News for 'II -'

Chandrika Tandon Wins A Grammy

Chandrika Tandon Wins A Grammy

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Chennai-born Indian-American businesswoman and musician Chandrika Tandon, 71, won a Grammy in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for her album Triveni, a blend of ancient chants and world music, at the 2025 Grammys.

Queen Elizabeth II admired richness, diversity of India

Queen Elizabeth II admired richness, diversity of India

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 on Thursday, was the first British monarch to accede to the throne after India's Independence from colonial rule in 1952 and admired the 'richness and diversity' of India where she made three State Visits over the course of her reign -- in 1961, 1983 and 1997.

SpiceJet settles $132-mn dispute with aircraft leasing firm BBAM

SpiceJet settles $132-mn dispute with aircraft leasing firm BBAM

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Budget carrier SpiceJet on Wednesday said it has amicably settled a $132-million dispute with aircraft leasing firm Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM). The dispute, valued at $131.85 million (Rs 1,107 crore) with the lessors -- Horizon Aviation 1 Ltd, Horizon II Aviation 3 Ltd, and Horizon III Aviation 2 Ltd -- has been resolved for $22.5 million, SpiceJet said in a statement.

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.

'Zepto Is India's Fastest-Growing Internet Company'

'Zepto Is India's Fastest-Growing Internet Company'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

'Domestic investors are opening up to the idea of high-growth Internet companies as a pool of value creation.' 'They like the execution that they see with Zepto, and for us, that is the most important factor.'

Advocate brutally attacked in TN court complex

Advocate brutally attacked in TN court complex

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

An advocate was brutally attacked by a man in front of the court complex in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday, triggering protests by the members of the Bar in the district demanding protection to colleagues at their workplace. The assailant, identified as Ananda Kumar, inflicted grievous cut injuries with a matchet, allegedly due to previous enmity with the victim. The incident sparked a political outrage in the state with various parties criticizing the state government's law and order situation.

India tests shield against missiles with 5000 km range

India tests shield against missiles with 5000 km range

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

The flight test fully met all the trial objectives validating complete network centric warfare weapon system, the defence ministry said.

PVR Inox shares hit 44-month low; stock has tanked 23% from December high

PVR Inox shares hit 44-month low; stock has tanked 23% from December high

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

PVR Inox shares hit a 44-month low of Rs 1,154, declining 8 per cent on the BSE in Tuesday's intra-day trade in an otherwise firm market, driven by growth concerns. The stock has slipped 23 per cent from its December high of Rs 1,620, touched on December 5, 2024. It has fallen below its previous low of Rs 1,203.7 from June 4, 2024, and is trading at its lowest level since May 2021.

Smog engulfs Delhi as air quality drops to 'very poor'

Smog engulfs Delhi as air quality drops to 'very poor'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

This deterioration in air quality led to prompting enforcement of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital.

'Film Industry Doesn't Like New Things'

'Film Industry Doesn't Like New Things'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'When you try to do something that's not been tried before, nobody likes that.'

Direct tax: Budget 2025-26 eases burden, boosts spending and growth

Direct tax: Budget 2025-26 eases burden, boosts spending and growth

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The eighth Budget of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman continued to focus on 'GYAN' (Garib, Youth, Annadata, Nari) to maintain a consistent and coherent strategy initiated over the years in pursuing the government's vision for Viksit Bharat. The approach, characterised by incremental yet impactful steps, aims to create a compounding effect over time.

Over 4 lakh students to lose 5 marks in NEET-UG after SC order

Over 4 lakh students to lose 5 marks in NEET-UG after SC order

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

The NTA had treated the two options as correct answers to the Physics question and had granted four marks to those examinees who had marked these options.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, dies aged 96

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, dies aged 96

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace announced in a statement on Thursday.

India rings in 2025 amid tight security across major cities

India rings in 2025 amid tight security across major cities

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Thousands of police personnel and CCTV cameras were deployed and traffic regulated across states on Tuesday to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incident as the country geared up to welcome 2025.

Electric vehicle sales down 12% in November after festival-driven rush

Electric vehicle sales down 12% in November after festival-driven rush

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

In the e2W category, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of total EV sales, volumes fell 15 per cent to 118,944 units in November, compared to 139,787 units in the previous month

Amazon, Flipkart Will Need $1 Billion To...

Amazon, Flipkart Will Need $1 Billion To...

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

... catch up with Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto...

Only 41% of EVs FAME II scheme target achieved

Only 41% of EVs FAME II scheme target achieved

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

As the government plans no further extension of the scheme beyond FY24, the task is to achieve the unfinished target of subsidising 914,707 EVs.

Modi pays homage at memorials, including 'Good Maharaja Square', in Warsaw

Modi pays homage at memorials, including 'Good Maharaja Square', in Warsaw

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Modi, who arrived in Warsaw on the first leg of his two-nation visit during which he will also travel to Ukraine, paid his tributes at the memorials for the Valivade-Kolhapur camp and the Monument to the Battle of Monte Cassino in Warsaw.

Hindujas turn London's World War II era war office into a luxury hotel

Hindujas turn London's World War II era war office into a luxury hotel

Rediff.com27 Sep 2023

The Old War Office (OWO) of Britain's World War II era prime minister Winston Churchill opened its doors as a brand-new luxury hotel in London with a glittering launch event, complete with surprise musical performances by musicians Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Andrea Bocelli. Princess Anne - the Princess Royal, the sister of King Charles III, officially unveiled the plaque for The OWO after a tour of the hotel with Hinduja Group co-chairman GP Hinduja on Tuesday evening. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also made a quick stopover, along with parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, hoteliers and stars of film and television.

Aradhanaa Makes A Smashing Debut And Wins An Award

Aradhanaa Makes A Smashing Debut And Wins An Award

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

Here's some sizzle from the IIFA Utsavam night, which was dedicated to the south film industries of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has seen a reduction in fighter squadrons due to the phasing out of ageing MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence acknowledged the "shortage" and highlighted the multi-pronged approach being taken to address it. This includes the induction of indigenous Tejas fighters and the procurement of additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft. The report also addresses concerns over "incidences of spying" within the IAF and details the action taken against those involved.

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels despite curbs

Delhi air quality plummets to alarming levels despite curbs

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Delhi's air quality plummeted to alarming levels on Tuesday after 24 days, with many areas witnessing a significant spike in pollution despite the strictest measures, including a ban on construction activities and the entry of trucks into the city, coming into force.

How Can India Deal With Trump 2.0?

How Can India Deal With Trump 2.0?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

It would be a challenge to India's policy makers how to deal with Trump so that mutual economic growth remains sustained and mutual understanding on global issues are not hampered, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Will Skoda's New SUV Kylaq Make It big?

Will Skoda's New SUV Kylaq Make It big?

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

The company is eyeing sales of 8,000 units per month for the Kylaq, which starts at Rs 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom) and boasts 96 per cent localisation.

Swiggy refiles IPO papers; eyes Rs 3,750 cr via fresh issue

Swiggy refiles IPO papers; eyes Rs 3,750 cr via fresh issue

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Food and grocery delivery major Swiggy on Thursday filed its updated draft papers with capital markets regulator Sebi to raise funds through its much anticipated initial public offering (IPO). The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 3,750 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 18.52 crore equity shares by existing shareholders, according to the updated draft red herring prospectus (UDRHP). Market sources have pegged the company's IPO size at over Rs 10,000 crore.

AIFs gain currency as fundraise tops Rs 5 trn

AIFs gain currency as fundraise tops Rs 5 trn

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Alternative investment funds (AIFs) have crossed Rs 5 trillion in terms of funds raised, while the investment commitments have surpassed Rs 12 trillion for the first time as of September, according to data released by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. He was brought to the emergency department of AIIMS Delhi in critical condition after "sudden loss of consciousness."

Five main-board, 6 SMEs to hit the markets to raise Rs 18,500 cr

Five main-board, 6 SMEs to hit the markets to raise Rs 18,500 cr

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The IPO market is set to be bustling next week, with 11 companies like Vishal Mega Mart, TPG Capital-backed Sai Life Sciences and fintech firm One Mobikwik Systems gearing up to launch their initial share sales, collectively aiming to raise nearly Rs 18,500 crore. Other mainboard IPOs to be launched during this period are Inventurus Knowledge Solutions Ltd and Blackstone-owned diamond grading firm International Gemmological Institute (India) Ltd.

Time For India To Revisit Western Alliances

Time For India To Revisit Western Alliances

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

It's time India re-visited its Western alliances for the attitude and approach that the West reserves for the nation when it comes to security cooperation of the kind that they might not have visualised outside of China, India's bug-bear, asserts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Lamborghini accelerates India plans, goes full throttle on Tier-I, -II cities

Lamborghini accelerates India plans, goes full throttle on Tier-I, -II cities

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

Lamborghini is focusing on bringing its new car models to India faster after the global launch of its Huracn Tecnica, its country head Sharad Agarwal said on Thursday, adding there is a lot more scope for the company to expand in tier I and II cities. "Typically, in the premium and luxury car segments, there is a lag of six to 18 months between a global launch and India launch," he said in an interview to Business Standard. The Italian carmaker launched the two-seater track-focused performance car - the Huracn Tecnica - here on Thursday four months after its global unveiling.

Modi inaugurates railway, Kochi Metro Phase II projects in Kerala

Modi inaugurates railway, Kochi Metro Phase II projects in Kerala

Rediff.com1 Sep 2022

The prime minister, who is on a two-day visit to the state, inaugurated, laid the foundation stone of and dedicated to the nation, railway and metro projects in the state worth Rs 4,500 crore.

Adani denies entering into pact to operate Kenya airport

Adani denies entering into pact to operate Kenya airport

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Billionaire Gautam Adani's group on Saturday clarified on reports of Kenya cancelling more than $2.5 billion in deals after US indictment on bribery charges, saying it had not entered into any binding agreement to operate Kenya's main airport. On the pact it had signed last month to build and operate key electricity transmission lines in Kenya for 30 years, the group said the project did not fall within the ambit of Sebi's disclosure regulations, thereby not warranting any disclosure on its cancellation.

The King of Polo Rides Off Into The Ages

The King of Polo Rides Off Into The Ages

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

Colonel Billie Sodhi's life and family heritage reflect an unwavering commitment to excellence in polo, equestrian sports, and a rare, enduring athletic legacy.

Flags fly at half mast as India mourns Queen Elizabeth II

Flags fly at half mast as India mourns Queen Elizabeth II

Rediff.com11 Sep 2022

As India observes state mourning on Sunday over Queen Elizabeth II's death, many people questioned the decision after the government's attempts to remove 'symbols of slavery' by rechristening Rajpath and unveiling a new naval ensign drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Demolition of Kashmiri Pandits' shops sparks protests in Jammu

Demolition of Kashmiri Pandits' shops sparks protests in Jammu

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) demolished a dozen shops belonging to displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu city, allegedly without issuing notices, sparking protests from various sections demanding action against the officials. The shops were located on JDA land and had been built by displaced Kashmiri Pandits near the Muthi camp three decades ago. The demolition drive sparked outrage from political parties, including the BJP, PDP and Apni Party, and several Kashmir Pandit organisations, who condemned the JDA's action and called for the construction of new shops to help the displaced community sustain their livelihood.

CPSE dividend likely to cross record FY24 tally

CPSE dividend likely to cross record FY24 tally

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

The Centre may overshoot the Rs 56,260 crore target for dividend receipts from central public-sector enterprises (CPSEs) set for FY25 and is likely to end up getting around Rs 65,000 crore this financial year, according to a senior government official. This excludes dividend from nationalised banks and financial institutions. As on October 21, the Centre collected Rs 28,913 crore as dividend and other investment from CPSEs, accounting for over 50 per cent of the Budget Estimate for FY25.

Major strike foiled as 2 more terrorists killed in Jammu encounter

Major strike foiled as 2 more terrorists killed in Jammu encounter

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

Security forces on Tuesday morning gunned down two terrorists holed up in a forest area near a village in the Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the number of militants killed in the 27-hour-long gunfight near the Line of Control (LoC) to three, officials said.

Gautam Singhania reappointed as Raymond CMD for 5 years

Gautam Singhania reappointed as Raymond CMD for 5 years

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

Textiles and fabric manufacturer Raymond Ltd on Thursday said its shareholders have approved the reappointment of Gautam Hari Singhania as chairman & managing director for a term of five years effective from July 1, 2024, along with his proposed remuneration. "The shareholders of the company at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today (June 27) have approved the re-appointment of Singhania. "The AGM commenced at 3 pm and concluded at 4:05 pm," Raymond Ltd said in a regulatory filing.

IPO pipeline: 10 companies aim to raise Rs 20,000 cr in Dec

IPO pipeline: 10 companies aim to raise Rs 20,000 cr in Dec

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The primary market is expected to remain vibrant, with at least 10 companies, including supermart major Vishal Mega Mart and Blackstone-owned diamond grading firm International Gemmological Institute (India) Ltd expected to raise a combined Rs 20,000 crore in the next month, merchant bankers said. Education-focused NBFC Avanse Financial Services, TPG Capital-backed Sai Life Sciences, hospital chain operator Paras Healthcare, and investment bank DAM Capital Advisors are also among the companies planning to launch their IPOs in December, they added. The companies aim to raise a total of Rs 20,000 crore through their public offerings.

Former Karnataka CM S M Krishna passes away

Former Karnataka CM S M Krishna passes away

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna passed away at his residence in Bengaluru early Tuesday morning, his family said.