Akshara Srivastava, Business Standard

Stories by Akshara Srivastava, Business Standard

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.

Gold, Silver Shine As Stocks Slip

Gold, Silver Shine As Stocks Slip

Rediff.com   1 Oct 2025

'The frenzy for gold is primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding the tariff war.'

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.'

Munir's Moves: Why India Must Be On High Alert

Munir's Moves: Why India Must Be On High Alert

Rediff.com   26 Aug 2025

A Pakistan that is more secure in its relations with the US is also one that might well wish to indulge in another cross-border misadventure.

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.

'The RBI has started to support growth'

'The RBI has started to support growth'

Rediff.com   2 Jul 2025

'Deposit and lending rates have started to fall considerably. It is likely to spur investment and consumption of durables.'

'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.

'Indian Stocks Unlikely To Give Significant Returns In 12 Months'

'Indian Stocks Unlikely To Give Significant Returns In 12 Months'

Rediff.com   30 May 2025

'Right now, silver -- and especially platinum -- are very cheap compared to gold. If I were buying today, I would choose platinum.'

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.

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Cyberattacks Surge After Operation Sindoor, But India Mounts Strong Defence

Rediff.com   22 May 2025

For the first time, the Data Security Council of India assembled a joint task force to source threat intelligence at the origin and ensure coordinated action across the cybersecurity spectrum.

Apple's India Plans Unfazed by US-China Tariff Truce

Apple's India Plans Unfazed by US-China Tariff Truce

Rediff.com   22 May 2025

There's no change in Apple Inc's India strategy, said a top government source. 'It can only be enhanced'.

How Much Does Pakistan Spend On Defence?

How Much Does Pakistan Spend On Defence?

Rediff.com   22 May 2025

In 2024, Pakistan shelled out $10.2 billion in defence spends.

Should You Invest In Defence Funds?

Should You Invest In Defence Funds?

Rediff.com   21 May 2025

Only experienced investors with a high risk appetite, a grasp of market cycles, and comfort with volatility and timing risk should invest.

'Investors Prefer A Staggered Approach'

'Investors Prefer A Staggered Approach'

Rediff.com   20 May 2025

'While investors believe in India's long-term growth story and resilience amid global uncertainty, they see near-term risks around the direction of a global trade war.'