News for 'Rural India'

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Shinde joke row: Kunal Kamra moves HC against FIR

Shinde joke row: Kunal Kamra moves HC against FIR

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The comedian has failed to appear before the Mumbai police for questioning despite three summons issued to him.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

Odisha cabinet nod to Rs 4124 cr project for sports facilities!

Odisha cabinet nod to Rs 4124 cr project for sports facilities!

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The project also aims to address critical gaps in rural sports infrastructure, particularly at the block level, where facilities remain underdeveloped.

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

SC says Bihar babus suspended for bridge collapse brought back

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has transferred a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar to the Patna High Court. The court expressed concern over the state government's handling of bridge collapses, noting that officials were suspended after incidents but reinstated after the public outcry subsided. The court also criticized the state's voluminous response to the PIL, which lacked explanations for the collapses. The Patna High Court will now monitor the state's efforts to ensure structural and safety audits of bridges in Bihar.

Modi starts 3rd term, signs first file related to...

Modi starts 3rd term, signs first file related to...

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The decision signifies the government's commitment to farmers' welfare following the ruling National Democratic Alliance's poll win, albeit with some setback, especially in parts of rural India.

'In CCTV Footage, 'Sonam Was Looking To Be In Panic'

'In CCTV Footage, 'Sonam Was Looking To Be In Panic'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

'I feel the murderers had done a recce of this place before murdering Raja.' 'It is isolated, there are no CCTV cameras.' 'It was a fit place to commit the crime.'

RBI allows banks to hike ATM charges from May 1

RBI allows banks to hike ATM charges from May 1

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday permitted banks to increase charges on ATM cash withdrawals beyond the mandatory free monthly usage by Rs 2 to Rs 23 per transaction from May 1.

Rural sales bring cheers to motown

Rural sales bring cheers to motown

Rediff.com2 Jul 2020

Analysts said the demand recovery in two-wheeler and car segments was skewed towards the semi-urban and rural markets.

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Heavy rains, strong winds in Kerala as monsoon arrives early

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Normally, the southwest monsoon makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15.

'Will Learning AI Help Me As An Entrepreneur?'

'Will Learning AI Help Me As An Entrepreneur?'

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Dr Ganesh Natarajan, a special guest on rediffGURUS, has been addressing questions from Rediff readers, about how to grow professionally, how women can achieve leadership roles in Indian companies, and what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Over 50% of rural Indians cutting down on food: Study

Over 50% of rural Indians cutting down on food: Study

Rediff.com13 May 2020

The study showed that 50 per cent of households have reduced the number of meals ever since the lockdown was imposed

BP to tap rural areas in India

BP to tap rural areas in India

Rediff.com14 Oct 2005

British energy giant BP Plc plans to tap rural India with cheap and clean fuel sources besides expanding its solar power business and cooperating in exploration, refining and marketing of fuels.

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced that the state's Assembly resolution seeking NEET exemption, which was sent for Presidential assent, has been declined by the Centre. Stalin termed the rejection as a "dark chapter in federalism" and accused the Centre of disregarding the will of the Tamil Nadu people. He also announced an all-political party meeting on April 9 to discuss the issue further.

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

GDP growth in FY25 estimated to be 6.3%: SBI research

GDP growth in FY25 estimated to be 6.3%: SBI research

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The State Bank of India (SBI), in its research, has estimated GDP growth during the current financial year (2024-25) to be 6.3 per cent, assuming that the NSO does not make major revisions to the erstwhile first and second quarter estimates.

Incredible India: 10 Amazing Train Journeys

Incredible India: 10 Amazing Train Journeys

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

Discover our country through great Indian rail trips!

'Budget Focus Will Be On Growth, Jobs'

'Budget Focus Will Be On Growth, Jobs'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

'There is no immediate threat to the government, and they would prefer the growth agenda.'

India's GDP expected to grow at 6.5% in Q2 FY25

India's GDP expected to grow at 6.5% in Q2 FY25

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Economists at the country's largest lender SBI on Wednesday said they see Q2 real GDP growth slowing down further to 6.5 per cent in the September quarter of this fiscal year. Amid concerns over the country's economic growth rate and if it is slowing down, the analysts said they expect FY25 growth to come "closer to" 7 per cent. It can be noted that the April-June period saw the real GDP expanding by 6.7 per cent, the lowest in 15 quarters.

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'If you look around the world at people of colour, religion, caste, sexuality or any of the marginalised communities, we are always talking in numbers.' 'We are always assigning them a statistic.' 'That is an easy way to assuage your urban guilt. Because you hide your apathy with hollow sympathy.' 'We are, in a way, making them invisible.'

Speculation rife as CPI-M set to pick new general secy

Speculation rife as CPI-M set to pick new general secy

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is set to elect its next general secretary, with speculation rife over who will lead the party. Leading contenders include M A Baby, backed by the party's Kerala unit, and Ashok Dhawale, who enjoys support from the West Bengal lobby. Other potential candidates include Mohammed Salim, B V Raghavulu, and Brinda Karat. The election will take place at the 24th CPI(M) congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Rafael Nadal's India Connections

Rafael Nadal's India Connections

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

A year before he won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2005, Rafa made his debut in India at the Chennai Open.

Prosperity Is Not India's Birth Right

Prosperity Is Not India's Birth Right

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

If growth reverts to the pre-Covid level, a lot of people may have to temper their rosy optimism, points out Debashis Basu.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Inflation cools to 6-year low of 3.16% in April

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Retail inflation eased to a nearly six-year low of 3.16 per cent in April mainly due to subdued prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, and other protein-rich items, creating enough room for the Reserve Bank to go for another round of rate cut in the June monetary policy review. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was 3.34 per cent in March and 4.83 per cent in April 2024. It was 3.15 per cent in July 2019.

Meet the man who delivers health care to rural India

Meet the man who delivers health care to rural India

Rediff.com15 Jan 2010

Dr Bhagwati P Agrawal is using new science, engineering and entrepreneurship to build self-sustainable social enterprises.

Retail inflation dips to nearly 6-year low of 3.34% in Mar

Retail inflation dips to nearly 6-year low of 3.34% in Mar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Retail inflation dipped marginally to a nearly six-year low of 3.34 per cent in March due to a decline in prices of vegetables and protein-rich items. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was 3.61 per cent in February and 4.85 per cent in March last year.

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The United Kingdom extracted USD 64.82 trillion from India over a century of colonialism between 1765 and 1900 and USD 33.8 trillion of this went to the richest 10 per cent -- enough money to carpet London in notes of 50 British pound almost four times over.

'Quicker credit data updates will aid underwriting'

'Quicker credit data updates will aid underwriting'

Rediff.com18 May 2025

'This helps the consumers secure more favourable terms from CIs.'

Rural FMCG sales outrun towns

Rural FMCG sales outrun towns

Rediff.com13 Feb 2006

Duleep Trophy: Arshdeep's 6 takes India D to victory

Duleep Trophy: Arshdeep's 6 takes India D to victory

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

Arshdeep Singh registered career-best figures of 6/40 to help India D outclass India B by 257 runs.

Maruti's rural sales drive heads for panchayats

Maruti's rural sales drive heads for panchayats

Rediff.com9 May 2007

In a bid to increase its sales from rural India, the country's largest car maker, Maruti Udyog Ltd, is offering over 2.1 million functionaries in panchayats (local self-governing bodies in villages) its cars at special discounts.

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'But when we actually express ourselves, sometimes our parents can surprise us, because they just love their children.' 'Sometimes it's just that simple. That is what I wanted to show in this film.'

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Budget: Can Nirmalaji End The Economic Slowdown?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The time is ideal for a 'Dream Budget' akin to the 1991 reforms that sparked high growth and unlocked significant gains in productivity, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

World Bank ups India growth forecast to 7% for FY25

World Bank ups India growth forecast to 7% for FY25

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

The World Bank on Tuesday raised the growth forecast for the Indian economy to 7 per cent for the current fiscal year on the back of recovery in agri sector and rural demand. World Bank had in June projected India to grow at 6.6 per cent for FY24. According to the World Bank Report released on Tuesday, India's growth continues to be strong despite a challenging global environment.

Union Budget 2025-26: This is what telecom sector wants

Union Budget 2025-26: This is what telecom sector wants

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

High spectrum costs limit operators to invest in next-gen network infrastructure.

'Rural spread poses significant danger'

'Rural spread poses significant danger'

Rediff.com18 May 2021

'There is a deep stigma or taboo attached to COVID-19 in rural areas.' 'People don't want to test because they fear social exclusion.' 'Even those who test positive may not reveal and not follow the quarantine protocol.'

CPM's Karat calls for Left unity to counter 'Hindutva neo-fascism'

CPM's Karat calls for Left unity to counter 'Hindutva neo-fascism'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The 24th CPI(M) Party Congress commenced in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with interim coordinator Prakash Karat emphasizing the need for Left unity to combat "Hindutva neo-fascism." He criticized the BJP-RSS government, accusing it of representing a "Hindutva-corporate nexus" and displaying "neo-fascist characteristics." Other Left leaders, including CPI general secretary D Raja and CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, echoed calls for unity and condemned the current political climate in India.

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.

'Problem Solving Is A Big Skill To Have Today'

'Problem Solving Is A Big Skill To Have Today'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'We give them problems so that they can come up with solutions using the technological skills they have learnt.' 'In fact, changemaking and problem solving are interchangeable, in a way.'