News for 'Custom'

AI could erode India's outsourcing advantage, warns WB report

AI could erode India's outsourcing advantage, warns WB report

Rediff.com5 days ago

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to alter hiring patterns in South Asia, with multinational companies (MNCs) and firms integrated into global value chains (GVCs) reducing recruitment more sharply than domestic firms, signalling the technology's early impact on the region's export-oriented services sector, according to the World Bank's World Development Report 2026.

Air India expects 50-60 new planes in 18 months, transformation on track

Air India expects 50-60 new planes in 18 months, transformation on track

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Air India Group anticipates the delivery of 50-60 new aircraft within the next 18 months, with its ambitious transformation programme progressing despite global challenges like supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions, according to Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal.

AI Reshapes IT Campus Hiring

AI Reshapes IT Campus Hiring

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'Hiring within IT services firms is going to be very specialised.'

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com2 days ago

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

How EVTOLs Can Revolutionise India's Medical Logistics

How EVTOLs Can Revolutionise India's Medical Logistics

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Air India, SkyDrive, and Suzuki Motor Corporation have signed an initial pact to conduct a joint feasibility study on using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for medical air logistics in India. This collaboration aims to address severe traffic congestion in major Indian cities, which poses challenges for time-critical medical transport, by developing last-mile emergency medical solutions.

Electrifying! Olectra first co to deploy 4,000 e-buses in India

Electrifying! Olectra first co to deploy 4,000 e-buses in India

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Olectra Greentech Ltd has become the first company in India to deploy 4,000 electric buses on Indian roads, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition to sustainable public transport and reinforcing its leadership in electric mobility.

IT companies risk losing ground to AI-native firms: S&P Global

IT companies risk losing ground to AI-native firms: S&P Global

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Indian IT service providers face heightened competition from AI-native firms in the next three years, potentially eroding their revenue base unless they remain competitive and protect recurring businesses, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings.

Bandhan Bank Introduces Digital PF Payment Service For Businesses

Bandhan Bank Introduces Digital PF Payment Service For Businesses

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Bandhan Bank has launched a new digital Provident Fund (PF) payment service, integrated with EPFO, allowing business customers to make statutory PF payments via the bank's internet banking platform. This service aims to streamline payments, optimise cash flows, and ensure timely compliance for businesses.

L&T Finance posts strong Q1FY27 results, eyes AI-led growth and gold loan expansion

L&T Finance posts strong Q1FY27 results, eyes AI-led growth and gold loan expansion

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

L&T Finance reported a robust Q1FY27 with net profit growing 29% year-on-year to 900 crore, driven by strong asset growth and strategic initiatives including accelerating cross-selling, improving productivity, and fostering a technology-first, AI-led culture, alongside significant expansion in gold loans.

Boeing India Teams With Merlinhawk For EO/IR System Support

Boeing India Teams With Merlinhawk For EO/IR System Support

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Merlinhawk Aerospace has partnered with Boeing India Defence to provide in-country maintenance, repair, and lifecycle support for advanced Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems on Indian military platforms. This collaboration aims to strengthen local support, reduce turnaround times, and enhance mission readiness for the Indian Navy, aligning with India's self-reliance goals in defence.

Boeing India Teams With Merlinhawk For EO/IR System Support

Boeing India Teams With Merlinhawk For EO/IR System Support

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Merlinhawk Aerospace has partnered with Boeing India Defence to provide in-country maintenance, repair, and lifecycle support for advanced Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems on Indian military platforms. This collaboration aims to strengthen local support, reduce turnaround times, and enhance mission readiness for the Indian Navy, aligning with India's self-reliance goals in defence.

Assam floods toll goes up to 80, over 2.12 lakh affected

Assam floods toll goes up to 80, over 2.12 lakh affected

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Assam's flood death toll has risen to 80, with two new fatalities reported from Sivasagar district, as eight districts and over 2.12 lakh people remain affected. The state government has announced a six-month moratorium on loan repayments for flood-affected individuals and is seeking a special support package from the Centre.

Lodha Developers targets Rs 10,000 crore from Palava data centre park land sales

Lodha Developers targets Rs 10,000 crore from Palava data centre park land sales

Rediff.com6 days ago

Lodha Developers plans to generate approximately 10,000 crore in sales over the next three to four years by monetising about 150 acres of land at its data centre park in Palava, part of the Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR). This strategy is a planned recurring pillar of their business, funding the build-out of 1 gigawatt of powered shell capacity and aiming for over 2,000 crore in annual rental income by FY32.

How Samsung's New Galaxy Z8 Series Redefines Foldable Smartphone Experience

How Samsung's New Galaxy Z8 Series Redefines Foldable Smartphone Experience

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Samsung Electronics has launched its new Galaxy Z8 series, featuring the Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8. These foldable smartphones are thinner, lighter, and boast larger displays, AI capabilities, and enhanced durability through new Flex Titanium technology. Indian customers can pre-order the devices soon.

Vote! What Do You Think Of Urvashi Rautela's FIFA World Cup Look?

Vote! What Do You Think Of Urvashi Rautela's FIFA World Cup Look?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

While most fans reached for football jerseys, Urvashi Rautela treated the FIFA World Cup 2026 stage like her personal runway, layering couture over sportswear in a look that was bizarre yet bold and unforgettable.

Strong H1 Numbers May Propel Passenger Vehicles to Record 2026 Sales

Strong H1 Numbers May Propel Passenger Vehicles to Record 2026 Sales

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

India's passenger vehicle industry is poised for a record-breaking year in 2026, propelled by robust dispatches in the first half of the calendar year and strong demand for utility vehicles, despite facing several economic challenges.

Nose Ring Style: Learn from Ananya, Alia

Nose Ring Style: Learn from Ananya, Alia

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Sometimes a little accessory like a nose ring is all you need to elevate your look from nice to WOW.

BPCL Customers Face Charges Over Misappropriated Funds

BPCL Customers Face Charges Over Misappropriated Funds

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Seven customers of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Indore have been booked for allegedly misappropriating over Rs 5.7 crore that was wrongly deposited into their digital wallets. Police are investigating how Rs 129.55 crore was incorrectly credited to around 1,000 BPCL 'Smart Fleet' customers.

IDBI employees' forum opposes stake sale to Fairfax, seeks review

IDBI employees' forum opposes stake sale to Fairfax, seeks review

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The United Forum of IDBI Officers & Employees has voiced "profound concern" over the Centre's reported decision to proceed with the strategic disinvestment of its controlling stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax Financial Holdings, urging a parliamentary review of the proposed sale.

What Your Health Insurance Policy Really Covers -- And The Fine Print You Should Never Ignore

What Your Health Insurance Policy Really Covers -- And The Fine Print You Should Never Ignore

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Here's decoding the fine print so that you know exactly what your health insurance policy covers, what it doesn't and the policy conditions that deserve your attention before you need to make a claim.

Cigarette tax hike impacts ITC's Q1 net profit, down 16.2%

Cigarette tax hike impacts ITC's Q1 net profit, down 16.2%

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

ITC reported a 16.2 per cent year-on-year drop in consolidated net profit to 4,394.13 crore in Q1 FY27, primarily due to a significant increase in taxes on its cigarette business. Consolidated net revenues also declined by 11.1 per cent to 19,114 crore, missing analyst estimates.

Bengaluru: Delivery man held for barging into woman's washroom, flashing her

Bengaluru: Delivery man held for barging into woman's washroom, flashing her

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

A Flipkart delivery executive has been arrested in Bengaluru after allegedly making an obscene gesture towards a woman, prompting a police investigation and Flipkart's termination of his engagement.

Ahmedabad's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' Invitation for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Ahmedabad's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' Invitation for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com7 days ago

India officially launched its bid to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030, presenting a vibrant cultural showcase at the Glasgow closing ceremony that blended ancient philosophy, contemporary artistry, and cultural grandeur.

SBI Funds Management IPO: Listing Expected Next Week After Rs 11,692 Crore Offer

SBI Funds Management IPO: Listing Expected Next Week After Rs 11,692 Crore Offer

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

SBI Funds Management Ltd. is set to list on stock exchanges next week following its Rs 11,692 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO), which involves an Offer for Sale (OFS) of a 10 per cent stake by SBI and Amundi.

How Drones Are Revolutionising Flood Rescue In Gujarat

How Drones Are Revolutionising Flood Rescue In Gujarat

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

A Mehsana-based startup, Prime UAV, deployed drones to assist in the evacuation of people stranded due to floods in Dholka, Ahmedabad district. The drones provided surveillance, delivered essential supplies, and supported rescue operations in inaccessible areas, complementing efforts by local administration and the Army.

IndiGo posts Rs 238 crore Q1 net loss due to rising fuel costs, West Asia turbulence

IndiGo posts Rs 238 crore Q1 net loss due to rising fuel costs, West Asia turbulence

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

IndiGo, India's largest airline, reported a net loss of Rs 238 crore for the June quarter, primarily attributed to a significant surge in fuel prices and operational constraints stemming from the West Asia conflict.

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.

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.

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Nagaland Aims To Adapt Juvenile Justice Act To Local Customs

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Nagaland is seeking to implement the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations in a way that respects the state's customary laws and traditional systems of care, while remaining legally sound.

SBI Boosts YONO Platform With New AI Features And Digital Journeys

SBI Boosts YONO Platform With New AI Features And Digital Journeys

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

State Bank of India has launched a suite of AI-powered digital innovations on its YONO platform, enhancing both retail and business banking services. These new features include a 3-in-1 digital onboarding process, a sustainability tracker, integrated trade finance, and an AI virtual assistant, aiming to provide intelligent and future-ready banking experiences for its 53 crore customers.

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Maruti Suzuki's Q1 net profit falls 9% despite sales jump, as West Asia conflict drives up costs

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) reported a 9.1 per cent year-on-year decline in net profit for the April-June quarter of 2026-27, marking its second consecutive quarterly fall. This dip occurred despite a significant 29.3 per cent jump in sales volume, primarily due to escalating commodity prices, increased energy costs, and logistics disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict.

HDFC Bank's Workforce Shrinks by 3,343 in FY26 Despite Balance Sheet Expansion

HDFC Bank's Workforce Shrinks by 3,343 in FY26 Despite Balance Sheet Expansion

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector lender, reported a reduction of 3,343 employees in FY26, bringing its total workforce to 2,11,178, even as its balance sheet expanded by 12 per cent. The bank's MD and CEO, Sashidhar Jagdishan, attributed the headcount reduction to redeploying talent from back-end functions to customer-facing roles due to technology-led efficiencies. The annual report also addressed the challenging resignation of part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty, which raised questions about the bank's governance standards.

Why India Is Central To Rockwell Automation's Global Growth Plans

Why India Is Central To Rockwell Automation's Global Growth Plans

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Rockwell Automation's CEO Blake Moret highlights India as the centrepiece of the company's Asian growth strategy, detailing its four-decade presence, significant employee base, and support for the 'Make in India' initiative. The company sees major opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and beverage, and consumer products, with AI playing a crucial role in simplifying industrial automation and boosting productivity for Indian manufacturers, including MSMEs.

Vijay government may privatise TN's liquor sales to curb graft

Vijay government may privatise TN's liquor sales to curb graft

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

An intensified DVAC probe into a multi-crore liquor scam, allegedly involving former DMK Minister V Senthil Balaji, has led to a suggestion to privatise retail liquor sales in Tamil Nadu. The investigation targets alleged collusion in TASMAC bar licences, transport tenders, and procurement, with the Madras High Court dismissing Balaji's anticipatory bail plea. The FIR details systemic corruption, significant revenue loss, and illicit fund generation, prompting political reactions.

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict this year, 75 injured: Govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives, and 75 have been injured. Separately, 30 Indian nationals were among 52 individuals arrested and deported by US Border Patrol during 'Operation Checkmate' for allegedly being in the United States illegally.

Maruti Suzuki announces price hike of up to Rs 30,000 across models from August

Maruti Suzuki announces price hike of up to Rs 30,000 across models from August

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Maruti Suzuki India will increase the prices of its vehicles by up to Rs 30,000 across all models from August 2026, citing a sustained increase in input costs.

AMD Unveils New AI Products, Forecasts $2 Trillion Compute Market By 2030

AMD Unveils New AI Products, Forecasts $2 Trillion Compute Market By 2030

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Global semiconductor giant AMD projects the overall market for compute infrastructure, driven by artificial intelligence, to reach USD 2 trillion by 2030 from USD 365 billion in 2025. The company unveiled new products and its Helios AI infrastructure, emphasising an open ecosystem and significant performance gains over competitors, with India playing a key role in its global rollout.

AMD Unveils New AI Products, Forecasts $2 Trillion Compute Market By 2030

AMD Unveils New AI Products, Forecasts $2 Trillion Compute Market By 2030

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Global semiconductor giant AMD projects the overall market for compute infrastructure, driven by artificial intelligence, to reach USD 2 trillion by 2030 from USD 365 billion in 2025. The company unveiled new products and its Helios AI infrastructure, emphasising an open ecosystem and significant performance gains over competitors, with India playing a key role in its global rollout.

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.

L&T's Q1 profit jumps 14% to Rs 3,926 crore, beating estimates

L&T's Q1 profit jumps 14% to Rs 3,926 crore, beating estimates

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in Q1 FY27 profit attributable to owners, reaching Rs 3,926 crore, surpassing analyst estimates, despite facing significant supply-chain disruptions in West Asia.