News for 'Urban India'

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'But when we actually express ourselves, sometimes our parents can surprise us, because they just love their children.' 'Sometimes it's just that simple. That is what I wanted to show in this film.'

RG Kar fails to sway voters as TMC makes clean sweep in Bengal bypolls

RG Kar fails to sway voters as TMC makes clean sweep in Bengal bypolls

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The bypolls were held in six constituencies - Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (SC), and Madarihat (ST) - following the resignation of MLAs who had vacated their assembly seats after securing victories in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Firhad Hakim, a senior minister in West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), has defended his remarks on the Muslim population in the state and India, saying he is a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. Hakim's comments, made at a minority students' event, have sparked controversy with the BJP, Congress, and Hindu monks accusing him of promoting communalism and advocating for a Muslim majority. Hakim, however, clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was merely advocating for the empowerment of the Muslim community. He also highlighted the need for greater representation of Muslims in the judiciary.

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Traversing from being just vehicle manufacturers to mobility solutions providers amid a raging debate over which eco-friendly technology must be incentivised, the Indian automobile industry is driving in the new year under the shadow of a slowdown in sales with the post-pandemic pent-up demand in distant memory. The shift in the auto industry -- where advanced technologies like autonomous driving, vehicle intelligence, connected features and electrification are quickly gaining traction -- will be reflected in the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo in which India's flagship Auto Expo has been clubbed to be held from January 17-22, 2025 in Delhi-NCR.

Maha polls: Parties need to justify picking tainted nominees, says CEC

Maha polls: Parties need to justify picking tainted nominees, says CEC

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

Besides disclosing in their affidavits, candidates have to prominently declare criminal cases they are facing, if any, thrice in newspapers in print as well on television, he said, adding that political parties too have to publish within three days of nomination why a candidate with criminal background was selected. "You (political parties) have to tell the public whether you did not get any (other) candidate and why was it necessary to select them (those with criminal background)," he said.

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Nobel laureate economist Abhijit Banerjee has said the current situation in Bangladesh is unlikely to trigger a fresh round of exodus of minority Hindus into India. He believes that migration is primarily driven by social networks and economic opportunities rather than persecution. Banerjee, known for his work in poverty alleviation, further emphasized that India's overt preference for Hindu migrants from Bangladesh in the past has been a significant factor in their migration, rather than attacks on the community.

12 industrial smart cities - A vital cog in India's development journey

12 industrial smart cities - A vital cog in India's development journey

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Given the high priority accorded to the manufacturing sector, several policy initiatives around the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat have been set in motion to address its competitiveness and growth. Some notable examples include the PLI scheme and the employment-linked incentive scheme announced in the recent Union Budget. The Budget also announced the setting up of 12 industrial parks under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).

Car sales drive up thanks to wedding season, rural buy

Car sales drive up thanks to wedding season, rural buy

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Auto majors report positive sales figs for November.

Low Wages A Corporate Risk: CEA

Low Wages A Corporate Risk: CEA

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

'Not paying workers enough will end up being self-destructive or harmful for the corporate sector itself.'

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its senior leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim regarding the Muslim percentage in the population. Hakim, in a speech, had claimed that Muslims constitute 33 per cent of the population in West Bengal and 17 per cent nationwide, adding that they could become a numerical majority if they empower themselves. The party issued a statement on Monday condemning Hakim's remarks, asserting that they do not reflect its ideology and commitment to communal harmony. The remarks have sparked a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments. Hakim later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he was advocating for the empowerment of minorities through education and skill development. However, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC and complicated the party's messaging.

What drove Toyota Kirloskar profit 3x in FY24

What drove Toyota Kirloskar profit 3x in FY24

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4,787 crore for 2023-24 (FY24) - more than three times the earnings recorded the previous year. This growth can be attributed to robust demand for its vehicles, particularly hybrid models and cross-badged cars from the Toyota-Suzuki alliance.

FPI flows stumble on trail, edge closer to precipice

FPI flows stumble on trail, edge closer to precipice

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

After a brutal selloff since October, foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows for the year-to-date (YTD) in 2024 have turned negative. In early September, YTD FPI investments peaked at a record Rs 22,000 crore ($2.6 billion). This wave of selling has also pulled down benchmark indices, with the Nifty's YTD returns declining to 11 per cent from their high of 21 per cent in September.

Dia's Magical Allure

Dia's Magical Allure

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

A fiesta of the best Indian handloom.

Will cancel Dharavi contract with Adani if....: Fadnavis

Will cancel Dharavi contract with Adani if....: Fadnavis

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Gaikwad, who was Dharavi MLA before being elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2024 general polls, also alleged the redevelopment project was real estate's biggest scam.

E2W firms get serious about customer care support

E2W firms get serious about customer care support

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Players like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Kinetic Green and BGauss are introducing premium services and infrastructure enhancements.

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.

Indexation, A Plot Twist For Homebuyers

Indexation, A Plot Twist For Homebuyers

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

The finance minister clarified that indexation benefits offered until April 1, 2001 would be protected. This means older properties, including legacy assets, would benefit.

Private banks leading AI adoption in banking services, says RBI study

Private banks leading AI adoption in banking services, says RBI study

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

Private sector banks in India are taking the lead in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in areas like fraud detection, customer segmentation, and chat automation, according to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) study. The asset size and capital adequacy ratio are influencing the rate of adoption.

Retail inflation inches up marginally to 3.65% in Aug

Retail inflation inches up marginally to 3.65% in Aug

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

Retail inflation in August inched up to 3.65 per cent, though vegetables and pulses witnessed price rise in double digits, according to official data released on Thursday. The retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), however, remained below the Reserve Bank's median target of 4 per cent for the second month in a row. It was at a five-year low of 3.6 per cent in July.

After festival inventory buildup, two-wheeler dispatches fall in November

After festival inventory buildup, two-wheeler dispatches fall in November

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Major two-wheeler (2W) manufacturers in India witnessed a single-digit decline in domestic sales in November after dispatches had picked up in October for the festive season when wholesales went up by 14 per cent and retail also grew by 36 per cent.

Retail inflation in Sep hits 9-month high of 5.49%

Retail inflation in Sep hits 9-month high of 5.49%

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Soaring vegetable prices pushed the retail inflation rate to a nine-month high of 5.49 pr cent in September, according to government data released on Monday. The consumer price index (CPI)-based retail inflation rate was 3.65 per cent in August and 5.02 per in September 2023. The previous high inflation rate was witnessed in December 2023 at 5.69 per cent.

Stock markets settle lower in lacklustre trade

Stock markets settle lower in lacklustre trade

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

From the 30 Sensex pack, Hindustan Unilever fell by nearly 6 per cent after the FMCG major reported a 2.33 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 2,595 crore for the second quarter ended in September 2024 impacted by moderation in demand from the urban market.

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

India's democratic dividend running out, points out new data

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

The report highlights that India's population in 2036 is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2011 population, as reflected in the sex ratio which is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, highlighting a positive trend in gender equality.

Does Young India Care About Elections 2024?

Does Young India Care About Elections 2024?

Rediff.com4 May 2024

Politics is not on the radar of 18 to 21-year-old Indians, reveals Rama Bijapurkar.

Karnataka likely to levy 1-2% fee on digital apps

Karnataka likely to levy 1-2% fee on digital apps

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

The Karnataka government is planning to levy a fee of 1-2 per cent on aggregator platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, Uber, etc., a government source said on Friday, adding that an announcement in this regard could come following a sub-committee meeting next week. "There is a sub-committee meeting scheduled in the coming week.

Countdown Begins To Budget 2025

Countdown Begins To Budget 2025

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

It will be the second Budget of the Modi 3.0 government and eighth straight Budget for Nirmala Sitharaman, rare in Indian polity.

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

In the Union Budget for Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had held forth on the need for better governance and investor protection in the banking sector. She had proposed certain amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act (RBI Act), 1934; the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act), 1949; and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

Valuations and margin moderation likely to cap upsides for Colgate

Valuations and margin moderation likely to cap upsides for Colgate

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Markets to track inflation data, global trends, FII trading this week: Analysts New Delhi, Dec 8 (PTI) Investors' sentiments will be guided by a host of domestic and global macroeconomic data announcements this week, along with the trading activity of foreign investors and trends in world stocks, analysts said. Besides, the rupee-dollar trend and movement of global oil benchmark Brent crude will also be crucial in dictating terms in the market, experts added. "The domestic stock market is likely to be shaped by a mix of global cues, domestic economic indicators, and the flow of investments from foreign and domestic institutional investors. Key factors like the rupee's exchange rate and crude oil prices will play a critical role in determining market trends. "Globally, geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, continue to pose challenges. However, recent declines in the dollar index and US bond yields have created a more favourable environment for emerging markets like India," Pravesh Gour, Senior Technical Analyst, Swastika Investmart Ltd, said. On the economic front, significant macroeconomic releases, including retail inflation and industrial production data from India as well as US core CPI, are expected to influence overall market sentiment, Gour added. Last week, the BSE benchmark jumped 1,906.33 points or 2.38 per cent, and the NSE Nifty climbed 546.7 points or 2.26 per cent. "FIIs turning buyers in early December, in a total reversal of their sustained selling strategy during the last two months, has altered the market sentiments. The change in FII (Foreign Institutional Investors) strategy is getting reflected in stock price movements, particularly in large-cap banking stocks in which FIIs have been sellers," VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said. The release of US CPI inflation data will give some insights into the Fed's December meeting, an expert said. "The markets' attention is expected to turn towards macroeconomic indicators like IIP and CPI inflation. Additionally, the trend of FII inflows, following their recent buying spree, will remain a key focal point for market participants," Ajit Mishra - SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said. Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said this week will see significant economic data releases, including GDP numbers from Japan and the UK, along with China's CPI and India's CPI.

Tackling Heatwaves In Cities

Tackling Heatwaves In Cities

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

As Singapore, New York and Melbourne have shown, cities can mitigate the impact of heatwaves if they have the will to create green infrastructure, explain Amit Kapoor & Bibek Debroy.

Festival demand boosts domestic sales of two-wheelers by up to 26%

Festival demand boosts domestic sales of two-wheelers by up to 26%

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Major two-wheeler manufacturers in India witnessed a double-digit increase in domestic sales in October, driven by the festival fervour.

This Mum Helps Women Return To Work

This Mum Helps Women Return To Work

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

In two years, the start-up Overqualified Housewives has helped over 6,000 women across India find flexible-job roles across India from salaries ranging between Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000, making them financially independent.

'Rahul Gandhi Is Stabilising India With Caste Census Demand'

'Rahul Gandhi Is Stabilising India With Caste Census Demand'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

'Rahul Gandhi is raising the issue of a caste census though his party has been doing injustice on this front from the 1950s.'

Swiggy: From a forgotten idea to Rs 1 trn mcap on listing

Swiggy: From a forgotten idea to Rs 1 trn mcap on listing

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Framing the next chapter in Swiggy's journey as a responsible corporate citizen, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Sriharsha Majety unveiled the company's eagerly awaited public listing. Majety, who has largely shunned the spotlight, shared reflections on his entrepreneurial path and the strategic pivots he and his co-founders navigated in building Swiggy. "We started with code aggregation, then pivoted to logistics, and that became Swiggy.

Creating urban commons

Creating urban commons

Rediff.com5 Apr 2016

If we can come up with ways of sharing property rights on the internet, why not do something similar in urban spaces, asks Ajit Balakrishnan.

Lorries Being Gifted This Wedding Season!

Lorries Being Gifted This Wedding Season!

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Another trend: A preference for coloured diamonds among brides, who are pairing them with their groom's birthstone. So, along with yellow or white diamonds, they are choosing pink, green, blue sapphires, emeralds or red rubies.

My Top Films Of 2024

My Top Films Of 2024

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Despite the mediocrity at large, these films had me in raptures for the emotions they evoked within as a cheering audience, critic and cinephile.

POLL: 93% urban Indians say LPG cylinder cap unjustified

POLL: 93% urban Indians say LPG cylinder cap unjustified

Rediff.com27 Sep 2012

A CNN-IBN Urban India Ooinion Poll shows the recent economic reform move of the government has not gone down well with the urban India. The poll shows that while the price rise and corruption remain the major concerns for the urban India, there is also a massive anger over cap on LPG subsidy and diesel price hike among the people across the cities.

Maruti, Hyundai report muted sales in October

Maruti, Hyundai report muted sales in October

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Auto majors Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai reported muted sales performance in October as the companies curtailed dispatches to dealers in order to cut inventory build up.

What's Driving Surge in Breast Cancer?

What's Driving Surge in Breast Cancer?

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Late-stage diagnosis is a major issue, with over 75 per cent of cases being detected at advanced stages (50 per cent at Stage 3 and 25 per cent at Stage 4). This significantly reduces survival rates.