News for 'Urban India'

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said his party was fighting the 'Bharatiya Janata Party, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Indian state itself', triggering a row with the BJP alleging that everything the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha does or says is in the direction of breaking India and dividing the society.

Budget Impact: 10 Largecaps To Look Out For

Budget Impact: 10 Largecaps To Look Out For

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

10 largecaps stocks which stand to gain from the Budget.

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

'Salman Will Add His Naughtiness'

'Salman Will Add His Naughtiness'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'I go to Salmanbhai every day before the shoot.' 'I write straight scenes, simple scenes. He will read them and add a little bit of spice.'

Elgar Parishad case: HC flags violation of Article 21

Elgar Parishad case: HC flags violation of Article 21

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Prolonged incarceration without trial amounts to infringement of the right to life under the Constitution, the Bombay high court said while urging a special court to expedite the trial in the 2018 Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case.

Nayab Singh Saini's Haryana Challenges

Nayab Singh Saini's Haryana Challenges

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

Haryana has done well in terms of economic growth over the last couple of decades. For it to continue to lead the growth ladder, the new government has to work hard on multiple dimensions, recommend Shishir Gupta and Rishita Sachdeva.

Leading FMCG firms see two-fold rise in sales via q-com

Leading FMCG firms see two-fold rise in sales via q-com

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Leading FMCG firms reported a nearly two-fold increase in the share of quick commerce within their total e-commerce sales, and this surge is anticipated to continue, said a joint report by Deloitte and industry body FICCI. Quick Commerce, also known as hyperlocal delivery, is now reaching around 35 per cent of online sales and has become a preferred channel for urban consumers. "About 18 per cent of consumers prefer purchasing food and beverage items from Q-commerce channels.

'Kejriwal Is The Father Of Freebie Culture'

'Kejriwal Is The Father Of Freebie Culture'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'He didn't implement good policies for good politics.' 'He never worked on comprehensive policy-making.' 'In Kejriwal's own constituency youths are jobless.'

Preity Zinta's Top 10 Films

Preity Zinta's Top 10 Films

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

As much Preity would like to be relieved of everyone's ebullient expectations of her, truth is few have fizzed up the silver screen like she has.

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.

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

With the rapid evolution of channels like quick-commerce and the emergence of ONDC, the Indian retail industry is 'cautiously optimistic' for 2025, in which new-age technologies such as AI and automation will play a crucial role, driving efficiency and personalisation.

'The Girls Said I Want To Play Football'

'The Girls Said I Want To Play Football'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

'When the girls said they want to play football, the mothers were encouraging.' 'It was the fathers who were against the idea.'

Ola Electric rides into gig segment

Ola Electric rides into gig segment

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

With India's gig economy projected to double in size, reaching over 10 million workers in the coming years, Ola Electric unveiled its new line of budget-friendly e-scooters, starting at under Rs 40,000. The market responded positively, with Ola Electric's stock rising by 5.67 per cent, closing at Rs 73.47 on the BSE.

'Uncertainty related to inflation has not gone'

'Uncertainty related to inflation has not gone'

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

'In addition, we have geopolitics and politics and all the other things that will affect commodity prices.'

Can Modiji Fix The Economy's Problems?

Can Modiji Fix The Economy's Problems?

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

'If weak indicators persist, there is a risk that India could slip into a prolonged slowdown similar to the one experienced between 2014 and 2019,' warns Debashis Basu.

Bumper kharif production to lower food inflation in coming months: FinMin

Bumper kharif production to lower food inflation in coming months: FinMin

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Prospects of a bumper kharif harvest are expected to lower food inflation in the coming months, making the country's inflation outlook benign, the Union Ministry of Finance (FinMin) said in its monthly economic report for October released on Monday.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Headline growth was quite weak heading into the Covid period but averaged 6.4 per cent and 6.7 per cent in the five years between FY16 and FY20 for GVA and GDP respectively, points out Abhishek Upadhyay.

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.

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.

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.

Most brokerages lift targets for UltraTech Cement

Most brokerages lift targets for UltraTech Cement

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Although UltraTech Cement's results for the December quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY25) were not an improvement compared to Q3FY24, the company managed to surpass Street expectations. The company's profit attributable to the owners of the parent dropped 17.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 1,469.5 crore in Q3FY25 as against Rs 1,777 crore in Q3FY24.

Dia's Magical Allure

Dia's Magical Allure

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

A fiesta of the best Indian handloom.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.