News for 'Rupak De Chowdhuri'

Mamata Banerjee and the Politics of Impulsiveness

Mamata Banerjee and the Politics of Impulsiveness

Rediff.com20 Dec 2021

Hasty, ill-conceived steps show how isolated Mamata Banerjee had been from the national political trend. A fascinating excerpt from Sugato Hazra's Losing The Plot: Political Isolation Of West Bengal.

Is Darjeeling Tea Losing its Fizz?

Is Darjeeling Tea Losing its Fizz?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2021

Scanty rainfall, last year's lockdown, growing competition from Nepal and the disaster of the 2017 Gorkhaland agitation are steadily weakening exports and sales of Darjeeling tea.

Brothers killed on way to meet family in riot-hit Delhi

Brothers killed on way to meet family in riot-hit Delhi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2020

Not heeding to the warning of their eldest brother Shairuddin, 25-year-old Aamir and 16-year-old Hashim set out from Ghaziabad on Wednesday evening to meet their family in the violence-hit Gokalpuri.

Housing sales drop 35% in 7 cities in Q2

Housing sales drop 35% in 7 cities in Q2

Rediff.com7 Oct 2020

Housing sales across seven major cities in the country fell 35 per cent year-on-year to 50,983 units during the July-September period even as the demand recovered post lockdown, according to data analytics firm PropEquity. Sales stood at 78,472 units in the year-ago period in seven cities -- Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune.

Stargazers treated to majestic Ring of Fire solar eclipse

Stargazers treated to majestic Ring of Fire solar eclipse

Rediff.com21 Jun 2020

People across the world, especially in India, started posting photos of the solar eclipse on social media this morning once the planetary event became visible from their cities.

Is there still some hope for Voda-Idea?

Is there still some hope for Voda-Idea?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2021

It emerges that Vi has probably offered good data quality despite being short on spectrum and infrastructure due to its stretched finances. Did the two companies that merged face the heat due to price wars? Probably. Did the government's tough stance in demanding its "due" share of telecom revenues hurt the company? Certainly!

Big win for Modi govt as SC approves DeMo process with 4:1 majority

Big win for Modi govt as SC approves DeMo process with 4:1 majority

Rediff.com2 Jan 2023

In a big win for the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court in a 4:1 majority verdict on Monday gave its stamp of approval to the Centre's 2016 decision to demonetise the Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination currency notes, saying the decision-making process was neither flawed nor hasty.

S&P retains India's growth forecast at -9% in FY21

S&P retains India's growth forecast at -9% in FY21

Rediff.com30 Nov 2020

S&P Global Ratings on Monday retained its forecast of 9 per cent contraction in the Indian economy for the current fiscal, saying even though there are now upside risks to growth but it will wait for more signs that COVID infections have stabilised or fallen. S&P, in its report on Asia Pacific, projected the Indian economy to grow at 10 per cent in the next fiscal.

SBI chief not sure of '$5 trillion by 2024' target

SBI chief not sure of '$5 trillion by 2024' target

Rediff.com4 Jan 2020

According to Rajnish Kumar, the government investments alone cannot achieve it and there is a need for huge investments in the infrastructure sector which would result in boosting the GDP.

How Modi plans to make India self-sufficient in edible oils

How Modi plans to make India self-sufficient in edible oils

Rediff.com9 Aug 2021

With palm oil having 55 per cent share in total edible oil imports, the National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) would ensure that farmers get all facilities, from quality seeds to technology to promote cultivation of palm and other oil seeds, he said. Modi made this announcement after virtually releasing the ninth installment of Rs 19,500 crore to 9.75 crore beneficiary farmers under the government's flagship scheme PM-KISAN.

Govt plans to merge BBNL with BSNL this month

Govt plans to merge BBNL with BSNL this month

Rediff.com20 Mar 2022

The government is planning to merge Bharat Broadband Nigam Limited (BBNL) with the loss-making state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) this month, a senior official has said. BSNL chairman and managing director PK Purwar at a recent event organised by the All India Graduate Engineers and Telecom officers Association (AIGETOA) said that the government is giving the telecom firm an opportunity for a turnaround. "The government has taken a policy decision that BBNL is going to be merged into BSNL. "This means all work of BBNL at the pan-India level is going to come to BSNL," Purwar said at the All India Conference of AIGETOA on March 13.

BSNL to start telecom services in Mumbai and Delhi from January 1

BSNL to start telecom services in Mumbai and Delhi from January 1

Rediff.com20 Nov 2020

BSNL will start providing telecom services, both wireless and fixed line, in Mumbai and Delhi on behalf of MTNL from January 1 on a pilot basis for five to six months.

Factors that spooked Paytm's market performance

Factors that spooked Paytm's market performance

Rediff.com13 Jan 2022

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma said on Wednesday that the company's share market performance has been in line with that of global peers in the sector over the past six months due to macroeconomic factors. "Macro factors like quantitative easing, free money due to US monetary policy and other parameters led to a spook in the market in terms of pricing the IPO. "Paytm's shares have received a similar response to that of global peers in the last six months...But that is not a complete reasoning.

For ITC, the key growth driver will be packaged foods

For ITC, the key growth driver will be packaged foods

Rediff.com8 Apr 2021

Given the expectations of growth in the packaged foods segment, the company seeks to become a Rs 1-trillion FMCG business by FY30.

Gold demand at pre-Covid level in Q2

Gold demand at pre-Covid level in Q2

Rediff.com29 Oct 2021

The demand for gold has bounced back sharply in India from the lows seen in 2020 because of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has even beaten the pre-pandemic level. In the September quarter, the demand for gold jumped 47 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 139.1 tonnes, as against 94.6 tonnes in the year-ago period, and higher than the 123.9 tonnes recorded in the pre-pandemic September 2019 quarter, the World Gold Council (WGC) said in its latest release. In value terms, demand surged 37 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 59,330 crore during the quarter.

Fire in Indian kitchens; LPG price hike on anvil

Fire in Indian kitchens; LPG price hike on anvil

Rediff.com27 Oct 2021

Cooking gas LPG prices may be hiked next week after under-recovery on the fuel widened to over Rs 100 per cylinder, sources said insisting that the rate hike, including the quantum of increase, is dependent on government permission. If allowed, this will be the fifth increase in cooking gas rates across all categories - households using subsidised gas for cooking and heating purposes, non-subsidised fuel and industrial-sized gas. LPG rates were last hiked by Rs 15 per cylinder on October 6, taking the total increase in rates since July to Rs 90 per 14.2-kg cylinder.

18 states to impose stock limits on edible oils ahead of Diwali

18 states to impose stock limits on edible oils ahead of Diwali

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

In order to check the abnormal surge in edible oil prices during Diwali festivities, as many as 18 states are in the process of imposing stock holding limits on oilseeds and edible oils after being empowered by the Centre for doing so. Of the 18 states that are in the process of imposing stock limit on my edible oils apart from UP, include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Of the 18, Uttar Pradesh, has already imposed stock limits on edible oils, the Centre was informed with as many as 23 states to discuss ways and means to ensure further easing of edible oil prices.

SBI Q2 net profit jumps 55% as bad loans decline

SBI Q2 net profit jumps 55% as bad loans decline

Rediff.com4 Nov 2020

The country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) on Wednesday reported a 55 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 5,245.88 crore for the second quarter ended September 30 on account of decline in bad loans. The bank's net profit stood at Rs 3,375.40 crore in July-September quarter of the previous fiscal, SBI said in a regulatory filing.

Why unicorns are investing in startups

Why unicorns are investing in startups

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Byju's, Flipkart, PharmEasy and CRED, among others, have taken the acquisition route to grow

India's gold demand to hit 11-year low in Q2 on high price

India's gold demand to hit 11-year low in Q2 on high price

Rediff.com1 Aug 2020

This was because of the closure of retail shops and factories after the nationwide lockdown was imposed to prevent spread of Covid-19, and a sharp increase in the metal's price.

Top 8 cities' housing sales rise 51% in 2021

Top 8 cities' housing sales rise 51% in 2021

Rediff.com5 Jan 2022

Housing sales across top eight cities rose 51 per cent last year, even as the office market continued to slump due to the Covid pandemic with gross leasing witnessing a 3 per cent fall, according to Knight Frank India. Housing sales increased to 232,903 units during last year, from 154,534 units in 2020, but demand was down 5 per cent from the 2019 pre-pandemic levels and 37 per cent lower than the 2011 peak numbers. In the office segment, the gross leasing of office space fell to 38.1 million square feet in 2021, from 39.4 million square feet in the previous year, due to the adverse impact of the second wave of the Covid pandemic.

Petrol nears Rs 85 mark in Delhi, diesel closer to Rs 82 in Mumbai

Petrol nears Rs 85 mark in Delhi, diesel closer to Rs 82 in Mumbai

Rediff.com18 Jan 2021

Petrol price in the national capital neared the Rs 85 a litre mark while diesel rates in Mumbai were close to Rs 82 as fuel prices were raised by 25 paise per litre each on Monday. Petrol now costs a lifetime high of Rs 84.95 per litre in Delhi while diesel comes for Rs 75.13, according to a price notification from oil marketing companies. The price hike on Monday came after three days of unchanged rates. Prices were last hiked by 50 paise a litre in two instalments on January 13 and 14.

'Whole sky came down': Witnesses recount moment Kolkata flyover collapsed

'Whole sky came down': Witnesses recount moment Kolkata flyover collapsed

Rediff.com1 Apr 2016

As rescue operations are underway, witnesses recount the horror the structure come crashing down.

Marriott hotels to add 7 new properties in India

Marriott hotels to add 7 new properties in India

Rediff.com21 Mar 2021

Marriott International is looking to make deeper inroads into leisure destinations as it seeks to make the most of domestic travellers' pent-up demand, said the company's top official. The world's largest hotel operator will add seven new properties in India in 2021, five of which will be in leisure locations - two in Goa, and one each in Mahabaleshwar, Thiruvananthapuram, and Dehradun.

'Inflation is expected to stay above RBI's target'

'Inflation is expected to stay above RBI's target'

Rediff.com3 Jun 2022

'RBI is already late in addressing inflation pressures.'

SBI commits 0.25% of FY20 profit to help fight COVID-19

SBI commits 0.25% of FY20 profit to help fight COVID-19

Rediff.com23 Mar 2020

The fund used to fight the coronavirus pandemic will be spent from CSR funds.

'GM Mustard Must Be Uprooted And Burnt'

'GM Mustard Must Be Uprooted And Burnt'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

'Why should our government opt for unproven technology that has been rejected by most countries across the globe?' 'Being dependent on any other nation to supply you seed for your good crops is another form of slavery.'

Fuel sales fall in April on high prices

Fuel sales fall in April on high prices

Rediff.com16 Apr 2022

India's fuel sales fell in the first half of April as a record rise in prices in a short 16-day period dented demand, preliminary industry data showed on Saturday. Petrol sales fell almost 10 per cent in the first half of April when compared with the same period in the preceding month, while diesel demand slid 15.6 per cent. Even cooking gas LPG, which had consistently shown growth even during the pandemic period, saw a 1.7 per cent month-on-month fall in consumption during April 1-15.

Housing sales up 92% in Q2; breach pre-COVID level

Housing sales up 92% in Q2; breach pre-COVID level

Rediff.com4 Oct 2021

Housing demand has breached pre-COVID levels with 92 per cent year-on-year growth in sales during July-September period units across eight major cities, mainly on the back of stable prices, very low mortgage rates, property consultant Knight Frank India said on Monday. Releasing its India Real Estate Update for Q3 (July-September quarter) of the 2021 calendar year, the consultant reported that housing sales increased to 64,010 units from 33,404 units in the same period last year. In the previous April-June quarter, 27,453 residential units were sold. "The total residential sales of the top eight markets under review during Q3 2021, reached 104 per cent of 2019 quarterly average," the consultant said, adding that sales have breached pre-COVID levels.

Coronavirus impact: Tourist inflow to India drops by 30%

Coronavirus impact: Tourist inflow to India drops by 30%

Rediff.com12 Mar 2020

India has announced suspension of all tourist visas till April 15 in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

World T20: Kohli masterclass helps India to emphatic win over Pakistan

World T20: Kohli masterclass helps India to emphatic win over Pakistan

Rediff.com19 Mar 2016

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a Super 10 Group 2 match to record their first win in the ICC World Twenty20 in Kolkata on Saturday. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 55 to guide India home in their chase of 119.

FMCG, consumer durables and auto sector may see fall in demand

FMCG, consumer durables and auto sector may see fall in demand

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The biggest headwind to the consumption story in FY23 is a sharp decline in government subsidies on food, fertiliser and fuel, and overall decline in revenue expenditure net of interest payments. This, analysts say, will adversely impact purchasing power of households at the lower end of the income pyramid, translating into lower spending on consumer goods and services.

Core sectors' growth hits 18-mth low of 2.6% in Dec

Core sectors' growth hits 18-mth low of 2.6% in Dec

Rediff.com31 Jan 2019

Slow growth in the key sectors would have implications on the IIP number as these segments account for about 41 per cent of the total factory output.

India's COVID-19 tally breaches 57-lakh mark

India's COVID-19 tally breaches 57-lakh mark

Rediff.com24 Sep 2020

The total recoveries surged to 46,74,987 in the country so far.

Wholesale inflation eases to over 3-year low in September

Wholesale inflation eases to over 3-year low in September

Rediff.com14 Oct 2019

Inflation print for food articles, as a basket, remained nearly flat at 7.47 per cent during the month.

Six years after Maggi controversy, Marico serves up instant noodles

Six years after Maggi controversy, Marico serves up instant noodles

Rediff.com20 Feb 2021

The move is significant since it signals the growing importance of foods in Marico's overall strategy. It also comes six months after Marico stepped into honey, a Rs 1,500-crore category dominated by players such as Dabur.

Core sector output contracts to over three-and-half year low

Core sector output contracts to over three-and-half year low

Rediff.com30 Sep 2019

Coal, crude oil, natural gas, cement, and electricity recorded a negative growth of 8.6 per cent, 5.4 per cent , 3.9 per cent, 4.9 per cent and 2.9 per cent, respectively, in August.

Inflation will fall below 4% only after December: SBI report

Inflation will fall below 4% only after December: SBI report

Rediff.com10 Sep 2020

Inflation rate during August, the data for which is yet to be released, was likely to remain at about 7 per cent, said SBI Ecowrap.

Is foreign Covid aid reaching the states in time?

Is foreign Covid aid reaching the states in time?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2021

'Technology is streamliming the entire process of aid distribution and making it transparent and digital.'

Footballers set out to help Amphan-affected West Bengal

Footballers set out to help Amphan-affected West Bengal

Rediff.com28 May 2020

While the state of West Bengal attempts to recover from the devastation caused by the combination of the coronavirus pandemic and the Amphan cyclone, a consortium of 38 footballers have decided to pool in their resources to help the affected people. This consortium -- named 'Players for Humanity', include the likes of Subrata Paul, Mehtab Hossain, Arnab Mondal, Subhashish Roychowdhury, Sandip Nandy, Pronay Halder, Pritam Kotal and Shouvik Ghosh amongst others.