Kolkata: Cement maker Birla Corp. Ltd got resolutions carried at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday with 87% votes, according to a spokesperson for the company. A section of shareholders demanded poll on eight of the nine resolutions; the one on payment of dividend was spared.

The company’s AGM, which was to take place on 23 June, was adjourned because of a court order. The order was later called “illegal” and dismissed by the Calcutta High Court. Birla Corp. is at the centre of a legal battle between the Birla family and Harsh V. Lodha, the company’s chairman, over succession and control of the estate of Madhav Prasad and Priyamvada Birla. Priyamvada Birla gave away the estate, including Birla Corp. — the flagship company — to R.S. Lodha, Harsh Lodha’s father, when she died in 2004. The Birla family has since been disputing Priyamvada Birla’s will saying that the entire estate was given irrevocably to charity. R.S. Lodha died in 2008. Harsh Lodha has since been in control of the estate.

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GE to design cheaper PET/CT scan machine

Hyderabad: GE Healthcare is designing a PET/CT scan machine that would be about 40% cheaper than those made abroad.

The company has recruited 1,200 engineers in Bangalore and will invest about $15 million (Rs70 crore) to build the system, being designed specifically for India, the company said at a media briefing on Tuesday.

GE Healthcare also announced a partnership with Hyderabad-based hospital chain Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) to open 10 cancer diagnosis and treatment centers in villages over the next 2-3 years, at a cost of Rs200 crore.

The centers will offer services at 25% lower fees than the prevailing prices.

GE Healthcare will be technology adviser and KIMS will bring in the money and medical expertise.

—Priyanka Pulla