July 7, 2010 in India News by R Biswas

7 Indian firms in Asia’s top 20 life science companies

According to the survey study conducted by life sciences journal BioSpectrum Asia, the information it revealed was that out of Asia’s top 20 life science companies, seven among it are Indian companies.

The seven Indian companies in the list are Ranbaxy Laboratories, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla, Cadila Healthcare, Lupin, Aurobindo Pharma and Sun Pharma.

The country bagged the second position leaving behind China, as overall revenue of 7 Indian companies was USD 21 billion and also the nation accounted for 19 per cent of the total revenues in Asia Pacific, according to the survey study. South Korea, Australia and Singapore followed India in terms of revenue.

In this survey study, general healthcare and equipment providers are excluded. The study said, the life sciences industry in Asia last year saw a growth of 3.4 per cent with overall revenue of USD 110.89 billion, with nearly half of the revenue which was almost USD 54.24 billion coming from the listed companies.

The study further declared that the publicly listed companies in the Asia Pacific region, excluding Japan grew at 24.03 per cent.

July 7, 2010 in India News by R Biswas

Chennai HC announces functioning of Holiday Courts from July 10

The Madras High Court has announced that ‘‘holiday courts’’ especially family court will function in the state from July 10 in regard to the tough situations faced by the working couples for getting a divorce, child custody dispute and maintenance cases on working days.

Chief Justice M Yusuf Eqbal had taken this issue for discussion at the meeting of Union law minister M Veerappa Moily with Chief Justices and law secretaries from south India on Sunday where a final decision was set which confirmed saying that these courts will address the needs of over 12,000 people involved in the lawsuit out of which many are employed fighting for a divorce, child custody and maintenance cases to be solved and received by the needy, in the three family courts in Chennai.

A statement received from the court said that the High Court considered taking this decision on grounds of pending cases pertaining to marriage conflicts in family courts in Chennai, and also having regard to the inconvenience caused to the people involved in the lawsuit who work in multinational companies and other organizations.

S Vimala, High Court registrar general said if it moves well on, the additional facility will also be extended to Sunday considering the left over three family courts situated in the mofussil areas in the city.

Union law minister M Veerappa Moily said he would introduce it at the national level also.

Vimala said the inauguration of the first holiday court in the nation is by the Chief Justice which is scheduled on July 10. She also said ‘‘Counselling can be done leisurely on holidays, and there will be no need for adjournments’’. Judges could preside over the courts by rotation initially and, if necessary ad hoc judges could be appointed, she added.