News for 'Urban India'

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Consumer goods firms and auto companies are witnessing an upturn in rural demand, which had been lagging for most of FY24. Expectations of a bumper rabi crop harvest have helped turn the tide. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged last week, noting that as rural demand catches up, consumption is expected to support economic growth in 2024-25.

Will India CHANGE In Modi 3.0?

Will India CHANGE In Modi 3.0?

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

The climate for 'doing business' remains forbidding, taxtortion is still rife, corruption at state and district levels has increased, oil prices remain extortive with high taxation, and the continued red tape has kept the enterprise system as stifled as before, points out Debashis Basu.

15 dead, many hospitalised as north India reels under punishing heatwave

15 dead, many hospitalised as north India reels under punishing heatwave

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

To ensure immediate cooling of the body, the hospital has set up a first-of-its-kind heatstroke unit.

5 dead as rain brings Bengaluru to its knees

5 dead as rain brings Bengaluru to its knees

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

At least five people were killed in separate rain-related incidents on Tuesday in Bengaluru, which has been reeling under incessant rains for the past three days causing widespread flooding in several residential areas and turning roads into virtual rivers.

'This Election Captures The Evolution Of India From 2014 To 2024'

'This Election Captures The Evolution Of India From 2014 To 2024'

Rediff.com4 May 2024

'2019 was fought on delivery. But in 2024, you can see the before and after effects.'

Union Budget 2024 remains largely neutral for stock markets in India

Union Budget 2024 remains largely neutral for stock markets in India

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

Overall market reaction to the Budget was neutral. Investors absorbed the changes to the tax rates (positive for salaried class) and capital gains taxes (CGTs, negative due to the removal of indexation and increases. Other proposals largely pertain to supporting rural development, buybacks taxed as dividends, Custom duty changes that impact multiple sectors, higher outlays for clean energy, etc. There's some moderation in the growth of capex outlay across defence, fer

Setback to Sidda, HC rejects plea against governor's nod for probe

Setback to Sidda, HC rejects plea against governor's nod for probe

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

The chief minister had challenged the approval given by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for an investigation against him in the alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) in a prime locality.

Census to begin next year, no decision on caste data

Census to begin next year, no decision on caste data

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The much-delayed decadal census exercise and the work to update the National Population Register (NPR) are likely to begin early 2025 and the data will be declared by 2026, thus changing future census cycles completely, official sources said.

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.

India's GDP will reach $5 trillion in 2026: Arvind Panagariya

India's GDP will reach $5 trillion in 2026: Arvind Panagariya

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

India will become the world's third largest economy by 2026 as its GDP in current dollar terms will reach $5 trillion in that year and further rise to $5.5 trillion in 2027, former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya said on Friday. Delivering the 18th C D Deshmukh Memorial Lecture titled 'India at 125: Reclaiming the Lost Glory and Returning the Global Economy to the Old Normal', he said it is unlikely that GDP in current dollar terms of either Germany or Japan will cross $5 trillion-mark in the coming three years. Japan will have to sustain a growth rate of 3.5 per cent in current dollar terms to reach $5.03 trillion in 2027 from its 2022 level of $4.2 trillion, he said.

Congress Backs Nitish As INDIA Convenor

Congress Backs Nitish As INDIA Convenor

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

Sources within the INDIA bloc said appointing Nitish Kumar as convenor would lend credibility to the INDIA bloc's demand for conducting a nationwide caste census.

Women voters outnumber men in 8 Srinagar assembly constituencies

Women voters outnumber men in 8 Srinagar assembly constituencies

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

Women outnumber men in six of the eight assembly constituencies with Central Shalteng and Eidgah segments being the exceptions.

Moody's raises India's 2024 growth forecast to 6.8%

Moody's raises India's 2024 growth forecast to 6.8%

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

Global rating agency Moody's on Monday raised India's growth forecast for 2024 calendar year to 6.8 per cent, from 6.1 per cent estimated earlier, on the back of 'stronger-than-expected' economic data of 2023 and fading global economic headwinds. India's real GDP expanded 8.4 per cent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2023, resulting in a 7.7 per cent growth for full-year 2023. Capital spending by the government and strong manufacturing activity have meaningfully contributed to the robust growth outcomes in 2023, Moody's Investors Service said.

Jharkhand records 66.18% voter turnout; no Maoist attack reported

Jharkhand records 66.18% voter turnout; no Maoist attack reported

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Nearly 13.04 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 am on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting is underway in the first phase, officials said.

Northwest India swelters under extreme heat as mercury breaches 45 deg C mark

Northwest India swelters under extreme heat as mercury breaches 45 deg C mark

Rediff.com18 May 2024

The Met office has issued a "red" warning for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and west Rajasthan, stressing the need for "extreme care for vulnerable people".

SBI to hire over 15,000 in FY25 to boost operations, expand network

SBI to hire over 15,000 in FY25 to boost operations, expand network

Rediff.com13 May 2024

State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to recruit over 15,000 people in 2024-25, increasing the strength of those in the field for marketing. The recruits will be also for deployment in the bank's operations subsidiary and expanding the branch network. The operations subsidiary - State Bank Operations Support Services - became functional last year.

MNCs look towards India for a booster dose

MNCs look towards India for a booster dose

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

In recent months, several pharma multinational corporations (MNCs) are increasingly turning to Indian companies to expand market reach in the country's pharmaceuticals sector. Sanofi's partnerships with Dr Reddy's, Cipla, and Emcure, AstraZeneca and Mankind Pharma - teaming up for asthma medication distribution - are a few instances of this trend. This strategy allows MNCs to leverage established Indian networks and reach a wider audience. Indian companies also benefit from global brands and expertise, say analysts.

'Is it usual for a store to be empty at 6 pm?'

'Is it usual for a store to be empty at 6 pm?'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2024

'Due to rural stress, volumes continue to remain an issue for the industry, and we are yet to see any revival in demand.'

How FarmDidi Is Changing Lives

How FarmDidi Is Changing Lives

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Each bottle of pickle that leaves FarmDidi, headed to a consumer, has a little kahani behind it -- it's linked to the tale of a life, the life of a simple, striving village woman who created it, and that's what gives Manjari Sharma satisfaction and happiness.

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.

Have Indian regulators made the system more transparent?

Have Indian regulators made the system more transparent?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday commended Indian financial sector regulators for doing a "world-class job" and bringing greater transparency into the system. Underlining that she is not against questioning or critiquing regulators, Sitharaman said there is a need to be "extremely conscious" about contributions made by them as well. Speaking at the Financial Express Best Banks Awards, the finance minister said, "I strongly recommend that facts are taken on board before we discuss anything to do with the regulators, strictly speaking."

Maha polls on Nov 20, J'khand to vote on Nov 13 and 20; results on Nov 23

Maha polls on Nov 20, J'khand to vote on Nov 13 and 20; results on Nov 23

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The assembly polls in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase while Jharkhand polls will be held in two phases, the Election Commission of India announced on Tuesday.

K'taka guv's security tightened amid protests over Sidda prosecution nod

K'taka guv's security tightened amid protests over Sidda prosecution nod

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

The governor has also started using a bullet-proof car since Tuesday morning, the sources told PTI.

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.

Bigwigs to lock horns in 2nd phase of J-K polls

Bigwigs to lock horns in 2nd phase of J-K polls

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Over 2.5 million voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in the fray for 26 Jammu and Kashmir assembly seats in the second phase of the election to be held in the Union territory on Wednesday.

Siddaramaiah refuses to resign, to challenge Guv's sanction

Siddaramaiah refuses to resign, to challenge Guv's sanction

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday ruled out his resignation, following the Governor granting sanction to prosecute him, in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam', and said he had done no wrong to step down.

Fissures in MVA after Cong's defeat in Haryana

Fissures in MVA after Cong's defeat in Haryana

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Wednesday slammed ally Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray's MP Sanjay Raut for his remarks on Haryana poll outcome, stressing that accusations against Congress won't be tolerated.

'In No Rush To Say Economy Is Slowing Down'

'In No Rush To Say Economy Is Slowing Down'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

'Whether I am optimistic or pessimistic is not the issue; I am just going by the evidence available.' 'The Indian economy and financial sector are now well-placed and very resilient in dealing with any kind of spillover coming from the external world.'

Modi Knows How To Deal With Dissanayake

Modi Knows How To Deal With Dissanayake

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

For India to view the new Sri Lankan leadership only through the prism of the past or through their narrow view on China, is fraught with possibilities that should be avoided, asserts N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

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.

Why Megacities Are Not Cooling Down

Why Megacities Are Not Cooling Down

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

The heat index in major metro cities in the country has majorly risen since 2010 compared to a decade earlier.

Maruti, Tatas' Plans To Boost Car Sales

Maruti, Tatas' Plans To Boost Car Sales

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

'The customer is fast changing, and she demands newer experiences that wealth can buy.'

MUDA issue: Cong leadership backs Siddaramaiah

MUDA issue: Cong leadership backs Siddaramaiah

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Days after the Karnataka governor granted sanction for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority case, the Congress' top leadership on Friday expressed its backing for him and alleged that the Centre had unleashed a systematic assault through a 'puppet governor' to destabilise an elected government.

How India's urban poor also help the economy grow

How India's urban poor also help the economy grow

Rediff.com10 Jun 2013

Most informal enterprises in slums employ local residents, generating benefits for the local economy.

Cong bastion Konkan now a battleground for Sena vs Sena

Cong bastion Konkan now a battleground for Sena vs Sena

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

All eyes are now on the Sena factions, led by CM Shinde, backed by the BJP, and his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray, and their performance in the coastal belt in the November 20 polls.

Like Taapsee's Sari Game in Paris? Vote!

Like Taapsee's Sari Game in Paris? Vote!

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

While everyone is eagerly waiting to see Taapsee Pannu in her latest thriller, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, she's already winning hearts with her sari looks at the Paris Olympics 2024.

India, US armies 'fight' urban terror

India, US armies 'fight' urban terror

Rediff.com15 Oct 2009

Yudh Abhyas-09, as the exercise is called, is the first time that the US has taken its potent Stryker infantry armoured vehicles outside of its operational area to a foreign land.

What is going to be the main focus for HUL?

What is going to be the main focus for HUL?

Rediff.com19 May 2024

'Although currently, urban areas contribute more to growth than rural, there is no reason why rural areas should not contribute.'

The 10 Year Old Who Topped World Contest

The 10 Year Old Who Topped World Contest

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Stunning! Shreyovi Mehta, 10, is a runner up at the annual worldwide Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.