Akshara Srivastava

Stories by Akshara Srivastava

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.

From Private Chefs to Jungle Bubbles

From Private Chefs to Jungle Bubbles

Rediff.com   14 Apr 2025

From high-end villas with private sommeliers to exclusive showcases at cultural centres to private sessions with Michelin-starred chefs and celebrities, hotel chains are pulling out all the stops

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Rediff.com   1 Apr 2025

'Adventure travel, cultural tours, and wellness retreats are in high demand.'

Mother Dairy eyes Rs 20,000 crore in revenue, launches 'pro' range of products

Mother Dairy eyes Rs 20,000 crore in revenue, launches 'pro' range of products

Rediff.com   27 Mar 2025

Mother Dairy is targeting a revenue of Rs 20,000 crore by financial year 2026 (FY27) as it continues to identify white spaces and introduce new products, the company said. On Wednesday, it launched a new "pro" range of products enriched with protein, starting with milk enriched with 30 per cent more protein than regular milk.

AC prices likely to go up by 4-5% due to component shortages

AC prices likely to go up by 4-5% due to component shortages

Rediff.com   18 Mar 2025

As temperatures shoot up this month signalling an early onset of summer, sales of air conditioners (AC) are set to increase, with companies expected to hike the prices of ACs by 4-5 per cent due to component shortages. Leading players like Haier and Bluestar and suppliers like EPack Durables have raised their production capacities to meet the 25-30 per cent rise in demand expected in the coming months.

'It Was Always About The Bride'

'It Was Always About The Bride'

Rediff.com   25 Feb 2025

'Her story, her life, her aspirations and struggles...' 'Indian weddings are not just about fuschia, pink and dancing. They have many nuances.'

'Couples Are Moving Beyond Dinner Dates'

'Couples Are Moving Beyond Dinner Dates'

Rediff.com   13 Feb 2025

With Valentine's Day falling on a Friday, travel is picking up as people look for quick getaways.

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

Rediff.com   3 Feb 2025

In a continued push to spiritual tourism, there will be a focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha.

While Dabur sees muted revenue growth in Q3, Marico is upbeat

While Dabur sees muted revenue growth in Q3, Marico is upbeat

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2025

Homegrown fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Dabur India is set to record low single-digit growth in consolidated revenue in the December quarter, it said in an update on Friday. The maker of Hajmola candy and Real fruit juice said rural consumption continued to be resilient and grow faster than urban in the third quarter.

'RBI has a tough balancing act to do'

'RBI has a tough balancing act to do'

Rediff.com   1 Jan 2025

'Inflation is not good for industry. Nor for the economy as a whole.'

Want To Take Your Parents For A Holiday?

Want To Take Your Parents For A Holiday?

Rediff.com   31 Dec 2024

From specialised senior-friendly tours to redesigned hotel amenities, hotels are becoming increasingly attuned to the unique requirements of elderly travellers.

Two reasons why rural FMCG basket is expanding

Two reasons why rural FMCG basket is expanding

Rediff.com   16 Nov 2024

A growing preference for convenience products and hybrid media consumption, and a surge in digital engagement have led to a rise in the average basket size for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) among rural consumers. The average of the rural FMCG basket saw a 60 per cent rise from 5.8 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024 as it expanded to include convenience products like ready-to-eat packages and beverages, stated the fifth edition of the Rural Barometer Report, brought out jointly by GroupM and Kantar, which surveyed 4,376 rural adults across 20 states.

FSSAI sets expiry timelines for food items sold on ecom, qcom

FSSAI sets expiry timelines for food items sold on ecom, qcom

Rediff.com   13 Nov 2024

The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Tuesday asked e-commerce and quick-commerce food operators to ensure a minimum shelf life of 30 per cent or at least 45 days before products expire at the time of delivery. The order follows rising concerns over violations of food safety standards in quick-commerce and e-commerce.

Diplomatic Row Derails Students' Canada Dreams

Diplomatic Row Derails Students' Canada Dreams

Rediff.com   23 Oct 2024

'We used to get 400-500 applications for Canada on a yearly basis until last year, but this has gone down to just 70 this year.'

'India is at the heart of what we are doing'

'India is at the heart of what we are doing'

Rediff.com   20 Oct 2024

'For us, it's "keep moving and keep building a critical mass", which is commensurate with the size of the country.'