News for 'Rural'

Price reset, demand pulse drove cement's strong Q2

Price reset, demand pulse drove cement's strong Q2

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

India's top cement producers delivered a solid July-September quarter (Q2) in 2025-26 (FY26), lifted by firmer prices, higher sales volumes, and a favourable base. Seasonal weakness and maintenance outages did dent sequential performance, but the overall picture remained positive - and the road ahead looks steady.

'Cannot win everyday': Star shooter Manu Bhaker admits

'Cannot win everyday': Star shooter Manu Bhaker admits

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

That Bhaker couldn't feature among the 13 Indian medallists in the just-concluded tournament has come as a bit of a surprise to many in the shooting fraternity.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

In an event-heavy week ahead, stock markets' movement would highly depend on macroeconomic data announcements, global trends, RBI's interest rate decision and trading activity of foreign investors, analysts said. India's industrial production data for October 2025 will be released on December 1, an official statement said on Friday.

SIP inflows into equity MFs from small towns cross Rs 10K cr mark

SIP inflows into equity MFs from small towns cross Rs 10K cr mark

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

SIP inflows into active equity schemes from areas beyond the top 30 cities (B30), which first crossed this milestone in September 2025, stood at Rs 10,080 crore in October, industry data shows.

Dharmendra's Top 10 Action Movies

Dharmendra's Top 10 Action Movies

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Dharmendra got his He Man image with Phool Aur Patthar, which was so strong that he never managed to fully shrug it off.

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the people of Manipur, assuring them of the government's commitment to strengthening harmony and ensuring security in the wake of ethnic violence. She highlighted the state's resilience, contributions to the nation, and the government's initiatives for development and inclusivity.

Inefficiency in MFIs leads to high interest rates: DFS secretary M Nagaraju

Inefficiency in MFIs leads to high interest rates: DFS secretary M Nagaraju

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The reduction in the number of loan accounts and the outstanding amount during the last financial year is a cause of concern and stress for microfinance institutions (MFI), Secretary, Department of Financial Services, M Nagaraju said on Thursday, highlighting "inefficiency" in MFIs that leads to higher rates of interest.

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Karnataka cabinet has approved eight draft bills, including those addressing hate speech, cattle slaughter, and social boycott, to be tabled in the upcoming legislative session.

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory in Kerala's local body elections, dealing a blow to the LDF, while the BJP gained significant ground, including winning control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Unemployment rate rises marginally to 5.2% in Sep

Unemployment rate rises marginally to 5.2% in Sep

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The unemployment rate for those aged 15 and above increased marginally to 5.2 per cent in September, according to a government survey released on Wednesday. The unemployment rate (UR) was 5.1 per cent in August, 5.2 per cent in July and 5.6 per cent in May and June, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Punjab cops foil terror attack, 2 ISI-backed men captured with RPGL

Punjab cops foil terror attack, 2 ISI-backed men captured with RPGL

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Punjab Police arrested two terror operatives in Amritsar and seized a rocket-propelled grenade intended for a targeted attack. The suspects were in contact with a Pakistani ISI operative and an inmate in Ferozepur Jail.

'After GST cut, innovation will boost life insurance'

'After GST cut, innovation will boost life insurance'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The reduction in goods & services tax (GST) on individual life and health insurance premiums has been called a "landmark step" for making insurance affordable and inclusive. In a panel discussion at the Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit 2025, Anup Bagchi, managing director (MD) & chief executive officer (CEO) of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance; Mahesh Balasubramanian, MD & CEO of Kotak Life Insurance; Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO of Bajaj Life Insurance; and Ratnakar Patnaik, MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), listed what else the industry needs to reach more people.

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticizes the BJP's functioning, stating he is not being consulted. He rules out rejoining the Congress but expresses willingness to help Sonia Gandhi personally. He also discusses Punjab's political landscape, AAP's performance, and national security.

GST 2.0 boosts petrol-diesel car sales over EVs

GST 2.0 boosts petrol-diesel car sales over EVs

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

While GST on ICE vehicles was brought down significantly, for electric cars it remained at 5 per cent.

Karnataka Bets Big On Space

Karnataka Bets Big On Space

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'This policy is a vision to position Karnataka as the epicentre of India's space ambitions'

'Educated Youth Voted RJD, Uneducated Youth Voted JD-U'

'Educated Youth Voted RJD, Uneducated Youth Voted JD-U'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'When you compare Bihar's poverty from its earlier times, then there is a huge difference. Things have improved a lot. And migration has played an important role in reducing poverty.'

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Can India Regain Foreign Tourists This Winter?

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'We expect inbound numbers in 2025 to come close to pre-pandemic levels -- if not fully match them -- by early 2026.'

Near-term margins for cement companies to remain under pressure

Near-term margins for cement companies to remain under pressure

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The projections in the cement industry are mixed. Prices and demand remained muted in the third quarter (October & November) and short term uptick doesn't seem likely. However, the second quarter of the financial year 2026 (Q2FY26) was good year-on-year (Y-o-Y) for many cement majors aided by base effect, and some analysts expect acceleration in earnings and volume in the next financial year, again aided by base effect.

'Cinema Has A Limited Imagination Of Delhi'

'Cinema Has A Limited Imagination Of Delhi'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

'A majority of filmmakers cannot truly understand the city because they don't live here,' says Anusha Rizvi, Director, The Great Shamsuddin Family.

Labour Codes: Trade Unions Raise Red Flags Over Layoffs

Labour Codes: Trade Unions Raise Red Flags Over Layoffs

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Raising the retrenchment, layoff and closure threshold to 300 workers for prior government permission enables hire-and-fire in more than 90 per cent of the Indian workplaces. More than 12,00,000 disputes are now pending for adjudication with an average disposal period ranging from 3 to five years for more than 75 per cent of the disputes.'

'People Knew Manmohan Singh Had No Vested Interest'

'People Knew Manmohan Singh Had No Vested Interest'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

'Maybe he was wrong, but they believed he genuinely meant what he said.'

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The FMCG industry in India achieved a 10.6% growth in value terms in the December quarter of 2024, driven largely by rural markets, which have surpassed the large urban markets in growth for the fourth consecutive quarter. Festive demand and consumption-driven growth played a key role, with overall volume up 7.1% despite inflationary pressures. However, the industry also saw a "preference shift of consumers towards smaller packs" due to high food inflation. Local manufacturers continue to outperform larger FMCG companies, fueled by consistent volume growth.

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced partnership with billionaire Elon Musk's satellite communications venture in India to deploy a host of satellite-based internet services, becoming the first Indian state to formally tie-up with the US firm. The government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd.

Auto retail sales surge to all-time high of over 52 lakh units

Auto retail sales surge to all-time high of over 52 lakh units

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Automobile retail sales across the domestic market witnessed a 21 per cent year-on-year increase in the 42-day festive season led by record registrations of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers aided by GST rejig enabled drop in prices across segments, dealer' body FADA said on Friday.

India's Housing Finance Sector Hits Home Run

India's Housing Finance Sector Hits Home Run

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

India's housing finance sector is riding a wave of post-pandemic revival, driven by policy support, digital innovation, and growing demand from younger homebuyers in emerging cities.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

'TCS Hiring 2 Bus Loads Of Kids Every Year Won't Happen'

'TCS Hiring 2 Bus Loads Of Kids Every Year Won't Happen'

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

'4 lakh to 5 lakh people graduating in computer science getting jobs in software companies will not happen.'

Bihar sees historic voter turnout in first phase: EC

Bihar sees historic voter turnout in first phase: EC

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

The first phase of the Bihar assembly polls recorded a historic turnout of 65.08 per cent, the highest in the state's history, according to the Election Commission.

Will Indians' reluctance to talk money derail NSO survey?

Will Indians' reluctance to talk money derail NSO survey?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The NSO previously tried to collect household income data in its ninth (1955), 15th (1959), 19th (1964), and 24th (1969) rounds (July 1969-June 1970), but these efforts were not completed, partly due to non-responsiveness by respondents.

Public NBFCs eye Rs 24K cr via bonds

Public NBFCs eye Rs 24K cr via bonds

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) monetary policy review in the first week of December, major public sector non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) - the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) - plan to raise up to Rs 24,000 crore together through bond issuancesk.

5 Of The Most Peaceful Places Worldwide

5 Of The Most Peaceful Places Worldwide

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Forbes just released a selection of places across the world that celebrate The Quiet. Places where one can clear the mind, and reconnect with the soul. Read on...

Mamkoottathil raped complainant multiple times during pregnancy: FIR

Mamkoottathil raped complainant multiple times during pregnancy: FIR

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The police first information report (FIR) against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil alleged that he raped the complainant multiple times even when she was pregnant.

Centre races to rescue failing power discoms

Centre races to rescue failing power discoms

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

After four failed reform drives, a new plan aims to rescue India's debt-laden power discoms through privatisation, accountability and long-term financial fixes.

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The first phase of polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra was disrupted by violence and allegations of bogus voting. Clashes occurred between supporters of ruling allies BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena. The Bombay High Court directed the SEC to postpone the counting of votes.

SIR concerns: Sonagachi sex workers fear mass exclusion from voter list

SIR concerns: Sonagachi sex workers fear mass exclusion from voter list

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Sex workers in Sonagachi, Asia's largest red-light district, are pleading for relief from stringent voter ID rules that they say are impossible to meet, potentially leading to exclusion from the voters' list.

Budget 2025: Rs 1.88 lakh crore outlay for rural development

Budget 2025: Rs 1.88 lakh crore outlay for rural development

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Rural Development Ministry has been allocated Rs 1.88 lakh crore in the Union Budget for 2025-26, around 5.75 per cent more than the allocation in the previous budget.

Punjab woman recounts horrific abuse as domestic servant in Iraq

Punjab woman recounts horrific abuse as domestic servant in Iraq

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

A 29-year-old woman from Punjab recounts the horrifying abuse she allegedly faced in Iraq, where she was forced to work as a domestic servant after being lured by a travel agent with false promises. She claims many other Punjabi women are still trapped there and seeks government action against human trafficking networks.

Budget 2025: FM announces 1.5 lakh rural post offices

Budget 2025: FM announces 1.5 lakh rural post offices

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the government's plan to transform India into a large logistics organisation with 1.5 lakh rural post offices.