News for 'Consumers Union'

Are Indian Markets Overstretched?

Are Indian Markets Overstretched?

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

The index is currently trading at 149 per cent of its historical P/B valuation, surpassing its previous peak of 125 per cent made in 2020-21.

Sitharaman to present sixth Budget in a row

Sitharaman to present sixth Budget in a row

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her sixth straight Budget ahead of the Parliamentary elections, matching the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Sitharaman in her pre-election Budget, which technically is a vote on account and popularly termed an interim Budget, will seek Parliament's nod for a grant in advance to meet the central government's essential expenditure for the first four months of the new fiscal year that starts in April. A new government elected after the April/May general elections will present the full Budget, likely in July.

How The Heat Wave Will Affect Your Kitchen

How The Heat Wave Will Affect Your Kitchen

Rediff.com2 May 2024

Apart from the human body, human food will bear direct repercussions. From staples such as wheat, to coffee, dairy, and even the great Hilsa face the threat of reduced supply due to the extreme heat.

Highlights of Union Budget 2021-22

Highlights of Union Budget 2021-22

Rediff.com1 Feb 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday presented the Budget for 2021-22 in the Lok Sabha that is expected to provide relief to the pandemic-hit common man as well as focus more on driving economic recovery through higher spending on healthcare, infrastructure and defence amid rising tensions with neighbours, As India emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, the ninth Budget under the Modi government, including an interim one, is widely expected to focus on boosting spending on job creation and rural development, generous allocations for development schemes, putting more money in the hands of the average taxpayer and easing rules to attract foreign investments.

Bank union threatens 2-day strike from Sep 26 against mergers

Bank union threatens 2-day strike from Sep 26 against mergers

Rediff.com12 Sep 2019

Among other demands, the unions are also seeking immediate introduction of five-day week in full and reduction of cash transaction hours and regulated working hours.

If you can't afford onions, don't eat for 2-4 months: Maha Min

If you can't afford onions, don't eat for 2-4 months: Maha Min

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse said the decision to impose export duty should have been taken with proper coordination.

Govt posts Manipur cadre officer as aviation secretary, rejigs bureaucracy

Govt posts Manipur cadre officer as aviation secretary, rejigs bureaucracy

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

The Centre has appointed senior IAS officers Vumlunmang Vualnam and Neeraj Mittal as new secretaries in the ministry of civil aviation and the department of telecommunications respectively in a major secretary-level bureaucratic reshuffle, a government order stated.

Fintech Lenders Gave Rs 29,875 Crore

Fintech Lenders Gave Rs 29,875 Crore

Rediff.com23 Oct 2023

'The last year's growth is a foretaste of things to come in the retail credit market.'

Union ministers join in on 'boycott Chinese products' call

Union ministers join in on 'boycott Chinese products' call

Rediff.com18 Jun 2020

Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan appealed to people to boycott products from China and also directed officials of his ministry not to procure any Chinese products for day-to-day office use while his ministerial colleague Ramdas Athawale said all restaurants and hotels that sell Chinese food in India should be closed down.

'Vocal for Local': China anticipates losing Rs 1 lakh crore in Diwali trade

'Vocal for Local': China anticipates losing Rs 1 lakh crore in Diwali trade

Rediff.com9 Nov 2023

As the Diwali festivities kick off, Dhanteras emerges as a pivotal day for traders nationwide, with an estimated trade volume of Rs 50 thousand crore, predicts the national president of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), BC Bhartia, and secretary general Praveen Khandelwal. In his post on X, Praveen Khandelwal called on the people to patronise various women entrepreneurs. "Full support of 9 crore businessmen @CAITIndia of the country in the call of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji this Diwali #VocalForLocal and the appeal #NaariSeKharidaari of Union Minister Smt. @smritiirani ji. We are providing the country's market to all the women entrepreneurs, from small diyas to those running boutiques. You too should shop from women and visit their homes too" Khandelwal said.

Bharat Rice to be sold at Rs 29/kg in retail market from next week

Bharat Rice to be sold at Rs 29/kg in retail market from next week

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

The Centre on Friday said it will sell 'Bharat Rice' in the retail market at Rs 29 per kg from next week to give relief to the common man and has also directed traders to disclose rice/paddy stock, as part of its efforts to control prices that have risen by around 15 per cent in the last one year. In a press conference, Union Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra exuded confidence that these two measures along with the various restrictions of exports will help in cooling down the prices. Seeking to dispel market rumours, he categorically said the government has no plans to lift restrictions on rice exports any time soon.

Ram Teri Ganga Maili

Ram Teri Ganga Maili

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

Six decades and more later, we are now captives of our identities. Every poll is based on elaborate calculations of electability of candidates on the basis of their castes and other narrow definers. That, along with voter promiscuity, is what defines our political culture, which remains stubbornly resistant to any change, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

Amul and Modi's BIG dream!

Amul and Modi's BIG dream!

Rediff.com22 Feb 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to farmers and other stakeholders associated with the cooperative sector to make GCMMF, which owns the 'Amul' brand, the world's number one dairy company from its current eighth position. He was addressing nearly one lakh people, mostly cattle rearers and farmers, gathered at the Narendra Modi stadium in Motera area of Ahmedabad for the golden jubilee celebration of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF).

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Quality Control Orders: What does this mean for domestic industry?

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

From toys, footwear and furniture to insulated flasks, smart meters, and air coolers - the Central government over the last decade has mandated higher standards for production and imports of such items. Sample this: Till 2014, there were 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 106 products. By the latest count, there are 156 QCOs on 672 products.

Must respect foreign courts: SC rejects Indian's plea in Pannun plot case

Must respect foreign courts: SC rejects Indian's plea in Pannun plot case

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea for consular access moved by a family member of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who is in a Czech prison following charges by the US relating to a foiled assassination attempt on Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Truckers' stir turns violent in Rajasthan; fuel rush across many states

Truckers' stir turns violent in Rajasthan; fuel rush across many states

Rediff.com2 Jan 2024

Petrol pumps in many cities witnessed long queues on Tuesday as people came to fill up their vehicle tanks fearing shortage of fuel amid the protest by truck drivers against a provision in the new penal law on hit-and-run accident cases involving motorists.

Maldives asks India to withdraw troops by Mar 15; two sides explore solution

Maldives asks India to withdraw troops by Mar 15; two sides explore solution

Rediff.com14 Jan 2024

Nazim confirmed the meeting and said the agenda for the meeting was the request to withdraw troops by March 15.

Rs 900 Crores Cyber Scams Prevented!

Rs 900 Crores Cyber Scams Prevented!

Rediff.com6 Dec 2023

...benefiting 350,000 persons. Also, Trai detected and blocked seven million mobile phone connections involved in cyber fraud and suspicious activities.

Paytm Payments Bank fiasco: Independent directors raised concerns

Paytm Payments Bank fiasco: Independent directors raised concerns

Rediff.com18 Feb 2024

At a time when the role of corporate boards is once again under the scanner, independent directors on the Paytm Payments Bank board have indicated that red flags were raised over regulatory issues but they may have been late in doing so. "As independent directors, we asked questions and monitored responses to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Many changes were made on compliances. "Obviously, in retrospect, it was not found to be enough," said one of the independent directors on the condition of anonymity.

Why RBI Is Worried About The Rise In Personal Loans

Why RBI Is Worried About The Rise In Personal Loans

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

In the June quarter of FY24, 51 per cent of consumers who took small-ticket personal loans already had more than four credit products at the time of accessing yet another new loan, compared with just 17 per cent in the June quarter of FY20, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Note ban shaves Rs 1.2-lakh cr off consumer goods stocks

Note ban shaves Rs 1.2-lakh cr off consumer goods stocks

Rediff.com23 Dec 2016

While FMCG companies lose Rs 98,928 crore in m-cap, consumer durables stocks are down Rs 20,673 crore since November 8.

Paytm Crisis: StartUp Founders Take Note

Paytm Crisis: StartUp Founders Take Note

Rediff.com22 Feb 2024

Startup founders need to sit up and think about how not to take stardom for granted and how not to disappoint their fans who have stood in long queues for those precious selfies with popular entrepreneurs, notes Nivedita Mookerji.

Union minister Manoj Sinha fractures arm in car accident

Union minister Manoj Sinha fractures arm in car accident

Rediff.com24 Dec 2016

He sustained a fracture in his left arm in the accident which took place around 7.15pm on the Tapti river bridge near Gorakhpur when he was coming from Barabanki, North Eastern Railway CPRO Sanjay Yadav said.

6.7 Million Indian Children Have Zero Food

6.7 Million Indian Children Have Zero Food

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

'The response from the government using words like malicious, deliberate, etc is diverting from the real issue.' 'The indicators related to young children such as stunting or child mortality are a reflection of the social development in the country.' 'That's how we have to look at it and not ignore the issue by denying the data.'

Kerala child rape-murder convict sentenced to death

Kerala child rape-murder convict sentenced to death

Rediff.com14 Nov 2023

In a crowded courtroom, the judge declared that Alam should be hanged to death for the killing of the girl, also from Bihar.

India's Big Guns Firing On Capex Front

India's Big Guns Firing On Capex Front

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

'Interim Budget has ignited the entrepreneurial spirit.'

What's Greenwashing?

What's Greenwashing?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2023

Greenwashing is making misleading or false environment-friendly claims about a product. Consumers in India currently do not have any way of telling whether a claim is authentic or greenwashing. And one never hears of action against any company for making false claims of being environment-friendly.

Modi is 'Bhasmasur', has consumed his mentor Advani: Ramesh

Modi is 'Bhasmasur', has consumed his mentor Advani: Ramesh

Rediff.com13 Jun 2013

Taking a dig at developments in the Bharatiya Janata Party, Union Minister Jairam Ramesh described Narendra Modi as 'Bhasmasur', a mythological character known for trying to destroy his creator, and said the Gujarat Chief Minister has "consumed" his mentor L K Advani.

Lenders expect robust retail credit in festive season

Lenders expect robust retail credit in festive season

Rediff.com2 Sep 2023

Lenders in India, comprising banks and finance companies, anticipate robust growth in retail credit during the upcoming festival season, stretching from September to December 2023. This expectation is based on resilient demand, government initiatives, and elections in key states.

'We are not worried what Modiji says about Muslims'

'We are not worried what Modiji says about Muslims'

Rediff.com18 May 2024

While political experts claim that the Modi Magic is missing in the 2024 general election, the common people in the street -- at least those in the crowd on Thursday -- vow that they will vote for Modi and the candidate who contests the election doesn't matter much.

Tata Steel investment positive for UK ops, but stock has not moved much

Tata Steel investment positive for UK ops, but stock has not moved much

Rediff.com26 Sep 2023

Tata Steel UK is reformatting its operations in Port Talbot by investing 1.25 billion in an electric arc furnace facility with the UK government contributing 500 million. The project will take around three years to complete, if all the regulatory clearances come through. The facility will use scrap and be classified as green since it will utilise renewable power and cut carbon emissions considerably.

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.

2 Dabur cos get relief in multiple lawsuits in US court

2 Dabur cos get relief in multiple lawsuits in US court

Rediff.com15 Nov 2023

In a relief to FMCG major Dabur, two of its foreign subsidiaries, Dabur International and Dermoviva Skin Essentials, have been removed as a defendant in multiple lawsuits filed in a US court over allegations that their hair-relaxer products caused ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and other related health issues. However, lawsuits filed against its third international subsidiary Namaste Laboratories LLC, would continue before the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, according to a statement from Dabur on Wednesday. Dabur International and Dermoviva were removed and got relief in the multiple suits due to lack of jurisdiction as they have not either manufactured, marketed, distributed or sold hair relaxer products in the US, it added.

Shocking: Mumbai traffic cop dragged on car bonnet for 20 km; driver held

Shocking: Mumbai traffic cop dragged on car bonnet for 20 km; driver held

Rediff.com16 Apr 2023

The incident took place in Vashi area at around 1.30 pm on Saturday when the 37-year-old police naik, Siddeshwar Mali, was on bandobast duty on account of the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, they said.

How BJP Uses Influencers To Win Over Voters

How BJP Uses Influencers To Win Over Voters

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

'While other parties generally need support directly from their central leadership to get influencers or celebrities to endorse their party, the work of identifying and contacting such influencers has been decentralised to state and district level IT cells to get more engagement in the BJP.'

Duty hike on cigarettes to have little impact on prices

Duty hike on cigarettes to have little impact on prices

Rediff.com2 Feb 2023

The duty hike on cigarettes by 16 per cent announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 would have a nominal impact of around 7-12 paise per stick across cigarette categories, according to experts. This upward revision in National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) would have negligible impact on smokers and the companies could easily absorb the shock as it may not also have any resultant impact on margins, they said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama in the Union Budget for 2023-24 on Wednesday proposed to revise and increase the duty on cigarettes to about 16 per cent.

Akshata Gets Rishi Ready For India

Akshata Gets Rishi Ready For India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2023

Rishi Sunak arrived in India for the first time after he took charge as the United Kingdom's prime minister on Friday, September 8, 2023.

28% tax to be levied on turnover of online gaming firms

28% tax to be levied on turnover of online gaming firms

Rediff.com11 Jul 2023

The panel, headed by the Union finance minister and comprising of representatives of all states and UTs, decided on tax rate based on recommendation of a group of ministers that looked at taxing casinos, horse racing and online gaming.

Consumer durables: computer tablets, LEDs to cost less

Consumer durables: computer tablets, LEDs to cost less

Rediff.com4 Mar 2015

Stocks to watch: Videocon, Blue Star, Hitachi, MIRC Electronics, BPL, Whirlpool, Gitanjali, Titan Group

Plot to kill Pannun: SC rejects Nikhil Gupta's plea

Plot to kill Pannun: SC rejects Nikhil Gupta's plea

Rediff.com4 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a petition by a family member of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, under detention in a Czech prison over allegations of involvement in a foiled plot to kill pro-Khalistan Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, for consular access.