Apollo Hspitals declares 25% dividend: Apollo Hospitals has declared a 25 per cent dividend for 1997-98, on increased net profits of Rs 8.59 crore (Rs 7.29 crore). Hospital income grew to Rs 85.9 crore from Rs 72.9 crore the previous year. The percentage of overall income (including other income) grew by 16.65 per cent. The company had spent Rs 7 crore for putting up additional beds at its cancer-treatment facility inChennai and 120 beds at its super-speciality facility in Madurai.

Easun Reyrolle to pay out 22.5% dividend: Easun Reyrolle has recommended a 22.5 per cent dividend (including 12.5 per cent) for 1997-98. This is payable on the expanded capital base after a 1:1 bonus issue made during the year and translates to 45 per cent of the equity capital prior to the bonus issue. Due to a general slowdown in the electrical industry, the company's income stood at Rs 31.27 crore for 1997-98, lower by Rs 4.85 crore in the previous year. The company's gross profit after interest but before depreciation and taxation was Rs 7.9 crore, compared with Rs 8.17 crore the previous year. Net profit was at Rs 4.84 crore (Rs 5.58 crore).

Cadila Healthcare launches new drug: Cadila Healthcare of the Zydus group has launched an anti-hypertensive branded Losacar (losartan). Losacar, the company claims, is the first orally effective angiotensin-II receptor blocker clinically tested and available in India. Angiotensin-IIis among the most powerful blood pressure-raising substances made by the human body. Cadila has synthesised the drug right from the basic stage and offers a 50 mg heart shaped tablet at just Rs 7 compared with a price tag of Rs 70 for international brands. Losartan is registered in 74 countries.

Finolex Cables board to meet on June 24: The board of directors of Finolex Cables Ltd will meet on June 24, to take on record the audited financial results for the year ended March 31, 1998.

C-Dac unveils software package: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-Dac) has announced the launch of a new software package -- "GIST-SDK" -- the Indian language application development tool for Windows 95/NT. The package will be made available from June 26.

Subex Systems, Eftia sign pact: Subex Systems Ltd, a Bangalore-based company operating in the software and telecom business segments, has entered into a long-term contract with Eftia OSS Solutions Inc of Canada to set up an exclusivesoftware development centre in the garden city. The centre will develop telecom software solutions for the customers of Eftia located in North America and Europe.

Committee condemns move to close down NTC, BIC mills: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of textile workers has condemned a reported move by the central government to close down several National Textile Corporation (NTC) and British India Corporation (BIC) mills.