S Dinakar, Business Standard

Stories by S Dinakar, Business Standard

The petrochemical shift that could quench LPG output thirst

The petrochemical shift that could quench LPG output thirst

Rediff.com   14 Aug 2024

India may have to lean more on West Asian nations for supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a cooking fuel, in the coming years after Indian state-run refiners drew up big plans to diversify into producing more profitable petrochemicals. This shift leads to reduced LPG output, Indian refining executives said. The mantra for state-run oil companies, from Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer Petronet LNG, which are looking to diversify their businesses from lower-margin fuels, has been value-added petrochemicals.

The Nehruvian Who Fell Out With Sonia Gandhi

The Nehruvian Who Fell Out With Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com   12 Aug 2024

Because of his proximity to Indira Gandhi, he was able to intervene directly at the level of the PMO, which he did in the days leading up to the partition of Pakistan in 1971 when he transferred crucial information about Pakistan's moves via information handed to him by an East Pakistani diplomat in Poland where he was posted.

'Brand' Welcome Awaits Olympic Stars

'Brand' Welcome Awaits Olympic Stars

Rediff.com   12 Aug 2024

'The Paris Olympics has once again blessed the Indian sports marketing landscape with fresh faces and promises.' 'Expect at least one biopic.'

MFs Boom Despite Market Volatility

MFs Boom Despite Market Volatility

Rediff.com   10 Aug 2024

Mutual Fund inflows in FY25 have already reached two-thirds of the total inflows seen in the entire FY24, with net inflows standing at Rs 1.3 trillion.

Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao In Supreme Court

Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao In Supreme Court

Rediff.com   10 Aug 2024

Lawyers flooded the courtroom of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud to witness the proceedings as one special guest -- Aamir Khan -- was seated in the front row.

Sebi Can't Recover Rs 76,293 Cr Dues!

Sebi Can't Recover Rs 76,293 Cr Dues!

Rediff.com   10 Aug 2024

Out of 3,871 recovery certificates issued by the regulator in various cases, 807 have been certified as difficult to recover.

What India Inc Expects From Modi 3.0

What India Inc Expects From Modi 3.0

Rediff.com   7 Jun 2024

'In the new coalition government, India's reform agenda may prioritise job creation and factor market reforms.'

Despite wars in Europe and West Asia, oil shock fears yet to materialise

Despite wars in Europe and West Asia, oil shock fears yet to materialise

Rediff.com   7 May 2024

The oil industry experienced three upheavals between 1973 and 1991, which seem to be etched in the memory of the industry's decision makers. Naturally, at the sign of a new crisis, the decision makers like to dip into those tumultuous decades to find ways to deal with the new shock, in addition, of course, to expert reports and forecasts. So, the industry bigwigs turned the pages of history to get a peek into the future of oil price movements after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Israel attacked Gaza in 2023, Iran-linked Houthi rebels pounded tankers crossing the Red Sea in support of Palestine the same year, and Iran rained missiles on Israel in 2024.

Future of digital payments in India

Future of digital payments in India

Rediff.com   20 Mar 2024

'The focus needs to shift towards the ability to collect payments, particularly in tier-3 to tier-4 areas where acceptance is still lacking.'

'Small finance banks need to build all product ranges'

'Small finance banks need to build all product ranges'

Rediff.com   15 Mar 2024

'You cannot have only one product or one market or one customer segment.'

Russians Devise Ways To Outwit US, Help India

Russians Devise Ways To Outwit US, Help India

Rediff.com   1 Mar 2024

Russian oil supplies to India will continue to flow unhindered and suppliers will come up with ways to sidestep secondary sanctions, a Russian official told Business Standard.

US Targets India's Russian Oil Source

US Targets India's Russian Oil Source

Rediff.com   28 Feb 2024

Urals and Sokol accounted for every 4 out of 5 barrels of Russian supplies to India last year.

Qatar Reprieve Highlights India Diplomacy

Qatar Reprieve Highlights India Diplomacy

Rediff.com   26 Feb 2024

The incident remains a reminder of the inherent fragilities of all geopolitical relationships.

Houthi attacks on Russian oil tankers complicate things for Indian refiners

Houthi attacks on Russian oil tankers complicate things for Indian refiners

Rediff.com   19 Feb 2024

The unexpected missile attack on a second India-bound ship carrying Russian crude, just three weeks after the first, has complicated matters for domestic refiners. India now counts the Vladimir Putin-led nation as its biggest oil supplier, according to Paris-based market intelligence agency Kpler, and these attacks come on top of US sanctions since December, where vessels that bring crude to India are facing heightened scrutiny. Panama-registered Pollux, which loaded crude at the Sheshkaris oil terminal in the Russian port of Novorossiysk on January 24, was scheduled to deliver the medium, sour Urals grade to Paradip port on February 28.

Is Son Preference Hurting India?

Is Son Preference Hurting India?

Rediff.com   9 Feb 2024

A cultural preference for sons in India may be expressed as 'son preference' or 'daughter aversion', arising from patrilocality, patrilineality, the cost of dowry, and old-age support from sons.

What If Trump Wins A Second Term?

What If Trump Wins A Second Term?

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2024

Although India-US relations have strengthened significantly in recent years, partly because of the security situation in the region, the Indian policy establishment would have to be prepared to protect India's interests in a world that could get more unpredictable.

Is The Worst Over For IT Industry?

Is The Worst Over For IT Industry?

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2024

Certain changes in the past two or three years could have a long-term structural impact on the IT services market.

Houthi Attacks Won't Affect India's Fuel Supplies

Houthi Attacks Won't Affect India's Fuel Supplies

Rediff.com   13 Jan 2024

Most of India's oil supplies are expected to stay safe because of the country's good relations with both Russia and Iran. That would take care of over a third of India's supplies.

2023: 2nd Warmest Year Since 1901

2023: 2nd Warmest Year Since 1901

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The five warmest years in Indian weather history have occurred in the past 14 years -- the others being 2009, 2017 and 2010, in order of intensity.

Stock Market: Which Sectors Delivered?

Stock Market: Which Sectors Delivered?

Rediff.com   12 Jan 2024

The biggest bounce is in the realty sector, where the industry index jumped 80%. There's been a turnaround also in automobiles and ancillaries (up 45%). The pharma and health care indices have a welcome return of roughly 35%.