News for 'Urban India'

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

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.

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.

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.

Reliance's retail arm picks 96% stake in Urban Ladder

Reliance's retail arm picks 96% stake in Urban Ladder

Rediff.com15 Nov 2020

Urban Ladder was incorporated in India on February 17, 2012. Besides online, the company has presence in offline channels and operates a chain of retail stores in several cities across India.

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.

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.

Urban Company tries to soothe frayed nerves of women partners

Urban Company tries to soothe frayed nerves of women partners

Rediff.com15 Oct 2021

Urban Company, the home services firm, announced a 12-point programme on Thursday to improve partner earnings and livelihood for all partners on its platform in India. The announcement comes after most women partners on the platform staged a protest last Friday, demanding better layouts and safer working conditions. Among the provisions in the 12-point programme are reduction of highest commissions in the beauty category, in which most of Urban Company's female partners work.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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'

'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.

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.

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.

WORRYING! Unemployment Rises in December

WORRYING! Unemployment Rises in December

Rediff.com29 Dec 2022

The unemployment rate shot up to a record 10.9 per cent in the week that ended on December 18, points out Mahesh Vyas.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.'

Crippling story of India's urban infra projects

Crippling story of India's urban infra projects

Rediff.com8 Feb 2016

Of the 538 projects examined, 294 suffered from cost overruns, 303 from time overruns, and 166 projects suffered both time as well as cost overruns.