New Delhi: India's garment exports maintained its winning run in January to post a 15 per cent growth in volume and a 17 per cent growth in value over the same period last year. Data released by Apparel Export Promotion Council (APEC) showed garment exports increased in January this year to 1,495 lakh pieces to fetch 552.8 million dollars.

This was against 1,297 lakh pieces, valued at 469.8million dollars in January last year.

The growth comes soon after India exported a record 5.05 billion worth garments in 1998, registering a four per cent growth.

The exports in January were buoyed by a 38.34 per cent growth in volume and 27.57 per cent rise in value of shipments to the US. A total of 327 lakh pieces valued at 169.95 million dollars were shipped to Washington in January against 234 lakh pieces worth 132.5 million dollars during January 1998.

Exports to the European Union increased by 14.65 per cent in volume and 13.44 per cent in value during the period.

ONGCboard

BARODA: The board of directors of Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has passed a resolution lowering the age of retirement from 60 years to 58 years, the ONGC'S director (personnel), Joharilal said. The resolution would be sent to the government, he said. At least 2008 officers and employees of ONGC have opted for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) , he said.

LIC health policy

New Delhi: The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) will launch a new health insurance plan "Jeeven Asha-II" tomorrow promoting regular health check-ups and cover for emergency surgeries for certain diseases. The new open ended scheme with periodical payments is open to those in the age group between 18-50 years for 15, 20 and 25 years.