Business Opportunities

Sensex falls 344 pts on global cues

Derivatives expiry, higher food inflation and lower earnings also weigh on indices.

Markets extend gains

Markets have extended gains. The Sensex has touched a high of 17,531 and is now up 181 points at 17,524.

Ku Klux Klan cartoon in Indian paper angers Australia

A cartoon in a Delhi newspaper, which allegedly depicted a Victoria policeman as a member of hate group Ku Klux Klan in the wake of attacks on Indians, has sparked an outrage in Australia with acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard condemning it as "deeply offensive".

UTV, Sun erase gains, end flat

Sun TV erased all its gains and finally ended in the negative terrain at Rs 333. The counter clocked volumes of 6,969 shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 18,919 shares on the BSE

Aviva ties up with India Post for premium collection

Private sector insurer Aviva Life Insurance today announced a nation-wide strategic partnership with India Post, which will help it collect its premium through post offices.

Check the combinations on health cover for senior citizens

The 60s are the new 40s. You can stay fit even after crossing six decades of your life by following a routine of exercise, morning walks and eating healthy. Still, at this juncture of life, the fear of failing health persists. And many a time, such fears come true. To overcome such a situation, the solution is health insurance. Medical insurance enables senior citizens to pay for health checkups, emergency medical costs and long-term treatment. It is provided through several private insurance companies and public sector general insurance companies.

FMCG majors in Greenpeace \'Red\' list on GM foods

Greenpeace, the ecology campaigners, have okayed Pepsico, ITC, MTR, Dabur and Haldiram. But given a thumbs-down to Britannia, Cadbury, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Kellogg and Safal.

CIL price hike likely to push power rates up

May squeeze cement companies’ margins, but the steel sector is unlikely to be affected much.

CIL eyeing partnership with global cos like BHP, Rio

State-run Coal India is eyeing strategic partnership with mining behemoths like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto to mine coal abroad and has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the same.

Fortis gains on Rs 250cr investment plans

The stock soared to a high of Rs 136 and finally ended at Rs 134, up 4% from its previous close. The counter clocked volumes of 1.75 million shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 466,405 shares on the BSE. ______________________________________________________

2009: Organised retail feels recession pangs

India"s retail industry boom gave way to despair in 2009 as consumers held back big spending, forcing some companies to restructure finances, while recession-battered western retail chains would have felt glad they were not allowed to set shop.

Future Group to bring financial service businesses under JV

Future Group, the company that promotes India’s largest publicly-traded retailer, Pantaloon, is planning a joint venture company by bringing together Future Money, its consumer finance business; Future Generali, its insurance business; and Centrum Direct, the foreign exchange service provider. The JV, under a single management, will provide its service through the stores of Pantaloon Retail.

Hindustan Copper rises 10%

The stock gained 10 per cent at Rs 233.05, has frozen the upper limit of circuit filter on reports that the government is considering divesting its stake in copper producer. The Government of India holds a sizable 99.59 per cent stake in the company.

SICAL reports Rs 3 cr net profit

Sical Logistics, has reported a net profit of Rs 3.47 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as compared to Rs 1.59 crore,a year ago. Company"s total income rose to Rs 127.17 crore from Rs 123.08 crore, an increase of around three per cent.

Software problems may delay Hind Copper financial results

Copper manufacturer Hindustan Copper Ltd has said the unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2009-10 would be delayed, and is likely to be published by August end because of technical problems in the newly installed software for enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Non-return of the prodigals

Many players have talent matching Sachin’s, but perish early.

UP rolls out red carpet for investors

Power, tourism, transport, education, expressways and sugar on priority list.

BofA, JPMorgan reduce fees on overdrafts

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

C&C Constructions qualifies for Rs 20k cr road projects

Infrastructure player C&C Constructions today said it has cleared the technical qualification round for building several highway projects worth around Rs 20,000 crore in the country.

\'Healthcare opportunities not fully explored\'

Indian healthcare providers have not fully explored the opportunities in indigenisation of medical equipment and textiles, training of medical and paramedical staff and treatment of out-patients among others.

Fortis receives Sebi nod Rs 997 cr rights issue

Hospital chain Fortis Healthcare today said it has got approval from the regulatory body Sebi for its Rs 997-crore rights issue for funding some of its expansion projects and its recent acquisition of Workhardt Hospitals.

Opto Circuits signs pact with OEM for joint development

Opto Circuits (India) Ltd. (OCI), a manufacturer of invasive and non-invasive medical devices, today announced that Criticare Systems Inc, its wholly owned subsidiary, has signed a long-term development agreement with an OEM customer. The agreement provides for a joint development programme focused on a new modular and MRI-compatible patient monitoring system.

Opto Circuits signs pact with OEM for joint development

Opto Circuits (India) Ltd. (OCI), a manufacturer of invasive and non-invasive medical devices, today announced that Criticare Systems Inc, its wholly owned subsidiary, has signed a long-term development agreement with an OEM customer. The agreement provides for a joint development programme focused on a new modular and MRI-compatible patient monitoring system.

ISRO plans to send miniaturised instruments on Chandrayaan-II

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to send miniaturised payloads aboard the Chandrayaan-II satellite, in line with the international standards, though the weight of the satellite is expected to be about double that of Chandrayaan-I. The second moon mission by India aims to have fewer scientific instruments than the ones on Chandrayaan-I spacecraft.

Zydus Infra\'s knowledge park to come up in 500 hectares

Zydus Cadila group"s Zydus Infrastructure is planning to create a knowledge park in Ahmedabad in a sprawling 500 hectares area. The park, which is a concept to bring together various academic institutions under one roof, will also see many foreign universities extend their presence.

Realty firms find friends in bankers in 2009

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

High Court approves merger of two units with Godrej Consumer

FMCG major Godrej Consumer Products today said the Bombay High Court has given its approval for the merger of the company"s two group firms — Godrej ConsumerBiz and Godrej Hygiene Care — with itself.

Asian markets end negative; Seoul Composite sheds 2%

The Asian markets have closed negative. The Hang Seng slipped 136 points to 21,479 and the Nikkei dropped 127 points or 1% to 9,717.

Sensex rebounds into positive territory

The Sensex has rebounded into the positive terrain and is now at 16,386, up 32 points.

Tata Steel down 4% on sharp drop in net

The stock slipped to a low of Rs 478 and finally settled at Rs 483, down around 4% from the previous close. The counter clocked volumes of 3.17 million shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 1.81 million shares on the BSE.

Jet Airways, SpiceJet zoom despite Q2 losses

Jet Airways surged further and zoomed to a high of Rs 412, up 25% from the day"s low. The scrip finally settled at Rs 398, up 9% from the previous close. The counter clcoked volumes of 1.28 million shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 572,048 shares on the BSE.

Sensex weak in early trades

After a massive 387 points fall on the Sensex yesterday. The index today opened on a weak note at 16,699 owing to negative cues from the global markets. The index then started slipping further into the red and is now at 16,229, down 123 points.

Govt to announce stimulus for select exporters soon

Decides to provide extra helping hand after a sectoral review

US markets drop on recovery worries

US markets slipped at the end of the week as worries about the economic recovery loomed once again.

Sensex ends up 247pts

The Sensex finally ended (provisional) at 17,032, up 247 points. The NSE Nifty ended (provisional) at 5,060, up 71 points.

Sensex jumps over 17K, up 200pts

The Sensex after rebounding into positive zone has surged singificantly mainly on account of fresh buying in index heavyweights. The index has now re-gained the 17,000-mark, and is now up 224 points at 17,010.

Markets remain in negative territory

The markets continue to trade in the negative on the back of weakness in realty, metals and IT pack.

Sensex jumps over 17K, up 200pts

The Sensex after rebounding into positive zone has surged singificantly mainly on account of fresh buying in index heavyweights. The index has now re-gained the 17,000-mark, and is now up 224 points at 17,010.

Sensex jumps over 17K, up 200pts

The Sensex after rebounding into positive zone has surged singificantly mainly on account of fresh buying in index heavyweights. The index has now re-gained the 17,000-mark, and is now up 224 points at 17,010.

Markets trade flat

The markets have recouped most of their losses and are now trading flat. The oil, pharma and FMCG stocks are seeing buying interest.

Nifty may breach 4,941 support

Though the Nifty closed slightly below 5,000 today, the trading volume in the put and call options suggests that bulls will find it difficult to hold on to this level.

Intas Pharma ties up with US company

Ahmedabad-based Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Intas) has entered into a strategic partnership with US biotechnology company Amarillo Biosciences, Inc (ABI), whereby Intas will sponsor clinical trials of ABI’s orally administered interferon-alpha lozenges for influenza, which could also be used in combating the H1N1 virus.

Govt to encourage pvt investments in shipping

The Shipping Minister said today that the ministry is taking all possible measures to encourage private sector investment in the shipping sector as major ports alone require over Rs 36,000 crore private investment by March 2012.

Enough\'s enough

While closing his arguments before the Supreme Court Bench in the Reliance Industries versus Reliance Natural Resources (RIL-RNRL) case, RNRL lawyer Ram Jethmalani said, “I won’t trouble you (the Bench) tomorrow…I could have said a lot. But I am tired myself”.

Uttarakhand favours 4 cumax of water flow in Bhagirathi

The Uttarakhand government has told a high-powered committee that four cumax of water flow would be sufficient to maintain perennial flow of the Bhagirathi in Uttarkhand where three key hydropower projects have been suspended on environmental and religious grounds.

Kingfisher to raise $600 mn, mostly to pay off debt

Kingfisher Airlines is planning to raise around $600 million worth of funds in the current financial year to pay off its debt and strengthen its bottom line, in the backdrop of a turbulent time for the country’s aviation industry.

Shifting the goal-posts

Business Standard / New Delhi December 21, 2009, 0:38 IST

Govt will take steps to end ID card duplication: Nilekani

Nandan M Nilekani, who was appointed as head of Unique Identification Authority of India(UIAI), today said the government would take steps to end ID card duplication leading to fraud and create a network of verification and authentication.

Govt ready to hold talks with ULFA: Chidambaram

Home Minister P Chidambaram today said the government was ready to hold talks with ULFA and asserted that dignity of the leaders of the banned outfit will be maintained when the peace dialogue happens.

Sensex ends two-day losing streak, up 240 pts

Snapping its two-day losing string, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex today surged over 240 points on the back of a good show by European markets and realty and metal stocks.

Sunil Jain: Solving spectrum scarcity

Sunil Jain / New Delhi November 16, 2009, 0:07 IST

Farm credit worth Rs 1.38 lakh cr disbursed in H1

Banks and co-operatives have disbursed farm loans to the tune of Rs 1.38 lakh crore in the first half of 2009-10, meeting over 42 per cent of the target set by the government for the whole financial year.

HDFC expects credit growth to exceed 20%

Leading home loans lender HDFC expects its credit growth to exceed 20 per cent in the current fiscal, a top company official said.

Strong resistance above 5,100 likely

The Nifty futures faced resistance at 5,060 and closed in a Doji pattern, indicating indecisiveness among traders. The trading volume on the futures & options segment suggests the index is set for an either side breakout in the coming days. The Nifty is expected to face strong resistance above 5,100 and support for the time being is seen at 4,800-4,900.

Probe into YSR chopper crash to be over by Nov-end: Patel

Enquiry into the helicopter crash in which Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekhara Reddy was killed will be completed by this month end, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel informed the Lok Sabha today.

City traffic project by 2010

B-Trac 2010 Bangalore, a project to address issues of traffic congestion and safety by using latest traffic management technology, will become operational by March 2010, a top police official said.

ONGC Videsh to join Chinese gas pipeline from Myanmar

ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), may pick up a stake in the $1.95 billion gas pipeline that China is building for ferrying natural gas found off the Myanmar coast.

Sun Pharma net profit dips 11.5%

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India’s largest drug firm in terms of market capitalisation, posted a 11.49 dip in net profit during the quarter ended September 30, compared with the same period last year, due to regulatory issues and the resultant loss of revenue for its US subsidiary, Caraco Pharmaceuticals.

Toyota showcases \'Etios\', to be launched by early 2011

The world"s largest car maker, Toyota, today unveiled concept small car -- Etios -- which has been specifically developed for the Indian market.

Bhupesh Bhandari: The new pharmaceutical order

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Sun Pharma settles patent dispute with Astra Zeneca

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has settled a patent dispute with MedImmune, a unit of drug major Astra Zeneca, to dismiss an ongoing litigation in a US District Court. This was on patent rights of Ethyol (amifostine), a drug used to reduce toxicities associated with chemotherapy and radiation in head and neck cancers.

Wockhardt, Sun get US okay for generic drug

Indian drug companies Wockhardt and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries have received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market generic versions of Nicardipine, the hypertension drug.

Uttam Galva under MCA lens for alleged share price manipulation

For the second time in last one year, the government is likely to inspect financial books of Uttam Galva Steels for alleged manipulation of share prices, funds diversions and some other related matters.

M&M, Yueda Group to invest $40 mn in China

Farm equipment and utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today said its joint venture with China"s Yueda Group will invest around $40 million (Rs 188 crore) in China to set up a new R&D centre, engine plant and in modernising its tractor unit at Yancheng.

Dr Reddy\'s up on plans to launch new drug

The stock has ended at Rs 1,220, up 1% from its previous close. The counter witnessed trades of 108,641 shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 59,413 shares on the BSE.

Nava Bharat soars on acquiring 65% Zambian coal mine

The stock soared to a high of Rs 429 and finally ended at Rs 421, up 5.5% from its previous close. The counter clocked volumes of 323,029 shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 20,162 shares on the BSE. _________________________________________

Aurobindo gets USFDA nod for two new drugs

Aurobindo Pharma, a Hyderabad-based manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), has received final approval for Zidovudine tablets in 60mg strength and tentative approval for Lamivudine tablets in 30mg – indicated for the treatment of HIV-I infection in combination with other anti-retrovirals (ARVs) – from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

ReaMetrix looking for global tie-ups to market product

Bangalore-based Life sciences firm ReaMetrix today said it is looking for strategic tie-ups with global players for marketing and distribution of its new product, used for diagnosing HIV.

Sun Pharma, Forest settle US suit on Lexapro

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and its subsidiary, Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, have reached a settlement agreement with drugmaker Forest Laboratories and licensing partner H Lundbeck AS, over a pending patent infringement dispute over Forest’s blockbuster antidepressant, Lexapro.

Sun Pharma gets USFDA nod for generic anti-cancer drug

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced that USFDA has granted its subsidiary an approval for an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for generic Casodex Bicalutamide tablets.

Taro acquisition may cost Sun Pharma Rs 1,000 cr

Indian drug firm Sun Pharma may have to shell out up to Rs 1,000 crore this fiscal for acquiring Israel-based Taro Pharmaceuticals.

Sun Pharma gets boost in Taro battle

Second-largest shareholder Templeton seeks management change, to vote against directors.

A K Bhattacharya: Sweet and bitter memories of a decade

A K Bhattacharya / New Delhi December 2, 2009, 0:09 IST

Petronet LNG Q2 net up 16.7%

The country’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer, Petronet LNG, said On Saturday that its net profit rose by 16.74 per cent to Rs 120.67 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2009, over the same period last year. Total income of the company surged over two-fold to Rs 3,425.73 crore in the latest quarter, against Rs 1,672.69 crore in the same period of the corresponding financial year, Petronet LNG said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Shares of Petronet LNG closed at Rs 72.20 on the BSE yesterday, up 0.21 per cent from its previous day’s close.

WEEKLY MARKET: Holiday-shortened week sees markets jump 2.5%

The stock markets ended the holiday-shortened week with a huge gain of 2.5%. The Sensex soared past 17,000 for the first time since May, 2008.

Airtel\'s 50 paisa pm local, STD call offer at a Airtel"s 50 paisa pm local, STD call offer at a Press Trust of India / Chandigarh September 19, 2009, 13:22 IST

Sensex ends up 35pts

Airtel offers STD, local calls at 50 paisa per minute

Bharti Airtel today announced offering both local and STD calls at a flat rate of 50 paisa per minute to its 110 million subscribers.

Promoters make hay in bull market

Promoters of around 200 large- and mid-cap companies have sold parts of their holdings to raise a combined Rs 50,000 crore in the second quarter of this financial year (July-September), according to the shareholding pattern filed by these companies with stock exchanges.

Paramount in talks to buy Star Aviation

Wants to expand within the country and outside, while Star Aviation, yet to begin operations, has three aircraft ready

Making wine

While quite a few people are starting to imbibe wine in India, not too many really know how wine is made, or what constitutes “good” wine. Since I’ve been carrying on about the stuff for some time now, it’s high time I delved into the subject, on the principle that to appreciate anything one needs to understand it a little.

Andhra to invest Rs 160 crore for exploration

The Andhra Pradesh government, which won four oil blocks in the VIII round of the New Exploration Licensing Policy (Nelp) bidding on Monday, will invest about Rs 160 crore in oil and natural gas related activities over the next five years.

Nagarjuna Agri chem to set up plant in Vizag

Nagarjuna Agrichem Limited (NACL) is setting up a greenfield manufacturing facility with an outlay of about Rs 150 crore in the special economic zone at Achutapuram, about 40 km from Visakhapatnam, within the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region.

Oil weakens in Asian trade on profit-taking

Oil fell in Asian trade today on profit-taking after overnight gains driven by hopes for improved demand as the global economy recovers, analysts said.

Festive season fails to revive paint sales

The sale of paints and colouring items for households is witnessing almost 25 per cent fall compared with last year despite the ongoing festive season.

Oil rises above $72 ahead of US company results

Oil prices rose above $72 a barrel today in Asia as investors looked to a slew of US corporate earnings reports this week for signs of economic recovery.

Oil rises above $72 ahead of US company results

Oil prices rose above $72 a barrel today in Asia as investors looked to a slew of US corporate earnings reports this week for signs of economic recovery.

Oil rebounds in Asia as US aluminium giant posts profit

Oil rebounded in Asian trade today, lifted by strong regional stocks, which rallied after US aluminium giant Alcoa said it swung to profit in the third quarter.

Farmax Retail plans to raise Rs 500 cr

Farmax Retail (India) today said its board has approved to raise funds up to Rs 500 crore through various routes including issue of foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) and global depository receipts (GDRs).

IRB Infra to raise Rs 1,200 crore

IRB Infrastructure Developers is all set to raise further funds to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore through various instruments.

Adhunik Metaliks raises Rs 137 cr via QIB issue

Steel products maker Adhunik Metaliks today said it will raise over Rs 137.13 crore by issuing around 1.39 crore shares to qualified institutional buyers (QIB).

Seven of top-10 firms add Rs 81,000 cr in m-cap

As many as seven of the top-10 firms added more than Rs 81,000 crore to their market capitalisation during the week, while three state-run companies -- NMDC, NTPC and ONGC -- saw erosion in their valuation.

Six in top-10 club add Rs 28,000 cr in market cap

As many as six among the top 10 firms added over Rs 28,415 crore to their market capitalisation in the past week, while companies like NTPC, NMDC and IT bellwether Infosys Technologies saw their valuations dipping.

The Best Beatle

The original drummer of the iconic ‘60s band, Pete Best performed in Delhi and spoke about his past, present and the future.

Regular meditation can reduce chances of death

American researchers claim to have proved that regular practise of meditation twice a day can significantly reduce chances of death in heart patients.

Six in top-10 club add Rs 28,000 cr in market cap

As many as six among the top 10 firms added over Rs 28,415 crore to their market capitalisation in the past week, while companies like NTPC, NMDC and IT bellwether Infosys Technologies saw their valuations dipping.

Top-10 cos add Rs 39,000 cr to market cap

The country"s top-10 firms added over Rs 39,000 crore to their market capitalisation last week, with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) gaining the most.

RIL threatens to pull out of exploration

Reliance Industries has threatened to stop oil and gas exploration if it is not granted the promised drilling moratorium to cover for the acute shortage of rigs.

RIL abstains from bidding under NELP

Drawing a poor response, India"s largest oil and gas licensing round saw a total of 76 bids being received for 36 out of 70 blocks on offer.

PMO seeks OilMin comments on Anil Ambani\'s charges

The Prime Minister"s Office (PMO) is believed to have asked for urgent comments from the Petroleum Ministry, which has been accused by industrialist Anil Ambani of siding with Mukesh-led Reliance Industries (RIL) in an ongoing gas dispute.

PE firms show interest in buying Bofa-Merrill\'s Asian assets

Many private equity companies are interested in acquiring the management of Bank of America Merrill Lynch"s Asian real-estate investment business, a media report said.

Volatility in oil prices hits ONGC net profit in Q1

Hit by volatile crude oil prices, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the country’s largest oil exploration and production company, today reported a 26.94 per cent dip in its net profit for the quarter ended June 30. Net profit for the quarter was Rs 4,848 crore as against Rs 6,636 crore last year. The company’s turnover during the quarter slipped 25.84 per cent to Rs 14,922 crore.

UPDATE:Phase-I of ONGC\'s Brazil project starts

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation"s deep-sea project in Brazil has begun crude oil production and output is projected to touch 1,00,000 barrels a day soon.

Bharti, MTN officials meet DoT secy to explain deal

Country"s biggest GSM mobile company Bharti Airtel and South African MTN today apprised the Telecom Ministry of their proposed $23-billion deal that could create one of the top three wireless companies in the world.

Petrobras to exit ONGC block, Shell keen to buy

Brazil"s Petrobras has decided to quit Oil and Natural Gas Corp"s (ONGC) prolific gas discovery block in the Krishna Godavari basin, a vacancy that Royal Dutch/Shell and BP Plc are keen to fill-in.

Subir Roy: Lessons from recession, road ahead

Subir Roy / New Delhi January 6, 2010, 0:11 IST

TN Housing Board to take up projects worth Rs 1459cr

The Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) is planning to carry out projects worth Rs 1,459 crore in 2009-10. The state-run agency, which is promoting affordable housing and commercial properties, is also looking at developing some of its properties through public private partnership.

AUSPI hits out at Bharti on predatory pricing

The Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI), the CDMA operators group, today hit out at Bharti Airtel saying contrary to the allegation of predatory pricing, it is the large incumbent operators who are driving away the smaller players.

What killed Kamte?

No terrorist atrocity in India has produced as much distorted reportage as Mumbai 26/11. The ill-equipped and untrained city police got all the blame, while journalists failed to ask even basic questions. Why, for instance, did the Indian Army and the Navy commandos refuse to fight the Pakistani jihadis inside the Oberoi hotel?

In search of history

Meghnad Desai admits in the preface that it is an ambitious book. Written by “someone who cannot claim to be a professional historian”, the book is the author’s own and “somewhat opinionated” account of how India became a nation. In the process, it outlines a new premise based on which Indians should “rediscover” the new India.

Banks\' retail loan base shrinks

Flow of personal loans declines 0.1 per cent in the year to October 2009.

Munde deputy leader of BJP in Lok Sabha

Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde was today made Deputy Leader of the BJP in Lok Sabha in place of Sushma Swaraj who has been elevated as Leader of the Opposition.

Sunanda K Datta-Ray: Looking the part

Sunanda K Datta-Ray / New Delhi August 15, 2009, 0:51 IST

The forgotten food

Passing by the florist’s yesterday, I had to restrain myself from buying tuberoses — not for decoration, but for consumption. Tucked away among the many treasures in the Virago Book of Food is this gem, marrying the domestic art of flower arrangement with an opulent exoticism: “Put an ounce of tuberoses in a vase, having removed the leaves of the plant. Pour six quarts of (lukewarm) water on top, in which you have already dissolved 12 ounces of sugar…” and so on, until you have made tuberose ices.

Rahul Gandhi, Katrina top Indian cyberspace: Google

The young ruled in the Indian cyberspace in 2009 with Rahul Gandhi emerging as the most popular politician and Bollywood star Katrina Kaif the most popular celebrity, according to a Google India survey.

BoB, Andhra Bank risk JV may kick off in Dec

Bank of Baroda (BoB), Andhra Bank and Legal & General’s insurance joint Venture, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Co, has received all regulatory approvals for its products, and would launch operations in the second or third week of December, P Nandagopal, chief executive officer, IndiaFirst Life Insurance, said.

Suryakirans to enthrall Dasara crowds

Mysoreans will have the opportunity of witnessing for the first time thrilling aerobatic demonstration by the renowned Suryakiran team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) during this Dasara.

Panel to look into performance pay

Bank employees’ unions have rejected the proposal during the current round of wage negotiations.

Jewellery body seeks TDS amendment in Direct Tax Code

The Rs 1,12,000 crore domestic gems and jewellery industry has urged the government to modify tax deduction at source (TDS) structure suitably in the proposed Direct Tax Code (DTC).

AI to meet foreign pilots\' hiring agencies to discuss wage cut

Air India has convened a meeting of foreign pilots" recruitment agencies on Wednesday to discuss its proposal to slash wages by 10 per cent, in its bid to reduce costs and the differences between the pay packets of Indian and foreign pilots.

Satyam tanks 13% as CBI doubles scam loss

Shares of Satyam Computer (now Mahindra Satyam) today plunged over 13 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange after the CBI said that the loss suffered by investors in the Satyam scam may stretch to a staggering Rs 14,000 crore, nearly double of what it was estimated to be earlier.

Govt wants industry to trade in CSR

Union Minister for Corporate Affairs Salman Khurshid has asked the industry to propose a corporate social responsibility (CSR) system that rewards the industry.

Business hotels hoping to ring in good times

With the industry gradually emerging from recession, business hotels are hoping to ring in the good times with more travellers demanding "smart hotels" with prompt service and good communication systems sans the luxury frills.

Suzlon bags 27 MW wind power order from ITC

Wind turbines manufacturer Suzlon Energy today said it has bagged an order from conglomerate ITC for supplying 27 MW of wind power turbines to projects in Karnataka and Maharashtra for an undisclosed amount.

Dabur India keen on rural penetration in UP

Homegrown FMCG major Dabur India is keen on penetrating deeper into the hinterland of Uttar Pradesh to market its products.

Koda effect: Govt seeks audit of UBI branches

Taking a serious note of Union Bank of India (UBI) not reporting high-value transactions to it, the government has asked the state-owned bank to immediately carry out an audit of all its branches to check for such large deposits that have gone unreported.

Markets slip into the red

The Sensex is now trading at 17,002, weaker by 48 points and the Nifty is at 5,053, lower by 9 points.

Amway eyeing Rs 1,400 cr revenue

Country’s largest direct selling FMCG company Amway India is eyeing revenues of Rs 1,400 crore in this fiscal, up from Rs 1,130 crore last year.

Dabur Q2 net up 30.7%

FMCG firm Dabur India today reported a 30.7 per cent jump in consolidated net profit during the second quarter ended September to Rs 140.34 crore compared with Rs 107.41 crore in the corresponding period last year, driven by strong volume growth across key categories. Revenue was at Rs 855.06 crore compared with Rs 698.45 crore in the corresponding period last year, up 22.4 per cent, the company said in a statement.

IITs smile as MNCs return to campuses

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

Google India\'s Shailesh Rao is IAMAI chairman

Google India Managing Director Shailesh Rao has been appointed as Chairman of industry body The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

No headway in BHEL disinvestment: Vilasrao

The government today said no headway has been made regarding the disinvestment of state-run power equipment maker Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).

Kelkar calls for strong divestment process

Vijay Kelkar, chairman of the thirteenth finance commission, has called for a “much stronger” disinvestment process of public sector companies, saying the money raised should be used to take care of environment degradation.

Economic growth to exceed 7% in FY10: Montek

The Planning Commission today expressed optimism that economic growth during the current year will exceed 7 per cent, up from 6.7 per cent recorded during 2008-09.

Bus Rapid Transit system in nine more cities

Defending the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, government today said it will be implemented in nine more cities.

HC says no to Pernod Ricard\'s exclusivity claim on \'Imperial\'

The Delhi High Court has rejected a claim of exclusivity by global alcoholic giant Pernod Ricard over usage of the word "Imperial", thus allowing other liquor makers to use it in their respective brands.

Commodity futures turnover up 131%

India’s commodity futures turnover from four national exchanges and 18 regional ones during the December 1-15 period stood at Rs 4.44 lakh crore, up 131 per cent from the same period a year ago, said an official with the Forward Markets Commission (FMC).

Ashok Leyland sees 3-5% sales drop

Commercial vechicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland (AL) expects its overall sales to drop by 3-5 per cent in the second half of the year, in case the poor monsoons this year hits the economy hard. The company, at the same time, is bullish on its bus segment on the back of the impetus provided by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission(JNNURM) order book.

Markets put up their best show ever

Only Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Brazil better Sensex returns.

Anand Sharma to meet US Trade Rep Ron Kirk

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will meet US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and other ministers from both developed and developing countries during the three-day Cairn"s Group meeting in Bali, beginning Sunday.

Compaq\'s new innings

The tri-nation cricket tournament in Colombo, involving India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, ended a few days back. But for brand Compaq, it’s the start of a new innings – something it wants to repeat every year.

Direct tax kitty up 3.7% in Apr-Nov

Despite the economic recovery, the government"s direct tax collections increased by a marginal 3.7 per cent to Rs 1.83 lakh in the first eight months of this fiscal compared to the same period a year ago.

\'Sesa Goa is looking for mines close to the growth markets\'

Abhineet Kumar / Mumbai December 24, 2009, 0:03 IST

Desert storm may last long

The Dubai crisis could have major ramifications similar to the global credit turmoil last year.

Emerging-market funds pulling out

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

International M&A deals to fall 56% in \'09: OECD

Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are projected to fall 56 per cent in 2009 compared to last year, mainly on account of sharp declines in such activities in rich and emerging markets including India.

JSW Energy IPO to open on Dec 7, with 60% to QIBs

JSW Energy will open its Initial Public Offer (IPO) on December 7, to raise Rs 2,700 crore. The issue will close on December 10.

Astec LifeSciences IPO price fixed at Rs 82

Agro-chemical and pharma company Astec LifeSciences today said that it has fixed the price of its initial public offer at Rs 82 per equity share, the upper end of the price band.

Investigators quiz Kaiga employees

About 50 employees are being interrogated.

20 million handsets without IMEI to go inactive

About 20 million mobile phones without International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) will be non-functional from tomorrow as the government’s deadline to ban mobile handsets without the unique identification number came to an end today.

Pranab meets Rajapaksa today

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will meet Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa over lunch on Sunday to deliver a message of a worried United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to address the rehabilitation issue more effectively and expedite the long-pending devolution of power for the Tamils.

Banking disrupted as employees go on strike over merger

Bank employees owing allegiance to four Left-leaning unions today went on a strike protesting the proposed merger of the State Bank of Indore with parent SBI, disrupting normal banking operations in the country, a top union official said.

CCPA meet likely to discuss Telangana issue

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) is scheduled this evening to make an apparent bid to find a way out in the wake of the crisis triggered by the decision to carve out a separate Telangana.

CCPA meet likely to discuss Telangana issue

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) is scheduled this evening to make an apparent bid to find a way out in the wake of the crisis triggered by the decision to carve out a separate Telangana.

LS disrupted as TDP MPs oppose Telangana

TDP members today vociferously opposed the creation of Telangana leading to a brief disruption of the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

Fiscal deficit to remain within 6.8% target : FM

Enthused by robust performance of the economy in the second half of 2009-10, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said fiscal deficit would not exceed the target of 6.8 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Pepsi awaiting Govt nod to use Stevia as sweetener

Soft drinks and snacks major PepsiCo India today said it may use Stevia as an alternative sweetener if the Government permits it do so.

UP farmers demand uniform cane UP farmers demand uniform cane Virendra Singh Rawat / New Delhi/ Lucknow December 16, 2009, 0:52 IST

Markets open strong; Tata Steel up 2%

Essar, Shell extend talks on refineries\' sale

Exclusive talks between Essar Oil and Royal Dutch Shell over the sale of three European refineries — Heide and Harburg in Germany and Stanlow in Britain — will continue for an unspecified period beyond today’s earlier deadline, Essar Oil said in an emailed statement.


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