Sohini Das &Amp;Amp; Shine Jacob

Stories by Sohini Das &Amp;Amp; Shine Jacob

Meet Adar Poonawala, India's COVID-19 vaccine man

Meet Adar Poonawala, India's COVID-19 vaccine man

Rediff.com   6 Aug 2020

Serum Institute is investing $200 million to create capacities for the COVID-19 vaccine. Sohini Das profiles its 39-year-old CEO.

At Rs 35 a pill, Sun Pharma's FluGuard is the cheapest favipiravir drug

At Rs 35 a pill, Sun Pharma's FluGuard is the cheapest favipiravir drug

Rediff.com   5 Aug 2020

Favipiravir is the only oral anti-viral treatment approved in India for potential treatment of patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 disease.

A glimpse of how exactly the economy is faring

A glimpse of how exactly the economy is faring

Rediff.com   4 Aug 2020

Many weekly indicators turn positive as economy prepares for Unlock 3.0.

After 167 years, Railways to overhaul its signalling system

After 167 years, Railways to overhaul its signalling system

Rediff.com   1 Aug 2020

The Indian Railways is replacing its outdated signalling system with the latest automated train protection technologies - European Train Control System and Train Collision Avoidance System.

Dr Reddy's to launch Covid drugs remdesivir and favipiravir in August

Dr Reddy's to launch Covid drugs remdesivir and favipiravir in August

Rediff.com   30 Jul 2020

Apart from favipiravir and remdesivir, its key Covid-19 products, DRL has already launched nutraceutical products and hand sanitisers during the pandemic.

Covid-19: Testing times for plasma banks

Covid-19: Testing times for plasma banks

Rediff.com   30 Jul 2020

While the process of extracting plasma itself is simple, doctors say that it is the screening of donors, testing and filling up of numerous forms that takes time.

Diesel at doorstep? Possible if OMCs' plan succeeds

Diesel at doorstep? Possible if OMCs' plan succeeds

Rediff.com   29 Jul 2020

Oil marketing companies IOC, BPCL and HPCL have invited expressions of interest from start-ups that wish to be enrolled as fuel entrepreneurs for doorstep delivery of high-speed diesel through mobile petrol pumps.

'We will price Covid vaccine below Rs 1,000'

'We will price Covid vaccine below Rs 1,000'

Rediff.com   29 Jul 2020

Pune's Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine maker by volume, is placing its bets on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine candidate AZD1222 with CEO Adar Poonawalla stating he would start manufacturing at personal risk.

Are signs of economic green shoots really visible?

Are signs of economic green shoots really visible?

Rediff.com   29 Jul 2020

Mumbai traffic, mobile internet speeds, and grocery and pharmacy visits are all showing lower numbers for the latest week.

COVID-19: Lessons to be learnt from Delhi, Mumbai

COVID-19: Lessons to be learnt from Delhi, Mumbai

Rediff.com   27 Jul 2020

The two cities finally got their act together by ramping up the testing capacity and implementing stricter quarantine norms.

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.