, said a new report. The India Food Services Report-2024, brought out by the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), states that the sector contributes 1.9 per cent to India's GDP and is projected to grow to Rs 7.76 trillion by 2028 from Rs 5.69 trillion currently.

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The specter of how the Munambam issue was exploited during the November by-elections is proof of the price Kerala is paying for its emergent politics. Controversies become the stuff of slow-burn and brinkmanship. The former promises mileage; the latter searches for an advantage, notes Shyam G Menon.

Most consumers still prefer to buy smartphones online

Most consumers still prefer to buy smartphones online

Rediff.com14 Nov 2019

Amid the protests against leading e-commerce firms, Flipkart and Amazon, shipments through the online route in fact witnessed a double-digit growth every quarter.

Consumer durable firms stare at uncertain future

Consumer durable firms stare at uncertain future

Rediff.com18 Mar 2020

In 2020 a round of hikes in customs duty on components like compressors, motors and printed circuit boards aggravated the situation, coronavirus crisis is now leaving manufacturers with no option but to hike prices despite fall in sales.

From Godrej to Tata, India Inc begins breaking the diversity mould

From Godrej to Tata, India Inc begins breaking the diversity mould

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

In a move towards gender inclusion, Tamil Nadu has partnered Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) to offer a 5 per cent job reservation for LGBTQAI+ and people with disabilities at GCPL's upcoming fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing unit in Thiruporur in Chengalpattu district. According to industry experts and activists, while companies acknowledge transgender communities, this is the first time the entire spectrum of gender minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity), asexual and intersex, is receiving such a notable share of job participation in the private sector while signing memoranda of understanding with states.

'We want to be trust marker for the fintech industry'

'We want to be trust marker for the fintech industry'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

'So, we would work with our members to ensure that we as an SRO create some sort of due diligence for fintechs.'

Tagore, Hritihik, Kajol have 'benefited from consuming' Bournvita

Tagore, Hritihik, Kajol have 'benefited from consuming' Bournvita

Rediff.com13 Oct 2017

The health drink brand from Mondelez walks the tight rope between tradition and trendy to stay relevant.

Automakers Gear Up For Festive Season

Automakers Gear Up For Festive Season

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

...But sales of domestic passenger vehicles dropped 2% to 3% year-on-year in August owing to low demand.

Use of Indian languages key for increasing internet access in India: Report

Use of Indian languages key for increasing internet access in India: Report

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

Nearly 665 million Indians or 45 per cent of the rural population did not have access to the internet as of 2023. Difficulty in understanding internet procedures, insufficient awareness of its benefits, and a lack of interest have emerged as the top reasons for a gap in internet penetration in rural India, according to a joint report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar. "The proficiency of English in rural India is very low. While we have content in Hindi, the internet is English-heavy.

RBI seen warming up for a neutral shift in stance

RBI seen warming up for a neutral shift in stance

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

With concern on food inflation ebbing with the monsoon progressing well, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is warming up to the idea of a change in stance to "neutral" from "withdrawal of accommodation", according to economists. In his speech on Thursday during the annual event of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry-Indian Banks' Association, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said: "The balance between inflation and growth is well-poised."

How consumers are forcing big brands to behave better

How consumers are forcing big brands to behave better

Rediff.com5 Apr 2018

Is this paradigm shift in brand-consumer power-sharing coming to fruition in India too?

Rural two-wheeler demand roars back to life in first half of 2024

Rural two-wheeler demand roars back to life in first half of 2024

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

The two-wheeler segment has shown signs of recovery in the first half (H1) of calendar year (CY) 2024, largely driven by improving performance in rural areas. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, rural contribution to two-wheeler sales surged by 57-60 per cent in the April-June quarter of 2024-25, indicating a rising demand in these regions. Experts believe that this trend will continue, supported by a favourable monsoon season and government initiatives aimed at rural development.

Global rice markets in turmoil as India bans export of non-basmati

Global rice markets in turmoil as India bans export of non-basmati

Rediff.com3 Aug 2023

India's decision to ban the export of non-basmati white rice has pushed up global prices, prompting multilateral lending agencies, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to call for a reconsideration of the move. Though nothing has been spelled out yet officially, sources said, the government might consider requests for government-to-government sale of non-basmati white rice, especially to West African nations where India is a major supplier. Also, traders and exporters of specialty regional rice varieties like sona masuri or gobindo bhog feel that they have been short-changed.

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Key Modi ministers retain their previous portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

While there are some new faces in the cabinet, leaders such as BJP president JP Nadda and Jual Oram have returned as ministers.

Black Is The New White For Car Buyers

Black Is The New White For Car Buyers

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

'The decrease in the popularity of white cars and the rise in preference for darker colours like black, grey, and blue over the past three years reflect changing consumer attitudes.'

Apple warns iPhone users of Pegasus-like spyware attacks

Apple warns iPhone users of Pegasus-like spyware attacks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2024

iPhone maker Apple has warned its users about ongoing Pegasus-like sophisticated spyware attacks that target a very small number of individuals often journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats.

Bharti dials up UK telecom play with $4 bn stake in BT

Bharti dials up UK telecom play with $4 bn stake in BT

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

Bharti Global, the international investment arm of Bharti Enterprises, has decided to buy 24.5 per cent equity in BT Group - a move that will make the Indian conglomerate the biggest shareholder in the UK's second-largest telecom company both in terms of market value and subscriber count. The shares are being purchased from billionaire Patrick Drahi's Altice UK through a combination of cash and debt .

Mayank Agarwal 'gearing to comeback' after mid-flight health scare

Mayank Agarwal 'gearing to comeback' after mid-flight health scare

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal on Wednesday said he is on the mend and gearing for comeback after day-long hospitalisation caused by a suspicious liquid he drank on-board a New Delhi-bound flight in Agartala.

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Consumer goods firms and auto companies are witnessing an upturn in rural demand, which had been lagging for most of FY24. Expectations of a bumper rabi crop harvest have helped turn the tide. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged last week, noting that as rural demand catches up, consumption is expected to support economic growth in 2024-25.

Godrej split: Who gets to keep what

Godrej split: Who gets to keep what

Rediff.com1 May 2024

Jamshyd Naoroji Godrej and his sister Smita Crishna Godrej-controlled Godrej & Boyce will hold the exclusive construction rights over a vast land bank, including a prime 3,000 acre-property in Mumbai, they got as part of the family agreement that split the Godrej empire, as per sources and regulatory filing. According to the agreement reached late Tuesday, the 127-year-oldgets to keep what group will be split into two entities - one led by Adi Godrej and his brother Nadir and the other by their cousins Jamshyd and Smita.

Is India's NavIC Better Than GPS?

Is India's NavIC Better Than GPS?

Rediff.com28 Oct 2023

NavIC consists of a constellation of seven satellites and a network of ground stations and is touted to be more accurate than GPS.

Zomato puts on hold policy banning eateries over consumer complaints

Zomato puts on hold policy banning eateries over consumer complaints

Rediff.com16 Apr 2022

Zomato said late on Friday that it was pushing the implementation of the new food quality policy to May 3 from April 18.

Air India modifies alcohol policy after urination episodes

Air India modifies alcohol policy after urination episodes

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

According to the revised policy, guests should not be permitted to drink alcohol unless served by the cabin crew and that the cabin crew be attentive to identifying guests that might be consuming their own alcohol.

Ramdev crossed red line, maligned modern medicine: IMA chief

Ramdev crossed red line, maligned modern medicine: IMA chief

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

Asokan said Ramdev went against the medical profession by saying "modern medicine is a stupid and bankrupt science".

Future of digital payments in India

Future of digital payments in India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

'The focus needs to shift towards the ability to collect payments, particularly in tier-3 to tier-4 areas where acceptance is still lacking.'

The wake-up call that every consumer needs

The wake-up call that every consumer needs

Rediff.com23 Nov 2017

Pending consumer dispute cases are at an all-time high.

'Second-gen promoters more open to selling out'

'Second-gen promoters more open to selling out'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

'There is not any negative connotation associated with it.'

Interim Budget 2024-25: Funds to boost reach on fintech industry wishlist

Interim Budget 2024-25: Funds to boost reach on fintech industry wishlist

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

Indian fintechs and associated entities are hoping that the Union Budget 2024 will provide a boost and empower firms to extend their reach beyond Tier-II regions, with an emphasis on supporting enterprises led by women. The fintech industry, which has witnessed regulatory reforms over the last year, expects the Budget, scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, will further encourage financial inclusion, empower micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) with lending solutions, and push for upskilling initiatives for the country's young workforce.

BAT to sell up to 3.5% stake in ITC via block trade

BAT to sell up to 3.5% stake in ITC via block trade

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

British multinational BAT PLC on Tuesday said it plans to sell up to 3.5 per cent stake in India's ITC Ltd to institutional investors through a block trade. In a statement, British American Tobacco PLC (BAT), the single largest shareholder in ITC Ltd (ITC), said its wholly-owned subsidiary Tobacco Manufacturers (India) Ltd (TMI) intends to sell up to 43,68,51,457 ordinary shares in the Indian diversified entity to institutional investors by way of an accelerated bookbuild process (block trade), subject to customary closing conditions.

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

'What's sad today is that there are so many people who cannot find work, not because the country is devoid of that opportunity, but because we are not doing enough in the country.'

Mystical Mongolia

Mystical Mongolia

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Mongolia can take a lifetime to happen but rewards the intrepid traveller with enduring memories of a surreal, delightful land.