Corporate

DLF Pramerica Life eyes 3-fold rise in business

DLF Pramerica Life Insurance is expecting new business of about Rs 90 crore in 2010, three times the business generated in the first year of operations.

Bhushan Steel pares gains, ends flat

The stock pared all its gains and finally ended flat at Rs 1,341. The counter clocked volumes of 79,706 shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 90,915 shares on the BSE.

UAE stocks soar after Abu Dhabi\'s $10-bn aid

Shares in the United Arab Emirates surged today after neighbouring Abu Dhabi came up with a $10 billion assistance for the Dubai government to tide over the state"s debt crisis.

Govt approves road projects worth Rs 6,152 cr in five states

The government today approved road projects worth Rs 6,152 crore in five states for upgrading nearly 562 km of four-lane highways into six lanes.

Some relief... New market timings from Jan 4

Based on the market feedback, both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) have decided to postpone the implementation of new markets timings by more than a fortnight.

PM steers clear of controversy over Nobel to Obama

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today steered clear of the controversy over awarding Nobel peace prize to US President Barack Obama.

Coca-Cola announces launch of \'Burn\' in India

Beverages maker Coca-Cola today announced its foray into the energy drink segment in India with the launch of "Burn".

Australian treasurer warns, unemployment to rise

Australia"s economy will likely perform under capacity and unemployment will rise, despite the country"s resilience in the face of the global downturn, Treasurer Wayne Swan said today.

Rajesh Tandon: Educational route to Australia

Rajesh Tandon / October 11, 2009, 0:26 IST

India, Australia to conclude MoU for student mobility

In an attempt to step up their joint efforts to address issues affecting the 100,000 Indian students in Australia, both Indian and Australian governments will develop and conclude a memorandum of understanding on the better management of student mobility between the two countries, including the exchange of information on undesirable or illegal activities of agents, and other information relating to the quality of education providers and agents.

RIL in talks for stake sale in Haryana SEZ

With an aim to rope in a strategic partner for its Haryana SEZ project, corporate giant Reliance Industries is believed to be in talks with IL&FS and a couple of other players for part-sale of its stake.

IL&FS open offer for 20% in Matyas Infra tomorrow

Infrastructure firm IL&FS"s open offer for acquiring an additional 20 per cent stake in crisis hit Maytas Infra will open tomorrow.

Blackstone may buy AB InBev\'s theme park for $3 bn

Blackstone Group, the world’s largest private-equity firm, may buy the amusement-park business of Anheuser-Busch InBev for about $2.5 billion to $3 billion, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

US firm NVP to buy over 2% stake in NSE for Rs 252 cr

The US-based private equity firm Norwest Venture Partners (NVP) today said it would pick up a little over 2 per cent stake in NSE, the country"s largest stock exchange in terms of trading volume, for about Rs 252 crore, valuing the bourse at over Rs 12,000 crore.

Australia to provide India details of attacks on Indians

Amid a spate of attacks on Indians here, the Victorian government today said it will provide all relevant details to New Delhi on these incidents.

Satyam agrees to settle case with Upaid for $70 million

Mahindra Satyam (the erstwhile Satyam Computer Services) has agreed to pay $70 million (Rs 325 crore) as settlement to UK-based Upaid, which had claimed damages of $1 billion for alleged forgery, fraud and breach of contract.

Markets open in the green

The markets have resumed their upmove after retreating on Monday. The Sensex has again crossed the 17k mark to 17,045, higher by 62 points, and the Nifty is at 5,090, up 23 points. Metals, energy and realty stocks are in the limelight.

Bollywood worried over Dubai debt crisis

The market generates 40-45 per cent of the overseas collections for Bollywood films

Kerala Tourism starts online training course

Kerala Tourism has launched an online training programme to help travel agents and tour operators in the UK get acquainted with the state’s tourism products and in turn increase UK sales to Kerala.

AIG to take 2 yrs to repay bailout funds: report

Troubled insurer American International Group (AIG) will take two years to repay the bailout funds, which it had received from the US government at the peak of the financial crisis last year, says a media report.

Campaign bags award

The ‘Incredible India’ campaign, an initiative by the Indian government to promote tourism, has won the World Travel Award 2009 for being the best campaign of the year.

Housing ministry to bring out model real estate bill

For promoting a planned and healthy real estate development of colonies and apartments in big cities, Union Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ministry has drafted a bill and invited suggestions from experts.

China objects to ADB funds for Arunachal\'s irrigation project: Krishna

China had recently objected to Asian Development Bank"s (ADB) funding an irrigation project in Arunachal Pradesh which is a "clear violation" of the charter of the multilateral lending agency, the government informed the Rajya Sabha today.

BoA to take up fresh SEZ proposals on Aug 11

The Board of Approval (BoA), the apex body which clears special economic zone (SEZ) projects, will meet next month to approve fresh proposals.

Minor chords, major discords

Business Standard / New Delhi July 8, 2009, 0:58 IST

\'These are teething pains\'

Kalpana Pathak / New Delhi December 01, 2009, 1:30 IST

MeritTrac plans to invest Rs 20-cr to up offerings

When the IIMs decided to award the contract to Prometric for conducting the Common Admission Test (CAT) online, and Pearson bringing its assessment brand to India, it must have been a wake up call for MeritTrac, a large assessment company. But, the company is not losing sleep.

Bhupesh Bhandari: Headhunters feel hunted

That the market for jobs has improved is fairly well known by now. What is perhaps not so well known is that the improvement has been good enough for headhunters (they like to call themselves executive search firms) to get back in business. Some of them say business has rebounded to the pre-crash levels of 2008. Most of them are hiring at senior levels — people who can get business. Korn/Ferry has restored salary cuts for all partners. EMA Partners is in the process of opening an office in Hong Kong.

India Inc gets into bear hug with Russian consumers

Russians may still be humming their all-time favourite song — mera joota hai japani — but they are now choosing to buy Hindustani in big numbers.

Foreign carriers can add capacity in peak traffic

Foreign airlines can now use larger aircraft and operate additional flights to India during the peak tourist season under the fresh guidelines issued by the government.

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.

Porsche expects 20% sales jump in India

An expected dip in its global sales notwithstanding, luxury car-maker Porsche is hoping for a nearly 20 per cent jump in sales in India this year. Working towards that direction, the company had earlier introduced the premier sedan, Panamera, in the country in the price range of Rs 1.4-2.05 crore.

Kingfisher suspends Bangalore-London flights; to add 8 new international routes

Kingfisher Airlines, the airline owned by Bangalore-based UB Group, has announced suspension of its Bangalore—London—Bangalore route and its its feeder service on the Colombo—Bangalore—Colombo route with effect from September 15,2009.

United Breweries Q1 net up 57% YoY

United Breweries (UBL), India"s largest brewery controlled by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, has posted a strong 57 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 35.5 crore for the first quarter of current fiscal as against the corresponding period of last fiscal. Net sales at Rs 556.4 crore was up 17 per cent, powered by a 25 per cent growth in strong beer.

Fastrack eyes Rs 360 crore turnover in FY 2009-10

Fastrack, a branded chain of retail stores from Titan Industries Ltd (TIL), has set the target of Rs. 360 crore sales turn over for the current FY 2009-10.

Firms put plans on hold in AP

The Telangana agitation has forced several companies including Bharat Forge, Lakshmi Mittal Group and NTPC-BHEL join venture to either put their expansion plans on hold or explore other states.Addressing the media here on Tuesday after a meeting with industry representatives, chief minister K Rosaiah said Bharat Forge, which planned to set up a nuclear power plant equipment unit at Nellore at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore, was considering Gujarat.

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.

India Eco Summit: Strengthening public transport

Mihir Mishra / New Delhi November 11, 2009, 0:30 IST

Reverse swing at Kotla

Business Standard / New Delhi December 29, 2009, 0:14 IST

Jump the queue

In my mind

Royal Enfield to launch 2 bikes; ramp up capacity by 35%

Heavy-weight motorbike maker Royal Enfield today said it will launch two models by early next year and plans to expand its overall production capacity by over 35 per cent by 2010.

TVS likely to foray into above 200 cc bike segment

Chennai-based TVS Motor today said it may venture into the above 200 cc segment in the bikes market as the company looks to increase its footprint in two-wheeler business.

Nano vendors will shift to Sanand by March

Nearly 60 vendors will move to the vendor park at Tata Nano’s Sanand plant by March next year. The rollout of the car is set for the January to March quarter, and vendors will feed the plant at existing locations till they shift.

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.

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.

Road petrol

Should I buy the Maruti Suzuki Swift or the Ritz? I’d like to go for the petrol VXi model of either of these two. My daily travel is not more than 30 km maximum. Do you think I should go for a diesel instead?

Carnation ties-up with Fiat firm for premium car service

Carnation Auto, the multi-brand car service provider promoted by former Maruti Suzuki head Jagdish Khattar, today joined hands with Fiat Group firm Magneti Marelli for servicing premium cars in the country.

Centre, states to discuss land issues tomorrow

The issues of land acquisition and ways to remove problems faced by foreign and domestic investors, especially at the implementation stage, are likely to come up at a meeting the Centre will hold with state industry ministers here tomorrow.

Cognizant net up 21 per cent

Even as IT bellwether Cognizant Technology Solutions raised its outlook for 2009-10, it reported a 21 per cent growth in net profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, to $136.6 million compared with $112.8 million during the corresponding period a year ago.

AstraZeneca, Nektar Therapeutics sign license agreement

AstraZeneca, an international healthcare company engaged in research, development and manufacturing of prescription medicines, and Nektar Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered at California with research and development operations in Hyderabad, have entered into an exclusive license agreement for two drug development programmes.

Obama-Singh to run last mile on nuclear deal

Trying to resolve sticking points on the India-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement on the one hand, and narrow differences on their approach to climate change on the other, India and the US are likely to sign a joint Memorandum on Energy Security, Clean Energy and Climate Change during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the United States this week.

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.

Rapid H1N1 testing method developed

Scientists in the US have developed a rapid and automated swine flu testing method that will enable quick and effective diagnosis decisions.

Global car market decline has plateaued: Ghosn

The global car market, which has suffered acute demand contraction since September 2008 when economic downturn set in, has bottomed out and the industry was set for a sale of 60 million units in this year and the next, said Renault-Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Hotel industry looks, feels sunnier

Things are beginning to look better for the hospitality industry across the country, with an increase in occupancy levels to 10-30 per cent and hotel rates getting closer to the pre-recession ones.

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.

\'Skyline\' termed generic

The Supreme Court last week ruled that ‘Skyline’ is not a specific word on which a company can make a trade mark claim, as it has become a ‘generic’ name. In India 117 companies including software firms are using the word as part of their name. In the US there are 10 educational institutions with the same name as the first word. In the UK also there are two such institutions. Therefore, one company could not stake claim to the word in the name of trademark. The court made this ruling while dismissing the appeal case, Skyline Education Institute (India) Ltd vs S L Vaswani. It affirmed the judgement of the Delhi high court in this case, with minor modifications regarding admission of students to one institution. Both were educational institutions operating around the capital and they were litigating over the word ‘Skyline’.

Fake IMEI numbers worry DoT, asks telcos not to carry calls

The government has asked mobile operators to comply with national security norms by not carrying calls from fake mobile equipment identification numbers (IMEI) embedded handsets latest by November 30.

2009: Realty companies found friends in bankers

Wiser from last year’s free fall, realty companies discovered a new mantra in ‘affordable housing’ and found help from banks that offered low-interest home loans to build their businesses in 2009.

Robust auto sales hold promise of good economic showing

Auto makers Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Hero Honda today reported robust sales in November, lending optimism that the good economic showing in the second quarter would continue.

Maruti\'s car sales up 60% in November

India’s leading car maker Maruti Suzuki India has recorded 60.1 per cent growth in car sales in domestic market in November this year on a rebound of national economy earlier than economists’ expectations.

Sensex gains 189 points, led by Maruti Suzuki, SAIL

Indian stocks rose, led by steel and car makers, after the government said sales of the alloy to auto manufacturers rose in the first seven months of the financial year.

Mahadayi Tribunal comes as a rude shock for farmers

The constitution of a tribunal to settle the dispute over Mahadayi’s waters between Karnataka and Goa, where it is called Mandovi) has come as a rude shock to the farmers of North Karnataka who were eagerly waiting for the completion of the Kalasa-Banduri nalla project.

Fiat India may consider price hike

Carmaker Fiat India Automobiles today said it will consider raising prices of its products as the margins are under pressure.

Not high enough

Business Standard / New Delhi August 26, 2009, 0:58 IST

Four greenfield airports get Cabinet nod

ds for the development of four regional airports in Andhra Pradesh under public private partnership would be called for the second time. A proposal to this effect was approved by the state Cabinet here on Tuesday.

India Inc seeks stimulus continuation, tax cuts

India Inc today urged the Finance Minister to continue the stimulus packages till firm signs of economic recovery are visible, and also reducing the corporate tax rates.

Plan panel for bold disinvestment programme

The Planning Commission today called for a "bold and clear" disinvestment programme that would help in meeting the resource gap for the plan expenditure in the next two years.

\'It would be imprudent to take the fiscal deficit higher than 6% of GDP\'

A year after India ushered in reforms in 1991, C Rangarajan, then a member of the Planning Commission, was picked by then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh to steer Reserve Bank of India for five crucial years till 1997. Then, Rangarajan, who had taught in University of Pennsylvania and management institutes in India, headed the Twelfth Finance Commission, which paved the way for fiscal consolidation, and also the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (and was, for five years, Governor of Andhra). In an interview with Sapna Dogra Singh and John Samuel Raja D, he says there are some encouraging signs in the economy, but the real recovery will come only in 2010-11.

Is the critic obsolete?

It’s now the turn of the appreciator and the collector

Still in rough seas

Without a strong global economic recovery, the maritime sector will find it tough to overcome the demand-supply mismatch.

PTC Q1 net up 77% at Rs 33 cr

PTC India Ltd, the country’s largest power trading firm, has posted a 76.8 per cent rise in net profit for the quarter ended June 2009 owing to increased trading volume and higher treasury income.

M&M Q1 net surges 150% at Rs 400 cr on merger

Automobile major Mahindra & Mahindra today reported a net profit of Rs 400.85 crore in the first quarter ended June 30 against Rs 159.30 crore in the same quarter last year.

Bajaj Electricals Q1 net up 64% at Rs 16 cr

A better product mix, easing of cost pressures and better procurement helped consumer electronics and lightings manufacturer, Bajaj Electricals register a consolidated net profit increase of 64 per cent per cent for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, to Rs 16.4 crore, compared with Rs 10 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.

M&M to focus on rural markets to boost sales

Utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Ltd is planning to drive on rural markets to push its latest pick up Mahindra Bolero Maxi Truck.

UP mills to pay 5% MORE for cane

This is the third price hike in less than a month; mills will pay Rs 200-205 a quintal.

Renuka Sugars acquires Brazil firm for Rs 1,112 cr

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

And the winner is...

Presenting the Business Standard Motoring Awards 2010.

IT stocks in demand as acquistion clicks

Wipro finally ended at Rs 625, up 1% from the previous close and Infosys settled flat at Rs 2,323.

FIIs up stake in top sugar firms

Prospect of the cos continuing their excellent performance attracts investors.

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.

Tarapur Transformers plans IPO

Power engineering solutions provider Bilpower Ltd today said its subsidiary Tarapur Transformers is planning to enter capital market with a public offer and would file draft papers with Sebi by next week.

Mfg likely to get boost during Reddy's 2nd term

Expectations are on the rise that the second term of chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy would give a boost to the manufacturing sector with the state bagging four major projects, including two manufacturing units, involving an investment of Rs 8,750 crore in the past fortnight.

Oxford tops among varsities for eighth year in a row

With better faculty and student facilities, Oxford has retained its top position among Britain"s leading universities for the eighth successive time this year, leaving behind Cambridge.

NCP, Cong meet to resolve portfolio sharing

A day after the term of the outgoing Assembly in Maharashtra expired, Congress and NCP today held fresh discussions to sort out the vexed issue of portfolio sharing and break the deadlock over government formation.

Renuka Sugars acquires Brazil firm for Rs 1,112 cr

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

Alok Retail in talks with PE firms to raise Rs 100 cr

Alok Retail India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Alok Industries, is planning a major expansion and is in talks with private equity firms to raise Rs 100-crore.

FinMin, Sebi to decide on dual listing of shares: Khurshid

Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said it is for the Finance Ministry and the Sebi to take a call on dual listing of shares as is being proposed in connection with the $23-billion Bharti-MTN deal.

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.

NTPC to set up 2,640 Mw plant in Madhya Pradesh

State-run power producer NTPC today said it has entered into an agreement with the Madhya Pradesh government and MP Power Trading Company for setting up a 2,640 MW thermal power plant in the Narsinghpur district of the state.

Affordable housing to drive industrial growth: govt

The government today said that affordable housing will drive the construction sector and subsequently the industrial output during the current fiscal.

IOB Q1 netup 18% to Rs 302 cr

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has reported a 17.90 per cent increase in the net profit for quarter ended June 30, 2009 at Rs 301.78 crore as compared to Rs 255.97 crore, during the same quarter a year ago. Bank"s total income rose to Rs 2,808.51 crore from Rs 2,186.83 crore, an increase of 28.43 per cent.

India Eco Summit: \'Food inflation to ease by fiscal-end\'

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia today said the food price inflation would come down by the end of the current fiscal.

Fortis to start two affordable hospitals

Fortis Healthcare is likely to come up with two low-cost hospitals in two years in an effort to test its affordable health care model. Although the firm is reluctant to divulge the exact locations of these greenfield ventures or the total investment into the project, the health care major is likely to open these hospitals in north and western India while attempting to cut down its capital expenditure there by about 50 per cent.

Choosing well-rated funds is a sensible selection

I had invested Rs 25,000 each in HDFC Top 200, HSBC Equity, Reliance Growth and Magnum Taxgain in April 2009. At the time of investment, all these funds were 5-star rated, but now I notice their ratings have come down to 4-star. Have I chosen the correct funds? And, should I remain invested or withdraw? Also, please guide me where I should invest Rs 2-3 lakh for a period of around three years.

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.

Invest in MIPs for 3-4 years

My broker has advised me to invest a lumpsum amount in a Monthly Income Plan (MIP). In the current scenario where interest rates are expected to rise, should I do so? Also, should I invest in more than one MIP for diversification?

MF assets up 24% on income, liquid funds inflows

Significant inflows into income plans and liquid funds boosted net assets of domestic mutual funds in July, according to data posted by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on its website.

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.

1320 Mw TTPS expansion by 2010

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plans to start the expansion work of its 460 Mw Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS) at Talcher by the middle of the next year. The capacity of TTPS will be expanded with addition of two units of 660 Mw each.

Minister slams PPT authorities

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and the state"s agriculture minister Damodar Rout has accused the Paradeep Port Trust (PPT) authorities of tarnishing the image of the port.

Infosys up 2% on growth outlook

The stock of Infosys Technologies rose nearly 2 per cent to close at Rs 2,235, a level not reached in over two years.

IIP to accelerate on restocking, externalities: Moody\'s

Industrial output, which grew at a 22-month high of 10.4 per cent in August, is set to accelerate further on inventory restocking and improving external factors, rating agency Moody"s said today.

Kolkata job index up 12 per cent in June

Hiring activity in Kolkata went up by 12 per cent in June this year compared to May, revealed a latest report by Naukri Jobspeak.

Sanjaya Baru: Time to get our fiscal act together

Sanjaya Baru / New Delhi November 4, 2009, 0:58 IST

Fiscal consolidation to start next year: PMEAC

The Prime Minister"s Economic Advisory Council today said the process to bring down the fiscal deficit from the current 6.8 per cent to a more sustainable level could start from next year.

\'RBI studying Dubai World default impact\'

The Reserve Bank India today said it is examining the impact of the Dubai government"s decision to suspend debt payments by Dubai World, which led global stock markets to tumble amid fears of widespread default.

FinMin readies interest subsidy scheme for low-cost homes

Loan sanction limit of a year from Oct.

Road map for PSU disinvestment in 3-4 weeks: Finance Sec

The Finance Ministry today said a road map for disinvestment in public sector units will be brought out in three-four weeks, but there would be no strategic sale.

Tata Motors hits new 52-wk high on Dec sales nos

Tata Motors ended at Rs 827, higher by Rs 34 or 4.3%, on the BSE.

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.

Dubai fallout: Missions directed to help workers

Optimistic on job losses, but closely watching the situation, says overseas Indian affairs ministry

PSU oil firms hike ATF prices by 2.4%

For the second time this month, state-owned oil firms today hiked jet fuel prices, this time by 2.4 per cent following a spurt in international oil rates.

HITS policy to enable digital delivery platform

The much awaited Headends in the Sky (HITS) policy cleared by the Union Cabinet today would not only enable a digital delivery platform for cable operators, but will also result in reduction in subscription rates as competition will increase in the distribution sector.

Hero Group shelves plans to enter CV segment

Diversified business house Hero Group has shelved plans to enter the commercial vehicle (CV )segment, for which it had partnered German firm Daimler to produce trucks, due to the economic slowdown.

Badal urges Abdullah to enhance subsidy for solar water pumping system

The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal today urged Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy to enhance the central subsidy for solar water pumping systems for irrigation and allied purposes from Rs 30 per watt to Rs 100 per watt to make the system viable for small and marginal farmers.

UltraTech board okays merger

Shareholders will get 4 shares of UltraTech for every 7 shares of Samruddhi

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.

T N Ninan: Public pain, private gain

T N Ninan / New Delhi November 7, 2009, 1:34 IST

Posco asked to take tribals\' consent for Orissa project

South Korean steel giant Posco has been asked by the Environment Ministry to take the consent of local tribals as required under the Forest Rights Act before commencing its proposed steel project in Orissa.

Birmingham to strengthen India links through CWG 2010

Realising the enormous business potentials of Commonwealth Games 2010 in Delhi, Birmingham City is keen to further the trade ties with India through the mega-sporting event.

\'Energy storing devices should be available at cheaper rates\'

Developed nations should be more "philanthropic" in providing developing countries with energy storing devices at cheaper rates, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah has said.

Centre to launch solar mission on Nov 14: Farooq

Union minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that India was planning a major thrust in sphere of renewable energy sourcese, especially solar and wind energy.

Markets at a glance

Assurances from governments that stimulus packages around the world would continue and China"s strong industrial production numbers were welcomed by the markets. Indian government"s thrust on disinvestment also lifted market sentiments as proceeds may be used to reduce fiscal deficit that is expected at 6.8 per cent of GDP for this fiscal.

Jewellery exports shine on global economic recovery

The signs of global economic recovery have given new life to the Indian diamond processing industry, with export orders rising sharply by 20 per cent for execution on the occasion of Christmas and New Year.

Oil falls in Asian trade

Oil prices eased in Asian trade today as traders took note of high distillate inventories, which indicated that a global economic recovery was still sluggish, analysts said.

Sensex ends up 153pts

After an initial slide, the Sensex turned volatile on the back of mixed cues from the Asian markets. The index gained strength and touched a high of 16,910 - up 243 points from the day"s low of 16,667.

F&O OUTLOOK: Nifty may correct further next week

The Nifty closed in the red on Friday due to profit-booking at higher levels. For the last nine trading sessions, the Nifty has been making lower lows and lower highs, which is a bearish indication. According to a technical analyst at HDFC Securities, unless the index stops making new intra-day lows, the correction will continue.

'Institutions have not kept pace with global issues'

S M Krishna / October 4, 2009, 0:45 IST

Templeton's India equity team will hire two analysts

Franklin Templeton Investments plans to hire two India stock analysts to increase its coverage of a market that has outperformed its developing nation peers this year.

Pramod Jain makes open offer for Golden Tobacco

Pramod Jain, a minority shareholder in Sanjay Dalmia-controlled cigarette-maker Golden Tobacco Ltd (GTL), today made an unsolicited open offer to acquire another 25 per cent equity in the company at Rs 101 a share.

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%.

Sensex ends up 153pts

After an initial slide, the Sensex turned volatile on the back of mixed cues from the Asian markets. The index gained strength and touched a high of 16,910 - up 243 points from the day"s low of 16,667.

CAT day 4 sees less turmoil

Glitches continue, lack of feedback still an issue; IIMs assure ‘damage control’.

CAT blame game: IIMs and NIIT new targets

Even as day three of the computer-based Common Admission Test (CAT) continued to add to the anxiety of the student community, academicians have shifted the blame game from Prometric to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and NIIT, accusing them of adopting a highly casual attitude. Prometric bagged the contract from IIMs to conduct computer-based CAT this year in partnership with NIIT. “The IIMs could have done more than just outsourcing the exams to Prometric. By blaming Promertic, IIMs can’t acquit themselves. If one-sixth of the 304 test labs fail, it’s an absolute joke of an examination. A little control on part of the IIMs could have helped,” said a professor from a B-school which accepts CAT scores for admissions.

IITs smile as MNCs return to campuses

Offers, high ones, are coming in before placements officially start.

Govt asks GAIL to assure gas supply to power projs

Resolving the issue of fuel supply guarantee to upcoming gas-based power projects, Oil Ministry has asked state-run GAIL India to extend "comfort letters" assuring gas supplies so that the developers can raise finances.

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.

Piece of nostalgia in Bollywood bazaar

Wahid Mansoori (37) grew up watching Hindi movies from the 1930s. Courtesy his father’s habit of collecting Bollywood memorabilia, Mansoori now runs a business selling them.

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.

Corps to ignore Bollywood in favour of Hollywood: study

The Indian entertainment and media (E&M) corporates will prefer Hollywood over Bollywood in terms of investment in the near future, as over 90 per cent of the Bollywood movies flop annually, a study said.

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.

PM may soon clear policy to help MSMEs

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is taking a final view on the report of a task force which suggested easy access to bank finance and preference in public sector procurement to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Manmohan favours \'rational debate\' on climate in India

Amid criticism from some quarters for the Copenhagen accord on climate change, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today advocated the need for an “informed and rational” debate on solutions that suit India.

Wen the honest

One of the positive fallouts for India from the BASIC powwow at Copenhagen was the thaw in India-China relations after the recent chill over Dalai Lama and Arunachal Pradesh. A warm and friendly Chinese premier Wen Jiao Bao bent over backwards to reassure Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that China was a good friend of India, adding that contrary to the impression created by the China-US joint statement issued during the visit of US President Barack Obama, China had no intention to interfere in India’s disputes with Pakistan. Perhaps feeling that Manmohan Singh was not fully convinced of his good intentions, Premier Wen insisted, “I am telling the truth, I am not a liar”!

Sanjaya Baru: Centre, states and India\'s metropolis

Sanjaya Baru / New Delhi December 21, 2009, 0:42 IST

For Yash Raj Films small is bountiful

The small screen reality show, My Fan My Hero, starring Bollywood biggies has got sponsors vying for ad slots.

Picture this - Orkut goes photo blogging

Imagine you are having dinner with some friends, and in walks Shahrukh Khan or someone equally famous. You get a picture clicked with him and want to share it with the world instantly. But how do you go about it since you can’t possibly wait till you get home and transfer the pictures to home PC.

The battle for Bourbon

Parle"s looking to bite into Britannia"s Bourbon biscuit market.

New UP tax to hit DTH services

Some of the operators plan to move court.

CO2 emission by Indian power plants increases

In what could be an embarrassment for India at the ongoing Copenhagen climate change negotiations, government data reveal that the rate at which Indian power plants emit carbon dioxide (CO2), which has been on a decline for many years, has increased.

Uttar Pradesh industry ready with 2010 wish-list

Taking a leaf from positive signals emanating from the stock markets in the last few sessions, companies in Uttar Pradesh hope to see further boost to the state’s industrialisation in 2010.

Nalco, NPCIL ink pact for nuke power generation

The aluminium major National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) and the state owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration with each other for setting up nuclear power plants in the country.

NPCIL, Nalco ink MoU to set up N-power plants in India

Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) and National Aluminium Company (Nalco) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up nuclear plants in the country.

Century Textiles, TTML, Glenmark Pharma, MRF Q1 result

Century Textiles

Vote them out: Sun Pharma tells Taro shareholders

CMD Shanghvi’s hard-hitting letter contrasts financial returns of the two firms.

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.

Ranbaxy gets Canada\'s nod to mkt anti-hypertension drug

Pharma company Ranbaxy Laboratories today said it has received the final approval of the Canadian drug regulator Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) to market and manufacture "Ran-Amlodipine tablets", used in treating hypertensions.

Granules Q1 net up 129% at Rs 6 cr

Granules India Limited (GIL), a Hyderabad-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical formulations intermediates, reported a net profit of Rs 6.19 crore for the quarter ended June 2009, as compared with Rs 2.7 crore in the corresponding quarter last year, reflecting an increase of 129.25 per cent.

Fakes make up 20-25% of Rs 85,000 cr pharma sales

Watch out! The next time you buy your baby a cough syrup or get yourself any medication, make sure to get a proper bill else you could fall prey to the multi-crore clandestine business of spurious, misbranded and adulterated drugs.

BSNL\'s Rs 35k cr expansion hits rough patch

A big controversy on procurement of Rs 35,000 crore worth equipment by telecom behemoth BSNL is brewing with position taken by the two government nominees on the Board, threatening mega expansion programme of the PSU.

RNRL renews attack

Anil Ambani-controlled RNRL told the Supreme Court today that Mukesh Ambani’s RIL had put it in a disadvantageous position in terms of price, quantity and tenure in their Gas Supply Master Agreement (GSMA).

Rel MF looks to offer more schemes on stock exchanges

Reliance Mutual Fund (RMF), part of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, has said it will look at offering more plans and schemes on the recently launched MF trading platform of stock exchanges.

Big Pharma cures for ailing heritage

A Johnson & Johnson subsidiary has developed chemicals that can protect monuments.

Johnson & Johnson expands portfolio; launches Neutrogena brand

Health and skin care products maker Johnson & Johnson today announced the launch of its global beauty care brand "Neutrogena" in the domestic market with an aim to be one of the top five companies in India.


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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.
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