Akshara Srivastava

Stories by Akshara Srivastava

Consumer durable firms set to hike prices as rupee slides

Consumer durable firms set to hike prices as rupee slides

Rediff.com   10 hours ago

As the rupee has been on a downward slide and crossed 90 a dollar, consumer electronics firms are looking to raise prices of products ranging from air conditioners (ACs) to television panels up to 10 per cent.

'The Big Fat Indian Wedding Has Only Gotten Fatter'

'The Big Fat Indian Wedding Has Only Gotten Fatter'

Rediff.com   27 Nov 2025

'...since the pandemic, driven by the worlds of influencers and Bollywood.'

HDFC pips TCS as India's most-valued brand

HDFC pips TCS as India's most-valued brand

Rediff.com   20 Nov 2025

Financial services giant HDFC Bank, carrying a brand value of $44.9 billion, has surged past IT consulting behemoth Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to reclaim its crown as the country's most valued brand, according to the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands report.

Tourism Faces Jolt After Delhi Blast

Tourism Faces Jolt After Delhi Blast

Rediff.com   13 Nov 2025

'Tourists from long-haul markets such as the US, UK, and Western Europe are especially sensitive to such news, and short-term cancellations or postponements of planned trips can be expected.'

Glowcations: When Travel Becomes Skincare Routine

Glowcations: When Travel Becomes Skincare Routine

Rediff.com   7 Nov 2025

More Indians are choosing trips based on beauty rituals, skincare treatments and access to cult products.

'Napcations' Catch On In India

'Napcations' Catch On In India

Rediff.com   14 Oct 2025

Instead of ticking off bucket-list activities, 'Nap'cations revolve around curated rest. Think blackout curtains, memory foam beds, herbal teas, rejuvenating spa sessions, and even anytime breakfasts.

Tourist Footfalls Drop Across J&K, Ladakh

Tourist Footfalls Drop Across J&K, Ladakh

Rediff.com   14 Oct 2025

'The Pahalgam terror attacks and the conflict that followed were a big blow to local tourism.' 'And just when things were starting to go back to normal, the floods, caused by heavy rain, spoiled all chances of a bounce-back this season.'

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Why ecom platforms are under govt lens

Rediff.com   4 Oct 2025

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is looking into complaints of additional charges being levied by ecommerce platforms when customers choose cash-on-delivery (COD) option instead of paying while ordering items. "The Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against ecommerce platforms charging extra for cash-on-delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers," Pralhad Joshi, Union minister of consumer affairs, wrote on X on Friday afternoon.

Hotel Industry Faces Crores in GST Demands

Hotel Industry Faces Crores in GST Demands

Rediff.com   29 Sep 2025

'This is not a case of tax evasion but the result of long-standing ambiguities in GST rules and unawareness.'

FMCG majors cut prices as firms pass on GST benefit to consumers

FMCG majors cut prices as firms pass on GST benefit to consumers

Rediff.com   17 Sep 2025

Several fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have said that they would pass on the full benefit of goods and services tax (GST) rate cuts to consumers starting September 22. Dairy major Mother Dairy, on Tuesday, announced rate cuts in products spanning its portfolio-- from milkshakes to paneer and jams to frozen products under its Safal brand.

Monsoon Mayhem Forces Change In Travel Plans

Monsoon Mayhem Forces Change In Travel Plans

Rediff.com   29 Aug 2025

Strong demand for cultural and spiritual hubs is expected for destinations like Varanasi, Kolkata during Durga Puja, and Pushkar for the camel fair, besides leisure destinations like Goa, Udaipur, Jaipur and Coorg.

Why Hotels Are Building Branded Residences

Why Hotels Are Building Branded Residences

Rediff.com   29 Aug 2025

'While the concept was introduced globally over four decades ago, branded residences have taken off now in India.'

India-UK FTA Adds Cheer to Whiskey Lovers

India-UK FTA Adds Cheer to Whiskey Lovers

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2025

'The India-UK FTA is an enormous win for both the Indian consumer and the Scotch whisky industry. It will make whisky more affordable while expanding the Scotch market by about a billion dollars.'

I-Day Weekend Inspires Holiday Rush

I-Day Weekend Inspires Holiday Rush

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2025

'The upcoming long weekend has ignited strong travel intent, with robust bookings across leisure, spiritual and wellness destinations.'

Want To Be A Monsoon Tourist? Read This

Want To Be A Monsoon Tourist? Read This

Rediff.com   4 Jul 2025

Destinations like Coorg, Munnar, the Western Ghats, and parts of the North East, are at their scenic best in the monsoon.

'Today's Traveller Is Driven More By Moods And Moments...'

'Today's Traveller Is Driven More By Moods And Moments...'

Rediff.com   26 Jun 2025

'...than by the calendar.' Indian travellers are no longer restricting their getaways to summer or winter holidays.

Govt tells e-com firms to audit dark patterns, submit yearly reports

Govt tells e-com firms to audit dark patterns, submit yearly reports

Rediff.com   30 May 2025

The government on Wednesday asked e-commerce platforms to conduct annual internal audits to make sure that they are not resorting to manipulative tactics to mislead consumers and prevent them from making right choices -- a technique commonly referred to as dark pattern -- and submit reports to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA). It comes just a week after Uber was issued a notice by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) over its "advance tip" feature.

Trump Effect: Tourists Wary About US Travel

Trump Effect: Tourists Wary About US Travel

Rediff.com   15 May 2025

Tourists hesitant to visit America due to frequent policy changes there.

Biryani finds its place on the valuation menu with rising investor appetite

Biryani finds its place on the valuation menu with rising investor appetite

Rediff.com   22 Apr 2025

Biryani is set to get its own valuation. Devyani International, the largest franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) quick-service restaurants (QSRs) in India, is considering the acquisition of Sky Gate Hospitality, which operates restaurants under the brand Biryani By Kilo (BBK), it said in a statement to BSE on Monday.

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Why McDonalds, KFC Have Gone Korean

Rediff.com   21 Apr 2025

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