Vrishti Beniwal, Sanjeeb Mukherjee And Shine Jacob

Stories by Vrishti Beniwal, Sanjeeb Mukherjee And Shine Jacob

Tamil Nadu pulling out all stops for investor meet

Tamil Nadu pulling out all stops for investor meet

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2024

Tamil Nadu is leaving no stone unturned in marketing its upcoming global investors meeting on January 7 and 8. While business veterans are promoting the positives of the state's industrial climate through the 'Titans of Tamil Nadu" campaign, the state is narrating the human stories behind its robust industrial growth via the 'One Trillion Dreams' campaign. Among the industry bigwigs, who are showcasing Tamil Nadu to the world through this mega marketing initiative include Venu Srinivasan of TVS Motor Company, K M Mammen of MRF Ltd, Pratap Reddy of Apollo Hospitals, P R Venketrama Raja of Ramco Group, Mallika Srinivasan of TAFE; and Vellayan Subbiah of Murugappa Group.

Insurance claims drop 30-35% during Chennai floods compared to 2015

Insurance claims drop 30-35% during Chennai floods compared to 2015

Rediff.com   1 Jan 2024

Yet another first week of December brought familiar scenes of rain, storm, flooding, power outages, and fallen trees. When Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc, leading to the heaviest rainfall in 47 years in the city, residents of Chennai drew parallels to the devastating floods of 2015. However, initial data on insurance claims suggests that the impact this time may portray a more optimistic scenario.

Are hospitals ready to handle Covid surge?

Are hospitals ready to handle Covid surge?

Rediff.com   26 Dec 2023

Larger hospitals are not worried about a spike in cases, as they are now accustomed to converting ICUs and general wards into negative pressure zones or isolation rooms. For smaller hospitals, the task is tedious.

Inequality a relative concept; absolute poverty India's urgent concern: CEA

Inequality a relative concept; absolute poverty India's urgent concern: CEA

Rediff.com   22 Dec 2023

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran considers absolute poverty a more direct and pressing concern for India. He argues that inequality is a relative concept. Simultaneously, with formerly economically deprived sections joining the ranks of the middle class, policy attention needs to extend beyond 'roti, kapda, makaan' to keep the growth engine up and running.

AI makes mark in drug discovery in India; start-up Peptris raises $1 mn

AI makes mark in drug discovery in India; start-up Peptris raises $1 mn

Rediff.com   21 Dec 2023

The process of discovering and developing a new drug can take decades and costs hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. However, technological advances like artificial intelligence can help speed up and transform the time-consuming and labor-intensive exercise. In India, Peptris Technologies, a Bangalore-based AI drug discovery company, has announced $1 million in pre-seed round investment led by Speciale Invest.

Polls Over, BJP, Congress Faced With MSP Hike Promise

Polls Over, BJP, Congress Faced With MSP Hike Promise

Rediff.com   7 Dec 2023

If states have to fall in line with MSPs declared by political parties, they will have to do so in violation of central order or bear the full expense of the surplus procured at above MSP rates.

'People Love Diesel SUVs'

'People Love Diesel SUVs'

Rediff.com   4 Dec 2023

'SUV is a very intensely fought category, unlike hatchbacks and cars.'

'It's a tough job to sell life insurance to people'

'It's a tough job to sell life insurance to people'

Rediff.com   2 Dec 2023

'We are expected to grow at above 28 per cent this year, higher than the industry.'

Will Power Decide Telangana Victor?

Will Power Decide Telangana Victor?

Rediff.com   29 Nov 2023

24x7 power supply to farmers emerges as a political lightning rod in the state.

Can KCR Score A Hat-Trick?

Can KCR Score A Hat-Trick?

Rediff.com   28 Nov 2023

Experts foresee possible scenarios: A BRS government with less majority, a BRS government with BJP and AIMIM support, or a Congress government.

From Godrej to Tata, India Inc begins breaking the diversity mould

From Godrej to Tata, India Inc begins breaking the diversity mould

Rediff.com   27 Nov 2023

In a move towards gender inclusion, Tamil Nadu has partnered Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) to offer a 5 per cent job reservation for LGBTQAI+ and people with disabilities at GCPL's upcoming fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing unit in Thiruporur in Chengalpattu district. According to industry experts and activists, while companies acknowledge transgender communities, this is the first time the entire spectrum of gender minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity), asexual and intersex, is receiving such a notable share of job participation in the private sector while signing memoranda of understanding with states.

Want To Buy A Car? Juicy Offers Coming!

Want To Buy A Car? Juicy Offers Coming!

Rediff.com   27 Nov 2023

'Nearly all companies are extending festival offers for entry-level, sedan, and hatchback segments.'

'Growth during the second half should be good'

'Growth during the second half should be good'

Rediff.com   12 Nov 2023

'With NPA under control, we should be able to post better profits.'

What's taking the sheen off Sivakasi's firecracker sales?

What's taking the sheen off Sivakasi's firecracker sales?

Rediff.com   30 Oct 2023

A complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi until January 1, the government's refusal to grant licences for sales in Karnataka, and restrictions in the Noida region are adversely affecting the business of manufacturers in Tamil Nadu's Sivakasi, which produces over 90 per cent of India's fireworks. According to industry players, demand has decreased by 20 per cent compared to last year. Moreover, the ban on the use of barium nitrate and the manufacturing and sale of joint fireworks is also impacting demand.

Demand For Choppers Soar As Elections Near

Demand For Choppers Soar As Elections Near

Rediff.com   30 Oct 2023

In the months to come, the skies above promise to be a captivating theatre of action, where helicopters play starring roles, ferrying leaders, and echoing the pulse of democracy.

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

Demand, supply mismatch pushing up vegetable inflation frequently

Demand, supply mismatch pushing up vegetable inflation frequently

Rediff.com   24 Oct 2023

Higher growth in vegetable demand relative to supply in the recent past has led to an upward trend in inflation, with spikes becoming more frequent. A study by rating agency Crisil found that vegetable inflation has been the most volatile in the food category, in fact. Inflation volatility is detrimental for both consumers and farmers and also sidetracks policymakers in the short term, necessitating frequent and repeated price-smoothing measures.

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.

20% export duty woes: Parboiled rice exports fall over 80% in a month

20% export duty woes: Parboiled rice exports fall over 80% in a month

Rediff.com   9 Oct 2023

The government's decision to impose a 20 per cent export duty on parboiled rice and a $1,200 per tonne minimum export price (MEP) on basmati rice has pulled down overseas shipments of the former by almost 83 per cent and around 30 per cent of basmati exports in a month. Data sourced from various trade agencies and shippers showed that between August 25 and September 20, export of basmati rice has shrunk from 342,605 tonnes in 2022 to around 241,083 tonnes in 2023. Similarly, export of parboiled rice, after the imposition of 20 per cent duty during the same period, has dropped from 1.16 million tonnes in 2022 to just around 204,190 tonnes in 2023.