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May 31, 2010
British Queen seeks a pay rise!
The British Queen is seeking a multi-million-pound "pay rise" for the first time in 20 years to carry out her public role. Check out the best compact printers!
Compact printers are in, what with digital cameras and people working out of home. Cyber-savvy post offices to push growth
Adoption of information and communication technology by post offices in different countries has contributed to inclusive growth and more responsive governance besides giving the postal sector a competitive edge, according to a study by the International Telecommunication Union and the Universal Postal Union. The ugly side of land acquisition in India
Controversies, protests and violence have marred land acquisition for projects in India. Sovereign wealth fund: India least favourable
According to the Sovereign Brands Survey, conducted by research and communications strategy consultants Hill & Knowlton and Penn Schoen Berland, Egypt, Germany, Brazil and China are among the most familiar and the most favourable. A trip to Ford India's Chennai plant
Ford India has created waves in the Indian hatchback market with its latest offering the Ford Figo. Handsets for surfing at 3G speeds
A look into some handsets that allow you to surf at 3G speeds. Personal loans - 5 things you should know
Opt for personal loans only to meet your essential needs which cannot wait. Facebook faces digital suicides today
In India, though, hardly any of the estimated 16 million Facebook users appear perturbed over the development. Here's how to select the right credit card
Of late, card-issuing banks have started charging even for entry-level credit cards. So, how do you select a card? A ready reckoner.
May 28, 2010
Indian economy: The highs and the lows
While gold prices surged, inflation dipped a bit. Mukesh Ambani venturing into telecom?
Within days of revoking a non-compete agreement that his group had with his younger brother Anil, Relianec Industries Ltd chairman Mukesh Ambani is believed to have held a long-drawn-out discussion with telecom czar Sunil Mittal. Microsoft unmoved by market value result: Ballmer
Ballmer said he is proud of the fact that no company can beat Microsoft in terms of profit and he is not bothered about stock market assessment. Facebook beefs up privacy protection
It would roll out changes over the coming weeks that would give users more powerful tools. How social networking is changing Corporate India
These sites have become Gen Y's lobbying force at workplace. Top 5 banking stocks to look at
A look at the fortunes of banks through the stocks of five pillars of the edifice.
May 27, 2010
India's biggest land deals
A property in Mumbai has always been a real estate developer's prized catch. 'Making money is a fun game to Warren Buffett'
Prem Jain's 25 years of research is his latest book -- Buffett Beyond Value -- in which he describes the difference between Warren Buffett's attitude towards investing and the academic approach. 10 profitable day trading tips
Evaluating a profitable trading day strategy is easier than you think. Here we discuss the 10 principles of successful day trading developed and refined over the years. Why Foxconn workers are killing themselves
An employee of Foxconn, which makes iPhones for Apple apart from electronic goods for some of the world's biggest companies, jumped to his death, the 11th suspected suicide this year at the firm's production base in China, even as its chief apologised for a string of deaths and announced a series of measures to stem them. Cellphone vendors look to catch 'em young
Handset vendors like Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Spice and now Microsoft too have launched phones targeted solely at young users of social networking sites. UPA-II and economy: What common people say
Common people's views about the economic policies of the United Progressive Alliance government. Radio cabs: Passenger comfort + big business!
Travelling has become a hassle-free and safe experience in India thanks to radio cabs.
May 26, 2010
Air India employees' strike called off
Taking exception to the 'illegal and irresponsible' strike by a section of Air India staffers, the government on Wednesday gave a free hand to the airline to take firm measures to restore normalcy in its operations, the disruption of which has caused harassment to travellers. Patel for strong action against striking IA staff
Taking a serious view of the strike by a section of Air India employees, the government on Wednesday asked the management to take 'strong' and 'decisive' action against them as they have indulged in an 'irresponsible' behaviour causing inconvenience to travellers. Rs 10,000 crore from road toll in 4 years: Nath
Toll collection is a key instrument for the government to attract private investment. Bengaluru best Indian city for expats
According to the Worldwide Quality of Living survey 2010 for 221 cities globally, Bengaluru remains the best placed among Indian cities in the global list at 140th rank this year, an improvement from its 142nd rank in last year's list. Urban tsunami: India's big challenge
The existing urban space is rapidly declining, the quality of life in Indian cities is among the worst in the world. M&M to buy 55.2% stake in Reva
While the value of the deal could not be ascertained, it is estimated that it could be around $100 million (Rs 450 crore approximately). India Inc's Operation Desert Storm
The global Indian company has hit gold in the Emirates of the Gulf.
May 25, 2010
M&M close to buying Reva?
It is estimated that the deal could be around USD100 million. Delayed pay: AI staff on flash strike
Air India's operations were severely affected on Tuesday with at least 16 flights, including five international services, being cancelled as over 16,000 staffers went on a flash strike across the country to protest delay in payment of salaries. What about infrastructure, Mr Prime Minister?
Prime Minister is conspicuously silent on critical issues relating to infrastructure in his press conference. Sports + innovation = Booming business venture
EduSports, a unique venture launched by an IIT, IIM alumnus, aims to get 1 million kids get healthier through the magic of sport. With a turnover of Rs 3.6 crore in just a year, it makes eminent business sense too. Mukesh Ambani caps own pay at Rs 15 crore
The remuneration for 2009-10 fiscal to Mukesh Ambani, the country's richest person with a net worth of $29 billion and fourth wealthiest in the world as per Forbes magazine, is still higher than any other director of Reliance Industries. Deora hints at fuel price hike
A Group of Ministers will take the decision in June. Sensex dips below 16K
The markets had a weak start on the back of cues from Asian markets. It fell to its lowest level in three months. European markets opened in the red, dragging the Indian bourses further. Volkswagen Beetle vs Fiat 500
It seems that the Indian car buyers prefer the original German 'people's car' more than the original Italian 'people's car' Meet the young guns who will lead top Indian firms
A new generation is being groomed to take over some of the top companies in India. They are savvy, well-educated, and their induction reflects the new complexities of business. How to manage change. 10 lessons from Azim Premji
'Change descends on everyone equally; it is just that some realise it faster.' Will Google TV become a success?
Google TV follows Apple and Microsoft whose attempts have not been a roaring success.
May 24, 2010
Does Mukesh Ambani plan to start a bank?
The broker close to Ambani family, said that one of the biggest reasons for the truce to come about so swiftly was that it opens up new areas -- like financial services, telecommunications, media, among others -- for Mukesh Ambani to enter into. He said that the elder Ambani has ambitions to establish a major bank on the lines of private sector giants like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank. Which small Maruti should you buy?
With seven models to choose from, it can get quite confusing. World's largest holders of US treasury bonds
China sits on a mountain of United States treasury debt, reinforcing its position as the world's number one holder of US treasury securities with a total of $895.2 billion. China's foreign exchange reserves too stood at a mammoth $2.45 trillion at the end of March 2010. Can Microsoft regain ground lost to rivals?
Microsoft is promising a whole new user experience with its retooled and re-engineered offerings. Indian economy: What the PM plans to do
Govt keen on reservation in private sector jobs Ambani ceasefire: Competition or collaboration?
No one quite sure, but many do believe pragmatism likely, for now, to show a way forward. The mother who brought the brothers together
Three weeks after the Supreme Court judgement, the brothers Ambani have formally decided to create an overall environment of harmony, co-operation and collaboration. Why Posco is in trouble in India
Billed as India's biggest foreign direct investment, the Posco has been delayed by more than five years due to protests by farmers who are agitating against giving up their fertile agricultural land.
May 21, 2010
Jet-setters of India Inc
Though the Indian aviation sector is finding it tough to glide smoothly due to the rise in operating cost, Indian Inc seems to be flying high with new aircraft buys 3G spectrum: What MTNL, BSNL offer
In the new world of 3G mobile telephony, you are face-to-face with your friends or business partners even when you are miles apart. How affordable housing can avert urban disaster
More recently, there has been a revival in this segment too, but this has been accompanied by a decline in activity in the affordable segment. Thus the housing scenario may be going back to what it always was with the affordable segment losing its brief moment in the sun as a result of waning interest of both buyer and seller. Invest in gold, but via ETFs
Analysts see steady long-term gains, say volatility to last for a short while. Meet J S Sarma, the Trai chief in the hot seat
The telecom regulator has been in the hot seat for many decisions that have fundamentally changed the country's telecom business. Britannia's crunchy growth plan
Vinita Bali, managing director of Britannia Industries, believes innovation will drive growth. India has 12GW power in all; China adds 12GW a yr!
Suzlon chairman Tulsi Tanti spoke to Business Standard at a recent World Economic Forum conference in Brussels about his view on a post-Copenhagen environment for wind and why green growth and development are complementary rather than contradictory. Good, bad and clever: 3G bidding strategies
Industry experts have mixed reactions on the results: While some are happy that no company has spent around Rs 16,750 crore (Rs 167.50 billion) for a pan-India licence, some lament that lack of coverage will result in long-term competitive disadvantage. Delhi's Bengali power forms a Bong Connection
The idea is not to form a Bengali lobby group but simply to get to know each other better. Naxal extortion economy: Rs 2,000 crore a year!
Estimates of what the Maoists extract from their nationwide extortion vary from Rs 1,200 crore a year to Rs 2,000 crore.
May 20, 2010
Petrol to cost Rs 6 a litre more?
After natural gas prices, the government looks set to bite the bullet on auto fuel prices, with a panel of ministers scheduled to meet on June 7 to decide on freeing petrol and diesel prices. Consumers flood cyber forums with bad service woes
Service providers, handset vendors add millions of consumers every month, but don't tackle consumer complaints at the same pace. How Bihar, UP can be economic powerhouses
Reform of education and urban management, and priority for growth in the Gangetic belt are the key, says Nitin Desai. Lufthansa to fly Airbus A380 on India route
Lufthansa received its first Airbus 380 on Wednesday. New Porsche 911 GT2 at Rs 1.5 crore!
Indian auto market is not only attracting economy models or luxury car makers, the country has also become a launch pad for ultra-luxury and super cars. Electricity, piped gas, cab/auto fares to soar!
You will now have to pay more for electricity, piped cooking gas, and taxi, autorickshaw and bus fares because of the hike in gas prices. India's 3G auction: The biggest gainers
The Indian government has emerged as the biggest winner. Laila brings industrial activity to a halt
Heavy rain in coastal Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Laila has paralysed industrial activity in the state, including closure of oil rigs in the Krishna-Godavari Basin. Cargo handling at ports also suffered due to the incessant rain.
May 19, 2010
The world's best nations to do business in
India ranks low in the index at 84 with a score of 3.81. PwC moots more toll tax, congestion fee for India
But the PwC report also added that India would not be able to bridge the gaps in infrastructure by 2030 even after spending heavily in transport and logistics. Volcanic ash, Bangkok unrest foul holiday mood
According to travel agencies, at least 15 per cent of those who booked for travel over the next few weeks have cancelled their trips to Europe. For Bangkok, the cancellation rate is as high as 30 per cent. Why the rupee can be alternative global currency
The RBI, however, asked the government to carefully assess the pros and cons of such action. The rise of special economic zones in India
Is the time ripe for taking a fresh look at the SEZ policy, making sure that it has no adverse consequences for farmers and preventing industry from grabbing land? Mahindra Satyam: The successes and challenges
'One year on, it's worked reasonably well. It's been a rewarding journey but the journey has no finish line.' Builders in trouble! Rs 25,000-crore payment looms
Declining cash flows, difficult IPO environment are substantial complications. Bajaj-KTM bikes to cost over Rs 1 lakh
The first of these bikes would be launched in the European market by the end of this year, followed by the India launch during the first half of next year. New UK govt may cut outsourcing to India
A 600-million-pound contract won by Tata Consultancy Services from Britain's Personal Accounts Delivery Authority has come under renewed media scrutiny. Use your family to save income tax. 3 smart tips
One of the most effective methods of lowering the incidence of income tax is by means of legal transfer of your sources of income among as many family members as possible, so that each family member enjoys the basic personal income tax exemption limits. Quiz: Which is the world's widest car?
Take the rediff business and find out how much you know about cars. Meet India's change leaders!
'Swach', the low-cost water purifier from Tatas has received the New Product Innovation award and Tata Steel has won the award for the game Tata Steel-Corus from LeapVault.
May 18, 2010
Indian equities 2nd best in returns
The report, however, warned of challenges arising from large capital inflows. Tony Fernandes, pioneer of low-cost flying in Asia
AirAsia's irreverent chief talks about his India connections and how he dodged the medical and auditing professions before he built his budget airline. 'Indians will soon buy 3 million cars a year'
As the production of Micra, the first car from Nissan-Renault, starts at the plant by the end of May, Kiminobu Tokuyama, managing director and chief executive of Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd, talks to rediff.com about the company's strategy for India, the recession and the auto sector in general. Kerala to woo tourists with serviced villas
The serviced villas will be independent, furnished homes preferably built in Kerala architecture style. Builders may be forced to cut prices
Debt overhang, unsold inventory and lacklustre investor interest could force developers to cut prices. Baby Fiat fails to cheer car enthusiasts
Fiat 500 has sold only 68 units in two years, since its launch in July 2008. Reva car promoters to sell company?
Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company, one of the world's most recognised electric car manufacturing companies, may see a change of ownership, with its current promoters holding talks with an international automotive investor for a sell-out. Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Fabia? Check it out
Which of the two should you buy? Subroto Bagchi on the essence of success
'It is not about what you create for yourself, it is what you leave behind that defines success.'
May 17, 2010
Most eco-friendly nations: India at 123!
Iceland leads the world as the most eco-friendly nation while India is ranked at a dismal 123. Check out the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
The Coupe has all the elements that distinguish the sedan version and then some. The best tax-saving schemes for you!
It's best to start your tax planning in the beginning of the year to help you systematically grow your savings coupled with the added benefit of tax saving realised at the end of the financial year. Volcanic ash causes havoc again; flights cancelled
Two of Europe's busiest airports -- London's Heathrow Airport and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport -- closed down on Monday as a dense cloud of volcanic ash drifted from Iceland, aviation authorities said. Markets stage recovery after 400-point fall
Engineering major, Larsen & Toubro, along with a slightly positive European market helped domestic bourses to recover from the day's low.
May 14, 2010
Infographics: The rising Indian economy
Infographics: The rising Indian economy. Passenger complaints: Jet Airways is No.1
While Jet Airways continues to fly high with a dominating presence among airlines in India, it also leads in the number of passenger complaints. Hyderabad, Delhi among world's best airports
India's airports are making a mark in the international aviation map. Two airports from India have bagged the top honours from the Airport Council International. 5 Indian oil cos may face US sanctions
OVL, IOC and OIL explored for oil and gas in Farsi block. Narayana Murthy on the lessons he learnt from life
Murthy shares some of the key life events that influenced him. Shocker! Govt may cut income tax relief
People with more than Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) annual income may not get the tax relief originally proposed in the Direct Taxes Code, as the finance ministry is for tweaking slabs across the board to offset concessions elsewhere. The art of selling your house
Want to sell your old house? Here's how to make the deal profitable and hassle-free. Get gold bars,coins from this ATM!
The world's first gold vending machine unveiled at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace hotel, began attracting customers minutes after it was opened. 'The mobile will change the Internet'
Unlike the US or Europe, which were fully satiated mass media markets when the Web happened in 1995, India has just begun discovering the joys of private television, radio and lots of newspapers. Why the Pak economy is sinking
As IMF meets to give Pakistan another loan, the country's economy remains in deep trouble. New Bentley supercar to woo India at Rs 2.25 crore
The Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol and biofuel.
May 13, 2010
Wal-Mart to step up rollout in India
Wal-Mart at present runs wholesale operations in India in an equal partnership with Bharti Enterprises. Why telcos are crying foul over Trai proposals
The pricing of 2G and 3G spectrum continues to haunt telecom companies. Do celebrity-endorsed brands work?
The jury is out on whether India has a big enough audience willing to shell out big bucks for a piece of their favourite celebrity. 7 most popular SUVs in India
Early SUVs were descendants from commercial and military vehicles such as the World War II Jeep and Land Rover. Oil's last dip before rising to $300
The ongoing dip on oil should be our last and best opportunity to buy it for a move up till 2015. The gas in the Reliance case
The government cannot exercise its sovereign rights twice over.
May 12, 2010
India set to create smart, futuristic cities
India is finally set to give shape to its futuristic smart cities - world-class, self-sustainable habitats with minimal pollution levels, maximum recycling, optimised energy supplies and efficient public transportation. India woos S'pore for Delhi-Mumbai corridor
The project is aimed at developing an industrial zone spanning six Indian states. Gold zooms past Rs 18K per 10 gram
Silver prices also spurted by Rs 1,100 to Rs 29,900 per kg. Cash-rich Indians make a beeline for the Beetle!
The iconic Volkswagen Beetle has caught the imagination of well-heeled Indians who do not mind forking out a fortune to buy the bug. Anil Ambani calls on PM; brothers to meet?
Billionaire Anil Ambani on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at 7 Race Course Road for close to an hour but refused comments on the purpose of his meeting. The meeting comes within days of the Supreme Court rejecting his group firm Reliance Natural Resources Ltd's plea for cheap gas from Reliance Industries as had been decided in a private family agreement of 2005. Why India must create its own Bostons and Oxfords
Why Indian cities must leverage their universities. After Greece, these nations could go bankrupt!
Earlier companies were going bankrupt, now countries are turning belly up. Your post office is changing! Check it out
The burgeoning private courier companies appeared to be driving the last nail in the coffin of the slowly declining giant.
May 11, 2010
Jairam Ramesh ko gussa kyon aata hai?
It seems odd that someone as erudite, articulate and suave as Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh should get entangled in to one controversy after another, in quick succession. How Warren Buffett made his billions. 7 tips
Investing calls for much the same qualities as those required to become a first-class ballet dancer or concert pianist. Saving for the rainy day? Top 5 savings plans
Savings have to be channelled carefully so that the maximum can be gained from the deposits. Here are the top five savings instruments in a rising interest rate regime. 'Sensex at 19-20k by 2010-end'
'Indian markets are likely to stay volatile in the near term'. 12 classic cars that have ignored India
A dozen big brands that have ignored Indian roads so far. Just when you thought we had them all...
May 10, 2010
Maruti's 2009-10 profit double of parent Suzuki's
Maruti Suzuki has outperformed Suzuki Motor Corp in terms of profitability, with the Japanese parent today posting a consolidated net profit of 28.91 billion yen (about Rs 1,395 crore) for the fiscal 2009-10, almost half of that of the India's largest carmaker. BP may stem oil spill with golf balls, tyres
Meanwhile, in a statement, BP also said that the huge oil spill had so far cost the company $350 million. The best hatchbacks in India
There are reasons behind the popularity of hatchbacks in India. They are the least expensive to buy, economical to maintain, easy to drive on crowded Indian roads, and take less space to park due to their size. Meet the Indian-American deans of US B-schools
Meet the Indian-American deans, who have established their leadership and managerial skills taking up high-profile jobs at prestigious institutes.
May 07, 2010
Mumbai among top 10 costliest office markets
London's West End remains the world's most expensive office market. Blow to Anil, order favours Mukesh: Ambani gas war
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected division of gas under the Ambani family MoU and said that it was government's right to decide the price and utilisation of the fuel, which is a national asset. What guides Harvard B-school dean Nitin Nohria
For several decades Nitin Nohria, the newly appointed dean of Harvard Business School, has known that without generosity life is greatly diminished. "If you are generous life gives you more than you can imagine," he tells rediff.com as he discusses some of the values that have made him a renowned academic and much loved business teacher. RIL, RNRL gas dispute: What's it all about
In what could seal the fortunes of the gas and power businesses of the two Ambani brothers, the Supreme Court is to deliver a judgment tomorrow on the bitterly fought dispute over gas from the Krishna-Godavari basin's D6 block.
May 06, 2010
Green cars, new stunners rock at Beijing Auto Show
The Beijing Auto Show 2010 saw as many as 800,000 people visiting the exhibition, with as many as 990 cars from various global manufacturers on display. Warren Buffett: A man of many talents
The legendary investor never fails to amaze. Here's Buffett as you have never seen before.
May 05, 2010
India's 15 most-read newspapers
Dainik Jagran continues to be India's most read newspaper across all languages. Bajaj small car aims at mileage of 30 km per litre
The ultra low cost car (ULC), which will be competing with Tata Nano, aims to better the mileage of 23.6 km/lt, given by the world's cheapest car from the stable of Tata Motors. 12 cars axed, as cities go 'green'
The BS IV fuels mean less pollution and better mileage for vehicles.
May 04, 2010
20 good opportunities in India for entrepreneurs
Check out the 20 potential sectors for entrepreneurs. 8 reasons why your loan might be rejected!
Here are some reasons you need to watch out for and guard yourself against to obtain a loan without any hassles. Graphics: Of patents and loans to farmers
Graphics: Of patents and loans to farmers. How Chinese firm ZTE made it big in India
Telecom equipment maker ZTE had to overcome strong prejudices to establish itself in India. The secret of ITC Foods' terrific success
ITC Foods has achieved scale, built brands and turned profitable. What drives its growth?
May 03, 2010
Images: The spectacular Shanghai World Expo
The Shanghai World Expo 2010 opened to a spectacular ceremony on April 30. Buying your dream home? Remember these 5 points!
Here is a five-point checklist that you need to cross check and validate in your agreement with the builder.
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