News for 'The Total Environment'

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

A bleak Q3 awaits FMCG companies?

A bleak Q3 awaits FMCG companies?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Hit by inflation, higher input costs and pricing measures, fast-moving consumer goods companies are expected to see a contraction in their gross margin and a modest-to-flat operating profit in the October-December quarter. Several FMCG makers are likely to log a low single-digit rise in their revenue, returning to the cycle of value-driven growth.

'They See Me As A Villain'

'They See Me As A Villain'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'I want to break the notion that models can't act.'

EV launches, Chinese models... What Auto Expo Has In Store

EV launches, Chinese models... What Auto Expo Has In Store

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

For the first time, the event will take place across three locations in Delhi: Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, Yashobhoomi Convention Centre at Dwarka, and India Expo Mart at Greater Noida.

'Musk, Vivek biggest threat for China'

'Musk, Vivek biggest threat for China'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump's plan to overhaul the government with a new department headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk and Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will be a biggest threat for China as it has to compete with far more efficient US political system, a policy advisor to the Chinese government said.

Which Is India's Most Peaceful Place?

Which Is India's Most Peaceful Place?

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

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Reliance back on growth path, multiple catalysts to drive performance

Reliance back on growth path, multiple catalysts to drive performance

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

Reliance Industries Ltd, India's most valuable company, is back on a growth path after six months of challenges as it posted better than expected earnings in the December quarter, brokerages said.

HDFC Bank aims to reduce CD ratio, plans slower loan growth in FY25

HDFC Bank aims to reduce CD ratio, plans slower loan growth in FY25

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

The country's largest private sector lender HDFC Bank on Saturday said it will grow its loan book slower than the industry in the current financial year (FY25). The move comes as the lender looks to bring down its elevated credit - deposit (CD) ratio to pre-merger levels. "We will bring down the CD ratio faster than what we had anticipated.

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

A study published in the journal Environment and Planning F has revealed that cameras and drones originally intended for conservation activities in Corbett National Park are being misused by local government officials and men to surveil women without consent. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, found that forest rangers intentionally flew drones over local women to scare them and prevent them from collecting natural resources, despite their legal right to do so. The researchers argue that these technologies, deployed under the guise of wildlife monitoring, are being used to intimidate and exert power over women, invading their privacy and altering their behavior in the forest. This has had a negative impact on women's mental health, with one woman interviewed for the study being killed in a tiger attack.

Abbott and Webster content to be 'around the big boys'

Abbott and Webster content to be 'around the big boys'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Sean Abbott and Beau Webster, seasoned domestic cricketers, remain on the fringes of Australia's Test squad

FPI inflows into Indian equities drop sharply in 2024; rebound anticipated in 2025

FPI inflows into Indian equities drop sharply in 2024; rebound anticipated in 2025

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

After a robust 2023, foreign investors significantly scaled back their investments in Indian equities in 2024, with net inflows amounting to over Rs 5,000 crore, as elevated domestic valuations, coupled with geopolitical uncertainties prompted investors to adopt a more cautious stance. Looking ahead to 2025, FPI flows into Indian equities could see a recovery, supported by a cyclical upswing in corporate earnings, particularly in domestic-oriented sectors like capital goods, manufacturing, and infrastructure, Vinit Bolinjkar, head of research, Ventura Securities, said.

Delhi's air quality worsens, over Rs 5.85 cr fine imposed

Delhi's air quality worsens, over Rs 5.85 cr fine imposed

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm daily, stood at 417, making it the worst in the country. On Friday, the AQI level was 396.

FMCG firms worry over high inflation; price hike likely

FMCG firms worry over high inflation; price hike likely

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Leading FMCG companies reported a decline in margins in the September quarter on account of higher input costs and food inflation, which ultimately slowed down the pace of urban consumption. Rising prices of commodity inputs such as palm oil, coffee and cocoa were also accentuated and some FMCG firms have hinted at a price hike. HUL, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), Marico, ITC, and Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) have expressed concerns over squeezing urban consumption, which according to industry experts forms 65-68 per cent of FMCG total sales.

China to build world's largest dam near India border

China to build world's largest dam near India border

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The USD 137 billion project, which is expected to dwarf even China's own Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, the downstream riparian states. Concerns in India are centered around China's potential to control water flow, potentially enabling the release of large amounts of water to flood border areas in times of hostilities. The dam is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese government claims that the project is safe and prioritizes ecological protection.

Crompton plans new products to boost sales

Crompton plans new products to boost sales

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Home appliance maker Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals reported better than expected performance in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024-25 (FY25), outperforming peers due to a strong showing in the electrical consumer durables (ECD) segment. The company's standalone sales rose by 10.5 per cent, while the ECD segment continued its growth momentum with a 12.5 per cent increase in revenues, driven by volume and pricing gains.

Mutual fund industry on a high; asset surges Rs 17 lakh cr in 2024

Mutual fund industry on a high; asset surges Rs 17 lakh cr in 2024

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

After a stellar 2023, the mutual fund industry sustained its growth momentum in 2024 with an impressive Rs 17 lakh crore surge in assets, driven by buoyant equity markets, robust economic growth, and increasing investor participation. Experts are predicting the positive trend will extend into 2025.

Retail space leasing in malls, main high streets falls 1%

Retail space leasing in malls, main high streets falls 1%

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Leasing of retail space in shopping malls and prominent high streets dropped 1 per cent to 1.63 million square feet during July-September across top eight cities, according to Cushman & Wakefield. The leasing stood at 1.63 million square feet in the year-ago period. Real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield on Thursday released its Q3-2024 'Retail MarketBeat' report, which highlighted a sustained momentum across India's main streets, leading retail growth across the top 8 cities.

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

'As we enter 2025, it must be acknowledged that there is a convergence of capital, influential people (from business and politics) and technology deciding the destiny of others in the name of pride, patriotism, nationalism, nation building, all of it thinly veiled disguises for personal profit and glory,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Atalji@100: Vajpayee's Unmatched Legacy

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

It was good fortune for India to have Atal Bihari Vajpayee lead the government at a crucial moment in our history. He avoided India meeting the fate of Iraq or Ukraine, asserts military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Has Fatherhood Changed Varun?

Has Fatherhood Changed Varun?

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'Since childhood, I have enjoyed playing with children. Even when I did films early in my career, I would make sure that whatever content I am putting out, kids should be able to watch these films.'

Rule of law an umbrella to protect citizens against State's power: SC

Rule of law an umbrella to protect citizens against State's power: SC

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

It said the law must be just and fair and should protect the human rights and dignity of all members of society.

Supreme Industries stock sinks on weak Q2 show

Supreme Industries stock sinks on weak Q2 show

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The stock of the country's largest plastic pipe maker Supreme Industries has shed 22 per cent since its highs in October. The September quarter results were below expectations as the volatility in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin prices led to a major destocking across the trade channel.

Gold set to extend record run; may hit Rs 90,000 in 2025

Gold set to extend record run; may hit Rs 90,000 in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Gold, a safe-haven bet, is likely to continue its record-smashing journey in the New Year, rising to Rs 85,000 per 10 grams and even Rs 90,000 level in domestic markets if geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties continue.

'Focus Is To Maintain The Casa Ratio'

'Focus Is To Maintain The Casa Ratio'

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

'It has remained around 38 per cent over the past four to five quarters.'

COP29: India, developing world face EU resistance to climate finance

COP29: India, developing world face EU resistance to climate finance

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Talks on global climate finance virtually ground to a halt last week at COP29, the annual United Nations (UN) Climate Change event in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the developed world, led by the European Union (EU), and developing countries including India, Brazil, South Africa, and a clutch of island nations and African countries faced a wide chasm between their expectations. This has raised doubts about whether an agreement can be reached this week or whether talks will spill over to COP30, to be held next year in Benem, Brazil.

Unspent CSR funds hit five-year high in FY23

Unspent CSR funds hit five-year high in FY23

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Not all listed companies above a threshold have spent on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the way they were required to do. The aggregate unspent amount in 2022-23 (FY23) stood at a five-year high of Rs 1,475 crore. In FY23 listed companies spent Rs 15,602 crore while the amount to be expended was Rs 15,787 crore, according to the data from corporate tracker primeinfobase.com.

Top 8 housing mkts see 5% dip in sales in Q2

Top 8 housing mkts see 5% dip in sales in Q2

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Housing sales declined 5 per cent in the July-September quarter across the top eight cities due to a fall in new supply and sharp appreciation in prices, according to PropTiger. Real estate brokerage platform PropTiger.com, which is part of Australia's REA group that owns Housing.com, on Tuesday, released its report 'Real Insight' on India's residential market. A total of 96,544 units were sold in July-September, down 5 per cent from 1,01,221 units sold during the same period in 2023.

Sebi tightens F&O framework to curb speculative trading

Sebi tightens F&O framework to curb speculative trading

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

To curb speculative trading, markets regulator Sebi on Tuesday put in place a stricter framework for equity index derivatives by increasing the minimum contract size and mandating upfront collection of option premiums. Other measures announced by Sebi included intra-day monitoring of position limits, removal of calendar spread benefit on expiry day, rationalisation of weekly index derivatives and increased tail risk coverage.

'Hindutva Tsunami Has Swept Maharashtra'

'Hindutva Tsunami Has Swept Maharashtra'

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

'More than 9.5% new voters have been added to the electoral voters' list compared to the 2024 Lok Sabha election.' 'This led to an increase in about 5% to 6% in total votes polled for this assembly election.' 'That has tilted hugely in our favour because we worked hard for registration of these voters and concentrated on bringing out these new voters out during this assembly election.'

IT aims for the sky after Accenture's Q4 results

IT aims for the sky after Accenture's Q4 results

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

Global firm Accenture's fourth quarter results prove that the worst is behind for the Indian information technology (IT) sector, said analysts on Friday (September 27). While the pace and the broadness of recovery is debatable, they said Accenture's results and revenue growth guidance for the next financial year (FY25) reduce downside risks for Indian IT companies.

Wolves wreak havoc in 35 UP villages, claiming 7 lives in attacks

Wolves wreak havoc in 35 UP villages, claiming 7 lives in attacks

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The wolf had terrorised residents in over 35 villages and with its capture, the local population has breathed a sigh of relief, a statement issued in Bahraich said.

High Time India Resists Real Estate Mania

High Time India Resists Real Estate Mania

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Once we break free of the idea that land is scarce, real estate is just a pile of bricks, steel, and glass. Any price surge will kick off a supply response, which kills off the possibility of sustained price appreciation, points out Ajay Shah.

'It's Cold-Blooded Murder'

'It's Cold-Blooded Murder'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

'Look at the post mortem reports. Every body (of the 10 Kuki-Zo youth who were killed) has almost 12 bullet marks on it.' 'Why do they have to fire so much even if they wanted to kill them?' 'One or two shots would be enough to kill them. Why then they had to fire so many bullets on them?'

'Totally apologise, but...': Israeli filmmaker on 'Kashmir Files'

'Totally apologise, but...': Israeli filmmaker on 'Kashmir Files'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2022

'Whatever I said and I said clearly that for me and my fellow jury members, it was and it is a vulgar propaganda movie that didn't have a place and was inappropriate for such a prestigious competitive section. I can repeat it again and again'

Govt aims to provide 1 crore internship over 5 years

Govt aims to provide 1 crore internship over 5 years

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

The government on Thursday rolled out the internship programme on a pilot basis that will provide a total annual financial assistance of Rs 66,000 to those in the age group of 21-24 years, and aim to cover one crore youth over five years.

Medic's murder: IMA survey reveals 35% of doctors feel unsafe

Medic's murder: IMA survey reveals 35% of doctors feel unsafe

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

The respondents were from over 22 states with 85 percent of them being under 35 years while 61 percent were interns or postgraduate trainees.

Lower production cost may support HZL margins

Lower production cost may support HZL margins

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

During the September quarter (Q2FY25), Hindustan Zinc's (HZL's) revenue was reported at Rs 8,300 crore (up 22 per cent year-on-year or Y-o-Y, and 2 per cent quarter-on-quarter or Q-o-Q), marginally above consensus. Operating profit stood at Rs 4,100 crore (up 31 per cent Y-o-Y and 5 per cent Q-o-Q), also a small beat. The operating profit margin was 50 per cent, up from 48.5 per cent in Q1FY25.

'We are expecting 25-30 medals at Paris Paralympics'

'We are expecting 25-30 medals at Paris Paralympics'

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

He credited PCI chief coach Satyanarayana for providing great equipment, facilities, and preparation to the athletes.

ALARMING! Student suicide rate rising in India, surpasses population growth rate

ALARMING! Student suicide rate rising in India, surpasses population growth rate

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

According to the report, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh are identified as the states with the highest number of student suicides, together accounting for one-third of the national total.

Mamata silent on demands of junior docs; health of medics deteriorates

Mamata silent on demands of junior docs; health of medics deteriorates

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

The ongoing agitation has also led the Federation of All India Medical Association to warn that it would declare a nationwide "complete shutdown of medical services" if any "any harm befalls brave junior doctors".