News for 'Rural'

Coming Soon! Pushkar Camel Fair 2025

Coming Soon! Pushkar Camel Fair 2025

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

The iconic Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 is set to take place from October 30 in Rajasthan. Camel herders from across the region have begun arriving in Pushkar and Ajmer with their magnificent camels, while cultural performances with foreign tourists add vibrant energy to the preparations.

Phase 2 of Bihar polls tomorrow, Nitish ministers in fray

Phase 2 of Bihar polls tomorrow, Nitish ministers in fray

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Electoral fortunes of 1,302 candidates, including over half a dozen ministers in the Nitish Kumar government, will be sealed on Tuesday with 3.70 crore voters eligible to exercise their franchise across 122 assembly segments in the second and final phase of the Bihar polls.

Meghalaya girl sold in Raj for Rs 3 lakh after Facebook friendship; 3 held

Meghalaya girl sold in Raj for Rs 3 lakh after Facebook friendship; 3 held

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

A human trafficking racket spanning multiple states has been busted with the arrest of three persons in connection with the sale of a young girl from Meghalaya and her forced marriage in Rajasthan. Several other young women from the Northeast are believed to have met the same fate.

Haryana Steelers launch grassroots kabaddi academy

Haryana Steelers launch grassroots kabaddi academy

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Under the partnership, the Haryana Steelers' performance staff will conduct four masterclasses annually for academy athletes and coaches, focusing on technical, tactical, and physical development.

'Voter Yatra' fails to deliver electoral gains for Mahagathbandhan

'Voter Yatra' fails to deliver electoral gains for Mahagathbandhan

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Voter Adhikar Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav before the Bihar Assembly polls, failed to deliver electoral gains for the Mahagathbandhan, with the NDA winning across its route.

JD-U candidate Anant Singh held in Dularchand Yadav murder case

JD-U candidate Anant Singh held in Dularchand Yadav murder case

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Yadav died at Khushhalchak village three days ago during election campaigning. An assailant reportedly shot him, and an SUV crushed him, officials confirmed.

How A Silk Sari Started A Fashion Revolution

How A Silk Sari Started A Fashion Revolution

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'Women weavers are hardworking, open to learning, resilient.' 'They finish their cooking, housework, puja, then they come to weave.' 'They care about design. They care about beauty.'

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

Will 1600 Number Stop Scam Calls?

Will 1600 Number Stop Scam Calls?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Trai has ordered BFSI firms to move service and transaction calls to the 1600 series from 2026 to reduce spam, financial fraud, and rising digital arrest scams.

Auto Sales May Extend Past Diwali Thanks to GST Cut

Auto Sales May Extend Past Diwali Thanks to GST Cut

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The demand for passenger vehicles (PVs) is expected to sustain even beyond the ongoing festival season as a new set of customers, those who gained confidence to buy cars following the recent GST rate cuts, will begin to visit dealerships now, said Shailesh Chandra, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), on Wednesday.

K'taka panchayat official suspended for taking part in RSS event

K'taka panchayat official suspended for taking part in RSS event

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

A Panchayat Development Officer in Raichur district, Karnataka, has been suspended for allegedly participating in an RSS event. The suspension follows a government decision to prohibit private organizations' activities in government institutions and public places, particularly targeting RSS Shakhas.

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

Worst may be over for Asian Paints, but prospects still far from bright

Worst may be over for Asian Paints, but prospects still far from bright

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Asian Paints reported a good performance for the second quarter (July-September) of 2025-26 (Q2FY26), with some help from base effects, despite strong competition and extended monsoon. Volume grew in low double digits in the key domestic decorative paints, and value in that segment grew by 6 per cent. Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) grew 21 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), and PAT (profit after tax) grew 14 per cent. Asian Paints also defended market share better after several quarters where it had lost ground to Birla Opus.

High street holds lead in rental growth over malls

High street holds lead in rental growth over malls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

High-street rentals continue to outpace those of malls, as retailers focus on prime locations and are willing to pay a premium for visibility. Between 2021 and 2025, rental values on prime high street have grown 7-15 per cent annually, driven by strong consumption density and limited new supply, even outpacing grade A malls, which grew by 5-8 per cent, according to Anarock.

Low-Wage Trap Looms Over India's Services Sector, Warns Niti Report

Low-Wage Trap Looms Over India's Services Sector, Warns Niti Report

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The services sector employs 188 million people but remains highly informal, trapping most workers in low-wage jobs without social protection.

Demand recovery to drive gains for Nestle India

Demand recovery to drive gains for Nestle India

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Packaged food major Nestle India posted better than expected September quarter results led by strong volume growth across its key segments. While there were margin pressures due to elevated raw material costs, there could be some relief with easing prices in the near term.

Woman loses baby at Palghar govt hospital, family alleges neglect

Woman loses baby at Palghar govt hospital, family alleges neglect

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

The family of a woman from Maharashtra's Palghar district has alleged that she lost her baby during delivery at a government hospital as there was no doctor for several hours, a claim rejected by the authorities.

Kerala Cong MLA booked over corruption in bank appointments

Kerala Cong MLA booked over corruption in bank appointments

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has registered a case against Congress MLA I C Balakrishnan over alleged corruption in appointments at a local cooperative bank in Sultan Bathery. The allegation involves accepting bribes for facilitating appointments at the bank.

'This Is Why Trump Has Scored'

'This Is Why Trump Has Scored'

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

'I realised why the farmers and the rural folks are going for Trump. They are so insecure and vulnerable that anybody who is throwing a line of hope to them, they seize it.'

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Al Falah University chancellor's brother arrested in fraud Case

Al Falah University chancellor's brother arrested in fraud Case

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The brother of the chancellor of Al Falah University, linked to the Delhi blast probe, has been arrested by Madhya Pradesh police from Hyderabad in connection with nearly 25-year-old fraud cases.

CPM in SC against SIR, asks to be heard with DMK on Tuesday

CPM in SC against SIR, asks to be heard with DMK on Tuesday

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has approached the Supreme Court, contesting the legality of the Election Commission's order for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, alleging it is arbitrary and unconstitutional.

At least 2 Indian banks should be in global top 20: PSB chiefs

At least 2 Indian banks should be in global top 20: PSB chiefs

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Batting for further consolidation in public sector banking, the executives of top public sector banks (PSBs) said there should be at least two Indian banking entities among the top 20 global banks.

Two reasons why rural FMCG basket is expanding

Two reasons why rural FMCG basket is expanding

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

A growing preference for convenience products and hybrid media consumption, and a surge in digital engagement have led to a rise in the average basket size for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) among rural consumers. The average of the rural FMCG basket saw a 60 per cent rise from 5.8 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024 as it expanded to include convenience products like ready-to-eat packages and beverages, stated the fifth edition of the Rural Barometer Report, brought out jointly by GroupM and Kantar, which surveyed 4,376 rural adults across 20 states.

14 Lady Cop Thrillers On OTT

14 Lady Cop Thrillers On OTT

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Hemantkumar Shivsharan lists lady cops that have wowed us on OTT shows.

Fresh launches and upscale offerings to fuel M&M's growth

Fresh launches and upscale offerings to fuel M&M's growth

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Brokerages expect the company to continue outperforming in the auto segment, driven by launches and the strong trajectory of healthy bookings.

Karnataka govt cook sacked for joining RSS march

Karnataka govt cook sacked for joining RSS march

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The Karnataka government has relieved an assistant cook at a hostel run by the Backward Classes Welfare department in Basavakalyana after he allegedly participated in a route march organised by the RSS. This follows a complaint and is in line with rules barring government employees from participating in politically affiliated organizations.

New Hyundai Venue Caters To New Age SUV Buyers

New Hyundai Venue Caters To New Age SUV Buyers

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

However, with competition catching up, is the new Venue up to the challenge of fending off its rivals?

Woman gang-raped, robbed at Bengaluru home; 3 arrested

Woman gang-raped, robbed at Bengaluru home; 3 arrested

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Police on Wednesday said a 27-year-old woman from West Bengal was allegedly gangraped and robbed of valuables at her residence in Bengaluru.

Cement firms may report improved Q2

Cement firms may report improved Q2

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Top Indian cement firms are expected to report a strong earnings growth for the second quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (Q2FY26) on a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis, amid improved realisations, prices, and steady volume growth, but on a low base.

'Insurance penetration continues to remain low'

'Insurance penetration continues to remain low'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

'By quick, fast, and just awards, the insurance ombudsman can bring the trust of the policyholders in the insurance system and insurance as a product and create a positive impact on the entire industry.'

Tribal role in freedom struggle overlooked to favour a 'few families': Modi

Tribal role in freedom struggle overlooked to favour a 'few families': Modi

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for allegedly neglecting the tribal community's contributions to India's freedom struggle during its 60-year rule. He spoke at an event marking Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and inaugurated development projects for tribal communities.

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The likes of Sengottaiyan can help Vijay navigate it better and faster -- but not necessarily to his goal, which is farther, and can move towards or away from him as well in the weeks and months to come, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Delhi Crime 3 Review: Gritty And Disturbing

Delhi Crime 3 Review: Gritty And Disturbing

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

This Delhi Crime series belongs to Huma Qureshi, who plays Badi Didi as a hateful woman. She also commands some admiration for the way she negotiates with venal men and even some degree of sympathy for making the best of whatever life throws at her, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Man killed by son, nephew for abusing his minor daughters

Man killed by son, nephew for abusing his minor daughters

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

According to police, the girls -- aged 13 and 14 years -- had come to stay with Chaudhary's elder brother at a village in Kosikalan area during Diwali, in a bid to escape the abuse and torture. Their brother was already staying with the uncle to pursue his studies.

Hero rides festival tide, GST winds at its back

Hero rides festival tide, GST winds at its back

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

With gains of over 28 per cent, Hero MotoCorp has emerged as the best-performing largecap automotive stock over the past three months. The rally has been driven by an improved outlook for the rural segment, higher demand during the ongoing festival season, and rising affordability following cuts in goods and services tax (GST) rates.

'NPS Will Exceed 30% Growth This Financial Year'

'NPS Will Exceed 30% Growth This Financial Year'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'The informal sector can grow at a 100 per cent rate -- we have to plan big.'

Andhra all set for huge investments from Adani Group, Reliance

Andhra all set for huge investments from Adani Group, Reliance

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Adani Group said on Friday it will invest around Rs 1 trillion in various sectors of Andhra Pradesh over the next ten years, deepening its commitment in the state where it will partner with Google for an artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam.

'Those who taunted me and my family are now applauding'

'Those who taunted me and my family are now applauding'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

"I didn't even know there was an Indian women's cricket team," said pacer Kranti Goud as she reminisced her journey from Madhya Pradesh's obscure Ghuwara village to the very top of the sport she picked up by chance.

India's Diwali sales cross record Rs 6 lakh crore: CAIT

India's Diwali sales cross record Rs 6 lakh crore: CAIT

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

India's Diwali sales touched a record Rs 6.05 lakh crore -- comprising Rs 5.40 lakh crore in goods and Rs 65,000 crore in services -- buoyed by the recent GST reform and strong consumer sentiment, traders' lobby CAIT said on Tuesday. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) based its findings on a nation-wide survey across 60 major distribution centres including state capitals and Tier 2 & 3 cities conducted by its research wing.