News for 'Urban India'

Can Smoking Lead To Heart Attack?

Can Smoking Lead To Heart Attack?

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Dr Ashish Mishra, consultant interventional cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, explains how smoking and alcohol can impair your heart health and lead to cardiac arrest.

Maha okays 255-acre salt pan land for slum rehab housing, names Adani

Maha okays 255-acre salt pan land for slum rehab housing, names Adani

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

According to the government, the additional chief secretary of the state housing department is designated to sign an agreement with the Union government for the land lease transfer.

'I Wanted Waheeda Rehman For Ankur'

'I Wanted Waheeda Rehman For Ankur'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

'I don't think Waheeda had the confidence that I could pull it off, so she said no.'

Villupuram reels under record floods, railway suspends ops

Villupuram reels under record floods, railway suspends ops

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Villpuram district in north Tamil Nadu continued to reel under unprecedented flooding on Monday following extremely heavy rainfall, virtually blocking access to villages and residential colonies as bridges and roads overflowed, inundating huge acreage of standing crops and leaving passengers stranded as rail and road traffic was hit.

'Because he never read it': Rahul's retort to Modi on Constitution

'Because he never read it': Rahul's retort to Modi on Constitution

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi thinks that the Constitution of India is 'blank' because he has never read it.

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

2024's 10 Best OTT Films

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The top 10 films of the year may not be great by themselves but they stand out amidst the other OTT releases.

RBI to Hold Rates Steady at 6.50%

RBI to Hold Rates Steady at 6.50%

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'The RBI's MPC will maintain the current policy rates (6.50%) at the policy meeting, given ongoing inflationary pressures.'

Bypoll boost for NDA in Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya; jolt in Bengal

Bypoll boost for NDA in Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya; jolt in Bengal

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The juggernaut of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, which triumphed in three of the four east and north-eastern states that went for assembly bypolls on Saturday, was halted yet again in West Bengal where Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress registered a six-on-six clean sweep.

Budget 2024: Sitharaman unveils road map for 'Viksit Bharat'

Budget 2024: Sitharaman unveils road map for 'Viksit Bharat'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget proposals lay out a comprehensive road map for transforming India into a developed nation, focusing on key priorities that aim to generate ample opportunities for all citizens in "Viksit Bharat". It sets the stage for sustained economic growth, social development, and technological advancement.

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Live on one of Gelephu's inhabitable bridges where elephants will saunter past, be it day or night; or be homed in a never-ending building with flying cars and robot maids? asks ambivalent Sandeep Goyal.

High vegetable prices push retail inflation to 4-month high

High vegetable prices push retail inflation to 4-month high

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

Retail inflation rose at the fastest pace in four months in December 2023 at 5.69 per cent, on account of an increase in prices of vegetables, pulses, and spices, according to government data released on Friday. The annual inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) was at 5.55 per cent in November and 5.72 per cent in the year-ago month. As per the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the rate of price rise in the food basket, which constitutes nearly half of the CPI, increased to 9.53 per cent in December 2023, as against 8.7 per cent in the preceding month, and 4.19 per cent in December 2022.

'Won't Date A Girl From A Slum'

'Won't Date A Girl From A Slum'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

Religion and economic barriers continue to define love in modern India, discovers Preshth Bhardwaj.

Pvt insurers ceded ground in rural areas in FY24; Tier-II,-III saw growth

Pvt insurers ceded ground in rural areas in FY24; Tier-II,-III saw growth

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The share of life insurance policies sold by top private insurers in the rural areas declined in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24) compared to previous year. SBI Life, HDFC Life, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance -- the top three players from the private sector-- have seen the share of insurance policies sold in rural areas drop in FY24 as compared to the previous financial year. Max Life Insurance's share of rural policies recorded an increase in FY24.

Downpour Of Diseases In India

Downpour Of Diseases In India

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

Kerala has had 202 fatalities in 2024 so far. In July alone, there were 202,122 episodes of fever, 2,250 cases of dengue, 1,850 cases of mumps and several other illnesses. 10,000 cases of dengue have been reported from Karnataka. 1,000 swine flu cases have been documented in Rajasthan.

'Don't Jump In Because It's Fashionable To Be An Entrepreneur'

'Don't Jump In Because It's Fashionable To Be An Entrepreneur'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

'I tell young entrepreneurs if you don't have a great idea, if you don't have a good business model, don't think of a start-up.'

Why urban poor remain a worry for FMCG companies

Why urban poor remain a worry for FMCG companies

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

As the second wave of the pandemic ebbs and the daily caseload falls, the struggles of the urban poor have come into focus. Many have suffered income and job losses after two successive waves. The second wave, in particular, has seen the poor being hit hard on account of lack of medical and financial help. For the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies this has meant that an important segment is under severe distress.

Some green shoots, but rural a stressor for FMCG companies

Some green shoots, but rural a stressor for FMCG companies

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

Companies manufacturing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) continue to see rural stress sustain and it continues to trail urban demand. At the Confederation of Indian Industry's FMCG summit, managements of various companies pointed out urban demand continued to grow while rural demand remained under pressure because incomes were under stress in rural areas. "Due to rural stress, volumes continue to remain an issue for the industry and we are yet to see any revival in demand," Sudhir Sitapati, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) at Godrej Consumer Products

RG Kar protests pose unprecedented crisis for TMC

RG Kar protests pose unprecedented crisis for TMC

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

'Although there is a visible dent in TMC's urban votes, especially among women, the CPI-M and the BJP are unlikely to benefit from this'

Fate of 683 candidates in balance as 43 seats in Jharkhand vote

Fate of 683 candidates in balance as 43 seats in Jharkhand vote

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

However, in 950 booths, voting will end at 4 pm, though people standing in the queue at that time will be able to exercise their franchise.

How Much Do Indians Spend On Weddings?

How Much Do Indians Spend On Weddings?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

An average Indian couple spends around 2x on weddings versus education (pre-primary to graduation).

Siddaramaiah moves HC against Governor's nod for prosecution

Siddaramaiah moves HC against Governor's nod for prosecution

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

The chief minister submitted that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind, in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India.

PC makers look to hitch a ride on the q-com bandwagon

PC makers look to hitch a ride on the q-com bandwagon

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Bengaluru-based Sunny Gupta had been searching for a laptop for months. In August, while sitting at a coffee shop, he decided to order an Acer Predator laptop - typically priced between Rs 95,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh - through the quick-commerce (q-com) platform Flipkart Minutes. "It took exactly 13 minutes from payment to receiving it at the Starbucks I ordered it to," he wrote in a now-viral post on social media platform X.

India's daunting urban challenge

India's daunting urban challenge

Rediff.com14 Jul 2009

The challenge is making governments at the Centre and in the states start focusing on the needs of towns and cities

What You Can Now Expect Every Election

What You Can Now Expect Every Election

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

A freebie once granted can hardly be discontinued. All that can happen is to substitute it with a bigger freebie, notes A K Bhattacharya.

India, Iran sign 10-year Chabahar pact

India, Iran sign 10-year Chabahar pact

Rediff.com13 May 2024

India and Iran on Monday signed a 10-year contract for the operation of a terminal at the strategically important Chabahar port in Iran, a move that will boost regional connectivity as well as trade ties. This is the first time India will take over the management of an overseas port that will also have a multiplier effect on trade among India, Iran and Afghanistan as efforts continue to directly tap the potential in Central Asia, bypassing neighbouring Pakistan.

'Hybrid vehicles are an intermediate solution'

'Hybrid vehicles are an intermediate solution'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

'In terms of incentives, if you think about it, hybrids are a 20-year-old technology.'

India likely to grow by 7.5% in Q1, says article in RBI Bulletin

India likely to grow by 7.5% in Q1, says article in RBI Bulletin

Rediff.com21 May 2024

India is likely to grow by 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of the current financial year, driven by rising aggregate demand and non-food spending in the rural economy, according to an article in the RBI's May Bulletin released on Tuesday. The Indian economy has demonstrated marked resilience in the face of geopolitical headwinds impacting the supply chain, said an article on the state of the economy published in the May Bulletin.

Will Poll Gamechanger Laadki Bahin Continue?

Will Poll Gamechanger Laadki Bahin Continue?

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

'I wonder if they will keep it up after the elections.' 'I fear they'll start questioning eligibility -- income, age, bank accounts -- and eventually stop the scheme altogether.'

India's water crisis detrimental to credit health, warns Moody's

India's water crisis detrimental to credit health, warns Moody's

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

Moody's Ratings on Tuesday said India's growing water shortage can disrupt farm and industry sectors and is detrimental to the credit health of the sovereign as rising food inflation and decline in income may spark social unrest. It said decreases in water supply can disrupt agricultural production and industrial operations, resulting in inflation in food prices and hence can be detrimental to credit health of sectors that heavily consume water, such as coal power generators and steel-makers.

Havells, Polycab flip the switch on high-voltage growth potential

Havells, Polycab flip the switch on high-voltage growth potential

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The July-September quarter (Q2) results for 2024-25 (FY25) from the largest listed consumer electrical solutions companies, Havells India and Polycab India, followed similar trends, demonstrating robust revenue growth while falling short of profitability expectations. Both companies witnessed overall growth in the 16-30 per cent range, but margins declined by 130-290 basis points (bps) year-on-year (Y-o-Y). Although brokerages are bullish on long-term prospects and have raised revenue projections, earnings forecasts have been revised downward due to margin pressures.

65% polling in Maha; Maoist-hit Gadchiroli beats Mumbai's voter turnout

65% polling in Maha; Maoist-hit Gadchiroli beats Mumbai's voter turnout

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 58.22 per cent till 5 pm on Wednesday in the elections to the 288-member state legislative assembly, with Gadchiroli district logging more than 69 per cent voting, poll officials said.

Why Elon Musk is 'thankful' to Jyotiraditya Scindia

Why Elon Musk is 'thankful' to Jyotiraditya Scindia

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Tech billionaire Elon Musk thanked Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for not agreeing with Indian tycoons Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal on auctioning spectrum for satellite services, saying he is looking forward to serving Indians. Reacting to Scindia's statement that satellite spectrum will not be auctioned, Musk, in a post on X, said, "much appreciated! We will do our best to serve the people of India with Starlink".

Govt Eyes Monthly, Quarterly Job Data

Govt Eyes Monthly, Quarterly Job Data

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

'Efforts are on to make the data readily available so that it proves useful for policymakers.'

All We Imagine As Light Is Exquisite

All We Imagine As Light Is Exquisite

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

All We Imagine As Light remains heart-warmingly affecting because you know experiences like this are few and far between. Payal Kapadia's film-making voice must be cherished, asserts Mayur Sanap.

As Bengaluru gets inundated in rains, netizens flood social media

As Bengaluru gets inundated in rains, netizens flood social media

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

Amid the heavy downpour in Bengaluru, residents of many flood-affected areas have taken to social media to pour out their woes ranging from waterlogging to complaining about "crumbling" infrastructure.

25 Global Brands Coming To India!

25 Global Brands Coming To India!

Rediff.com8 Apr 2024

'The Indian retail landscape is poised for a significant shift with the anticipated arrival of several prominent international luxury fashion brands in 2024.'

Heatwave sears north India, UP's Orai bakes at 46.4 deg C

Heatwave sears north India, UP's Orai bakes at 46.4 deg C

Rediff.com19 Jun 2024

The threshold for a heat wave is met when the maximum temperature of a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees in coastal areas, and 30 degrees in hilly regions, and the departure from normal is at least 4.5 notches.

Swiggy launches Rs 11,330-cr IPO

Swiggy launches Rs 11,330-cr IPO

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Food delivery app Swiggy on Wednesday launched a Rs 11,330-crore initial share sale, asking investors to take a pie of Indian middle class' rising propensity of online ordering. The company, which is present in over 650 cities and towns of the country, is launching the initial public offering (IPO) amid heightened concerns on urban demand slump, and the management stressed that it is unaffected by the broader trends in the economy. "We are also reading about it, but we are not seeing that yet in the business... So far, we have not seen the impact of demand on our business," its chief financial officer Rahul Bothra said.

Mahayuti Win Will Boost Adani's Dharavi Plan

Mahayuti Win Will Boost Adani's Dharavi Plan

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Opposition had promised to scrap the Dharavi redevelopment project if it came to power. With the Mahayuti's massive mandate in the Maharashtra assembly election, that prospect has been laid to rest.

Not following UP model, told party: Vikramaditya Singh

Not following UP model, told party: Vikramaditya Singh

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

He said the multi-party committee formed by the Speaker in Himachal Pradesh would discuss all issues about street vending on October 3. Singh's remarks came a day after the Congress top brass chided him over his remarks on mandatory display of names by the street vendors and told him that no one was allowed to go against the party's policies and ideologies.