Popular Articles

Shuchi Bansal: MyWay or the highway
It’s not quite time for DTH to retire, as a leading IPTV firm would have us believe, since there are 13 mn DTH subscribers compared to IPTV"s 30,000.

Bhupesh Bhandari: The reign of rural retail
Bhupesh Bhandari / New Delhi November 19, 2009, 0:17 IST

News of the day

Toyota can leave: chavez
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered an investigation of Toyota Motor Corp, saying the world’s largest carmaker “can leave” should it fail to meet production quotas and technology-transfer laws.

Business Ideas

Usha Martin Education & Solutions forays into school management

Nation building through learning – Usha Martin Education & Solutions Limited (UMESL), forays into providing standardized end-to-end solutions and school management services to enable the creation of a national network of high quality English medium K-12 schools with a focus on non-metro towns and cities of India.

IOC Q3 profit plunges 76% to Rs 697 cr

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country"s largest refiner, today reported a steep decline of 76.45 per cent in net profit at Rs 696.59 crore for the third quarter ended December.

Akash Prakash: The Rise of ETFs

Akash Prakash / New Delhi January 22, 2010, 0:03 IST

National news for the week Jan 2- Jan 8, 2010

Saturday

Be curious about companies

Since the Satyam scam, the focus on corporate governance has increased manifold. Investors should keep a close watch on a company’s activities to ensure safety of their money

Tech view: Markets likely to open weak

After a bearish last week, the markets are likely to open on a negative note owing to weak global cues. The US markets ended with deep cuts on Friday. The Dow shed 2%, and the Nasdaq slipped 3%.

Vietnam may implement Indo-ASEAN pact in Q1 of 2010

Vietnam is expected to implement the Indo-ASEAN free trade agreement in the first quarter of 2010, liberalising the $2.13-billion trade with India, a commerce ministry official said.

WTO chief says hopes of Doha deal are uncertain

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) chief urged members today to resist protectionist pressure in the wake of the economic crisis, but said hopes of an early deal to free up international commerce are uncertain. "In February this year, the global economic downturn was peaking," WTO director general Pascal Lamy told a forum.

Banking on the net makes sense

On December 20, 2009, the Andhra Pradesh cybercrime police arrested a 23-year-old internet hacker for allegedly swindling Rs 30,600 from an HDFC Bank customer. This is simply a case in point. While banks prefer not to go public about cybercrime for obvious reasons, Minister of State for Home Shakeel Ahmad informed the Lok Sabha in February 2009 that banks across the country lost Rs 6.57 crore to internet frauds in 233 incidents of cybercrime, with Tamil Nadu topping the list, in 2008.

Sunil Jain: Forget Ambani, think Goenka

Most are focused on the salaries of the Ambani brothers when it comes to the ‘’vulgar’’ salaries Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid spoke of. The Ambanis, it turns out, take home very reasonable fractions of their companies’ sales/net profits — 0.03/0.23 per cent in the case of Mukesh and 0.22/0.63 per cent in the case of Anil. The Marans of Sun TV, Kalanithi and wife Kavery, in comparison, took home 7.36/16.96 per cent of sales/net profits (see graphic).

TCS plans to hire 11,000 this quarter

Given the potential for growth, IT major, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is looking at hiring 8,300 trainees and around 3,000 laterals or experienced persons in Q4 FY10, a senior company official said.

Plan panel, Highways Ministry locked in verbal duel

In a war of words, the Planning Commission today advised "sensible" use of funds by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry, a day after Minister Kamal Nath rebuffed the panel.

Inflation temporary; prices to come down by month-end: Montek

Describing the food inflation a "temporary phenomenon", the Planning Commission has said that the prices of various food items will decline towards the month-end and that the economic growth during the year would exceed 7 per cent.

Usha Martin Edu to provide quality edu in non-metro towns, cities

Usha Martin Education and Solutions has forayed into providing standardized end to end solutions and school management services to enable the creation of a national network of high quality english medium K-12 schools with a focus on non-metro towns and cities of India.

\'Kyoto is in intensive care\'

Business Standard / New Delhi January 15, 2010, 0:55 IST

Anuradha R V: India and the road from Copenhagen

Anuradha R V / New Delhi January 13, 2010, 0:57 IST

Govt sops likely for drug exports avoiding Europe

The Centre may give sops to drug exporters for shipments to Africa and Latin America through a route that would avoid passing through Europe, while it prepares to drag the European Union (EU) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over seizure of consignments of Indian pharma companies.

Govt may give sops to drug exports avoiding Europe

The Centre may give sops to drug exporters for shipments to Africa and Latin America through a route that would avoid passing through Europe, while it prepares to drag the EU to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over seizures of consignments of Indian pharma companies.

India, US to set up framework for enhancing eco co-operation

India and the US have agreed to strengthen bilateral economic co-operation through new initiatives like setting up a Framework for Cooperation on Trade and Investment and launching a Financial and Economic Partnership.

India open to free trade agreement with US

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India is open to discussions on a free trade pact with the US on the lines of the agreement New Delhi already has with the 10-nation South East Asian bloc.

Rs 1-cr designer Nano to hit the roads soon

The Rs 1-lakh wonder Nano will soon enter the elite league thanks to auto design firm DC, which today said it will unveil redesigned version of the world"s cheapest car within the next two months with premium price tag of Rs 1 crore.

Ashok Leyland unveils hybrid bus

Hinduja group"s flagship company Ashok Leyland today unveiled the country"s first electric plug-in CNG hybrid bus, HYBUS, at the Auto Expo here.

BIG TV in talks to add high-definition content

Anil Ambani’s direct-to-home (DTH) division Reliance BIG TV is in talks for high definition (HD) content to be aired on its DTH platform. The company will invest Rs 150 crore in content acquisition and is believed to be in talks with global media houses like BCC, CNN and Comedy Central for non-film content.

Govt approves 5% disinvestment in NTPC

The government today approved sale of its five per cent stake in state-run power producer NTPC this financial year.

HSCI launches 2 variants of Honda City

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), manufacturer of premium cars in India, today launched two new variants of Honda City- Honda City 1.5V and the new Honda City 1.5S.

Ford to up India output by over 30% ahead of festive season

American car major Ford today said it will increase vehicle production in India by over 30 per cent from this month to meet increased demand in the upcoming festival season.

Fiscal-end may see inflation touch double digits

India"s inflation is likely to touch 8 per cent by the end of this fiscal, with an increasing risk that it may even reach double digits due to soaring food prices.

Jobs rise by 5 lakhs in second quarter

The government today said employment rose by about 5 lakhs in the second quarter after falling by 1.31 lakhs in the first quarter this fiscal. "... The employment has increased by about 5 lakhs during July-September 2009 over June 2009," Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Two-wheeler sales rise 20 per cent

Sales of two-wheelers in the month of July grew by 20.1 per cent over the same month last year, at 719,668 units, the highest growth till date in 2009–10. This strong growth comes on the back of Hero Honda, which has around 60 per cent of the market share, Yamaha, and Suzuki posting double-digit growth for the month.

V V: How the other half lives and dies

The poor, as the Bible has it, will always be with us and, therefore, accepted as part of the human condition. But it isn’t the poverty that is unacceptable; it is destitution, the hopelessness of life at the end of its tether that raises the question, What’s to be Done? And to paraphrase Marx, it isn’t enough to understand why India remains an overwhelmingly poor country after more than 60 years of Independence; the task is to change it. Professor Amit Bhaduri’s The Face You Were Afraid to See: Essays on the Indian Economy (Penguin, Rs 250), which is a sequel to his 1996 book, (along with Deepak Nayyar) The Intelligent Person’s Guide to Liberalization, tells us why and what could be done to get out of the hole we have dug ourselves in.

Senators assure Bernanke will win 2nd term

US President Barack Obama phoned Senate allies as two key senators predicted that embattled Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will be confirmed for a second term.

Dalai Lama concerned over global warming

The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama on Wednesday expressed concern over the global warming and its impact on the Himalayan Kingdom.

Pachauri accused of making \'fortune\' from carbon trading firms

United Nations’ top climate change czar Dr Rajendra Pachauri has been accused of making a “fortune” from his links with “carbon trading” companies dependent on the world body’s policy recommendations.

Dantewada people resist outside interference

People in the Naxal-infested district of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh no longer want outsiders to interfere in its affairs to solve the insurgency problem.

Show cause notice to \'Colors\' channel for obscene visuals

Government today informed Rajya Sabha that it has issued a show cause notice to "Colors" television channel for telecasting obscene visuals in the ongoing reality show "Big Boss 3".

Deepika Padukone stands tall in Delhi winter

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone was the star attraction at a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his Japanese counterpart, Yukio Hatoyama. “She was not only one of the tallest guests but also the bravest. While all others wore heavy winter dresses, she was wearing a saree. She didn’t seem to be bothered about the Delhi winter,” said a Cabinet minister. Padukone was invited as the Japanese prime minister’s wife, Miyuki Hatoyama, had seen Padukone’s debut film, Om Shanti Om, and expressed her desire to meet the actress.

Reality shows suffer mid-life crisis

Private TV channels that hope to woo advertisers and viewers by launching reality shows are facing a new reality. Far from driving ratings to newer heights as they were expected to do, viewer interest in reality shows appears to taper halfway through. Instead, it is the age-old soaps and drama that ultimately provide consistent ratings and, therefore, advertising revenues.

RIP sweet child

A moving documentary about a baby with "two faces".

\'New York\' sets the cash registers ringing

Yash Raj films" New York, which released worldwide on June 26, has grossed Rs 35 crore in its three day first weekend.

Not a good year for Bollywood productions

Box office collections for major production houses below investment.

Reality check

Channel V has revamped its content with more reality shows. Can it regain its market position?

HC allows NDTV Imagine to beam \'Pati Patni Aur Woh\'

The Delhi High Court today allowed entertainment channel NDTV Imagine to continue its reality TV show "Pati Patni Aur Woh," by staying the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights order to cease telecast.

Egypt woos Bollywood

After Switzerland, South Africa, New York and Hong Kong, it is Egypt that is now looking at grabbing a piece of the Bollywood film action.

Nigeria expects hike in oil output after peace in Niger Delta

Nigeria, where Indian companies are exploring possibilities of participating in exploration and production of hydrocarbons, expects its oil production could reach 2.506 million barrels per day next year.

Interest rates may not rise sharply: Rangarajan

The government"s high borrowings may not push up interest rates sharply towards the end of this year and are likely to hover around the current levels, Prime Minister"s Economic Advisory Council chairman C Rangarajan said.

IATA forecasts deeper losses for airlines

Airlines this year would lose $11 billion due to rising fuel prices and exceptionally weak yields, the International Air Transport Association has said.

SpiceJet among top 10 budget airlines in Asia: survey

SpiceJet has been recognised amongst the top ten budget airlines in Asia, based on the results of “Best in Travel Poll 2009”, an online survey on budget airlines conducted by Smart Travel Asia magazine, which is a online travel magazine for Asia read by over 10,00,000 visitors annually.

Govt slaps Rs 32 cr penalty on telcos for unverified users

The government has slapped a penalty of Rs 32 crore on mobile operators for failing to adhere to the subscriber verification norms in 2008-09.

Pune B-schools cut break to catch up with studies

Over 100,000 students along with 2,000 teachers join the move.

LG Electronics Q3 global sales soar to $11.2 bn

Consumer durables major LG Electronics today reported a robust third-quarter performance, with global sales soaring 16 per cent to 13.9 trillion Korean won (about $11.2 billion) as compared to year-ago period.

India\'s sales effectiveness lowest in Asia-Pacific region

India needs to significantly improve its performance when it comes to sales effectiveness, as it is far behind its peers in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region in terms of engagement of the sales force with a particular brand, a survey said.

Hyundai\'s October sales up 11%

The country"s second largest carmaker, Hyundai Motor India, today reported 11.03 per cent growth in sales in October compared to the same period a year earlier, at 51,736 units.

TVS reports 12% increase in October sales

Two-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor Company today reported 12 per cent increase in its vehicle sales during October.

Ford launches special edition of Fiesta

US car maker Ford today launched a special edition of its mid-sized sedan Fiesta in the country, priced at Rs 6.44 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Tengzhong seeks govt approval for Hummer deal

Chinese heavy machinery maker Tengzhong said today it expected to get regulatory approval for its acquisition of the iconic Hummer brand from General Motors this year or early next.

GM India plans to export proposed mini car

General Motors India today said its proposed mini car, to be launched by this year end, would be exported after meeting the domestic demand.

Car sales see record November surge

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

Bank charges may be capped

Banks may soon have to cap the charges on basic services such as issuing a draft, remittances or for stop-payment instructions.

Centre backtracking on Telangana: Kisenji

Coming out in support of creation of a separate state of Telangana, top Maoist leader Kisenji today accused the Centre of "depriving" people of the region of their legitimate rights by "backtracking" from its move to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh.

FMCGs hire local talent to boost rural business

When in Rome, do as the Romans do... goes the phrase, which is partially what consumer goods companies are adhering to. They are hiring local talent to target rural sales.

The \'mischief\' at Kaiga

Business Standard / New Delhi December 1, 2009, 0:11 IST

Another accident, one killed

In yet another mishap involving the Delhi Metro, a labourer was killed after he was hit by a steel beam being lifted by a crane at an under-construction metro site in west Delhi early this morning. The incident took place at 5.45 am at Ashok Park Metro station in Punjabi Bagh.

Probe panel holds Gammon responsible for mishap

A probe panel looking into the crane mishap at a Delhi Metro site during debris clearance today held Gammon India, the contractor, responsible, saying “mismanagement and lack of professionalism” from its part resulted in the incident, a claim rejected by the firm.

Gammon responsible for metro mishap: probe panel

A probe panel looking into the crane mishap at Delhi Metro site during debris clearance today held the contractor Gammon India responsible for the "unusual" incident which it said was due to "mismanagement and lack of professionalism".

Gammon India rebounds in late trades, gains 3%

The stock erased all its losses and rebouned in to the positive in late trades. The stock finally ended at Rs 166, up 3%.

FIIs hike holdings in 25 Sensex cos in Q1

Foreign Institutional Investors raised their holdings in as many as 25 Sensex companies in the first quarter of the current fiscal, riding on positive global cues and a decisive verdict in the general elections.

Oilmeal exports double in October on demand revival

In contrast, exports during April-October decline 42 per cent.

Rosaiah for balance between growth and inflation

Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Roasiah said the central and state governments had a task to strike a balance between growth and inflation. The three fiscal stimulus packages announced by the central government infused liquidity for maintaining economic growth.

Govt extends time period for incentive schemes

In order to give a boost to exporters, reeling under the impact of the global financial meltdown, the government today said that various schemes like DEPB that provide incentives to exporters would continue.

World is beyond US, EU: Trade policy to exporters

The government today sought to bolster exporters, hit hard by recession in the West, by extending various tax sops and special incentives on trade with markets in Asia and Africa, in its Foreign Trade Policy.

Exporters happy with trade policy

After months of clamouring for help, exporters today said they are happy with the Foreign Trade Policy that has offered them, among others, subsidised credit and help to diversify to new markets.

Ashok Leyland sales drops margnially in Aug 09

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland (AL) has reported a marginal drop in the total sales during at the month of August 2009 which stood at 4,784 units as compared to 4,819 units, a year ago.

Gold sets another peak at Rs 18,460

Gold prices today surged by Rs 490 to scale a new high of Rs 18,460 per ten gram in the bullion market amid the metal setting a new record in global markets and continuing weakness in dollar.

Glenmark Pharma Q2 net dips 31% to Rs 81 cr

Drug maker Glenmark Pharmaceuticals today reported 31 per cent drop in its consolidated net profit at Rs 80.88 crore for the second quarter ended September 2009.

Tata Sons wins cybersquatting case against MakeMyTrip

Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group firms, has won a case at the World Intellectual Property Organisation against the travel portal, MakeMyTrip, which has been using the term "tata" in one of its website, "oktatabyebye.Com".

ITC to launch new products in stationery biz

Diversified business conglomerate ITC Ltd is targeting a Rs 1,000-crore turnover from its stationery business in three to five years, led by new product launches targeting school children and institutions. It’s current revenue from this business stands at Rs 280 crore.

Ratan Tata to meet Nirupam Sen on Singur issue

Tata Sons chairman, Ratan Tata, is likely to discuss the Singur issue with West Bengal commerce and industry minister, Nirupam Sen, tomorrow.

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.

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.

Aurobindo Pharma receives Swissmedic approval for cefepime for injection

Hyderabad-based Aurobindo Pharma Limited received approval from Swissmedic, an agency of Switzerland government for therapeutic products, for the licence of Cefepime APL for injection 1g and 2g.

IBM wins 10-year IT services contract from co-operative bank

IBM today announced that it has signed a 10-year Information Technology (IT) services agreement with Gujarat-based Sardar Bhiladwala Pardi People’s Co-operative Bank (SBPPCB). The engagement will be in the form of a pay-as-you-go model, which will enable the bank to save up to 50 per cent in its capital expenditure on IT Infrastructure, IBM said in a statement.

Indirect taxes see 22% fall

The green shoots visible in the economy failed to enhance government revenue with indirect tax collections — comprising customs, excise and service tax — falling almost 22 per cent to Rs 1,26,903 crore in the April-October period this year. It stood at Rs 1,61,954 crore in the corresponding seven months of 2008-09. The overall decline was led by a 32 per cent fall in customs revenue.

India keen to help Lanka set up industry in war ravaged areas

India with experience in special economic zones is keen to help Sri Lanka in setting up industrial parks and investment zones at Kilinochchi and Trincomalee in the north and the east, freed from Liberation of Tamil Tigers Elem (LTTE) in May.

Webmaster\'s masterstroke

Unlike many other B-school products, who start their own ventures, make it a success and then sell it off for a tidy profit, Vivek Pahwa, a graduate from Hyderabad’s Indian School of Business, harboured an entrepreneurial dream and lived it.

Partners, not allies

Business Standard / New Delhi November 27, 2009, 0:14 IST

Ties with India, a foreign policy priority for Russia: Medvedev

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev today lauded India"s "historic successes" in socio-economic development and said that ties with New Delhi are Moscow"s "unconditional foreign policy priority".

States asked to prepare action plans on climate change

The Centre today said state governments have been asked to prepare the local level adaptation action plans on climate change consistent with the objectives of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Mohan Babu to file case against TRS chief K C Rao

A day after alleged TRS activists attacked the shooting unit of a movie produced by his firm, noted Telugu actor M Mohan Babu today said he would file a case against K Chandrasekhar Rao for making "inflammatory speeches" against people of Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

No proposal to withdraw stimulus this year: Govt

The government on Tuesday said it would not withdraw the fiscal stimulus, provided in the last one year to help the economy deal with the global slowdown, in the current financial year.

Maruti to partly shift car prod from Gurgaon to Manesar

The country"s biggest car maker Maruti Suzuki India today said it would shift some of its car production from its Gurgaon plant to the new facility at Manesar in a phased manner.

Glenmark raises Rs 413 cr in QIP

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has raised Rs 413 crore through its recently concluded Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), which will be used towards its debt reduction plan, a top company official said.

Glenmark\'s drug fails clinical trials

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland), a subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals India (GPL) said that its molecule under development Oglemilast has failed to yield positive results in clinical trials for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an acute form of smoking induced lung disease.

BMW quits Formula One at end of season after a decade

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG will quit Formula One in November, becoming the second carmaker in less than a year to withdraw from the auto racing series amid slumping sales.

Ajai Shukla: My way on the highway

Ajai Shukla / New Delhi December 29, 2009, 0:19 IST

Radio City Connect partners with Force India for Go Karting Championship

The Indian corporates have all the reasons to smile in this scorching summer of June, as they can take their teams on the fast track. Radio City Connect, activation arm of Radio City, India’s first and leading FM radio brand has partnered with Force India F1 team for Corporate Go Karting Championship across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Corporates from these five cities will get an opportunity to participate in the Maruti Suzuki Ritz presents Force India & Radio City Connect corporate Go Karting Championship.

\'I wear two hats-to get coal for power and to save forests\'

Business Standard / New Delhi January 16, 2010, 0:54 IST

Gold at Rs 50 discount on weaker dollar

Gold is selling at a Rs 50 discount in Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazar on widening disparity between prices in dollar and rupee terms. The precious metal in rupee terms failed to catch the speed of price escalation in dollar terms, as Indian buyers kept on the sidelines on rising prices in overseas markets.

Gold Rush boosts retailers\' sales 30%

The Great Indian Gold Rush, a month-long event organised by the World Gold Council (WGC), has received an overwhelming response despite the sky-high prices of the precious metal.

Gold nears Rs 17k level on firm global trend

Gold prices today hit an all-time high of Rs 16,980 per 10 gram in the bullion market here in tandem with the global market, where the metal crossed the crucial $1,115 an ounce level.

FIIs net buy Rs 367cr, DIIs net sell Rs 287cr

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of Rs 366.81 crore (provisional) today, according to data released by BSE.

Kaspersky eyes $12-16 mn revenue from India in 2 yrs

Russian IT security software firm Kaspersky is eyeing a revenue of $12-16 million over the next two years from its Indian operations, with the launch of new products and upgrades for its existing product-line.

Pleasant surprise from agriculture

However, analysts fear third quarter will be down overall.

Nagarjuna Construction says Dubai crisis will not affect it

Nagarjuna Construction has said the Dubai debt crisis will not affect the company as the projects it has undertaken there belong to government agencies.

Centre to launch new fertiliser subsidy scheme

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers M K Azhagiri has said the Centre would launch a scheme that would enable farmers get fertiliser subsidy directly.

Sensex recovers partially; Tata Steel sheds 4%

The Sensex has erased most of its losses and is now at 17,158, down 68 points. The index has recovered 113 points from the day"s low. The NSE Nifty is at 5,122, down 25 points.

Early bird Q2 reports show growth in profits, not sales

The 30% growth in profit of the sample has been driven by banks, finance firms.

US markets close in the green

The US markets have ended on a positive note.

Sensex plunges further, down 460pts

The Sensex is now at 14,948, down 463 points. The NSE Nifty is now at 4,446, down 133 points.

Keeping Bush at arm\'s length

CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechuri was invited to participate in the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit. While giving him the invite, the organisers told him about the other participants, including former US president George Bush. When Yechury was asked the time that would be convenient to him, he made just one request — ensure the maximum possible time gap between his and Bush’s sessions. Bush addressed the summit on Saturday morning while Yechury, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Sushma Swaraj and Shiromani Akali Dal’s Sukhbir Singh Badal, took the stage after a few hours.

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).

Narendra Modi\'s condition improves

The condition of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is suffering from swine flu, has improved overnight, doctors attending on him said today.

Cash-only deals bring firms higher returns: KPMG

Companies looking to improve shareholders value through acquisitions should finance their deals with only cash rather than stocks, as such transactions are seen to provide higher returns, a study by global consultancy KPMG International says.

European Commission objects to $7.4 bn Sun-Oracle deal

The European Commission (EC) has objected to Oracle Corp"s proposed $7.4 billion acquisition of Sun Microsystems, saying that the deal could threat competition in the market.

ADRs gain $11 bn in September

Indian stocks trading on American bourses gained about $11 billion in one month, with IT bellwether Infosys and private sector lender HDFC Bank accounting almost half of the gains. For the month ended September 30, Indian entities listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq added $10.61 billion to their market-cap, with Infosys and HDFC Bank together contributing $5.82 billion.

India, Japan want to ink trade pact by next year

Realising that their two-way trade did not match the potential, India and Japan today decided to give push the negotiations on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with an aim to conclude it by next year.

LS adjourned over Telangana

Lok Sabha was today adjourned minutes after it met for the day as TDP members from coastal Andhra and Rayalseema disrupted proceedings protesting against the announcement for a separate Telangana.

Railways to change land policy

The railway ministry is contemplating new policies for land acquisition, including job offers, for the displaced landowners, Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said in the Lok Sabha.

PM to kick off US visit by addressing biz leaders

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would kick-off his five-day visit to the United States with an address to the influential American business community, which had a key role in the passage of the historic Indo-US civilian nuclear deal. The American business community has termed the Prime Minister"s decision to start the trip by addressing the top leadership of the US business as a "momentous occasion".

Analyse this

Our low expectation of Hindi cinema could do with a push.

Saksoft sets Rs 240 cr target

Saksoft Limited, a Chennai-based software services company with focus on the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) segment, is planning to double its revenues by the end of the 2011-12 financial year, from last year’s Rs 120 crore, through the organic growth route.

Not the right time

Business Standard / New Delhi August 26, 2009, 0:43 IST

NComputing to double deployments in India this year

US-based provider of low-cost shared computing technology NComputing Inc is aiming at doubling its deployments in India to 400,000 by the end of the calendar 2009.

Irda likely to relax cap on Ulip charges

Insurers want mortality charges outside the ceiling

Life insurance sector to grow by 15%

India’s life insurance sector is expected to grow by almost 15 per cent in the current financial year and touch a total premium income of Rs 2,55,000 crore (about $ 50 billion).

Life insurance sector to grow by 15%

India’s life insurance sector is expected to grow by almost 15 per cent in the current financial year and touch a total premium income of Rs 2,55,000 crore (about $ 50 billion).

Nuke deal moving satisfactorily: Kakodkar

After becoming operational, the Indo-US civil nuclear deal is moving "satisfactorily" with the government now negotiating with nuclear vendors, Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar said today.

India\'s per capita emission 70% below world avg: report

Despite being the fourth largest economy, India"s per capita emission levels are 70 per cent below world average and 93 per cent lower than those in the US, says a latest report on climate change.

Govt may not move on bank mergers for now

The government was unlikely to make any fresh moves on consolidation of public sector banks for now, and would rather wait for banks to make the next move, a person close to the development said today.

FIIs net buy Rs 886cr, DIIs net sell Rs 214cr

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of Rs 885.65 crore (provisional) today, according to data released by BSE.

RCom to raise Rs 6,300 cr for expansion

Will use funds to finance operations of group firms; to have a total war chest of Rs 10,500 crore.

A V Rajwade: Servicing Dubai\'s growth

A V Rajwade / New Delhi December 07, 2009, 0:32 IST

Mumbai ODI washout hits Oriental Insurance

Cricket fans were not the only ones left disappointed by the cancellation of the India-Australia one-day international (ODI) match today that was to be played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Public sector insurer Oriental Insurance will have to pick up the tab for claims worth Rs 6.75 crore.

Yodlee\'s account aggregation software powers Artha Money

Online banking applications provider Yodlee, has deployed its proprietary ‘account aggregation’ solution to power Artha Money Manager, a money management application launched by Artha Money, a financial supermarket that provides personal finance solutions. With this, the Artha Money customers can now manage multiple accounts such as savings, loan, investment and credit card, using a single Internet banking password.

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.

New Satyam chargesheet: Khurshid says court to decide

Amid reports that the Satyam accounting fraud could be as high as Rs 14,000 crore, nearly double of what was confessed by its founder B Ramalinga Raju, the government today remained tight-lipped and said the real amount would be brought before the court of law.

Soren three time CM, but never MLA

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren who today became the chief minister of Jharkhand for the third time, has never been elected to the state Assembly.

Magma Fin takes 7% in Experian Credit

Magma Fincorp has picked up 7 per cent stake in Experian Credit Information Company of India, the proposed Indian arm of global information services company Experian.

RIL to expand petrochemical complex by 2 MT

Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance Industries (RIL) today said it will expand its Jamnagar petrochemical complex by adding 2 million tonnes (MT) per year of olefins and matching downstream capacities.

GM to commercially launch electric car, e-Spark in Oct

Auto major General Motors India today said it will commercially launch electric car Spark in October this year which could be priced at around Rs 7 lakh.

NHRC asks Jharkhand govt to release Rs 45 cr to RINPAS

The National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) has asked the Jharkhand government to release Rs 45 crore for the Institute of Neuro Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS) at the earliest for improving its infrastructure.

Stimulus should not be withdrawn: Ratan Tata

Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata today said the stimulus packages provided to the economy to cushion the impact of the global economic downturn should not be withdrawn.

F&O OUTLOOK: Nifty may close around 5,200 in this expiry

The Nifty closed in a Doji pattern after a breakout above 5,182 on profit-booking above 5,200. The trading volumes on the futures and options (F&O) segment declined by over Rs 10,000 crore with the number of contracts in index futures lower by almost 12 per cent. This means the participants are wary of taking positions at the current level as only two trading days are left for the expiry of the current series.

Bhushan Steel buys Aussie exploration firm

Ups stake to 60% in Australia’s Bowen Energy, which has large prospecting licence for thermal and coking coal

Suvrat Saigal is Barclays\' Consumer Banking Director

Barclays today appointed Suvrat Saigal as Consumer Banking Director, Global retail and commercial banking (GRCB) India.

Emaar MGF to use over half of Rs 3,850-cr IPO to repay debt

Delhi-based real estate company Emaar MGF plans to utilise over half of the amount it will raise through its initial public offer to repay part of its debt.

FMCG \'dream choice\' for fresh MBA graduates

The Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector has emerged as the industry of choice for this year’s management graduates.

USL set to export its branded wines

USL Wines, a division of United Spirits, part of the United Breweries (UB) group, is set to start exporting its brands.

Battling price rise

Business Standard / New Delhi December 18, 2009, 0:19 IST

RIL woos Lyondell creditors as mgmt fights back

New York bankruptcy court to hear former owner’s updated rescue plan today.

Tata Motors slips owing to Nano cancellations

Tata Motors slipped to a low of Rs 701 and finally settled at Rs 705, down 3.5% from its previous close. The counter witnessed trades of 1.24 million shares as against the two-week daily average traded volumes of 939,906 shares on the BSE.

Reacting to rumours

- Mastering money making - Don't be bold on gold - Getting rid of government controls - For the risk-takers - High on expectations - Commodity to the rescue

US to remove cap on intake of medical students

The US Administration will bring a Bill in the Congress to remove the federal cap on intake of medical students, a move that will benefit international students, including those from India, a body of Indian-origin physicians in America has claimed.