News for 'Festival of India'

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

For Yogi Adityanath the successful management of the fair is a crucial part of building 'Brand UP' and making the state a $1 trillion economy.

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.

'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.'

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.'

Film festival sparks row at Odisha varsity, two movies dropped from line up

Film festival sparks row at Odisha varsity, two movies dropped from line up

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

The Ray-helmed film was screened on Friday, despite the initial objections, but two other movies - Gay India Matrimony and Had Anhad were removed from the list by the university, reportedly at the insistence of a right-wing group.

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.

'Shyam Had The Answer To Every 'Why' Under The Sun'

'Shyam Had The Answer To Every 'Why' Under The Sun'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

'I find his sense of history astounding, not just history of film, but of life in general.' Another fascinating excerpt from Sangeeta Datta's book Shyam Benegal.

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.

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.

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.

Festivities, polls prompt govt to keep tabs on food price movement

Festivities, polls prompt govt to keep tabs on food price movement

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

Amid the ongoing festival season and ahead of the elections for five state assemblies, the Centre is closely monitoring inflation, particularly in food items, to enable it to take steps to increase their supplies. "There is a complete no-nonsense attitude when it comes to food inflation, and instructions have been issued at all levels to be very sensitive to any possible price movements in any commodity," a senior official explained. Sources have said that all departments dealing with food items have been instructed to keep a close eye on all commodities and maintain a weekly record of their price movements.

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.

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.

Priyanka-Nick Celebrate Malti's First Holi In India

Priyanka-Nick Celebrate Malti's First Holi In India

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

Priyanka Chopra posted her Holi dump of pictures much later than her colleagues but they were worth the wait.

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.

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.

Christmas celebrated with fervour after 2 yrs of subdued festivities

Christmas celebrated with fervour after 2 yrs of subdued festivities

Rediff.com25 Dec 2022

After two years of muted festivities due to COVID-19, crowds thronged churches across the country this Christmas on Sunday for special prayers as people celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ.

Fundraising activity in debt market gathers speed ahead of festival season

Fundraising activity in debt market gathers speed ahead of festival season

Rediff.com2 Aug 2023

Fundraising activity in the debt market is gaining momentum ahead of the festival season. Several non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) are planning to raise at least Rs 5,560 crore in the next two days by issuing bonds, with a greenshoe size of Rs 6,370 crore. Ajay Malglunia, managing director and head of investment grade group at JM Financial, said, "The market likes certainty, the market will gain clarity after the US Federal Reserve's (Fed's) policy.

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.'

'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.'

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.

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.

Diwali celebrated with fervour after 2 yrs of muted festivities

Diwali celebrated with fervour after 2 yrs of muted festivities

Rediff.com24 Oct 2022

Colourful lights illuminated buildings and earthen lamps dotted houses as people across the country celebrated Diwali with pomp on Monday after two years of muted festivities due to the pandemic.

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.

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.

Ad spends likely to get double-digit boost as festive cheer returns

Ad spends likely to get double-digit boost as festive cheer returns

Rediff.com3 Oct 2022

After losing two festive seasons to Covid-led restrictions, 2022 is seeing an uninhibited celebration of festivals. This is pushing up discretionary spend, which is attracting advertisers and brands, who are ready to capitalise on the momentum. The festive season has begun with Onam and Ganesh Chathurthi held earlier this month in Kerala and Maharashtra, respectively.

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.

Retailers see light at the end of tunnel as I-Day sales provide much-needed boost

Retailers see light at the end of tunnel as I-Day sales provide much-needed boost

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

Retailers are set to end a prolonged period of sluggish sales as the end-of-season sales (EOSS) coincide with the upcoming long weekend. Apparel and lifestyle retailers have faced challenges since the festival season last year. However, with EOSS, which began in June, sales have started to recover, showing noticeable improvement in July and August.

Motown rides on new launches, enhanced discounts; PV sales rise 10% in July

Motown rides on new launches, enhanced discounts; PV sales rise 10% in July

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

Passenger vehicle retail sales in India witnessed a 10 per cent on-year jump in July driven by new model launches and enhanced discounts, industry body FADA said on Monday. Total passenger vehicle retail sales rose to 3,20,129 units in July, as compared to 2,90,564 units in July 2023. "Dealers reported benefits from good product availability, attractive schemes, and a wider range of products," the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) vice president C S Vigneshwar said in a statement.

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.

Tomatoes now cost Rs 65/kg in Delhi

Tomatoes now cost Rs 65/kg in Delhi

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

The Centre on Monday started selling tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 65 per kg in the national capital to provide relief to the common man and check abnormal profits by intermediaries. Tomatoes are being sold at an average rate of Rs 90 per kg in the national capital.

We have very close contact with MEA: German envoy on Ariha case

We have very close contact with MEA: German envoy on Ariha case

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

He said this in response to a query during a press interaction held at his residence in New Delhi on what Germany was willing to do bring over three-year-old Ariha back and whether her issue will be raised at the "highest level".

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.

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.

117 Years After Ranji, Meet The New Jamsaheb

117 Years After Ranji, Meet The New Jamsaheb

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

'The festival of Dussehra is celebrated to mark the day the Pandavas emerged victorious from their exile. Today, on Dussehra, I am equally happy, as Ajay Jadeja has accepted to be my heir,' the current jamsaheb said in a statement.

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.

What steps taken?: SC to Delhi govt on cracker ban

What steps taken?: SC to Delhi govt on cracker ban

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih referred to newspaper reports mentioning a considerable violation of court orders.

Festive bonanza: SBI, HDFC offer home loans at 8.40%

Festive bonanza: SBI, HDFC offer home loans at 8.40%

Rediff.com12 Oct 2022

Despite rising interest rates, leading home loan players SBI and HDFC have announced discounted interest rates beginning at 8.40 per cent as part of their festive offerings. SBI in a statement said that its home loan book has topped the Rs 6 lakh crore mark, a first in the industry. The leading lender said it is offering up to 25 bps discount on interest rate to new home loan borrowers, making the entry level rate at 8.40 per cent and the offer will run up to January 31, 2023.

FPIs withdraw record Rs 94,000 cr from Indian equities in Oct

FPIs withdraw record Rs 94,000 cr from Indian equities in Oct

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Foreign investors pulled out a massive Rs 94,000 crore (around $11.2 billion) from the Indian stock market in October, making it the worst-ever month in terms of outflows, triggered by the elevated valuation of domestic equities and attractive valuations of Chinese stocks. Before this, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrew Rs 61,973 crore from equities in March 2020. The latest outflow came after a nine-month high investment of Rs 57,724 crore in September 2024.

Can't compromise on even an inch on our borders: Modi

Can't compromise on even an inch on our borders: Modi

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

"Today there is a government in the country which cannot compromise even on one inch of the country's borders," the prime minister added.