February 28, 2011
Mixed reaction to the BudgetWhile some have praised the Budget, others have expressed their displeasure.
Budget: Of Pranab's quips and Rahul's absenceFinance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's Budget presentation on Monday was in sharp contrast to his colleague Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's disorderly and oft-disrupted performance.
Experts' view on what Pranab's Budget meansWhat does the Budget attempts to do?
India Inc gives thumbs up to the BudgetOverall the Union Budget 2011-12 has been a balanced budget. The government is moving in right direction with regard to reforms.
Budget: Is the industry happy?While the budget is positive for the equity markets, crude oil price and the global scenario will largely decide the market direction.
Air travel, hotel stays will now be costlier!Air travel and hotel stays will be expensive as the government raised service tax air travel in economy class by up to Rs 250 and brought hotel accommodation, among others, under the tax net in the Budget unveiled on Monday.
Defence fund: Incapable of meeting growing threatsThe increase in defence budget from Rs.147,344 crore (Rs 1,473.44 billion) in fiscal 2010-11 to 164,415 crore (Rs 1,644.15 billion) in fiscal 2011-12, reflects a gain of 11.59%.
Here's how the govt earns and spends its rupeeIn a good sign, the government will depend less on borrowing to finance budgetary proposals in 2011-12 than in the ongoing 2010-11 financial year.
How the Budget hits the salaried classan hour-long chat on Monday, Mahesh Padmanabhan from RelaxwithTax replied to many tax-related questions.
12 Budget measures that affect you!By far the most attractive thing in the Budget 2010 for individuals is the increase in the income tax slab limits. Though the entry level slab for income tax has not been changed from Rs 1.6 lakh (Rs 160,000), there is a considerable jump in the other slabs.
Roaring markets end on a modest noteThe Sensex, which had soared by around 600 points in the aftermath of the FM's speech, surrendered more than 400 points from intra-day highs and slipped below the 18k mark to end up a mere 122 points at 17823 and the Nifty ended up 30 points at 5333.
No filing of tax returns if salary is only incomeIn a big relief from cumbersome tax filing process for the salaried class, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday proposed to exempt them from filing tax returns unless they have other sources of income.
Why petrol, diesel are likely to cost moreExcise duty on petrol will remain at Rs 14.35 a litre and diesel at Rs 4.60 per litre.
Budget: Who flayed the FM, who praised himOpposition parties on Monday came down heavily on General Budget 2011-12 dismissing the exercise as "very disappointing and directionless" and said it has failed to address the problems of unemployment and price rise affecting the common man.
Budget: Is there enough in it for farmers?The finance minister has increased the quantum of rural credit, with particular emphasis on short-term crop loans for small farmers and focussed heavily on improving food storage and processing infrastructure as well as supply chain management.
MAT up at 18.5%; SEZs too under umbrellaThe government on Monday proposed to levy Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) of 18.5 per cent on the book profits of Special Economic Zone developers and units, which was termed as a 'setback' by the players.
5-fold strategy to deal with black money menaceExpressing "serious concern" over the generation and circulation of black money, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the government has adopted a five-fold strategy to deal with the menace.
Coins with new Rupee symbol soon: FMA new series of coins will be unveiled soon carrying the Rupee symbol, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced in the Budget.
Why stock market soared by 600 pts on FM's speech!The bellwether Sensex rose by over 500 points after the finance minister tabled the Budget in Parliament today.
Now, air travel to cost moreThe hike in service tax on air travel would be effective from April one. From then on, the tax on economy class domestic travel would stand at Rs 150 instead of the current Rs 100 and Rs 750, as against Rs 500, for international travel.
Budget 2011: What's cheaper, what's costlier!Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Union Budget 2011-12 in Parliament on Monday. While the finance minister made the tax payers slightly happy by raising the exemption limit to Rs 180,000, he made many others unhappy.
Indian economy to boom, FM pegs growth at 9%India's economy will revert to the pre-crisis growth level of 9 per cent in the next financial year.
Budget 2011-12: All about corporate taxBringing some cheer to the industry, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lowered the surcharge tax limit on corporate tax to 5 per cent from 7.5 per cent, even while marginally raising the Minimum Alternate Tax.
New measures to boost infrastructure invest: FMFinance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday announced a slew of measures to boost investment in the infrastructure sector with a view to propel the economy on an over 9 per cent growth trajectory in the coming years.
FM forecasts deficit to go downRevenues from 3G and Broadband Wireless Access spectrum auction has helped government reduce the deficit.
Good news for farmers, loans at 4%In a bonanza to the farming community, the government on Monday announced loans at interest rate of four per cent -- three per cent less than market rate.
Income-tax: What the finance minister has in storeIn a relief to individual tax payers, the government on Friday changed the slabs cutting the rate to 10 per cent for income up to Rs five lakh, while leaving the threshold limit for tax-free income unchanged at Rs 1.6 lakh.
Housing loans of Rs 15 lakh to get 1% interest sopThe government on Monday said low-cost housing loans of Rs 15 lakh (Rs 1.5 million) will be eligible for one per cent interest subsidy, which will help in increasing the demand for such housing.
Highlights of Union Budget 2011-12Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Union Budget 2010-11 in parliament on Friday. A look into the hihghlights.
Will the FM present a 'historic' Budget?The finance minister's legacy will be determined by this year's Union budget.
Rupee trading soars in DubaiFutures contracts of the rupee against the dollar listed on the Dubai Gold
FM's mission: A people friendly BudgetRising food prices are pinching everybody and he would like to do his bit to increase purchasing power.
Budget: Prescriptions and wishlistsBold reform measures to sustain high growth trajectory figure high.
TAX: FM to raise I-T exemption to Rs 2 lakh?Tax experts are hopeful Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will increase the income tax exemption limit to Rs 2 lakh (Rs 200,000) per annum from Rs 1.6 lakh (Rs 160,000) to bring the rates in line with the Direct Taxes Code.
CAG to conduct spectrum auditArtificial scarcity and lack of clarity on available bandwidth blamed for scam.
February 25, 2011
Vote: What's the best thing about Railway Budget?We have here a list of a dozen of her proposals in random order. Please take the poll at the end of the slide show to select the one which you feel is the best thing about this year's Railway Budget.
My budget is pro-people, says MamataCountering Communist Party of India-Marxist's allegations that she had made Railways bankrupt, she said, "Their government (in West Bengal) is bankrupt. It has Rs 2 lakh crore (Rs 2 trillion) debt. Charity begins at home."
IN NUMBERS: Rail Budget and Economic SurveyHow India performed in 2010-2011 and what Mamata has in store for 2011-12.
FIIs invested Rs 1.12 lakh cr in 2010"The year 2010 has been one of strong growth for the Indian capital markets. Bulls tossed off the markets in the year 2010... following global recovery and with FIIs pumping money into the market," the Economic Survey said.
Food inflation high in India? Well, not reallyIndia's food inflation was the second lowest among all emerging economies in the 2010.
Indian American to guide US manufacturing policySecunderabad-born and raised Dr Sridhar Kota, 52, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, has become American President Barack Obama's point man for developing policy on manufacturing in the White House.
Rail Budget: Who praised Mamata, who slammed herThough a host of pro-public announcements made by her in the last Railway Budget (2010-11) has been implemented, Indian Railways' finances have gone from bad to worse.
No hike in passenger fares; freight ratesPresenting her third budget in UPA-II in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a slew of
Mamata's gift for you: 56 new trainsThe Indian Railways will launch 56 new trains, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
This is what Mamata's rail has in store for youStating that the Budget is passenger friendly, Mamata Banerjee said the annual plan for 2011-12 is Rs 57,630 crore.
Indian economy: A tale of robust growthThe growth rate has been 8.6 per cent in 2010-11 and is expected to be around 9 per cent in the next fiscal year.
This is what the Economic Survey 2010-11 says!Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Economic Survey for 2010-11 in the Lok Sabha.
FY12 Budget: The math gets tougherThe government's FY11 fiscal deficit should be comfortably lower than its estimate (4.7% vs the budgeted 5.5%), but we suspect the quality of improvement would be weak, given one-off revenue items and a significantly higher base of nominal GDP.
Toy train travails: N Bengal pins hopes on DidiFor the last eight months, the toy train service between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is partially suspended, following a landslide and the authorities are unsure of when the narrow gauge route would be revived.
How Mamata's agenda has ruined Railway's partyWhile a host of pro-public announcements made by her in the last Railway Budget (2010-11) have been implemented, Indian Railways' finances have gone from bad to worse.
What India Inc wants FM to doThe FY2011 budget rightly targeted a resumption of fiscal consolidation as the economic recovery was on track. As the fiscal year progressed, tax revenues proved more buoyant than budgeted due to stronger growth and progress on tax administration.
PHOTOS: How the giant Airbus is made!A peep into Airbus 320 manufacturing unit.
IMAGES: Libya crisis wreaks havoc on oil prices!Oil prices hit two-and-a-half-year highs in Asian trade on Friday as violence continued to wrack the Middle East and threatened to spread to other bigger oil producers in the region, analysts said.
Personal tax: This is what the common man wants!The Budget day is generally awaited by the aam aadmi in the hope that the amendments will mean more money for him.
Will the Budget make you happy? Check this outCan Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee save the day for his coalition government?
February 24, 2011
Sensex sheds 546 points to close below 18KSensex and Nifty lost about 3.0 per cent to end the day at nearly 2-week lows.
Budget: What are the govt's prioritiesCombating inflation, protecting the common man from the impact of rising food prices and sustaining the momentum of economic growth while ensuring the poor get a fair share of the "fruits of growth" are among the government's "foremost priorities" in 2011-12, President Pratibha Patil said in her address to Parliament this week.
Budget 2011: What these 10 experts wantWill the finance minister deliver?
Implementation of telecom policy may be faulty: PMCiting statistics of teledensity which has gone up from seven per cent in March 2004 to 66 per cent in December, 2010, Singh said the policy has paid 'rich dividends'.
Prices rise: Food inflation at 11.49%Food inflation rose marginally to 11.49 per cent for the week ended February 12 from 11.05 per cent in the previous week, driven by rising prices of milk, egg, meat and vegetables.
Rail: Mamata may favour Bengal, not hike faresThe Railways are unlikely to carry out any major changes in passenger fares in the Rail Budget for the eighth year in succession, even as more than 100 new trains could be announced, including a dozen non-stop Durontos.
Antrix deal, scams, inflation: PM has bold retortsIn the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, the ISRO-Devas deal came up for discussion. Bharatiya Janata Party's Venkiah Naidu wanted a discussion on the deal, but Singh said he did not know enough on the issue.
Why next few days are vital for the stock marketGoing by the trends in the past, the stock market has always been highly volatile during the budget season. This is primarily due to the fact that there are high positive/negative expectations prior to the Budget.
Budget: A tightrope walk for the FMThe Street will await positive signals towards maintaining growth, boosting infra spending and reforms in the forthcoming Union Budget, but mounting inflation and political compulsions leave little room to manoeuvre.
Budget: What the govt promised and what it didBudget 2010 gave a lot of hope to people in the country. There were many new schemes introduced by the government aiming at the growth and development of the country.
Micra Diesel vs Indica Vista Quad! Who wins?We pitch Micra Diesel against the latest iteration of the car that kick-started the diesel hatch wars, the Indica Vista Quadrajet Aura+!
The world's 10 most liveable citiesWhile cities from Canada and Australia hogged the limelight, there was not a single city from either the US or Asia among the top 10.
10 futuristic cars you must seeFuturistic cars are set to take the world by storm.
Mumbai 6th most expensive office locationKey office markets around the world have seen sharp increases in rents, according to Cushman & Wakefield's Office Space Across the World 2011 report.
Why India will be world's No. 1 economy by 2050!The 10 largest economies by 2050 (in trillion 2010 PPP dollars) will be very different from what they are now. Read on to find out which are these nations and why India will be the largest economy. . .
February 23, 2011
Allow export of wheat, rice and sugar, says PawarMaking a strong case for bringing down the $600 per tonne export benchmark price for Indian onions which has made them uncompetitive, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said the Minimum Export Price is double the prevailing rate in international markets.
Plastics industry to launch coursesPlastics industry has tied-up with Mumbai-based University Department of Chemical Technology to launch diploma and certificate courses.
UK looks for JV with Indian N-industryUK's civil nuclear energy companies are looking for tie-ups with Indian counterparts.
Hyundai i20 Automatic: How good is it?This i20 automatic promised the prowess of the original with a more comfortable transmission. Did it match up? I find out.
What the Economic Survey is likely to sayThe robust performance of the Indian economy during the ongoing fiscal is likely to prompt the government to peg GDP growth in the 2011-12 fiscal at 9 per cent, as well as withdraw stimulus measures in the forthcoming Budget.
The economics behind the Congress BudgetStability and efficiently meeting equity should be the objectives of the forthcoming Budget.
Hurry! You can still claim more tax deductionsThere is more to tax planning than just Section 80C and infrastructure bonds.
Apple likely to unveil new iPad on March 2The next-generation iPad, which is unofficially termed the 'iPad 2', is expected to be 'thinner and lighter'.
Check out these 5 stunning sedansBig names in the Indian car market are strengthening their sedan segment.
Budget: What to expect, what not to expectAmid speculation that taxes and duties might be raised as part of a partial rollback of the economic stimulus, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will present the Budget for 2010-11 on Friday.
DoT draws up ambitious blueprint for sectorSeveral of the proposals may be part of New Telecom Policy.
What the IT industry wants from the BudgetSmall and medium IT companies seek extension of benefits under STPI, increased spending on education, e-governance and more transparency.
Mamata calls on UPA brass to clear pet rail plansBanerjee wants the two top leaders of the United Progressive Alliance to nudge the Planning Commission into including some of her most important initiatives in the Railway Budget.
25 nations where high food price could crush govtsThe world over, food inflation is rampant. In Tunisia, it actually led to the toppling of the government following riots over high food prices
How to become a great leaderDefining the future fosters commitment within your team by imbuing its work with purpose.
Can Budget bridge the rich-poor divide?More than one fourth of all spending is on interest alone, which is actually regressive and not redistributive at all.
February 22, 2011
2G: CBI unaware of threat to national securityThe Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday said it was not aware of the threat to national security posed by allocation of 2G spectrum to some telecom firms which subsequently offloaded their shares to global firms with links to Pakistan, an issue raised by Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy.
Rs 150 coin to be out soon!For the first time in the country's minting history, government will issue coins of Rs 150 denomination.
Some inflationary pressure to remain: FMFinance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday urged the states to strengthen PDS to enable the government insulate the poor from the adverse impact of inflation.
How BP deal gives Reliance a push to expand abroadReliance Industries Ltd's $7.2 billion asset sale to BP PLC has given it the firepower to expand more aggressively overseas, potentially pitching it into competition with Asian rivals for big oil and gas deals.
Budget: Preventive healthcare needs incentiveThrough this Budget, we look forward to various incentives whereby good high-end medical technology reaches the remote areas of our country.
Ask FDIs entering retail to meet conditionsWhile no major overhaul of taxes are expected, fiscal deficits for FY11 and FY12 may bring in positive surprises.
The 20 challenges that the finance minister faces!The Union Budget 2011-12 is just round the corner. On February 28, even as Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announces his Budget proposals there are a lot of challenges that face him.
How investors can benefit from BudgetA market index rises when people with deeper pockets (not necessarily a larger number of people) bet that shares will rise in value.
Budget must focus on agri reforms & infrastructureRestore macro economic stability
Budget: A heavy burden on Pranab MukherjeeEconomic growth should be accompanied by social and political stability.
Why govt borrowings may remain high in FY12In our view, the overall fiscal consolidation could impart a negative fiscal impulse after 3 years of positive impulse.
Meet the key people behind the BudgetA look at the key members who make the country's biggest fiscal package.
How Budget may affect income tax, industry sectorsThe Union Budget for 2011-12 comes at a critical juncture for the economy -- high inflation, tight liquidity, elevated fiscal and current account deficits, and a slowdown in the reform process have taken away the sheen from the India growth story.
February 21, 2011
2G scam: CBI questions Videocon's DhootThe duo was called to the CBI headquarters Monday afternoon and questioned for over seven hours.
RIL sells 30% pie in oil blocks to BP for $7.2 bnIn one of the country's biggest energy deals, Reliance Industries on Monday announced sale of 30 per cent stake in its 23 blocks including the giant KG-D6 gas fields to the United Kingdom's BP Plc for $7.2 billion.
Secret bank a/cs: Germany, Mauritius to share infoThe assurance came at a bilateral meeting between Mukherjee and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on the sidelines of the meeting of the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors that concluded in Paris on Saturday.
Here's why PM's advisors are gung-ho on economyThe Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council on Monday projected the economic growth in the country at 8.6 per cent for the current fiscal on the back of rebound in farm output and inflation to come down to 7 per cent by March-end due to declining food prices.
Here's what our MPs will decide in Budget SessionParliament met on Monday for the Budget Session, starting with the President's address. This session will likely focus on financial issues, other debates on important national issues, and legislative Bills.
What's an iPad without its appsThe Apple iPad can be hammered into a content creation device - but not without hitches like it cannot open multiple windows while working - but where it really shines is as a content consumption device.
Meet the Indian inventor who has 42 patentsIn 2005, when Rediff.com met Arvind Thiagarajan, he was 25-year-old young inventor with a couple of patents to his credit. Today, he has more than 40 patents to his credit.
2 new super bikes soon in IndiaThe motorcycle segment in the country grew by 24 per cent to 7.4 million between April 2010 and January 2011.
An easy-to-understand guide on Budget jargonBudget is the annual fiscal exercise that attracts a lot interest, as it is a plan that sets goals, outlines resources to meet these goals, provides details of the government's receipts and payments, and frames the taxation policies for the country.
Ambani needs fresh SEZ approvalThis is required after Maharashtra de-notified 16,000 acres of land earmarked for the Maha Mumbai Special Economic Zone in Raigad district.
Tata to increase Aria's productionAria has a 14 per cent share in the UV segment, clocking in sales of 225-250 units a month.
Kingfisher may cancel A380 and A350 ordersThe UB Group-controlled Kingfisher Airlines may cancel its orders for Airbus A380s and A350s or swap these planes for smaller planes like A320s and A330s.
Consumers unhappy with brodband's usage policiesMost users are unhappy with the cap on 'unlimited' access plans. Broadband internet service providers need to make their networks more capable, feel most Indian subscribers.
Fighting price rise is top priority: PresidentCombating inflation and sustaining growth momentum may be the top priority, but the government on Monday said it would strive to push economic reforms to encourage foreign and private sector investments in the economy.
Digital classrooms: The future of young IndiaKeeping pace with students who are becoming more tech-savvy, schools in India are taking to the concept of digital classrooms.
Traders fear higher import duties on gold, silverIndustry representatives say the government may be tempted to raise the duty on gold and silver by Rs 100 per 10 gram and Rs 500 per kg, respectively, to earn extra revenue at a time the economy is facing several challenges.
Of Harshad Mehta and how UPA can regain trustThe public's faith in the processes of government would be restored if the prime minister is as good as his word, and goes with determination after all the guilty in the telecom scam and the many Commonwealth Games rackets.
India's trade pact with Japan: What it meansThe far-reaching Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement serves a number of national interests on both sides.
Budget: Everything you wanted to know about itThe Budget still remains a very important event for India.
Ever considered hiring through Facebook?An increasing number of IT companies find the idea of using social media making a lot of sense.
Bengal uses half of rural water funds, rest lessThere is one area in which West Bengal has come out on top: Utilisation of funds under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme, or NRDWP.
Sugar worth Rs 8,400 crore rots in MaharashtraIt is lying in the godowns of the state's sugar mills, according to the Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories in Maharashtra.
India's top cities with highest household incomeUrbanisation is a core component to the process of city formation and building out India's competitive strength in the global markets.
Govt may settle for one excise, service tax rateMove a step towards goods and services tax.
February 18, 2011
Cisco launches virtual meeting solutionCisco's pervasive strategy aims at making video available on any device of one's choice.
Scams, high prices, pro-rich policy could maim UPAAs the crucial Budget session of Parliament begins, the UPA has a major chance to correct course. If it wastes it, it risks disaster, says
.
Swan Telecom's Shahid Balwa sent to Tihar jailDB Reality and Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa was on Friday sent to Tihar Jail by court and remain in under judicial custody till March 3.
'India story continues unabated'We also expect undertaking policy reforms to support growth like addressing the challenges to land acquisition, infrastructure bottlenecks and infrastructure financing, among others.
JLR to hire 2,000 in 2 yearsThe company plans to induct 400 people during this year in UK alone and has already started the process to recruit 280 graduates in different verticals.
Salaries unlimited! India's top earning CEOsExecutive take-homes touched a new peak, fuelled by companies' hunt for star talent.
Likely rollback of stimulus packageVivek Mahajan expects a populist Budget and says there could be a rollback of economic stimulus package.
New consumer price indices peg inflation at 6%The figure was arrived based on a comparison with the annual all-India CPI index average for the whole of 2010.
Road test: The superb Rs 5.99-lakh Mahindra TharThe Thar is based on the classic MM540/550 design which was derived from the CJ-5 series.
Budget: Why the nation needs itWith people reposing faith in the UPA and voting for stability, this is the government's chance to fulfill its promises, ensure growth and development of the country, check runaway prices, and offer succour to the aam aadmi.
Record surge in Indian gold demandUp 37% in December quarter, nearly 70 per cent over the year, a fourth of entire global intake.
The secret behind Titan's successThe Tata Group company, among the top five in market capitalisation, is set to further strengthen its presence in the gold retailing and watches segment.
Jobs from US are outsourced to India? Bah!Indo-US trade and economic relationship is a two-way process and not heavily tilted towards any one.
Lenovo tablet launch in next two quartersLenovo is set to introduce tablet computers in the Indian market within the next two quarters, Amar Babu, managing director, Lenovo India, said on Friday.
6 Indians among 111 charged in US health scamThe 111 people charged across nine cities are accused of various healthcare fraud-related crimes, including conspiracy to defraud Medicare, criminal false claims, money laundering and aggravated identify theft.
How to choose the right mutual fundA little time spent in choosing the right fund can go a long way in deciding the final corpus from the scheme.
PHOTOs: Here's what India's billionaires drive!Click NEXT to check out the vehicles Indian billionaires drive . . .
IMAGES: Mercedes C200, passport to elite clubMercedes-Benz' C200 CGI is a phenomenal engineering work.
February 17, 2011
HCL says no to $35 laptop projectHCL Infosystems has denied its association with Sakshat project of the ministry of human resource development to manufacture access and computing device to be priced $35 a piece.
The UPA's failures, according to Yashwant Sinha'Stringent measures needed on government expenditure'
9 foreign airlines cleared of cartelisation chargeThe investigation wing of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has cleared nine foreign airlines of cartelisation and abuse of dominant position charges, pressed by the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
5 young guns who will take over top Indian firmsA new generation is being groomed to take over some of the top companies in India.
Rail Budget: What do people expect from Mamata?The forthcoming Railway Budget is, perhaps, going to be the toughest one for Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Herbal products will be outlawed from EUFrom May 1, a Brussels diktat known as the herbal directive, will effectively outlaw ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) from the 27-member countries of the European Union.
Some brickbats, some bouquets for ex-Sebi bossAn electrical engineer by education and an IAS officer of 1975 batch, Bhave engineered and administered numerous changes in Indian markets ever since taking charge as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India on February 17, 2008.
Steve Jobs may have just 6 weeks to live!Apple chief Steve Jobs who is suffering from pancreatic cancer may have just six weeks to live, a United States-based online publication has said.
Food inflation will be down to single digit:PranabDriven by high vegetable prices, the food inflation is in double digit for the past two months and even crossed 18 per cent in the last week of December 25.
Geithner for expansion of H-1B visaUS Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has said that he is in favour of expansion of H-1B visa programme, offered to highly skilled professionals and students to live and work in the country.
Govt scraps controversial Devas-Antrix dealThe decision to annul the deal was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the basis of a recommendation from the Space Commission.
Honda recalls 57,853 City sedans in India!The company, which runs operations in India through a joint venture with the Siel Group -- Honda Siel Cars India -- said the recall will cover only the third-generation City models that were manufactured between November 2008, and December 2009.
Food inflation at 9-week low of 11.05 %Food inflation fell for the second straight week to a nine-week low of 11.05 per cent for the week ended February 5 as pulses, wheat and potato prices declined.
IMAGES: The stunning new Porsche Panamera S HybridThe car uses Cayenne's hybrid system and is driven by an electric motor.
Does India need the new accounting norm?How rhetoric smuggles IFRS into India.
Traders go mobile with smartphonesBusiness-focused applications contribute 27 per cent to the total downloads in India and are the third-most popular apps downloaded.
Mumbai, Hyderabad, New Delhi fly highChhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has been rated the second-best airport worldwide for airports in the 15-25-million passengers category.
February 16, 2011
Why Anil Ambani met CBI officials in DelhiADAG, however, issued a statement saying that he visited the CBI as part of his weekly visit to Delhi.
Food prices rising to dangerous levels: World BankSpiralling prices of wheat, maize, sugar and oils apart from food items such as vegetables turning costlier, are pushing food inflation higher, according to World Bank.
IMAGES: The 20 richest people in IndiaThere were 106 additions to the super-rich list in 2010.
Why pre-payment penalty should goBanks in India have to live by the quality of their service, not anti-competitive practices
Infosys plans 5-fold rise in BPO workersTo tap the domestic market, the country's second-largest information technology company set up a separate unit within its BPO arm in 2009.
The iconic Mercedes G 55 AMG at Rs 1.1 crore!The car is powered by a supercharged 5.5-litre V8-engine
This IT czar has his heart in the right placeDreams certainly did become a reality in the case of this son of a district judge in Tamil Nadu.
Have a short-term goal? Here's how to investStick to debt instruments as the duration is short, and as you cannot take a punt on equities. If the market turns volatile and you make losses, there isn't sufficient time to recoup these.
What made former Sebi chief successful?Chandrasekhar Bhaskar Bhave has always tried to avoid controversy, but that's something that has followed him like a shadow in the last three years of his professional career.
IMAGES: The world's top 25 debt-ridden nationsExternal debt (or foreign debt) is the total amount of private and public foreign debt (capital plus interest) that a country owes to its creditors outside the country.
February 15, 2011
Black money: Swiss relax rules to share infoIn a move that could help India track black money, Switzerland on Tuesday relaxed norms for sharing information on secret bank accounts of overseas tax offenders by allowing varied modes of identification.
No rise in petro prices soon: MinisterThe government has no plans to increase petrol and diesel prices even though international crude rates have touched $100 per barrel, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy said in Panipat on Tuesday.
You may soon get 9.5% interest on your PF depositsFinance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will soon give the green signal to the payment of 9.5 per cent interest rate on provident fund deposits during 2010-11, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
Takeover talk just a rumour, says Twitter CEOTwitter chief executive officer Dick Costolo has dismissed as rumour reports that Google and Facebook were in talks of acquiring the micro-blogging site for $10 billion.
Costs, interest rate can hurt JLR profitsThanks to the turnaround in JLR's performance, the stock has been the best performer in the large cap auto segment.
Waste turns into lifestyle productsWhat was thrown out as waste and burnt as firewood is now being converted into a substitute for wood.
Mamata's warning & list of powers ministers enjoyRailway Minister Mamata Banerjee, it appears, is peeved with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Home Minister P Chidambaram over the punishment being meted out to government servants on charges of corruption.
A look at Mahindra Satyam's new growth strategyBack on track under the new management of Tech Mahindra, Mahindra Satyam (the new identity of information technology outsourcing company Satyam Computer Services Limited) is bullish on joining the league of its peers through its predefined three-year turnaround plan.
Major concerns for India? Corruption, inflationCorruption and inflation were major concerns among Indian investors, according to a survey done by ValueNotes on behalf of JP Morgan Asset Management in December.
Revealed after 125 yrs! Coca-Cola's secret recipeThe prototype Coca-Cola recipe was formulated at the Eagle Drug and Chemical Company, a drugstore in Columbus, Georgia by John Pemberton.
Grief to joy: Inspiring tale of an entrepreneur!Dr Sunil Shroff of Sri Ramachandra Medical College, recently won the TiECON Chennai's Social Entrepreneur of the Year award. This is his story. . .
Should India's super-rich pay more taxes?India has a very low tax/GDP ratio by world standards.
Asia's 22 greenest cities: Delhi ahead of Mumbai!The Asian Green City Index examines the environmental performance of 22 major Asian cities in eight categories: energy and CO2, land use and buildings, transport, waste, water, sanitation, air quality and environmental governance.
PIX: The 20 hottest selling cars in IndiaLed by the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki, Ford India, General Motors and Toyota Kirloskar logged overall growth in sales volumes.
Of Posco, responsible investing and realityWhat is urgently needed are transparent and highly credible mechanisms for mapping actual impacts on the ground -- and sifting the truth from claims made by different sides of the dispute, says
.
FIIs to keep selling Indian stocks till mid-2011!Indian equities to invest in the more profitable north-east Asian markets till mid-2011, Australian investment bank Macquarie said.
February 14, 2011
Tata slams RCom as dual tech fracas hots upTata Teleservices said on Monday that it is unfair and incorrect to compare the company with dual technology operators like RCom and others as they had applied and got the approval even before the policy came into effect.
Nilekani to head team on kerosene, LPG subsidyThe government on Monday constituted an inter-ministerial task force under UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani for evolving mechanisms to provide direct subsidies on kerosene, cooking gas and fertilisers to intended beneficiaries.
DRDO unleashes latest weapon: Mosquito repellent!It has been developing missiles and other state-of-the-art equipment for the armed forces, but the Defence Research and Development Organisation is now ready to take on the oldest human enemy -- mosquitoes -- that are vectors of diseases like malaria, and dengue with a new insect repellent cream.
New diesel variant of Chevrolet Beat by June"Beat with a one-litre diesel engine will also be coming in June this year," General Motors India Vice-President P Balendran said after unveiling the LPG variant of the compact car here.
Home loan pre-payment penalty may be slashedRBI in talks with banks to fix charges at 0.5-1%.
I told PM loot is happening in his name: ShourieFormer telecom minister Arun Shourie responds to the Shivraj Patil committee's findings on the 2G spectrum scam, in this interview with Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN programme 'Devil's Advocate'. Excerpts:
Inflation dips to 8.23%, but food still costlyInflation declined marginally to 8.23 per cent in January from 8.43 per cent in the previous month, as prices of certain commodities like wheat, pulses and sugar eased, although essential items like onion and other vegetables continue to remain dearer.
12 global cities that will see a mega-boom by 2025Cities, the world over, are bursting at the seams. With urbanisation on the rise, urban populations have now outnumbered rural populations in many nations, and the 'exodus' shows no signs of abating.
Now, Chinese cars all set to drive into IndiaWith the automobile marking booming in India, vehicle makers are likely to set base here.
Buying property in small city? Beware of taxman!Buying property valued considerably less than even Rs 30 lakh (Rs 3 million) in small cities may soon draw the attention of income-tax officials, if the transaction does not match payment of income tax.
Rs 1-lakh crore fraud by 'old 2G operators': RComReliance Communications has accused "old 2G operators" of causing over Rs 1 lakh crore (Rs 1 trillion) in losses to the exchequer through "fraudulent means".
Pay Rs 90 lakh and buy a ticket to spaceThe world's first private commercial flight to space is set to take off in 2012.
February 11, 2011
Exclusive! DoT had opposed ISRO-Devas dealIn his letter dated July 6, 2010, Thomas had also advocated a discussion on use of the scarce S-band spectrum with Indian Space Research Organisation in a special meeting attended by representatives of DoT, Department of Space, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and Indian Meteorological Department.
Iconic Cadillac to be in India in 2 yearsRiding high on the Indian success story of its Chevrolet brand, multi-national auto major General Motors is looking at launching its premium and iconic Cadillac in the country in the next two years, a top company official said.
Kalam thrilled by Gujarat's high growth"Gujarat registered a sustained agricultural growth of 7 to 9 per cent over the past six years which was far ahead of the country's national average growth of just about 2.5 to 3 per cent."
Fake auto parts cost 2,200 crore to govtAutomotive aftermarket has touched the Rs. 33,000-crore mark, but fake spare parts are costing the government Rs. 2,200 crore a year.
PHOTOs: Chevrolet Beat LPG is here at Rs 410,000!The Beat LPG has been priced at between Rs 4.10 lakh (Rs 410,000) and Rs 4.53 lakh (Rs 453,000) -- ex-showroom Mumbai.
Nokia, Microsoft in JV to boost smartphone bizThe two entities would form a "broad strategic partnership that would use their complementary strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem."
Black money abroad? It's returning via FDI!The expos of Swiss bank account holders has rekindled a controversy regarding the amount of illegal money stashed abroad by Indians.
Can Anil Ambani pull his cos back from the brink?Litigation, business setbacks, corporate governance issues and a massive funding shortage have left Anil Ambani's companies reeling.
Now you can switch your health insurance firmThe Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority on Thursday allowed portability of health insurance products. It will be applicable for all existing and new contracts from July.
Why is Kingfisher losing its sheen to IndiGo!"On-time performance is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. On-time service, too, is said to have helped IndiGo become the second-biggest airline. People fly to be on time and for point-to-point travel. IndiGo seems to have got its fundamentals right," says Amber Dubey, director (aerospace & defence) at global consultancy firm KPMG.
Facebook mulls $1-bn staff share saleFacebook mulls allowing employees sell up to $1 billion of their shares to institutional investors, valuing the social networking firm at $60 billion.
Monthly IIP numbers don't tell the true story: FMIndustrial production, measured by the index of industrial production, slowed to a 20 month low of 1.6 per cent in December, from 2.7 per cent in November 2010.
Ambani identifies rogue brokers, seeks Sebi actionThe Anil Ambani group on Friday said that it has identified the stockbrokers behind the spread of malicious rumours and 'baseless sensational charges' against it and sought immediate action by the Securities and Exchange Board of India against the perpetrators.
Indian economy slowing down? IIP sinks to 1.6%India's Index of Industrial Production -- which measures industrial growth -- plunged to a dismal 1.6 per cent in December 2010 from 18 per cent in the same period a year ago due to the poor performance of the manufacturing sector.
Sensex plummeting? No reason to panicWe're likely to see Sensex earnings of 1,200-1,225 per share for the year ending March 2012.
Give farmers loans at low rates, Sonia tells banksSeeking to insulate small and marginal farmers from exploitation by moneylenders, United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi has asked banks to provide credit to farming community at lower rates of interest.
Want quick promotions? Join the banking sector!Banks rearrange human resource priorities.
I want to be remembered as a clean bizman: TataTata Group chairman Ratan Tata has said that power and wealth are not his two main stakes and ruled out joining politics after his retirement in 2012.
Reclamation finds place in Mamata's lexiconThe Trinamool Congress leader was all praise for the Rs 5,000-crore (Rs 50-billion) Sagar Port project by the Kolkata Port Trust, which will be the first project in the country to come up through the reclamation of riverbed.
2G scam: 'Ministers, bureaucrats hand-in-glove'The one-member Shivraj Patil committee report, which was made public in its entirety on Thursday, has put in the dock communications ministers and key bureaucrats in the department of telecom since 2001.
Indian stock markets losing Rs 100 crore a minute!In total, the stock market wealth has come down by a whopping over Rs 11 lakh crore (Rs 11 trillion) since the beginning of 2011, as the benchmark Sensex plummeted by over 3,000 points.
The story beyond India's growth storyThat India is a growth story is old hat. It is time to talk about the story beyond that story, was the message at this year's India Business Conference at the Kellogg School of Management.
PM on why India needs to modernise agri marketingPrime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday the government will focus on modernising the agricultural marketing system and brining in private players to this sector in the 12th Five Year Plan beginning 2012.
February 10, 2011
Set up special court on 2G scam, SC tells govtThe Supreme Court on Thursday asked the government to constitute a special court to exclusively deal with the 2G spectrum scam that has caused a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) to the exchequer.
Environment under attack: Why India to pay dearly!Posco was cleared because it is India's largest FDI project and the South Korean government lobbied for it. Such things don't happen in democracies which respect the rule of law, says
.
BCCI insures World Cup for Rs 246 croreThe cricket body has taken a separate cover for terror-related cancellation.
A luxury Toyota Innova, MKrafted with passion!MKraft developed the concept of 'Stretchback' and the concept sets the benchmark of luxury to an entirely different platform.
The amazing ups-and-downs story of DB RealtyShahid Balwa and Vinod Goenka, the promoters of DB Realty, have a common background -- both are college drop-outs and came from families that, directly or indirectly, dealt in real estate.
Facebook, Google talk acquisition with Twitter"Executives at both Facebook and Google, among other companies, have held low-level talks with those at Twitter Inc in recent months to explore the prospect of an acquisition of the messaging service," The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Davos to install statue of Mahatma GandhiSpurred by the popularity of Mahatma Gandhi at the recent World Economic Forum, which displayed statues of the Indian leader at various venues, the Davos city council has approved setting up a permanent Gandhi monument there.
Anil Ambani: Bears caused Rs 3 lakh crore loss!Hit by a massive sell-off in stocks of various group companies, Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group today said it is a victim of a bear cartel that has caused a market value loss of over Rs 3 lakh crore (Rs 3 trillion) across the infrastructure sector in the past two weeks.
Black money: Govt to name offenders, SC toldThe UPA government, under severe pressure from the Supreme Court and the Opposition parties over the issue of billions of dollars of Indian wealth parked in tax havens, on Thursday assured the Apex Court that it will make public the names of persons who have stashed money in foreign banks, after a case is registered against them.
Food inflation: Govt clueless on how to tackle itFood inflation continues to run amok, and very clearly, the government does not seem to have any clue on how to rein it in.
Mamata may not hike rail fare despite fund crunchPolitical repercussions are not the only reason why the Trinamool Congress chief would leave the sensitive issue of fares untouched before the West Bengal assembly elections in April.
Budget may hike tax exemption to Rs 1.75 lakhTax incentives to software companies under Sections 10A and 10B are also set to continue next year, with a change in the basis of benefits from profit-linked to investment-linked.
Indian economy opening up slow, US frustratedThe US was 'extraordinarily' frustrated with the slow pace of opening up of Indian economy, despite the issue being raised at the highest level, a top Obama Administration has said.
What housewives, farmers, students want in BudgetCome February and all eyes and ears are on the finance minister and his budget for the coming year.
Who's better? Merc E-Class versus Skoda Superb V6The new Mercedes Benz E-Class (W212) is here - an aggressively styled German luxury sedan worth approximately half a crore (Rs 5 million).
Black money to be taxable under DTC: GovtThe government also informed the apex court that it has completed negotiations for Tax Informations Exchange Agreement with 10 countries where the money is believed to have been stashed.
February 09, 2011
Indian growth engine to slow down, says HSBCIndia's economic growth may slow down to a little over 8 per cent while inflation is likely to be above the comfort level at 6.6 per cent with an upward bias next fiscal, a senior economist from global banking major HSBC said on Wednesday.
World Cup ad rate can touch Rs 24 lakh per 10 sec!It could be a windfall for cricket World Cup broadcaster ESPN Star Sports if India reaches the knockout stages, as the spot rate for advertisements could then touch up to Rs 24 lakh (Rs 2.4 million) per 10 seconds.
Anil Ambani stocks plummet; 2G probe widensAnil Dhirubhai Ambani Group stocks plummeted on Wednesday after ADAG chairman Anil Ambani reportedly met Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.
Do we need a black money amnesty scheme?Sukumar Mukhopadhyay, former member, Central Board of Excise and Customs, and Govindrao Adik, MP and General Secretary, NCP, debate the pros and cons of offering amnesty to tax evaders.
Mahindra culture curry has biz flavour"In business, personal passion should not be an indulgence, but a promise of excellence," said Mahindra, the vice-chairman & managing director of India's leading farm equipment-to-software group.
Budget: Here's what the common man wantsThe Budget refers to the 'Annual Financial Statement', laid before both the Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
Maruti Kizashi versus the other beauties!With the kind of powertrain and output potential Kizashi comes in direct competition with the likes of Honda Accord, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Laura and Toyota Camry.
Trai moots huge hike in start-up 2G spectrum priceIn a development that has huge financial implications for existing as well as new operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has recommended fixing the price for 6.2 Mhz of pan-India start-up 2G spectrum at Rs 10,972.45 crore (Rs 109.724 billion), more than six times the present cost of Rs 1,658 crore (Rs 16.58 billion).
2G spectrum scam: CBI arrests DB group's BalwaThe Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday night arrested Dynamix Balwas group managing director Shahid Usman Balwa in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation scam.
GDP: Interesting facts you must knowThe gross domestic product (GDP) or gross domestic income (GDI) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time.
Vote: Who has been India's best finance minister?Finance Ministers play a key role in shaping the economy of a country.
February 08, 2011
End ISRO deal, urged law officer; govt waitedEven as the ISRO spectrum deal snowballs into a major issue, with the Opposition parties gunning for the United Progressive Alliance government, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation Dr K. Radhakrishnan said that the Antrix-Devas S-band spectrum deal was recommended to be annulled in 2010 and the Department of Space is going through the process of reviewing the agreement.
ISRO spectrum deal had Cabinet nod?Hyperactive Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal -- busy trying to 'rescue' the UPA government in the 2G scam ever since he took over after Andimuthu Raja resigned in November -- finds himself caught up in another spectrum scam of the Indian Space Research Organisation's gift of 70Mhz at throwaway prices to its former officer in 2005 that is now turning out to be a Rs 2-lakh crore (Rs 2 trillion) scandal.
IT firms to see rise in H-1B, L-1 visa holdersDespite the rise in visa application fee and increasing pressure from the US to hire more locally, the number of H-1B and L-1 visa holders at most of the top Indian information technology firms are expected to increase further.
IT-BPO exports to hit $175 billion by 2020Having touched export revenues of $59 billion last year, the industry is estimated to have grown by 19 per cent in this financial year, aggregating revenues worth $76 billion.
BSE, NSE at war again; brokers gainTaking its price war with main rival National Stock Exchange (NSE) up a notch, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has announced the waiver of all transaction charges for brokers from semi-urban areas with effect from next month.
Sibal is lying, says Shourie; slams 2G scam reportTrashing the report on 2G scam by Justice Shivraj Patil, former telecom minister Arun Shourie on Tuesday accused Union Minister Kapil Sibal of trying to save former telecom minister A Raja by functioning as his advocate.
Want to ease your home loan burden? Here's help!Pay EMI for the entire sum, even if it is disbursed in tranches.
Bonanza for techies: 400,000 jobs coming your way!Hiring may exceed 400,000 in 2011-12; but laterals more sought after, as companies augment bench strength.
Wipro reorganises IT business structureCustomers can expect nimbler, more pro-active delivery, says the Wipro CEO.
This is what the Budget may do for youAs the finance ministry gives the final touches to the country's biggest financial planning exercise, there is widespread criticism over the government's inability to tackle inflation, bring back black money stashed overseas and keep fiscal deficit in check.
Great car launches and upgrades in FebruaryIt's just the second month of the New Year and already there have been a number of car launches and upgrades.
PF money in stocks? FinMin wants EPFO to decideThe finance ministry wants the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation to bypass the central board of trustees when deciding how to invest a portion of the Rs 5-lakh crore (Rs 5 trillion) provident fund corpus in the capital market.
Want to win Rs 25,000? Just solve this case!The Tata Consultancy Services-Smart Manager Case Contest is the oldest and most prestigious competition of its kind in India.
The man behind IndiGo's amazing successRahul Bhatia set up IndiGo and the Ibis hotels in India.
New pill offers relief from fever, pain for 12 hrsAhmedabad-based Lincoln Pharma on Monday launched the long acting paracetamol pill of 1,000 mg 'Pa12' for sustained relief from fever and pain for 12 hours.
Aussie cyclone batters India's steel producersSteel producers have already increased prices by 3-5 per cent, which will consequently hit the construction and automobile industries.
February 07, 2011
India's per capita income at Rs 54,527 in FY'11!India's per capita income is projected to grow by 17.3 per cent to Rs 54,527 in 2010-11 from Rs 46,492 in the year-ago period, according to the official data released on Monday.
Chairmen come and go, but Sebi remains: BhaveC B Bhave, the outgoing chief of market regulator Sebi, on Monday said it was the institution that was supreme and not the person heading it.
Another huge scam in spectrum allocation: LeftTerming as 'very serious' reports alleging that ISRO benefited a private firm through allocation of scarce S-band spectrum without a bidding process, Left parties on Monday demanded a thorough probe into the 'new scam'.
Excellence, key to success in global market: PMWhile several multi-national enterprises have set up R&D facilities in India, the country has a "far way to go in institutionalising the culture of excellence embedded into the working processes of Indian enterprises," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
All you wanted to know about EPF and PPFPPF is a typical savings tool but one has to invest for the long term. This means there is an asset-class mismatch.
This is how companies sell in Naxal areasWhile there is every sign of grinding poverty in the villages, the towns of Bastar and Jagdalpur have big and bustling markets.
'Coal India will be Gold India in 10 years'Partha S Bhattacharyya, the outgoing chairman of Coal India, is probably best described as the man who led the company's transition from the world's largest coal miner to the country's fourth largest company in terms of market capitalisation.
Why India needs to move beyond jugaadJugaad is not the best solution that one could arrive at -- it is sub-optimal. India needs to have a systematic approach to innovation.
World's top 20 outsourcing hotspots; India is kingIndia remains the favourite backoffice of the world thanks to its 'first-mover advantage' and deep skill base, as per global management consulting firm AT Kearney's ranking of the best outsourcing destinations.
Egypt crisis: Petrol, diesel prices may rise moreThe winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Economics says recovery could be difficult if the crisis in Egypt spreads to the entire region.
Harley-Davidson: Going the whole hogHarley-Davidson takes the tempo a notch up in India.
Govt pegs GDP growth at 8.6%Agriculture and allied activities are likely to grow at 5.4 per cent in 2010-11, compared to just 0.4 per cent in 2009-10, according to Advance Estimates released by the Central Statistical Organisation on Monday.
Builders club charges, buyers save on taxesThere's an interesting change sweeping through some real estate markets around Delhi.
Debt trap! Why builders are in a state of panicWith equity market down and liquidity drying; listed realty companies are sell landing or trying refinance, while unlisted ones are biting their nails.
Air India to freeze employees' pay, promotionsClouds of uncertainty continue to hover over the salaries of Air India employees.
I am against forcible acquisition of land: MamataCountering the CPI-M's charge that she was anti-industry, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday asserted she was only against forcible acquisition of land and never opposed setting up of any factory.
February 04, 2011
Black money in Europe: Tehelka reveals 16 namesTehelka magazine said two years ago the German government had passed on the names and bank account details of 18 Indians who had invested their wealth in the LGT bank in Liechtenstein, a well-known tax haven.
Rs 1,220,000,000,000 lost in a day in stock marketThe downslide on bourses on wiped off over Rs 1,22,000 crore from the market wealth, including that of company promoters and public investors, as huge losses were seen in blue-chip stocks like RIL, ITC and TCS.
Now, Sibal blasts NDA govt over telecom policyTelecom Minister Kapil Sibal has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the 2G spectrum allocation
Wipro CFO sells shares worth Rs 3.6 croreExecutive director and chief financial officer of Wipro Suresh C Senapaty has sold 85,000 shares of the company.
US trade team to learn Mumbai dabbawallahs' secretUS Commerce Secretary Gary Locke's robust meetings in Mumbai, includes a bilateral with the Governor of the RBIndia Dr D Subbarao and senior officials at the Department of Atomic Energy and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, in addition to speeches to the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the National Association of Software and Service Companies, will also be punctuated with an interaction with the dabbawallahs or tiffin caterers.
Want to be the next Indian Idol? Here's helpSingchana.com is the dream project of brothers Hitesh and Vikram Mehta who are working very hard to acquire a big pie of the lucrative online karaoke space in India.
Chevrolet-Beat with new SMARTECH engine soonTalking to reporters after the launch of 'SMARTECH' engine, General Motors India president and managing director Karl Slym said diesel version of the vechile was also be out later this year.
How entrepreneurs can make India a superpowerProf Bala V Balachandran talks about his plans for Great Lakes, on entrepreneurship and many other issues.
PM on how to fight inflation, corruptionAdmitting that inflation posed a serious threat to the growth momentum affecting the poor and vulnerable sections, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday favoured waiving mandi, octroi and local taxes, which impede the smooth movement of essential commodities.
Govt guarantee on loans brings relief to Air IndiaIn October, Air India had approached the government to raise $2.3 billion through external commercial borrowings as part of a plan to restructure its high-cost working capital debt of Rs 21,000 crore (Rs 210 billion).
MNP: 11 lakh subscribers switch to new operatorsCustomers will have to pay a maximum of Rs 19 to an operator to change their network.
Relax norms on dropping women home: BPOsFacing problems in implementing the order on dropping women employees home, the BPO industry has asked Delhi Police to define night shifts, relax norms on door-step dropping and allow installation of GPS on call centre vehicles in a phased manner.
India is discriminatory; must open up economy: USThe Obama administration, responding to India's angst over the sharp hike in H-1B and L1 visa fees as discriminatory and anti-trade in services, has argued that India is equally discriminatory.
India set to get its first Islamic bankhe Kerala High Court on Thursday cleared the way for setting up the country's first Islamic bank in this state.
Mumbai, Delhi housing prices may drop 15%Rising interest rates may see customers postpone purchases.
20 interesting facts about the BudgetIndia has had 28 finance ministers since independence.
India Inc on hiring drive at Tihar jailThe potential employees are prisoners in Tihar jail, who have received vocational and professional training while serving their terms.
Live in small cities? No need to travel to pay taxThe ministry, in its notification of January 31, has said a large number of taxpayers have told it that the existing limits of the Income Tax Officers -- the nodal officers and the first interface of the I-T department for I-T filing -- was causing hardship to the taxpayers.
February 03, 2011
Taxpayers can adjust loss with less liabilityOne very important aspect of filing returns is the adjustment of losses. The Income Tax (I-T) Act allows taxpayers, under certain conditions, to set-off loss against income or gains, reducing the net tax liability.
Food is now costlier! Food inflation at 17.05%Food inflation soared to 17.05 per cent for the week ended January 22, rising for the second straight week, on the back of costlier vegetables, fruits and milk.
Artificial petrol that may cost Rs 14 a litre!British scientists have developed low-cost and environment-friendly "artificial petrol" which may cost around Rs 14 a litre and could be available at pumps in as early as three years.
US hi-tech trade team comes calling to woo IndiaThe trade mission, comprising 24 companies from 13 states, is the first visit by an American Cabinet Secretary to India since US President Barack Obama came calling in November, 2010.
Why Premji's dual CEO model for Wipro failedMany analysts say the management structure was faulty, as the model can work at best as a stop-gap arrangement.
G R Gopinath on his new venture, Deccan 360After some initial take off turbulence, Gopinath is now actively steering the air cargo business steadily with equity infusion from Reliance Industries.
India's rural jobs scheme wants more cashGovernment managers are asking for a 60 per cent rise in allocation for the scheme in the next financial year. Rs 20,854 crore (Rs 208.54 billion) had been spent on the scheme until December 2010. Rs 64,000 crore (Rs 640 billion) has been sought for the coming financial year.
Want to kick the butt? Help is at hand!Along with urging smokers to kick the butt, Johnson & Johnson's Nicorette is drawing consumers' attention to this little-known category.
Everything is costlier now! Budget to give relief?There is no end to rising food prices in India.
The superb Maruti Kizashi is here at Rs 16.5 lakhMaruti Suzuki India Limited, the country's largest car manufacturer, on Wednesday unveiled its luxurious and sporty sedan, Kizashi, at an introductory price of up to Rs 17.5 lakh (Rs 1.75 million).
Kochi Smart City cleared; to create 100,000 jobsRealising a dream project, the Kerala government on Wednesday signed an agreement with its Dubai-based promoters for setting up the Smart City IT project at a 246-acre plot in Kochi.
New phase of mobile advertising in India"Mobiles have the potential to be more effective than TV, PC, outdoor or digital displays, as it has the ability to influence the consumer at the last mile of transaction. It is observed that a person on a single day remains exposed to one screen more as compared to any other, and that is their mobile phones," says Vishwanath Alluri, Founder, Chairman and CEO, IMImobile.
FII sales caused Sensex fall; economy is fine: FMAttributing the fall in stock markets in the past few days to selling by FIIs, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee asserted on Wednesday that the fundamentals are strong and the economy will clock 8.5 per cent growth in the current financial year.
February 02, 2011
Budget: Anil Ambani, Birla keen to set up banksIndia is considering allowing new private sector banks, including by industrial houses, and a roadmap for the same could be announced in the annual Union Budget to be presented later this month.
India's 20 hottest e-commerce startupsGroup buying sites, discounted fashion brand retailers and specialised online stores dominate the list of 20 hottest e-commerce start-ups.
Marhaura,Madhepura projects not abandoned:RailwaysRailway Board on Wednesday denied reports that its diesel locomotive manufacturing factory at Marhaura and electric locomotive manufacturing unit at Madhepura in Bihar were being abandoned and said they would be completed on public-private partnerships in Railways basis.
FinMin confident of pushing reforms in BudgetThis is despite expectations of a stormy session, given the unresolved standoff on the Opposition's insistence on a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the telecom spectrum controversy.
Budget to begin funding for Delhi Metro Phase IIIThe first tranche of central government funding for the third phase of the Delhi Metro commuter rail project is likely to come in the coming 2011-12 Budget.
What govt can do with the Budget round the cornerThe actions points are: ease bottlenecks, promote growth, reap higher revenues and with them conduct another round of tackling bottlenecks.
Govt watching crude prices, will manage: PranabConcerned over a spike in crude oil prices in international markets due to turmoil in West Asia, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Wednesday the government is monitoring the situation and will manage it.
Black money funds political parties: Rahul BajajIndustrialist and MP Rahul Bajaj on Wednesday added a new dimension to the debate over black money, saying it funds political parties.
Why Indian car sales are going through the roofMost of the auto major put in a commendable show except for Hyundai which saw its net dipping 17.7 per cent.
Bharti Airtel Q3 profit plunges 41% to Rs 1,303 crBharti Airtel's net profit plunged by 41 per cent to Rs 1,303.3 crore (Rs 13.033 billion) in the third quarter of current fiscal, compared to Rs 2,194.9 crore (Rs 21.949 billion) in the same quarter a year ago.
How 5 employees became successful employersHere is how five people from milieus as different as their locations and businesses have made successful shifts from employee to employer.
PM draws up 20-point agenda on corruptionTop government sources told Business Standard a 20-point agenda to bring about procedural improvements to achieve this goal was on the anvil.
Budget: Govt may hike tax exemption limitTax payers can expect some relief from high inflation in Budget 2011-12 as the government may raise the income tax exemption limit for individuals.
Now, smaller cities to offer most job openingsIndia Inc is upbeat about the business outlook for the January-March quarter but will play it safe when it comes to hiring new staff, with most job openings likely to be at entry and junior levels in smaller cities, according to a new study.
This is what India needs for 10% growth rateFor the last few years, the assumption in much of the economic discourse has been that India is on an assured path of rapid growth.
February 01, 2011
Why Internet freedom is under threatAs the people of Egypt are finding out, the Net is about freedom -- to share creative ideas, to express dissent and oppose repression, says
.
Top 25 nations with the highest per capita incomeIndia scores a pitiable rank at 127 in terms of per capita income.
China's wealthy building 'great walls' for safetyThe legacy of China's Great Wall, built in the 5th century to prevent intrusions from nomads, has become an inspiration for the country's new rich, who now are building similar structures around their wealthy enclaves to ensure safety and to prevent thefts.
Getting to know Pranab's Budget dream teamSushama Nath, IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre (1974 batch), at present expenditure secretary in the ministry of finance will take over as finance secretary, the first woman to do so.
From Premier Padmini to the lovely SB1100!Look at this car carefully. If I was to tell you that this fanatical piece here, in actuality, is a Fiat Premier Padmini, would you believe it?
Can FM tackle the threat to India's growth rate?Given the new policy challenges, the Budget will have a difficult time restoring people's confidence in the economy.
Get ready for globally connected classroomsHarnessing the potential of internet, an Indian American family has embarked on an ambitious project of connecting classrooms across the world to bring in virtual real time interaction among school students.
Indian Railways is NOT bankrupt, says top officialIn an interview with Business Standard, days before the announcement of the Railway Budget for 2011-12, Financial Commissioner Samar Jha hopes that the railways would tide over the crisis soon, as the impact of the Sixth Pay Commission recomendations dissipates and earnings improve. Edited excerpts:
How India's top firms by m-cap changed in 20 yearsStrategic sectors may offer manufacturing firms opportunity to return to the top of Indian industry, says
.
Whose Budget is it, anyway?The posts of finance secretary and secretary, economic affairs department generate ambiguities over ownership of the finance ministry's most important annual exercise.
Check out the stunning Toyota Land Cruiser LC200Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 VX (Premium) 2 comes at a price of about Rs 88,30,000, ex-showroom Delhi.
Homeless billionaire bets big on India!Sitting in the Congress Centre, the venue of the World Economic Forum meeting, Berggruen says he has invested $200 million in various businesses in India, including hotels under the Keys brand, car rental, real estate and education.
MNP: Idea gets advantage, RCom, BSNL loseIdea, the country's sixth-largest mobile operator was the biggest gainer in the first eight days of mobile number portability (MNP) being launched across the country.
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