News for 'Custom'

Festive Season Fuels 35% Surge in India's Passenger Vehicle Sales for August

Festive Season Fuels 35% Surge in India's Passenger Vehicle Sales for August

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India's passenger vehicle sales are estimated to have surged by approximately 35 per cent to about 4.5 lakh units in August, driven by strong performances from major automakers like Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, and Mahindra & Mahindra, with the industry entering the festive season with optimism.

TN's liquor stocktaking goes digital, to benefit tipplers

TN's liquor stocktaking goes digital, to benefit tipplers

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu's state-run liquor corporation, TASMAC, is implementing a new automated indent request process for all retail shops starting September 1. This digital system aims to streamline stock distribution, reduce paperwork, and ensure consumers receive their preferred brands based on local demand.

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Skoda Auto is strategically navigating the competitive Indian automotive market by prioritising profitable growth, exploring new powertrain options like CNG and a limited diesel return, and gearing up for a locally produced electric SUV, all while expanding its retail footprint.

India, US Equity Markets Less Attractive on FCF Yields; Real Estate Sales Moderate

India, US Equity Markets Less Attractive on FCF Yields; Real Estate Sales Moderate

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A Goldman Sachs report indicates that US and Indian equity markets are becoming less attractive due to lower free cash flow (FCF) yields as valuations rise, while European markets offer significantly higher yields. Concurrently, India's top-listed residential real estate developers experienced a moderation in pre-sales in Q1FY27, attributed to delayed project approvals, limited launches, and high year-ago bases, though underlying housing demand remains healthy.

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

BMW India CFO: 'Surprised by scale and length of tax litigation'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

BMW India CFO Carsten Lammers has expressed surprise at the extensive scale and prolonged duration of tax and Customs litigation in India, advocating for faster dispute resolution and simpler procedures to ensure business stability.

Nepal floods: 97-yr-old woman pulled alive from rubble

Nepal floods: 97-yr-old woman pulled alive from rubble

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Extraordinary accounts of survival are emerging from Nepal's devastating flash floods, including a 97-year-old woman rescued from rubble and individuals who fled collapsing settlements, spending nights stranded in forests before rescue.

Government Bats On Front Foot For Defence Exports

Government Bats On Front Foot For Defence Exports

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The reforms, undertaken by the Department of Defence Production, remove stakeholder consultation for exports of non-lethal defence items to most destinations, while retaining safeguards for sensitive countries.

Runable Raises $21 Million To Expand AI Agent Platform Capabilities

Runable Raises $21 Million To Expand AI Agent Platform Capabilities

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

AI agent platform Runable has successfully raised $21 million in Series A funding, co-led by Susquehanna Venture Capital and Nexus Venture Partners. The company plans to use these funds to expand its growth capabilities, enhance measurement tools, and scale its Runable Academy, which supports small business owners in building and growing their ventures.

Customs Officials Seize Ganja from Bangkok-Delhi Flight

Customs Officials Seize Ganja from Bangkok-Delhi Flight

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport seized over 2 kg of suspected ganja from a Bangkok-Delhi flight, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI Models, Sparking Debate On Monitoring And Security

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Leading global technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. However, these releases have ignited significant debate among researchers regarding the transparency and monitorability of AI reasoning, particularly concerning OpenAI's Astra model and its "recurrent depth" architecture.

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have unveiled new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. OpenAI's Astra model achieved a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, but its novel architecture, using "recurrent depth," has sparked significant safety concerns among researchers who fear it makes monitoring the model's reasoning more difficult. Anthropic and Google also introduced new models and features, further advancing AI technology while the debate over responsible development intensifies.

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

New AI Models From Tech Giants Raise Safety Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Leading technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have announced new AI models with advanced capabilities, including OpenAI's Astra reaching a "Critical" cybersecurity tier. However, these advancements have ignited a significant debate among safety researchers and netizens, particularly concerning the transparency and monitorability of OpenAI's novel "recurrent depth" architecture.

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

4 India-based companies face US sanctions over Iran trade

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies, including a customs broker and three other firms, for their involvement in importing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. This action is part of "Operation Economic Outcast," a broader US campaign to sever Iran's financial lifelines and prevent funding for its destabilising activities.

Karjat's Must-Try Thakare Kanda Bhaji

Karjat's Must-Try Thakare Kanda Bhaji

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Rain and road trips go hand in hand in Maharashtra. For countless travellers, the season isn't complete without a plate of steaming-hot Kanda Bhaji on a jaunt to Karjat at Thakare Hotel.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Launch Advanced AI; Astra Sparks Monitoring Concerns

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities. OpenAI's Astra model, achieving a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, has ignited a debate among researchers due to its "recurrent depth" architecture, which some fear makes its reasoning harder to monitor. Anthropic and Google also released new models, focusing on coding, scientific research, and cybersecurity, alongside new image and video AI tools.

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan to retire amid governance concerns

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan to retire amid governance concerns

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Sashidhar Jagdishan, the managing director and chief executive of HDFC Bank, has opted out of being considered for reappointment after his current term ends on October 26, choosing to retire after nearly three decades with the lender.

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital transactions applies to merchants, not customers, and aims to support banks and fintech in infrastructure investment. She countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims, stating that a committee will decide on MDR only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a process currently stalled by parliamentary disruptions.

'HDFC Merger Contributed To HDFC Bank's Troubles'

'HDFC Merger Contributed To HDFC Bank's Troubles'

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

'Once you're wrestling with making a merger of that scale value-accretive, you're also under pressure to keep growing the balance sheet and chasing liabilities, and other things start to slip as a consequence.'

Why TCS Made Big Porsche Bet

Why TCS Made Big Porsche Bet

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Across the entire value chain, we will be able to industrialise AI adoption, and that is the main purpose of the deal.'

Zendaya@30: Her 30 Iconic Fashion Moments

Zendaya@30: Her 30 Iconic Fashion Moments

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Explore the unparalleled style evolution of Zendaya, the ultimate couture chameleon, as we celebrate 30 of her most iconic and unforgettable fashion moments.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The all-new, globally first YZF-R2 is priced from Rs 2,30,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Have taken all steps to learn from Dec disruption: IndiGo's Bhatia

Have taken all steps to learn from Dec disruption: IndiGo's Bhatia

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia has stated that the airline has 'taken all the necessary steps' to learn from the operational disruption faced in December last year, while outlining a long-term vision focused on customer trust, international expansion, and establishing India as a global aviation hub.

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.

Triple whammy for Mumbaikars: Milk, CNG, taxi-auto fares rise

Triple whammy for Mumbaikars: Milk, CNG, taxi-auto fares rise

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Mumbaikars are set to face a significant financial burden as the prices of milk, CNG, and taxi-rickshaw fares have all seen a substantial increase from September 1, 2026, impacting household budgets ahead of the crucial festive season.

Bank of Baroda Hit by Cyberattack

Bank of Baroda Hit by Cyberattack

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The incident involved compromise of an employee's email account, resulting in unauthorised access to certain data.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

Quantum Computing: AI's Next Frontier

Quantum Computing: AI's Next Frontier

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Quantum computing is set to redefine artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and scientific discovery, promising unprecedented speeds and capabilities while also necessitating urgent development of quantum-safe security measures and strategic enterprise readiness, says Sunil Varghese.

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, called for a united front against terrorism and its financing, rejecting double standards. He emphasised resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not battlefields. Modi also highlighted that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's vision for SCO rests on security, connectivity, and opportunity.

Delhi Airport Customs Intercept 12.91 Crore Ganja Smuggling Attempt

Delhi Airport Customs Intercept 12.91 Crore Ganja Smuggling Attempt

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi seized suspected ganja worth 12.91 crore from a passenger arriving from Bangkok.

Customs Officials Arrest Six in Bengaluru Airport Drug Bust

Customs Officials Arrest Six in Bengaluru Airport Drug Bust

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru seized large quantities of hydroponic ganja from passengers arriving from Bangkok, leading to the arrest of six individuals.

US names India among nations helping China evade tariffs

US names India among nations helping China evade tariffs

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The White House has launched a major crackdown on the 'Great Transhipment Scam', accusing India and over 40 other nations of helping Chinese exporters bypass US tariffs by misrepresenting the origin of goods. The US plans to use AI-driven monitoring and anti-transhipment clauses in future trade agreements to strengthen enforcement.

Private Banks Intensify FCNR(B) Push as RBI Swap Window Nears Closure

Private Banks Intensify FCNR(B) Push as RBI Swap Window Nears Closure

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Private banks in India are aggressively mobilising Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR(B), deposits by raising interest rates and using website countdowns, as the Reserve Bank of India's swap window is set to close on August 31, earlier than initially planned.

TCS And Google Cloud Unveil Gemini Experience Centre In Mexico City

TCS And Google Cloud Unveil Gemini Experience Centre In Mexico City

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Google Cloud have inaugurated a new Gemini Experience Center (GEC) in Mexico City. This facility, the second in Latin America and ninth globally for TCS, is equipped with over 3,000 AI agents and aims to drive industry-specific AI solutions across various sectors. It will help organisations bridge the gap between AI experimentation and implementation, enhancing innovation and data-driven decision-making in the region.

Tata Group Faces Massive Funding Challenge

Tata Group Faces Massive Funding Challenge

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Tata Sons has the balance sheet to support them, for now.

Active MFs reduce bets to multi-year low

Active MFs reduce bets to multi-year low

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

HDFC Bank's share in active mutual fund schemes has fallen to multi-year lows, despite overall MF ownership in the bank rising, as the stock faces weak performance, soft margins, and governance concerns.

Shabnam Sinha to succeed Sunil Mittal as Airtel Payments Bank Chairperson

Shabnam Sinha to succeed Sunil Mittal as Airtel Payments Bank Chairperson

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Shabnam Sinha is set to take over as the Chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank for a three-year term starting October 1, 2026, succeeding Sunil Mittal, who concludes his tenure as non-executive Chairman.

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India's CFO, Arnab Roy, has urged the central government to introduce an amnesty scheme or an 'as-is' settlement option to resolve past indirect tax disputes, aiming to clear legacy litigation and foster growth in the automotive industry. Roy emphasised the need for a 'smarter way to address the past' to provide long-term certainty for businesses.

Report Highlights Key Challenges For India's AI Growth

Report Highlights Key Challenges For India's AI Growth

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A report by policy think tank The Dialogue reveals that India's artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem is primarily constrained by a shortage of skilled talent and a lack of data standardisation, rather than market concentration. The study, which surveyed 308 stakeholders, found that talent availability and data usability are major concerns, with a significant reliance on open-source AI models.