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Reliance Insurance launches 17 ULIPs

Reliance Life Insurance has launched 17 new unit-linked plans to cater to individuals of all age groups.

HLCC to step into Irda, Sebi tiff over Ulips

To also discuss Swarup panel’s suggestions on financial stability.

Star Allied may rope in ally to shore up capital base

The company faced solvency margin issues recently.

13th Finance panel submits report on tax receipts

The 13th Finance Commission today submitted its report to President Pratibha Patil on devolution of central tax receipts between the Union and the state governments.

Nuke deal, Pak, terrorism on agenda as PM meets Obama

Implementation of the landmark civil nuclear deal, the situation in Pakistan and terrorism emanating from there would be high on the agenda as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama meet here tomorrow for talks during which they are expected to give a major push to the Indo-US strategic ties.

ING Life aims 15% growth in new biz premiums

Aiming to break even in the next three years, ING Life is targeting a 15 per cent increase in its new business premiums, a top company official today said.

Nalco hikes prices by Rs 3,500 a tonne

State-run National Aluminium Company (Nalco) today increased prices of aluminium by Rs 3,500 a tonne, a second hike for the prevailing month, citing improvement in the metals rate at the London Metal Exchange (LME).

When big is big

Scale has always fascinated Paresh Maity, but now he’s experimenting with newer genres in paintings and sculpture.

Satyam\'s Nipuna deals \'concealed\' facts

Raju and associates ‘forged board resolutions’ to secure loans.

Mutual fund investors caught in NoC muddle

The Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi’s) move to ban entry load on mutual funds (MFs), in spite of being an investor-friendly step, has created a problem for smaller investors.

ArcelorMittal issues $750mn convertible bonds

Global steel giant ArcelorMittal today said it has raised $750 million (Rs 3,500 crore) through issue of convertible bonds by its wholly-owned arm based here.

Ambani gas row: Govt must approve suitable arrangement

The government today asserted in the Supreme Court that any suitable arrangement between the Ambani brothers for the supply of gas from K G Basin has to be approved by it keeping the national interest paramount.

Gas row: RIL counters RNRL\'s claim on MoU approval

Mukesh Ambani group firm Reliance Industries (RIL) today told the Supreme Court that its directors have filed the affidavits in the gas row to counter Anil Ambani"s contention that the family MoU was approved by the RIL board.

DoT refers Loop case back to MCA despite clean chit

The Department of Telecom (DoT) is planning to refer the alleged violation in the substantial equity condition by Loop Telecom and Vodafone-Essar by virtue of the Essar group companies holding equity in both the companies to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) once again.

JSPL Angul project Phase-I to go on stream in 2011-12

The first phase of the Naveen Jindal-promoted Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL)’s proposed 6 million tonne per annum (mtpa) steel project and 1000 Mw power plant at Angul in Orissa is expected to be commissioned in 2011-12.

Essar considers selling unit stakes

Move to be part of a global expansion plan

Govt revises air quality norms; uniform std for all areas

In a major move to check air pollution, the government today revised its norms, putting in place uniform standards for residential and industrial areas.

Govt defers Pepsico\'s $200 mn investment proposal

The government has deferred a decision on Pepsico India Holding"s proposal to invest $200 million (about Rs 930 crore) in the next three years.

Cong MP on hunger strike for united AP

Congress MP L Rajagopal, who had threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike to oppose division of Andhra Pradesh, today began his fast here.

DTH operators want a stronger association

Complaining of high taxation and inability to lobby effectively before government agencies, Direct-to-Home (DTH) television companies have called for strengthening the DTH Operators Association of India (DOAI), the apex body of all DTH operators.

NEWSALERT: Dish TV Q1 net loss at Rs 69.2 cr

Dish Tv India, an Essel Group Company, reported a net loss of Rs 69.2 crore for the quarter ended June 30. 2009. Its net sales have gone up from Rs 246.3 crore from Rs 164.5 crore.

JLR acquisition a terrific decision: Ratan Tata

Tata Group Chief Ratan Tata today termed the buyout of Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) as a "terrific decision" and hoped to bring back glory for the luxury brands.

Correction to stay on course

The Sensex and the Nifty closed in the red on Friday on profit-booking in technology stocks and lack of interest in other pivotals at current levels. The trading volume on the F&O segment remained lackluster as the Nifty provided little scope for trading since it moved in a tight range of 20-30 points on Friday.

Bharati Shipyard up 5%

The stock gained 5 per cent to Rs 233, after the foreign institutional investors purchased 1.12 per cent stake in the company from open market for Rs 7.08 crore.

Displaced tribals be compensated, says Manmohan

The government today admitted its failure in dealing with the losses suffered by tribals in land acquisition for various projects, but said one solution was that tribals must benefit from the projects for which they had been displaced.

RBI gives banks relief on bad debt provision

Allows inclusion of technical write-offs while calculating provision coverage ratio.

Punjab govt to announce its new Agro Industrial Policy-2009

The Punjab government would soon announce its new Agro Industrial Policy-2009 which would be implemented through its nodal agency – Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Ltd (PAIC) to achieve the goal of rapid industrialisation in the field of agriculture and agro-processing.

Need to enhance investment in agri-sector: Pawar

The government today said there is a need to enhance investment in the agriculture sector to achieve 4 per cent growth during 11th Five Year Plan.

Pune Metro on track but several roadblocks ahead

The much awaited Pune Metro rail project has inched forward with the civic body approving the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to be forwarded to Maharashtra and Central government for its clearance.

Undisbursed loans may lead to rate war, even if RBI tightens

Contrary to popular perception on interest rate movement, expected to head north following a likely central bank action on monetary tightening, banks may actually end by cutting rates in the below-prime lending rate region for at least their corporate clients.

Dabur net up 27.04%

The consolidated net profit of fast moving consumer goods company Dabur India increased 27.04 per cent in the quarter ending December 31, 2009. It stood at Rs 137.77 crore in the third quarter against Rs 108.45 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. Net sales, on the other hand, saw a slower pace of growth, moving up 18.25 per cent only, to touch Rs 926.18 crore in the third quarter against Rs 778.65 crore in the corresponding period last year.

BSNL-MTNL merger best option for both, says Kuldeep Goyal

May look at VRS later

Tata Power Q1 PAT up 98% at Rs 377 cr

Decrease in fuel prices in the Mumbai licence area pulled down Tata Power"s revenues in Q1 FY10 to Rs 2,015.62 crore as against Rs 2,026.13 crore.

Whirlpool India reports 13% growth in Q1

Whirpool of India, a leading home appliance company, reported its quarterly earnings with an growth of 13.1 per cent in the first quarter of financial year 2009-2010.

Pramod Jain threatens to move court against Golden Tobacco EGM

A minority shareholder of Golden Tobacco Pramod Jain, who has made an open offer for additional 25 per cent stake in the firm, today said he will seek court injunction against holding extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) on January 18.

FIIs net buy Rs 516cr, DIIs net sell Rs 472cr

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of Rs 516.10 crore (provisional) today, according to data released by BSE.

Advertisers stump BCCI on sponsorship

The Men in Blue haven’t quite got a thumbs up from advertisers for the team’s sponsorship, with virtually no takers for forms that are up for sale to bid for the sponsorship of the Indian cricket team till this evening. Sale of forms closed today and tomorrow is the last date for bids.

ITC open to raising stake up to 25% in EIH

Following reports that the cigarettes-to-hospitality major, ITC, could make a hostile bid to increase its stake in EIH, which runs the Oberoi hotel chain, ITC Chairman Y C Deveshwar today asserted that his company could even raise its stake up to 25 per cent in EIH.

Hopeful signs for averting port and dock workers\' strike

Port and Dock workers’ unions call for a nationwide strike after December 15 to protest at lack of wage revision may be averted, as the port authorities have expressed willingness to hold talks before the end of this month.

Rajaratnam started firm with ex-McKinsey chief

Raj Rajaratnam, the billionaire hedge-fund manager accused of insider trading, started an investment firm in 2006 with partners including Rajat Gupta, former head of McKinsey & Co, and Mark Schwartz, ex-chairman of Goldman Sachs Group Inc’s Asia business.

Tata docomo extends per second billing to roaming

Tata Docomo, the GSM mobile service of Tata Teleservices, has extended its per-second billing plan to roaming services. Its subscribers would be charged one paisa per second for outgoing and incoming calls while roaming, effective tomorrow.

BSNL to buy equipment from Huawei

Displays no eagerness on DoT suggestion to retender.

BSNL places order with Huawei for expansion; no fresh bids

State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) today said it has placed purchase order for mobile equipment for 20 million GSM lines for the south zone with Chinese firm Huawei and will not call for any fresh bids.

JSW Energy fixes issue price for at Rs 100

Private sector power producer JSW Energy has fixed the issue price of its public offer at Rs 100 per share, at the lower end of its price band.

Bharti\'s share in Singtel Q2 profit rises 26%

Singapore"s leading telecom firm SingTel today said contribution of Bharti Airtel, in which the company holds nearly 32 per cent stake, to its profit rose by 26 per cent to 236 million Singapore dollars (around $170 million) for the July-September quarter.

ITI surges 11%

The stock jumped 11 per cent to Rs 50.65, after the government approved a proposal under which the telecom equipment manufacturer will continue to get orders for 30 per cent of the product requirement of BSNL and MTNL.

Twitter buys location tracking entity Mixer Labs

Famed micro-blogging site Twitter has acquired location tracking firm Mixer Labs for an undisclosed amount.

J\'khand polls: JVM(P) gets highest winning percentage

Among all the political parties in Jharkhand, former chief minister Babulal Marandi"s Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (Prajatantrik) scored the highest winning percentage.

McLeod Russel ends negative, down 1%

The stock erased all its gains and slipped to a low of Rs 256. The scrip finally ended at Rs 259, down 1% from its previous close. The counter clocked volumes of 344,566 shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 145,286 shares on the BSE.

The treatment

YouTube movies: Google is taking YouTube to Hollywood. The film business might help address the internet video site’s biggest problem – it loses money. Sure, it generates huge amounts of traffic. But it costs serious money to set up and run the server-farms that allow anyone anywhere to watch that adorable cat play the piano. And advertising revenues have been in short supply.

Kadak hai?

To really understand the power of execution, you need to be in the East Stand of Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium, when India is playing an opponent like Australia in a one day international. Every time Sachin Tendulkar touches the ball, an electric current passes through 60,000 spectators who let out a humungous roar of excitement. It is a zing that almost physically tries to reach out and touch this diminutive teacher’s son. A man who realizes a million dreams as he sends the ball scorching across the ropes.

The party line

French governance:  The press release reads like a statement from the politburo of a Soviet-era communist dictatorship: the ruling elite’s decision to back the great leader was “unanimousâ€ь. That’s the way it goes at Veolia, where directors of the French environment services group have bowed down to the wishes of the chairman and chief executive, Henri Proglio.

HCL Infosystems to raise Rs 847 cr via warrants issue, QIP

IT company HCL Infosystems today said it will raise funds to the tune of Rs 847 crore by private placement of shares with qualified buyers and issuing warrants.

BSNL getting MNP network ready to lure mobile users of rivals

In a bid to attract subscribers of rival companies, state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) is gearing up to start mobile number portability (MNP) services as soon as telecom regulator Trai issues tariff structure.

Security drive post 26/11 loses momentum

Industry experts and surveillance equipment vendors agree the government has woken up but insist there should be more action.

Amir, Katrina most downloaded celebs on mobiles in India

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and actress Katrina Kaif are the most downloaded celebrities by Indian mobiles users, a new survey says.

CAT 2009 will not be scrapped, says CAT committee

This year"s computerised Common Admission Test (CAT), which was marred by technical glitches, will not be scrapped, the exam committee announced today.

Ambani gas row dominates SC in 2009

2009 saw a high-voltage legal battle between the Ambani brothers over the gas dispute reaching the Supreme Court with a judge withdrawing from the bench.

Making banking mobile

Business Standard / New Delhi December 03, 2009, 1:34 IST

Ambani Gas row: Family MoU sacrosanct, RNRL tells SC

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Natural Resources (RNRL) today asserted in the Supreme Court that family MoU of 2005 was a "sacrosanct" document for resolving the gas row with Mukesh Ambani group Reliance Industries (RIL) and accused it of scuttling efforts to arrive at a bankable agreement for the supply of gas from KG Basin.

India Inc\'s global shopping bag shrinks to 4-yr low: Dealogic

India Inc"s overseas shopping spree has dipped to a four-year low of $27.3 billion so far this year, but a possible acquisition of LyondellBasell by Reliance Industries (RIL) would be one of the largest ever by an Indian company, according to deal tracking firm Dealogic.

BEL mulls foray into nuclear power space

Defence PSU Bharat Electronics, which is restructuring its businesses, is planning to enter the nuclear power space, designing and manufacturing instruments.

We are not trying for a monopoly: HAL chairman

State-owned defence and aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said today that it was not trying to monopolise the aerospace sector in the country.

Provogue wears a new attitude

Apart from a new brand ambassador, the apparel maker has gone in for aggressive store expansionProvogue has done it again. It has switched its brand ambassador, this time from Saif Ali Khan to Hrithik Roshan, for its new campaign. The brand needed the buzz as much for its new line as for ensuring that its aggressive store expansion drive matches the growth of curious consumers.

China denies reports of diverting Brahmaputra: Govt

The government today said that China has denied reports suggesting it was planning to divert the course of the Brahmaputra river.

Ban on entry load: Funds raise upfront fees, trail commissions

With entry load on all mutual funds banned from August 1, fund houses are finding different ways to pay distributors for promoting their schemes.

RBI governor allays concerns over capital inflows

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today allyed concerns about capital inflows building an asset bubble and said it is keeping a vigil on these.

Vanita Kohli-Khandekar: Making media child-friendly

Though I have been an avid consumer of all sorts of media, I never seriously looked at them from a child’s perspective. Now, with a five- month baby who is fascinated by any screen or newspaper, I have started wondering about his media choices as he grows up. Currently all he thinks of is eating the newspaper or the screen. But eventually these will form the fodder for his mind, as all media does. So what is the appropriate age for him to watch TV? What should he watch? When can he watch films, what kind of films, what books should one allow him to read?

MNP to be delayed; DoT calls meeting tomorrow

Mobile telephone subscribers would have to wait a little longer to change their service provider without changing their numbers. The introduction of mobile number portability (MNP) across the country would be delayed by about two to three months, as some of the operators are not ready, said a senior official of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).

BSNL loses market share by half in three yrs

Defending BSNL"s massive loss in market share to just 16.71 per cent now from over 31 per cent in 2006-07, the government today said it was mainly due to fierce competition and not due to managerial reasons.

Capital crunch? India Inc raises over Rs 1,50,000 cr in 2009

Companies knocking on government doors for bailout funds may have been the norm in the West, but India Inc begged to differ from this rule by raising over Rs 1,50,000 crore of capital for expansion from investors across the world in 2009.

Structured deals likely to be main driver for PE funds

At a time when deal flows in private equity remains muted, structured deals are being seen as the most prominent form of deal making, going forward.

Jet\'s domestic passenger traffic rises 33% in Nov

Jet Airways restructuring exercised started last year resulted in a 33 per cent increase in its domestic passenger traffic last month as compared to November 2008. The airlines international passenger traffic also registered a 19 per cent growth on a seat factor of 81.9 per cent.

Equity market harvest seen at new high

Companies plan to benefit from the high inflow of foreign funds.

TCIL starts process to exit from Bharti Hexacom

Having failed to get returns on its Rs 100-crore investment in Bharti Hexacom, state-run TCIL today started the process to sell its 30 per cent stake in the JV by inviting investment bankers to work out the valuation.

Vodafone looks to list Indian arm

CEO seeks changes in regulatory regime

Vodafone looks to list Indian arm

CEO seeks changes in regulatory regime

Sebi well within rights to act against RIL: MCA

The government has said that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) was empowered to take action against Reliance Industries (RIL) if a probe established irregularities in share allotment by the company in 2000, and wanted to know what exactly the market regulator expected from it.

PM may discuss freeing auto fuel prices on Jan 13

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may deliberate on freeing auto fuel prices when he reviews the financial health of state-run oil firms with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Oil Minister Murli Deora on January 13.

L N Mittal to gain 1 bn pound on carbon credits

Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal will get a 1 billion pound windfall from a European scheme to curb global warming under the "carbon credits" given to it.

PNB to raise Rs 700 cr via bonds issue

Public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) today said it will raise Rs 700 crore by issues of bonds.

Bharati, ABG get Sebi nod for open offer

Bharati Shipyard and ABG Shipyard have got the market regulator’s nod for their open offer bids to buy additional stake in Great Offshore.

CLB allows Maytas Infra to finalise Q2 results by Dec \'09

Crisis-hit Maytas Infra today said the Company Law Board (CLB) had allowed the company to report its accounts for the quarter ended September by December 31.

RIL\'s bonus shares to trade on bourses from tomorrow

Reliance Industries (RIL), today said the bonus shares allotted by the company last month have been listed on stock exchanges and will be traded from tomorrow.

Singur rail coach factory hinges on land solution

The Railway Board is likely to utilise the undisputed 600 acres for setting-up a coach factory at Singur, the erstwhile site for the Nano project.

Janta Roadways launches taxi service in Chennai

Janta Roadways, a Chennai-based logistics services provider in the car transportation segment, launched its luxury taxi service in the city on Tuesday. The service will cover Greater Chennai, which includes Sriperumbudur.

Govt to issue oil bonds worth Rs 10,300 cr to IOC, BPCL, HPCL

The government may issue Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Rs 10,300 crore worth of oil bonds this week to compensate these companies for the losses they have incurred on fuel sales in last fiscal.

Persistent sets up CoE for Android platform applications

Persistent Systems, providing software product development services, set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) around the Android open mobile platform.

UTI MF revises exit load

UTI Mutual Fund would revise the exit load for 18 schemes from Monday, the fund house said on Friday, amending the scheme’s offer document.

CIL to import 4 million tonnes coal for NTPC

The country"s largest coal miner Coal India (CIL) will import 4 million tonnes of coal for state-run power company NTPC.

REC eyes 26% stake in coal mines, merchant power plants

The state-run Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), which finances rural power projects in the country, is keen to pick up 26 per cent stake in coal mines and merchant power plants.

Haldia Petro may get Rs 310 cr for fire losses

Haldia Petrochemicals may get Rs 310 crore insurance claim for a fire that engulfed a part of the mother plant on July 2 this year.

India Eco Summit: Jubilant Organosys to invest Rs 250 cr

Drug maker Jubilant Organosys today said it has earmarked Rs 250 crore for its capacity expansion plans in the current fiscal.

Oil slick

Business Standard / New Delhi July 3, 2009, 0:54 IST

Essar, Shell extend talks on refineries\' sale

Exclusive talks between Essar Oil and Royal Dutch Shell over the sale of three European refineries — Heide and Harburg in Germany and Stanlow in Britain — will continue for an unspecified period beyond today’s earlier deadline, Essar Oil said in an emailed statement.

ONGC pressured into scaling up investment in Rajasthan

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has bowed to the diktat of the Petroleum Ministry and approved higher investment in Cairn India"s Rajasthan oilfields.

\'Bottom-up market ripe for investors\'

In the final interview in the current series of Smart Portfolios, Phani Sekhar, fund manager, PMS, Angel broking talks about his investing strategy, sectors he is bullish on and how investors should approach the market.

Pvt oil firms seek freeing of fuel prices

Private oil firms, Reliance Industries and Essar, along with Royal Dutch Shell, today pitched for freeing of petrol and diesel prices to give consumers a choice.

Reliance, Essar, Shell for freeing petrol, diesel prices

With global oil rates stabilising at around $70-80, Reliance Industries, Essar Oil and Royal Dutch/Shell today joined the chorus for freeing petrol and diesel prices to give private sector a level playing field as also lower government"s subsidy burden.

Letters: Metro-man

Shyamal Majumdar’s “Game Changers” (Dec 28) did a good job talking of the Indians who have changed the last decade, and predictably the list begins with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and contains the Ambani brothers, LN Mittal and even golden oldies like Amitabh Bachchan. Majumdar’s list, however, is incomplete without mentioning people such as E Sreedharan, the chief of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). At a time when everyone associated the public sector with poorly executed projects, Sreedharan proved them wrong and gave the Capital a world-class Metro that is the envy of many. All of this, it is important to keep in mind, was executed within the government system as well as with public sector salaries.

AI may review ground handling JV if SATS goes for stake sale

Air India (AI) may review its ground handling joint venture agreement with Singapore Air Terminal Services (SATS) if the latter diluted its stake to another firm in that country, sources said.

Normal life paralysed as TRS chief\'s health deteriorates

Normal life was paralysed for the second consecutive day in Telangana as violent demonstrations rocked the region in support of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president, K Chandrasekhar Rao, whose fast-unto-death entered ninth day on Monday.

Hyderabad civic polls peaceful

The first elections to the Greater Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad, formed by merging 12 surrounding municipalities in April 2007, ended on a peaceful note and polled 42 per cent. Counting will be held on November 26.

Sonia, Raj hold poll rally in Nashik

Within a gap of seven hours, two high-profile but diametrically opposite campaigns in this city set the tone for the coming Maharashtra Assembly elections. While Congress President Sonia Gandhi pitched for an inclusive growth with greater emphasis on poorer and backward section, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s high-decibel slogans catered only for the ‘Marathi issue’.

Aditi Phadnis: Fired and brimstone

Aditi Phadnis / New Delhi August 22, 2009, 0:00 IST

Dubai crisis to hit 200,000 Indians

About 200,000 Indians will be affected due to the Dubai crisis wherein real estate and construction sectors have taken a major hit, according to Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) past president Anil K Agarwal.

Cognizant on recruitment drive

The US-software major Cognizant Technology Solutions today offered job offers for 700 students from Anna University. Last year the company offered 1,000 jobs and 500 a year before.

Analysts' corner

GAIL

Cognizant signs R&D pact with Invensys Rail

IT, consulting and business process outsourcing services company, Cognizant Technology Solutions, on Wednesday signed an initial five-year, multi-million contract with UK-based railway control and communications systems provider Invensys Rail to serve the global product research and development (R&D) needs of its group companies located in the UK, Australia, Spain and the US.

Cognizant acquires US consultancy firm

Nasdaq listed IT company Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp today announced the acquisition of Pepperweed Advisors, the IT consulting services division of US-based Pepperweed Consulting, for an undisclosed sum.

Pension regulator hardsells new scheme

The Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) is taking ing various measures to increase the number of subscribers under its New Pension Scheme (NPS). It is in discussions with the General Insurance Council, various industry bodies and companies to offer the plan to their employees. Under the recent deal between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the pension regulator, all new recruits of banks will join the defined contribution system from April 1, 2010. Already 20 nationalised and 12 private sector banks have joined the new system.

SEC shares info with CBI on Satyam scam probe

A three-member team of United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), America"s federal agency to regulate the securities industry in that country, exchanged information with the CBI probing into the multi-crore accounting scam at Satyam Computer here.

Life insurers log 53% rise in first premium income

The insurance sector is making a strong comeback. Buoyed by a steep rise in sale of single premium policies, the industry clocked a 53.25 per cent rise in November.

No termination of Alliance Airlines\' cabin crew: minister

The cabin crew of Alliance Airlines will not be terminated though its Boeing aircraft will be used as freighters, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel informed Rajya Sabha today.

Where do I begin?

“What does the consumer want? What does the market want?”

Surjit S Bhalla: India\'s Shining Decade

Surjit S Bhalla / New Delhi December 26, 2009, 0:41 IST

Postal dept to end FY10 with Rs 5,632 cr deficit: Govt

The government today said the postal department is expected to have a deficit of Rs 5,632.46 crore in the current fiscal, which has increased substantially over the past few years following implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

On the way: cable TV without any wire

In what may become a revolution in entertainment, accessing television via cable, IPTV or interactive DTH services is soon going to be via wireless, on the lines of a wi-fi internet connectivity.

Intel in talks with ITI for WiMAX joint venture

Huawei, Samsung, Alcatel-Lucent, Hitachi may also bid.

Deutsche Postbank Home Finance posts 29% growth H1 net

Deutsche Postbank Home Finance, a 100 per cent MNC housing finance company, has posted 28.77 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 30.16 crore during the first half year ended September 30, 2009 as compared to Rs 23.42 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Dish TV posts Q2 oss of Rs 56 cr

Direct-to-home service provider Dish TV today reported a net loss of Rs 56.13 crore for the second quarter ended September, narrowing down from its loss of Rs 154.11 crore of the year ago period.

Shyam Ponappa: Managing spectrum

Shyam Ponappa / New Delhi November 5, 2009, 0:50 IST

Mamata \'setting\' agenda for Bengal govt

Despite being in the Opposition in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress chief and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee is ‘setting’ the agenda for the state government.

Mamata\'s rail chugs along with hiccups

It was not a smooth ride in 2009 for the Railways which was hit by accidents, derailments and hijacking of the prestigious Rajdhani train.

Govt to take considerate view of per-sec billing model: Pilot

The government will take a considerate view of the telecom regulator Trai"s proposal to bill customers based on per second usage instead of the prevailing pulse system, Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot today said.

Analysts\' corner

ADANI POWER

Cong MP escapes from hospital; police searching for him

Police are on the lookout for Congress MP L Rajagopal, who escaped from a city hospital where he was admitted after being brought from a hunger strike site over the Telangana issue.

F&O OUTLOOK: Correction to stay on course

The Sensex and the Nifty closed in the red on Friday on profit-booking in technology stocks and lack of interest in other pivotals at current levels. The trading volume on the F&O segment remained lackluster as the Nifty provided little scope for trading since it moved in a tight range of 20-30 points on Friday.

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.

Tata, M&M now take Indian trucks global

You have to rub your eyes hard to believe the Tata Prima and Mahindra Navistar trucks can rival the best that Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Scania have to offer. Their stylish cabs, with the multitude of buttons and gizmos and quality fittings, make you feel you are in a European truck. But then again, both have been developed by Indian manufacturers to rival the best the world has to offer and beat these in markets outside India as well.

Asian markets have a dismal day

The Asian markets succumbed to selling pressure to end on the lower side.

Weakness persists

The bears seem to have the upperhand for the last hour or so. The Sensex is now down 100 points at 17,601. The Nifty is down 26 points at 5,255.

Ohio woos TCS as US states press India for jobs

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland is quick to admit that he doesn’t “particularly enjoy heights”. So why would he climb into a cherry picker to be lifted 40 feet in the air?

India Inc eyes Sri Lanka for projects

A host of Indian companies are planning to develop projects across sectors in the island nation of Sri Lanka.

Kalam advises Isro, Nasa on Chandrayaan-II

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and US space agency Nasa should deploy surface robotic penetrator in "Chandrayaan-II" mission to study more about the presence of water molecules on moon, former President APJ Abdul Kalam has suggested.

Impromptu Telangana protest outside North Block, 21 detained

Nine MLAs and an MP from Andhra Pradesh are among 21 protestors taken into preventive custody today when about 100 activists gathered at high-security North Block violating prohibitory orders, as a meeting on Telengana issue was being held in the Home Ministry.

Bandh paralyses life in non-Telangana regions of AP

Normal life was disrupted in non-Telangana regions of Andhra Pradesh, as the bandh called by the All party Joint Action Committee (JAC) in support of United Andhra Pradesh began today.

Surinder Sud: Flower power

A new body seeks to integrate scattered R&D to meet the needs of a growing export and domestic market.

Andhra to come out with solar policy soon

Andhra Pradesh will soon evolve a policy to encourage the solar energy industry. This will complement the to-be- announced Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, a dedicated national policy for solar energy that outlines 20 giga watt of solar generation by 2020, said chief minister K Rosaiah.

Punjab MLAs enter into scuffle

MLAs of Punjab’s ruling Akali Dal and Opposition Congress on Tuesday entered into a scuffle in the Assembly over the recent violence in Ludhiana. The scuffle started when Congress legislators moved towards deputy chief minister and home minister Sukhbir Singh Badal when he was replying to a call-attention motion on the state’s law and order situation.

Muslim MLAs demand Amar Singh\'s expulsion

A group of Muslim MLAs of the Samajwadi Party today demanded expulsion of senior leader Amar Singh from the party, accusing him of damaging the interests of the organisation.

Suzlon: Some breeze, finally

The order win by Suzlon’s subsidiary, REpower, to deliver 954 Mw of wind-power equipment is its largest ever onshore deal.

Subir Roy: A governance structure for IITs

Subir Roy / New Delhi September 30, 2009, 0:32 IST

Handset maker Coolpad plans R&D unit in India

Coolpad Communications, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed China Wireless Technologies that manufactures dual handsets, is planning an R&D unit in India by 2011. The company will decide on the exact location in India where the proposed R&D centre will be located towards the end of 2010, Coolpad’s managing director Sami Al-Lawati said here on Tuesday.

PC market recovery led by emerging mkts like India: Lenovo

The global PC market is on the recovery path led by emerging markets, including India and China, a top official of PC maker Lenevo said.

Suzlon inks 42 MW contract with Australian firm

Suzlon Energy, one of the leading wind turbine makers, has entered into an agreement with Australia"s Infigen Energy to provide 20 units of wind power generators aggregating to a capacity of 42 MW.

Markets volatile, recover from red

The markets have recover after slipping into negative terrain for the second time since morning trades. The NSE Nifty is now at 4,535, up eight points.

Markets volatile, recover from red

The markets have recover after slipping into negative terrain for the second time since morning trades. The NSE Nifty is now at 4,535, up eight points.

Markets sideways; Nifty up 22pts

The markets are now exhibiting sideways movement, after initial volatility.

Pension regulator hardsells new scheme

The Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) is taking ing various measures to increase the number of subscribers under its New Pension Scheme (NPS). It is in discussions with the General Insurance Council, various industry bodies and companies to offer the plan to their employees. Under the recent deal between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the pension regulator, all new recruits of banks will join the defined contribution system from April 1, 2010. Already 20 nationalised and 12 private sector banks have joined the new system.

Major pvt airlines owe Rs 274 cr to AAI

Government today said the major private domestic airlines owed over Rs 274 crore to the Airports Authority of India for availing its services.

AAI raised Rs 380 cr this year; fares to remain unchanged

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) raised Rs 380 crore till September this year through short loans for funding various development projects but the borrowings will not lead to increase in passenger fares, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Semiconductor revenues expected to rebound in \'10

Semiconductor revenues in 2010 are expected to bounce back to the same levels as in 2008 at $255 billion, analyst firm Gartner said in its latest outlook.

Size does matter, sometimes

All offer documents of fund houses run a mandatory declaration: “Mutual funds are subject to market risk. Read the offer document carefully before investing.” But ‘market risk’ per se is not all that the investor should be worrying about, especially those who are investing in an existing fund.

Effective data processing to help firms improve ops

At a time when most enterprises around the globe are seeing an explosion in the volumes of their digital events, the management of the data with effective event processing mechanism is the need of the hour, says research firm Gartner.

REpower\'s H1 net profit rises 21.5%

REpower, the German subsidiary of Suzlon Energy, has posted a 21.5 per cent increase in net profit at ¤17.5 million (Rs 121.9 crore) for the first half of 2009-10, from ¤14.4 million (Rs 100.3 crore) in the previous year, thanks to its healthy order book position.

Reliance Life IPO likely in Q1 of next fiscal: Ghosh

Anil Ambani Group"s life insurance venture Reliance Life expects to tap the capital market with its initial public offer in the first quarter of next fiscal, a top company official said here.

DB Corp: Regional edge

At the upper price band of Rs 212, it will be the most valued listed media company in India.

Jharkhand will have two deputy CMs again

It will be for the third time that Jharkhand will have two deputy chief ministers in its nine-year long political history.

Investors lap up DB Corp IPO

This is one of the few IPOs to be oversubscribed in the retail category this year.


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