News for 'Urban India'

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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).

'Noel Tata Should Be Inducted Into Tata Sons Soon'

'Noel Tata Should Be Inducted Into Tata Sons Soon'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

'The quality of a leader should be such that even if the leader is not there, the institution carries on.'

India's unemployment rate at 6-year low of 3.2% during Jul 2022-Jun 2023

India's unemployment rate at 6-year low of 3.2% during Jul 2022-Jun 2023

Rediff.com10 Oct 2023

India's unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above was recorded at a six-year low of 3.2 per cent during July 2022-June 2023, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2022-2023 released by the National Sample Survey Office. Joblessness or unemployment rate is defined as the percentage of unemployed persons in the labour force. Considering the importance of the availability of labour force data at more frequent time intervals, the NSSO launched the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in April 2017.

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.'

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.

Modi flags off 'Namo Bharat' train, India's 1st RRTS

Modi flags off 'Namo Bharat' train, India's 1st RRTS

Rediff.com20 Oct 2023

Modi showed the green flag to the train connecting Sahibabad and Duhai Depot stations, marking launch of the RRTS in India. The train can run at a speed of 180 km per hour,

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Jefferies stays bullish on PSU stocks: SBI, Coal India, NTPC lead the way

Jefferies stays bullish on PSU stocks: SBI, Coal India, NTPC lead the way

Rediff.com22 Feb 2024

Notwithstanding the recent sharp decline in the stocks of public sector companies, analysts at Jefferies remain bullish on this segment. State Bank of India, Coal India, and NTPC are their top picks in this space, they said in a recent note. The public sector undertaking (PSU) or state-owned enterprise (SOE) index, with a 70-percentage-point outperformance versus the National Stock Exchange Nifty50 over the past 12 months, comes after a decade of underperformance before 2020.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

Future of digital payments in India

Future of digital payments in India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

'The focus needs to shift towards the ability to collect payments, particularly in tier-3 to tier-4 areas where acceptance is still lacking.'

Women's unemployment rate at 16-month low; labour participation declines

Women's unemployment rate at 16-month low; labour participation declines

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

The unemployment rate for women was last this low around Diwali in 2022. The unemployment rate has dropped for women from 14.9 per cent in December 2023 to 11 per cent in January 2024, according to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). It was higher in January 2023 at 13.5 per cent.

Use of Indian languages key for increasing internet access in India: Report

Use of Indian languages key for increasing internet access in India: Report

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

Nearly 665 million Indians or 45 per cent of the rural population did not have access to the internet as of 2023. Difficulty in understanding internet procedures, insufficient awareness of its benefits, and a lack of interest have emerged as the top reasons for a gap in internet penetration in rural India, according to a joint report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar. "The proficiency of English in rural India is very low. While we have content in Hindi, the internet is English-heavy.

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.

Bengaluru's water crisis: India Inc adopt innovative methods

Bengaluru's water crisis: India Inc adopt innovative methods

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

From installing water-saving aerators on taps to using cans for washing hands and dishes, Bengaluru is adopting diverse strategies to tide over the water crisis. While several citizens have taken to social media to urge Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to make work from home mandatory for IT companies, it appears that hybrid mode will continue to be the norm for most - although with new water conservation measures in place. Co-working space provider Urban Vault has, for instance, installed smart water meters to detect leakage.

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.

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.

FMCG cos to face volume pressure in Q4

FMCG cos to face volume pressure in Q4

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies anticipate sustained volume pressures in the January-March quarter (Q4) coupled with sluggish rural growth during the period. Brokerages estimate top-line growth to be in low single digits in the quarter. Also, the late onset of winter had an impact on demand for winter products which range from moisturisers to hot beverages.

Growth Question Looms Large Over Chandigarh

Growth Question Looms Large Over Chandigarh

Rediff.com28 May 2024

As Chandigarh braces for a fierce contest between Congress candidate Manish Tewari and the BJP's Sanjay Tandon, its industry leaders harbour a fervent wish: Replicate the success of the National Capital Region model in this Union Territory.

Gaming Is Not Just For India's Young

Gaming Is Not Just For India's Young

Rediff.com1 Jun 2023

Meet Nilima Kalra, 79, Manju Roy, 80, Sumita Maan, 79, and Gurpreet Kaur, 75.

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.

Consumer goods firms likely to see an upswing after year of lull

Consumer goods firms likely to see an upswing after year of lull

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

The Budget proposals are expected to boost the fortunes of consumer goods and fast-moving consumer goods companies, which have been struggling with poor consumer demand for more than a year. The Budget announcements, such as the increase in standard deduction by Rs 25,000 for income-tax payers and slab revisions, will put more money in their hands, boosting consumer demand. Private consumption is also likely to benefit from a new scheme to offer internships to 10 million youths in the country's top 500 companies.

Budget 2024: Real estate sector bats for revival of affordable housing

Budget 2024: Real estate sector bats for revival of affordable housing

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

The real estate sector wants "high-impact" measures, like special schemes and tax breaks for developers, to revive the fortunes of the affordable housing segment in the country, multiple executives told Business Standard. This segment has been struggling since the Covid-19 outbreak, in contrast to larger and costlier homes which have been selling like hot cakes. The demand comes at a time when the government is taking suggestions from industry players before tabling the General Budget in the Parliament next month.

'We Are Frittering Away The Demographic Dividend'

'We Are Frittering Away The Demographic Dividend'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

'it's not just youth in India who are left behind because of their inability to find jobs; nearly two-thirds of Indian women of working ages do not participate at all in the paid labour force.'

RBI raises GDP growth projection to 7.2% for FY25

RBI raises GDP growth projection to 7.2% for FY25

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday revised upwards the GDP growth projection for the current fiscal to 7.2 per cent from 7 per cent on rising private consumption and revival of demand in rural areas. Unveiling the bi-monthly monetary policy, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) placed India's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 8.2 per cent in 2023-24. "During 2024-25 so far, domestic economic activity has maintained resilience," he said, adding that manufacturing activity continues to gain ground on the back of strengthening domestic demand.

Youth Are 83% Of The Unemployed

Youth Are 83% Of The Unemployed

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

'The youth is stressed and students are depressed.'

45% growth in active internet users in rural India since 2019

45% growth in active internet users in rural India since 2019

Rediff.com6 May 2022

There has been a 45 per cent growth in 'active internet users' in rural India since 2019, according a study by Nielsen, a global company for audience measurement, data and analytics. The Bharat 2.0 Internet report said that female active internet users grew by 61 per cent since 2019. The report said that India has 646 million active Internet users aged 2 years and above as of December 2021. Rural India has 352 million internet users--almost 20 per cent higher than urban.