News for 'State for Micro'

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

Insanity is doing same thing again and again... Rahul's dig at govt

Insanity is doing same thing again and again... Rahul's dig at govt

Rediff.com13 Jun 2020

On Friday also he attacked the Centre over the surge in the cases of novel coronavirus cases across the country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

State of economy spooks BJP allies, but no one's listening

State of economy spooks BJP allies, but no one's listening

Rediff.com17 Oct 2017

Its governing allies are not happy on the economy and complain of ignored concerns but find themselves unable to be assertive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LIC AUM rose Rs 1 trn from March-Sep '21

LIC AUM rose Rs 1 trn from March-Sep '21

Rediff.com10 Feb 2022

Initial public offering (IPO)-bound Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India's assets under management (AUM) increased to Rs 38 trillion as of September 2021, compared with Rs 37 trillion as of March 2021, said sources in the know. Its AUM is almost 3x the AUM of all the private life insurers in the country and over 15x more than the AUM of the second largest life insurer, SBI Life, as of September 2021. SBI Life's AUM was approximately Rs 2.4 trillion as of September 2021, said sources.

Twitter explains why blue badges were taken off some handles

Twitter explains why blue badges were taken off some handles

Rediff.com5 Jun 2021

Amid outrage over personal accounts of Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat losing verified blue tick marks, Twitter on Saturday said the blue badge and verified status could be automatically removed from an account if it is incomplete or inactive for six months as per its rules.

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.

For farmers, MSP is like a salary

For farmers, MSP is like a salary

Rediff.com2 Jan 2021

The dilemma is that if farming is to be efficient, farmers will be worse off -- and if farmers are to be better off farming will be worse off, reveals T C A Srinivasa-Raghavan.

How Chandrakant Pandit shaped MP's Ranji triumph

How Chandrakant Pandit shaped MP's Ranji triumph

Rediff.com26 Jun 2022

Madhya Pradesh humbled domestic powerhouse Mumbai by six wickets in a one-sided final to win their maiden Ranji Trophy crown, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on Sunday. It was an achievement of sorts for coach Chandrakant Pandit, who exorcised the ghosts of losing one at the same venue 23 summers ago. It was a record sixth national title for Pandit as a coach.

US 'deeply disturbed' over attack on Sikh cab driver

US 'deeply disturbed' over attack on Sikh cab driver

Rediff.com9 Jan 2022

The Sikh taxi driver was assaulted by an unidentified man, who knocked off his turban and also used expletives against him.

Kerala CM says extreme poverty to be eradicated in 5 years

Kerala CM says extreme poverty to be eradicated in 5 years

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

"A first step in this direction is the new project launched by Kerala to eradicate extreme poverty. A survey, that is being conducted as part of it, will be completed within four months," the CM said.

'Engage more' with EC ahead of LS poll: Govt to Twitter

'Engage more' with EC ahead of LS poll: Govt to Twitter

Rediff.com25 Feb 2019

The Twitter officials were told that there should not be any "international interference" in the Lok Sabha polls.

Delhi's air quality hits 'very poor' level, 1st time this season

Delhi's air quality hits 'very poor' level, 1st time this season

Rediff.com13 Oct 2020

The dip in the air quality can be attributed to low wind speed and temperatures which allowed accumulation of pollutants.

Despite grim outlook, fiscal stimulus unlikely for India Inc this year

Despite grim outlook, fiscal stimulus unlikely for India Inc this year

Rediff.com29 Apr 2021

They say that a stimulus package may not be necessary because, unlike last year's total lockdown, public transport, including the railways and airlines, is running and the restrictions on movement are localised and, in some cases, are partial rather than total.

'Modi cannot afford to lose Gujarat'

'Modi cannot afford to lose Gujarat'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2022

'If he loses Gujarat, then he has a major, major, problem coming up in 2024.'

Budget: Worst-hit sectors may get credit guarantee breather

Budget: Worst-hit sectors may get credit guarantee breather

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

According to highly placed sources, the finance ministry is likely to extend ECLGS and other loan guarantee schemes for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), hospitality and tourism sector, and the health infrastructure beyond March 31, Business Standard has learnt. This is likely to be announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as part of her Budget speech on February 1.

The Mudra Mela Muddle

The Mudra Mela Muddle

Rediff.com13 Sep 2021

Not only has the Mudra loan mela generated no jobs, it has frittered away trillions of taxpayers' money and it's time to bury the scheme, argues Debashis Basu.

Jan Dhan Yojana turns 6, has 40 crore beneficiaries, says govt

Jan Dhan Yojana turns 6, has 40 crore beneficiaries, says govt

Rediff.com28 Aug 2020

"The PMJDY has been the foundation stone for the Modi government's people-centric economic initiatives. "Whether it is direct benefit transfers, Covid-19 financial assistance, PM-KISAN, increased wages under MGNREGA, life and health insurance cover, the first step was to provide every adult with a bank account, which PMJDY has nearly completed," Nirmala Sitharaman said on the sixth anniversary of the scheme.