Sohini Das And Shrimi Choudhary

Stories by Sohini Das And Shrimi Choudhary

Quality Lapses Shut Down Drug Makers

Quality Lapses Shut Down Drug Makers

Rediff.com   28 Jun 2024

Most of the pharma units are failing in documentation, and validation processes, and many don't have full-fledged quality control laboratories.

Nirmalaji May Stick To Fiscal Deficit Target

Nirmalaji May Stick To Fiscal Deficit Target

Rediff.com   26 Jun 2024

'Any finality in such matters requires political views. We will review it closer to the full Budget.'

Bharat Biotech finally names ICMR as co-owner in Covaxin patent filings

Bharat Biotech finally names ICMR as co-owner in Covaxin patent filings

Rediff.com   25 Jun 2024

After reports claimed that filings in patent offices in India, the US, and Europe did not mention ICMR or its scientists, but only BBIL and its scientists, the Hyderabad-based biotechnology (biotech) company clarified that in the "rush" to develop vaccines and file appropriate patents, BBIL had missed adding ICMR's name in the original filings.

June 22 GST Council meet may give relief to foreign airlines

June 22 GST Council meet may give relief to foreign airlines

Rediff.com   21 Jun 2024

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, scheduled to meet on June 22, could take a call on ending uncertainty on taxing foreign airlines and shippers as regards certain services, a senior official in the know told Business Standard. He said the Council was expected to decide on exempting the services in question from GST - aircraft lease rentals, maintenance, crew salaries, etc. These services are provided by foreign airlines to their Indian operations.

Cleaner Fuels Driving One-Fifth Of PVs Sold In India

Cleaner Fuels Driving One-Fifth Of PVs Sold In India

Rediff.com   18 Jun 2024

Auto manufacturers have focused on launching CNG variants of their popular models to meet consumer demand for vehicles with lower running costs.

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

Rediff.com   17 Jun 2024

Fresh plans of privatisation or divestment in central public sector enterprises and public sector banks might take a back seat this financial year because these may require a large consensus among coalition partners.

CBIC steps up vigil over imports of unbranded gold jewellery

CBIC steps up vigil over imports of unbranded gold jewellery

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2024

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has stepped up its watch on the import of unbranded gold jewellery amid a spurt in seizures on international borders and from importers. During FY24, the CBIC and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) jointly seized about 5 tonnes of gold, 30 per cent more than what they did in FY23. In FY23, 3.5 tonnes of gold was confiscated.

'Second-gen promoters more open to selling out'

'Second-gen promoters more open to selling out'

Rediff.com   6 Jun 2024

'There is not any negative connotation associated with it.'

GST Council's fitment committee likely to consider dropping 12% slab

GST Council's fitment committee likely to consider dropping 12% slab

Rediff.com   5 Jun 2024

The fitment committee under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, comprising central and state officials, has begun a rate rationalisation exercise afresh, checking the possibility of dropping some of the rates, particularly the 12 per cent slab, to achieve a revenue-neutral structure, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter

'Depending on the product, the pricing pressure will always be there'

'Depending on the product, the pricing pressure will always be there'

Rediff.com   3 Jun 2024

'That is a significant milestone for us and something we aspired for.'

New-Gen COVID Jabs Coming Soon...

New-Gen COVID Jabs Coming Soon...

Rediff.com   28 May 2024

India currently does not have any XBB 1.5 variant-based vaccines available.

Recharge Zones To Cool Clothing: Indian Companies' Summer Strategies

Recharge Zones To Cool Clothing: Indian Companies' Summer Strategies

Rediff.com   23 May 2024

Several firms are stepping up to help their workforce cope with soaring temperatures

Should Govt Continue Covid Vax Drive?

Should Govt Continue Covid Vax Drive?

Rediff.com   20 May 2024

India has covered enough population with vaccine and infection, but protein vaccines should remain available on payment basis for elderly and those with comorbidities.

M&M shifts to high gear with Rs 37K cr investments

M&M shifts to high gear with Rs 37K cr investments

Rediff.com   17 May 2024

Automotive (auto) major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), which is readying to launch nine sport utility vehicles (internal combustion engine/ICE), seven Born Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and seven light commercial vehicles by 2030, has outlined an investment of Rs 27,000 crore in its auto business between 2024-25 (FY25) and 2026-27 (FY27). Over the next three years, the company will deploy Rs 37,000 crore, including its auto business, farm business (Rs 5,000 crore), and service business (Rs 5,000 crore).

Gut Health Key To Prevent Chronic Illnesses

Gut Health Key To Prevent Chronic Illnesses

Rediff.com   24 Apr 2024

Maintaining the balance of gut microbiota is important as an imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, can cause or aggravate different diseases, including but not limited to digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, mental health issues like anxiety and depression and menstrual problems.

Zydus gets China nod for kidney disease drug

Zydus gets China nod for kidney disease drug

Rediff.com   24 Apr 2024

Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences said on Tuesday that a new drug application for its oral drug Desidustat used in treating anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients had been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration of China (NMPA). In 2020, CMS International Development and Management Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Medical System Holdings Ltd obtained an exclusive license for the product from Zydus. CKD involves a gradual loss of functioning of kidneys and eventually leads to kidney failure.

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Consumption story gets a facelift as rural demand shows promise

Rediff.com   16 Apr 2024

Consumer goods firms and auto companies are witnessing an upturn in rural demand, which had been lagging for most of FY24. Expectations of a bumper rabi crop harvest have helped turn the tide. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged last week, noting that as rural demand catches up, consumption is expected to support economic growth in 2024-25.

Nearly one in two luxury cars sold in March quarter was Mercedes Benz

Nearly one in two luxury cars sold in March quarter was Mercedes Benz

Rediff.com   12 Apr 2024

Nearly one in two luxury cars sold in India in the first three months of 2024 was a Mercedes Benz, which achieved its best ever quarter (January-March), selling 5,412 units, up 15 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) from 4,697 units in the previous year.

Why Drug Prices Won't Increase This Year

Why Drug Prices Won't Increase This Year

Rediff.com   5 Apr 2024

The government has been stringent with pricing changes. Prices of 651 essential medicines came down from April 1, 2023 by 6.73 per cent with the government capping ceiling prices of these drugs.

Why Hospital Stays Are Getting Shorter

Why Hospital Stays Are Getting Shorter

Rediff.com   3 Apr 2024

'Every hospital now tracks length of stay closely.' 'More efficiency is brought into the system now.'