News for 'Urban India'

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).

FPI flows stumble on trail, edge closer to precipice

FPI flows stumble on trail, edge closer to precipice

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

After a brutal selloff since October, foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows for the year-to-date (YTD) in 2024 have turned negative. In early September, YTD FPI investments peaked at a record Rs 22,000 crore ($2.6 billion). This wave of selling has also pulled down benchmark indices, with the Nifty's YTD returns declining to 11 per cent from their high of 21 per cent in September.

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.

Preity Zinta's Top 10 Films

Preity Zinta's Top 10 Films

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

As much Preity would like to be relieved of everyone's ebullient expectations of her, truth is few have fizzed up the silver screen like she has.

Car sales drive up thanks to wedding season, rural buy

Car sales drive up thanks to wedding season, rural buy

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Auto majors report positive sales figs for November.

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.

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.

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Nobel laureate economist Abhijit Banerjee has said the current situation in Bangladesh is unlikely to trigger a fresh round of exodus of minority Hindus into India. He believes that migration is primarily driven by social networks and economic opportunities rather than persecution. Banerjee, known for his work in poverty alleviation, further emphasized that India's overt preference for Hindu migrants from Bangladesh in the past has been a significant factor in their migration, rather than attacks on the community.

Low Wages A Corporate Risk: CEA

Low Wages A Corporate Risk: CEA

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

'Not paying workers enough will end up being self-destructive or harmful for the corporate sector itself.'

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

GDP Growth Disappoints: Is There Hope?

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Headline growth was quite weak heading into the Covid period but averaged 6.4 per cent and 6.7 per cent in the five years between FY16 and FY20 for GVA and GDP respectively, points out Abhishek Upadhyay.

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.'

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Firhad Hakim, a senior minister in West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), has defended his remarks on the Muslim population in the state and India, saying he is a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. Hakim's comments, made at a minority students' event, have sparked controversy with the BJP, Congress, and Hindu monks accusing him of promoting communalism and advocating for a Muslim majority. Hakim, however, clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was merely advocating for the empowerment of the Muslim community. He also highlighted the need for greater representation of Muslims in the judiciary.

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.

'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.

'The Girls Said I Want To Play Football'

'The Girls Said I Want To Play Football'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

'When the girls said they want to play football, the mothers were encouraging.' 'It was the fathers who were against the idea.'

BJP to fight TN urban civic polls alone, says alliance with AIADMK intact

BJP to fight TN urban civic polls alone, says alliance with AIADMK intact

Rediff.com31 Jan 2022

The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday announced that it would contest alone in the urban civic polls slated to be held on February 19, even while asserting that its alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the state remained intact.

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

'The 2024 election results will lead to much intense targeting of Modi, more intense debates, many more breakdowns in Parliament and many more movements on the streets.' 'The results have hit Modi's standing, and the politics of the Opposition parties will be sharply focused to ensure that Modi doesn't get back his charisma of being 'invincible' with help of State power.' Sheela Bhatt looks at the political situation through the prism of 2024 Lok Sabha election results.

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.

Contests That Startled India

Contests That Startled India

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

Lok Sabha constituencies that sprung a surprise in the 2024 polls.

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its senior leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim regarding the Muslim percentage in the population. Hakim, in a speech, had claimed that Muslims constitute 33 per cent of the population in West Bengal and 17 per cent nationwide, adding that they could become a numerical majority if they empower themselves. The party issued a statement on Monday condemning Hakim's remarks, asserting that they do not reflect its ideology and commitment to communal harmony. The remarks have sparked a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments. Hakim later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he was advocating for the empowerment of minorities through education and skill development. However, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC and complicated the party's messaging.

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

EVs and beyond: Auto industry's journey for 2025

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Traversing from being just vehicle manufacturers to mobility solutions providers amid a raging debate over which eco-friendly technology must be incentivised, the Indian automobile industry is driving in the new year under the shadow of a slowdown in sales with the post-pandemic pent-up demand in distant memory. The shift in the auto industry -- where advanced technologies like autonomous driving, vehicle intelligence, connected features and electrification are quickly gaining traction -- will be reflected in the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo in which India's flagship Auto Expo has been clubbed to be held from January 17-22, 2025 in Delhi-NCR.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most brokerages lift targets for UltraTech Cement

Most brokerages lift targets for UltraTech Cement

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Although UltraTech Cement's results for the December quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY25) were not an improvement compared to Q3FY24, the company managed to surpass Street expectations. The company's profit attributable to the owners of the parent dropped 17.4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 1,469.5 crore in Q3FY25 as against Rs 1,777 crore in Q3FY24.

Cabinet gives nod for constructing 3 crore houses under PMAY

Cabinet gives nod for constructing 3 crore houses under PMAY

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The Union Cabinet in its first meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday approved government assistance for the construction of three crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). This was the first meeting of the Union Cabinet of Modi 3.0 government held at the Prime Minister's 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

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.

Over To The Rain Gods To Lift Consumer Mood

Over To The Rain Gods To Lift Consumer Mood

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

The 6.7% growth in Index of Consumer Sentiments in July 2022 is the highest since September 2021, explains Mahesh Vyas.

Economic Recovery can't be taken for granted

Economic Recovery can't be taken for granted

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

The fall in urban sentiments in June is worrisome, observes Mahesh Vyas.

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'

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.

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.

The Grim State of Household Incomes

The Grim State of Household Incomes

Rediff.com24 Jun 2021

In the week ended June 6, only 2.3 per cent of the households reported that their incomes were higher than a year ago. This was the lowest-ever proportion of households reporting an increase in income in any week, reveals Mahesh Vyas.

Modi cabinet approves housing scheme outlay in first meet

Modi cabinet approves housing scheme outlay in first meet

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

The Union Cabinet in its first meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday approved government assistance for the construction of three crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Intense heatwave sweeps eastern states, spreads to south India: IMD

Intense heatwave sweeps eastern states, spreads to south India: IMD

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

Heatwave conditions have been prevailing in Odisha since April 15 and the Gangetic West Bengal since April 17, according to the MeT department.

'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.'

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.

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.