News for 'Urban India'

BJP sweeps Haryana civic polls, big setback for Cong

BJP sweeps Haryana civic polls, big setback for Cong

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The BJP registered emphatic victories in seven municipal corporations in Haryana, while its nominees were leading in two other civic bodies in the recently held elections. The Congress, which was hoping to improve its electoral fortunes after a defeat in the 2024 Assembly polls, suffered another setback. The BJP candidates won with large margins in Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Karnal, Rohtak, Sonipat, and Ambala. The BJP was also leading in Yamunanagar and Panipat. In Manesar, an Independent candidate, Inderjeet Yadav, won the mayoral election. The results are seen as a major setback for the Congress, which has been facing internal turmoil and factionalism.

China: 'India Must Not Accept Ceding Of Patrolling Rights'

China: 'India Must Not Accept Ceding Of Patrolling Rights'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

'Disengagement is merely the first step in a lengthy process of arriving at a new normal along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and the entire land boundary.' 'The Indian government should insist on the restoration of the status quo ante in Eastern Ladakh.'

Agri GVA stands out on strong monsoon

Agri GVA stands out on strong monsoon

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Amid low growth elsewhere, gross value added (GVA) growth in agriculture and allied activities recovered during the second quarter of the current financial year (Q2FY25) to 3.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) due to strong monsoon. Experts feel that the rains have laid the foundation of an even better GVA performance in subsequent quarters. GVA growth in the first quarter of FY25 was 2.0 per cent.

Correction in steel stocks could be a buying opportunity

Correction in steel stocks could be a buying opportunity

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

India's steel market is out of step with global trends. Global demand is weak with China at a huge supply surplus to its domestic demand, pushing down global steel prices. India's domestic demand for steel is strong, given the continuing infrastructure push and is likely to accelerate as urbanisation improves, and the auto sector continues to grow alongside the infrastructure push.

Why financial literacy among urban working youth is low

Why financial literacy among urban working youth is low

Rediff.com14 Oct 2013

The study says living in joint families negatively impacted the level of financial knowledge.

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.

While Dabur sees muted revenue growth in Q3, Marico is upbeat

While Dabur sees muted revenue growth in Q3, Marico is upbeat

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Homegrown fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Dabur India is set to record low single-digit growth in consolidated revenue in the December quarter, it said in an update on Friday. The maker of Hajmola candy and Real fruit juice said rural consumption continued to be resilient and grow faster than urban in the third quarter.

Budget: Auto cos eye 10m beneficiaries of no-tax rule

Budget: Auto cos eye 10m beneficiaries of no-tax rule

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

According to experts, even if an additional 5 per cent of people opt to buy new vehicles, it may bring a huge boost to the sector.

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

In his petition, Suri's lawyer said that he is being punished as his wife, who is a US citizen, is of Palestinian heritage and because the government suspects that he and his wife are against the US foreign policy towards Israel.

Urban men lost more jobs than women in 2nd wave: CMIE

Urban men lost more jobs than women in 2nd wave: CMIE

Rediff.com16 Jul 2021

Urban men lost more jobs than women during the second wave of COVID-19, implying a complete loss of livelihood for millions of households, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The most disproportionate loss of jobs because of the first wave of COVID-19 was among urban women, CMIE's MD and CEO Mahesh Vyas said in his analysis. He said urban women account for about three per cent of total employment, but they accounted for 39 per cent of total job losses in the first wave of the pandemic.

A peek into Auto Expo 2025

A peek into Auto Expo 2025

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

More than 40 new product launches are expected at the upcoming Auto Expo which will be held under the umbrella of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 from January 17-22, a government official said on Tuesday. With visas continuing to be an issue, large scale participation of Chinese companies are unlikely although some of them are participating at the expo, Joint Secretary at Ministry of Commerce and Industry Vimal Anand said at the sidelines of curtain raiser of 'Bharat Battery Show' which will also be a part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

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

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.

Inflation soars to 14-month high of 6.2% in Oct

Inflation soars to 14-month high of 6.2% in Oct

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Retail inflation breached the Reserve Bank's upper tolerance level, soaring to a 14-month high of 6.21 per cent in October mainly on account of rising food prices. Inflation based on the consumer price index (CPI) was 5.49 per cent in September and 4.87 per cent in the year-ago month. Retail inflation trended below the RBI's upper tolerance band of 6 per cent since September last year.

Budget 2025: What realtors want from Nirmala Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What realtors want from Nirmala Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

As the Union Budget 2025-2026 (FY26) inches closer, the Indian real estate industry is seeking stamp duty cuts, revised home loan limits and updated affordable housing norms through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), single-window clearance and eco-friendly policies, among others. Industry leaders and consultancy firms, including Anarock, Raheja, Gaurs, Kanodia Group, Reach, Urban Space, Justo and Eros Group, have shared their expectations.

Budget: 25% I-T Slab, Higher Rebate Likely

Budget: 25% I-T Slab, Higher Rebate Likely

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

'If our Budget allows, we may implement both measures -- making income up to Rs 10 lakh tax-free and introducing a 25 per cent slab for income between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.'

The Regret About This Budget Is...

The Regret About This Budget Is...

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'... that it once again shies away from renewing its commitment to strategic divestment,' points out A K Bhattacharya.

Toyota's 1st electric-SUV to roll out from Maruti's stable

Toyota's 1st electric-SUV to roll out from Maruti's stable

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

After a successful tie up in traditional ICE and strong hybrid models, Suzuki and Toyota are now set to take their partnership to the next level: the electric vehicle segment. Both the Japanese auto giants recently announced a plan to produce Suzuki eVX-based SUV which will be sold under Toyota brand across the globe. This electric SUV, bearing Toyota's logo, will go for production at Suzuki Motor Group (SMG) facility in Hansalpur, Gujarat beginning the spring of 2025, marking the first EV launch for both companies in India.

HC grants bail to Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale in Elgar Parishad case

HC grants bail to Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale in Elgar Parishad case

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Bombay High Court has granted bail to researcher Rona Wilson and activist Sudhir Dhawale, arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case. The court noted that they had been in jail since 2018 and the trial was yet to start. The court said the two had spent more than six years in jail as under-trial prisoners. The NIA, the prosecution agency, did not seek a stay to the HC order. Eight other activists have been granted bail in the case, which pertains to provocative speeches allegedly delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017.

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

EPS has had its way on most things, alliance-wise. A week earlier, he reiterated that he would not re-admit OPS and Sasikala Natarajan back in the party. It was a message not just to detractors in the AIADMK. It was even more so for the BJP leadership in Delhi. Even more important for the AIADMK was their demand for accepting EPS as the chief ministerial candidate of any alliance that the party would form, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Coming Soon! New Internship Scheme

Coming Soon! New Internship Scheme

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

'We are getting to understand the mind of this generation.' 'Minor tweaks are being made to ease the process as we go along.'

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.

E-commerce spend driving use of credit cards in non-metros, says Visa

E-commerce spend driving use of credit cards in non-metros, says Visa

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

With rising disposable incomes in cities beyond metros, the penetration of credit cards - and consequently, credit card spending - is growing at a much faster pace than in traditional metro cities, primarily driven by e-commerce spending.

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.

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.

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Delhi government has announced that vehicles older than 15 years will be denied fuel at petrol pumps starting April 1.

'Imposing Hindi Will Affect BJP's Prospects In Tamil Nadu'

'Imposing Hindi Will Affect BJP's Prospects In Tamil Nadu'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'The vast majority of BJP supporters in Tamil Nadu can't speak any language other than Tamil.' 'When rural Tamil Nadu can't speak any other language than Tamil, how are they going to convince them that they have to learn Hindi?'

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).

How Much Do Weddings Cost These Days?

How Much Do Weddings Cost These Days?

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Wedding planner WedMeGood estimates that the average wedding budget has surged to Rs 36.5 lakh this year, with destination weddings averaging Rs 51 lakh.

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.

Focus On 26 EV Launches, Charging Infra At Auto Expo

Focus On 26 EV Launches, Charging Infra At Auto Expo

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

With nearly 100 launches and unveils, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held in Delhi from January 17 to 22, made one thing clear to automobile enthusiasts: Electric vehicles (EVs) are the way ahead for the Indian auto market for years to come.

'Investments Of Over Rs 4 Trillion To Create 100,000 Jobs'

'Investments Of Over Rs 4 Trillion To Create 100,000 Jobs'

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

'The size of the investments is important, but equally crucial is the number of jobs that these proposals create.'

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The meltdown in Dalal Street that wiped out investor wealth to the tune of 44 trillion in 2025 also seems to be having a ripple effect on the country's vibrant automobile retail sales.

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.

Are Baloch rebels out of Pakistan's control now?

Are Baloch rebels out of Pakistan's control now?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from hit-and-run attacks to carrying out sophisticated operations with tactical precision. The group's tactics and targets have become increasingly audacious, targeting security forces, Chinese nationals, and innocent civilians. Experts attribute the BLA's evolution to various factors, including the leadership of Bashir Zeb, the group's growing intelligence network, and its exploitation of the grievances of the Baloch people. The BLA's actions are a cause for concern, as the group's sophisticated attacks pose a major challenge to security forces.

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.

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.

More the merrier? A tale of multiple self-regulatory organisations

More the merrier? A tale of multiple self-regulatory organisations

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Mint Road, on December 21, 2023, flagged the role of self-regulatory organisations (SROs) in strengthening the compliance culture in regulated entities (REs) and providing a consultative platform for policymaking. It also decided to issue an omnibus framework for SROs.

'We Expect Everyone Will Shift To New Tax Regime Now'

'We Expect Everyone Will Shift To New Tax Regime Now'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

'Nearly 10 million people will benefit from the increase in the rebate limit for those earning up to Rs 12 lakh.' 'We expect all that money will come back into the economy in either savings, consumption, or investments.'