Sohini Das &Amp; Shine Jacob

Stories by Sohini Das &Amp; Shine Jacob

IMEC: Project Biden Thinks Hamas Targeted

IMEC: Project Biden Thinks Hamas Targeted

Rediff.com   26 Oct 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed it the 'largest cooperation project in our history', one that would 'change the face of the Middle East, Israel, and impact the entire world'.

At 1.3 million, two-wheeler sales cross pre-Covid figs of September 2019

At 1.3 million, two-wheeler sales cross pre-Covid figs of September 2019

Rediff.com   26 Oct 2023

The two-wheeler segment is, however, still far from its H1FY19 peak of 9.7 million units

Auto industry Q2 preview: Product mix, commodity tailwinds to aid margins

Auto industry Q2 preview: Product mix, commodity tailwinds to aid margins

Rediff.com   21 Oct 2023

Automobile manufacturers are likely to report strong numbers for the September quarter of Financial Year 2023-24 (Q2 FY24), riding on growth across segments and offset by a marginal drop in overall two-wheeler (2W) volumes. Higher average selling price (ASP) year-on-year (YoY), which was necessitated by price hikes taken by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and an improved product mix will also aid revenues and margins. Moreover, commodity prices are down on a YoY basis, leading to higher margins in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda).

Number of women in blue-collar jobs increasing across manufacturing sector

Number of women in blue-collar jobs increasing across manufacturing sector

Rediff.com   20 Oct 2023

"Lady candidates need not apply." So read the postscript in a job notice from Telco (now Tata Motors) on a notice board in the corridors of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (now Bengaluru), in 1974. Irked, Sudha Murty, who was then pursuing her masters in computer science at the institute, wrote a postcard to JRD Tata, expressing her surprise at this gender discrimination, especially since the Tata Group were pioneers on many fronts. Shortly, Murty became the first woman on the firm's shop floor.

Nirma's new clothes: The journey of detergent brand towards healthcare

Nirma's new clothes: The journey of detergent brand towards healthcare

Rediff.com   12 Oct 2023

Nirma's tryst with the pharmaceutical space started in 2006 when it acquired the ailing Core Healthcare in a deal reported to be worth Rs 300 crore. The Ahmedabad-based manufacturer of intravenous fluids was subsequently renamed Nirlife. Pharma industry insiders say Nirma, which broke open the detergent market in the 1990s with low prices and massive advertising, tried an encore of the low-price strategy in pharma, but with mixed results.

Indian Wheels for Vande Bharat Trains

Indian Wheels for Vande Bharat Trains

Rediff.com   7 Oct 2023

India's iconic Vande Bharat train project may finally find a solution to its two Russian-related issues.

Indian pharma exports to Iran decline thanks to its lower rupee reserves

Indian pharma exports to Iran decline thanks to its lower rupee reserves

Rediff.com   3 Oct 2023

India's pharmaceutical exports to Iran have been hit owing to depleting rupee reserves in the West Asian country because of India stopping the import of crude oil from it in 2019 following US sanctions. Pharmaceutical exports dropped 71.25 per cent in April-August this year over the same period last year. The data from the Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) showed exports to Iran had declined 31.29 per cent in 2022-23 as against the previous financial year.

Cipla deploys drones to fly in critical drugs

Cipla deploys drones to fly in critical drugs

Rediff.com   27 Sep 2023

Drug major Cipla on Tuesday said it has launched drone-powered deliveries of critical medicines - cardiac, respiratory and other essential chronic therapies - to hospitals and pharmacies across Himachal Pradesh in partnership with Skype Air Mobility, a Gurugram-based drone delivery company. Cipla is the first among large Indian pharmaceutical companies to adopt drone-based deliveries to facilitate expedited supply to stockists in remote areas, it claimed. The Mumbai-based firm said the use of drones will support the on-time delivery of its medicines to chemists and clinics in remote areas, and minimise risks of affecting cold chain products due to temperature excursions.

'Need to make Auto Exports a national mission'

'Need to make Auto Exports a national mission'

Rediff.com   26 Sep 2023

'There is a need for a national task force with a singular objective to increase automotive exports.'

Jeep To Drive Petrol Options For India

Jeep To Drive Petrol Options For India

Rediff.com   26 Sep 2023

The iconic brand is considering petrol powertrains for its entire Indian portfolio, which includes the Jeep Compass, Meridian, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.

Nipah Is Keeping Kerala Tourists At Bay

Nipah Is Keeping Kerala Tourists At Bay

Rediff.com   21 Sep 2023

The tourism industry expects a short-term impact, as it is counting on the state's proven expertise in managing such crises.

Govt in talks with SII for Nipah antibody, may put imports on hold

Govt in talks with SII for Nipah antibody, may put imports on hold

Rediff.com   21 Sep 2023

Given the recurring outbreaks in the last five years, the government is considering domestic manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies for treating Nipah virus infections and is in talks with Serum Institute of India, report Shine Jacob and Sohini Das.

This is how Kerala brought Nipah under control in no time

This is how Kerala brought Nipah under control in no time

Rediff.com   20 Sep 2023

Kerala is the only state, other than West Bengal (2001 and 2007), in India to have reported Nipah virus cases. Kerala is the only state, other than West Bengal (2001 and 2007), in India to have reported Nipah virus cases. The previous outbreaks in the state were in May 2018, June 2019 and September 2021. This explains the anticipation and readiness this year, reports Shine Jacob.

Sanatan Dharma Controversy: Why Stalin Is Unflustered

Sanatan Dharma Controversy: Why Stalin Is Unflustered

Rediff.com   20 Sep 2023

Any narrative against the Dravidian model may impact the BJP's prospects in Tamil Nadu. This may explain why the BJP in Tamil Nadu is placing more emphasis on corruption allegations against the DMK, even as the party focuses nationally on the Sanatana controversy.

'Inputs ignored': Dhanlaxmi Bank independent director resigns from board

'Inputs ignored': Dhanlaxmi Bank independent director resigns from board

Rediff.com   18 Sep 2023

Sridhar Kalyanasundaram, an independent director of private sector lender Dhanlaxmi Bank, has resigned from the board with effect from September 16. In his resignation letter, Kalyanasundaram has raised issues like factionalism in the board, his differences regarding rights issue and the alleged 'lack of in depth banking knowledge' in other members. This comes after Ravindran Pillai, head of RP Group, who holds 9.99 per cent stake in the bank (largest shareholder), came out with a special notice for removal of Kalyanasundaram.

Rice Economy Faces Turmoil as El Nino Turns Up Heat

Rice Economy Faces Turmoil as El Nino Turns Up Heat

Rediff.com   15 Sep 2023

In the coming months, globally as well as in India, rice might remain a hot potato.

Cipla, Torrent may need to divest 15 brands in buyout deal: Bernstein

Cipla, Torrent may need to divest 15 brands in buyout deal: Bernstein

Rediff.com   14 Sep 2023

As the market buzzes with news of Cipla promoters exiting the business through a stake sale and Ahmedabad-based Mehta family-led Torrent Pharmaceuticals racing to acquire its rival, Cipla, an analysis reveals that if the deal were to go through, both companies might need to divest as many as 15 brands to comply with Competition Commission of India (CCI) norms. A recent analysis by Bernstein shows that Cipla and Torrent share a presence in 332 products (based on product and molecule data from market research firm IQVIA). Bernstein analysts Nithya Balasubramanian and Parth Shah noted that, while this may appear as a high number, a significant portion of these products lack significance.

Amid Competition, Royal Enfield Steps on the Gas to Draw Future Road Map

Amid Competition, Royal Enfield Steps on the Gas to Draw Future Road Map

Rediff.com   9 Sep 2023

To come up with first EV by 2025, expects market to grow two to three-fold in the next ten years.

JSW group keen to launch car in EV segment at Rs 15-20 lakh price tag

JSW group keen to launch car in EV segment at Rs 15-20 lakh price tag

Rediff.com   7 Sep 2023

The promoter entities of JSW Group are in talks with several electric-car manufacturers in China to launch an electric car for the Indian market at Rs 15-20 lakh, a source close to the development said.

India's pharma industry likely to take 5-6% price hikes this year

India's pharma industry likely to take 5-6% price hikes this year

Rediff.com   6 Sep 2023

Notwithstanding the fact that the country's pharmaceutical (pharma) pricing regulator has allowed a 12 per cent price increase for medicines listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) in 2023, analysts and industry insiders predict that the overall domestic pharma industry will only witness a price hike of 5-6 per cent. This is attributed to higher competitive intensity in the market. Krishnakumar V, executive director and chief operating officer (CEO) of Eris Lifesciences, a domestic-focused pharma company, noted that the NLEM segment experienced growth suppression of around 150 basis points due to price reductions during the January to July period this year.