News for 'Consumers Association of India'

Hooch Tragedy: Will TN Go Dry?

Hooch Tragedy: Will TN Go Dry?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2024

Ironically, rival Tamil Nadu governments expend the most on social welfare schemes, especially targeting women and youth and children, but that money comes only by selling more liquor. There is always the specious plea, which has been peddled very many times in the past, that without licensed liquor, drinkers would go after hooch and there could be more hooch tragedies and hooch deaths. No one is convinced, but no one can dispute it either, comments N Sathiya Moorthy.

Investing In Silver ETFs? An FAQ

Investing In Silver ETFs? An FAQ

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

Anamika Pareek answers five most frequently asked questions about investing in silver ETFs

What's Better? No-Cost EMI Or BNPL?

What's Better? No-Cost EMI Or BNPL?

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

Ultimately, the choice between no-cost EMI and BNPL depends on an individual's financial situation, preferences, and ability to manage repayments responsibly.

Trade generics growth to dent value expansion of domestic drug market

Trade generics growth to dent value expansion of domestic drug market

Rediff.com2 Jan 2024

Rising penetration of trade generic medicines is eating into the value growth of the domestic pharmaceutical market, showed a recent analysis. According to a Kotak Institutional Equities analysis, 70-110 basis points (bps) annual dent is expected from trade generics and Jan Aushadhi on Indian Pharma Market (IPM) growth at least until FY27-28 (see chart). Trade generic medicines are those that are not pushed into the market through doctor promotions.

Startups On Hiring Spree!

Startups On Hiring Spree!

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

In 2024 so far, 20 startups have already visited the campus with 80 placements.

Inflation eats into India's rural demand while green shoots become visible

Inflation eats into India's rural demand while green shoots become visible

Rediff.com11 Aug 2022

In May, Satpal Singh, who runs a dairy business with three buffaloes in Jewar, near Noida, was worried about the steep spike in input costs. Singh said dry fodder rates, which cost Rs 1,500-2000 per tractor trolley last year, were quoting at Rs 4,500-5,000. The price of other cattle feed ingredients (that include mustard meal and similar mixes) had also gone up from Rs 2,000 per quintal to Rs 3,100-3,200 per quintal.

Chips: Why govt's dream to make India self-reliant may be premature

Chips: Why govt's dream to make India self-reliant may be premature

Rediff.com10 Oct 2022

Mumbai-based Indian Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ISMC) and Singapore-headquartered IGSS Ventures have one strategy in common: They have told the government in their application for semiconductor fabrication plants that they will export the bulk of the chips they make in India in the initial five or 10 years. The third applicant, Vedanta-Foxconn, which is also building a fab plant, has said it will concentrate on the needs of consumer electronics and mobile device markets, and earmark 80 per cent of output for domestic consumption, but has not specified its customers. Finding a viable domestic market could well be the biggest challenge for India's renewed tryst with semiconductors. Fab plants do not sell directly to end users but to intermediary chip design companies - such as Qualcomm or MediaTek.

Buying Financial Products? Beware!

Buying Financial Products? Beware!

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

Avoid relying on a bank RM for investment advice. Instead, approach a Sebi-registered investment advisor whose livelihood depends on the fee paid by his customers and not on product commissions.

Fitch revises India rating outlook to 'stable' from 'negative'

Fitch revises India rating outlook to 'stable' from 'negative'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2022

Fitch Ratings on Friday said it has revised the outlook on India's sovereign rating to 'stable' from 'negative' as downside risks to medium-term growth have diminished on rapid economic recovery. Fitch Ratings kept the rating unchanged at 'BBB-'.

'Nothing alarming about fall in financial savings yet'

'Nothing alarming about fall in financial savings yet'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2023

'As long as economic growth remains steady, creating jobs and generating stable incomes, the rise in home loans should not create problems.' 'If the growth trajectory changes course over the medium term and interest rates rise along with inflation, the expanding trend in home loans may not sustain.'

Retail inflation in June rises to 3-month high of 4.81%

Retail inflation in June rises to 3-month high of 4.81%

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

Retail inflation rose to three-month high of 4.81 per cent in June, mainly on account of hardening prices of food, according to the government data. Inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 4.31 per per (revised upward from 4.25 per cent) in May and 7 per cent in June 2022. The inflation, however, remains within the RBI's comfort level of below 6 per cent.

Pilots Fume as DGCA Moves to Ban Perfumes

Pilots Fume as DGCA Moves to Ban Perfumes

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

DGCA's move seeks to ban perfumes for pilots as they have alcohol and can affect the results of breathanalyser tests. But the FAA and EASA have different standards, says senior journalist Shobha John.

Passenger sues Air India for personal data breach: What happens now?

Passenger sues Air India for personal data breach: What happens now?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

Recently, an Air India flyer sent a legal notice to the airline seeking damages of Rs 30 lakh for the breach of personal data of 4.5 million passengers, including her husband and herself. Air India had informed the complainant of the data leak a month earlier, after it emerged that its passenger service system provider fell prey to a cyberattack in February. However, in the absence of a data protection law, India lacks a mechanism for compensation or grievance redress of consumers in such cases, say experts. Advocate Virag Gupta, a New Delhi-based cyber law expert, explains that a legal notice is a good beginning in the Air India case, but it raises many questions. These include whether sensitive personal information has been leaked and whether the airline is responsible or not, given that a passenger service system provider was also involved.

Why are electric two-wheelers in India catching fire?

Why are electric two-wheelers in India catching fire?

Rediff.com12 May 2022

Nearly a decade ago, the first fully electric vehicle (EV) caught fire on the road in the US. It was a model from Tesla, the world's most admired EV maker. A metal fragment punctured the underbelly of the vehicle, penetrating its battery pack, leading to a fire. Indian lawmakers and automakers have had nine years to study the incident (in fact, three Tesla Model Ss caught fire in two months in 2013) but seem to have learnt little.

Made in India tag: E-commerce firms get 148 notices in past three months

Made in India tag: E-commerce firms get 148 notices in past three months

Rediff.com25 Jun 2021

The Centre has slapped as many as 148 notices on e-commerce players in the past three months for not complying with the mandatory display of the 'country of origin' tag on products sold. "Of the 148 notices, 56 have compounded it (the offence) and paid up around Rs 34 lakh," a senior official told Business Standard. "Every product has to display the country of origin, along with other basic information," the official added. In the case of e-commerce companies, these details have to be clearly displayed on their portals.

Ultra-Processed Foods Are Bad For You

Ultra-Processed Foods Are Bad For You

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

Even a few servings of ultra-processed foods can contribute significantly to your daily calorie intake, warns dietician Rachel Anthony.

Pill for thought: Sweetheart deals that hurt consumers

Pill for thought: Sweetheart deals that hurt consumers

Rediff.com16 Sep 2014

'Pay-for-delay' settlements between drug patent-holders and generics manufacturers to delay the launch of cheaper generic medicine are increasingly being scrutinised by antitrust regulators

Water use, pollution high in animal slaughter industry: Bhagwat

Water use, pollution high in animal slaughter industry: Bhagwat

Rediff.com29 Dec 2022

The RSS chief also noted that those who eat non-vegetarian food in India follow rules and desist from eating it during the Hindu month of Shravan and on Thursdays.

Will Or Gift Deed? What's Better To Transfer Assets To Next Generation?

Will Or Gift Deed? What's Better To Transfer Assets To Next Generation?

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

'Planning for the transfer of assets to the next generation is an important aspect of financial and estate planning.'

Soaring veggie prices stoke inflation fears

Soaring veggie prices stoke inflation fears

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

Unprecedented rains and floods in the northern region in the past few days have not only caused extensive damage to lives and property but have also impacted business and commercial establishments. Vegetable prices have gone through the roof in the national capital and many other parts of the country since rains started pouring earlier this month. Traders say vegetable prices would come down only after roads open and skies clear, even as water in the fields will take time to recede.

Indian PC mkt dips 11.7% in Q3CY22; demand to be slow for next 2 qtrs: IDC

Indian PC mkt dips 11.7% in Q3CY22; demand to be slow for next 2 qtrs: IDC

Rediff.com18 Nov 2022

India's traditional PC market, inclusive of desktops, notebooks, and workstations declined by 11.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in Q3CY22 (Jul-Sep) after 8 consecutive quarters of growth despite strong shipments of 3.9 million units, according to new data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. All segments declined except the government, which grew by 91.5 per cent YoY on the back of government orders, leading to strong growth in the third consecutive quarter. While the desktop and workstation categories grew by 23.4 per cent and 17.6 per cent YoY respectively, the notebook category declined by 19.5 per cent YoY.

Two-day all India strike from Monday may hit essential services

Two-day all India strike from Monday may hit essential services

Rediff.com27 Mar 2022

The strike notices were given by workers' unions of various sectors such as coal, steel, oil, telecom, postal, income tax, copper, banks and insurance.

'Winning a Ranji Trophy is not easy now'

'Winning a Ranji Trophy is not easy now'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

'That's the beauty of Mumbai cricket. Nobody interferes with the running of the cricket, only the cricketers are allowed to run the cricket.'

Facebook vs Facebake/Facecake and IPR violations in India

Facebook vs Facebake/Facecake and IPR violations in India

Rediff.com16 Jul 2022

In a country like India, where counterfeit items are sold in every nook and corner, the regulation of trademark infringement poses a big challenge.

Who Are India's 'Unemployed'?

Who Are India's 'Unemployed'?

Rediff.com15 Mar 2022

An overwhelming proportion of the unemployed declare their nature of occupation as students. In the quarter ended December 2021, 77% of the unemployed who were actively looking for jobs were students. This syncs well with another data, that 77% of the unemployed are between 15 and 24 years of age, reveals Mahesh Vyas.

Digital currency may become a reality in India

Digital currency may become a reality in India

Rediff.com22 Jul 2021

The Reserve Bank is working on a phased implementation strategy for its own digital currency and is in the process of launching it in wholesale and retail segments in the near future, RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar said on Thursday. He said the idea of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is ripe, and many central banks in the world are working towards it. Sankar further said CBDC is needed to protect consumers from the "frightening level of volatility" seen in some of the virtual currencies which have no sovereign backing.

Why consumers must cheer CCI's ruling on errant car makers

Why consumers must cheer CCI's ruling on errant car makers

Rediff.com2 Sep 2014

Such allegations are unjustified, given that the CCI's remedies do not promote a free-for-all scheme.

How Vicks Vaporub Become A Blockbuster

How Vicks Vaporub Become A Blockbuster

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

Within six months, outlets carrying Vicks jumped from 60,000 pharmacies to 750,000 general stores. The trade boycott collapsed. Consumers were happy, finding Vicks now at every street corner. A fascinating excerpt from Gurcharan Das's Another Sort of Freedom.

Sky is the limit for private space sector in Isro's new policy

Sky is the limit for private space sector in Isro's new policy

Rediff.com21 Apr 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Thursday came out with the Indian Space Policy 2023 to promote greater private sector participation in the entire value chain of the space economy. According to the policy, Isro will encourage new-generation entities to participate in space exploration and human presence in outer space, including collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders. The policy also sets a road map for Isro to transition from manufacturing operational space systems to focus energies on research and development in advanced technologies.

India's plan to produce ethanol from 2G sources delayed

India's plan to produce ethanol from 2G sources delayed

Rediff.com10 Aug 2022

India's plan to produce ethanol from second-generation (2G) sources -- mainly farm waste -- is taking time to materialise even as the government is set to dedicate to the nation on Wednesday a Rs 900-crore plant set up by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in Panipat. Though state-run oil companies had decided to set up at least 12 plants in 2016-17 with an investment of around Rs 10,000 crore, this will be the first unit coming on track while others are stuck in various stages owing to issues like capital expenditure, lack of feedstock, and high rates of finished products compared to traditional ethanol units. According to industry sources, three more second-generation plants are coming up.

India to overtake US in cotton exports to China

India to overtake US in cotton exports to China

Rediff.com10 May 2007

India is all set to overtake the United States as the largest cotton exporter to China, the world's top cotton consumer and importer.

What Are RBI's Challenges In 2024?

What Are RBI's Challenges In 2024?

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

The challenge for the RBI in 2024 is likely to be less about containing elevated inflation and more about curbing excessive financial market exuberance and a 'problem of plenty', notes Sajjid Chinoy, Chief India Economist JP Morgan.

HC seeks status report from govt on illegal sale of medicines online

HC seeks status report from govt on illegal sale of medicines online

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

The petitioner's lawyer interjected the rules are being framed for the last 5-6 years but nothing concrete has been done yet.

'The real GDP was captured better'

'The real GDP was captured better'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2023

'Revision of the base year for both CPI and GDP are long overdue.' 'The basic data that went into the 2011-2012 series were mainly from surveys done in 2011 or earlier.' 'We have since seen the emergence of new sectors like platform-based work and online marketing.' 'The employment surveys and the consumption surveys need to reflect these adequately.'

Can Threads Be The 'Twitter Killer'?

Can Threads Be The 'Twitter Killer'?

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

'If Threads doesn't become a distinct identity, and just a text version in the shadows of Instagram, then it may fizzle out.'

Future tense for Bajaj Auto's Qute

Future tense for Bajaj Auto's Qute

Rediff.com21 Apr 2016

Consumer groups have urged Bajaj Auto not to bring the Qute to India until such a time that necessary adjustments have been made to its design

Govt portal pins 285,000 missing mobile phones, but only 20,771 recovered

Govt portal pins 285,000 missing mobile phones, but only 20,771 recovered

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) of the department of telecommunications (DoT) has traced 285,000 lost or stolen mobile phones and blocked 680,000 devices since being launched. However, recoveries remain relatively low at 20,771 devices. According to government estimates, around 50,000 mobile phones are stolen every month in the country. Launched nationwide on May 16, the CEIR is a part of the DoT's Sanchar Saathi portal. It is the primary government platform aimed at protecting mobile phone users from various frauds such as identity theft, forged KYC, theft of mobile devices and banking frauds.

Will syringe shortage puncture India's Covid vaccine plans?

Will syringe shortage puncture India's Covid vaccine plans?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

Will syringe shortage puncture India's Covid vaccine plans?

Grasim Industries' rights issue will strengthen balance sheet, fuel growth

Grasim Industries' rights issue will strengthen balance sheet, fuel growth

Rediff.com25 Oct 2023

Grasim Industries has announced a rights issue of around Rs 4,000 crore with the promoters committed to fully subscribing to their entitlements and to covering any unsubscribed portion. This is to part-fund capital expenditure (capex) of Rs 10,000 crore in a new foray into the paints business. The company has already invested Rs 3,640 crore in the paints business (by Q1FY24). The management has outlined a capex of Rs 5,700 crore for FY24, which includes Rs 4,280 crore allocated for the paints business, of which Rs 1,050 crore has already been spent in Q1FY24.

Delhi HC stays guidelines prohibiting service charges

Delhi HC stays guidelines prohibiting service charges

Rediff.com20 Jul 2022

The Delhi high court on Wednesday stayed the recent guidelines prohibiting hotels and restaurants from levying service charge automatically on food bills. Justice Yashwant Varma, while dealing with petitions by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Associations of India challenging the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)'s July 4 guidelines, said the issue requires consideration and directed the authorities to file their reply. "The matter requires consideration. Consequently, until the next date of listing the directions as contained in para 7 of the impugned guideline of July 4, 2022 shall remain stayed," the court ordered.