Corporate

Hamara Bajaj to fade into oblivion

Bajaj Auto, once known for its scooters which revolutionised the two-wheeler market in the country, today said it will exit the segment by the end of the fiscal to focus exclusively on motorcycles.

IIT faculty to accept new pay structure

The stand-off between the IIT faculty and the government over the "anomalies" in pay structure finally ended today with the teachers" body deciding to accept the new package in the "interest" of the institutes, but maintained that concerns still remain.

Bhushan Steel\'s Aussie takeover in fresh doubt

Bhushan Steel (Australia)’s acquisition of Australian coal and mineral exploration company, Bowen Energy, has hit the Australian Takeovers Panel hurdle, with the board ordering a re-valuation of the coal tenements held by Bowen.

Australia first advanced economy to lift rates since crisis

Australia today became the first advanced economy to raise interest rates since the global financial crisis and promised more rises to come, declaring the risk of recession over.

Cadbury rejects Kraft\'s takeover offer as too low

Calls it ‘unappealing prospect’ from a ‘low-growth’ conglomerate.

Stocks, commodities up as Australia raises rates

Stocks rose around the world and commodities rallied as Australia unexpectedly increased interest rates, the first Group of 20 nation (G-20) to do so since the recession began, amid evidence the recovery is gathering momentum.

ASEAN to be complete free trade area next yr

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be a complete free trade area next year and regionally integrated for its six most mature economies when duties on most of products are eliminated.

Slum reduction key to urban development: APSA

At a time when cities are looking at improving transport and residential properties for urban development, the Asian Planning Schools" Association (APSA) concluded on the first day of its 10th International Congress held at Centre for Environment Planning and Technology (CEPT) University that the key lies in reducing number of slums as well.

Global weakness drags down markets

The markets lost ground on Tuesday, after touching a one-month high, due to subdued global cues and nervousness surrounding the derivatives expiry.

Pyramid Saimira shareholders okay fund raising

Pyramid Saimira Theatre, which is engaged in entertainment business, today said it will raise Rs 500 crore by offering securities to foreign investors, qualified institutional buyers and promoters.

Bhupesh Bhandari: The new pharmaceutical order

- Bhupesh Bhandari: The basket case of Uttar Pradesh">Bhupesh Bhandari: The basket case of Uttar Pradesh - Bhupesh Bhandari: Headhunters feel hunted">Bhupesh Bhandari: Headhunters feel hunted - Bhupesh Bhandari: Are celebrities worth their price?">Bhupesh Bhandari: Are celebrities worth their price? - DCGI to issue CoPP & WHO certificates for export from October - Bhupesh Bhandari: Royal challenge">Bhupesh Bhandari: Royal challenge - Bhupesh Bhandari: Brand them into the dust">Bhupesh Bhandari: Brand them into the dust

Kingfisher rallies on GDR, rights issue plans

Kingfisher finally ended with gains of 7.2% or Rs 3.8 at Rs 57.25. Around 12.53 million shares changed hands on the counter today.

India Eco Summit: Kingfisher Airlines to raise $600 mn

Vijay Mallya-led Kingfisher Airlines is planning to raise up to $600 million (about Rs 3,000 crore) in the current fiscal to pay-off part of its debt.

Kingfisher aircraft overshoots runway; passengers safe

A Kingfisher Airlines ATR aircraft with 42 passengers and four crew onboard overshot the runway after it landed at Mumbai Airport today.

Natural gas fuelled aircraft completes six-hour flight

A Qatar Airways flight from London to Doha has become the first commercial passenger aircraft to fly on natural gas.

Kingfisher Airlines to raise up to Rs 500 cr through equity

Kingfisher Airlines, owned by UB Group, is planning to raise up to Rs 500 crore through issue of further share capital. Company officials indicate that this may be through a number of options including a follow-on public or rights issue.

FIPB to mull United Breweries\' proposal on July 24

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) will again consider a proposal of Vijay Mallya-promoted United Breweries Holdings (UBHL) to raise Rs 708 crore by issuing convertible equity warrants in its meeting to be held on July 24.

Riding the bottom

BA: British Airways has become one of those companies that is trapped in an endless restructuring. Over the years, the UK airline has undergone successive rounds of cost cuts. The need for yet more is as urgent ever. Sales fell 14 per cent in the first half of BA’s financial year, but costs were not removed fast enough to avert a record pre-tax loss of £292 million. And that was in the normally buoyant summer months.

Jindal Power files DRHP for Rs 7,200-crore IPO

Jindal Power Ltd, a part of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL), today said it plans to raise Rs 7,200 crore from its initial public offer (IPO).

Cues from Asian market, RBI worries drag Sensex

Markets opened weak this morning following cues from the Asian markets. The Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi’s) move against Reliance also dampened the sentiment. The stock slipped below the Rs 1,000-mark in early trades.

Kingfisher Airlines launches eight flights on international routes...

At a time when airline across the world is hit due to slowdown and Air India is facing its worst-ever crisis, Kingfisher Airlines today announced the launch of flights on eight international routes before the year-end.

UB will be world\'s No 1 spirits company next fiscal: Mallya

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya today said his UB Group will overtake Diageo as the world"s largest spirits maker by the next fiscal.

ICICI-First Data look at 500,000 PoS terminals by 2015

ICICI Merchant Services, the newly-formed joint venture (JV) between ICICI Bank and First Data Corporation (FDC), plans to expand its Point-of-sale (PoS) terminal network to 500,000 over the next five years, according to a senior FDC executive.

Axis Bank sweetens home loan offer

Upping the ante in the home loan war, the country’s third largest private sector lender Axis Bank today announced a sweetened fixed-cum-floating home loan offer.

Govt keeping watch on sugar prices: Sharma

Amidst sugar prices touching Rs 44 a kg in the retail market, the government today said it is keeping a watch on the prices.

\'Stimulus withdrawal will drive up car prices\'

Leading car makers are considering to raise prices of their vehicles across the board, if the government withdraws the excise duty benefit in the coming Budget. The benefit was given as part of a stimulus package in December 2008, following the onset of the global economic meltdown.

Sensex ends down 61pts

The Sensex has ended (provisional) at 17,340 - down 61 points.

M Govinda Rao: Regional development for inclusive growth

M Govinda Rao / New Delhi October 6, 2009, 0:21 IST

Hiring activity up 4.1% in September: Naukri JobSpeak

Hiring activity is finally gathering steam among the Indian corporates. The job index increased by 4.1 per cent in Septmeber 2009 as compared to August 09, said the findings of Naukri JobSpeak. On the three month moving average, the index inched up from 715 in August ’09 to 719 in September’09.

Universal Cables & IFGL Q2 results

Universal Cables Limited, belonging to the M P Birla group, has clocked in a net profit of Rs 6.95 crore for the quarter ended September 30, from a net loss of Rs 1.37 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Net sales were at Rs 130.11 crore against Rs 157.96 crore in the previous corresponding quarter. D R Bansal, chief executive officer, attributed this performance to the initiative of putting up a vertical continuous vulcanization line for the manufacture of XLPE cables up to 400 kV in technical collaboration with Furukawa Electric Co Ltd, Japan.

Royal Enfield launches Classic 500

After having launched the Classic 500 in European markets in 2008, Royal Enfield has launched the model Classic 500 in Chandigarh market as well. Shaji Koshy, Head, Sales and Marketing, Royal Enfield said that since the launch of Classic 500 model in European markets, there had been a besieged demand from Indian customers as well for this model. “In order to reach out to customers in India, Royal Enfield has introduced Classic 350 also in addition to Classic 500,” he added .The ex-showroom price of Classic 500 is Rs 1,24,000 while Classic 350 has been priced at Rs 98,000.

Maruti to drive out new Zen Estilo with KB-series engine

The country"s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has firmed up plans to roll out its small car Zen Estilo on August 25 which is equipped with the latest KB-series engines.

Range finder!

Jaguar-Land Rover cars are now officially here. We drive the Range Rover Sport to celebrate it ROHIN NAGRANI

\'We will report to UN on climate change every two years\'

Leslie D"Monte & Kirtika Suneja / New Delhi December 5, 2009, 0:15 IST

Balanced approach must on stimulus continuity: Pranab

Finance Minister Pranab Mulkerjee today said a balance has to be stuck on the issue of continuity of the stimulus packages.

2009 - Economy wins slowdown battle; loses against prices

India achieved the distinction of being the second-fastest growing economy amid the global recession in 2009, but the joy was marred by the decade"s sharpest rise in food prices to the chagrin of common man.

Mahindra to trump Ace with Maxximo

Will launch the one-tonne LCV at Delhi auto show on Jan 5.

Honda\'s global unveiling of new small car concept at Auto Expo

Japanese auto maker Honda today said it will hold the world premiere of the concept model of a new small car that has been developed keeping the Indian market in focus at the Auto Expo here next month.

SMEs take to tele-conferencing

IT services company Solutions Enterprise Pvt Ltd’s offices in Mumbai and Ahmedabad used to be connected with its partner companies in Britain over the Internet and a virtual private network (VPN). However, the quality of communication had always been poor.

Wheat sowing up on favourable climate

The area under wheat rose a marginal 2 per cent this year on favourable climatic conditions. Late monsoon left adequate moisture content in the soil that suited the wheat sowing for this rabi season.

\'One should not expect a blockbuster year\'

Rajesh Bhayani / Mumbai January 5, 2010, 0:06 IST

\'We will use Zandu\'s land bank within a year\'

Pradipta Mukherjee / Kolkata January 1, 2010, 1:43 IST

Bajaj rejigs portfolio, phases out two bikes in three months

Bajaj Auto, the country’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer, has quietly discontinued two of its flagship products in the past three months to make way for more expensive models.

Indian, Abu Dhabi investors looking to bid for British Land

A consortium of Indian and Abu Dhabi investors, which is believed to include steel czar Lakshmi Mittal, is planning to bid for UK property company British Land, says a media report.

HCL Info partners BSNL, Intel for WiMax-enabled devices

IT firm HCL Infosystems today announced its partnership with global chip maker Intel and state-run telecom operator BSNL to launch low-cost computing devices offering broadband wireless connectivity.

SAIL, Tata Steel, Bhushan, JSW hike prices

Steel companies SAIL, Tata Steel, Essar, Bhushan and JSW have hiked prices of their products by up to Rs 2,000 a tonne on the back of a rise in demand in the domestic market.

Huawei Tech announces SEI CMMi Ver 1.2 Level 5 certification

Huawei Technologies India, the largest overseas R&D centre of Huawei Technologies, today announced the achievement of SEI CMMi Ver 1.2 Level 5 certification.

Prosecutors knew since 2001 about Galleon seeking data

Galleon Group LLC, the hedge fund firm at the center of a $20-million insider trading prosecution, came to the attention of prosecutors by 2001 for allegedly soliciting internal data on Silicon Valley companies.

Thinksoft Global rises 31% on debut

Thinksoft Global Services, an IT solutions provider, closed with the highest premium among the new listings so far in the current financial year with its stocks closing at Rs 164.30 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Monday, up 31.44 per cent against the issue price of Rs 125.

Govt to impose hefty penalty on extra tobacco cultivation

The government will impose a hefty penalty of 15 per cent of sale proceeds if farmers produce more export quality tobacco than the quota allotted to them by the Tobacco Board for the current year.

Tata Steel invests Rs 5 cr on Keonjhar sports complex

Tata Steel has invested Rs five crore on developing the Dharani Dhar sports complex at Sankarpur in Keonjhar.

Car sales see record November surge

Fears of an imminent price rise, production spillovers owing to spare parts shortages plus a low base effect saw sales of the country"s major car makers grow a record 63 per cent in November.

As recession eases, US firms sniff opportunities in India

With the Indian economy showing signs of leaving the recession behind, companies from the US are once again making a beeline to the India shores scouting for opportunities. Companies from varied sectors are looking to test the waters with an investment in mind at a later stage. “Last year, things were rocky and very few trade delegations came to India. However in the last one and half months, things have turned around,”said Sandeep Mehra, committee member, Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Karnataka branch.

Maruti Suzuki sales surge 42% in August

Car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd today reported a 41.56 per cent jump in sales for August at 84,808 units.

SC issues notice to Guj govt on Jaswant\'s plea on book ban

The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Narendra Modi government on a petition filed by expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh challenging the order banning his controversial book on Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Gujarat.

Govt to announce uniform telecom licence fee

The government today said it will soon come out with a uniform and single licence fee for telecom service provider, which is currently between 6 and 10 per cent of the revenue of these companies.

\'Nuclear programmes to gain momentum with UPA back in power\'

The Indo-US nuclear deal and India"s subsequent entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), ending 34 years of nuclear isolation, has thrown open business opportunities worth an estimated $100 billion by the year 2032. The country is planning to increase its nuclear power generation by about 60,000 mega watts (Mw) within the next 25 years. This planned capacity addition is being executed by the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). Its head, Chairman and Managing Director SK JAIN, tells P B JAYAKUMAR about his plans and expectations. Excerpts:

Raj Oil Mills ends at marginal discount on debut

Raj Oil Mills finally settled at Rs 118 on the BSE today. The debutant touched an intra-day high of Rs 133, up 6.5% from its opening. The counter clocked a volume of over 17.3 million shares on the first day.

NLC, REC, Bajaj Hindusthan, Suven Life & Trent\'s Q1 result

NLC net rises marginally

Renuka Sugars acquires Brazil firm for Rs 1,112 cr

It is the first overseas acquisition by an Indian sugar company.

GTL Q2 net up 31% at Rs 50.22 cr

GTL today reported a 31 per cent growth in net profit at Rs 50.22 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. In the year-ago period, the company had a consolidated net profit of Rs 38.30 crore, GTL said in a filing to the BSE.

Bajaj Hindusthan cuts debt by Rs 710 cr

Sugar major Bajaj Hindusthan today said it has fully utilised Rs 710 crore raised by private placement of shares for repayment of its debt in accordance with the terms of the issue.

UP sugar mills declare bonus for cane growers

Will help state government breathe easy.

Maytas Infra bags Rs 790 cr road project

Infrastructure development firm Maytas Infra today said it has bagged an order worth Rs 790 crore from IL&FS Transportation Networks (ITNL) for road construction work.

Godrej Properties fixes IPO price band at Rs 490-530

Godrej Properties has fixed a price band of Rs 490-530 per equity share for its initial public offer, which is scheduled to open for subscription on December 9.

Nabard pumps in Rs 10,000 cr to refinance banks

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has pumped in Rs 10,000 crore till August to refinance banks, of the targeted Rs 33,500 crore, Nabard Chairman U C Sarangi said today.

IIT-M faculty begin nine day protest

The faculty of IIT-Madras began a nine-day protest here today against "delay" in implementing the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations and warned of intensifying the agitation if the government failed to take cognisance of their protest.

No data on Muslim employees in Central govt jobs: Khurshid

The government today said it does not maintain statistics of Muslim employees in Central government services but it has data for the five minority communities as a whole.

LS okays merger of State Bank of Saurashtra with SBI

The Lok Sabha today post facto put its seal on merger of the State Bank of Saurashtra (SBS) with State Bank of India (SBI) amid opposition from Left parties.

FMCG cos new mantra for modern retail growth

Driving consumption among middle and lower income consumers, collaboration between retailers and suppliers, understanding consumers is the mantra to grow modern retail in the coming days as the sector comes out of slowdown blues, say fast moving consumer companies (FMCG) and organised retail chains.

Asian stocks fall on stimulus concern, UBS loss

Asian stocks fell, led by banks and developers, as UBS reported a wider-than-estimated loss amid investor concern that the withdrawal of stimulus measures will cause the global recovery to falter.

India Eco Summit: Kingfisher Airlines to raise $600 mn

Vijay Mallya-led Kingfisher Airlines is planning to raise up to $600 million (about Rs 3,000 crore) in the current fiscal to pay-off part of its debt.

India Eco Summit: Infosys BPO to hire 2,000 by FY10-end

Infosys BPO, the back-office unit of IT firm Infosys Technologies, today said it would hire 1,500-2,000 people by the end of the current fiscal.

India Eco Summit: Pfizer to launch another product in India

World"s largest drug maker Pfizer today said it is in the process of bringing in synergies in operation with Wyeth, which it acquired in January this year, and will launch one more product by the end of this fiscal.

IFC to promote PPP in healthcare

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank group, will work with the Andhra Pradesh government to enable three public hospitals in Kurnool, Vishakhapatnam, and Warangal to offer advanced diagnostics services like dialysis to low and middle income people.

Natco Pharma, Apollo Hospitals, Sundram Fasteners & Emami Q2 result

Natco Pharma net up 13%

Even if retired, keep some money in equity

I am a retired army pensioner and have deposited all my savings in bank fixed deposits. But I am losing a considerable amount on account of TDS, which the bank deducts on the interest payments. Currently, I want to invest Rs 1 lakh in some debt fund with a horizon period of one year. Please suggest some good mutual funds which can yield more income than bank fixed deposits and be tax friendly. Being retired, I cannot go for equity schemes.

IOB net dips 51% to Rs 176 cr

Indian Overseas Bank today reported 51 per cent decline in its net profit at Rs 176.04 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2009.

FII-TO-FII TRADES: PNB traded at 8% premium

Trades between FIIs generated a volume of Rs 38 crore on the BSE Tuesday-an decrease of 38.84% from Rs 62 crore clocked on Monday. As many as six stocks witnessed trades of 7.71 lakh shares on Tuesday.

IIPHG to introduce course in emergency mgmt

The Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), which launched a one-year diploma course in public health management for government servants a year ago, is now planning to introduce a postgraduate programme in emergency management.

Hike in SLR not to have significant impact, say top bankers

Bankers today said that the increase in the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) limit would not impact the liquidity in the banking system in any significant manner.

GST to subsume central excise, VAT among other levies

Various central levies such as excise, value added tax and service tax are proposed to be subsumed in the the Goods and Services Tax (GST), making it a lot easier for the business and industry.

Fiscal deficit till Aug at 45.5% of full-year target

India"s fiscal deficit touched 45.5 per cent of the full-year estimate in the first five months of the current fiscal.

\'Separate index for primary, manufactured items better\'

With wholesale price inflation not reflecting true picture of food prices, the government today justified the introduction of separate index numbers for primary products and manufacturing items, saying the new mechanism give better reflection of price movements.

Markets pare gains on rising inflation

A spike in the inflation numbers took its toll on the indices. The Sensex ended at 17,097, lower by 21 points and the Nifty closed at 5105, down 11 points. The FMCG, banking and consumer durables pack had a poor day.

LAP it up

Progressive global cuisine, molecular gastronomy, nameless dishes. This one is truly exclusive.

Markets in green; Bharti bucks trend

The Sensex after rebounding into green touched a high of 17,226, and is now up 77 points at 17,196. The NSE Nifty is up 15 points at 5,132.

Mobile banking transaction cap up at Rs 50,000/day

Responding to banks’ petitions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the transaction limit for mobile banking to Rs 50,0000 a day.

Mid-year review for urgent action to deal with high prices

A mid-year review of the economy by the government today stressed the need for urgent action to contain the rising prices of food articles, hitting the common man hard.

Symbol for rupee in final lap

Panel shortlists five candidates, decision on winning entry in January.

Spring in winter

Business Standard / New Delhi December 21, 2009, 0:39 IST

Now, govt set to impose tax on perks

Salaried employees may burn a hole in their pockets with the government all set to impose tax on all perks --residential accommodation, conveyance and others -- paid for by the company, under a new law that replaces the already abolished Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).

Re-engaging with the world

Sunil Jain / New Delhi January 01, 2010, 0:35 IST

7-8% yield not dangerous: Chakrabarty

Current market fluctuations in bonds yields were not dangerous, and a 10-year yield of 7-8 per cent was not uncomfortable, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty said today.

BRIC to become economic leader in new decade: Goldman

A new decade started in the year 2010 will witness a radical re-distribution of forces in the world economy.

Ramesh to begin talks on Bt brinjal in January

Amid growing opposition to the human consumption of genetically-modified brinjal, also referred to as Bt brinjal, in various quarters, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh will travel across the country in January to hold consultations.

The quick and the dead

Global economy: The New Year brings a new agenda. In 2009, as the blue emergency lights flashed, extreme policy-making was permitted: anything to avert depression and deflation. But now recovery has arrived and anything goes won’t be enough to keep markets happy.

Sugar stocks jump as prices touch record high

Shree Renuka Sugars ended at Rs 229, up by Rs 7 or 3.3%, on the BSE. Over 4.07 lakh shares have changed hands at the counter. The stock hit a high of Rs 230 and a low of Rs 223 during the day.

Ten US varsities tie up with IDP to lure Indian students to US

In a bid to attract more Indian students to the US, ten universities from the US have collaborated with IDP Education, a student placement service provider.

US fund house exits ONGC over Sudan investments

US fund house TIAA-CREF has exited Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and other Chinese energy companies over their investments in war-torn Sudan, but the Indian company said its operations did not support suppressive activities anywhere in the world.

Abu Dhabi would come to Dubai's rescue, says economist

Concerns about Dubai’s potentially crippling default on enormous debts to global creditors have rattled investor confidence across the oil-exporting Gulf region but Abu Dhabi will come to the rescue, says a leading economist in the region.

Dubai concerns not to impact India: Sharma

Notwithstanding the UAE being India"s top destination for exports, the government today put up a brave face stating financial concerns in Dubai would not impact the Indian economy and the country"s real estate sector.

India Inc takes the sale route to beat crisis

After many denials and protracted bargaining with several buyers, pharma major Wockhardt sold 10 of its hospitals to Fortis last week. The hospitals sale came within two months of the company selling its German business Esparma for an undisclosed amount.

Sebi seeks action against RIL in share issue case

Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has asked the government to consider appropriate action against Reliance Industries (RIL) for allegedly routing funds to dummy companies for buying large quantity of its shares in the year 2000.

Retail recovery still some time away

The retail sector in Kolkata has adopted a wait and watch situation with retailers still wary of what lies ahead. What started as a big set-back for the retail industry in end-2008 with several malls and retailers shutting shop, the year 2009 was particularly bad for the industry with several cancellations of booked spaces and deferment of sanctioned projects.

Hero Electric to start exports to Lat Am, Europe by FY10 end

Two-wheeler maker Hero Electric today said it will start exporting its scooters to Latin America and Europe by the end of this fiscal and is looking for distributors in these regions.

Mangala oilfield output reaches 1 mn barrels

Cairn India, which began production from the world class Mangala oilfield in Rajasthan in late August, has reached 1 million barrels of oil output from the nation"s most prolofic onland field.

ONGC picks up stake in South Pars field; to develop Farsi bloc

In a major breakthrough, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) today signed agreements to pick up stake in a giant gas field and an LNG plant in Iran, which also awarded the rights to develop a gas discovery it made in the Persian Gulf two years ago.

Government requests SC Bench to avoid interpreting PSC

The government today requested the Supreme Court Bench adjudicating the gas dispute between Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and Reliance Natural Resources Ltd (RNRL) to avoid making any interpretation of the production sharing contract (PSC).

ONGC, partners to invest over Rs 46,000 cr in Iran

Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and its partners will invest over Rs 46,000 crore (about $10 billion , based on current exchange rate) in two giant gas fields and an LNG project in Iran, Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Seifollah Jashnsaz said.

RIL\'s Jamnagar refineries to buy Cairn crude

Cairn India, which started pumping crude oil from its Mangala field in Barmer (Rajasthan) this August, has entered into an agreement with Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) for supplying it to the latter’s Jamnagar refineries. Cairn is likely to supply seven consignments of 200,000 barrels each to RIL during the current financial year, said an informed source. The first consignment will reach Jamnagar by end-November. The company had sold its first cargo of 208,000 barrels to Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals last month and it will deliver two more cargoes this month.

HPCL to pump Rs 6,900 cr in diesel production facilities

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) will invest Rs 6,900 crore to upgrade its diesel quality to Euro III and IV.

India proposes to invest $6.5 bn in Iran gas fields

India today proposed to invest $6.5 billion to develop gas fields in Iran and sought more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from that country.

Exports decline, but in single-digits

The country’s merchandise exports continued their southward march, falling 6.6 per cent to $13.19 billion (over Rs 61,500 crore) in October, against $14.1 billion (Rs 65,775 crore) in the same month last year, when it declined by more than 12 per cent over 2007-08.

CWG infra, stadia to be ready in time: Gill

Allaying fears of delay in preparation for the Commonwealth Games 2010, Government today assured Rajya Sabha that all state-of-the-art stadia and infrastructure will be completed in time and security steps taken to ensure that the mega event is incident-free.

\'Ready to talk to anyone on Kashmir\'

In a fresh initiative, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed the Centre’s willingness to “talk to anyone” having “meaningful ideas” to promote peace in Jammu and Kashmir and offered to resume dialogue with Pakistan provided it curbed activities of those engaged in terrorism in India.

Singapore exchange may lose edge in Nifty futures

The share of SGX Nifty has risen from 2% in March to 5.9%.

An Open Letter to the American People...

Nobel Laureates / October 11, 2009, 0:06 IST

A V Rajwade: Financial regulation - The US model

A V Rajwade / New Delhi September 26, 2009, 0:41 IST

BAG Films board approves raising $30mn

Delhi-based BAG Films and Media, a media and entertainment company, today stated that its board has apporved the raising of upto $ 30 million (about Rs 141 crore) through global depository receipts (GDR) or foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCB) or any other security in the international market.

WEEKLY UPDATE: Markets make a strong statement on positive cues

The markets were propelled this week by good economic data, the central government"s reforms agenda and strong global markets. The Sensex ended higher by 690.55 points or 4.27% at 16,848.83 and the Nifty closed at 4,998.95, up 202.80 points or 4.23%.

Mahindra Satyam down 7% on L&T\'s stake sale

Mahindra Satyam slipped to a low of Rs 109 and finally ended at Rs 110, down around 7%. The counter witnessed trades of 46.44 million shares on the BSE as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 7.23 million shares.

Govt to soon resolve FDI norms in Indian banks

The issue concerning foreign ownership in Indian banks is currently under discussion among the finance ministry, commerce and industry ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is likely to be resolved soon.

Orissa Governer stresses on ethics in professional education

There is a need to include ethics and morals in the curriculum of engineering and management education, M C Bhandare, the Orissa governor said here at the Fifth Annual Convocation of KIIT University.

FIIs infuse Rs 24,800 cr in Dec quarter

The Indian stock markets witnessed a net inflow of Rs 24,800 crore from overseas investors during December quarter in the current financial year.

Shell rules out more capital investment in India

Energy firm Shell today ruled out huge capital investments in India and said it would rather improve upon on its competitiveness in the market.

Insurers to take Rs 140-cr hit for IOC fire

Insurers are likely to take a hit of up to Rs 140 crore from the recent fire accident at the IOC marketing plant near Jaipur. The plant was insured for Rs 238 crore by ICICI Lombard as the lead insurer, while Oriental Insurance had the second-largest share, followed by Iffco Tokio and National Insurance with 10-15 per cent stake each.

3 Idiots set to rake in Rs 65 cr in first 3 days

3 Idiots has passed the cinegoer’s test with flying colours. The Aamir Khan-starrer raked in Rs 12.5 crore on Friday. Experts estimate the movie to net Rs 40 crore over the first weekend from the box office, with gross collections of Rs 65 crore. Khan’s last release, Ghajini, earned around Rs 40 crore net in the first four days, since the movie released on a Thursday. Aamir Khan said: “The response is huge, we are still gathering the enormity of opening collections. To match Ghajini’s opening day collections is something, to surpass Ghajini is completely overwhelming.”

Cos plan to raise Rs 50K cr in 2010

Domestic companies are expected to embark on a mega fund raising spree this year with plans to raise over Rs 50,000 crore by way of public offers, driven by the sharp recovery in the stock market.

Khan versus Khan

Dish TV’s new campaign presents Shahrukh in a new avatar to take on Tata Sky’s Aamir

Gas row: RIL, RNRL oppose shareholder plea in SC

Mukesh Ambani Group firm Reliance Industries (RIL) and Anil Ambani"s Reliance Natural Resources (RNRL) today joined hands to oppose the plea of a shareholder in both the companies to be made party in their ongoing dispute in the Supreme Court over the gas price to be supplied from the KG basin.

World\'s fastest train link starts operation in China

China today started operation on its fastest rail link in the world with a high-speed train connecting the modern cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan at an average speed of 350 kilometres an hour.

OVL joins hands with Petronas, Raspol for Venezuela fields

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has replaced Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) with Repsol YPF SA, Spain’s biggest oil company, and Malaysia’s Petronas to bid for Venezuelan oil blocks next month.

Acquisition cost of Bollywood films falls 30-60%

Broadcasters are increasingly opting for non-exclusive rights of films this year.

3Idiots may pinch as producer seeks higher ticket prices

The Aamir Khan-starrer 3Idiots is the most-awaited Bollywoood film of 2009. Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra is banking on this to bargain for an exceptionally good financial deal.

Allegation that FBI working on co\'s case false: Citi

Troubled financial services firm Citigroup has said that any allegation that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is working on a case involving breach of the company"s systems resulting in millions of dollars losses is false.

Haryana to seek higher funds under JNNURM

Haryana Finance Minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav has directed the financial commissioner and principal secretary, urban local bodies, that the matter could be taken with the Government of India to increase the allocations under JNNURM and Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT). The finance minister was reviewing the progress of central sponsored schemes with the officers of finance, public health and urban local bodies department. These schemes were being launched in the state for the welfare of all sections of society.

Sunil Sethi: The difficulty of being Khan

Sunil Sethi / New Delhi August 22, 2009, 0:04 IST

Kingfisher to raise $600 mn, mostly to pay off debt

Kingfisher Airlines is planning to raise around $600 million worth of funds in the current financial year to pay off its debt and strengthen its bottom line, in the backdrop of a turbulent time for the country’s aviation industry.

Vanita Kohli-Khandekar: The chorus against content

Vanita Kohli-Khandekar / New Delhi November 10, 2009, 0:55 IST

2009: Vulgar salaries \'out\', austerity \'in\'

"Vulgar" salaries became a sore thumb in 2009 and everyone from CEOs to office assistants felt the pinch of the economic downturn, but Indians still managed a worldwide-best average six per cent hike in their pay.

CIL against use of Jamuria coal bed for Videocon plant

The Videocon Group’s move to set up a 3-million-tonne-per-annum steel plant and a 1,200-Mw power project over a patch of coal-bearing area at Jamuria, near Asansol (West Bengal), has been opposed by state-owned Coal India Limited (CIL), the world’s single-largest coal miner.

GST to reduce tax burden on industrial sector

The implementation of goods and services tax (GST) from next financial year will result in the reduction of tax burden for the industrial sector and make it more competitive, a senior official said today.

Mercedes sales dwindle in Punjab

The sales of luxury car maker Mercedes Benz have dwindled in Punjab and Chandigarh this year, primarily due to short supply.

ICICI Bank to go local in Singapore soon

The largest private sector lender ICICI Bank can soon operate as a local bank in Singapore, following an in-principal approval from the city-state.

Tighter security at N-plants

More CCTV surveillance and tighter security norms are likely to prevail in nuclear installations across India after “an act of mischief” in the Kaiga nuclear plant in Karnataka, almost 500 km from Bangalore, left 50 scientists exposed to radiation.

Cleaner environment processes can\'t be dodged

Post Copenhagen, Indian exporters are more likely to face non-tariff barriers on the grounds of environment. The commerce ministry needs to identify potential areas of conflicts and put in place a mechanism to respond to them.

Govt to take up $2.97 bn loan with World Bank chief

The government today said a proposal for $2.97 billion loan from the World Bank has been formulated and the same will be taken up with the President of the bank visiting India shortly.

All-weather roads jack up rural income up to 100%: World Bank

All-weather roads in the villages of the country has doubled the income of rural households, raised literacy rate by 10 per cent, and appreciated land prices by up to 80 per cent, says the World Bank. “In 2000, about 40 per cent of India’s 825,000 villages lacked all-weather roads ...with access to roads, incomes have soared.

Infy sets up domestic BPO operation

India’s second-largest IT services firm, Infosys Technologies, has set up a separate unit within its business process outsourcing arm (Infosys BPO) to concentrate solely on the domestic BPO market.

Ranbaxy gets nod to sell Ran-Simvastatin tablets in Canada

Ranbaxy Laboratories, received the final approval in Canada to manufacture and market Ran-Simvastatin tablets from Health Canada, Therapeutic Products Directorate. The total generic market size of Simvastatin tablets in Canada is $CAD153 million.

MNP to hit big firms: Analysts

May lose high-revenue-yielding subscribers; but users to benefit.

SC notice to Trai, RCom, Tata Tele, Vodafone others

The Supreme Court has issued notice to 11 parties, including Trai, Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices, Vodafone Essar, on a petition by state-run BSNL challenging removal of Access Deficit Charge (ADC), a levy paid by private telecom operators for funding the PSU"s operations in rural and remote areas.

RCom forays into handset distribution biz

Reliance Webstore, the retail arm of Reliance Communications, today said it has forayed into handset distribution and plans to have a network of 10,000 outlets across the country in the next three years.

India can\'t handle high fiscal deficit for long: Mukherjee

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that India will not be able to sustain high fiscal deficit in the long run, but he did not give any timeframe for withdrawing the stimulus measures that inflated the deficit.

Tata Tele adds 3.3 mn mobile users in Nov

Telecom operator Tata Teleservices (TTSL) today said its subscriber addition in November at 3.3 million is the highest for the fourth time in a row among all service providers, including GSM operators.

Kamineni group to set up hospitals in Andhra Pradesh

City-based Kamineni Hospitals today said it would set up a chain of hospitals across Andhra Pradesh under a Rs 300 crore-expansion plan in the next two to four years.

India can become a global pharma innovation hub: experts

India has the potential to emerge as a global innovation hub and the US"s collabortion with Indian pharma and health companies will not only help the two countries, but also entire world, eminent experts and industry leaders said.


News of the day
Lunch with BS: Neville Tuli
Kishore Singh / New Delhi November 3, 2009, 0:30 IST
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