Sohini Das &Amp; Shine Jacob

Stories by Sohini Das &Amp; Shine Jacob

Glenmark's favipiravir under fire for 'misguided' claims of Covid-19 drug

Glenmark's favipiravir under fire for 'misguided' claims of Covid-19 drug

Rediff.com   20 Jul 2020

The Drug Controller General of India has sent a letter to the Glenmark seeking clarifications on pricing as well as claims of therapeutic efficacy. While Glenmark has claimed this drug is effective in comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, according to protocol summary (of clinical trials) the trial was not designed to access the Fabiflu in comorbid conditions.

Why did Iran eject India from port, oil field deals?

Why did Iran eject India from port, oil field deals?

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2020

Iran's growing proximity to China may have also played a part.

Will private railway services be a reality by 2023?

Will private railway services be a reality by 2023?

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2020

Under the plan, there will be 151 private trains covering 109 routes which may entail investments worth Rs 30,000 crore.

Will bullet train start running from 2023?

Will bullet train start running from 2023?

Rediff.com   14 Jul 2020

Apart from land acquisition, another major cause for concern before the project is cost escalation owing to a fall in the rupee against the Japanese yen.

How fuel prices have risen under Modi regime

How fuel prices have risen under Modi regime

Rediff.com   13 Jul 2020

Despite a massive decline in crude oil prices since 2012 -- Modi has been prime minister in six of these eight years -- petrol in Delhi has become 10 per cent costlier and diesel 97 per cent, as of July 2.

Free LPG reaches only 50% beneficiaries, shows govt data

Free LPG reaches only 50% beneficiaries, shows govt data

Rediff.com   10 Jul 2020

Given that the target was to reach 80.34 million families under PMUY - within three months starting April 1 - the government should have distributed at least 241.02 million cylinders by the end of June. It actually ended up distributing only 119.7 million cylinders.

Covaxin launch now depends on clinical sites' deadline

Covaxin launch now depends on clinical sites' deadline

Rediff.com   9 Jul 2020

There are 12 sites across India, including private and public hospitals, conducting Phase 1 and 2 human clinical trials for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Based on an earlier letter by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to the 12 sites, volunteer recruitments for the clinical trials were to begin by July 7. At least three sites are yet to kick-start the process.

Every 3rd tablet in the US market is from India

Every 3rd tablet in the US market is from India

Rediff.com   9 Jul 2020

India lost its competitive advantage as China gave fiscal benefits to its local manufacturers. Besides, recent policy flip-flops have, however, dented India's image as the 'pharmacy of the world'.

IOC beats lockdown blues, resumes works on projects

IOC beats lockdown blues, resumes works on projects

Rediff.com   9 Jul 2020

These mega projects, worth about Rs 1 trillion, would boost the economy, ensure smooth supply of petroleum products across the nation and also provide the much-needed relief to people looking to get back to work after the lockdown.

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.

Customs to clear pharma raw materials from China

Customs to clear pharma raw materials from China

Rediff.com   1 Jul 2020

Apart from them, consignments of 11 top importers, including LG, Samsung, Toyota, Honda, and Siemens, will also be allowed entry, relieving them of the 100 per cent inspection rule.

Cipla to price Remdesivir for Covid-19 under Rs 5,000

Cipla to price Remdesivir for Covid-19 under Rs 5,000

Rediff.com   25 Jun 2020

Hetero has priced the injectable drug at Rs 5,400 per 100 mg vial. With More drugmakers in line to launch the drug soon, the prices may see a further erosion.

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.

Hetero to launch Remdesivir as Covifor this week

Hetero to launch Remdesivir as Covifor this week

Rediff.com   22 Jun 2020

The Hyderabad-based firm will first make the drug available in high case load areas of Maharashtra and Delhi under the brand Covifor. A single dose vial is likely to cost Rs 5,000-6000.

COVID-19: Govt panel recommends capping private hospitals' rates

COVID-19: Govt panel recommends capping private hospitals' rates

Rediff.com   20 Jun 2020

The committee has recommended Rs 8,000-10,000, Rs 13,000-15,000, and Rs 15,000-18,000 including PPE costs for isolation beds, and ICUs with or without ventilator, respectively, to all hospitals. Currently, hospitals are charging Rs 24,000-25,000, Rs 34,000-43,000 & Rs 44,000-54,000 (excluding PPE cost).

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.

India-made Remdesivir may come out in 10 days

India-made Remdesivir may come out in 10 days

Rediff.com   19 Jun 2020

The antiviral drug may cost around Rs 55,000 for an 11-dose course, or Rs 5,000 per injection -- much less than the price of imports from Bangladesh, reports Sohini Das.

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.