News for 'National Rural'

Amazon enters India's $15 bn diagnostics market with At-Home testing

Amazon enters India's $15 bn diagnostics market with At-Home testing

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

Amazon India has launched Amazon Diagnostics, an at-home healthcare service that allows customers to book lab tests, schedule appointments and receive digital reports directly via the Amazon app. Initially available in six cities-Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai and Hyderabad-the service covers more than 450 PIN codes and offers access to over 800 diagnostic tests.

Not Just A Superwoman

Not Just A Superwoman

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Some of the suggested strategies include making thoughtful trade-offs between career choices and family responsibilities to avoid the guilt of not spending adequate time with elders and children at home; resisting the pressure to be a 'superwoman' by trying to manage everything alone; demanding, negotiating, and selecting jobs with flexible working hours; exploring work-from-home options; choosing an appropriate time for a career break; upskilling to re-enter the workforce after a break; and communicating openly with family members -- including spouse and in-laws -- about the support needed to grow professionally and the challenges faced at work, highlights N Ravichandran.

'India is on a strong footing, economy is resilient'

'India is on a strong footing, economy is resilient'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We believe that in the new world order FTAs or bilateral trade agreements (BTAs) are the way forward.' 'They are enablers for our participation in global value chains. Today, around 70 per cent of global trade is tied to these chains.'

Hero MotoCorp Q4 profit up 24% at Rs 1,169 cr

Hero MotoCorp Q4 profit up 24% at Rs 1,169 cr

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Hero MotoCorp on Tuesday posted 24 per cent increase in consolidated profit after tax at Rs 1,169 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025 riding on higher margins backed by better product mix, parts revenue and cost effectiveness. The company had reported a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 943 crore in January-March FY24.

'After Marathi, Hindi Will Destroy Gujarati'

'After Marathi, Hindi Will Destroy Gujarati'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

'I don't know whether the top Gujarati leaders of Indian politics (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah) in Delhi realise that the narrative of HindiHinduHindustan will eventually destroy their own language too.'

Why Nitish Supports '1 Nation, 1 Poll'

Why Nitish Supports '1 Nation, 1 Poll'

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Nitish Kumar wants to assure the BJP leadership that he will continue to be a part of the NDA. But he also wants to secure a larger number of seats for his party in the 2025 assembly elections in Bihar.

2 spying for Pak official at High Commission in Delhi held

2 spying for Pak official at High Commission in Delhi held

Rediff.com11 May 2025

In a significant breakthrough, the Malerkotla Police apprehended two individuals for alleged involvement in espionage activities linked to a Pakistani official posted at the High Commission in New Delhi, said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) on Sunday.

Why Bobby Deol Succeeded Where Zeenat Aman Didn't

Why Bobby Deol Succeeded Where Zeenat Aman Didn't

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Most actors usually face obscurity after a fade-out from the limelight.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

'India is my home, don't want to go back to Pakistan'

'India is my home, don't want to go back to Pakistan'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

'Where my husband lives, that is my home. I want to stay here with him'

Well Done, Bharat Mata Defenders Group!

Well Done, Bharat Mata Defenders Group!

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Fifty-nine members of delegations visiting 33 world capitals, reaching millions of people, giving one message, in one language, in one voice -- is an unprecedented world movement, observes former BJP MP Tarun Vijay, former Chief Editor, Panchjanya, the RSS weekly.

'Weaponising Water Poses Serious Risks For India'

'Weaponising Water Poses Serious Risks For India'

Rediff.com5 May 2025

'Militarily, it risks escalating tensions with Pakistan, potentially triggering conflict due to Pakistan's heavy reliance on the Indus.'

Sign of rising rural distress: MGNREGS demand up in poorest states

Sign of rising rural distress: MGNREGS demand up in poorest states

Rediff.com6 Oct 2022

India's post-pandemic recovery appears to be shaping up like the letter K, widening the inequality among states. The last part of the series captures the rising rural distress, as seen through the prism of MGNREGS demand. The pandemic appears to have exacerbated rural distress in the poorest states.

Heavy rains kill 7 across north India; 200 flights delayed in Delhi

Heavy rains kill 7 across north India; 200 flights delayed in Delhi

Rediff.com2 May 2025

A three-hour heavy downpour accompanied by a dust storm hit Delhi-NCR early morning on Friday, causing flight delays and traffic disruptions as seven people were killed in rain-related incidents across north India.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The 31st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in December 2018, deferred a decision to reduce the GST rate for cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This was despite recognising that cement - along with automobile parts - remained among the few mass-consumption items still taxed at the highest slab, which was originally meant for luxury and sin goods.

Can AI Improve Customer Service At PSBs?

Can AI Improve Customer Service At PSBs?

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'AI analyses body language, etiquette, and communication skills, providing an in-depth performance matrix and a ranking system to help employees identify areas of improvement.'

'IIFCL book can grow to Rs 4 trn by FY28'

'IIFCL book can grow to Rs 4 trn by FY28'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

'Although we are facing constraints related to lending and resource mobilisation, the government is aware of these.'

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Improve Customer Service, Banks Told, Or Else!

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In 2023-2024, 95 scheduled commercial banks received over 10 million complaints from their customers. The process of KYC at many banks has become 'HYC' -- harass your customer, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

'In CCTV Footage, 'Sonam Was Looking To Be In Panic'

'In CCTV Footage, 'Sonam Was Looking To Be In Panic'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

'I feel the murderers had done a recce of this place before murdering Raja.' 'It is isolated, there are no CCTV cameras.' 'It was a fit place to commit the crime.'

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced that the state's Assembly resolution seeking NEET exemption, which was sent for Presidential assent, has been declined by the Centre. Stalin termed the rejection as a "dark chapter in federalism" and accused the Centre of disregarding the will of the Tamil Nadu people. He also announced an all-political party meeting on April 9 to discuss the issue further.

Some states saw higher inflation than national average, shows data

Some states saw higher inflation than national average, shows data

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

Many individual states experienced higher inflation than the all-India figures during the financial year 2023-24 (FY24). Retail inflation figures in Telangana, Haryana, Rajasthan and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have been higher than national numbers every month of this financial year, shows a Business Standard analysis of state-wise figures, after the March inflation data was released on Friday. Experts noted that persistent high food inflation along with differences in the weights of rural and urban indices plays into the regional variation in inflation rates.

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Why This Banker Didn't Get Promoted!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The bank made a Rs 67 crore net profit, up 21% from the previous year. Its deposits grew 8%, the loan book 10%. Net bad loans dropped from 7.53% to 6.07%. So why was the banker, who headed the bank, not promoted?

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Normally, the southwest monsoon makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15.

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Police said they have made five arrests in the incident. Those arrested have been identified as Prabhjit Singh, the main accused, Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh and Ninder Kaur, they said.

Palaniswami meets Amit Shah; doesn't rule out BJP tie-up for TN polls

Palaniswami meets Amit Shah; doesn't rule out BJP tie-up for TN polls

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has asserted that alliances are formed only at the time of elections and declined to categorically say if his party would align with the BJP for the 2026 Assembly polls. Palaniswami met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday and brought to his attention several issues faced by Tamil Nadu, including the need for funds release, the implementation of the Godavari-Cauvery river linking plan, and a probe into the "TASMAC scam." He said that while the party would decide on an alliance at the time of the election, he did not rule out a tie-up with the BJP.

FM unveils six new schemes, raises KCC limit to Rs 7 lakh

FM unveils six new schemes, raises KCC limit to Rs 7 lakh

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced six new schemes and increased the subsidised Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit to Rs 7 lakh from Rs 5 lakh, targeting everything from unemployment to crop productivity enhancement across the country. Presenting her eighth budget speech in Parliament, Sitharaman positioned agriculture as "the first engine of growth" and unveiled the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a flagship program targeting 100 agri-districts grappling with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters.

8 cheetahs to be brought to India from Africa's Botswana

8 cheetahs to be brought to India from Africa's Botswana

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India is set to bring eight cheetahs from Botswana in two phases, with four arriving by May 2025. This follows the successful reintroduction of cheetahs to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, with the population now at 26, including 14 cubs born in India. The initiative aims to boost cheetah conservation efforts and create inter-state collaboration for their protection. The project has already seen significant investment, with over Rs 112 crore spent on cheetah rehabilitation.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has transferred a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar to the Patna High Court. The court expressed concern over the state government's handling of bridge collapses, noting that officials were suspended after incidents but reinstated after the public outcry subsided. The court also criticized the state's voluminous response to the PIL, which lacked explanations for the collapses. The Patna High Court will now monitor the state's efforts to ensure structural and safety audits of bridges in Bihar.

Retail inflation dips to nearly 6-year low of 3.34% in Mar

Retail inflation dips to nearly 6-year low of 3.34% in Mar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Retail inflation dipped marginally to a nearly six-year low of 3.34 per cent in March due to a decline in prices of vegetables and protein-rich items. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was 3.61 per cent in February and 4.85 per cent in March last year.

Extreme poverty nearly alleviated in India: SBI research

Extreme poverty nearly alleviated in India: SBI research

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

As the poverty rates in the country declined below 5 percent in 2024, a research study by State Bank of India also highlighted that the extreme poverty in the country has been reduced to minimal.

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Retail inflation eased to a nearly six-year low of 3.16 per cent in April mainly due to subdued prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and other protein-rich items, creating enough room for the Reserve Bank to go for another round of rate cut in the June monetary policy review. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was 3.34 per cent in March and 4.83 per cent in April 2024. It was 3.15 per cent in July 2019.

'7,000 More MBBS Seats, 3,000 For PG'

'7,000 More MBBS Seats, 3,000 For PG'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

India is trying to add 75,000 medical seats in five years as it also eyes to touch the WHO standard of one doctor for every 1,000 persons.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'Everyone with a low BMI will not get Type 5 diabetes.'

IMF lowers India's growth projection to 6.2% for FY26

IMF lowers India's growth projection to 6.2% for FY26

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Indian economy is projected to grow at 6.2 per cent in 2025-26, slower than earlier estimated rate of 6.5 per cent, due to escalated trade tensions and global uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday. "For India, the growth outlook is relatively more stable at 6.2 per cent in 2025, supported by private consumption, particularly in rural areas," IMF said in its World Economic Outlook (WEO).

Protein vs Junk Food: What Is India Spending More On?

Protein vs Junk Food: What Is India Spending More On?

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Food budgets in urban areas spent less on protein as compared to beverages and processed foods, reveals the Household Consumption Expenditure survey data for 2023-24.

GDP growth in FY25 estimated to be 6.3%: SBI research

GDP growth in FY25 estimated to be 6.3%: SBI research

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The State Bank of India (SBI), in its research, has estimated GDP growth during the current financial year (2024-25) to be 6.3 per cent, assuming that the NSO does not make major revisions to the erstwhile first and second quarter estimates.

Speculation rife as CPI-M set to pick new general secy

Speculation rife as CPI-M set to pick new general secy

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is set to elect its next general secretary, with speculation rife over who will lead the party. Leading contenders include M A Baby, backed by the party's Kerala unit, and Ashok Dhawale, who enjoys support from the West Bengal lobby. Other potential candidates include Mohammed Salim, B V Raghavulu, and Brinda Karat. The election will take place at the 24th CPI(M) congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.