News for 'Rural Development'

Retail inflation slows to 5-month low of 4.3% in Jan

Retail inflation slows to 5-month low of 4.3% in Jan

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Continuing the downward trend, retail inflation fell to a five-month low of 4.31 per cent in January, mainly due to a decline in the prices of vegetables, eggs, and pulses. The Consumer Price Index-based retail inflation was 5.22 per cent in December and 5.1 per cent in January 2024. The previous low inflation was in August 2024 at 3.65 per cent.

Space Industry Thrilled With FM Plans

Space Industry Thrilled With FM Plans

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

'The scrapping of import duty would help Indian companies compete in international markets, thus paving the way for India becoming a space manufacturing hub for the world.'

Should depositors put money in co-operative banks?

Should depositors put money in co-operative banks?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The co-operative banking sector is well regulated, and a few cases of restrictions being imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should not paint a negative picture of the entire sector, said Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) secretary Ajay Seth on Monday. "Co-operative banks in the country are generally quite robust, and the RBI takes regulatory action whenever issues arise.

A Political Legend Turns 100

A Political Legend Turns 100

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

A product of the 1942 Quit India movement, a Gandhian and a Socialist who remains closely connected with grassroot movements, Dr G G Parikh remains a familiar figure in Maharashtra.

RBI's 90 Year Journey

RBI's 90 Year Journey

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

Sir Osborne Smith was the first governor of the Reserve Bank, serving from April 1, 1935, to June 30, 1937.

Maha transfers Rs 17,505 cr to 2.38 cr women under Ladki Bahin scheme

Maha transfers Rs 17,505 cr to 2.38 cr women under Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Maharashtra government has transferred Rs 17,505.90 crore into the bank accounts of 2.38 crore women beneficiaries under its Ladki Bahin Yojana till December 2024, in the first five months after the scheme was launched. The scheme, launched in August 2024, provides financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women. The objective of the scheme is to promote employment and economic development by providing adequate facilities to women and girls in the age group 21 to 65 years. The scheme aims to promote the empowerment of women and girls and improve the health and nutritional status of women and children dependent on them.

Budget 2024: What India Inc wants from Nirmalaji

Budget 2024: What India Inc wants from Nirmalaji

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

India Inc on Thursday pitched for lowering income tax burden on common man, increase in capital expenditure, and firm steps to contain food inflation in their nearly two-hour long interaction with finance minister Nirmala Shitharaman ahead of the Union Budget. During pre-Budget consultation with Sitharaman, the industry leaders and associations also urged the government to focus more on infrastructure development with a view to maintaining the economic growth momentum. The industry leaders also laid stress on boosting the MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) sector, considered a backbone of the Indian economy and main employment generator.

'Urban demand is under stress, would need an upward spiral'

'Urban demand is under stress, would need an upward spiral'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

'Spending by the middle class is limited with a focus on savings. However, there is buoyancy at the top-end.'

'Believing In Yourself Changes Everything'

'Believing In Yourself Changes Everything'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something just because it hasn't been done before. Take that first step. Keep learning. Believe in yourself even when no one else does.'

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

In a significant policy shift aimed at boosting agri-productivity and rural prosperity, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced six new agricultural schemes while increasing the subsidised Kisan Credit Card loan limit to Rs 5 lakh from the existing Rs 3 lakh, benefiting 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

The COVID crisis in rural Bihar

The COVID crisis in rural Bihar

Rediff.com21 May 2021

The government's focus is on urban areas, so rural areas are neglected and the COVID situation in Bihar's villages -- neither the positive cases nor the deaths -- are reported, notes M I Khan.

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Rediff.com30 May 2023

This is the fourth such recruitment drive proposed to be undertaken by the Narendra Modi government which had in 2018 initiated lateral entry.

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has upheld a Bombay High Court order reinstating a woman as the sarpanch of a Maharashtra village, stating that bureaucrats cannot be allowed to "frustrate grassroot democracy." The court criticized instances of bureaucrats misbehaving with elected representatives and attempting to disqualify them by reopening old cases. The case involved Kalavati Rajendra Kokale, whose resignation from the sarpanch's post was withdrawn, but the Raigad district collector declared a vacancy and conducted a fresh election. The court found the collector's actions illegal and upheld Kokale's reinstatement, highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic process and elected representatives at the grassroots level.

FMCG firms brace for new rural reality

FMCG firms brace for new rural reality

Rediff.com9 Jan 2014

As rural demand tapers, companies are back at the drawing board, firming up plans to beat the unexpected slowdown in sales.

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Will India's FMCG sector see consumption revival in 2025?

Will India's FMCG sector see consumption revival in 2025?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

The FMCG industry hopes for a revival in consumption growth in 2025 with some 'green shoots' already visible, after having a challenging year amid escalating input costs and a double-digit rise in food inflation, which ultimately slowed down the pace of the urban market growth in the second half of 2024. Soaring prices of commodities such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa and wheat forced FMCG players to go for a hike of 3 to 5 per cent or resort to shrinkflation by reducing pack sizes and grammage to retain attractive price points, fearing a volume loss.

Maharashtra govt becomes new owner of iconic Air India building

Maharashtra govt becomes new owner of iconic Air India building

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

The Maharashtra government has become the owner of iconic Air India building with the Union government approving transfer of the asset on Thursday. The Maharashtra government bought the Air India building at Nariman Point in Mumbai for Rs 1,601 crore. "GoI has approved transfer of Air India building, Mumbai of AI Assets Holding Company Ltd (AIAHL) to Government of Maharashtra (GoM) at consideration of Rs.1601 cr. GoM has agreed to waive dues of Rs. 298.42 cr, which would have been otherwise payable by AIAHL to GoM for this transaction," DIPAM secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said in a post on X.

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Bangladesh ex-foreign minister on way to India detained at Dhaka airport

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Mahmud went to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to "catch a flight en route to Delhi," an Airport Aviation Security official was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

Why The Census Is Important

Why The Census Is Important

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.

Uttarakhand likely to implement UCC rules on Republic Day

Uttarakhand likely to implement UCC rules on Republic Day

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that the state will become the first in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the date of implementation to be announced soon. The UCC, which aims to unify personal laws for all citizens, has been approved by the state cabinet and preparations for its implementation are almost complete. Dhami stated that the training process for UCC implementation is nearly finalized and the government is aiming for a swift rollout. Speculation is rife that the UCC could be implemented on Republic Day, coinciding with the conclusion of municipal elections. The UCC includes provisions related to marriage, divorce, annulment of marriage, succession, and live-in relationships. The state government has introduced a dedicated portal for online registration of related matters and has authorized Common Service Centers (CSC) to simplify access for citizens. In remote areas, CSC agents will provide door-to-door services. The Gram Panchayat Development Officer will serve as the Sub-Registrar for registration work in rural areas. The government has also implemented Aadhaar-based registration to make the process easier. Citizens can track their application status through email and SMS, and an online complaint portal has been set up. Dhami dismissed Congress allegations of divisive politics, emphasizing that the UCC provides a uniform system and law for all.

'Dr Chidambaram Felt India Should Do Better And Better'

'Dr Chidambaram Felt India Should Do Better And Better'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

'The very fact that his autobiography is called India Rising is a correct example of his wish for India to be a developed country and do as best as possible by science reaching to the common people.'

Aadhaar's next goal: Financial inclusion in rural areas

Aadhaar's next goal: Financial inclusion in rural areas

Rediff.com19 Dec 2022

Since the first Aadhaar number was issued in September 2010, more than 1.33 billion Aadhaar cards have been generated till June 2022. With the Aadhaar enrolment of adult Indians nearing 100 per cent, the main objective of the Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI), which was to give Unique Identification numbers (UID) to all residents of India, is almost achieved, said a senior government official. "Enrolment will now be much more update-based, because people keep updating their mobile numbers and addresses.

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

USAID Funding To India Declines Amid Trump's Freeze

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation cuts funds, there could be more impact.'

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Modi 3.0: Who May Lose, Who May Gain

Rediff.com8 Jun 2024

UP's representation in the government could diminish, given the BJP's decreased seat count in that state.

ICA gala honors activist from rural Maharashtra

ICA gala honors activist from rural Maharashtra

Rediff.com27 Dec 2013

At its 45th annual award gala, Indians for Collective Action, one of the oldest community nonprofits in the Bay Area, honored Indian rural activist Neelima Mishra with the ICA's Social Innovator Award in Santa Clara, California, November 17.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

India questions China's developing country status

India questions China's developing country status

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

India and China have mostly set aside their bilateral differences in order to champion the cause of developing countries at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). That seems to be changing. During the latest round of China's trade policy review, India questioned its northern neighbour's claim that it was a developing country, since, going by the World Bank's definition, its per capita income belongs to that of an upper middle income country. "As per the per capita income level, the Chinese economy belongs to 'upper-middle income'. "How can China still claim to be a developing country? "What are the indicators which China is using to claim such a status?" India asked.

Suspected GBS toll rises to 6 in Pune after 63-year-old man's death

Suspected GBS toll rises to 6 in Pune after 63-year-old man's death

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The number of suspected Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS) deaths in Pune district, Maharashtra, has reached six after a 63-year-old man died. The outbreak has been linked to water contamination caused by campylobacter jejuni, a common bacterial pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and can trigger GBS. The number of suspected GBS cases has risen to 173, with 140 diagnosed with GBS. 34 patients are in Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 87 from newly added villages in PMC area, 22 from Pimpri Chinchwad civic limits, 22 from rural parts of the district, and eight from other districts. Of the 173, a total of 72 have been discharged, 55 are in ICU and 21 are on ventilator support.

WB extends $1.5 bn loan for developing rural roads

WB extends $1.5 bn loan for developing rural roads

Rediff.com14 Jan 2011

The World Bank will extend a loan of $1.5 billion (about Rs 6,800 crore) to India for building 24,000 km of all-weather roads in the rural areas of seven economically poor and hilly states like Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

High points of Sitharaman's 8th Union Budget

High points of Sitharaman's 8th Union Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

These are the highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Saturday.

Duleep Trophy: Ishan Kishan makes a statement with century!

Duleep Trophy: Ishan Kishan makes a statement with century!

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

Batting at No 4, Ishan Kishan smashed 111, hitting 14 fours and three sixes in his 126-ball knock to rally India C against India B.

'If Pawar Saheb Tells Me To Jump In A Well...'

'If Pawar Saheb Tells Me To Jump In A Well...'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

'The reason I am not anxious about the opponent facing me in the front (Ajit Pawar) is because of who is standing behind me like a rock (Sharad Pawar).'

5% Reduction in Tax Can Stimulate Spending

5% Reduction in Tax Can Stimulate Spending

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

While this will incur a revenue loss amounting to 0.2 per cent of GDP, it will provide a strong boost to consumer sentiment and spending, points out Rajani Sinha.

Despite slowdown auto companies continue on rural march

Despite slowdown auto companies continue on rural march

Rediff.com20 Apr 2015

Most companies operate through a rural development sales consultant.

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Bihar forms task force to combat child marriages

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

The Bihar government has formed a state-level task force to monitor actions taken by authorities to prevent and eradicate child marriages in the state. Bihar has the second-highest rate of child marriage in India, with 40.8% of women getting married before turning 18. The government is implementing a multipronged strategy to combat child marriage, including stricter enforcement of the law, empowering girls through education, and raising awareness.

Budget: A delicate balancing act with rural push

Budget: A delicate balancing act with rural push

Rediff.com2 Feb 2017

Jaitley's Budget has the potential to change the face of Modi's Bharat

Budget sets a comprehensive blueprint for India's economic growth

Budget sets a comprehensive blueprint for India's economic growth

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has presented a forward-looking Budget, reinforcing the government's commitment to 'Reform, Perform, and Transform'.

Eknath Shinde 13th Maha minister to test Covid positive

Eknath Shinde 13th Maha minister to test Covid positive

Rediff.com24 Sep 2020

Shinde attended the state cabinet meeting earlier this week. He is the 13th state minister to be infected by the disease.

Disha, Lost In Thought

Disha, Lost In Thought

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Neha goes green... Regina works for a cause... Saiee dazzles...