News for 'consumer protection'

Privacy issues: Facebook readies for legal battles

Privacy issues: Facebook readies for legal battles

Rediff.com10 May 2010

The Electronic Privacy Information Centre, an advocacy group, last week filed a complaint against Facebook and asked the FTC to investigate recent changes made by the company that make more information public by default and automatically share information with other websites.

7 Healthy Alternatives To Tomatoes

7 Healthy Alternatives To Tomatoes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2023

While there may be quite a few substitutes to tomatoes, some of these options can be considered if you want to make changes to your daily consumption, suggests Sheetal Somaiya.

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Nitish keeps home, Tejashwi gets health; JD-U ministers get depts back

Rediff.com17 Aug 2022

Portfolios were on Tuesday allocated in the new Bihar cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who, predictably, retained the all-important home department which helps him keep direct control on the state police.

'There's a de-emphasis on divestment'

'There's a de-emphasis on divestment'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

'We now look at divestment as an opportunity for maximising the value of public assets, not necessarily as a short-term resource-raising measure.'

US call centre bill aims to stop jobs coming to India

US call centre bill aims to stop jobs coming to India

Rediff.com20 Dec 2011

A bipartisan Bill has been tabled in the US House of Representatives to make companies that move call centres overseas ineligible for grants or guaranteed loans from the American government, a move aimed at stemming the tide of jobs heading to nations like India.

Indian drug firm recalls eye drop linked to vision loss in US

Indian drug firm recalls eye drop linked to vision loss in US

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

Global Pharma Healthcare is recalling entire lots of eye drop linked to vision loss in the US, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. The Chennai-based company is recalling all lots of artificial tears lubricant eye drops distributed by EzriCare, LLC and Delsam Pharma to the consumer level due to possible contamination, the US health regulator said in a statement. "The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted FDA to an investigation of a multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo--lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum--Lactamase (GES)- producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections possibly associated with the use of the artificial tears manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare," USFDA said.

Zika virus detected in K'taka dist, govt urges people not to panic

Zika virus detected in K'taka dist, govt urges people not to panic

Rediff.com2 Nov 2023

The virus was detected in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after samples from six water bodies in Chikkaballapura were collected and sent for examination.

Uber acknowledges 'mistakes'; says it's a changed company now

Uber acknowledges 'mistakes'; says it's a changed company now

Rediff.com13 Jul 2022

With a report on Uber by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) opening a Pandora's box, the company is in a damage-control mode. Distancing itself from the actions of its management pre-2017, Uber, while acknowledging the "mistakes" of the past, has said that under CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, it "is a different company". "There has been no shortage of reporting on Uber's mistakes prior to 2017.

Airfares to rise as IndiGo brings back fuel charge

Airfares to rise as IndiGo brings back fuel charge

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

Airfares in the country are set to rise, with IndiGo on Thursday introducing a fuel charge of up to Rs 1,000 based on a flight's distance, in response to the significant rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices in the last three months. The Indian aviation sector experiences its peak travel season between October and December. The inclusion of a fuel charge component in airfares is anticipated to have a sizable impact on IndiGo's passengers, according to experts.

5 Tips To Stay Well In The Monsoon

5 Tips To Stay Well In The Monsoon

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

Drink plenty of water or fluids to keep your electrolytes and toxins in check, suggests Dr Vidhe Sharma.

Govt tightens noose around e-tailers, 9 depts to monitor biz

Govt tightens noose around e-tailers, 9 depts to monitor biz

Rediff.com30 Jan 2015

Each dept could handle a designated area.

Acid test for specialty chemical firms: Mix of weak demand, low realisations

Acid test for specialty chemical firms: Mix of weak demand, low realisations

Rediff.com7 Aug 2023

The weak April-June quarter (first quarter, or Q1) results of the largest listed specialty chemical maker, SRF, and multiple global headwinds for the sector are expected to weigh on the prospects of Indian specialty chemical companies in 2023-24 (FY24). Stocks in the sector (down 7-18 per cent) have underperformed the benchmarks (up over 10 per cent) in the past three months, and given the multiple challenges, the trend is likely to continue. Kotak Institutional Equities expects a very weak quarter (Q1FY24) for the sector due to destocking, demand weakness across certain critical end-use industries, and price erosion amid intense competition from Chinese suppliers.

Byju's denies buying database, says relies on app users

Byju's denies buying database, says relies on app users

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

Edtech major Byju's has denied charges that it purchased students' databases and clarified that it relies on app users, walk-ins and incoming requests for consultation. The statement from Byju's comes against the backdrop of summons issued to the company by child rights body National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). "Byju's strongly denies the allegation that it purchases students' databases.

Taking on Google, FB, Apple: CCI seeks more teeth to tackle Big Tech

Taking on Google, FB, Apple: CCI seeks more teeth to tackle Big Tech

Rediff.com31 May 2022

Ashok Kumar Gupta, chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has never minced words while talking about the giant technology companies, referring to them on multiple occasions as "centres for entrenched and unchecked dominance". The anti-trust regulator has, in fact, been cracking down on big technology companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, and others, after they were hauled up by regulators and lawmakers in Europe and Australia. However, in several instances, existing regulations have prevented the CCI from going all out against these companies for anti-competitive activities.

Patanjali to spend Rs 500 crore on cow protection

Patanjali to spend Rs 500 crore on cow protection

Rediff.com14 Aug 2016

The four 'gaushalas' or cow shelters will work on improving productivity of Indian cows up to 10 times

Trai to update quality of service parameters soon; to meet telcos next month

Trai to update quality of service parameters soon; to meet telcos next month

Rediff.com6 Jul 2023

State-level reports every quarter for service quality and artificial intelligence-based solutions may be officially mandated as part of a set of more stringent, updated quality-of-service (QoS) norms by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) soon. The new norms will also factor in user experience for 5G networks, officials informed Business Standard. In February, Trai asked telecommunication (telecom) service providers (TSPs) to submit updates on measures taken to reduce call drops and lags and raise the quality of connection.

Real estate draft bill may help home buyers

Real estate draft bill may help home buyers

Rediff.com11 May 2011

Concept of a real estate Bill has been around in the government for almost 10 years now.

Trump names Indian-American Ajit Pai to head US communications commission

Trump names Indian-American Ajit Pai to head US communications commission

Rediff.com24 Jan 2017

Pai is the fourth Indian-American to become part of Trump's administration.

Teenage girl gang-raped at her home in Hyderabad; 6 held

Teenage girl gang-raped at her home in Hyderabad; 6 held

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

Six people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old girl at her house in Hyderabad, police said.

Govt unveils draft e-commerce norms

Govt unveils draft e-commerce norms

Rediff.com5 Aug 2019

Among key guidelines, the e-commerce companies will also be required to ensure that personally identifiable information of customers are protected.

Anil Deshmukh's journey in Maha politics hits a roadblock

Anil Deshmukh's journey in Maha politics hits a roadblock

Rediff.com5 Apr 2021

Except for the Devendra Fadnavis- led government during 2014-19, Anil Deshmukh has managed to find a berth in the state ministry irrespective of which party came to power in the last over two decades.

Computerised ration cards soon

Computerised ration cards soon

Rediff.com31 Mar 2008

The Maharashtra government has embarked on an ambitious plan to issue computerised, barcode-based ration cards within the next eight months in a bid to overhaul the operations of the Public Distribution System. Spanco Telesystems and Solutions Ltd, a leading systems integration and business process outsourcing companies has bagged from the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection department to execute this plan.

Chinese toys popular in India seized in US for having dangerous chemicals

Chinese toys popular in India seized in US for having dangerous chemicals

Rediff.com22 Oct 2021

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ahead of the holiday shopping season, warned consumers to be extra diligent while shopping online for children's toys after the recent seizure of toys that were coated in unsafe levels of lead, cadmium and barium.

Amid cries of 'BMKJ', 'Jai Shri Ram', Assam gets cattle protection bill

Amid cries of 'BMKJ', 'Jai Shri Ram', Assam gets cattle protection bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2021

The Assam assembly on Friday passed a bill to regulate the slaughter, consumption and transportation of cattle, notwithstanding the walkout staged by the opposition parties in protest against the government's refusal to forward the legislation to a select committee.

Centre issues 'dos and don'ts' amid unusual rise in temperature

Centre issues 'dos and don'ts' amid unusual rise in temperature

Rediff.com28 Feb 2023

The list of 'dos and don'ts' comes after the India meteorological department issued its first heat warning for 2023.

'We are in search of a Shiva to consume the poison from banking system'

'We are in search of a Shiva to consume the poison from banking system'

Rediff.com23 Nov 2020

'Should the government be in the business of running banks?' 'Particularly when it does not have the fiscal strength to continuously infuse capital into such banks?'

Fadnavis gets home, finance; BJP bags key portfolios in Maha cabinet

Fadnavis gets home, finance; BJP bags key portfolios in Maha cabinet

Rediff.com14 Aug 2022

Five days after the induction of 18 ministers into his cabinet, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday allocated portfolios, keeping Urban Development and 11 other ministries with himself, while giving the crucial Home Department to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

IRCTC moves to monetise passenger data

IRCTC moves to monetise passenger data

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

In a first of its kind move, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the ticket booking arm of the Indian Railways, is looking to monetise its bank of passenger data while conducting business with private and government companies. IRCTC has a large bank of data related to every online railway ticket ever generated as it is the country's only railway ticketing platform, an IRCTC official told Business Standard. The public sector undertaking, which has sought the services of a consultant to assist with the monetisation process, plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore through this exercise.

Plan panel seeks new body to rap misleading ads

Plan panel seeks new body to rap misleading ads

Rediff.com18 Dec 2007

There would be a gap in legislation to be caused by proposed winding up of MRTPC with respect to unfair trade practices. The gap can be filled in be establishing NCPA through enactment of National Consumer Protection Authority Act, the document said. The MRTPC, which has been looking into various unfair trade practices would be wound up to make way for Competition Commission, which is likely to be fully operational by the end of next year.

Uber to hire 500 engineers for its India tech centres

Uber to hire 500 engineers for its India tech centres

Rediff.com13 May 2022

Uber Technologies said it is doing a fresh round of recruitment for its India tech centres and is planning to hire 500 more tech employees by December. The app-based mobility and delivery company has a 1,000-member tech team across its centres in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The firm said the hiring plan is a testament to Uber's commitment to India, and its recognition of the engineering talent in the country. Uber hired 250 engineers to its India teams in 2021.

FDA probe to tarnish our reputation: Subhiksha

FDA probe to tarnish our reputation: Subhiksha

Rediff.com8 Aug 2008

Retail chain Subhiksha feels it is being unfairly targeted by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra in initiating enquiries and hygiene checks on grounds that it is selling repackaged goods. The company would present its case in a hearing scheduled on August 8.

Banks' Digital Push Risks Customers' Safety

Banks' Digital Push Risks Customers' Safety

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

We as customers have to be conscious and careful to sidestep numerous types of frauds made possible under a mindless shift to a digital ecosystem without customer-redress procedures, warns Debashis Basu.

Why consumers must cheer CCI's ruling on errant car makers

Why consumers must cheer CCI's ruling on errant car makers

Rediff.com2 Sep 2014

Such allegations are unjustified, given that the CCI's remedies do not promote a free-for-all scheme.

How to make the most of RBI's new customer-friendly credit card rules

How to make the most of RBI's new customer-friendly credit card rules

Rediff.com9 May 2022

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced new rules for credit cards, applicable from July 1. "These directions cover the general and conduct regulations relating to credit, debit and co-branded cards which shall be read along with prudential, payment and technology & cyber security related directions applicable to credit, debit and co-branded cards, as issued by the Reserve Bank," the circular by RBI said. Business Standard culled out key rules from the list, and asked financial experts for advice on them, along with the thumb rules one needs to follow while using credit cards.

8 Tips: How To Stay Healthy In The Heat

8 Tips: How To Stay Healthy In The Heat

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water, natural fruit juices, or vegetable juice every day, suggests Dr Divya Gopal.

Complaint is possible for Ulip claim

Complaint is possible for Ulip claim

Rediff.com27 Feb 2020

Consumer activist Jehangir B Gai explains an important new ruling by the National Commission.

Bihar bans sale of small cylinders after Bodh Gaya blasts

Bihar bans sale of small cylinders after Bodh Gaya blasts

Rediff.com13 Jul 2013

Alarmed over use of small cylinders in serial bomb blasts at Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi temple, the Bihar government on Saturday banned the sale of small LPG cylinder in the state.

Pill for thought: Sweetheart deals that hurt consumers

Pill for thought: Sweetheart deals that hurt consumers

Rediff.com16 Sep 2014

'Pay-for-delay' settlements between drug patent-holders and generics manufacturers to delay the launch of cheaper generic medicine are increasingly being scrutinised by antitrust regulators

Jio slams Airtel for 'maligning' its tariff policy

Jio slams Airtel for 'maligning' its tariff policy

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJIL) has written to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) stating that a recent complaint against it by Bharti Airtel is a deliberate, malicious attempt at defaming RJIL's consumer-friendly tariff. RJIL has also asked the regulator to warn Airtel against 'making such frivolous complaints in the future'. The move is in response to Airtel recently requesting Trai to bring content aired through broadband under the regulatory fold and keep a check against discriminatory bundling tactics.

Watch Konkona's Killer Magic On OTT

Watch Konkona's Killer Magic On OTT

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

Some of her best films are not available on streaming platforms, but Deepa Gahlot looks at her Hindi cinema oeuvre on OTT.