News for 'Development Alternatives'

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The 31st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in December 2018, deferred a decision to reduce the GST rate for cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This was despite recognising that cement - along with automobile parts - remained among the few mass-consumption items still taxed at the highest slab, which was originally meant for luxury and sin goods.

No disruption in ops due to rare earth magnet shortage: Maruti

No disruption in ops due to rare earth magnet shortage: Maruti

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) said on Thursday its operations are unaffected by the global rare earth magnet shortage, but added that the situation is "uncertain and evolving". The firm said it is exploring multiple solutions to maintain continuity in operations and will notify stakeholders in case of material impact.

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'If his health was good he would have become CM again after polls.' 'Those who are with Nitish Babu today will remain with him till the elections to use his name for votes and would definitely play games with him after the polls.'

Want Steady Monthly Income? How Bonds Could Help

Want Steady Monthly Income? How Bonds Could Help

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Saurav Ghosh's step-by-step guide will help you understand what bonds are, how they help investors make money, how much money they make and which bonds to invest in.

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

'We remain in touch with the Chinese side, in Beijing as well as in Delhi, to bring predictability in the supply chain.'

RIL to pump Rs 1.5 trn into petro, new energy

RIL to pump Rs 1.5 trn into petro, new energy

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) plans to invest Rs 75,000 crore ($9 billion) each into its new energy business and petrochemical expansion, according to a company presentation. In its FY25 result statement, Ambani said the company has laid a strong foundation for its projects in renewable energy and battery operations. "In the coming quarters, we will see the transition of this business from incubation to operationalisation.

How To Create Wealth And Retire Early? Ask rediffGURUS

How To Create Wealth And Retire Early? Ask rediffGURUS

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Start your journey to financial freedom today. Ask your questions and let our experts show you the way to a secure and prosperous future.

Rana plotted several attacks like 26/11, NIA tells court

Rana plotted several attacks like 26/11, NIA tells court

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has alleged that key conspirator Tahawwur Rana, who has been remanded to 18-day NIA custody, devised terror plots similar to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that were meant to target multiple Indian cities. The NIA believes that the tactics used in the Mumbai attacks were intended for execution in other cities as well, and that similar plots were developed elsewhere. Rana will be questioned in detail in order to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 attacks, which saw 166 persons being killed and over 238 sustaining wounds.

'Can I Make 3 Cr In 20 Years?'

'Can I Make 3 Cr In 20 Years?'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Milind Vadjikar your insurance, stocks, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

Who will succeed Biren Singh as Manipur CM?

Who will succeed Biren Singh as Manipur CM?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, following months of ethnic violence in the state. BJP leaders have begun closed-door meetings to decide the next course of action. The opposition welcomed Singh's resignation, while the BJP hopes the move will help restore peace in the region.

Sebi's new asset class is a win-win for investors, issuers

Sebi's new asset class is a win-win for investors, issuers

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Credit-focused SIFs with lower minimum investment thresholds can provide a more practical option for investors with higher risk appetite, suggests Subodh Rai.

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

During this summer, Indian travel buffs are opting for destinations that provide an escape from the ominous heat, along with coastal regions within the country and countries offering visa-free travel.

India's VC funding rises 43% to $13.7 bn in 2024

India's VC funding rises 43% to $13.7 bn in 2024

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

India's Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem exhibited robust growth in 2024, with funding surging 43 per cent year-on-year to $13.7 billion, according to a report. This recovery was fuelled by a 45 per cent rise in deal activity, with 1,270 transactions recorded, reinforcing India's position as the second largest market for venture capital and growth funding in the Asia-Pacific region, the report by Bain & Company and IVCA said.

ISRO to test space farming in next mission

ISRO to test space farming in next mission

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Demonstration of seed germination in outer space, a robotic arm to catch a tethered debris there, and testing of green propulsion systems are some of the experiments planned on the POEM-4 -- the fourth stage of ISRO's PSLV rocket that remains in orbit after launching a satellite.

'Indian Markets Could Outperform'

'Indian Markets Could Outperform'

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

'If the US stagnates and falls into a recession, the dollar will weaken, oil prices will also dip. This augurs well for India.'

Kuno a no-go? MP govt seeks alternative site for cheetahs after 2 deaths

Kuno a no-go? MP govt seeks alternative site for cheetahs after 2 deaths

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

The Madhya Pradesh forest department has asked the Centre for an "alternate" site for cheetahs currently introduced at the Kuno National Park, which has seen the death of two felines in less than a month, with officials citing lack of logistical support and space.

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.

10 Medical Streams After Class 12

10 Medical Streams After Class 12

Rediff.com15 May 2025

While MBBS continues to be the most sought-after stream for medical aspirants, post pandemic, the demand for skilled nurses and physiotherapists are on the rise, notes Nayagam PP, career counsellor and founder of EduJob360.

India's N-E landlocked, B'desh only...: Yunus pitch to China

India's N-E landlocked, B'desh only...: Yunus pitch to China

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called upon China to expand its economic influence in Bangladesh, controversially mentioning that India's northeastern states being landlocked could present an opportunity. Yunus, who recently visited China and met with President Xi Jinping, highlighted Bangladesh's role as the "only guardian of the ocean " in the region, suggesting it could be a pathway for Chinese economic expansion. This statement has sparked debate, with Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic advisory council, questioning the relevance of India's landlocked states in Yunus' appeal to China. Yunus, however, emphasized the importance of a strong friendship with China, viewing it as a counterbalance to India. During his visit, Yunus signed nine agreements with Beijing and secured USD 2.1 billion in investments, loans, and grants from the Chinese government and companies.

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'In today's political spectrum, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party that always says, nation first.'

They're killing spin! Ashwin's explosive claim

They're killing spin! Ashwin's explosive claim

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin, a keen observer of the game, believes the balance between bat and ball has been irrevocably skewed, questioning the very future of the 50-over format.

'Bad Idea To Buy In Overheated Market?'

'Bad Idea To Buy In Overheated Market?'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

How real is Trump's 100% tariff threat on BRICS?

How real is Trump's 100% tariff threat on BRICS?

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

President-elect Donald Trump's warning that BRICS countries will face 100 per cent tariffs if they choose to move away from the US dollar is unclear to what extent he will carry out his threat, as it remains to be seen if the US laws permit such an action, former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao said on Monday. He also said even for BRICS, there are internal differences about bringing out an alternative to the US dollar.

How India plans to tackle possible import surge from China, others

How India plans to tackle possible import surge from China, others

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The government has set up an inter-ministerial group to monitor a possible surge in imports from countries like China, Vietnam and Thailand, fearing a surge in inbound shipments following the imposition of high reciprocal tariffs by the US on these countries, sources said. The product categories that may see an upsurge in diversion of imports from the US to India include consumer goods, electronics, chemicals and steel.

Govt announces new Fund of Funds scheme with Rs 10k cr corpus for startups

Govt announces new Fund of Funds scheme with Rs 10k cr corpus for startups

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The government on Saturday announced a host of measures such as setting up of a new Fund of Funds Scheme (FFS) with Rs 10,000 crore corpus; and extension of period of incorporation by five years with a view to promote growth of budding entrepreneurs.

'There's A Kind Of Beauty In India'

'There's A Kind Of Beauty In India'

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'In India no matter your lifestyle, you will end up doing the same things as everybody else.'

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh is reviving its 'brotherhood committees', a strategy used successfully in the 2007 elections, to bolster its support among Other Backward Castes (OBCs) ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections. These committees, to be formed in all 403 constituencies, aim to connect with 100 people from OBC communities in each village, acting as ambassadors of the party at the booth level. The BSP sees these committees as a counter to the Samajwadi Party's PDA pitch and a means to consolidate its scattered rural vote bank. The party is also highlighting the 'anti-Dalit' and 'anti-OBC' tactics of the Congress, BJP and SP, hoping to capitalize on perceived grievances and reposition itself as a champion of marginalized communities.

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The finance minister, in her Budget speech, should focus more on what she is directly responsible for, rather than on programmes where her role is largely supportive, notes Nitin Desai.

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

'No Politics When It Comes To The Country's Finances'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Each state is unique, but when it comes to finance, the fundamentals cannot be different.'

'Ladakh Made The World Wary Of China'

'Ladakh Made The World Wary Of China'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

'While my generation carries with it the memory of the Chinese perfidy of 1962, this generation will carry the memory of Chinese perfidy in Galwan.'

'EVs are the only way to decarbonise'

'EVs are the only way to decarbonise'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

About 99,165 electric cars were sold in India in 2024, but electric car penetration -- share of electric car sales in total sales -- was just about 2.5 per cent.

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun questioning Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the deadly strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being held at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi. The interrogation is focused on his possible connection with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his suspected links with the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Digitisation does not mean deregulation: CEA Nageswaran

Digitisation does not mean deregulation: CEA Nageswaran

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

There is a "misperception" among the administration around deregulation, wherein digitisation is confused with deregulation, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said on Tuesday. Speaking at an event organised by alternative investment industry's lobby grouping IVCA in Mumbai, Nageswaran stressed that what is essential is to do away with needless regulations, whether they are to be complied with online or offline.

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Asim Munir and his brand of short-sighted army officers give no inkling of paying heed, changing course or learning lessons from the past, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Demolition of Kashmiri Pandits' shops sparks protests in Jammu

Demolition of Kashmiri Pandits' shops sparks protests in Jammu

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) demolished a dozen shops belonging to displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu city, allegedly without issuing notices, sparking protests from various sections demanding action against the officials. The shops were located on JDA land and had been built by displaced Kashmiri Pandits near the Muthi camp three decades ago. The demolition drive sparked outrage from political parties, including the BJP, PDP and Apni Party, and several Kashmir Pandit organisations, who condemned the JDA's action and called for the construction of new shops to help the displaced community sustain their livelihood.

US will take over Gaza and own it, Trump's big remark

US will take over Gaza and own it, Trump's big remark

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he is not ruling out the deployment of US troops to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, expressing a vision of 'long-term' US involvement in the territory's redevelopment.

Localisation saved Hyundai Rs 5,700 cr in forex since 2019

Localisation saved Hyundai Rs 5,700 cr in forex since 2019

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has since 2019 saved around Rs 5,700 crore in foreign exchange (forex) by locally manufacturing or sourcing more than 1,200 components, including battery packs for electric vehicles, said a senior executive of the automaker. The company's efforts for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the government's campaign for domestic manufacturing, have resulted in a localisation rate of 92 percent in India, said Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, whole-time director and chief manufacturing officer at HMIL.

Smile, Nod, Suffer: Are You Too Nice At Work?

Smile, Nod, Suffer: Are You Too Nice At Work?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Organisations that reward constant optimism and penalise negativity create environments where employees feel pressured to hide their struggles, notes Sonica Aron, founder of HR consultancy firm Marching Sheep.

'Early Retirement: Smart Move Or Stupid Idea?'

'Early Retirement: Smart Move Or Stupid Idea?'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Milind Vadjikar your insurance, stocks, mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

MUDA 'scam' threatening Sidda govt goes back 3 decades

MUDA 'scam' threatening Sidda govt goes back 3 decades

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case over which the Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accorded sanction for investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has its origins more than three decades ago.