News for 'Consumers Union'

Not neutral, India is on the side of peace, Modi tells Putin

Not neutral, India is on the side of peace, Modi tells Putin

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly supported efforts to end the war in Ukraine and conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that India will stand shoulder-to-shoulder in all peace efforts to find an amicable solution to the conflict.

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is looking into complaints of additional charges being levied by ecommerce platforms when customers choose cash-on-delivery (COD) option instead of paying while ordering items. "The Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against ecommerce platforms charging extra for cash-on-delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers," Pralhad Joshi, Union minister of consumer affairs, wrote on X on Friday afternoon.

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

'If a common man wants to buy an air purifier for Rs 10,000, then he will have to shell out Rs 11,800 with 18 percent GST.' 'If he is charged GST at 5 percent the same air purifier will cost Rs 10,500.' 'This saves a one time amount of Rs 1,300 -- and that too just to breathe clean air.'

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Nitish Kumar gives up home portfolio after 20 years

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The home portfolio of Bihar, which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar kept with himself all through his nearly 20-year-long tenure, has been given to his deputy, BJP leader Samrat Chowdhury, this time, according to an official notification issued on Friday.

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'IndiGo will receive a sharp rap on the knuckles -- a punishment, a huge penalty. 'I look towards them creating a compensation fund.' 'I would like to think they would do that for all the passengers who are affected on every single day since cancellations began.'

'We Are Poised For An Exciting 2026'

'We Are Poised For An Exciting 2026'

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

'Earnings growth will be the main driver of India's market in 2026, with profits expected to rise 9% to 10% in H2 FY26 and accelerate to 12% to 15% in FY27.'

Mumbai transport hit after CNG supply cut; restoration by Tuesday

Mumbai transport hit after CNG supply cut; restoration by Tuesday

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

A major gas pipeline damage has disrupted CNG supply in Mumbai, leading to long queues at refuelling stations and affecting autorickshaws, taxis, and other CNG-run vehicles. The disruption is expected to impact transport availability throughout the day.

India signs first LPG term deal with US to import 2.2 mt of cooking gas

India signs first LPG term deal with US to import 2.2 mt of cooking gas

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

In a first, Indian oil public sector undertakings (PSUs) finalised a one-year contract to import around 2.2 million tonnes (mt) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the US. The LPG import deal comes at a time when negotiations for an India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA) are gathering steam. Earlier in the month, US President Donald Trump had said Washington and New Delhi were "pretty close" to reaching a fair trade deal.

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'...not merely in managing fiscal mathematics, but in demonstrating conservatism and prudence within that framework.' 'Looking forward, we believe sufficient growth drivers exist -- ranging from government reforms to revival in consumption to favourable monsoons. Numerous factors support the Indian economy.'

Many growth triggers for Samvardhana Motherson

Many growth triggers for Samvardhana Motherson

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

The country's largest listed auto parts company by market capitalisation, Samvardhana Motherson International, reported a better than expected operating performance in the second quarter (July-September) of 2025-26 (Q2FY26). Though the global passenger vehicle (PV) market is facing multiple headwinds, the company is outperforming on the back of higher content per vehicle and market share gains.

Putin to land in Delhi soon, Modi to host private dinner

Putin to land in Delhi soon, Modi to host private dinner

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Russian President Vladimir Putin for a private dinner and summit, focusing on defence, trade, and geopolitical issues, including the Ukraine conflict and the impact of US sanctions.

Modi and Putin: Hug in airport, ride in car, dinner at 7, LKM

Modi and Putin: Hug in airport, ride in car, dinner at 7, LKM

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day visit focused on strengthening ties with India, including defense cooperation and trade, amidst a changing geopolitical landscape.

GST rate change: Companies urged to revise MRP on unsold stocks

GST rate change: Companies urged to revise MRP on unsold stocks

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The government has asked manufacturers to revise the maximum retail price (MRP) on unsold stocks in line with the change in GST rates. The government has reduced GST on various products and services, which will come into effect from September 22.

Centre to bring new drug law after MP cough syrup deaths

Centre to bring new drug law after MP cough syrup deaths

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

A new law is being proposed to grant statutory powers to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

How Your Credit Can Be Stolen in Seconds

How Your Credit Can Be Stolen in Seconds

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

A phone number and e-mail are often enough for a fraudster to trick a lender into pulling your report and disbursing a loan.

Want To Invest In Manufacturing Funds?

Want To Invest In Manufacturing Funds?

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

'They are a poor fit for anyone with near-term goals, low volatility tolerance, or a need for steady income or liquidity.' 'First-time investors should typically avoid them.'

Sonam Wangchuk not in solitary confinement: SC told

Sonam Wangchuk not in solitary confinement: SC told

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Jodhpur Central Jail superintendent tells Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act, is not in solitary confinement and has access to all rights available to a detenu.

Don't tell us...: Tharoor slams Trump as Cong corners Modi on Russian oil

Don't tell us...: Tharoor slams Trump as Cong corners Modi on Russian oil

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

As US President Donald Trump claimed that India will significantly reduce Russian oil imports by year-end, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday hit back by criticising him for making announcements on behalf of New Delhi.

India spent 2.5 bn euro to buy Russian oil in Sep

India spent 2.5 bn euro to buy Russian oil in Sep

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, spent 2.5 billion euro on buying crude oil from Russia in September, 14 per cent less than the previous month, a European think tank said. India remained the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in September behind China, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Why US-China Face-Off Is Advantage India

Why US-China Face-Off Is Advantage India

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Amid US-China trade tensions and economic vulnerabilities, India must seize the 'China +1' opportunity, deepen reforms, secure FTAs, and globalise its firms for long-term growth, suggests Ajay Shah.

Will The GST Cut Make A Difference?

Will The GST Cut Make A Difference?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

These changes certainly bring India's GST a lot closer to what an ideal GST would look like, points out Karan Bhasin.

'Fix them': US targets India, Brazil in trade warning

'Fix them': US targets India, Brazil in trade warning

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Lutnick said that these countries have to understand that if "you want to sell to the US consumers, you've got to play ball with the President of the United States."

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked the Congress to tell the nation who prevented India's military response after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks linked to Pakistan, and accused the party of weakening the fight against terrorism when in power.

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

US Sanctions May Not Stop Russian Oil Flow To India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Sanctioning Russian oil would have led to a sharp surge in oil prices to above $80 per barrel levels, which would impact pump prices in the US ahead of midterm elections next year.

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Some of the key names include: Maruti, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Britannia, Ultratech, JK Cement, Havells, Voltas, Amber, Metro, Trent, LemonTree, Indian Hotels, Niva Bupa, HDFC Life, IGL, Acme Solar, Suzlon, Swiggy, Delhivery, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Thermostat Setting: India's Cool Move

Thermostat Setting: India's Cool Move

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

'Are there other ways to reduce the energy airconditioners consume?' asks Ambi Parameswaran.

Vaishnaw presents first made-in-India chip to Modi at Semicon 2025

Vaishnaw presents first made-in-India chip to Modi at Semicon 2025

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Modi inaugurated the Semicon India 2025 in Delhi, in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada.

Kathua killings spark protests; Union minister hints at terror link

Kathua killings spark protests; Union minister hints at terror link

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Three civilians were killed in a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, sparking protests and a shutdown. The killings, which are being investigated as a possible case of terrorism, have caused fear and anger in the community. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is reviewing the security situation and has assured that such incidents will not be allowed to happen again. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of local politicians, with one MLA being attacked by a group of protesters.

US Tariffs May Drop To 10-15%: CEA

US Tariffs May Drop To 10-15%: CEA

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'I do believe there will be a resolution in the next couple of months on the penal tariff and hopefully on the reciprocal tariff also.'

GST 2.0 Needs Deeper Reforms

GST 2.0 Needs Deeper Reforms

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Since items in the 12% category account for only about 5% of total GST, the additional boost to consumption may not be significant, points out M Govinda Rao.

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

India's brittle energy security is inextricably linked to two opposing paradigms - fossil fuels, and the transition to green energy. The first powers the present; the second paves the way for Viksit Bharat in 2047.

Tax cut may bolster credit growth in H2

Tax cut may bolster credit growth in H2

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

After a subdued first quarter of 2025-26 (Q1FY26), banks are now betting big on the festive season, rolling out attractive loan offers to boost credit growth in the second half of the current financial year (H2FY26) - a trend likely to be further accentuated by the second-order effects of the good services tax (GST) cuts.

GST 2.0: What Is Taxed, What Is Exempted

GST 2.0: What Is Taxed, What Is Exempted

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The GST Council on Wednesday approved a two-tier rate structure of 5 and 18 per cent, which will be implemented from September 22.

How India Let Sri Lanka Steal Its Tea Crown

How India Let Sri Lanka Steal Its Tea Crown

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

India, the land that gave the world Darjeeling and Assam tea, risks losing its place at the global tea table, not because of its leaves, but because of its lost opportunities, notes Kanika Datta.

'Efficiency of E20 is more or less on a par with petrol'

'Efficiency of E20 is more or less on a par with petrol'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'Crude oil prices are around $66-67 per barrel now but could fall to $55-60 if global disturbances ease.'

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'That is going to have an impact on literally every one, whether you buy a toothpaste, a safety pin, a car, shoes or medicines or you go to a diagnostic centre.'

Will GST 2.0 Fix Deeper Weaknesses?

Will GST 2.0 Fix Deeper Weaknesses?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

GST 2.0 may cushion consumers against US tariffs, but like the 2019 corporate tax cut, it risks being another tactical fix rather than a structural growth strategy, expects Debashis Basu.

Will Buy Russian Oil: Sitharaman

Will Buy Russian Oil: Sitharaman

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

New Delhi 'will have to take a call which supply source suits us the best,' the finance minister said, pointing out that crude oil accounts for the bulk of India's foreign exchange spend.

Indulging in trade with Russia themselves: India counters US

Indulging in trade with Russia themselves: India counters US

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

India has strongly criticized the US and EU for their 'unjustified and unreasonable' targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil, pointing out their own continued trade relations with Russia.

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo!' - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gentle nudge to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December last year sparked the beginning of a mammoth exercise to overhaul the tangled goods and services tax regime. And the final outcome is a significantly simplified system with lower tax rates and easier compliance for businesses.