News for 'Economic Times'

Shares of life insurers dip as DFS calls for end to exclusive bank tie-ups

Shares of life insurers dip as DFS calls for end to exclusive bank tie-ups

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Shares of Indian life insurance companies, particularly SBI Life Insurance and Canara HSBC Life Insurance, saw significant declines after the Department of Financial Services (DFS) secretary, M Nagaraju, stated that banks are being asked to avoid exclusive tie-ups with their own insurance subsidiaries and instead remain neutral.

Affordable housing may lose more ground as costs rise

Affordable housing may lose more ground as costs rise

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The ongoing West Asia conflict is expected to severely impact the supply of affordable housing in India, as rising input costs further erode already thin developer margins. Fluctuations in crude oil and gas prices, coupled with higher freight costs, are driving up prices of essential construction materials like cement and steel, making new projects increasingly unviable for developers.

IPL 2026: How Bhuvi, Hazlewood dismantled DC in Powerplay with pace, precision

IPL 2026: How Bhuvi, Hazlewood dismantled DC in Powerplay with pace, precision

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

In conditions where big scores have become the norm, the RCB pace duo reduced Delhi to 8 for six in just four overs, effectively ending the contest within the Powerplay.

UP, Haryana still below national wage line

UP, Haryana still below national wage line

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Despite a 21 per cent minimum wage hike in parts of Uttar Pradesh, factory workers in India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, continue to experience wages below the national average and a widening disparity compared to supervisors and managers.

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

HDFC Bank Q4 deposits grow 15% YoY, advances jump 12%

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

HDFC Bank reports a 12% credit growth for the March quarter, alongside the unexpected resignation of its chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, due to ethical concerns.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Modi takes boat ride in Hooghly River, clicks photos

Modi takes boat ride in Hooghly River, clicks photos

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a boat ride on the Hooghly river in Kolkata, reaffirming his commitment to the development of West Bengal and the prosperity of its people. He shared photographs of the trip on social media, highlighting the cultural significance of the Ganga river for Bengalis.

India's Forex Reserves Surge Past $700 Billion

India's Forex Reserves Surge Past $700 Billion

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India's foreign exchange reserves have surged by $3.825 billion to reach $700.946 billion as of April 10, marking a significant milestone for the country's financial stability.

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Nepal today is far more aware, self-confident, aspirational, and assertive.' 'India's policy so far has not been geared to this shift. It is time to redraw our Nepal strategy.'

Patriot Review: Mammootty-Mohanlal's Power-Packed Combo In A Grounded Thriller

Patriot Review: Mammootty-Mohanlal's Power-Packed Combo In A Grounded Thriller

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Mahesh Narayanan's Patriot is a cerebral spy thriller that delves into the weaponisation of digital surveillance against civilians and the targeting of whistleblowers, featuring Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Fahadh Faasil.

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

If Trump wants peace with Iran, Pakistan will offer to help. If Trump seeks Pakistan's aid to spy on Iran, then too Munir will not hesitate to chip in. At the same time, the ISI will not hesitate to tip off Iran now and then, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.

RBI Projects $85 Crude Oil, Rupee at 94 by FY27

RBI Projects $85 Crude Oil, Rupee at 94 by FY27

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected that crude oil prices will average USD 85 per barrel and the rupee will weaken to 94 against the dollar by FY27, according to its bi-annual Monetary Policy report.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

Kara Review: Dhanush Anchors a Flawed Heist-Thriller

Kara Review: Dhanush Anchors a Flawed Heist-Thriller

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Kara had the makings of a fine heist thriller anchored by a superlative Dhanush, but a slack screenplay in crucial stretches and an overdose of melodrama ensure it only works in patches, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

India is a tough nut to crack: Trump's trade representative

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A US trade representative described India as a 'tough nut to crack' during trade agreement negotiations in Washington, highlighting India's protection of its agricultural markets and the ongoing discussions on specific commodities.

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that roads cannot be blocked for religious activities and that while religious denominations have autonomy in worship, the government can interfere if secular activities are affected.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.

Goa's Sadhvi Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World

Goa's Sadhvi Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Sadhvi Satish Sail, model and entrepreneur, is crowned Femina Miss India World 2026.

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Why Modi Gave More Powers To The Enforcement Directorate

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened the Enforcement Directorate to combat financial crimes like money laundering and corruption, dismissing allegations of it being used to target political opponents.

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Punjab's Halwara Airport to Commence Flight Bookings in April, Boosting Connectivity

Punjab's Halwara Airport to Commence Flight Bookings in April, Boosting Connectivity

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Flight bookings for Halwara airport in Punjab are scheduled to begin in April, with the first commercial flight expected between May 10 and 15. The airport's opening is anticipated to significantly enhance air connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.

Be warned! Dark economic times ahead!

Be warned! Dark economic times ahead!

Rediff.com8 May 2020

'Two consecutive quarters of negative growth are the technical definition of an economic recession, and for the first time in this generation's memory, we may be staring at one,' observes Aakar Patel.

Iran conflict could shave off 1% point from India's FY27 GDP growth projections: EY

Iran conflict could shave off 1% point from India's FY27 GDP growth projections: EY

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A new report suggests that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could significantly impact India's GDP growth and inflation.

Indian exporters may not get US tariff refunds

Indian exporters may not get US tariff refunds

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Indian exporters are unlikely to receive direct tariff refunds from the US's $166 billion payout, but the rollback of reciprocal duties is enhancing their pricing power and improving order prospects, particularly in textiles, apparel, and engineering goods.

Iran War: 'US Doesn't Depend On Strait of Hormuz For Oil'

Iran War: 'US Doesn't Depend On Strait of Hormuz For Oil'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

'Neither do the Israelis. The two attacking parties have very little economic interest in Hormuz.'

Commercial LPG, 5-kg cylinders see steepest-ever hike in prices

Commercial LPG, 5-kg cylinders see steepest-ever hike in prices

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Aviation fuel prices for domestic airlines remain unchanged, providing stability for local carriers, while commercial LPG and 5-kg cylinders see a significant rate hike due to rising international energy costs.

Chhattisgarh Focuses on Bastar Development After Naxalism 'Elimination'

Chhattisgarh Focuses on Bastar Development After Naxalism 'Elimination'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government is shifting its focus to the development of the Bastar region after claiming the elimination of armed Naxalism. The plan includes preserving tribal culture, creating economic opportunities for youth, and strengthening the economy through forest produce and women-led self-help groups.

IPL 2026, GT vs RCB: Gujarat Titans stave off Royal Challengers fightback for 5th win

IPL 2026, GT vs RCB: Gujarat Titans stave off Royal Challengers fightback for 5th win

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Skipper Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler played useful knocks to help Gujarat Titans chase down defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru's modest total, securing a four-wicket win in their Indian Premier League match in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Iran will face problems 'like never seen before' if...: Trump

Iran will face problems 'like never seen before' if...: Trump

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Tehran will engage in diplomatic talks, warning that the country will 'see problems' should it refuse to cooperate.

Office construction activity declines to four-quarter low

Office construction activity declines to four-quarter low

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

New completions in India's office real estate sector fell by 36 per cent to 9.7 million square feet in Q1 2026, the lowest in four quarters, primarily due to developers adopting a cautious stance amid global uncertainties, particularly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Despite this, office absorption increased by 20 per cent, indicating strong occupier demand.

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

India, Russia discuss strengthening ties amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Indian leaders to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Trump's Signature on US Currency Marks Historic First

Trump's Signature on US Currency Marks Historic First

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump's signature will soon appear on US paper currency, coinciding with the 250th anniversary celebrations of American Independence.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

India's Supreme Court Addresses the Deep-Rooted Issue of Crimes Against Women

India's Supreme Court Addresses the Deep-Rooted Issue of Crimes Against Women

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the continued prevalence of domestic abuse and crimes against women, highlighting that these issues are symptomatic of a deeper societal problem rooted in patriarchy, despite economic and legal advancements.

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Secularism or social development or social justice is no longer part of development, according to the youth in Kerala.' 'They are concerned about material wellbeing and material welfare, and they believe that Narendra Modi is capable to giving them that kind of development.' 'So, they don't have any ideological hesitation in voting for him.'

Nasscom To Focus On AI Integration And Revenue Growth

Nasscom To Focus On AI Integration And Revenue Growth

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Nasscom's newly appointed Chairman, Srikanth Velamakanni, outlines key priorities including restoring revenue growth in IT firms and promoting the role of artificial intelligence and other technologies in companies.

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'The reason why they rushed through the bill was they wanted to avoid using the 2026 Census because the 2026 Census by their own decision will be a caste census.' 'The BJP knows that a significant share of the OBCs who will get captured in the census, for the first time after the 1931 Census, are against the BJP. Only a segment of the OBCs are in their favour.' 'So they wanted to avoid the OBC reservation among women, which is a demand of a lot of Opposition parties.'

Chhattisgarh Official Arrested in Road Project Compensation Scam

Chhattisgarh Official Arrested in Road Project Compensation Scam

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A suspended revenue department official has been arrested in Chhattisgarh in connection with an alleged compensation scam related to the Bharatmala road project, which caused a loss of Rs 32 crore to the exchequer.