News for 'Consumers Union'

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.

No rethinking on support for Chinese for investments in India: Piyush Goyal

No rethinking on support for Chinese for investments in India: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com31 Jul 2024

India is not "rethinking" supporting investments from China, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday, referring to a proposal made in the Economic Survey 2024. The survey by India's chief economic advisor last week said India had two "choices" to benefit from the so-called China plus one strategy, either by integrating into that country's supply chain or by promoting foreign direct investment (FDI). "Chief economic advisor's report speaks about new ideas and gives out their own thinking. It is not at all binding on the government and there is no rethinking to support Chinese investments in the country," Goyal told reporters in Delhi.

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Rediff.com28 Jul 2024

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk announced on Sunday that he will launch a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the government does not invite Ladakh authorities for talks on demands for statehood and constitutional protection for the union territory.

De-risking loan portfolio likely a top priority for new Bandhan CEO

De-risking loan portfolio likely a top priority for new Bandhan CEO

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Partha Pratim Sengupta, who will be taking charge as the MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank in early November, has his task cut out. The Kolkata-based lender, which converted itself from a microfinance institution to a universal bank, is in its 10th year of operation. The bank was able to cut down the share of the micro loan book over these years.

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

India To Fast-Track Visas For Chinese Nationals

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The new guidelines, effective from August 1, aim to expedite visa approvals for nationals from China and other countries sharing land borders with India.

CNG price may go up by Rs 4-6 on input supply cut

CNG price may go up by Rs 4-6 on input supply cut

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

The government has slashed by up to 20 per cent the supplies of cheaper domestically produced natural gas to city retailers -- a move that may result in Rs 4-6 per kg hike in the price of CNG sold to automobiles, unless excise duty on the fuel is cut, sources said. Natural gas pumped from below the ground and from under the seabed from sites ranging from the Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal within India is the raw material that is turned into CNG for sale to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households.

All The Muslim Union Ministers

All The Muslim Union Ministers

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

It is for the first time in the history of Independent India that not a single Muslim is part of the Union Cabinet.

COVID-19 Kills 1,700 People Globally A Week

COVID-19 Kills 1,700 People Globally A Week

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

WHO has urged people at risk to keep up with their vaccinations with boosters.

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Modi's top 4 retain portfolios; Nadda gets health, Shivraj agri

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Among the new entrants to the Union cabinet, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been given the agriculture and rural development portfolios, Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda the health portfolio and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar the power portfolio.

Census, NPR unlikely in 2024 too as only Rs 1,309.46cr allocated

Census, NPR unlikely in 2024 too as only Rs 1,309.46cr allocated

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The entire census and NPR exercise is likely to cost the government over Rs 12,000 crore, the officials said.

UP sub-station fire leaves Delhi 'powerless' for 1 hour, homes of LG, CM hit

UP sub-station fire leaves Delhi 'powerless' for 1 hour, homes of LG, CM hit

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Power distribution company officials said several areas, largely in central and east Delhi, were affected due to the failure. Some areas in north Delhi also faced outages.

'Climate shocks' add uncertainty to inflation outlook: RBI annual report

'Climate shocks' add uncertainty to inflation outlook: RBI annual report

Rediff.com31 May 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has identified "climate shocks" as a risk to food inflation rates and overall price rise while stating that the outlook for the country's economic growth remains bright. In its Annual Report for 2023-24, released on Thursday, the central bank said easing supply-chain pressures, broad-based softening in core inflation, and early indications of an above-normal southwest monsoon meant well for the inflation outlook in 2024-25. "The increasing incidence of climate shocks, however, imparts considerable uncertainty to the food inflation and overall inflation outlook," said the RBI while noting headline inflation moderated by 1.3 percentage points on an annual average basis to 5.4 per cent in 2023-24.

Stock markets edge down on STT, LTCG hike

Stock markets edge down on STT, LTCG hike

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Adani Ports, NTPC, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, HCL Technologies and Sun Pharma were among the other big gainers. However, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank were amonh the major laggards.

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

FTAs, reviving exports to be commerce ministry's focus

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Another priority in the first 100 days could be the launch of an e-platform -- Trade Connect -- to help exporters connect with stakeholders of international trade.

How WCT20 Can Help Boost Trade

How WCT20 Can Help Boost Trade

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Global consumer preferences can be influenced through music, films, literature, yoga and sports because they create interest and a sense of familiarity that can help our businesses to access foreign markets, suggests T N C Rajagopalan.

Numbers with Kamala Harris to become Democratic prez nominee

Numbers with Kamala Harris to become Democratic prez nominee

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Harris, who is of Indian and African heritage, has received the backing from more than the 1,976 pledged delegates needed to win the Democratic Party's nomination on the first ballot, CNN reported on the first full day of her campaign.

Mid-sized cities to emerge as big demand centre for EVs: Report

Mid-sized cities to emerge as big demand centre for EVs: Report

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

The gap in demand for electric vehicles between large and mid-sized cities in the country is shrinking and the Tier-II 2 cities are likely to emerge as the next big demand centre for EVs, a report said on Tuesday. An analysis of the electric two-wheeler and car sales by strategic research provider BloombergNEF (BNEF) from 207 cities across 10 states also suggests that the electric two-wheeler sales in some tier 2 markets have surpassed metropolitans while within tier 2 cities, state capitals generally leading the growth in electric car sales.

Think Before You Make A Complaint!

Think Before You Make A Complaint!

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

National Commission concluded that false and baseless allegations had been made in the complaint to claim a highly exaggerated and atrocious amount of compensation.

Ban on onion export lifted; MEP of $550/tonne imposed

Ban on onion export lifted; MEP of $550/tonne imposed

Rediff.com4 May 2024

The government on Saturday lifted the ban on onion exports but imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of $550 per tonne, amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country. Last night, the government imposed a 40 per cent duty on export of onions. In August last year, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023.

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by CBI pending

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by CBI pending

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

Over 6,900 corruption cases probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation were pending trials in different courts, 361 for more than 20 years, according to the latest annual report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Besides, as many as 658 corruption cases were pending CBI investigation, 48 for more than five years.

PM Modi, Union ministers wish nation on Republic Day

PM Modi, Union ministers wish nation on Republic Day

Rediff.com26 Jan 2021

India is celebrating its 72nd Republic Day, the day its Constitution came into force in 1950.

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Signalling both change and continuity, India's new government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term, got into work gear on Tuesday with cabinet ministers and ministers of state filing into their respective offices to assume charge.

NDA allies get 11 ministerial positions

NDA allies get 11 ministerial positions

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party's National Democratic Alliance partners have got five cabinet ministerial berths in the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as against none in the outgoing government, given the party's dependence on allies for a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Pune bar 'drug' video arrests rise to 14 as excise dept nabs 6 waiters

Pune bar 'drug' video arrests rise to 14 as excise dept nabs 6 waiters

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

The police want to trace the youths as well as a minor seen in the viral video, it said in court.

Tata ev's Punch, Nexon Scores 5 In Crash Test

Tata ev's Punch, Nexon Scores 5 In Crash Test

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

The Punch.ev achieved the highest score point ever recorded by any vehicle to date, scoring 31.46 out of 32 for adult occupant protection and 45 out of 49 for child occupant protection.

Waiting for refunds of air tickets booked during lockdown? Good news soon

Waiting for refunds of air tickets booked during lockdown? Good news soon

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

The government on Wednesday directed online travel aggregators to process pending refunds related to air ticket bookings during the coronavirus lockdown period by the third week of November. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there was a nationwide lockdown for varying periods starting from March 25, 2020, and scheduled commercial flight services were also suspended for a certain period. On Wednesday, the consumer affairs ministry held a meeting with online travel aggregators to discuss issues prejudicial to consumer interest in the travel sector.

'Budget Hasn't Addressed Real Economy Issues'

'Budget Hasn't Addressed Real Economy Issues'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

'Generating employment requires a shift in policy.' 'If not, the country will face economic, social and political challenges in the coming years.'

Modi govt 3.0: Who is in, who is out

Modi govt 3.0: Who is in, who is out

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Over 65 Union ministers are likely to take oath, going by the visual of the meeting Modi held with his likely council of ministers.

Modi slams Oppn as 'Mughals' for eating meat during Sawan month

Modi slams Oppn as 'Mughals' for eating meat during Sawan month

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

In a veiled attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal's Lalu Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused opposition leaders of demonstrating a 'Mughal mindset' and "teasing" the people of the country by consuming non-vegetarian food in the holy month of Sawan and posting a video of it online.

PIX: World leaders in Delhi for G20 Summit

PIX: World leaders in Delhi for G20 Summit

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

The G20 leaders will deliberate on pressing global issues at the grouping's annual summit here on September 9 and 10. India is hosting the summit in its capacity as the current G20 chair.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

'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.'

An Era Of Secrecy Is Over For Modi

An Era Of Secrecy Is Over For Modi

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

'The word 'ally' in a coalition is misleading because it suggests someone who is always for you and with you. This is incorrect.' 'They are always for themselves and sometimes with you,' explains Aakar Patel.

Talks fail, farmers to march to Parliament today

Talks fail, farmers to march to Parliament today

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

Farmers will march towards Delhi on Tuesday after a meeting with two Union ministers over their demands, including legal guarantee to minimum support price (MSP) for crops, remained inconclusive.

LPG price cut by Rs 100/cylinder

LPG price cut by Rs 100/cylinder

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a Rs 100 per cylinder cut in cooking gas LPG price to ease financial burden on households. Non-subsidised cooking gas price will be cut to Rs 803 per 14.2-kg cylinder in the national capital with effect from midnight of Friday/Saturday, official sources said. Prices vary from state to state depending on the incidence on local taxes.

Farmers to take call on govt offer to buy pulses, maize at MSP

Farmers to take call on govt offer to buy pulses, maize at MSP

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

A panel of Union ministers held a fourth round of talks with farmer leaders in Chandigarh on Sunday over their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP, as thousands of protesting farmers camped at the Punjab-Haryana border.

Practicing Hindu, never ate beef, clarifies YouTuber Jani over Puri temple row

Practicing Hindu, never ate beef, clarifies YouTuber Jani over Puri temple row

Rediff.com24 Dec 2023

Jani said that as a food blogger, she has informed people about local cuisines of various places and that's what happened in Kerala video, whose screenshots are being used.

Will Kashmiri Tomatoes Bring Prices Down?

Will Kashmiri Tomatoes Bring Prices Down?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2023

Kashmiri farmers have begun to harvest tomatoes -- it is the tomato harvest season in the Kashmir Valley -- and we wonder if it will bring relief to consumers elsewhere in the Union deprived of the juicy tomato in their curries.

All citizens to get free COVID-19 vaccine: Union minister

All citizens to get free COVID-19 vaccine: Union minister

Rediff.com26 Oct 2020

PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that all people will be provided free of cost vaccines.

New govt may kick off pesticide, seed reforms

New govt may kick off pesticide, seed reforms

Rediff.com18 Apr 2024

With farm Acts out of the picture, the government may look at reforming the input side of the agriculture sector - regulations and rules that govern seeds, fertilisers and plant chemicals. Sources said such a blueprint, which is aimed at making the life of farmers easier, with quicker approvals but not compromising on quality, is in the works as part of the 100-day agenda of Modi 3.0. Also, ways to administer fertiliser subsidy more effectively and cutting down on leakages and diversions to build on the success of neem-coated urea are being thought of.