News for 'India Ratings'

Indian B-Schools Face Urgent Need To Boost AI Competencies

Indian B-Schools Face Urgent Need To Boost AI Competencies

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A national study of top 75 Indian B-schools reveals a significant competency gap in AI skills among management graduates, with industry expectations far exceeding current MBA capabilities. A new framework by AIMS, EPSI, and IMC highlights the urgent need for management education to adapt to an AI-led workplace, emphasizing behavioural competencies alongside data fluency.

Surplus Liquidity from FCNR(B) Inflows to Cut Bank Funding Costs by 50 Bps

Surplus Liquidity from FCNR(B) Inflows to Cut Bank Funding Costs by 50 Bps

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Indian banks anticipate a reduction of up to 50 basis points in their funding costs due to a surge in liquidity from robust Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR (B), flows, lessening their reliance on more expensive certificates of deposit (CDs).

UPI Fee: Governments Gusty Response

UPI Fee: Governments Gusty Response

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

If the new MDR regime is rolled out from the middle of this month, as scheduled, it should count as one of the boldest political actions by the Modi government on an economic-policy issue, and a signal that it is less worried about erosion of political capital it draws from one of its key constituencies, notes A K Bhattacharya.

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Wholesale Inflation Hits 9.92% in August, Driven by Food, Fuel, Manufactured Goods

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

India's wholesale price-based inflation (WPI) increased to 9.92 per cent in August, up from 9.78 per cent in July, primarily due to rising prices across food, manufactured items, and fuel and power sectors.

Is Sachin's 100-Century Record Within Kohli's Reach?

Is Sachin's 100-Century Record Within Kohli's Reach?

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Virat Kohli has moved a step closer to Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries after his brilliant 139 against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. The hundred took Kohli's tally to 86, leaving him 14 centuries short of equalling Tendulkar and 15 away from taking the record.

Understanding The New UPI Transaction Fees For Merchants

Understanding The New UPI Transaction Fees For Merchants

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments exceeding Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, marking the end of nearly six years of free service. Person-to-person transfers and small-value transactions below Rs 2,000 remain free. The new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is capped at Rs 300 for transactions above Rs 75,000, with differentiated rates for essential sectors and investments, and safeguards to prevent costs from being passed to consumers.

Cricket Fans Rush For India-New Zealand Tour Tickets

Cricket Fans Rush For India-New Zealand Tour Tickets

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

India's multi-format cricket tour of New Zealand has seen unprecedented early ticket sales, with 26,000 tickets sold in the first 48 hours of the pre-sale. The 12-match series, starting in October, is proving to be a major draw, particularly for white-ball matches, prompting New Zealand Cricket to urge fans to secure their seats quickly.

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Congress Questions Government's UPI Fee Notification

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the government's recent notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for users to be charged fees, particularly for transactions above Rs 2,000. The party claims the government lacks transparency and questions if the move is to benefit American firms. The government, however, states that charges are necessary for the system's sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, with the Finance Minister clarifying that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers.

Coach Amol Muzumdar: India Are Hungry For Success At Asia Cup, Asian Games

Coach Amol Muzumdar: India Are Hungry For Success At Asia Cup, Asian Games

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Indian head coach Amol Muzumdar acknowledged the absence of 'clutch player' Jemimah Rodrigues due to injury for the Women's Asia Cup but emphasised the team's strong hunger for success in upcoming tournaments, including the Asia Cup and Asian Games.

Rohit, Kohli face big test as World Cup 2027 countdown begins

Rohit, Kohli face big test as World Cup 2027 countdown begins

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

India's three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting Sunday, is a vital preparatory stage for the ICC World Cup 2027. The series will focus on giving game time to young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and assessing the form of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who is nearing a significant ODI milestone. The development of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is also a priority. The West Indies team, grappling with recent losses and financial issues, will aim to overcome these challenges and deliver a competitive performance.

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.

India Ranks Fifth in GenAI Patents

India Ranks Fifth in GenAI Patents

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

India published 929 generative AI patents in 2024 and 2025 alone -- equating to nearly 70 per cent of the 1,350 patents it published over the entire previous decade (2014 to 2023).

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'The fundamental issue that I have raised, how come India's GDP in current prices went down from Rs 86 lakh crore down to Rs 80 lakh crore -- a staggering erasure of Rs 6 lakh crore. This disappearance of Rs 6 lakh crore has not been answered by anyone.'

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu pushes for 15-20% growth, urges proactive governance

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu pushes for 15-20% growth, urges proactive governance

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set an ambitious target for district collectors to achieve a 15-20 per cent growth rate, building on the state's 13.4 per cent growth in Q1 FY27, the highest in India.

India's Enemies Watch Out: AK-203 Sher Roars!

India's Enemies Watch Out: AK-203 Sher Roars!

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

India has successfully manufactured and test-fired its first fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named 'Sher', at the Korwa facility in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in defence self-reliance with 100 per cent Indian components.

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Ashok Gehlot Slams Centre Over New UPI Transaction Charges

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has criticised the Centre for introducing a 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, alleging the decision was influenced by pressure from the United States and its payment companies like Visa and Mastercard. He highlighted a perceived shift in the government's stance on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI, claiming it would ultimately burden consumers and small businesses while benefiting American firms.

Debate Rages Over New UPI MDR Charges

Debate Rages Over New UPI MDR Charges

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has voiced concerns over the Centre's decision to introduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, urging protection for small traders and common people. This move has sparked a political debate, with the BJP defending the charges as beneficial for digital infrastructure and largely not impacting consumers, while the Congress and traders' associations criticise it as an additional burden.

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The SIP culture has been rapidly growing in India among retail investors. As per AMFI data, monthly SIP contributions crossed 31,961 crore in July 2026, which is nearly a 10x jump from 3,122 crore recorded in April 2016.

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

CAGR vs XIRR: Why are most SIP investors are reading their returns wrong!

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The SIP culture has been rapidly growing in India among retail investors. As per AMFI data, monthly SIP contributions crossed 31,961 crore in July 2026, which is nearly a 10x jump from 3,122 crore recorded in April 2016.

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

New UPI MDR Fee Could Push Small Retailers Back To Cash, Warns RAI

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has voiced concerns that the government's new 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 could reverse the progress of digital payment adoption among small retailers. This fee, effective October 15, places the burden on merchants operating on thin margins, potentially pushing them back to cash transactions and undermining the government's formalisation agenda, especially ahead of the festive season.

Finance Ministry to begin pre-Budget meetings from Oct 12

Finance Ministry to begin pre-Budget meetings from Oct 12

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry is set to commence its pre-budget meetings on October 12, initiating preparations for the Union Budget 2027-28, which will be the fourth budget of the Modi 3.0 government and the tenth for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Moto Pad 70 Brings 2.5K Display, Dolby Atmos And 68W Charging To India

Moto Pad 70 Brings 2.5K Display, Dolby Atmos And 68W Charging To India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Motorola has expanded its tablet portfolio in India with the Moto Pad 70, a feature-packed device aimed at users seeking entertainment and productivity on the go.

UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants to attract 0.4% MDR from Oct 15

UPI payments above Rs 2,000 to merchants to attract 0.4% MDR from Oct 15

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends nearly six years of fully free UPI payments, though person-to-person (P2P) transfers and small P2M payments remain free. The charges aim to bolster investment in UPI infrastructure, with specific exemptions and caps for essential sectors.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Global Price Surge Depletes 58% of India's FY27 Fertiliser Subsidy Budget

Global Price Surge Depletes 58% of India's FY27 Fertiliser Subsidy Budget

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India has exhausted 58.04 per cent of its FY27 fertiliser subsidy budget in under five months, primarily due to a significant surge in global urea prices following the conflict in West Asia, necessitating potential additional government expenditure.

Sanath Jayasuriya hails teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as 'future' of Indian cricket

Sanath Jayasuriya hails teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as 'future' of Indian cricket

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya has lauded Indian teen cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a 'different kind of talent' and the 'future for India', despite his recent exclusion from the playing XI against Afghanistan.

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Sitharaman: GST Council to tackle process reforms, digital economy tax complexities

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council's October 7 meeting will focus on 'GST 2.0' process reforms, including e-invoicing and input tax credit rules, while also addressing complex issues surrounding the taxation of the digital economy and cryptocurrency.

Ishan Kishan details how he adapts from long-format cricket to T20s

Ishan Kishan details how he adapts from long-format cricket to T20s

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Ishan Kishan explained how he switches from long-format cricket to T20s within days, stressing quick adaptation, a calm mindset and understanding his role during partnerships with teammates.

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

UPI MDR: Ministry Addresses Concerns Over Cash Transactions And Inflation

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Finance Ministry has clarified that the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, is not expected to increase cash transactions or cause inflation. The ministry also dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the decision, asserting that the policy aims to promote RuPay credit cards within the UPI ecosystem, and a monitoring mechanism will ensure the MDR burden is not passed on to consumers.

New UPI Merchant Fee Sparks Volatility In Fintech Shares

New UPI Merchant Fee Sparks Volatility In Fintech Shares

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transfers above Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective October 15, ending nearly six years of free merchant payments. This move led to initial rallies in fintech stocks like Paytm and Mobikwik, though some later pared gains. Person-to-person transactions and small payments remain free for customers, with the fee being a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).

Paytm shares jump over 7% as UPI fee introduced; other fintechs volatile

Paytm shares jump over 7% as UPI fee introduced; other fintechs volatile

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Shares of fintech firms, particularly Paytm, saw significant movement after the Indian government introduced a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI transfers exceeding Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective October 15.

Sehwag's son debuts but Dravid Jr steals the show

Sehwag's son debuts but Dravid Jr steals the show

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India Under-19 secured a narrow seven-run victory over Australia U-19 in a rain-affected first Youth ODI. Anvay Dravid's explosive late innings and Yashbardhan Chauhan's all-round performance, including a half-century and two wickets, were pivotal. The match also marked the U19 debut of Aaryavir Sehwag, who contributed 28 runs.

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Government Directs No Charges On Small UPI, RuPay Transactions

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Indian government has mandated that banks and payment providers cannot levy charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made via RuPay debit cards. This directive follows an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, aiming to sustain and expand the digital payments ecosystem.

'Next 20 Years Are Very Critical For India'

'Next 20 Years Are Very Critical For India'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'... to see that young people are gainfully employed. After that, it will become very difficult as we will start ageing much more rapidly.' 'We have a huge proportion of Gen Z. After 2030, every year, we will start seeing a gradual shift towards a slightly older society.'

Sanju Samson becomes face of Jan Kaushal Kendra's youth skill initiative in Delhi

Sanju Samson becomes face of Jan Kaushal Kendra's youth skill initiative in Delhi

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Sanju Samson has been appointed Brand Ambassador of Jan Kaushal Kendra, Moti Nagar, with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta highlighting his connection with the capital and role inspiring youth.

RBI Deputy Governor: UPI MDR won't trigger shift back to cash

RBI Deputy Governor: UPI MDR won't trigger shift back to cash

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

RBI Deputy Governor S C Murmu stated that the introduction of merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions is unlikely to cause a shift back to cash, despite some concerns, emphasising that MDR will help the payments ecosystem recover costs.

Coming Up, Southern CMs' Dasara Conclave

Coming Up, Southern CMs' Dasara Conclave

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Five southern states are stepping up coordination on delimitation, tax devolution and language issues, reviving calls for a stronger collective South platform.

SC rejects plea against 2018 amendment to SC/ST Act

SC rejects plea against 2018 amendment to SC/ST Act

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the constitutional validity of the 2018 amendment to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The amendment had restored restrictions on anticipatory bail and removed requirements for preliminary inquiry and prior approval before arrest. The court cited its 2020 verdict which had already upheld these amended provisions, rejecting arguments about potential misuse and "reverse discrimination."

Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai Review: Muddled Fantasy

Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai Review: Muddled Fantasy

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai has the makings of a fascinating existential fable, but Ram's surreal experiment gets lost in its own muddled storytelling.

Surrey call-up puts Auqib Nabi on fast track for India's New Zealand Test plans

Surrey call-up puts Auqib Nabi on fast track for India's New Zealand Test plans

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Auqib Nabi's Surrey stint will provide crucial first-class exposure in England as the J&K pacer seeks to strengthen his case for India's Test squad for New Zealand.