News for 'rural india'

Rural India's Land Inequality: Top 10% Own 44% of Land

Rural India's Land Inequality: Top 10% Own 44% of Land

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A World Inequality Lab paper reveals significant land inequality in rural India, with the top 10% of households owning 44% of the land, while 46% are landless. The study highlights the impact of historical institutions, social stratification, and agro-ecological conditions on land distribution.

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.

Mahindra & Mahindra shifts focus beyond tractors to boost future growth

Mahindra & Mahindra shifts focus beyond tractors to boost future growth

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is expanding its farm equipment strategy beyond tractors to include a wider range of mechanisation solutions like harvesters, balers, seed drills, and telematics-enabled services, aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for rental services by rural entrepreneurs and address low mechanisation levels in Indian agriculture.

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India has launched its first integrated phygital service centre in Umri village, Madhya Pradesh, aiming to provide online services and boost rural development through digital connectivity and various essential services.

SBI Chief Setty backs RBI rate pause, urges focus on India's long-term growth story

SBI Chief Setty backs RBI rate pause, urges focus on India's long-term growth story

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

State Bank of India Chairman C S Setty has expressed support for a 'pause' in policy rates by the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee, believing it will help stabilise conditions and support economic growth. He also urged investors to look beyond short-term equity market movements and focus on India's structural transformation, driven by reforms and digital infrastructure.

Maruti Suzuki launches India's first flex-fuel Wagon R, boosting ethanol adoption

Maruti Suzuki launches India's first flex-fuel Wagon R, boosting ethanol adoption

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has launched the Wagon R, India's first flex-fuel car, capable of running on any blend of ethanol and petrol from E20 to E100, aligning with national energy security and sustainability goals.

Will 2026 Monsoon Be The Driest Since 2015?

Will 2026 Monsoon Be The Driest Since 2015?

Rediff.com4 days ago

The IMD is predicting close to a 60% probability of deficient rainfall, which means there is a strong possibility that the monsoon this year will be poor.

India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record High in May Despite Fuel Price Hike

India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record High in May Despite Fuel Price Hike

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's total automobile retail sales recorded a significant 9.55 per cent year-on-year growth in May, reaching an all-time high of 25,31,067 units, driven by strong performances in three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and tractors, despite prevailing heatwave conditions and fuel price pressures.

Farmer Killed Over Land Dispute In Uttar Pradesh

Farmer Killed Over Land Dispute In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A 60-year-old farmer was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh's Mau district due to a land dispute. Police are investigating the case and have formed teams to arrest the accused.

One year on, Air India crash trauma haunts 'Aeroplane Boy'

One year on, Air India crash trauma haunts 'Aeroplane Boy'

Rediff.com3 days ago

A year after accidentally filming the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, 18-year-old Aryan Asari, now known as the 'Aeroplane Boy', shares his story of unexpected fame and the lasting fear that prevents him from filming aircraft or flying himself.

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

World Bank ups India's FY27 growth to 6.6% amid global slowdown

Rediff.com3 days ago

The World Bank has increased India's economic growth projection for FY27 to 6.6 per cent, citing resilient domestic demand, while simultaneously cutting its global economic growth outlook due to the conflict in West Asia.

EV Adoption Rises As West Asia Crisis Makes Fuel Costly

EV Adoption Rises As West Asia Crisis Makes Fuel Costly

Rediff.com6 days ago

Fuel prices have risen by about Rs 7.5 per litre since May 15, as global crude oil prices surged due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

India's unemployment rate rises to six-month high of 5.2% in April

India's unemployment rate rises to six-month high of 5.2% in April

Rediff.com15 May 2026

India's unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above reached a six-month peak of 5.2 per cent in April 2026, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data.

India aims to operationalise 9 FTAs in 10 months, eyes more pacts: Piyush Goyal

India aims to operationalise 9 FTAs in 10 months, eyes more pacts: Piyush Goyal

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India expects to operationalise nine free trade agreements (FTAs) within the next 10 months, with plans for an additional three to four significant pacts over the coming year, reinforcing India's ambition to become a global manufacturing and investment hub.

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

India can return to over 7% growth path in FY28: CEA

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that India's economy is projected to return to a 7 per cent-plus growth trajectory by 2027-28 (FY28), or sooner if external conditions improve, despite near-term challenges from the West Asia crisis.

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Khelo India Tribal Games: Chhattisgarh Sheds 'Backward' Image

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse highlights the positive impact of the Khelo India Tribal Games on Chhattisgarh, shifting its image from a region associated with naxalism to one with opportunities for tribal youth through sports.

Ruchi Gujjar's Ghoonghat Statement At Cannes

Ruchi Gujjar's Ghoonghat Statement At Cannes

Rediff.com19 May 2026

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026, actress and model Ruchi Gujjar turned one of the world's biggest red carpets into a platform for social commentary.

India is now world's largest market for Nestle's KitKat

India is now world's largest market for Nestle's KitKat

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India has emerged as the largest global market for Nestle's iconic KitKat chocolate-coated wafer bar, surpassing other nations due to strong consumer penetration, product innovation, and aggressive marketing investments.

How Shubham Kumar Topped JEE, India's Toughest Exam

How Shubham Kumar Topped JEE, India's Toughest Exam

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Gaya native Shubham Kumar topped the JEE exam by avoiding negative news and social media. He credited his parents, Kota faculties and hard work for his success. Gurugram's Kabeer Chillar secured the second rank. Both students attended the Allen Career Institute in Kota.

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rising Fuel Prices, Monsoon Worries Pressure India's Consumption Stocks

Rediff.com21 May 2026

India's consumption stocks, which have outperformed the broader market, are now facing significant pressure due to a gradual rise in fuel prices and the potential for higher inflation. Analysts warn that companies may be forced to pass on increased input costs to consumers, potentially hurting demand across both staples and discretionary categories, with a looming threat of deficient monsoon rainfall further exacerbating inflationary concerns.

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

One In Three Indian Women Overweight

Rediff.com6 days ago

Over the past year, the sale of injectable GLP-1 agonists (used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity) such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic have surged a whopping 218 per cent.

Rupee Fall Exposes India's Economic Weakness

Rupee Fall Exposes India's Economic Weakness

Rediff.com27 May 2026

We who were dreaming of being the third largest economy in dollar terms, have slid back to sixth, thanks to the falling rupee. We are moving about with begging bowls for investments and trade opportunities, which will be a while in materialising, if ever, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

Dabur's robust India biz showing lifts shares

Dabur's robust India biz showing lifts shares

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Dabur India's shares rose 3.7 per cent after reporting in-line Q4FY26 results, driven by a healthy 10 per cent growth in its India business, despite some analysts remaining cautious about future execution.

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Centre has notified draft rules for the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, outlining the framework for the new rural employment programme replacing MGNREGA. The draft rules are open for public feedback until June 21, 2026.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com5 days ago

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

How India's New AI Weather Forecasts Will Help Farmers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.

Cash In Circulation Hits Record Rs 42.86 Trillion

Cash In Circulation Hits Record Rs 42.86 Trillion

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Cash remains dominant for many transactions despite continued expansion in digital payments across the country.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.

World Bank Chief Advocates 'Small AI' For Farmers

World Bank Chief Advocates 'Small AI' For Farmers

Rediff.com22 May 2026

World Bank President Ajay Banga has advocated for the deployment of 'Small AI' locally deployed artificial intelligence running on inexpensive hardware to address daily problems faced by farmers and rural communities in emerging markets.

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Airpay and MSCB Team Up to Expand Digital Payments in Maharashtra's Rural Co-operative Sector

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Airpay Payment Services has partnered with Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) to enable UPI-based digital payments across the lender's network in Maharashtra, aiming to accelerate financial inclusion in rural areas.

Missing Teacher's Daughter Appeals To Punjab CM For Help

Missing Teacher's Daughter Appeals To Punjab CM For Help

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The daughter of Sunil Sharma, an Indian-origin teacher based in Melbourne who disappeared in Amritsar last month, has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for assistance. Police have identified Sharma's brother, who is wanted in a narcotics case, as the prime suspect.

Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani to become Asia's wealthiest person

Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani to become Asia's wealthiest person

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, has surpassed Mukesh Ambani to become Asia's richest person, with a net worth of USD 92.6 billion, placing him 19th globally according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Assam cabinet has decided to restrict the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals over 18 years of age, a move aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from acquiring the document. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that exceptions would require district commissioner proposals and state government approval, with a complete ban for all communities over 18 set for April 1, 2027.

Telangana Junior Basketball League Aims To Develop Young Talent

Telangana Junior Basketball League Aims To Develop Young Talent

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Telangana Basketball Association has launched the Telangana Junior Basketball League (TJBL), a grassroots initiative aimed at identifying and developing young basketball talent. The franchise auction for the league was valued at Rs 1.48 crore.

Missing Australian NRI murdered by brother over property

Missing Australian NRI murdered by brother over property

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A Melbourne-based Indian-origin teacher, Sunil Sharma, who went missing in Amritsar, was allegedly murdered by his brother, Satish Sharma, over a property dispute. Police investigations revealed Satish conspired with property dealers to usurp Sunil's properties, leading to his murder with a baseball bat after being drugged. Sunil's body was then disposed of in a canal, and his family, including his daughter, had appealed for help in finding him. Satish, his wife, and son have been arrested, and a search for the body and other conspirators is ongoing.

VB-G RAM G Act from July 1, MGNREGA to be repealed

VB-G RAM G Act from July 1, MGNREGA to be repealed

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Centre has announced that the Viksit Bharat -- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act will come into force across the country from July 1, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

'We will keep the consumer at the centre, use technology to optimise, and continue investing behind brands to drive volume-led penetration'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

"Our strategy has always been to focus on volume-led penetration growth," said Manish Tiwary, chairman and managing director, Nestle India.

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'The generational shift belongs to Vijay, Udhayanidhi and Annamalai.' 'The BJP cannot fit into the shift.' 'So they threw Annamalai into the situation where he is comparable with Vijay and Udhayanidhi.'

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

Bihar Government Suspends Two IAS Officers On Corruption Charges

Bihar Government Suspends Two IAS Officers On Corruption Charges

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Bihar government has suspended two senior IAS officers, Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, following corruption charges based on findings shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU). The officers are accused of obtaining undue monetary benefits through bribery and commissions.