News for 'Urban India'

Good times ahead for United Breweries as heatwave, IPL set the tone

Good times ahead for United Breweries as heatwave, IPL set the tone

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

A cocktail of heatwave and upcoming cricketing events is expected to usher in the peak season for the country's largest beer maker, United Breweries. The beer maker, which has gained share in some key markets, will be a major beneficiary as April to July is an important period contributing to 40-45 per cent of its annual beer volumes. Going ahead, the T20 Cricket World Cup in June and the ongoing IPL will have a positive impact on volumes and should be able to offset the negative impact of elections on sales, experts believe.

Atishi sworn in as Delhi CM, retains 13 portfolios

Atishi sworn in as Delhi CM, retains 13 portfolios

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

Atishi will have a brief tenure in office as assembly elections in the national capital are due in February.

Budget focuses on jobs and skilling, keeping 2 allies happy

Budget focuses on jobs and skilling, keeping 2 allies happy

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced income tax relief for the middle class, a Rs 2 lakh crore outlay for job creation schemes over the next five years and a spending splurge for states run by her party's new coalition partners as she unveiled the Modi 3.0 government's first budget after the general elections.

Indian food services sector to grow by 8.1% from 2024 to 2028: Report

Indian food services sector to grow by 8.1% from 2024 to 2028: Report

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Indian food services sector is expected to grow at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 8.1 per cent between 2024 and 2028 on the back of rapid urbanisation, robust GDP growth, a rising younger population, and greater exposure among consumers, said a new report. The India Food Services Report-2024, brought out by the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), states that the sector contributes 1.9 per cent to India's GDP and is projected to grow to Rs 7.76 trillion by 2028 from Rs 5.69 trillion currently.

Retail inflation slips to 5-yr low of 3.54% in July

Retail inflation slips to 5-yr low of 3.54% in July

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

Retail inflation declined to a five-year low of 3.54 per cent in July mainly on account of subdued prices of food items, and base effect, according to official data released on Monday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation was 5.08 per cent in June 2024 and 7.44 per cent in July 2023.

'Actors Are Asking For The Sun, Moon And Earth'

'Actors Are Asking For The Sun, Moon And Earth'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

'Those movie stars are asking for Rs 35 crore and are opening to Rs 3.5 crore.' 'How's that math working?'

Pompeii: How Life Changed In A Day

Pompeii: How Life Changed In A Day

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

'They were ahead of their times. We don't expect this from a civilisation of the first century AD.'

Covid-19 impact: Job scheme planned for urban poor, migrants

Covid-19 impact: Job scheme planned for urban poor, migrants

Rediff.com2 Aug 2020

The plan could mature into either an umbrella programme for urban youths similar to the Garib Kalyan Rozgaar Abhiyaan or a modified urban-focused version of MGNREGS.

Himachal mayor disqualified because of 'male bias': SC

Himachal mayor disqualified because of 'male bias': SC

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday kept in abeyance the fresh election for the post of the mayor of Solan in Himachal Pradesh as it termed the disqualification of the incumbent, Usha Sharma, "a case of male bias".

India may pip US as largest GitHub base soon: Nadella

India may pip US as largest GitHub base soon: Nadella

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

India is expected to overtake the US as the largest developer community on GitHub by 2027, Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella said during his address to 1,100 developers and technology leaders at the Microsoft AI Tour in Bengaluru on Thursday. India is the fastest-growing market on GitHub, a Microsoft-owned software development platform, with 13.2 million developers using it.

Make 'Women's Safety' The Reason Why You Vote Next

Make 'Women's Safety' The Reason Why You Vote Next

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

'Days ago, India witnessed the horror of the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor on night duty at the R G Kar hospital in Kolkata.' 'The crime was so outrageous that any self-respecting chief minister should have resigned, bearing moral responsibility.' 'But then the terms 'self-respect' and 'moral responsibility' do not exist in the modern Indian political lexicon,' argues Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

India's unemployment rate lowest since March 2021: CMIE

India's unemployment rate lowest since March 2021: CMIE

Rediff.com2 Feb 2022

India's unemployment rate witnessed a sharp decline to 6.57 per cent in January, the lowest since March 2021, as the country gradually recovers with easing of restrictions following a decline in Omicron cases, according to CMIE. While unemployment in urban India stood at 8.16 per cent in January, in rural areas it was the lowest at 5.84 per cent, as per data by independent think-tank Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). In December, the unemployment rate stood at 7.91 per cent, with urban at 9.30 per cent and rural at 7.28 per cent, it added.

Why Young Indians Are At Risk Of A Heart Attack

Why Young Indians Are At Risk Of A Heart Attack

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

It's important to take breaks, spend time with loved ones and engage in activities like yoga or meditation to help relax and relieve stress.

Some states saw higher inflation than national average, shows data

Some states saw higher inflation than national average, shows data

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

Many individual states experienced higher inflation than the all-India figures during the financial year 2023-24 (FY24). Retail inflation figures in Telangana, Haryana, Rajasthan and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have been higher than national numbers every month of this financial year, shows a Business Standard analysis of state-wise figures, after the March inflation data was released on Friday. Experts noted that persistent high food inflation along with differences in the weights of rural and urban indices plays into the regional variation in inflation rates.

How India enhanced its military might in 2023

How India enhanced its military might in 2023

Rediff.com31 Dec 2023

India also went on an overdrive in expanding its military engagement with like-minded countries in its neighbourhood and beyond in the face of China's relentless attempts to become a regional hegemon and establish its primacy in South Asia.

Retail inflation rises to 15-month high of 7.44% in July

Retail inflation rises to 15-month high of 7.44% in July

Rediff.com14 Aug 2023

Retail inflation jumped to a 15-month high of 7.44 per cent in July as prices of vegetables and other food items spiked, according to official data released on Monday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation was at 4.87 in June and 6.71 per cent in July 2022. Previously, high inflation was recorded at 7.79 per cent in April 2022.

Ola Maps navigating beyond 'western apps'

Ola Maps navigating beyond 'western apps'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Bhavish Aggarwal, founder and chief executive officer of Ola, is encouraging developers to switch from Google Maps to Ola Maps. Ola is offering developers a year of free access to Ola Maps on the company's Krutrim Cloud and over Rs 100 crore in free credits. This initiative comes after Ola replaced Google Maps with its own Ola Maps, leading to annual savings of around Rs 100 crore.

Sidda convenes CLP meet on Aug 22 after guv's prosecution nod

Sidda convenes CLP meet on Aug 22 after guv's prosecution nod

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

According to a statement issued by the chief minister's office, the meeting will be held in Vidhana Souda conference Hall.

Retail inflation eases to 5-month low of 4.85% in March

Retail inflation eases to 5-month low of 4.85% in March

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Retail inflation declined to a five-month low of 4.85 per cent in March mainly due to cooling food prices, inching towards the Reserve Bank's target of 4 per cent, according to official data released on Friday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation was 5.09 per cent in February and 5.66 per cent in March 2023. Previously, CPI-based inflation was the lowest at 4.87 per cent in October 2023.

Budget 'ignores' Maharashtra, focuses on Bihar, Andhra

Budget 'ignores' Maharashtra, focuses on Bihar, Andhra

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies on Tuesday welcomed the Union Budget and said it focussed on youth, farmers, women, and has 'substantial allocations' for Maharashtra, but the opposition slammed the annual financial statement, claiming it neglected the western state and only seeks to please the saffron outfit's partners in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

8.5 Million Indians Got JOBS In September

8.5 Million Indians Got JOBS In September

Rediff.com18 Oct 2021

Of these 8.5 million additional people employed in September, 6.5 million were in rural India, reveals Mahesh Vyas.

Multiple triggers ahead for affordable housing finance companies

Multiple triggers ahead for affordable housing finance companies

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

Mortgage finance remains a structural growth opportunity in India with a policy focus on affordable housing, housing shortages, low mortgage penetration, and rising incomes as drivers. Affordable Housing Finance Companies (AHFCs) serve the mass market, low-income segments, which is the least-serviced category, and to operate in this segment, the mortgage provider needs good assessment skills. AHFCs and HFCs have also been increasing exposure in other mortgage segments (loan against property, developer loans among others).

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The central government's Great Nicobar development project, proposed around an unprecedented transhipment port, will be executed to keep environmental impact minimal, and is essential as it is of national importance, the government has said amid calls to abort the controversial project due to ecological concerns, the Centre said in an official statement.

15 STUNNING Wildlife Photos

15 STUNNING Wildlife Photos

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

A sneak peek of some extraordinary entries for the 60th annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year event.

Gig workers Bill: Unease among startups

Gig workers Bill: Unease among startups

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

A group comprising top tech startups and unicorns has raised several "serious concerns" over a platform-based gig workers Bill proposed by the Karnataka government, saying it would hurt the ease of doing business. They told the state government the Bill in its current form would hamper operations and increase regulatory and compliance burden on the nascent gig and startup economy, according to sources.

Lal Salaam Review: Boring!

Lal Salaam Review: Boring!

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

Lal Salaam is not a movie A Ganesh Nadar would recommend.

Must Watch: Stories From Around The World

Must Watch: Stories From Around The World

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Aseem Chhabra's Top 10 Films/ Series from TIFF 2024 includes films that he watched for the first time in Toronto. The films were impressive due to their rigor, passion, unique storytelling style and sometimes exploring the vulnerable sides of big name stars.

Can election manifestos show the way to Viksit Bharat?

Can election manifestos show the way to Viksit Bharat?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

Elections are not won or lost by expounding on such macro-economic matters. For the aam admi, what matters in manifestos are promises that will improve their quality of life, notes Vinayak Chatterjee.

Bhaiyyaji Brings Audiences To Theatres

Bhaiyyaji Brings Audiences To Theatres

Rediff.com27 May 2024

Manoj Bajpayee's 100th film earned Rs 6 million in its first weekend.

How Co-living Is Helping Young Millennials

How Co-living Is Helping Young Millennials

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

'Factors such as working professionals seeking better lifestyles, traditional housing challenges, community and networking, and urban migration for jobs are driving the growth in the co-living segment.'

Severe heatwave likely in northwest, east in next 5 days: IMD

Severe heatwave likely in northwest, east in next 5 days: IMD

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The heat wave is likely to impact parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal, the Met office said.

Political Savvy Nirmalaji's Bold Budget

Political Savvy Nirmalaji's Bold Budget

Rediff.com3 Aug 2024

Few finance ministers announce any taxation measure that could upset the stock market. Ms Sitharaman decided to take that risk, observes A K Bhattacharya.

Coming! New Affordable Housing Scheme

Coming! New Affordable Housing Scheme

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

The new scheme may be announced before the Lok Sabha elections.

Budget: Time To Bet On Big Ideas

Budget: Time To Bet On Big Ideas

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

The generation of quality jobs and skill development should be the focal point, cutting across ministries and departments, asserts Nivedita Mookerji.

A propaganda tool called #UrbanNaxal

A propaganda tool called #UrbanNaxal

Rediff.com13 Jul 2018

'The category of crime and criminals called Maoist or Naxal or #UrbanNaxals is an illegitimate creation of right-wing propaganda media frenzy.' 'It is a fiction repugnant to the Constitution and the law of the land,' argue Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira.

'Bullet Trains Aren't An Issue For Polls'

'Bullet Trains Aren't An Issue For Polls'

Rediff.com18 May 2024

'When there are no good roads and no buses plying to villages, your spending on development is skewed.'

India's jobless rate at 6-year low; wage employment share shrinks

India's jobless rate at 6-year low; wage employment share shrinks

Rediff.com11 Oct 2023

India's unemployment rate fell to a six-year low of 3.2 per cent in the July-June 2022-23 period, down from 4.1 per cent in the same period the previous year, according to the latest annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report. The report, released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Monday, showed a decline in unemployment rates in both rural and urban areas during the 2022-23 period to 2.4 per cent and 5.4 per cent, respectively, from 3.2 per cent and 6.3 per cent in the 2021-22 period. The unemployment rate for rural women (1.8 per cent) was lower than that for rural men (2.7 per cent) in 2022-23; in urban areas, the rate was higher for females (7.5 per cent) compared to males (4.7 per cent).

Retail inflation eases to 11-month low of 4.83% in April

Retail inflation eases to 11-month low of 4.83% in April

Rediff.com13 May 2024

Retail inflation eased to an 11-month low of 4.83 per cent in April as prices of some kitchen items declined though overall food basket firmed up marginally, according to a government data released on Monday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation was 4.85 per cent in March. It was 4.7 per cent in April 2023.

Why valuation of FMCG sector is likely to be attractive

Why valuation of FMCG sector is likely to be attractive

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector has underperformed the Nifty over the past year as its 20 per cent return is trumped by 29 per cent of the benchmark index. The FMCG index saw a 2.2 per cent drop in the last session, while the Nifty lost 1 per cent. FMCG is seen as a defensive segment. The demand for staples like personal care products, groceries and snacks tend to be stable. FMCG companies are consistent dividend-payers.

India builds first 'smart' city as urban population swells

India builds first 'smart' city as urban population swells

Rediff.com15 Apr 2015

Some experts believe that building new cities may not be the answer to India's swelling urban population.