News for 'urbanization'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Observing an "unholy nexus" between the banks and developers to dupe homebuyers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the CBI to register seven preliminary enquiries against builders in NCR, including Supertech Limited.

Faulty PSLV fails to launch earth observation satellite

Faulty PSLV fails to launch earth observation satellite

Rediff.com18 May 2025

A PSLV rocket carrying Earth observation satellite EOS-09 failed to launch from the Sriharikota spaceport early on Sunday.

Why South Cinema Scores Big Over Bollywood

Why South Cinema Scores Big Over Bollywood

Rediff.com26 May 2025

South Indian filmmakers have kept their focus on the single-screen cinemagoer. They have kept their finger on the pulse of the single-screen cinema fan, who goes to movies once a month or more, to forget his weekly chores, explains Ambi Parameswaran.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'I am glad Aranyer Din Ratri is being shown at Cannes.' 'The film was better appreciated outside India even when released originally.'

Utility vehicle demand drives PV sales to record high at over 43 lakh units in FY25: SIAM

Utility vehicle demand drives PV sales to record high at over 43 lakh units in FY25: SIAM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Passenger vehicle dispatches in India from factories to dealers rose to record levels at over 43 lakh units in FY25, with utility vehicles accounting for 65 per cent of the total sales in the segment, industry body SIAM said on Tuesday. Passenger vehicle (PV) dispatches rose to 43,01,848 units in the last fiscal year, marking a 2 per cent increase compared to 42,18,750 units in FY 2023-24.

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Don't equate victim, perpetrator of terror attacks: Misri in Tokyo

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has underscored the importance of not equating the victims and perpetrators of terror attacks, highlighting the need for global unity in combating terrorism. Speaking at Raisina Tokyo 2025, Misri expressed appreciation for Japan's support following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He also cautioned against the trend of some Western countries hyphenating India and Pakistan in the context of their recent military confrontation. Misri further outlined India's economic aspirations and its commitment to becoming a factor of stability in a turbulent world.

For a slightly higher government capex outlay

For a slightly higher government capex outlay

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

While the capital spending is being maintained at 3.1 per cent of the GDP, a little more would have boosted economic growth even further, suggests Rajiv Memani.

Share of urban women with salaried jobs at 6-year low in Q2: PLFS

Share of urban women with salaried jobs at 6-year low in Q2: PLFS

Rediff.com11 Dec 2023

As more companies ask their employees to return to office after the pandemic, the share of women employed in regular salaried jobs in urban India decreased from 54 per cent in the first quarter to 52.8 per cent in the second quarter of the current financial year, according to the quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data. The slump in the share is the lowest in wage employment in any quarter in the last six years when the National Statistical Office started releasing the quarterly PLFS surveys in Q3 of FY19. The share of women in wage work was highest in Q1 of FY21 at 61.2 per cent.

Automobile retail sales up 2.95% in April: FADA

Automobile retail sales up 2.95% in April: FADA

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Overall automobile retail sales in India grew a modest 2.95 per cent in April this year to 22,87,952 units with completion of purchases by customers around Chaitra Navratri, Akshay Tritiya, Bengali New Year, Baisakhi and Vishu helping April end on a positive note, Federation of Automotive Dealers Associations said on Monday.

Development potential, cash flows to ensure growth for Macrotech in FY26

Development potential, cash flows to ensure growth for Macrotech in FY26

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Macrotech Developers (Lodha), the country's second-largest listed real estate company, exceeded its 2024-25 (FY25) guidance, aided by a strong pre-sales performance in the January-March quarter (Q4), driven by launches. The company had guided for Rs 17,500 crore in pre-sales for FY25 and surpassed that with bookings of Rs 17,630 crore.

Karnataka HC stays ED notice to Siddaramaiah's wife

Karnataka HC stays ED notice to Siddaramaiah's wife

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

The Karnataka high court on Monday stayed the notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi B M and the state Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh to appear for questioning in connection with the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam.

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Brokerages expect a further slowdown in Indian firms' revenue and earnings growth in Q4FY25, following low single-digit growth in the preceding three quarters, as factors like weak consumer demand and credit growth linger on.

CEA Nageswaran says urban recovery faster than rural

CEA Nageswaran says urban recovery faster than rural

Rediff.com3 Mar 2023

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday said describing India's recovery as 'K-shaped' was wrong as both rural and urban economies were recovering, albeit at different paces. Speaking to reporters at the Finance Ministry, Nageswaran said the gross domestic product (GDP) growth print for the recent October-December quarter (Q3FY23) will likely be revised upwards. "The notion of using the letter 'K' to denote urban and rural is somewhat wrong because it is almost as if one is growing and one is contracting. "I would say one segment's slope is more positive, and the other one slope is less positive but it is positive," Nageswaran said.

Trade war hit on India likely to be limited: RBI

Trade war hit on India likely to be limited: RBI

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Indian economy could remain less affected by global trade wars than other countries because the two engines of domestic growth - consumption and investment - are likely to face a limited impact from such headwinds, according to an article on the 'State of the Economy' in the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) bulletin, released on Tuesday.

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Archaeological Survey of India informed the JPC that 280 protected monuments have been listed as Waqf properties.

Rents Hit Two Decade High!!

Rents Hit Two Decade High!!

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

The share of rent in consumption expenditure has risen to 6.58%, according to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-2024. This is the highest it has been in surveys going back to the turn of the millennium.

India Inc to clock 7-8% revenue growth in Q4

India Inc to clock 7-8% revenue growth in Q4

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Domestic rating agency ICRA on Monday said Indian companies are likely to clock 7-8 per cent revenue growth during the March quarter of the current fiscal year, led by revival in rural demand and uptick in government spending. ICRA expects the private capital expenditure (capex) cycle to remain measured in view of the uncertainties around geopolitical developments and relatively subdued outlook on merchandise exports from India.

'7,000 More MBBS Seats, 3,000 For PG'

'7,000 More MBBS Seats, 3,000 For PG'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

India is trying to add 75,000 medical seats in five years as it also eyes to touch the WHO standard of one doctor for every 1,000 persons.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'They are going to create so many nations within one nation.' 'If you do this exercise without a clear vision, it will have far reaching repercussions. It will end up in disaster and that will be dangerous.'

Vibe Coding's Challenge For India's IT Cos

Vibe Coding's Challenge For India's IT Cos

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Could the impending new crisis, vibe coding, similarly create not a disaster like what befell Indian handlooms during the Industrial Revolution but another opportunity like what the Y2K crisis created?' asks Ajit Balakrishnan.

What Bessemer plans to do with its $350 million India-only fund

What Bessemer plans to do with its $350 million India-only fund

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Bessemer Venture Partners has closed $350 million in capital for its second dedicated India fund to back founders in the region, who build enduring companies.

Inflation falls below 4% in Feb. Will RBI cut rate on April 9?

Inflation falls below 4% in Feb. Will RBI cut rate on April 9?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Retail inflation slipped to seven-month low of 3.61 per cent in February mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, eggs, and other protein-rich items, creating space for the RBI to go for another cut in interest rate next month.

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The restaurant chains are riding the Hallyu wave -- a phenomenon about the growing global prominence of South Korean pop culture.

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Why Are Girls Hitting Puberty Earlier?

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Diets rich in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats tend to result in quicker growth and earlier puberty, notes Dr Rohan Palshetkar, head of unit bloom IVF, DY Patil School of Medicine.

A bleak Q3 awaits FMCG companies?

A bleak Q3 awaits FMCG companies?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Hit by inflation, higher input costs and pricing measures, fast-moving consumer goods companies are expected to see a contraction in their gross margin and a modest-to-flat operating profit in the October-December quarter. Several FMCG makers are likely to log a low single-digit rise in their revenue, returning to the cycle of value-driven growth.

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Among urban users, 57 per cent mentioned a preference for accessing Internet content in vernacular languages.

Diesel demand falls to lowest since pandemic

Diesel demand falls to lowest since pandemic

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Growth in demand for diesel, India's most consumed petroleum product, fell to its lowest since the pandemic in the financial year ended March 31 as the economy expands at a slower pace and consumption shifts to cleaner fuels. Diesel consumption rose 2 per cent to 91.4 million tonnes in 2024-25 (April 2024 to March 2025) fiscal, according to provisional data released by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the Oil Ministry.

RBI allows banks to hike ATM charges from May 1

RBI allows banks to hike ATM charges from May 1

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday permitted banks to increase charges on ATM cash withdrawals beyond the mandatory free monthly usage by Rs 2 to Rs 23 per transaction from May 1.

Ladies, Don't Ignore Endometriosis

Ladies, Don't Ignore Endometriosis

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

There is a 10 per cent rise in endometriosis cases among women, with one in 10 women getting diagnosed with the condition per month.

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Dharma Guardian 2025 will primarily focus on urban warfare tactics and counter-terrorism operations and underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan.

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

From Fields to Bestsellers: Reena Rathore's Inspiring Story

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'My life has been quite difficult. I felt I could see it in words. I thought if everyone else can write, then I can too.'

Dismal record continues: EC on low Maha turnout

Dismal record continues: EC on low Maha turnout

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Election Commission expressed disappointment over the continued low voter turnout in urban areas of Maharashtra despite their efforts to increase participation. Despite motivational campaigns and measures for ease of voting, cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane recorded a dismal voter turnout. While Maharashtra recorded an overall voter turnout of 58.22 percent as of 5 PM, Jharkhand saw a higher turnout of 67.59 percent. The EC attributed the low turnout to urban apathy, a trend observed in previous state and parliamentary elections.

Only 12% Indian households can afford to buy a car: Maruti's Bhargava

Only 12% Indian households can afford to buy a car: Maruti's Bhargava

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Car purchases in India are largely limited to the top 12 per cent of households with an annual income exceeding Rs 12 lakh, while even small cars have become unaffordable for the remaining 88 per cent, said R C Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), on Friday. "How can you get high car sales growth if 88 per cent of the country are below the levels of income where they cannot afford these cars costing Rs 10 lakhs and above?

HC quashes ED summons to Sidda's wife, minister in MUDA case

HC quashes ED summons to Sidda's wife, minister in MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the Enforcement Directorate's summons to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi B M and Urban Development Minister B S Suresh in connection with the MUDA site allotment case. The court ruled that the ED was conducting a parallel investigation despite the case already being probed by the Lokayukta police and a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The ED had alleged that Siddaramaiah and other accused were involved in attempted money laundering in the MUDA site allotment case and that the fourteen sites (plots) allotted to Parvathi in Mysuru upmarket were illegally allotted.

Telecalling Jobs Grow, Sales Jobs Decline

Telecalling Jobs Grow, Sales Jobs Decline

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Traditional field sales are losing ground, with job postings declining except in Tier III and IV cities.

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Caste census politics took centre stage on Thursday with the Congress terming the government's decision as a 'diversionary tactic' and a move for headlines management and the Bharatiya Janata Party saying it has exposed the difference between the Centre's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the opposition party.

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

The price of building India: Why cement remains in the 28% GST slab

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The 31st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in December 2018, deferred a decision to reduce the GST rate for cement from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This was despite recognising that cement - along with automobile parts - remained among the few mass-consumption items still taxed at the highest slab, which was originally meant for luxury and sin goods.

Despite 6.6% growth, auto dealers have mixed expectations

Despite 6.6% growth, auto dealers have mixed expectations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Indian automobile retail sector saw a strong start to 2025, with overall sales increasing by 6.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in January, according to the latest report by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Despite the positive numbers, the association noted that auto dealers have mixed expectations for the coming months. Nearly half (46 per cent) anticipate further growth in sales, while 43 per cent believe sales will remain steady.