Shine Jacob &Amp; Arup Roychoudhury

Stories by Shine Jacob &Amp; Arup Roychoudhury

'Why are even our sewing needles made in China?'

'Why are even our sewing needles made in China?'

Rediff.com   8 Jul 2020

'We are not able to manufacture even low-end products as cheaply as China.' 'We are not buying Chinese goods today out of any love for China.'

IOC launches winter-grade diesel for troops in Ladakh

IOC launches winter-grade diesel for troops in Ladakh

Rediff.com   4 Jul 2020

Looking into the current situation on the China boarder, IOC has stocked up enough winter-grade fuel for the region. With army movements increasing, the demand for this fuel is expected to increase multifold from the 350 metric tonnes last winter.

Pinarayi Vijayan: The CM as crisis manager

Pinarayi Vijayan: The CM as crisis manager

Rediff.com   24 Jun 2020

The Kerala chief minister's four years in office may well be remembered for the way he handled Cyclone Ockhi, two floods, Nipah, and now COVID-19, reports Shine Jacob.

ONGC halts operations at two rigs as 54 employees test COVID positive

ONGC halts operations at two rigs as 54 employees test COVID positive

Rediff.com   23 Jun 2020

A company official said work stopped temporarily only at two rigs and the remaining 34 in the offshore were operational. He added there was no impact on the company's production.

After Galwan standoff, India eyes free trade deal with US

After Galwan standoff, India eyes free trade deal with US

Rediff.com   20 Jun 2020

The trade deal, officials say, can lead to an effective trading bloc against the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Ladakh stand-off: Railways cancels Chinese contract

Ladakh stand-off: Railways cancels Chinese contract

Rediff.com   19 Jun 2020

Govt has already approached World Bank seeking termination of contract. The progress of the project was just 20 per cent though the contract was awarded in 2016.

A glimpse of how economic activity is picking up

A glimpse of how economic activity is picking up

Rediff.com   17 Jun 2020

While freight traffic has gone up, the Google location data shows more people are stepping out of their homes.

Experts from US to join efforts to control Assam oil well fire

Experts from US to join efforts to control Assam oil well fire

Rediff.com   14 Jun 2020

Singapore-based Alert Disaster Control, one of the largest disaster management companies in the oil and gas sector, has already joined the team of experts from ONGC and OIL, reports Shine Jacob.

Govt readies plan to boost demand with infra spend, cash transfer

Govt readies plan to boost demand with infra spend, cash transfer

Rediff.com   11 Jun 2020

This includes an infrastructure push which may lead to the government spending more than its budgeted capital expenditure for 2020-21. There are also discussions on increasing the scope and quantum of direct cash transfers to the beneficiaries who need it the most.

Lockdown woes: Rail freight traffic drops 28% in April-May

Lockdown woes: Rail freight traffic drops 28% in April-May

Rediff.com   8 Jun 2020

Freight earnings too saw a decline of Rs 8,284 crore to Rs 13,412 crore in the first two months of FY21, compared to Rs 21,696 crore during the same period last year.

Current fiscal deficit may go up to 5.3% of GDP: CEA

Current fiscal deficit may go up to 5.3% of GDP: CEA

Rediff.com   6 Jun 2020

'Given the 50 per cent or thereabouts increase in borrowing that has been announced, it is a reasonable estimate to say that at this time, an increase of 1.7-1.8 per cent on the 3.5 per cent budgeted fiscal deficit target is being anticipated,' Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian said on Friday.

The flip side of oil companies' digital drive

The flip side of oil companies' digital drive

Rediff.com   4 Jun 2020

OMCs' Digital India move is likely to have an impact on more than 80.3 million Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana consumers, majority of whom are not exposed to digital transact.

'This was not specifically a COVID package'

'This was not specifically a COVID package'

Rediff.com   30 May 2020

'It is a package for a new self-reliant India.'

Govt wants PSUs to ramp up dividends, share buybacks

Govt wants PSUs to ramp up dividends, share buybacks

Rediff.com   28 May 2020

This comes at a time when the COVID-19 crisis is expected to derail the government's revenue maths for 2020-21, hitting the mop-up from sources such as taxes and divestment.

Railways likely to freeze hiring, cut allowances

Railways likely to freeze hiring, cut allowances

Rediff.com   26 May 2020

Railway traffic has dropped 32 per cent to 99.86 mt between April 1 and May 14, compared to the same time last year, while its revenue, too, dipped 41 per cent to Rs 9,094.38 crore.

Low demand pulls down India's April oil refinery output by 29%

Low demand pulls down India's April oil refinery output by 29%

Rediff.com   24 May 2020

According to industry experts, the consumption of petroleum products in the month of April was only 30-40 per cent of what it had been prior to the lockdown. Due to this, refineries were forced to bring down their capacity too.

How states can avail extra borrowing from the markets

How states can avail extra borrowing from the markets

Rediff.com   20 May 2020

These conditions are implementation of the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme, ease of doing business, power sector reforms, and urban local body reforms.

Sitharaman likely to focus on poor, farm sector next

Sitharaman likely to focus on poor, farm sector next

Rediff.com   14 May 2020

Later, there may be some tax relief aimed at the middle class and measures to benefit the sectors worst hit by Covid-19 and the resultant nationwide lockdown.

Mix of relief and fear as rail services start

Mix of relief and fear as rail services start

Rediff.com   13 May 2020

For many the resumption of trains is a big boon, but some say it doesn't come without confusion and worries

Sitharaman may announce Rs 3 trillion stimulus package this week

Sitharaman may announce Rs 3 trillion stimulus package this week

Rediff.com   12 May 2020

There could be multiple measures announced in quick succession, not only by the finance minister but also other ministers regarding their respective sectors, and by the Reserve Bank of India. The total size of these announcements could rival that of other G-20 nations as a percentage of GDP.