News for 'consumer protection'

How Modi plans to protect home-buyers

How Modi plans to protect home-buyers

Rediff.com25 Jun 2015

Government has introduced the Real Estate Bill, 2013 in Rajya Sabha.

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from e-tailers

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

The Centre on Tuesday said it will not seek disclosure of flash sales from e-commerce players to regulate the fraudulent sale of goods and services but will take appropriate action as per the law on consumer complaints. Discount sales that benefit maximum to consumers will continue, but not fraudulent flash sales on the e-commerce platforms, the government said, adding that the e-tailers need not be "anxious" about the draft rules. Ban on fraudulent flash sales, mis-selling and appointment of chief compliance officer/grievance redressal officer -- are among key amendments proposed to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, on which the government has sought public comments by July 6.

Google on Rs 936 cr fine slapped by CCI

Google on Rs 936 cr fine slapped by CCI

Rediff.com26 Oct 2022

Slapped with a second hefty fine for anti-competitive practices, Google India on Wednesday said it remains committed to users and developers and is reviewing the antitrust body's order to evaluate next steps. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday slapped a Rs 936 crore fine on Google for "abusing" its dominant position on its Android mobile app store and ordered it not to prevent app developers from using third-party billing or payment processing services in India. That penalty came just days after a Rs 1,337.76 crore fine was imposed on it for abusing the dominant position of its Android smartphone operating system. Commenting on Tuesday's CCI order, a Google India spokesperson said Indian app developers have benefited from the technology, security, consumer protection, choice and flexibility that Android and Google Play provide.

How To Protect Yourself From Poor AQI

How To Protect Yourself From Poor AQI

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

Breathing polluted air for long periods of time can cause more serious problems. Avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days, suggests Dr Varun Gupta.

Waiting for refunds of air tickets booked during lockdown? Good news soon

Waiting for refunds of air tickets booked during lockdown? Good news soon

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

The government on Wednesday directed online travel aggregators to process pending refunds related to air ticket bookings during the coronavirus lockdown period by the third week of November. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there was a nationwide lockdown for varying periods starting from March 25, 2020, and scheduled commercial flight services were also suspended for a certain period. On Wednesday, the consumer affairs ministry held a meeting with online travel aggregators to discuss issues prejudicial to consumer interest in the travel sector.

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.

'Highways Infrastructure Trust's AUM to be around Rs 25,000'

'Highways Infrastructure Trust's AUM to be around Rs 25,000'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'By March-end, we should have closure of the PNC portfolio. After completion of PNC acquisition.'

What Are New RBI Governor's Challenges?

What Are New RBI Governor's Challenges?

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

'Challenge is basically near-term growth as the outlook has turned a bit adverse.'

The Sneaky Sugars Your Kids Might Be Eating

The Sneaky Sugars Your Kids Might Be Eating

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Excessive sugar intake has been linked to brain inflammation, which can affect cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and decision-making, warns Pankaj Prakash Sharma, founder, Happa Foods.

5 Tips To Manage Winter Allergies

5 Tips To Manage Winter Allergies

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Instead of hitting the snooze button and snuggling under your blankets, take charge of your health and exercise indoors, advises Dr Manjusha Agarwal.

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Best Business Ideas Under Rs 1 Crore

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

India's e-commerce market alone is projected to reach $200 billion by 2026, making it a prime industry for ambitious entrepreneurs, explains rediffGURU Harsh Bharwani.

Don't mix...: EC on Kejriwal's 'Yamuna poisoning' remark

Don't mix...: EC on Kejriwal's 'Yamuna poisoning' remark

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

The EC asked him to provide factual evidence with specific and pointed response to type, quantity, nature and manner of poisoning of Yamuna.

Bank customer has zero liability for unauthorised transaction: HC

Bank customer has zero liability for unauthorised transaction: HC

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

The bench referred to three reports submitted by the cyber cell police which said the beneficiaries were added to the bank account without any message or OTP received on the registered mobile number and email to the registered email account.

5 Natural Tips To Keep Winter Problems Away

5 Natural Tips To Keep Winter Problems Away

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

These simple home remedies aim to improve your overall health and keep your skin glowing, hair healthy and body pain-free no matter how cold it gets, says Smita Naram, co-founder, Ayushakti.

'NCLAT Verdict Bittersweet For CCI, Meta'

'NCLAT Verdict Bittersweet For CCI, Meta'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'Each side could consider challenging the NCLAT's stay order before the Supreme Court.'

Insurers to double down on tech, rural expansion for growth in '25

Insurers to double down on tech, rural expansion for growth in '25

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

The Indian insurance industry is set to focus on customer-centric technological adoption and expansion into rural areas to drive growth in 2025.

Hotels, restaurants barred from levying service charge

Hotels, restaurants barred from levying service charge

Rediff.com4 Jul 2022

Amid rising consumer complaints, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Monday barred hotels and restaurants from levying service charge automatically or by default in food bills and allowed customers to file complaints in case of violation. The CCPA has issued guidelines for preventing unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights with regard to levying of service charge. "No hotels or restaurants shall add service charge automatically or by default in the bill," CCPA chief commissioner said in the guideline.

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

In the Union Budget for Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had held forth on the need for better governance and investor protection in the banking sector. She had proposed certain amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act (RBI Act), 1934; the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act), 1949; and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

5 High-Demand Jobs In 2025

5 High-Demand Jobs In 2025

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

In 2025, India's tech job market is thriving, with tech professionals seeing a 9.5% salary increase and roles like AI/ML architects earning up to Rs 95 lakh annually.

Piyush Goyal not against e-commerce platforms, but...

Piyush Goyal not against e-commerce platforms, but...

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

A day after lambasting e-commerce players for predatory pricing, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said he is not against online platforms but India wants such entities to be "fair and honest" in their conduct. Speaking with reporters in the financial capital, the outspoken Union minister said the rule of the law should be followed in letter and spirit, and made it clear that consumer preferences should not be influenced by algorithms.

What's Greenwashing?

What's Greenwashing?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2023

Greenwashing is making misleading or false environment-friendly claims about a product. Consumers in India currently do not have any way of telling whether a claim is authentic or greenwashing. And one never hears of action against any company for making false claims of being environment-friendly.

Karnataka seeing new kind of 'jihad' through waqf: Union minister

Karnataka seeing new kind of 'jihad' through waqf: Union minister

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Hitting out at the Congress government headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he said the ruling party has reached "height of appeasement politics," and alleged that it has in a way made appeasement of minorities its "goal."

Consumer-friendly real estate Bill to come up in Parliament

Consumer-friendly real estate Bill to come up in Parliament

Rediff.com17 Jul 2013

The Monsoon Session of Parliament will begin on August 5 and the Bill, after its introduction, is likely to be referred to the Standing Committee of Parliament for examination.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

Trump's reciprocal tariffs and WTO rules: An explainer

Trump's reciprocal tariffs and WTO rules: An explainer

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

American President Donald Trump has announced imposing reciprocal tariffs on its major trading partners including China that levy higher import duties on goods shipped from the United States. He has already announced a 25 per cent duty on steel and aluminium imports, which will come into effect from March 12.

What Are Business Cycle Funds?

What Are Business Cycle Funds?

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Business cycle funds aim to optimise returns by aligning their portfolios with different phases of the economic cycle. First-time investors, those who prefer stable sector allocations, and those averse to volatility should steer clear of them.

Weddings, Winter Can Damage Your Skin

Weddings, Winter Can Damage Your Skin

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and lead to dryness. During winter months, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin type, advises Dinyar Workingboxwala, celebrity aesthetician and co-founder of the beauty products brand, BiE.

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Subramanyam's mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport, watched her son being sworn-in on the Bhagavad Gita.

Another protesting farmer dies after consuming poison

Another protesting farmer dies after consuming poison

Rediff.com20 Jan 2021

The deceased has been identified as Jai Bhagwan Rana (42), a resident of Pakasma village in Rohtak district of Haryana. He had consumed Sulphas tablets at the farmers' protest site at Tikri on Tuesday, they said.

Buying Health Cover Policy? Read This

Buying Health Cover Policy? Read This

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Customers frequently sign without reading the terms and conditions, resulting in a poor understanding of coverage, and eventually leading to partial payouts

Why RERA scores over consumer courts for home-buyers

Why RERA scores over consumer courts for home-buyers

Rediff.com16 Dec 2018

State real estate regulators are the best option for home-buyers when it comes to seeking relief. The cases are disposed much faster, and the individuals don't need to engage lawyers as the process is simpler, says Tinesh Bhasin.

Why did ED freeze Amway's Rs 757 crore?

Why did ED freeze Amway's Rs 757 crore?

Rediff.com6 May 2022

Amway maintains the action was related to a case in 2011 and it has been cooperating with the investigative agency.

Wings clipped, ad body looks at a 'co-regulating' role with govt

Wings clipped, ad body looks at a 'co-regulating' role with govt

Rediff.com2 Sep 2020

Newly formed CCPA will now regulate false and misleading advertising and also take action to punish offenders, whether through fines, discontinuance, alteration of the ad, or even jail. ASCI as a voluntary, self-regulatory body, had no legal powers to enforce its actions.

Swiggy, Zomato and others get 15 days to submit complaint redressal plan

Swiggy, Zomato and others get 15 days to submit complaint redressal plan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2022

The government on Monday asked online food business operators like Swiggy and Zomato to submit a proposal within 15 days on improving their consumer grievance redressal mechanism amid rising complaints from customers. The department of consumer affairs directed e-commerce FBOs "to transparently show consumers the breakup of all charges included in the order amount such as delivery charges, packaging charges, taxes, surge pricing etc." According to an official statement, "The Department of Consumer Affairs has directed major e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to furnish the current framework as well as a proposal on improving the consumer grievance redressal mechanism within 15 days."

After Amazon, Flipkart fined for allowing sale of poor quality cookers

After Amazon, Flipkart fined for allowing sale of poor quality cookers

Rediff.com18 Aug 2022

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on e-commerce firm Flipkart for allowing sale of substandard domestic pressure cookers on its platform, in violation of mandatory standards. Headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare, the CCPA has directed Flipkart to recall all such 598 pressure cookers sold on its platform, reimburse their buyers, and submit a compliance report within 45 days. The central government routinely notifies the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), specifying compulsory conformity to a standard and use of the standard mark for a product to protect consumers from the risk of suffering injury and harm and in the interest of the public at large.

AstraZeneca admits in court: Covishield causes TTS

AstraZeneca admits in court: Covishield causes TTS

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

United Kingdom-headquartered pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca (AZ) has admitted that in 'very rare cases' its Covid vaccine can cause a blood clot related side effect but the causal link is unknown, according to court papers being quoted in the UK media.

After farm Acts' repeal, govt may table seeds Bill in Winter Session

After farm Acts' repeal, govt may table seeds Bill in Winter Session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2021

The Centre, after the repeal of the farm Acts, may bring in another important piece of legislation concerning farmers in the form of the long-pending Seeds Bill. This will be in the ogoing winter session of Parliament. Sources said the draft Seeds Bill, in the way it was prepared in 2019, sought to overcome several of the shortcomings of the Seeds Bill of 2004, which was proposed to replace the Seeds Act of 1966. However, the 2004 Bill could not be cleared owing to deficiencies in it.

'Lending rate cut still some time away'

'Lending rate cut still some time away'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's call for making lending rates affordable may not resonate anytime soon as banks still struggle with margin compression, and await clues from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on liquidity and rate action. Hinting that any lending rate cut was some time away, State Bank of India (SBI) managing director Vinay M Tonse said there was still some aggression in the market regarding deposit pricing.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

Pharma cos okay with QR codes to combat counterfeit drugs

Pharma cos okay with QR codes to combat counterfeit drugs

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

As the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is set to crack down on companies to ensure compliance with printing QR codes on top-selling brands to curb counterfeiting, top pharma companies say they welcome the regulator's mandate and that they are on track. They also view it as a positive step to ensure patient safety. Sheetal Arora, CEO of Mankind Pharmaceuticals, which has already adopted QR codes in 20 of their products, stated: "We strongly advocate for mandatory implementation of barcodes and QR codes on medicines as this initiative will not only protect patients but also strengthen the integrity of our healthcare system by reducing circulation of counterfeit drugs."