News for 'National optimism rates'

Industry confidence hits five-qtr high in Oct-Dec: CII survey

Industry confidence hits five-qtr high in Oct-Dec: CII survey

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Business confidence in India Inc rose to a five-quarter high in December quarter of FY26, amid further reform expectations and steady domestic demand, a survey by industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) showed. The CII Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose for the third consecutive quarter to 66.5 in the December quarter from 66 in the preceding September quarter.

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

EU suspends export benefits to sectors like textiles, plastics for India

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The European Union (EU) has suspended export benefits to sectors such as textiles and plastics under a preferential scheme for India and two other countries from January 1, a move that will impact the country's shipment to the 27-nation bloc. The development is important as the two sides are likely to announce the closure of negotiations for a free tarde agreement (FTA) on January 27.

Markets, spooked by Fed uncertainty, post biggest drop in two months

Markets, spooked by Fed uncertainty, post biggest drop in two months

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Equity markets fell on Monday, with benchmark indices recording their worst session in over two months amid caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve's (Fed's) policy announcement and renewed uncertainty over the US-India trade deal. Sustained selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) also weighed on sentiment.

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Not concerned about rupee at all: Sanjeev Sanyal

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member Sanjeev Sanyal on Thursday said he is not concerned about the rupee at all, arguing that even China and Japan witnessed exchange rate weaknesses during their high growth phases.

Goldilocks phase, reforms glide path to spur Indian economy in 2026

Goldilocks phase, reforms glide path to spur Indian economy in 2026

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

India, the world's fourth largest economy, is set to maintain the 'goldilocks' phase with tailwinds of good growth, low inflation and robust banking performance as well as reform initiatives poised to sustain the economic pace witnessed during 2025.

Akhanda 2 Review: Barely Watchable

Akhanda 2 Review: Barely Watchable

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Akhanda 2: Thandavam may appeal to Nandamuri Balakrishna's fans and will be a madcap awakening for those uninitiated in Boyapati Sreenu's no goofball ideas in constructing action, notes Arjun Menon.

50,000 Kids Await Justice

50,000 Kids Await Justice

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Without urgent corrective steps, the system meant to ensure safety, dignity, and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law will remain overburdened, under-resourced, and unable to deliver justice in time.

Mid-Income Homebuyers Return as Banks Slash Loan Rates

Mid-Income Homebuyers Return as Banks Slash Loan Rates

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Home purchase affordability has improved in the first half of calendar year (CY) 2025, after the RBI reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points (bps), according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank India.

'Not hatchbacks, not sedans, SUVs still king post-GST cut'

'Not hatchbacks, not sedans, SUVs still king post-GST cut'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'In the January-August period, the share of hatchback in the overall PV industry sales was about 22.4 per cent. In the September-October period, the share of hatchbacks has come down to 20.4 per cent. In just October, their share was just 20 per cent. This is simple wholesale data from industry body SIAM.'

Gold plunges Rs 4,100 to Rs 121,800/10g

Gold plunges Rs 4,100 to Rs 121,800/10g

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Gold prices dropped by Rs 4,100 to Rs 121,800 per 10 grams in the national capital and slipped below $4,000 an ounce in the global markets on Tuesday as easing US-China trade tensions dampened safe-haven appeal. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the precious metal had closed at Rs 125,900 per 10 grams on Monday.

Realty developers see a cracker of sales in key cities this festival season

Realty developers see a cracker of sales in key cities this festival season

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

India's housing market has remained resilient this festival season (Dussehra-Diwali period), despite global macroeconomic challenges, tech-sector layoffs, and affordability pressures, with developers reporting 10-25 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) rise in home sales across major cities.

Fresh Air Becomes Real Estate Must-Have

Fresh Air Becomes Real Estate Must-Have

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Interest in green living is rising, with clean air and open spaces becoming key selling points for residential projects, particularly as Indian cities struggle with deteriorating air quality.

Sensex climbs 371 points on GST reform bid

Sensex climbs 371 points on GST reform bid

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Among Sensex firms, Tata Motors rose the most by 3.5 per cent while Adani Ports gained 3.16 per cent. Reliance Industries rose by 2.82 per cent. Eternal, Tech Mahindra, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Hindustan Unilever and Maruti were also among the gainers. However, Bajaj Finserv, Power Grid, Mahindra & Mahindra and HCL Tech were among the laggards.

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

India's energy sector battles taxes, global turmoil

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

India's brittle energy security is inextricably linked to two opposing paradigms - fossil fuels, and the transition to green energy. The first powers the present; the second paves the way for Viksit Bharat in 2047.

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

Bengaluru Faces Urban Breakdown

Bengaluru Faces Urban Breakdown

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Bengaluru is at a critical juncture, where its economic model, reliant on attracting and retaining skilled professionals, is directly threatened by a measurable decline in urban quality of life, point out Shishir Gupta and Rishita Sachdeva.

Why US-China Face-Off Is Advantage India

Why US-China Face-Off Is Advantage India

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Amid US-China trade tensions and economic vulnerabilities, India must seize the 'China +1' opportunity, deepen reforms, secure FTAs, and globalise its firms for long-term growth, suggests Ajay Shah.

Gold surges Rs 5,080 to hit fresh peak of Rs 1.12 lakh/10 g in Delhi

Gold surges Rs 5,080 to hit fresh peak of Rs 1.12 lakh/10 g in Delhi

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Gold prices on Tuesday surged Rs 723 to touch an all-time high of Rs 110,312 per 10 grams in the domestic futures market, tracking strong global cues amid growing expectations of a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week. Traders said weak US labour market data has strengthened the case for monetary policy easing, putting pressure on the dollar and boosting demand for the safe-haven asset.

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'The heat shield technology for re-entry vehicles was first mastered in DRDO for the Agni missile.' 'This is why the Americans were so opposed to Agni in the 1980s, unlike other missiles -- it was a re-entry vehicle.'

'We'll be ready for India's spin pitches': Bavuma eyes revenge

'We'll be ready for India's spin pitches': Bavuma eyes revenge

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

India have relied on their spin strength on rank turners to gain points in WTC cycles in the past but Gill has said he wants his side to play on tracks that offer equally to batters and bowlers.

74% rural households expect income growth in 1 yr: Survey

74% rural households expect income growth in 1 yr: Survey

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Around 74 per cent rural households expect their incomes to increase in the next one year, according to a bimonthly survey conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) in May 2025. The percentage recorded was 72 in March.

Criminal Justice 4 Review: Thrilling!

Criminal Justice 4 Review: Thrilling!

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Pankaj Tripathi's Madhav Mishra is one of the most entertaining characters created for an Indian Web series, and the actor plays him with relish, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Caste census should reflect...: Tejashwi writes to Modi

Caste census should reflect...: Tejashwi writes to Modi

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The upcoming delimitation exercise should reflect the social realities uncovered by the census, ensuring proportional political representation for marginalised groups, it read.

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

US strikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities have once again raised concerns that Tehran might shut down the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical chokepoints, through which a fifth of global oil and gas supply flows.

How China Supported Pakistan's Attacks

How China Supported Pakistan's Attacks

Rediff.com12 May 2025

China supplied more than $20 billion worth of arms to Pakistan. These include 20 J-10CE and JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, Wing Loong drones, frigates, submarines, Hongqi HQ-9P surface-to-air missiles, 240 PL-15E air-to-air missiles, LY-80 air defence systems, ZDK early warning aircraft and other weapons.

FPIs withdraw Rs 30,000 cr from equities in first 15 days in March

FPIs withdraw Rs 30,000 cr from equities in first 15 days in March

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Foreign investors continue to pull back money from the Indian equity market withdrawing a little over Rs 30,000 crore in the first fortnight of the month amid escalation in global trade tensions. This came following an outflow of Rs 34,574 crore from equities in February and Rs 78,027 crore in January.

Markets end marginally lower in volatile trade

Markets end marginally lower in volatile trade

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

From the Sensex pack, Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys fell over 2 per cent each. Hindustan Unilever, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, Power Grid, Bajaj Finserv, HCL Tech, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Tech Mahindra were also among the laggards. Among the gainers, Zomato jumped nearly 5 per cent. Larsen & Toubro, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank were also among the gainers.

Aatmanirbharta not at cost of nation's defence, says vice air chief

Aatmanirbharta not at cost of nation's defence, says vice air chief

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has demonstrated the integration of multiple forces in domains of air, land, sea, cyber, information and space, and how they are "united" to achieve the goal, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal A P Singh, said on Friday.

Sensex falls 385 points amid weak global trends

Sensex falls 385 points amid weak global trends

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

From the 30-share Sensex blue-chip pack, Titan, Adani Ports, UltraTech Cement, Tata Consultancy Services, NTPC, Bharti Airtel, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever and JSW Steel were the biggest laggards.

How Modi Has Changed Babus

How Modi Has Changed Babus

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

At the PMO, policies are framed by factoring in analytical perspectives, implications, sustainability, and other dimensions.

Sensex rides on bluechip stocks; rises 585 points

Sensex rides on bluechip stocks; rises 585 points

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

From the Sensex pack, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zones, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Larsen & Toubro, NTPC, State Bank of India, UltraTech Cement and Kotak Mahindra Bank were the major gainers. In contrast, Tata Steel, Titan, Bajaj Finserv, JSW Steel, Bajaj Finance, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Tata Motors and Tata Consultancy Services were among the laggards.

Why India's Growth Rate Has Suffered

Why India's Growth Rate Has Suffered

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

'80% of the rural and urban population don't have enough purchasing power.'

Trade on road to recovery but Indian firms tread cautiously

Trade on road to recovery but Indian firms tread cautiously

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

Truck movements across the India-Bangladesh border are on the rise, with increasing rentals signalling a trade recovery between the two South Asian nations. Yet, geopolitical tension looms large, with Bangladesh now under an interim government for nearly two months.

Why Centre sought help of Reliance wildlife facility in Gujarat

Why Centre sought help of Reliance wildlife facility in Gujarat

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

After three cheetahs died in just over a month last year in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the National Tiger Conservation Authority in May 2023 called in experts from Reliance's wildlife facility in Gujarat to review health monitoring protocols, official records show.

What CII wants Modi 3.0 govt to do to boost growth

What CII wants Modi 3.0 govt to do to boost growth

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Industry body CII on Thursday made a case for pushing reforms in sectors like land, labour, and agriculture by the Modi 3.0 government to accelerate economic growth, which is estimated to be around 8 per cent in the current financial year. CII president Sanjiv Puri said a lot of policy interventions in the past have put the economy on "a much stronger wicket". "The growth rate is poised to touch 8 per cent during the current year, marking the fourth consecutive year of above 7 per cent + growth.

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The specter of how the Munambam issue was exploited during the November by-elections is proof of the price Kerala is paying for its emergent politics. Controversies become the stuff of slow-burn and brinkmanship. The former promises mileage; the latter searches for an advantage, notes Shyam G Menon.

RBI raises GDP growth projection to 7.2% for FY25

RBI raises GDP growth projection to 7.2% for FY25

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday revised upwards the GDP growth projection for the current fiscal to 7.2 per cent from 7 per cent on rising private consumption and revival of demand in rural areas. Unveiling the bi-monthly monetary policy, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) placed India's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 8.2 per cent in 2023-24. "During 2024-25 so far, domestic economic activity has maintained resilience," he said, adding that manufacturing activity continues to gain ground on the back of strengthening domestic demand.

'Market Assumes Modi's Easy Re-Election'

'Market Assumes Modi's Easy Re-Election'

Rediff.com29 May 2024

'We emphasise the importance of not basing investment decisions solely on electoral outcomes.' 'Instead, focusing on investing in high-quality businesses capable of prospering regardless of the political landscape is paramount.'

'Midcaps, Smallcaps: Exercise Caution'

'Midcaps, Smallcaps: Exercise Caution'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

'While Indian markets are indeed not inexpensive, the valuations of largecap stocks are still a considerable distance from being overstretched.'

Short-Term FDs Best Bet In Rising-Rate Scenario

Short-Term FDs Best Bet In Rising-Rate Scenario

Rediff.com2 Jun 2022

'FDs should hold your emergency funds, equivalent to around 6-12 times your monthly expenses.'