News for 'Rural India'

FMCG Sector Sees Strong Demand, Improved Margins for FY27

FMCG Sector Sees Strong Demand, Improved Margins for FY27

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in India are expressing strong optimism for the current fiscal year, anticipating robust consumption trends, significant growth, and improved profit margins. This positive outlook is largely driven by resilient demand and the expected easing of elevated input costs, despite ongoing inflationary pressures and potential weather volatility.

Why You MUST Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Why You MUST Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Young adults in India are increasingly grappling with high blood pressure, a condition once thought to affect mainly the older demographics. Cardiologists point to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, chronic stress and unhealthy diets as primary drivers of this silent epidemic.

Will 2026 Monsoon Be The Driest Since 2015?

Will 2026 Monsoon Be The Driest Since 2015?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The IMD is predicting close to a 60% probability of deficient rainfall, which means there is a strong possibility that the monsoon this year will be poor.

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Top education ministry officials shifted amid nationwide protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Indian education ministry has undergone a significant reshuffle of top officials, including the removal of higher education secretary Vineet Joshi, amidst widespread controversies surrounding NEET-UG paper leaks and CBSE digital evaluation glitches, with the opposition demanding the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Farmer Killed Over Land Dispute In Uttar Pradesh

Farmer Killed Over Land Dispute In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A 60-year-old farmer was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh's Mau district due to a land dispute. Police are investigating the case and have formed teams to arrest the accused.

India's unemployment rate rises to six-month high of 5.2% in April

India's unemployment rate rises to six-month high of 5.2% in April

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India's unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above reached a six-month peak of 5.2 per cent in April 2026, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data.

Crude oil, global cues, TCS earnings to steer Indian stock market this week

Crude oil, global cues, TCS earnings to steer Indian stock market this week

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Indian stock market's trajectory this week will be significantly influenced by crude oil prices, global market trends, and the commencement of the corporate earnings season, with IT major TCS set to announce its June-quarter results on July 9.

India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record High in May Despite Fuel Price Hike

India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record High in May Despite Fuel Price Hike

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India's total automobile retail sales recorded a significant 9.55 per cent year-on-year growth in May, reaching an all-time high of 25,31,067 units, driven by strong performances in three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and tractors, despite prevailing heatwave conditions and fuel price pressures.

India's TV Viewers to Cross 1 Billion

India's TV Viewers to Cross 1 Billion

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Internet subscribers, income growth, literacy and dependency ratio are the biggest drivers of growth.

NBFCs show strong Q4, but near-term outlook remains cautious

NBFCs show strong Q4, but near-term outlook remains cautious

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) reported encouraging results for Q4FY26 with improved asset quality and earnings, but analysts maintain a cautious near-term outlook due to geopolitical tensions, monsoon risks, and specific portfolio concerns.

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

July downpour reduces rainfall deficit to 12% as El Nino looms

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre has reviewed the monsoon situation, noting a reduced rainfall deficit and ongoing preparedness for the kharif season amidst El Nino concerns. A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed measures across various sectors, emphasising continuous monitoring and coordinated action to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and essential commodities.

How Meghalaya Is Driving Digital Banking Adoption

How Meghalaya Is Driving Digital Banking Adoption

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Meghalaya has shown significant progress in digital transactions and financial inclusion, recording 32.76 crore digital transactions and nearly 10 lakh Jan Dhan accounts by 2025-26. Efforts like the JAM Trinity and financial literacy programmes have expanded banking access, with a high percentage of bank account holders adopting digital modes. The next phase focuses on enhancing financial literacy and cyber resilience, especially in rural areas.

India-UK Trade Deal to Kick Off July 15, PM Modi Confirms

India-UK Trade Deal to Kick Off July 15, PM Modi Confirms

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into effect on July 15, 2026, anticipating a significant boost to bilateral trade and investment.

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Airpay Payment Services has partnered with Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) to enable UPI-based digital payments across the lender's network in Maharashtra, aiming to accelerate financial inclusion in rural areas.

One year on, Air India crash trauma haunts 'Aeroplane Boy'

One year on, Air India crash trauma haunts 'Aeroplane Boy'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A year after accidentally filming the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, 18-year-old Aryan Asari, now known as the 'Aeroplane Boy', shares his story of unexpected fame and the lasting fear that prevents him from filming aircraft or flying himself.

Retail Inflation Rises to 4.38% in June, Exceeds RBI's 4% Median Target

Retail Inflation Rises to 4.38% in June, Exceeds RBI's 4% Median Target

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's retail inflation rose to 4.38 per cent in June, driven primarily by costlier food items, pushing it above the Reserve Bank of India's median target of 4 per cent for the first time under the new series.

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Birthday Special: Dhanush's 10 Best Films

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

From intense gangster epics to tender slice-of-life dramas, these 10 films showcase why Dhanush remains one of Indian cinema's most versatile leading men.

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Bank has increased India's economic growth projection for FY27 to 6.6 per cent, citing resilient domestic demand, while simultaneously cutting its global economic growth outlook due to the conflict in West Asia.

EV Adoption Rises As West Asia Crisis Makes Fuel Costly

EV Adoption Rises As West Asia Crisis Makes Fuel Costly

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Fuel prices have risen by about Rs 7.5 per litre since May 15, as global crude oil prices surged due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

Super Subbu Review: Bold Subject, Bumpy Ride

Super Subbu Review: Bold Subject, Bumpy Ride

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Despite its uneven storytelling, Super Subbu deserves applause for turning India's discomfort with sex education into an entertaining, often insightful satire, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Ruchi Gujjar's Ghoonghat Statement At Cannes

Ruchi Gujjar's Ghoonghat Statement At Cannes

Rediff.com19 May 2026

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026, actress and model Ruchi Gujjar turned one of the world's biggest red carpets into a platform for social commentary.

India is now world's largest market for Nestle's KitKat

India is now world's largest market for Nestle's KitKat

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India has emerged as the largest global market for Nestle's iconic KitKat chocolate-coated wafer bar, surpassing other nations due to strong consumer penetration, product innovation, and aggressive marketing investments.

India aims to operationalise 9 FTAs in 10 months, eyes more pacts: Piyush Goyal

India aims to operationalise 9 FTAs in 10 months, eyes more pacts: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India expects to operationalise nine free trade agreements (FTAs) within the next 10 months, with plans for an additional three to four significant pacts over the coming year, reinforcing India's ambition to become a global manufacturing and investment hub.

Banking system liquidity in deficit after 3 months

Banking system liquidity in deficit after 3 months

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India's banking system liquidity has fallen into a deficit for the first time in nearly three months, prompting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to inject 1.41 trillion through a seven-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction to ease the temporary tightness.

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been shifted to Police Lines following a fact-finding inquiry initiated by Punjab Police. This action comes after news reports linked the officer to an extortion-related investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under "Operation Hard Ball," targeting India-based organised crime syndicates. The US indictment alleges the officer's involvement in a $400,000 extortion scheme using false murder charges, drawing significant political criticism.

Dabur's robust India biz showing lifts shares

Dabur's robust India biz showing lifts shares

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Dabur India's shares rose 3.7 per cent after reporting in-line Q4FY26 results, driven by a healthy 10 per cent growth in its India business, despite some analysts remaining cautious about future execution.

Corporate bond market raises Rs 16,000 crore, momentum to continue

Corporate bond market raises Rs 16,000 crore, momentum to continue

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Indian corporate bond market witnessed a significant surge, with companies raising nearly Rs 16,000 crore in a single day, primarily led by state-owned financial institutions and NBFCs. This strong momentum, driven by improved borrowing conditions and investor confidence, is expected to persist.

9 Doctors Who Became Leaders

9 Doctors Who Became Leaders

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

On Doctors' Day this week let's turn the spotlight onto doctors who decided to become leaders.

'Diabetes Is Not A Disease, It Is Only A Disorder. So, Don't Panic'

'Diabetes Is Not A Disease, It Is Only A Disorder. So, Don't Panic'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'Control your A, B, C and D.' 'A is A1C, keep your A1C below 7 per cent.' 'B is blood pressure, so keep your blood pressure at 130/ 80 or at least below 140/ 90.' 'C is cholesterol. The bad cholesterol is the LDL cholesterol, and it should be kept below 100, preferably below 70 or 50.' 'D is discipline like diet, exercise, sleep, no smoking, etc.' 'People with diabetes who follow A, B, C and D can live up to even 100 years of age without any complications.'

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India's consumption stocks, which have outperformed the broader market, are now facing significant pressure due to a gradual rise in fuel prices and the potential for higher inflation. Analysts warn that companies may be forced to pass on increased input costs to consumers, potentially hurting demand across both staples and discretionary categories, with a looming threat of deficient monsoon rainfall further exacerbating inflationary concerns.

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

RBI Ombudsman Can Award Compensation Of Up To 30 Lakh For Financial Loss

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

...and 3 lakh for harassment.

Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani to become Asia's wealthiest person

Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani to become Asia's wealthiest person

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, has surpassed Mukesh Ambani to become Asia's richest person, with a net worth of USD 92.6 billion, placing him 19th globally according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.

India's internet user base crosses 950 million in 2025: IAMAI report

India's internet user base crosses 950 million in 2025: IAMAI report

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

India's internet user base crossed 950 million in 2025, driven largely by rapid growth in rural connectivity, rising short-video consumption, and increasing adoption of AI, according to a report released by IAMAI on Thursday.

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that India's economy is projected to return to a 7 per cent-plus growth trajectory by 2027-28 (FY28), or sooner if external conditions improve, despite near-term challenges from the West Asia crisis.

'I Want Roles That Scare Me'

'I Want Roles That Scare Me'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'If a character doesn't challenge me, I don't get excited about it.' 'I don't mind failing while trying, but I need to feel that fear of wondering how I'm going to pull it off.'

Will Nagraj Manjule Recreate Sairat Magic With Khashaba?

Will Nagraj Manjule Recreate Sairat Magic With Khashaba?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Khashaba teaser leaves behind the feeling that Marathi cinema is gearing up for something monumental, notes Mayur Sanap.

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

'Why Should We Be Okay With 6.5% Growth Rate?'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

'Why not aspire for 8 or 9 or even 10 per cent?'

How Shubham Kumar Topped JEE, India's Toughest Exam

How Shubham Kumar Topped JEE, India's Toughest Exam

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Gaya native Shubham Kumar topped the JEE exam by avoiding negative news and social media. He credited his parents, Kota faculties and hard work for his success. Gurugram's Kabeer Chillar secured the second rank. Both students attended the Allen Career Institute in Kota.

Rupee Fall Exposes India's Economic Weakness

Rupee Fall Exposes India's Economic Weakness

Rediff.com27 May 2026

We who were dreaming of being the third largest economy in dollar terms, have slid back to sixth, thanks to the falling rupee. We are moving about with begging bowls for investments and trade opportunities, which will be a while in materialising, if ever, notes Shreekant Sambrani.