Sohini Das, Shine Jacob And Sanket Koul

Stories by Sohini Das, Shine Jacob And Sanket Koul

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.

Aditya-L1 fires up funding prospects for pvt space cos

Aditya-L1 fires up funding prospects for pvt space cos

Rediff.com   4 Sep 2023

The successful launch of Aditya-L1 - the country's maiden mission to study the Sun - is expected to garner increased investor interest in the Indian space sector and trigger more funding for private players. Several private sector players, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T), MTAR Technologies, and Ananth Technologies, have played a pivotal role in the Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro's) solar observatory mission. Aditya-L1 on Saturday set off on a 125-day journey on a PSLV-C57 rocket, in its attempt to study various elements relating to the nearest star from the halo orbit around Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from Earth.

From hatchbacks to holidays, consumers ready to loosen purse strings

From hatchbacks to holidays, consumers ready to loosen purse strings

Rediff.com   1 Sep 2023

With Onam and Raksha Bandhan just around the corner, the festival season is ready to kick off in full swing. As people embrace the celebratory spirit, companies anticipate a surge in sales this year. Consumer durables firms are expecting strong growth of 40-50 per cent in the premium segment during the upcoming season. Appliance makers also foresee increased demand for cooling appliances - refrigerators and air conditioners - which were impacted by unseasonal rainfall.

47,000 Luxury Cars To Be Sold This Year!

47,000 Luxury Cars To Be Sold This Year!

Rediff.com   28 Aug 2023

After a brief lull during the pandemic, there is a strong revival in luxury car sales, bolstered by more launches across price bands, replacement demand, ban on old diesel vehicles in the NCR, and 'revenge buying'.

Why All Is Not Well In Bharat Gears Family

Why All Is Not Well In Bharat Gears Family

Rediff.com   26 Aug 2023

The sons learned that they had been completely disinherited and that Surinder Kanwar's new wife would inherit everything.

'Power shifts to chemists instead of doctors'

'Power shifts to chemists instead of doctors'

Rediff.com   22 Aug 2023

'Whichever company offers better incentives, the chemist would prefer it.'

Hyundai global boss pushes electric vehicle credentials on India visit

Hyundai global boss pushes electric vehicle credentials on India visit

Rediff.com   9 Aug 2023

Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is vigorously aiming to establish a robust presence in India's electric vehicle (EV) segment through the introduction of new models and the establishment of charging stations under Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) and Kia India. Euisun Chung, executive chairman of HMG, who is currently visiting India, urged both companies to deliver products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations on time, thus driving the achievement of these growth targets. The group is strategically working to elevate Kia's market share from the current 6.7 per cent to an impressive 10 per cent in India in the near future.

Why Dolo, Saridon, Calpol Will Have QR Codes

Why Dolo, Saridon, Calpol Will Have QR Codes

Rediff.com   8 Aug 2023

The top 300 pharmaceutical brands in the country will now bear a quick response (QR) code on their packaging to rein in spurious drugs and ensure better traceability.

India poised to become export hub for Citroen

India poised to become export hub for Citroen

Rediff.com   7 Aug 2023

French carmaker Citroen will launch its C3 Aircross Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in India by October, and is betting big on exports from India to markets like South Africa, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Nepal, a top company executive told Business Standard. Citroen, which sold 6,000 units through Citron C3 and C5 Aircross SUV, is likely to double its sales during the current year, as it has already sold 6,000 units of Citron C3 and eC3 electric vehicles during the first six months. "We are going to start bookings for the C3 Aircross SUV in September and launch it in October. Price will be at the heart of the midsize SUV market," said Saurabh Vatsa, Citroen India branch head.

Big pharma firms shift tack, look to bet on trade generics as volumes dip

Big pharma firms shift tack, look to bet on trade generics as volumes dip

Rediff.com   7 Aug 2023

Trade generic drugs (medicines that are sold directly through distributors) are fast becoming a key segment for domestic pharma firms as volume growth slows in the overall market. Big companies like Cipla and Alkem have a significant presence in the segment but recently, players like Torrent Pharmaceuticals and Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) have also entered this market. What is driving big pharma's focus on trade generics? The volume growth in the Indian Pharma Market (IPM) has come down from 5.6 per cent in FY16 to 0.1 per cent in FY23.

Dev Joshi Is Ready To Go To Space

Dev Joshi Is Ready To Go To Space

Rediff.com   2 Aug 2023

'We hear about Chanda Mama from our childhood.' 'I am excited by the idea of seeing it with my eyes.'

Foxconn unit in talks for $200 million components plant in Tamil Nadu

Foxconn unit in talks for $200 million components plant in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com   28 Jul 2023

Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group, the subsidiary of Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii), is in talks with the Tamil Nadu government to invest around $200 million to set up an electronic components unit in the state. According to a Reuters report, FII, which makes communication, mobile network and cloud computing equipment, has shared the plan with the Tamil Nadu state officials. Business Standard had reported last week that Fii's chief executive officer (CEO) Brand Cheng met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce TRB Rajaa.