News for 'Rural India'

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.

Maruti Suzuki sees strong PV growth, market share gains, but El Nio poses risk

Maruti Suzuki sees strong PV growth, market share gains, but El Nio poses risk

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Maruti Suzuki, India's leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, is experiencing robust growth in the June quarter, driven by a recovery in the entry-level segment, easing supply constraints, and significant market share gains. Despite potential headwinds from El Nio, analysts remain optimistic about the company's future performance.

Govt Assures E20 Fuel Use is Safe, Won't Affect Vehicle Insurance Validity

Govt Assures E20 Fuel Use is Safe, Won't Affect Vehicle Insurance Validity

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian government has dismissed concerns that the use of E20 fuel could affect the validity of vehicle insurance policies, stating that the ethanol blending programme remains safe, consumer-friendly, and economically beneficial.

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

What made SIAM do a U-turn on E20 fuel within a week?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.

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.

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.

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.

Geopolitics, Earnings, Crude Prices Key to Indian Market Movement

Geopolitics, Earnings, Crude Prices Key to Indian Market Movement

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Analysts predict that the US-Iran geopolitical conflict, upcoming quarterly earnings announcements, and fluctuations in crude oil prices will be the primary drivers of investor sentiment in the Indian equity markets.

Maharashtra Government Signs MoU For Kolhapur Cricket Stadium

Maharashtra Government Signs MoU For Kolhapur Cricket Stadium

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with the Kolhapur District Cricket Association to build an international-standard cricket stadium and multi-sports hub in Kolhapur, featuring a 35,000-capacity stadium and facilities for various sports.

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.

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

19 ministers join Shivakumar cabinet, MLA quits over exclusion

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Karnataka's two-month-old government saw its first cabinet expansion with 19 MLAs sworn in as ministers, leading to immediate discontent and the resignation of one Congress legislator over his exclusion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Third Wave: Bigger Threat in Rural India

Third Wave: Bigger Threat in Rural India

Rediff.com13 Jul 2021

'The roadmap ahead seems very difficult especially in the rural areas where there is very poor infrastructure, vaccine reach and hesitancy.' 'These are a deadly cocktail for the next wave.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rural India calling MNCs

Rural India calling MNCs

Rediff.com15 Jul 2006

Internet usage grows faster in rural India; knowhow still a deterrent

Internet usage grows faster in rural India; knowhow still a deterrent

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

The number of internet users in rural India increased 18 percent last year, faster than growth in urban areas and continuing a trend that started two years ago. Internet users in urban India increased 5 percent in 2021. Rural India has 351 million users, or 37 percent of people there, according to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and data analytics company KANTAR.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.