News for 'Festival of India'

When Will Zainab-Akhil Wed?

When Will Zainab-Akhil Wed?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Akhil is a good boy and deserves every happiness.' 'Zainab is a lovely girl and I am so happy they have decided to spend their lives together.'

Ranbir's Ramayana To Release In 2 Parts

Ranbir's Ramayana To Release In 2 Parts

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'This epic adaptation brings to life one of India's most cherished tales with unmatched scale and visionary storytelling.'

Agri GVA stands out on strong monsoon

Agri GVA stands out on strong monsoon

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Amid low growth elsewhere, gross value added (GVA) growth in agriculture and allied activities recovered during the second quarter of the current financial year (Q2FY25) to 3.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) due to strong monsoon. Experts feel that the rains have laid the foundation of an even better GVA performance in subsequent quarters. GVA growth in the first quarter of FY25 was 2.0 per cent.

As PV sales dip, FADA raises alarm over rising inventory level

As PV sales dip, FADA raises alarm over rising inventory level

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

Passenger vehicle retail sales in India witnessed a 5 per cent on-year decline in August on account of delayed customer purchases, poor consumer sentiment and persistent heavy rains, industry body FADA said on Thursday. The overall passenger vehicle (PV) registrations last month stood at 309,053 units, as compared to 323,720 units in August 2023.

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

'Senior Vatican officials were pleasantly surprised at the number of Indians who had come to witness the ceremony.'

'Film Industry Isn't So Responsible For Nepotism'

'Film Industry Isn't So Responsible For Nepotism'

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

'It's also the media and the audience.' 'The audiences want to watch what the media is putting about certain star kids.'The industry feels since the audience is interested, let's make a movie with them.' 'So I think it's a circle.

Banking, financial stocks drag Sensex down by 427 points

Banking, financial stocks drag Sensex down by 427 points

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

From the 30-share Sensex pack, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, State Bank of India, HCL Technologies, Axis Bank, NTPC and HDFC Bank were among the laggards. In contrast, Maruti, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, ITC and UltraTech Cement defied broader market trends and ended in positive territory.

Modi invites G20 to witness 'festival of democracy' in 2024 polls

Modi invites G20 to witness 'festival of democracy' in 2024 polls

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Modi said India's next general elections will be held in 2024 and he invited G20 delegates to visit the country to witness the "festival of democracy" in the "mother of democracy".

Which Film Would You Pick For The Oscars?

Which Film Would You Pick For The Oscars?

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Which of the 28 films in contention gets your vote?

Kenyan great Kemboi invites Sable to train under him for 'free'

Kenyan great Kemboi invites Sable to train under him for 'free'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Two-time Olympic medalist and four-time World Champion steeplechase runner Kenyan great Ezekiel Kemboi invites Sable to train under him has invited Indian star Avinash Sable for training sessions at his base in Kenya.

Motown in slow lane: Sales of top 3 automakers down

Motown in slow lane: Sales of top 3 automakers down

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors reported a decline in wholesales in September as the companies curtailed dispatches to dealers to reduce inventory build-up amid a decline in demand. Maruti Suzuki India reported a 4 per cent dip in total domestic passenger vehicle wholesales last month to 144,962 units compared to 150,812 units in the year-ago month. The auto major said sales of mini segment cars, comprising Alto and S-Presso, grew marginally to 10,363 units against 10,351 units in September 2023.

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning of significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu.

2024: Top 10 International Films

2024: Top 10 International Films

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Aseem Chhabra lists his favourite 2024 films that he watched at film festivals held in Berlin, Cannes, Toronto and India.

'Pakistan Is Very Active In Bangladesh'

'Pakistan Is Very Active In Bangladesh'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

'The government is saying 88 Hindus have been killed, but it could be much more.' 'Their properties are being looted, their businesses have been ransacked. I am getting distress calls from there.' 'Muslims who believe in the philosophy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are also under attack. Most of those who have fled Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's fall are Muslims.'

From Virginia To Kachiguda, Ganpati Bappa Morya

From Virginia To Kachiguda, Ganpati Bappa Morya

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

You can e-mail your pictures to getahead@rediff.co.in (My Lord Ganesha Pix) with your name, location, details about your Lord Ganesha and what this festival means to you. We will publish the best entries right here on Rediff.com.

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Prayagraj is a must-visit place in 2025, but in January and February you can't miss the Maha Kumbh, a spectacular event like no other.

65% polling in Maha; Maoist-hit Gadchiroli beats Mumbai's voter turnout

65% polling in Maha; Maoist-hit Gadchiroli beats Mumbai's voter turnout

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 58.22 per cent till 5 pm on Wednesday in the elections to the 288-member state legislative assembly, with Gadchiroli district logging more than 69 per cent voting, poll officials said.

Like British, Cong...: Modi on Ganesh puja at CJI home

Like British, Cong...: Modi on Ganesh puja at CJI home

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Modi also said that Lord Ganesh was "put behind bars" in Karnataka by these people.

Moody's says Indian economy likely to grow 7.2% in 2024

Moody's says Indian economy likely to grow 7.2% in 2024

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Indian economy is in a sweet spot, with a mix of solid growth and moderating inflation, Moody's Ratings said, forecasting a 7.2 per cent GDP growth in the 2024 calendar year and 6.6 per cent in the next. In its Global Macro Outlook 2025-26, the rating agency said the global economy has shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, an energy and food crisis after the Russia-Ukraine war began, high inflation and consequent monetary policy tightening.

Indian, Chinese troops exchange sweets on Diwali post disengagement

Indian, Chinese troops exchange sweets on Diwali post disengagement

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

The exchange took place at five Border Personnel Meeting points along the LAC, the sources added.

Top 8 housing mkts see 5% dip in sales in Q2

Top 8 housing mkts see 5% dip in sales in Q2

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Housing sales declined 5 per cent in the July-September quarter across the top eight cities due to a fall in new supply and sharp appreciation in prices, according to PropTiger. Real estate brokerage platform PropTiger.com, which is part of Australia's REA group that owns Housing.com, on Tuesday, released its report 'Real Insight' on India's residential market. A total of 96,544 units were sold in July-September, down 5 per cent from 1,01,221 units sold during the same period in 2023.

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Prayagraj is transforming into a massive temporary city to host the Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, expected to draw over 40 crore pilgrims. The preparations include extensive infrastructure development, including 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets, and a 1,250-km pipeline network. The event, starting on January 13, will culminate on February 26, bringing together millions of devotees for the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

GDP growth still resilient: India maintains momentum despite Q1 slowdown

GDP growth still resilient: India maintains momentum despite Q1 slowdown

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

Against the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) projection of 7.1 per cent, India's first quarter (Q1) 2024-25 (FY25) gross domestic product (GDP) growth came in at 6.7 per cent. This is in line with market expectations and significantly lower than the 7.8 per cent recorded in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2023-24 (FY24) and 8.2 per cent in Q1FY24. The quarter witnessed decreased government consumption and investment spending due to the parliamentary election.

GST collections rise 10% to Rs 1.75 lakh cr in Aug

GST collections rise 10% to Rs 1.75 lakh cr in Aug

Rediff.com1 Sep 2024

Gross GST collections in August grew 10 per cent to about Rs 1.75 lakh crore, reflecting higher domestic consumption. As per the government data released on Sunday, gross GST revenues from domestic transactions grew 9.2 per cent to about Rs 1.25 lakh crore. Revenues from import of goods were up 12.1 per cent to Rs 49,976 crore.

68% voting in Jharkhand's 2nd phase, pips 2019 figs

68% voting in Jharkhand's 2nd phase, pips 2019 figs

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

About 68 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm on Wednesday in 38 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting in the second and final phase ended, officials said.

Lots Of OTT Goodies To Watch, Guys!

Lots Of OTT Goodies To Watch, Guys!

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Literary adaptations, whistleblower pursuits, kidnapped Santas and South India's biggest stars, Sukanya Verma lists them all on OTT this week.

Indian Film Makes HISTORY At Cannes

Indian Film Makes HISTORY At Cannes

Rediff.com26 May 2024

'Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please don't wait 30 years to have another Indian film.'

Investors, Wait And Watch

Investors, Wait And Watch

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

'Invest only in stocks of those companies that deliver on earnings and there is earnings visibility too for the next few quarters.'

Gold imports doubled to record high of $10.06 bn in August

Gold imports doubled to record high of $10.06 bn in August

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Gold imports more than doubled in August to a record high of $10.06 billion, mainly on account of a drastic cut in customs duty and ongoing festive demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data. Gold imports stood at $4.93 billion in August 2023. On record high imports, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that the tariff rates on gold have been reduced drastically so that smuggling and other activities can come down.

Dahi Handi: Insurers Cover 90,000+ Govindas

Dahi Handi: Insurers Cover 90,000+ Govindas

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

'As on August 25, 94,753 Govindas have been insured.' 'This number is expected to rise further, as proposals for 5,000 to 8,000 Govindas are received daily.'

FPIs withdraw Rs 85,790 cr from Indian equities in Oct

FPIs withdraw Rs 85,790 cr from Indian equities in Oct

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Foreign investors have continued selling in the Indian market, pulling out a massive Rs 85,790 crore (around $10.2 billion) from equities this month due to Chinese stimulus measures, attractive stock valuations, and the elevated pricing of domestic equities. October is turning into the worst-ever month in terms of foreign fund outflows. In March 2020, FPIs withdrew Rs 61,973 crore from equities.

My Top Films Of 2024

My Top Films Of 2024

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Despite the mediocrity at large, these films had me in raptures for the emotions they evoked within as a cheering audience, critic and cinephile.

The Global Ambassador Of Indian Music

The Global Ambassador Of Indian Music

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

He was a formidable musician but seemed utterly human, a Peter Pan who wore his genius with deceptive lightness. Sandip Roy remembers Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Haryana polls deferred to Oct 5, counting with J-K on Oct 8

Haryana polls deferred to Oct 5, counting with J-K on Oct 8

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The Election Commission on Saturday deferred the Haryana assembly poll date to October 5 from October 1, saying the decision was taken keeping in mind a centuries-old festival of the Bishnoi community.

RSS chief flags threats from 'Deep State', 'wokeism', 'cultural Marxist'

RSS chief flags threats from 'Deep State', 'wokeism', 'cultural Marxist'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

According to Bhagwat, a narrative is being spread in neighbouring Bangladesh, which recently witnessed a massive political upheaval, that India is a threat and they should join Pakistan as a defence against Bharat. Who is spreading such a narrative, he asked.

DA for over 1 crore central govt staff, pensioners hiked by 3%

DA for over 1 crore central govt staff, pensioners hiked by 3%

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

The Centre on Wednesday increased the Dearness Allowance (DA) by 3 percentage points effective from July 1 this year, benefitting more than 1 crore employees and pensioners ahead of the Diwali festival. The Union Cabinet has approved to increase Dearness Allowance (DA) to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners by three percentage points of the basic pay/pension ahead of Diwali, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said after the Cabinet meeting.

India's automobile retail sales surge 27% in April: FADA

India's automobile retail sales surge 27% in April: FADA

Rediff.com8 May 2024

Total vehicle retail sales in India rose 27 per cent year-on-year to 22,06,070 units in April as all segments, including passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, witnessed growth, industry body FADA said on Wednesday. The overall vehicle registrations stood at 17,40,649 units in April 2023. Passenger vehicle retail sales rose 16 per cent to 335,123 units last month as compared to 289,056 units in the same month last year.

Look Who's Wearing Rohit Bal!

Look Who's Wearing Rohit Bal!

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

From Ivanka Trump to Deepika Padukone, everyone loved Rohit Bal's magnificent creations.

Does Laapataa Ladies Deserve To Go To Oscars? VOTE!

Does Laapataa Ladies Deserve To Go To Oscars? VOTE!

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies has been picked as India's official entry for Oscars 2025.

Indian History Could Have Changed If...

Indian History Could Have Changed If...

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

'Had these leaders known that Jinnah was dying...'