Shine Jacob &Amp;Amp; Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Stories by Shine Jacob &Amp;Amp; Sanjeeb Mukherjee

Tomato Prices Increased By 1315%!

Tomato Prices Increased By 1315%!

Rediff.com   12 Jul 2023

8 out of 10 households are planning to cut their tomato consumption if prices stay in the Rs 75-150 kg range over the next three months.

Farmer's to get a bird's eye view: IFFCO to purchase 2,500 agri drones

Farmer's to get a bird's eye view: IFFCO to purchase 2,500 agri drones

Rediff.com   5 Jul 2023

At a time when climate change poses significant challenges and the need for sustainable and efficient farming practices has never been more critical, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allow farmers to gain a bird's-eye view of their crops from ground level. Drones have become a new force in precision agriculture, helping increase productivity while prioritising sustainability and resilience. Fertiliser major IFFCO is exploring this very transformative power of technology in agriculture.

Will Artemis Accords Help India's Space Programme?

Will Artemis Accords Help India's Space Programme?

Rediff.com   4 Jul 2023

'This may open up doors for private players in India to collaborate with global players in commercial missions.'

TMB failed to file details of Rs 3,610 cr deals due to tech glitch

TMB failed to file details of Rs 3,610 cr deals due to tech glitch

Rediff.com   3 Jul 2023

After the income tax department indicated that the Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) did not provide the complete details of transactions worth up to Rs 3,610 crore, sources told Business Standard that this was due to a technical glitch. The bank has now submitted all the required documents in the past few days. According to the Income Tax (I-T) department, TMB had not submitted a statement of financial transactions (SFT) pertaining to cash deposits of around Rs 2,700 crore involving more than 10,000 accounts.

As demand for EV batteries picks up, makers eye lithium reserves

As demand for EV batteries picks up, makers eye lithium reserves

Rediff.com   3 Jul 2023

The EV industry is at an inflection point and batteries will play a critical role ahead -- batteries and related components typically constitute 35-45 per cent of an EV's costs.

'The expected credit loss model will not dent profits much'

'The expected credit loss model will not dent profits much'

Rediff.com   3 Jul 2023

'We will test the waters, ferret out information through our business correspondents, and only then open a branch'

By 2025 Indian Trucks Will Have AC Cabin

By 2025 Indian Trucks Will Have AC Cabin

Rediff.com   3 Jul 2023

'Instead of ACs, the government should do something to increase our salary.'

Jeera prices up 73% since January 2023 amid rising demand, supply shortage

Jeera prices up 73% since January 2023 amid rising demand, supply shortage

Rediff.com   28 Jun 2023

Jeera July futures in NCDEX touched a record high of Rs. 58,085 per quintal on Monday, before coming down to around Rs. 55,500 on Tuesday. This was due to profit booking and extension of additional surveillance margin of 2.5 per cent till July 18, including on all contracts to be launched in the future. The softening, according to some reports, is also because of fears of regulatory action on jeera traders over allegations of excessive speculation.

Don't panic! Bad June doesn't mean bad monsoon

Don't panic! Bad June doesn't mean bad monsoon

Rediff.com   22 Jun 2023

The southwest monsoon has started on a weak note and this has delayed the sowing of kharif crops. Though a cause for concern, the situation hasn't reached a stage where it warrants any panic response. Moreover, according to meteorologists and industry players, monsoon rains will witness a revival in the coming few weeks.

Vedanta places Thoothukudi's 'restart ready' plans on fast track

Vedanta places Thoothukudi's 'restart ready' plans on fast track

Rediff.com   22 Jun 2023

Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta's Sterlite Copper has come out with a fresh notification inviting expressions of interest (EoIs) to supply raw materials like copper concentrate, imported thermal coal, rock phosphate and petroleum products, among others, as part of its preparatory measures to restart production at its Thoothukudi unit in Tamil Nadu. This plant is likely to restart operations if a Supreme Court verdict goes in favour of the company. On June 12, the company had invited EoIs for carrying out plant 'restart activities'.

NCDEX all set to relaunch groundnut futures after more than 13 years

NCDEX all set to relaunch groundnut futures after more than 13 years

Rediff.com   19 Jun 2023

After a gap of more than 13 years, the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) is all set to launch a futures contract in groundnut (in shell) to fill a void in oilseeds complex futures because of a ban in several high-volume commodities.

War Over Amul's Plans For South India

War Over Amul's Plans For South India

Rediff.com   14 Jun 2023

'As long as Amul was coming in with products it was not a problem because it was something value added and with a shelf life.' 'When it gets into the local market by procuring locally, it cuts into the market-share of local cooperatives.'

Vedanta's Sterlite Copper invites EoIs to 'restart' the Thoothukudi unit

Vedanta's Sterlite Copper invites EoIs to 'restart' the Thoothukudi unit

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2023

Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta's Sterlite Copper on Monday came out with an advertisement inviting expression of interest (EoI) for carrying out plant "restart activities" at its Thoothukudi unit in Tamil Nadu, that got closed more than five years ago following an order issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). The EoI for restart comes when the company is still awaiting the final judgement on the issue, and the court has only allowed it to do maintenance work. "We have initiated the upkeep and maintenance activities at the plant as allowed by the Supreme Court vide its order dated May 4, 2023, in coordination with the district authorities.

Will 2023 Be A Repeat Of 2015?

Will 2023 Be A Repeat Of 2015?

Rediff.com   5 Jun 2023

States have been told to prepare in advance to counter any impact of an adverse southwest monsoon.

Sterlite gets access to Thoothukudi plant for upkeep after 5 years

Sterlite gets access to Thoothukudi plant for upkeep after 5 years

Rediff.com   3 Jun 2023

The maintenance work will include operations such as removal of remaining gypsum and leachate handling operations among others. Based on this, the district administration has now allowed the firm to maintain the plant after five years.

Walmart boost: India's readymade garment exports limping to normalcy in May

Walmart boost: India's readymade garment exports limping to normalcy in May

Rediff.com   2 Jun 2023

After dipping by as much as 17 per cent in April, readymade garment (RMG) exports of all textile categories in India are showing signs of recovery in May. Exporters in Tiruppur are indicating a rise in rupee terms during the month, while it may take at least a month for volumes to be back in positive terrain. Among the global majors that are placing orders in the textile hub include Walmart, H&M (Hennes & Mauritz AB), Tommy Hilfiger and Target.

India asks for $55-million funding in first call with Pandemic Fund

India asks for $55-million funding in first call with Pandemic Fund

Rediff.com   30 May 2023

In a significant development, India is believed to have placed a funding request of around $55 million in its first call with the Pandemic Fund of the World Bank, sources said. The fund has been set up to finance critical investments in a bid to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. It was created in the aftermath of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

Sustainable fashion gets thrown a life jacket after PM wears upcycled sadri

Sustainable fashion gets thrown a life jacket after PM wears upcycled sadri

Rediff.com   19 May 2023

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has been at the forefront of climate action and saving the environment campaigns - whether plogging at a beach in Mahabalipuram in 2019 or wearing a sky-blue 'sadri' jacket to Parliament made of material recycled from plastic bottles. Made by Karur-based sustainable fashion brand EcoLine Clothing (EcoLine), a brand of Shree Renga Polymers, front runner in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling and sustainable textiles in India run by IITians, the company recycles PET bottles and upcycles them into value-added products, such as garments. Three months on, the phone lines of Senthil Sankar, managing partner at Shree Renga Polymers and EcoLine, have been ringing non-stop since the jacket made out of recycled plastic at Karur, Tamil Nadu's textile capital, was worn by the PM to Parliament on February 8.

Govt holds meetings to prepare for adverse monsoon, works on action plans

Govt holds meetings to prepare for adverse monsoon, works on action plans

Rediff.com   19 May 2023

With different agencies showing divergent predictions regarding the southwest monsoon, the central government and states are gearing up to face adversity with various line ministries reportedly being directed to undertake mock drills and hold preparatory meetings. Around 56 per cent of the net cultivable area of the country is rain-fed, accounting for 44 per cent of foodgrain production. The June-September rains contribute around 73 per cent of the annual precipitation.

Monsoon onset over Kerala to be delayed

Monsoon onset over Kerala to be delayed

Rediff.com   16 May 2023

The onset of the southwest monsoon is being keenly watched this year as it may provide an early sign regarding its progress over the Indian subcontinent, particularly when El Nio is expected to rear its head during the latter half of the season.