News for 'Festival of India'

Bihar: Cong alleges targeted removal of Dalit, Muslim voters

Bihar: Cong alleges targeted removal of Dalit, Muslim voters

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The Congress party has alleged that approximately 23 lakh women's names have been removed from the voter list in Bihar, particularly in constituencies with close contests in the 2020 elections. They claim this is a deliberate act of 'vote theft' orchestrated by the ruling party through the Election Commission.

Janhvi, Nitibha And The Magic Called India

Janhvi, Nitibha And The Magic Called India

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

From gorgeous gowns to sleek suits, the stars at Cannes showed us Indian-designed outfits that were a unique expression of style and artistry.

Festival season, discounts boost Ola Electric sales

Festival season, discounts boost Ola Electric sales

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Under regulatory scanner, Bengaluru-based Ola Electric has witnessed an uptick in its sales after facing a decline during the last few months. The company's daily average sales rose to 1,154 units in October, according to Vahan data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). With sales reaching 17,315 units between October 1 and October 15, the company has also boosted its market share to 34 per cent, up from 27 per cent in September, in the electric two-wheeler (e2W) segment.

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.

Pak brought to its knees 'in the blink of an eye': Modi

Pak brought to its knees 'in the blink of an eye': Modi

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, praising Indian soldiers and promoting the use of 'Swadeshi' goods. He also launched health and nutrition campaigns aimed at women and children.

Why D-Street is positive on 2-wheeler stocks

Why D-Street is positive on 2-wheeler stocks

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Given the stronger rural activity, and potential goods and services tax (GST) impact, investors are bullish on the two-wheeler (2W) segment. In August, dealers in the domestic market picked up 11 per cent more 2Ws year-on-year (Y-o-Y), despite only 2 per cent growth in retail registrations. This indicates inventory stocking ahead of the festival season. Export trends were good. TVS Motor and Royal Enfield may have gained domestic market share.

3 key drivers for the markets this week

3 key drivers for the markets this week

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The decision to hike US H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, trade talks and the GST rate cut will be the key drivers for stock market movement this week, analysts said.

Small SUVs likely to see maximum growth post GST cut

Small SUVs likely to see maximum growth post GST cut

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The small sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment - comprising models less than 4 metres in length - could witness the "maximum" growth among all categories in the coming months following the recent goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation, Tarun Garg, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), said.

'I Want To Be The Biggest Superstar In The Country'

'I Want To Be The Biggest Superstar In The Country'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

'I was a nobody when I came here, and now I've become something.'

As buyers await price cut in GST rejig, automakers report dip in dispatches

As buyers await price cut in GST rejig, automakers report dip in dispatches

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Leading automakers Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata Motors saw a dip in dispatches to dealers in August amid dip in demand with many prospective buyers postponing their buys anticipating a reduction in vehicle prices on account of the new GST framework. The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India reported an 8 per cent year-on-year dip in dispatches of passenger vehicles in the domestic market last month.

Urban demand stress under watch, festivals may boost consumption: FinMin

Urban demand stress under watch, festivals may boost consumption: FinMin

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

Days before Diwali, the monthly economic review by the finance ministry has highlighted moderation in urban demand, softening consumer sentiments and limited footfall as areas that need to be watched. In its review, released on Monday, the ministry also noted the early signs of artificial intelligence displacing workers, as described in anecdotal reports. The commentary from several large consumer goods companies, including Nestl India, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC, in their recent quarterly earnings, has been around a sluggish urban demand. Rural consumption, however, has mostly seen a revival, the companies pointed out.

Stocks of domestic-facing firms lag despite tariff-related hedge calls

Stocks of domestic-facing firms lag despite tariff-related hedge calls

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

To shield against US President Donald Trump's tariff shock, analysts have been advising investors to focus on stocks of domestic-oriented companies, rather than export-centric ones, to minimise potential losses.

Rah, Rah, India Say Anuksha, Aishwarya, Sejal...

Rah, Rah, India Say Anuksha, Aishwarya, Sejal...

Rediff.com29 May 2025

International stars are increasingly turning to Indian designers to make a statement at international events.

'Band-aid' solution: Oppn on PM's address to nation on GST

'Band-aid' solution: Oppn on PM's address to nation on GST

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Congress party has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of GST reforms, calling them inadequate and demanding an apology for the tax imposed on essential items. They argue that the reforms are merely a 'band-aid' solution and that the government should address the states' demand for extended compensation.

GST 2.0: Soaps, coffee, biscuits, oil to be cheaper from Monday

GST 2.0: Soaps, coffee, biscuits, oil to be cheaper from Monday

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Daily essentials and food products will be cheaper from Monday, as leading FMCG companies have slashed prices, extending GST cut benefits to consumers.

GST Cut: How Much Will States Lose?

GST Cut: How Much Will States Lose?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Opposition-ruled states warn of steep annual losses; Centre assures higher consumption will offset revenue hit.

'This Is Why Trump Has Scored'

'This Is Why Trump Has Scored'

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

'I realised why the farmers and the rural folks are going for Trump. They are so insecure and vulnerable that anybody who is throwing a line of hope to them, they seize it.'

Violent mob attacks convoy carrying accused in Zubeen death case

Violent mob attacks convoy carrying accused in Zubeen death case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

An agitated mob attacked a convoy carrying the accused in cultural icon Zubeen Garg's death case in Assam, leading to violence, property damage, and internet shutdowns.

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted in Mysuru over the ownership of Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, ahead of the Dasara festival. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family criticized Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that the hill is not the property of Hindus alone, leading to a heated exchange and raising questions about the nature of the upcoming Dasara celebrations.

VHP wants Hindu-only garba events, asks to check Aadhaar

VHP wants Hindu-only garba events, asks to check Aadhaar

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has stated that only Hindus should be allowed to participate in 'garba' events during Navratri and advised organizers to check Aadhaar cards for identification. This has sparked debate, with some supporting the right of organizers to set entry conditions and others criticizing the VHP for promoting division.

H-1B fee: Indian industry to spruce up local US hiring, says Nasscom

H-1B fee: Indian industry to spruce up local US hiring, says Nasscom

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Nasscom on Monday said the US clarification that the H-1B visa fee hike will not affect current visa holders and will apply as a one-time fee only to fresh petitions has helped address the immediate ambiguity surrounding eligibility and timelines.

Goa students paraded in underwear in '3rd Degree' competition

Goa students paraded in underwear in '3rd Degree' competition

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

"During a competition called 'Third Degree', the jury asked the participants to strip to their underwear," a senior official said.

Zubeen Garg's wife urges public to maintain peace, defends manager

Zubeen Garg's wife urges public to maintain peace, defends manager

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

Garima Saikia Garg, wife of the late singer Zubeen Garg, appeals to the public to maintain peace and support the singer's manager, Siddhartha Sharma, following Zubeen's death in Singapore.

Verify identity of burqa-clad voters: Bihar BJP to EC

Verify identity of burqa-clad voters: Bihar BJP to EC

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The RJD, which has been voicing apprehensions that the SIR might have been carried out to "help" the BJP-led NDA, also urged the EC to divulge details of the 3.66 lakh persons whose names were deleted from the final electoral roll published earlier this week.

'Cinema's Greatest Challenge Is Reels'

'Cinema's Greatest Challenge Is Reels'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

'I don't know how long cinema will survive.'

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi was celebrated with pomp and splendor across India on Friday, with people soaking in the festivities by smearing 'gulaal' on each other and exchanging greetings and sweets. Homes and streets wore a colourful look as the revellers splashed colours and feasted on traditional delicacies. Public transport did not ply in the morning in most major cities while metro services started functioning from noon. As Holi coincided with the second Friday prayers during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan, security -- including increased patrolling and picketing -- was beefed up in several states. In Delhi, more than 25,000 security personnel were deployed. Police closely monitored about 300 sensitive areas with CCTV cameras and drones.

'Never thought students would be killed for raising their voice'

'Never thought students would be killed for raising their voice'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Nepali students studying in India express anxiety and concern for their families back home amidst violent protests in Nepal, delaying travel plans and maintaining constant contact to ensure their safety.

'This Shock May Trigger Suicides'

'This Shock May Trigger Suicides'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Marathwada is the suicide capital of Maharashtra.' 'To stop such man-made disasters, the government should immediately come up with a rightful package, not this charitable approach to compensation.'

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

At least 23 people, including children, were killed as relentless rain triggered one of the worst landslides in a decade in Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas on Sunday, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of stranded tourists amid widespread devastation, officials said.

'We Will Remove Modi From Delhi, BJP From Bihar'

'We Will Remove Modi From Delhi, BJP From Bihar'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'Without our support Nitish Kumar wouldn't have become chief minister.' 'After the government was formed we became ministers, but our agenda remained the same: Amit Shah had promised reservation for Nishads.' 'He wouldn't listen, so we went to UP and contested 52 seats in the 2022 elections. He didn't like the idea of rebellion.' 'He saw that this man, coming from Bombay, is very sharp. He's made four MLAs now, tomorrow he'll make 40. A time will come when they will make it 125.' 'They bought our MLAs and ousted us from the government.'

Credit card spends rise 14.5% in October on festive season purchases

Credit card spends rise 14.5% in October on festive season purchases

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Credit card spending reached Rs 2 trillion in October, a 14.5 per cent rise from September, largely driven by festival season purchases. However, the volume of outstanding credit cards increased only marginally during the same period. The spike in spending comes at a time when nearly all major credit card issuers are calibrating their growth in the segment due to visible signs of stress.

Indian Growth Fuels Far-Right Rallies In Australia

Indian Growth Fuels Far-Right Rallies In Australia

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

One flyer read: 'More Indians in 5 years, than Greeks and Italians in 100', adding, 'This isn't a slight cultural change, it's a replacement plain and simple'.

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

One Festival, Many Names: How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India

One Festival, Many Names: How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The nation celebrates the beginning of longer days and shorter nights as the weather turns warmer.

GST cut: AC prices may go down by up to Rs 2,500

GST cut: AC prices may go down by up to Rs 2,500

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

The appliance makers expect a good churn in the festive season, led by the government's proposal to reduce the GST slab on air-conditioners from the current 28 per cent to 18 per cent, which will reduce the price from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 depending on the models.

Auto firms align dispatches with retail demand amid stock pileup

Auto firms align dispatches with retail demand amid stock pileup

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Manufacturers of passenger vehicles (PVs) in the first half of the calendar year (2025) reported a modest 0.5 per cent year-on-year increase in wholesale dispatches, while retail sales grew 2.5 per cent for the same period, reflecting a calibrated approach by automakers amid elevated dealership inventories and cautious consumer sentiment. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), dispatches rose marginally to 2.16 million units, up from 2.15 million units a year earlier.

GST 2.0: 2W sales to grow 5-6%, passenger vehicles by 2-3% in FY26

GST 2.0: 2W sales to grow 5-6%, passenger vehicles by 2-3% in FY26

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Two-wheeler sales volume is expected to grow 5-6 per cent this fiscal, while that of passenger vehicles to see a 2-3 per cent rise, following the GST rates rationalisation on automobiles, according to Crisil Ratings. The GST Council's decision to move to a two-rate structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, effective September 22, 2025, is a timely move that will revive demand for automobiles, Crisil Ratings said in a statement.

Realty firms upbeat on reforms, expect better affordability, project viability

Realty firms upbeat on reforms, expect better affordability, project viability

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Real-estate firms have welcomed the Goods and Services Tax Council's reforms, expecting better affordability for buyers, spurring demand. The council has reduced the rate on cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, while the rate on sand lime bricks or stone inlay work and granite blocks has been cut to 5 per cent from 12 per cent.

From modest start to mass movement, RSS turns 100

From modest start to mass movement, RSS turns 100

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

From a modest start with baithaks of a handful of swayamsevaks in a small town in Nagpur, the RSS, which completes 100 years of its foundation on Thursday, has come a long way to become the world's biggest voluntary organisation with a pan-India presence, shaping the country's political and social discourse.

The Sweet Rise of Indian Chocolates

The Sweet Rise of Indian Chocolates

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

India's craft chocolate makers are changing the market by using local cacao, creating bold new flavours, making chocolate both a luxury and a story.