News for 'State for Micro'

MCD polls: BJP-AAP direct battle on cards as Congress nowhere in picture

MCD polls: BJP-AAP direct battle on cards as Congress nowhere in picture

Rediff.com17 Oct 2022

After the alteration of the boundaries, the BJP assessed the wards afresh to see what changes in strategy were needed

Aadhaar's next goal: Financial inclusion in rural areas

Aadhaar's next goal: Financial inclusion in rural areas

Rediff.com19 Dec 2022

Since the first Aadhaar number was issued in September 2010, more than 1.33 billion Aadhaar cards have been generated till June 2022. With the Aadhaar enrolment of adult Indians nearing 100 per cent, the main objective of the Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI), which was to give Unique Identification numbers (UID) to all residents of India, is almost achieved, said a senior government official. "Enrolment will now be much more update-based, because people keep updating their mobile numbers and addresses.

How start-ups are shaking up offline pharma business

How start-ups are shaking up offline pharma business

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

Bulk of the medicine sales in the $22-24 billion domestic pharma market happens through offline retail chemists. With the entry of online pharmacies, this space has started to witness a shake-up. Sample this: Dawaa Dost, a Rajasthan based digital health start-up, generates medicine orders from 'kirana' stores and women self-help groups (SHGs) that operate in villages, and then service these orders through its affiliated network of pharmacies. Biddano, another health-tech start-up, has a platform that acts as an aggregator for neighbourhood chemist shops.

Sonia Gandhi joins 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in Karnataka

Sonia Gandhi joins 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in Karnataka

Rediff.com6 Oct 2022

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Pandavapura, participating in a public event of the party after a long gap.

'BJP's Gujarat victory defies logic'

'BJP's Gujarat victory defies logic'

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

='The Gujarat results show a wide chasm between the issues facing the common people and the way the BJP engineers electoral successes.'

Bengal shuts schools, colleges; restricts flights from Delhi, Mumbai

Bengal shuts schools, colleges; restricts flights from Delhi, Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Jan 2022

Local trains will be allowed to operate with 50 per cent capacity till 7 pm, while all shopping malls and markets will be allowed to remain open till 10 pm but with half their capacities, he said.

Rahul's yatra a political gimmick to connect through hatred: RSS

Rahul's yatra a political gimmick to connect through hatred: RSS

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

RSS joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya, apparently referring to the Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra, described it as a "political gimmick" that will not serve its stated purpose of uniting masses.

ISRO's PSLV-C54 places earth observation satellite into orbit

ISRO's PSLV-C54 places earth observation satellite into orbit

Rediff.com26 Nov 2022

The mission objective is to ensure data continuity of ocean color and wind vector data to sustain the operational applications.

Exporters demand fiscal incentives, credit at affordable rates in Budget

Exporters demand fiscal incentives, credit at affordable rates in Budget

Rediff.com24 Nov 2022

Exporters on Thursday demanded fiscal incentives, tweaking in customs duties on certain products and credit at affordable rates in the forthcoming Budget to boost exports and create jobs. In a pre-budget virtual meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar is affecting exports' competitiveness and the sector requires more support. "Creation of employment is the biggest challenge faced by the country...We would urge the government to provide fiscal support to units which provide additional employment in the export sector," the exporter's body said.

MVA allies kept in loop about Pawar-Modi meeting: NCP

MVA allies kept in loop about Pawar-Modi meeting: NCP

Rediff.com17 Jul 2021

NCP spokesperson and Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik said that AICC general secretary H K Patil was told about this scheduled meeting when he and other Congress leaders met Pawar in Mumbai recently.

Will Gujarat Be A Cake Walk For BJP?

Will Gujarat Be A Cake Walk For BJP?

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

The BJP is not taking the AAP challenge lightly. Amit Shah has cautioned party insiders to ensure that AAP does not cross a vote share of 24%. He has always seen AAP as a much more significant challenge than the Congress, observes Ramesh Menon, author, Modi Demystified: The Making Of A Prime Minister.

PepsiCo India partners N-Drip to help farmers

PepsiCo India partners N-Drip to help farmers

Rediff.com17 Mar 2022

Food and beverages major PepsiCo India on Thursday announced a partnership with N-Drip, a manufacturer of gravity-powered micro-irrigation system, to help farmers in India increase water efficiency. This is part of a global partnership between PepsiCo and N-Drip, aimed at increasing water efficiency across 10,000 hectares around the world by 2025, the company said in a statement. N-Drip's technology has already been introduced in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan to improve water efficiency levels across thousands of hectares in the country by 2025, PepsiCo India added.

Nov 3 Poll Huge Test For Uddhav-Shinde-BJP

Nov 3 Poll Huge Test For Uddhav-Shinde-BJP

Rediff.com13 Oct 2022

'The margin of victory or loss would make both camps rethink their strategies for the 2024 assembly election in Maharashtra.'

Industry may move court over Haryana job reservation law

Industry may move court over Haryana job reservation law

Rediff.com12 Nov 2021

Companies in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector may legally challenge the Haryana government's new law which mandates 75 per cent reservation of jobs in the private sector for locals. "We had earlier gone to the high court against this law, but the court said that it would hear the matter after the law was notified," said Manoj Tyagi, general secretary, IMT Industrial Association. Industries and associations feel that the law will not benefit the state and will hit MSMEs that are just coming out of the crippling effects of the lockdowns owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

How real is Modi govt's concern for MSMEs?

How real is Modi govt's concern for MSMEs?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2020

While the Narendra Modi government has stuck to its stand that pending payment is Rs 12,343 crore, MSMEs calim outstanding amount is Rs 2-3 trillion. Moreover, MSME ministry's SAMADHAN portal has been of little help.

MG Motor, BPCL in JV to boost EV charging infrastructure

MG Motor, BPCL in JV to boost EV charging infrastructure

Rediff.com25 Apr 2022

Automaker MG Motor India on Monday said it has partnered with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to bolster EV charging infrastructure across the country. The partnership with BPCL will add momentum to EV adoption by expanding opportunities for intercity travel as the two entities will install EV chargers across highways and within cities, the automaker said in a statement. With BPCL's vast customer reach and operations and MG's strides in the EV space, the two entities can combine expertise to strategically identify charging sites, garner consumer insights, devise loyalty programs, and create technology to manage charging systems, it added.

How Mamata can woo big-ticket projects to Bengal

How Mamata can woo big-ticket projects to Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2022

The words 'industry', 'industrial development', 'jobs', and 'employment' have been ringing with higher frequency since Mamata Banerjee stepped into her third term with landslide victory after a high-octane election last year. "Our government's next target is industrial development," the chief minister (CM) had been heard stating at different public meetings in the past few months - perhaps setting the tone for the sixth edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) slated for later this month. Investor summits by any state are about intent, big numbers, and tall claims. Yet in competitive federalism, its importance as a marketing tool is undeniable.

Govt's new draft rules make it easier to fly drones

Govt's new draft rules make it easier to fly drones

Rediff.com15 Jul 2021

The number of forms to be filled to operate drones in the country have been reduced to six in draft 'Drone Rules, 2021' in comparison to 25 forms mentioned in the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021, it said.

Karnataka imposes weekend curfew, shuts schools, colleges

Karnataka imposes weekend curfew, shuts schools, colleges

Rediff.com5 Jan 2022

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in which senior ministers including Revenue Minister Ashoka, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar and Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, medical experts and senior officials participated.

All-women SIT to probe Chandigarh varsity case, 3 accused in police remand

All-women SIT to probe Chandigarh varsity case, 3 accused in police remand

Rediff.com19 Sep 2022

Also, a court in Mohali's Kharar sent the three accused, including the woman student, to seven-day police remand.

'BJP will have problems the day Modi tires out'

'BJP will have problems the day Modi tires out'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

'Only time will tell how difficult it would be for the BJP when Mr Modi may not be in a position to actively run affairs of the party and be its biggest vote catcher.'
'Then the BJP could even split.'

7.22 lakh out of 22.05 crore applicants got govt jobs between 2014-22: Centre

7.22 lakh out of 22.05 crore applicants got govt jobs between 2014-22: Centre

Rediff.com27 Jul 2022

A total of 22.05 crore applications were received during the period.

HC orders demolition of unauthorised construction at Rane's bungalow

HC orders demolition of unauthorised construction at Rane's bungalow

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

The Bombay high court on Tuesday directed the Mumbai civic body to demolish the unauthorised construction at Union minister Narayan Rane's bungalow in Juhu area in Mumbai, noting that it violated the Floor Space Index (FSI) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.

Imran govt challenges SC order calling for no-trust vote

Imran govt challenges SC order calling for no-trust vote

Rediff.com9 Apr 2022

The review petition, filed through Dr Babar Awan and Azhar Siddique, named the Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Supreme Court Bar Association, Sindh High Court Bar Association and the Sindh Bar Council as respondents.

Punjab orders fresh curbs amid COVID-19 surge

Punjab orders fresh curbs amid COVID-19 surge

Rediff.com23 Feb 2021

The move comes amid growing concerns over an upswing in the number of coronavirus cases in the state.

SC rues delay by speakers, hopes decision soon in Mukul Roy case

SC rues delay by speakers, hopes decision soon in Mukul Roy case

Rediff.com22 Nov 2021

The Supreme Court Monday rued the 'general practice' of speakers delaying decisions on pleas seeking disqualification of lawmakers and the subsequent arguments that courts should 'stay away,' while hoping that the West Bengal assembly speaker would decide on such a plea against Mukul Roy who defected to the Trinamool Congress from the Bharatiya Janata Party after the state polls.

Why it makes sense for banks to lend to MSMEs

Why it makes sense for banks to lend to MSMEs

Rediff.com19 May 2020

'In times of recovery, we may see a rural-urban divide with the urban pockets affected more by COVID-19, but the MFI business model should encourage banks to handhold them in this hour of crisis,' notes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Taken An SBI Loan, But Not Repaid It?

Taken An SBI Loan, But Not Repaid It?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

There are loans to salaried people where the borrower is employed, but has failed to make repayment. Such loans would be identified and sold in a pool to ARCs.

'BCG vaccine can be a game-changer against coronavirus'

'BCG vaccine can be a game-changer against coronavirus'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2020

'There is indeed a link between BCG vaccination and resistance to COVID-19.'

Gujarat Omicron patient's kin also test positive for the same

Gujarat Omicron patient's kin also test positive for the same

Rediff.com10 Dec 2021

The wife and brother-in-law of an NRI man, who had been found infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 here in Gujarat a week back, were also detected with the new strain, officials of the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) said on Friday.

A Journey to Dominique Dada's Sunderbans

A Journey to Dominique Dada's Sunderbans

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

India is a passion with him. He is immersed in India. But he cannot help worrying about India too.

Dolo tablet makers gave freebies worth Rs 1,000 cr to docs, SC told

Dolo tablet makers gave freebies worth Rs 1,000 cr to docs, SC told

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

The claims were made after the Income Tax department had on July 6 raided 36 premises of the Bengaluru-based Micro Labs Ltd. across nine states.

How govt will judge the performance of PSUs

How govt will judge the performance of PSUs

Rediff.com11 May 2022

The number of times public sector undertakings (PSUs) have held conference calls with investors, their capital management, and debt financing are among the parameters that the Centre will use to judge their performance for the first time, a senior official in the know said. The government will evaluate PSUs for FY22 based on new parameters that were finalised by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) in consultation with the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) last year, the official said. The government had included more conditions in the memorandum of understandings (MoUs) - used to set annual targets - that public sector enterprises sign with the DPE every year. These included a consistent dividend policy, which seeks to transfer dividends by PSUs every quarter; and market capitalisation or share price improvement over the sectoral index on an annual average basis for listed companies.

Highlights of Union Budget 2022-23

Highlights of Union Budget 2022-23

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her fourth Budget in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Sec 377 gone but queer people still face oppression, says Justice Chandrachud

Sec 377 gone but queer people still face oppression, says Justice Chandrachud

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

Supreme Court judge Justice DY Chandrachud has said that the decriminalisation of Section 377 of IPC by the apex court has enabled queer people to emerge as legally empowered citizens.

Centre cancels CBSE XII board exams

Centre cancels CBSE XII board exams

Rediff.com1 Jun 2021

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Modi in which it was decided that the CBSE will take steps to compile the results of Class XII students as per a well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner.

Insurance: Rs 100 cr entry cap for new players may be removed

Insurance: Rs 100 cr entry cap for new players may be removed

Rediff.com8 Apr 2022

The insurance regulator wants the removal of the minimum entry capital requirement of Rs 100 crore for setting up an insurance business in a bid to facilitate the entry of multiple players such as standalone micro insurers and niche players. Debasish Panda, chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), said it should be left to the regulator instead to decide what should be the entry fee for interested players, depending on the size of the business and operations. According to the current norms, insurers are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 100 crore.

Last Chance For Congress Before Rigor Mortis Sets In

Last Chance For Congress Before Rigor Mortis Sets In

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

A flop Bharat Jodo Yatra could unleash more resignations from a party which under its current leadership is dying a slow death, warns Virendra Kapoor.

Qualcomm's chips to power Ola's electric scooters

Qualcomm's chips to power Ola's electric scooters

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

From powering mobile devices, US chip designer Qualcomm has tied up with Ola Electric to power its electric scooters. Qualcomm is providing the key 4G connected octa core android platform which provides connectivity, computing capabilities and enables rich immersive displays with power saving software.

Modi's name enough to win UP polls: BJP's new UP VP

Modi's name enough to win UP polls: BJP's new UP VP

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

Known for delivering time-bound results, Sharma earned Modi's confidence as his secretary during his tenure as the Gujarat chief minister by successfully handling the Vibrant Gujarat campaign to get investments to the state.