News for 'Rural India'

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The stage is set for the crucial first phase of the assembly elections in Bihar on Thursday, as 3.75 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance's (INDIA's) chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

What works for NDA under Nitish Kumar, what doesn't

What works for NDA under Nitish Kumar, what doesn't

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

A SWOT analysis of the NDA coalition led by Nitish Kumar as Bihar heads into assembly elections, examining its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats against the INDIA bloc.

NTPC lamps to light up rural India

NTPC lamps to light up rural India

Rediff.com10 Jul 2006

Auto retail sales dip 4% YoY in July; PVs, two-wheelers see drop in registrations

Auto retail sales dip 4% YoY in July; PVs, two-wheelers see drop in registrations

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Domestic automobile retail sales declined 4 per cent year-on-year in July amid drop in demand for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, dealers' body FADA said on Thursday. Overall registrations dropped to 19,64,213 units last month, as compared to 20,52,759 units in July 2024.

The inspiring story of women's empowerment in rural India

The inspiring story of women's empowerment in rural India

Rediff.com4 May 2012

From spearheading India's first rural bank for women, to running a business school, a women's chamber of commerce, farmer-turned-entrepreneur Chetna Sinha has come a long way. In this interview, she credits her success to the many women in her village who've inspired her all along.

Bihar: Gangster-turned-politician, who backed PK, killed

Bihar: Gangster-turned-politician, who backed PK, killed

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Gangster-turned-politician Dular Chand Yadav, once known for rubbing shoulders with the who's who of politics in Bihar, was allegedly shot dead near the state capital during an election campaign on Thursday, police said.

Modi reforms flicker in rural India, other big challenges remain

Modi reforms flicker in rural India, other big challenges remain

Rediff.com13 May 2016

While many promises remain unrealised, power reforms and the creation of tens of millions of new bank accounts have helped Modi maintain his popularity

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

US advisory for India warns of crime, rape; MEA says 'noted'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In the June 16 advisory, the US urged its citizens to exercise "increased caution" due to crime and rape, and advised them not to travel to certain parts of central and eastern parts of the country due to terrorism.

In rural India, non-farm activities is the main source of income!

In rural India, non-farm activities is the main source of income!

Rediff.com16 Nov 2017

Workers moving out of agriculture to the rural labour force were largely getting absorbed in construction activities

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

More than 25 crore workers engaged in sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal to coal mining, highway and construction are expected to go on a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, potentially disrupting services across the country. A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or 'Bharat Bandh' to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government".

The Superwoman India Is In Love With

The Superwoman India Is In Love With

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

'I wouldn't have called myself an athletic person growing up. But training for this film changed that.' 'It pushed me in ways I didn't expect and made me discover a strength I didn't know I had.'

Rural demand lifts FMCG sector to 5.7% growth in July-Sept: NielsenIQ

Rural demand lifts FMCG sector to 5.7% growth in July-Sept: NielsenIQ

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

India's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector grew 5.7 per cent by value and 4.1 per cent by volume in the July-September quarter driven by rural demand, consumer intelligence firm NielsenIQ said in its quarterly update on Thursday. Price-led growth stood at 1.5 per cent. According to NielsenIQ data, rural volume growth outpaced urban markets for the third straight quarter despite consumption softening in both regions.

ICICI revises minimum balance requirement for new savings a/cs

ICICI revises minimum balance requirement for new savings a/cs

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

ICICI Bank has reversed its decision to raise the minimum monthly average balance (MAB) for new savings accounts in metro and urban locations to Rs 50,000, revising it instead to Rs 15,000, effective August 1. The MAB for new savings accounts in semi-urban locations has been revised from Rs 25,000 to Rs 7,500, and for rural locations from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2,500.

Setback for Anil Ambani, RCom as HC supports SBI order

Setback for Anil Ambani, RCom as HC supports SBI order

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Bombay high court has upheld a decision by the State Bank of India (SBI) to classify accounts of industrialist Anil Ambani and his company, Reliance Communications (RCom), as "fraudulent" noting that there was no legal flaw in it.

Private Talent At PSU Banks Is Welcome, But...

Private Talent At PSU Banks Is Welcome, But...

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Opening up the corner office is fine, but will the government be able to attract talent without giving a market-rate salary?, asks Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Bihar polls: Tejashwi's stronghold faces BJP challenge

Bihar polls: Tejashwi's stronghold faces BJP challenge

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Raghopur assembly constituency in Bihar prepares for a high-stakes election where voters may be deciding the next chief minister. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD's CM candidate, seeks a third term, facing a strong challenge from BJP's Satish Kumar.

How Fake PANs Help Hide Crooked Property Deals

How Fake PANs Help Hide Crooked Property Deals

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Quoting an incorrect PAN during property registration can invite penalties and prosecution.

Homebound Review: Highly Recommended

Homebound Review: Highly Recommended

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

In the slot of rural poor, there are those who struggle to pull themselves out of crumbling hovels, and there are the Jamtara-like bunch who turn to crime. Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound is about the former, whose quest for respect and dignity is thwarted because they are underprivileged, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Can Private Bankers Transform Public Sector Banks?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Yes, the entry of private bankers, particularly with global experience will add value to PSBs, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

ADB lowers India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.5% on trade, tariff concerns

ADB lowers India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.5% on trade, tariff concerns

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday lowered India's growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5 per cent from 6.7 per cent on account of trade uncertainty and higher US tariffs that are expected to impact exports and investment. Despite the downward revision from the April 2025 Asian Development Outlook (ADO), India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Both NDA and INDIA are racing to woo marginalised groups with Assembly polls fast approaching.

Youth Unemployment Rate Rises For Second Month In A Row

Youth Unemployment Rate Rises For Second Month In A Row

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The rise was more pronounced in urban areas than in the rural areas.

Insurers to double down on tech, rural expansion for growth in '25

Insurers to double down on tech, rural expansion for growth in '25

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

The Indian insurance industry is set to focus on customer-centric technological adoption and expansion into rural areas to drive growth in 2025.

What Is Powering Mahindra's Bolero Run

What Is Powering Mahindra's Bolero Run

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Between January and August 2025, over 65,000 units of the Bolero were sold, making it the third-highest contributor to Mahindra's overall SUV sales. Bolero annually achieves sales of over 1 lakh units.

'I Can't Marry Off My Daughter Because I Don't Have Money'

'I Can't Marry Off My Daughter Because I Don't Have Money'

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

'I need 3-4 lakhs for the wedding. All prospective grooms demand a motorcycle which costs 1 to 1.5 lakhs, then you have to also give a bed, cupboard, utensils, fridge,' says Kamala, her wrinkled forehead furrowing with despair.

Passenger vehicle retails surge 35% during Navratri; total Sep sales grow 6%

Passenger vehicle retails surge 35% during Navratri; total Sep sales grow 6%

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Passenger vehicle retail sales shot up 35 per cent year-on-year during the nine-day Navratri period this year, helping the overall registrations last month grow 6 per cent, as offtakes remained muted in the first 21 days of the month and only took off after the roll-out of new GST rates on September 22, dealer' body FADA said on Tuesday.

AI: '8 Out Of 10 Jobs At Risk'

AI: '8 Out Of 10 Jobs At Risk'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

AI will erase outsourcing jobs, redefine skills and disrupt global giants within five years, predicts Vinod Khosla. The IT legend urges young people to become generalists: Adaptable thinkers who can learn quickly, connect dots across disciplines and shift careers as technologies evolve.

Of tech and affordable healthcare for rural India

Of tech and affordable healthcare for rural India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2009

Guest speakers Dr Prathap C Reddy, Apollo Hospitals chairman, and Balvinder Singh Kalsi, DuPont India CEO, both felt that Indian villagers were ready and willing to adapt and experiment with technology if this route was chosen to provide them with access to healthcare.

Sabar Bonda Review: A Rare Gem

Sabar Bonda Review: A Rare Gem

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Sabar Bonda is a tender, and exquisitely crafted slice-of-life drama that taps into universal human desire of making a meaningful connection with another human being, observes Mayur Sanap.

Temasek lifts India exposure to 8% as China share declines for third year

Temasek lifts India exposure to 8% as China share declines for third year

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Singapore's state investor Temasek Holdings, which recently picked up 10 per cent stake in Haldiram, has been consistently expanding its footprint in India while slowly withdrawing from China over the last three years amid growing geopolitical risks and economic headwinds. India has become Temasek's third-largest market, after Singapore (27 per cent) and China (18 per cent), with its exposure to the country higher than the rest of Asia Pacific excluding the three (11 per cent), according to Temasek's annual review.

SBI@70: Who Says The Elephant Can't Dance?

SBI@70: Who Says The Elephant Can't Dance?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

While a giant, it's a nimble-footed one, and is growing at a speed that even some of its private sector peers find enviable.
Between FY18 and FY24, it doubled its balance sheet. Despite being a late entrant in some segments, it has been able to grab market share, observes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Small SUVs likely to see maximum growth post GST cut

Small SUVs likely to see maximum growth post GST cut

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The small sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment - comprising models less than 4 metres in length - could witness the "maximum" growth among all categories in the coming months following the recent goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation, Tarun Garg, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), said.

'Markets Remain Far From 2024 Euphoria'

'Markets Remain Far From 2024 Euphoria'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

'A balanced portfolio mix of domestic and international equity, fixed income, and precious metals is recommended.'

'The Intent Is To Make A Better Bank In The Future'

'The Intent Is To Make A Better Bank In The Future'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

'As the team builds, each of them will bring in a different perspective, new thinking.'

Rural FMCG growth overtakes urban after 5 quarters

Rural FMCG growth overtakes urban after 5 quarters

Rediff.com8 May 2024

India's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector witnessed growth in rural consumption in volume terms outpace urban consumption for the first time in five quarters, in the January-March period. According to a report from consumer intelligence firm NIQ, rural consumption grew at a rate of 7.6 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in Q1CY24, overtaking that in urban areas which stood at 5.7 per cent.

The Maha Kumbh Mela Goes To Toronto!

The Maha Kumbh Mela Goes To Toronto!

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'On our first day at the Kumbh Mela, there was a fire and shook our confidence. 'There must have been a few crore people there.' 'How do we place the camera in between them?'

Modi's village adoption plan has potential to transform rural India

Modi's village adoption plan has potential to transform rural India

Rediff.com20 Nov 2014

Each 'adarsh village' should have piped drinking water, connectivity to the main road, electricity supply to all households, library, telecom and broadband connectivity including CCTVs in public areas. Emphasis will also be on e-governance, says Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com.

Sitharaman Orders Banks to Return Unclaimed Citizens' Money

Sitharaman Orders Banks to Return Unclaimed Citizens' Money

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Given that a sizeable part of this money is part of the coveted current accounts and savings accounts, it is surprising that banks are not in a hurry to revive these accounts, notes Tamal Bandyopdhyay.

Why Banks Are Speaking Local Languages

Why Banks Are Speaking Local Languages

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

State-owned banks are prioritising local language skills in their hiring to improve customer service and reduce language barriers.

Musk's Starlink Can Only Target 2M Users

Musk's Starlink Can Only Target 2M Users

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

... with a maximum speed of 200 megabits per second (mbps) across the country for Rs 3,000 per month.