E Merck India has registered a 22.4% jump in its net profits at Rs 6.39 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 1998, as against Rs 5.22 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Sales for the period rose by 15.22 per cent to touch Rs 66 crore compared with Rs 57.22 crore in the previous year. Other income for the period was Rs 80.98 lakh. Depreciation and provision for taxation stood at Rs 1.47 crore and Rs 3.21 crore respectively.

Atul Q1 profit up at Rs 12 cr:
Lalbhai group company Atul Ltd has registered higher net profit of Rs 12 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 1998, compared with Rs 8 crore in the previous corresponding period. Net sales at Rs 91 crore was lower than the previous year's Rs 98 crore. However, due to the sale of shares and other non operating income there is an increase in the cash profit from Rs 3 crore to Rs 19 crore. Managing director Sunil S Lalbhai said that the lower sales were due to thediscontinuance of production of certain products.

Ramp Network of US to invest $1 million:
The US-based Ramp Networks, provider of easy-to-use, fast Internet-access devices, would invest $1 million initially for expanding its network in the country, said Mahesh Veerina, Ram Network president and chief executive officer. He said another $3 million would also be invested in three years.

Price Waterhouse, Oracle tie up:
Price Waterhouse Coopers has entered into a strategic alliance with US-based Oracle Corporation for the development of network computing architecture. Oracle Asia Pacific managing director Soon Choo Loke said that Price Waterhouse Oracle centre of excellence would develop industry-specific solutions, including ERP Oracle Applications.

LML to launch catalytic converter:
LML will introduce catalytic convertor in its 150 cc range of scooters from next month to meet the year 2000 norms, a release stated. LML will commence the sale of `Supremo' fitted with acatalytic convertor in select metro towns. Over a period of time, all scooters will be fitted with convertor.

Kerala SCPB moves court against FACT: The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has initiated legal proceedings against the petrochemicals division of public sector Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd in Kochi for polluting the Periyar river leading to large-scale destruction of fish in the river.

`Italian Towers' to be set up in Delhi, Kerala:
The Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce is planning to set up an "Italian Tower" each in Delhi and Kerala which is meant to serve as a gateway for the Italian companies to invest in the country. The tower will house a business centre, convention centres, five-star hotels and co-ordinating offices of many of the major Italian companies and joint-venture companies in India and Italy.

Avon unveils fairness cream:
Avon has introduced a PT white fairness face cream and a PT white fairness hand and body lotion. PT 40, the principalingredient in both the products, is a licorice extract which hinders melanin production preventing darkening of skin.

`Energy-intensive sectors can save Rs 1,750 cr': Six energy-intensive sectors -- cement, textile, sugar, fertiliser (urea), glass & ceramics and paper -- which consume energy amounting to about Rs 14,500 crore per annum, can save up to Rs 1,750 crore by implementing low cost and capital intensive measures through information and experiencing sharing, said an ADB funded study.