News for 'Urban India'

Not Asian Paints, Berger and Indigo Paints may shine in H2FY25, says Nuvama

Not Asian Paints, Berger and Indigo Paints may shine in H2FY25, says Nuvama

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

The paint sector is seeing heightened competition with the entry of deep-pocketed groups like Aditya Birla and JSW. However, some brokerages see an opportunity in select stocks.

Inflation falls below 4% in Feb. Will RBI cut rate on April 9?

Inflation falls below 4% in Feb. Will RBI cut rate on April 9?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Retail inflation slipped to seven-month low of 3.61 per cent in February mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, eggs, and other protein-rich items, creating space for the RBI to go for another cut in interest rate next month.

'Strong retail growth is expected'

'Strong retail growth is expected'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

'The retail business was somewhat slow initially, but it has picked up over the past seven to eight days. Following Makar Sankranti, there is a renewed sense of positivity.'

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Leading chains plan Rs 40K crore infra revival to close capacity gap over next 3-5 years

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The United Kingdom extracted USD 64.82 trillion from India over a century of colonialism between 1765 and 1900 and USD 33.8 trillion of this went to the richest 10 per cent -- enough money to carpet London in notes of 50 British pound almost four times over.

PM Modi's recipe for creating jobs

PM Modi's recipe for creating jobs

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged all stakeholders to come together and invest in people for skill development, nurturing talent and promoting innovation which are essential for job creation and boosting the economy. Participating in post-Budget webinar on employment, Modi said the government has provided skill training to 3 crore youth since 2014 and decided to upgrade 1,000 ITIs and set up five centres of excellence.

HC quashes ED summons to Sidda's wife, minister in MUDA case

HC quashes ED summons to Sidda's wife, minister in MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the Enforcement Directorate's summons to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi B M and Urban Development Minister B S Suresh in connection with the MUDA site allotment case. The court ruled that the ED was conducting a parallel investigation despite the case already being probed by the Lokayukta police and a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The ED had alleged that Siddaramaiah and other accused were involved in attempted money laundering in the MUDA site allotment case and that the fourteen sites (plots) allotted to Parvathi in Mysuru upmarket were illegally allotted.

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'They are going to create so many nations within one nation.' 'If you do this exercise without a clear vision, it will have far reaching repercussions. It will end up in disaster and that will be dangerous.'

'Coming Months Could Be Eventful For Markets'

'Coming Months Could Be Eventful For Markets'

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

'The shifts in US involvement in global conflicts and geopolitical alliances could introduce uncertainties.'

Family nod for Manmohan memorial at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal

Family nod for Manmohan memorial at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The family of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has approved the proposed site for his memorial at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in New Delhi. The memorial, measuring around 900 square metres, will be located adjacent to the memorial of former President Pranab Mukherjee. A trust will be set up to oversee the construction of the memorial, which will be funded by a government grant of Rs 25 lakh.

View Consumption Survey Numbers With Caution

View Consumption Survey Numbers With Caution

Rediff.com15 Mar 2024

Could the MPCE survey results be used as a basis of reconstructing the Consumer Price Index with new weights, asks Madan Sabnavis.

WFO Or WFH? The Debate Goes On...

WFO Or WFH? The Debate Goes On...

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

'Given a chance, more than 50 per cent of employees would switch to WFH as opposed to working from office.'

'As Tunnels Increase We See More Incidents'

'As Tunnels Increase We See More Incidents'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'Balancing tunnel developments with ecological realities is a major challenge and, when overlooked, can contribute to mishaps.'

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Union Budget 2025: Will 10K new medical seats curb students outflow?

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Indian government's announcement of 10,000 additional seats in medical colleges next year, part of a plan to add 75,000 seats over five years, has been welcomed by education experts and stakeholders. The move aims to address the shortage of medical professionals and reduce the outflow of Indian medical students to other countries. The budget also includes infrastructure expansion at five new IITs to accommodate 6,500 more students and an allocation of Rs 500 crore to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education.

Should depositors put money in co-operative banks?

Should depositors put money in co-operative banks?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The co-operative banking sector is well regulated, and a few cases of restrictions being imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should not paint a negative picture of the entire sector, said Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) secretary Ajay Seth on Monday. "Co-operative banks in the country are generally quite robust, and the RBI takes regulatory action whenever issues arise.

Exiting Markets Now Could Cost You

Exiting Markets Now Could Cost You

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Investors should avoid making drastic changes to their asset allocation during a market correction.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

CPM's Karat calls for Left unity to counter 'Hindutva neo-fascism'

CPM's Karat calls for Left unity to counter 'Hindutva neo-fascism'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The 24th CPI(M) Party Congress commenced in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with interim coordinator Prakash Karat emphasizing the need for Left unity to combat "Hindutva neo-fascism." He criticized the BJP-RSS government, accusing it of representing a "Hindutva-corporate nexus" and displaying "neo-fascist characteristics." Other Left leaders, including CPI general secretary D Raja and CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, echoed calls for unity and condemned the current political climate in India.

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'My life has been quite difficult. I felt I could see it in words. I thought if everyone else can write, then I can too.'

Digital payments in India to double to $7 tn by 2030

Digital payments in India to double to $7 tn by 2030

Rediff.com14 Jul 2024

With digital adoption fast gaining currency, India is likely to see retail digital payments double to $7 trillion by 2030 from current levels, a study by Kearney and Amazon Pay said. In the report 'How Urban India Pays', Kearney-Amazon Pay said strong adoption of digital payments in online purchases has potentially led to a permanent shift in consumer behaviours, fuelling offline adoption as well.

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Diets rich in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats tend to result in quicker growth and earlier puberty, notes Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of unit bloom IVF, DY Patil School of Medicine.

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.

India needs to avoid the middle-income trap: NITI document

India needs to avoid the middle-income trap: NITI document

Rediff.com27 Jul 2024

Upgrading capabilities in manufacturing and logistics and bridging the gap between rural and urban incomes are some of the structural challenges that India needs to address, according to a document prepared by NITI Aayog. In the document titled 'Vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047:An Approach Paper, the Aayog said India needs to avoid the middle-income trap and carefully work towards breaking out of it.

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Caste census politics took centre stage on Thursday with the Congress terming the government's decision as a 'diversionary tactic' and a move for headlines management and the Bharatiya Janata Party saying it has exposed the difference between the Centre's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the opposition party.

Sensex May Hit 105,000 by Dec 2025

Sensex May Hit 105,000 by Dec 2025

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The risk-reward for the Indian markets, Morgan Stanley said, is turning favourable.

Some people trying to disturb peace by spreading venom of caste politics: Modi

Some people trying to disturb peace by spreading venom of caste politics: Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Inaugurating the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, the Prime Minister exuded confidence that villages will play a key role in pushing forward the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

'TN should compete with US, China, and not Indian states'

'TN should compete with US, China, and not Indian states'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

'We don't have to compete with Maharashtra or Gujarat. We have to now start thinking about how we compete with the United States or China.'

India's GDP growth likely to slip to 6.5% in Q2: Icra

India's GDP growth likely to slip to 6.5% in Q2: Icra

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Domestic rating agency Icra on Wednesday said India's real GDP growth for the September quarter is likely to decline to 6.5 per cent due to heavy rains and weaker corporate performance. The agency, however, maintained its FY25 growth estimate at 7 per cent on expectations of a pick up in economic activity in the second half of the fiscal.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

Starlink deal: What it actually means for Airtel, RIL

Starlink deal: What it actually means for Airtel, RIL

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

India's biggest telecom players, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries-backed Jio Platforms, will soon bring billionaire Elon Musk-led SpaceX's Starlink satellite services to India. According to analysts, the move could boost India's tele density, especially in the rural areas, and may be an opportunity for investors to add the two stocks on dips for long-term gains

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Qcom industry may add 150,000 gig workers in 2025

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Quick commerce (qcom) industry is poised to lead gig workforce hiring in 2025, propelled by a surge in demand for faster deliveries, expansion by existing players, entry of new competitors, and evolving consumer preferences in the post-pandemic era, according to industry experts. The qcom industry currently employs nearly 260,000 people - around 200,000 delivery personnel and 60,000 dark store workers, according to TeamLease Staffing.

Why I Mourn Sitaram Yechury

Why I Mourn Sitaram Yechury

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

There are few leaders in the Opposition line up who can claim a path to party leadership like Sitaram Yechury and certainly, very few who blended that ascent through student politics with awareness about non-elite real India, urban India and liberal politics, as he did, notes Shyam G Menon.

New affordable housing benefits not for urban poor

New affordable housing benefits not for urban poor

Rediff.com2 Jan 2017

Effects of the new schemes launched under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana would be felt more in tier-II and tier-III cities, as not many budget or affordable housing projects are in the works in metropolitan cities.

Godrej Consumer may be the fastest growing FMCG player in FY26

Godrej Consumer may be the fastest growing FMCG player in FY26

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) had a disappointing third quarter (Q3FY25) with flat volumes (after 7 per cent growth H1FY25). Price hikes will be required to maintain margins to offset the cost of palm oil inflation. However, some analysts see Q3 as an exception with strong volume growth expected to resume and it may be the fastest growing FMCG player in FY26.

'I Never Had To Deal With My Inhibitions'

'I Never Had To Deal With My Inhibitions'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Say hello to The Royals!

A Budget that balances prudence with growth: Birla

A Budget that balances prudence with growth: Birla

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Budget 2025-26 delivers a carefully calibrated strategy-stimulating demand and investment while keeping fiscal discipline intact. In an environment marked by global trade disruptions, and a softening in urban consumption, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has taken a measured approach.

Does Modi Want Sharad Pawar On His Side?

Does Modi Want Sharad Pawar On His Side?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Political sources say Modi is 'keen' on getting the NCP (SP) over to the Mahayuti to counter Eknath Shinde's 'demands' and to act as a cushion against his present allies, Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu, 'in case their relationship became untenable'.

Auto revenue may hit high gear on rural push, launches

Auto revenue may hit high gear on rural push, launches

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Overall, volume growth is likely to be in the range of 3-8 per cent for two-wheelers and 5-7 per cent for passenger vehicles owing to healthy demand from urban and rural areas and pending order books.

At least 150 die as 7.7 strong quake rocks Myanmar, Thailand

At least 150 die as 7.7 strong quake rocks Myanmar, Thailand

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The earthquake rocked many parts of Thailand including its capital Bangkok, the venue for next week's summit of BIMSTEC regional grouping that is scheduled to be attended by Modi among other leaders.