News for 'Urban India'

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.

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.

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).

Lucknow earns UNESCO recognition for culinary heritage

Lucknow earns UNESCO recognition for culinary heritage

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Lucknow has been officially inducted into UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (CCN) under the 'Gastronomy' category, recognizing its culinary heritage.

Hybrids outpace petrol, EVs for buyers, shows survey

Hybrids outpace petrol, EVs for buyers, shows survey

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Grant Thornton Bharat's latest survey indicates that hybrids are set to consolidate market share this festive season, bridging the gap between conventional petrol engines and the emerging electric vehicle segment.

Kochi And 6 Other Trending Destinations To Explore In 2026

Kochi And 6 Other Trending Destinations To Explore In 2026

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

A guide to travel in 2026.

MP Min slammed for remarks on Aus cricketers' molestation

MP Min slammed for remarks on Aus cricketers' molestation

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'...but in a time when we bid for the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and when we invite investors too, to India, it is shameful to have such a pathetic mentality in the government.'

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.

Stocks for Diwali 2025: Shares That Historically Outperform in Oct-Nov

Stocks for Diwali 2025: Shares That Historically Outperform in Oct-Nov

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Indian stock market in the October-November period sees high trading activity due to increased consumer spending, festive demand, upbeat sentiment, renewed investor confidence, and the auspicious Muhurat trading session. This impacts many stocks and sectors in the festive season.

Diwali returns to Maoist-hit regions after decades of unrest: Modi

Diwali returns to Maoist-hit regions after decades of unrest: Modi

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted his commitment to eradicating Maoist terror from India, criticizing the previous Congress regime for allegedly supporting 'urban Naxals' and ignoring the violence they perpetrated. He highlighted the significant reduction in Maoist-affected districts and the surrender of numerous Naxalites as evidence of his government's success in combating the issue.

'Bihar Supplies Labour To The World...'

'Bihar Supplies Labour To The World...'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'...yet struggles to convert that human capital into domestic productivity.'

Modi inaugurates Navi Mumbai airport, metro to Cuffe Parade

Modi inaugurates Navi Mumbai airport, metro to Cuffe Parade

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and dedicated the Mumbai Metro Line 3 to the nation, marking significant infrastructure developments in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Forces outside, urban Naxals trying to break India: PM

Forces outside, urban Naxals trying to break India: PM

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world.

US Tariffs May Drop To 10-15%: CEA

US Tariffs May Drop To 10-15%: CEA

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'I do believe there will be a resolution in the next couple of months on the penal tariff and hopefully on the reciprocal tariff also.'

Despite Ban, Girl Child Marriages Continue

Despite Ban, Girl Child Marriages Continue

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

Over 2019 to 2023 West Bengal and Jharkhand saw the share of girl child marriages in total weddings rise.

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

Social media users in urban India to reach 66 mn

Social media users in urban India to reach 66 mn

Rediff.com12 Mar 2013

Affordable smartphones will help to increase the reach.

FMCG cos indicate mid single-digit revenue growth in Q2

FMCG cos indicate mid single-digit revenue growth in Q2

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are expected to report mid-single-digit revenue growth in the July-September 2025-26 quarter, according to their quarterly updates. Most companies also noted that supply chains were focused on liquidating existing stock ahead of the implementation of new goods and services tax (GST) rates in categories where the tax was lowered.

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.

Job creation will be a big challenge in urban India

Job creation will be a big challenge in urban India

Rediff.com17 Aug 2020

The situation could become more acute as millions of migrants who had returned to their villages during the lockdown come back to the towns for higher wages and better livelihoods.

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.

'We Have Become The Largest Eyewear Brand In Asia'

'We Have Become The Largest Eyewear Brand In Asia'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'India needs at least 70,000 to 80,000 eyewear stores; our 2,000 stores are just a drop in the ocean.'

Urban India, take green lessons from Pune

Urban India, take green lessons from Pune

Rediff.com17 Dec 2007

The trigger: Like many Indian cities, Pune is bursting at its seams. A boom in IT and services has increased incomes, fuelling a real estate boom that is adding 27 million square foot of space every year. With new automobile units coming up around Pune, the city is exploding and traffic is at its worst.

Rethinking Homework in India's Classrooms

Rethinking Homework in India's Classrooms

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

With the rise of digital classrooms, students are often asked to create videos, prepare slideshows or use online research to complete assignments. 'We are glad that children are not spending hours copying notes in the name of homework but even now parents end up doing or supporting a major portion of the homework.'

Retail inflation slips to over 8-yr low of 1.54% in Sep

Retail inflation slips to over 8-yr low of 1.54% in Sep

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Retail inflation slipped to 1.54 per cent in September from 2.07 per cent in the preceding month mainly due to subdued prices of food items, including vegetables and pulses, according to government data released on Monday. The consumer price index (CPI) based inflation was 5.49 per cent in September 2024.

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Amazon cuts seller fees, boosts AI tools ahead of festive shopping season

Amazon cuts seller fees, boosts AI tools ahead of festive shopping season

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Amazon India is repositioning itself as a comprehensive business partner rather than just an e-commerce platform, slashing seller fees and introducing artificial intelligence-powered tools ahead of the country's crucial festive shopping season that could determine the year's retail performance.

It's official! India bids for 2030 Commonwealth Games

It's official! India bids for 2030 Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

India on Friday officially submitted its proposal to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant step in its ambition to bring the multi-sport event back to the country after two decades.

RJD pointed a katta at Cong's head: Modi in Bihar

RJD pointed a katta at Cong's head: Modi in Bihar

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday claimed that the Congress had been unwilling to accept Tejashwi Yadav as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) chief ministerial candidate and relented only after the Rashtriya Janata Dal pointed a 'katta', an unlicensed country-made gun, at its head.

Small SUVs likely to see maximum growth post GST cut

Small SUVs likely to see maximum growth post GST cut

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The small sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment - comprising models less than 4 metres in length - could witness the "maximum" growth among all categories in the coming months following the recent goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation, Tarun Garg, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), said.

Jobless rate at 4-month low of 5.1% in Aug

Jobless rate at 4-month low of 5.1% in Aug

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Labour markets showed positive momentum in August as the unemployment rate fell for the second consecutive month to a four-month low of 5.1 per cent from 5.2 per cent in July. It was on account of the start of the sowing season.

High equality ranking for India masks deeper gaps, say economists

High equality ranking for India masks deeper gaps, say economists

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

A recent World Bank report placing India among the most equal countries globally may present a limited view of inequality, with economists suggesting that broader data sets could tell a different story. According to the report, India's Gini index (or coefficient/ratio), a key measure of inequality, stood at 25.5 in 2022-23, placing the country fourth globally in terms of equality, behind only the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus.

'Gen Zs Are Not Interested In Farming'

'Gen Zs Are Not Interested In Farming'

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

'They are totally disconnected with farm activities which their families have been involved in for years.'

Trump's Tariffs: India's Second 1991 Moment

Trump's Tariffs: India's Second 1991 Moment

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The crisis may not be as visible this time, but the stakes are just as high, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

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.

How to bridge the housing shortage in urban India

How to bridge the housing shortage in urban India

Rediff.com26 Sep 2012

The housing schemes for the urban poor must involve slum dwellers, who will have to take ownership of their area's development.

India not to blame for Pakistan's devastating floods: Experts

India not to blame for Pakistan's devastating floods: Experts

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Hydrology experts suggest that India cannot be directly blamed for the devastating monsoon flooding in Pakistan this year, citing greater destruction upstream of the border and lack of evidence for intentional action.

Modi in Mumbai: Navi Mumbai airport, metro line, UK PM meet

Modi in Mumbai: Navi Mumbai airport, metro line, UK PM meet

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate phase one of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3 during his two-day Maharashtra visit. He will also launch Mumbai One, India's first integrated common mobility app.

Why The Congress Has Rediscovered Sitaram Kesri

Why The Congress Has Rediscovered Sitaram Kesri

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

It was significant that the ceremony took place at 24, Akbar Road, the party's former national headquarters, and not at its new office in Kotla Road.

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

'We Aren't Security Conscious As A Nation'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'Government officials use Gmail and ordinary phones without basic security consciousness.' 'Interoperability, especially in joint exercises with countries like the US, worries me.' 'It often means we open our systems to them, but they don't reciprocate.' 'They could have kill switches in their systems and might even be able to affect ours.'