International Business

AP revenues take a hit on agitations

Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Rosaiah said revenues coming to the government in the form of taxes had taken a beating due to the turmoil in the state. “Trade was first affected by the agitations for a separate Telangana and now for a unified Andhra,” he told reporters here on Thursday.

BCCI shifts 2nd ODI to Nagpur due to security reasons

The Indian Cricket Board today shifted the second one-dayer of the five-match series between India and Sri Lanka to Nagpur after police in Visakhapatnam expressed inability to provide security for the tie in the wake of political crisis in Andhra Pradesh.

FMCG firms have the edge in battle with retailers

Organised retailers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms have begun their slugfest yet again as the time approaches for redrawing of annual sales contracts.

Cipla gets NPPA notice on overpricing drugs

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has sent a notice to Cipla for allegedly overcharging customers. The government arm has imposed a fine on the company for selling Ciprofloxacin and Doxycycline medicines at a higher price than the one stated by the government.

Shankar Acharya: A month to remember?

Shankar Acharya / New Delhi October 08, 2009, 0:59 IST

Ramesh to hold meetings on Bt brinjal across the country

Environment Minsiter Jairam Ramesh will from Wednesday hold a series of public meetings across the country on the controversial Bt brinjal which was cleared by the country"s bio-technology regulator last year for its commercial cultivation.

Hiring activity up 7.5% in Kolkata

Hiring activity for Kolkata increased by 7.05 per cent in November compared to October 2009, said a report from JobSpeak, the monthly job index released by Naukri.com.

Punjab extends deadline of RFQ for Gidderbaha plant

The deadline has been extended for the sixth time in a row due to non-allocation of coal linkages for the project

Index closes below 17,000

Investors today pulled down the stock market benchmark Sensex below 17,000 points-level, as they sold banking, oil and gas and state-run companies’ shares to make profits.

\'A cost-competitive and transparent system will automatically attract customers\'

Dilip Kumar Jha / Mumbai October 13, 2009, 0:49 IST

Maytas Infra says ministry has asked PGCIL to release funds

Hyderabad-based Maytas Infra today said that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has asked state-run Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) to allow the infrastructure firm continue work on two projects it had bagged earlier and also release the required funds.

IMF inks pact with Sri Lanka on $2.5 bn loan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached an agreement with Sri Lanka to provide the island nation with about $2.5 billion, to help it in its reconstruction efforts.

Japanese economy to grow 1.7% in 2010: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its growth forecast for the Japanese economy to 1.7 per cent for 2010, but has warned of an "uncertain" economic outlook.

Petronet LNG to buy 1.5 MT a year from Exxon\'s Aus arm

Petronet LNG, the nation"s largest liquefied natural gas importer, today signed an agreement to import 1.5 million tons of LNG Australia.

JLR recalls 40 Land Rovers in India

Tata group-owned Jaguar Land Rover on Thursday said it is recalling 40 Land Rover vehicles from India to fix a technical fault as part of an ongoing global process that started in July. The company is globally recalling all the vehicles of two diesel models — Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport TDV6 — which were manufactured between November 2005 and April 2007.

Koutons Retail Q3 profit up 18% at Rs 15 cr

Apparel chain Koutons Retail India today said its net profit rose by 18.63 per cent to Rs 15.79 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2009 over the same period last fiscal.

As Stock markets rise, short sellers on the wrong foot

FIIs back in the game, buy shares worth Rs 769 crore.

IAF opens new airstrip in Ladakh

For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) today landed an AN-32 transport aircraft at the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in eastern Ladakh, just 23 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Situation in North-East far from comfortable: PM

As violence in Manipur and Assam continued unabated, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said situation in the North-Eastern states was far from comfortable.

Swiss banking secrecy still holds: President Merz

Swiss banking secrecy is still the rule despite international pressure for greater transparency, Switzerland"s President and Finance Minister Hans-Rodolf Merz said today in an interview.

BofA, JPMorgan reduce fees on overdrafts

Bank of America Corp and JPMorgan Chase & Co, the two biggest US banks by deposits, are cutting overdraft fees amid criticism from lawmakers over the way the lenders charge customers.

\'We have support of US govt, unions on Asarco\'

NRI billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Resources today said it will not offer more than the already announced $1.87 billion to buy bankrupt American miner Asarco but is confident that it can clinch the deal with the support of the US government and the trade unions.

NKorea\'s defiance warrants international action: Obama

Accusing North Korea of "directly" and "recklessly" challenging the global community by conducting a second nuclear test, US President Barack Obama today said this defiance "warrants action" internationally.

Exchanging bow-vows

Social networking, dating and mating portals enter even pets" lives.

Monk's quest

On a clifftop above the sea, on the Mediterranean island of Crete, a young man meditating at sunset heard a voice inside say “Go to India.” He climbed down to his cave and there met his childhood friend and fellow traveller, who had been meditating on the seashore. This other young man had heard, at the same time, a voice telling him to “Go to Israel.”

A K Bhattacharya: Waiting to exhale

A K Bhattacharya / New Delhi October 27, 2009, 0:48 IST

India, Russia may return to rupee-rouble trade

India and Russia are mulling returning to the rupee-rouble trade arrangement, to end the dependency on the volatile dollar and step up economic interactions.

Any deviation at lower level will be dealt with: Raja

Telecom Minister A Raja today said any deviation by lower-rung officers from the government’s policy decision on spectrum allocation would be dealt with.

IAF begins flight trials for foreign firms

The Indian Air Force today began the flight evaluation and performance trials for the six foreign defence firms which are in race to bag an estimated $10 billion order for 126 Medium Multi Range Combat Aircraft.

Insurance cos lose over Rs 15,000cr to fraud each year: Survey

The insurance sector seems to be the most vulnerable to frauds as companies are losing a whopping over Rs 15,000 crore every year due to exaggerated claims by customers or agents, a survey has found.

Andhra orders CBI probe into YSR chopper crash

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to order a CBI inquiry into the helicopter crash in which former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and four others died.

Lessons to learn for investors

Interest has revived in the equity market, and expectations too; remember the past mistakes.

Clinton Foundation, Mylan & Matrix tie up for HIV drugs

In a development that would enable better and more affordable treatment for HIV/AIDS patients on second-line antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in the developing world, the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI), Mylan Inc and Hyderabad-based Matrix Laboratories have signed an agreement to offer a once-daily dose of the second-line regimen of four ARVs for under $500 (nearly Rs 24,000) per patient per year.

US commercial N-mission to India to meet stake holders in Dec

With the Indo-US civil nuclear deal on track, representatives of top US atomic companies would tour India in December to meet all stake holders in the country"s emerging commercial nuclear sector, the second such visit in less than a year.

MMRCA trials to begin in Bangalore next week

India"s quest to buy 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) will shift gear when the flight trials of the six global contenders will begin in Bangalore next week with US major Boeing"s warplane F/A-18 being the first contender.

Telangana MPs for action against Jagan for joining TDP protest

Congress MPs from Telangana region today met senior party leader and Defence Minister A K Antony demanding disciplinary action against Y S Jaganmohan Reddy for joining a TDP protest in Lok Sabha against the decision to carve out a separate state from Andhra Pradesh.

Administration woos Posco project affected villagers

The district administration has made efforts to connect with the locals affected by the proposed steel project of Posco in the state ahead of the meeting of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) scheduled for November 16 this year

GVK Power acquires 12% in Bangalore Airport

GVK Power and Infrastructure acquired 12 per cent of Bangalore International Airport for Rs 484.59 crore.

\'Lower sowing in Punjab, Haryana not to affect wheat production\'

The Centre today said wheat sowing has fallen a bit in the key growing states of Punjab and Haryana but increased in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and hoped the overall crop output would not be affected.

Gas row: RNRL accuses govt of siding with RIL

The Anil Ambani group today accused the government of being a party to the "conspiracy" with Mukesh Ambani firm Reliance Industries (RIL) to "destroy" it but dropped its opposition to the Petroleum Ministry putting its stand before the Supreme Court.

Pratibha Industries bags Rs 59 cr worth NTPC order

Infrastructure company Pratibha Industries today said it has bagged an order worth Rs 58.85 crore from state-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

GMR achieves financial closure of 1,050 Mw thermal plant

GMR Kamalanga Energy owned by GMR Energy of GMR Group, an infrastructure developer has achieved financial closure for its 1,050 Mw thermal power project being set up at Kamalanga Village, Dhenkanal District in Orissa.

Wall Street ends in green; Indian ADRSs mixed

The Wall Street ended in positive territory on Wednesday. The Dow Jones moved up 61 points to 9,279. The Nasdaq added 13 points to 1,969.

Pyramid Saimira MD held, released in Indiabulls loan case

The MD of entertainment firm Pyramid Saimira, P S Saminathan, was today arrested by Haryana Police on a loan default complaint filed by Indiabulls, but the company claimed he was let out shortly after.

Pyramid Saimira suffers Rs 100-cr loss

Chennai-based Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd (PSTL) said the company suffered a business loss of over Rs 100 crore last year which resulted in an erosion of working capital. Meanwhile, N Narayanan, one of the promoters of the company, took over as the new chairman from P S Saminathan, who will continue to remain managing director.

BPOs to be taxed under new tax code: expert

Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) centres in India would be subjected to taxation under the new proposed Direct Tax Code (DTC) but some clarifications, especially on double taxation, were still needed, an expert said.

Shyamal Majumdar: When MBAs aspire to become clerks

Shyamal Majumdar / Mumbai November 12, 2009, 0:24 IST

Film business may lose Rs 25 crore

With the Maharashtra government ordering closure of all multiplexes and theatres in Mumbai till August 16 due to fast spreading swine flu, the film exhibition business may incur an overall financial loss of at least Rs 25 crore from the upcoming long weekend holiday on account of Janmashtami and Independence Day.

Govt-appointed panel calls for comprehensive land reforms

Says industry can’t keep growing at expense of farms, poor.

Extend I-T tax benefits to software exporters: Nasscom to FM

The IT industry today asked the government to extend the income tax benefits to software exporters beyond this year to sustain growth and overcome the downturn challenges.

Skoda sales up 52% in December

Czech luxury car maker Skoda Auto today reported a 52.05 per cent growth in its sales during December last year at 1,113 units.

Car sales jump 36.7%, bikes up 42.4% in Nov

Domestic passenger car sales jumped 36.7 per cent to 1,13,687 units in November, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said today.

BPOs to be taxed under new tax code: expert

Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) centres in India would be subjected to taxation under the new proposed Direct Tax Code (DTC) but some clarifications, especially on double taxation, were still needed, an expert said.

30 die due to cold wave in UP

Over 30 people died in Uttar Pradesh (UP) due to a cold wave, as foggy conditions prevailed for the second day today in many parts of the northern region, with some states also experiencing light showers.

\'Home-grown PE businesses will do well\'

Vandana / Mumbai December 2, 2009, 1:24 IST

Indian ADRs shed $7.5 bn in a week, Sterlite top loser

The Indian stocks trading on the American bourses saw a collective value erosion of $7.5 billion last week, with copper producer Sterlite Industries accounting for nearly one-third of this loss.

Green designs

Archana Jahagirdar / New Delhi September 13, 2009, 0:48 IST

Painting a pretty picture

Artist Anita Chauhan cooks as well as she paints.

WB govt didn\'t reject Wipro, Infy proposals: CPI(M)

The West Bengal government today said it has not rejected proposals of IT majors Wipro and Infosys for setting up units near the state capital.

Maytas Hill County customers turn to NRIs

Customers of Hill County, a Rs 1,100-crore residential project of Maytas Properties, are set to present their case at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on January 7 for its speedy completion. Maytas Properties, an unlisted company, is owned by the family of Satyam Computer Services’ founder B Ramalinga Raju.

Raju pressured Satyam board

Satyam Computer Services founder B Ramalinga Raju had made trips to the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, to Visakhapatnam and even the US, to convince the independent directors on the his board for acquisition of Maytas Infra and Maytas Properties, the two companies promoted by his family members.

Maytas Hill County customers turn to NRIs

Customers of Hill County, a Rs 1,100-crore residential project of Maytas Properties, are set to present their case at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on January 7 for its speedy completion. Maytas Properties, an unlisted company, is owned by the family of Satyam Computer Services’ founder B Ramalinga Raju.

IL&FS hikes stake in Maytas Infra to 37.01%

Private lender Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) has increased its stake in Maytas Infra to 37.01 per cent by acquiring shares given as surety for a loan by the family of disgraced Satyam founder B Ramalinga Raju, promoters of the company.

Home loans for nris

Indians living abroad are equally eligible for housing loans from banks here but with some riders.

\'RBI may signal end of easy monetary policy by hiking CRR\'

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may signal the end of easy monetary policy by sucking out some liquidity from the market by way of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) hike, State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH) managing director Renu Challu today said.

Hyd court bars Maytas from loans on land collateral

In a major setback to cash-strapped infrastructure company Maytas Properties, promoted by former Satyam Computer founder B Ramalinga Raju’s family, a local court has passed an order barring it from using land as collateral for loans.

Shobhana Subramanian: The margins can wait

Shobhana Subramanian / Mumbai October 9, 2009, 0:26 IST

Centre plans frequent scan of FII holdings

Volatility in investments concern for RBI.

Fred Bergsten & Arvind Subramanian: Resolving global imbalances

Fred Bergsten & Arvind Subramanian / August 22, 2009, 0:01 IST

India will not monitor 26/11 trials in Pakistan: Krishna

In response to Pakistan"s announcement that it would begin trials of the suspects held for Mumbai attacks from October 3, Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said that India would not "monitor" these proceedings.

Panacea bags Rs 1,000-crore Unicef contract

Panacea Biotec today bagged a three-year contract worth over Rs 1,067 crore ($222.37 million) from Unicef for supplying its EasyFive vaccine.

Kanika Datta: India Inc as mendicant

Kanika Datta / New Delhi August 6, 2009, 0:19 IST

34.4% increase in allocation for Information wing of I&B Min

Prioritising its various communication modules like films, Press Information Services, electronic media monitoring centre and visual publicity, a 34.4 per cent increase was today effected in the allocation for information and publicity wing of the Ministry for Information and Broadcasting in the Union Budget.

22 new channels get I&B ministry nod

With the government giving permission to 22 new channels to downlink in the country, India has now got 458 television channels officially allowed to be carried across cable, direct-to-home and IPTV platforms. Four new channels of National Geographic and three regional news channels of TV 18 group are among the 22 channels that have been given the neccessary permission to broadcast in the country by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B).

Helpline for companies

A new helpline (2785 4321), a bulk SMS and e-groups have been launched for the newly set up Industrial Security Task Force (ISTF) to protect the companies from agitators.

R-Money exits Wall Street Finance; sells 36.8% stake

Anil Ambani group firm Reliance Money has exited financial services firm Wall Street Finance through sale of its entire 36.8 per cent stake in the company.

Govt moves application in CLB to recall nominated directors

The government has moved an application in the Company Law Board (CLB) to recall its nominated directors from the board of Mahindra Satyam, Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said on Saturday.

Govt may merge various food schemes in Food Security Act

The Centre is examining merging the various food schemes implemented by different ministries as part of an exercise to enact a Food Security Act.

PM to attend Obama\'s N-summit in April

Leaders from as many as 43 countries, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, are scheduled to attend a nuclear summit convened by US President Barack Obama in April, the White House said today.

Sanofi buys Shantha in offshore deal

In another indication of Big Pharma’s growing interest in India’s drug manufacturing capabilities, French drug multinational Sanofi Aventis has announced plans to acquire Merieux Alliance’s majority stake in Hyderabad-based vaccine firm Shantha Biotechnics.

Founder may sell stake

Shantha Biotechnics founder Vara Prasad Reddy, who found a new partner in Sanofi Pasteur, is planning to dilute a part of his stake in the company.

Banks can stand a bigger slowdown, finds EU stress test

A stress test of the European Union’s biggest banks showed they could withstand an even deeper recession, though with almost 400 billion euros ($581 billion) in losses, according to a report to EU finance chiefs.

Tata Motors: Prima-ry changes

With Volvo, Daimler and Scania gaining a foothold in the over-40-tonne heavy commercial vehicle category, it was time for Indian players to get their act together. “Indian manufacturers were not strong in heavy commercial vehicles because there was not much demand for them. But with exports and infrastructure stirring up, these have received a shot in the arm over the last four to five years,” says PricewaterhouseCoopers Leader (automotive practice) Abdul Majeed.

Tata Tea Q3 net declines 76% to Rs 92 cr

Tata Tea, engaged in tea plantation and processing business, today announced a consolidated net profit of Rs 92.23 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2009, down 76.71 per cent over the corresponding period last fiscal.

Doing everything to make sure Pak smashes terror groups: US

The US today said it was "doing everything" to make sure that Pakistan smashes terror groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba and denies them safe havens, as India remembered 183 people who fell to terrorists" bullets in attacks on Mumbai exactly a year ago.

Parliament remembers 26/11 victims

Parliament today remembered those killed in the terror strike in Mumbai on this day last year with the Lok Sabha resolving to unitedly fight and defeat the forces of terrorism which pose the "gravest threat to humanity".

ICICI raises $750 mn in overseas bonds

Four other banks ready to tap the market.

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.

IIFCL to raise $500 mn through UK subsidiary

State-owned infrastructure funding company IIFCL is planning to raise US$500 million (Rs 2,500 crore) through its UK-based subsidiary for financing import of capital goods for infrastructure development.

Disney looks at regional languages

Walt Disney Company India Private Limited would design its Disney Channel (DC) and Hungama Channel programmes in regional languages, Vijay Subramaniam, strategic sales and market development director, Walt Disney Television International (India).

Moment of truth

Vinod Kambli"s claims that he got a raw deal in Indian cricket due to his caste and colour are questionable.

US special envoy to visit Asia, Russia for talks on N Korea

Sung Kim, the US special envoy for the six-party talks on ending North Korea"s nuclear drive, will shortly travel to Asia and Russia to discuss how to respond to Pyongyang"s recent nuclear and missile tests, Japanese lawmakers who met him said.

PepsiCo announces $1 bn investment in Russia

US soft drink giant PepsiCo said today it would boost investment in Russia by $1 billion, topping the list of US trade deals expected during President Barack Obama"s visit to Moscow this week.

Pokran II row: Sethna slams Kalam, Iyenger says done in haste

Homi Sethna, the guiding force behind India"s first nuclear test in 1974, today waded into the 1998 Pokhran row when he slammed former President A P J Abdul Kalam suggesting he was no qualified authority to rubbish former DRDO scientist K Santhanam"s claim that the explosion was not a full success.

Rains pour cold water over Dasara plans

Heavy downpours threaten Dasara events across the city even as public apathy has left the organisers and the authorities frustrated and helpless.

No immediate plans to import rice, says govt

The government has no immediate plans to import rice as it has enough stocks to manage the demand, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Rising Chinese steel capacity a worry for other nations

The fall in steel prices in the wake of global economic meltdown has consigned many balance sheets of groups taking the metal in the red. The drop in demand in the final quarter of 2008 was so steep and steel product prices turned so uneconomic, particularly for high cost mills in western countries, that the industry in many regions was forced to switch off half the capacity.

India Inc to witness 20-30% pick up in hirings

Riding high on a 6-7 per cent expected economic growth and signs of global economy gradually bouncing back, India Inc is likely to hire 20-30 per cent more talent in 2010, a top industry official said.

Karbonn leaves its print on the handset market

Hopes to capture 7-10% share of the multimedia segment.

Taking the shine off

At least the Shiney Ahuja rape case has taken some pressure off Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s shoulders, a friend says on Twitter, and he’s right: it takes something very special for the captain of a World Cup-losing cricket team to be only the second most vilified public figure in the country.

Here comes the moon

- Ban, Gilani may have discussed Kashmir issue: UN - Darkness at dawn as solar eclipse envelops cities - Google adds Moon to online Earth map service - Obama honours first men to land on moon - The perfect storm - Over the moon

Stars foretell medical marvels

Engineering for space travel is solving health problems for us on earth.

Isro looking at 25 per cent revenue growth

The Indian Space Research Organistaion (Isro) is looking at 25 per cent growth in revenues this fiscal over Rs 1,000 crore attained last year, betting big on satellite launches and carrying space crafts of other countries.

Preparedness of 2010 Games far from satisfactory: Hooper

Miffed by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee removing him from the post of 2010 CWG Chief Executive, Mike Hooper has struck back by declaring that the preparedness of the mega-event was far from satisfactory.

Barclays Capital appoints Matthew Ginsburg

Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, has appointed Matthew Ginsburg as Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking, Asia-Pacific.

Entry load abolition will benefit MF industry: Religare AMC

Private sector mutual fund house Religare AMC, a relatively new but fast-growing player, today said that abolition of entry load charged to investors will benefit the company and the industry as a whole.

Ashok Leyland JV to produce die castings

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland’s associate company, Ashley Alteams India Pvt Ltd (AAIPL) will commence manufacturing high pressure die castings. The production of the castings, which will primarily be for the telecommunications and automotive sector, will begin next month at the company’s new facility in Chennai.

Cost of funds, fee income to drive bank profits in Q2

With bond yields hardening, bankers say they will not be able to look to their trading rooms for high profits.

After Mohan\'s exit, Subbarao to handle monetary policy Dept

With two Deputy Governor posts falling vacant, the Reserve Bank has reallocated portfolios and Governor D Subbarao would handle the monetary policy department directly.

News Corp slips into red; posts $203 mn quarterly loss

Media conglomerate News Corp has posted a loss of $203 million for the fourth quarter ended June 30, primarily bogged down by impairment charges.

Sunil Jain: Labour's litany

If policy-makers are worried about employment, it is not without good reason. Even though employment growth is rising, labour intensity is falling, suggesting that the growth is not as permanent as you"d like. The usual policy response to this would be to give a boost to traditional labour-intensive industry but, as a paper by Deb Kusum Das, Deepika Wadhwa and Gunajit Kalita (all at ICRIER) brings out, labour intensity levels have gone down quite dramatically in even traditionally labour-intensive industries.

GE mulls to sell 51% in NBC Universal: report

Industrial conglomerate General Electric is considering the sale of its 51 per cent stake in NBC Universal to America"s leading cable operator Comcast, says a media report.

RIL accuses NTPC of going back on draft gas pact

Reliance Industries (RIL) has accused NTPC Chairman and Managing Director R S Sharma of going back on the terms of a draft gas sales and purchase agreement that provided for government approving its bid price of $2.34 per mmBtu.

ICICI cuts home loan rates to remain competitive

Joining the battle being fought in the market for mortgages, India’s second-largest lender, ICICI Bank, has cut rates for home loans from August 20.

8 Indian cities among 25 riskiest offshoring locations

India may have been hailed for long as the world"s top outsourcing destination, but a new study has named as many as eight cities in the country among the world"s 25 riskiest places for offshoring, mainly on concerns like terrorism, pollution and geopolitical issues.

Exports still in red, at $14.1 bn in Oct

Month-on-month decline arrested; figure expected to turn positive from Jan

Computerised CAT to cost less than Rs 2,000

In what should come as a huge respite for Common Admission Test (CAT) candidates, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have hinted that the registration fee for the computer-based test this academic year will not be as high as similar tests like GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test, for admission to business schools overseas).

Finance panel clears seven IIMs, 10 NITs

The process of setting up of seven IIMs, 374 degree colleges and 10 NITs has been set in motion with the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) approving the proposals in this regard.

Academicians meet to discuss Yash Pal Committee report

A large number of academicians, including principals and vice-chancellors of various colleges and universities, met here today to discuss the Yash Pal Committee report on higher education, according to Pankaj Chandra, director of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B).

Industry favours GST, but opposes dual mode

Indian industry is of the view that the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be beneficial for the economy, but the deadline of April 1, 2010, is not realistic, a leading consulting firm said in its survey.

The best vs the good

Business Standard / New Delhi September 18, 2009, 0:34 IST

UK recovery signs mount as services expand

UK services expanded the most in 1 1/2 years, manufacturing unexpectedly rose and home prices jumped as evidence mounts that the worst recession in a generation is easing.

Pranab may fall back on disinvestment for Budget: Economists

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee might have to fall back on disinvestment and other non-tax revenue sources while presenting the Budget for 2009-10 on July 6, economists believe.

GST rollout in troubled waters

Key roadblock: Constitutional amendment required to provide wider taxation powers to Centre, states.

GST rollout in troubled waters

Key roadblock: Constitutional amendment required to provide wider taxation powers to Centre, states.

GST may not be introduced in Budget

The budget may not mention the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) from next fiscal as there are already voices expressing doubts about meeting the deadline.

Fiscal deficit for April reaches 16% of govt estimate

Excise collections for April have been badly hit, resulting the fiscal deficit touching 16 per cent of target in the very first month itself, which could douse expectations of interest rate cuts.

Emerging-market funds pulling out

Emerging-market stock funds lost $1.87 billion in the week ended June 24, the first week of net outflows since early March, on concern that a rebound in exports will be delayed, EPFR Global said.

No immediate plans to import rice, says govt

The government has no immediate plans to import rice as it has enough stocks to manage the demand, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

\'International exposure makes IMT-Dubai different\'

The Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai is one of the few Indian business schools to have got an approval from the UAE’s ministry of higher education and scientific research to offer an accredited MBA programme and executive education to companies operating in the UAE. IMT Dubai’s director Farhad Rad – Serecht told Kirtika Suneja how the institute plans to remain different from other B-schools. Edited excerpts

Rolls-Royce scouts for second partner

Rolls-Royce is looking to add a second engineering and design services firm in India to cater to its design requirements. Under the government’s $10-billion defence programme, Rolls-Royce has a commitment to offset 50 per cent of its research and development requirements to Indian design companies.

NHPC to add 4,622 Mw of hydel power by 2012

State-owned Hydroelectric giant NHPC, a mini ratna unit, would add 4,622 Mw of hydel power by 2012, a top company official said today.

Bharati Ship extends gains after ABG exit

Bharati Shipyard finally settled at Rs 178, up 10.5% from the previous close. The counter winessed trades of 1.23 million shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 95,067 shares on the BSE.

Kronos in talks with Gujarat firms for workforce management

Eyeing the scope among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as big firms in Gujarat, workforce management solutions provider Kronos is in talks with manufacturing, pharma, ports and logistics firms in the state for its next version solution "Workforce Central Suite 6.2"

BEML to produce stainless steel wagons

BEML Limited, a Mini Ranta Category-I Public Sector under the Ministry of Defence and Steel Authority of India, a Navaratna Company under the Ministry of Steel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for supply of stainless steel.

Indian Railways post double-digit growth in revenue earnings

Indian Railways has posted double digit growth in revenue earnings in mid June, with total goods earning standing at over Rs 1,500 crore.

Marico net surges 32% to Rs 62 cr

FMCG major Marico has posted 32 per cent jump in its consolidated net profit for the quarter ending September 30, 2009 at Rs 62.35 crore as compared to Rs 47.12 crore profit it posted in the corresponding quarter last financial year.

Parle to push sales on lower price points

Confectionery brand Parle Products Private Limited will consider bringing more products in small packs at a price point of Rs 5 and below.

Biscuit-makers take on traditional sweets

For most consumer product players in the country, the upcoming festive season is being looked upon as the best platform to return into the black. However, for the biscuit and confectionary makers, the customer preference of traditional sweets over packaged items is expected to affect business. To counter this, companies are devising strategies to hold their profits through gift hampers and customised products.

Idea bigger than money

Is Rs 500 enough to start an entrepreneurship venture?

Abheek Barua: Dr Subbarao means business

Abheek Barua / New Delhi August 3, 2009, 0:35 IST

Parle plays its \'health\' card to take on PepsiCo, ITC

It’s no longer just a war over prices. ‘Health’ appears to be the new proposition from snack makers. PepsiCo recently added a ‘health’ proposition to its bevy, with Aliva. Now Parle Products is performing a similar act with ‘Smart Chips’.

Parle to push sales on lower price points

Confectionery brand Parle Products Private Limited will consider bringing more products in small packs at a price point of Rs 5 and below.

States can now borrow Rs 21k cr States can now borrow Rs 21k cr BS Reporter / New Delhi August 21, 2009, 0:51 IST

Markets extend losses in noon trades

Zydus Cadila gets DCGI nod to conduct H1N1 vaccine trials

Drug maker Zydus Cadila today said it has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct clinical trials for the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine.

Few people get 100-day employment under NREGA

Even as the Centre is mulling to raise the number of job days under the NREGA scheme, none of the states have provided the guaranteed 100-days wage employment to all the registered rural households in over three years of the landmark legislation.

J K Lakshmi January sales up 38%

J K Lakshmi Cement today clocked a 38 per cent increase in sales at 5.06 lakh tonnes for the month of January, 2010.

Shree Cements Q3 net rises 35% to Rs 167 cr

Shree Cements has reported 35 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 167.4 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2009 as against Rs 124 crore in the same qaurter last year.

Declare Ambani MoU illegal, govt asks SC

It treats KG gas as personal property of the brothers, says SLP.

Govt to raise Rs 12,000 cr from bond sale

A day after revised schedule for the borrowing for the first half of the current fiscal was announced, the government today said it would raise Rs 12,000 crore from sale of two government papers.

Reliance Cementation to invest Rs 2,250 cr in Maha

Reliance Cementation, an Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) company, plans to set up a 5 million tonne integrated cement plant in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra.

Jamal Mecklai: Coming of age

Jamal Mecklai / New Delhi July 24, 2009, 0:34 IST

Satyam BPO on hiring spree

The BPO arm of Mahindra Satyam seems to be on a hiring spree with plans to recruit additional 300 persons by next month even as the parent is rationalising its headcount.

Shree Cement Dec sales up 22%

Shree Cement today reported a 22.4 per cent increase in sales in December of 8.58 lakh tonnes.

Govt to introduce e-passports

In an effort to check forgeries and misuse of passports, the government is rolling out e-passports that will carry biometric information in a chip.

India to host Doha meet in Sept

WTO chief has confirmed his participation.

Jaimini Bhagwati: Whither economics and finance?

Jaimini Bhagwati / August 21, 2009, 0:43 IST

Irda cautions insurers against politically exposed persons

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) has asked insurance companies to be more cautious while concluding contracts with “high risk customers”, particularly the “proposals of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)”.

Volatile markets end flat on global cues, realty stocks fall

Stock markets pared early gains today and ended in the red owing to subdued Asian cues.

Govt invites application for new SAIL chief

The government today invited applications for the post of Chairman of the country"s largest steel maker Steel Authority of India (SAIL) as the incumbent Sushil Kumar Roongta is due to retire from office in May next year.

Tatas threaten to scrap Vista electric launch on loan delay

Tata Motors has threatened to scrap its plan to launch Vista electric cars in the UK if it does not receive a £10 million loan from the British government soon, The Observer reported today.

India loses crops of Rs 50,000 cr to poor post-harvest handling

India is losing food items worth a whopping Rs 50,000 crore every year due to poor post-harvest handling of farm produce, a development that analysts say may jeopardise the Centre"s plan to formulate a food security law, especially in view of a "below-normal" monsoon.


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