consumer rights ministry

India can avert power shortages and save consumers up to Rs 2.5 lakh crore by doubling air conditioner energy efficiency over the next decade. A new study suggests this move will significantly reduce peak demand, preventing blackouts and costly grid fixes. Higher efficiency ACs, despite initial costs, offer substantial long-term savings.

Zee Entertainment has secured India's broadcast rights for the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, ending months of uncertainty. Indian fans can watch all 104 matches on Zee5 or the newly launched Unite8 Sports channels. However, the bigger challenge may not be finding where to watch, with most matches, kicking off well past midnight IST, staying awake might be the real test.

Over the past week, demand had consistently hovered around 2,200 MW, which officials attributed to sustained maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius

In an exclusive interview, Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube clears the air on a range of issues including fleet expansion, the West Asia crisis, rising costs due to crude-oil related upheaval, availing Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme of the government, and more

Twisha Sharma's father demands a fresh autopsy at AIIMS-Delhi, alleging a cover-up and accusing his son-in-law of drug addiction. Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath warns of 'other methods' if namaz continues on UP roads. West Bengal's new government scraps religion-based schemes and the OBC list. India reaffirms its commitment to buying Russian crude oil, prioritizing energy security.

India's economy has faced significant challenges from global oil price surges over the past fifty years. From the 1973 Arab embargo to the recent Hormuz disruption, these shocks have impacted inflation and foreign exchange reserves. Policymakers have continuously adapted strategies to manage these crises, balancing economic stability with consumer needs.

Indian students are shifting their overseas education focus from traditional destinations like the US and UK to emerging European and Asian countries. Driven by industry relevance, affordability, and specialized courses, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea are gaining popularity for their strong career pathways and technological advancements.

In a bold move toward revitalizing national pride, Burkina Faso's ruling junta is championing a nationalist movement that mandates the play of local music in entertainment venues and promotes the purchase of homegrown products.

Soaring gold prices are igniting a mining frenzy in Brazil's Amazon, leading to accelerated deforestation in protected zones and hazardous mercury contamination. Illegal mining operations are expanding rapidly, particularly within Indigenous territories, posing a significant threat to the rainforest and its inhabitants. Authorities are struggling to curb these activities, which are often financed by powerful criminal organizations.

Every week TOI+ subscribers send in legal questions and our panel of leading experts offers well-considered, practical, and actionable opinions on every query. From property disputes to inheritance matters, divorce queries to income tax issues, My Lawyer connects you directly with experts you can trust

Despite nationwide authorisation and repeated claims of rapid expansion, only about 16 million households are connected to the PNG network. More than 330 million homes are still dependent on LPG for cooking

Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a crucial role in preserving the heritage of distinctive products, such as Darjeeling Tea and Banarasi saris. Enshrined in a 1999 statute, these protections not only defend traditional crafts but also enhance local economies by allowing for higher pricing.

Jan Vishwas Act, 2026 — passed by Lok Sabha on April 1 — takes forward the project of purging the law book of excessive criminalisation. Penalties, administrative sanctions, warnings are to replace violations that earlier attracted criminal charges and jail time. Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy breaks down what has changed and what needs to be done

Every week TOI+ subscribers send in legal questions and our panel of leading experts offers well-considered, practical, and actionable opinions on every query. From property disputes to inheritance matters, divorce queries to income tax issues, My Lawyer connects you directly with experts you can trust

The consumer affairs ministry will soon announce an overall framework for the Right to Repair. To finalise the framework it has set up an expert panel.

Nearly 27 lakh electricity workers are set to strike nationwide against the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill aims to introduce competition by allowing multiple distributors in one area, but faces opposition from workers, farmers, and unions concerned about privatization, job losses, and potential tariff hikes.

The ministry of consumer affairs has issued a discussion paper suggesting new guidelines that check the proliferation of what are called dark patterns - to trick customers into doing something they originally did not intend to, or coercing them into certain actions. Regulators in the EU, US and UK have acted on such unfair practices.

On occasion of the World Consumer Rights Day on Wednesday, representatives of Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC) urged the Union ministry of consumer affairs (MoCA) to urgently establish a regulatory body for e-commerce to help resolve disputes across the industry.

Spain has directed Airbnb to remove over 65,000 holiday listings due to violations of local regulations, amidst a growing housing affordability crisis. The consumer rights ministry stated many listings lacked mandatory license numbers or provided incorrect information. Airbnb plans to appeal the ruling, arguing the ministry lacks regulatory authority and used an indiscriminate methodology.

World Consumer Rights Day on March 15 unites global consumers to demand respect and protection, celebrated with the 'Fair and Responsible AI' theme in Mumbai. Consumers can file complaints via various platforms for grievance redressal.

Spain has ordered Airbnb to block over 65,000 holiday listings due to violations of regulations, including missing license numbers and inaccurate owner information. This action comes amid a housing affordability crisis, with the government cracking down on short-term rentals. Barcelona is also planning to eliminate licensed short-term rentals by 2028 to prioritize housing for full-time residents.