News for 'Festival of India'

Union minister Suresh Gopi booked for 'misusing' ambulance in Kerala

Union minister Suresh Gopi booked for 'misusing' ambulance in Kerala

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

The case was registered following a complaint filed by KP Sumesh, a local Communist Party of India leader, seeking legal action against Gopi for allegedly misusing an ambulance to reach the Pooram venue flouting police restrictions.

India, China complete disengagement; exchange of sweets on Diwali

India, China complete disengagement; exchange of sweets on Diwali

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Following the disengagement, both sides will soon start the coordinated patrolling in their respective areas, sources added.

Manu Bhaker's Diwali Surprise!

Manu Bhaker's Diwali Surprise!

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Manu Bhaker chose to illuminate her home with traditional clay diyas, supporting local vendors and promoting the 'Vocal for Local' initiative.

Delhi records over 60% voter turnout amid fake voting charges

Delhi records over 60% voter turnout amid fake voting charges

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of over 19 per cent in the first four hours of polling on Wednesday across 70 assembly constituencies, with the highest voter participation witnessed in North East district.

Analysts bet on FMCG, retail, consumer electronics ahead of festive season

Analysts bet on FMCG, retail, consumer electronics ahead of festive season

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

The recent equity market weakness has sobered up investor mood, but the coming festive season is keeping analysts upbeat on stocks related to the consumption basket. Among the lot, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, and consumer electronics segments are expected to do well over the next few months, and investors should thus selectively take bets in these pockets, analysts suggest. "We expect good volume growth for the FMCG sector during the festive season with some improvement in rural demand.

E-commerce Creating Jobs For Women

E-commerce Creating Jobs For Women

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

'Women are taking on key roles in warehouses, such as picking and packing, as well as in our last-mile operations across India.'

OTT Expands The Geography Of Storytelling

OTT Expands The Geography Of Storytelling

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Writers and creators are telling more authentic stories based in states and cities that we may not have seen much of in mainstream media, such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Or ones that we have some mistaken notions about like Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, highlights Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Among a sea of humanity that took the holy dip in the Sangam in their quest for 'moksha' on Monday was a large number of overseas visitors, soaking in the spiritual fervour at the world's largest gathering of humans.

India's gold demand drops 5% in June quarter

India's gold demand drops 5% in June quarter

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Gold seems to be losing its glitter in India due to a rise in prices. Demand in Q2CY24 was 149.7 tonnes - a 5 per cent drop compared to 158.1 tonnes in the same period last year, according to a report by the World Gold Council (WGC). Demand by value in April-June 2024 stood at Rs 93,850 crore, up by 14 per cent compared to Rs 82,530 crore in the same period last year.

PIX: People across country celebrate Diwali with pomp

PIX: People across country celebrate Diwali with pomp

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Keeping up his tradition of celebrating the festival with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district and offered sweets to jawans.

BJP sweeps Haryana civic polls, big setback for Cong

BJP sweeps Haryana civic polls, big setback for Cong

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The BJP registered emphatic victories in seven municipal corporations in Haryana, while its nominees were leading in two other civic bodies in the recently held elections. The Congress, which was hoping to improve its electoral fortunes after a defeat in the 2024 Assembly polls, suffered another setback. The BJP candidates won with large margins in Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Karnal, Rohtak, Sonipat, and Ambala. The BJP was also leading in Yamunanagar and Panipat. In Manesar, an Independent candidate, Inderjeet Yadav, won the mayoral election. The results are seen as a major setback for the Congress, which has been facing internal turmoil and factionalism.

'Not To Titillate'

'Not To Titillate'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Manoj Bajpayee is back with another gripping story in Despatch, an investigative crime thriller which is set to release on ZEE5 on December 13.

'They Declared Me Dead!'

'They Declared Me Dead!'

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

'There was panic among my friends and relatives since I was out of reach.' 'My son-in-law Govind drove down to my home to check on my wellbeing.' 'When I opened the door, he joked, "Bhoot Bhoot!"'

The Shyam Benegal I Knew

The Shyam Benegal I Knew

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

His cinema of compassion inspired me, gave me tools to develop empathy for others. But it also made me understand that serious, socially committed cinema with deeply engaging narratives and great performances is an art form to admire, appreciate and explore. Aseem Chhabra remembers Shyam Benegal, who passed into the ages on Monday evening.

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Chinese officials. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and to resume bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

T20 WC: Festival of cricket kicks off in the Americas

T20 WC: Festival of cricket kicks off in the Americas

Rediff.com31 May 2024

Big test for India, Eng; minnows likely to shake applecart

BJP Invites World Parties To Witness Festival Of Democracy

BJP Invites World Parties To Witness Festival Of Democracy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

In the first such initiative, the Bharatiya Janata Party has invited the ruling and Opposition parties from around the world to witness the Lok Sabha elections in India first-hand.

'I Was Thinking Of Quitting Acting'

'I Was Thinking Of Quitting Acting'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'I hadn't worked for three-and-a-half years.' 'I felt industry was based on who you knew.' 'I didn't belong to a network.'

Indo-Bangla talks: What BSF, BGB have discussed on Day 1

Indo-Bangla talks: What BSF, BGB have discussed on Day 1

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Director General of Bangladesh's Border Guard (BGB), Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, has denied reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, calling them "exaggerated." He cited the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja as evidence and pointed to the security provided by BGB to minority communities. The BGB also raised objections to India's fencing along the border during the bi-annual talks with the BSF.

'If There Was A Stock Market For Love, This Was The Bull Run'

'If There Was A Stock Market For Love, This Was The Bull Run'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

'We saw 581 chocolate orders per minute and 324 rose orders per minute.'

Does Modi Want Sharad Pawar On His Side?

Does Modi Want Sharad Pawar On His Side?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Political sources say Modi is 'keen' on getting the NCP (SP) over to the Mahayuti to counter Eknath Shinde's 'demands' and to act as a cushion against his present allies, Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu, 'in case their relationship became untenable'.

Durga Puja: The Countdown Begins

Durga Puja: The Countdown Begins

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

The nine-day festival begins this year on October 3. Each day is devoted to one of Ma Durga's nine avatars -- Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Brahmacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Skandamata, Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Kalaratri, Goddess Mahagauri and Goddess Siddhidatri.

Key factors that will drive the markets this week

Key factors that will drive the markets this week

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Investors will take cues from the December quarter corporate earnings, with blue-chips like Infosys, Reliance Industries scheduled to report their results this week, in addition, inflation data and trading activity of foreign investors will also be crucial in dictating market trends, analysts said.

Economy recovering from Q2 slowdown, says RBI bulletin

Economy recovering from Q2 slowdown, says RBI bulletin

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

The Indian economy is recovering from the slowdown in momentum witnessed in the September quarter, driven by strong festival activity and a sustained upswing in rural demand, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bulletin released on Tuesday. An article on the 'State of the Economy' in the December bulletin noted that the global economy continues to exhibit resilience with steady growth and moderating inflation.

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has adjourned pleas challenging the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law. The court indicated the matter would be listed after the Holi festival break due to a paucity of time. Petitioners, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, argued for an urgent hearing, emphasizing the importance of the issue and the potential impact on democratic processes. The appointment of the new CEC and ECs under the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, has been a point of contention, with petitioners alleging it undermines the independence of the election commission.

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

'Nobody Has The Right To Criticise My Dance Because Of My Skin Colour'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Navratri Begins: Ready To Dance The Garba?

Navratri Begins: Ready To Dance The Garba?

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

The prelude to the nine-day festival, which begins on October 3, is as exciting as the festival itself.

Smartphone market value surges 12% in Q3CY24: Counterpoint

Smartphone market value surges 12% in Q3CY24: Counterpoint

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

India's smartphone market grew by three per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in volume in the third quarter (Q3) of calendar year 2024, while its value surged by 12 per cent Y-o-Y to reach an all-time record for a single quarter, according to a report by research firm Counterpoint. The value growth was driven by an ongoing premiumisation trend, while the increase in volume was driven by an earlier onset of the festival season compared to the previous year.

Steel firms prep for festivals, see demand by auto, consumer goods sectors

Steel firms prep for festivals, see demand by auto, consumer goods sectors

Rediff.com23 Sep 2023

The festive season will mean business for the steel industry as it is the time when automotive and consumer appliance companies bump up demand to prepare for higher sales, experts have said. Ranjan Dhar, chief marketing officer at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), said that bookings by auto and consumer appliance industries are 20 per cent higher ahead of the festive season compared to last year. "While this could be for a couple of months, it could normalise later at approximately 10 per cent," he said.

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

With the rapid evolution of channels like quick-commerce and the emergence of ONDC, the Indian retail industry is 'cautiously optimistic' for 2025, in which new-age technologies such as AI and automation will play a crucial role, driving efficiency and personalisation.

Despite CRR cut, liquidity deficit in banking system crosses Rs 2 trillion

Despite CRR cut, liquidity deficit in banking system crosses Rs 2 trillion

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

The liquidity deficit in the banking system crossed Rs 2 trillion again on Monday, despite the second instalment of cash reserve ratio (CRR) reduction coming into effect from December 28.

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Quick commerce (qcom) industry is poised to lead gig workforce hiring in 2025, propelled by a surge in demand for faster deliveries, expansion by existing players, entry of new competitors, and evolving consumer preferences in the post-pandemic era, according to industry experts. The qcom industry currently employs nearly 260,000 people - around 200,000 delivery personnel and 60,000 dark store workers, according to TeamLease Staffing.

Kareena, Sara Love Going Green With...

Kareena, Sara Love Going Green With...

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

From timeless necklaces to contemporary earrings, emeralds are transforming jewellery.

'English Year': Muslim body issues fatwa against New Year celebrations

'English Year': Muslim body issues fatwa against New Year celebrations

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Razvi continued, urging young Muslim people to avoid participating in New Year celebrations, stressing that Muslims should instead focus on religious practices that align with their faith.

Reliance Q3 net rises 7.4% on rebound in retail, higher telecom earnings

Reliance Q3 net rises 7.4% on rebound in retail, higher telecom earnings

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Reliance Industries Ltd on Thursday reported a 7.4 per cent rise in its December quarter net profit, as its retail business rebounded and telecom earnings rose. Its consolidated net profit of Rs 18,540 crore, or Rs 13.70 per share, in October-December - the third quarter of April 2024 to March 2025 fiscal (FY25) - compared to Rs 17,265 crore, or Rs 12.76 a share, in the same period a year back, according to a stock exchange filing by the company.

When Rishi Kapoor Was 'Delighted' By Modi

When Rishi Kapoor Was 'Delighted' By Modi

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

'"When I was in China, a song by your father was being played," Modi told Ranbir.'

99 And Seven Decimal Points

99 And Seven Decimal Points

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'Does 99 percent guarantee character and capacity for an independent awareness of life or does it make you -- barring exceptions -- a compliant careerist beholden to governments and corporations?' 'What kind of political and social choices would such minds make?' asks Shyam G Menon.

Cars to cost more from January

Cars to cost more from January

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Prices of various car models -- ranging from entry-level hatchbacks to high-end luxury offerings -- are set to rise as automakers have announced price hikes with effect from January. Carmakers cite an increase in input costs and operational expenses as the main reason to implement price increases from the next month. Industry experts, however, note that the exercise is also undertaken by automakers every year in December to shore up sales volume in the last month of the year, as customers postpone buyouts to later months to get the new year manufactured units.

GST records second-highest collection at Rs 1.87 lakh cr in Oct

GST records second-highest collection at Rs 1.87 lakh cr in Oct

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Gross GST collection grew 9 per cent to over Rs 1.87 lakh crore in October on higher revenues from domestic transactions. The Central GST collection stood at Rs 33,821 crore, State GST at Rs 41,864 crore, Integrated IGST at Rs 99,111 crore and cess at Rs 12,550 crore.