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| February 10, 2012 | | SHOCKING! Many Indians denied of H-1B, L-1 visas
US immigration authorities, in the past four years, have increased denial of work-related visas, with India-born professionals being refused at higher rates than nationals of other countries, an American think tank said in a report on Friday.
Images: World's top 10 expat-friendly countries
If you are looking for a change, and have been considering to move oversees, this survey can help you find the best foreign country to live and work in.
PHOTOS: 20 most corrupt countries in the world
Corruption is a big problem not only in India, but across the world.
Now, Tata cars dearer by up to Rs 12,000
The company said the price hike has been effective from Thursday across the country.
PHOTOS: This will be the world's tallest building!
While Burj Khalifa in Dubai remains the tallest building in the world, a new challenger has emerged.
PHOTOS: An amazing success story called Facebook
From a Harvard dorm room to becoming one of the world's biggest internet success stories, it has been an incredible journey for Facebook.
Is the US economy recovering? Well not exactly
US data suggest recovery, but politics might intervene
PHOTOS: Dream cars that collectors love
There are some cars that instantly remind us of the golden period of automobile history.
PHOTOS: TCS employees among the happiest in US
Some employees are happy with their company.
I-T exemption limit to be hiked to Rs 3 lakhs soon?
Suggests far more generous provisions than proposed in Direct Taxes Code
IMAGES: Mahindra Xylo has 50 NEW features!
The new Xylo was launched on Wednesday at an attractive price starting at Rs 737,000.
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| February 09, 2012 | | IMAGES: The all new Mahindra Xylo is here!
The all new Mahindra Xylo will replace the existing MPV in all four variants.
PHOTOS: Aston Martin's fabulous racing car
Legendary car manufacturer Aston Martin plans to start production of its racing car, V12 Zagato.
The rise and fall of Kodak: Why it went bankrupt
Fifteen years ago, Kodak was the fourth most valuable brand in the world after Disney, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.
RARE FEAT! Maruti's domestic sales cross 1-crore mark
Maruti Suzuki India had rolled out its first car -- an M800 -- in December 1983 and attained five million domestic sales in February 2006.
Here's the real story of 2G licences
Cancellation of 122 telecom 2G licenses by the apex court has created ripples.
Brand Wars: Dunkin' says won't compete with Starbucks
Jubilant Foodworks, the master franchisee for Dunkin' in India, has tweaked the business model of the company based in the northeastern US state of Massachusetts, opting to position it more as a food service brand than a coffee player.
Thomas Cook's India exit triggers industry frenzy
As domestic players sense a strategic partner, experts say firm may have to sell forex, travel businesses separately.
AI gets more fliers on global routes
Says market share will further increase after induction of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and flights to new destinations.
Why the govt stand on airline sector is wrong-headed
Two decisions by an empowered group of ministers on Tuesday demonstrated the government's continuing inability to come to grips with the problems being faced by the aviation sector.
PHOTOS: What's brewing in Starbucks' cup? Find out...
Starbucks faces two major challenges.
Here's how you can save on phone bills
With telecom companies increasing rates, it's time to cut corners.
PHOTOS: Glimpses of Gujarat's high growth story
Gujarat is one of the fastest growing states in India.
Maruti Swift vs Renault Pulse: And the WINNER is...
Maruti Suzuki, the market leader famous for cost effective management in its products, will face the French carmaker.
PHOTOS: World's biggest shopping malls
Malls have become an inevitable part of the retail boom all over the world.
Countries with HIGHEST per capita income: India at 135!
Though India's per capita income is estimated to grow above Rs 60,000 per annum or over Rs 5,000 per month, it is ranked at 135 when compared to other nations.
PHOTOS: This will be the fastest car in the world
Right now, the fastest car in the world is the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.
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| February 07, 2012 | | India shining: Per capita income to cross Rs 60,000!
Reflecting general rise in living standard, India's per capita income is estimated to grow above Rs 60,000 per annum or over Rs 5,000 per month, said the government data.
SPECIAL: Goa sees rise in land wars
Wherever you go in India's top tourist destination and playground of the well-heeled, you hear of nasty property disputes.
New Year cheer in job street, hiring rises across sectors
Job seekers have reasons to cheer, as hiring activities surged across all sectors in the first month of the year, despite the uncertainty prevailing in the overall economic scenario.
We will exit Vodafone in 12-18 months: Ajay Piramal
Even after investing almost Rs 6,000 crore, Ajay Piramal, chairman of the company, insists it is a short-term investment.
PHOTOS: World's most beautiful airports
Waiting at some airports can be a pleasant experience.
Slowdown hits India's growth, GDP to sink to 6.9% in FY12
The Indian economy will grow by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12 against 8.4 per cent in the last financial year according to government estimates.
IMAGES: World's 20 youngest billionaires
Meet the world's youngest billionaires according to the Forbes 2011 list.
Indian IT cos in US paid $15bn in taxes in last 5 yrs
Economic challenges in the US should not lead to protectionism.
IMAGES: Audi to launch 7 stunning cars in 2012
If you are a fan of Audi cars, then this will surely be good news for you!
AMAZING numbers reveal Facebook's strength
Facebook is seeking to raise $5 billion.
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| February 01, 2012 | | Amazing PHOTOS of Alibaba headquarters
The Alibaba Headquarters' in Hangzhou has won the International Property Award for Office Architecture.
How the mobile industry changed in the past 5 years
Android and iPhone, considered outsiders from a mobile industry perspective were able to revolutionise the industry and have created immense positive network externalities.
Meet the man who gave a NEW kind of outsourcing
MPO is Market Process Outsourcing. It is a new one in the alphabet, if you can call it that! After running the marketing divisions of various companies for more than 20 years, I felt there was a big gap.
I've right to privacy, media can't violate it: Tata
Tata group chief Ratan Tata on Tuesday submitted to the Supreme Court that despite being a public figure he has the right to privacy and the media cannot violate it by publishing or telecasting his private conversations contained in Radia tapes.
PHOTOS: 10 fastest cars in the world
Some extremely fast cars are allowed on the streets.
World's TOP 25 supercomputers: India ranked at 85!
India is ranked at a dismal 85th position in the world's 500 fastest supercomputers' list.
PHOTOS: Now, India to rank other nations
Method will be part of this year's Economic Survey; will help investors in relative comparison.
IMAGES: Mercedes GL Grand Edition at Rs 65.50 lakh
The distinctive, new GL- Class Grand Edition's level of spaciousness and comfort is at par with that of a luxury saloon.
Planning to buy a house? Some VITAL points
In 2012 the realty market is expected to consolidate.
PHOTOS: World's highest-valued currencies
Only a handful of currencies carry weight either globally or locally.
PHOTOS: Glimpses of Bihar's success story
From being an economically backward state, Bihar has come a long way to be one of the fastest growing states.
He's seen commerce ministry battle it for 7 yrs
"You see, I have been in Commerce for the last seven years and I am perhaps the only factor that provides continuity in this ministry," Khullar says with unconcealed pride.
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| January 31, 2012 | | India's per capita income grew by 15.6%
Reflecting growing prosperity, India's per capita income grew by 15.6 per cent to Rs 53,331 per annum in 2010-11, crossing the half-a-lakh rupees mark for the first time, according to government data.
Should the govt cover up EPFO's inefficiency?
The 48-odd million employees covered by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) may be touched that the finance ministry is actually considering a proposal to extend the organisation a fiscal helping hand to offer a rate of interest comparable with other savings instruments.
PHOTOS: Six most traded currencies in the world
Lots and lots of money changes hands every day in foreign exchange trading.
PHOTOS: Beautiful B-school campuses in India
Take a tour across India's amazing B-school campuses...
India's GDP growth revised to 8.4% for FY11
The government revised the economic growth rate for 2010-11 financial year slightly downto 8.4 per cent from the earlier estimate of 8.5 per cent.
TCS opens new facility in Silicon Valley
Expanding its presence in the US, India's IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has opened a new facility here which was welcomed by the US lawmakers and the Californian government.
IMAGES: Why these 7 cars are SWANKIER than before!
These days, auto giants such as Volkswagen, Ford, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Toyota are literally working their hearts out to woo customers at every level.
What is holding back India's growth story?
Although the rising tide of growth has lifted all boats, the faster-growing, richer states have steadily pulled apart from the slower-growing, poorer states. Although this growing divergence has been observed during earlier periods as well, factors responsible for it are not fully understood.
How Facebook's Timeline can reveal all your secrets!
Facebook Timeline, a new profile layout, will go live on Wednesday.
Understand your true net worth!
An accurate understanding of one's financial well being is of utmost importance.
SPECIAL: 'Azadi' to 'Vodafone'? Need for review
To avoid taxes, assessee resorted to complex structuring - especially from and through tax havens.
PHOTOS: India's 30 biggest companies
India's companies are today amongst the biggest companies in the world.
Pulok Chatterjee: PM's new principal secretary
Pulok Chatterjee has joined the Prime Minister's Office.
Taxes aren't always worth saving
Sometimes, it is better to pay them instead of making unwanted investments.
SPECIAL: Will the Internet manage to remain free?
Internet cannot be regulated by 20th century notions of intellectual property. That is simply because the moment you 'see' something on the Internet it has, in a sense, already been copied onto your computer.
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| January 30, 2012 | | Sky is limit for investor in India: G P Hinduja
Stating that "sky is the limit for investors" in India, conglomerate Hinduja Group's Co-Chairman G P Hinduja has said the Western world should get into emerging markets including India and China, which would help both sides to improve their economies.
Tatas-Starbucks: 50 stores at Rs 400cr investment
"The company has entered into a joint venture with Starbucks group whereby, the newly formed joint venture company Tata Starbucks Ltd shall engage in the operation of Starbucks Cafes."
SPECIAL: Is US losing its economic power to China?
Economist Arvind Subramanian's new book, Eclipse: Living in the Shadow of China's Economic Dominance, defies the mainstream consensus of thinkers like Harvard's Joseph S Nye, Jr (author of The Future of Power) and Niall Ferguson that America's dominance is omnipotent vis-a-vis China.
IMAGES: 6 stunning cars that will be launched soon
Most of these car models have already been unveiled at the recently held Delhi Auto Expo 2012.
India can power growth if it boosts energy supply
Lack of infrastructure and inefficient transmission systems are the biggest problems.
Foreigners light up Dalal Street as locals keep away
FIIs pour $2 bn in January; flows into India equity funds hit 54-week high; doubts on sustainability persist.
Meet the new age professionals: 'Ethical hackers'
Ethical hackers are fast becoming a valued tribe in India. According to data from Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In), in November last year more than 800 ".in" websites and nearly 700 ".com" websites in India were defaced by miscreants.
Mumbai big-ticket property market sluggish
Sector insiders and analysts say this is due to combination of slowing property markets and liquidity issues.
Revealed! Bata's secret to attract youth
Bata is aiming to be a brand attractive to the youth and to the fashion conscious.
Photos: India's 30 most TRUSTED brands
Nokia maintained its leadership position among the most trusted brands in India.
India won't scale down its petroleum imports from Iran: FM
India, which imports 12 per cent of its oil from Iran, will not scale down its petroleum imports from Tehran despite US and European sanctions against the Islamic republic, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said.
India-China trade hits a record high
India-China bilateral trade hit a record $73.9 billion last year.
PHOTOS: Amazing campus of Bill Gates' Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation campus in Seattle, Washington has secured LEED-NC Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.
India among top five countries for investors
India is the fourth destination for foreign direct investment just below the United States, China and Britain.
REVEALED! How much software engineers make in US
It is no secret that software engineers at the Silicon Valley in the United States are paid good salaries.
Crazy about mobile apps? The TOP 10 trends for 2012
Gartner points out that mobile apps will not only generate good revenue ($15.9 billion in expected end-user spending in 2012) but will also drive hardware sales, advertising spending and technology innovation.
PHOTOS: Mercedes' Swan Wing Aria
He designed this concept as part of his thesis and was even assisted by Mercedes designers.
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| January 27, 2012 | | Stunning PHOTOS: World's busiest metro rail stations
There are around 160 metro systems in the world.
Once more, food inflation is in negative zone
Overall, vegetables were 47.06 per cent cheaper during the week under review, from the same period last year.
India among 10 countries that will see MOST growth
Half of CEOs based in developed markets believe that emerging economies are more important.
Will the markets continue to reflect the positive note?
Though 2012 has started on a positive note on foreign institutional investor (FII) flows, it is too early to say if the trend will sustain through the calendar year, analysts say.
Why the world of technology is so unforgiving?
Few companies evolve quickly enough and innovate consistently enough to retain leadership for meaningful periods.
Iranian crude for gold - Beginning of the END of dollar?
The macroeconomic implications of successful Iranian Bourse selling oil denominated in non-dollar terms are in fact profound for the world of finance.
Why the Vodafone tax case assumes significance
The issue was whether India could tax capital gains arising from sale of shares of overseas companies merely because such companies had downstream subsidiaries in India.
IMAGES: 8 tablets that failed to take off
There were several tablets launched in 2011, but not all became hot with customers.
Landlord's PAN card not there? Fret not
If your house owner does not have a PAN, you need not worry, as long as he/she is ready to sign a self declaration stating he does not have a PAN. You can submit a copy of this declaration to your employer and avail of the HRA deduction.
Indian IT firms step up HIRING in the US
The Durbin-Grassley Bill might have fallen through but large Indian information technology service providers are taking no more chance of being seen as job snatchers in the US.
Sheryl Sandberg: Facebook's pride, world's envy!
A class topper, a passionate human being, a smart executive, brilliant orator, and of course a doting mother - meet Sheryl Kara Sandberg.
India's 'Turnaround man' is back in action
It is a well-known fact that he was brought into Patni with an intention to bridge the revenue gap between the company and its peers as well as to try and extract a better valuation for the company for a possible sale.
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| January 25, 2012 | | Delhi-Mumbai route to get high-speed trains!
Going ahead with its ambitious high-speed train proposal, Railways have joined hands with Japan to begin the ground work to reduce travel time by half on the Delhi-Mumbai corridor.
IMAGES: All new Tata Safari Storme at Rs 10 lakh?
This revolutionary crossover is a strong contender of Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Scorpio.
Photos: Stunning SOLAR cars around the world
Solar-powered cars have ushered in a revolution in the transport sector.
E-book revolution likely: Students brace for digital storm
While India is yet to see the launch of iBooks 2 and iBooks Author, independent developers in the education space are already eyeing the digitised space.
What does RBI's move to cut CRR rate mean?
This Tuesday saw an upbeat in the money market.
Indian brands warming up to Facebook ads in news feeds
Some are still circumspect, but most think it's a smart platform for promotions.
Five common mobile web mistakes
After years of eager anticipation, the mobile revolution is now truly moving ahead.
Global economy: CEOs' confidence shrinks to lowest
At the same time, the confidence level of the CEOs is relatively better when it comes to the prospects for revenue growth in their own companies, as per the 15th Annual CEO
PHOTOS: A tour of the fantastic Facebook office
Launched in February 2004, Facebook has more than 800 million active users.
Rate cuts possible ONLY when inflation comes down: RBI
CRR cut does not rule out open market operations.
Want to make a quick buck? Try the cyber route
If you want to tread this path, then conceive an idea and take it further. The online platform supports not just creativity, but also creative entrepreneurs.
Why the IMF cut India's economic growth projections
'Nations like India with high inflation and public debt should be cautious'
PHOTOS: World's 20 biggest oil and gas companies
A consulting firm has just released its annual ranking of the biggest oil and gas companies in the world.
India's problem is productive jobs: ILO
In India, total employment grew by only 0.1 per cent yearly over the five years till 2009-10, says the report, "from 457.9 million in 2004-05 to 458.4 mn in 2009-10, while labour productivity grew 34 per cent over this period".
New MPV in town. Chevrolet Enjoy at Rs 6.5 lakh
General Motors used the Auto Expo 2012 platform wisely and introduced its much anticipated MPV.
Obama to take US away from outsourcing, bad debt
The US President emphasised that the blueprint has been built to last -- an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.
How Dinesh Trivedi plans to revamp Indian Railways
Despite a party leader who doesn't seem to put much faith in him and barbs on his first-time ministership, Trivedi is determined to revamp the Indian Railways.
More flyers: India needs 30 more airports in 5 years!
The growth projections for air passenger traffic suggest an additional requirement of 30 functional airports over the next five years and 180 in the next decade, according to Planning Commission estimates.
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| January 24, 2012 | | Diesel may cost more, RBI asks govt to deregulate prices
The Reserve Bank on Tuesday said the government should deregulate diesel prices in order to contain the trade deficit, which is expected to widen to $160 billion during the current fiscal.
'Glass ceiling for women is a state of mind'
In this second part - of 'Glass-ceiling in India' - we bring you India's successful entrepreneurs. These women are stereotype-busters in their own right.
One-bedroom, studio apartments make a comeback
Faced with slow offtake in big-ticket residential apartments, property developers are launching one bedroom (BHK) apartments to generate fast liquidity.
RBI rate cut: No immediate respite for borrowers
After the Reserve Bank unveiled the third quarterly review of the monetary policy, several bankers said that they may not go in for rate cut immediately.
Good news! India's 'RICH' households rising rapidly
The cut-off to enter India's one per cent - Rs 12.5 lakh - is nothing to write home about compared to global standards.
Chip to guard against mobile phone radiation
If you are one of those who frets about the health hazards caused by mobile phone radiation, then help - in the form of a chip - is at hand.
Workplace anxiety pulling you down? Here's a solution
Anxiety is possibly the single largest inhibitor of growth both for an individual and for a corporation, says Thomas J DeLong, Philip J Stomberg Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School.
Tamil Nadu students design low-cost amphibian car
Students have designed two types of light weight, eco-friendly and low-cost cars.
Reliance's Rs 10,440 cr share buyback to start from Feb 1
The country's most-valued firm Reliance Industries on Tuesday said its Rs 10,440 crore (Rs 104.40 billion) share buyback offer will start from February 1 and closes on January 19, 2013.
Bihar progressing? Not really!
Bihar remains shackled by poverty even as agricultural growth increases.
Cyber crime is now a booming industry
From compromised machines to mass email lists for spamming, electronically-transferring funds out of bank accounts to phishing attacks -- India's 100 million internet users have become prime targets for hackers across the globe.
RBI cuts cash reserve ratio, key rates remain unchanged
The central bank says that there is room for policy action, but warns of persistent inflation risks.
Economic growth: BIG issues emerging nations face
Perceptions regarding the composition of the global economy underwent a shift.
Uncertain markets: What should investors do?
Falling market should be an opportunity to invest more in equities and not shift to other asset classes. Keep buying on dips.
No conflict over UIDAI project: Montek, Chidambaram
Home Minister P Chidambaram and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia rejected reports that they were locked in a turf war over the ambitious UIDAI project to give every Indian resident a unique ID number Aadhar.
Cash-strapped railways to get a makeover plan soon
A high-level committee set up to suggest a blue print for modernisation of cash-strapped railways will submit its report shortly, said its chief Sam Pitroda while dismissing report of having recommended 25 per cent hike in passenger fares linking it to inflation.
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| January 23, 2012 | | BAD NEWS! India's GDP to fall further, says RBI
The RBI-sponsored survey by professional forecasters has revised the growth projection for the current fiscal downward to 7 per cent, which is lower than the central bank's projection of 7.6 per cent.
Gujarat MPs want bullet train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai
BJP MPs from Gujarat met Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi and submitted a memorandum requesting new railway projects, including that of a bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
'Women have to accept that men are as smart as them'
Meet stereotype-busters in their own right,who share their experiences about glass-ceiling in India.
Rising giants of Asia: How far is India behind China?
China's GDP in 2011 was $6.99 trillion, or nearly four times India's $1.84 trillion.
Photos: Super cars shine on Mumbai roads
The Parx Super Car Show 2012, organised by the Super Car Club (SCC) in association with Autocar India, took off to a roaring start with excited Mumbaikars vying for a glimpse of the 80 odd super cars displayed at the Riding School at Mahalaxmi Race Course.
Ministry prods RBI to cut rates, bankers not hopeful
The finance ministry wants the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to switch its policy stance, with growth concerns occupying centre stage and inflation showing signs of moderating.
India walks the tightrope on US-Iran issue
India and China have already rejected the US' sanctions move.
Will Subbarao check or boost market rally?
The domestic market has posted its third straight weekly gain, supported by positive global cues, strong foreign fund inflows and good numbers from some companies.
Will Indian airlines fly past these tough times?
Costlier fuel, fall in yields make things increasingly tough; analysts say focus on ending red ink a must.
Is retiring shares best avenue for RIL?
When Reliance Industries Limited announced its buyback recently, the stock price soared even before the details were made public.
Economists want focus on infra, investment, fiscal deficit
Economists want Budget to focus on infrastructure, have a clear strategy on disinvestment and state measures to boost investment climate.
Rupee depreciation helps Indian IT companies
Software leaders are quite robust.
Why Aakash tablet has run into a storm
Canadian company dismisses series of charges levelled by cellular majors
PHOTOS: 25 top-performing CEOs in India
An Insead study reveals India's top-performing CEOs.
Move over Toyota Innova, 5 new STUNNING MPVs are here!
Almost every global brand is introducing its vehicles into the Indian car market.
SHOCKING: Lowest growth for 219 Indian cos in 11 quarters!
Analysts see a silver lining in banking.
Photos: Visit this AMAZING Google campus
The 100,000 square-foot campus was designed by architect Frank Gehry.
IMAGES: These are the world's BEST Internet banks
According to Global Finance (part of Class Editori Group, a leading Italian finance and lifestyle media company) these names were selected from 233 banks from around the world.
Market off to best start in more than a decade
Second-best performer after Brazil so far this year.
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| January 20, 2012 | | Premji compares Eurozone crisis to Bollywood films
For IT czar Azim Premji, what's happening in the Eurozone facing a two-year debt crisis is something like new Bollywood films hitting silver screens every week in India.
Reliance Q3 profit falls 14% to Rs 4,440 crore
Reliance Industries Ltd on Friday reported a 13.6 per cent fall in October-December net profit, the first drop in the Mukesh Ambani-led company's quarterly profit in more than two years, as refining margins fell sharply and reservoir complexity pulled down gas output.
Govt realised it's slowing down economic growth rate: Premji
IT czar Azim Premji on Friday said the government has realised it is slowing down economic growth rate and he expected it to get into policy initiatives action post assembly polls in five States, irrespective of results.
Petrol price decontrol seen only in vapour outline
OMCs losing Rs 20 crore daily on sales, 18 months after prices were deregulated.
FDI in aviation: Is this a good move?
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India's aviation sector is long overdue; the Cabinet should back Mr Singh's decision -- which was taken following a meeting with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy and Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.
India must learn from US, UK regulators' mistakes
India must learn from the missteps made by financial regulators in the US and UK.
Why a 'founder' of a company gets fired
Jerry Yang, who founded Yahoo along with David Filo in 1995, has left to "pursue other interests outside of Yahoo". Yang, who carried the designation "Chief Yahoo", exited two weeks after Scott Thompson, who used to run eBay's PayPal unit, joined as CEO.
Vodafone wins $2.2 billion tax case, blow for govt
Supreme Court Chief Justice SH Kapadia has ruled on Friday that the tax deparment has no jurisdiction over Vodafone's purchase of mobile assets in India.
Why recruiters fail to attract the right candidate
Ironically, the biggest mistake recruiters make when writing a job advertisement is exactly the same as that made by poor applicants they just don't sell themselves.
Government move to control Internet is wrong
Even attempting it would be a colossal waste of time and public resources.
PHOTOS: China's indigenous supercomputer is operational
China's first supercomputer built with "domestically-produced" microprocessors and capable of performing around one-thousand-trillion calculations per second has become officially operational.
Photos: The SUCCESS story of a serial entrepreneur
Swaminathan K can be described as a serial entrepreneur who started young; in fact, from his school days.
TCS chief shares the company gameplan
N Chandrasekaran, managing director and CEO of Tata Consultancy Services, talks to Business Standard on the growth outlook and why the current slowdown is unlike the one in 2008.
World's most innovative nations: India at No.6!
India has been ranked the sixth most "innovative" country in the world according to General Electric's Annual Global Innovation Barometer.
Wipro Q3 net grows 10% to Rs 1,456 cr
The company had a net profit of Rs 1,318.8 crore (Rs 13.18 billion) in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal, Wipro said in a filing to the BSE.
This is how Lupin cracked the Japanese pharma market
From zero revenues eight years ago, Lupin has posted Rs 621 crore (Rs 6.21 billion) in sales last year-that too in a country regarded as one of the toughest markets in the world for generics.
US, a technology leader? India, China to take over soon
The US remains global leader in supporting science and technology (S&T) research and development, but could soon be overtaken by rapidly rising Asian countries like India and China, a latest report by an American body said.
PHOTOS: 12 beautiful cars elite collectors love
There are cars that fetch some serious money at auctions.
PHOTOS: Amazing architectural marvels that remain a dream
World is dotted with amazing structures.
PHOTOS: What do the world's richest people buy? Find out...
When it comes to buying things, billionaires are different.
Budget: What the Finance Minister must do
Central goal of the Budget must be to restore confidence in the prospects for rapid growth in India.
Want to stay leader, but it's getting tougher: KP Singh
After his recently published autobiography Whatever the Odds, he's already looking forward to a biography, where he's known as a giver more than anything else.
How demand-supply gap is ailing domestic aviation
Though India is one of the largest growing markets in terms of passenger volumes, airlines have not been able to add capacity to match growth.
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| January 19, 2012 | | Mahindra launches scooter Duro DZ @ Rs 42,332
The new scooter will be an addition to the company's existing range of 125 cc scooters, Rodeo and Flyte that cater to different consumer segments.
PHOTOS: An illustrious past, uncertain future for bankrupt Kodak
Kodak has filed for bankruptcy.
Food inflation still remains in negative zone
Food inflation remained in the negative zone for the third straight week, at (-)0.42 per cent for the week ended January 7, mainly due to fall in prices of onion and vegetables.
India's top banks vie for gold loan business
Financing against gold being a secured form of lending and higher margins are key reasons.
Page not found: Who blocked my website?
The recent remark by Delhi high court that India can go the China way and block Google and Facebook if they do not remove objectionable content has got netizens worrying.
Biz vs politics: Marwaris feel the heat of Mamata's hostility
Marwari community has chosen to portray Mamata Banerjee's patent bias against it after the AMRI Hospital fire as unfair persecution.
What is 'share buyback' and how does it impact investors?
With RIL announcing a buyback after seven years, a primer on how it impacts shareholders.
Who pays the highest and lowest for petrol in India
There has been a marginal dip in the petrol prices.
I-T Dept to launch drive against tax evasion from Jan 20
The high value transactions that will be under the I-T Department scanner include the purchase of property, vehicles, shares and bonds, fixed deposits in banks and post offices, etc.
IMAGES: 18 stunning concept cars that dazzled the Auto Expo
Concepts cars placed at the heart of imagination and reality, play significant roles in automotive shows for automakers and visitors.
How loyal are you to your smartphone?
A recent research from GfK (a Germany-based research company) suggests that nearly one in five consumers, who own both an iPad and an iPhone, say switching smartphone is more difficult than changing bank accounts.
PHOTOS: Where does India rank in cyberbullying globally?
A new poll finds that cyberbullying in India is pretty high.
Photos: Are these the BEST nations to work in?
There are huge differences in working conditions around the world.
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| January 18, 2012 | | World Bank slashes global growth forecast to 2.5%
The multilateral agency had earlier projected that the world economy would expand by 3.6 per cent this year.
Beware! Indian Wi-Fi networks under virus risk
Indian computer security analysts have detected and alerted Wi-Fi users in the country against a possible virus attack that could lead to crashing and hacking of secure networks.
Meet the man behind India's FIRST private TV channel
From being the first national English news reader at Delhi Doordarshan Kendra, to starting India's first private television channel and the first exclusive journalism college on the lines of the Columbia School, Sashi Kumar has done several path breaking things in his life.
'Disproportionate' H-1B visa denial to India to be examined
A top American Senator, who visited New Delhi earlier this month, vowed to look into the "disproportionate number" of H-1B visa being denied from India, amid concerns over the increase in certain categories of visa fees.
PHOTOS: Ferrari Daytona is a beautiful ride
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" is frequently considered one of the last truly great front-engined GT cars.
Village level innovation: The next BIG thing
Over the last twenty years it has even more passionately been argued that the future of India depends on rapid expansion on four fronts.
The secret recipe behind Coal India's STUNNING success
India's state-owned miner had posted a whopping 68 per cent jump in net profits for the half-year ended September, 2011.
PHOTOS: CEOs who got millions to quit
Some CEOs walk out with millions even after getting fired.
Farewell: Rise and 'fall' of Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang
Internet company Yahoo!'s co-founder Jerry Yang has quit the company he founded 17 years ago.
PHOTOS: 18 hotels offering world's best facilities
Some hotels are architecture marvel.
India CAN GROW at 9%; The World Bank is confident
India can return to 9 per cent growth if the government removes uncertainties in policy-making and go for early implementation of some of the long pending tax reforms, a senior World Bank official said on Wednesday.
Most valued companies: TCS slips to fourth place
IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Tuesday slipped to fourth position in the list of the country's most valued companies, below Reliance Industries, ONGC and Coal India Ltd.
How currencies fare and the cost of a burger in 30 nations
The Indian rupee is the world's most undervalued currency, finds The Economist's latest Big Mac Index.
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| January 17, 2012 | | Foreign airlines may get nod to buy 49% in Indian carriers
Accepting a major demand of the cash-strapped aviation industry, the government on Tuesday said it would soon launch the process to allow foreign airlines 49 per cent stake in Indian carriers.
TCS Q3 net up 18% at Rs 2,803 crore
TCS Q3 net up 18% at Rs 2,803 crore
ONCE AGAIN! Prices of gold, silver to rise
The ad-valorem rates of excise and customs on precious metals like gold, silver and platinum have come into effect from Tuesday, said a government notification. Diamonds, too, will now attract an import duty of 2 per cent.
'India's attractiveness is still intact'
Anup Maheshwari, executive vice-president and head of equities & corporate strategy, DSP BlackRock, says the long-term attractiveness of investing in India remains intact.
Now, meet your life partner through LinkedIn
For single, highly networked professionals, LinkedIn could well be the networking website to find that perfect job - or even a life partner. For the first time, a website for dating has been created for LinkedIn users.
PHOTOS: Richest children in India and abroad
These are some of the richest children in the world.
BAD NEWS! India's economy to grow a mere 7.7% only
The government recently lowered the gross domestic product growth target for the current fiscal to 7 per cent from the earlier estimate of 8.5 per cent.
Maruti, General Motors hike prices by up to Rs 17,000
Maruti Suzuki India has hiked prices of its vehicles across all models, except the entry level sedan DZire, by up to 3.4 per cent.
BRIC's 20 BEST banks: Only ONE from India
Government-owned banks lead the market by size in the BRIC countries -- accounting for 50 per cent of total banking sector assets in China, 40 per cent in Brazil and Russia and reaching 70 per cent in India.
Can money buy you happiness? Read this!
Money can buy you happiness, says a study, finally putting an end to the age-old debate.
IMAGES: 15 most 'liked' brands in the world
Social media is opening whole new avenues for companies.
Why RBI rate cut may be delayed
RBI may wait for a substantial downtrend and maintain repo at the current level in its third-quarter review.
Stunning pics: A Malibu beach house on sale for $10.5 million
Relativity Media Founder and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh plans to sell off his Malibu beach house for $10.5 million.
A refrigerator that connects to the Internet and more innovations
The refrigerator, which connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi, has a variety of Apps including a grocery in ventory manager and a Twitter feed.
FDI in aviation: All set to take off
Meeting on Tuesday to decide on letting foreign airlines buy into domestic ones.
PHOTOS: World's best innovations in 50 years
Past 50 years have seen several path-breaking innovations.
PHOTOS: Get ready for the upgraded tablet Aakash II
Amid complaints with regard to the quality of the low-cost 'Aakash' tablet PC, the government on Monday said it is hopeful of bringing out an upgraded version of the device, 'Aakash-II', by April this year.
Inspiring entrepreneur: Sam Walton's words of wisdom
Sam Walton learnt the value of money very early in life.
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| January 16, 2012 | | Photos: Hyundai launches costlier Eon variants
The country's second largest maker Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Monday said it has introduced three new variants with additional features of its latest small car Eon, which will be costlier by up to Rs 7,000 from the existing versions.
What do employees do when bored? Find out...
When bored at work, most workers look to munchies and caffeinated beverages to perk them up.
India threatens to put curbs on European airlines
Under a Horizontal Aviation Agreement between India and the EU, New Delhi allows European airlines to operate flights between India and any EU member-state.
Vodafone dials for India IPO
The world's largest mobile operator by revenue has begun the year on a bold note, backing the initial public offer plans of its Indian unit and sources say the ball has already been set rolling.
Flashback: Cars with high recall value in 2011
The year 2011 did not end too well for the auto sector. This was mainly from the perspective of 'recall', both globally and in India.
Photos: Maruti to launch NEW DZire in February
Four years after it launched the entry-level sedan Swift DZire, the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India is bringing a shortened version of the car that will hit the market next month.
Interested in collecting art? Read this...
Collectors can now buy works by some of the best-known Western modern artists and at prices less than what they've paid for some works by the Indian modern masters.
Inflation at two-year low of 7.47% in Dec
The latest numbers are the lowest since December 2009 when headline inflation was at 7.15 per cent.
Is India ready to drive in the green lane?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been the frontrunner in taking initiatives for promotion and adoption of electric vehicles.
PHOTOS: Bill Gates: Life down the ages
Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world.
Are prices falling? People talk about the real story
After years of high food prices, India is now witnessing a deflation, according to the government's food inflation data.
SBI to raise interest rate on car loans
A senior SBI official dealing with the retail business confirmed the country's largest lender's decision.
PHOTOS: World's best collectible cars
There are some cars that are simply adored by collectors and fans alike.
Stunning photos: Swanky TRAMS across the world
Trams are usually lighter and shorter than conventional trains and rapid transit trains. The
Dry days for IPO street, but delisting lane will stay abuzz
Companies likely to defer initial share sale plans due to lack of investor appetite, state polls, Budget.
SBI: Banker to every Indian, except Infosys
Infosys has withdrawn all its deposits with State Bank of India, the largest commercial bank in the country, in the just concluded October-December quarter.
Gujarat to become India's first special investment region
With the first two phases of town planning and zonation completed this month, the country's first special investment region (SIR) at Dholera in Gujarat is set to take off. The endeavour in Ahmedabad district is likely to bring investment amounting to $90 billion to the western state over the next ten years.
RIL plans to pick 26% stake in leading cable operators
Talks under way for partnership model to provide last-mile connectivity to 4G users.
World's 12 most powerful art collectors
There is no business like art business.
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| January 13, 2012 | | Apple store pelted with eggs in Beijing
Apple has temporarily stopoed selling its latest iPhone 4S.
IMAGES: 25 most luxurious hotels in India
Hospitality sector in India has seen the birth of many luxury hotels and resorts in recent past.
MUST READ: World's top 25 banks
The sovereign debt crisis is still raging in Europe and renewed fears of contagion from southern European countries are affecting banking and market outlooks across the globe.
Filter content or face blackout, Delhi HC warns Facebook, Google
The Delhi High Court on Thursday warned social networking site Facebook India and search engine Google India that websites can be "blocked" like in China if they fail to devise a mechanism to check and remove objectionable material from their web pages.
Will global investors bet big on India again?
Any improvement in confidence will trigger a virtuous cycle, projects will start moving, the RBI will be cutting rates, companies will recapitalise and, as we lap easy comparisons for both earnings and GDP in the second half of 2012-13, India will look like it is accelerating again.
Why India is the hot spot for luxury brands
It is estimated that the luxury market in India is around USD 5.8 billion (nearly Rs 28,500 crore), is spreading beyond the metros as adoption of global trends is fast catching up in smaller cities, as well.
World's best and worst performing stock markets
It's not just India that saw a drop in stock market fortunes in 2011.
Meet the first Indian-origin Dean of Cornell's biz school
Cornell President David Skorton said in an announcement, "Professor Dutta's appointment is a natural fit with Johnson's increasingly global outlook."
IMAGES: Brilliant tech innovations you must see!
The Consumer Electronics Show is the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow.
IMAGES: The expressive faces of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
Microsoft Corporation CEO Steve Ballmer is perhaps the most expressive CEOs in the world.
Made profits in 2011? Hold on to those scrips
The good part is that even in the most beaten down sectors, there have been some select stocks that have given not just positive, but considerable, returns.
PHOTOS: Hotel suite in India among world's most expensive
Some hotel suites are extremely expensive.
PHOTOS: Beautiful Ferraris down the ages
Ferrari's are said to be the most beautiful cars in the world.
PHOTOS: Now, a low cost electric car from Tata
Stylish, comfortable, practical, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly -- that's prototype of a $20,000 electric car from the Tata Technologies.
Infosys: On track to meet 45,000 hiring target
"People addition is on track for 45,000 (employee hiring) target for the financial year 2012. The company will focus on local hiring. We have hired 1,000 people in the US in the last four quarters," Infosys Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director S D Shibulal said.
Air India in trouble: Service tax dept freezes accounts again
The Service Tax Department has once again frozen the bank accounts of the national carrier Air India for non-payment of dues running into a little over Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion).
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| January 12, 2012 | | Slowdown: Infosys cuts FY'12 revenue outlook by 3%
Infosys on Thursday cut its full-year revenue outlook in dollar terms by about 3 per cent because of mounting economic uncertainty in the euro zone, a move that did not go down well with investors.
Food inflation in negative zone: What's cheaper, what's costlier?
Food prices fell for the second consecutive week as food inflation remained in the negative zone at (-)2.90 per cent for the week ended December 31, 2011.
India's industrial growth bounces back to 5.9%
Led by a recovery in manufacturing output, industrial production grew by 5.9 per cent in November, 2011, after witnessing a contraction in the previous month, a development that may reverse the negative sentiment amid an economic slowdown.
Bihar taps investors at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Guests were all praise for the Bihar government.
It might be working Saturdays for Indian stock exchanges
Stock exchanges are said to be toying with the idea of opening a regular trading window on Saturdays. The window may be for a shorter duration, in line with the Saturday banking hours.
In pics: Two Indian companies among global WINNERS
Teleos, in association with The Know Network, has announced winners.
US urges countries to reduce oil imports from Iran
The United States has said it is encouraging countries to diversify away from Iranian oil.
Stunning PHOTOS: World's hottest cars are here!
The world's most brilliant cars are lined up at the Detroit Auto Show.
Infosys Q3 net up 33.25% at Rs 2,372 crore
The company had registered a net profit of Rs 1,780 crore (Rs 17.8 billion) for the December quarter of the previous fiscal (2010-11), Infosys said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
PHOTOS: World's top 25 software companies
Microsoft is undoubtedly the king of software companies.
IMAGES: 16 global cities of the future
There are some cities in the world that are expected to be major centres in the future.
Images: 8 AMAZING green cars
At the 42nd annual Tokyo Motor Show, leading auto companies unveiled some beautiful eco-friendly cars. These cars are said to justice not just to the environment, but are also a treat to drive.
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| January 11, 2012 | | Indian economy doing a good job: Economist
Nobel Prize winner in economics in 2001, Stiglitz, who was delivering a lecture in the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata, said that a government needed to play an important role 'in any economy correcting pervasive market failures'.
IMAGES: Stunning aerial views of flashy Dubai
Dubai city has emerged as a global city with some of the world's most famous landmarks.
Indian bureaucracy rated worst in Asia
Indian bureaucracy is the worst in Asia with a 9.21 rating out of 10.
How India, China still contribute half of world's growth
Despite slowing down, China and India continue to contribute more than half of the world's economic growth, a new report by an investment management and advisory services firm has claimed.
Slowdown? 7% growth certain, says PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said his government expected a reasonably good growth rate of seven per cent in the ongoing 2011-12 financial year.
How to gain more from your investments?
Being market-linked, the public provident fund corpus can no longer be predicted over the long term.
PHOTOS: Brilliance of sportscar Porche 911
Porsche is a luxury two-door sports coupe made by Porsche of Stuttgart, Germany.
This is not the time to buy beaten down stocks
Cheap valuations mean little in a bear market. There could be more downside.
'Kingfisher not like AI, no direct financial help'
Ministry will try to persuade Airports Authority of India, fuel suppliers for easier terms to the airline
RBI raises red flag over banks' foreign currency loans
Just 40 per cent of India Inc's forex loans are hedged.
IMAGES: STUNNING cars you would love to own!
The North American International Auto Show is one of the largest car shows held each year in Detroit, United States.
Now, pay taxes and fines online
Maharashtra government initiative aimed at making system more transparent.
Union Budget exercise begins
Pranab Mukherjee will begin the fortnight-long pre-budget brainstorming sessions with various stakeholders.
Photos: World's most INNOVATIVE gadgets
More than 100 products have been introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas.
2012: A year of GLOOM and DOOM for auto sector
The 50-odd launches and unveilings at the Auto Expo are unlikely to lift the gloom off the domestic automobile industry, which has been battling declining sales for six months.
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| January 10, 2012 | | Aquarian Age: Bloom not Doom
While this apparent obsession with 2012 may largely be an internet phenomenon there is something more happening here that predates our age of hyper-connectivity.
Govt okays 100% FDI in single brand retail
Notwithstanding its inability to open multi-brand retail for foreign investment, government on Tuesday notified 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail, paving way for global chains like Adidas, Louis Vuitton and Gucci to have full ownership of their India operations.
Jet, Nokia take advertising to new heights
In these times of high losses, airlines are looking at multiple options to earn cash.
EPFO may cut interest on PF deposits to 8.6%
Retirement fund body EPFO may lower the interest rate on deposits to 8.6 per cent for over 4.7 crore (47 million) subscribers for 2011-12 to match it with the rate of public provident fund (PPF) scheme.
IMAGES: Of Bollywood stars and SWANKY cars!
The relationship between the movie stars and cars go way back into the history.
Network18 owes Rs 300 cr
18.6 million debentures were issued to five promoters convertible at Rs 160.
Pioneering airport-city project struggles to stay aloft
The first ever airport-city project in which Singapore's Changi airport holds a 26 per cent stake was expected to be the pride of West Bengal. Instead, a steady stream of pitfalls --from land acquisition problems to allegations of corruption amongst promoters -- has taken the sheen off the project.
Apple CEO Tim Cook gets $380-mn pay for 2011
Cook's pay package for 2011 is likely to be among the most lucrative compensations awarded to a chief executive.
Moody's upgrades India's rating to investment grade
The 'P-3' ratings suggest acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
Now, pay more for auto insurance
Insurers are all set to raise premium. Rates may increase 40-50 per cent for commercial vehicles and 20-25 per cent for private vehicles.
Stunning pics: World's 25 LARGEST buildings
Amidst the world's growing concrete jungle, these buildings hold a unique record.
Investors warm up to tax-saving bonds
The bonds' unattractive structure seem to have found little favour with eligible taxpayers and infrastructure finance companies are hoping the government would do something to enhance product appeal.
New York hotelier Chatwal has big plans for India
New York-based Chatwal Hotels and Resorts is planning to invest Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) to open 52 hotels in India in the next five years. The company has tied up with international hospitality major Wyndham Hotels for the expansion of its hotel brands Dream and Night.
'Invest Rs 10,000 every month in the market'
'Just keep investing a steady amount every month irrespective of what the media says about the direction of the market,' advises Jyotivardhan Jaipuria, Managing Director, DSP Merrill Lynch, India.
Centre-state consensus on service tax, finally
State FMs okay list of tax-exempt services with certain riders.
HDFC's new diktat: Pay for inoperative A/Cs, cash deposits
These fees are part of the new set of service charges introduced by HDFC Bank from January 1, 2012.
IMAGES: World's 10 best airport lounges
In this slide show we present some of the world's best airport lounges (in particular order) that are an over-the-top testament to the VIP privilege.
Mahindra to double capacity for XUV500, launch in Oz, Europe
Touted as its first global product, the diesel SUV was recently introduced in the South African market.
We need to encourage research, says Infosys's Gopalakrishnan
Infosys felicitates outstanding researchers in various fields.
PHOTOS: Beautiful cars sizzle at Auto Expo in Delhi
Auto Expo is seeing a long line of beautiful cars.
IMAGES: Acer unveils world's thinnest laptop
Acer has unveiled the world's thinnest Ultrabook with the Aspire S5, an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point.
Why lifetime mobile schemes did not last
The lifetime-validity schemes that once led to explosive growth in subscriber base for the mobile telephony industry did not last a lifetime.
STUNNING gizmos to drool for in 2012
Tech lovers can never get enough of gadgets or the latest in technology.
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| January 09, 2012 | | Kingfisher's plans to resolve the lapses, discrepancies
After a rap from the aviation regulator for neglecting safety issues, Kingfisher Airlines on Monday submitted a detailed response to DGCA giving time-bound plans to resolve the lapses and discrepancies identified.
Worst is over for the Indian economy: Credit Suisse
The worst could be over for the Indian economy, Swiss bank Credit Suisse said, after contending with many months of stubbornly high inflation and sluggish growth.
Investing: Watch out for the game changers!
Come a new year, and the guy with some cash to spare invariably wonders how to avoid repeating the investing mistakes of the past year.
Dial 'T' for entertainment
No wonder, it's raining tablets in India and they are giving a stiff competition to personal computers, notebooks and mobile devices so far as consumption of entertainment by the digital consumers is concerned.
Why did the rupee fare much worse than other Asian currencies?
In 2011, the rupee emerged as the most vulnerable Asian currency on the block. It depreciated by almost 19 per cent in 2011, while for the others depreciation was mostly in single digits. The Chinese Yuan actually appreciated in this period.
COLUMN: Fault lines in the Indian IPO market
We need to build the household sector's confidence in the stock market.
Globalisation is dead. When will India realise this?
As the West realizes that globalisation has pauperised governments, left its society in disarray and its currency weak, there is a huge re-think there about the very idea of globalisation.
COLUMN: Was India too timid to manage to FDI issues?
In the cacophony of debates on the wisdom of liberalising retail foreign direct investment, or FDI, one viewpoint was noticeably absent: whether and how this might affect India's strategic interests.
This is what it takes to become an entrepreneur
First, get out and engage with customers sooner than later. If you stay focused on the lab to work on your product, the market may have moved. Customer feedback is very important. Also do not underestimate competition; stay on top of it.
Pranab's prescription to better India's growth rate
Moderating inflation and a likely reversal of tight monetary policy will boost the economic prospects during 2012, said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
PHOTOS: Dazzling beauties at Auto Expo
Automobile companies have showcased an exciting display.
'We need one party running the country, not 10'
We should now think positively and look at options and opportunities, says Deepak Parekh.
It's woman power on the Internet
Women are exploring the Internet to turn into home-based entrepreneurs.
India's MOST influential women in finance
Some are heading the top banks in India, while others are calling the shots as company's CFO.
IMAGES: Cubit launches all-in-one desktop for Rs 22,000!
With an eye on the rapidly rising market of all-in-one (AIO) computers segment, Ahmedabad-based Cubit Computers has launched the first-of-its-kind assembled all-in-one desktop personal computer for the Indian market.
Infrastructure set to escape Budget cuts
Sector to see funding push; tax reforms as well as sops to wait longer.
Must-see: SPECTACULAR cars at the Auto Show
Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, showcased an exciting display of cars at the 11thAuto Expo in New Delhi.
Kingfisher may cut its fleet to stay afloat
Airline may cut its fleet from the existing 64 planes over the next few months.
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| January 06, 2012 | | Stickers defaming Anil Ambani in Mumbai; FIR filed
Stickers defaming industrialist Anil Ambani and his Group ADAG were found pasted at various locations in suburban Bandra.
US court wants specifics of financial benefits made by Gupta
A US judge has asked prosecutors to provide specific financial benefits they allege former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta made by passing inside information to his friend Raj Rajaratnam amidst allegations that he also tipped him about Proctor and Gamble's 2008 sale of Folgers Coffee Co to JM Smucker.
DAZZLING beauties wow world's 2nd largest auto show
The 11th Auto Expo 2012 that began on Thursday in New Delhi with a slew of launches that marked the debut of many automobile manufacturers into new segments of the dynamic Indian vehicle market.
SBI classifies Kingfisher Airlines account as NPA
SBI Chairman Pratip Chaudhuri told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday the Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) account had turned into a non-performing asset (NPA). "The account became an NPA on December 31, 2011. They are in default," Chaudhuri said.
Slowdown: Planned job cuts in US drop to 41,785 in Dec
Planned job cuts announced by US employers declined in December to 41,785, the lowest monthly total since June, says a report by global outplacement company Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
'Stock markets are virtually breaking India Inc's back'
In an interview with Business Standard, Kamath says he is surprised by the sharp correction in the stock markets and the rupee in an economy growing at seven per cent.
The amazing success story of brand Safal
Mother Dairy's retail model helps farmers but is under pressure from chains.
'Food inflation will go back to 7 per cent in a few weeks'
Others may be gung-ho about food inflation falling into the negative territory, but not former chief statistician <B>Pronab Sen</B>.
Survival plan: Kingfisher gets time till Monday
DGCA summons airline's officials on safety issues.
Why majority of Indians want to work abroad
Majority of younger employees are keen on seeking jobs abroad.
What Indian Railways must learn from China
Slow pace in modernisation and infrastructure addition chokes tracks, constrains productivity, raises costs and invites political interference.
Euro crisis more threatening than crash in 2008: Soros
US billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros said that the collapse of the euro will have catastrophic consequences.
No fare hike: Trivedi's Rail Budget to bear Didi stamp
Trinamool politics set to trump prudence on passenger fares.
Images: BIG car launches at the Auto Expo
A number of stunning cars were unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi.
Iconic photos trace AMAZING history of Kodak
Kodak is prepairing to file for bankruptcy.
The new Bajaj RE60: Don't call it a car!
Bajaj Auto's new four-wheeled people-carrier might well create an entirely new category.
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| January 05, 2012 | | Bankers expect interest rates to fall by 1%
While bankers and experts expect the lending rate to fall by about one percentage point in the near-term, the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council has strongly pitched for rate cut by the RBI in its monetary policy review later in the month.
All about Avanti, India's first Rs 30-lakh supercar!
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Thursday unveiled India's first supercar, Avanti, designed by style guru Dilip Chhabria's DC Design at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New delhi.
TCS to create 16,000 jobs in West Bengal
The country's largest information technology (IT) service provider, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is all set to expand its footprint in West Bengal, according to state IT minister Partha Chatterjee.
Govt gets a Rs 4,000-cr New Year gift from ONGC
The Centre -- running out of cash, and time before the Budget to meet its fiscal deficit target -- will get as dividend Rs 3,964 crore (Rs 39.64 billion) from its flagship listed firm Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
Nano missed chance; to remove tag of poor man's car
Admitting that Nano has 'wasted an early opportunity' due to teething problems, Tata Group chief Ratan Tata on Thursday said Tata Motors will do everything to undo the tag of 'poor man's car'.
Forget gloom, Indian economy is strong: Tata
Differing with some of the leading corporate voices against perceived policy paralysis in the government, industrialist Ratan Tata on Thursday said there is no need to be pessimistic because of the global uncertainties as India's economic fundamentals are strong.
Cash-strapped airlines compromise on safety
An official financial audit of all Indian carriers has found that safety issues were being neglected by some of them due to serious financial distress and suggested stringent action, including cancelling of flying permits, against two major carriers.
Cost of foreign education rises as Rupee falls
To tide over fund crunch, students are either looking at alternative sources of funding like scholarships or picking up part-time jobs.
IMAGES: It's raining bikes at the Auto Show
Eyeing Indian mass motorcycle segment, Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) on Thursday launched Hayate, a 110cc bike, which will cost over Rs 40,000, at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi.
What is negative inflation? Food inflation at -3.36%
This is the first time in almost six years, for which data with base year 2004-05 is available, that food inflation has shown a decline on an annual basis.
Reversing India's downward trajectory
Country can regain growth momentum with rate cuts and telecom reforms.
Forget about pension plans, there's none available anyway
If you plan to buy a pension plan as a part of your tax-saving exercise, you need to wait.
Divestment pushed back as PSUs don't fancy buybacks
Ministries seek more discussions, Cabinet defers decision.
Employees to get 14% average pay hike in 2012
Sectors like infrastructure could see average salary hike of as high as 16 per cent, but the increments could be lower at 5 per cent in a few segments like aviation and textiles.
Investors likely to opt for safer bets in 2012
Individuals likely to opt for safer bets like fixed income, PSU stocks and gold in the new year.
VOTE: Which is the biggest economic challenge facing India?
India has a number of problems, such as high inflation, poor infrastructure and rural poverty.
Asset Under Management: India's top 15 Mutual Funds
The mutual fund industry took a hit of more than Rs 16,000 crore on its asset size during 2011, even as the newly-crowned market leader HDFC MF grew in size and consolidated its top position.
11th Auto Expo: Maruti unveils SUV XA Alpha
The concept XA Alpha showcases the unified R&D of Suzuki Motor Corp and Maruti Suzuki India.
Internet growth: Problems and challenges
India should piggyback on mobile phones to increase penetration and speed of Internet.
Great Walmart of China & why FDI in retail will kill Indian jobs!
Walmart's entry into India will mean profits for the Americans and jobs for the Chinese, says .
Auto Expo: Cars that will make you DROOL!
Auto enthusiasts can look forward to 50 new launches and a flurry of other activities at the 11th Auto Expo that starts in New Delhi on Thursday.
No work for UIDAI after January! Is that the end for it?
Govt's unique identification body still in search of a clear identity.
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| January 04, 2012 | | Bad times: Kingfisher may cut 2,000 jobs by July
In a major cost-cutting exercise, private sector air-carrier Kingfisher Airlines is believed to be considering about 2,000 job cuts and longer working hours for its staff, among various options.
IMAGES: Fiat starts work on small car, launches Linea 2012
Italian car maker Fiat has started work on its small car for India.
Now, hallmarking of gold is compulsory
The hallmarking of gold, which is voluntary in nature at present, is a purity certification of the precious metal.
9 ways how Indian business can restore growth!
Government-industry relations seem to be hitting a new low. But without co-operation, a recovery in 2012-13 will be impossible, says former chief mentor of CII, .
PPF interest rates to be floating, post office savings spared!
The government on Wednesday said interest rates on post office savings schemes, except the PPF, will remain fixed throughout the term of the scheme.
PHOTOS: Watch out for these 7 BIG auto launches!
Auto Expo 2012 is the venue for the launch of seven all-new automotive brands in India.
1.55 lakh post offices could double up as banks
The government's plan to tap into India's vast postal system to reach out to the unbanked population by utilising offices across the country as banks is expected to take some shape this year as the proposal has been sent to the Finance Ministry for its nod.
Controversy HEATED up 2011 for Environment Ministry
The Environment Ministry was hit by controversies in the year gone by which saw clearances for two big ticket projects -- POSCO and Lavasa -- and exit of Jairam Ramesh as the green minister.
Slow decisions delay AI revival: Ministry official
No move yet on delivery of 787s slated for mid-January.
5 promises that you MUST keep in 2012
Learn from mistakes made in the past year, resolve not to repeat them and plan for the long term.
Mukesh Ambani plans mega-server of content
Network 18-Eenadu is just the beginning of a bigger data and video strategy.
Durable firms brace for rough ride ahead
The road ahead for consumer durable companies appears tough with New Year sales not ringing the cash registers as expected.
IMAGES: World's 20 busiest airports
Airports Council International's data for January-July 2011 gives an insight into the world's 20 busiest airports.
Mukesh Ambani a new media giant?
ETV's bouquet consists of 11 regional channels and one Telugu news channel ETV2.
India's FII outflows highest among BRIC nations
Even as Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have been selling across markets and pulling out money, their outflow was highest from India in 2011, compared with BRIC peers (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and other emerging markets.
Want to own a designer label? Buy these products
Top brands like PepsiCo, Nestle, Citibank have roped in leading designers like Manish Malhotra, Wendell Rodricks, Tarun Tahiliani to design the packaging for their products so as to draw a better connect with fashion-conscious consumer. In the bargain, they are also hoping for higher recall value.
The SHOWSTOPPERS at the Delhi Auto Expo!
The Delhi Auto Expo has grown into a high-profile event where car makers, Indian and foreign, announce new models and reach out to customers. Business Standard tracks the meticulous planning that goes into the event.
IMAGES: 15 best mobile apps in the world
There are thousands of mobile-phone apps.
The India story: Three cheers for 2012, and beyond!
Forget the current bout of economic stress; India is blessed with growth drivers that won't go away in a hurry.
PHOTOS: 4 Indian trains among world's best railways
When it comes to travel, nothing is as exciting as travelling by train.
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| January 03, 2012 | | Union Budget to be presented after March 5
This time, it might start between March 5 and 12 in view of polls, government sources said, citing that counting of votes is scheduled for March 4.
Bajaj unveils small car RE60; may price it at Rs 125,000!
Although the company has not yet revealed its exact price, the buzz in the market is that the Bajaj RE60 is likely to be priced between Rs 125,000 and Rs 200,000, giving tough competition to the Tata Nano which is the cheapest car in the world currently.
Slowdown? Not a hurdle for Indian travellers!
Data for 2011 are expected to reveal the number of outbound travellers from India rose 10%, with the West vying for a major slice of the market pie.
IMAGES: World's 10 most-hated airports
The world's most-hated airports are not necessarily the worst. But many travelers experienced a harrowing time at these airports.
PHOTOS: Most-successful car launches in 2011
Year 2011 witnessed a large influx of cars, most being revamped versions of existing models and some diesel avatars of the popular petrol variants.
2012: The year of digital music
With the growth of mobile phone and internet users, consumers of digital music have increased manifold.
Currency woes: Rupee to remain bleak in 2012
The rupee was Asia's worst performing currency this year, and the outlook for 2012 also remains bleak.
'India to see BIGGEST urban migration in next 15-20 years'
India needs to create 220 million jobs in the next 15 years and this is only possible by implementing the National Manufacturing Policy, launched recently by the government, says Arindam Bhattacharya, managing director, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) India Pvt Ltd.
Why India's 2011 macroeconomic numbers are so poor
The unprecedentedly poor macroeconomic numbers for 2011 are the price of government mismanagement.
DC Design to unveil indigenous SUPERCAR at Auto Expo
India's own automotive design house, DC Design, is all set to unveil a supercar at the forthcoming 2012 Auto Expo to be held in Delhi.
What do market leaders do in a slowdown? Increase prices!
At a time when key economic indicators are pointing to a slowdown, market leaders in three sectors have been raising prices to maintain margins.
This is what will fuel India's divestment drive
Cabinet set to approve broadened framework this week; market route to be pursued as well.
Software product start-ups rely on smaller cities
Marketing challenges apart, 300 firms sprout in past 5 years in Tier-2, -3 cities.
Nifty: Bearish trend likely to continue in 2012
It is relatively easy to make predictions about market directions in 2012. Technically, this is a long-term bear market. There are no signs of recovery.
Now, shop on the move with the help of apps
Shopping will become a lot easier when Reasoning Global eApplications, a Hyderabad-based multi-channel solutions provider for the retailing industry, rolls out its native applications (or apps) for BlackBerry, iPhone and Android-based platforms by the end of the current financial year.
Kingfisher to add more seats on A330s
Plans to remove onboard bar to create space.
2012: This leap year may not be good for Sensex
Leap years 2008, 2000, 1992 have not been great; this year may not be different.
The TOP 5 stock picks for the year 2012
The Indian equity markets is one of the worst performing markets globally -- down for the calendar year 2011 by about 25 per cent in rupee terms and around 35 per cent in dollar terms.
Special: The BEST advertisements of 2011
Though advertisements weren't exceptionally creative, they were very likeable. The top five of 2011.
IMAGES: Check out these HOT wheels for 2012
Tata Motors created the idea some four years ago with the Indigo CS, but not much has happened so far.
5 reasons Kolaveri Di became a HUGE hit online
Mobile marketing campaigns that can engage, go viral and become a sensation for mobile consumers are now benchmarks for digital marketing.
How embattled Indian IT firms are adopting NEW strategies
Faced with competition from low-cost locations and inefficiencies associated with unwieldy growth in head count, Indian IT companies are exploring non-linear growth strategies.
Govt loses Rs 5 lakh crore in stock market in 2011!
The Union government, the largest owner of stocks in the country, is also easily the largest loser in the stock market this year.
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| January 02, 2012 | | Petrol prices not to be hiked this fortnight
Petrol prices will not be raised this fortnight as state-owned oil firms apparently could not get political clearance for the over Rs 2 per litre hike in rates needed to achieve parity with the imported cost on account of the weakening rupee.
3G roaming: Telcos suppressed facts, says DoT
Filing an affidavit before the TDSAT, the department of telecommunication has requested the tribunal to dismiss the petition of telecom operators challenging the government directive to stop 3G roaming immediately.
Auto majors post mixed results in December
The month of December was a year of joy and celebrations for some auto companies, while for others it was a period of mixed reactions. This is because, even though the overall result wasn't so positive, some of its brands registered good sales.
15 most disliked CEOs in technology world
Employee review site Glassdoor has put together its year-end list of the most hated CEOs in tech.
Good news! Banks extend festive offers
The festive season may be over, but festive offers on loans are open for the next couple of months.
Budget to be presented after state polls: Pranab
The announcement of the Assembly election schedule in five states between January 30 and March 3 has raised the possibility of rescheduling of the Budget for 2012-13 this year.
Bigger models to dot 11th Auto Expo
The 11th edition of the exhibition, one of the largest in the world in terms of participants, will kick-start on January 7.
15 countries that offer risky but high returns
While markets like China and India are showing signs of slowdown, Frontier Markets continue to be an attractive destination for adventurous investors.
Investing: Gold will continue a good show in 2011
Other assets suffered badly, experts feel that the yellow metal and debt will continue good show.
How Vijay Mallya hit the headlines in 2011
Getting his bruised Kingfisher Airlines ready for that auspicious occasion is the least of his worries, as Mallya is scrambling to find an equity partner to keep his Kingfisher aloft.
In PICS: 10 countries that will RULE world trade
Trade is set to transform with most growth coming from emerging markets.
IMAGES: Amazing office buildings in India
India prides itself on having some of the most contemporary designs for offices, especially in the IT sector.
PHOTOS: 14 SUVs set to hit Indian roads soon
Upcoming 2012 Delhi Auto Expo will be special this time.
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| December 30, 2011 | | 2011: Stocks ditch investors, gold remains true friend
As the investors burnt their fingers with heavy losses in the stock market in 2011, the tried-and-tested gold added to its glitter and silver could retain only part of the sheen it gained during the year.
Rs 40,000-crore tax mop-up SHORTFALL looms
Barely four months are left for the financial year to end and the government has reached only the halfway mark of its tax revenue collection target.
Slow hiring, double-digit pay hikes likely in 2012
The Indian job market is expected to see slower hiring activity, but double-digit salary hikes next year as employers are embracing a "cautiously optimistic" approach amid the economic uncertainty.
Great start, sad ending: That's 2011 for auto sector
A year that began with a bang only to fizzle out in the end with car sales posting the steepest fall in nearly 11 years; a year marred by strikes -- 2011 will be one that the Indian automobile industry would like to forget in a hurry.
Rural India: The next big market for car companies
Car makers are reaching out to consumers in rural centres as high lending rates slow urban demand.
Millions of jobs created in 2011, but strikes marred labour arena
Reaching out to the working class, especially in the unorganised sector, the government rolled out several measures in 2011, raising minimum daily wages, enlarging health insurance coverage and also notifying Majithia Wage Board recommendations for newspaper and news agency employees.
Healthcare: Of misery tax, expansion and tragedy
For India's healthcare industry, expected to double to $100 billion by 2015, this year was marked by expansion and consolidation as well as painful moments of the Kolkata hospital fire.
Newsmaker of the year: Cyrus Mistry
Like JRD Tata, Mistry also loves Cantonese-style Chinese takeaway from Colaba's cult restaurant Ling's Pavilion.
Classpad takes a cue from Akash tablets
Delhi-based Classteacher Learning Systems, an education solution provider, has come out with a new tablet, Classpad.
TCS beats Reliance to be India's most valued firm
Reliance Industries lost its position of the country's most valued company to Tata group firm TCS this afternoon, as the shares of billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led corporate giant fell sharply in a weak market.
IMAGES: 8 most expensive jets owned by Indian billionaires
Today, India boasts of about 515 private aircraft, including 257 fixed-wing planes and 258 helicopters.
2011: Uncertainty over EPFO rates haunted subscribers
The 4.7 crore (47 million) EPFO subscribers were left guessing during the year on continuance of 9.5 per cent interest rate for this fiscal, with the retirement fund body, in an unprecedented development, deciding to refer it to the finance ministry for a final decision.
Cyber criminals eye year-end online shoppers
A phishing scam targetting those buying via eBay was discovered recently.
Stocks of controversial groups beaten down
But analysts advise against dumping, say these could recover if market conditions improve.
Net widens on IPO rigging
Multiple agencies to probe, regulatory crackdown on more companies expected.
Amazing PHOTOS: World's 15 strangest bridges
Some of the world's most remarkable infrastructure projects are bridges.
Rajat Gupta: Man who had everything but blew it away
Rajat Gupta was the former head of bluechip consulting firm McKinsey.
Oil sector: Arbitrariness shakes investor confidence
The way the government treated miner Vedanta Resources' proposal to buy majority of UK's Cairn Energy in Cairn India and RIL selling 30 per cent of its stake in 23 properties, including the prolific KG-D6 gas block to BP, goes to the heart of the mistrust between India Inc and United Progressive Alliance-2 in 2011.
Telcos yet to make good money from 3G
Number of 3G subscribers in India is more than 12.2 million.
Amazing PHOTOS of Ice Hotel in Romania
The Ice Hotel is rebuilt every year - so no two years are the same.
Telecom sector maintains shimmer despite controversies
Though the multi-crore 2G scam had come to light last year, it was 2011 which was action-packed as Raja, telecom ministry officials along with many high-profile business heads were put behind the bars for their alleged involvement in the case.
IMAGES: 10 most expensive buildings in the world
Some buildings cost billions of dollars to build.
Stunning PHOTOS of 2013 Mercedes Roadster
Luxury car manufacturer is planning to launch a new model, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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| December 29, 2011 | | Ratan Tata calls on Narendra Modi along with Cyrus Mistry
Ratan Tata, the outgoing chairman of over $80-billion Tat Group, on Thursday introduced his successor Cyrus P Mistry to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during a courtesy visit to his residence in Gandhinagar, a top state official said.
IMAGES: 25 best skylines in the world
There are some cities in the world, such as New York City, that are famous for having beautiful skylines.
Telecom: How Ambani brothers can rule the roost
Anil's RCom straddles 2G, 3G; Mukesh has spectrum to operate in 4G.
Special: It was never in Jamsetji Tata's ken
But the Tata Group is an established and growing brand in Australia, affirm top local managers.
India twiddles its thumbs as foreign airlines grab traffic
Private airlines wait for permission to fly abroad, foreign carriers walk away with the traffic.
Column: Why our rulers want people to remain poor
Deep down, our rulers don't want the aam admi to get out of his rut.
PHOTOS: World's 25 most amazing offices
Many offices are now turning into stylish spaces, looking cool, comfortable and attractive.
GOOD NEWS! Food inflation plunges to six-year low of 0.42%
According to official data released on Thursday, onions grew cheaper by 59.04 per cent year-on-year during the week under review, while potato prices were down by 33.76 per cent.
You can buy a listed company for Rs 1 crore!
You may not be able to buy you a decent flat in Mumbai with Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million), but stock prices have fallen so much this year that the sum may buy you an entire listed company, maybe even two.
Slowdown-hit tourism sector struggles to move ahead
In mid-October, travellers from the US, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia were advised by their governments to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to India, citing terror threats.
Coming soon to India! Low-priced, shorter cars!
After witnessing a plethora of car launches in 2011, the Indian automobile industry is set to welcome some new models, reworked versions and new variants in the New Year.
FDI flow soars but policy inertia SPOILS party in 2011
On the face of it, the country attracted FDI worth $22.52 billion between January and September, 2011 against $15.97 billion in the same period last year.
Chennai hub of gaming, android-based tech
Chennai is slowly becoming a hub in providing support for gaming and android-based technologies.
In PHOTOS: 16 cool products expected in 2012
The next year is expected to see more exciting gadgets enter the global market.
2011 second worst for investors in 14 years
It is second only to the disastrous 2008.
Tendulkar gets Rs 100 cr cover for Bandra house
The cover, touted as one of the highest taken by an individual, is in two parts: a fire insurance policy of Rs 75 crore (Rs 750 million) and an additional cover of Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) for items within the house.
Stunning IMAGES of the COSTLIEST hotel in India
The Leela Palace New Delhi is indeed a star among the luxury hotels in India.
IMAGES: EcoSport, Ford's new SUV will soon be in India
EcoSport has unbelievable fuel economy and a fascinating futuristic look.
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| December 28, 2011 | | Farewell: Delhi will miss 'Metro Man' Sreedharan
Describing E Sreedharan as a man of great vision and impeachable integrity, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has said the Metro Man, who retires on Saturday, gave Delhi a "new identity" for which people of the city will always miss him.
Brothers Ambani come together at Dhirubhai's memorial
The Ambani brothers -- Mukesh and Anil -- came together for the inauguration of a memorial for the legendary industrialist and founder of Reliance Group Dhirubhai Ambani in Chorwad town in Junagarh district on Wednesday, in the presence of the entire family.
Falling rupee to shave Rs 4,000 cr off Nifty cos: Crisil
Credit rating agency Crisil on Wednesday said depreciation in the rupee will shave off up to Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion) from the profits of Nifty companies in the December quarter.
Manufacturing growth: Bihar on top
Manufacturing growth in Bihar stood at 15 per cent in 2010-11 against 15.2 per cent a year ago and 21.9 per cent in 2008-09, according to data provided by Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
IMAGES: The BEST Amul advertisements in 2011
Amul's ads have touched the hearts of millions of Indians since decades.
2011: Of 2G, illegal mining and the Supreme Court!
The corporate world in 2011 found itself on tenterhooks as various scams in the telecom and the mining sector came under the prying eyes of the Supreme Court.
Gold and silver touched all-time highs in 2011
Continuing their record-breaking spree, gold and silver galloped to all-time highs in 2011 on strong demand for precious metals considered as a 'safe-haven investment' in times of economic turmoil and rising inflation.
Amazing PHOTOS of Maserati's exclusive model
Maserati has launched a super exclusive model of its luxury car.
Slowdown? Not for these cars
Petrol cars like Jazz and diesel variants of Ritz, Swift Dzire and Manza see strong demand.
How Indian policy makers made a mess of the finances
It is customary at this time of the year to look back and assess how the year set to end in a few days went by.
2011: Investors lost Rs 20,000,000,000,000 in stocks
In a departure from big gains in the past two years, investors saw around Rs 20 lakh crore of their wealth eroded as Indian equities tanked in 2011 because of inflation, high interest rates and the uncertain global growth environment accentuated by the euro zone debt crisis.
SHOCKING: India ranks 73rd in personal freedom
When citizens enjoy their rights, their country enjoys higher levels of income.
Stunning IMAGES of world's top 6 SUVs
The SUVs are perfect amalgamation of space, safety, features and performance.
IMAGES: Any buyer for this stunning $8.9 million bungalow?
Zynga CEO Mark Pincus plans to sell off his palatial bungalow at San Francisco.
AMAZING things that happen online every 60 seconds
While we know that technology travels at lightning speed on the Internet, but what actually happens online in just 60 seconds?
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| December 27, 2011 | | Debt recast: Banks ask for Air India board seats
Air India is the second Indian carrier to get a large bailout this year.
UK subway drivers' strike affects holiday shoppers
Trains throughout the UK were operating a significantly reduced service, with only five rail companies out of 25 running a 'limited' Boxing Day service, a public holiday in Britain.
IMAGES: Changi Airport makes fresh attempt to enter India
Said to be in talks with Hyderabad-based GVK Group; if the deal sails through, the alliance would be the biggest player in India's airports market.
Rupee fall: How it has changed currency traders' lives
With the rupee falling 20 per cent since June 30, the Reserve Bank of India first intervened, and later introduced policy measures to control the outflow and improve dollar liquidity.
'Inflation should start abating in a few months'
"The calendar year 2011 has seen tremendous wealth destruction and volatility, both in India and globally. In 2012, while the first quarter will continue to be extremely challenging, it will prepare a base for creating long-term wealth, particularly from an Indian perspective."
Special: Most CORRUPT industries in India
Report also stated that some 68 per cent of India's aggregate illicit capital loss occurred after India's economic reforms in 1991.
SPECIAL: She fought cerebral palsy to be an entrepreneur
Twenty-eight year old Archana Achuthan is mildly affected by cerebral palsy, but that has not deterred her from studying and becoming a social entrepreneur.
Will Emami Group survive the AMRI Hospital fire?
Emami's soaring fortunes have been dragged down to earth by the blaze that torched its AMRI Hospital, killing 93 people. With seven directors -- six of them family members -- in jail or absconding, can the Emami Group survive the rocky road ahead?
GOLDEN tips on how best to build your MF portfolio
Every investor must have a clear game-plan and set financial goals based on certain pre-defined objectives with specified time frames.
India to become 5th LARGEST economy by 2020
Brazil now has a bigger economy than the United Kingdom.
Why China's growth is set to fall in 2012
China's growth rate may fall to about 8.5 per cent if the European Union crisis deteriorates into a global meltdown.
Consumer durable companies also had a tough year
According to the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA), the estimated Rs 35,000 crore (Rs 350 billion) Indian consumer durables market, which has giants like LG, Sony, Videocon, Samsung and Panasonic, did not grow as expected, with air-conditioners being the biggest spoilsport.
IMAGES: World's 20 BEST airports
Asia boasts of some of the world's swankiest airports
Ten key trends that will redefine consumer behaviour
Every year, marketing and communication giant JWT surveys the markets around the world to spot the following year's trends. Here's a snapshot of the trends it has spotted for 2012.
India Inc milks weak rupee through overseas trades
Bigger players tap non-deliverable forwards market to make a killing.
India is changing, but for whom?
While India's economy is changing, its guts are still being gnawed at by corruption.
Government in ICU, economy in ICCU
One wants to partner success, not failure: this is especially true of global investors. Once Indian entrepreneurs invest and are successful, foreign investment will partner them.
In GRAPHICS: The state of the Indian economy
In GRAPHICS: The state of the Indian economy.
IMAGES: 8 stunning cars that you will soon see in India
In less than two weeks, the 11th Auto Expo will start in New Delhi.
Mother hints at closeness between Ambani brothers
The markets had been speculating for weeks, but on Monday corporate India's first family got into it as well.
IMAGES: A stunning Superbus that beats a private Limo!
This Superbus is a 15-meter long electric vehicle with seating for 23 passengers and it travels at a speed of 250 kilometres per hour.
IMAGES: 30 most-visited attractions in the world
People, including Indians, are travelling more to see some of the most amazing places in the world.
SPECIAL: How your HRA helps you save tax
There are many tax components you need to be clear about and also figure out how to plan your investments to gain maximum returns as well as maximum tax benefits.
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| December 26, 2011 | | Industry leaders must not only CRIB about policy coma
Heads of the leading business chambers -- Ficci and Assocham -- on Monday said the industry has 'equal responsibility' along with the government to pull the economy out of slowdown without always 'cribbing about policy paralysis'.
Tata to REPLACE starter motor in 140,000 Nano cars!
In the biggest-ever replacement exercise in Indian automobile history, Tata Motors has asked an estimated 1.40 lakh (140,000) Nano owners to bring back their cars for change of the starter motor free-of-cost.
Battery woes? Hydrogen powered gadgets from Apple soon!
Apple is said to be working on laptops and smartphones powered by hydrogen fuel cells that would last for weeks without needing to be refuelled.
5 corporate honchos who will rule Indian business in 2012
Meet the corporate biggies who will make it big in 2012.
Hurry! Book your car and get huge DISCOUNTS
Most of the discounts are being offered on the petrol versions of the cars.
Bihar: From Bimaru to booming?
All may not be hunky-dory in Bihar, but its chief minister and people deserve full marks for trying.
Why 2012 may be GOOD for Indian economy
If the government can get even a minimalist agenda going while improving its management of infrastructure, and if the Reserve Bank of India can cut interest rates quickly, the Indian script for 2012 could change.
Slow growth, lack of reforms to weigh down markets
Indian shares may not be able to build solid gains on last week's relief rally as concerns surrounding slowing growth in Asia's third-largest economy and lingering worries over euro zone debt crisis will continue to temper investors' enthusiasm.
Domestic traffic: India's busiest airports
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), among India's five privately owned airports, has said it is now the country's third busiest in terms of domestic traffic.
India's small units faced big problems in 2011
MSMEs contribute immensely to the industrial landscape of the country in terms of their 45 per cent share of manufacturing output and 40 per cent of exports.
Mobiles apps to get bigger and better in 2012
Mobile Apps revolution. Internet usage on mobile phones is growing at a scorching pace, giving rise to predictions that mobile internet usage will soon overtake desktop computers. It is estimated that the apps market in 2012 will be worth $17.5 bn.
Silver lining in the dark clouds
Companies are focusing on building a larger market base through mass market or alternative product variants, shedding premium tags for technically advanced products, providing cost efficient solutions and exploring synergies to match the ever decreasing customer threshold for consumption against the grim economic background.
Images: 5 STUNNING cars to be launched next week
Going one step ahead, a number of car makers are planning to launch their new car models in the first week of the January 2012.
COLUMN: India needs to rethink the notion of 'smart cities'
Influx of millions of rural hopefuls chasing the middle-class dream will stretch the capacity of cities, says .
PM's lament unjustified, govt must buck up, says India Inc
Differing with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who feels the corporate sector has been harsh in blaming the government, leading players in India Inc say a policy paralysis in the government and its inability to push reforms have indeed led to an economic slowdown and Singh's criticism is not justified.
2011: High traffic, yet huge losses for India's airlines!
The Indian aviation industry faced a paradoxical situation in 2011 suffering huge losses in the face of a burgeoning domestic air traffic, as it battled high fuel costs and fierce competition while looking up to the government for help.
Mamata's promises of resurgence stare at Bengal's economy
Even existing projects are yet to take off, courtesy land policy.
Amazing and historical PHOTOS of Saab's cars
Swedish car manufacturer, Saab, has filed for bankruptcy.
IMAGES: America's 30 largest companies
Wal-Mart Stores continues to top the Fortune 500 list.
Top global challenges and opportunities in 2012
Faced with a challenging and unfavourable economic backdrop, institutional investors should focus on agility, flexibility and efficiency.
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| December 23, 2011 | | COLUMN: Towards catastrophic 4-degree global warming
Durban will create climate apartheid, under which rich polluters evade responsibility, but underprivileged people suffer the worst effects of climate change for which they are least responsible.
The fall of the rupee: When is it going to stop?
As the rupee continues its downward slide it could have some unpalatable consequences.
'The US has a fairer environment to succeed'
I think competing in India is very difficult.
PHOTOS: India's BEST performing airlines
Domestic airlines carried 550.32 lakh passengers during January-November 2011 as against 468.09 lakh passengers during the corresponding period of previous year, registering a growth of over 17.6 per cent.
Small stocks take big beating in 2011
The downslide on Dalal Street did not spare big names in 2011, but small stocks lived up to their nomenclature with a much more sickening slump and investment in mid-cap companies also turned out to be messy affair.
Republicans give in to Obama's pay roll tax cut demand
The Republicans, who hold the majority in the US House of Representatives, finally caved in and agreed to extend the pay roll tax cut for two months, as demanded by President Barack Obama and thus gave him a big political advantage on the eve of the election-year.
Govt trying for consensus on FDI in retail, reforms
Expressing commitment to push forward economic reforms, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the government is making efforts to build a consensus on important economic legislations, including PFRDA and foreign investment in multi-brand retail.
2 basic errors that could CRIPPLE India's growth
If either failure of comprehension stays uncorrected, 2012 will be a singularly disastrous year, says .
Credit ratings: Weak economies ranked HIGHER than India
Moody's upgrade should start a long-overdue correction. Credibility of the big credit rating agencies is under threat.
Beware of these 12 online Christmas scams!
According to a report released by computer security company McAfee, there are many scammers out there who are trying out numerous ways to take advantage of innocent shoppers.
Say goodbye to cheap new drugs
Government plans to move from controlling bulk drugs to formulations.
DoT stops 3G services under roaming pacts
Says Airtel-Vodafone-Idea pacts violate licence terms; firms may move TDSAT.
IMAGES: India's BEST railway, road bridges
India has an impressive network of road and railway bridges.
2013 will be a better year, says StanChart head
This is a significant slowdown - no doubt about that, says Neeraj Swaroop.
Indians may get 12% salary HIKE in the New Year
Amid economic sluggishness, employees in the country have a reason to smile as a survey has predicted up to 12 per cent pay hikes in the New Year.
Politicians, cops most corrupt in India: Survey
Seventy-four per cent Indians feel that the level of corruption in the country has gone up in the last three years and perceive politicians and police to be the most corrupt, according to a survey.
Most stocks prove DUDS in a nightmarish year
60% stocks in BS 200 underperform the Sensex in 2011.
Leaders in a hall of mirrors
Most corporate bosses suffer from delusions of indispensability.
30 countries that face most or least VISA restrictions
There are some nations whose citizens can travel to almost anywhere without any restriction.
IMAGES: India's 8 fastest-growing companies
These companies are poised to be star performers of the future.
Toyota to recall 41,000 Etios, Liva models in India
Japanese carmaker Toyota is recalling 41,000 units of its sedan Etios and small car Liva in India to replace faulty inlet pipe to fuel tank.
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| December 22, 2011 | | US Bill on outsourcing cause of concern: India
India on Thursday expressed concern over the proposed US Call Centre Bill, but said that it is premature to assess the impact of the decision on the domestic IT industry.
Banking system stable, but weak spots in economy: RBI
India's banking system is stable and can withstand global shocks, but there are weak spots like decelerating growth and rising fiscal deficit which need to be addressed, said a Reserve Bank report.
Indian stocks markets may FALL further!
According to global equity research firm CLSA, the Indian market is still trading with a 'premium', although it has come down considerably.
Force Motors to launch hybrid version of Traveller
Force Motors on Thursday said it will launch a hybrid variant of its commercial vehicle 'Traveller' by the end of 2012 after unveiling to the public at the upcoming Auto Expo next month.
PHOTOS: India's BEST performing airlines
Domestic airlines carried 550.32 lakh passengers during January-November 2011 as against 468.09 lakh passengers during the corresponding period of previous year, registering a growth of over 17.6 per cent.
Mahindra to launch its first compact car next year
More than a year after Mahindra & Mahindra bought stake in Reva Electric Car Company, the SUV-maker is gearing up to launch its first compact car -- it promises nine times the mileage generated by the country's most fuel-efficient petrol-powered car.
India's 30 BEST cities to live and work in
A livable city is one that directly benefits the people who live and work in it.
'Slowdown will continue in Oct-Dec quarter'
India may end the financial year with a seven per cent GDP growth rate, as the economic deceleration is expected to continue in the third quarter, said Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.
Food inflation plunges to 4-year low of 1.81 per cent
Food inflation fell sharply to a near four-year low of 1.81 per cent for the week ended
A tale of West Bengal's missing data
In a central govt report, the state only has figures from 2001-02 to 2003-04. But nothing after that.
Asia to be fastest-growing banking hub by 2015
Asia would become a major hub for corporate and investment banking in five years, according to a report released by McKinsey.
Little known and MEGA events will reshape future
As the year 2011 comes to a close we are faced with extremes of hope and despair.
What India can do to track black MONEY abroad
There is much more that the government can do to track money hidden abroad.
Buying peace of mind after the SPLURGE
An extended warranty is often more than worth the cost; though expensive, manufacturer's warranty works best for electronic items.
India's economy is running out of POWER!
India's economy is running out of power. Separate the markets for base- and peak-load power consumption, says .
The GOLDEN journey of Honda City, since 1981!
The glorious journey of Honda City began in 1981. From then on, Honda City has gone through several transformation phases.
PHOTOS: India's 30 biggest companies
India's biggest companies are public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the oil & gas sector.
The 7 most-SEARCHED Indian cars on the Net!
Here's the Google Zeitgeist list of the most sought-after cars in India. Seven cars from different car manufacturers top the list.
Auto Expo: 50 global launches, but visitors to be restricted
As many as 50 global brands will showcase products at the 11th Auto Expo next month, although organisers have decided to restrict the number of daily visitors which could cost the show its tag of the world's second largest auto show in terms of footfalls.
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| December 21, 2011 | | India back in trillion-dollar market-cap club!
Within a day of slipping out of the coveted league of countries with trillion-dollar-size stock markets, India today regained this status as a 510-point strong Sensex rally boosted its market capitalisation to $1.02 trillion.
2G: Essar surprised by CBI stance; Ravi Ruia quits
Essar Energy chairman Ravi Ruia on Wednesday announced his decision to step down from the post amid the Central Bureau of Investigation claiming that the Essar Group had suppressed facts related to its equity holding in Loop Telecom, an allegation denied by the conglomerate.
Moody's upgrades Indian bonds, pegs GDP below 7%
The same rating agency, however said India's GDP growth rate would go below 7 per cent in the current fiscal from 8.5 per cent a year ago.
Gold glitters with second biggest gain in 2011; up by Rs 1,025
Gold today zoomed by Rs 1,025, its second biggest rise this year, to Rs 28,990 per 10 grams, on brisk buying by stockists and investors amid a firming global trend and shifting of funds to the precious metal from volatile equity and forex markets.
Ranbaxy settles case with USFDA, to pay $500 mn
Drug-maker Ranbaxy Laboratories on Wednesday said it has signed an agreement with the US health regulator to lift a ban on the import of drugs from certain manufacturing plants in India and will pay up to $500 million to settle a case lodged by the Department of Justice.
Sensex zooms riding on European cues
Markets extended their gains in noon trades led by banks, capital goods and index heavyweights Reliance Industries, HDFC and Infosys and ICICI Bank.
The 30 highest paid CEOs in the US
There are some CEOs who not only get paid millions of dollars, but are also rewarded with shares.
Ten Indians in Forbes '30 under 30' list
From a 29-year-old Goldman Sachs director to a graduate student developing energy conserving sensors, about 10 Indian-origin young turks have been named in a Forbes list of "tomorrow's brightest stars" who are "reinventing the world".
India is too emotional, says world's top analyst
When the world is happily dealing with unstable countries, why shouldn't India? asks world's leading geo-strategist Parag Khanna.
IMAGES: 10 best SUVs in India
The manufacturers are not only keen to introduce small cars in India but also luxurious sedans and stunning SUVs.
Audi snaps at Mercedes' heels
Audi, the premium car maker from the Volkswagen fold and the latest entrant in the luxury segment, has declared its intention: topple Mercedes Benz from its second spot in the next two years.
The crisis now is worse than in 2008: India Inc
Some still hopeful, most say lack of confidence has made the difference.
IMAGES: 30 Indian cities that will soon boast of solar power
India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy proposes to develop 60 cities as solar cities.
30 countries that have MOST holidays
Employees in Asia fare poorly compared with the rest of the world.
PHOTOS: Onboard India's most expensive train
Luxury knows no bounds on India's most expensive train, The Maharajas' Express.
Nokia's Windows phone Lumia shines
Lumia range is make-or-break for both Nokia and Microsoft where each is desperate for a successful device that can take Windows operating system to the masses.
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| December 20, 2011 | | IMAGES: It's raining superbikes in India
The sales of superbikes are happening fast, even with the eye-popping prices that they sport. The bikes are moving off the shelves faster than perhaps the bikes themselves.
Turbulent times ahead for the insurance sector
Low margins and cash crunch have resulted in job cuts and a decline in the insurance industry. A policy roadblock is making it worse.
US call centre bill aims to STOP jobs coming to India
A bipartisan Bill has been tabled in the US House of Representatives to make companies that move call centres overseas ineligible for grants or guaranteed loans from the American government, a move aimed at stemming the tide of jobs heading to nations like India.
How New Companies Bill will empower small investors
The class action suit, a handy weapon for small investors seeking relief from errant corporations, will soon be available in India.
Why are small saving schemes no longer lucrative?
These schemes now cease to be lucrative in spite of a raise in most of their returns. Reason: These schemes are now linked to the market.
Striking IMAGES from the world of business
Take a glimpse at the striking images from the world of business in 2011.
FinMin on what's hurting India's growth
Attributing the slowdown to the Reserve Bank's tight monetary policy and global problems, the government on Tuesday informed Parliament that economic growth in 2011-12 will moderate to 7.5 per cent, from 8.5 per cent in the previous fiscal.
Rs 300 crore in black money unearthed in Apr-Oct
The I-T department has issued 2,190 warrants and seized assets worth Rs 299.63 crore (Rs 2.996 billion), Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in the Rajya Sabha.
Year-end break? It's work time for 71% Indians!
The upcoming festive season will be work-time for an average of seven in every ten employees in India, but a vast majority of them still expect the level of productivity to remain low during this period, says a survey.
Sumant Sinha: The wind talker in pinstripes
Why Sumant Sinha, chairman & CEO, ReNew Wind Power sees value in the renewable energy business.
HSBC to cut jobs in India
The move is aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency.
STUNNING pics: World's 30 most unusual buildings
These are the modern architectural wonders of the world.
REWIND: Some Best Ads of 2011
The flavour for this year was Musicals. Apart from the usual suspects, some unusual product categories like fans (consumer durables) and industry bodies like World Gold Council managed to surprise us with some interesting concepts.
Maruti Alto K10 vs Hyundai Eon: And the WINNER is...
Eon has enough substance to disrupt Alto's free run.
'Uncertainty the biggest challenge for IT sector'
The IT companies are not getting clarity about clients' IT budgets because of this uncertainty.
PHOTOS: Onboard the world's BIGGEST cruise ship
The world's biggest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas is indeed a floating palace.
Economic development: India ranks among the TOP nations
Index analyzes drivers of financial system development that support economic growth.
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| December 19, 2011 | | PHOTOS: Amritsar to get a modern pod-car system!
Amritsar can soon boast of one of the most modern modes of transport.
India's root problem? Labour laws
The answer to the problems of high inflation and slowing growth, and low farm incomes, would lie in addressing the basic reforms that India is still to attempt -- like labour laws, says .
Now, a superfast camera that captures the speed of light!
A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology claims its superfast camera can show a bullet-shaped pulse of light travelling from one end of a laboratory flask to another in a fraction of a second, the British media said.
Special: The STAR stocks of 2011
24 stocks in the BS 200 list have stayed in the positive territory.
Primary capital market: Fund-raising at 8-year low
Fund-raising from primary market by listed and unlisted companies has hit an eight-year low in 2011. The calendar year has seen the lowest realisations from public offers since 2003, mainly on account of poor conditions in the secondary market.
Watch out retail giants! Online majors aim for the sky
Indian non-store market set to touch Rs 57,500 crore by the end of the year.
With dollar shining, NRIs on a property-buying spree!
Most developers Business Standard spoke to claimed a 25 to 30 per cent spurt in sales to NRIs over the last two months.
RARE images: New York's infrastructure since 1904!
If New York were an independent nation, it would rank as the 16th largest economy in the world.
Re drops by 48 paise to breach Rs 53/$ again
The domestic currency moved in a range between Rs 52.80 and Rs 53.18 per dollar during morning deals.
Microsoft takes on Apple, Android
Code named Mango, this new OS for mobile handsets comes powered with many familiar applications of the most popular operating system in the PC world.
IMAGES: 30 richest Indians in the world
Although the world economy is going through tough economic times, the number of Indians making it to the global rich list is increasing.
New direct taxes code unlikely in next Budget
But, govt plans to bring some provisions that can't wait.
PHOTOS: Inside the stunning transparent Airbus and A380
Come 2050, and you can fly in a fully transparent plane enjoying the panoramic views of the sky.
IMAGES: 30 most expensive cities in the world
Last 12 months have seen considerable increases in the cost of food, oil and other commodities in many parts of the world.
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| December 16, 2011 | | Arrest warrant against Mukesh Ambani
A bailable arrest warrant has been issued against Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries Ltd, by a consumer forum in Thissur for failure to pay Rs 24,000 fine to a person who had purchased a mobile from a Reliance outlet in 2003.
Experts welcome RBI decision to keep rates unchanged
The Reserve Bank of India's move to pause its hawkish Monetary Policy stance is on expected lines as high interest rates affect the economic growth, bankers and analysts said.
Auditors should provide early warning signals: Subbarao
Terming auditors as the 'eyes and ears' of the central bank, Governor Duvvuri Subbarao on Friday said accounting professionals should provide early warning signals so that better supervision can be ensured in the banking system and also called for an inter-disciplinary approach to the job.
INTERESTING story of India's first e-toilet
A government girls' school in Ernakulam has become the first school in the country to get an electronic public toilet.
Inflation can bounce back again, warns RBI
The Reserve Bank of India said it is closely watching the rupee situation and will respond appropriately, even as the local currency recovered against dollar by 2 per cent in the opening trade.
No rate hike by RBI makes India Inc happy
The halt in the RBI's monetary tightening drive comes after 13 hikes since March, 2010.
Can't speculate if we will start cutting rates soon, says RBI
Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao on Friday said he cannot speculate on when he will start cutting policy rates, but assured that the central bank will ensure that there is enough liquidity in the system by conducting open market operations.
Here's how FDI in retail will help farmers, kirana stores
Opposition to FDI in retail is misguided, says Pranab Bardhan, professor of economics in University of California, Berkeley.
Rupee fall: RBI must be seen to be in control
Like inflation targeting, regulating a floating currency is all about managing expectations. The RBI cannot manage expectations if it appears helpless.
PHOTOS: The devastating effects of global warming
In the last 100 years, the earth's average surface temperature rose by about 0.8 degree Celsius with about two thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades.
How market uncertainty affected fund managers' net worth
The fund managers of Smart Portfolios' Season 4 generally remained on the sidelines during the past week, with few transactions to their credit. The uncertainty of the markets reflected on the fund managers' net worth.
IMAGES: When CEOs set the ramp on fire
For once they shed their formal wear and business suits to set the ramp on fire!
India is not going to hell
To read the daily papers, it would seem that India is going directly to hell.
BSNL's quest for IT: Challenges, solutions and results
In the past, BSNL had invested in IT, but it could never get the desired effect. In fact, a report pegged the company's expected 2010-11 losses to be over Rs 6,000 crore (Rs 60 billion).
RBI gives a breather, NO hike in interest rates
Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 7.5 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate at 9.5 per cent.
'US economy owes a lot to the immigrants'
Republican presidential candidates today vowed to revamp the flawed immigration system of the country, in particular the legal immigration, with onenoting that half of the Fortune 500 companies in US were founded by immigrants.
Re woes: Caught on the wrong foot, firms take short-term bets
With the 21 per cent depreciation this year making most hedging strategies redundant.
REVEALED: How Indians are making money
Individual wealth of Indians is expected to triple by financial year 2016 to Rs 249 lakh crore.
Here's what taxi ride COSTS around the world
Taxi prices can be very confusing in any given city, so trying to compare all the cities together is complicated.
IMAGES: All new Honda City at Rs 6.99 lakh
Honda has made the new City more premium and stylish.
Slowdown no issue; Indians plan to travel more in 2012
The study, conducted by travel portal TripAdvisor, also found that 44 per cent of Indians plan to spend more on leisure travel next year despite the current economic climate.
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| December 15, 2011 | | UPA-II must close ranks behind its only workable big idea
The committee's objections are a curious mixture; some attack the very basis of the project, others question its implementation.
Indians pay Rs 3,700-crore bribe a year for land services alone
A whopping $700 million (about Rs 3,700 crore) is paid annually as bribe in India for land administration services, a joint study by United Nation's body FAO and Transparency International has observed.
RBI may give a breather, pause interest rate hike
Amid declining growth and moderating inflation, the Reserve Bank of India is likely to pause hike in interest rate at the mid-quarterly review of the Monetary Policy on Friday.
India's highest advance-tax payers in Q3
The largest financial institution, LIC, led the list of companies that paid up their advance tax this morning, with a spike in the amount to Rs 1,200 crore (Rs 12 billion) from Rs 1,070 crore (Rs 10.70 billion) a year ago, a senior income tax official said in New Delhi on Thursday.
US to certify Indian NGOs
Amid concern over some NGOs misusing foreign aid, the United States is preparing an online searchable database containing a vetted list of transparent and accountable Indian non-government bodies so that philanthropists can safely donate funds to them.
IMAGES: Italy shows off its new high-speed train
Italian operator Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV) launched its new high-speed trains called .Italo on December 13 at Nola, northwest of Naples.
REVEALED! How an IPO scam takes place
how operators and promoters relieve themselves on the heads of gullible and greedy retail investors.
Sibal meets social networking representatives
The government has called for an open dialogue with the social media firms and asked for opinions on how social media and e-governance can empower individuals and citizens of this country, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said after meeting representatives of these firms.
What India must do to keep its economy BOOMING
India's Foreign Secretary listed out some economic policies that emerging nations, particularly India, must adopt to keep them from driving off the growth path and also spoke about how these policies are closely linked with the nations' foreign policy.
Food inflation eases to nearly 4-year low of 4.35%
Food inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, stood at 6.6 per cent in the previous week.
China's doom story: The signs of a downfall
Among its various records, China now has the world's largest vacant malls, empty cities, and stalled amusement parks.
Debt crisis: Will a political UNION rescue Europe?
Debt levels in 18 OECD countries have gone up from 167 per cent of GDP back in 1980 to 314 per cent of GDP now.
Buying a second-hand car? Here's some GREAT advice
A used set of wheels is cheaper by 10-70 per cent. In fact, the moment a car rolls out of the showroom it is considered to be a used car and its value depreciates.
Beware: Banks may protect their employees over their customers
The bank will take its time to look into the complaint and carry out an investigation. Ultimately, if the bank refuses to admit its liability, the customer is forced to take recourse to legal action.
Bankers tried to create illegal investment arm for Anil: FSA
According to a report in the Financial Times, two UBS bankers tried to create Pleuri, an offshore vehicle through which Ambani 'could illegally invest in securities at home'.
Low business interest dogs PM's visit to Russia
India and Russia may have last year elevated their strategic partnership to "special and privileged status," but there seems no evidence of private enterprise in both countries following in the footsteps laid down by their respective governments.
IMAGES: 30 best companies to work for in India
There are some companies where work is a chore, while in some it is fun.
'Re plunge to cut India Inc's slowdown pains'
The domestic currency had tumbled by 48 paise to close at a record low of Rs 53.71/72 per dollar in the previous session on strong demand for the American currency and strengthening of the dollar against its rivals overseas.
The mystery of the Rs 1,00,000-cr bill
An avalanche of delayed projects has meant huge cost overruns where the taxpayer is left to foot the bill.
PHOTOS: The stunning City of Silk in Kuwait
A few years from now, a billion-dollar city will come up in Kuwait.
IMAGES: The stunning Nissan Sunny diesel at Rs 7.98 lakh
The Nissan Sunny diesel silently crept in the Indian market and the car maker has brought two variants -- XL and XV.
Re: Free fall continues, worst not over yet
In a poll conducted by Business Standard, a majority of respondents said the rupee would fall further at least till March, taking cues from global economic conditions and strong demand for dollar in the country.
IN PIX: Low-cost tablets try hard to woo buyers
There are many buyers in the market looking for low-cost tablet PCs.
Illegal investment arm for Anil? Reliance denies charge
In a statement issued from New Delhi, Ambani-led Reliance group, however, said that no charges have been levelled against them by the UK regulators in these proceedings.
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| December 14, 2011 | | CBEC de-freezes Kingfisher, Air India bank a/cs
The government has de-frozen the bank accounts of debt-ridden Kingfisher Airlines and Air India after the two air carriers made part-payment of their service tax dues.
RBI must focus on controlling inflation: PMEAC
With inflation still ruling above the 9 per cent mark, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Committee (PMEAC) on Wednesday suggested that the Reserve Bank should continue to focus on controlling the rising prices.
Petrol may cost 65 paise per litre MORE from Friday
Petrol prices may be hiked by Rs 0.65 per litre this week if state-owned oil firms manage to get political approval for the move.
US fee hike: India hopes for early resolution to issue
India said on Wednesday that it has conveyed its concerns to the United States over the hike in fees for H1B and L category visas and hopes for an 'early resolution' of the issue as the move was affecting Indian companies.
Why companies increasingly opt for arbitration
"Companies ideally like to resolve issues across the table through discussions but this requires decisions to be taken by the government and that does not happen often," says a person who is closely associated with one of the high-profile arbitration cases with the UPA government that has now landed in the courts.
What makes Samsung Galaxy Note a cut above the rest?
Big -- that's how you would summarise Samsung Galaxy Note, the latest smartphone that claims to be a tablet too. The question that needs to be answered is why there is a buzz about the Samsung Galaxy Note, when the Dell Streak 5 too tried the same thing and pretty much collapsed in the process.
Asia to overtake US as world's top casino market by 2013: PwC
Asia will surpass the United States as the world's largest casino gaming market in 2013 on account of the region's robust economic growth and growing people interest for gambling, says a report by PwC last week.
Land utilisation: Car firms in slow gear
Automobile companies in India may have many headaches, but land availability doesn't figure in that list.
Anoop Prakash: The ex-US Marine who now sells Harleys in India
The ex-Marine is on a mission to capture the Indian market for heavyweight bikes.
Re tumbles further to a record low of Rs 53.8/$
The rupee resumed lower at Rs 53.54/55 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange, as against its previous close of Rs 53.23/24 per dollar, and declined further to a record low of Rs 53.80 against the American currency before quoting at Rs 53.60/61 per dollar at 1030 hours.
Here is PM's prescription for 9% growth
India needs to rapidly increase energy consumption to achieve the ambitious target of 9 per cent economic growth in the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.
India's BEST cities: Here are the toppers!
Ahmedabad has been ranked as the best mega-city in India.
IMAGES: Oracle CEO's beautiful Woodside villa
Passionate about buying land, Ellison, co-founder and chief executive officer of Oracle Corporation, has acquired some of most beautiful houses and land since the 1990's.
IMAGES: World's most STUNNING railway stations
These swanky railway stations are a travellers' delight.
IMAGES: The top 20 companies in India
Ranking is based on latest sales and gross revenue figures.
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| December 13, 2011 | | Air India's debt to oil cos: A whopping Rs 4,170 crore!
Besides, it owes an interest of Rs 423.43 crore (Rs 4.23 billion) to IOC, Rs 92.73 crore (Rs 927.3 million) to BPCL and Rs 66.17 crore (Rs 661.7 million) to HPCL.
Fitch revises India growth projection to 7% in 2011-12
In its report, 'Global Economic Outlook: December 2011', the agency said the Indian economy is likely to regain the 8 per cent economic growth trajectory only in 2013-14.
Curtain raiser: 9 STUNNING cars at the Auto Expo 2012
In 2012, the Auto Expo will witness more than 55 new cars
Infosys, not RIL, is India's most influential stock!
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd has lost its position as the Indian stock market's most influential individual company to IT major Infosys, following a recent plunge in its share price.
No policy paralysis; India can beat economic crisis: FM
India has the capacity and the resilience to overcome economic crisis, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday in the Rajya Sabha.
Here's how you can combine innovation with a social cause
There is good news for Kolkata and maybe, eventually, the rest of urban India too. A report says that a Danish firm has designed a cart for food hawkers – there are 1.25 lakh of them in the city – which will enable them to ply their trade in a clean and hygienic way while taking up less space than do today's carts.
Investments for saving tax is just not enough
As the calendar year comes to an end, employees are asked to file investment declarations to their companies.
How to choose between safe and short-term investments
Bank fixed deposits offer assured returns but are entirely taxable. Ultra short-term debt funds can't specify returns but are tax efficient.
Capt Nair, Leela Group's boss, shares his success story
Nair is credited for introducing the West to a fabric called Bleeding Madras. It used vegetable dyes and the colour washed away with every wash. He marketed it in the United States as a fabric that would look different after every round in the laundry.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive business jets
These luxurious business jets are made for the billionaires and celebrities.
The money story: From barter to currency
Money has been a part of our history for the last 3,000 years.
Re drops to a historic low at 53.40/$
Dollar gains against other currencies overseas amid euro zone debt concerns also put pressure on the Indian rupee.
India's 50 most COMPETITIVE cities
Which are India's most competitive cities? The City Competitiveness Report 2011 -- unveiled by an international think tank, Institute For Competitiveness (IFC) -- aims to answer this question. Read on . . .
Rare IMAGES of Delhi's infrastructure since 1858
Delhi was once a provincial town and small commercial centre, but one decision changed its destiny forever.
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| December 12, 2011 | | Unemployment is the world's fastest-rising fear
The most frequently discussed issue in India while unemployment is the world's fastest-rising fear, according to a survey by the BBC covering 11,000 people in 23 countries.
Rupee in free fall; plummets to all-time low of 52.85/$
Forex dealers said a slew of measures like plunging stock markets, dollar gaining strength against its rivals in the overseas market weighed against the local currency which lost a whopping 81 paise against the Greenback on Monday.
Fraud alleged: Legal tussle over Sebi probe on DLF intensifies
A complainant has alleged that he was duped of his land worth Rs 34 crore by the DLF Group and following a direction by the Delhi high court, Sebi has ordered a full-fledged probe into the complaint.
2G: Essar bosses chargesheeted; deny role in scam
Besides Ruias, the CBI charged Essar Group director (strategy and Planning) Vikas Saraf, Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan and her husband I P Khaitan.
Metro Man Sreedharan to retire, says stint was 'very satisfying'
Set to retire on December 31, Delhi Metro chief Elattuvalapil Sreedharan sums up his 16-year experience as a 'very satisfying' and attributes the organisation's success to the 'different work culture' and fast decision-making process.
IMAGES: Cars that you will see at Auto Expo 2012
The 11th Auto Expo will be held from January 7 - 11, 2012, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Rich should stop buying subsidised LPG voluntarily: RPN Singh
In a bold suggestion, Minister of State for Petroleum R P N Singh today said affluent people should voluntarily stop buying subsidised LPG and said he will be the first person to pay market price for the fuel, which is Rs 287 per cylinder more than the current rate.
Now, world's smallest steam engine that actually works!
Although this cannot be used as yet, the experiment carried out by the researchers at the University of Stuttgart shows that an engine does basically work, even if it is on the microscale.
IN PIX: Luxury hotel chains to check into India
Many of the best luxury and ultra-luxury hotels from all over the world are readying plans to enter the India market, and are expected to set up chains over the next couple of years.
Spending on festivals: Where does India rank globally?
Are Indians able to stick to budget when it comes to spending on festivals?
Revealed: How Maruti plans to boost its sales
So at the beginning of the current financial year when the domestic automobile industry started to depict the first signs of a slowdown, MSIL resolved to intensify focus on such niche segments to bring in the additional numbers.
GDP at 6.5%: What lies ahead in 2012?
If the nascent US upturn gathers momentum, then the global scenario could look less disaster-prone a year from now.
Court stays order to REVEAL top loan defaulters
A court has stayed an order to Reserve Bank of India to publicly name top 100 loan defaulters.
Malware re-birth a new threat?
An international team, led by Murray Brand, says that a theoretical attack strategy it calls a malware rebirthing botnet would render existing antivirus measures obsolete by using different kinds of malware in a coordinated strike.
Delhi bucks national trend, consumes less petrol
It's a capital shock. Delhi, which has more cars than the three other metro cities put together, is seeing a drop in petrol consumption. This is against the national growth trend. The consumption of the fuel declined by a startling nine per cent in November, while diesel grew by 19 per cent. CNG sales have also grown by around 15 per cent.
PHOTOS: India's 20 most sought-after cities
Indian cities are getting more crowded as people continue to migrate in search of better prospects.
India's industrial output contracts by 5.1% in Oct
As per data released by the government on Monday, industrial output grew by 3.5 per cent in the April-October period this fiscal, as against 8.7 per cent in the same period last year.
GoAirHow GoAir plans to attract passengers
GoAir, run by the Wadia Group, has come out with an innovative way to attract passengers and reduce distribution cost. The smallest of all domestic airlines by market share, GoAir has rolled out a loyalty programme making it the first low-cost carrier to launch such a scheme.
IMAGES: Durban climate deal sealed, mixed outcome for India
Road map agreed for future treaty to legally bind polluters to cut emissions.
Stunning PHOTOS of Apple's new store in New York
Apple has opened its latest retail store in New York's historical Grand Central Terminal.
Income of Indians will DOUBLE faster than...
Until recently, average incomes in advanced countries were increasing at much faster rates than in the rest of the world.
10 BIGGEST corporate layoffs in US
With the world going through tough economic times, companies around the world are handing out pink slips.
Prepare for pay CUTS amid poor results
Indian companies have had a dismal last quarter, as is evident from their September quarter results. The slowdown seems to have alarmed companies enough to begin cutting corners.
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| December 09, 2011 | | Govt doesn't intend to meddle with social media: Sibal
He said the industry should develop a set of guidelines for screening of objectionable content after it is uploaded.
IMAGES: The 15 Euro nations that face a downgrade
Standard & Poor's has placed the sovereign ratings of 15 euro zone nations, including AAA-rated Germany and France, under 'CreditWatch'.
DLF eyes three big-ticket sales in 2012
The developer needs to realise Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion) to Rs 3,500 crore (Rs 35 billion) from non-core asset sales, to reach its 2011-12 goal.
7% growth? Concerned FM seeks Oppn's help
Contending that economic growth has been high during United Progressive Alliance rule, he admitted that gross domestic product of 7 per cent was 'not adequate' but refused to accept the opposition contention that it was all time low.
Why global auto majors are RUSHING to Gujarat
Consider this: by 2015-16, nearly one of every three cars that roll out in the country could be from Gujarat. If that's not enough, in the next three-five years, half the installed capacity for making cars in India will be located in the state.
Price rise, global slowdown hurting India, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said surging food and fuel prices amid weak global economic growth are adversely impacting GDP growth of the country.
Will start work on West Bengal centre in 3-6 months: Infosys
IT major Infosys Technologies will start construction work on its first software development centre in West Bengal, at Rajarhat near here, in three to six months, a top company official said on Friday.
Probability of global recession low: RBI governor
The probability of a global recession is low, even though the United States is growing slowly and Europe is experiencing negative growth, Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao said on Friday.
Govt lowers GDP growth forecast to 7.5 per cent
The government has pegged GDP growth for 2011-12 at 7.5 per cent (plus/minus 0.25 pc).
This is how a rising star was brought down to earth
Commerce and Industrial Promotion minister Anand Sharma's rise in government has been dizzying, which is why his current setback is also precipitous. Ahead of the cabinet meeting that took place after Sharma's project -- to ensure the approval of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail -- was given the thumbs down, his colleagues are asking some searching questions and seeking some hard answers.
Historical and amazing PHOTOS of Rolls-Royce
We take a look at Rolls-Royce's amazing and path-breaking journey.
The secret world of Maharashtra's PSUs
State-run public sector undertakings live in a mysterious world, without scrutiny from analysts or the public. Here's an overview of Maharashtra's PSUs.
Indian airlines: The WINNERS and the LOSERS!
There is a high possibility that one or two Indian airlines might not survive the rough weather.
IMAGES: World's most STUNNING airports
These airports with all the modern amenities make travel a memorable experience for passengers.
Businessmen who shaped Tamil Nadu's economy
Chennai, the fourth-largest metropolitan city in the country is a good example of how a place can converge tradition and modernity amicably.
In India, these sectors have MOST and LEAST jobs!
Some industries in India are booming, while some are not witnessing impressive growth.
Govt ties itself in knots on web pre-screening
While the government defends itself, citing the 'seriousness' of the issue, the Opposition suspects the attempts to 'censor' these online platforms by the government are also targeted at quashing the space for public criticism they enable.
Brinjal debacle still raw, Bt rice on course
Mahyco confident of regulatory approvals, plans launch within a year.
Gambling losses in top 15 countries
Some people bet big, really big.
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| December 08, 2011 | | These smaller foreign food brands are eyeing India
At a time when India is looking to open up its retail sector to foreign investments further, lesser known international food brands such Loon Tao, Berrylite and Sarpino's Pizzeria are set to announce their entry into the country to cash in on the opportunity.
Banks upbeat on credit card biz
Bankers are confident that unlike the last time, there would not be significant erosion in asset quality, since their expansion strategies are backed by rich information on borrowers' credit histories.
Security glitch: Photos of Facebook CEO that got leaked!
A security flaw in Facebook has exposed photographs of its founder Mark Zuckerberg from his private page.
Eurozone crisis to HIT global airlines hard
Airlines in Asia-Pacific expected to post losses worth $1.1 billion out of a total industry loss of $8.3 billion next year.
S D Shibulal: 'Middle class risk taker' who became Infosys CEO
Infosys' co-founder on multitasking at Infosys and the game-changers that made the company.
Food inflation declines sharply to 6.60%
According to data released by the government on Thursday, onions became cheaper by 39.20 per cent year-on-year during the week under review, while potato prices were down by 15.75 per cent.
Can the government muzzle websites?
Legal experts say under existing Indian cyber laws, Sibal cannot do much harm to Google, Yahoo, Facebook or the like. They are not so clear on whether it can be done, or to what extent.
Why internet companies are upset with Kapil Sibal
Kapil Sibal has caused a furore by suggesting that internet companies need to 'pre-screen' pages. Here's a peek at some of the chief issues being debated.
Is industrial growth really slowing?
India's industrial growth has been crawling below five per cent for months now and overall economic growth has moderated to a two-year low of 6.9 per cent in the second quarter of this financial year, say the statistics.
What makes Wal-Mart the world's LARGEST retailer
It is, in fact, so big and so furtively powerful that it has become an entirely different order of corporate being.
Why the govt wanted 358 items removed from Google
Google has received government requests for removal of 358 items from its services, including YouTube and Orkut, during the January-June period, according to a report by the Internet search giant.
Credit Suisse on the Sensex crash in 2012
The Sensex is likely to rule between 13,200 and 14,400 points and the rupee may touch Rs 54-55 by June next, Credit Suisse India has said in a report.
Will Hyderabad-Chennai route have these high speed trains?
Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) and Oriental Consultancy along with Parsons Brinkhoff India has bagged the contract to conduct the pre-feasibility study on the proposed 664 km long Hyderabad-Vijaywada-Chennai route for running the high speed train, a senior Railway Ministry official said.
IMAGES: America's stunning architectural marvels
Here's a look at some of the most stunning buildings in the US cities...
Indian cities with MOST and LEAST jobs
Here we present five Indian cities that are witnessing growth in job opportunities and five that are not.
New offer: Air India launches marriage gift vouchers!
Air India has come up with a "gift" this marriage session - 'Shagun Vouchers'.
IMAGES: Why the Tata Nano is here to stay
In November Tata Motors launched a brand new variant of Tata Nano.
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| December 07, 2011 | | Inflation a concern but fundamentals are strong: Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Wednesday fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong despite concerns of inflation and growth, and the overall environment will improve significantly if Parliament functions and approves important legislations.
Crusade against black money to show results in 5 years: FinMin
Armed with information on secret bank accounts of citizens from 10 countries, the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday the results of its crusade against black money will be visible over the next five years.
Would you go for Walmart or 'Agarwalmart'?
Indian retail chains have not put small stores out of business.
Govt to look into telecom operators' concerns: PM
Telecom Ministry over issues ranging from one-time spectrum charges to 3G roaming and a uniform licence fee.
IMAGES: This is Google's new office!
The centre will work on open data, improving Google video search technologies and the Chrome operating system.
Obama to extend higher taxes for the rich
US President Barack Obama has defended his administration's push for extension of a payroll tax break package, which has run into a Republican roadblock in Congress, emphasising the widening inequality between the rich and middle class in America.
DTC to come into force from next fiscal: FM
To modernise the tax system, the government has proposed to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, with a new legislation.
Sibal's move to control Internet is wrong
Government wants social-networking websites to pre-screen content.
US govt puts bill to ease green cards on hold
The bill, the 'Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act' (HR 3012), which sailed through the US House of Representatives last week on a 389 to 15 vote, had been sent to the Senate for consideration.
Top 10 mobile application trends for 2012
Analysts have identified the top 10 cutting-edge technologies and trends for 2012.
Citigroup to axe 4,500 jobs soon
The job cuts will begin this quarter and be completed 'over the next few quarters' across a range of businesses, Pandit said at a Goldman Sachs Financial Services conference in New York.
Mallya's 'associate' white knight for Kingfisher
Though the UB Group chairman didn't name anybody, some of these associates could be the owners of Balaji Distilleries, whose breweries and distilleries were acquired by UB Group companies -- United Spirits and United Breweries -- during the last financial year.
Top 10 technology trends for 2012
The year 2012 is expected to be an exciting year for technology lovers.
DON'T MISS: Top 10 logo designers of the world
We present here 10 most famous and successful logo designers whose creations redefined the world of art.
Derogatory content: Govt, Google lock horns
Amid the raging controversy over content regulation online, Internet search giant Google India on Tuesday said it complies with the law of the land but will not remove any material just because it is controversial.
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| December 06, 2011 | | FDI in retail: What will the government do now?
Intriguingly, the agenda for the Cabinet meeting convened on Wednesday evening has not been circulated as the government wants to study the Opposition's mind before deciding how the Cabinet handles the FDI-in-retail decision it had taken on November 24.
Won't settle for anything less than FDI roll-back: Karat
CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat also reminded the government that it should not think of bringing back FDI in retail sector after the winter session of Parliament and his party will unite with other forces to oppose any such move.
Ministry moots corporate funding for zoos
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has mooted corporate funding of zoos and recruitment of volunteers to give a fillip to Indian zoos, on the lines of the foreign zoos, to make them a great attraction for tourists.
Why are all eyes on the media industry?
Are we getting somewhat blinded by television news channels and an English press that is obsessed with itself? Have we forgotten how to wield the power of media with responsibility? And every time someone reminds us, we bristle.
Move permitting 26% FDI in aviation gets FinMin nod
In what may help beleaguered airlines Kingfisher, the finance ministry has approved a draft Cabinet note floated by the commerce and industry ministry allowing foreign fliers to acquire up to 26 per cent stake in India's aviation companies.
FDI in retail: Kiranas unfazed; ask what's the fuss all about?
Kirana stores, equivalent of 'mom-and-pop' stores in the US, seem confident of holding their own against any foreign investment onslaught in retail.
Why sports education is BIG business
If sports is becoming a serious business, sports education and management can't be far behind. The last year and a half has seen over half-a-dozen players setting up shop.
RIL plans to offer low-cost 4G service on Rs 3,500 tablets
RIL mulls launching tablets at around Rs 3,500 and bundle it with data offering 1 GB at Rs 10, a tenth of the current 3G prices.
Ratan Tata's 20-year tenure: Only a few red marks
When he took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, the majority perception was the untested nephew of J R D Tata would be a pushover.
Spend more to beat slowdown, experts to govt
Now, experts say strains on fiscal deficit are coming from the revenue side and the administration should, if anything, step up expenditure to prop up the economy that is slowing down.
IMAGES: World's 20 largest mobile operators
China dominates the world of mobile telecommunications with the largest subscriber base.
Euro zone is too diverse to manage single currency
European politicians who insisted on introducing the euro in 1999 ignored the warnings of economists.
Why political debacle over FDI retail is damaging for India
it is a clear indication that the country's politicians do not hesitate to play politics with economic reforms and nor do Indian industry leaders seem unduly worried about economic policy stasis.
SNAPSHOTS: When the Euro was launched
The Euro was formally launched on January 1, 1999, but the currency has only been used for non-cash transactions such as cheques and bank transfers. The Euro notes and coins were officially launched on January 1, 2002, with the new currency becoming the sole legal tender of the Eurozone on March 1, 2002.
Images: 23 STUNNING cars that were launched in 2011
The cars mentioned here do not include facelift, new variants or upgrades of any existing car.
Indian companies that have made it big abroad
Indians companies are becoming major players around the world.
Indian retail KINGS around the world!
India has been doing business with the world long before most countries realized the power of trade.
Wanted: System change not climate change
Many people who recognise the grave implications of climate change find it difficult to grapple with it. The problem is too big and thinking about it can be unbearable, says .
'We don't want FDI in retail in Bihar'
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi tells Business Standard that foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail will cause job losses and the state doesn't want it. Edited excerpts:
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| December 05, 2011 | | Social indicators: Here's where India lags Bangladesh, Nepal
India is the fastest growing economy after China, and is the fourth largest economy in purchasing power parity terms in the world, but lags neighbouring least developed countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal in terms of various social indicators.
Raise income tax limit for peak rate to Rs 12 lakh: Ficci
As the Indian economic growth slowed to a nine-quarter low of 6.9 per cent in the second quarter of this financial year, Ficci has urged the finance ministry to provide more disposable income at the hands of the people by raising the personal income tax slab for the peak rate of 30 per cent in the next budget.
Photos: India's longest train journey
The journey would take 83 hours or three-and-a-half days - and take in 54 stations in eight states.
India should cut rates, boost spending, says economist
India needs to cuts interest rates and expand public expenditure if it wants to boost growth rate, says Sunanda Sen.
No more SMSes, apps the way to go
No matter how expensive the phone is, apps that allow free messaging (like BlackBerry's popular messenger service) are always in demand. Here are five such apps that will help all the twiddling thumbs to cut down on their phone bills by sending free SMSes.
Industry sees red over flip-flop on retail FDI
The industry is counting minutes and hours in the run-up to the Parliament session on Wednesday, as finance minister Pranab Mukherjee has said any announcement would be made in the House.
Why FDI in retail MUST be supported
Meanwhile, Parekh and Ganguly make a strong and compelling case for FDI in retail. Read on…
Trip from Shimla became a learning experience
A taxi driver laments the state of affairs in Shimla.
Are you into console gaming? Here's list of best buys
Console gaming is not just about fun, but a great way to bond with your family too.
How politics continues to rule business in India
The head of a global advisory firm in the US said in a recent conversation that India was the most unpredictable territory because nowhere else in the world did you have the same combination of complicated rules and enforcement with a random harshness.
The Indian engineer behind the world-famous Malkha fabric
If rural artisans are today able to spin yarn in the confines of their homes, it is because of the micro-spinning line of carding machine, draw-frame and flyer-frame, designed by L Kannan, a mechanical engineer from IIT-Madras.
India puts FDI in retail on hold; govt gives in to pressure
According to sources, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday spoke to Opposition leaders about this decision. Details awaited.
A bus ride that's worth Rs 100 crore!
A bad experience led to Phanindra Sama's good idea: why not sell intercity bus tickets online?
MNCs keep the faith while India Inc frets
In automobiles or retail, engineering or even the regulated insurance sector, the traction for foreign investors seems to be rising.
IMAGES: World's most beautiful cable car rides
India prides to have the Gulmarg Gondola Project, one of the highest and largest ropeways in Asia.
PHOTOS: World's 30 most corrupt countries
Public outcry at corruption, impunity and economic instability sent shockwaves around the world in 2011.
How India story is losing sheen with PE investors
About 75 India-focused funds have hit the road to raise nearly $50 billion.
MUST READ: Some harsh truths about child labour
It pains to think that all over the world, children continue to work, putting at stake their education, their health, their normal development to adulthood, and even their lives.
PHOTOS: India among worst countries to do business in
Bureaucratic rules and regulations in the developing countries are making investment decisions difficult.
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| December 02, 2011 | | RBI taking steps to deal with rupee fall: FinMin
Rupee has depreciated against major international currencies since July 2011.
RBI to adjust rates in tune with price situation: FM
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, said, "In the forward guidance of the second quarter review of the Monetary
Why the Opposition is wrong and FDI in retail is good for India
With the middleman being bypassed, the farmer will get more money and the end-consumer will benefit as prices will fall, says .
Halt austerity, avoid recession: UN to rich nations
While growth in India and China is likely to remain robust, the rest of the world risks falling back into recession if developed countries embark prematurely on fiscal austerity measures, says a United Nations report, released in New York on Thursday.
Sensex may surge by 16% in 2012: Morgan Stanley
The Sensex is down by nearly 22 per cent from an all-time high of 21,206.77 points scaled on January 10, 2008.
How this sleepy town became the centre for a major steel plant
With 22,000 people working relentlessly to complete a Rs 17,000 crore (Rs 170 billion) makeover for IISCO Steel Plant, formerly, Indian Iron and Steel Company, the energy is palpable.
PHOTOS: Here's how 25 countries are projected to grow
Contrary to what was expected earlier this year, the global economy is not out of the woods.
FDI in retail: How it could enslave, bankrupt Indians
The push for FDI in retail by foreign interests smacks of the East India Company syndrome and Indians have the right to protest any attempt by a class of corporate cronies to rule India by proxy, says .
Now, low-priced smartphones to target the masses
Experts say Tier-II and Tier-III cities and smaller towns have a role to play in growth in smartphone sales. Mritunjay Kapur, managing director, Protiviti Consulting, said, "There is definitely a market in Tier-II, Tier-III and Tier-IV towns. Smartphones are fast becoming important as a business communication tool. This is especially true for sales people, and 'fleet-on-the-street'," he said.
Beware! Spy agents can monitor all your email, phone calls
Wikileaks has revealed how technology is being used to monitor everybody's emails, text messages and phone calls.
Warning: Beware of fake Chinese firms!
Alarmed by increasing incidents of Indian firms being cheated by their Chinese counterparts, the Indian embassy here has put out an advisory warning traders from entering into any financial dealings, without doing due diligence first.
Measure your risk ability, then invest
Classify goals into those for the short, medium and long term to arrive at a risk mitigation plan, advise experts.
Looking for a smartphone? Here are some GREAT options
A smartphone is more than a necessity these days. This is true for everyone, irrespective of your status professional, employed, student, homemaker. Isn't it? So, as the race to own a smartphone gets charged up, so does the market.
The fall of the Indian rupee: How it helps NRIs
India's rupee woes seem to have worked in favour of non-resident Indians (NRIs). Last week, the Reserve Bank of India increased the cap on foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) and non-resident external (NRE) interest rates.
India's economy is SLOWING down, admits Pranab
GDP growth in 2010-11 stood at 8.5 per cent.
PIX: Chinese economy in trouble as manufacturing slows down
The Chinese economy is headed for troubled waters, with its manufacturing sector shrinking in November for the first time in nearly three years, in a fresh sign of a further economic slowdown that may prompt it to loosen its monetary policy.
Telecom firms pitch for 2G spectrum auction
If accepted, the plan could give the sector Rs 70,000-crore (Rs 700-billion) relief.
IMAGES: World on brink of another economic meltdown
The United Nations has warned that the world is on the brink of another recession, projecting that global economic growth will slow down further in 2012 and even emerging powerhouses like India and China, which led the recovery last time, will get bogged down.
PHOTOS: The all new Chevrolet Sail will soon be in India
The new hatchback will likely be powered with either 1.2 litre or 1.4 litre petrol engine.
Tata, Infosys among 20 most ADMIRED firms globally
A panel of Global Fortune Global 500 senior executives and leading knowledge experts selects the Global MAKE Winners.
Indians are vacation-deprived, Japan tops list
Indians are the fifth most 'vacation-deprived' in the world. A recent survey conducted by online travel firm, Expedia, said that Indians get an average of 25 vacation days in a year, but one-fifth of these goes unused.
Swadeshi retail icon to drop label
While protests are mounting against the government policy allowing foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, the chain, founded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and supported by the likes of Ratanji Jamshedji Tata, is in the midst of change. Besides foreign money, it is also keen on establishing a global presence.
Railway usage: Top 10 nations, India No.1
Railways are one of the best modes of transport.
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| December 01, 2011 | | Don't allow political differences hurt progress: Tata
Other corporate leaders, including Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, UB Group Chairman Vijay Mallya and Mahindra Group vice-chairman Anand Mahindra, have also expressed concerns over the current state of economy in the country.
Nokia's Lumia to hit Indian markets this month
It was launched globally in October.
Exports grow by only 10.8 pc in Oct, lowest in 2 years
The growth rate has been the lowest since October, 2009, when it contracted by 6.6 per cent.
Slowdown: RBI may halt rate hike
Moderating economic growth and easing inflation may prompt the Reserve Bank to halt interest rate hike in the upcoming mid-quarterly credit policy review later this month, according to analysts.
Get this card; travel on train, bus, metro in most Indian cities!
Soon city commuters will be able to use a single, rechargeable master mobility card to hop onto any metro, local train or government bus across all major Indian cities without the hassle of queuing up to buy paper tickets.
6,994 crore! That's Air India's estimated loss in 2010-11
Replying to several questions about Air India in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Civil Aviation Vyalar Ravi gave details of the national carrier's financial woes.
FDI in retail: No rollback, says govt; deadlock on
Ruling out any rollback of the policy to allow foreign investment in multi-brand retail in the country, the government on Thursday said it would issue the guidelines in due course.
Now, Montek pitches for FDI in medical education
Ahluwalia's comment comes at a time when the government is facing flak over its decision to open up the multi-brand retail sector to foreign investment.
Rupee impact: Car makers to HIKE prices
Maruti Suzuki India on Thursday said it is considering an increase in prices of its products from January next year to offset the impact of rupee depreciation.
In Nov, FIIs sold Indian stocks worth Rs 3,200 crore
Foreign funds withdrew over Rs 3,200 crore (Rs 32 billion) from the Indian securities market in the month of November amid concerns over the worsening debt crisis in the Eurozone.
Mixed response to all-India traders' strike
pkeepers in many cities took out marches demanding a rollback of the government move on FDI in retail.
Worli-Haji Ali sea link project faces further delay
MSRDC wants to complete this process before exploring options of arbitration and termination of concession agreement signed with the RSOPL for the project.
PHOTOS: World's 30 least corrupt countries
Public outcry at corruption, impunity and economic instability sent shockwaves around the world in 2011.
Food inflation down to 8%; FM upbeat
Fuel and power inflation stood at 15.53 per cent during the week under review, compared to 15.49 per cent in the previous week.
Markets start Dec on a promising note
The rally was owing to Central Banks (ECB, US Fed, BoE, Central Banks of Canada, Japan and Switzerland) liquidity move to get dollars at subsidised rates.
Car majors' sales rise, Maruti suffers setback
The national capital-based company recorded sales of 82,870 units in the domestic market last month, a 19.15 per cent fall from 1,02,503 units in November, 2010.
IMAGES: The amazing world of technology
Toyota's concept vehicle Fun-Vii shows a display content on its body during its unveiling at a pre-Tokyo Motor show.
India to see HIGHEST foreign remittances in 2011: World Bank
In all, worldwide remittances -- including those to high-income countries -- will reach $406 billion in the current calendar year.
IMAGES: 20 countries with lowest tax rates!
'Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society'.
'Don't be surprised if growth rate slips below 7% next year'
The signs were visible for a while, but reality has finally hit home.
Top FREE apps for iPhone and iPad
The number of apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is huge, and chances are that someone, somewhere is always working towards developing a new app to suit your need. This is not the best part. The good part of having apps, apart from their usage is that surprisingly many of the best apps are free.
US House eases wait for green card
The legislation aims at eliminating a country-by-country cap on visas offered to skilled workers for obtaining a green card.
Why the Indian rupee is FALLING; how NRIs can gain
The general perception amongst experts is that until the global macro-economic environment stabilises, the rupee will continue to be under pressure.
India's 5 best cities: Bengaluru is No. 1
Though Bengaluru has been ranked as India's best city, it has been placed at 141st position worldwide.
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| November 30, 2011 | | Petrol price further cut by 78 paise a litre
Petrol prices may be cut by Rs 2 a litre from on Wednesday as global oil rates have softened and the rupee has stabilised against the US dollar.
Here's why BJP is opposed to FDI in retail
The time for allowing FDI in retail sector in India has not yet come. Such a move may end up hurting domestic interests, says .
UK crawls as millions go on strike against pension cuts
The 24-hour strike is expected to disrupt hospitals, courts, job centres, driving tests and council services, such as libraries, community centres and refuse collections.
Slowdown? Growth not disappointing, says FM
GDP growth in 2010-11 stood at 8.5 per cent.
Now, get ready for a bigger HOLE in your pocket!
Household budget may make a larger hole in the pockets of Indian consumers in the coming months, as an estimated 41 per cent of food and beverages businesses are looking to hike their prices over the next one year, a survey has said.
India may become Honda's global hub for bikes
Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co will commence exporting bikes by next year from India, a country which it sees as a future global hub, particularly for mass market models.
Cybercrime! The most and the least vulnerable nations
Cybercrime ranks as one of the top four economic crimes.
Mounting losses: Air India leases planes
The airline's board met in the national capital on Tuesday, and decided to go in for sale and leaseback of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, due for delivery next month.
FDI in retail: Whom are you kidding, Mr PM?
In India, it is markets that sustain the farmers and not subsidies. We are therefore importing a failed model from America.
India Inc sitting on a mountain of cash
India Inc (excluding trading and financial services companies) was sitting on a cash mountain of Rs 456,700 crore (Rs 4,567 billion) as on September 30, up 21 per cent from the same time a year before.
Here's what is missing from India's FDI in retail debate
makes a strong case for FDI in India's retail sector emphasising that farmers and urban consumers will benefit the most from this move.
Slowdown: India's GDP growth falls to 6.9%
India's GDP growth has slowed down to 6.9 per cent in second quarter of 2011-12 from 8.4 per cent in corresponding period of previous year.
FDI issue: Pranab meets Sonia
Ahead of his meeting with Congress members of Parliament to allay their apprehensions on FDI, Mukherjee met Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence for about 10 minutes, party sources said.
FDI issue: PM's hard talk cuts no ice
Opposition firm on its demand for FDI decision reversal, even as PM asks dissenters to fall in line.
Why does US hail FDI in retail
Foreign direct investment in the retail sector was one of the wish list of the US companies and the US had been pushing for it for quite some time now.
IMAGES: World's best and worst cities to live in
European cities are the best places to live in, finds the Mercer survey.
IMAGES: 25 countries with highest tax rates!
Governments in economies of all sizes and at all stages of development are struggling with the tax policy choices available to them.
Photos: The world's top 10 retail giants
The world's largest retail company, Wal-Mart was founded by Sam Walton in 1962.
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| November 29, 2011 | | FDI decision taken after lot of consideration: PM
Virtually rejecting demands from within United Progressive Alliance and outside for rollback of foreign direct investment in retail, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday justified the decision as a well considered move.
Petrol in India COSTLIER than in the US
Nearly 45 per cent of the current retail price of petrol in Delhi is made up of taxes.
India's most and least DESIRABLE cities to live in
Chandigarh, Bengaluru and Pune have emerged as the three most desirable Indian cities to live in, reveals a survey conducted by real estate portal 99acres.com and YouGov, an international Internet-based market research firm.
Investors pull out $2.7 bn from emerging market funds
This was the biggest weekly outflow from emerging market equity funds since early October and has taken the total outflow from these funds since the beginning of 2011 to $39.9 billion, EPFR said.
EU, US crisis could be reason for slow Q1 growth: Govt
The government on Tuesday said the slowdown in the Europe and US may have contributed to the moderation in India's economic growth rate to 7.7 per cent during the first quarter of the current fiscal.
Is India heading towards a great transformation?
A large proportion of Indian population has begun its journey towards an urban lifestyle -- we simply do not seem to know whether to call them villagers or townies.
Prince who did not want to be king
on how it was Noel Tata's own choice to stay away from the corner office at Tata Sons.
Not correct to say IIT students' quality is poor: IIT director
An interview with Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, the newly appointed director of IIT Madras, who is also alumnus of the same institution.
'We will all be slaves to MNCs,' says Saravana Stores founder
S Rajarathinam is the founder-owner of this retailing giant. We asked him about his opinion on the government's decision to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment in India's multi-brand retail trade and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail trade.
How retail chains can help farmers
Regardless of the merits and demerits of foreign direct investment in retail, the fact is that a tie-up between organised retailers and farmers benefits both, as also consumers of farm goods, writes Surinder Sud.
World's top thinker's take on what ails India
India needs to tackle three problems if it wants to post good growth, says Deepa Narayan.
Coming soon: Maruti's 'nano' @ Rs 300,000
The 660-cc car will be priced higher than the Alto.
Setback: Deadlock over FDI in retail continues
The deadlock over foreign direct investment in the retail sector continues as government officials on Tuesday informed parties opposing FDI that they will discuss their demands with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Indian bosses mentor juniors, finds survey
The findings, part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, obtained views of approximately 97,000 people in 30 countries, including almost 2,000 in India.
How rupee fall affects your investment
Most investors do not read between the lines regarding how rupee fluctuation impacts their investments.
Toyota to bring Lexus to India by 2013
The Japanese multinational automaker's Lexus cars will be sold in India through an exclusive network of dealerships by 2013, executive vice-president Yukitoshi Funo said on Monday.
How FDI in retail will help consumers, farmers, economy
The recent Cabinet decision to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment in the multi-brand retail sector in India has deeply divided the nation's political, social and trading classes.
PHOTOS: World's topmost thinkers; 6 Indians too in the list
There are some who go with the flow, while there are others who try to change the world for better with their revolutionary thinking.
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| November 28, 2011 | | No 51% FDI in retail in West Bengal: Mamata
The Union Cabinet on November 24 approved 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail paving the way for global giants like WalMart to open mega stores in cities with population of over one million.
FDI in retail: Why this Kolaveri di?
In Thailand and Brazil, within years, they have been seen to have destroyed domestic competition. Moreover, uniformly they are accused of adopting bad labour practices, squeezing manufacturers and following predatory pricing policies, says .
Averting climate talks disaster: What India should DO
Catastrophic, irreversible climate change represents the gravest threat today to human civilisation.
FDI in retail: Are there any takers?
While Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry extended an all-out support to the government, Confederation of Indian Industry recommended 'a calibrated approach for introducing FDI in the retail sector in terms of the percentage and minimum capitalisation requirements'.
Here's what IT firms PAY in 20 countries
It is a common perception that IT specialists are paid handsomely the world over.
MUST READ: World's 15 richest tech billionaires
Recently, Forbes 400 published names of 15 richest tech people.
The great mobile phone robbery!
It is estimated that 840 million Indians lose their mobile phones.
SPECIAL: What is Vijay Mallya doing to keep Kingfisher alive?
The government's stated position is that it cannot tailor a bailout package for Kingfisher Airlines alone.
BJP claims Congress opening retail due to US pressure
Prakash Javadekar says Congress is allowing FDI into retail to boost profits of foreign chains.
Rupee fall: Textile, IT earnings to get a boost
While a weak rupee is a bane for most sectors, the country's two key export-oriented sectors -- IT and textiles -- are expected to gain from the phenomenon.
Here's how the world generates electricity
World uses different types of sources to generate electricity.
Rupee fall spells windfall for Kerala
The steep fall of the Rupee is not just making things scary for the Indian economy and economists.
Amazing and historical PHOTOS of New York's financial district
New York's financial district has changed a lot since 1900.
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| November 25, 2011 | | FDI in retail to create over 10 mn jobs, says govt
The guidelines regarding the decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in the multi-brand retail will be issued by next week.
Growth story: 10 challenges that India faces
For India to regain its growth momentum and indeed accelerate it further, we need to address several challenges, said , Governor, Reserve Bank of India, while delivering the Haksar Memorial Lecture.
SPECIAL: The king of poverty relinquishes throne
Clad in his trademark kurta pyjama Vikram Akula has never been at a loss for words while articulating to the media the pivotal role that micro-lending can play to liberate the rural poor from the clutches of money lenders. It earned him the status of poster boy for the microfinance industry.
IMAGES: Indian billionaires' favourite playgrounds
French Riviera turns out to be Vijay Mallya's favourite destination
How Mahindra is scripting a 'rising' on the Internet
The story of Mahindra's Rise campaign talks about how the company is keeping things real . . . and hoping to disappoint cynics in the process.
iDubba: Watch TV, then share socially
iDubba claims to be India's first (and only) television programme-recommendation and social-sharing platform. Adding 444 channels in the last five years, the platform aims to connect TV audiences by recommending relevant programmes.
Jayalalithaa gives freebies to poor, taxes middle class
A financially destructive populist culture of giving voters freebies in TN has left the state with massive bills.
Exiting fixed income funds? Read on…
Those getting into debt instruments like short-term funds, ultra short-term funds and income funds may need to extend their investment horizons or pay higher exit loads. The past couple of months have seen 16 such funds either raising their exit loads or increasing the scheme's lock-in period.
Buying resale property? Follow the checklist
Despite their age, ready property prices are rarely discounted. "Due to the prevalent high real estate prices, generally, the cost of a ready property and an under-construction one are almost par," says Amit Shah, vice-president, indiaproperties.com, a Pune-based property portal. In fact, sometimes, ready properties may even be available at a premium.
How euro crisis can change Europe
Stratfor analyses the predicament of the states caught between a changing euro zone and a resurgent Russia.
IN PIX: This is what billionaires' houses cost in global cities
Price growth of high value homes has been highest in emerging markets like Singapore, where prices have increased 144 per cent since 2005 and Mumbai, where prices have jumped 138 per cent in the same period.
Top MNCs jostle with India Inc to secure Mumbai
As third anniversary of 26/11 draws near, a new homeland security project gets underway.
The funny thing about foreign money
The Cabinet has agreed to the suggestion of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion or DIPP to allow companies like Walmart and Tesco to set up shop in the country.
Stunning PICS: Inside the most luxurious yachts
These luxury yachts are truly floating palaces.
It's more than change of boss at Tata
Tata is separating management from shareholding control.
PHOTOS: Here's what the inflation rate is in 20 countries
Everyone is worried about inflation making their money worth less or even worthless.
Why the Re will remain weak in 2012
Could plumb to 57 against the US dollar if macro dynamics continue to weaken.
Here are the stocks that Amitabh Bachchan buys!
Mega star Amitabh Bachchan, known as the Big B of the Bollywood, invests in small and mid-sized companies as well when it comes to stock market purchases, and is sitting on losses on some of his recent investments.
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| November 24, 2011 | | Historic decision: Govt allows 51% FDI in retail
In what will be a historic decision, the Union Cabinet is likely to clear a policy paper that seeks to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail trading and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail on Thursday.
Shares worth Rs 1.1 trillion pledged by promoters
Investment in such companies exposes an investor to severe price volatility in case a promoter is not able to meet payments.
Black money: CBI gets names of LGT bank account holders
The CBDT has provided to CBI for possible action the names of those individuals whose names have figured in the LGT Bank accounts for stashing illegal funds abroad.
RIM launches three BlackBerry 7 smartphones in India
Canadian firm Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the launch of three new handsets based on its BlackBerry 7 operating system in the country.
Get your iPhone 4S at the stroke of midnight
Leading telecom operators Airtel and Aircel will launch the much-awaited iPhone 4S smartphone in the country at midnight on Thursday at prices starting from Rs 44,500.
PHOTOS: World's most business-friendly countries
Vibrant private sector promotes growth and expands opportunities for the poor.
Photos: The RICHEST people in 30 countries
The world has 1,210 billionaires with a combined wealth of $4.5 trillion.
Food inflation falls sharply to 9.01%
However, prices of most agricultural items, barring potatoes, onions and wheat, continued to rise.
Rupee fall due to FII pullout? Time to end P-Note menace!
Participatory Notes (P-Notes) are derivative instruments issued by FIIs to foreign investors -- individuals or corporates -- who want exposure to Indian equities, but do not want to register with Sebi.
'Tata family is small. So, there isn't much to choose from'
Russi M Lala, 82, celebrated chronicler of Tata Group stories, has seen the top leadership for two generations very closely. He was JRD Tata's biographer and also director of Tata's premier foundation, the Dorabji Tata Trust, for 18 years. He talks about the new leadership and what it means for the Group.
IMAGES: Strong winds damage Beijing's stunning airport!
Strong winds damaged the roof of third terminal building at the much admired Beijing Capital International Airport for the second time in a year, raising doubts about the resilience and the quality of construction of the land mark structure.
Meet the new crown prince of the Tata group
"A reclusive construction tycoon" is how an industry captain, who claims to be his friend, describes Cyrus. In that sense, he has striking similarities to the man he is succeeding and who he admires the most. Even after so many years of staying in the limelight, Tata also remains low-key and shy.
Special: 10 companies that rule the world!
It is no secret that a small group of financial institutions run a major part of the world.
How Cyrus Mistry steered Shapoorji's fast-track growth
In the decade and a half he has been at the helm of the Rs 9,000-crore group (Rs 90-billion), Mistry has helped it build an impressive portfolio.
Tata succession: How the 'Mistry' was solved
They had to finalise Ratan Tata's successor by the year end and they had already cast their net wide.
Jobs: South Asian nations that are booming
While workers in the United States and Europe are having a difficult time in not only finding a job but also keeping it, the situation in South Asia, including India, is somewhat different.
10 best smartphones to gift!
With Christmas and New Year approaching, it is once again time to make endless trips to shopping malls to select the best gifts for the holiday season.
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| November 23, 2011 | | Govt to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail: Cabinet note
In what will be a historic decision, the Union Cabinet is likely to clear a policy paper that seeks to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail trading and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail on Thursday.
FIRST LOOK: The man who will succeed Ratan Tata
Mistry will work with Ratan Tata over the next year and take over from him when he retires.
Occupy Wall St: Who will meet protestors' demands?
Last week's police actions against the 'Occupy' encampments -- from Oakland to New York in the United States -- will not snuff out the underlying energy, says .
Sabeer Bhatia on his new venture, JaxtrSMS
JaxtrSMS, co-founded by Bhatia and Yogesh Patel, is an application that allows users to send text messages for free anywhere in the world. It took Bhatia and a team of 50 people over a year to come out with the latest offering. While Bhatia has announced three more ventures - Arzoo, Instacoll and SabseBol - after Hotmail, JaxtrSMS would see him back at the helm as a chief executive officer.
PHOTOS: 15 most innovative gadgets in the world
World is witnessing introduction of most innovative gadgets.
Special: Pressure on Anil Ambani, Tata off in 2G scam case
Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair, senior executives of the Reliance ADA Group who were granted bail on Wednesday by the Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum scam case, will provide major relief to their high-profile boss Anil Ambani.
Property prices go down across 9 cities in September
The number of cities with property rates rising was down to six in the second quarter, against 12 earlier, according to the NHB index.
IMAGES: These 8 cars will sport a new look in 2012
Some of facelifts in India will include cars from highly prominent car makers.
Column: Rising disparity: How to bridge the gap?
India's disappointing human development status is well known. It is a virtual tailender among the newly emerging BRICS economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa which are expected to become the engine of global economic growth as the developed countries slow down.
Faces of the 2G spectrum scam
Here are some of the top executives and politicians who have been linked to the 2G spectrum scam in India.
MAYHEM! Why Sensex crashed by over 500 points
The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark Sensex crashed by 580 points to 15,484 at 1230 hours on Wednesday as operators succumbed to fresh selling pressure amid a rapid pullout of foreign capital as a poor manufacturing outlook for China and weaker-than-expected growth in the United States spurred fresh fears of a global slowdown.
What makes Assam's Muga silk as expensive as gold!
Muga silk (Muga Paat) or the golden silk is not only a nature's gift to Assam, but also a symbol of rich Assamese culture. It represents the brilliance of traditional attire of the region. The most significant characteristic of 'Muga silk' is its golden bright hue.
Job freeze casts a chill again
India Inc is not flashing the pink slip yet, but multitasking is the buzzword.
End 'decision-making paralysis': Industry to UPA
Reminding the UPA-II government about the need to reverse the negative perception of a 'decision-making paralysis', industry body Assocham has made a pitch for second-generation reforms in various sectors, including finance, banking, taxation and agriculture.
2G scam: Five top executives get bail
The Supreme Court has granted bail to five corporate executives in 2G spectrum case.
IMAGES: 25 stunning cars that will make you drool
The Los Angeles Auto Show had an interesting showcase of the latest vehicles.
10 BEST IT companies to work for in 2011
Information technology companies have always dominated Fortune magazine's '100 Best Companies to Work For' list for many years.
PHOTOS: Splendid interiors of the Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest tower is Dubai's masterpiece, Burj Khalifa.
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| November 22, 2011 | | Your foreign travel is COSTLIER now! Here's why
The depreciating rupee against dollar is burning a bigger hole in the pockets of Indians travelling abroad with travel firms hiking charges to offset the impact.
Falling rupee scares car makers; price hike likely
Hit by the depreciating rupee, auto companies, including General Motors India and Toyota Kirloskar Motor, are mulling hike in prices to offset the rising cost of component imports.
No names before launch of prosecution: FinMin on black money
The government on Tuesday said it cannot disclose the identity of persons involved in black money cases before initiating prosecution proceedings.
PHOTOS: 12 fastest growing economies in 2012
Some countries, including India and China, that are poised to post impressive growth numbers.
Govt hopes inflation to come down to 6-7% by March
The finance minister attributed the rising prices to demand-supply mismatch, depreciating rupee, global commodity prices and easy monetary policy followed by some countries.
Who is Kingfisher's latest 'white knight'?
Malvinder Singh's name is thrown up by rumour mills, after Tata, Reliance & Sahara.
Smart tips on short term trading
Apart from knowing the rules, investors should also understand that short term trading mostly relies on luck and on study, which at best can be termed speculative.
Rupee at all-time low; RBI move won't stop fall, says Pranab
The Indian rupee dropped by 58 paise to a lifetime low of Rs 52.73 per US dollar in early trade on Tuesday on persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers amid sustained foreign capital outflows from the equity market.
Want to transfer your insurance policy? All you need to know
Effective 01 October 2011, health insurance has become portable and you are now free to move to another provider and carry along all the credits gained for having been loyal.
Debt story: Indian banks with HIGHEST NPAs
Bad loans are turning nightmarish for Indian banks.
Solve this employee harassment case and win Rs 25,000
An alleged case of harassment against one of his employees by business associates puts an hotelier in the biggest crisis of his career.
US-India partnership can bring poor into knowledge pool
It is time for the US to reposition its foreign policy.
How Mahindra developed XUV500. The TRUE story
Tracing the development of the Mahindra XUV 500, the company's first four-wheeler to be fully styled in India.
Special: Why India too is a TAX haven now!
It would seem when it comes to secrecy on bank accounts the Indian government seems to have a tacit arrangement with the Swiss -- even if the Swiss fail in protecting the identity of crooks, India will, says .
MUST READ: The happiest cities in India; Jaipur tops!
With slowing down of the Indian economy and inflation gnawing into the entrails of our existence, any information on the happiest cities of India makes interesting reading.
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| November 21, 2011 | | Infosys sounds the WARNING for IT sector!
Infosys says further deterioration of economic conditions in US and Europe could hit the domestic IT sector.
Rupee, Asia's worst performing currency, in a free fall!
The rupee plunged to nearly 33-month low of sub-52 level after losing a whopping 81 paise against the United States currency on sustained dollar demand amid weak trends in stock markets and deepening euro-debt crisis.
Are UPA's long-term policies counterproductive?
The only option is to cool demand. In other words, cut back on spending and aim for slower growth.
Buying a smartphone? First, know its operating system…
There are five main mobile operating systems (OS); each claiming superiority over the other. Arguably, options are always good for users but with mobile phones it means making a confusing choice between the latest devices in the market and going by someone's recommendation. Here's what you should consider before getting your OS.
Tata Motors launches more powerful Nano
The car's 624cc engine has been made more powerful.
AC rail travel may cost MORE in negative list of services
There could be rise in the cost of construction work, renting of vacant land and rail travel in air-conditioned coaches, if a set of government proposals on taxing services comes into effect.
Kingfisher may hive off ATR aircraft fleet
Kingfisher Airlines, struggling to stay afloat, may spin off its ATR fleet and loyalty programme (frequent flier programme) into separate units.
iPhone 4S bookings open @ Rs 50,900!
The latest version of Apple's iPhone 4S is now open for pre-bookings in India, at a price which is more than that in other countries.
Rise in demand for Indian workers abroad
Indians are emerging as favourites of overseas companies looking for temporary but experienced workforce for specific requirements available at low cost, says experts.
Labour woes, rising costs hit realty firms
The shortage of labour, a fund crunch, high interest rates and steep input costs have hammered the net profits of major real estate developers in the second quarter.
Good news! Tatkal booking in one day
The new Tatkal booking scheme in which the train reservation period has been reduced to one day from two days will come into effect from Monday.
WARNING: Beware of the virus attack
According to the Security Threat Report organisations across India spent an average of $7.2 million (Rs 32 crore) in 2010 to deal with damages caused by data breaches.
Govt nudges LIC to buy 10% stake in Kingfisher
Its lenders, who hold around 23 per cent of the debt-laden airline, have asked the promoters to bring in equity before they lend more.
IMAGES: Dazzling cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Started way back in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show has an illustrious history.
Images: World's 20 TALLEST towers
While the world's tallest building is Burj khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest tower is Tokyo Sky Tree.
MUST READ: India's 15 best banks
All the banks mentioned here have balance sheet size greater than Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion).
Past imperfect, future tense for India Inc
And, Future Group chairman Kishore Biyani, who has copyright on the famous ad tagline, admits even steep discounts didn't help much in many regions this year.
Check out these attractive double-decker buses!
Double-decker buses are a big attraction for commuters.
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| November 18, 2011 | | Diesel, LPG prices UNLIKELY to be hiked
A top oil ministry official said it will be "suicidal" to even think of raising prices of diesel, LPG or kerosene just before Parliament is to meet.
Infrastructure? India needs $20 trillion in 20 years
The report, 'The roots of growth: Projecting EM infrastructure demand to 2030', produced jointly by Cambridge Judge Business School and the Royal Bank of Scotland, predicts that the emerging world will need to spend $20 trillion dollars on infrastructure over the next 20 years.
India's quarterly gold demand declines 23%
Slump after 5 quarters amid high prices, rupee depreciation.
Cityscapes: STUNNING photos of world's great cities
Here are spectacular photographs of the skylines of some of the greatest cities in the world.
Dubai Airshow records USD 63.3 billion worth of orders
The orders for aircraft, maintenance services and flight training programmes at the 12th edition of the airshow, which concluded on Thursday, are much higher than the last edition in 2009 which recorded orders worth USD 14 billion.
Indian HNIs feel inherited wealth a burden: Survey
India has more of first generation high net worth individuals than the one who have inherited wealth.
IMAGES: 55 new cars arriving in 2012 even as old sell less
The last edition (in 2010) featured 50 launches, including 10 global debuts.
PHOTOS: Benetton's most controversial ads
Each time Benetton releases a controversial ad, it is making a statement by pushing a political agenda, or sensitive subjects that are deliberately offensive to some people. In a way, it takes the age-old advertising tactic of challenging reality to its extreme.
IMAGES: Climate change: 10 nations that face highest RISK
The British risk analysis firm Maplecroft recently released a 2011 scientific report ranking the top 10 countries at extreme risk for impacts from climate change.
Kingfisher cancellations EXTENDED till March 2012
The carrier is loaded by debt of as much as Rs 7,000 crore.
8 Indians amongst world's TOP management gurus
These are people known little to the general public but revered throughout the business world.
The most EXPENSIVE iPads, phones and laptops
UK designer Stuart Hughes is known for crafting masterpieces with the latest tech gadgets.
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| November 17, 2011 | | FinMin okay with 51% FDI in multi-brand retail
The finance ministry has given its consent to the draft Cabinet note on opening the multi-brand retail to foreign investment, an official said.
Needed: $1,000,000,000,000 for India's infrastructure!
India's infrastructure sector will require investment of about $1 trillion in the 12th Five-Year Plan, double the amount envisaged in the ongoing Plan period, a report says.
India plans super-regulator for aviation sector
A draft bill to set up a powerful Civil Aviation Authority for better regulation of the aviation sector is in an advanced stage of getting the official nod, official sources said on Thursday.
IIM-A to give marketing lessons to Gujarat prisons
Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad and Central jail in Baroda have contacted IIM-Ahmedabad to help them in issues related to sale, distribution and management of factory products and also help inmates acquire more skills which they may be able to best utilise outside when they are released from prison, Dheeraj Sharma, associate professor of marketing and international business, IIM-Ahmedabad, said.
Is the green Ministry reactive, not pro-active?
A rash of clearance issues with infra projects raises the question of who really is responsible for the delays.
MNREGA: Ramesh writes to Mayawati again on irregularities
In a 14-page letter to Mayawati, Ramesh cited the instances of alleged irregularities and corruption in implementation of the scheme in Balrampur, Gonda, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Kushinagar, Mirzapur and Sant Kabir Nagar.
Has Pak granted MFN status to India? Not yet says Gilani
Gilani said the people and Parliament would be taken into confidence on the issue of giving MFN status to India.
Airlines WARNED on mounting fares
With airfares mounting in the last couple of weeks primarily due to cancellation of Kingfisher flights, aviation regulator DGCA on Thursday warned airlines not to raise air ticket prices beyond a given range.
Decision on foreign airlines buying stake soon
The government is likely to take a final decision on allowing foreign airlines to pick up stakes in Indian carriers in a 'couple of weeks', with the Union civil aviation ministry proposing a 24 per cent cap as against 26 per cent recommended by the industry ministry.
Aviation fuel price 50% HIGHER in India
Even flights on foreign routes pay more when they refill in India.
Airlines hit by rising fuel price, lower fares
Jet, Kingfisher, SpiceJet in the red during September quarter, despite 20 per cent rise in passenger numbers.
IMAGES: The world's top 10 emerging economies
Even though emerging markets generally do not have the level of market efficiency and strict standards, they are most sought after by investors.
Why Indian American entrepreneurs are key to Indo-US relations
Ambassador Rao says role of Indian American entrepreneurs take on new meaning; also acknowledges the contribution and inspiration of Nobel Laureate Hargobind Singh Khorana.
IIT Bombay alumni appointed CIO of Washington
Shyam's appointment was announced by Washington Governor Chris Gregoire on Monday.
Falling rupee may breach 52 level against US$
Global risk aversion and India's widening current account deficit have dragged the rupee close to all-time low.
Images: The FASTEST growing cities in India
There are 37 Indian cities among the world's 300 fastest growing urban centres, according to a survey conducted by the City Mayors Foundation, an global think tank on urban affairs.
Photos: Meet India's most INNOVATIVE young minds
IGNITE is a national competition to harness the creative and innovative spirit of school children organized by the National Innovation Foundation.
Hopes run high as PM leaves for ASEAN meet
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left for Bali and Singapore on Thursday.
US debt tops $15 trillion. HIGHEST in world history
Once the envy of the world, these nations are now posing a threat to the world economy.
IMAGES: Stunning IT parks of India
India has some of the best IT parks in the world.
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| November 16, 2011 | | The 6 outstanding winners of the Infosys Prize
Infosys Science Foundation announced 2011 prize winners across five categories.
IMAGES: The Rs 6.75 lakh Skoda Rapid launched!
Skoda launched Rapid in both diesel and petrol variants in order to boost up sales substantially.
Now, Indian scientists produce petrol from plastic!
A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Petroleum in Dehra Dun has developed a new technology to convert environmentally-hazardous plastic into petroleum products.
COLUMN: Building Bridges in South Asia
"Building Bridges" was the theme of the recently concluded South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or Saarc, summit in Addu (Maldives).
7 of the world's most beautiful mobile phones
Here's we have listed the world best-looking mobile phones, ever.
Sanjaya Baru: America's strategic Pacific offensive!
The United States is creating a new strategic framework for the 21st century and its Trans-Pacific Partnership is just one of the pillars of the new edifice, says .
China overtakes US in Land Rover sales
The UK is the single largest market for Land Rover.
Now, credit ratings agencies under EU scanner
Responding to what is widely felt by the political establishment in Europe to be the "destabilising" role played by credit ratings agencies in the ongoing euro zone crisis, the European Commission unveiled measures to curb their power.
For old age, pick mutual funds over retirement schemes
There are various mutual fund schemes to choose from, such as equity-diversified funds, mid- or small-cap funds, debt funds and so on.
IMAGES: World's 25 BIGGEST renewable power stations
Renewable power stations run on fuel sources such as biomass, geothermal heat, water, solar and tidal energy.
Aviation turmoil: How some investors checked out in time
Their success formula was to enter the business at the right time and exit at the opportune moment.
Kingfisher promoters open to reducing stake to 26%
Talks initiated with Indian investors, private equity players.
IMAGES: The 8 stunning hatchbacks coming in 2012
In India, major demand is for hatchback cars.
Scientist who runs world's most cost-efficient microfinance firm
Dr Tara Thiagarajan is the chairperson and managing director of the Rs 200-crore (Rs 2 billion) Madura Micro Finance Ltd. She is also the director of Microcredit Foundation of India.
How the rasogolla became a global name!
We recently paid a visit to one of the retail outlets-cum-restaurant run by K C Das, the company that played a significant role in granting the rasogolla international status.
Financial technology: World's top 20 companies
Even as uncertainty continued to hamper the financial sector, these companies tided over the difficult times.
Huawei launches world's 1st cloud phones in India
The company, which has just 6-7 devices in its portfolio as of now, is also looking at expanding its product range aggressively in the next few months.
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| November 15, 2011 | | Flying from Delhi? Now pay Rs 200 development fee!
In an order, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority has fixed these rates to be charged by the Delhi Internal Airport Limited with effect from December 1 for 18 months till May 2013 to help it bridge a funding gap of Rs 1,230.27 crore (Rs 12.30 billion).
Deve Gowda was napping when Indian Inc met him: Book
Known for his habit of dozing off, India's former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was literally caught napping when industry leaders went to meet him to discuss the deteriorating state of the Indian economy, DLF Chairman K P Singh has recollected in his autobiography.
STUNNING products at Japan electronics show!
3D televisions were a major attraction at last month's CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) show -- Japan's premiere consumer electronics event, held each year at Makuhari Messe, a convention centre outside Tokyo.
Kingfisher not shutting down, has not sought bailout: Mallya
Battling financial crisis, Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya on Tuesday said he has not asked for a bailout from the government but wants the lenders to help with Rs 700-800 crore (Rs 7-8 billion) working capital as short-term need and interest concessions.
Chidambaram: Caught by courts, bowled by Swamy?
There are some rather inconvenient questions related to the 2G spectrum scam that the former finance minister may have to answer in the coming days, says .
Wealth woes: India tops in family feuds over inheritance!
Forty per cent of the globe's wealthy population has direct experience of their family fortune leading to disputes, but the percentage is even higher in India, where 61 per cent of the rich have seen relationships deteriorate into feuds over money, according to a new report.
PHOTOS: Cops evict Occupy Wall St protestors in midnight raid
Police in New York City police descended on Zuccotti Park in the wee hours of Tuesday to forcibly remove Occupy Wall Street protestors who have been camping in Lower Manhattan since September 17.
5 marketing lessons from Ra.One
Endless promotion works only up to a certain point, says .
IMF calls for reform in China's financial system
China's banks and financial sector are healthy, but there are vulnerabilities that should be addressed by the authorities.
Indians' spending on FMCG at malls set to skyrocket
Indian consumers' spending on FMCG items at modern retail stores is set to nearly triple to $5 billion by 2015 from $1.8 billion at present, according to market research firm, the Nielsen Company.
Govt grants Rs 100 cr to fund low cost innovation
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said the country needs creativity and innovation to address the problems of poverty, health and environment.
Govt may impose 0.003% stamp duty on commodities, stocks
The government may impose a stamp duty of Rs 300 per crore (0.003 per cent) on transactions in commodities, stocks and other derivatives, with the Finance Ministry moving a proposal to Cabinet for taking the final call, sources said.
Rupee is SINKING! Hits 32-month low; may touch 51/US$
The rupee resumed lower at Rs 50.40/41 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange.
Wary Indian companies wake up to UK law
The law's ambit has been widely framed, with severe penalties such as prosecution and jail in the UK for a bribe given in India.
Super-rich: India has 8,200 high net worth individuals
India is home to as many as 8,200 ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals whose combined wealth amounts to a whopping $945 billion, says a study.
Petrol prices SLASHED by over Rs 2.20 a litre
Petrol prices may be cut by Rs 2 a litre from on Wednesday as global oil rates have softened and the rupee has stabilised against the US dollar.
LESS turbulent skies ahead for Jet Airways
Easing competitive pressure, rising ticket prices offer respite from high fuel costs and effects of weak rupee.
IMAGES: All new Ford Fiesta automatic soon in India
Since a couple of months, Ford India is busy giving a makeover to its cars.
Check out these 2 NEW smartphones from Nokia!
Aimed at strengthening its position in the smart phone segment, Finnish handset giant Nokia on Monday launched the 'Lumia 800' and the 'Lumia 710', the first devices from its partnership with software major Microsoft.
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| November 14, 2011 | | Indians more OVERWORKED than global peers!
A high rate of economic growth seems to be taking a toll on people's work-home balance and more Indians are overworked than their global peers, according to a survey.
Big deal: Coca Cola to invest $2 billion in India
In one of its single biggest investments, beverage major Coca Cola and its partners will invest $2 billion (around Rs 10,000 crore) over the next five years to enhance its operations in India and set up a new plant.
IMAGES: Workers flock to Kerala in search of greener pastures
Kerala, which largely depends on remittances of around two million Malayalis working in the Gulf, has now become a thriving job market for workers hailing from Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
CAG official says 2G scam loss only Rs 2,645 crore
Former top CAG official R P Singh on Monday appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Committee looking into the 2G spectrum scam and is understood to have stuck to his stand that the presumptive loss in the radiowave allocation was only Rs 2,645 crore (Rs 26.45 billion).
PHOTOS: World's 15 stunning buildings
Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest structure in the world, at a height of 829.84 metres (2,723 ft).
IMAGES: The Rs 5.23 lakh Tata Sumo Gold
Tata Sumo Gold is available in two engine tunes with four variants.
SPECIAL: How Nokia plans to make it big in India
Bringing affordable web access and applications to the masses is the crux of Nokia's new strategy.
Euro crisis hurting India, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said the Euro Zone crisis is impacting the country's growth and will hurt exports in coming months.
Headline inflation inches up to 9.73% in Oct
Food inflation was recorded at 9.23 per cent in September.
The world's biggest shoplifters; India ranks No. 1!
The world over, shoplifters are giving the retail industry a gigantic headache. A $119-billion headache!
SBI asks Kingfisher to raise fresh equity
On whether the bank will consider making fresh advances to Kingfisher, SBI managing director Hemant Contractor said, "We have to be satisfied about the viability of the company.
IITs remain the big daddy of fund-raisers
IIT Bombay has, over the last decade, generated Rs 200 crore (Rs 2 billion), only via donations from its alumni.
Kingfisher in crisis; Jet goes for the kill
Airline to increase full-service flights as Kingfisher curtails operations.
Kingfisher mess deepens: More flight disruptions likely
Flight schedules to be affected more than thought earlier.
SPECIAL: Why Niira Radia shut India's largest PR firm
Radia's decision to close shop was as dramatic as her entry into the country's close-knit world of public relations.
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| November 11, 2011 | | Railway Minister for linking train fare to fuel cost
Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said the passenger fare should to be linked to fuel price.
Petrol prices may be CUT next week
With global oil rates softening, state-owned oil companies may next week cut petrol price by about Rs 0.80 per litre which could be the first reduction since January 2009.
Good news! Interest rate on PPF, NSC, post office savings hiked
The government has hiked the interest rate on Public Provident Fund account (PPF) to 8.6 per cent from 8 per cent. The investment ceiling has been raised to Rs 1 lakh a year.
INTERVIEW: 'Merger with Tech Mahindra likely next year'
After announcing the second quarter results, Chairman Vineet Nayyar, Chief Executive C P Gurnani and Chief Financial Officer Vasant Krishnan share their views.
Kingfisher cries out for help; govt may bail it out
Facing serious financial turbulence, Kingfisher Airlines has sought government help for a bailout even as it continued its flight curtailment spree for the fifth consecutive day on Friday and its stocks plummeted by over 19 per cent to an all-time low but recovered slightly later.
Annuity now mandatory in pension products
Positive return guarantee but with conservative bias; rider to check insurer hopping by customers.
Oops! Standard & Poor's downgrades France by mistake
In a major goof-up, US-based ratings agency Standard & Poor's accidentally disseminated a message to subscribers earlier that it has downgraded its top-notch credit rating of France from 'AAA', but has since issued a clarification and is investigating the cause of the error.
The rags-to-riches story of a billionaire BARBER!
Ramesh Babu has a barber shop and a booming car rental business in Bengaluru, but still prefers to cut hair so that he never forgets his humble beginnings, writes .
IIP nos disappointing, 6% growth likely: Rangarajan
Prime Minister's economic advisory panel chief C Rangarajan has described the dip in factory output in September as 'disappointing' and said industry may grow by just 6 per cent in the current fiscal, as against the earlier projection of 7 per cent.
Here's what Horlicks is doing to succeed
GlaxoSmithKline is piggybacking the Rs 1,600-crore (Rs 16-billion) brand to step into newer product categories.
Visa misuse case: US court rejects Infy's plea for arbitration
Infosys had earlier requested the court to decide the case filed by its former employee Jack Palmer on the alleged B-1 business visa misuse by an arbitrator instead of a judge or a jury.
Slowdown: India's industrial growth falls
Continuing its dismal performance, industrial growth fell further to 1.9 per cent in September, mainly due to poor output from the manufacturing sector.
World's 20 most powerful people in finance
Euro Zone is reeling under a debt crisis, USA is downgraded and world leaders are losing sleep over their attempts to find ways to beat slowdown.
Six personal loan truths that you MUST know!
Since the documentation required is little and the disbursement is faster, it automatically tops the list of anyone who is in need of emergency cash.
Tata Motors launches revamped Sumo in Pune
The vehicle is being manufactured in the company's Bhosari plant.
IMAGES: India's biggest infrastructure projects
India has seen rapid progress in various big-budget infrastructure projects.
Biggest crisis: Kingfisher hits air pocket
After oil firms' rebuff over dues, rival Jet refuses to accommodate Kingfisher passengers due to non-payment.
Ratan Tata may remain head of group trusts
He may play an indirect role in group beyond Dec next year.
IMAGES: The stunning Skoda Rapid soon in India
Reports suggest that this new sedan has a lot of potential to beat its competitors in the segment.
The ASTOUNDING story of the fall of Kingfisher Airlines
After recast, Kingfisher Airlines total debt reportedly came down to Rs 7,057 crore (Rs 7,057 billion) which is still considered very high for a private domestic carrier.
India's top 5 PC makers by market share
"This growth was primarily driven by the mobile PC market which grew 29 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2011," said Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst at Gartner.
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| November 10, 2011 | | S&P differs with Moody's, upgrades Indian banks!
Differing with the downgrade accorded by Moody's, leading ratings agency Standard & Poor's has upgraded the Indian banking sector saying its domestic regulations are in line with international standards.
India, Pak agree to move towards a new trade deal
The two leaders also agreed that bilateral trade will be conducted on Most Favoured Nation basis.
COLUMN: How will the MFN status help India and Pakistan?
New Delhi and Islamabad have, in the recent past, taken many positive steps to make bilateral relations cordial. For instance, the two countries have firmed up a draft bilateral visa agreement that will ease travel between the two countries.
2G scam: Ambani, other executives may be examined on Friday
The much-awaited trial in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case, involving high-profile accused, including former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi, top corporate honchos and telecom firms, is likely to commence from Friday before a Delhi court.
Slowdown blow: Hyundai drops diesel engine plant plan
The slowdown in the Indian automotive market has resulted in its first major casualty, with the country's second largest car-maker Hyundai Motor shelving a plan to set up a diesel engine manufacturing plant at an investment of Rs 400 crore (Rs 4 billion).
Global audio brand Harman tunes in to India
Harman, the premium global audio and infotainment group, which retails brands such as JBL, AKG and Harman-Kardon, is training Indian engineers based at its research and development centre in Bangalore to work on audio components for brands like BMW and Audi. This business contributes an estimated $600 million to the company's sales.
Mamata must learn the limits of populism
No doubt Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's gentle reminder that she did not oppose the Cabinet's June decision to decontrol fuel prices also encouraged her to soften her opposition.
Another SCAM on rupee depreciation, exports boom?
Who are the gainers from all these economic policies of SEZs, weakening Rupee, tax breaks, etc? Obviously, it is fictitious exporters and shady foreign investors.
Jet staff union says it won't allow job cuts
The airline, on its part, on Wednesday denied retrenchment plans.
Tata Motors goes on Nano overdrive
During the festive season, dealers of Tata Motors reported a robust pick-up in demand for the Nano.
Lipton Tea found with TOXIC content in China
The five tea brands were among 19 oolong products that were found not adhering to regulatory standards.
PHOTOS: India's 20 most powerful women in business
Chanda Kochchar has been ranked as the most powerful woman in business.
Kingfisher woes add tailwind to air fares
A partial withdrawal of flights by Kingfisher Airlines has led to a more than 100 per cent rise in spot fares on key metro routes.
20 nations with the WEAKEST pension systems
Pension is a regular (normally monthly) payment that a person gets when he/she has retired from a job. This regular payment is obtained from an investment fund to which that person, or his/her employer, contributed during the time the person was working.
IMAGES: India's top 13 tourist destinations
Tourism in India is the largest service industry.
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| November 09, 2011 | | SAARC nations more pragmatic than EU, ASEAN
The SAARC nations have been more pragmatic than their peers in the ASEAN and EU, indicated an official source on the eve of the 17th SAARC Summit to be held in Male on November 10-11, even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left for Maldives for the SAARC Summit on Wednesday.
Pakistan will not backtrack: Khar on MFN status
Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Wednesday said Islamabad is not backtracking on its decision to normalise bilateral trade with New Delhi.
Gold zooms to an all-time high of Rs 29,000
Gold crossed the all-time high level of Rs 29,000 while silver coins touched the record Rs 68,000 mark in the bullion market here on strong demand propelled by ongoing marriage season and deepening financial worries.
Walmart sets up R&D centre in India for e-commerce biz
US-based retailer Walmart is setting up a research centre in India to develop technologies and solutions for its global e-commerce business.
Modi's visit to China creates a buzz
He pitched for Gujarat while Chinese businessmen heard him with rapt attention. Modi is on a five day visit to China on an invitation from Communist party of China.
Future Quotient: Just what is it all about?
Future Quotient (FQ) is both an idea and a business concept designed to measure the ability to think and act not merely for the present but future generations.
Stunning PIX: World's 20 best architectural marvels
Take a look at the amazing projects that won the World Architecture awards in 2011.
EXPLAINED: The Eurozone's impending disaster!
with low interest rates these countries went on a borrowing spree and since they borrowed much more than their repayment capacity is, they are in a mess. Greece is the smallest of these countries and is in the biggest mess.
PIX: India's car sales see biggest fall in a decade
Domestic passenger car sales declined by 23.77 per cent to 1,38,521 units in October, 2011, from 1,81,704 units in the same month last year.
Moody's downgrades Indian banks, govt fumes
International credit ratings agency Moody's Investors Service changed its outlook for India's banking system to negative from stable due to concerns that an increasingly challenging operating environment will adversely affect asset quality, capitalisation, and profitability.
Rajaratnam to pay $ 92 million as penalty in insider trading
A US judge has ordered disgraced billionaire Raj Rajaratnam to pay over USD 92 million as penalty in the insider trading case filed against him by the US financial regulator, saying the "huge and brazen nature" of his fraud "cries out" for such an unprecedented fine.
Kingfisher to CANCEL 31 flights daily till Nov 19
At least 34 flights of Kingfisher airlines were cancelled on Tuesday with the Vijay Mallya-owned carrier maintaining these were planned curtailments.
India has 18,000 tonne of gold in private hands!
, Manappuram had commissioned ICRA Management Consulting Services (IMaCS) to study the gold loans market in the country and they came out with a report, 'Gold Loans Market in India, 2009'. This was a pioneering study; the first time that a scientific study of the gold loans market in India was carried out.
IMAGES: 5 most expensive SUVs in the world
Most SUVs are designed with an engine compartment, a combined passenger and cargo compartment, and no dedicated trunk.
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| November 08, 2011 | | PM gave no assurance on petro price rollback: TMC
They registered their protest with a warning that any other such increase would make the party consider its future ties with the UPA.
IMAGES: India's 10 highest paid CEOs
Naveen Jindal remains the highest paid corporate head in India for the second consecutive year.
Taxes account for 38% of new petrol price
The new rate is based on a basic price of petrol, without including any taxes, refining cost or margin, of Rs 41.38 per litre, oil company officials said.
Brussels: Finance ministers begin the daunting task
The finance chiefs face the daunting task of putting flesh on the bare bones of the agreement reached by EU leaders last month, intended to stem the fiscal bleed afflicting the region.
What it costs to get an electricity connection around the world
Getting electricity connection in a new building or a new factory is not an easy task.
28% drop in American L-1 visas to Indians
This data was obtained from the US Department of State in a new report by the National Foundation for American Policy, an Arlington, Virginia-based policy research group, which focuses on US immigration policy.
How food inflation can be tamed, an expert's view
Food inflation, which remains remarkably high at over 12 per cent, could be tamed through innovative agriculture business models, a KPMG report said.
Why is the US keen on investing in India
But cautions about some damage in short term, next three quarters may see high volatility.
SPECIAL: Can IIMs break free from government's clutches?
While IIM-Bangalore wrenches free from the government, heated disagreements remain over corporate donations for board seats as well as mandatory teaching hours.
IPL, MNCs offer internship to IIM-K students
In the two year programme, after the first year, every student has to undertake 8 week internship in an organisation.
Investing tips for the new 'Crorepati', Sushil Kumar
"I haven't thought about how I should spend this money as yet. The first thing I will do, though, is build a house for my family," says Sushil.
Goan miners fear a Karnataka-like crisis
With the probe of the Centre-appointed Shah commission into alleged irregularities entering its last lap, Goan miners have started bracing themselves for a possible Karnataka-like blanket ban on mining and exports.
IMAGES: World's 20 most powerful business people
They are the world's most powerful people in the corporate world. They lead big companies or world's leading financial institutions.
PHOTOS: Delhi, Mumbai among world's richest cities
There are some cities in the world where earnings are really high.
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| November 07, 2011 | | How advertising is blending virtual, real worlds
Moving beyond the virtual world, brands are using user testimonials in mainstream ads.
Barclays pegs India's growth at 7-8%
According to the financial services firm, India's growth pattern remains skewed towards the services sector and is heavily dependent on domestic consumption, which it said, raises the possibility that the imbalance between the services and other sectors may widen even further.
Yachting: The new sunrise sport in India
"World over the cruising industry has grown consistently. Its compounded annual growth rate is 6.5-7 per cent. In India, cruising is growing 8-10 per cent year-on-year (albeit on a much smaller base) for the three-four years. It can improve with better infrastructure," said Royal Caribbean Cruise India representative Gautam Chadha.
'A double-dip recession not unlikely'
In a wide-ranging interview with Business Standard, the professor with Columbia University says economic power is already shifting to emerging market economies.
India will continue to dominate KPO sector: Report
The potential KPO delivery locations, including China, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, are unlikely to challenge India's dominant position in the market, but they have enabled many vendors to pursue a multi-shore strategy, it said.
Indian activist drums support for Occupy Wall Street
In conversation with , activist and musician Sonny Singh drums in the importance of the Occupy Wall Street protests.
Why the king of fruits did not make it to Australia?
Australia finally gave a green signal to imports of mangoes from India this year, but the king of fruits didn't make it to the market shelves. The initial 1.267 tonnes of mangoes were found to be rotten or over ripe on arrival in Australia and had to be destroyed, resulting in the two importers incurring losses of nearly A$100,000.
COLUMN: The investor's dilemma
India Inc will regain its appetite for investing only when better governance improves the market mood.
COLUMN: The power of the Chinese economy
The head of the European monetary authority stepped off the plane at Beijing airport, and was transported by a high-speed train faster than France's TGV, to the centre of Beijing.
Using Facebook in office? Beware of threats
A global survey on social media risks reveals a dangerous gap in corporate social media security.
INSIDER Story: How Hero Honda became Hero MotoCorp
On December 16 last year, Hero Honda informed the stock markets that the partnership was over and Honda would soon exit the company.
IMAGES: How Delhi airport plans to earn more money
DIAL has seen a sixfold rise in the number of transit passengers to 6,000 in the past one year, but it's just 7.5 per cent of the 80,000 passengers handled daily and contributes only six per cent to the total sales at the airport.
Investors question golden handshake to Maruti workers
Institutional investors and independent advisors are questioning the company's crisis-handling process in the wake of reports that several workers, including strike leaders Sonu Gujjar and Shiv Kumar, quietly resigned after pocketing hefty payouts.
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| November 04, 2011 | | Unfazed PM virtually JUSTIFIES fuel price hike
Unfazed by ally Trinamool Congress' threat of even withdrawing support, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today virtually justified the hike in petrol prices, saying there should be further movement towards deregulation of fuel prices.
Allies slam petro price hike, a roll back possible
UPA's largest ally Trinamool Congress on Friday strongly protested the unilateral petrol price hike, but said it has not taken any decision to pull out of the government and entrusted party supremo Mamata Banerjee to have the 'final word' on the issue.
Now, no more prepayment penalty on home loan
These decisions by NHB will come into effect immediately and will cover all housing finance companies including LIC housing finance.
Nooyi wants 50% revenues from emerging markets in 5 years
She expects to expand the Indian distribution system in a big way.
IMAGES: World's 10 largest stock exchanges
Trillions of transactions take place in these bourses making investors poorer or richer...
Want to invest in gold? Read this
Media, brokers and bullion traders have been predicting various numbers which gold will touch subsequently.
Here's what you need to know about hybrid loans
In a rising interest rate scenario, borrowers generally tend to hold back on procuring loans.
IN PIX: How 20 Indian states fare against the world
Despite India's two decades of rapid growth, Uttar Pradesh's GDP per head is close to that of Kenya.
COLUMN: Has the rupee truly recovered?
The near-vertical rise in rupee volatility (from 5.4 per cent to 9.5 per cent) since mid-August, accompanied by a collapse in the rupee to below 50 to the dollar, has rattled most companies. While the rupee has recovered somewhat, volatility – and nervousness – remains high.
SC grants bail to Ramalinga Raju
The Supreme Court has granted bail to Satyam's founder B Ramalinga Raju in multi-crore accounting fraud case.
SPECIAL: Can the Planning Commission reinvent itself?
Caught in the middle of a maelstrom of controversies, the Planning Commission has been accused of being disconnected from ground realities. Its 12th Plan hopes to fix that.
Black money: Manmohan Singh urges G20 to take strong steps
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has urged the G20 nations to send a strong message to control the 'serious problems' of tax evasion and illicit flows that have grave bearing on the developing nations' future.
IN PIX: World's 10 most expensive watches
One cannot afford a watch costing millions of dollars but any information on it makes an interesting piece to read.
IMAGES: New SUV in town. The sizzling Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque, being a high-segment SUV, is loaded with exciting and brilliant features, which makes this car an exquisite model.
What Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Jobs had in common
The icons from two different eras had an intuitive sense of what it took to strike a chord with the masses.
'Indian markets unlikely to slip below Oct lows'
A meaningful correction in global oil prices and/or progress on key reforms would be important re-rating triggers for the Indian stock market, says Bharat Iyer, executive director and the head of India equity research at JPMorgan.
Nita Ambani - woman with a middle class heart
She has been described as Reliance's real programme manager.
Bharti's Q2 net profit down by 38.17% at Rs 1,027 cr
This is the seventh straight quarter in which Bharti Airtel has reported a consecutive decline in its net profit.
IMAGES: 20 best nations to live in
Latin America has the largest income inequality, although it is more equitable than sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia in life expectancy and schooling, states a UNDP report.
IMAGES: The stunning Rs 3.69 crore Lamborghini Aventador
Looking to tap the fast-growing Indian market, Italian luxury sports car-maker Automobili Lamborghini SpA on Thursday launched its latest model, the 'Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4', priced at Rs 3.69 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), in the country.
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| November 03, 2011 | | India for big IMF role for support to Eurozone
Extending full support to Europe, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday that a quick solution to the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis was required but it should not be at the cost of growth of the developing nations like India.
BJP calls petro hike as 'midnight deceit', Left wants roll back
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday alleged that the hike in petrol prices was yet another act of "midnight deceit" by the UPA and insisted that the common man would not spare the dispensation led by the "economist" Prime Minister for its arrogance.
Yet another blow! Petrol price hiked by Rs 1.80
Oil companies on Thursday again hiked petrol prices by Rs 1.80 per litre to offset the fall in rupee that has made imports of crude costlier.
India tops Asia for family-controlled listed companies
The study, conducted by global financial services major Credit Suisse, found that 67 per cent of all listed companies in India were family-controlled entities.
MFN status to India: Pak govt issues confusing statements
Hours after announcing that it would grant the much-delayed MFN status to India, Pakistan government issued several confusing statements which made no direct mention of the significant step aimed at boosting bilateral trade.
IMAGES: World's 10 largest shopping malls
Malls have become an inevitable part of the retail boom all over the world.
US welcomes Pakistan's MFN status to India
The US has welcomed Pakistani cabinet's move to grant the much-delayed Most Favoured Nation trade status to India, terming it a positive development towards the economic integration of the region.
Gold costlier by Rs 50, silver plunges by Rs 200
Gold in global markets, which normally sets the price trend on the domestic front, recorded a sharp gain of USD 17.50 to USD 1,738.40 an ounce and silver rose by 2.45 per cent to USD 34.27 an ounce in New York last evening.
IMAGES: 6 cheapest SUVs in India
The diesel engine option for almost all SUVs cuts down the burden on commoners, thanks to low diesel price.
Why younger employees prefer mobility over money
A good salary is important for the youngsters, but many of them would prefer a job that allows mobile connectivity to the workplace and provides social media freedom, a study has found.
Misery continues: Food inflation surges to 12.21%
Eggs, meat and fish also became 13.36 per cent more expensive on an annual basis, while cereal prices were up 4.13 per cent.
Black money: India urges G-20 to take strong actions
India on Wednesday said it hopes the G-20 nations will pay heed to its call for a strong action on the issue of black money stashed in tax havens during their crucial summit in Cannes.
BAD NEWS! Diesel, LPG prices set to rise again
Time opportune before state polls as inflation is moderating.
Quality of life? India ranks at a dismal 134!
In the 2010 Human Development Report, prepared by UNDP, India had been ranked at 119 out of 169 countries.
VP Nandakumar: Man with the Midas touch
The man behind this miraculous growth is 57-year-old VP Nandakumar, the executive chairman of Manappuram Group. He took over the reigns of the shop in 1986 when his father fell ill.
Photos: Petrol is CHEAPEST in these 10 nations!
Demand, supply imbalance and taxes influence petrol and diesel prices.
Images: World's most STUNNING car parks
Some of the world's best car parking spaces and auto dealerships are architectural wonders.
How these 30 nations treat their women
85 per cent of countries have improved their gender equality ratios.
India at G20: Will big economies be able to deliver the goods?
Even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in the quaint, quiet resort of Cannes in southern France on Wednesday for the G20 Summit, the air was thick with doubt if the leaders of the world's largest economies would be able to deliver the goods and rein in the galloping debt crisis. reports from Cannes.
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| November 02, 2011 | | India may consider financing bailout of Eurozone: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday hinted at financing for sorting out Eurozone crisis after a credible assessment of solvency problem is made.
Jobs will woo 3 lakh NRIs to return by 2015
The finding also highlights that for a majority of reverse migrants, job satisfaction levels in India will outshine their previous overseas jobs within the next 2-3 years.
'Left govt's unrestrained borrowing led to Rs 1.92 lakh-cr debt'
In a telephonic conversation, Mitra explains to how the state is reeling under a huge debt, a 'legacy' of the Left government.
IMAGES: Technology at its best
Take a look at stunning photos from the technology world...
PM hopes G20 leaders will put global economy on track
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday expected the Summit of world's 20 leading economies to signal a 'strong and coordinated approach' to put the global economy back on track, while addressing medium term structural issues.
28 nations that pay LEAST and MOST bribes
Transparency International, a global anti-corruption group, has just released the Bribe Payers 2011 Index.
IN PIX: 10 countries with most billionaires
The 2011 Wealth Report published a list of 10 countries with most billionaires.
Is RBI's credit policy a volte-face?
explains how the central bank's acceptance of a new normal for inflation could drive future policy decisions.
PHOTOS: World's 17 biggest employers
While the world is going through tough economic times, there are some organisations that are adding jobs instead of cutting.
How to maximise WEALTH? Few golden tips
During high inflation times, calculate real returns to maximise wealth.
Pakistan grants MFN status to India
The MFN status, which means that Pakistan will give trade treatment to India at par with its other partners, is likely to boost bilateral economic ties.
PIX: InterGlobe launches Atom in India at Rs 85 lakh!
Diversified business house InterGlobe Enterprises on Wednesday said it has launched British sportscar maker Ariel Motor's Atom range of cars in India, priced up to Rs 85 lakh.
Is govt an enlightened shareholder?
Does the UPA govt have any other options if it wants to exploit its public sector assets to raise resources and bridge its fiscal deficit?
India improves score in global bribery index
In a list of 28 countries, India has been ranked 19th, while China and Russia were fared the worst, at 27th and 28th positions, respectively.
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| November 01, 2011 | | PM to take up India's concerns at G20 Summit in Cannes
The prime minister will be assisted by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, India's Sherpa to the G20 process.
Petrol prices likely to go up by Rs 1.82/litre
It remains to be seen if the government will concede to the demand of oil companies just before the winter session of Parliament.
Govt must reveal names of all 700 black money holders: BJP
BJP also demanded that the government make public the action taken to bring back Indian money stashed abroad and steps initiated to prosecute such tax evaders.
Govt disagrees with Wipro chief's remarks on governance
"I cannot agree with any statement which says that there is lack of governance. I cannot agree with that perception at all," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.
Auto majors record mixed sales in Oct; Maruti slips
Auto majors, except Maruti, register marginal growth in sales in October.
Planning to retire? Take a look at India's BEST places
These places are best suited for retirement in India, in terms of it's proximity to the city, medical and infrastructure facilities, good location with interesting local activities and places to explore, safety and a cosmopolitan outlook with low cost of living.
Occupy Wall Street gets a desi flavour
Occupy Wall Street protests have a distinct desi flavour that goes beyond the belief in militant non-violence.
IMAGES: The 4 closest rivals of Hyundai Eon
Maruti Alto or Hyundai Eon? The comparison is here!
How Wipro recorded positive growth despite global economic issues
We saw the highest growth coming in from BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) last quarter than any of our competitors. It has grown very well. But the others have also now stepped up their focus on BFSI.
Mumbai homes may just become CHEAPER
Home prices in Mumbai are headed for a sharp correction, while others may remain stagnant due to rising unsold stock, says a report from Bank of India Merrill Lynch.
Images: The making of the world's LARGEST gold coin
Australia has unveiled the world's largest gold coin, weighing a massive 1,000 kg to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth II.
New savings rate: A bonanza for small depositors
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has at last rung down the curtain on administered lending rates by freeing the interest rate on savings bank accounts.
Stunning PHOTOS: Rise of the megacities
Take a look at the rise of megacities across the world...
93-day Manipur economic blockade partially off
Senapati district happens to be inhabited largely by different communities of the Kukis, the Nepalis, and the Nagas. Within the district, Sadar Hills is dominated demographically by the Kukis.
Richard Branson lends a hand to tiger conservation
The 61-year British business tycoon flew into New Delhi on Saturday evening to help efforts in conservation of tiger, which he says his favourite animal.
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| October 31, 2011 | | India growth projection at 7.6% for 2011-12: Citigroup
Maintaining its growth forecast for the Indian economy at 7.6 per cent for 2011-12, financial services major Citigroup on Monday said higher farm output is expected to offset sluggishness in the industrial sector.
Who is to blame for America's financial mess?
The money from America that ends up abroad brings prosperity and generates more jobs at the cost of jobs in the US.
Global giants plan thousands of job cuts to save costs
More than 1,35,000 job cuts have been announced by just about a dozen multi-national companies in past few months in their efforts to slash costs and those from the financial services space are among the worst hit.
Prices will begin to drop soon, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said that inflation will start easing soon as the government's efforts to remove supply-side bottlenecks have started yielding results.
Catch a glimpse of the NEW Renault Pulse
Powered by a new 1.5L diesel engine, Renault Pulse delivers an impressive mileage of 23 kmpl.
How PSU giants are eating up India's precious resources
Historically, public sector units were conceived of under the assumption that they will control the 'commanding heights' of the Indian economy, which were necessary for rapid industrial growth but where private investment was unwilling to enter.
EU's rescue plan offers temporary reprieve
Perhaps the most important thing that has come out of it is clarity about the extent of private sector involvement in the Greek bail-out programme.
S Ramadorai on life after TCS
S Ramadorai is now the vice-chairman of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) after being its MD and CEO for a decade. He is also advisor to the Prime Minister on the National Skill Development Council (NSDC).
A big food crisis likely, prices to RISE further
Catastrophic flooding and crop losses in Thailand - the world's leading rice exporter - are raising concerns that another food crisis may be in the offing.
AI to train pilots for Boeing 787 in Singapore
Air India will train its pilots in Singapore for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, due for delivery from December. The move is sparking a protest from one of its pilots' unions, on promotion issues.
India needs change in policies to boost manufacturing
India needs manufacturing sector growth for a variety of reasons.
Qantas resumes operations after 44-hour shutdown
The first Qantas domestic flight took off from the airport in Melbourne with passengers cheering as boarding began after the airline was grounded on Saturday following series of union issues.
'Occupy Dalal Street' seeks the spotlight
Starting this Friday, Prakash Reddy, secretary of the Communist Party of India, plans to occupy Dalal Street accompanied by whoever he manages to woo by then.
COLUMN: Fixing India's broken education system
Education is merely seen as a means to further one's career. A bunch of entrepreneurs are trying to change this.
The rise and fall of Rajat Gupta
From a man used to rubbing shoulders with the most powerful businessmen in the world, Rajat Gupta is now staring at a lengthy prison sentence.
Population @ 7 billion: Chilling IMAGES from around the globe
Overpopulation is the biggest threat to our planet.
Japan Delhi Metro's knight in shining armour again
Sharp jump in soft loans to help DMRC finance surge in construction cost.
Wipro Q2 net up 1.24% at Rs 1,300 cr
Last year, the company had posted a net profit of Rs 1,284.9 crore (Rs 12.84 billion) for the second quarter, as per international accounting standards.
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| October 30, 2011 | | Niira Radia exits communication consultancy biz
In a surprise move, Niira Radia, owner and promoter of Vaishnavi Group which has the mandate from Tata Group and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd, has announced her exit from the business of communication consultancy.
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| October 28, 2011 | | Sulking Maya complains against Jairam to PM
Accusing Jairam of making a mountain out of a molehill, she has sought to draw the prime minister's attention to the minister's bid to generalise some information.
COLUMN: Can Occupy London transform the financial world?
The encampment of protestors started out in the square at the front of the towering St Paul's cathedral, one of London's best loved landmarks.
Post-Diwali investors richer by Rs 1,500,000,000,000
A strong rally in the stock market, the biggest in the last two months, on Friday added an estimated Rs 1.5 lakh crore to the investors' wealth.
Meet the wannabe poster boys of e-commerce
Flipkart's Sachin and Binny Bansal may have become the poster boys of the Indian e-commerce industry, but there are a host of others who are emerging from the shadows.
SPECIAL: The changing face of Sivakasi
Sivakasi of today is not the Sivakasi of yesteryear.
What kind of superpower will China be?
By 2030, China will exercise dominance while still being only an upper middle-income country.
World's 25 best firms to work for, Microsoft No.1
Software giant Microsoft has topped a list of the world's best multinational companies to work for, where all the top-ten positions have been bagged by American firms.
Savings rate deregulation: How does it affect you?
The deregulation has also helped build efficiency in the system where there is not much difference between savings deposit rates and market rate. There is no reason why India should not have this norm as well.
Mangu Singh: The man who will run Delhi Metro
Mangu Singh will take over from E Sreedharan.
EXCLUSIVE! It's Maharashtra's turn to draw flak on rural jobs
Ramesh wants Maharashtra to be a pace setter.
PHOTOS: World's 20 most generous nations
A report, released recently by the British-based Charities Aid Foundation, showed striking variations in charitable behaviour across the world.
Indian airlines go on penny-pinching spree!
Amid surging oil prices and depreciating rupee, Indian carriers are becoming frugal.
IMAGES: This is where the Internet was born
The original lab, which for years had been used as a classroom, has been recreated as it was in 1969.
2G scam: How Raja's secretary overruled advice
Instructions of the personal secretary to the minister were taken as instructions of the minister himself.
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| October 27, 2011 | | Rajat Gupta's arrest sends shockwaves through ISB
The $130-million world class premier Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, a brain child of Rajat Gupta, was nurtured by him and his other colleagues in McKinsey through the nineties and the last decade.
A childhood friend on why Rajat Gupta surrendered on Diwali
Julka recalls that after the May conviction of Gupta's billionaire friend hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, Gupta seemed worried and nervous about his own future.
IN PIX: India's 25 richest people
The combined wealth of India's 100 richest people is down 20 per cent from a year ago to $241 billion.
Nokia launches 'Asha' with eye on India
Nokia has launched two new phones.
Food inflation rises sharply to 11.43 per cent
Food inflation, as measured by Wholesale Price Index, stood at 10.60 per cent in the previous week.
REVEALED: The New BMW 3-series
German carmaker BMW AG has unveiled its longer, lighter version of its core 3-Series midsize car.
PHOTOS: Dreamliner takes off on maiden flight
The All Nippon Airways Flight NH7871 left Tokyo shortly after noon, arriving four hours and eight minutes later to be greeted by traditional dance and music.
World population to hit 7 bn on Oct 31
The UN urges the global community to seize the opportunity and invest in health and education of its youth.
Gupta pleads not guilty in insider trading, released on bail
He will be arraigned before US District Judge Jed Rakoff in the US District Court, Southern District of New York.
IMAGES: World's 10 busiest ports!
Global consumer demand dictates the flow of container shipping.
Internet surfers: Mumbai scores, Bangalore falls
The survey found that towns with less than 2 lakh population collectively returned a much higher number of internet users that the top four metros put together.
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| October 25, 2011 | | Ashok Soota on starting from scratch at age 69
For MindTree, he met the other co-founders through the VC. He is enjoying himself thoroughly and "excited and very pleased with the team" he has been able to build. Given the depth of experience assembled, he considers it "the strongest start-up team for an IT services company."
COLUMN: Will America see economic revolution?
US financial sector not only dominates the US economy, it also in effect controls the US politics, policies and programmes.
RBI rate hike: Home, auto loans to be costlier
Banks have not raised interest rates following the September review of credit policy.
COLUMN: What it takes to be Ratan Tata?
Those in charge of the search for a suitable successor to , who heads the group that bears his name, seem to be sweating for a solution.
RBI frees savings bank interest rate, depositors may get more
While freeing interest rates on savings bank accounts, the RBI has said that banks will have to offer a uniform interest rate on deposits of up to Rs 100,000.
NREGA fraud: Where is the money, Jairam asks Maya
The National Level Monitors have pointed out grave irregularities in the NREGA scheme in Uttar Pradesh.
IMAGES: Amazing interiors of Boeing's business jet
The Boeing Business Jet series are variants of Boeing airliners for the corporate jet market.
Bad News! RBI hikes rates by another 25 bps
Reserve Bank on Tuesday raised key interest rates by 25 basis points, its 13th such hike since March, 2010.
Investing in gold? MUST READ this!
India (NRIs included) goes crazy about gold jewellery.
India to grow FASTER than China in 2013
Bolstered by industrialisation, India is projected to grow at a faster clip than neighbouring China with a 9 per cent economic expansion in 2013, says a report by global consultancy firm Ernst & Young.
What's on offer for home buyers?
Real estate firms are facing a cash crunch because of low sales, increasing inventory costs and higher cost of funds.
Indians pay the HIGHEST for petrol and diesel!
Petrol costs less than a dollar in the OPEC region.
Why India is grappling with labour issues
Although India is a labour-surplus economy with an unlimited number of workers willing to work at a subsistence wage a paradoxical feature of the labour market is the rising incidence of scarcity or shortages amid a situation of potential plenty.
This is how India can sustain its growth
In 2008-09 boosting consumption helped sustain growth. Now it's investment that needs a boost.
IMAGES: World's most and least happy countries!
A new report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development offers a comprehensive picture of people's lives in 40 countries worldwide.
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| October 24, 2011 | | 'India's environment for entrepreneurship positive'
Fourth edition of TiE Chennai's TiECON, Chennai 2011 will be held on November 24.
BAD NEWS! India Inc set to register worst growth
Costly inputs, dearer loans, volatile rupee squeeze profits, margins in Q2.
Prince Charles plans to turn Buckingham Palace into hotel
According to sources quoted in the upcoming book penned by BBC broadcaster Andrew Marr, the 62-year-old Prince wants to put his own stamp on monarchy by formulating a 'detailed plan for a first year of change under King Charles III'.
Is it time to privatise oil trade in India?
Indian consumers and oil companies are losing out because buying remains a government monopoly.
Diwali 2011: India Inc's wishlist
Gadgets and gizmos that the big bosses of the business world are hoping to lay their hands on this gifting season.
IMAGES: The stunning Rs 2.69 lakh Hyundai Eon
The Hyundai Eon is all set to take the game to the Maruti Suzuki Alto.
Yashwant Sinha on DTC and Services Tax
As chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on finance, former finance minister, Yashwant Sinha, says he is committed to expediting the legislative work associated with important Bills, including the direct taxes code (DTC) and Goods and Servies Tax.
'Mean' Jobs admired Facebook CEO Zuckerberg
Apple's late co-founder Steve Jobs, who is described by his biographer as being "brittle and very mean to people," had high regards for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and admired his Silicon valley counterpart for "not selling out."
Tatas mull Group CEO post to ease chairman's workload
This move is seen as a way to create an enabling structure for the new chairman, where he or she will have the support of an experienced team to share some of the responsibilities in running the conglomerate through Tata Sons.
Will Mysore play host to mass rapid transit system?
Now that Bangalore has the 'Namma Metro', will Mysore too play host to a mass rapid transit system?
REVEALED! Steve Jobs learnt intuition in India
Walter Isaacson says Jobs' design sense was greatly influenced by the "simplicities of Zen Buddhism."
Images: 28 nations with highest UNEMPLOYMENT rate
There is no doubt that the global economic crisis has further exposed the fragility of youth in the labour market.
Early birds catch very little worm
Costly inputs, dearer loans, volatile rupee squeeze profits, margins in Q2.
Images: Onboard the STUNNING Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic has one of the best accommodation facilities, dining and entertainment avenues for passengers on a luxury cruise.
World's top 20 RICE producing nations
One of the reasons why food prices are increasing all across the world is the shortfall in agricultural output.
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| October 21, 2011 | | Human Development Index: Kerala No. 1, Delhi 2nd
The Human Development Index in the country rose by 21 per cent, according to a report which cautions that health, nutrition and sanitation remain the key challenges for India.
Manesar strike loss pegged at Rs 700 cr
The agreement provides for reinstatement of 64 dismissed permanent workers by MSI, which will also take back 1,200 casual workers.
Govt working to make private sector bribery criminal: PM
Speaking at the Biennial Conference of CBI and state anti-corruption bureaux, the Prime Minister said India has ratified UN Conventions against corruption and to meet its requirements a slew of measures which include amendments in laws pertaining to anti-graft measures.
IMAGES: 12 hatchbacks that cost between Rs 300,000 and Rs 500,000
Indians are offered ample choice in the Rs 300,000 - Rs 500,000 category, where consumers can buy a car, which is not only loaded with remarkable features but is also high on brand value.
Why Greece can't be rescued, but is still being rescued!
If profligate Greece defaults on its debt, it will pull down many other European economies, says .
IMAGES: 29 countries with most economic freedom
In some countries opening and running a business is as easy as travelling from one city to another, while in some it means battling layers of bureaucracy.
In Pix: ICICI's Chanda Kochhar is among the world's sexiest CEOs
Chief executive officers (CEOs) are known not just for their outstanding capabilities, they are also famous as style icons.
IMAGES: World's 10 most precious gems
We present here a list of some of the world's most precious, rare and valuable gems.
SBI hikes home loan tenure to 30 years
Rising rates prompt extension by 10 more years; others may follow suit.
Firms in India, China, US facing high FRAUD risk
Organizations operating in multiple geographies, legal environments and cultures face a complex set of challenges and risks as they develop their business.
How to eliminate corruption? Abolish the laws
Inexplicably, the Law Minister does not realise that all these economic crimes are highly damaging to our economy and social fabric.
IMAGES: World's most business-friendly countries
While some countries are business friendly, others are not.
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| October 20, 2011 | | Telecom ministry targets Rs 650,000-crore investment!
According to a background note prepared for the Economic Editors conference, the Telecom Ministry has made a provision of adding 1,200 million new telephone connections by 2017.
Maruti's next auto hub: Will Gujarat clinch the deal?
It is a raging battle between the states as automobile companies explore ideal locations to set up manufacturing bases.
Bad news! Food inflation zooms to 10.60%
Food inflation is back in double digits after a gap of a month-and-a-half and stood at 10.60 per cent for the week ending October 8 on the back of costlier vegetables, fruits, milk and protein-based items.
Stunning PICS: World's longest suspension bridges
These bridges are one of the world's best engineering marvels.
IMAGES: Bengaluru's swanky metro rail starts service
The IT capital's much awaited Bangalore's metro rail service, 'Namma Metro' will start operations from 20 October, 2011.
IMAGES: Stunning buildings in 10 future cities
With cities getting cluttered with concrete jungles, there is a need for innovative building designs.
17 countries that waste MOST food
With people consuming more every day, the problem of waste is increasing.
Indian market not cheaper than global peers
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex has declined 17 per cent in this calendar year and has underperformed the US and European markets.
Average wealth of an Indian triples to Rs 270,000
Still, the average wealth for Indians was way below the global average of $51,000.
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| October 19, 2011 | | Know about UPA ministers' travel travails
Ministers in UPA-II had undertaken over 460 official foreign trips in the first 18 months of its tenure and spent more than 1,800 days abroad.
IMAGES: World's amazing monorail systems
Monorail is an advanced transportation system based on a single rail, which acts as its support and guide way.
Is the quality of IIT students declining?
Yes, thanks to coaching classes and, paradoxically, the IIT brand but let's also give credit where it is due.
Slowdown to hit economy, inflation to moderate soon: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the global slowdown will impact India's growth prospects, but expressed hope that inflation will start moderating from December.
How to get the right health cover under portability
"Customers can only take the policy in totality. So it's important to understand the benefits offered under the existing health policy and to match those with the plan one wishes to port to," says Apollo Munich Health Insurance CEO Antony Jacob.
Mumbai's changing face hurts dabbawalas' growth
Craze for fast food and growing trend among the youngsters to eat out have led to near stagnation in the customer base of famed Mumbai dabbawalas.
IMAGES: Top 10 gold producing nations
British Geological Survey accessed in September 2011 produced a list of countries by production of gold.
IMAGES: World's 10 biggest cruise ships
The oceans are full of beautiful and massive cruise liners.
You've got mail, it has a fake job offer
TCS, on the careers page of its web site, has put an alert about fake job offers. It has also created a toll-free TCS Careers Serviceline (1800-209-3111) for people to report such job alerts.
Photos: The rich-poor divide in Mumbai
One of the world's top 10 centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow, Mumbai is also home to Asia's largest slum.
IMAGES: Countries with most broadband connections
With the increase in the number of Internet users, demand for broadband connection is also growing.
IMAGES: These cars cost less than Rs 300,000!
Indian consumers with their inherent nature to choose a good value proposition place a low cost hatchback on top of their priority list.
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| October 18, 2011 | | Best ways to invest for your child's future
Planning for your child's future is very crucial to your child's well-being. There are certain points which one should keep in mind before choosing the investment options as it will help you generate optimum capital in future.
Tips on how to manage your home loan smartly
Taking informed decisions to manage the asset that we call home and the liability that we call housing loan. By being prudent, you can get high "returns" in the form of saving on interest outflow.
Intel gears up to woo the Indian consumer
With its Ultrabooks, leading chipmaker, Intel, has brought enterprise features like cloud services, lighter devices with longer battery periods and remote data security on devices like laptops, smartphones and PCs to the consumer.
All about EMI and loan repayment
In the current scenario of rising interest rates, it is vital that you understand important elements in the loan-taking process.
Tourists flock to Kashmir, highest in 25 years!
With tourists coming back to the valley since early spring, Kashmir and its people are brimming with joy.
Why TCS failed to impress post-Infosys cheer
Posts a fall in net profit sequentially despite clocking higher volume growth.
Two contrasting realities rule Asia, says ADB
While the world's largest and the most populous continent has more than doubled its share in the global gross domestic product from 15 per cent in 1950 to 35 per cent currently, billions of its people do not get even basic amenities of life, the Philippines-based institutions president Haruhiko Kuroda said.
EXPLAINED! Why the US dollar is still in demand
At the beginning of September 100 dollars could buy 70 euros, now they can buy 72.5 euros.
China's Q3 GDP slows down to 9.1% on drop in exports
Hit hard by a sharp drop in its trade surplus due to decreasing exports and rising inflation, China's GDP growth rate slowed to 9.1 per cent in the third quarter, the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2010, sparking concerns about a possible hard landing of its economy.
11 things that you can do through ATMs, now
A visit to an ATM today can help you accomplish myriad value-added transaction services like utility payments, pre-paid mobile re-charge, credit card payments, tax payments and much more.
Highways: At less than 9 km a day, it is still in slow lane
The National Highways Authority of India and the road transport ministry together have constructed 1,314 km of highways in the current financial year till August 31.
15 countries with BIGGEST oil reserves
Big movements in the price of oil can have significant impact on the economy.
IMAGES: Bengaluru's swanky metro rail to start on Oct 20
The IT capital's much awaited Bangalore's metro rail service, 'Namma Metro' will start operations from 20 October, 2011.
BMW to launch Rs 25-lakh Mini in India next year
The company also said it will set up separate showrooms for the brand and aims to have up to 12 dealerships across the country for the Mini in the coming years.
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| October 17, 2011 | | 'Better India-Pak trade will be win-win for all'
Pakistan is not raising revenues to the optimum extent. The tax to the GDP ratio is below 10 per cent.
SPECIAL: The secrets behind Titan's success
With a smart combination of edgy design and value pricing Titan's Fastrack has managed to keep a firm grasp on the capricious youth market.
8 reasons why food prices are rising globally, and MORE
It is not just India that is witnessing a continuous increase in food prices.
Many see lack of focus in Occupy Wall Street movement
The protests that began on September 17 by a small group of people in Manhattan have snowballed into a movement against the financial institutions, income inequality and corporate bailouts with thousands taking to the streets and courting arrests.
What is not so 'saral' or 'sahaj' about IT returns
The forms for simplified income tax returns are anything but Saral, Sahaj and Sugam: for many readers these would have a familiar ring particularly in the month of July.
Can Sidhartha Mallya turn Kingfisher to 'good times'?
A familiar face in the glamour circles, Sidhartha Mallya is being groomed to eventually step into his father's shoes.
IMAGES: Look at the building boom world over!
Fast paced urbanisation has taken a toll on the environment.
IMAGES: Top 10 tablet PCs in India
Tablet PCs are getting bolder, sleeker and more alluring than ever. What more? The market is only getting bigger and the competition more fierce.
Sharing tax info: India expresses concern
During a short halt at Tabriz airport in Iran on his way back home, Mukherjee gave i a brief account of the summit, euro zone crisis and what it meant for India.
IMAGES: World's top 15 car manufacturers
China, United States and Japan are the world's top automobile manufacturing countries.
The framework behind executive compensation in India
A recent study by Indian Business School, Hyderabad says that Chief executive officers (CEOs) in India are paid considerably higher compensation than executive directors.
Global rich list: Indians one of the WEALTHIEST
A research company has unveiled the results of the biggest global study into the attitudes and investment priorities of the affluent.
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| October 14, 2011 | | Pranab's prescription to tackle global economic woes
Amid fears of double-dip recession, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday called for concerted action by G-20 nations to provide impetus to the world economy and deal with the related problems.
Billionaire's prison pay: 17 cents an hour cleaning toilets!
He might have presided over assets worth billions of dollars, but Raj Rajaratnam will have to work for 12 to 17 cents an hour cleaning the kitchen or the toilet in prison.
The man behind Rajaratnam's sentencing
Raj Rajaratnam's 11-year sentence might be far less than what United States District Attorney Preet Bharara sought, but the legal eagle and his team have won a "huge victory," felt Ravi Batra, another high-profile desi lawyer in Manhattan.
Rajaratnam's sentencing: A warning to Wall Street!
The sentence -- which some legal considered light -- seemed to be the result of the consideration by the court that Rajaratnam, 54, was apparently in poor health and despite being on the wrong side of the law, had contributed over the years to charities and for benevolent activities.
Dennis Ritchie - Father of Unix and C dies at 70
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, working at Bell Labs, Ritchie made a pair of lasting and very significant contributions to computer science.
IMAGES: Must-see unusual, innovative products!
Take a look at some amazing products from across the world
Australia bets on Indians to triple tourism revenue
Tourist arrivals declined by 6% in Australia after attacks on Indian students.
Slowdown effect: 30% fall in Mumbai realty biz
The government and realty players have admitted that the prices are likely to move upwards and the supply would be affected.
How to get discounts from your mobile app
So, here's another app -- Red Anar -- that not only allows you to explore a city, but also promises to find offers and promotions near you. How's that? Read on . . .
6 tricks that malls use to make you buy MORE
Here is a list of six things that I learnt about how the mall environment can encourage you to buy more.
IMAGES: The stunning Rs 76 lakh Volkswagen Phaeton!
The decision to release the Phaeton was, in part, a response to Mercedes' decision to compete directly with Volkswagen in the European marketplace with the low-cost A-Class.
Govt not using tax money ideally: Shaw
"My view on taxation levels in India is that it is at a reasonable level and I think what is more important is how the government uses taxpayers' money," said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the Chairman and Managing Director of Biocon, India's largest biotech company by revenue, said.
World's 9 most-famous insider trading cases
There are some who play by the book and there are some who don't. Stock markets are no different.
Income inequality: Where does India stand globally?
With India witnessing massive economic growth, there is a feeling that the gap between the rich and the poor is getting increasingly bigger.
Why US is keen to forge 'education ties' with India
Ron Somers, president of the US-India Business Council, said that the reason the USIBC is so keen to deepen linkages with India across the education sector is 'because our knowledge partnership with India depends on it.'
India vs China: Battle of the tigers
It is no secret that India and China are in a race to become the biggest Asian tiger.
PICTURES: 10 most expensive laptops
Some cost just about a few thousands of dollars but some are worth more than a million.
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| October 13, 2011 | | Rajaratnam gets 11-year sentence
The sentencing caps a prosecution, marked by secret wiretaps of Rajaratnam and his associates that shocked the investment world.
Inflation, faltering growth hitting the rich
The rise in the toasted category of high networth individuals in the country is getting affected in the 'high inflation, slow growth' scenario being witnessed at present, a top official of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management said in Mumbai on Thursday.
PHOTOS: Hyundai Eon unveiled, starting at Rs 2.69 lakh!
Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Co on Thursday launched entry level compact car Eon that has been developed specifically for the Indian market, at an introductory price of between Rs 2.69 lakh (Rs 269,000) and Rs 3.71 lakh (Rs 371,000), ex-showroom Delhi.
Clear your tax dues for seamless transfers
According to the Income Tax Act, certain transfers can be considered void without a tax-clearance certificate (Section 281B).
Corporate culture: Why US beats India!
The practice of corporate inheritance is so ingrained in Indian corporate culture that no one really thinks about it.
Users get BlackBerry blues, corporate productivity hit
Financial institutions, banks and other companies, which use enterprise email services by BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion, were affected.
US seeks stronger educational ties with India
US Deputy Secretary of State Williams J Burns said that several Indian leaders -- both business and political -- educated in the US are testament to the quality of an American education.
International tourist arrivals: Top 10 countries
India does not figure in the list of top 10 countries that saw the highest number of international tourists in 2010.
South Africa: Dream meets reality
Only time will tell how well the rainbow shines in the African sun.
20 countries with best and worst Internet speed
A study conducted by Pando Networks reveals the speed and reliability of Internet connections around the world with some surprising findings.
PHOTOS: India's impressive railway stations
India has over 7,000 railway stations.
IMAGES: World's 20 largest economies
The United States' reign as the world's largest economy will end in less than a decade. China is all set to surge ahead as the world's biggest economy.
Lenovo tablets to take on Samsung, Apple
After increasing its market share from 7.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2010 to 10 per cent in the first quarter this year, Lenovo India is ready to take on Apple, Samsung and domestic tablet PC vendors with its own Lenovo Ideapad and Thinkpad tablets.
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| October 12, 2011 | | World's 20 least hungry nations; India's record worsens!
According to the Global Hunger Index released by the International Food Policy Research Institute, India ranks 67th out of 84 countries, having slipped by 2 ranks since the last year, with a hunger rate of 23.7.
India's IT sector grew 19% in FY'11
The growth is a significant recovery for the industry, which recorded just 8 per cent growth in 2009-10.
Trai to showcause telcos over 3G
The telcos have been offering 3G services through roaming agreements among themselves.
5 Satyam accounting fraud accused get bail
The former Satyam employees, who were granted bail, were its former internal chief auditor V S Prabhakar Gupta besides executives G Ramakrishna, D Venkatpathi Raju and Ch Srisailam. The fifth accused, who got the bail, is PWC's former auditor Subramani Gopalakrishnan.
All new Hyundai EON to cost below Rs 300,000
Apart from pricing it attractively, Hyundai has taken enough precaution to see that EON's quality, at no point, has been compromised.
Jobs death livens up sales of books and memorabilia
Several online stores have listed Steve Jobs books as top sellers after the man behind the iconic i-products passed away last week. Faced with huge demand, many stores across cities have had to put up 'out of stock' signs.
Spectre of zero production looms at Maruti
Workers across Suzuki Motor Corporation's three subsidiaries in the country are standing firm on their decision to continue an indefinite sit-in strike at the company's Manesar facility.
World's 10 most influential companies
There are some companies that not only play not only a big role in their own industry, but also reshape the corporate world.
Sebi consent order on RIL may be delayed
The RIL order is critical as the estimated penalty amount of Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion) could be the highest ever levied by Sebi.
Seven billionth person will be born on Oct 31
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the world needs sustainable development.
What do super-rich Americans own? Nearly the whole country!
Rich are increasingly accumulating a greater share of the national wealth.
How big is Facebook? Let's find out
At a recent conference Facebook revealed that they now have 800 million active users.
How Raymond CMD plans a turnaround
In an interaction with Business Standard, chairman and managing director Gautam Hari Singhania talks about the company's plans.
Maruti strike costs govt Rs 350 crore in excise duty
A series of strikes at the country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant since June this year has resulted in excise revenue losses to the tune of nearly Rs 350 crore (Rs 3.50 billion) for the government, while the company has already suffered a hit of up to Rs 1,540 crore (Rs 15.40 billion).
IMAGES: 36 cities that will shape India's future!
GIREM 36 is focusing on a new strategy to develop smaller cities as a magnet for allied investments in development of key areas of infrastructure, education and research, and industry.
Infosys' consolidated Q2 net up 9.72%
Its revenue rises to Rs 8,099 crore.
Lenovo unveils Android tablets in novel launch
Lenovo, one of the fastest growing PC makers on Tuesday amongst much fanfare launched its IdeaPad K1 and ThinkPad tablets in India.
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| October 11, 2011 | | Government considering raising FDI cap in single-brand retail
"We are seriously considering raising the bar further- that means to allow increased FDI," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said at a CII event on Indian luxury market.
Botched debate over poverty line: A Catch-22 for UPA?
The manner in which the government and the political opposition in Delhi have been guilt-tripped into this debate on the poverty line is a reflection of a broader phenomenon that has taken root within the minds of the thinking class at large, says .
Beware of fake job offers in the IT industry!
The IT and ITeS Industry Association of Andhra Pradesh (ITsAP) has cautioned the youth to be vigilant over fake job offers in these sectors.
PHOTOS: Amazing view of China's richest village!
China's richest village Huaxi has a new landmark - a stunning 74-storey International Hotel.
Biggest worry for economy? Idea-less economists!
When it comes to newer prescriptions, there is not much in the form of solution on offer by economists even from the IMF stable. Every report, including this one in September 2011, is a mere rehash of existing ideas, theories and ideologies.
Should you invest in gold? The pros and cons
Is there any one avenue, where your hard earned money will not only be safe, but also give you the maximum return?
Crack this case and win Rs 25,000!
All you have to do is read the case, see the question you have to answer on the last slide, click on The Smart Manager logo below, and post your solutions by October 16, 2011. All the best!
What do Wall Street protests mean for India?
As the agitation, which claims to speak for 99 per cent Americans, spreads to many cities across the United States of America it is evoking a range of responses here -- from admiration to scorn.
Calculating poverty: How India does it!
There is certainly something missing with the way poverty is measured in India.
World's 20 most valuable brands
Seven of the top 10 brands, four of the five biggest risers and the one of the few new entrants to the Best Global Brands report are from the tech sector.
Surviving the legacy: Ness Wadia's biggest challenge
Bombay Burmah sees quick divestments, eyes buyouts.
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| October 10, 2011 | | Fewer Indians will buy cars in 2012: SIAM
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers had earlier revised the sales forecast for financial year 2012 downwards for the passenger cars at 10-12 per cent in July against 16-18 per cent announced at the beginning of the fiscal.
American duo wins Economics Nobel; more interesting facts
In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden's central bank) established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
Corruption: Bigwigs write 2nd open letter to leaders
A group of prominent personalities, including industrialists Azim Premji, Keshub Mahindra and Deepak Parekh, have expressed concern over a series of scams leading to 'governance deficit', but said that national challenges like fighting corruption cannot be solved by urban protests and posturing.
India's car sales slip; bikes zoom 20% in Sep
According to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers on Monday, motorcycle sales in the country grew by 19.92 per cent during the month to 9,33,465 units from 7,78,351 units in the corresponding month last year.
New formula to cut inflation: Cut salaries by half!
Farm activists say low MSP is fine, if salaries revised under the Sixth Pay Commission are lowered.
Why early birds end up RICHER
Compounding advantage helps even those investing for a limited period.
Why corporate India is on a green hiring drive
While the reason for this may be genuine concern for the environment in the case of some firms, others may have gone ahead with the exercise simply to be branded as 'green' firms.
Plan panel, DIPP slugfest: PM to mediate
The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion and Planning Commission member Arun Maira are sticking to their guns on foreign direct investment in the pharmaceutical sector.
How work culture in India differs from rest of the world
In an increasingly global business world, where teams work across borders, understanding different work cultures is the key to success.
Tatas may bring Starbucks to India
Starbucks, which runs the world's largest coffee shop chain and enjoys cult status among coffee lovers, has been trying to enter India for many years, but has been unsuccessful in its efforts so far.
Why Indian stocks are sensitive to dollar movement
Since its low on July 26, the US dollar index has gained a little over eight per cent. In the same period, the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, or Sensex, has lost 12.4 per cent, establishing a negative correlation of about 1.5 times.
How Nokia is trying to make a comeback in India
The phone maker seeks to protect market share via budget smart phones, dual-SIM devices and more.
The 'bogey' of green clearances
Environment is holding up growth and economic development is a common refrain.
IMAGES: Four closest rivals of iPhone 4S
Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed the hardware that would be packed inside the iPhone 4S.
How Steve Jobs changed Apple with the greatest ad
It's what made Apple famous. '1984' wasn't just about personal computers. It was more personal than that.
How PC architecture will give way to mobiles
Peter Sondergaard, senior vice-president at Gartner, thinks Indian service providers are capable of dealing with the shift mainly because of their broad understanding of business processes.
2G spectrum loss? It's actually a boon for mobile users!
The 'presumptive loss to the exchequer' from 2G allocations actually represents a huge benefit to citizens.
CBI books Maran brothers in Aircel-Maxis deal
After registering the case, the agency carried out searches at the premises of Maran brothers in Delhi and Chennai.
RICH households: India ranks 2nd after US
Strange as it may sound, with as many as one-third of its population still living in poverty, the country is also home to the second largest number of affluent people with a whopping three million households which have over $1 lakh of investible funds.
Services negative list likely in next Budget
In a negative list approach, barring a few services listed by the government, all others will be taxed.
PHOTOS: India's amazing railway bridges
The Indian Railways has some of the best railway bridges in the world.
Naresh Goyal's next plan: Operate a low-cost carrier!
Kingfisher's departure from the Low Cost Carrier (LCC) segment shows that running an LCC is no cakewalk, requiring a whole new management philosophy.
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| October 07, 2011 | | Tata Motors launches Manza, Prima in South Africa
Tata Motors is showcasing its Manza sedan and Prima range of world trucks at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in South Africa, with plans to formally launch these vehicles in the country early next year.
EXCLUSIVE: The man who blew the whistle on Swiss banks!
A former employee of Swiss bank Julius Baer, Rudolf Elmer shot into limelight as a whistleblower in 2008.
Sino-Indian trade marked by caution and suspicion
More than 200 Indian companies have invested in China.
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's portfolio: One up on Dalal Street
While many are sweating in the current environment, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's portfolio has done well and seen new additions.
Ravi Pillai: Amazing journey of the 'Ambani of the Gulf'
Ravi Pillai, is the founder-managing director of the Bahrain-based construction services major Naseer S Al Hajri Corporation (NSH), and Petrochem, Saudi Arabia. With 60,000 people working for him, he is the largest employer of Indians in the Middle East. His company has a turnover of $2.5 billion.
Porting polices? Wait and watch, say experts
Health portability came into force this month. However, financial planner Gajendra Kothari is advising health insurance clients to wait and watch before shifting one's insurer.
Jobs was in tight control of his choices till his final days
In his final months, Jobs' concerns were for people who depended on him, 'the people who worked for him at Apple and his four children and his wife,' a report in the New York Times quoted his sister Mona Simpson as saying.
Why rich nations are not happier than poor countries
The policy lesson from the complex relationship between income growth and well-being is to accelerate growth.
Steve Jobs: Turning smallest ideas into life-changing products
Steve Jobs (1955-2011) showed what it takes to turn the smallest of ideas into life-changing products, says .
6 lessons from brand Anna for marketers
Hazare campaign has some valuable pointers for marketers.
Jobs agreed to biography as he wanted his children to know him
In his final weeks, a severely ill Jobs had met Isaacson, the author of his biography Steve Jobs at his Palo Alto, California home.
Markets jump 3%, metals and bankex rally
The markets across the globe advanced after the European Central Bank announced a series of policy measures aimed at raising liquidity in European banks, easing concerns that an escalating debt crisis could trigger the collapse of European banks.
REVEALED! 7 cars that will soon blaze Indian roads
Diwali, considered as one of the the most auspicious times for new launches, will witness cars of all contours -- right from hatchbacks and sedans to tight-built SUVs.
7 Indian cities to see shortage of 2.3 mn homes
The study further said the mid-range housing segment is expected to drive the maximum demand of 45 per cent.
Down South, women shake up male job bastions
Whether it is in medicine, hospitals or the testosterone-dominated world of tractors, a surprising number of women have inherited the top job down south. Here is the first in a series on women who have taken charge of a traditionally male-dominated world.
Financial secrecy: Blame these 20 nations!
Financial secrecy takes place when there is a refusal to share this information with the legitimate authorities, in order to tax wealthy taxpayers appropriately or to enforce its criminal laws.
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| October 06, 2011 | | The incredible success story of Steve Jobs
From a college dropout to heading an over $350 billion Apple empire, Steve Jobs dramatically transformed the worlds of personal computing, music and mobile phones, ushering in a new digital era.
Steve Jobs: The monk who left India to make i-Products
The cost factor notwithstanding, the products that Jobs brought to this world achieved unmatched fashion value and cult status across the world, including in India.
Indians remember Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs had been struggling with health issues for quite some time.
Tears and tributes for Steve Jobs
The world today mourns the death of Apple's iconic visionary Steve Jobs.
Must read! Steve Jobs and his words of wisdom
On Thursday, Steve Jobs resigned as Apple's chief executive officer and named Tim Cook as his successor.
PHOTOS: The many faces of Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, billionaire co-founder of Apple and the genius behind revolutionary products that stunned the world and made his company one of the world's top technology companies, died in California at the age of 56 on Wednesday.
Apple founder Steve Jobs dies at 56
In a somber statement on Wednesday, the Apple board of directors said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."
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| October 05, 2011 | | India unveils world's cheapest tablet PC at $35!
Tablet PC, named Aakash, will cost the government Rs 2,276.
New rules to stop Indian workers settling in UK
Currently, immigration rules allow non-EU professionals to settle in Britain indefinitely after working for five years.
Rolls-Royce launches new Ghost at Rs 3 crore
Ghost Extended Wheelbase is powered by a 6.6 litre petrol engine.
Moody's reaffirms ICICI Bank ratings, calls it robust
A day after downgrading its rating of public sector lender SBI's financial strength, Moody's on Wednesday re-affirmed its rating for ICICI Bank and said the private sector lender continues to maintain a robust franchise and a strong liquidity, capitalisation and earnings profile.
IMAGES: Finally it's here! The Apple iPhone 4S
The iPhone 4S is packed with a variety of new features, including Apple's dual-core A5 chip for fast performance and vivid graphics, an all-new camera with advanced optics, full 1080p HD resolution video recording and and Siri, an assistant that helps get things done just by asking.
India, Switzerland to share tax info from next year
Move comes at a time when the issue of black money stashed in Swiss banks has become a major concern in India with political parties and civil society taking up the matter.
RIL to stop gas supply to 4 UP fertiliser plants
Reliance Industries has served a notice for suspension of gas supplies to four fertiliser plants in Uttar Pradesh from Thursday unless they enhance their financial guarantees to cover for state sales tax.
India Inc's finest: Best of Karnataka
In this part, we highlight some of Karnataka's leading entrepreneurs. They are the ones who played a key role in defining its present cosmopolitan status, giving Karnataka a resonance in history and in international relations.
Union Budget exercise kicked off
The Union finance ministry has kicked off the exercise for preparation of the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2012-13 and has asked all ministries to rush proposals by October 31 for inclusion in the second supplementary budget for 2011-12 to be presented in the winter session of Parliament.
2G scam: Some questions without answers
If improving tele-density was the avowed objective, what is the benchmark? At what level of tele-density will the government auction spectrum? And that is the crux of the issue.
Skilled Indians may have to wait 70 years for US green card!
Two new reports urge government to ease green card process.
Why diamond industry is in for a dull festive season
The erosion of rupee value against the dollar and sluggish demand from key foreign markets are cited as the main reasons for declining sales.
Mid-size corporate loans, agri portfolio worries SBI
SBI says the downgrade will not hurt the bank that much.
IMAGES: World's 20 best companies to work for
In a world where top performing employees are becoming scarce, finding the right people is crucial for business success.
Murthy's comment on IIT students' quality sparks debate
The Indian Institutes of Technology and IIT-JEE coaching institutes have not taken kindly to Infosys Technologies founder, N R Narayana Murthy's comment that questioned the quality of students at these institutions.
PHOTOS: The 10 fastest cars in the world
Cars with spectacular pace never fail to hit the headlines.
A peek into China's incredible future
China currently ranks as the world's second-largest economy after the United States.
Here's what top tech companies are paying in US
With the technology industry booming across the world, highly sought-after experts are seeing their salaries hit the roof.
US index's eerie coincidence spooks Indian stock market
The Dalal Street was on Tuesday abuzz with an eerie coincidence that took place last night in the Wall Street, the US stock market, with its benchmark index S&P 500 closing at a level exactly same as that of October 3, 2008.
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| October 04, 2011 | | Renault to uncover its compact car in October
Carlos Ghosn, 57, will unveil the concept version of Paris-based Renault's compact car prior to the start of the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix of India, which is scheduled to take place in October 28-30.
Zurich: Where the world's richest come for banking
If Mumbai's Zaveri Bazaar is full of jewellery shops and Delhi's Chandni Chowk has got hundreds of saree merchants vying for customers' attention, Zurich has got a street full of Swiss banks -- known for their secrecy veils.
Why Moody's downgraded SBI
Moody's cited a likely rise in the bank's non-performing assets in the near future as one of the reasons for the downgrade.
IMAGES: Anti-Wall Street protests spread across America
The Occupy Wall Street protests entered their third week in New York.
Manufacturing growth lowest in 30 months
Weak PMI gives rise to fears of sub-8 per cent economic growth for the third quarter in a row.
New Indo-Swiss pact will help unearth black money
The MoU deals with creation of a useful forum for exchange of views on financial and macro-economic issues. Official sources said the MoU will facilitate dialogue between the tax authorities of the two countries.
Why Railways is going downhill
This is unfortunate, not unexpected. When the Budget was presented, it was anticipated that the improvement in the operating ratio would be 'hollow'.
Wealth distribution: Which nations are the best?
The global wealth currently held by 4.4 billion adults has increased by 72 per cent since 2000 to reach $195 trillion.
Buzz of new iPhone hits sales of earlier models
Some hope Apple Inc would lower the prices of its earlier models -- the iPhone4 and 3GS.
Here's how Apple became a success in China
One of the most fascinating areas of Apple's rise is how the company has managed to find growth in emerging markets like China.
Why Tata Nano sales have suddenly shot up
Its wholesale numbers may be on the decline, but Tata's small car Nano is picking up in sales at retail level as dealers at different parts of the country cash in on the reduced down payment scheme introduced by the company ahead of the festival season.
Two Indian cities among world's most polluted
WHO estimates 1.34 million people died in 2008 from breathing in the tiny particles present in polluted outdoor air.
Falling rupee: Gainers and losers
The Indian rupee has fallen by almost 11 per cent since August 1, thanks to rising risk aversion.
Images: Check out these 20 STUNNING green cars
Globally there are about 850 million vehicles, on average 13 people in 100 have a car.
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| October 03, 2011 | | Why airlines' mergers are failing
Analysts say mergers by India's airlines have not been successful so far because of their objectives: it's to either kill competition or acquire flying rights to fly international.
Honda plans to launch diesel cars in India
The company is engaged in developing diesel engines back in Japan.
Rs 32-a-day definition of poverty not our view: Plan panel
Under attack over the Rs 32 per capita per day (in urban India and Rs 26 per day per person in rural areas) cut off for poverty line, the Planning Commission on Monday distanced itself from the controversial definition presented to the Supreme Court saying it did not represent its views.
How Godrej plans to be good and green
The Godrej Group is walking the talk on 'Good and Green', its brand campaign.
Students entering IITs are of poor quality: Murthy
Infosys founder said that apart from the top 20 per cent of students who crack the tough IIT entrance examination and can 'stand among the best anywhere in the world,' quality of the remaining 80 per cent of students leave much to be desired.
Rs 32 a day: Issues resolved, say Montek, Ramesh
Amid the controversy raging over the definition of poverty, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh on Monday claimed that they have resolved the issue.
IMAGES: India's 1st double-decker AC train
The first double decker air conditioned train between Howrah and Dhanbad was flagged off on 1 Oct 2011.
Why India should take lesson from Greece
It is now the Greeks who have been gifted a 'Trojan' horse.
So how far can Rs 32 a day take you?
Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Alhluwalia has said that a person who can spend Rs 32 a day in urban India -- and Rs 26 a day in rural India -- is not poor and that he is above the poverty line.
Is it too late for govt to improve economic mood?
Managing expectations lies at the core of economic governance in a modern economy.
Pitroda favours transparent e-auction of spectrum
In this regard, Pitroda noted the 3G auction in the country last year was transparent and there were no complications whatsoever in the bidding process.
Can renewable energy help solve India's power woes?
India must look at renewable power as a commercially viable solution rather than just a green and exotic option.
Why the Delhi airport is in a financial mess
The proposal was mooted at a Prime Minister's Office meeting.
How Metro is changing Delhi's image
New modes of public transport in Delhi are changing the way its citizens live.
Markets end lower on global cues
Most Asian markets are also trading in the negative over deepening concerns that the euro zone's debt crisis will dampen global growth
Slowdown may not check travel boom this season
As the last three months of a year form the peak season for travel and leisure holidays, the country will also witness room rates rising by 10 per cent and airlines doubling fares on popular routes.
H1B visa: Who is spending how much and where
Many foreigners, including Indians, have benefitted from the immigration visa.
World's 5 biggest tea exporters; India 4th
Indian tea industry is concerned over the discouraging export scenario in 2011.
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| September 30, 2011 | | BJP on all that is wrong with UPA's economic policies
"The economic environment in the country has suddenly become dismal. The UPA blamed the Left Front for the paralysis in economic decision making during UPA-I. However, there is no such compulsion during UPA-II."
Watch: The new Tata Indica eV2 commercial
Here's an sneak peek at the new commercial for India's most fuel-efficient cars.
Don't miss! The amazing story of Levelfield
The much-advertised hunger for success among the denizens of India's tier-II and tier-III cities has been the big story of the past decade. How relevant is it to memorize Ampere's Law, Charles's Law and the dates of the battles of Panipat in this brave new world?
Railway staff to get 78 days' bonus
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said the Union Cabinet has accepted the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for payment of PLB equivalent to 78 days' wages for 2010-11 for all eligible non-gazetted Railway employees.
Rift between Jairam and Pawar over farm labour
Ramesh opposes Pawar's plan to provide cheap labour to farmers under NREGS.
'India is cooling, not collapsing'
Economies the world over are facing different sets of challenges.
Minister upset with ex-babus joining private sector firms
The latest move to increase the cooling-off period for bureaucrats is meaningless.
CBI probe news makes Anil Ambani Group firms shed 10%
The group's telecom arm, RCom, saw its shares plunge by 8.11 per cent to a low of Rs 71.35 in morning trade, while Reliance Capital tumbled by 9.91 per cent to a 52-week low of Rs 323.55 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Nilekani's UID under siege
Once a star programme of the government, the UID has become everybody's favourite whipping boy.
How to keep your smartphone safe from cybercriminals
The season for holiday travel begins soon. As we create our checklists while planning our vacations, here's one more item to tick-off -- smartphone security.
New Takeover Code will keep raiders away
Definition of voluntary offers rules out hostile bids, say corporate lawyers.
Column: The skewed story of India's infrastructure boom
Infra projects are enormous cash guzzlers and funding such low-return projects might unwittingly pull down the overall growth rates.
Excessive nutrition kills more people than hunger!
Almost one billion people around the globe go to bed hungry every night, but it is 'excess Nutrition' that kills more, according to world's largest humanitarian organisation IFRC.
20 amazing facts you must know about India
India is set to emerge as the world's third largest economy by 2030.
Made a mistake in filing I-T returns? Here's help
The department allows you to revise these, but there are strict conditions to be noted.
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| September 28, 2011 | | Ambani brothers meet Chidambaram, separately
Chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd Mukesh Ambani and his younger brother Anil today met Home Minister P Chidambaram separately at his North Block office within a span of 50 minutes.
Watch live: The Mahindra XUV500 launch
Live telecast from the launchpad of the most discussed XUV.
Mallya to shut down Kingfisher Red in 4 months
Low-cost carrier Kingfisher Red will shut down in four months with the airline group chief Vijay Mallya on Wednesday saying several measures have been initiated to face financial problems caused by high interest burden and burgeoning fuel costs.
The $35-computer is back! Launch on Oct 5
The much-awaited $35 computing-cum-access device, to be made available to students right from primary schools to universities, will be launched on October 5.
Walmart to invest more if FDI policy is relaxed
The world's largest retailer Walmart on Wednesday said its investments in India will grow manifold if foreign direct investment regulations on multi-brand retail are relaxed in the country.
Mukesh Ambani praises 'exemplary' leadership of Modi
"You have made India and Indians proud by putting Gujarat on the global map. Gujarat is blessed to have an inspiring leadership like you," said Mukesh Ambani.
CEO pay hike: Indian bourses beat global leaders
The two largest stock exchanges of the world cut salaries of their CEOs.
Ramdev blames Congress for 'loot and corruption'
Yoga guru Ramdev on Wednesday blamed the Congress-led UPA government for "loot" and "corruption" in the country and said he was trying to build public opinion against it.
The rich must be taxed more, says Chidambaram
Home Minister P Chidambaram, who as finance minister had slashed taxes, on Wednesday suggested that rich should be taxed more even though 'many people' would not like the idea.
IMAGES: India's 20 best IT employers
HCL Infosystems has emerged as the best employer among IT companies in India.
Now, get rewarded for spending
Credit card offers - discounts, reward points and cashback - could range across shopping, phone bill payments, dining and entertainment.
The top 8 cellphone sellers in India
Mobile handset shipments to India declined by 3 per cent in the April-June period compared to the previous quarter due to inventory build-up and reworking on product line-up by vendors, says research firm IDC.
Singur land deal: Mamata wins, Tata loses
The Tatas have received a setback in the Singur land deal.
PHOTOS: Top 10 business cities of the world
Some cities have become world-class business hubs.
IMAGES: World's 10 most famous hackers
While ethical hackers attack a security system to find out vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker could use to his advantage, unethical hackers discreetly wreck havoc on computer systems and steal confidential information.
PHOTOS: The world's 20 safest banks
Global Finance announced its 20th Annual Ranking of the World's 50 safest banks.
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| September 27, 2011 | | Funding Naxals: Essar Steel GM arrested
J S Verma, general manager of Essar Steel, was on Tuesday arrested for allegedly conspiring in funding Naxal groups in Dantewada area of Chhattisgarh.
US may revive trade benefits to India
The US Congress is likely to approve trade preferences for the least developed and developing countries in the next few weeks, a move which will help Indian exporters as well.
Protestors take on Wall Street
'Occupy Wall Street' protest is 10 days old today.
IMAGES: Honda Brio launched @ Rs 395,000!
So, does the Brio live up to the hype, in the end? After this first-drive, I would have to answer in the affirmative.
A refreshing holiday and a shopping festival? Kerala beckons you!
Kerala has been a favourite tourist destination for many in India and abroad, thanks to its beaches, the lush greens, the backwaters, ayurveda...
SMS limit: Trai clears confusion
On September 5, after much delay, Trai had come out with recommendations to stop pesky calls and text messages from September 27, ordering that no access provider (operators) shall permit the transmission of more than 100 SMSes per day per SIM.
Explained: Why gold prices are falling now
As more and more paper currency gets printed and dumped into the financial systems around the world, there is more the danger that paper currency will lose its value. So people are queuing up to buy gold. Unlike paper money, gold cannot be created out of thin air.
Meet the 'unconventional' chief of Britannia Industries
Certainly, she seems to have voluntarily subjected herself to adventure in her professional life after her MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj.
Anil Ambani may set up Reliance Bank soon
The banking entity of the group could be called Reliance Bank, Ambani told the shareholders of Reliance Capital.
Rs 26 a day! Garibi Hatao in the Congress-BJP way
The question is how to genuinely assess the felt needs of citizens who are below a decent way of living, based on their consumption of food and arrangement for housing.
FIRST LOOK: The all-new Mahindra XUV 500
This stunning SUV is likely to be prices at Rs 15 lakh.
Where India can benefit from Chinese investments
China's surplus foreign exchange reserves and India's long-term fund requirement complement each other.
India's rising dependence on energy imports a concern
Planning Commission's warning over rising dependence on imports is timely.
Mobiles per 1,000 in various Indian states
Indian Telecommunications network is the third-largest in the world and the second-largest among the emerging economies of Asia.
Indian Railways mulls trains zooming @ 300 km per hour
The Bill is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament.
The best of Inc: Maharashtra's leading entrepreneurs
In this series, we feature some of the top businessmen across different states in India. Featured here are the top entrepreneurs (in no particular order) from Maharashtra.
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| September 26, 2011 | | IMAGES: The 3 closest rivals of Nissan Sunny
The Sunny is built inside-out.
ICAI: Mis-governance and a tin of ghee!
The functioning of the ICAI has come under greater public scrutiny and at times it is unable to meet the high expectations from its members and general public. Surely, something is wrong somewhere, says .
Gadget war: Who is the smartest of them all?
some avant-garde gadgets make the buy worth all the money you pay for them.
N Chandrasekaran: The driving force behind TCS!
The country's largest IT services provider has managed to stay nimble despite a ballooning workforce.
How the global fight against money laundering going ahead
After the terrorists attacks on the United States in September 2001, financial institutions across the world launched an unprecedented campaign to crack down on money laundering.
Gold suffers biggest fall, silver follows suit
In Asia, the metal tumbled about $124, followed by over $100 in the previous session.
How to chase the evasive tax payer
Search and seizure operations are necessary in an India that seems more dishonest.
Column: Who is 'poor' in India?
The official poverty line, which goes back 40 years, focused on a single parameter - what it would cost to get the minimum calorie intake.
10 popular company logos and their history
Many corporate brands change their logos with time to keep pace with their changing business.
Big gaps in US-India trade positions
The United States has ruled out signing a Totalization Agreement with India for now.
Now, India and China to deepen bilateral investment
Holding their first comprehensive Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in Beijing on Monday, India and China have reached an understanding to deepen bilateral investment cooperation, further open up markets to each other and improve the investment environment.
Singapore: A country that plans to go completely green
Encouraged by the government, sustainable architecture has become the latest fad in Singapore.
Bears may tighten grip on D-street this week
Risk aversion to continue on euro zone debt crisis, weak US economy.
Markets end in red while IT shares recover
A recovery in European markets and buying in IT stocks helped the Sensex to recover around 250 points from the day's low of 15,801.
Special report: 3G roaming pacts under scrutiny
Vodafone, Airtel, Idea provide services without spectrum.
IMAGES: World's biggest electricity producers
Countries around the globe are racing to meet electricity demand.
Gold rush in India has now become a sprint
Around 700 post offices across the country would sell gold coins this year.
How to gain from property sale
Invest in bonds and another property to save tax on capital gains.
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| September 23, 2011 | | Has population growth hurt or benefited India?
Many Indians blame the nation's high population for all that is wrong with the country, but they forget that it is because of our numbers that we have become such an attractive economy.
Two Indians in Forbes richest Americans' list
Two Indians have made it to the Forbes list of 400 Richest Americans.
Weak rupee: How it will affect Indians
Travelling and studying will become more expensive. Even your stock portfolio is likely to suffer.
Channelise surpluses for infra in developing nations: Pranab
Amid recessionary fears in advanced economies, India's Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called for channelising global surpluses to build infrastructure in developing nations to boost world economy.
Who is behind the success of India-US trade ties?
The private sector in India and the United States has succeeded in fostering historic trade relationships between the two largest democracies of the world, a top Obama Administration official said on Thursday.
Investors lose Rs 2 lakh crore in a day
Of this, more than half or Rs 121,416 crore got eroded just from the 30-share BSE Sensex companies.
How South Asia can reduce poverty
The report, 'More and Better Jobs in South Asia', released on Thursday said the required new jobs will be equivalent to about 40 per cent of the increase in the global labour force during the period.
What cost Rs 100 in 1947 would cost Rs 5,920.91 now
Inflation is one of the biggest challenges facing India. With prices rising to all time highs, there seems to be little respite for the common man.
Explained! The US 'twist' that MELTED stock markets
The United States Federal Reserve, the US central bank, has announced a new $400-billion rescue plan, which is being called the 'twist'.
PHOTOS: World's 10 most expensive classic cars
Vintage cars attract top dollars at auctions.
Revised AI plan projects operational profit in 5 years
The new plan is likely to be discussed in the meeting of the group of ministers to be held next week.
Ratan Tata: One of the world's most RESPECTED leaders
Their reputation was measured on a 0-100 point scale based on four attributes - the degree to which a person is liked, respected, admired, and trusted.
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| September 22, 2011 | | Reliance calls govt move on KG-D6 cost-recovery illegal
The ministry has attributed the fall in output to non-fulfilment of RIL's commitment to drill 22 wells in the field.
Special: Will Jairam Ramesh's new plan fix NREGA?
The new rural development minister wants to use technology to force states to make payments. Critics suggest that he should fix existing problems first.
Why the world may prefer India to China
explains what makes India a favourable destination for business in the long run.
Food inflation slips to 8.84%, but no relief for common man
Prices of most commodities, barring wheat, continued to remain firm on an annual basis, as per Wholesale Price Index data released by the government in New Delhi.
Indo-Pak trade high on hope, low on execution
An unfinished Integrated Check Post, a shabby passenger terminal, the lack of a connecting road on the Pakistani side and pending permissions, all threaten to undermine a historical trade agreement.
America Inc urges US govt to embrace India
As India's top Cabinet Ministers and industry leaders landed in Washington for crucial talks with their US counterparts in Washington, Corporate America on Wednesday urged the Obama Administration to embrace India as a knowledge partner.
IMAGES: Rs 2.5-lakh Hyundai Eon may take India by storm
The festive season is the time when car manufacturers offer major discounts and freebies to lure customers and Hyundai has decided to cash in on the occasion with Eon.
A car that may run 480,000 km before refuelling!
Charles Stevens, CEO and chairman of Laser Power System, a small R&D start-up in Connecticut, said that his design uses just 8 gm of thorium to help a car run for years.
Pranab confident of India attracting FDI in infra
'I think we will be able able to inspire confidence in the minds of prospective investors,' says Mukherjee.
BLOODBATH! Why Sensex crashed by over 700 points
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex has lost 478.60 points, or -2.80 per cent, to slip to 16,586.55 in afternoon trade on Thursday amid panic selling in markets worldwide following the US Federal Reserve's warning that the outlook for the world's largest economy is grim.
IMAGES: These 20 firms are richer than several nations!
Believe it or not, the revenues of some of the world biggest companies beat the GDP figures of several nations.
Buffett is back, to invest in Gujarat chemical JV
Oracle of Omaha will initially invest Rs 1,177 crore (Rs 11.77 billion) in the venture.
Here's what techies earn in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley has the highest concentration of high-tech workers of any metropolitan area.
India Inc won't make enough money to enjoy any festivity
General Motors vice-president P Balendran is less diplomatic and talks about a 'severe blow'.
The world's MOST reputable companies
Consumers want to know more about the companies that stand behind the products and services that they buy.
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| September 21, 2011 | | The IMF's gloom-doom report for India, world
The International Monetary Fund expects India's economic growth rate to moderate to 7.5-7.75 per cent this fiscal, from 8.5 per cent in 2010-11, on account slowing investments and sluggish global recovery.
20 most popular car logos & their history
20 car logos and the story behind each one.
Go glocal with these tablet PCs
As the rest of the world raves about 10-inch tablet PCs from Samsung and Apple, Indian vendors seem to be betting on cheaper 7-inch tablet PCs to lure buyers.
How China is rebalancing its economy
The country has become the world's workshop, lifting millions out of dire poverty.
Highest and lowest petrol prices in Indian cities
Petrol prices in India are amongst the highest in the world.
'Biggest employment generators will be MSMEs'
An interview with Annush Ramasamy, programme director, South Asia, Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).
IMAGES: Nissan unveils the Rs 5.78 lakh Sunny
Nissan Sunny is one of the most complete sedans in the mid-size segment.
If you earn over Rs 32 a day, you are NOT poor!
Urban households having five members with daily consumption basket of food and other items of more than Rs 161 will not be entitled to benefits provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, as per the Plan panel's latest definition of poverty.
Pitroda to help Railways modernise
Deepak Parekh, HDFC Bank Chairman, M S Verma, former SBI Chairman, Raghuram, Professor IIM, Ahmedabad, Rajiv Lal, IDFC MD and Vinayak Chatterjee, Feedback, Infrastructure Services Chairman are members of the committee.
IMAGES: Delhi Metro's success attracts Yale, Stanford grads
Its doors are open not just for commuters, but also for management graduates from across the globe, engineers, bureaucrats and others who flock the Delhi Metro wanting to know its success mantra and management practices.
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| September 20, 2011 | | Now, S&P downgrades Italy's credit rating
The rating, however, is still five steps above junk status.
Sharad Pawar heads GoM on manufacturing policy
A group of ministers, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, has been formed to resolve inter-ministerial differences stalling the national manufacturing policy which aims at giving a boost to the sector.
Rupee plummets; hits 2-year low of 48.25 per $
The Indian rupee was down by 44 paise at a fresh two-year low of Rs 48.25 per United States dollar in early trade on Tuesday on persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers on the back of dollar firmness in overseas market.
Why America is the new Japan
Despite the US government having low interest rates and printing a lot of money in the hope that people will spend it and revive the economy, that is clearly not happening.
Special: All about the Reliance-KG Basin controversy
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha Tapan Sen, in an interview to Rediff.com, explains what he believes are the irregularities committed by Reliance Industries and how UPA government has allowed it to get away with it.
Want to insure art? Be ready for tough norms
While select private insurers like ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG and IFFCO Tokio provide specialised insurance covers for 'art' items, the minimum value they look at is in excess of Rs 1 crore.
NASA plans to spend $1.6 bn on space taxis
The US space agency will be looking for complete systems -- launchers, spaceships, mission operations and ground support -- to ferry astronauts to the InternationalSpace Station by the middle of the decade, The Daily Telegraph online reported.
Important infra projects mirred in trouble
With such projects not getting commissioned on schedule, growth target of nine per cent will remain elusive.
Savers in dilemma over channelling excessive capital
Heart of any economy is the mechanism by which funds are channelled from savers to investors.
Why US should invest in India's power sector
Shinde said the average plant load factor of Indian generation units improved to 77.5 per cent during 2009-10 from 73.6 per cent in 2006.
Here are some brilliant cars you will soon see in India
A look at India's share of the Frankfurt Motor Show pie!
IMAGES: World's 20 most stunning buildings
Architects have over the years designed unique and mind blowing buildings across the world.
IMAGES: Low-cost homes from $300 to $1,000!
The 'Pinwheel House' has been designed by Ying Chee Chui, a graduate of MIT's Department of Architecture, has been built in Mianyang, in Sichuan Province, China.
Special: The SAD state of 'other' India
By focusing only on urban India, the government is not only making the situation of villagers worse, it is also putting extra pressure on cities.
IMAGES: Ratan Tata unveils the Rs 22-crore Nano
At its current price - $1,819 per troy ounce - the gold alone adds $4.68 million.
Corruption? Railways tops, banks are 2nd, says CVC
Out of the total of 25,359 complaints received during 2010, the highest of 8,330 were against Railways, 6,520 against banks, 1,836 against petroleum department and 1,572 were against telecom officials.
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| September 19, 2011 | | Prices keep rising: Food, clothing more expensive now
Expensive food and clothing pushed up the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by 1.18 per cent in August vis-a-vis the previous month, but experts said too much should not be read into the numbers, as the data on retail prices is yet to stabilise.
New tax wing to probe poll funding
The Union finance ministry has set up a special investigation unit to 'regulate' the funding and donations made to political parties.
Pranab goes to US seeking big bucks for infrastructure
Pranab Mukherjee, who will be on a five-day visit to US from September 21, will address the 8th Annual India Investment Forum Meeting.
Mahindra's civilian plane makes its maiden flight!
Mahindra Aerospace, the aircraft and aero-structures arm of the Mahindra Group, on Thursday said it has successfully flown its maiden five-seater civilian plane.
Strike: Is Maruti harassing its workers?
Workers want a union, while Maruti wants a 'Good Conduct Bond.' Both refuse to give in to each other. The real issue, however, is something else.
Getting the right keyboard for your tablet
Investing in an external keyboard for your tablet PC is advised for users who would be doing a lot of typing on the device (longer emails, document creation or keying in work sheets).
10 economic experts who advise the prime minister
With inflation, oil prices and interest rates rising, Indians are finding it extremely difficult to make ends meet.
The next crisis will be worse than the one in 2008: Marc Faber
My view is that they can probably muddle through for another two-three years by piling up the fiscal deficit or printing more money. I do not know when it will happen in 2012 or in 2018, but the next crisis will be worse than the one in 2008.
Mafatlal feud: A brand new family drama unfolds
For, the low-profile promoter of what was once known as the Sungrace-Mafatlal group would never have wanted the world to know what's going on inside his 10,000 square feet second-floor apartment. It's where his wife Madhuri, son Atulya and Atulya's second wife, Sheetal, now live.
Special: The secret behind Ashok Soota's success
Ashok Soota has launched a new firm, Happiest Minds, at the age of sixty-nine, proving that there is no such thing as retirement.
20 fastest-growing companies in the world
There are some companies that are witnessing booming growth.
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| September 16, 2011 | | PE firm Silver Lake mulls buying out Yahoo
Various news reports suggest that the PE firm, if it buys out Yahoo, would first sell off the Internet company's Asian assets. Silver Lake would thereafter, a report said, try to either turn the 'remaining' company around or find yet another buyer for the main operations.
Govt cuts sops on exports; 1100 items to be hit
As a setback to exporters, shipments of 1,100 items will be entitled to lower tax refunds from October 1 when curtains draw on the popular DEPB scheme, government announced on Friday.
Fuel price hike is good news: Montek
The Planning Commission said the decision of oil marketing companies to raise petrol price by Rs 3.14 per litre is a good news and will provide credibility to the economic reforms process.
12th rate hike by RBI; loans to cost more
The Reserve Bank of India has increased the repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 8.0 per cent to 8.25 per cent with immediate effect.
Maruti finds Swift allure sticky
80,000 customers are awaiting delivery of the new Maruti Suzuki Swift.
India's trade policy lacks transparency: US
The US has expressed concern over India's lack of transparency in its trade policy, as a result of which small and medium-sized enterprises have difficulties in investing and doing business in the country.
Images: STUNNING Lamborghini cars since 1963
This sprawling complex is the home to the Lamborghini factory and a mind blowing museum.
Solar power use: Top 10 countries
On the world map, India lags far behind other countries as far as generating solar power is concerned though the country has made significant progress in wind energy generation.
Snapshots: 10 best concept cars of 2011
A look into 10 best concept cars of 2011.
Photos: Top 20 items that India, China trade
Bilateral trade between India and China exceeded the two countries' $60 billion target in 2010.
Renault to launch 3 new cars by 2012
The three launches are part of the plans of the company, which is the fully owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s, to introduce five new cars in the market, Renault India vice-president (sales and marketing) Len Curran told reporters in Kochi.
Protests erupt: Petro price hike hits common man
Terming the government's move to hike petrol prices as "callous", the CPI(M) on Friday demanded immediate roll back of the hike and restoration of the administrative regulation of petrol pricing.
Why India's foreign policy needs strong economic element
India can be a major politico-economic force, but it needs leadership that understands the power of billion-dollar investments and is not afraid to flex its muscle, says .
Spain to sell this STUNNING airport to cut debt
Debt-ridden Spain plans to sell off part of its airports operator AENA, which the government says could be worth up to 30 billion euros (Rs 1,964 billion), as it seeks ways to reduce the national debt.
PM takes metro to keep Mamata on track
UPA government has decided to take full responsibility for the Rs 4,874 crore East-West Metro Corridor project.
What lies ahead for Kingfisher Airlines
While higher fuel costs and irrational pricing are key concerns, infusion of funds to retire debt is crucial if Kingfisher Airlines has to improve its financials.
Why the RBI rate hike will NOT curb inflation
There is not much that the RBI can do to address India's inflation. Solutions to the problem lie with Pranab Mukherjee and Sharad Pawar, who run the ministries of finance and agriculture, respectively.
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| September 15, 2011 | | You may get only 4 gas cylinders a year at low rates
All subsequent cylinders will have a non-subsidised rate that will be fixed every month.
Petrol prices hiked by Rs 3.14 a litre
State-owned oil companies are all set to hike petrol prices by around Rs 3 per litre which will be effective from midnight on Friday.
Crisis a win-win situation for Indian IT: Kamath
Kamath, who succeeded N R Narayana Murthy at the Bengaluru-headquartered, Nasdaq-listed firm, nearly a month ago, said Infosys is a well-established company with processes which are clearly defined, and his role would be what is expected of an independent non executive board chairman, namely governance oversight.
US will not lose long-term bet on India: Rao
Like in any expanding relationship, there will always be transactional issues to address between the two sides, says Rao.
IMAGES: World's 9 weirdest hotels
A peep into 9 weirdest hotels of the world.
Solar energy market: China much ahead of others
China's solar energy budget still stands roughly 20 times larger than America's investment in the same period, Jonathan Silver, executive director, Department of Energy told US lawmakers on Saturday.
The trillion-dollar question nobody can answer
The United States government over the years has been spending more than what it earns. Like for the year 2011, the expected revenues for the US government stand at $2.17 trillion, whereas the expected expenditure is much higher at $3.82 trillion, leaving a difference of $1.65 trillion between what the government earns and spends.
Intel to launch Ultrabooks for $1,000
The world's largest chip-maker Intel Corporation on Thursday said the new 'Ultrabook' devices being developed with its technology will initially cost around $1,000, but the price tag should fall below $799 in coming years.
Maruti workers' strike turns violent, 5 injured
The labour unrest at Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant took a violent turn on Thursday when a group of supervisors were attacked on their way to work, with five of them sustaining injuries.
PHOTOS: 18 great cars from the world's largest auto show
Around 1,000 exhibitors are taking part from 35 countries and at least 80 world premieres are expected over the coming days.
Column: Are ministers working for us or corporates?
From the looks of it, it seems that ministers are more interested in pushing corporate India's agenda than people's agenda.
Infosys closes in on $700 mn foreign acquisition
IT giant close to acquiring Thomson Reuters' health care business.
IMAGES: The world's 10 largest airlines
Airlines are set to buy 30,900 aircraft valued at $3.6 trillion in the next 20 years.
PHOTOS: World's top consumers of electricity
At the world level, electricity consumption fell by 1.5 per cent.
The story of Air India's slow death
In popular perception, the villain of the piece is former civil aviation minister Praful Patel.
RBI set to hike rates, once more
As long as inflation does not decline to a significant level, the Reserve Bank of India would continue its tight monetary stance.
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| September 14, 2011 | | IMAGES: World's 10 worst cities to live in
The survey assessed living conditions in 140 global cities.
With Rs 1,500 he built a Rs 1-crore company
Amazing Youth has been adjudged the second runner up at the recently concluded Global Student Entrepreneur Awards at the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University.
India's top 20 IT services export companies
Indian information technology companies are making a huge splash all across the world.
Harshad Mehta scam: Rs 650 cr to settle claims
The Ministry of Finance has secured another order from the Special Court, Mumbai, allowing a release of a total amount of Rs 650 crore (Rs 6.5 billion) to the Income Tax Department, banks and financial institutions from the liquidated assets of the Harshad Mehta Group of entities, against pending claims.
Top 4 IT cos: TCS, Cognizant race ahead of Infy, Wipro
Analysts said the transition period at Infosys and Wipro have given an opportunity to TCS and Cognizant to increase their lead.
BAD NEWS! Petrol price may go up again
Firm crude and weaker rupee mean more losses for oil marketing companies. Jet fuel also set to rise, stressing airline finances.
One in six Americans living BELOW poverty line
The nation's official poverty rate in 2010 was 15.1 per cent, up from 14.3 per cent in 2009.
REVIEW: The new diesel Toyota Etios and Liva
The new diesel Toyota Etios and Liva find themselves in a highly competitive scenario.
PHOTOS: 20 countries with highest income tax rate!
There are some countries where more than 50 per cent of the income goes to taxes.
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| September 13, 2011 | | How this 21-yr-old became a social entrepreneur
Twenty-one year old Durgesh Nandan, the founder and CEO of AutomotionAds, is an engineer who passed out in April 2011. And, he has been running a venture for the last one year.
Sensex to touch 22K by Dec: JP Morgan
Even though investment sentiment is dampened by the worsening macroeconomic factors, investors are optmistic.
Here's why desktops won't die so soon
The growth in the desktop market is driven by the assembled desktop market and sales of desktops to the government and small- and medium-sized enterprises in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
1 in 4 Indian employers uncertain about Q4 hiring
India has one of the most bullish employment outlooks across the globe, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released on Tuesday.
Incredible India attracts 4 lakh foreigners in August!
Incredible India campaign has proved to be pretty successful.
SPECTACULAR IMAGES: Frankfurt Motor Show 2011
The Frankfurt Motor Show is the largest auto show in the world, and is held every two years. This year the auto show opens on September 13.
SPECIAL: She is one of the world's most powerful women
Chanda Kochhar on fate and hard work - the cornerstones of her career in the banking world.
From default risk to booming economy: India's comeback tale
Post-1991 reforms have brought unrecognisable change.
PHOTOS: World's 10 most beautiful currencies
We present a brief history of Indian currency as also 10 most beautiful currencies of the world.
Special: Here's why corruption will NOT end in India
Corruption, subsidies and infrastructure problems are still pockmarks on India's face.
PHOTOS: Cars India's ministers own
In their asset declarations, Indian ministers reveal the cars they dig.
Special: 10 countries with HIGHEST tax ratio
In some countries taxes are high, while in others they are low.
7 major food items that India IMPORTS
India's import trade is regulated by the office of the Director General of Foreign Trade and its regional offices functioning under the Ministry of Commerce.
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| September 12, 2011 | | Gold down by Rs 150, silver sheds Rs 300
Extending losses for the second straight session, both gold and silver today declined in the national capital due to subdued demand from stockists at prevailing higher levels amid a weak Asian trend.
Special: Can the absence of government be a boon?
Belgium has been without a government for a record 450 days but has managed to grow all the same.
Global tremors, IIP nos drag markets
The 30-share barometer dropped by 402.22, or 2.37 per cent to 16,464.75 at 1200 hrs with all sectoral indices trading in the negative zone.
The STUNNING Rs 30 lakh new Mercedes C-Class!
The facelifted C-Class has a lot of things sorted.
The curious case of Nilgiris, Ooty and Coonoor
A holiday allows you to get away from routine and invigorate yourself in as many ways as possible. Well, yes and no, if you have decided to go, for a change, on a conventional holiday to that evergreen duo in the Nilgiris, Ooty and Coonoor.
Here's how India can stop tax dodging!
India needs to develop ways to estimate the cost of tax dodging.
WikiLeaks: US embassy backs AI-Boeing deal
The embassy observations are part of a confidential official cable released by whistleblower website WikiLeaks on August 30.
Buying used cars? Some useful tips
The used car business is widespread in India, but has now grown in leaps and bounds to bring down the costs of the cars and to make it much easily available to the commoners in India; many auto companies have introduced the concept of used cars in India to combat the factors pulling back the car sales.
Home sales take a big knock, set to WORSEN
Developers blame credit rates, bankers say prices too high.
Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!
A report by the Switzerland-based World Economic Forum for the year 2011-12 says that many Asian countries have better and more modern infrastructure than the United States.
How the govt sounded Air India's death knell
Foreign carriers leveraged the sixth freedom rights to grab Indian market share.
A quick guide to online filing of tax returns
Easier access, less time consumed and agency assistance at a small cost have helped online filing of income tax returns catch up in the past couple of years. Tax experts say about one in three returns are now filed online. Experts expect this to rise to 50 per cent.
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| September 09, 2011 | | Toyota launches DIESEL versions of Etios and Liva
Both the diesel variants will be powered by a 1.4-litre engine.
By 2013, computers will be 1000 times faster
Computer maker IBM is developing 'skyscraper' computers using huge sandwiches of silicon chips by sticking layer after layer of chips covered with tiny components together.
Special: Off to the US with a business plan
For the first time, an entry from the South Asia region will go to compete at the international level. Kadakia would represent South Asia at the 30 Global Dorm Room Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award on November 17.
Pesky SMSes/calls: What YOU can do
As India, the second largest telecom market in the world, has taken the lead in designing a system unique in the world that includes two databases -- a 'Do Not Call' and a 'Do Call' registry with 7 preference categories for customers who would like to receive only select calls and SMSes.
Carol Bartz SLAMS Yahoo board for firing her
Yahoo!'s fired chief executive officer Carol Bartz blasted the online media company's board of directors in a no-holds-barred interview with Fortune magazine, calling the people who fired her 'doofuses'.
Bank of America may fire 40,000 employees
Officials of United States financial giant Bank of America Corp have discussed slashing about 40,000 jobs under the first phase of a proposed restructuring exercise, according to a media report on Friday.
ICICI Bank to hire 6,000 people this fiscal
"Our business is growing between 18 to 20 per cent and we are also adding branches... it's expected that we would hire between five and six thousand people in our workforce," the bank's managing director and chief executive Chanda Kochhar told reporters.
Why smart cars can be a threat to you!
More and more digital technology is introduced into automobiles, the threat of malicious software and hardware manipulation only increases, cautions a new McAfee report, 'Caution: Malware Ahead'.
India lost Rs 34,200 crore to cybercrime last year
In India, approximately 2.9 crore (29 million) people fell victim to cybercrimes and cumulatively suffered a loss of $7.6 billion (approx Rs 34,200 crore) in 2010, a report by Norton has said.
Rupee plummets to fresh 1-yr low vs USD
Persistent dollar demand from banks and importers on the back of a higher dollar in the New York market mainly affected the rupee.
Is the US slipping into another Recession?
The more forward-looking survey data show significant deterioration. The Philadelphia Fed Index has dropped to -30.7, a level only observed previously during or on the cusp of a recession.
10 reasons why one should do business in India
A look into 10 positive aspects of the Indian economy.
Nations with MOST number of cars per 1,000 people
As aspirations and incomes grow in tandem, more people are buying cars now than at any other time in the history of mankind. Some of the world's biggest car markets are now located in Asia: China, India, Japan . . .
Which is the best laptop to buy?
Cutting across the bewildering number of options in the market, here are some latest value-for-money laptop options that compliment user's computing needs.
The STUNNING Rs 23 lakh Renault Koleos is here!
The Koleos is powered by a 2 litre diesel engine and is available in four wheeled drive option with six speed automatic transmission.
Roti, kapda, makaan aur mobile!
India is ranked third when it comes to minutes of mobile usage across the globe. The telecom sector alone directly contributes as much as $35 billion annually to the economy.
PHOTOS: The 4 closest rivals of Volkwagen Jetta
New Volkswagen Jetta price starts at Rs 14.12 lakh.
FDI inflows: India's top 10 sectors
In 1998 and 1999, the Indian government announced a number of reforms designed to encourage and promote a favourable business environment for investors.
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| September 08, 2011 | | Food inflation slips but no relief for common man
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed hope that food prices will fall further after the festive season, even as he expressed concern over the high prices of non-food and fuel products.
AI move to acquire 111 planes is disastrous: CAG
Terming the move for getting of a "large number" of planes as "risky", the CAG said the aircraft acquisition had "contributed predominantly" to the airline's massive debt liability of Rs 38,423 crore (Rs 384.23 billion) as on March 31 last year.
CEO Bartz's exit clouds Yahoo! India prospects
Now, with her departure, the company's future is once again being questioned. "Yahoo! was earlier directionless. Now it's headless," says Mahesh Murthy, founder and chief executive, Pinstorm.
Land Bill: Here's how Jairam Ramesh explains it
Speaking to Business Standard about the Land Acquisition Bill recently cleared by the Cabinet, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said though the farmers' protests in Uttar Pradesh provided the impetus, the Bill was as much a political response to a poll problem as a legal response to a social issue.
PHOTOS: The world's 15 most beautiful cars
A peek into world's 15 most beautiful cars compiled by msn.com
Murthy was unsure of growth in China: WikiLeaks
True, Infosys is on course to starting its first overseas campus in China, but only four years ago the Indian IT major's co-founder and ex-chairman, N R Narayana Murthy, was apprehensive about its expansion in the East Asian nation, according to WikiLeaks.
Just what is happening to the Indian stock market?
While many would say volatility is the new normal, it wouldn't be far off the mark to say this turnaround may be short-lived, as India's domestic problems and global risk aversion continue.
Suzuki set to meet Modi to finalise Maruti plant
Osamu Suzuki, chairman, Suzuki Motor Corporation, is likely to meet Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to finalise plans to set up a manufacturing plant for Maruti Suzuki India.
Visa woes: Infosys hires top criminal lawyer in US
Infosys, India's third-largest information technology services company, is putting in all-out efforts to douse the visa fire that erupted almost six months ago, with the filing of a lawsuit by one of its United States employees, and is spreading wings further.
Festive cheer unlikely for auto firms
The coming festive season is unlikely to bring cheer for the automobile companies. Leading manufacturers said on they did not expect consumer demand to rev up sales substantially this October, due to uncertainties over increasing lending rates and fuel prices.
Share trading may become cheaper
Finance ministry takes up a review of the STT regime after a meeting with stock exchange officials.
The only way EMIs can now go is UP!
The central government is worried about the rising home loan burden on consumers. On August 23, it wrote a letter to public sector banks, which account for over 50 per cent of the home loan market, to give borrowers the option to increase the tenure of their loans and not raise the EMIs.
Why the situation in Europe is like a forest fire!
The borrowing binge indulged in by European nations has attained catastrophic proportions.
Did Warren Buffett firm try back-door entry?
There is a buzz in insurance circles that Berkshire Hathaway might have resorted to a back-door entry into India in order to circumvent the caps on foreign direct investment in the insurance industry.
Is 'Group Buying' a good way to buy your home?
Since the last few years, group buying has been touted as a viable option for home buyers looking forward to get attractive discounts.
Special: Madhya Pradesh's hi-tech solution for PDS
State links PDS to UID to plug leakages in food supplies but gaps remain.
FDI: The top 10 nations investing in India
A Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion fact sheet mentioned India's top 10 FDI generating countries.
PHOTOS: Will Force One beat other SUVs in India?
Force Motors marked its entrance into the Passenger Vehicle segment by introducing Force One SUV in August this year.
World's 20 MOST competitive nations; US slips
While the top 10 countries in the list continue to be dominated by European nations, India dropped 5 places from 51 to rank 56 in the latest list.
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| September 07, 2011 | | Taxman's special agents may soon carry guns!
The Income Tax department is mulling to arm its soon-to-be-appointed 'special agents' who will be tasked to crack high-profile tax evasion and money laundering cases in the country.
Yahoo for sale? And why CEO was fired over phone
A Wall Street Journal report quoted a Yahoo insider as saying that 'Yahoo is open to selling itself to the right bidder'.
A brave new world for Infosys
Infosys has been hobbled by leadership issues, a dearth of bold decision-making and dissatisfied customers. It needs to fix these to rise back to the top.
Loan against shares: What one should know!
With consumer spending on rise and loans getting expensive, individuals are finding new ways to fulfil their money requirements.
Singh announces major trade sops for Bangladesh
A majority of these items - 46 to be precise, relate to textiles, particularly readymade garments.
Buying a home? Do this reality check first
The buy/sale agreement between the two parties is back in focus.
Special: Sanand now a MAJOR auto hub in India!
Following the re-entry of French car maker PSA Peugeot Citroen, the erstwhile sleepy town -- already home to Tata Motors' manufacturing plant for small car Nano -- finds itself along the country's prominent auto hubs like Pune in Maharashtra and Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.
Yahoo fires CEO Carol Bartz over the phone
It named chief financial officer Tim Morse as interim chief executive.
Vodafone Blue to woo users with Facebook phone
The company is relying on Vodafone Blue, a device that will be manufactured by Alcatel, to find a consumer following in non-metros.
PHOTOS: 12 luxurious homes of business titans
Some CEOs are living in houses that not only have helipads, but also multi-storey car parks.
Race to the bottom: It's India versus Bangladesh
The Indian stock market, hit by global fears and a high inflation-interest rate regime, has been the second-worst performer in Asia this calendar year - a shade above Bangladesh.
Here comes Koleos, the stunning SUV from Renault
The model which is to be launched in India is actually a facelifted version.
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| September 06, 2011 | | 'India can grow @12% if it were South, West ONLY'
Chidambaram also commented US Ambassador Timothy Roemer on the vast disparity between South India and the rest of the country, with the South being the entrepreneurial and business hub of the nation.
How Sachin would have made you a RICHER investor
So just keep on playing the game like Tendulkar has done over the past two decades . . . not bothering about short-term declines in form but practicing to be a master in the long term.
Stuck with shares of a scam-hit company? Read on
Keep your nerve and don't exit at once. For all you know, there could be a turnaround story.
There'll be regulations if . . .: Sibal to telcos
Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday warned that the growth of the telecom industry would be hurt if companies did not align their profit-making motives with the national interest and such a scenario could lead to over-regulation of the sector.
Budding entrepreneurs! Clean potable water for all
It was an event for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their Innovative Socio-Business Projects at IIT Madras organised by Genesis, a joint initiative of the Siva group (a $3-billion global conglomerate) and C-Tides (Cell for Technology Innovation, Development and Entrepreneurship Support), IIT Madras.
Toyota to HIRE 1,500 people in India by 2012
The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, is investing Rs 1,650 crore.
How India dismantled textile regime with Bangla
The radical nature of the trade package is sure to take everyone's breath away when Manmohan Singh meets Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
HDFC joins pricing war with dual home loan rate
Housing Development and Finance Corp Ltd (HDFC), the largest mortgage finance company in the country, on Monday launched a fixed-cum-floating rate scheme which would offer home loans at a fixed rate for the initial three or five years and at a floating rate thereafter.
'Won't start production until workers sign bond'
Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Tuesday said it will not resume full-scale production at its Manesar plant till workers sign a 'good conduct bond', as demanded by the company to ensure there is no repeat of quality issues that have surfaced at the plant.
The IMPRESSIVE Honda Brio could scare other cars!
So, does the Brio live up to the hype, in the end? After this first-drive, I would have to answer in the affirmative.
Workers FAKING sick leave: India 2nd worst
The survey, conducted by Australian workforce managers Kronos across Australia, China, France, the UK, India, Mexico and the US, found China taking first place at 71 per cent, followed by India at 62 per cent and then Australia at 58 per cent.
What parivartan? It's business as usual at Haldia
Mamata Banerjee promised a new era in West Bengal. Yet, workers at Haldia say that old habits of extortion and violence continue under the Trinamool flag.
'Corruption, scandals impair India's biz climate'
Besides corruption, the agency mentioned bureaucratic logjam and slow pace of judicial decision-making as factors hindering the Indian economy.
Railways may hike passenger fares by 8-12%, soon
Railway board chairman Vinay Mittal has written to railway minister Dinesh Trivedi, seeking a fare hike to address earning concerns.
Mumbai Metro to be operational by next year!
In a development that is bound to bring cheer for Mumbai's weary commuters and overburdened transportation facilities, authorities for the Mumbai Metro 1 project estimate that the Metro will be fully functional by next year.
IMAGES: The 8 CHEAPEST hatchbacks in India
With the hatchbacks selling like hotcakes, almost every car manufacturer is keen to launch a hatch in India.
Now, a 'Facebook phone' for Vodafone users
Vodafone is partnering social networking site Facebook to launch a 'Facebook' phone. This would give users one-click access to the site.
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| September 05, 2011 | | Honda to recall over 72,000 City sedans in India
Japanese auto major Honda on Monday said it will recall 72,115 units of its mid-sized sedan City in India to replace defective power window switches as part of a global exercise.
World economy in a new danger zone: Zoellick
World Bank Chief Robert Zoellick has asked the Chinese government to hasten planned structural reforms to shift the focus of its export-driven economy toward domestic consumption-led growth as the global economy entered a 'new danger zone' this autumn.
India's textiles exports to top $32 bn in FY-12
The country's textiles and clothing exports are expected to touch $32.35 billion in the 2011-12 fiscal, Parliament was informed on Monday.
Say bye to pesky calls, SMS from Sep 27
All those subscribers who have registered with the National Customer Preference Registry (earlier known as 'Do Not Call Registry') would get relief from all commercial
IMAGES: India's MOST fuel-efficient sedan is here!
25 KMPL mileage now on the new Tata Indigo e-CS VX
Pakistan debt: Case of the missing $5.7 billion!
It seems Pakistan's finance ministry and its central bank are not on the same page when it comes to calculating the government's short-term borrowing activity as their figures have an apparent discrepancy of $5.7 billion.
Everything about Dell's BIG plans for India
To achieve his objectives, the chairman of Dell India has a blueprint that spans across organic and inorganic (acquisitions) growth opportunities besides capitalising on Dell's "existing solutions for clients".
Images: This will be India's LONGEST road tunnel!
The work on India's longest road tunnel has begun, with engineers blasting a part of a hill to make way for the construction of the 9-km-long Chenani-Nashri tunnel in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Corruption: Time to get religion on the issue
Now that the crowds have gone home, Anna Hazare is back in Ralegan Siddhi, and the TV Rottweilers are looking for other ways to boost their rating points, we can have a rational debate about not just the Lok Pal but the larger issue of corruption.
Rajan Pillai death: HC notice to Centre
Nina Pillai, in her petition, had alleged that the mandatory medical examination of her husband was not conducted at Tihar for even two days after his arrest.
Mumbai airport: It's growth versus slum-dwellers!
Runways, taxiways, hangars, terminals, roads, offices, et cetera need to be built. But there is no land to do that on. The airport, which offers many overseas travellers their first impression of India, is choked by slums on several sides, and Sahar is the largest of them.
Why India Inc is SCARED to fly in business jets
Business jets and chartered flights have been an unlikely victim of the recent corruption scandals involving India Inc.
Anna's victory: 11 MANTRAS for entrepreneurs!
Anna's movement is likely to be a game-changer and will shift the rules of the game in favour of value-creators.
Mobile social networking sees explosive growth
Players bank on video messaging to attract users.
IMAGES: World's 10 BEST cities to live in!
The survey, an annual exercise, assessed living conditions in 140 global cities.
Honda to launch SMALL and CHEAP cars soon in India
Brio, cheaper City and Jazz and diesels could pave the way for growth in India.
35 Indian cos in Asia's Best under a Billion list
Recently, Forbes announced its Best under a Billion List of Asian corporation based on sales and earnings growth. To qualify the companies were required to have annual revenue between $5 million and $1 billion, and be publicly traded for at least a year.
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| September 02, 2011 | | Why Tamil Nadu is NO longer a favoured auto hub
Chronic power outages, labour issues and unaffordable real estate have taken the sheen off TN's vaunted ecosystem for global auto makers.
RICH feel the pinch too! Lifestyle inflation soars
If rising prices of food and fuel are hurting the common man, the richie-rich club has its own inflation-related worries -- that is in prices of Chanel bags and Rolex watches, among other high-end lifestyle products.
Stranded on road? SOS your insurer
Your car maker could also offer a service for free, provided your vehicle is within warranty period.
BOND problem: Why Maruti needs a political answer
Good conduct bonds and contract workers won't help.
Murthy, Kamath on how REFORMS helped India!
Things have changed dramatically for India Inc post liberalisation in 1991. Business Standard catches up with three industry veterans on what reforms meant in the early days and what lies ahead . . .
PHOTOS: The world's grooviest small cars
A compact car or small family car is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini, but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car.
Mamata's 100 days: Industry is the casualty
"I am slogging like a demon," Banerjee said recently. What she left out was that she's made sure that everyone at Writers' the red-bricked colonial structure that houses the state secretariat is doing the same.
IMAGES: How Merc plans to regain its supremacy
Ironically, the loss of the number one position happened at a time when Benz has grown at a record 80 per cent clip last year.
Still Single? Set short-term goals for yourself
Creating a strong corpus through equity will reduce later need for debt to make big purchases.
CBI turns the heat on Essar, ex-BJP ministers
Says no evidence yet to incriminate Maran for coercion in Aircel-Maxis deal.
Maruti to start production at 2nd Manesar plant
The move to commission the new facility a month ahead of schedule comes in a bid to deal with the production impasse the company finds itself in.
IMAGES: World's 30 most powerful businesswomen
Three Indians PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi, ICICI Bank's CEO Chanda Kocchar and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon -- have been listed in 'The World's 100 Most Powerful Women' list by Forbes magazine.
SPECIAL: 20 stocks that you can GAIN from
Amid slowing growth and global uncertainties, here are the top recommendations of leading research houses.
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| August 30, 2011 | | Will invest in WB if there's no hostility: Tata
Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata on Tuesday said that further investments in West Bengal would be made when there is a "feeling to satisfy that there is no hostility against us".
My Sunny Balcony: A passion that is a business
We have lost the front and the back yards. So, the only place left for us is the balcony. People buy flats with French windows and spacious balconies that can be used creatively, says the My Sunny Balcony team.
GDP data disappointing, need to work hard: FM
The government on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the slowdown in the country's gross domestic product growth rate and said hard work is needed by all sections, including industry and farmers, to ensure inclusive growth, keeping in mind uncertainty over the global economy and monsoon.
No White Paper on black money, says Pranab
White Papers, which are issued by the government, lay out the policy or proposed action on topics of current concern.
Strauss Kahn visits IMF headquarters to bid adieu
This was Strauss Khan's first visit to the IMF headquarters in Washington after he was forced to resign from the global lending institution following his arrest in New York early this year on sexual assault charges.
What is the perfect cure for corruption?
This is understandable very few people who do illegal things do so because they love doing illegal things. People are corrupt in India because the material life resulting from corruption an illegal act is better than a corruption-free existence.
Are the glory days over for the aviation industry?
The ultimate irony of today's air travel scene is that most of the firms that are intensively competing with each other to offer easy availability and service that was unimaginable earlier are not making money.
The failing health of India's higher education
Students seem to trip up when it comes to applying what they have learnt in one context to solve a similar problem in another context.
India's GDP growth slows to 7.7 per cent
Confirming fears of a slowdown, India's economy grew by just 7.7 per cent in the first quarter of the 2011-12 financial year, compared to 8.8 per cent growth in the same three-month period last fiscal, which was mainly due to the poor performance of the manufacturing sector.
Maruti suspends 16 more, fires 12 trainees
Production has not started yet, but there are indications that it will resume today with alternate arrangements like contract workers and hiring technicians.
Fixed income safer for higher loan
Avoid shares as collateral, as you may need to pay for the decline in stock price in volatile market.
A rocky road for Hindustan Motors
Declining sales and an inability to meet its capacity have hobbled the car maker.
India may be 3rd largest economy a decade earlier!
India's GDP would more than treble in dollar terms by 2021, be as big as a stagnant Japan's, and therefore poised to become the third largest economy in the world -- a decade ahead of the Goldman schedule.
Banks helping to hide black money? I-T to probe
In its pursuit to unearth black money, the Income Tax Department will probe certain banks and their officials suspected to be helping customers hide illicit funds through multiple accounts.
Get ready for the next bull run in GOLD
The likes of J P Morgan will now have to buy back gold in order to repay the Venezuelan government and this will drive the price of gold up globally.
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| August 29, 2011 | | Soaring gold prices bring cheers, and tears
With gold breaching the Rs 20,000-mark for a sovereign recently, market figures show there has been no let-up in retail buying, as gold is an integral part of marriage, cutting across caste and community divides in Kerala.
Game for gaming: Gen-Y geeks go pro
The reception area is packed with young turks in their early 20s, dressed in jeans and T-shirts, waiting patiently for their interview.
Global investors renew interest in Indian realty
With their home markets in turmoil, large global investors such as Blackstone, Carlyle, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation are actively scouting for and signing deals in the Indian property sector.
Consensus grows on internal Tata successor
Sources familiar with the developments say the growing consensus in the committee set up to find a successor to chairman Ratan Tata is that an internal candidate should be the preferred option.
Falling rupee begins to HURT dollar investors
While Sensex fell 14.4% since July 26, dollar investors lost 18.07%.
KV Kamath: From a banker to Infosys leader
The new chairman assumes his role at perhaps one of the most challenging times for both the company and the industry.
Production HALTED at Maruti's Manesar unit
The firm has suffered production loss of about 1,200 units, valued at around Rs 60 crore.
Global weakness spells new opportunities for India
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said adverse global economic developments, including the fallout of downgrade of the United States sovereign rating, present new opportunities to India and the country could become a source of stability for the world economy.
Sensex soars! Ends up 568 points
Heavyweights have continued to buoy markets higher today with Reliance and Infosys leading the upmove.
Minimum Rs 500-crore capital MUST to set up a bank
The Reserve Bank of India on Monday released the draft norms for licensing of new banks in the private sector, pegging the minimum capital requirement at Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion).
Look out for the great American tamasha
The political fall-out of the US downgrade is not over. Republicans and Democrats are both trying to pin the blame on the other party, displaying their great skill in spinning news to score partisan political points.
A scientist who is a social ENTREPRENEUR
Svati Bhogle, managing director of Sustaintech India Pvt Ltd, is not a typical entrepreneur: she is more a scientist than an entrepreneur.
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| August 26, 2011 | | MAYHEM! Investors lose Rs 250,000 crore!
The total investor wealth, measured in terms of cumulative value of all listed shares, fell by about Rs 1,22,000 crore (Rs 1,220 billion) on Friday, when the market benchmark Sensex fell by 297.50 points to its lowest level in over 18 months.
US praises Tata Steel for creating jobs in America
The Obama administration is appreciative of the investment made by Indian-owned multinationals to create new jobs in the United States as is evident from the visit of Acting United States Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank to Thomas Steel Strip, a Warren, Ohio-based Tata Steel unit.
PHOTOS: 4 Indians among MIT's top innovators
The innovators are blazing new paths in a wide range of fields.
Teaser, floating, fixed loans explained
Home loan rates, which have been rising consistently, and sometimes even on a monthly basis, have had borrowers on tenterhooks.
Governance bigger worry than inflation: Nomura
Nomura has come a long way since launching its first India-dedicated fund six years ago.
Gold, silver prices see sharp decline
Recent rise may be nearing peak, analysts say long-term trend remains bullish.
Indian BPOs head to China
After information technology, it's now the turn of Indian business process outsourcing services companies to harness China as a delivery location.
Foreign investors paint gloomy India picture
If the latest strategy reports of some leading foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are anything to go by, then the outlook for the Indian equity market appears bleak. This is, despite section of experts pitching for the current attractive valuations.
Finmin readies GST for 2012-13 rollout
The GST Constitutional Amendment Bill is with the standing committee.
Apple isn't going to change: New CEO
Terming his decision to join Apple as the 'best' one he ever made, Cook said it has been the 'privilege of a lifetime' to work for Apple and Jobs for over 13 years.
Now, Belgium agrees to share black money info
The move is likely to help the government track black money parked by Indians in Belgium - a huge diamond trading hub.
Gujarat biggest home to vanishing companies
With 26 companies, state tops list of vanishing companies in the country.
Steve Jobs clearly 'Apple' of Indian eyes
No other global chief executive officer's exit elicited such a response in blogosphere.
IMAGES: India's billionaire sons and daughters
Heirs to India's most wealthy companies, they command an enviable position.
Rahul Dravid and GOLD are the last men standing!
People hoard gold, whenever there is crisis of confidence on the paper currency.
PHOTOS: 10 SUPER expensive cars!
These super cars are not for everyday use.
RARE photos: A look at 63 years of computers!
History of computers can be traced way back to 1939.
Home growth can help ride over global slowdown
Pessimists argue that India cannot be decoupled from disturbing global trends.
How to safeguard oneself when buying a plot
A buyer has the right to ask and verify the certificates and documents cleared by the respective agencies or boards with regard to the property.
Reducing exposure to capital flows can help region
Reducing exposure to capital flows can help the region shield itself against volatility in global markets.
Want to be India's first Tech Idol? Try your luck!
Here's an opportunity to win the title of India's first Tech Idol. If you are the best developer and ready to take up a challenge, Gild.com offers you a lifetime opportunity to prove your mettle.
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| August 25, 2011 | | Switzerland to tax UK citizen's black money
It follows a similar deal agreed earlier this month between Germany and the Swiss authorities.
WARNING! High prices, tough times ahead, says RBI
The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday warned of difficult days ahead, saying inflation will remain at elevated levels for some more time while the economic growth rate will moderate in the current fiscal.pp
PHOTOS: The many faces of Steve Jobs
On Thursday (August 25), Steve Jobs resigned as Apple's chief executive officer and named Tim Cook as his successor.
Timeline: Steve Jobs's amazing innings at Apple
Steve Jobs' resignation is biggest blow to Apple, which is at the peak of its success.
Soaring inflation is bad news, am worried: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday expressed concern over rising food inflation, saying it is perilously near double digits.
Steve Jobs: The man and his words of wisdom
On Thursday, Steve Jobs resigned as Apple's chief executive officer and named Tim Cook as his successor.
Food inflation rises to 9.80 per cent
During the week ended August 13, fruits became dearer by 27.01 per cent and eggs, meat and fish by 13.37 per cent on an annual basis.
Challenges facing Apple post Jobs
Jobs will now be the chairman of Apple's board.
The man who messed with the average American
Sharma hit the Average Joe hard, though not directly. The fact that other raters Moody's and Fitch maintained their top rating on US debt only added to the discomfort.
PHOTOS: The new Rs 388,000 Indica Vista is here
The new Tata Vista delivers a sedan-like experience.
Nano gets a big lift within Tata Group firms
Higher price tag and soaring fuel costs have swayed buyers away from the ultra compact car over the months.
TCS to open BPO centre in Ahmedabad
India's largest information technology (IT) services provider, TCS, is setting up a greenfield business process outsourcing (BPO) centre in Ahmedabad that can house 2,000 people.
PHOTOS: World's top 20 vehicle-producing nations
Number of vehicles in operation worldwide surpassed the one billion-unit mark in 2010.
Indian states with highest per capita INCOME!
Per capita income in India has doubled between 2004-05 and 2010-11 to touch Rs 54,835 per annum. The PCI figure gives a fair idea of the standard of living of the people. India's per capita income in 2009-10 was Rs 46,492.
Jobs resigns; Tim Cook is new Apple CEO
According to his letter 'to the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community', posted on the Wall Street Journal website, Jobs said, "I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee."
IMAGES: This Rolls-Royce may fetch pound 400,000
The vehicle once belonged to Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV.
Laptops dress up to woo tablet buyers
Since the introduction of Apple's iPad in 2010, tablet PCs have been dominating retail space.
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| August 24, 2011 | | Can automakers tide over the crisis?
Continuing slide in demand for new cars in Europe has made Maruti Suzuki edgy about business, but the automobile major is still looking forward to bagging export order for hatchbacks from Nissan this year.
SPECIAL: How the world is drowning in excess debt!
countries need to borrow to repay bonds that are maturing. And they also need to borrow to meet their current expenditure. So the debt just keeps growing.
SPECIAL: How unrestrained mining RUINED Bellary
Initially, it was all gold. But Justice Hegde's report exposed the dingy substrate of Bellary's mining operations.
How India plans to cut its loan pipeline
India may cut its loan pipeline from the World Bank or pre-pay some of the amount as it is running the risk of exceeding the borrowing limit from the global lender in next three years.
More jobs? Make trade unions LESS relevant!
Trade unions have to become much less relevant to India's future if we have to recognise that job-creation is more important than job preservation, says TeamLease CEO Manish Sabharwal.
Corruption in India has become worse: Ratan Tata
Top industrialists have expressed concern over the impact that worsening corruption has on their businesses and said there is no short-cut to becoming a billion-dollar company other than doing things the right way.
Will call PM, Chidambaram as witnesses: Raja
Jailed former Telecom Minister A Raja on Wednesday told a Delhi court that he would get Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the then finance minister P Chidambaram and the current Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal summoned as witnesses to prove that the government did not incur any loss in the 2G allocation.
How Renault plans to capture the Indian market
The French carmaker wants to erase the Logan memory by opting for a premium play before going down the value chain.
Raise tenure, not EMI, says FinMin
In a letter to chairmen and managing directors of public sector banks, the finance ministry has asked state-run banks not to increase the equated monthly installment, in order to provide some relief to the borrowers since interest rates have risen sharply.
Mumbai world's cheapest city, claims study!
According to UBS Prices and Earnings Update, August 2011, Mumbai overtook 73 cities of the world to take the cheapest city crown with 40.2 points.
'India may have competitive edge over China'
The think-tank, however, said that in next two decades, China would continue to maintain technological and economic edge over India, but would have demographic disadvantage over its Asian neighbour.
US court rejects appeal, Strauss-Kahn free
A judge had earlier dismissed all charges against Strauss-Kahn, who was accused of forcing the maid into a sex act at a luxury Manhattan hotel, but her lawyers had filed an appeal to a higher court seeking a special prosecutor, the report added.
Financial inclusion: India's TOP 23 states!
The essence of financial inclusion is to ensure that a range of appropriate financial services is available to every individual and enable them to understand and access those services.
IMAGES: World's most amazing workplaces!
From office headquarters to car factories and elegantly designed-institutes, these buildings are truly architectural masterpieces.
Special: Hyderabad's new Nizams
Heart of the old city is a spectacle of all-night shopping and feasting.
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| August 23, 2011 | | Petrol in India costlier than in US, Pakistan!
Petrol prices in India are costlier than the United States but cheaper than European countries, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas R P N Singh said on Tuesday.
Now, bulbs can be used to broadcast broadband
Prof Harald Hass says the invention, dubbed D-Light, can send data faster than 10 megabits per second, which is the speed of a typical broadband connection, by altering the frequency of the ambient light in the room.
Why India's largest textile exports hub is DYING!
An 84-year-old farmer's court injunction has converted a booming export hub into a ghost town, causing exports to plummet and businesses to relocate.
PHOTOS: Ferrari sells for $16.4 mn at auction!
In auctions held this weekend, nine much-desired cars were on the block.
Now, Google+ issues verification badges
Being anonymous or using a pseudonym is no longer an option on Google+.
Arvind Virmani: Economist who became a diplomat
Former chief economic advisor on life in government and the reform years.
Strauss-Kahn: Prosecutors want charges dropped
The lawyer for hotel housekeeper Nafissatou Diallo also met with prosecutors briefly.
Cars from India, China? DON'T WANT say Americans
Market research firm GfK Automotive's Barometer of Automotive Awareness and Imagery Study found that Chinese and Indian auto-makers could face a similar purchase consideration curve to Korean vehicles when they launched in the US.
Deven Sharma to resign as Standard and Poor's head
Indian-American Deven Sharma, the president of Standard and Poor's, is stepping down by year end, an announcement coming only weeks after the credit rating agency downgraded American credit rating.
ITC, Tatas vie for hotel market share
ITC Hotels and Tatas' Indian Hotels Company will invest strongly over the next few years to add properties in the segment, considered a booming one.
IMAGES: India's top 20 BPO companies
India's top business process outsourcing (BPO) companies posted a total revenue of Rs 32,246 crore (Rs 322.46 billion) in 2010-2011.
How Bombardier plans to make it big in India
Starting with SpiceJet deliveries from this week, aircraft maker sees 'very exciting opportunity'.
PHOTOS: China's counterfeit culture!
Chinese counterfeiters have had a field day pumping out knockoffs of Apple Inc's best-selling iPhones and iPads, but one appears to have gone a step further -- a near flawless fake Apple Store that even employees believe is the real deal.
PM tells IIM grads how corruption can be curbed
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the Golden Jubilee of Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta in Kolkata on August 22, 2011.
PM exhorts IIT-ians to build a vibrant India
Even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the 57th Annual Convocation and Launching of Diamond Jubilee of IIT, Kharagpur on Monday, some IIT students and others held a demonstration near the campus of the premier technical institute here in support of Anna Hazare's movement hours.
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| August 22, 2011 | | IMAGES: India's top 20 BPO companies
India's top business process outsourcing (BPO) companies posted a total revenue of Rs 32,246 crore (Rs 322.46 billion) in 2010-2011.
How Mumbai can cope with urbanisation
Developing new mass rapid transit system (MRTS) will help decongest the already choked roads of Mumbai and cope with rapid urbanisation, according to a report by industry body Assocham.
Business-as-usual will not work for 9% growth: PM
A 'business-as-usual' approach will not work if the Indian economy is to achieve its long-term 9 per cent annual growth target, which is "very ambitious" in the backdrop of global uncertainties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
More pain: RBI may hike interest rates in Sept
RBI is likely to continue with its tight monetary policy.
Tutoring US students from Indian homes
Tutorvista teaches 20,000 students, 95 per cent of them from the United States. The rest are from 24 different countries. Ganesh plans to enter the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia next year.
Can hero live up to its name?
Now standing on one foot, Hero MotoCorp has to decide if it wants to play offence or defence.
How MindTree can rectify its biggest mistakes
MindTree tried its hand at making wireless handsets but failed. Now co-founder Ashok Soota has moved on to start a competing business.
The all new Reliance 3G tab plays out good
Everyone who has looked at a tablet PC and backed off because of the price will see sense in the Reliance 3G Tab, an Android tablet PC that costs just Rs 13,000 (data prices extra).
SPECIAL: Why China is at America's mercy
China exports, US buys. China gets the money. The money is in turn invested in US government bonds, i.e. lent to the US. The US, in turn, buys goods from China from the money that is lent, and China earns dollars in the process. These dollars are again lent to the US and so the cycle continues
Force One: The STUNNING Rs 11-lakh SUV
drives the new SUV from Force Motors and tells you all about it.
Narayana Murthy bids farewell to Infosys
Infosys employees presented Murthy and his family members a sketch of his on a rice grain.
Online classifieds: The next big thing on the Net
If you are looking for a free and effective way to get rid of used merchandise, this is the perfect platform to reach out to interested buyers/sellers beyond your circle of friends.
What is the KEY to India's economic success?
The key to the success of India's 12th Plan lies in what state governments can and will do.
13 US companies that offer amazing perks!
There are some companies that provide just about everything.
Mahindra plans compact Verito to get excise sops
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, the country's largest utility vehicle maker, will roll out a sub-four metre compact model of Verito, the rechristened Mahindra Logan, which is expected to attract only 10 per cent excise duty instead of the earlier 22 per cent. Also, it will have a lower price tag.
Maruti may make engines to meet diesel car demand
The surge in diesel vehicle demand has prompted the companies to explore options such as developing new engines as well as buying these from other companies.
IMAGES: China's aircraft carrier hotel!
A former Soviet warship has been converted by China into a floating luxury hotel. A look inside the hotel/aircraft carrier Kiev.
Must read! When you become an NRI
One cannot open a savings bank account, have a fixed deposit or a public provident fund.
Ambassador set to get a facelift!
With over 35 brands offering their cars, Hindustan Motors is on the brink of being forgotten.
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| August 19, 2011 | | India's economy robust; growth story intact: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday asserted that India's economy is 'robust' and its growth story is intact, amid fears of another global economic turmoil that sent the world stocks into a tailspin.
Swiss banks info-sharing to be effective in Sept
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said the agreement signed with Switzerland for sharing banking information on demand is likely to come into force by September.
Gold on fire; zooms to record high of Rs 28,150!
Gold climbed to an all-time high of Rs 28,150 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday, posting its biggest-ever single day gain of Rs 1,310 amid frantic buying triggered by robust demand in global markets.
Why retail investors are flocking to gold ETFs
During April-July, the investor-base in gold ETFs expanded 24 per cent.
PHOTOS: 13 best diesel hatchbacks in India
Diesel is 40 per cent cheaper than petrol and some of the diesel cars are 30 per cent more fuel efficient as compared to their petrol variant.
Special: How to make PROFITS in a bear market
Bear markets are often shorter in duration than bull markets but they can have a devastating impact.
25 nations with most MILLIONAIRES by 2020
A study by New York-based Deloitte Center for Financial Services, titled The next decade in global wealth among millionaire households, says India is likely to experience the largest growth of a whopping 405 per cent in total millionaire wealth over the next decade.
SpiceJet chief says higher fares can fix finances
High fuel prices are not only taking a toll on airline companies' balance sheets, but also forcing them to innovate to cut costs.
PHOTOS: World's 10 worst oil disasters
An oil spill is a release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment.
Facebook not hit by social media fatigue
Facebook is the top social network in India.
Tough road ahead for new Air India chief
Biggest problem that Nandan faces is being able to simultaneously improve Air India's earnings and decrease debt.
Hackers cost finance firms Rs 7 crore a year
Indian banks saw their losses nearly double to Rs 12.6 crore.
Sensex plunges below 16K after 15 months
As many as 132 companies declined to their all-time low levels in morning trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange on Friday as weak global cues dragged the benchmark Sensex down by over 300 points.
PHOTOS: World's 10 richest diamond mines!
Diamonds are such a highly traded commodity that multiple organizations have been created for grading and certifying them.
They gave up BIG salaries to do GOOD for the world
Meet these corporates who chose to give up their high-income jobs, only to take up the cause they strongly believe in.
European debt crisis: Explained in SIMPLE terms!
The European debt crisis is possibly even bigger than the American one. But just what is the crisis all about? Here's a dummies guide to it. Read on . . .
Why the gold bubble will soon BURST!
Many are selling stocks and corporate bonds and putting their money into gold.
After 30 years, it is Murthy's last day at Infosys
Murthy will hand over his role to K V Kamath, who has been an independent director on the Infosys board since May, 2009.
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| August 18, 2011 | | Gujarat, preferred location for new Maruti plant
Top carmaker Maruti Suzuki on Thursday said that Gujarat is a preferred location for the company to set up its new manufacturing plant.
IN PIX: Gold rises to record Rs 26,840
Gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity advanced by Rs 160 each.
ICICI fined Rs 25,000; told to compensate customer
ICICI Bank has been slapped with a fine of Rs 25,000 by a Delhi district consumer forum for wrongly deducting Rs 40,578 from the account of one of its customers.
PHOTOS: 10 countries with least population density
There are some countries that have more animals than humans.
US probing S&P's rating of mortgages: Report
The investigation began before it cut the United States' AAA credit rating.
India Inc uneasy at Hazare standoff
Broader sentiment of lack of transparency bothers most in India Inc.
Morgan Stanley downgrades India ratings
Report maintains its underweight call on India.
How tablet PCs are SLUGGING it out in India
After mobile handsets, a price war is now brewing in the tablet PC segment.
PHOTOS: And now a hotel in space!
It will house seven guests in four cabins.
The 5 largest computer sellers in India
The combined desk-based and mobile PC market in India totalled nearly 2.5 million units in the April June quarter, a 2.5 per cent increase over the same quarter last year.
Crony capitalism: Why property prices don't fall!
So crony capitalism might be better than no capitalism but it comes with costs attached. And this should serve as a warning.
Gold jewellery will now fetch LESS loan
Companies change the way they calculate the value of gold, leading to a lower loan-to-value for customers.
UNVEILED! The all new Maruti SWIFT
Longer and wider platform, more fuel efficient, improved acceleration, plush interiors.
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| August 17, 2011 | | What India earns from telecom despite defaults
The government on Wednesday said it has received over Rs 2.15 lakh crore (Rs 2.15 trillion) so far from telecom operators as spectrum fee and licence fee.
India to be $5.6 trillion economy by 2020
India will see a three-fold jump in GDP.
Black money: UPA government loves tax evaders
'Considering that there was an estimated Rs 10 lakh crores of Indian money stolen and kept in foreign tax havens, the UPA government with one stroke of its tainted pen has granted immunity to tax-evaders who had stashed the loot in tax havens.'
Rajaratnam plea against conviction thrown out
A US court has denied a bid by billionaire hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, convicted in May this year on insider trading charges, to reverse the verdict handed by the jury in his case.
India's 10 MOST valuable companies
State-run Coal India on Wednesday toppled billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries as the country's most valued company, with a slightly higher market valuation around mid-day.
Now, scratch cards are a marketing tool
Mobile advertising industry is generating responses that are as high as 40 per cent.
Must-see: The GOLDEN Amul ads
Cartoon artist Bharat Dabholkar has been involved with sketching the Amul ads since the 1980s.
Is the high margin story OVER for Indian IT firms?
Adverse economic and political conditions in the US and rising costs could see margins drop for the IT biggies.
IMAGES: 10 BIG projects that can transform India
The current lacklustre mood of the nation could well be revitalised with a clutch of game-changing projects.
Economist PM highly economical about economics
India had time to plan and improve its competitiveness and infrastructure. Yet it chose not to. And for that we need to blame our government, says .
PHOTOS: The STUNNING new VW Jetta hits roads
German name Volkswagen translates into English as the 'people's car'.
India: A scoop of vegetarianism and Americanism
Germ-dreading, bottled water-dependent upper-class Indian has to be reassured that what is on offer is safe to slurp.
Airbag for mobile phone? It's possible!
Mobile phone could someday have an airbag.
Here's what IBM and IIT are doing for the Ganga!
Given the tonnes of sewage and filth that have accumulated in the Ganga over the years, this may seem to be a drop in the ocean.
Why people hoard gold and buy it during crises
If you hoard a metal like copper, you will be taking it away from its genuine industrial users. So in the end people hoard gold, whenever there is crisis of confidence on the paper currency.
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| August 16, 2011 | | Automakers in trouble: Tatas, Maruti cut output
With the domestic auto market going on a downhill slide, Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki have cut production as the automobile industry braces up for a single digit sales growth this fiscal.
Being a nice guy doesn't pay off, literally!
Nen with disagreeable personalities are 18 per cent more likely to earn more than nice guys.
Inflation at 8-month low of 9.22%
On an annual basis, prices of food articles went up by 8.19 per cent in July, which is lower than the 8.38 per cent inflation recorded in June.
Will Microsoft now woo Nokia?
The possibilities are: Apple, Google and a third player. The pursuit of that third slot is where there will be blood on the streets -- who will win, RIM or HP or Microsoft?
Battle over smartphones: Samsung takes on Nokia
Samsung is counting on snazzy new products, innovative marketing and vaulting ambition to close the gap on rival Nokia in this lucrative segment.
How US beat its 1st debt crisis in 18th century
Both Europe and the US can learn a lesson from American history to overcome their debt problems.
IMAGES: World's 10 STUNNING yachts
The world's largest luxury yacht is Eclipse.
IMAGES: 20 most POPULAR cars in India
Sales plunged to 133,747 units from 158,767 in the same month last year.
IMAGES: India's best and worst performing states
The sustainable competitiveness report measures of the responsible growth of a state.
PIX: T3 to remain India's largest airport for now
The existing capacity will be able to match passenger growth.
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| August 15, 2011 | | Google to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 bn
The all-cash deal will boost Google's competitive edge in the mobile computing arena as well as give it access to Motorola's range of Android operating system-based offerings.
Govt debts crossed $41 trillion globally in 2010
Many governments, especially in the developed world, have resorted to massive stimulus measures to bolster their economies since the 2008 global financial meltdown.
India may see about 1 mn 'green jobs' by 2013
As green jobs exist in all sectors, this means more engineering, more construction and more management jobs.
India to be downgraded? No such immediate threat
The ratings are opinions that reflect the ability and willingness of the rated entity to meet financial obligations.
IMAGES: A new SMALL car from Hyundai soon
This car has been codenamed H800 and is also called Hyundai HA and it will take on Tata Nano, Maruti Alto and New Maruti 800.
When Dhoni's team WILTED, ad rates went for a toss
While no one knows whether the Indian cricket team will be able to regain its number one Test nation status in the near future, the consensus is that advertisers will refuse to play ball for some time at least.
When bears come calling, what brokers DO
Many have downgraded EPS estimates for the Sensex in FY12.
Use your mobile to drive, explore a car
Technology is operational in 2,000 high-footfall areas such as malls, hangout locations, airports, stadiums and showrooms across the country.
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| August 12, 2011 | | Buy a Mahindra aircraft for the price of a Ferrari
India's first private sector made civilian aircraft -- NM5 -- is all set to take off within the next six weeks. Developed by Mahindra Aerospace and NAL, it costs up to Rs 1.8 crore (Rs 18 million).
Auto sector slowdown! Maruti cuts production
The country's largest car maker Maruri Suzuki India on Friday said it has cut down production on most of its models this month due to slowdown in the market.
India 5th most indebted among developing nations
The government on Friday said that India is the fifth most indebted country among the 20 developing nations but its debt is within manageable limits.
Direct Taxes Code set to miss deadline again
The Direct Taxes Code Bill, introduced in Parliament on August 30 last year, proposes to replace the 50-year-old Income Tax Act.
END to pesky calls, SMSes likely in 6 weeks
In a relief to millions of mobile phone users, telecom regulator Trai on Friday said it will take 4-6 weeks to curb the menace of unsolicited calls and SMSes after DoT cleared the '140' number series exclusively for landline phones of telemarketing companies.
India's industrial growth jumps to 8.8% in June
Industrial growth in the country revived moderately to 8.8 per cent in June this year on the back of a smart recovery in the manufacturing sector and better offtake of capital goods.
In GRAPHICS: The booming Indian economy
Here are some aspects of the Indian economy in graphics.
PIX: How India can be a global business powerhouse
Marketers need to build on the country's core values to strengthen Brand India's presence abroad.
Air India will NOT be privatised, says govt
Crying foul, the Opposition on Friday alleged in the Lok Sabha that there was a deliberate design to make state carrier Air India bankrupt in order to privatise it, prompting the government to rule out privatisation and promise administrative and monetary steps to turn it around.
RARE images: Mumbai's infrastructure since 1864!
Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is India's financial powerhouse. It is also home to close to 2.10 crore (21 million) people, making it the most populous city in the country.
Is Hyderabad going the Kolkata way?
Movement for a separate statehood to the Telangana region is taking its toll.
The Man who brought the US down
The US treasury bond has been perhaps the most resilient feature of the American economy.
IMAGES: Gold never glittered more!
Gold prices have hit a record high of Rs 26,000 per 10 grams for the first time ever.
SPECIAL: How India became a ROARING Asian tiger!
Twenty years of economic reforms later, the Indian elephant has morphed into a tiger, averaging 8.5 per cent growth in the last decade. . .
MUST READ! Does India have cash to repay its debt?
Here we try to give you a basic understanding of the whole US debt crisis and also give insights into the Indian scenario.
Do we really need B-schools? Solve & WIN Rs 25,000
What is the core objective of a bschool?
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| August 11, 2011 | | Sebi to keep an eye on rating agencies
The regulator will revisit the rules for credit rating agencies after monitoring the domestic and global developments in this regard.
SBI raises lending rates by 0.50%
SBI held its asset liability committee meeting on Thursday evening to finalise its rate hike move.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 hits Indian market
It comes with a keyboard along with touch display.
The secret behind Cognizant's AMAZING success
Hiring during a recession and leveraging a stable succession gameplan are just a few amongst many other things that this firm did right.
Now France is in a mess! World markets shudder
Banking shares led the free fall and dragged almost all major European indexes down with them.
No respite: Food inflation rockets to 9.90%
Food inflation surged to a four-and-a-half month high of 9.90 per cent during the week ended July 30 on the back of costlier onions, fruits, vegetables and protein-based items.
How markets came to hold nations to ransom!
Standard and Poor's action has left many speechless.
Why Air India is plagued by mounting losses
The government-owned carrier has asked for withdrawal of flights from destinations such as Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Chennai and Jaipur, among others.
Photos: America's WORST economic disaster!
The Great Depression, that began almost 10 years before World War II broke out, is said to be the worst-ever financial crisis that the United States and many other nations across the world ever witness to.
Telecom policy to allow pooling of spectrum
The policy is also pushing for a one-country-one-licence regime, which means removal of roaming charges.
SPECIAL: 5 stocks investors can bet on
Experts believe investors should focus on protecting capital rather than chasing returns.
20 nations with the HIGHEST debt in the world
Once the envy of the world, these nations are now posing a threat to the world economy.
Special: Has US managed to avert RECESSION?
The recession scare is back with the United States' economy plunging into another grave crisis.
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| August 10, 2011 | | Oil companies STOP fuel supply to Air India!
State-owned oil marketing companies on Wednesday stopped jet fuel supplies to Air India in the four metros after cheques from the national carrier towards payment for fuel bounced, raising fears that the airline's flight schedules might be badly disrupted.
EXCLUSIVE! Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on entrepreneurship
The story of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is one of grit, self confidence and courage. If today she is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, it is because of her determination.
Aura of America's economic might has faded
The US political system might not be as broke as some thought but the deal came a bit too late to allay apprehensions.
DEBT: How much does India OWE to whom
India's gross public debt to GDP ratio fell from 75.8 per cent to 66.2 per cent.
IMAGES: The 10 most searched NEW cars in India
Internet search giant Google tabulated the searches by consumers in India from January 2010 to May 2011.
Apple's STUNNING success at the bourses!
Technology giant Apple on Tuesday briefly displaced energy major Exxon Mobil to become the world's most valuable company.
The Web is 20 years old! What next?
Twenty years ago, a British computer scientist, Tim Berners-Lee, posted a short summary of a project on the alt.hypertext newsgroup, and also designed a crude website, with a few hyperlinks and some text to describe a project he christened the 'world wide web', or W3.
Why the world needs true LEADERS to avert crises
The crisis in Europe and the US and the short-sightedness with which it has been handled is enough to make people lose faith in governments across the world.
Now, Facebook and Twitter under govt SCANNER
The government has the power to monitor, intercept and even block online conversations and websites.
Most Indians will hop jobs in next 5 years: Study
According to a survey by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Service -- Kelly Global Workforce Index 59 per cent of Indian employees surveyed expect to switch careers within the next five years due to money and lifestyle issues.
Markets in roaring form; Sensex above 300 pts
...helped by a Wall Street rally after the US Federal Reserve yesterday pledged to keep US interest rates low at least through mid-2013.
US downgrade worries Indian business schools
While the rating cut will raise borrowing costs for the US government, companies and consumers, Indian educational institutes fear it may also impact recruitment plans of international companies.
Mayawati's budget: Rs 50 cr for personal comfort!
This came to light on the floor of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly where a supplementary budget of Rs 10,879 crore (Rs 108.79 billion) was tabled during the course of the on-going monsoon session in Lucknow on Tuesday.
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| August 09, 2011 | | Gold retains its sheen, hits new peak of Rs 25,840
Riding high on a firm trend in overseas market, gold prices today added Rs 610 to touch an all-time high of Rs 25,840 per 10 grams, as the turmoil in global financial markets increased the metal's demand as protection on wealth.
RIL's stake sale to BP gets govt nod
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had on July 22 cleared the sale of stake by RIL to BP in 21 blocks.
IMAGES: New luxury Aria at Rs 11.85 lakh
Tata Motors said it has completed its luxurious crossover range with the launch of the new premium car Aria 4x2.
India ready to face any challenge: FM
Pranab Mukherjee says India's economic fundamentals are strong.
RARE photos! America's Great Depression of 1930s
Here are some great photographs of daily life during the Great Depression of the 1930s in the United States.
US must borrow and spend MORE: Indian-born expert
The Chief Financial Officer of Washington DC, Natwar Gandhi, who is credited with turning around the financial fortunes of the US capital, on Monday said America needs to borrow more and spend more money in order to stimulate the economy.
Subbarao to remain RBI Governor for 2 more years
Ending months of suspense, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday gave a two-year extension to RBI Governor D Subbarao beyond September.
While market experts in India were sleeping . . .
All the newspapers and business news channels on Monday morning told us that the world is now going to change again. But these very guys had no clue till a few days back, and were gung ho about the Indian economy, the Sensex and pretty much everything else.
Air India chief might be offloaded
Civil aviation ministry has also reached a consensus to give a five-year term to the next CMD of the ailing state-owned airline.
Why the US downgrade is a BOON for India
Fall in oil prices is good news, as every $10/bbl price swing impacts the current account deficit by $8 billion.
Knives are out! S&P's US downgrade may be probed
The unprecedented downgrade of the US' creditworthiness by ratings agency Standard and Poor's may face a probe by a Senate committee, reports have said.
Stocks NOT plunging due to downgrade: US official
A top US official said the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 600 points plunge on Monday was not due to the downgrade of America's credit rating, but reflects the deep unease in the market about conditions in other parts of the world and the strength of the economic recovery.
PHOTOS: Global job cuts show economy on brink!
In an effort to improve their balance sheets, many of the major multinationals have started to lay-off employees.
Obama on why US will always be a 'triple-A' nation
President Barack Obama on Monday strongly defended US credit after a historic debt downgrade by rating agency S&P and said America will always be AAA nation as its economic problems were 'eminently solvable', given the political will.
Indian behind US downgrade SPEAKS out!
Facing criticism inside the United States for downgrading America's credit rating from AAA to AA+, the Standard and Poor's Indian-American president Deven Sharma has said that the agency's decision was made mainly because of the rising debt levels and the process of resolving things.
Global markets crash; Indian stocks recover
The market meltdown triggered by the US debt downgrade continued with full force on Tuesday too as the Indian stock markets tanked again.
SPECIAL: All about credit rating agencies!
A credit agency evaluates the credit worthiness of an issuer of specific types of debt.
US debt still worth 'AAA' rating: Warren Buffett
Legendary investor Warren Buffett feels that the US debt is still worth 'AAA' rating and if anything has to change, it may be his opinion about rating agency S&P rather than his view on US Treasury bills.
US crisis: How will it impact your MFs, gold
With fear of a slowdown looming, a steep fall in world's markets last week and the US being downgraded first the time in seven decades, domestic retail investors have made losses in their most-favoured schemes this year.
US crisis: Just what is 'double dip', 'tea party?
Facing a 'double-dip' risk, the United States government is blaming 'tea party' politicians for the situation, though these are the jargons associated with the economic scenario of the world's largest economy.
US crisis: What investors MUST do and NOT do now
Here are three ways you can use your emotional intelligence while investing in stock markets:
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| August 08, 2011 | | Good news! Goldman upgrades India rating
Citing expected improvement in macroeconomic situation, Goldman Sachs on Monday upgraded India's rating to 'market weight', indicating bullishness in the short-term.
Gold breaches Rs 25K mark, to hit Rs 27K by Diwali
Gold prices breached the crucial Rs 25,000-level for the first time ever in history, tracking strong trends in global markets where financial uncertainty increased the metal's appeal as a safe investment haven.
'Slump a panic reaction, stocks will bounce back'
Describing the slump in the market early Monday morning as a knee-jerk reaction to the negative global sentiment, experts said the markets will soon bounce back and lots of value buying will happen at lower levels.
US downgrade: The consequences are CHILLING!
This could lead to an unprecedented bloodbath in the global financial markets.
Crisis? US will still remain on top
Economics may be shifting power from the West to the East but the US would remain on top.
Now India, several other nations face downgrade!
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's on Monday cautioned that it could lower the sovereign ratings of countries like India, Japan and Malaysia, which 'are still to come out of the economic meltdown of 2008'.
CRASH! Why stock markets will continue to fall!
With the downgrade there is a danger that investors who hold these financial securities may sell out. Of course, the level of selling will depend on the way the investors react to this downgrade.
The Indian behind the US rating downgrade
There is an Indian at the helm of affairs surrounding the historic downgrade of the United States' creditworthiness, as ratings agency S&P's unprecedented move was taken under the leadership of Deven Sharma.
Sensex crash: Indian blue-chips in freefall
Blue-chips like Infosys, Reliance Industries and TCS went into a tailspin on the bourses today as investors abandoned their holdings in companies that rely heavily on exports after the US lost its top-notch credit rating.
US blues make Indian markets see red
Investors say stocks to drift further, but impact of rating downgrade may be short-term.
MAYHEM: Sensex plunges, world markets crash!
The Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex plummeted to 16,865.58 on Monday early morning trade, down 440.29 points or -2.54%, while the Nifty crashed to 5,077.05 points, down 134.20 or 2.58%.
PHOTOS: 17 countries with the STRONGEST economy
Out of 200-odd countries, just 16 nations have the coveted triple-A rating.
FDI into India rockets to $5.65 billion in June
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India saw a whopping 310 per cent increase in June to $5.65 billion, the highest monthly inflow in the last 11 financial years, indicating the revival of investor confidence in the Indian economy.
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| August 05, 2011 | | Market crash: Investors lose Rs 1,300,000,000,000
The investors were left poorer by over Rs 1.33 lakh crore after today's stock market crash, even as the market managed to recover nearly half of the losses suffered earlier during the day.
Markets crash: What investors MUST do
The common Indian is already under pressure from rising inflation, investments giving poor returns and lower salary hikes too!
PIX: Raj Thackeray visits Nano plant in Gujarat
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray who is on a 'study tour' to Gujarat showered praises on Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his business development skills.
This tablet PC costs only Rs 13,999!
A tablet PC, though smaller in size, has PC-like functionalities.
Amazing pics: How CHINA changed through the years
It has been an incredible journey for the Chinese economy.
Price rejigs put luxury cars on fast lane in India
General Motors, Nissan Motor India and Volkswagen managed to ride the tide with new launches.
SPECIAL: Sensex is sinking. Blame the Americans
Since its close on Monday (August 1), the Sensex has fallen more than 1,000 points or around 6.4 per cent.
Diesel subsidy end good news for smaller cars
Dynamics of auto business will change if the government ends diesel subsidy to passenger vehicles.
AI wants Lufthansa punished over Star Alliance
Lufthansa is a founder member of Star Alliance and was the mentor airline for facilitating Air India's entry.
Markets sink on global meltdown
The stock markets tanked in morning trade on Friday and sent the benchmark Sensex down to its lowest level in 13 months.
Jhunjhunwala pledges 25% of wealth for charity
Jhunjhunwala said that his decision was personal and might not have anything to do with Buffett's pledge.
IMAGES: New TALLEST buildings in India!
Most of the new skyscrapers in India are coming up in the financial hub of Mumbai.
IMAGES: Nissan Sunny, the NEW car in town
The price is expected to remain around Rs 700,000 to Rs 900,000.
India's airlines: Biggest losers and gainers
National carrier Air India incurred a loss of over Rs 5,500 crore during the 2009-10 fiscal, the government said on Wednesday.
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| August 01, 2011 | | W Bengal's huge debt: Centre plans rescue package
The Centre is working out a financial package for West Bengal to tide over the huge problems the new government has inherited from the Left Front administration, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday.
Rs 70 crore! Pay packet proposed for Sunil Mittal
Telecom giant Bharti Airtel on Monday proposed an annual pay package of up to Rs 70 crore (Rs 700 million) for its chief Sunil Mittal, besides other benefits, while seeking its shareholders' nod for his remuneration.
Star Alliance dumps Air India
Government called the move 'unexpected and disappointing'.
Maruti suffers biggest sales fall in July
The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday reported a 25.34 per cent fall in total sales for July to 75,300 units, mainly due to sluggish market condition and non-production of hatchback Swift as the company is preparing to launch a new version of the car soon.
MUST READ: Why the US debt crisis will hit us all
At the core of the present conundrum are certain fundamental theories of macroeconomics -- much of which was debated, celebrated and even imposed on others -- without even considering the possibility that such ideas could be plainly wrong or unworkable in entirely different circumstances, countries or cultures.
SPECIAL: The success story of Mitticool's inventor
Mitticool turned out to be a hit - its maintenance costs were minimal, and the fact that it ran without electricity was a boon for villages where power was in short supply.
HIGHLIGHTS: GDP to grow 8.2%, FIIs may shun India!
The main worry is that the inflation rate is expected to remain high at 9 per cent till October, the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council said.
IMAGES: World's 25 STUNNING metro stations
The world's first metro system, London Underground opened in 1863.
India to become mobile manufacturing hub
Fourteen years ago, the telecom market was thrown open to private and foreign players.
Get ready to welcome these CHEAP sedans and SUVs
Several manufacturers such as Mahindra
SPECIAL: Tips to make email marketing effective
As more and more marketers turn to email marketing, the email recipient's inbox is getting cluttered.
US debt crisis: Lawmakers finally reach agreement
The first part of this agreement will cut about $1trillion in spending over the next 10 years.
IMAGES: Urban India faces mobile glut
Everyone in urban India has, on an average, a mobile connection.
Someone's stealing your vehicle, SMS alerts you!
Vazhikatti Systems' pager-sized device, powered by a GSM module, detects tampering and immediately sends an SMS to alert the owner whose phone the device is connected to.
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| July 29, 2011 | | DETAILS of the draft land acquisition Bill
Amid a raging controversy over land acquisition, the government on Friday unveiled a new draft Bill putting in place a transparent, legal framework aimed at giving adequate compensation to land owners and ensuring rehabilitation of those displaced.
How 20 years of neoliberalism has ravaged India
Ironically, on the 20th anniversary of the event, the sleaze associated with neoliberalism, with all its cronyism, criminality and plunder of public wealth, is on full display.
Why Nandan Nilekani could lose his job
The list of governmental and corporate intervention based on information technology is growing all the time.
For each H-1B visa, US tech firms hire 5 Americans
Refuting the allegations of United States lawmakers and certain quarters here that H-1B visas take away jobs from Americans, Nasdaq's chief has claimed that studies show that for every H-1B visa, technology companies increase employment by five workers.
Is the telecom tariff party over in India?
Burdened with debt, cutthroat competition and declining ARPUs, Bharti is the first of the telco biggies to raise prices. Others are likely to follow.
Rajdhani trains to have Super AC coaches
At present, the second AC coaches in Rajdhani trains have 55 berths, while there are 72 in third AC coaches.
Why is India's middle class silent on inflation?
Absence of public indignation against persistently high inflation is a mystery.
India Inc welcomes new takeover code
Move to increase the trigger limit will lead to more transactions in companies.
Here's why you should file tax returns
It helps in applying for a loan, travelling abroad.
PIX: 11 brands that went for a makeover to succeed
The bottom line is that it's all about the chase for the wallet, and to reach out to younger customers who have more money to spend than ever before.
PHOTOS: World's 25 largest consumer markets!
India, like other emerging economies, is a huge consumer market, and it is expected to grow further.
From Jaipur to Berlin: Journey of Anshuman Jain
Jain, 48, currently the head of Deutsche Bank AG's investment banking division in London was named co-chief executive of Germany's largest lender.
PHOTOS: World's best tablet PCs in the market!
The tablet market will be an extremely competitive market place that is likely to see a flood of new entrants.
Why FDI norms in retail don't make sense
Committee of Secretaries has come up with a pointless set of guidelines.
Housing Fin firms gear up to raise lending rates
Brace yourselves to shell out more for home loan instalments.
15 nations with highest FDI inflows; India slips
Global FDI inflows rose five per cent to $1.24 trillion in 2010, but were still 37 per cent below the 2007 peak and 15 per cent below the pre-crisis average.
Financial crisis: Kingfisher plans low-cost routes
UB Group-controlled carrier to convert short-haul domestic routes with less demand for business class to all-economy configuration.
Tariff hike: New telcos wait and watch
As trade pundits predicted, tariff hikes are going to be slow and steady unlike the domino effect caused in 2009, when even established operators went into a frenzy and slashed tariffs to hold back subscribers.
PHOTOS: Debt trap: 21 countries facing default
Many nations, especially in Europe, are finding it hard to carry out the austerity measures.
Manmohan Singh: Reformist FM to weak PM
Singh is conscious of his formidable reputation.
Bad news! Mobile tariffs hiked by 20%
Two leading mobile operators, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular, are understood to have increased pre-paid tariffs by up to 20 per cent, in line with the recent Bharti Airtel move. According to industry sources, the tariffs were increased few days ago.
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| July 28, 2011 | | NEW takeover code! Minimum open offer size at 26%
Heralding a new set of rules for takeover of companies, the Securities and Exchange Board of India board on Thursday said that an entity buying 25 per cent stake in a listed firm will have to mandatorily make an offer to buy additional 26 per cent from public shareholders.
2 Indian-origin bizmen among Singapore's richest
Singapore's 40 richest are now collectively worth $54.4 billion.
Maruti's Manesar plant workers on strike again
The workers resorted to a strike when five of them were suspended for 'allegedly assaulting a supervisor' on Wednesday.
Chidambaram on why India must focus on reforms
Growth and economic reforms in India must take centre-stage again and acts of corruption or security concerns should not distract the attention of the government and the people, said Union Home Minister and former finance minister P Chidambaram recently.
B1 visa misuse: Infy denies US staff's charges
In February, Palmer had filed a complaint in a court in Lowndes Country, Albama, alleging that Infosys had misuses B1 business visa programme to bring Indian employees to the US to work at clients' sites.
PHOTOS: Why Paris is a tourist's delight
There are very few places in the world that are as closely identified with tourism as the French capital, Paris.
Delhi's STUNNING T3 celebrates 1st birthday!
The glass-and-steel integrated Terminal 3 of the IGI airport has completed one year of operations today.
Ford's Rs 4,000-crore plant to come up in Gujarat
The United States carmaker Ford on Thursday said it will invest Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion) to set up its second manufacturing facility in India with an initial installed capacity of 2.4 lakh (240,000) units annually.
Reliance Industries: Mixed bag of results
Fall in oil and gas output has pulled down the overall profitability.
Indians help MIT track e-waste
MIT is trying to find out what happens to used electronic devices after they are disposed.
PHOTOS: 5 most popular sedans in India
Carmakers both domestic and foreign are lining up a slew of sedans to be launched sometime in the near future.
Rate rise may hurt demand for office, retail space
The rise in interest rates is not only making homes and equated monthly instalments dearer for buyers, coupled with an anticipated slowdown in the economy, it would hurt demand for commercial real estate as well.
PHOTOS: India's 17 SPECTACULAR airports
Riding high on the aviation boom, India has built 17 international airports.
Starting a business in India?Takes less than a day
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has simplified the procedures for incorporation to enable promoters to get their companies incorporated within 24 hours.
IMAGES: Walt Disney's stunning mansion up for sale
Walt Disney's name lives on in history as the creator of a magical world and now his mansion is on the market for $3.65 million.
IMAGES: Kerala, a 'Dubai' for Bengali migrants
Bengali migrants who call Kerala their 'Dubai' can be seen filling the massive labour gap in the state by toiling away in a gamut of industries, from construction sites, to petrol pumps, to hotels, tea estates and even paddy fields.
Have a home loan? Try balance transfer
Consider prepaying or shifting but do the homework, as it makes sense or not, depending on where you've reached on the tenure.
'Breaking news' is now a raging scam on Facebook
Security firm Symantec confirms the trend. It has observed spammers trying to capitalise on related news headlines by sending out malicious threats less than a day after the news was released, according to a post on its official blog.
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| July 27, 2011 | | Tough road ahead for Ramdev's companies
More troubles are brewing for yoga guru Ramdev after the CBI registered a case against his close aide Acharya Balkrishan, with Enforcement Directorate probing the funding part of his business empire, that includes cash-rich trusts.
'Sub-8% growth will bring down inflation'
'While bank non-performing assets will rise, there is no systemic risk.'
What's wrong with India's economic data?
Farm and factory data collection methods urgently need to be expanded and electronically integrated to provide accurate and meaningful numbers.
Rate hike: Be ready for COSTLIER loans
Only those who opted for hybrid loans in the past couple of years will remain unaffected.
UPA on overdrive after season of policy paralysis
It is assumed that the growing worry over slowing down of economic growth had prompted the government to act.
20 years on, LPG means loot, plunder, goonda-raj!
Reforms process has definitely degenerated into a newer form of LPG -- Loot, Plunder and Goonda-raj.
Is China really losing its sheen?
As the reform years have gone by, China's bottom-up entrepreneurialism has given way to a crony-capitalist nexus between provinces and property developers that can no longer be restrained by Beijing.
PHOTOS: World's 11 most innovative airlines
The objective behind the survey was to select airlines whose recent innovations are inspiring, interesting and challenging to a rapidly changing industry.
Five segments to feel heat from RBI rate hike
While the rate increase was beyond Street expectations, it would put further pressure on demand and profitability of firms in rate-sensitive segments.
IMAGES: Onboard the stunning Midnight Rider
The luxurious Midnight Rider has a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's heaviest limousine.
Secrets behind BlackBerry's success in India
RIMs market share has shot up to 13 per cent.
PHOTOS: Will India ever get such SUPERB trains?
India is yet to boast of a bullet train.
Food subsidy transfer: Nilekani's 3-step mantra
Nilekani proposes centralised PDS network, model PDS software for transparency.
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| July 26, 2011 | | PHOTOS: Planning a holiday? Egypt beckons you
With the theme, 'Let's visit Egypt- Egypt is safe', the country is promoting itself as a safe tourism destination.
'Cloud computing can change IT sector's economics'
When most software companies in India stuck to services, Ramco Systems founded by P R Venketrama Raja in 1992 decided to create products by concentrating on research and development.
Pranab welcomes RBI rate hike
Inflation has remained stubbornly close to double-digit levels during the first quarter of the current fiscal.
RBI rate hike: Car makers fear further slump
Car-makers in India, who have been witnessing one of the slowest sales growth rates in over two years, said on Tuesday the Reserve Bank of India's decision to hike key rates will deal a further blow, as financing costs will rise.
PHOTOS: The STUNNING Rolls Royce 'Tiger car'
A blazing red Rolls-Royce customised with a machine gun for Umed Singh II, the erstwhile Maharaja of Kota, who is said to have used the car for hunting tigers, is now up for auction.
Switzerland may clear tax treaty with India
The revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between the two nations, that would allow India to seek details about its citizens having unaccounted money in Swiss banks, was approved by Switzerland's Parliament on June 17
PHOTOS: 10 countries with highest unemployment
According to a UN Report, 205 million people were unemployed in 2010.
RBI hikes rates: Home, auto loans to be costlier
RBI ups inflation target to 7 per cent from 6 per cent projected earlier.
Inflation: Pranab seeks British lessons
Perturbed by high inflation despite the Reserve Bank of India's monetary tightening initiatives, India on Monday asked Britain for lessons to rein in price rise.
BIG winners from China's economic success
Asian economies are already winning from Chinese growth.
In Pix: STUNNING cars for India's super rich
Volvo is looking at introducing stripped-down version of its luxury sedans.
COMPARED! Ford Fiesta diesel vs new Hyundai Verna
The new Ford Fiesta diesel takes on the current favourite, the Hyundai Verna CRDi. Business Standard plays referee.
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| July 25, 2011 | | Watch out! Another interest rate hike on the way
The Reserve Bank of India on Monday gave strong hints of another hike in its key interest rates at the policy review on Tuesday, saying that high inflation requires further monetary tightening, slowdown in growth notwithstanding.
Gold hits all-time high of Rs 23,620
Silver also moved up by Rs 500 to Rs 59,500 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers.
Mumbai housing prices may rise up to 30%!
Mumbai municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar's proposal to charge additional premium on construction of certain sections in a building, could push up property prices in the city by 20 to 30 per cent, say property developers.
Google+ gathers steam; 18% users from India
Search giant Google's social networking foray, Google+, is steadily gathering steam, owing primarily to users in India and the United States.
Worldspace radio gears up for a comeback
The satellite radio service, which had gained a small but dedicated audience with its wide-ranging, advertisement-free programming, will be back as early as September, says Seetal R Iyer, head of content and co-founder of Timbre Media.
Strauss-Kahn case: Maid on what EXACTLY happened
The 32-year-old maid Nafissatou Diallo, recalling the events of May 14 when Strauss-Kahn allegedly forced her to perform oral sex.
Indians' share of money in Swiss banks ONLY 0.07%!
As per the official figures disclosed by Switzerland's central bank, the Swiss National Bank, total deposits of Indian individuals and companies with all the Swiss banks put together stood at about $2.5 billion at the end of 2010.
Oil ministry: Always in middle of controversy
In 49 years since the ministry was set up in 1962, there have been 41 ministers.
PIX: GFive launches 4 handsets, tablet PC by Sep
Mobile handset maker G'Five said it plans to introduce a tablet computer in India in the next two months to capture a share in the burgeoning market in the country.
Why the next decade will belong to INDIA
The coming decade could finally be India's, as China ages and its working population stagnates, and its savings rate drops.
IMAGES: World's 20 most valuable companies
Apple is all set to become the world's most valuable company beating Exxon in the next six months.
Open your wallets for online bids
A healthy bank balance and an Internet connection is all that you need to fulfil your dreams.
CRISIS: Air India pilots face financial turbulence
An AI spokesperson said the airline was in a financial crisis and all employees were facing a financial crunch.
Reserve Bank set to HIKE rates again
Bankers and other stakeholders are now almost certain that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will increase the key policy rate, or the repo rate, by 25 basis points (bps) on Tuesday.
Best celebrity ads of the decade
Here, we present some of the best celebrity ads of the decade that have managed to win our hearts and successfully managed to sell the product.
Want to escape creditors? Declare bankruptcy!
Filing can be done in a local civil court and Cibil records data for at least 10 years.
World's top 15 hotspots: ASIA rules
The world's largest companies are opting to locate their offices in booming Asian economies, reflecting a shift in global economic power, according to CB Richard Ellis (CBRE).
PHOTOS: The world's 10 BEST airlines
With 200 airlines featured, the awards reflect customer satisfaction levels across 38 different items of airline front-line product and service.
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| July 23, 2011 | | Panel okays 51% FDI in multi-brand retail
India on Friday moved closer to a major economic reform, with a committee of secretaries (CoS) giving an approval in principle for allowing up to 51 per cent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.
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| July 22, 2011 | | The economics behind demand for smaller states
If smaller states are formed on the principles of 'self-determination', it could result in unstable states.
Reliance-BP strikes BIGGEST FDI deal
After nearly five months wait, the government on Friday cleared UK's BP Plc buying 30 per cent stake in most of Reliance Industries' oil and gas blocks, including the showpiece KG-D6 gas fields, for $7.2 billion.
Cognizant charged with H1-B visa abuse by US staff
Eighteen American information technology professionals have filed a civil lawsuit against its former employer, Cognizant, for replacing them with people from India who were hired by the IT major on H-1B visas.
Reliance Infra is now under RTI!
Commission says that though Reliance Infra is a private company, it provides 'essential service' and hence comes within the ambit of the RTI Act.
Will a makeover really help the Indian Railways?
With surplus funds projected to fall at an all-time low of Rs 1,300 crore (Rs 13 billion) in the current financial year and the operating ratio, a key efficiency indicator, at an all-time high of 92 per cent, the railways requires a massive makeover in asset utilisation and to open itself to the private sector, said R Sivadasan, former financial commissioner, Indian Railways.
US company moves back call centre from India
Despite higher costs in the US, Carbonite says it has taken the step due to high turnover among its Indian staff, and complaints about the quality of service provided.
RBI is caught between inflation and slowdown
Central bank should raise key policy rates again but avoid becoming a prisoner of its own making.
India's largest arbitrageur shuts shop
BLB Limited, the country's largest arbitrage and proprietary book player not very long ago, went out of its primary business of share market trading earlier this week as business became unviable. The company, now operating with skeletal staff, will look at opportunities in the international commodities space.
How govt aims to plug gaps in benami law
As the government faces heat over corruption and black money, it is planning to bring a law to prevent the misuse of benami transactions, a key source of illicit funds.
2 Indian cos among world's TOP 10 innovative firms
The method relies on investors - voting with their wallets - to identify the companies they expect to be innovative today and in the future.
Mamata's populist sops to cost Rs 400 cr a month
More than a dozen schemes have been announced since the new government took over, with Naxal-dominated Jangalmahal finding a special place.
HUL, Paras told to take off offensive deo ads!
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has rapped the fast moving consumer goods majors Hindustan Unilever and Paras Pharma for their objectionable deodorant commercials, and asked them to pull them off air.
SPECIAL: The world's 10 biggest banks
An overview of the 10 biggest banks of the world on the basis of their assets.
PHOTOS: This is what America owes India, others!
Like all governments, the United States borrows hard cash through Treasury bonds.
IMAGES: India's top 20 states by GDP
These states make India one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Services export: India ranks 10th
In 2009, the country stood at the 12th and 22nd position globally in services and goods exports, respectively.
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| July 21, 2011 | | Former beauty queen jailed for insider trading
Former beauty queen Danielle Chiesi will now be behind the bars.
$5bn unpaid bills: No Iran oil for Indian refiners
In signs that Iran is serious about shutting off crude oil supplies to India over unpaid bills, the Islamic Republic has not allocated any volumes for supply to any of the Indian refiners for August.
Why Gopinath's Deccan 360 has failed to take off
Pricey jet fuel, an over-ambitious expansion plan and a flawed partnership strategy have grounded the Captain's latest venture.
Why UPA is in trouble over rural jobs scheme
New Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has, however, taken up the challenge on how to synchronise the employment guarantee programme with the ground realities.
IIT accused of stealing tech by US entrepreneur!
Farhang has alleged that IIT-K breached a 2003 contract it signed with her and her affiliate MA Mobile Limited by allegedly passing the technology, relating to a new platform for mobile computing, to others.
New UK visa plan to attract global talent
Britain has announced a new visa category to facilitate the immigration for exceptionally talented people from India and other non-EU countries in the fields of Science, Humanities, Engineering and the Arts.
Buying under-construction property? Think twice
Onus of paying the home loan is on the buyer.
9 Indian Americans feature in top 50 Asians list
Nine Indian Americans among Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business this year.
American Airlines places largest order in history
Under the deal announced on Wednesday, American Airlines will acquire a total of 200 aircraft from the Boeing 737 family, with options for another 100 aircraft.
Will dressing up like boss get you a promotion?
Business etiquette has been a flourishing industry for several decades in the West.
Narayana Murthy on why bribing must be legal!
Supporting a strong Lokpal, Infosys Technologies Chairman Emeritus N R Narayan Murthy said reduction in corruption leads to faster economic growth of a country and this could have been the case in India also if graft had been curbed.
7-fold rise in Net banking in India since 2007
As many as 7 per cent of bank account holders in the country are using the Internet for banking transactions, while branch banking has fallen by a full 15 percentage points, according to a report by global management consultancy McKinsey & Company.
Internet users: The world's TOP 20 countries
internetworldstats.com recently came up with a list of top 20 Internet using countries.
PHOTOS: The 20 richest people in India
The super rich are enjoying massive creation of wealth.
PHOTOS: Check out India's TOP 9 hatchbacks
From Fiat to Ford and Maruti to Hyundai, almost all carmakers are now opting to introduce a diesel car.
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| July 20, 2011 | | This is what's delaying Manufacturing Policy
Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Wednesday met Environment Minister Jayanthi Natrajan to resolve the inter-ministerial differences over a proposal to ease environment laws in the manufacturing policy.
India Inc, get ready for mandatory CSR!
Regretting that the concept of voluntary CSR has not picked up in India, Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily on Wednesday said the new Companies Bill would make it mandatory for corporate to earmark part of their profit for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
No relief from rising prices till Dec, says govt
The common man will get no respite from rising prices for another six months, with the government on Wednesday saying that inflation, currently hovering above 9 per cent, will continue to remain high till December.
Murthy to mentor Gujarat talent incubation centre
The Gujarat government has given consent for setting up an international centre of excellence to nurture youth into entrepreneurs, which will be guided by chairman and founder mentor of Infosys, N R Narayana Murthy.
PHOTOS: A peek into the life of India's super-rich
Vijay Mallya, Adi Godrej, Anil Ambani and Anand Mahindra have fallen for the charms of a yacht.
Now, Bajaj wants to set up a plant in Gujarat
Bajaj Auto is planning to set up its fourth and largest plant near the Mundra port in Gujarat. The plant will also manufacture the long-awaited passenger car the company is developing with Nissan-Renault.
Google News, solar panels and Dolphin
Users can now see how voracious news reader they are by earning Google News badges.
IMAGES: World's most amazing circular buildings
The circular shape of these magnificent buildings have made them architectural wonders.
How farmers can generate more wealth from food
This could be done by farmers forming small production-cum-marketing groups and also challenging those corporate policies which dis-empower them.
Toxic waste continues to contaminate Bhopal
Indifferent parent, dithering states and a lethargic Centre have allowed Union Carbide's deadly waste to poison the soil and groundwater in Bhopal.
Regional brands struggle to go national
Many brands find the transition tough to handle and the reasons are many.
Wipro Q1 net up 1.23% at Rs 1,334.9 cr
"We are seeing early signs of positive momentum after the re-organisation. Clients continue to focus on optimising operations, creating new products and getting access to newer markets. We will continue to make investments that bring superior value to our clients as they try to win in this market," Wipro Chairman Azim Premji said in a statement.
SPECIAL: Don't get into this gold rush
The yellow metal is back in focus.
Role technology played during the Mumbai blasts
With phones jammed and fragments of news, citizens displayed a variety of web tools.
PHOTOS: The 5 most-loved hatchbacks in India
While some of these hatchbacks have been around for years, a few were recent additions.
IMAGES: The top 10 economies in 2020
Emerging economies will take the centre stage in terms of GDP (PPP) growth by 2020.
PIX: Flying cars may be in the skies in 5 years!
Imagine a car that can also fly. Well, it is a matter of just five years when you could see your fantasy becoming a reality.
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| July 19, 2011 | | Sebi issues moneylaundering warning on 10 nations
After cautioning Indian markets about possible money laundering and terror-funding risks from Iran and North Korea, market regulator Sebi has issued a warning for funds from eight more countries, including Turkey and Ethiopia.
Modi woos Murthy to head youth centre in Gujarat
N R Narayan Murthy, chairman and chief mentor of IT major Infosys on Tuesday called on the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions on a wide range of issues, including the setting up of a Infosys research centre in Gujarat.
Why Murdoch's India empire is on safer grounds
The media conglomerate has a significant presence in India.
Sushil Modi's first priority is VAT
Bihar deputy chief minister and finance minister Sushil Modi was on Monday elected the new chairman of the empowered committee of state finance ministers.
Gold glitters, hits a record high at Rs 23,470!
The yellow metal crossed its last record level of Rs 23,270 set on July 16.
Greece, Argentina: A tale of two defaults
The Greek debt crisis may turn out to be a much larger version of Argentina's economic crisis a decade ago.
Cisco to slash 6,500 jobs; India plans unclear
Networking technologies major Cisco plans to slash 6,500 jobs, about 9 per cent of its global workforce, as part of an operational revamp to boost profitability.
Sushil Modi's first priority is VAT
Bihar deputy chief minister and finance minister Sushil Modi was on Monday elected the new chairman of the empowered committee of state finance ministers.
Gaming: Indian themes strike a chord
Foreign superheroes and characters will have to make way as the Indian-themed games laced with Bollywood masala, Indian cricket fever and ancient mythology make their presence felt on the social gaming scenario.
India Inc training next gen for top job!
Industrialists passing on the baton to their children may be a common practice in India, but the next generation is not getting the crown on a platter anymore and is rather being 'trained' for the top job.
Outward FDI: Has India Inc arrived or is leaving?
Is this a new "secession of the successful", coming a generation after the flight of professional middle class talent that created the so-called global Indian diaspora?
How IIMs are trying newer ways to beat stress
Be it with faculty or students, premium business management schools are engaging newer initiatives for stress management.
H-1 visa rejections soaring, says TCS
Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest information technology services company, says visa rejections have gone up significantly compared to a few years ago.
Brokerages diversify to survive market conditions
Declining commissions, stagnant markets and increased foreign competition have forced brokerages to enter into marriages as well as new businesses.
Now, write Shortmail of 500 characters!
Shortmail hopes to change the face of communication.
10 trends that will change the world in 10 years!
Technology is going to change the way we live and interact.
PHOTOS: India's top 10 tourist destinations
The contribution of top 10 states was about 85.5 per cent to the total number of domestic tourist visits during 2010.
Rs 67,000 crore: The loss, debt facing Air India
Facing a massive cumulative loss and debt burden totalling about Rs 67,000 crore (Rs 670 billion), Air India hopes the government would take an expeditious decision to infuse more funds to boost its rapidly dwindling financial position.
Trees to be felled for hi-tech flats for MPs
The proposed construction of a residential block for Rajya Sabha MPs will come at a price -- 23 full grown trees, mostly neems, will have to be felled for the multi-story building in the heart of the capital.
Pitroda is new advisor on 'Resurgent Bengal'
Paribartan in West Bengal has a new-found enthusiast. Sam Pitroda, advisor to the Prime Minister on public information infrastructure and innovations, will be advisor to the new government on 'Resurgent Bengal'.
Bankers want a halt to interest rate hikes
Amid a steep slowdown in credit off-take and an unexpected spike in deposits, bankers on Monday urged Reserve Bank of India to hold the policy rates at the current levels, and sought a clearer picture on the future interest rates and inflation at the policy review next week
Bajaj skids in entry-level motorcycle battle
Bajaj Auto's ambition to zoom ahead of market leader Hero Honda in the entry-level motorcycle segment (75-125 cc) has taken a hard knock.
PHOTOS: 8 most popular sedans in India
National and international automakers have introduced newsedan versions.
Decoding India's corruption wars
As Indian democracy deepens, power shifts will continue to happen and the middle class needs to accept that all such power shifts may not be in their favour, says .
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| July 18, 2011 | | Indian consumer confidence declines in Q2
Though Indian consumers continue to remain the most optimistic globally, their confidence level slipped by 5 points to 126 index points.
IMAGES: World's highest railway bridges
These railway bridges are truly engineering marvels.
SPECIAL: Crazy traffic jams? Mumbai has an answer
The Rs 72-crore World Bank-supported Area Traffic Control system is helping Mumbai cut down on commuting time.
Meet the man behind Kolkata's first luxury mall
CESC Properties, a subsidiary of the group's power utility, CESC Ltd, is building the city's first luxury mall, Spencer's Galleria. It will house 20 luxury brands, a first for Kolkata.
Focus on smaller towns can reduce poverty
Urban India accounted for 26 per cent of the poor in 2004-05.
Rs 18,86,000 crore taken out of India in 10 yrs!
According to a first of its kind report on 'Ascertaining size of corruption in India with respect to money laundering', an individual spent over Rs 2,000 as a cost of corruption in 2009, which is 260 per cent higher than the amount borne by a citizen ten years back.
Swiss banks owe Indians only $2.5 billion
The Swiss Central Bank has estimated the total liabilities of Swiss banks toward Indian account holders at about $2.5 billion in 2010 as against the $1.5 trillion figure projected by some political parties and non-governmental organisations.
Why diamonds aren't forever!
Earth's hardest naturally occurring material can evaporate when exposed to intense ultraviolet rays, a new study reveals.
Why 3G mobile TV is a distant dream
Irregular billing, poor network coverage and lack of relevant content makes mobile TV a distant dream for 3G services in India.
Why Indian Railways must be commercialised
Struggling to make ends meet, the railways have demanded a doubling of gross budgetary support from the government.
Why Maruti continues to remain No. 1 in India
Maruti Suzuki, with a half a dozen models ranging from the best-selling car Alto to WagonR, Swift and Estilo accounts for around 57 per cent of the small car market in India. In the premium hatchback segment, the company's market share stands at a robust 48 per cent.
How he made low-cost computing a success in India
A serial entrepreneur's vision to drive PC adoption in India promises to bring computing power to every household through the innovative use of cloud computing.
Coming soon: Super batteries for mobile phones
The scientists are, in fact, working with a material called graphene which may form the basis of the next generation of ultrafast energy storage systems.
REVEALED: The all new Chevrolet Beat diesel
This car is touted to be Chevrolet's next big thing in India.
New rail minister won't hike fare for turnaround
Lalu Prasad, who became the railway minister in May 2004, surprised the world in 2008 with the 'magic' turnaround he effected for the near-bankrupt railways, claiming to have created a surplus of Rs 25,000 crore (Rs 250 billion.
Trai speeds up 4G auction process
Identifies spectrum for 4G services; eight companies to be accommodated; discussion paper to be out by August and recommendations by October.
IMAGES: World's 20 most expensive cities
The survey covered 214 cities across five continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.
PHOTOS: 4 closest rivals of the NEW Ford Fiesta
The New Ford Fiesta is here with a fuel efficiency of 17 km/L (petrol) and 23.5 km/L (diesel).
A house for Rs 32,000! Tata plan for rural market
The houses will be made in pre-fabricated format, under which the company will provide a kit consisting of roofs, doors, windows, etc, which can be erected or assembled.
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| July 15, 2011 | | Get Rupee symbol on computers for free
Like the American dollar and British pound sterling, the new symbol of Indian rupee will also be available in the computers by merely downloading a software provided free by the government.
Black money: Stung govt wants recall of SC order
The Centre on Friday approached the Supreme Court seeking review and recall of its order for setting up a Special Investigation Team comprising its retired judges to take over the probe of all black money cases, including that of Pune stud farm owner Hassan Ali Khan.
Prez Patil's recipe to fight black money menace
The President, while addressing the concluding ceremony of celebrations for 150 years of the Income Tax Department, also made a strong case for tightening laws to book tax evaders.
SPECIAL: Why Nilekanis donated Rs 50 crore to IIHS
Nandan Nilekani and his wife Rohini donated Rs 50 crroe to the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, which plans to transform hordes into urban practitioners and may save our cities by doing so.
As sales DIP, realtors go after the super rich
Real estate companies in South India are increasing the focus on premium launches to offset any fall in the operating margins as sales volumes drop due to the hardening interest rate regime.
PHOTOS: The 10 safest airlines in the world
However, air accidents are not too uncommon and even the tiniest and least fatal of them don't escape the media glare ever.
Finnair to fly its first biofuel flight soon
Nordic air carrier Finnair on Thursday said it plans to operate its first bio-fuel flight fromAmsterdam to Helsinki next week.
Meet the man with the midas touch
VG Siddhartha, chairman of Coffee Day Holdings, has proved to be a canny investor and a serial entrepreneur.
TCS stock hits lifetime high after stellar results
Shares of India's largest information technology services company Tata Consultancy Services spurted by 20 per cent to touch an all-time high in early trade on the BSE on Friday, boosted by smart growth in net profit for the first quarter of FY2011-12, which analysts termed as above market expectations.
RPG empire: Sanjiv Goenka carves a new identity
The split of the Rs 19,000-crore (Rs 190 billion) RPG empire is now complete, with Rama Prasad Goenka's younger son, Sanjiv Goenka, on Wednesday stepping out of the shadow of the umbrella brand that traces its history to 1820.
New food bill may not ensure food security
Earlier this week, the Empowered Group of Ministers approved the draft of the Food Security Bill, which will entitle 75 per cent of rural households and 50 per cent of urban households to subsidised foodgrain.
How Tech Mahindra turned around Satyam
Real turnaround started from November 2010, when Mahindra Satyam announced its financial numbers for the first time after the scandal.
PHOTOS: The new Ford Fiesta at Rs 823,500
The kinetically designed all New Ford Fiesta was launched in Mumbai.
Terror fear driving diamond traders to new bourse
Zaveri Bazar alone clocks an estimated annual turnover of Rs 5 lakh crore (Rs 5 trillion), estimates the Bombay Bullion Association.
A cheaper Scorpio to attract the young!
M&M wants to attract those 18-25 year olds who are buying mid-sized sedans, but fancy an SUV for its rugged image.
SPECIAL: What all states must learn from Gujarat
Let's dig a little deeper into the reasons behind Gujarat's stellar agrarian success, especially as it comes after the decade of the nineties when growth averaged less than 5.0 per cent.
13 global cities top in luxury home prices
The gap between the performance of Europe and Asia's top cities has narrowed.
Time to consign the Org Chart to the waste basket?
Authority and prestige in network industries no longer rest on your ability to control people 'below you'; they depend on your capacity to add value to the network, says .
Blasts: Diamond merchants want special security
Surat Diamond Association, the apex body of diamond industry in Ahmedabad, has said there should be a special force for the security of diamond industry in the wake of serial blasts in Mumbai.
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| July 14, 2011 | | G Noida buyers to get back their money: Builders
Private real estate developers whose projects at Greater Noida have been thrown into limbo by the Supreme Court's decision to quash the acquisition of land from farmers assured investors today that their money would be returned with interest if they want.
Cracks in telecom JVs after 2G scam
Foreign companies miffed at Indian partners for irregularities, rising debt.
Blasts an attack on India's economic growth: Patel
Terming the Mumbai blasts as an attack on India's economic growth, Union Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel on Thursday said the Centre and state governments should set up a specialised force to deal with such situations in big cities.
Indians suffer as inflation continues to rise
Headline inflation rose to 9.44 per cent in June on the back of rising prices of fuel and manufactured products, which may prompt the Reserve Bank to raise key rates again in its quarterly policy review later this month.
Celebs hail Mamata's London plan
Celebrities like veteran Bengali actor and chairman of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Ranjit Mullick and percussionist Tanmoy Bose want Mamata's promise to be viewed not in its face value but in its spirit.
Decline in job scheme workdays worrying
The scheme guarantees 100 days work per household in a year and had been providing a major chunk by June each year.
Creating a sustainable environment for growth
The IIP growth number of 5.6 per cent in May 2011 over May last year is the lowest in nine months. A downward trend in IIP has been seen since December 2010, with brief interludes of good news.
Weather forecast: Why has the Met dept failed
The drought of 2009 still haunts the India Meteorological Department.
Here's how to prepare for extra housing expenses
Keep additional cash to meet costs such as brokerage fee, society charges and parking fees.
Posco project hit people should get justice: Rahul
Giving a patient hearing to woes of tribals in Jharsuguda in Orissa, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asserted that people affected by the Posco steel project must get justice, proper compensation and rehabilitation.
Computers to help understand neurons
This may help neuroscientists understand one of the deepest mysteries of our brain - how neuronal networks communicate and work together.
Now, a language test for computers!
One test might be whether the computer could analyse and follow a set of instructions for an unfamiliar task.
Terror strike: Markets show 'care a damn' attitude
The BSE benchmark Sensex opened 145 points lower on Thursday after investors' confidence was shaken by Wednesday's serial bomb blasts in the country's financial capital, amid a weakening overseas trend.
Now, tablet PCs from Indian companies
Bangalore-based EAFT Technologies is set to launch the 'Marathon' tablet PC on Thursday.
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| July 13, 2011 | | Public ire forces Murdoch to withdraw BSkyB bid
In what is seen as the first humiliation suffered by Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul on Wednesday dramatically withdrew the bid to takeover broadcaster BSkyB in the face of public revulsion about illegal news-gathering practices of titles owned by his company in Britain.
Telecom: With fresh ideas, Deora takes charge
A two-time Congress Member of Parliament from South Mumbai, the 34-year old Deora said there was scope for improvement in the ministry, while emphasising on maximising telecom penetration in the country.
BAD NEWS! Inflation may go up; rate hike likely
Economists said the full cascading impact of the sharp raise in diesel, LPG and kerosene prices announced on May 24, would be visible from July onwards when inflation could touch the double digit mark.
India wants access to Google, Skype, Twitter data
Amid a raging controversy over BlackBerry posing security concerns, security agencies have now asked the Union telecom ministry to provide real-time monitoring of various social networking sites like Google, Skype and Twitter, among others.
First Boeing 787 Dreamliner lands in Delhi
The first ultra long-haul passenger jet with a capacity to fly about 250 passengers non-stop up to 16,000 km touched down at the IGI airport in New Delhi on Wednesday.
DEBATE: Will SIT on black money solve the problem?
No, curbing it requires a radical overhaul of our political structure, but since the executive has failed to act in public interest the court had no other choice but to take matters into its own hands.
2G scam: HC rejects plea against Tata, Ambani
"It is a rubbish petition. If I find that we you (petitioner) have tried to interfere with the investigation then you may be in bigger trouble," Justice Ajit Bharihoke said.
China's GDP growth slows, but beats expectations
China's economy slowed down amid inflation concerns as its GDP growth rate slid to 9.5 per cent in the second quarter from 9.7 per cent in the first, while the economy in general expanded by 9.6 per cent in the first half of this year.
Now, watch live concerts on mobile phones
Handset major Nokia, along with digital content provider Hungama.com, is readying a mobile application (app) that will bring music concerts to users' mobile devices.
How to prepare for a new tax regime
There are many questions investors are asking their financial advisors at the moment.
12 nations that are BURSTING with opportunity
The rankings have changed significantly over the last year based on their recovery after the global recession.
SPECIAL: Here's why Singur is important
The question that many observers of Bengal politics may be asking today is whether Singur will also mark the beginning of Banerjee's political downfall.
Why corporates don't rely on gut feelings anymore
As technology has progressed, the new generation technology has compressed the time to analyse data from a few days to a few minutes, thus providing access to information to business leaders on real-time basis.
Coming soon: Cars that TALK to each other!
Coming soon: 'Talking' cars! That's what Italian scientists, who claim to have developed a software that lets vehicles 'communicate' with one another on the road, say.
How to file TAX returns: A do-it-yourself guide
Believe it or not, it's really not all that tough. All you need to do is to get a bit proactive and collect some important documents, something you would need to do anyway, even if you use the services of a professional.
Agricultural growth: India's TOP 5 states
Gujarat has registered the highest agricultural growth in real terms during the past decade leaving other states far behind, states a study conducted by Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham).
IMAGES: World's tallest residential buildings
Dubai reigns supreme in residential skyscrapers.
How you can become a great boss
The ambitious ones stretch themselves to understand the challenges and deliver good results.
PHOTOS: India's 8 most fuel-efficient diesel cars
Generally, there is a price difference of around Rs 100,000 between petrol and diesel cars.
Now, mobile balance, recharge alert on the move
If one's balance is low or sometimes negative, it would intimate the person about the balance and also about the nearest recharge centre.
Why India ranks low in INNOVATION
India, ranked 62 on the Global Innovation Index, spares just Rs 1.5 cr a year for the National Innovation Foundation.
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| July 12, 2011 | | Trivedi, the pilot, to put Railways on track
A trained pilot, Dinesh Trivedi has a challenging task ahead in putting the Railways on track after his boss and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee often came under attack for alleged neglect of this key ministry hit by train accidents in the recent days.
'Sensex to touch 22,000 in 12 months'
Switzerland-based bank Credit Suisse said on Tuesday it expects the Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-stock barometer Sensex to touch the 22,000 mark in 12 months.
Infosys to hire 45,000 this fiscal
"We are looking at a gross addition of about 12,000 in our workforce and we are continuing with yearly target at 45,000 people," Infosys CEO and Managing Director S Gopalakrishnan said.
The man who gave teeth to environment ministry
A no-nonsense high profile minister, Ramesh, an IIT alumnus and an environmentalist, was perhaps the country's first independent thinking environment minister
Pranab on why austerity drive is necessary
Justifying the government's austerity drive, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday the restrictions on foreign visits and other expenses are aimed at curbing wasteful expenditure and containing fiscal deficit.
No big-ticket changes in economic ministries
Without making big-ticket changes in the economic ministries, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday shifted Law Minister M Veerappa Moily to the ministry of corporate affairs and inducted young Milind Deora in his council of ministers.
SPECIAL: Dark clouds hover over Sun
Mounting bad news takes a toll on Sun TV's stock, but analysts say company's fundamentals still remain strong
When your employer defaults on TDS payment
In case the company defaulted on depositing the TDS collected, it shall be liable to pay interest at the prescribed rate on the tax amount.
ALERT: Don't fall prey to SMS fraud
Watch out for spams, scams and advertisers targeting you through mobile phones.
IMAGES: The world's biggest and busiest projects
Tallest, longest, busiest the world has a number of record breaking projects.
What Indian Railways needs to do for revival
The Indian Railways needs the return of the influential and well-heeled customer for its revival, if not survival.
Secrets M F Husain shared with the DLF chief
The artist made a range of paintings for DLF from the mid-1960s to the late 80s.
Infosys Q1 net up 15.72% at Rs 1,722 crore
The country's second largest software firm Infosys on Tuesday reported a 15.72 per cent jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,722 crore (Rs 17.22 billion) for the first quarter ended June 30, 2011.
PHOTOS: 10 awesome SUVs coming soon to India
Want to know which SUVs are coming in the next few months?
A ferry to the Maldives in 30 hours
Travelling to the Maldives might just get a little more exciting with the government now considering starting a sea route facility to the smallest Asian country.
Users give Google+ the thumbs up!
With 60 per cent of India's online audience logging on to social networks, according to online audience measurement and analytics platform ViziSense, the introduction of Google's latest social networking site, Google+, has made Facebook and Orkut users sit up and take notice.
The leading budget airlines in the world
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the majority of airlines operating in the $598 billion industry, the demand for LCCs is expected to rise 4.4 percent over the next year with the Asia-Pacific region growing faster at 6.4 percent.
Murdoch media empire faces its worst ever threat
The working practices and ways adopted by his journalists, notably those of his flagship News of the World, have led to the demise of the 168-year-old paper that once reported in its time the demise of East India Company and India becoming part of the British Empire.
The PM is an honest man and a brilliant economist
As questions arise on the prime minister's understanding of economics, his media managers probably need to attempt one more: the prime minister is a brilliant economist too!
PHOTOS: 8 Indian firms among the world's largest
Out of the eight, five are state-run entities.
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| July 11, 2011 | | SC rejects plea against Kapil Sibal
The Supreme Court on Monday refrained from passing any order on a PIL filed against Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal accusing him of reducing a penalty amount favouring Anil Ambani-headed Reliance Communications, saying persons aggrieved can avail remedy under the law.
'Kerala has advantages that benefit the IT sector'
In an interview with in Kochi, G-Tec chief executive officer Binu Sankar says the prosopsals are expected to be included in the new IT investment policy.
India's first unique solar plant
For the first time in the country, Tata BP Solar India Ltd, a joint venture of Tata Power and BP Solar, has installed and commissioned a megawatt-scale solar power plant under the rooftop and other small solar power generation plant scheme as part of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).
How Idea Cellular won the MNP game
To become the most favoured operator in the MNP stakes, Idea has worked hard to spruce up its network and quality of service.
Son-rise at DLF; from daughter side
Rahul, son of K P Singh's elder daughter Renuka, has joined DLF India Ltd as a 'senior management trainee' with a pay package of Rs 57,725 per month, besides other benefits.
Power failure cripples China's bullet trains
China's newly launched high-speed bullet train faced flak after the service between Beijing and Shangahai was paralysed for nearly 90 minutes following a power breakdown due to thunderstorms.
Now, Dell enters the smartphone, tablet PC segment
Dell simultaneously is building a new distribution channel for smartphones and partnering with telecom service providers to promote its products.
It's raining luxury brands in regional films
Regional film producers have started echoing what their Bollywood counterparts have been saying for a while: If there is a movie, there will be products placed in it, mostly those that have paid big money to be in the frame.
Some states may block retail FDI
The move to open multi-brand retail to foreign direct investment may run into rough weather, with key Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states, as well as some constituent parties of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, rejecting or being ambivalent towards the proposed policy.
Ambanis lost $15 billion in a yr; so did investors
For every Rs 5 lost by the Ambanis in the past one year, approximately Rs 4 have been eroded from the coffers of their public investors also on an average, according to an analysis.
When Ambani lost his cool and Tata was embarrassed
It's mostly fun and games at annual general meetings of companies, but sometimes it is also a bit ugly. . .
BIG brands in fray to bond with Khadi
Fabindia, Shoppers Stop and four others have shown interest in a public-private partnership with Khadi Bhawans to manage 8 outlets.
This, not corruption, is biggest threat to growth
Corruption in public life is not as much of a threat to economic growth as political instability. Cross-sectional and time-series evidence would show this.
Bihar booms, but here's what needs to be done more
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has done well to rinse Bihar of many ills. Going ahead the challenge for the state is to grow beyond soft reforms!
Now, CAG blasts ministry for Air India mess
The civil aviation ministry initiated and then made a mess of the merger of the erstwhile Indian Airlines with Air India, according to a Comptroller and Auditor General report.
PHOTOS: World's 13 most expensive cars
Some of these biggies are already in India while the rest are likely to be launched sometime soon.
SPECIAL: How Nano factory has transformed Sanand!
We find out how the Nano factory has changed Sanand, from a sleepy village to a town bustling with activity and development.
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| July 08, 2011 | | ED slaps Rs 7,000 crore fine on Etisalat DB
The Enforcement Directorate on Friday slapped Rs 7,000 crore (Rs 70 billion) penalty on telecom firm Etisalat DB on various charges of FEMA violations in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.
IMAGES: Biggest deal for China's bullet trains
China's bullet train is set to go abroad for the first time as the country plans to export 228 bullet trains to Malaysia to develop intercity transportation for Kuala Lumpur.
Did not favour RCom, says a rattled Sibal
Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal tried to put up a brave front over the allegations levelled against him of causing loss to the government by favouring an Anil Ambani-led company.
Mumbai, Delhi among 5 CHEAPEST places in the world
The 10 cheapest cities in the world have a strong presence in the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East and North Africa.
Maran joins list of big guns felled by 2G scam
A well-known amateur radio operator, Dayanidhi Maran, has joined a growing list of top politicians and corporate honchos to be felled by the 2G spectrum scam in which DMK was further dealt a body blow with its two leaders already behind bars.
How chips help to understand human brain
Chips based on ARM processor technology would be linked together to simulate the highly-complex workings of the brain, whose functionality derives from networks of billions of interacting, highly-connected neurons.
Indian handset makers eye new shores
Karbonn Mobiles, Intex, Lava, Micromax and Maxx Mobile are among the brands that have entered markets in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, West Asia and Africa.
India to see huge drop in poverty: UN
India has contributed to a large reduction in global poverty, according to the UN annual report on the Millennium Development Goals, which also pointed out that despite progress, the most vulnerable sections of society were being left out.
Can India's beverage majors break the Rs 5 jinx?
The going hasn't been that easy for beverage majors. For most part, these firms have struggled to make a profitable product at Rs 5.
Take your car on the Scotia Prince to Lanka!
This drive-in, drive-out facility will be on offer for passengers on board Scotia Prince.
Mid-sized IT firms go for experienced hires
In many cases, clients also prefer experienced employees for niche projects, which is only adding to the woes of the IT services providers.
Trading is injurious to investors' wealth
Retail investors are particularly wary right now as stocks are generally beaten down; it's time to use common sense and wait out the bad times.
This is how your money earns the promised returns
It can be generalised the money would be used to build an asset portfolio that would generate returns, which, in turn, will pass on to the investor, based on the terms of contract with the investor.
SPECIAL: Can the Dreamliner save Air India?
This new plane has become AI's javelin with which it hopes to outfly competition and repair its financial mess.
Should India explore hydro-power for energy needs?
Jairam Ramesh has set off a growth-versus-sustainability debate.
PIX: Check out these awesome undersea structures!
Poseidon Undersea Resort is the world's first seafloor resort in Fiji.
PHOTOS: New Maruti Swift to be more fuel-efficient
The new Swift, which the country's biggest car maker -- Maruti Suzuki India Ltd -- plans to launch next month, is more fuel-efficient. It will come with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel variants.
STUNNING images of a plane that can fly and float!
The two-seater ICON A5 is being developed by California-based Icon Aircraft. Its wings can be folded easily from the cockpit in under five minutes while on water or land.
Mumbai's real estate market drying up
Low registration also seen in last six months.
2G scam: Did Kapil Sibal favour Anil Ambani?
The charge against Sibal is that, in February 2011, he reduced the penalty on RCom for violation of the United Access Service Licences agreement from Rs 50 crore to Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million) per telecom circle.
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| July 07, 2011 | | New Discovery 4, Range Rover at Rs 27 lakh
Tatas' owned Land Rover on Thursday said it will introduce two new variants of sports utility vehicles Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport in October this year in the UK, the on-road prices of which will start from 37,995 pounds (about Rs 27 lakh).
All about the draft micro finance bill
The government has released the draft Micro Financial Sector (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011, which seeks to make it mandatory for all microfinance institutions to be registered with the Reserve Bank of India, making it the sector regulator.
Montek may join Cabinet, get Commerce ministry
Yojana Bhawan is working overtime to complete the crucial Approach paper to the 12th Plan amidst a buzz that Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia may get a Cabinet berth in the reshuffle expected soon.
Rounding off prices: Small change, big turnover!
Millions of such transactions take place every day all over the country. The finance ministry had recommended that pricing of products/services/taxes should be rounded-off to 50 paise or a whole rupee, but that is yet to be achieved.
2G scam claims one more: Dayanidhi Maran quits
Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran, who has been implicated by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the 2G scam probe, resigned from his post on Thursday, just hours after attending a meeting of the Union Cabinet.
Food inflation at 7-week low of 7.61%
As per data released by the government on Thursday, pulses became over 9 per cent cheaper year-on-year during the period under review.
PHOTOS: $7.8 bn for the STUNNING Dubai airport
Dubai Airports has given the green signal for a $7.8 billion (28.8 billion Arab Emirates dirham) airport and airspace expansion programme, which will boost capacity at Dubai International from 60 million to 90 million passengers per year by 2018.
IMAGES: Skoda plans five NEW models for India
While a refurbished Laura would hit the roads some time next month, a premium mid-sized sedan, Rapid, would arrive by the end of the year.
SC orders to hit Rs 40,000 cr Noida projects
Sahberi village ruling to hit sentiment in Noida Extension, where projects worth Rs 40,000 crore are being executed.
Zuckerberg announces the big Facebook 'surprise'
Facebook launches video chat powered by Skype.
Why Gujarat can be India's biggest automobile hub
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi dreams of making Gujarat an automobile hub.
IMAGES: India's top 20 brands: Amul is No. 1
Amul owned and marketed by Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), has beaten all other Indian brands to notch the 89th position in a 'Top 1000 Brands of Asia' survey conducted by Campaign magazine.
PHOTOS: The 8 closest rivals of Etios Liva petrol
Toyota makes an entry into the small-car space.
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| July 06, 2011 | | Now Maran, Essar too under CBI scanner in 2G scam
Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran has come under the scanner in the 2G scam probe, with the Central Bureau of Investigation telling the Supreme Court on Wednesday that he had misused his office and forced C Sivasankran, the promoter of Chennai-based Aircel, to sell his firm to Malaysia-based Maxis Communications in 2006.
PHOTOS: The NEW BMW X3 in India this Diwali
The bonnet of this luxury barge is powerful to assure great safety to the car engine with the rear designed in a distinctive manner.
The story of the first couple of the Birla empire
For the time being, however, Sehgal's book has to be required reading for anyone wanting to know not just about BK and Sarala Birla but the saga of the entire Birla family.
TDL-4: The Virus that escapes scrutiny
TDL-4 uses a rootkit attack technique to infect a machine's boot sector when a user is starting his computer (known as booting). Hence, it avoids detection by some security tools.
Satyam all set for big-ticket F1 deal
F1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Federation Internationale deRs Automobile.
Black money: SC's no confidence in government
Perhaps never in the history of independent India has one pillar of the Constitution implicitly castigated another pillar -- the executive, in this case -- as heavily as the Supreme Court has done this time.
More Indians buying homes on hill stations!
With family income on the rise, hill stations in India are increasingly becoming attractive real estate destinations for more and more Indians, according to a survey.
How this MIT grad aims to light up rural India!
Harish Hande had a strong belief in the potential of solar energy for solving energy utility issues, and decided to take the challenge head on.
PHOTOS: The STUNNING Boeing 787 soon in India
One of world's largest aircraft in terms of seating capacity, will make its solo debut in India next week.
Dubai property set to boom again
The Dubai property market is showing good signs of a recovery, with many neighbourhoods reporting the first increases in value since 2008, a new industry report has revealed.
IMAGES: The 10 luxury brands in the world
Considered as opulence marquees, these brands display superior design and fine craftsmanship. They are sported by the rich and famous.
SPECIAL: Meet India's first television moghul
Subhash Chandra is not happy with the way television, a business he pioneered in India, looks today. He thinks an independent regulator would do the business a lot of good.
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| July 05, 2011 | | Iran payment row: Govt sure about finding solution
More than six months after a Reserve Bank of India order threw out a mechanism to pay for Iranian oil, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Tuesday said India is trying to ensure uninterrupted supplies of crude from the Persian Gulf nation.
Lalu: Expose Indians with black money abroad
Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Tuesday said the government should disclose names of all Indians who have stashed black money in foreign banks and demanded that these money be brought back to the country and 'redistributed' among the poor.
India to see stable growth, inflation to ease: UBS
The need to raise policy rates one more time still exists.
Strauss-Kahn to sue French writer over rape charge
Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn facing sexual assault charges in New York will sue a French writer, who has accused him of attempted rape, for 'slanderous denunciation'.
R-Infra to pay a hefty fine over sea link pact
Reliance Sea Link One Pvt Ltd (RSOPL), an arm of Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) which has bagged the Worli-Haji Ali sea link project in Mumbai, will have to pay a daily penalty of Rs 10 lakh for not complying with the provisions of a concession agreement with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Want to invest in your child's future? Read on
As certified financial planner Gaurav Mashruwala says, "As a thumb rule, for the maximum growth, investments for goals which are more than 10-15 years away should be made in equities. Two-three years prior to the goal, the corpus should be shifted to debt instruments."
World's most innovative nations; India slips to 62
From being ranked at 56 last year, India now stands at 62, according to INSEAD and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and global business school INSEAD.
Below normal rains not to hit foodgrain output
His comments assume significance as this is the first time that a senior government official has spoken on the possible impact of below normal rains on agriculture production.
IIM and Corporate Social Irresponsibility
Here is why the course at IIM-A, investigating Corporate Social Irresponsibility, is both necessary and well-timed.
PHOTOS: Hero scooters to race against Honda
While Hero Honda is ramping up capacity by 50 per cent, HMSI is readying itself to launch a fourth product.
IIM-A, XLRI put Hyderabad entry on hold
IIM-A and XLRI were invited in 2008 by late chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.
PHOTOS: The STUNNING Maruti RIII at Rs 700,000
Maruti to debut in MPV segment with R3.
I-T dept goes after big fish, salaried to escape
The salaried will not face regular income tax scrutiny this year.
FDI shoots up 111% at $4.66 bn in May
In May 2010 the foreign direct investment was $2.21 billion.
IMAGES: Check out India's 13 super expressways
India has a road network of over 3.314 million kilometres, making it the third largest road network in the world.
The INCREDIBLE 2 months that changed India!
From the brink of defaulting on international payments to a Budget that changed the face of India - takes us through the twists and turns.
Pressed by debt, hoteliers scout for contracts
The three companies, after witnessing the increased presence of international hotel companies over the last few years, are making very little or no fresh investments in building hotels under their own brands.
7 Indian cities where property price have dropped
Property prices in seven cities across India dropped by 2.63 per cent to 17.6 per cent during the January to March quarter, according to the latest data released by the National Housing Bank.
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| July 04, 2011 | | Riders get rewarding for life insurers
Since last September, when the Irda capped distribution costs of Ulips, the number of policies with riders being sold had risen from 5% of the total to 20%.
States told to draft code of ethics for ministers
States have been advised to appoint financial advisors or set up an empowered committee with financial experts to oversee major spending decisions.
Now, Gujarat bets big on tourism
After wooing industries, the Gujarat government is now focusing on tourism promotion and plans to invest around Rs 635 crore (Rs 6.35 billion) in the next three years.
A tortoise named Duranto trains
Our poor railway network is a reflection of how we, as a nation, wait for things to happen unlike China that makes things happen.
30 MEGA projects: China's pride, world's envy!
Some of the world's biggest and most expensive infrastructure projects are in China.
Pesky calls, SMSes: Sibal to meet mobile users
Amid growing consumer dissatisfaction, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal will hold the first round table with consumer user groups to look into their grievances in issues like pesky calls, hidden costs in tariffs and ineffective redressal system, among others.
No tax blow for final leave encashment
Court rulings interpret 'retirement' and 'resignation' as similar events, thereby allowing tax exemption.
PHOTOS: 3 NEW cars to hit Indian roads this July
While the New Fiesta sedan is a retouched version of Ford's best selling car in India, there would be Mercedes engine powered Force One SUV and the last but no the least, the Chevrolet Beat Diesel.
Maid in Strauss-Kahn case lied under oath?
The Guinean maid, who accused former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault, may face perjury charges and she can also be deported from the United States following claims that she lied under oath, a news report said.
Bollywood, insurers: No love lost
Unlike most Indian movies that have a happily-lived-ever-after theme, there is no love lost between the Indian film industry and insurance companies.
Amazing journey of a 70-yr-old social entrepreneur
In 2002, Mukundan started manufacturing Venus kerosene burners that reduce fuel usage by 30 per cednt. From 2,000 burners in the first month, today Servals sells 120,000 such burners every month.
The truth behind IMF's ideological bias
The question is whether this would mean any change in IMF's policies, particularly on the question of what to forgo out of the impossible trinity of an independent monetary policy, managed exchange rates and a liberal capital account.
Black money: SC appoints special probe team
Former apex court judge M B Shah will also be member of the SIT.
It's not jobless growth, show official data
According to principal advisor with the Planning Commission and former chief statistician, Pronob Sen, there were 40-45 million more people in the age group of 15-59 between 2004-05 and 2009-10. The unemployment rate has correspondingly fallen from 2.3 per cent to 2 per cent of the labour force.
Is there a 'right business strategy' for India?
Does it depend on the company's context - and a true understanding of its core competences?
Here's how you can jazz up your laptop
To get the most out of your notebook and use its intended functions, particularly portability, it is important that you have the right choice of accessories.
How RIM plans to knock out competition in India
After focusing relentlessly on the enterprise customer, Research in Motion is going all guns blazing for the individual consumer.
IT majors raise temp hiring for skilled jobs
A dearth of skilled staff, especially for high-end technologies, coupled with difficulty in obtaining H1-B visas, is prompting Indian IT companies to hire more people on a temporary basis overseas.
How Facebook is helping individual entrepreneurs
With 30 million Facebook users in India, it makes perfect sense for neighbourhood businesses to use the medium to endorse their work.
How India's oil sector is mired in controversies
GX Technology case led to police cases against Sibal.
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| July 01, 2011 | | PHOTOS: Cars and bikes: How they fared in June
Maruti Suzuki India and Tata Motors reported decline in sales during June this year.
PHOTOS: World's 20 COSTLIEST transport projects!
A well-developed transport system is crucial to a country's economic growth and stability.
$100 billion! Tata market cap tops historic mark
The country's top corporate house Tata Group's market capitalisation on Friday crossed the $100-billion mark, as some of its companies including IT giant TCS gained value despite an overall weak market.
Left sabotaging efforts to rebuild economy: Mamata
Speaking at a function to observe the birth anniversary of state's second chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy, the chief minister said, "We are trying to rebuild the state from a scratch. We believe in construction and not in destruction and we will rebuild Bengal."
GSM is 20! Transcript of world's first such call
It was today, 20 years ago -- July 1, 1991 -- that the world's first GSM call on a commercial network was made between Finland's former prime minister Harri Holkeri and vice mayor of the city of Tampere Kaarina Suonio.
Petrol pump strike in Mumbai called off
All petrol, diesel and CNG pumps will remain shut on July 2 and 3.
IMAGES: The world's longest cross-sea bridge
The bridge, connecting urban Qingdao with the city's less-developed district of Huangdao, cost about 14.8 billion yuan ($2.3 billion).
World's largest steel producers; India 4th
According to figures released by World Steel Association (WSA), which lists the top 65 steel-making nations that account for 98 per cent of the world's steel production, the global steel output in 2010 was 1413.5 mmt, up from 1230.9 mmt in 2009.
IMD's track record clouds 2011 monsoon forecast
The India Meteorological Department's (IMD's) earlier forecast for southwest monsoon has surprised many, as from a relatively comfortable situation in April, the performance of monsoon this year looks slightly shaky now.
US Treasury Secretary may quit in Aug: Reports
Geithner, who this week headed the US delegation for the second India-US Economic and Financial Partnership, has been in the administration since its beginning.
Obama on what makes America a great nation
The US is facing tough competition for "good jobs" from emerging economies like India and China, President Barack Obama said.
Unused property: AI loses Rs 80 crore annually
Air India's indecision comes at a time when the government carrier has a working capital debt of Rs 18,000 crore (Rs 180 billion) and growing interest and operating costs have put strain on the airline.
Wanna quit smoking? E-cigarettes are now in India
Gurgaon-based firm launches e-cigarettes.
IIT-Bombay to sell games
The premier institute of technology has, for the first time, decided to auction board games created by its students in the market.
PHOTOS: Check out these 14 STUNNING luxury cars
The luxury car segment in India starts at Rs 20 lakh.
The high and low of India's retail sector
In the first flush of liberalisation, foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail was allowed in India, a tempting proposition that had led one of Britain's oldest retailer, Littlewoods, to set up shop here.
What India must do to keep its economy booming
India and China need to embark on structural reform to sustain the momentum of economic growth.
Does your spouse know?
Married couples must take an additional vow of taking all monetary decisions together for a happy life.
'95% rains as good as 100% in Indian context'
IMD director general Ajit Tyagi says even in the worst case scenario, there won't be a drought this year or a throwback to 2009.
How to choose the right health insurance cover
Without adequate cover, you may have to dip into savings or borrow, in case of emergencies.
New Olympus mirrorless camera at Rs 44,900
It has world's fastest auto focus and an improved image sensor.
Images: Top 10 mobile handset companies
Revenues of the Indian mobile handset market grew by 15 per cent to touch Rs 33,171 crore (Rs 331.71 billion) in 2010-11 from Rs 28,897 crore (Rs 288.97 billion) a year back.
COLUMN: How mature is Mamata as chief minister?
Ms Banerjee must settle down to hard work of governance.
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| June 30, 2011 | | Buying jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh? PAN card a must
Be ready to mandatorily flash your PAN card, for any purchase of jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000) or more from Friday -- a move that would help the tax department keep an eye on such high value transactions.
Petrol, diesel prices hiked again
The government on Thursday hiked petrol and diesel prices by a marginal Rs 0.27 a litre and Rs 0.15 per litre respectively following increase in the commission paid to petrol pump dealers.
Chinese company to check spy software for India!
After banning telecom equipment from Chinese manufacturers like Huawei suspecting spy software embedded in the gadgets, India has now appointed Huawei to filter imported equipment for malicious software.
India giving: Rich open hearts and wallets
Reports suggest wealthy Indians increased their philanthropic spending last year and were likely to continue doing so in future.
PIX: China flags off Beijing-Shanghai bullet train
The $33 billion Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train will start commercial operations today.
Now get advice on shares from stock exchanges
India's stock exchanges are no longer standalone trading engines. They provide solutions to everything related to the stock market business.
IT freshers' salary remains at pre-recession level
Remunerations of senior executives have, however, increased considerably.
Food inflation falls to 7.78%
Food inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, stood at 9.13 per cent during the previous week.
Singur farmers want land back, as legal battle on
On the day the Supreme Court, in an interim arrangement, directed the West Bengal government not to return Singur land taken away for the Tata Nano factory to the farmers who never wanted to let it go, the latter say they aren't willing to wait.
What is a Post Office Monthly Income Scheme?
The account can be opened singly or jointly, with a minimum investment of Rs 1,500.
Facebook founder Zuckerberg now worth $18 billion
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's personal fortunes have soared, thanks to investment fund GSV Capital's recent stake in the social networking site which has put the Harvard dropout at a worth higher than Google founder Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
Cash-rich promoters unlock share pledges
In June alone, Rs 13,000 crore (Rs 130 billion) worth shares were released.
I have no magic wand, says PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is worried by the 'permissive' mood that has been created in the country, in which the government is unable to implement its agenda because of a constant barrage of criticism in which facts are mixed with opinion, with the media playing the role of 'accuser, prosecutor and judge'.
How the states deal with land acquisition
One of the most prickly nettles for governments in India today is land acquisition for industry.
PHOTOS: Etios Liva versus Maruti, Hyundai, Ford!
Let's see if Liva can live up to the expectations of the hatchback buyers and what will woo them to buy it as compared to Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Ford Figo, and others.
India ranks third in snooping through Google
Google, a favourite place to search information on internet, has also emerged as a favoured snooping ground for the government agencies and globally India ranks third in seeking user details from the global internet major.
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| June 29, 2011 | | High-speed AC trains from Delhi to nearby towns
To facilitate faster movement of commuters between the national capital and its adjoining towns, a corporation will be set up to run high-speed AC trains as part of the Regional Rapid Transit System for the National Capital Region.
Foreign funds to India drying up
Foreign fund flows into India have reduced significantly as the country witnessed inflows of just $40 million in the last three months, the weakest among its emerging market peers, says a report.
India to create 20 mn jobs in electronics sector
The government has proposed to give a Rs 1 lakh crore (Rs 1 trillion) investment subsidy to the country's electronics industry over a period of next 10 years, to give a boost to the sector, a key official said on Wednesday.
India begins to count its poor
A nationwide socio-economic and caste census to identify people living below poverty line (BPL) was on Wednesday flagged off from Shankhola, a remote tribal hamlet in Tripura West district.
Fuel price hike will help curb inflation: Montek
Defending the government's decision to raise prices of petroleum products, the Plan panel said on Wednesday it would suck money from the system and ease inflationary pressure in the long run.
Salman Khan's Being Human apparel to go global
Bollywood actor Salman Khan's social initiative Being Human Foundation plans to launch its range of apparels in international markets like Europe and Middle East by next year.
Fuel price hike not to impact deficit, says FM
Exuding confidence that the economy will grow by 8.5 per cent in 2011-12, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said the recent hike in prices of petroleum products will not have much impact on the fiscal deficit.
Rise of India, China, the next big story: US
The next big story after the Industrial Revolution is going to be the rising clout of India and China in the global arena, according to Lawrence Summers, Director of the White House National Economic Council.
Can the Hyundai Verna continue its dream run?
The premium midsize segment (Rs 6.5-10 lakh) has always been a tricky one for all car manufacturers.
Pink gold? Indians will soon be able to buy it
After yellow and white, pink gold is set to hit Indian jewellery retail stores by the end of this year.
Airlines go mobile to sell tickets
A recent survey indicates that mobile phones are set to become a significant sales channel for airlines. According to transport communications and IT solution provider SITA's airline IT trends survey released last week, almost nine out of 10 airlines are selling or planning to sell tickets through the mobile phone network by 2014.
India safe place to invest: Swraj Paul
Speaking at the Anglo-Indian Summit on 'Investing In India', Swraj Paul said every foreign investment decision was a comparative judgement -- an evaluation of geo-risk.
Gujarat to host Asia's largest solar energy park
Gujarat would house the largest solar energy park in Asia in two years, with a power production capacity of 500 Mw.
Don't return Singur land just yet: SC tells Bengal
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal government not to return land to farmers in Singur, that was earlier leased to the Tatas, for now.
No rollback of petro price hike: Pranab
The hike in prices of petroleum goods led to protests in several parts of the country and many state governments announced the withdrawal of value added tax on petroleum products to lessen the impact of the hike on the common man.
PHOTOS: 4 new small cars coming soon to India!
With Maruti deciding to phase out M800, there would be a dearth of entry level small cars in India.
SPECIAL: Who tilled my land and ate my pie?
States' land acquisition policies need rethinking.
Close to retirement? Getting a loan won't be easy
Banks need to be convinced about regular income for such loans.
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| June 28, 2011 | | Christine Lagarde appointed new IMF chief
French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde on Tuesday became the first woman to head the International Monetary Fund after its executive board chose her over Mexican central bank governor Agustin Carstens.
Inflation cost Indians Rs 58,00,00,00,00,000 extra
Indian households incurred an additional expenditure of whopping Rs 5.8 lakh crore (Rs 5.8 trillion) in the last three years, due to spiralling inflation and dearer food items, says a research report.
FIIs have sold Rs 3,000-crore shares in 2011
Foreign institutional investors have offloaded shares worth nearly Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion) in 23 Indian companies, such as mortgage lender HDFC and Bombay Dyeing, among others, so far in 2011.
India committed to speedy reforms: FM tells US
Trying to hardsell India, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday assured the United States business community that the country's growth story was intact and it was committed to expediting reforms and further liberalisation of the foreign investment regime.
'India's per capita income may be $10,000 by 2039'
Addressing economists, investors and academicians in Washington, Basu said the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong enough in the medium and long term to sustain a healthy growth rate of over 8 per cent.
Looking for new investment options? Consider Art
Value deals are available at Rs 2-10 lakh, giving investors an opportunity to make some good buys.
All you want to know about tax refund
Taxpayers can claim a refund when their income tax (I-T) liability is less than the tax they have paid in a financial year. Refund can be claimed only by the person to whom it is due.
Now, Motorola Xooms into Indian tablet market
After the launch of PlayBook and Flyer this month, Motorola Mobility India has entered the burgeoning "tablet" space in India with the introduction of its "Xoom" device, priced at Rs 32,990 onward.
Why demand for home loans is set to dip
The growth in housing loans had fallen from a high of 31.2 per cent in December 2006 to 4.1 per cent in March 2009.
PHOTOS: Welcome to the troubled Posco country
Work at the proposed Posco site in Jagatsinghpur district was stalled for the third consecutive day on Tuesday as locals staged a road blockade at a key junction demanding that their demands be fulfilled including enhanced compensation to land losers.
No let up in economic reforms: Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday strongly refuted observations by US think-tanks, the government and industry that India has gone slow on economic reforms and insisted that a series of reforms are in the process, which will lead to the next round of growth.
'India a role model for balanced growth'
India over the years has emerged as a role model for balanced economic growth for countries across the world, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Tuesday.
IMAGES: India's 30 best companies to work for
A great workplace ensures that employees have freedom to execute their ideas and enjoy the work they do.
Nandan Nilekani donates Rs 50 crore to IIHS
Nandan Nilekani -- a former chief executive officer of Infosys and architect of Aadhar scheme under UIDAI -- and his wife Rohini have made a gift of Rs 50 crore ($11 million) to the Indian Institute for Human Settlements to fund establishment of its School of Environment and Sustainability.
'Boring jobs can lead to burn-out'
The researchers at the University of Zaragoza in Spain believe that there is a distinct category of 'underchallenged' employees who end up finding they simply cannot take any more of the 'monotonous and unstimulating' tasks that they are expected to perform.
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| June 27, 2011 | | Gina Rinehart set to be world's richest person
Rinehart, 57, head of Perth-based Hancock Prospecting is on course to overtake Carlos Slim, the Mexican magnate worth 46 billion pounds ($73.44 billion), and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, who is worth 35 billion pounds ($55.80 billion), Citigroup has estimated.
Coming next from China: Cheaper loans!
After cheap toys, consumer goods and other manufactured products, cheaper loans could be the next major Chinese import into India, and the credit may go to a potential FCCB crisis looming large over Indian corporates.
Poverty? Indians spend most on expensive products
Despite high inflation and interest rates, number of Indians wanting to buy expensive products within the same category, called trading up in retail parlance, is among the highest in the world, says a new study.
Toyota aims to make it big with its small car
The Etios sedan, which made its global debut in the country in December 2010, has sold over 20,000 units till date. This gives Toyota the hope that the new small car will catapult it among the top manufacturers in the second fastest growing automobile market globally.
'Nano plant would've changed Singur's complexion'
Mother plant apart, the project involved 54 ancillary units, which meant enormous employment potential. People would have had the experience of seeing a modern industry.
Europe! That's where Indians are buying homes now
European countries like Spain, Greece and Italy are among the latest property buying destinations for Indians in the holiday home segment after prices have crashed there, according to industry analysts and consultants.
'Inflation to top 10% in July'
The whole price index, used to measure rise in prices of a range of products in a consumer basket, stood at 9.06 per cent in May.
Noel Tata outlines his vision on retail
Responsible for many foreign tie-ups, strategic rollouts and acquisitions, Noel Tata is now giving Tata International, the trading arm of the conglomerate, a retail twist.
How to get back Indian black money in Swiss banks
For starters, as Subramanian Swamy suggested, how about putting pressure on Parliament to pass a resolution concerning all PEPs to retrieve our wealth through the RIAA?
Which tablet PC to buy? Take a look
There are at least five big brands in the market that are selling tablet PCs. Here's what you should keep in mind while on tablet shopping.
NEW hatchback in town! Toyota Liva at Rs 3.99 lakh
The auto major has also invested Rs 3,200 crore to set up its second manufacturing facility in Bangalore.
What the world economy really needs?
Easy dollar liquidity created by the Fed has helped push global commodity prices, setting off a global inflationary spiral and rising inflation expectations in the US.
The big blue sky, cloud computing and You
The application is fast catching on with internet users in India.
Another telecom scam? 1994 policy files go missing
The documents include the Cabinet note on the policy prepared by DoT and papers related to the decision to clear the policy by the then Congress Cabinet.
Fuel duty cuts to upset govt's tax calculations
Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy said these measures would cost the government Rs 49,000 crore in the current financial year.
From a Mumbai chawl to the Forbes rich list!
At a dinner banquet last year at the Taj Mahal rooftop - after successfully concluding a merger between Aircel's towers and group company GTL Infrastructure - Tirodkar was hailed as sagacious, humble and hands-on by a motley bunch of suave bankers, analysts and media persons.
New airline fuel is here: Used cooking oil!
High airline turbine fuel prices and pressure to cut down carbon emissions have forced airlines to look at renewable sources of energy to power their jets.
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| June 24, 2011 | | Diesel costlier by Rs 3/litre; LPG Rs 50/cylinder!
This is the tenth hike in the price of petrol in just over a year. With this hike, inflation is likely to rise sharply once again.
India now has 153,000 millionaires!
The number of dollar-millionaires in India surged to a record high of 1.53 lakh (153,000) in 2010, making the country's high net worth individual (HNI) population 12th largest across the globe, as per a global study.
Mukesh meets PM; RIL gets copy of CAG report
Days after a CAG draft report said his firm got out of turn favours from the oil ministry and its technical arm DGH, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani on Friday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Namaste Tower: A symbol of India's economic boom!
More than 85 skyscrapers are set to adorn the Mumbai skyline in a few years.
FTC may start antitrust probe against Google
The Wall Street Journal has reported the civil probe, which has the potential to reshape how companies compete on the Internet, is the most serious legal threat yet to the 12-year-old company.
Abolish social security tax for pros: India to US
India on Friday asked the United States to move ahead with an agreement which would exempt professionals from payment of security taxes to mitigate the impact of a visa fee hike last year.
ICICI's 'devil may care' stand lands it in trouble
Irked by ICICI Bank's 'callous and devil-may-care attitude', a district consumer court has directed it to pay a compensation of Rs 125,000 to one of its customers against whom it had lodged a criminal case for non-payment of a car loan which he never took.
When a bank becomes too cooperative
The rift between the Congress Party and Nationalist Congress Party seems to have found a new battleground Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank.
IMAGES: The top 20 'thought leaders' in India
The BRIC Index of Thought Leaders 2011 highlights the most successful BRIC Thought Leaders, according to Indian opinion formers.
Why is IT industry in a wage trap
Skill improvement has failed to keep pace with salary hikes.
PHOTOS: Our most-loved advertising icons
Here is a look at the most loved advertising icons starting from the more recent Zoo Zoo to the age-old Murphy Baby and also the globally popular Ronald McDonald.
Before a mortgage, take some advice
Liability managers help structure loans to reduce interest burden and improve cash management.
Electric Beat unveiled. More green cars to follow
The launch, however, would take some more time.
IMAGES: World's 20 most spectacular buildings
These are the modern wonders of the world.
Identity theft: How not to become a victim
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your information to commit fraud or other crimes.
Small cars to SUVs: 8 NEW cars soon in India
Almost every car maker has planned a launch later in the year.
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| June 23, 2011 | | No I-T returns on income up to Rs 5 lakh
The scheme would cover those salaried persons whose interest income per annum is up to Rs 10,000, Central Board of Direct Taxes said.
No small car from GM for India more . . .
American car maker General Motors on Thursday said it has shelved plans to launch small car in India that was planned to take on Tata Motors' 'Nano', citing viability issues.
Another fuel price hike? Decision tomorrow
The empowered group of ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is being convened soon to discuss a combination of a price hike and a reduction in government duties.
The qualities that make Ratan Tata a born leader
In the midst of an ongoing search process to find Ratan Tata's successor to head the country's biggest corporate house, top leaders from the group have heaped lavish praise on his leadership style.
High inflation not acceptable, says Pranab
Attributing the latest jump in food inflation mainly to rising prices of protein-based items, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said the high inflationary regime was not acceptable and efforts would be made to bring it down.
Premji's son moves up another level at Wipro
He is understood to have been promoted as a vice president,while he would continue in his present role as chief strategy officer.
Why India mustn't ape China's manufacturing policy
China's emergence as a manufacturing hub is due to a combination of favourable circumstances and astute policies; India should adopt a strategy that is in consonance with its own realities.
4 Indians in Asian Heroes of Philanthropy list
Forbes Asia on Thursday announced its 'Heroes of Philanthropy' list for the fourth year running, with four Indians among the top 48 philanthropists.
Food inflation rises to 9.13%
It was almost 23 per cent during the second week of June, 2010.
RIM launches PlayBook at Rs 27,990
After the success of BlackBerry phone, Research in Motion (RIM) has forayed into fast growing tablet PC market here with its 'PlayBook' to compete with the likes of Apple's iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab.
IMAGES: India's 15 most amazing bridges
India has an impressive network of bridges.
Free for all: Tata factory at Singur vandalised
The boundary wall has been brought down and makeshift entrances to the unit have come up overnight.
India, US to fast track bilateral trade talk
India and the United States on Wednesday agreed to fast-track technical negotiations for early conclusion of a Bilateral Investment Agreement during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk.
PHOTOS: World's top 10 supercomputers!
Supercomputer is a machine that is at the frontline of current processing capacity.
IMAGES: The 3 closest rivals of Maruti SX4 diesel
Equipped with super turbo DDiS engine the SX4 diesel is now a 90PS car.
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| June 22, 2011 | | Etios Liva set to hit roads, may start price war
The Etios Liva would mark Toyota's entry into the highly popular premium hatchback segment.
Special: Leaning towers of GTL Infrastructure
It is a tale of two deals: One completed and the other, announced and later aborted.
IMAGES: World's 13 amazing architectural marvels
Thirteen buildings have received the RIBA International Awards for architectural excellence.
Ford may park plant next to Nano in Gujarat
If all goes well, Ford India will park its second manufacturing unit right next to Tata Motors' Nano factory at Sanand.
Unusual businesses: An online library for toys
The enthusiasm and excitement of the kids in front of the toys was infectious. I have never seen anyone so happy. That was when I knew what I wanted to do as an entrepreneur.
Why the property market is in BIG trouble
After correcting somewhat from the sharp setback suffered in 2008, with some sectors managing to exceed previous peak prices in 2010, the sector entered 2011 with cautious optimism.
Expats, tourists may also get right to privacy
Surveillance for security purposes to be exempted.
Why are Indians silent on bribe givers?
Corruption has two sides - demand and supply.
S Arabia:Buffett ice cream chain has largest store
The company has unveiled a two-storey, 7,500 square foot restaurant in Riyadh, one of three locations that opened in the city this month to mark the start of aggressive expansion plans.
Paris Air Show: BIGGEST planes on earth are here!
The Paris Air Show has been the world's leading aviation and space event for over 100 years.
VOTE NOW! Which is the best smartphone in India?
India has nearly 800 million mobile-phone subscribers and the penetration level is expected to touch 100 per cent by 2015.
Singur Bill: Tatas told to serve notice on govt
The Tata Motors notice, dated June 18, which was pasted on the gate of its erstwhile Nano factory at Singur, was aimed at intimating that no Tata Motors official was based at the site and any unannounced visit should not be made at odd hours since the factory housed valuable items.
MUST READ! The flaw in our fight against poverty!
Various experts have opined that the Planning Commission has reduced the calorie intake from 2,100 per day in urban areas (2,400 in rural areas) to about 1,800 per adult Indian.
IMAGES: Nokia launches N9 and three other phones
Mobile phone-maker Nokia on Tuesday announced the beginning of a new era.
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| June 21, 2011 | | UID: Nilekani has miles to go to achieve goal
Going by the current pace, UIDAI seems unlikely to meet the target of issuing a million Aadhaar numbers a day to cover half the country by 2013.
It may not be end of the road for SKS Microfin
SKS was listed on the local bourses in August 2010 at a 5.6 per cent premium on its issue price of Rs 985. It appeared a bet that could hardly go wrong. Broking firms like Edelweiss Capital, Angel Broking, HDFC Securities and India Infoline had recommended to their clients to buy shares of SKS.
Cash or food? A great transition for India
Cash or food, which will better benefit the poor? This deceptively simple looking question is currently at the centre of a sharply bitter dispute.
Is it time to revisit tax deal with Mauritius?
Company analysts and tax experts say neither the foreign direct investment nor the portfolio investment by large institutions will be affected.
Here's how you can sync your phone and computer
A new system designed by Tsung-Hsiang Chang, a graduate student in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and Google's Yang Li makes it much easier to transfer computing operations between devices.
Here's how to keep your email safe!
There are millions of people on the Internet that would like nothing more than to gain access to your computer and steal your vital information.
15% rise in expats returning to India
Monster.com says their logged number of non-resident Indians seeking jobs back in India has grown 65 per cent in the past year.
PHOTOS: India food chain in deep change!
A growing urban middle-class is consuming more higher-value, high protein foods, which is stoking food price inflation and changing business and farm models in rural India.
PHOTOS: India's hottest selling cars in May
As a general trend, the shift this year is towards diesel and that is why car companies are coming up with more models and soon the customers will be flooded with a variety of cars to choose from. Any and everything in diesel, LPG and CNG seems to be in demand.
Will Posco's Orissa project ever see daylight?
Six years on, Posco's Orissa steel project remains on paper.
Lessons India should learn from the Greek crisis
World economy may not be teetering on the edge, as yet.
What India should do to stop brain drain
2010 saw as many as 60,000 Indian professionals returning to India from the US.
PHOTOS: Stunning planes at the Paris Air Show
The Paris Air Show has been one of the best aviation events for over 100 years.
Incredible! Fly Paris to Tokyo in just 2.5 hours
This supersonic plane can fly from Paris to Tokyo in just 2.5 hours.
Market wealth: Tatas beat Ambanis
Changing market dynamics have led to the Tata group overtaking the combined market wealth of the two Ambani groups put together.
Will Bengaluru lose the IT hub status?
With mounting fears that the city is in danger of losing the tag of leading IT-hub, the software industry-- led by bellwether Infosys - called for development of world class infrastructure and continued government support to maintain its credentials.
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| June 17, 2011 | | There's no magic wand to bring down inflation: RBI
After having raised its key policy rates 10 times in a year-and-a-half to check inflation which remains stubborn, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday it has no magic wand to bring down the rate of price rise.
Why Tata is worried about Fiat in India
At the heart of the problem is Fiat's failure to bring in more models to India -- a fact the Tata Group chairman didn't forget to mention.
Snake trade: How China mints money
Thousands of tonnes of snakes are sold in restaurants across China.
PHOTOS: Chatwal's swanky new hotel rocks New York
Located between two of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in New York, Chelsea and the Meat Packing District, the avant-garde, lifestyle hotel offers 316 guestrooms, multiple innovative dining venues, an expansive rooftop lounge, a beach club and extensive fitness facilities with spa services.
Corruption: India loses $16 bn every year!
She says out of every Rs 100 meant for infrastructure development, only Rs 16 is used.
Why Singur was on the boil in 1969
While Tata Motors had to shift its Rs 100,000-car project in 2008, JK Organisation had move all its businesses from the state way back in 1969.
Stunning images of the world's biggest cruise ship
Luxury knows no bounds in the world's biggest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas.
Ad age: Some catchy jingles from recent times
In the second part, we showcase some new jingles that ride on the 'original music and lyrics' format. We also believe these new age commercials have managed to entertain us just the old ones.
India Inc hopes this is the last rate increase
Some companies say they will pass on the cost to customers.
'The Singur Bill will mess up things in Bengal'
Housing minister in the previous West Bengal government, Gautam Deb discusses the reasons behind the party's rout and the policies of the new government led by Mamata Banerjee.
Subhash Ghai to enter multiplex business
Mukta Arts Ltd is set to foray into the exhibition business.
Murthy sad over how UPA handled corruption issue
Infosys founder, N R Narayana Murthy, otherwise an admirer of the government, says he's unhappy at the way Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh have handled the Lok Pal Bill issue.
'I see mistrust deepening between India and China'
Dr John Lee, author of Will China Fail, discusses the reasons for the country's failure and predicts that India and China are headed for a stormy relationship going ahead as they compete for mineral assets and influence in Asia and Africa.
IBM turns 100! Here are its icons of progress
IBM has played a leading role in transforming business, science and society in these 100 years.
It's raining superbikes in India
The sales of superbikes are happening fast, even with the eye-popping prices that they sport. The bikes are moving off the shelves faster than perhaps the bikes themselves.
Maruti strike called off
Sources close to Maruti management said the company has agreed to reinstate the 11 workers whose services were terminated for instigating the strike.
Why financial planning is important for women
Women need to handle their finances differently from men. This is largely due to factors like differences in earning patterns and priorities, which are very specific to women.
What the IMF chief does & why the job is coveted
International Monetary Fund and World Bank are top global financial institutions.
If Tatas don't invest in WB, others will: Congress
The Tatas are welcome to invest in West Bengal, but if they did not there were others who would, Congress, the alliance partner of the Mamata Banerjee government.
GoAir to buy 72 Airbus-320s for Rs 32,400 crore
With this order for 72 A-320 NEO (New Engine Option) planes worth $7.2 billion, GoAir has a total order book of 92 aircraft worth Rs 43,200 crore ($9.6 billion).
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| June 16, 2011 | | Housing prices may rise by up to 10%
Housing prices may rise by 5-10 per cent in the next 3-6 months as the cost of funds for developers is expected to increase following the Reserve Bank of India's decision to raise key policy rates by 25 basis points.
Law minister takes black money battle to FinMin
Amid the growing chorus against black money and the government's efforts to pull the plug, Union Law Minster M Veerappa Moily has suggested Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to completely overhaul the tax administration.
IMAGES: Onboard India's most expensive train
The Royale Indian Rail Tours offers one of the most luxurious train journeys across India's most beautiful locales.
Special: The politics behind the strike at Maruti
The clout of Aituc and other unions in Haryana's automobile heartland will depend crucially on whether they manage to get a foothold in the country's largest car company.
RBI hikes rates: Home, auto loans to be costlier
Be prepared to pay more every month on your home, auto and other loans.
IMAGES: A grand plan unfolds for Bihar makeover
With the Nitish Kumar government giving its nod to the new Industrial Promotion Policy, 2011, the decks have been cleared for big ticket investments even as the fate of investment proposals worth around Rs 1 lakh crore hangs fire due to alleged non-cooperation from the Centre.
360,000 cards hacked in May cyber attack: Citi
In a statement issued late on Wednesday night, Citigroup said, "A total of 360,083 North America Citi-branded credit cards were affected. Only accounts issued in the US were impacted."
Day 13: Maruti crippled by strike at Manesar plant
The crippling strike at the country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant entered its 13th day on Thursday, with production completely shut down.
'Job market in India promising'
As per the report, the hottest industries in India include sectors like manufacturing, construction, pharma and healthcare, BFSI, education, information technology (IT) and IT-enabled service, and real estate and construction.
IMAGES: The amazing Rs 24 lakh Audi Q3
Audi Q3 in India in Jan-Feb 2012.
IMAGES: The highest advance tax payers in India
Advance tax pay-up by India Inc presents a rosy picture, despite a massive fall in April IIP numbers and a likely fall in the remaining months of Q1; with the largest lender SBI leading the pack with Rs 1,100 crore (Rs 11 billion) against Rs 850 crore (Rs 8.50 billion) in the year-ago period.
Enough is enough, India Inc tells Reserve Bank
Most expect a 25 bps rate hike today, but want pause.
PHOTOS: China's bullet trains power its economy!
China's high-speed rail project is the biggest transportation infrastructure plan in human history and it is transforming the Chinese landscape and its economy.
Credit cards: How many are too many?
Credit card companies come up with tempting offers.
Salaried? Here's how to save on TAX
Those on regular employment have limited scope for saving taxes. So it becomes all the more important to take full benefits.
Residential solar units: Google to invest $280 mn
In a joint statement, SolarCity and Google 'announced the creation of a new $280 million fund to finance residential solar projects'.
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| June 15, 2011 | | RBI likely to hike key interest rates by 0.25%
With inflation hovering much above the comfort zone, the Reserve Bank of India may raise key policy rates by 25 basis points in its first mid-quarterly review of the credit policy for financial year 2012 on Thursday.
NIIT's big plan: Teach one billion students!
NIIT Chairman Rajendra Pawar on why he's building a new university in hot, dry Rajasthan.
Disney's grand designs to entertain India
After Do Dooni Chaar, the first Hindi live-action movie distributed by The Walt Disney Company (Disney) in India, won a National Award, the Hollywood studio tied up with UTV Motion Pictures (UTV) for more.
This is how your loan repayment works
An equated monthly installment (EMI) is the amount of money that is paid back to the lender on a monthly basis.
The STUNNING Rs 15-lakh BMW 1 Series soon in India
Developed on the same platform as the 3 Series, the new 1 series has been codenamed as F20.
The truth behind finance ministry's fiscal mess
A quick assessment of the ground reality will tell you that it is a reflection of the finance ministry's mistaken faith in factors beyond its control.
PIX: India building world's highest railway bridge
When completed in 2016, the 1.3-km railway bridge over the Chenab will soar 359 meters above the river bed, 19 meters higher than France's Tarn River bridge.
IndiGo to touch down on international destinations
Daily flights to Bangkok and Dubai from Mumbai will start from October 2.
What lies ahead for Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
Tenders called for the construction of the fourth container terminal were put on hold when one of the applicants approached the Supreme Court because they were not allowed to bid for the project.
How Deveshwar turned ITC around
ITC board has given Deveshwar a five-year extension after a 15-year term as executive chairman.
Hacktivism causing mayhem on web
Even as the chorus against black money and corruption is getting louder in India, hacktivism, a coinage created of activism and hacking, is creating mayhem in the virtual world.
Amazing attractions in malls: Snow, sharks...more!
Check out fantastic images of two of world's most spectacular malls in Dubai.
Young India is making it big in corporate sector
With India remaining a potential growth market, global banks are hiring young turks in order to ensure that no stone is left unturned in their bid to reach the top.
The past, present and future of Tata Nano
Nano was launched in Sri Lanka late last month as the first foreign destination for Tata's smallest car.
IMAGES: World's 20 most spectacular bridges
It has taken years of hard work and millions of dollars to build these architectural marvels.
Recall why we left Singur: Tata Motors
The legislation revokes the original lease agreement signed between Tata Motors, the country's biggest automobile maker, and the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation.
A GREAT guide to buying 2nd hand cars
While it is difficult to attribute any one single reason to this, low cost, less depreciation, easier loans, and ready availability of good models are some of the reasons behind this boom.
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| June 14, 2011 | | India handling corruption in a mature way: Mukesh
Ambani's comments have come at a time when various cases of corruptions are coming to light, including those involving some big corporate houses and some politicians.
Know more about loan against fixed deposits
Certain banks, such as Punjab National Bank, allow loans from the very next day of making the deposit. Some like HDFC may even offer one after six months. You need to check with your bank on the same.
'Congress has always fought corruption'
Congress is confident that its efforts will see the return of a large part of black money stashed abroad, says , the party's mouthpiece.
Honda slashes City prices by Rs 66,000
The car will now be available between Rs 7.49 lakh (Rs 749,000) and Rs 9.89 lakh (Rs 989,000) -- ex-showroom, Delhi, a statement from Honda Siel Cars India said.
Inflation numbers disturbing: Rangarajan
Rangarajan's reaction came after the release of the latest data, which showed headline inflation going up to 9.06 per cent in May from 8.66 per cent in April on the back of rising prices of manufactured products and petrol.
Want to file returns online? Here's help
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has also has been encouraging people to do so. Sudhir Chandra, chairman, CBDT, recently said, "Filing electronic income tax returns will help you verify your deduction of tax at source on screen and it will also help process your refund speedily, in less than one month."
Hiring: Indian employers most bullish
According to Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, India's net employment outlook -- an indicator of recruitment intentions -- stood at 46 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis for the three-month period starting July, the most optimistic hiring environment across the world.
Inflation tops 9%, RBI may hike interest rates
Inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, stood at 8.66 per cent in April.
Lagarde, Carstens shortlisted for top IMF post
"The Executive Board will meet with the candidates in Washington and, thereafter, meet to discuss the strengths of the candidates and make a selection," the official IMF statement said.
Stunning images of a fully transparent Airbus!
Come 2050, and you can fly in a fully transparent plane enjoying the panoramic views of the sky.
PM panel pegs India's growth at 8.5%
In his Budget speech, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had pegged economic growth for 2011-12 at 9 per cent.
Voodoo economics: FDI in retail to curb inflation!
Those who have been following developments in the past few years know that Wal-Mart alone must have spent millions of dollars in India for lobbying with our government to open up retail sector for FDI.
Guru Gary reveals success mantras to India Inc
"We created a sense of a team, not individuals. We designed team measurable and not individual measurable. At the end of the day, we created a happy environment," said Gary Kirsten, coach of the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team.
PIX: Scotia Prince, India's 1st super luxury ferry
In its inaugural cruise, Scotia Prince sailed from Tuticorin in Chennai to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka on Monday.
Infosys pips TCS to clinch postal contract
India Post is embarking on a massive IT modernisation programme.
Visa woes end for IBM, TCS
Both companies, along with three others, were suspended in 2010 on grounds of irregularities.
Mauritius may shed tax haven tag
Treaty shopping by investors to be over if island nation budges on capital gains tax.
Pix: These 5 small cars will hit Indian roads SOON
Indian and international brands are now all focused on small cars.
Inflation: What will the RBI do?
The central bank will appear vacuous if it holds fire next week following its ultra hawkish guidance at the last monetary policy review.
China, India are grabbing future jobs: Obama
Travelling to Durham in North Carolina, Obama said companies in the US are having a tough time in finding right candidates in the field of science and technology, which he argued is not a good sign for the future of the country.
PHOTOS: Bill Gates' secrets revealed!
Bill Gates has revealed some personal details for the first time.
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| June 13, 2011 | | 75,000 acres acquired for mega city near Ahmedabad
Spread over 940 square km, a new city would be developed at Dholera by the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) as a part of its $90 billion project spread across six states.
Can the new IMF chief change its policies?
The US' influence on a European CEO-headed multilateral institution is out of sync.
2G scam: Where has Rs 200 crore gone, asks SC
A bench of justices B S Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar, while terming 'corruption as the worst form of human rights violation,' asked CBI to come out with a status report on the loss to the state exchequer because of the award of 13 licences to one of the telecom operators and trial proceedings in the CBI special court.
Slash import duty on cars, spares: Ratan Tata
At a time when the Indian automobile industry is strongly opposing lowering of import duty in the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has favoured cutting tariff on vehicles and components coming from overseas.
Have toolbox to deal with reticent tax havens: FM
Under pressure from civil society to take concrete action on black money, the government said on Monday it has enough tools to deal with transactions arising from non-cooperative jurisdictions and would take action as and when necessary.
Is it time to move beyond Singur?
More importantly, Ms Banerjee should develop a vision beyond Singur that encompasses the whole of West Bengal and the developmental challenge it faces.
Sick PSU land to ease govt burden
Land resources belonging to ailing companies being pitched to pvt players for new initiatives.
It was Murthy's day at Infy AGM
Shareholders bid adieu to the co-founder and chairman who will retire in August.
Rs 4.57 lakh Ninja 650R motorcycle now in India
Bajaj and India Kawasaki Motors have launched Ninja 650R in the Indian market.
Power deficit for 2011-12 pegged at 10.3 per cent
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has projected an energy shortfall of 10.3 per cent and a peak shortage of 12.9 per cent in the country during the current financial year (2011-12).
Why Homestay is the latest buzz in tourism market
Homestay refers to accommodation provided in a private home run like a small business by the home owner.
How to play piano, guitar on smartphones, iPad
Touchscreens have changed the way we interact with handheld devices.
Hit by slowdown, realtors look abroad for help
Hit by sluggish sales at home, realtors are wooing non-resident Indians (NRIs). A slew of property exhibitions have been lined up at Dubai, Singapore, London, Durban and New York over the next three-four months.
Why should taxpayers' money keep sick PSUs alive?
Even in the protected world of India's sick public sector units, it takes a special kind of government company to lose Rs 8 crore (Rs 80 million) a day, while earning just Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) as revenue - and that in the booming field of telecommunications.
Cyber criminals now stalk you through your phone
McAfee Q1 threats report also reveals that in the first quarter of 2011, spam remained at its lowest levels since 2007.
How, why Indian firms are knocking out MNCs
Foreign-origin companies may still hold sway over consumer product and electronics companies but, in several areas, be it tractors, liquor or specialised financial products, it is the Indians who are the kings.
Maruti fine with new union
However, it has added some stiff riders -- the union cannot be affiliated to any political party or have outsiders as members.
Asia's costliest cities for expats, 7 from India
Japanese cities continue to dominate the most expensive cities' list for expatriates.
Why investors have not lost faith in Indian eco
Despite misgivings about India's economic performance, investors have not lost faith in the country's long-term growth trajectory.
Slowdown clouds darken over India Inc
Indian companies are already facing a margin squeeze, with operating profit margins and net profit margins in the fourth quarter of the last financial year shrinking by 44 basis points each year-on-year.
20 astonishing facts about the Indian economy
India could emerge as the world's third largest economy by 2030.
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| June 11, 2011 | | Bengal backtracks on Singur ordinance
A day after the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government issued an ordinance to take back the entire land lying with Tata Motors and its vendors at Singur, it has decided not to notify it.
Mukesh Ambani forays into insurance
Reliance Industries Ltd buys Bharti stake in Axa joint ventures.
Act against Lavasa, Maharashtra govt told
In a major setback to Ajit Gulabchand's ambitious hill city project, the Union environment ministry has asked the Maharashtra government to initiate action against Lavasa Corporation for violation of green norms.
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| June 10, 2011 | | IMF chief's nominations close; no consensus yet
Apart from Lagarde, Mexican central bank governor Agustin Carstens and Kazakhstan's central bank governor Grigory Marchenkois are in the fray for the IMF managing director's post which fell vacant after the ignominious exit of Dominique Strauss-Kahn last month.
Customers can access Mercedes site via mobile
New mobile-optimized website can be readily accessed through multiple mobile devices.
SBI breaches RBI norms on loans to Reliance
State Bank of India, the country's largest bank, has breached the Reserve Bank of India's credit exposure norms during three consecutive years with regard to its loans provided to Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries.
'We will be happy if diesel is deregulated'
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) - a Fortune 500 company - dominates the Indian market with a 49.6 per cent market share.
Want to win Rs 25,000? Try solving this case
How will a group of minnows manage to save the future of the gentleman's game in their own backyard?
'India set to be a success story of our time'
Noting that the country was on track to have the largest economy by 2050, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said, "India is a rising giant whose influence is being felt not only in the Indian Ocean, but in the Americas, in Africa, West Asia, and in Central Asia."
Public sector banks seen safe bets despite blips
While the environment is not conducive, most of the concerns are factored in and valuations have entered an attractive zone.
PHOTOS: Apple's amazing 'spaceship' office
Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, wants to build a 'spaceship'-type campus in Cupertino, California, to house his ever-growing staff.
Why Cloud computing is not big in India, yet
Globally, the music industry will now have to deal with content's privacy on cloud services such as iCloud. But Indian companies are putting up a brave face.
It's 997 acres, or nothing for Tata Motors
Tata Motors is unlikely to scale down its plans and go back to Singur for a smaller plant.
Realty firms see better results in small towns
Real estate companies betting big on tier II and tier III markets sold more stock than firms focused on metros.
In Pics: A peek into the STUNNING Audi A7 and RS 5
Lat month, German car manufacturer Audi AG launched two of its premium products in India.
How Bharti Airtel plans to make it big in Africa
The man: Manoj Kohli, the affable CEO of Bharti Airtel's international business. The challenge: Replicate Bharti's low-cost operational model so successful in India across 16 diverse African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Congo.
Want cheaper holidays? Read this . . .
While most of the group deals websites in India are now offering holiday packages either directly or in collaboration with online travel agents (OTAs), Vamoose.in is a group deals site focused solely on travel.
Brand Husain creates legacy value
In his death, M F Husain has left behind a rich fount of art and artmanship
Mamata fulfils promise, takes back Singur land
Govt passes ordinance, possibility of Tatas mounting a legal challenge
PHOTOS: World's top gambling hubs!
Full-fledged on-shore casino, the first of its kind in India, is spread over 48 acres of five-star property and the casino will have an almost entire gamut of games.
PHOTOS: World's 10 happiest countries
A wealthy and powerful country like the United States fails to make it to the top 10.
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| June 09, 2011 | | Maurti strike may spread; loss at Rs 270 crore
The strike at Maruti Suzuki India's plant in Manesar is threatening to spread to Gurgaon-Manesar belt, with a panel of workers of various firms in the region warning that a similar stir could hit others unless demands of their agitating colleagues' at India's largest carmaker are met.
Inside the amazing Airbus A380: Don't miss it!
The interiors of the world's biggest passenger airline, the Airbus A 380 resemble a luxury hotel.
Land bill changes to hurt Bengal industrialisation
Stated position of the West Bengal government is that no land should be acquired for private projects.
Best ways to manage a joint account
Deposit accounts can be opened by an individual in his own name (single account) or by two or more individuals jointly (joint account).
Food inflation goes up to 9.01%
The latest numbers are the highest level of food inflation since the week ended March 26 when it had stood at 9.18 per cent.
Where are India Inc's colourful personalities?
Has liberalisation squeezed the personality out of India Inc's leaders?
Here's how India's richest people spend and invest
According to a study released by Kotak Wealth and Crisil Research, ultra high net worth households as those with a minimum net worth of Rs 25 crore or $5 million, as the benchmark for qualifying into the UHNI segment.
Asia's oldest exchange gets cheaper
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) shares have lost more than a third of their value in the last six months, as a lacklustre market has hurt volumes in the exchange's cash segment and several efforts to revive its derivatives segment are yet to show results.
Hacked! Thousands of Citi card customers' data
Computer hackers have breached Citigroup's computer network and have accessed data related to hundreds of thousands of its card customers, the Financial Times said.
Now, neighbourhood shops to sell insurance
An Irda official said the idea was to improve the penetration levels of insurance and deepen financial inclusion.
Chinese economy to grow at 9.3% in '11: World Bank
The government should use interest rates for more than administrative measures to handle economic growth in the long term.
Flexible work hours?Get a job in Finland or Sweden
According to a study by Grant Thornton International, 92 per cent of companies surveyed around the world rated Finland as the country which provides the maximum flexibility at work.
Bad news! World food prices to remain high
Consumers are unlikely to get relief from high food prices till December 2012, despite a modest increase in global foodgrain production.
Do you know what your ATM can do for you?
ATMs are on their way to becoming a one-stop shop for most banking services. Here's what your ATM can do for you.
IMAGES: India's 20 amazing green corporate offices
A green building movement was initiated in India in 2001 by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a part of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote eco friendly buildings.
China to have 800 skyscrapers by 2016
Five of world's 10 tallest buildings are in China, the Shanghai-based Skyscrapers Magazine said.
Meet Ramdev the marketing guru
Consumerism blended with spiritualism, courtesy religious gurus and organisations, is giving companies a run for their money.
Credit card bill is confusing? Then read on. . .
Many of us have the tendency to just pay the amount due, without caring to give the bill a proper reading.
How he managed to make his Manza clock 46.33 km/lt
The Tata Manza (Quadrajet Aura ABS) has clocked a mileage of 46.33 km per litre.
How BEST to manage your portfolio
Investing in the stock market is an art that you need to learn.
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| June 08, 2011 | | New manufacturing policy to create 100 mn jobs
In a major initiative, the government is set to approve on Thursday a new policy to boost manufacturing by reducing compliance cost for the industry and making the labour laws flexible.
PSUs may hike petrol price on June 16
State-owned oil firms may hike petrol price by about Rs 0.50 per litre from June 16 as last month's steep increase in rates is not enough to cover the cost of raw material (crude oil).
Inflation to cut India growth to 8%: World Bank
Elaborating on the reasons behind the expected slowdown in the country's economic growth, the multilateral lending agency said it 'stems from a moderation in domestic demand, as elevated inflationary pressures have cut into disposable incomes and household spending'.
PHOTOS: Madoff items' auction fetches $500,000!
The auction of personal possessions seized from Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff's Palm Beach mansion, held during the weekend, generated as much as $500,000, according to the US Marshals Service which conducted the auction.
Decision-making at policy level very slow: Citi
A report titled 'Bright Side of the Gloom', released by Citi Investment & Analysis, a division of Citi Global Market Inc, predicts that the Indian stock market bellwether index -- Sensex -- will reach 21,500 by December 2011, which is an upside of 15 to 16 per cent from the current levels.
Jet Airways to expand network in Europe
"We are considering operating to Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, some places in Germany and other parts of continental Europe. Shanghai and Beijing are also being looked at. We have applied to the Civil Aviation Ministry for traffic rights (to these destinations). We are hopeful of getting approvals soon", Jet Chairman Naresh Goyal said.
Herbal drug cos to swallow bitter European pills
Domestic majors, such as Himalaya and Baidyanath, are in a dilemma after the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency made traditional herbal registration mandatory for herbal medicines.
Speakasia: What's the controversy all about?
1.9 million Indians have invested in Speakasia.
Social networks latest windows for cyber attacks
With the growing popularity of social networking in India, perpetrators are increasingly using easy mediums such Facebook and Twitter for conducting illicit activities.
Will NRI businessman's charges sink Maran?
Sivasankran alleges Maran had forced him to sell Aircel.
Beer makers look to save environment
PET bottles can be recycled and so reduce the amount of waste going into landfills.
Regulators are at peace with the govt
RBI unveiled a few weeks ago its discussion paper on the proposed holding company structure for financial conglomerates, there were no murmurs of protest from any of the other regulators.
Maruti not to accept any demands; strike continues
As the strike at its Manesar plant entered the fifth day on Wednesday, the country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India said there was no question of accepting the demands of the workers.
Will new tax code help bring back black money?
Taxable assets have been defined to include deposits in banks outside India.
SBI to hire over 5,000 officers
While a total of 4,987 officers would be recruited for associate banks of SBI, as many as 206 officers would be hired for State Bank of India itself.
Future of robots: RJ can catch balls, make coffee
RJ has been designed with the ability to catch a ball thrown at it with 80 per cent accuracy.
Lagarde to get India's support for IMF top job
While maintaining that merit and not nationality should guide selection of the new International Monetary Fund chief, India will in all likelihood support French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde for the job.
Seize tax evaders' assets, India to foreign govts
Caught in a political storm over the black money issue, the government is writing to some countries to freeze the assets of Indians that have not been declared in India and repatriate the money.
Amul ads in 2011: Must-see hits!
Amul's advertisement campaigns just get better every time.
3 superb cars to scorch Indian roads in July
With disposable incomes rising and more and more people aspiring to own cars, global auto majors want to grab a share of the market.
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| June 07, 2011 | | Sales to be hurt if strike lingers, says Maruti
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India on Tuesday said its sales may be hit if strike at its Manesar plant prolongs, while it has already incurred production loss of about 3,000 units till the 4th day of stir by workers.
World's biggest Internet test on Wednesday
Hundreds of companies plan to test next version of Internet Protocol.
Gaddafi fund invests in ICICI Bank; gains $10 mn
ICICI Bank has emerged as the single Indian entity considered worth investing by Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and the investment has given an impressive return of over 25 per cent in past one year alone.
India can benefit from Afghan mining projects
New Great Game for the rights to mine Afghanistan's enormous mineral wealth is gathering momentum.
What's wrong with Ramdev being a businessman?
A lot of such babas have directly/indirectly played a part in politics at the national level as well. And that's what Baba Ramdev also seems to be keen to do.
More panels on black money? No, say experts
Delays in action against black money by way of committees and studies will give time to corrupt politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats to divert their ill-gotten funds into shell companies, an eminent Jawharlal Nehru University professor has said.
Setbacks make Mukesh Ambani's journey rough
Mukesh Ambani's AGM speeches indicate a trail of forgotten promises and projects that have not ended up as envisaged.
'It is a good time to accumulate banking stocks'
Despite inflation being a near-term concern, we feel its impact on economic growth is likely to be limited. The structural growth drivers remain intact and bode well for equities in the medium to long term.
Apple unveils iCloud; what is it all about?
With iCloud and wireless computing, a user can use iOS devices - the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - without having to depend upon a personal computer.
Get complaints tracked, settled online
The system is a centralised database of all complaints, wherein the investor is to be enabled to view the current status and action taken.
PHOTOS: The world's 25 richest cities by 2025
New cities -- mostly from India, China and Latin America will either be added to the list or will improve their rankings.
Ramesh's views on faculty: What IIM says
IIM Ahmedabad Director Samir K Barua says, a straight comparison of IITs and IIMs with global institutes, without accounting for the impact of the ownership on performance would be unfair.
Bring back black money, end tax havens. But how?
Tax Information Exchange Agreements between countries are one way to prevent, or at least curb, the flow of illicit funds.
2G scam: All about Maran's alleged 'role'
Maran was instrumental in changing the spectrum pricing while he was the Telecom Minister.
Meet the man who gave Tata Chemicals a new look
Mukundan is a quintessential Tata manager, working for its many varied businesses - shoe salesman, auto component marketer and executive with its hotel chain, Taj.
Fifth of top 100 firms do not declare Q4 results
Investor associations and some senior auditors said companies were being less transparent and putting investors to inconvenience by denying them the complete picture of their financials.
India gets its first live casino! In Gangtok
A full-fledged on-shore casino, the first of its kind in India, is coming up at Mayfair-Gangtok -- a five-star deluxe property spread over 48 acres and owned by Orissa-based Mayfair Hotels
How to ensure your motor claim is not rejected
Ensure the car is used for the purpose stated in the policy. For instance, a car meant for private use cannot be used for providing taxi services, without making the required changes in the policy document.
Airline industry profits to fall 78%
The forecast represents a 54 per cent fall compared to estimates put out by the trade body in March, and is 78 per cent lower than the $18-billion profit that the industry recorded in 2010.
How India Inc funds primary education in India
Corporate leaders are making large philanthropic investments in the area of primary education.
These entities are shaping and reshaping Internet
Some organization and countries have changed the online world for better or worse.
Super luxury homes anyone? Starting at Rs 7 crore!
We check out a few super-luxury homes on offer in metros that come with a garden and a swimming pool.
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| June 06, 2011 | | 2G scam: CBI records Sivasankaran's statement
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday recorded statement of former Aircel chief C Sivasankaran in connection with its ongoing investigations in the second generation spectrum allocation scam during UPA-I regime.
India to be 3rd largest banking market by 2050
Banking assets of emerging nations are likely to overtake that of G7 economies by the year 2050, with India likely to emerge as the third largest domestic banking market in the world in the next three decades, says PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Villgro for rural social entrepreneurs!
What we need now is professionals, people from the industry with ideas. We want to tell them to help the poor people get richer by working on these business models, says Paul Basil, founder, Villgro.
Mumbai, Delhi may produce next Google: E&Y
Despite regulatory hurdles, India continues to be among the preferred destinations for FDI due to the country's high economic growth, with both Mumbai and Delhi being touted as among the cities likely to produce the next Microsoft or Google, a survey said.
Maruti strike: 11 workers axed, production halted
The country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said its Manesar plant has stopped functioning, resulting in a production loss of about 1,200 units so far as a workers' strike entered the third day.
Air ticket tax: India put on IATA 'Wall of Shame'!
The government was put on the Wall of Shame at the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Singapore, along with the European Union Parliament and the governments of the UK, Germany and Austria, for imposing high taxes on air travel.
Black money abroad: 'Pay 20% tax to bring it back'
According to an expert, if the government seriously pursues the matter then it should take about a year to bring back the black money stashed abroad.
Cartoon channels shift focus as kids move online
Children are surfing websites of their favourite cartoons rather than watching them on TV.
Average age of Infosys staff now stands at 29
The Bangalore-based company has said in a filing to Nasdaq 'additional information for 2010-11' that the average age of its employees in 2011 stood at 27 years.
Handset makers target gamers to boost sales
Gamers are being increasingly targeted by mobile handset makers.
25 facts on Singapore's amazing success
Singapore has scripted Asia's most successful growth story.
Made-in-India Renault hatchback by early 2012?
Company officials said it would not be possible to share details, as the study had just begun.
Hacked! A word of caution
It is extremely important to keep your eyes open and ensure you are not a victim
All you need to know about NBFC home loans
By lowering interest rates Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) are slowly positioning themselves to become viable alternatives to traditional banks for procuring loans.
PHOTOS: These 9 steps can make Earth better place
While governments and corporations are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gases, individuals, too, can pitch in to make this world a better place for present and future generations.
PIX: Stunning views of India's greenest building
This is India's greenest building and one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world.
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| June 03, 2011 | | Flying Air India? Do check the schedule
AI rejigged about 30 flights on its domestic and international sectors.
India to boom at 9.5% for next few years: Moody's
Terming inflation as the biggest challenge before the Indian economy, Moody's said the Reserve Bank should focus on controlling the price rise and added that maintaining the balance between growth and inflation would a test for policymakers.
PHOTOS: The top selling cars in India
Automakers in India posted their worst growth in recent times in May 2011.
Woman to be family head in Food Security Bill
If Minister of State for Food K V Thomas has his say in the proposed Food Security Bill, the eldest woman in the family -- and not the patriarch -- will be designated the head of family in the ration card.
India to be $30-trillion economy by 2030: Ambani
India is poised to become a $30 trillion economy by the year 2030 from the current $1.4 trillion, industrialist Mukesh Ambani said on Friday.
What's Infosys 3.0 and how it will compete
Infosys managing director and chief executive officer S Gopalakrishnan speaks about Infosys, version 3.0, the IT major's culture, what it implies and how it will tackle the competition.
Five things to do before you travel abroad
Foreign travel insurance is an absolute must for most travellers abroad. This is not applicable for those who are going to work abroad.
Investing in commodities? Stick to gold, silver
Retail investors are turning to the commodities market as an investment option. Rising commodity prices have resulted in these giving better returns than equity markets.
15 nations with highest number of millionaires
Global wealth rose by $9 trillion to a record high of $121.8 trillion.
Here are some of India's leading 'green' companies
Though most companies fall under categories that have more to do with reducing emissions or saving power, there are brands that have nothing to do with power and energy, who are working towards developing a greener environment.
Success story! From Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,866 crore!
It took a good 18 years for Luminous Power Technologies to make its first Rs. 100 crore.
What Ambani has in store for Reliance
Announcing a bullish stance on the company's financial position, the chairman and managing director said that RIL would become debt-free on a net basis in the current 2011-12 fiscal.
Before you go for a second loan. . .
Bankers are often not comfortable when customers already have a sizeable amount of debt on their balance sheets and are looking for more
REVEALED: Ratan Tata's post-retirement plan
Tata plans to do what he has always been passionate about -- set up a design centre of international standards and scale.
Under heavy debt? Don't despair, try this!
Ramkumar is under extremely heavy debt. Can he survive it?
Rahul Bajaj on 2 most important things in business
Rahul Bajaj, chairman Bajaj Auto, speaks about what business is, corporate governance, and corruption.
Is emergency fund part of budget?
Not many make provisions for an emergency situation.
Credit score: Why it matters, how to get it
You will now be able to access your credit score. All about what the score is and how it matters to you as a borrower.
The world's top wealth creators; India 4th
India has emerged among the four fastest wealth creator countries in the world and its growth momentum is expected to gather further steam going forward, a global study has said.
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| June 02, 2011 | | Baba Ramdev: A school dropout turned millionaire!
Ramdev, who shot into the limelight as a Yoga guru, now has a cult status with millions of followers across the country.
Beware! 15 mn viruses will be on prowl by 2012
Symantec's latest Internet Security Threat Report XVI reveals that a majority of malware samples observed in India spread through removable drives.
2G scam: CBI gives clean chit to Tata
The anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau Investigation has given a clean chit to Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata in the 2G spectrum scam.
Food inflation falls to 8.06%
The latest numbers likely to be seen by the government as a silver lining after the slowdown in economic growth during the first quarter.
Economy may grow by 8.5% in FY12: Rangarajan
C Rangarajan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, on Thursday said he expects the Indian economy to grow by 8.5 per cent in FY'12 on the back of services sector and industry expansion, though he hinted that agriculture might not be a big contributor.
PIX: Interesting facts on China's infrastructure
China spends about 40-50 per cent of its GDP on infrastructure.
IndiGo ready to make its international debut
In August, IndiGo makes its international debut with a nine-aircraft fleet to fly to destinations in Southeast Asia and West Asia.
Play safe with commercial property
High returns are a lure for investment in office space, but both loan-to-value and tenures are lower.
WATCH! The BEST ad jingles of yesteryear
Jingles certainly makes the world of advertising go round. Well, it most certainly plays an important role in brand association whether the jingle is good, bad or annoying, if it has a catchy tune, you have a winner.
University of Toronto honours Nandan Nilekani
University called Nilekani 'more than a business leader'.
SPECIAL: The true story behind the GM mess
Not only is illegal herbicide-tolerant cotton spreading across the country, biosafety regulations are being openly flouted by private crop developers acting in collusion with public research institutions.
India facing unprecedented food crisis
"Despite the doubling of the size of its economy since 1990, the number of hungry people in India has increased by 65 million because economic development excluded the rural poor and social protection schemes failed to reach them," Oxfam National Humanitarian Hub Manager Zubin Zaman told reporters in Guwahati.
Reliance Cap to hire 3,500 managers, 50,000 agents
Having witnessed a dip of over 4,500 staff from its headcount in last fiscal, Anil Ambani group's financial services arm Reliance Capital will hire over 3,500 managers for its various businesses this year.
Big deal! P&G keen to gobble up Unilever for $62bn
In what could be one of the biggest deals in the global FMCG sector, consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble is rumoured to be lining up a 38 billion pounds ($ 62 billion) bid for its biggest rival Unilever.
US secrets on the line! Chinese hackers hit Gmail
Google said it has uncovered a phishing campaign, which appears to originate from Jinan, China.
PHOTOS: The greenest cities in India
Some cities in India are taking very positive steps to maintain the eco-system.
Centre's subsidy reforms to start from South
LPG cash transfer to begin with Mysore, Hyderabad.
PHOTOS: World's 16 strongest banks
Bloomberg recently came up with a list of 16 strongest banks of the world.
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| June 01, 2011 | | Ramdev threat! Govt talks big on black money
Amid the threat of yoga guru Baba Ramdev to go on a hunger strike on the issue of black money from June 4, the government on Wednesday said the series of steps taken by it to unearth unaccounted-for wealth have started yielding results.
What ADAG is doing to rule health insurance sector
ADAG's rivals are lobbying overtime to ensure that a company affiliated to the group, Mediassist India TPA Private Limited, is considered ineligible.
A look at Subbarao's years as RBI Governor
The criticism of the RBI governor's handling of inflation is fraught with an oversimplification of the current inflation dynamics.
I screwed up, admits former Google CEO
Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt, who recently stepped down as the search giant's chief executive officer, admitted at the All Things Digital conference that the Internet giant's inability to cash in on the social networking wave was his fault.
Can Fluence help Renault heat up Indian market?
A year after French auto major Renault terminated its joint venture with homegrown automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), the company is back to prove its mettle in the world's second fastest growing automobile market with its premium mid-size sedan Fluence.
9% growth possible if industrial sector booms
Optimists would say that even a new normal of around 8.0 per cent GDP growth is good, considering global trends.
Why speculation in silver is down
The reason, say market players, is heavy losses suffered by traders in south India and Ahmedabad dabbling in the white metal.
How to raise cash through paper gold
With gold prices on the rise, financial institutions are trying different ways to attract the customer.
PMO tightens grip on railways
On Monday, Railway Board, the apex body in the ministry, issued a circular that the Prime Minister's Office would handle all projects worth Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) and above.
Mercedes unveils new version of supercar!
Mercedes Benz plans to launch a new open top version of its SLS AMG super car.
IMAGES: 12 stunning solar cars from students
Hans Tholstrup and Larry Perkins were the first solar car racers to successfully travel from Perth to Sydney in 1983 in a solar car.
PHOTOS: World's 10 greenest cities
While widespread use of green technology has a long way to go in India, there are some cities in the world that have already become role models in efficient use of resources.
Soaring petrol? Here are some great diesel cars!
Let's see what the Indian car market has to offer in the diesel car section.
The BIG threat to China's growth story
With the twin burden of a severe power crisis and drought, economic growth will slow down.
PIX: Himalayan glaciers continue to melt rapidly
Noted environmentalist R K Pachauri said the Himalayan glaciers are melting at a "very rapid speed", but did not refer to his earlier assertion that the glaciers could disappear by 2035, for which he had come under sharp attack from the government and others.
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| June 0, 2011 | | PIX: Himalayan glaciers continue to melt rapidly
Noted environmentalist R K Pachauri said the Himalayan glaciers are melting at a "very rapid speed", but did not refer to his earlier assertion that the glaciers could disappear by 2035, for which he had come under sharp attack from the government and others.
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| May 31, 2011 | | Maruti may invest up to Rs 18,000 crore in Gujarat
The country's largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki India, on Tuesday said it, along with vendors, could invest up to Rs 18,000 crore (Rs 180 billion) in Gujarat as it looks to produce about 20 lakh (2 million) units in the long run in the state.
India's IT capital: Bengaluru may lose crown!
Bengaluru may not remain India's 'Silicon Valley' for too long owing to its crumbling infrastructure and associated woes, says an Assocham study.
Will tablets take over PCs in India?
Tablet personal computers (PCs), such as Apple's iPad might have taken the global consumer PC market by storm, but the effect might not entirely be the same in India.
FAQ: Just what are NEFT and RTGS?
These facilities can only be used for transferring money within the country.
India's FY11 GDP at 8.5%; Q4 growth slips to 7.8%
India's GDP growth has slowed down to 7.8 per cent for January-March quarter from 9.4 per cent in corresponding period of the previous year.
Why it pays to promote CEOs from within
In the international study, 36 companies with CEOs promoted within the company outperformed others across seven measurable metrics: return on assets, equity and investment, revenue and earnings growth, earnings per share growth and stock-price appreciation, according to management consultancy AT Kearney.
This is what Mr Mukherjee must focus on now
India's macroeconomic authorities must focus on fiscal stabilisation and Mukherjee has to provide the leadership as finance minister.
I-T dept plans to accept refunds at ATMs
The department plans to give taxpayers the facility of applying for tax refunds and tax credits through ATMs.
Singur on the boil; Mamata's promise not enough
Farmers are gettong ready for another agitation.
PIX: A sneak peek into the new Merc C Class
The revised C-Class is expected to arrive in India somewhere in July 2011.
Why your money is NOT safe in Ponzi schemes
Ponzi scheme, as I had explained earlier, is essentially a fraudulent investment scheme where money brought in by the newer investors is used to pay off the older investors. This creates an impression of a successful investment scheme.
Jayalalithaa means business, goes by manifesto
On the first day at her office, J Jayalalithaa cleared seven files.
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| May 30, 2011 | | Worst drought in China in 50 years may hit its GDP
The drought in China that is impacting more than five per cent of the country's farmlands and is being described as the worst in 50 years, may affect its GDP this year and push up inflation, economists have said.
'Higher oil prices, inflation may hurt economy'
Noting that the country could 'well experience the effects of an oil-price shock,' Deloitte said that political instability in West Asia and a payment crisis with Iran are causes for concern.
A director who builds malls and hospitals
It all started in 2004, when Nitish Kumar replaced Rabri Devi as chief minister. Prakash Jha, along with his long-term associate Manmohan Shetty, founded P&M Infrastructure.
I-T dept to publish names of tax defaulters
The problem has been further compounded with several of the tax defaulters having created 'benami' assets to escape the dragnet.
Market cap: India's top gainers and losers
The combined market capitalisation (m-cap) of five of the country's top10 firms grew by Rs 35,237.57 crore (Rs 352.37 billion) during last week, with Coal India emerging as the second most valued company after Reliance Industries.
Mahindra Satyam to give second break to women pros
Msat said on Monday it is stepping up efforts to attract the talent across Asia-Pacific and India, two of its fastest growing markets.
Amit Mitra, Tarun Das leave a long legacy
Ficci stood for the voice of a defensive, traditional Indian business class.
For the first time Tihar jail has many biz execs!
There's an undercurrent of fear in business circles these days
Quizzing: A new mantra to create brand loyalty
Brandandme.com uses quizzing and social conversation to increase brand familiarity.
Godrej's new fridge comes with FM, MP3 player
Godrej Appliances has launched a music-enabled refrigerator, Godrej Edge SX MuziPlay, with FM radio and MP3 player. The refrigerator has additional facilities such as a mobile charging point with USB port.
Should the top boss be from the family or outside?
Are Indian promoters ready to give up control and hand over the company to their professional managers?
Indian CEOs who get Rs 1 crore-plus salary
Mukesh Ambani has got company of at least 29 fellow corporate executives, including four from his own group Reliance Industries, in terms of annual salaries running into crores of rupees for the latest fiscal.
India rising: Where is it on the global stage?
A lot of people talk about India rising," Barack Obama declared in November when in Mumbai. "But, in our view, India has already risen."
Smartphones can keep you off the laptops? Well. .
LG, Samsung and Apple have launched flagship models.
FinMin arms fight over tax refunds
The Income-Tax Department has turned down a proposal by the Department of Economic Affairs to go slow on refunds to taxpayers.
Don't ignore your debt portfolio
As a debt fund investor, it is important to know that bond prices move inversely to interest rates.
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| May 27, 2011 | | Maruti looking at Gujarat to set up new plant
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India is understood to be scouting for location to set up a manufacturing unit in Gujarat, which could be its first plant outside Haryana where it has been based since its inception in 1983.
PIX: Boeing's stunning 787 to fly in Japan soon
The Boeing 787-8, which costs $185.2 million is a long-range, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner.
Failed ATM transaction: Bank must repay in 7 days
The Reserve Bank of India on Friday directed banks to reimburse customers for amounts wrongfully debited from their accounts in failed ATM transactions within seven days of an account holder's complaint or else pay a Rs 100 per day compensation.
Pay cash or no fuel: Oil cos to Air India
Oil companies last week sent a notice for stopping aviation turbine fuel supplies to Air India at some airports like Calicut and Jaipur, officials said in New Delhi.
Why business houses left Bengal
Industry was the most obvious casualty of the Left's excesses. Now what lies ahead for the state?
What 'didn't' Ratan Tata say?
When his comments on the work ethic of British workers and their unwillingness to work out of hours were widely reported, Ratan Tata quickly distanced himself from the row caused by his remarks.
Photos: How Internet is creating jobs worldwide
Internet has a sweeping impact on growth, prosperity and has created 2.4 jobs for every job that it has destroyed.
Crash exposes chinks in air ambulance services
The size of the industry in India is rather small but growing at 20 per cent a year. Unlike in the West, India does not have any dedicated air ambulances. Around 15 aircraft are so used when required.
Mumbai among world's 26 'Cities of Opportunity'
Mumbai is the lone Indian city to feature among 26 'Cities of Opportunity' list compiled by PwC.
Indian market key to Microsoft's future: Ballmer
Microsoft CEO Steven A Ballmer made a passionate presentation, introducing India to the Microsoft Cloud concept.
How Hollywood uses Indian brands to promote films
Production houses tie up with local brands to promote movies with a '360-degree approach'.
Soon, visit Bengaluru on Google
The search engine company said on Thursday it would capture the city's street view and make it available on Google Maps.
A must-read guide for home buyers
You should also get the maximum tax benefit from your home loan. See if you can make your spouse a co-applicant and avail the tax benefits. You will simply double the tax benefits if there are two co-applicants.
All about the war over IMF chief's post
The scramble for International Monetary Fund managing director's chair has escalated into a war of sorts with developing nations calling for a change in the power equation.
India 4th most entrepreneur-friendly nation
India, along with the United States, Canada and Australia, has been ranked among the nations with the best cultures in the world for people to start a new business, a new global poll has showed.
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| May 26, 2011 | | Ferrari enters India, price starts at Rs 2.2 crore
Italian luxury sports car Ferrari on Thursday officially entered the Indian market with popular models such as the California, 458 Italia, 599GTB Fiorano and the latest FF at prices starting from Rs 2.2 crore (Rs 22 million) onward.
Next IMF chief: India tries to build consensus
While most European countries are backing Lagarde, the developing countries are trying to build a consensus on nominating a person from the emerging nations as the next IMF chief.
What are unit-linked pension plans?
These are market-linked pension products offered by life insurance companies. These plans are for those looking for long-term retirement plans or investment options.
Faculty remark: Jairam says he has ample support
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, who has triggered a fresh controversy over the calibre of the faculty of India's premier higher education institutes, on Thursday claimed he had ample support at home as well as abroad.
No escape! Diesel, LPG to cost more from June
Price of diesel, LPG and kerosene will have to go up.
Follow these 5 steps to enjoy retirement
There is more to retirement planning than money.
The secret behind Cognizant's amazing success
It was in 2008 that the company entered in the Fortune 1000 ranking at 859th position. In three years, it has ascended 375 places to find a place in the prestigious Fortune 500 ranking.
How to remit money abroad
"While you can approach money transfer agencies apart from banks to receive money, only a bank can help you send outward remittances," says Ravi Menon, head of foreign exchange at Cox and Kings.
With Buddha out, Mamata is the new Brand Bengal
The Left regime has helped conjure perceptions about industrialists' proximity to a particular party, but that may not be the reality.
SPECIAL: China betrays BRICS on IMF top job
According to the IMF sources, the 27-member European Union bloc had asked the Chinese for support for Lagarde.
How UPA govt plans to promote India Inc abroad
To help consolidate India as a major global power, the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government will unveil a new policy to promote Indian companies in international markets.
Role India can play to ease food, fuel crisis
G20 needs to leverage its clout to play a more proactive role in stabilising food and fuel prices.
Why Speak Asia seems to be like a Ponzi scheme
Of late Speak Asia (www.speakasiaonline.com) has been in the news and is being investigated by various regulatory agencies of the government, including the ministry of corporate affairs.
Food inflation rises to 8.55%
Food inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, was on a declining trajectory for the previous three weeks.
Internet gives more to India's GDP than China's
Growth is driven more by Internet services exports than the local consumption.
Charitable trusts under I-T scanner
Enhanced scrutiny, modified auditors' report and new return form part of exercise to curb misuse of tax exemption.
India, China leading global economic recovery: UN
While weaknesses in major developed economies continue to drag the global recovery.
IMAGES: India's most expensive official residence
It is the largest residence of any chief of the state in the world.
PHOTOS: World's longest-serving CEOs
Sometimes there are CEOs who are able to stay at the top for decades.
Gold inches steadily towards record high
Standard gold continued its rising momentum 6th straight day on Wednesday recording a staggering Rs 620 or Rs 2.83 per cent rise since May 19.
India: World's 3rd largest economy by 2030?
India is likely to grow faster, on average, than China over the next two decades.
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| May 25, 2011 | | IMF chief's post: India unhappy over selection
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed disappointment at developing countries being ignored in the selection of the president of world's key financial body, the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Facebook plans ambassadors around the world
Facebook, which has more than 600 million users, is planning to assemble a new team that will have a network of ambassadors placed around the globe.
iPhone 4 to be launched in India on May 27
Telecom operators Bharti airtel and Aircel today said they will start selling Apple's iPhone 4 in India from May 27.
PHOTOS: Renault Fluence and its 3 closest rivals
No one ever expected that it would so soon re-enter the Indian car market.
Misquoted? Majority agree with Tata's comments
Ratan Tata appears to be unusually prone to the misfortune of being "misquoted" or "quoted out of context", from being pressured to bribe a minister to British managers and Mukesh Ambani's display of opulence.
Take control: don't let inflation erode returns
"Consumers can strategise on the non-core consumption basket front by downtrading, that is, purchasing non-premium versions of products that effectively deliver the same utility," says Ritika Mankar, economist, Ambit Capital.
Future Group's appetite for food is set to grow
The Kishore Biyani-led group is scaling up operations with Foodhall, its latest venture in the food retail space, which would offer a different format to cater to the growing aspirations of consumers.
IMAGES: World's 10 abandoned cities
World is full of abandoned cities.
From Ambani's Antilla to Golibar slums
Indeed there is an extraordinarily stark contrast between the mansion in South Mumbai and the reality of Golibar -- with its fragile, tiny one room homes set amid open sewage channels in narrow lanes.
Countries with the least virus threat!
Threat of computer viruses is increasing everyday.
US court tells Infosys to provide info on B1 visas
Amid controversies over its use of the United States business visas, Infosys on Tuesday said an American court has sought documents and records related to the company's sponsorships and utilisation of B1 business visas.
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| May 24, 2011 | | BJP proud of IITs, IIMs; blasts Ramesh's comment
The BJP went on to add that India actually required 'world-class ministers'.
The No. 1 concern for Indians: Rising food prices
The Reserve Bank of India, in its monetary policy for 2011-12 released earlier this month, had said that international commodity prices are a major area of concern.
Soaring burial costs deepen China's grave crisis
The skyrocketing price of cemetery plots and funeral services has come has a shocker to millions of ordinary people.
You know who I am, former IMF chief told maid
"Tests matched a DNA sample submitted by Strauss-Kahn and semen found on the shirt of the hotel maid," the Wall Street Journal reported quoting law-enforcement officials.
Law catches up with DMK, but what about others?
The 2G scam is a perfect occasion for us to travel a bit further and punish all those who could have prevented the fraud and yet chose to remain silent. Should we fail, we would have learned no lesson from the 2G scam, says .
Don't worry about the law anymore!
You can now find a lawyer online and take care of simple legal issues without leaving home.
Ficci head wants to turn it into a global brand
Whenever people think of India, they will think of Ficci as a place they could go to facilitate investment, says Rajiv Kumar.
TUTORIAL: Technical terms in mutual fund factsheet
While equity funds can charge an expense ratio up to 2.5 per cent, debt funds can charge up to 2.25 per cent.
How Mahindra Satyam is shaping its success story
In just two years after taking over Mahindra Satyam (the brand identity of Hyderabad-based information technology outsourcing company Satyam Computer Services), its parent company Tech Mahindra is looking at inorganic growth to take Satyam, which it had nursed back to health, to do a marathon.
Builders and developers cannot dictate policies
Government has sent a clear signal that builders and developers cannot dictate policies.
Why insurance riders make claims easier
Though they come at a cost, buying them with the insurance policy can make a lot of sense.
PIX: Skoda plans sub-Rs 10 lakh SUV
This is the first time a global company is looking to introduce an SUV in this price segment.
How to profit from capital gains account scheme
It will shield you from paying capital gains tax on profits accrued from the sale of property while earning an interest on it.
Singur: Bengal govt wants to expedite land return
"We will not let Mamata Banerjee's 26-day fast for Singur go waste. I have asked for the lease agreement and all correspondence with Tata Motors by Tuesday," Partha Chatterjee, who took charge as West Bengal commerce and industry minister, said.
IMAGES: A journey through the amazing Audi museum
Audi's impressive museum at Ingolstadt, Germany houses 120 exhibits tracing over 100 years of automotive history.
Column: I paid a bribe . . .
An initiative of a Bengaluru-based organisation Janagraha, www.ipaid abribe.com is an interactive website where people, who've had to resort to bribery and corruption to sort out matters, can tell their stories anonymously.
Special: Here's what is wrong with most B-schools!
Apart from the top few, most business schools are struggling to survive.
Pampered IITians make a start in helping the poor
Pampered by subsidised education, IITians make a small start in helping the underprivileged. But is it enough?
Special: Amar Singh is also a powerful businessman
Singh, by his own admission, is a 'frequent' investor. "I am a shareholder in many companies. Being a shareholder is not a crime. I don't remember in how many companies I have invested."
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| May 23, 2011 | | BJP slams PM over 'Rs 85,000-crore coal scam'
Just a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh celebrated two years of the UPA-II rule, the Bhartiya Janata Party slapped a Rs 85,000-crore (Rs 850 billion) coal scam on him, claiming his direct culpability in the 'loot' as he held the portfolio between 2006 and 2009 since after coal minister Shibu Soren had resigned.
Faculty of IITs, IIMs 'not world class': Ramesh
The institutes are excellent because of the quality of students.
Brand value: Why India Inc is warming up to it
Even old fashioned brick and mortar manufacturing companies are waking up to measure their brand equity.
IMAGES: ITC's unique brand building experience
Late entrant ITC is making competition count in the Rs 29,000-crore (Rs 290 billion) personal care industry.
Is this the 'new normal' rate of growth for India?
When considering the economy's potential for rapid growth, most people's mind-sets are influenced by the fact that India did better than 9 per cent in each of the three years of 2005-08.
How social networking lends a helping hand
Realising that the concept has caught the fancy of the Indian consumer, the company decided to market its stock of Apple iPhones and iPads on the Facebook page.
Why the Sensex dipped below 18K
The markets had skid earlier in the day on the back of a dismal set of cues from the Asian front.
How Acer aims to make it big in India
Acer is eyeing a bigger share of the Indian market with five tablet PCs and five smartphones in its portfolio.
Big hike in diesel, LPG prices on the anvil
A week after the steep hike in petrol prices by Rs 5 a litre, the government on Monday said a ministerial panel is likely to meet in the next few days to take a decision on raising diesel, LPG and kerosene rates.
Tata clarifies comments on Ambani's billion-$ home
"The report is out of context and factually incorrect. Tata's comments on wealth are in the larger context of the growing disparity in the society. The comments seem to have been deliberately sensationalised," a statement from Tata Sons said.
Former IMF chief made advances on 3 other women
Moments before he was taken off a France-bound flight last week, Strauss-Kahn reportedly told the flight attendant, 'what a nice a**' or in French, 'Quel beau cul!', The New York Post reported.
The world's most famous brand wars
This modern-day guerrilla warfare leaves us wondering that there is nothing as clear as black and white.
PHOTOS: The Rs 14 lakh Renault Fluence launched
Renault is back in India on its own, and the Fluence sedan is its first offering.
Infy to invest $150 mn to build campus in China
Company to invest $125-150 million to open a development centre in Shanghai.
Top 10 web virus hosting countries
Report shows Internet viruses remain a problem.
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| May 20, 2011 | | 7 next-gen cities planned between Delhi, Mumbai
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.
Delhi's per capita income reaches Rs 95,943
Gross state domestic product of the city went up by 10.53 per cent.
Are the claims on health foods true?
Government scientists and industry experts have joined hands to evolve guidelines for advertisements claiming health benefits for what is called health foods in India and functional foods in the US.
2G scam: After Kanimozhi, will it be Ambani, Tata?
The answer to this million-dollar question may lie behind certain recent developments. Shahid Usman Balwa, Swan Telecom promoter and an accused in the 2G scam case, on May 18
PHOTOS: What rocked the world of business
Check out the current week's best photos from the world of global business, economics and trade.
IMAGES: Recession grips Japan's economy
Japan's economy has derailed again.
Shut down 23 non-working PSUs in Maharashtra: CAG
Describing these as non-working companies, the CAG in its latest report on the state tabled in the Maharashtra Assembly stated that since no purpose may be served by keeping these units in existence, the state government needs to expedite closing down of these non-working PSUs.
Want to cut petrol bill? Check out these tips!
If drivers apply some common sense approaches, fuel bills can come down considerably.
Strauss-Kahn gets bail, indicted on sex charges
Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was granted bail by a New York court shortly after he was formally indicted on all sexual assault charges.
India Inc tops Mamata's guest list
Trinamool sources indicated that invitations had been extended to Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata and several senior executives of the Tata group.
Five reasons why banks can reject loan
Applying for a home loan requires preparation on various fronts.
Want to save money? Read these tips
Exercise a bit of restraint in a number of small-yet-effective ways.
Need counselling on your loan? Read on
The Banking Codes and Services Board of India offers a free of cost credit counselling service to individuals who have taken home loans, personal loans, vehicle loan or incurred credit card debt up to a maximum limit of Rs 50 lakhs.
D.light launches solar lantern for $8
Priced at $8, this lamp is designed for millions of people in emerging markets like India.
Drive 333 km per charge in this electric car!
The prototype has successfully run 333 kilometres on a single charge.
IMAGES: China's modern ghost town
About 30 km north of Dongsheng is the Kangbashi district of Ordos, which means 'palaces' in the Mongolian language, an area filled with thousands of residential apartments and duplex-style homes, built to house mainly workers for the nearby coal mines just outside the town.
India among 6 nations set to rule global economy!
Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Russia will account for more than half of all global growth.
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| May 19, 2011 | | Give offs, annual leave to domestic workers: Sonia
NAC Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh suggesting that the proposed national policy for domestic workers should ensure a daily minimum wage without sex discrimination, weekly offs and paid annual leave.
Govt creates elite unit to probe financial crimes
The specialised wing -- Directorate of Criminal Investigation (Income Tax) -- will be manned by hand-picked officers who are experts in financial and forensic investigations.
Now, design your bank deposit as per your needs
Banks have several deposit schemes, which can be customised for people with varying needs. Deposit accounts can be opened by an individual in his own name (single account) or by two or more individuals jointly (joint account).
What to do if your debit card fails you
Debit cards may have made it easy for us to forgo carrying any cash. Only, these cards have transactional hazards and are known to have let down their users on occasions.
With profits down, SBI readies for a clean-up act
SBI sources said the other reason to clean up the balance sheet was to avoid any embarrassment at a later stage, when stressed assets would be thrown up by technology.
All you want to know about recurring deposit
You have to apply for a recurring deposit account and ask the bank to deduct the stipulated amount from your savings or current account every month.
Survey claims India short of talent!
India's results are well above the global average.
It took 50 trips to Delhi to import a PC: Murthy
Outgoing Infosys co-founder and chairman N R Narayana Murthy on Wednesday said the sacrifices made by his colleagues in the initial days of the company was unparalleled.
India's consumerism boom!Market to double in 5 yrs
The Indian consumer market for high-end food products is set to double to 200 million people in the coming five years, given the ambitiously driven entrepreneurship of Indian businessmen in developing new food-based opportunities.
Buying a health cover? Read the fine print
Insurance advisors say it is imperative to compare the features on offer before buying a policy. A careful perusal of wordings will highlight the policy clauses unfavourable for you.
Photos: Who among these will head the IMF now?
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the head of the International Monetary Fund, who has been charged with a criminal sex act and is under arrest in the United States, has resigned from his position, leaving the global financial body to hunt for a new chief.
$16 mn retention award for Citi's Vikram Pandit
Pandit has been taking home a token one dollar salary from Citigroup since 2009.
A $300 home for poor? A $375-billion opportunity!
Prof Vijay Govindarajan is confident that an affordable, environmentally friendly home can be built for just $300 creating a $375-billion opportunity for corporations the world over.
CBI shielding Tatas, Balwa tells court
The "CBI's heart beats for the Tatas", 2G scam accused Shahid Usman Balwa alleged in court today, questioning the agency's portrayal of the group as a "victim" of A. Raja's spectrum allocations.
Global R&D service providers: Wipro leads
Wipro has emerged as the leader followed by HCL , Patni, Infosys , Mahindra Satyam and MindTree in the rating of global R&D service providers across various countries like India, China, Russia and Eastern Europe, according to a study.
Tata successor list has a few group employees
Ratan Tata will step down in December next year after he turns 75.
Why oil pricing is muddled in politics & populism
Oil pricing freedom as an idea can succeed only if the ownership of the key oil refiners (read the public sector oil companies) ceases to be government-dominated.
They earn Rs 5.75 & the tea sells for Rs 25K
Simmering discontent over tea.
PHOTOS: World's 20 most competitive nations
Recovery of financial markets pushed the US and Hong Kong to first place.
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| May 18, 2011 | | Who will be the new Railway Minister?
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee would resign as Railway Minister on Thursday, a day ahead of being sworn in as West Bengal Chief Minister.
Special: Here's Murthy's emotional farewell letter
Having nurtured Infosys for the last three decades, Narayana Murthy would be succeeded by eminent banker K V Kamath as Infosys' Chairman with effect from August 21.
How Micro housing is becoming big in India
After micro finance, micro housing is becoming a buzz word. The sector is not only attracting domestic companies, but also luring foreign financial service firms and institutional players.
IMF chief on suicide watch in jail: report
International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is facing damaging allegations of sexually assaulting a hotel maid, has been put on suicide watch by prison authorities who fear he may try to kill himself.
Taxmen recover Rs 30,000-crore black money
The CBDT is in the process of creating a Directorate of Criminal Investigation after getting approval from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee last week.
With Left routed, trade unions face tough times
With political equations changing in bastions of Left unionism, stiff challenges await the soldiers of strikes and bandhs.
$1-trn for infra: RBI, Plan panel at loggerheads
What the industry and observers have been saying for quite some time -- that there is a lot of regulatory confusion on developing a corporate debt market -- has come out in the open with the RBI Governor and the Plan panel head speaking on the same topic in different languages.
Images: India's best-managed companies
Information technology giant Tata Consultancy Services and financial services major HDFC have been named as India's two best managed companies in an annual poll conducted by Finance Asia magazine.
Why LG bets big on 3D
LG extends the technology to a range of devices like laptops and mobile phones.
Financial dos and don'ts when shifting jobs
If you switch jobs midway through the year and do not declare the earlier deductions to your new employer, he will use the same calculation to compute your tax liability.
Infosys has given ESOPs worth Rs 50,000 crore!
Since its inception in July 1981 with a capital of Rs 10,000 that the current chairman, N R Narayana Murthy, borrowed from his wife, Infosys has given stock options worth Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion) to employees.
World moans the 'death' of typewriters
Soon after the article came out on the last 500 office typewriters in the world of Godrej Prima brand, these became the favourite buzzword for the global media.
So you think you are better than your boss?
If indeed you are better than your boss, you will definitely reach that coveted position. You just need to focus on your own performance and showcase it succinctly.
IMAGES: The stunning NEW Hyundai Verna
The new Verna bears Hyundai's new design philosophy of 'Fluidic Sculpture'.
Ratan Tata's successor? No final decision yet
Amid speculation over Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata's successor, the group has said that the selection committee has interviewed several candidates, both internal and external, but no final decision has been taken.
5 months for Tata to save Singur lease deal
According to the lease agreement between Tata Motors and the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation, the lessor will have the option to terminate the lease if the land has not been used for three years or more, which will kick-in from October 2011. Tata Motors had pulled out of the Nano project in October 2008.
Why the rupee could depreciate by 20% in 2 years
According to a report by financial and business research firm Evalueserve, there will be pressure on the Rupee unless steps are taken to fix certain structural issues like high current account deficit and dwindling investments.
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| May 17, 2011 | | Ambani gets more BofA shares worth Rs 72 lakh
Within weeks of granting shares worth about Rs 11 lakh (Rs 1.1 million), Bank of America has given fresh shares worth over Rs 72 lakh (Rs 7.2 million) to Mukesh Ambani as part of his annual fee for being a director of the United States banking major.
47% Indians say corruption got worse in 5 years
Support for Anna Hazare and anti-graft protests shows Indians recognise the problem is endemic.
Indian govt spends only $32 per capita on health!
An abysmally low government spending on health -- at $32 per capita -- characterises the poor state of healthcare in India which is facing a 'double burden' of diseases afflicting both the poor and rich classes, a new WHO report has warned.
IMF not to pay for Kahn's infamous hotel stay
It was during his stay at this Sofitel hotel that Kahn, who was appointed IMF managing director in 2007 with a salary in excess of $5,00,000 per year, was accused of indulging in sexual assault on a chambermaid.
Should investors buy into LinkedIn's IPO hype?
It is looking to price its offering of 7.8 million shares between $32 and $35 a share, which will give it a valuation between $3 billion and $3.3 billion.
Cybercriminals turn local, attack with Hindi spam
Spammers target unsuspecting victims with e-mails in Hindi.
Foreign funds to NGOs: Why more scrutiny is needed
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha in 2010, whilst moving certain amendments to the FCRA, Home Minister P Chidambaram said that the government would like to ensure "that the foreign money does not dominate social and political discourse in India. There is enough money within India."
Petrol consumption dropped in 2010-11
Last year witnessed a growth rate of 10.8 per cent against a 13.9 per cent rise in 2009-10.
Corporate spying in India: The tools they use
Private detective agencies receive more than 10 requests a day by companies to spy on their rivals.
Visas to Indian IT experts: Why UK is concerned
Many Indian IT companies use this route to transfer staff to offices in Britain.
Will the new I-T return form make life simple?
Only salaried individuals, pensioners or those earning interest income can use the new form.
IMAGES: It's raining millionaires in Shanghai!
In the bustling Chinese city of Shanghai, around 132,000 people have a personal wealth of 10 million yuan ($1.54 million).
Indian EVMs get mandate abroad
The country has got its first firm order to export these machines to Namibia, while it is in talks with others, including Egypt and Saarc nations.
How Skype will change Microsoft
What's next for the free-telephony service, en route from Luxembourg to Redmond. Building IP telephony into phones is cool, but the real impact would be in Miscrosoft's business software.
PHOTOS: America's 20 most reputable companies
The reputation of corporate America after the economic crisis has turned positive.
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| May 16, 2011 | | Petro price hike: Govt distances itself amid stir
Amid protests from political parties over the hike in petrol prices, the government on Monday said the product was deregulated and the revision in the fuel rate was done by the oil marketing companies.
Petrol price hike: What should be done about it?
So what do you think of this increase in the price of petrol? What do you think can be done to register a protest against such huge hikes? How do you plan to tackle or beat this increase? Tell us.
After Hajmola's success, Dabur forays into mints
Dabur is piggybacking on the equity of its digestive brand Hajmola to enter a new segment in confectionery - mints.
More pain! Diesel, LPG prices set to soar
The fall in global oil prices has trimmed the losses of state-owned oil companies, but it may not be enough to prevent a Rs 4 per litre increase in diesel prices and a Rs 20-25 per cylinder hike in LPG rates later this month.
UP farmers get justice at cost of city flat buyers
Friday's Allahabad high court order quashing the acquisition of land by the Greater Noida Authority in Sahberi village of Gautam Budh Nagar district could affect several people who had booked apartments in projects located there.
Narayana Murthy's VC fund can exit SKS now
Catamaran Management Services, the venture capital fund promoted by Infosys Technologies Chairman N R Narayana Murthy, is free to exit SKS Microfinance.
Wipro gets serious about financial services arena
Wipro is trying to strengthen its presence in the banking, financial services and insurance segment by increasing its revenue share on par with other leading Indian information technology service companies.
'American CEOs' packages jump 28% in 2010'
After two consecutive years of decline, the pay package for top American executives saw a growth of 28 per cent in 2010, with the bonus payout component witnessing the maximum growth, says executive compensation research firm Equilar.
SEWA promotes work-from-home option
SEWA has the advantage of having been around for the last four decades and the top brands are willing to introduce it to their suppliers in Delhi to get orders.
H-1B visa demand falls as software scene changes
This April, visa applications to be issued for the US financial year beginning October saw a 50 per cent drop over last April.
Here's how to plan for a secure future
While positive deviations are always welcome, it is important to be aware of the assumptions in the plan beforehand to prevent any dangerous outcomes.
Sex case: Maid picks out IMF chief in line-up
Strauss-Kahn allegedly sexually assaulted the 32-year-old maid, who happened to be in his $3,000 a night suite at the Hotel Sofitel in Times Square on Saturday afternoon, thinking it was empty.
How Infosys plans to rev up consulting biz
The company plans to strengthen consulting capability in addressing the needs for the next phase of growth.
Sebi chairman says manipulators will not be spared
U K Sinha says he has a three-pronged strategy for handling the securities market.
PHOTOS: World's 15 most unique bus stops
While in India, most bus stops and terminals are dirty and still lack basic amenities, here's how other nations have built superb bus stops creatively.
Buzz around apps just got louder
Apps are no more restricted to smartphones and tablet PCs.
Ratan Tata's 2nd innings in Bengal begins
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata was in Kolkata on May 18, 2006, the day Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee started his second innings as chief minister of West Bengal, to announce the Nano small car project.
Soon, a tablet PC for JUST Rs 10,000!
Apple's iconic iPad2 and Samsung's Galaxy Tab are set to face a local challenge.
Now, it's cheaper to fuel planes than cars
The increase in petrol prices from Saturday midnight has made the fuel more expensive than aircraft turbine fuel, used to power planes.
IMAGES: Nations with highest gold reserves
Gold prices in India have been escalating very fast of late and in the last week of April, it scaled a new peak by adding Rs 50 to a record price of Rs 22,520 per 10 grams.
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| May 13, 2011 | | Muhammad Yunus resigns from Grameen Bank
Yunus, 70, said he was relinquishing his post to prevent undue disruption of the bank's work.
Why the Left lost West Bengal
The practitioners of all that Karl Marx had professed were vouching for the principles of Adam Smith by beating up farmers to forcibly acquire land for industrialists.
Honda plans diesel City to beat competition
In response to challenge from new diesel models in India's premium mid-size sedan car segment, Honda is developing a diesel engine for Honda City.
Wipro keen to sell diaper, vanaspati brands
Revamp zeroes on consumer brands facing stiff competition, slower growth.
Harshad's assets may fetch Rs 1,000 crore!
The government on Thursday said it expected Rs 800-1,000 crore (Rs 80-100 billion) to be recovered from liquidation of the assets of late stock broker Harshad Mehta who was convicted in the stock market scam of 1990s.
Need cash? Get a loan against your car
It's not widely advertised, but a few banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) provide loans against used cars.
How a pilot paid a bribe of Rs 50K for a licence!
One more pilot was arrested for allegedly using forged marksheets to procure commercial flying licences, taking the total number of people arrested in such cases to 19.
Why engineers, docs are joining Civil Services
In the present times of job uncertainties and layoffs, the lure of bureaucracy is clear.
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| May 12, 2011 | | Bank row: NCP eager to teach Congress a lesson
As a fallout of the dissolution of the administrative board of Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank by the Reserve Bank of India, the Nationalist Congress Party is eager to teach its ally, Congress, a lesson.
What and how to teach teenagers about money?
Teenagers should be taught the importance of money.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive wines
Charm of these expensive bottles of wine is in the joy of collecting, not consuming.
4G battle heating up: It's Ambani versus Mittal
As Ambani plumped for the CDMA technology to carry his data-driven business plan, he found himself going eyeball-to-eyeball with Sunil Mittal, the leader of the GSM pack.
Loans: Rights of banks and customers
Banks have the right to file a suit with the debt recovery tribunal and possess the security.
Infosys blames AP govt for delay in SEZ
Nasdaq-listed Infosys has said it was the failure of the state government in fulfilling the agreed conditions that led to the delay in executing its 448-acre IT Special Economic Zone project in Hyderabad.
Your car may soon run on oil from food waste!
British fuel supplier Greenergy International announced that it has developed a new technology to extract cooking oil from food waste and blend them with diesel to produce an environmentally-friendly fuel.
SC pulls up ED in Hassan Ali case
Court criticised ED for not mentioning the filing of a charge sheet in its status report.
Is gold a good mortgage asset?
In a high interest rate regime when all banks are offering loans at a lofty price, rates for loans against gold continues to be cheaper.
A flying robot may soon replace CCTV camera
Users simply need to point to a place on Google Maps on its touch-screen controller and the robot flies there at 30mph to record high quality video that can be beamed to an iPhone in real-time.
The TOP 5: India-based IT services firms boom
The top five India-based IT services providers grew by $4.5 billion in 2010, according to a study by IT consulting major Gartner.
Why India must stabilise its ties with Iran
The arrangement will allow Iran to buy Indian products, but not invest in India. The list of items that Iran can import is still being worked out to ensure that there are no items classified as "dual use".
How will the car loan scenario impact you?
Base rate as of now stands at 8.5 per cent for SBI.
PHOTOS: Check out these fabulous floating homes!
IMFS has tasted success with innovative technology in buildings residential communities.
Find doctors just a click away!
Now, you can select a doctor (specialist), upload medical reports and also seek consultation from global specialists through just a click.
How is the area of a flat calculated?
Difference between the useable and saleable areas is a result of the space included in the calculation.
PHOTOS: Amazing office buildings in India
India prides to have some of the most contemporary designs for offices.
Recurring Deposits: Why they can be a boon
Many a time, we let go of our aspirations because it seems difficult to achieve them at one go.
Binayak Sen named on Plan panel board
The Plan panel on Wednesday said it has appointed civil rights activist Binayak Sen, convicted for sedition, on the board of one of its steering committees to give input for 12th Plan (2012-17) on health related issues.
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| May 11, 2011 | | Rajaratnam found guilty, faces 25-yr jail term
Raj Rajaratnam, the main accused in the largest hedge fund insider trading case in the United States history was on Wednesday found guilty on all 14 counts of securities fraud and conspiracy.
Is the government killing Air India?
State of Air India reveals one of the sorriest aspects of Indian public life.
What makes Enfield a success in India
Now, with the demand far outstretching their production due to capacity constraints, the Chennai-based company is going full throttle to roll out its expansion plans to address the rising demand for the past 18 months.
IMAGES: 5 fine sedans coming your way!
Here is a look at five sedans that are likely to make it to Indian showrooms this year.
Here's a financial checklist for home-bound NRIs
"The first step is getting your residential status changed in all documents, including Permanent Account Number (PAN) card for taxation, ration card, etc, which takes months and endless rounds to offices," says an exasperated Mehta, adding that getting oriented with the laws and regulations comes much later.
Why US fears crippling cyber attack from China
One subject of the third round of the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue will be cybersecurity.
Short-term options from mutual funds? Here's help
Mutual funds offer liquid funds and ultra short-term funds in the debt category, which are suitable for short investment periods. Ultra short-term funds were earlier known as liquid plus funds.
Why TCS, Cognizant surged ahead of Infosys, Wipro
Change of guard and strategy has rejigged the financials and order of top IT companies.
Google to make smart bulbs, dishwashers!
According to Google, the new range of 'almost anything electrical' household devices would be launched by the end of this year, and wireless technology will help these devices to communicate with tablets, The Daily Telegraph reported.
'Facebook users' details inadvertently leaked'
Hundreds of thousands of Facebook users account details could have been 'inadvertently' leaked to third parties, in particular advertisers, over the years, according to data security solutions provider Symantec.
Meet the billionaire who bought Warner Music
The conglomerate controlled by Len Blavatnik, the Russian-born billionaire, has been declared the winner of an auction for Warner Music Group.
B-school grads dump PSUs, eye big pay in pvt firms
PSUs say with the economy back on track, the students are preferring private sector companies due to fatter pay packets.
IMAGES: 8 cars that have been in the news lately
The sedan segment in the country has seen a lot of action lately.
HSBC bank under US taxman's scanner
The move has raised several questions.
PHOTOS: The world's 25 biggest power plants
The United States, China and Japan are the largest producers of electricity.
Now turn your wall or table into a computer!
Husain, along with his partner Mohammed Azharudin, has created a surface computing mechanism whereby large surfaces like table tops, walls or large LCD screen can be turned in to touch screens that are capable of performing various computing tasks.
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| May 10, 2011 | | Sebi warns bourses on money from Iran, North Korea
Fearing possible black money flow and terror financing risks from Iran and North Korea into the Indian stock market, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has asked bourses to be cautious in dealings with funds and entities from those countries.
Nooyi, Jha among America's highest paid CEOs
PepsiCo's India-born chief Indra Nooyi and Motorola Mobility's Sanjay Jha are among the highest paid chief executive officers in the United States, according to new estimates that say salaries and bonuses for chief executives running 350 major companies surged 11 per cent to $9.3 million in 2010.
Petrol price may be hiked by Rs 3
A hike in diesel and domestic LPG prices has been deferred for now, but an increase in petrol prices later this week looks imminent.
IMAGES: The new Maruti Swift and its six rivals
The Maruti Swift 2011 was recently voted the safest supermini in the UK.
Is India trying to control how you use Internet?
In April 2011, the Indian government's Department of Information Technology issued new regulations, Information Technology Rules, 2011, under which any content deemed 'disparaging', 'harassing', 'blasphemous' or 'hateful' can be banned.
Of social enterprise & how banks start food crisis
At present analysis like this tends to remain in a separate domain from the realm where there is an upbeat excitement about the power of social enterprises to change millions of lives for the better.
Hope of divestment floats, again
The government has fixed a target of generating Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) through sale of stake in public sector undertakings (PSUs) this financial year.
Cheaper cars will hurt environment, says book
The race among Indian automobile manufacturers to make cheap cars, initiated by Tata's Nano will further create pollution, road congestion, global warming and health problems, says a new book.
How to tackle rising interest rates?
"Any payment above EMIs is considered as payments towards the principal and would result in shorter tenure. This, in turn, will lower the total interest amount you pay on your home loan."
The world's top 20 brands; ICICI at no. 53
A software giant has emerged as the world's most valuable brand.
Meet the world's richest royals
A look at the world's richest surviving royal families, who still command significant power and resources.
After Sai Baba, can Puttaparthi's economy survive?
travels to Puttaparthi to find out the fate of an economy now bereft of the man it was centered on.
PHOTOS: World's stunning railway stations - II
Take a look at some of the most stunning railway stations.
Why buying a home has nothing to do with high EMIs
Hence, at the end of the day the reason why people are not buying real estate is because real estate, especially in the larger cities, is terribly expensive.
ICICI CEO to get Rs 7 lakh per month as allowance
ICICI Bank, the country's largest private sector lender, has revised allowances paid to its executive directors, including that of its managing director and CEO Chanda Kochhar.
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| May 09, 2011 | | Mukesh Ambani forgoes Rs 24 crore paycheque
Company's remuneration for top management personnel has declined.
Get ready to order to from a virtual menu
Leading players like Intercontinental, Taj and Four Seasons, among others, have integrated tablet PCs across restaurants, lobbies and for guests checking into their hotels.
How divestment in 1998 could have saved Air India
The present turmoil in Air India has thrown up many alternatives including privatisation. Memories are short. Recalling the past may be relevant.
RIL sacks 700; Mukesh Ambani on growth plans
The company's staff strength fell by 704 workers during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, and stood at 22,661 employees.
Pawan Hans grounding halts work near China border
With Pawan Hans' helicopters no longer available to ferry bulldozers and materials to road building sites in remote areas, this crucial programme is experiencing further delay.
Is RBI fighting the wrong war?
Still, in a week when the Reserve Bank of India has said that combating inflation is now its primary focus, it is important to ask: is RBI fighting yesterday's war, instead of peering into the future to glean what might be coming -- as monetary policy is supposed to do?
Tata Motors starts sending Nano overseas
According to figures released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers on Monday, Tata Motors exported 498 units last month as compared to just a single unit in the corresponding month last year.
Will Coke Studio work for the cola major?
Given that teens as a segment forms a critical part of Coca Cola's spend, a significant part of the annual budget will be spent on Coke Studio.
Financial tips for young adults
Many think managing money is about learning the concepts, terminology and processes. Developing the right attitude towards money is perhaps precious at a young age, when people begin to deal with money they can call their own.
IMAGES: Get ready! 4 new hatchbacks are coming
There are no official confirmed dates available but here's a look at what they have to offer.
Now, a super premium soap at Rs 630!
Karnataka Soaps and Detergents will launch a super premium brand in June.
Seagram finds innovative way to promote whisky
With the government imposing a ban on direct, indirect and surrogate advertising of tobacco and alcohol products in India, such brands have found innovative ways to build visibility.
Inflation hits 45% of household saving rates
Majority of the respondents said that they have been falling behind financially and their standard of living has deteriorated.
Education loans: From India or US?
According to data from the Open Door Report published by the Institute of International Education, US was the preferred destination for Indian students, with 104,897 of them opting for courses in 2010.
Which services should not be taxed? Your views
In order to broaden the tax net, the government has sought public opinion on possibility of a negative list for service tax meaning that all services which are not mentioned in it would be taxed under the proposed GST regime.
SPECIAL: Should you be queuing up for the iPad2?
With a host of new features, the device is definitely worth a buy.
PHOTOS: World's 10 most amazing railway stations
Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) is the largest crossing station in Europe.
How to invest wisely in midcap segment
In the last one year, the Sensex has fallen 2.17 per cent, while the BSE midcap index has risen 2.08 per cent. And, there is scope for value picking that can yield good returns.
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| May 06, 2011 | | How corruption threatens India's security
It is only a matter of time before a numbered account of a prominent Indian in a tax haven finds its way to the hands of Chinese, American or Pakistani intelligence.
I have been forced to compromise: Jairam
Opposing 'regularisation of illegality' which he described as 'a peculiar Indian characteristic', Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday said that many times he too has been forced to compromise in cases of violations of green norms.
Is it time to clean up Indian health care system?
Emergence of malpractice in the delivery system is the biggest threat.
EduVARTA: Using SMS to educate rural youth!
Ghate plans to charge the students a nominal fee of Rs 33 annually for this service.
BPL launches LED lantern for rural market
Product has been launched in Uttar Pradesh due to its large geography and rural household base.
AI remains crippled; 3rd round of talks today
With the strike still on, the airline has grounded up to 90 per cent of its operations and has been operating about 30 flights a day besides some charter flights from Kingfisher and Air Arabia.
What are close-ended schemes?
These are schemes launched by mutual fund houses, wherein, one can invest only during the new fund offer period.
Gopalakrishnan on challenges facing Infosys
In a discussion with Bibhu Ranjan Mishra and Pradeesh Chandran, executive co-chairman designate S Gopalakrishnan talks about the challenges Infosys faces.
Meet India's chief economic advisor, Kaushik Basu
North Block hasn't made a bureaucrat out of the chief economic advisor yet
IMAGES: SUVs under Rs 10 lakh in India
Force Motor planning to launch a Sports Utility Vehicle in the country.
US to push China to let yuan strengthen faster
The US will also try to persuade Beijing to make it easier for foreigners to make portfolio investments in China.
Idea takes 3G bets on rural market
Idea Cellular has gone off the beaten track in its 3G growth strategy.
US Labour Secretary denies plan to kill H-1B visa
H-1B visa programme has over the years brought hundreds of thousands of Indian skilled professionals to the United States.
India to remain an economic superpower in Asia
India and China will remain the fastest growing economies in Asia-Pacific by expanding at respective rates of 8.7 per cent and 9.5 per cent in 2011, much above the average of the region, UN agency ESCAP said.
IMAGES: India's most competitive states
Competitiveness helps states catch up with each other.
Nestle: Once bitten, but not shy
The foods major has moved to higher price points even though a similar strategy flopped last year. Will it be second time lucky?
Global CEOs rate India, US, China, Germany, Brazil
PricewaterhouseCoopers surveyed 1,201 chief executives in 69 countries.
Cognizant joins the Fortune 500 club
Adding another feather to its cap, IT major Cognizant has joined the prestigious league of Fortune 500 companies.
Osama hunt: This is what US taxpayers paid
While America quoted $5 million for anyone who captures Osama in 1998, little did it realize that the price it would pay to nab him could run into billions of dollars.
'Indian aviation to need $30 billion in 15 years'
The aviation sector needs $30 billion worth of investment over the next 15 years to keep up with booming passenger and cargo traffic, Secretary Nasim Zaidi said on Friday.
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| May 05, 2011 | | IMAGES: How Samsung is making it big in India
"We have the potential to reach the No.1 position in numerous categories in a country like India where markets are maturing and the potential for growth is unlimited," said JS Shin, president of Samsung Electronics Southwest Asia, while unveiling its new mobile devices at the company's recent Southwest Asia regional forum.
Noel Tata to head Tata Group's logistic arm
"Noel Tata has taken over as chairman of Drive India Enterprise Solutions Limited (DIESL), signifying the growing importance that the Tata group has placed on logistics," the group's supply chain provider said on Wednesday.
Ranbaxy may pay $1 bn to settle FDA fine
Ranbaxy Laboratories and the US health regulator are reportedly negotiating a settlement.
Now, get a 'Pure Room' at a luxury hotel
With luxury hospitality chains competing to offer intangibles like the best sleep in town and the purest air to breathe, a 'pure room' is one of the latest innovations to be marketed - as one enabling guests to sleep better and breathe fresher, by keeping allergens at bay!
Why silver prices are rising and will keep rising
While there are a number of fundamental reasons behind the rally, the immediate reasons behind the price of silver going up are pretty different.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive yachts!
Yacht is one of the ultimate toys of the rich.
The 25 best employers in India
Aon Hewitt, the global human resource consulting and outsourcing business of Aon Corporation, has announced the results of its 7th Best Employers in India 2011 study.
How Mercedes manages to hold its ground in India
German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz witnessed the best-ever first quarter this year since it started operations in India 15 years ago.
IMAGES: World's biggest arms-producing companies
Every year over $1.5 trillion are spent on military expenditures worldwide.
Ladakh: The new hot tourist spot this summer
Bookings rise by 20 per cent.
Taxman saved Rs 4,000 crore due to quick refunds
"In the month of April, we have issued more than 20 lakh (Rs 2 billion) refunds all over the country which is a record number of refunds issued in April," Central Board of Direct Taxes chairman, Sudhir Chandra, told reporters in Mumbai.
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| May 04, 2011 | | IMAGES: A peek into the stunning BMW Vision
The crowd gathered at Prabhadevi in Mumbai witnessed the shooting of Mission Impossible 4 with a futuristic looking BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car, second generation Indian BMW 650ci and a BMW 5 series with a modified front to fit and rear bumpers for cameras.
Air India pilots may call off strike
Air India's domestic operations remained crippled on Wednesday, with the pilots continuing their strike for the eighth day, as informal efforts were mounted to initiate talks with the agitators.
Why politicians don't want to fight corruption
Corruption, it is often said, flourishes in weak states. Therefore, those who are the beneficiaries of corruption, seek to ensure that the Indian state remains weak.
Breaking down Ulip charges for you
Not all life insurance policies disclose their charges to policyholders.
Mobile number portability: Vodafone leads
Nine million subscribers opt for mobile number portability in first three months of its launch.
Tata Nano for Pakistan? Industrialist hopes so
The Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, could be cruising on Pakistani roads if the governments of India and Pakistan remove bottlenecks standing in the way of joint ventures and investments between the two countries.
Jet asked to pay Rs 478-crore dues to Sahara
Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud, however, rejected the petition filed by Sahara claiming Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) as the total sum for the take over instead of the renegotiated amount of Rs 1,450 crore (Rs 14.5 billion) agreed between Jet and Sahara.
India's challenge is to make growth inclusive: ADB
Challenge before Indian policy makers was to make growth inclusive and manage infrastructure investments better.
Petrol, diesel may cost Rs 3-4/litre more soon!
A Rs 3-4 a litre hike in the price of petrol, which had been freed from government control last June, is also on the cards immediately after polling in the last phase of Assembly elections is completed on May 10.
Mercedes plans Rs 15-20 lakh cars for India!
German premium car maker Mercedes-Benz is looking at expanding its portfolio by introducing A and B Class cars in the country within two to three years, to take on competition.
Banks admit they will pass on cost to customers
Savings rate and returns from debt funds will be nullified by high borrowing rates.
Why 50% US green card holders want to return home
Survey participants included permanent residents, US citizens and work visa holders.
America vs China: Which is the real superpower?
Using purchasing power parity estimates narrows the differences between the two economies.
7 Asian nations = 45% global GDP by 2050
The engines of Asia's re-emergence - India, China and five other economies -- will account for 45 per cent of the global GDP by 2050, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
What China can buy with $3-trillion forex reserves
China keeps most of its foreign reserves in the United States Government securities.
Amazing Pics: The world's 25 unusual buildings
The Krzywy Domek (Crooked House) is an irregularly-shaped building in Sopot, Poland.
Kamath reveals his plans for Infosys
K V Kamath says he can never step into Narayana Murthy's rather large shoes, but would do his best to ensure Infosys continues to adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance.
Apple workers forced to sign 'no suicide' pledge
Workers in China's Apple iPad and iPhone factories were forced to sign pledges that they would not attempt to kill themselves, an investigation has revealed.
RBI on why rate hike is 'good' for India
While the common citizen will benefit from the central bank's action, the policy stance is consistent with sustaining high growth in the medium term.
2nd Green Revolution to happen in Bihar: Kalam
Farmers in Paliganj are 'immensely contributing' towards optimising foodgrain productivity, former President A P J Abdul Kalam said on Tuesday.
RBI to set bank executives' pay from 2012
Salaries of top management executives at private and foreign banks will have to be as per the Reserve Bank of India's guidelines from next fiscal, central bank said on Tuesday, while asking the lenders to start preparing for the new wage rules.
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| May 03, 2011 | | It's okay to give and accept bribes: Young India
Around 53 per cent of youngsters believe it is okay to offer bribes and 39 per cent said that it is fine to accept one.
Why RBI should have freed the savings rate
Such a move would have allowed different banks to pay different rates of interest on their savings accounts, like is the case with fixed deposits currently.
IPR violations: India, China, Pak under US scanner
Twelve countries - India, Pakistan, China, Russia, Algeria, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Israel, Thailand and Venezuela - are on the Priority Watch List.
Corruption: How it corrodes Brand India
Contrary to popular belief that liberalisation of the economy would prevent corruption, the deepening of the reforms process since the early 1990s is seen as having increased the opportunities for corruption.
Strike still on: AI declares no work, no pay
Air India on Tuesday announced that no work, no pay principle will be implemented to counter the pilots' strike that continued to disrupt its flights for the seventh day, as the Delhi High Court rapped both sides for their adamant attitude and failure to resolve the crisis.
The man behind NIIT's success
Considered a visionary, Rajendra S Pawar was years ahead of his time in realising the importance of IT (information technology) education in India.
Air India strike: HC pulls up management, pilots
With the strike by Air India pilots entering the seventh day, Delhi high court on Tuesday rapped the airline management and the pilots' association for their rigid attitude and appointed a counsel to assist it in resolving the stand off.
As rural India goes hi-tech
FMCG and retail giants are making good use of technology to reach out to rural India.
Home, auto loans to be dearer as RBI raises rates
The RBI has also increased the saving bank rate by 50 basis points to 4 per cent to give higher returns to depositors in the wake of high inflation.
Insurance policies will be held in demat account
Like dematerialisation of securities, it will offer dual benefits of cost-effectiveness and convenience.
What are policy rates and how do they affect you?
The rate of interest at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to other banks is called repo rate. At present, it stands at 6.75 per cent.
Sports stars asking for crores for endorsement
While most Commonwealth Games winners are asking for 20-35 per cent more, the young stars of India's world cup win have doubled their rates.
Why fixed deposits are better than debentures
Issuing debentures is one way by which companies raise loans.
How TCS became a global company
Indian information technology software and services industry is truly the lighthouse of modern India.
Should you invest in Ulips?
These products do not suit everyone even though they are flexible and facilitate investments in debt and equities.
Amar Bose of Bose Corp donates majority of stock
Amar Bose has given his alma mater MIT a majority of the stock of his audio equipment maker company.
Narayana Murthy on life post Infosys
Its longest-serving CEO (he held the position from 1981 to 2002), he leaves Infosys when the gap between it and the number one information technology services company (TCS) is growing wider.
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| May 02, 2011 | | Home, car, personal loans may rise
Ahead of its annual credit policy, the RBI also said the government's inability to raise oil prices in line with increase in the international prices poses a 'significant medium-term risk' to the economy.
How freeing the savings bank rate will help
The case for deregulation of the savings bank deposit rate by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is becoming stronger day by day. It is time India returned to a system favoured by most modern economies around the world.
India's fighter plane deal: All about business!
It might be a good idea to look beyond American disappointment (understandable) and pique (avoidable).
Trusts, NGOs brought under income tax radar
CBDT sets up committee to detect leakages in tax-exempt sectors.
Rating south India's 3 capitals: Bengaluru worst
A whistle-stop five-day tour of three south Indian state capitals (Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad) yielded a variety of impressions but here is my overall verdict: Bengaluru is the worst-managed of the three and Hyderabad by far the best.
India to be the world's largest economy by 2050
India's share in the world gross domestic product (GDP) has increased from around three per cent in 1990 (at purchasing power parity-adjusted exchange rates) to around five per cent now, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in recent years.
Airlines asked not to charge exorbitant fares
The directive came at a meeting DGCA chief E K Bharat Bhushan held with senior officials of private airlines, following complaints that exorbitant spot-fares being charged by the carriers in the wake of cancellation of Air India flights because of the ongoing pilots' strike.
Pilots' strike will not see another day: HC
The Delhi high court on Monday asked striking Air India pilots to take a decision to resume work.
India on a roll, auto sales soar
Automobile companies put in an impressive show in April.
A 40 km per litre diesel Tata Nano soon!
Tata Motors is planning to launch a Nano model that will run 40 kilometres on a litre of diesel, matching the mileage of a typical 180cc motorcycle.
Wipro variable pay now linked to staff's accounts
Also, dedicated resources for top 60 clients, in a set of moves to encourage growth.
China has the key to restore global imbalances
The G24 did not agree with the proposed IMF framework for staff advice to member countries on managing capital flows and its inclusion in fund surveillance.
How rich Indians can help the poor
Would more Indians be better off if rich Indians were more austere?
Can Kamath solve Infosys' midlife crisis?
India's premier software services company, Infosys Limited, has reached out to its banker, the non-executive chairman of ICICI Bank, K V Kamath, to step into the shoes of its founder N R Narayana Murthy.
PHOTOS: The art of the automobile!
The exhibition -- The Art of the Automobile, Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection -- at Les Arts Decoratifs Museum in Paris will be on till August 28.
How to pay when travelling abroad
Carry a judicious mix of cash, travellers' cheques, debit/credit cards and prepaid cards.
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| April 30, 2011 | | K V Kamath is Infosys chairman; Shibulal to be CEO
In a major top-level management restructuring, India's second largest software firm Infosys on Saturday named veteran banker K V Kamath as the new chairman to succeed founder N R Narayana Murthy, who retires in August.
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| April 29, 2011 | | IMAGES: The royal couple turn into 'products'
Businesses have cashed in on the royal wedding with a wide variety of merchandise.
All you want to know about endosulfan controversy
India managed to secure a phase-out period of 11 years to implement the ban on production and use of the toxic pesticide.
Why India does not need Air India
The airline has been bleeding continuously for a long time and pilots are anyway paid a lot of money.
IMAGES: The world's 12 most expensive weddings
Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding was the most expensive wedding
Indian poor pay Rs 470 crore bribe for services
Rural households in the country could have paid a whopping Rs. 471.8 crore last year as bribe.
PHOTOS: How bamboo was liberated!
Environment minister warns of legal action if forest officials refuse transit passes.
Gold scales new peak of Rs 22,520
The yellow metal remained in demand ahead of the upcoming 'Akshya Tritya' festival, considered to be an auspicious day for purchasing gold and the beginning of marriage season.
PHOTOS: The shape of cars to come!
Here are some great cars that were showcased at the Geneva, Shanghai and New York auto shows recently.
Scotch whisky makers expand Indian cocktail
Rising income has allowed consumers to upgrade not just from country liquor to Indian-made foreign liquor, but also to better brands.
Will $9.6 bn Vedanta-Cairn deal ever get approved?
There are no guesses on how many times the group of ministers will meet before any clarity emerges on the $9.6-billion deal.
How Rao is building low-cost, high-quality homes
The fundamental reason I chose to venture into this area is rather straightforward -- there is a significant market for high-quality, low-price residences in this country.
AI serves 'ultimatum' to striking pilots
"Under the contingency plan, we are operating 50 flights across the network today," an Air India official said. From Delhi, the national carrier will be operating just 10 flights and almost an equal number from Mumbai to metro cities.
25 most powerful Asian execs; 6 Indians in list
Akio Toyoda tops the list of 25 most powerful people in the business world.
Google, Apple to testify on privacy issues
The two major American companies agreed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 10.
Pay off your loans first, invest later
Maintain a tab on your expenses, keeping them low while starting out.
After Mohali, India Pak bat for trade
In what looks like a game-changer in ties between India and Pakistan, the two countries on Thursday vowed to take their $2-billion bilateral trade to the next level.
Soon-to-be-launched Skoda Rapid & its 4 rivals
The Rapid will not have all the features present in the Vento and might retail at a price below the Vento.
India can be economically developed by 2020: Kalam
India can become economically developed by 2020 if it maintains a GDP of 10-11 per cent as there are nine more years to achieve 'Vision 2020' goals, former President A P J Abdul Kalam said.
Economic indicators: How India, China, Pak compare
China is racing ahead to overtake the United States in the economic race, while India and Pakistan are bogged down by problems.
This is India: 24 years on, still awaiting jobs
The lands of some 174 families of Barsingsar village had in 1987 been acquired by the Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited for establishing a power project.
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| April 28, 2011 | | 150,000 entrepreneurs in US have returned to India
More and more skilled people from countries like India and China are increasingly returning home from the US, which has led to an 'entrepreneurship boom' in the two Asian countries, a new report said on Thursday.
Modi's formula to curb black money
Jantri rates act as benchmark for deciding stamp duty rates for registering property deals.
Premji on how corruption in India could be ended
Infotech czar Azim Premji on Thursday expressed concern over various scandals that have surfaced in the country during the last one year and said good leadership in politics, bureaucracy, business and society would help end corruption in India.
Talks fail! AI to suspend bookings for 5 days
A fresh round of talks between agitating Air India pilots and the management convened by the Chief Labour Commissioner failed on Thursday as the strike entered the second day leading to cancellation of around 60 flights including several international ones.
Gold hits new high at Rs 22,470
The white metal had hit a record level of Rs 74,300 on April 25.
What was the real outcome of the G20 meet?
The world's 20 most important finance ministers and 20 most important central bankers travelled to Washington in April from every part of the globe to accomplish, predictably, exactly nothing.
Want to know about 'switches' in Ulips? Read on...
Switches are options given to policyholders of unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) to move their investments from one fund to another, within one plan.
Indian highways: What is the future?
C P Joshi, who moved from the rural development ministry to take charge of the transport ministry in the Cabinet reshuffle on January 19, is living up to his long-standing reputation as being meticulous, thorough and transparent.
How Wipro plans to make profit
As Wipro enters the new financial year, fresh after the organisational restructuring, it has given a muted revenue guidance for the next quarter, which has not gone in well with the market.
PIX: What a 3-km taxi ride costs around the world
There is a huge difference between taxi prices in developed and developing countries.
How to combine your gains in volatile times
The strategy will work in the cash segment only if you are holding either of the stocks. In the options segment, while the pair strategy is possible, it is quite complicated and requires a large transactional amount, carried out via algorithmic-based trading.
How to make Indian banking viable
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has just allowed banks to go a bit easy on provisioning norms for non-performing assets (NPA) in response to their urgent supplications.
Why global oil demand has surged
The Fed's interpretation of the increase in gas prices is the economist's basic mantra of supply and demand.
What Manmohan Singh can do about corruption
Reform in economic governance and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's unimpeachable integrity could be the answer.
IMAGES: World's most expensive mobile phones
India has become the second-largest mobile handset market in the world after China.
Air India pilots' strike: 60 flights cancelled
Unavailability of cockpit crew forced the national carrier to cancel around 19 flights, including two international ones, out of Mumbai.
Please buy insurance cover for your loans
Most people taking a loan are not aware about what they would do in case they are unable to make the monthly payments towards the loan.
Buy or take a house on rent: Which is better?
Every Mumbaikar's grouse is that he/she missed a chance of becoming a millionaire.
India's 4 hottest investment bankers
Trailblazing careers apart, today's hottest investment bankers have a lot in common. They are below 40, represent big finance and have been either colleagues or classmates.
Your savings account likely to earn more
At a time when rising prices are fast depleting the value of money, there may be some good news for millions of savers.
Looking for a personal loan? A checklist!
By virtue of it being an unsecured loan, personal loans have a very high rate of interest attached to them.
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| April 27, 2011 | | Cancel 2G licences given by Raja, says PAC report
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's offer to present himself for questioning appeared to have weighed in on the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee with the PAC giving him a clean chit in its draft report, while indicting arrested former telecom minister A Raja and seeking re-tendering of the 2G licences he had given for a song, causing a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) to the exchequer.
Nokia revamp to hit 7,000 jobs; 300 in India too
World's largest cell phone maker Nokia on Wednesday said up to 300 jobs would be cut in India by end of 2012, as the company embarks on restructuring that would affect 7,000 employees worldwide.
Corruption: Heavy punishment needed, not Lok Pal
Simply put, the fight against corruption in India cannot be left to an institution manned by a handful of officers from the government despite a Lok Pal of impeachable integrity.
Which stocks should you invest in?
Invest 10 per cent of investment portfolio in consumer-based, largecap stocks, say analysts.
Hacker may have stolen credit card info: Sony
In one of the biggest internet security breaches, a hacker broke into Sony's PlayStation video game online network and may have obtained access to personal data of about 77 million users.
Reforms have changed India's outlook: US
Robert Blake says the United States wants to partner India on a range of global issues.
Outsourcing continues to haunt US lawmakers
Outsourcing could be one of the campaign issues.
Wipro Q4 net up 14 pc at Rs 1,375 crore
IT services, which contributed 76 per cent to the company's revenues in FY'11, stood at $1,400 million.
Rich-poor gap: World's 16 most unequal nations
The rich-poor divide has been growing despite the economic boom in several countries.
Diesel prices may go up by Rs 2 in May
After being left unchanged for more than 10 months, diesel prices may see an increase of around Rs 2 per litre next month, providing marginal relief to the oil marketing companies (OMCs) that incur a loss of Rs 16.10 on selling every litre.
AI sacks six ICPA leaders, declares strike illegal
The ICPA offices in Delhi and Mumbai have been sealed early this morning.
After Pai, Infosys sees another high-profile exit
In a development considered an offshoot of the ongoing restructuring at Infosys, Aditya Nath Jha, a company veteran heading branding and corporate marketing, has resigned.
Why are NRIs so touchy about a country they left?
It's baffling that highly trained professionals who have migrated in search of better incomes and creature comforts, and whose number includes some 200,000 millionaires, should still feel so vehemently about the landscape they have abandoned.
This is the BIG, truly exciting story in India
Amidst the anguish about corruption -- and, one might add, the dirty tricks unleashed against those campaigning on the issue -- people have tended to forget that the big story in India, the truly exciting story, remains rapid economic growth.
Rs 400-crore bungalows: Where billionaires live!
A home in Lutyens' Delhi is the surest sign of having arrived . . .
Why employees hate HR and may continue to do so
Moral of the story: Caveat emptor, when you are talking to HR.
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| April 26, 2011 | | 'High food prices to make 30mn Indians dirt poor'
Titled as 'Global Food Price Inflation and Developing Asia', the report claimed that a 10 per cent rise in domestic food prices could push 64 million Asians to subsist below the poverty line level of $1.25 a day.
Royal wedding: UK economy to lose $50 billion
It has emerged that, Prince Williams and his fiancee Kate Middleton's royal wedding could lead to potential loss of Britain's economy by $50 billion.
Investing in stocks? Luck alone won't help
For your wealth to grow and take care of you, use the right strategy.
Is this the right time to buy gold?
Akshay Tritiya could be a good reason to invest. Purchase jewellery only for immediate consumption.
SBI's new management takes centre stage
With a new management in place, State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, is planning to focus on non-performing assets.
Black money: WikiLeaks may reveal Indian names
In a shocking revelation, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said black money mainly comes from India.
Here's why your food bill will continue to go up
There are some fundamental reasons which will ensure that prices of vegetables and other food stuff will continue to go up in the near future, despite the politicians saying otherwise.
Credit score? Loans' sanctions don't depend on it
Lenders use these scores only as a preliminary filter.
The challenges and plans of I-Venture
From succeeding an iconic CEO to convincing sceptical investors, the head of one of India's largest PE funds discusses her early challenges and plans.
How CNN harnesses the power of internet
CNN is one of the handful of global media brands that have managed to harness the power of the internet. Just like The Guardian, The Economist or BBC, it started by investing time, effort and people into the business as early as the mid-1990s.
Are we ready to fight corruption in everyday life?
Yes, corruption in high places must be fought. But real victory will depend on how deeply we are all willing to grapple with, and resist, the insidious corruption in everyday life.
All you wanted to know about LTA and tax
Defining Leave Travel Allowance: Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) is granted by the employers to the employees as part of the remuneration to provide for travel expenses incurred during the year.
Doing business: Why Gujarat is among the best
A reality check of the state administration puts it among the most conducive places to do business in India.
How TCS plans to strike it big
For N Chandrasekaran, managing director and chief executive officer of India's largest information technology services provider, Tata Consultancy Services, the fourth quarter and 2010-11 numbers were one of the best since the industry was hit by the recession.
Sahara takes co-op route to beat Sebi, RBI bans
Terms it financial inclusion, says top execs not members.
PHOTOS: India ranks 14th in Internet freedom
According to report, the internet is only "partly free" in India.
This village thanks Aamir, Kareena but. . .
Weavers like Tikaram Koli, who quit sari weaving due to rising silk prices and progressing myopia, find themselves isolated.
After Sai Baba, Puttaparthi's future is uncertain
Puttaparthi was always bustling with activity every time when Sai Baba was there.
How to build personal assets beyond your business
With the business environment subject to rapid innovation, it has become necessary for owners to maintain their own balance sheets, in addition to their business one. Growth in personal net worth is equally important to growth in business.
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| April 25, 2011 | | Air India plans major hub in Dubai
Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi said the government was considering extending financial support to Air India.
Chinese slowdown could impact Indian exports:Fitch
Slowing economic activities in China would result in excess capacities that could hit the overall demand-supply balance.
Rivals reap harvest as Honda, Toyota hit
"That there is an impact on (auto component) supplies is a given, we will have to adjust our production accordingly," said Jnaneswar Sen, vice-president (marketing), Honda Siel Cars India.
Tihar's high profile inmates get Rs 2k per week
During their twice-a-week meetings (interview in jail parlance) with family and visitors, these executives are also permitted to get home-cooked food. That's about all as far as luxury goes.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive hotel suites
Things are a bit different at the world's most extravagant hotels.
Land Rover wins war with China's Geely
British car maker won its law suite against Chinese automaker Geely over using trade mark name "luhu".
Britannia: Bumpy road ahead
With an array of new products, Britannia Industries is going through its most challenging phase.
India: Key hub for financial BPO services
Global business process outsourcing in the financial services sector has the potential to reach a market size of $250 billion, with India playing a key role, says a study by global consulting and research firm Everest Group.
Can higher taxes mean higher earnings?
Every portfolio, irrespective of how aggressive the investor is, should contain a fixed income portion. It is possible to optimally operate this fixed income allocation in one's portfolio.
REVEALED: India's 15 most customer friendly banks
A first-ever study conducted jointly by Outlook Money and TNS.
Users dump CDs, move to digital music
Users like Shefali A Rastogi, a Pune-based homemaker, do not remember when they had last bought a music CD.
SPECIAL: Will Indo-Pak trade ties normalise?
First meeting in 3 years, with agenda of stalled items needing political push.
Shopping for insurance? Contact your bank
Banks are increasingly offering a range of tailor-made financial products; however, there are some downsides.
Now, quote PAN to buy gold in cash
PAN may also be required for cash payment of Rs 100,000 or more as life insurance premium, amid concerns that insurgents may be parking funds in high-value insurance policies.
How to calculate mutual funds' costs
Mutual funds entails several costs, payable at different stages.
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| April 22, 2011 | | How to plan your investments to be rich
Construction on non-agricultural land is legal and works as an investment strategy.
Obama recognises India, China as new powers
Earlier this week, Obama created controversy by targeting 'cheap healthcare' in countries like India and Mexico arguing that Americans should avail of 'high quality' treatment available in the US.
How much blackmoney is there in Swiss banks?
The ministry also said that certain 'references' have been received on the black money issue but declined to make the information public since it will 'impede the process of investigation' as the case is being heard in the apex court.
SPECIAL: Tata Nano's road to recovery
The smallness of the car is perfectly suited for the hills, some owners said, because it is easy to park, convenient to negotiate bends, economical to run and fun to race on narrow roads.
Will Force Motors works its magic in SUV space?
The still-unnamed sports utility vehicle (SUV), slated for launch this June, will be in line with its heritage, says Force Motors managing director Prasan Firodia.
Why India has warmed up to BRICS
Sanya was a way station, the real summit is G-20 where India must have a voice of its own.
How to win $100,000 from Microsoft
Stating that India is a strategic market for the company, Microsoft announced a $100,000 grant to promote innovation among domestic start-up companies.
The 2 closest rivals of the NEW Ford Fiesta
The new Fiesta is driven by a 1.6 litre Ti-VCT petrol engine.
Apple iPhone secretly tracking user's privacy
Apple has been accused of putting customers' privacy at risk after security researchers found that their iPhones were tracking users' locations and saving every detail to a secret file.
'Was govt sleeping all these years on blackmoney?'
"Was the government sleeping all these years on the issue of blackmoney," the Supreme Court on Thursday said while criticising Centre's probe restricting to an individual and being evasive about the idea of an investigation by the Special Investigating Team.
IMAGES: World's top tourist destinations
China has overtaken Spain to become the world's third-most popular tourist destination in the world.
Japanese economy to grow just 0.8% in 2011
Economic activities in Japan were expected to get a boost in 2012 due to extensive reconstruction works.
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| April 21, 2011 | | Microsoft sees cloud computing as the new wave
Microsoft sees significant adoption in industries such as banking and financial services.
Silver hits another record at Rs 68,600
Gold, on the other hand, held steady at prevailing level of Rs 22,060 per 10 grams in restricted activity, despite it soaring to record highs in global market.
Obama 'pokes' fun at Facebook founder
With 19 million Facebook friends, US President Barack Obama is amongst the most followed people on the social media web site.
IMAGES: The 10 costliest cars in India
The super rich in the country now have the option of buying unique cars.
Now, Starwood, Marriott join IPL frenzy
While Marriott India Hotels Resorts has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the inaugural season winner Rajasthan Royals, Starwood Hotel & Resorts has chosen Virender Sehwag-led team Delhi Daredevils.
Indian CEOs are getting pink slips in six months!
Average tenure of CEOs and MDs has come down to 1-3 years.
5 great investing lessons from Warren Buffett
Legendary investor Warren Buffett's recent letter to the shareholders of his company contains five home truths that you can use to secure your investments..
TCS Q4 net up 31.1% at Rs 2,623 crore
Excellent execution and a constant focus on the customer has helped TCS.
Tata Nano to be produced overseas soon
Tata Motors is 'at a very high stage' in finalising a production site for its small car Nano at an overseas location, which could be either in Latin America, South East Asia or Africa.
What to do when a fund house merges schemes
"Fund houses look at merging schemes where there is a duplicity of content or if the scheme has been underperforming historically," says Aashish Somaiya, head (retail business), ICICI Prudential AMC.
Is this the right time to buy gold?
With the West Asian/North African crisis not likely to end soon and investors' appetite increasing for gold, it is expected to touch $1,600 an oz by the year-end.
PIX: New Delhi, Mumbai in top global cities index
This year's survey reveals 14 cities sliding down the rankings and 16 moving up.
'Inflation can eat into the India growth story'
The FIIs, after being bearish on India since November 2010, turned positive post the Union Budget presentation, which largely addressed the challenges relating to growth and liquidity despite surging inflation.
Is Infosys like a family dominated-business?
TV Mohandas Pai's comment on Infosys co-founders has sparked murmurs over whether the company is like family-dominated businesses.
PM on why persistent inflation is a concern
Admitting that persistent inflation, especially in the food sector, is a cause of concern, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday emphasised on increasing the country's agricultural production to enhance food security.
All about the new income tax return form
Income Tax Return forms in India are like the Golmaal series of movies. Every two years there is a new one.
Cyber crime gets more personalised
According to security experts, cyber criminals with an intention of stealing money and other personal information of netizens are becoming increasingly active.
PIX: This amazing plane flies ONLY on solar power
The project eventually hopes to succeed in the first circling of the earth with a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only solar power.
How many poor people live in India? No one knows!
The government is undecided on the criteria to be used to identify families living below poverty line in India.
I-T dept seizes Rs 27.72 cr from poll-bound states
The money is seized when the person concerned fails to furnish any evidence of it being part of the disclosed money.
Case of the money doctor: Solve and win Rs 25,000!
All you have to do is read the case, see the question you have to answer on the last slide, click on The Smart Manager logo below, and post your solutions by March 11, 2011. All the best!
When windows turn into power plants!
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are working on a new system through which the entire surface area of a building's windows could be used to generate electricity, without interfering with the ability to see through them.
Why Mohandas Pai quit Infosys
In 17 years, Infosys has lost three generations of leaders, Mohandas Pai said.
India offers cheap electricity to Pakistan
At a time when Pakistan is facing acute shortage of electricity , India has offered to sell power at cheap rates to its energy-starved neighbour, Commerce Secretary Zafar Mehmood said.
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| April 20, 2011 | | SBI withdraws teaser home loan scheme
Amid concerns expressed by the Reserve Bank of India, the country's largest lender State Bank of India on Wednesday announced withdrawal of special home loan schemes, or teaser rates, with effect from May 1.
Zoozoos: India's most adorable ad icons
The small Zoozoos have turned into big celebrities.
There can't be two Indias, SC tells govt
Expressing serious concern over the growing instances of starvation deaths in the country, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said there cannot be "two Indias" divided between the elite and the poor.
19 reasons that can spark off a global food crisis
What is going to happen to our world when hundreds of millions more people cannot afford to feed themselves?
2G scam: Bail pleas of 5 corporate heads dismissed
The five were not arrested during the probe into the case.
IPL-4: The highest spending brands
The joint presenting sponsors Vodafone and Videocon have allocated up to Rs 60 crore each in media spends for 180 seconds of commercials per match.
How to invest in stock markets, MF to your benefit
Only a small percentage of investors in our country are invested in equity and equity-related funds at any given point in time.
What you MUST look for in stock portfolios
Choosing whether to opt for fixed or variable cost structure depends on several factors.
Now, video chats under govt scanner
After BlackBerry, the government has included a whole host of services, including video chats offered by telecom players, Nokia's push email service and Skype, into the ambit of security issues.
Black money highest in diamond trade: I-T
In a rather candid disclosure, a top Income Tax official has admitted that the diamond trade has one of the highest prevalence of black money, with investigations revealing that books in the sector are "completely manufactured".
Air India plans to slash fares by up to 15%
The battle in the domestic skies is set to become more fierce.
PIX: Only 17% Indians thriving; Europeans happiest
High wellbeing eludes the masses in most countries worldwide.
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| April 19, 2011 | | Mukesh in 4G push; eyes hi-tech security biz
Next-generation security and disaster management business seems to be next on the radar of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, which will utilise its 4G telecom services for this new initiative.
Challenges facing India's coal sector
Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal is credited with fast-tracking many issues that are caught in red-tape. The minister says the environment ministry's controversial policy barring mining in forest areas has left him troubled.
The man behind Leela Hotels shares his story
For 89-year-old Capt C P Krishnan Nair, it has been a long diverse journey from his days in the Army to a textile business and hotels.
Indian firms make profit of Rs 6 lakh per employee
According to the study, Measuring Human Capital: Driving Business Results, organisations in India pay an average remuneration of Rs 4.8 lakh and earn Rs 6 lakh of profit per employee, which makes the human capital return ratio on investment to 1.79 for organisations in the country.
Most companies 'maintain' MPs to influence govt
A former bureaucrat has said that most business houses "maintain" MPs to influence government policies or decision making in their favour.
Sovereign funds can now buy 20% in Indian firms
In a move that will enable foreign governments to make more investments in Indian stocks, capital market regulator Sebi has allowed them to buy to a maximum of 20 per cent stake in any listed company without any additional obligations.
Europe's sub-prime quagmire
Banks in Ireland and Spain are discovering that their customers are losing their jobs and income as the construction bust hits the national economies.
Walmart to buy Indian duo's social media site
Social networking and mobile applications are increasingly becoming a part of Walmart customers' day-to-day lives globally.
Haven't got an iPad? Try Creative's ZiiO
If you are ready to look beyond Apple's iPad, Creative's ZiiO available in both white (7-inch) and black (10-inch) with a choice of 8GB or 16GB of storage could be your pick.
Why diamonds are NOT a girl's best friend
But are diamonds really worth the price they are made out to be for? Or for that matter does it really make sense to buy diamonds at all? What is it that makes them so expensive?
IMAGES: World's 10 best cities to live in
European cities continue to lead in terms of quality of life.
Volkswagen to drive into used car market
Sources say Volkswagen may foray into this venture by May.
Decoding India's corruption wars
As Indian democracy deepens, power shifts will continue to happen and the middle class needs to accept that all such power shifts may not be in their favour, says .
Lifting the veil on high priests of globalization
Bilderberg, which has been called the high priests of glabalization, is accused of running a shadowy global government.
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| April 18, 2011 | | Go digital for good brand building
Currently, India has roughly 81 million active internet users (6.9 per cent penetration), who spend approximately 15.7 hours per week online.
Google's doodles set to get more interactive
Google's doodle has been famous for recreating the search giant's logo to mark an important event or artiste.
How will Chawla panel save the nation's wealth?
The first sign that shows a government is serious about an issue is when it appoints a high-powered committee to look into matters.
Controversy brews over who will head UTI AMC
T Row Price, the largest stakeholder in the UTI AMC, has threatened to pull out alleging that the ministry of finance is thrusting its own candidate as the CMD of the company.
How Nokia is preparing for a bitter battle
Behind a facade of calm Nokia is preparing for a bitter battle for market shares.
What India MUST do to reduce corruption
India needs to revisit governance if it wishes to reduce corruption.
Worldhotels sees big opportunities in India
Worldhotels sees significant opportunities in the Asia-Pacific market.
IMF's 'Yes, Minister' approach
One wonders when the authorities would be equally candid in respect of the other price of money, namely its exchange rate.
Is GenNext at Infosys ready for the challenge?
Infosys Technologies appears to have set out on a journey of generational change which will unravel over the next few years.
Post acquisitions, Godrej redraws future plans
It has set in motion an integration exercise that will see it transfer its category knowledge and expertise in hair colour and household insecticides to the acquired units.
Why Doha round of trade talks is facing death
The Doha round of global trade talks is facing a slow death and if trade negotiators from all the 153 member countries fail to reach a deal by the end of this year, the consequences can be disastrous for the multilateral trading system, says Jean-Pierre Lehmann, professor of International Political Economy.
Nooyi's recipe to create jobs boom in US
US needs blue print like China to bring back jobs: Indra Nooyi
Optimism drives Planning Commission's target
Prodded by Prime Minister, the Planning Commission is likely to come out with a target of 10 per cent average annual growth in the 12th Five Year Plan.
Build a hotel in an old building to save tax!
The Uttarakhand government has announced exemption in luxury tax for five years on all those old buildings which would be converted into hotels with an investment of 50 per cent of the current market value.
Problem with IIMs? 'They have no stakeholders'
R C Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India and author of the report on the restructuring of B-schools, says a reason why IIMs have not progressed the way they should have is because there are no real stakeholders.
Now, fee-based outsourcing of CEO's job!
Indian CEOs are to be now offered the choice of outsourcing all or part of their managerial responsibilities for a specified period.
Air India staff asked not to fly on weekends
The reason for the directive, the first of its kind by the airline, is that Air India does not want its own staff to occupy seats that can be sold to fare-paying passengers.
Tatas plan Rs 1.2-lakh-cr investments in India
The current turnover of the group is nearly $68 billion.
Sebi moves apex court on Sahara
A Sebi counsel said the caveat, filed on Saturday, aims to prevent any ex parte decisions.
SBI to make loans dearer, others to follow suit
Set to increase its base rate by 25 basis points
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| April 15, 2011 | | Cost cutting: Obama to tax rich Americans
In a path breaking move, US President Barack Obama said he will not extend tax cuts for rich Americans.
PHOTOS: Aston Matin is here at Rs 20 crore a piece
Aston Martin will offer as many as 10 models in India.
Black money abroad: Why govt can't disclose names
The Centre on Friday declined before the Supreme Court to make public names of the people who have stashed black money in foreign banks, saying it is not possible to disclose information received from foreign governments under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
Probe Infy for 'flouting visa norms': US lawmaker
Senator Chuck Grassley on Thursday wrote to the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, seeking investigation into B-1 visa programme, used by companies to hire foreign workers, not subject to the cap and the prevailing wage requirements of the H1-B programme.
Reprieve for those seeking H-1B visa extension
The ruling came following an argument in an amicus brief by American Immigration Council.
2G scam: CBI seeks detention of 5 corporate execs
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday sought the 'detention' of five corporate executives chargesheeted by it for their alleged role in the 2G scam, saying that they might 'abscond' and impede the trial.
Why silver prices are going through the roof
The price of silver has been on a run for a while now. On Tuesday, silver closed at a price of Rs 62,500 per kg.
Satyam told to give bank guarantee in tax dispute
Mahindra Satyam said it will withdraw the petition filed against the Tax Department challenging its direction to pay tax.
Amul's cool advertisements: Don't miss these!
The longest running advertisement campaign has also found a place in the Guiness Book of world records.
Infosys to recruit 45,000 in 2012
During the quarter, Infosys and its subsidiaries added 8,930 employees.
Radia's claims are an absolute lie: Pawar
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Thursday rejected corporate lobbyst Niira Radia's claim that he lobbied with A Raja.
PHOTOS: World's biggest casinos
With the economic upturn, casinos are back in business, especially in Macau.
City planning: It's about people, not roads
Indian cities need hard infrastructure but ultimately they are not about buildings, roads and sewage drains but about people and their varied social and economic interactions, says .
Mohandas Pai, Dinesh quit Infosys; Q4 net up 17%
In a major setback to Infosys Technologies, the company announced that Mohandas Pai, the member of board of the company has decided to resign. Meanwhile, Infosys -- India's second largest software services exports firm -- posted a net profit rise of 17.1% y-o-y to Rs 1,818 crore (Rs 18.18 billion) in its net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2011 as compared to Rs 1,600 crore (Rs 16 billion) in the corresponding quarter a year ago.
Baba Ramdev takes on MNCs in his own style
In the United States, the yoga guru has also acquired an Ayurvedic medicine company in the name of Herbo Ved, for an undisclosed sum to sell the new products abroad.
PIX: 5 closest rivals of the new Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen recently launched the seventh-generation Passat in the country with fuel efficient Bluemotion technology.
Indians world's 13th hardest workers; Mexicans top
Indians work for 8.1 hours every day, more than the average figure for the entire developed world and individual countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Italy and Germany.
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| April 14, 2011 | | Citi fraud: He used HNIs' Rs 236 crore & lost all!
Mastermind of Citibank fraud Shivraj Puri took an exposure of whopping Rs 1.13 lakh crore (Rs 1.13 trillion) in the equity market using Rs 236 crore (Rs 2.36 billion) of 51 high net-worth individuals and corporates and lost everything following decline in stock markets, says a Sebi report.
How Indian BPO could lose out to other nations
India's Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is facing stiff competition from the likes of Mexico, Malaysia, Philippines, China, Canada and Ireland that are posing a grave threat to the growth of India's BPO sector, said the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India.
Mercedes-Benz's must-see architectural marvel
The Mercedes-Benz Museum at Stuttgart, Germany traces the remarkable history of the 125-year old Mercedes-Benz brand.
Overseas hotels: Indians 6th biggest spenders
Indian travellers have emerged as the sixth biggest spenders on hotels globally while traveling overseas in 2010 with an average spend of Rs 6,722 per night.
BRICS to use own currencies for credit, grants
Rediff.com's , who is travelling with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the BRICS Summit in the Chinese town of Sanya, reports that the next BRICS Summit will be held in India in 2012 even as the five BRICS nations pledged to jointly work towards peaceful transformation of the world order.
80% land in India prone to catastrophes
Pricing for catastrophe risks are low in India.
Why experts feel stock markets may tumble
Recent rally in Indian shares may not last long.
Pawar controls DB realty, Niira Radia tells CBI
In a statement to the CBI, which has been filed as part of the chargesheet in the 2G scam, Radia is also said to have alleged that Pawar could have had a major role in helping Swan Telecom obtain the licence and also get 2G spectrum.
IMAGES: BRICS, by the signposts
The third BRIC summit in Sanya, China, on Thursday will have a new member: South Africa.
Cities with the highest and lowest carbon emission
Many European cities have less than half the emissions per person of many cities in North America.
Noel in contention for top job: Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata says his successor would be in place by middle of the year.
Ratan Tata reveals why he did not get married
Revealing one of the best kept secrets of his personal life, the bachelor industrialist Ratan Tata has said that he had fallen in love and had come seriously close to getting married as many as four times.
IMAGES: World's top 20 network ready nations
This year's coverage includes a record number of 138 economies from both the developing and developed world.
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| April 13, 2011 | | Doha trade negotiations on the verge of collapse
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy said his meetings with the US, China, India, and Brazil over the last fortnight revealed that the gaps in positions among members are too wide
2G scam: CBI opposes bail plea of corporate bosses
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday opposed the bail plea of five corporate honchos, who appeared as accused after being named in the chargesheet in the 2G spectrum scam case, in a Delhi court saying that from being 'suspects' they have become 'accused'.
IMAGES: The world's top 10 business hubs
Rich and powerful see New York and London as the leading business hubs over the next 10 years, but emerging nation centres are catching up.
The BRICS vow: Fight trade protectionism
Five fastest growing economies, including India, on Wednesday vowed to oppose trade protectionism as they agreed to coordinate their positions in the multilateral fora, including the G-20 and climate change negotiations, to uphold the interests of developing countries.
IMAGES: The Ambassador goes for a major facelift
Hindustan Motors' iconic car is set to get a radical makeover, but is it too late in the day?
Should the Indian cricket team get a tax break?
A tax break should not become a means of avoiding taxation, but a voluntary tax exemption is not such a bad idea.
PHOTOS: Kolkata iconic trams are slowly fading out
Kolkata witnesses the last days of a non-polluting and once-efficient mode of transport, while trams make a comeback in cities around the world. Sayantan Bera reports.
Devise the greenest mobile app and win $10,000
The United Nations telecommunications agency has launched a contest that will reward the winner with $10,000 for devising the most innovative 'app', or mobile telephone application, that tackles the subject of climate change.
Wild goose chase at biggest tax evader's farm
After more than four years of probe, substantive evidence against Hasan Ali continues to elude investigating agencies.
Bengal vs Tamil Nadu: Which state ranks better?
Here's a comparison of the two states on the socio-economic front.
How to customise your insurance solution
Insurance is the most ignored aspect of our financial plan. While investments are the kings of our financial plan, insurance is often overlooked by both the investor and financial planner.
Here's how to use your credit card effectively
Credit cards that tell you "buy now, pay later" are a great convenience when your cash is stretched for purchases. However wise use of credit cards is very important for your financial health.
IMAGES: The world's 10 most popular carmakers
Here is a list of 10 popular carmakers who have left their mark on the roads of many nations.
Want to buy a fort? Hundreds on sale in India!
Hundreds of forts and havelis across the country are up for sale, but there are few takers.
EuroAble: A call centre with a human face
In a unique initiative, Eureka Forbes has opened a call centre managed by handicapped employees.
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| April 12, 2011 | | DGCA slams 4 airlines for 'blind landings' in Goa
Some flights of Kingfisher, GoAir, JetLite and Jet Airways operated during the 'curfew hours' from April 4 to April 30 -- from 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM till 7 PM--in the past few days when the vital ground navigational aids were switched off for repair and maintenance.
India concerned: Trade deficit with China balloons
has been discussed at the highest level when the Prime Minister met Chinese President in Hanoi in October last.
Rising crude prices to worsen global poverty: IMF
The multilateral body has also asked the policymakers to take action to reduce risks arising from increased scarcity of oil resources.
Ambani may get Rs 1 crore as compensation from BoA
Bank of America has given shares worth nearly Rs 11 lakh (Rs 1.1 million) to Mukesh Ambani as part of annual retainer fee to the billionaire industrialist, who joined the United States banking giant's board last month.
Small cities creating 60% of the jobs in India!
Medium and small cities like Pune, Agra and Meerut rather than top metros have emerged as hot destinations for job aspirants by clinching a lion's share -- 60 per cent of the total jobs created in the country last fiscal, an Assocham study said.
A biography of Steve Jobs to hit the stores soon!
'iSteve: The Book Of Jobs will hit bookshops early next year, written by Walter Isaacson, who is rumoured to have been penning the biography since 2009 after interviewing the computer genius, members of his family, colleagues at Apple and competitors.
SPECIAL: 'We want peace. We want Posco'
Sayantan Bera travels to Jagatsinghpur in Odisha to find that villagers labeled 'pro' POSCO do not have a choice otherwise.
Resurrecting the brain for a better afterlife
A cognitive neuroscientist wants to put a specific mind into a robot.
What to expect in Volkswagen's NEW Passat
With a host of goodies on offer, the new Passat aims to please.
BRICS meet: What the PM plans to do
Cautioning that the traditional sources of economic growth are under stress coupled with fresh uncertainties around the globe, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that it would be to the advantage of five-nation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping to coordinate in key areas of development.
Start-up turns cars into moving billboards
Carpaisa.com claims to be the first company in the South to offer advertisement services on cars.
25 paise coins to be history, exchange them now!
It's time to bid farewell to 25 paise coins and those below 25 paise denomination.
Petrol: The most expensive and cheapest nations
Although petrol prices are high in India, they are nowhere as high as in some countries in Europe.
Why cola majors are focusing on non-fizzy drinks
Riding on a strong health trend, both Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been strengthening their non-carbonated offerings in India for some years now.
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| April 11, 2011 | | Coming soon: Biometric PAN cards!
The government has decided to issue biometric PAN (Permanent Account Number) cards to taxpayers across the country to weed out the problem of duplicate and fake ones.
All about the proposed New Telecom Policy
Amidst the controversy over the allocation of spectrum and grant of telecom licences, the government on Monday said all licences are proposed to be renewed after 10 years instead of the 20-year period earlier.
What the future of our democracy depends on
A striving for deeper and truly more representative democracy is a far more ambitious undertaking than fighting corruption -- be it theft from the public exchequer or a kickback culture in the private sector.
Women bosses can wreck other females chances
Women managers are more likely to mentor and support their male colleagues.
How firms are tackling leadership woes
A recent survey by Harvard Business Publishing, where 24 companies have been interviewed, says gaps in an organisation's leadership pipeline have emerged as the biggest human resource (HR) challenge.
IMAGES: 5 best 'time-saving inventions' ever
A watch that freezes time was voted the ultimate time-saver of the future.
Tax breaks should be for all sports people: Kapil
Former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev, who led India's win in the 1983 World Cup, said tax breaks considered by the Central government for members of the 2011 World Cup winning team, must be extended to all other sports as well.
India's new age serial entrepreneurs
A serial entrepreneur, according to the Wikipedia definition, is one who continuously comes up with new ideas and invests in new businesses. While there is no data on serial entrepreneurs in India, industry experts say the trend is on the rise.
Why Nano is a hot favourite in rural markets
The company expects first-time buyers to account for over 80 per cent of the sales of the small car in the coming months.
PHOTOS: A look at best smartphones money can buy
Indians are going to invest in 12 million smartphones this year.
Why PF is the safest form of investment
For professionals, new pension scheme gives an equity booster but does not guarantee returns, comes at a cost.
PIX: 20 facts on the biggest risks the world faces
As the world grows together, it is also growing apart, states the World Economic Forum's new Global Risks Report.
Use as you want, these rupee notes won't tear
Banana fibre can be used to make currency notes that last for about a century.
FinMin rejects debt relief plea of 3 states
Finance Ministry has rejected the requests of Punjab, Kerala and West Bengal for relief on their mounting debt.
Have Rs 13 crore? Here come branded homes for you!
Global hotel firms and domestic realty firms come together to market the latest in high living in the country.
For Mickey Mouse, mobile is serious business
Walt Disney Company is keen to capitalise on the subcontinents' burgeoning mobile space to reach new audiences.
Govt eases rules for bank top jobs
The government has relaxed the norms for appointment to top jobs at public sector banks.
Tatas in record deal to upgrade 30 Air Force bases
The Rs 1,094-crore contract with Tata Power SED involves upgrading 30 airbases to handle next generation fighter aircraft.
Delhi T3 world's first to get LEED gold rating
Terminal 3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has become the world's first and also the largest terminal building to be conferred the prestigious 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction' (LEED NC) gold rating.
PHOTOS: India's 20 most popular hatchbacks
Just narrow down your search based on your budget and specific requirements.
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| April 08, 2011 | | How Sudan has brought India, China together
Africa's oil map is on the verge of dramatic transformation with the emergence of the breakaway Republic of South Sudan as the world's newest nation on July 9, but India's ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) seems to have successfully managed the geostrategic transition in surprising cooperation with its chief rival, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
India to get info on Swiss accounts from Jan 2011
India can get information on secret bank accounts from Swiss authorities for cases dating from January 2011, once the revised taxation treaty between the two countries is ratified by the Switzerland Parliament.
Corruption hits IPL, brand value falls to $3.67 bn
Corruption and controversies have eroded the brand value one of India's fastest growing global brands, the Indian Premier League (IPL).
What is US govt shutdown? How does it hit people?
In the United States, when the government stops providing what are loosely termed as 'non-essential' services a shutdown is said to have occurred.
'Shanghai has more hotel rooms than entire India'
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world's biggest hotel chain operator, has put an ambitious target of opening 150 hotels over the next nine years.
Markets: India to lag behind its peers
Popularity of the sport in India keeps the multi-year outlook positive, but an intra-day swing forecast was like an astro forecast for me.
Govt sets aside Rs 617 crore tax demand on Satyam
The government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it will set aside its order directing scam-hit information technology firm Satyam Computer to pay Rs 617 crore (Rs 6.17 billion) as income tax and will give a fresh hearing to the firm's plea challenging the tax demand.
All is not well for Unitech and Chandra
Sanjay Chandra is also the chairman of mobile telephony operator Unitech Wireless, which is one of the companies that are said to have made a windfall in the allocation of 2G spectrum.
Here's how to secure your child's future
A child turning major is a big event in her/his financial life.
IMAGES: The world's 15 biggest metropolitan areas
Some of the world's richest cities are also the most populous.
Corporate espionage turns digital spying
Planting a mole in a rival company to get sensitive data or hiring a detective firm to get access to company secrets is pass
Now a computer that your thoughts can control
In tests, reported in the Journal of Neural Engineering, volunteers were found to be able to move a cursor on a screen simply by 'saying' words in their heads.
How to profit from debt recast
Companies that have announced CDR plans during the last year include Kingfisher Airlines, Wockhardt, Vishal Retail and the unlisted Air India.
India world's 4th most holiday-deprived nation!
India's Generation Y has emerged as the fourth most vacation deprived lot in the world as they are able to take an average of only 22 leave days annually, a survey has found.
Bonanza! IPL to yield Rs 350-cr tax to govt
The revenue will accrue to the government as the organisations will be required to deduct tax at source while making payments to players, umpires, coaches, commentators and others involved with the tournament.
India among top 10: Clean energy investment
With more than 90 per cent of worldwide investment, the G-20 members continue to dominate the clean energy landscape.
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| April 07, 2011 | | The rise of Brand Yuvraj
After he smashed India to World Cup victory, Yuvraj Singh has moved to a new orbit in the endorsement circuit.
PHOTOS: Ford launches Fiesta Classic in India
New Fiesta introduced on Thursday is available in both petrol and diesel versions.
PIX: World's leading cities: Mumbai to be No. 7!
Though New York and London are seen by high net worth individuals as the world's leading hubs over the next 10 years, emerging nation centres are fast catching up.
Global food prices down, but situation shaky: FAO
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, global food prices fell for the first time after eighth consecutive months of price spikes in March this year in the wake of a decline in international prices of oil, sugar and cereals.
Citi barred from giving wealth management services
Citigroup has been barred from selling wealth management services to new clients in Indonesia.
Rs 2-crore cars hit India! Now new Bentley is here
Heating up the competition in the super premium segment, British car-maker Bentley on Thursday introduced its Continental GT luxury sedan in India with a price tag of Rs 1.9 crore (Rs 19 million) -- ex-showroom, Delhi.
How to plan investments that go beyond tax savings
Aurangabad-based financial planner Anirudha Hatwalne laments that youngsters do not plan their finances. And, their only worry is about saving taxes at the end of the year.
Investors to get shares in 5 PSUs at discount
Finance Ministry is planning to dilute its stake in seven or eight government companies.
PHOTOS: Richard Branson's flying submarine!
Virgin Group chairman, adventurer and billionaire Sir Richard Branson, after having set his sights on commercial space travel through his Virgin Galactic, is now targeting the oceans' depths.
Dubai properties 60% cheaper than Mumbai
A growing number of investors from India are showing interest in Dubai as they look to capitalise on 60 per cent savings per square foot in the Dubai property market, a Dubai-based real estate company has said.
IMAGES: New Volkswagen Beetle soon in India
While car models have come and gone the Volkswagen Beetle holds its ground firmly.
Mahindra to ride Ssangyong into premium segment
Mahindra & Mahindra, India's largest utility vehicle maker, is planning to foray into the premium car segment by bringing out a product from the Ssangyong stable.
IMAGES: The world's 10 cheapest cars
India, a booming market for passenger cars, manufactures 4 of the world's cheapest cars.
Have money? Own a piece of World Cup history
The ball used in the final over of the ICC World Cup is on the stands for a whopping $47,800 (Rs 21.3 lakh).
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| April 06, 2011 | | Rise in cyber threats to smartphones
India, which is expected to be home to four million smartphones in the next two years, is already on the cyber criminal map.
Maruti to recall 13,157 diesel cars in India
If the 'connecting rod bolt' is found defective, the company will replace the component free of cost.
Here's how to profit from rising inflation!
Rising inflation might just provide investors the opportunity to earn some extra money! Check out how. . .
India not to sell sodium thiopental to US jails
Navneet Verma, managing director and CEO, Kayem Pharmaceuticals, has assured Reprieve, a United Kingdom-based provider of legal assistance to prisoners who cannot fend for themselves, that no Indian manufacturer will sell thiopental sodium -- an ingredient used in lethal injections by US Correctional Services -- to jails in the United States that use it for lethal purposes.
Maserati launched in India at Rs 1.2 crore
Italian luxury sports car maker Maserati on Wednesday announced its foray into the Indian market with its complete range of cars. The price ranges from Rs 1.2 crore (Rs 12 million) and Rs 1.43 crore (Rs 14.3 million) [ex-showroom, New Delhi].
India has a bumper harvest in 2010-11: Pawar
The country is estimated to have harvested a record 235.88 million tonnes (MT) of foodgrains.
Time to book profits for cheaper bets
Market experts predict that the equity markets are likely to remain volatile for the rest of the year.
PHOTOS: Man who gave India's first electric car
Government has announced a slew of measures to give impetus to electric cars.
Happiest Minds: Ashok Soota on his new venture
Ashok Soota, founder chairman of MindTree, who recently left the company he co-founded in 1999, is preparing the grounds for his new venture.
Are high net-worth Indians getting sillier?
Imagine giving money to a wealth management firm, or signing contract documents on verbal assurances from relationship managers that they would earn one-two per cent returns each month on their investment.
The 'reality' of realty sector isn't so bad
According to some foreign brokerages, reality isn't so bad. While high inflation and interest rates coupled with corporate governance issues may act as a negative overhang for the sector, valuations look attractive now.
Earn money while you drive!
Companies such as Cashurdrive, Carpaisa and Adometre give you a chance to earn by selling space on your cars for advertisements.
PHOTOS: India's 25 most popular SUVs
Starting with a price tag of Rs 525,000 ex-showroom the range crosses Rs 1 crore for some models.
GST set to roll out in April 2012
Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra admits tax collection target for 2011-12 is ambitious but achievable.
Bharti Airtel bets big on mobile gaming
The country's largest telecom player Bharti Airtel sees 3G as a major growth propeller and says the journey of 3G to 4G and to LTE (long-term evolution) would take place much faster in India.
Will De Beers' Forevermark make it big in India?
After a successful two months since its Bangalore launch, De Beers, the world's premier diamond mining company, introduced its iconic jewellery brand, Forevermark, in Mumbai this Monday.
Work long on PCs? These glasses can save your eyes
Gunnar Optiks is targeting people in the 18 to 40 age group in the gaming, technology and creative communities.
IMAGES: A tour through BMW's beautiful museum
The BMW Museum near the Olympiapark in Munich depicts the illustrious history of the automobile manufacturer BMW.
Campus hiring gives prisoners a new life
Tihar jail is planning to go for a second round of campus placement interview of its eligible inmates by the end of this year.
Is PepsiCo taking a lesson from Baba Ramdev?
PepsiCo has taken up the cause of anger management with gusto and is using its clear lemon drink, 7UP.
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| April 05, 2011 | | Larry spends $900 mn on his 1st day as Google CEO
Google has admitted that it is lagging behind other industry players such as Apple and Microsoft in terms of the number of patents it holds.
8 management lessons from Dhoni for UPA
Management lessons from Dhoni have universal appeal and can be used by corporates and even the UPA, to reflect on existing structures and strategies, says .
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight at Rs 8.5 lakh
This model will be available across all the Harley- Davidson dealerships, in addition to the existing model line- up of 14 bikes for 2011, Harley Davidson India said.
Is the US relinquishing its superpower status?
One sign of this is the loss of dollar's status as a safe haven currency.
Former Sebi chief shares his experience
"The main reason I took up the Sebi job was my training as a public servant. When the PM or the FM asks you to take up a challenge, it is your duty to point out the difficulties but you simply can't say no," he says.
2G: Swan, Zebra, Tiger & Reliance ADAG's trick!
A CBI chargesheet bares the extent to which companies associated with Reliance ADAG allegedly indulged in financial subterfuge through a complex maze of transactions.
PHOTOS: Balancing growth and inflation
High level of inflation in the last two years has raised certain questions about the relationship between inflation and growth.
If India's richest donate, can we progress?
Philanthropic activities tend to be confined by the limitations of a corporation's location and capabilities.
Why tax breaks and cash awards for cricketers?
India's cricket players are the richest among the country's sportspersons, given the money in the sport, the sponsorships and the advertisement budgets.
PHOTOS: Of gold plated car, a 'Big Baby' and more!
It took five artisans over four months to make a gold-plated Infiniti G37.
MFs expect more sympathy from new Sebi chairman
U K Sinha, new Sebi chairman had, in an interaction with its MF division, made his view clear on the need for some moves to spur overall development for the sector, persons familiar with the development said.
Auto dealers fear signs of low demand
Auto analysts believe that while auto sales will continue to grow in FY12, some deceleration seems inevitable, as the cost of ownership continues to increase.
Now, create personal knowledge vault online
"Advertisements, as used by websites like Facebook, when the advertiser pays the developer (Bibkosh) every time the user clicks on the advertisement or provides the advertiser with some information."
IMAGES: 10 countries with highest inflation rate
Rising inflation rate is putting pressure on governments around the world.
'Candid' Tata says he's a victim of telecom policy
Appears before PAC, admits voice in Radia tapes his, but denies influence over Cabinet formation.
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| April 04, 2011 | | 2g scam: Ratan Tata, Niira Radia quizzed
Radia, whose tapped phone conversations with politicians, corporates, bureaucrats, and journalists form a key part of the investigations into the 2G spectrum scam.
Digital woes: Made in heaven, unmade on the Web
With social networking sites becoming an integral part of our lives, experts believe using digital traces for legal purposes will only rise in future.
IMAGES: Check out these 4 'dream' SUVs
There is no dearth of players in the high end sports utility vehicle segment in the Indian market anymore.
PHOTOS: Finally, IIMs to get autonomy
This includes the power to select own directors and chairmen and pay the faculty as desired.
IMAGES: CEO Dhoni bowls over India Inc
Battling back spasms and forgettable batting form, he led fellow warriors to do a miracle in the middle.
IMAGES: Tax waivers likely for Team India
The Centre is likely to give a 100 per cent income tax relief on the prize money, the players and the support staff earned from their World Cup victory.
Five mistakes to avoid this financial year
Ideally, tax-saving should not be looked at in isolation. It should be linked to a financial goal.
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| April 01, 2011 | | Exports cross $200 billion mark in Feb
Imports also increased by 21.2 per cent in the month.
Good news! India to see 1.6 million new jobs
The organised sector in India is set to create about 1.6 million new jobs in the year 2011.
Russian buys most expensive home in US
Yuri Milner purchased the 25,500 square foot property in Los Altos, California.
Public investors gain Re 1 per minute
An average of one rupee was added to the stock market wealth of each public investor in every minute of trade during the last fiscal - a period that saw the total market wealth grow by over Rs 6.73 lakh crore.
How India can solve its energy crisis
Energy efficiency has a big role to play in estimates of current and future usage.
India among top 10 exporters to UAE in November
India features in the list of top 10 exporters to the UAE in November, 2010, with a total value of $6.9 billion (25.4 billion dirhams), or 63 per cent of UAE imports, the country's Federal Customs Authority (FCA) has said.
US to go on a hiring spree
According to a study by job portal CareerBuilder, nearly three-in-10 employers surveyed are planning to hire employees in the April-June quarter of 2011.
World Cup: Positive impact on Indo-Pak trade
Both India and Pakistan can benefit if they leverage the goodwill generated by the World Cup to strengthen trade ties
'Indo-US relation is beneficial for both nations'
The lawmakers, speaking at a Capitol Hill event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry to release its new study about Indian companies investing heavily in the US and both saving and creating jobs, hoped that this message will alleviate the concerns over outsourcing and loss of American jobs among their constituents.
Hackers targeting business secrets
Some hackers are starting to specialise in data stolen from corporate networks, according to research compiled by security firm McAfee.
IMAGES: 8 stunning cars that will make you drool
The Bangkok International Motor Show is the biggest annual auto show in Southeast Asia.
Start saving early for downpayment
Savings for a home purchase can be started at any time.
What is loan against property? Find out
Loan against property can be taken to tide over financial need.
IMAGES: A peek into Porsche's mind blowing museum
An architectural wonder, the Porsche Museum is a car enthusiast's delight.
IMAGES: Check out the world's highest hotel!
The world's highest hotel is open in Hong Kong.
PHOTOS: World's top 10 retail giants
With the Indian Government mulling over whether to allow foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail sector, here is a look at world's top 10 retail giants.
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| March 31, 2011 | | Can Nooyi bring back the fizz in Pepsi?
Coca-Cola Classic became the No.1 drink in the US with a sales of more than 1.6 billion cases sold in 2010.
Indian cos saved thousands of jobs in US: CII
The study titled, 'Indian Roots, American Soil: A Look at Indian Companies in the US Economy,' was released at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Wednesday at a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers from both the Senate and House.
$1.4 trillion in Swiss banks? Official junks claim
Ambassador to India says there is a prescribed procedure in a treaty with India to get information on illegal stashes in Swiss bank accounts, which hasn't been used.
Diesel prices may be freed next fiscal: Rangarajan
The proposed move would lead to dismantling of the administered price mechanism.
Language barriers will now be a thing of the past
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Wednesday launched the Machine translation (MT) systems, also called content multiplier tools, developed with funding from TDIL (Technology Development for Indian Languages) programme at the 20th International World Wide Web conference in Hyderabad.
How to tackle property frauds with titling
In the next five years, buying property could become a much less arduous task. A property titling law, which is in the final stages of making for Delhi, is going to reduce the headache for home buyers significantly.
PHOTOS: Why Metro is unwelcome in Hyderabad
As Hyderabad prepares the road map for its Metro rail, the city's oldest markets face survival threat.
Now, China accuses Google of tax fraud
American search engine Google, which recently accused the Chinese government of blocking its services, has been charged with tax evasion along with three of its affiliate companies.
Fake pilots: Panel to probe insiders' role
The committee, which will submit its report in six weeks, will also recommend ways to make the examination for accrediting commanders in airlines foolproof.
Tata's e-Indica to hit UK streets soon
Tata Motors, India's biggest automotive company, is readying the launch of an electric version of Indica Vista, its most popular hatchback, in the United Kingdom.
A lawyer-turned-farmer's inspiring story
Hemchandra Dagaji Patil is a role model for the farming community.
IMAGES: Rs 12.5-crore Koenigsegg Agera is here!
The hyper-car market in India got yet another player.
Chicago is building up an appetite for Indian food
While Italian and Chinese food are also well-liked, Indian food is becoming a favourite in the city that has many popular and top-notch restaurants.
Few takers for pet insurance
While pet insurance is hugely popular in the western countries, it is still relatively unknown in India, as insurance companies do not advertise about it and a large number of people do not get their pets registered.
IT employees set to return to Japan
Shortly after the twin earthquake-tsunami that hit Japan, Indian IT firms had started calling back employees.
World's top 10 technology driven nations
Finland is most technologically-oriented country in the world.
All's not well with Bihar's finances
The report was tabled by deputy chief minister S K Modi in the state assembly.
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| March 30, 2011 | | Is pre-approved home loan the best option?
Usually buyers get bogged down by details. How wonderful it will be if someone can assure us with finances and all we have to focus on is to find a nice home.
Maharashtra's UIDAI fail to meet the hype
Last September, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government chose Tembhli, a small village in the predominantly tribal Nandurbar district, to launch its ambitious Unique Identification (UID) project - now known as Aadhaar - giving it a special mention in history.
IMAGES: Aston Martin's Rs 2.9 cr car soon in India
Aston Martin plans launch on April 15, Ferrari to follow suit.
Orissa coffee growers demand subsidy
Non-traditional coffee growers say the subsidies they get is a lot less than what traditional growers get.
Imminent market correction expected
After record foreign inflows of $29 billion in 2010, foreign institutional investors have hit pause.
IMAGES: High prices fail to dim diamonds' sparkle
Though retailers are trying not to pass on the price increase to consumers by cutting their margins, according to industry experts, the price rise has also reinstated the investment value proposition of diamonds.
Japan quakes hits China's supply chain
Japan's total trade with China rose by 30 per cent year-on-year to $301.9 billion last year, exceeding $300 billion.
Cricket stifles Chandigarh airport
Officials of Chandigarh airport, primarily a military airfield, which shares its runways with the Indian Air Force, say it is a mad scramble for parking space of private planes.
High GDP growth? Save water
For villages in Sambalpur, revisiting old ponds has meant a return to prosperity.
Hotels go all out to recreate Mohali magic
Offices have changed timings to make sure the employees don't miss Wednesday's action and a number of theatres -- starved of film releases since the world cup began -- plan to screen the match.
From Jalgaon to Harvard: A farmer's success story
It has been an incredible journey for Rajendra Hari Patil and Hemchandra Dagaji Patil who traveled from Jalgaon to the Harvard Business School to talk about their success.
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| March 29, 2011 | | Note! Timings of special flights to Chandigarh
Jet Airways and Kingfisher will operate an additional flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Chandigarh, which is adjacent to Mohali.
How an artificial leaf can solve power crisis!
Scientists have created the world's first practical artificial leaf that can turn sunlight and water into energy, which they claim could pave the way for a cheaper source of power in developing countries like India.
India one of most corrupt countries
Sixteen countries in the Asia Pacific were studied by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd.
How to deal with the financial impact of a divorce
Divorce lawyer Mrunalini Deshmukh explains the need, "It would be practical to maintain a clear division of assets right from the start. But nobody marries with an intention to divorce. So, sorting out finances becomes a major issue."
World's top financial institutions
From World Bank to APEC, there are many financial institutions charged with keeping the global economy chugging.
What are tax-saving infrastructure bonds?
In financial year 2010-11, the likes of Larsen & Toubro, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, Power Finance Corporation and IDFC issued these in tranches.
Once bitten, Air India shies away from Europe
After the costly Frankfurt experiment , says Dublin hub idea not worth it.
Home entertainment: Check these media players!
These little set-top boxes are the one-stop answer to view data.
Looking for a locker? Banks aren't only option
Though private players have fewer branches, their costs are competitive
Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
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| March 28, 2011 | | Audi launches Q5 2.0 TDI quattro
Deliveries will begin in April.
Want to bring out the philanthropist in you?
This act of promoting the welfare of society is called philanthropy. However, you don't have to be a billionaire to start your philanthropic activities. And there is more than one way to go about it.
How will global economy survive multiple crises?
The Japanese triple tragedy earthquake, tsunami and the very dangerous situation in the nuclear power plants has also brought into sharp focus how the effectiveness of complex supply chains, which are at the heart of globalisation of output, is crippled if there is a crisis in a large manufacturing or high-technology economy.
No hike in petro prices soon, says minister
State-run Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum currently sell petrol, a commodity which the government freed from its control in June last year, at a discount of about Rs 4.50 a litre to its imported cost.
How Tamil Nadu's freebies are killing its economy!
The Dravidian model of politics seems to depend on freebies, feeds on corruption and brazenly encourages crony capitalism, says .
This is the costliest hotel ever built in India!
Capt Nair's detractors will give you good reasons why his premium gamble will not work -- his lowest tariff of Rs 20,000 a night is above rivals like The Oberoi (Rs 18,500) and ITC Maurya (Rs 18,000), though it is lower than the Aman (Rs 27,000).
India may become BlackBerry's export hub
As part of RIM's strategy in India, the company has been building its resources in order to support the growing opportunities.
'Mom and pop stores are not simply going away'
Companies are trying to absorb the rising costs by investing in consistent supplies. One of the biggest priorities is to make the supply chain more efficient and resilient.
10 steps to drive the 'Decade of Innovation'
If various technical universities continue to take interest as evident now, it won't be difficult to imagine that such a platform may have more than a million projects and ideas in a few years time.
A look at investment plans for children
Insurance plans for children are available in both traditional and unit-linked insurance product categories.
In Infy, Kris may fill Nilekani's boots
The curtains are set to come down on one of India Inc's most celebrated succession dramas.
How India can ban plastic bags
Many countries are doing it successfully, India also can.
Budget forces Harley-Davidson off-road
The problem is the Budget change to the earlier rule of a concessional 10 per cent duty on CKD assembly.
How Maaza is wooing consumers this summer
To have a bigger slice of the estimated Rs 2,698-crore market growing at 25 per cent, Coca-Cola India has unveiled the summer campaign for its mango drink, Maaza.
Tips for last minute filing of tax returns
Here's a checklist, meant as a handy last-minute reference, that can help you.
How PM promises to usher in a season of change
We did not disappoint India in the summer of 1991. We will grasp the nettle once again, in the summer of 2011, the prime minister said.
L&T to sell stake in some less-than-equal JVs
The Rs 45,000-crore (Rs 450-billion) engineering & construction company is reviewing the future of some of its manufacturing JVs.
Modi's woes: Will PM offer relief?
In his representation to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi submitted a memorandum on long pending issues of the state.
What Dr Singh wants from the IIM grads
Deliver with that upmarket MBA tag, says Manmohan Singh.
Once more, Mukesh treads into Anil's territory
Sets up joint venture with D E Shaw.
Should you invest in SIPs? Read on to find out
Systematic investment plan is a scheme which allows investors to invest in a mutual fund a certain amount of money over a period.
8 shocks that await India, global economy
A Citi strategist, Guillermo Felices, in a study has enumerated eight shocks that are hitting, or are soon going to hit, the global economy.
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| March 25, 2011 | | China imported highest amount of grain in history!
China, which had built up a huge network of silos to store foodgrains, imported the largest quantities of grains in its history last year to beef up reserves to avoid a food shortage this year.
Innovation: 1 lakh projects for low-cost solutions
A black box for automobiles, low-cost solar water heater, power generation from biogas using bike, an improved apparatus for ultrasonography are part of a treasure trove of projects done by college students.
Tata Motors: First Indian firm to make 100,000 CVs
Leading automobile company Tata Motors on Friday said it has become the first Indian company producing 1 lakh (100,000) commercial vehicles in a financial year.
Are you eligible for a loan? Check it out
Credit Appraisal is the process followed by banks to determine the borrower's ability to repay his loan as well as his trust worthiness.
Currency options are for speculation, not goals
In the last four months, the daily average turnover of currency options has increased from Rs 600 crore to Rs 3,000 crore.
IMAGES: World's 20 most innovative companies
Fast Company lists Apple as the world's most innovative company.
Is Wipro planning a massive lay-off?
Wipro, the country's third-largest information technology (IT) services company, is asking non-billable employees unwilling to work on any project they have been assigned to leave immediately.
PHOTOS: Maserati, Gran Turismo for India!
Both Maserati and Ferrari are owned by Fiat and also have a lot in common.
We are definitely against capitalists: Kerala FM
Thomas Isaac, Kerala finance minister, says the Leftist government in the state wants to develop an egalitarian society where there are no capitalists.
GM Rao: The man who donated Rs 1,540 cr
GM Rao has been quite active in philanthropic activities for quite some time through GMR Varalakshmi Foundation.
Bengal polls: This is what the aam aadmi wants
As far as West Bengal is concerned, aam aadmi is seething with discontent as loads of improvements in various sectors are what they need.
China's gross national income rank at 125!
China's gross domestic product (GDP) accounted for 9.5 per cent of the world's total in 2010, ranking second in the world, but its per capita gross national income (GNI) lagged behind 124 countries.
Premji against law on mandatory CSR spending
Wipro Chairman Azim Premji on Thursday came out strongly against the idea of formulating laws on mandatory spending by industry on corporate social responsibility.
No storage! Govt admits to rotting foodgrains
Amidst a warning that the country is sitting on a "grain bomb" due to prospects of record wheat output, the government on Thursday admitted to cases of foodgrains rotting and said enough storage facility must be created.
Engg, B-school campuses lap up boom-time lollies
Salary hike isn't enough anymore, it's time for stock options, promise of deferred entrepreneurship and much more.
Interest-free loans for 1st-time home buyers in UK
The British government on Wednesday said that first-time house buyers in the United Kingdom will be offered interest free loans to help them get a foot on the housing ladder.
PHOTOS: The world's 10 cleanest cities
The consulting firm Mercer recently came up with a list of world's cleanest cities. Mercer took into account air quality for the upkeep of streets and squares to produce the 2011 ranking.
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| March 24, 2011 | | GM threatens to fire 250 Gujarat plant employees
General Motors India officials on Thursday met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to discuss further investments in the state, amid continuing 9-day-long labour unrest at the car maker's Halol facility that has resulted in production loss of over 700 cars so far.
Chatwal Hotels ties up with Wyndham Group
The announcement was made at a press conference at The Chatwal New York on March 23 by Sant Singh Chatwal, chairman and chief executive officer of the Chatwal Hotels and Eric Danziger, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey-based Wyndham group.
Donate money, Gates, Buffett tell rich Indians
Gates said it was his Microsoft experience which prepared him well for work being done by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.
Buying a house? 5 points you MUST note
The asset also has emotional value and therefore families should perform meticulous research before buying the same.
Harley Davidson will not hike bike prices in India
US cult bike maker Harley Davidson on Thursday said it will not hike prices of its two models to be assembled in India despite an increase in import duty for completely knocked down (CKD) parts.
Food prices continue to rise; inflation at 10.05%
Food inflation crept back into double digits at 10.05 per cent for the week ended March 12, breaking a three-week long downward spiral, as prices of vegetables, fruits and protein-based items increased.
How Rajaratnam case highlights fund managers' role
The Raj Rajaratnam case may seem like an important case of insider trading involving a hedge fund in the US, but it is more important when it comes to illustrating how market participants comprehend their place.
Singur still a hot bed of industrial possibilities
What exactly is going to be Singur's fate?
Meet Sindhuja Rajamaran, the world's youngest CEO!
Sindhuja's journey from an ordinary school girl to the CEO of a company started when she was around 10.
'We want first-hand feel of market'
Ajit Jain, who been mentioned as a possible successor to Warren Buffett, shares his thoughts.
The stunning new Volkswagen Passat at Rs 23 lakh
The car is pitted against the might of Honda Accord that enjoys immense trust in the country.
Per capita income: Mumbai richer than Delhi
Mumbai, the financial capital of India is richer than the capital city, New Delhi.
Oracle of Omaha's success mantra
I have been enjoying what I have been doing for the past many years and not a single day has passed when I haven't had fun, says Buffett.
25 facts about Japan's $300 billion disaster
Japan is estimated to suffer a whopping loss of $200-$300 billion, according to Risk Management Solutions Inc.
Luxury cars may be dearer by Rs 6 lakh
Top-end luxury cars may become more expensive by up to Rs 6 lakh when the duty cut on completely knocked down (CKD) kits passed by the Lok Sabha gets implemented. CKD kits comprise pre-assembled engines, transmissions and gearboxes.
The world's 16 largest IPOs ever
A look at companies that have launched some of the biggest IPOs.
Lack of development in states? Blame the Centre
Bimal Jalan says the Centre should make policies and reimburse the expenses of states but not prescribe how the money is spent or how the policy is implemented.
Sebi scans chat forums, blogs for market rumours
Many of the established websites too, have sections on their portals wherein visitors can just login and upload any piece of information that can be accessed by all other members.
Why the BSNL-MTNL merger has been stuck
While MTNL offers services in the lucrative Delhi and Mumbai circles, BSNL operates in the rest of the country.
DoT mulls interception of Google, Skype
The move, if implemented, will mean that the government will be able to track emails sent through Gmail as well as intercept voice calls made through Skype.
9 Indian brands amongst world's 500 best
The most recent Global 500 report by Brand Finance shows that despite the controversies, Tata Group's brand value has soared to $15.08 billion.
Buffett interested in acquisitions in India
Famed billionaire investor Warren Buffett on Wednesday said his conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway would look at possible acquisitions in India as and when there were opportunities.
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| March 23, 2011 | | How Buddha plans to improve Bengal's economy
The West Bengal chief minister dished out a prescription to improve the economic condition of the state.
FIIs bullish on India once again
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs), bearish till recently on the Indian equity market, seem to be having a change of heart.
Automakers bet big on electric, hybrid vehicles
With Budget concessions in place to propel the Indian automobile industry on a green drive, manufacturers are planning electric and hybrid variants of cars and two-wheelers.
What Bill Gates plans to do in India
Software czar Bill Gates and wife Melinda will meet government health officials and community workers in Bihar today.
Insurance cos to create nuclear insurance pool
According to sources, the government has convened a meeting involving the Nuclear Power Corporation and General Insurance Corporation (GIC), the only domestic re-insurer in the country, to take stock of the progress.
Credit cards: How balance transfer is a BIG help
Banks provide incentive for customers who use balance transfer by providing a low interest or interest free period.
IMAGES: India's most favourite mobile phones
India is the second largest mobile handset market in the world after China.
Amit Mitra's recipe to revive Bengal's economy
Trinamool Congress candidate Amit Mitra, who is an economist by training and is pitted against West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta in the Assembly polls, has said the state's financial condition can be improved with a flow of investments and expansion of existing industrial units.
First PHOTOS: Warren Buffett in India
'They treat me much better in India than they do in the United States.'
Keep tab on firms pledging shares
A recent report by Morgan Stanley Asia Pacific points that 774 listed companies have pledged shares with banks.
I tipped Rajaratnam, says ex-Intel exec Rajiv Goel
Rajiv Goel, a former Indian American Intel executive, has said that he passed secret tips to his 'friend' Raj Rajaratnam, the main accused in the largest insider trading case to hit American courts in decades.
'Premiums needed for catastrophes'
First, we need to have premiums for catastrophe events, like what they have in the developed countries. Although fire insurance covers accidents and floods, earthquake cover is optional.
IMAGES: 15 most valuable brands in the world
Five of the top ten largest growers are technology-related companies.
World's 20 largest producers of cars; India 6th!
With an annual production of about 2,632,694 cars in 2009, India is now the seventh largest vehicle producing nation in the world. It is a milestone the country achieved six years ahead of the set target.
Carmakers face challenges from Japan crisis
While they could pass on the burden of increased input costs to customers, a shortage of components, compounded by the March 11 tsunami and quake in Japan and the Reserve Bank's latest rate hike -- which could affect car financing -- have made them jittery over their prospects in the short-to-medium term.
Why companies are bullish on Bihar
With a growth rate of above 10 per cent, today major national and international companies are making a beeline to enter Bihar.
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| March 22, 2011 | | 'Indian-Americans helped Rajaratnam make millions'
Raj Rajaratnam made $4 million on Hilton stock in a single day after allegedly getting tips.
Jet airways seeks $5.5-bn insurance cover
With its current cover set to expire on April 16, Jet Airways is seeking a cover of around $5.5 billion from the government-owned Oriental Insurance.
The 4 best ways to invest in gold
You can do so through physical gold (coins and bars), gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), feeder funds and the e-series (popularly called, e-gold) launched by the National Spot Exchange.
FB's virtual currency may become real for Indians
Beam, a mobile-commerce company, has sought the Reserve Bank of India's permission to make Facebook Credits available in India.
PHOTOS: The world's 20 best airports
Three airports from India are among the world's best airports.
3G's maiden run leaves users stranded
Users face a lot of hiccups after the launch of 3G.
China to produce 'human milk' from GM cows!
Chinese scientists claimed to have created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk similar to that of humans.
Pranab withdraws service tax levy on healthcare
The finance minister also provided some relief to readymade garment manufacturers by raising the abatement available for levy of taxes on retail price of some branded garments and textile made-ups.
Why commerce ministry was upset with the Budget
According to a senior commerce ministry official, the Budget sought to withdraw some significant stimulus measures "in a clandestine manner", which would affect exports and lead to impediments in efforts to achieve $450 billion worth of exports by 2013-14, from around $250 billion at present.
India's highest paid IT company CEOs; Kurien leads
With a target to get the IT business back on growth, Kurien will get a salary in the range of Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million) to Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) per annum.
How Praful Patel will play out his new role
From a high-profile civil aviation ministry to a relatively low-key Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Praful Patel is currently busy in launching a multi-pronged strategy for making public sector enterprises globally competitive.
ELECTION: What Mamata has in store for Bengal
Mamata Banerjee led TMC has released its election manifesto on Monday promising to bring all round development in West Bengal with special emphasis on industry and agriculture.
How they adapted technology for human need
MIT's Technology Review India has selected 18 innovations from a nominee list of 200.
Fake pilots! How licenses can be forged
Pilots fake certificates to fly. Aviation schools cut corners. As a result, the licences of 4,500 pilots are under the scanner. Business Standard looks into the mess in the skies.
Why India needs to spend more on its defence
India's per capita expenditure on defence is less than $10, while the average expenditure of the top ten spenders in Asia is $800 approximately.
Why the phenomenal Tata Nano has wowed US!
'The Nano becomes a tool and a metaphor for the future. It will be a tool in the sense that any first car purchase in a country like India opens its owner to imagining their own mobility in and through the mobility of the car. This is a feature and a potential of all first cars in India,' says NYU Prof Arjun Appadurai.
Japan disaster: A wake-up call for other nations
A realignment of the global energy mix is now almost guaranteed.
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| March 21, 2011 | | Indian IT cos recall staff from Bahrain
Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys and Wipro have decided to call back their employees from Bahrain.
10,000 commercial pilot licenses under DGCA lens
Aviation regulator DGCA plans to bring under the scanner over 10,000 commercial pilot license (CPL) holders and conduct third-party audit of all flying schools in the country in the wake of cases of forgery behind securing of licences coming to light.
Trains @ 350 kmph! 6 high-speed routes identified
Aiming at connecting Patna with high speed train, the Railways will undertake a pre-feasibility study of Delhi-Patna rail route, which would be conducted by a British firm.
Private hospitals alarmed at govt plan to fix fees
Expressing apprehension over the Centre's move to regulate fees at their hospitals, private healthcare chains on Monday said such a step will not be 'plausible' and even if it were to be initiated, the government must not do it unilaterally.
First PHOTOS: The stunning Boeing 747-8
The 747-8 Intercontinental's first flight marks the beginning of a flight test program that will finish in the fourth quarter.
Buffett to ask Indian billionaires to open wallets
Buffett is not coming to only talk foreign direct investment in insurance and invest his billions in Indian equities.
AT&T to buy T-Mobile USA for $39 bn
The deal, which was approved by the boards of both companies, includes $25 billion in cash and the rest in AT&T stock.
Why Volvo S60 T6 is causing a flutter!
Importantly, Volvo has even addressed the steering that weighs up very nicely and adds to the surefootedness, whether you've selected Sport or Advanced on the C-Chassis system.
The secret behind China's economic success
China's economic success is due less to its authoritarian system and more to Deng Xiaoping's leadership, its Far Eastern location and investments by its diaspora.
Save on travel via group deals
Group buying sites take on travel portals with affordable packages.
IMAGES: The world's 20 largest buildings
The Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport spread across an area of 12.76 million sq ft is the world's largest building in terms of floor space.
Provident Fund: An answer to a secure future
Fulfill the formalities before extending the term, else it is a dead investment.
Which to buy? Toyota Etios or Tata Manza
Here's how the Etios stands when pitted against the Tata Manza, one of its close competitiors.
Domestic airlines hike fares by over 100%
Airlines are also said to be cashing in on the Jat agitation which has virtually disconnected Delhi-Lucknow with many trains being cancelled.
FY11 may bring dividend bonanza for shareholders
India Inc is poised for a dividend payout increase in 2010-11, due to an expected 18 per cent growth in net profit.
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| March 18, 2011 | | Robots that perform 'humane' tasks and are social
With robots gaining a more human-like appearance and becoming more social over the past 50 years, it is possible.
Recession? US CEOs earned $126 million in bonuses
Top executives collect a lot of different types of pay, including salaries, long-term equity awards and bonuses tied to company's performance.
Airfares zoom as people flee Japan
The earthquake and Tsunami in Japan has led to a shocking spike in airfares from Tokyo to other parts of the world including India, while inbound fares have dropped.
How Indo-US business can enter boom time
American business believes the best way the United States and India can share high technology with one another is by cooperating in the defence sector, says Ron Somers, president of the US-India Business Council.
Pesky calls? They aren't going to end soon
Pesky calls from telemarketers may continue to nag customers for some more time as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is likely to extend its March 21 deadline again.
TAX: Nations with highest and lowest rates
For companies, the challenge is dealing with the loss of public trust and increased scrutiny over how much tax they pay.
How to invest smartly for your child's future
Several parents, who had been happy spenders, seriously consider saving and investing. As the old dictum goes, starting early is the best thing. Most, however, are confounded with the choice of products when it comes to saving for the child's education.
World's 110 most ethical cos: Only HDFC from India
110 companies made it to the The Ethisphere Institute's list including Adidas, eBay, Microsoft, Colgate-Palmolive and 30 other newcomers.
Made in India! GE's low-cost medical devices
GE Healthcare on Thursday unveiled two advanced cardiac care solutions, designed and developed in India, with an aim to help provide better, affordable early cardiac diagnosis for more people.
1 in 2 Indians victim of mobile phone loss
Almost 77 per cent of the victims considered the loss of contact information the worst part of the experience, said the survey.
Transparency watchdog lauds ONGC's openness
Reporting on anti-corruption programmes shows what companies are doing to fight corruption and helps prevent individuals from misappropriating revenues and bribing foreign officials.
Five biggest nuclear reactors in the world
there are more than 440 commercial nuclear power reactors operating in 30 countries, with 377,000 MWe of total capacity, providing about 14 per cent of the world's electricity.
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| March 17, 2011 | | Economic effect of Japanese quake on India, globe
Japan's nuclear crisis and the devastations caused by last Friday's earthquake and tsunami are unlikely to trigger a global recession as happened in the aftermath of the collapse of the US investment bank Lehman Brothers three years ago, according to leading economists.
SC cancels Hassan Ali Khan's bail
The court also granted four-day custody of Khan to the Enforcement Directorate.
Handset makers to ride on low-cost 3G phone wave
Mobile consumers can now expect a sharp decline in the prices of mobile handsets as manufacturers slash prices to get their hands on the expanding 3G user pie.
Japan crisis: Honda, Toyota delay India launch
The heart breaking Japanese catastrophe and huge booking orders of Etios saloon being the respective reasons.
Yogurt is now positioned as the new health food
Big players are repositioning packaged yogurt as stand-alone breakfast option or health dessert.
Post Budget, luxury car sales rise by 25%
The new definition for completely knocked down (CKD) units of vehicles introduced in the Budget for 2011-12 has pushed up sales figures of luxury cars.
Japan quake may cost insurers $35 billion
The catastrophe is one of the costliest ever for the insurance industry.
CIL staff wants to buy Gandhi's house in S Africa
Navratna public sector unit Coal India Ltd has received a proposal to acquire 'The Kraal' -- Mahatma Gandhi's house in Johannesburg where he had lived a century ago -- and convert it into a memorial, the government has said.
RBI raised interest rates; how this impacts you!
The Reserve Bank of India in its quarterly monetary policy review has hiked rates.
World's 10 most expensive streets
According to FN, Hong Kong's Severn Road stands out to be the most expensive street in the world.
Which drugs will be costlier, cheaper now
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) on Thursday said it has increased prices of 62 drugs, which are mainly based on indigenously manufactured insulin, giving a filip to domestic firms.
IMAGES: The Rs 80-lakh BMW 6-Series soon in India
There will be two petrol engine options offered with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox in the 640i and 650i.
TVS plans India's cheapest motorcycle
With this new product, TVS Motors intends to bridge the price gap between the company's range of mopeds and motorcycles.
How to lower your motor insurance premium
Use no-claim bonus, online discounts or negotiate hard to get it reduced.
Hyderabad: The convention hub of India
Hyderabad has emerged as the convention capital of the country and a one-stop destination for business tourists.
Scams, controversies: Why are scientists quiet?
The task to build scientific literacy will not happen without their engagement and their tolerance for dissent.
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| March 16, 2011 | | Japan: Factories remain shut, price hike likely
The aftershocks of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan will be felt in industries in other parts of Asia and Europe.
India, China to show strongest GDP growth in 2011
We expect the region to record another year of solid growth in 2011, the survey said.
Economic recovery: US sounds upbeat
The apex bank's observation on Tuesday comes at a time when global markets remain uncertain about the overall impact of the tsunami and the subsequently unravelling nuclear crisis in Japan.
The AOL India story: 90% staff fired!
From 1,000 employees a year ago to barely a 100 now: that is the gut-wrenching story of the Indian operations of online media major AOL.
PHOTOS: The world's most expensive cars
From Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the fastest car in the world, to Hennessey Venom GT, whose production is as low as 10 units a year, supercars are indeed in a league of their own.
TCS, Infy, Wipro recalling Indian staff from Japan
As Japan makes frantic efforts to deal with the nuclear radiation leaks from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the aftermath of earthquake and tsunami, Indian information technology firms have begun relocating the families of their Indian employees in the country.
Vibrant Gujarat MoUs under I-T scanner
Dept seeks details of companies that signed Rs 1,000-cr MoUs.
IMAGES: India's 55 wealthiest people
The combined wealth of India's 55 richest is $246.5 billion, much higher than last year's total of $222.1 billion.
'We can't have high inflation & low interest rate'
KC Chakrabarty, deputy governor of RBI, speaks to Business Standard on inflation and a host of other issues.
Economic Freedom: India's top 20 states
The report on the Economic Freedom of the States of India is the latest in a series of annual surveys on the economic freedom of Indian states, which started in 2004. The latest report takes 2009 as the period under review.
24 amazing innovations from rural India
India's rural innovators have proved that ordinary people are indeed capable of extraordinary inventions.
Advance tax: This is what the big companies paid
Advance tax payment is a staggered system of paying taxes and is generally seen as a barometer of a particular company's performance as the tax payments are made in line with profit expectations.
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| March 15, 2011 | | Advance tax: E-filing may come to your rescue
Advance tax needs to be paid by all - individuals, consultants, businessmen and salaried.
Prepaying your loan? Remember this
Try prepaying annually as foreclosing your loan comes at a cost.
Flexible working hours at 80% Indian firms!
Four-fifths of companies in India are now offering their staff flexible working and a majority of these companies are finding that it is bringing them major benefits such as reduced overheads, a research report from Regus said.
'Gold industry should look into branded segment'
Some of the leading, most cutting-edge, designs in India take inspiration from Indian culture and history.
History made! Maruti rolls out 10 millionth car
The historic 10 millionth car is a Metallic Breeze Blue WagonR VXi, with chassis No 243899 and was rolled out from the company's Gurgaon plant.
Yunus on why he was sacked as Grameen Bank MD
Nobel peace prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who has been ousted as Grameen Bank managing director, tells Business Standard he hopes the bank continues to be run by the poor of Bangladesh.
The man who made home loans possible in India!
HTP founded the Housing Development and Finance Corporation (HDFC), back in 1977, and for the first time made it possible for salary-earning, middle-class Indians to become home owners long before retirement.
New twist in Wall Street insider trading case
The central question of this insider trading case is whether the Sri Lankan born billionaire earned $45 million by using leaked confidential information.
Why India will never see a 2nd Green Revolution
Today, public policy projects itself as pro-farmer but it does it half-heartedly, complains Swaminathan.
Have an idea? Find an investor and get a US visa!
The StartUp Visa Act of 2011 will allow an immigrant entrepreneur to receive a two-year visa if he or she can show that a qualified US investor is willing to invest in the immigrant's start-up venture.
Cybercrime sets sail on tsunami sympathy
With the Japanese still under shock after the quake-cum-tsunami, people around the globe are working to provide help.
Japan's ripple effect may reach India
Rebuilding the country will push the prices of commodities and also result in a pull-back of capital.
Sensex sheds 272 points on global concerns
The 30-share barometer, which gained 265.39 points in the previous session, tanked 486.88 points, or 2.64 per cent, to below the psychological 18,000 points level at 17,952.60, with all sectoral indices trading in the negative zone with losses up to 2.73 per cent.
How earthquake, tsunami have hit Japan's economy
As Japan faces the biggest crisis since World War II, initial estimates peg the country's economic loss at a whopping $170 billion
The 'Kraft' of wooing India
The $50-bn foods major will ride piggyback on Cadbury's strong brand equity.
IMAGES: India's 7 most corrupt industries
The KPMG report said, strict enforcement of existing provisions under law, both for the taker and giver, is believed to be the need of the hour to prevent further erosion of trust and credibility of India's economic success.
World's top 10 exporters and importers of food
Food inflation is rampant the world over. In Tunisia -- and to some extent in Egypt -- it actually led to the toppling of the government following riots over high food prices. West Asia and North Africa too have seen similar -- and huge -- protests over the hardships people are faced with due to runway inflation.
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| March 14, 2011 | | PIX: $287 billion lost as Tokyo market crashes!
Japan's financial woes mount as the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw one of the worst crashes on Monday.
New Nokia E7 at Rs 29,999
The company is already in the market with its flagship smartphone Nokia N8.
Buffett in India on March 25, to meet investors
Warren Buffett will meet with individuals that have bought insurance policies through his Indian venture Berkshireinsurance.com.
With less corruption, India can grow over 9%
99 per cent of respondents believed that the biggest impact of corruption business was its tendency to skew the level playing field and attract organisations with lesser capacity to execute projects.
How to address India's healthcare disaster
The real healthcare issue in India is that there is so little that is publicly funded. India is almost unique in that public funding of healthcare is only a fourth or fifth of the total; the rest comes from private resources.
How Microsoft took on the gaming industry
Software giant Microsoft took on the challenge to begin work on its own game machine, extending its tremendous technological shadow further in a quest for a home entertainment centre.
Difficult road ahead for Honda
While the Hero Group is working out a new brand strategy, Honda Motor Corporation is preparing to step on the gas and corner a larger share in what is ranked as the second largest two-wheeler market in the world.
This is India's biggest real estate boom town!
Statistics from PropEquity, a firm that compiles and analyses real estate data across India, show that by 2014, Noida will have 190,123 new houses and apartments -- almost 40,000 more than what Gurgaon, Navi Mumbai, Gachibowli (Hyderabad) and Hinjewadi (Pune) collectively offer.
Wary about using credit cards, try cash cards
While cash cards are not a new concept and the user need not have a bank account, they are yet to gather steam in India. Most cash-card companies are taking the next big step with mobile wallets.
How Dell has changed lives for rural Indians!
When Dell decided to start its operations in Tamil Nadu, the state government wanted the company to operate from a rural area.
Don't let inflation play havoc. Invest smartly
Invest in gold and realty that move in tandem with inflation.
IMAGES: Japan can tide over economic crisis
The massive earthquake that logged 8.9 on the Richter scale, and the tsunami that struck northeastern Japan, have wrecked enormous havoc on Japan taking a huge toll in terms of life and property.
Return in shortest time not the best goal
One needs a more practical approach to investing or managing finances. By running behind the highest returns, other important factors get ignored.
Think before investing in insurance schemes
Investments in such products are due to either of the following reasons: Surplus money, getting maturity proceeds from another policy or last-minute investments for tax exemption.
Inflation rises marginally to 8.31% in February
The rise in inflation was mainly on account of higher milk, edible oil, vegetable and fruit prices.
Is Internet Explorer wary of Chrome?
According to Juxt, users' loyalty with Chrome is the highest, at 64 per cent, followed by Firefox, at 36 per cent, and IE at 29 per cent.
Apple to bite into the e-reader market with iPad
The Cupertino-based Apple unveiled its latest version of iPad in the US earlier this month.
Failure of Indian cities? Blame state govts
Urban reform cannot be imposed from Delhi, state governments have to step in.
India's 'misery index' shoots up: What this means
The index, a formulation of economist Arthur Okun and got by adding the proportion of unemployment to the inflation rate, is a popular measure in the developed world to judge economic well-being.
CAG: From account checker to conscience keeper
CAG has come a long way from an institution created to set the British finances right after the 1857 revolt.
12 Indians among WEF's Young Global Leaders
Drawn from a pool of almost 5,000 candidates, the Young Global Leaders 2011 were chosen by a selection committee chaired by Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan.
PHOTOS: Volkswagen's awesome CarTowers!
Volkswagen's Car Towers -- at the theme park Autostadt next to the carmaker's plant in Wolfsburg in Germany -- are transparent cylindrical buildings that rise 150 feet to 490 feet above the ground.
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| March 11, 2011 | | IMAGES: Quake jolts crisis-hit Japanese economy
Today's devastating quake has dealt another blow to the ailing Japanese economy, already faced with mounting debts and falling exports.
Meet India Inc's best performers
Asian Paints Managing Director & CEO P M Murty is the Business Standard CEO of the Year for 2009-10.
Pesticides banned abroad used in India, admits Min
Nicotin Sulfate and Captafol have been banned for use in the country but their manufacture is allowed for export, he said adding four pesticide formulations have been banned for import, manufacture and use while seven others have been withdrawn.
At 80, Murdoch is still ace dealmaker
If all goes according to Rupert's plans, he will remain chairman and CEO of News for some time to come.
Now, a bullet proof Tata Safari for Rs 60 lakh
India's largest vehicle maker, Tata Motors has introduced an armoured variant of its Safari, which can even resist an assault of an AK-47 rifle.
Now, a credit card that talks to you!
Dynamics Inc is developing such cards - due to be introduced in the US later this year - which will have wafer-thin microprocessors and would run on batteries that can last up to three years.
World's 10 most admired companies
Apple, Google and Berkshire Hathaway are among the most admired companies in the world.
Pay more for third-party motor insurance
The premiums for third-party motor insurance may rise by 50-80 per cent this year.
Nippon Life may buy 26% in Reliance Insurance
Japan's largest life-insurer, Nippon Life is eyeing 26 per cent stake in Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Life Insurance Co.
High food prices unacceptable, says FM
Mukherjee said the high inflationary pressure, specially in food and some non-food articles, existed in other emerging economies also.
Industrial growth slows down to 3.7 pc
However, growth in factory output in January, as measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production, was better than the 2.53 per cent expansion (revised upward from 1.6 per cent) witnessed in the previous month.
REVEALED: 12 cars Indians are most satisfied with
Market research firm TNS global recently did a survey on the cars that satisfy Indian consumers.
18 hottest technology innovators from India
Their exceptional technical contributions hold great promise to shape our future.
How smartphone companies are wooing customers
Global and domestic manufacturers woo consumers with low-priced, feature-rich handsets.
EXPLAINED: How Budget helps turn black money white
What is worrying analysts is that such money that flows into India seems to be the money of Indians, sent abroad first through the hawala route and then subsequently laundered abroad, especially in tax havens.
PHOTOS: The world's 20 poorest nations
These nations have faced adversities like consequence of poverty, genocide, years of war, lack of natural resources, poor farm management, and limited access to clean water and health care.
Drunken flying: 57 pilots caught!
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action against 57 pilots for drunken flying in the past one year, terminating the service of 10 of them, Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.
Are you a collector? Look out for the taxman
Precious metal coins may attract capital gains tax.
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| March 10, 2011 | | What do the 'super-rich' worry about
They may have the moolah, and millions of it, but that does not necessarily make them happy, according to a new study that finds that super-wealthy people feel isolated and worry the most about love, work and future of their children.
Tata's Divo to compete with Volvo, Mercedes
Tata Motors will launch Divo, a luxury AC coach meant for intercity long-distance operations, in the first quarter of the next financial year.
LAUNCHED! The stunning Volvo S60 at Rs 27 lakh
Volvo S60 is all set to re-define the driving dynamics for the discerning car buyers.
Oil prices, deficit to keep rupee weak
High crude oil prices, widening current account gap and political uncertainty may keep the rupee weak in the near term.
IMAGES: The world's 16 richest people
Total number of billionaires, this year, has increased to a record 1,210 from 1,011 last year. Though America has the 33 per cent of the mega-rich, Asia-Pacific region has surged forward and overtook Europe for the first time.
Good news! Indian cos on hiring spree
A leading job portal on Thursday said that sectors such as retail witnessed a good recruitment trend on the back of rising domestic demand.
Govt blames the poor for price rise, says Left
Participating in the resumed discussion on the General Budget in the Rajya Sabha, Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Brinda Karat said the government is linking food inflation to higher purchasing power among the poor resulting from employment programmes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Ferrari in India soon, price begins at Rs 2.2 cr
The company has appointed the Shreyans Group as its official importer in India.
Two faces of China: 20 facts on rich-poor divide
China has grown extraordinarily to become the world's second largest economy.
Budget jolt: Major auto firms rethink India plans
Budget proposal on CKD tax jolts Audi, Harley-Davidson plans.
How best to manage your money: 4 GOLDEN tips
The options, in terms of instruments, are many.
Premji's dream university from July
The Azim Premji Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation under whose aegis it is being set up, said on Wednesday the university would launch three courses in the first year of operation, to begin this July.
Is ISRO involved in Devas' meteoric rise?
The inquiry into Devas Multimedia's deal with Antrix, the commercial wing of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has found that when the Indian arm of the company was founded in 2004, it had just two shareholders and a paid-up capital of Rs 100,000.
IIM duo to intern with Trinamool Congress
The IIM-C finalists Hariharan Sriram and Mansha Tandon wrote to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee about four months ago, expressing their eagerness to do the internship with the party from April 11 to May 13.
Govt may roll back some Budget taxes
Bowing to pressure, the finance ministry may give industry relief from some of the new levies proposed in the Budget.
Raju's 'social' orphan learns to manage on its own
Byrraju Foundation, the non-governmental organisation set up by Satyam Computer Services founder B Ramalinga Raju and his family, was left orphaned in January 2009.
IMAGES: The 26 most popular cars in India!
Total sales of vehicles across categories registered 21.32 per cent growth to 13,70,932 units in February, 2011.
IIMK grad bags starting salary of Rs 32 lakh
The highest international package of $150,000 was offered by a commodities trading company while the highest domestic compensation of Rs 32 lakh (Rs 3.2 million) was offered by a Europe-based investment bank, according to an IIMK press statement.
Hassan Ali: I-T demand raised to Rs 60,000 cr
The IT department, which earlier had raised a total tax demand of Rs 71,845 crore (Rs 718.45 billion) on Khan and his associates, has now included a 24 per cent penalty on this amount as the assessment on them was made in 2008, according to department sources on Wednesday.
Air India earns Rs 36 cr a day, spends Rs 57 cr!
Explaining the precarious financial health of India's flag carrier, the government on Wednesday said Air India earns Rs 36 crore (Rs 360 million) a day from its operations while it spends about Rs 57 crore (Rs 570 million).
Loop offers to auction its 2G licence
Loop is one of the operators which have been named along with others in the entire case as it was awarded licence in 2008 by former Telecom Minister A Raja.
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| March 09, 2011 | | New record! Indians bought 189,008 cars in Feb
Domestic passenger car sales touched a record 189,008 units in February this year, a growth of 22.63 per cent vis-a-vis the figure for the same month of 2010, as customers advanced their purchases fearing a possible excise duty hike in the Budget.
This couple globe-trotted without flying!
The founder of bookfinder.com and his wife travel across the world for a year without flying to fight climate change.
The TRUE impact of Budget on your tax, money!
In the following analysis, RelaxwithTax has tried to squeeze out the useful information -- from the Budget Speech delivered by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee -- that is relevant to you in terms of personal taxation and finance.
Why FDI in India plunged 48% in January
With economic recovery in the rich countries, especially European nations, remaining fragile, FDI inflows to India plunged by 48 per cent to $1.04 billion in January over the same period last year.
MNP requests cross 38 lakhs in Feb
As per the data reported by the service providers to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, by the end of February 2011, about 38.33 lakh (3.83 million) subscribers have submitted their requests to different service providers for porting (shifting) their mobile number.
India roads get ready for premium bikes
Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha and Mahindra are revving launch plans for the 200cc and above motorcycle segment.
Mamata's insult to the aam aadmi
The benefit the ordinary person gets from unchanged fares is more than neutralised by the lack of service quality like the trains running on time.
Free local train travel for school, college girls
In a Women's Day gift, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced free monthly seasonal tickets -- for local travel -- to girls till their college level education.
Budget: How good is it for senior citizens?
Bringing down the Income Tax slab is a boon for them, but anomalies regarding health insurance benefits remain.
West Asian crisis means gold's glitter is to stay
Thomson Reuters Proprietary Research study pointed to a strong momentum for gold over the medium term, identifying strong global liquidity and low interest rates as support for a continued rally.
Why top Indian IT gurus are changing jobs
Blame it on improved business climate, restructuring within companies or just the basic need to pursue better opportunities -- the Indian information technology industry is seeing heavy churn at the top.
Wall Street's biggest insider trading trial begins
The much-awaited trial of Raj Rajaratnam, founder of erstwhile Galleon Group, who has been indicted by Federal authorities in the biggest insider trading case on the Wall Street, began on Tuesday in Manhattan Federal Court.
Should Air India have sacked COO Baldauf?
Being given the soft option of resigning suggests he was being sheltered by top management but the government got rid of him for the wrong reasons.
He crafts miniature machines, enters Guinness Book
A Nagpur-based engineer has earned a name for himself in the Guinness Book of Records for developing and designing miniature machines, steam engines and models of luxury motor cars, including world-class Mercedes Benz.
IMAGES: All about Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe
The Chakan based manufacturer believes the E-Coupe has set new standards in its segment with its design and technology.
These will be the 10 richest nations by 2050!
According to a study -- Global Growth Generators: Moving beyond 'Emerging Markets' and 'BRIC' -- conducted by global financial giant Citi, India will emerge as the world's number one economy and have a per capita GDP of $40,000 by the year 2050.
Petrol price may rise in India
The recent issues dogging West Asia have become a major cause for concern due to the spike in the crude oil prices.
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| March 08, 2011 | | Conflict of interest in defence ministry, says L&T
L&T chairman and managing director A M naik has written a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan ingh saying there is a conflict of interest in the way the defence ministry is organised.
Bonanza for the salaried! 12.9% hike seen
Led by engineering services sector, the projected jump of 12.9 per cent in salaries for this year is higher than the actual increase of 11.7 per cent seen in 2010.
$1.5 trillion stashed away! What India plans to do
Experts feel that this exercise would not be of much help as many facts are already known.
Just who is Hassan Ali Khan?
Hassan Ali Khan is a Pune-based stud farm owner, but says that he is a scrap dealer with an annual income of Rs 30 lakh (Rs 3 million).
SC for invoking terror charges against Hassan Ali
The Supreme Court on Tuesday mulled invoking terror and other stringent penal charges against Pune stud owner Hassan Ali Khan, accused of massive money laundering and tax evasion, for his alleged links with arm dealers and people linked to terror activities.
How to invest wisely in real estate
Since, most banks are unlikely to approve the amount, you could be sanctioned the desired loan on a higher tenure of may be 22 or 25 years. This would result in a lower instalment, which would not strain you monthly outgo.
How to get back to work after a career break
According to an Accenture report - 'Reinvent Opportunity: Looking Through a New Lens' - in India women employees were more prone to seek work-life balance (45 per cent).
Meet the man behind Lavasa and Mumbai sea link
The man behind the Bandra-Worli sea link and Lavasa is far from triumphant despite the brightening prospects for the controversial hill city.
PHOTOs: Here comes the mind-controlled car!
Raul Rojas, an artificial intelligence professor at the Freie Universitat Berlin, and his team are working on a project called BrainDriver and recently demonstrated how a driver can use a brain interface to steer a car that the researchers named 'MadeInGermany'.
Anil Ambani plans expansion in Middle East
Dubai Reliance Capital, the financial services arm of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, plans to expand its operations in the Middle East, chief executive Sam Ghosh has said.
This is the most dishonest govt ever: Jaitley
Arun Jaitley, the leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart, in an interview with Business Standard pokes holes in the Budget 2011 and says that the current government is the most corrupt ever . . .
Insurance firms launch new plans
Term insurance policy provides a stated benefit only upon the holder's death, provided the death occurs within the policy period. There will be no stated benefits if the policy holder outlives the policy period.
Success story of a brilliant social entrepreneur
Meet 64-year-old Dr Sekhar Raghavan, an extraordinary social entrepreneur who has made 'saving water' the mission of his life.
IMAGES: Check out these 16 show-stoppers!
Carmakers from across the world have displayed some of the best concept and production models and the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.
India not as corrupt as China and Russia: Fitch
The country, however, suffers from excessive regulation and tax laws, which is concern for foreign investors, Fitch group managing director for corporate rating Richard Hunter told PTI in an interview.
This is what stops India from being global leader!
If you stop siphoning off this money and instead use it to provide food security, to provide education for our youth, then, India's true potential can be achieved, says .
How Steve Jobs changed the world
How he made the brand a modern day cult.
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| March 07, 2011 | | Petrol, diesel price hike inevitable, if . . .
Amid the crisis in Libya, increase in fuel prices would become 'inevitable' if crude oil remains at $100 per barrel, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council chairman C Rangarajan said on Monday.
Silver at 31-yr high; gold touches Rs 21,420/10 gm
While gold surged Rs 200 to Rs 21,420 per 10 gm on rising seasonal demand, silver rose by Rs 1,250 to Rs 54,450 per kg on heavy buying by stockists and industrial units, amid firm global cues.
How MakeMyTrip aims to get bigger and better
India's largest travel portal, MakeMyTrip, is in a hurry to go places. Seven months after a listing on New York's NASDAQ, the firm now plans to raise additional funds from the market.
India set to become a $2-trillion economy!
India's impressive growth has to be more socially inclusive.
Why Rajat Gupta must step down from Indian boards
Can there be one norm for the US and another for India?
25% rise in health cover premiums
With the Union Budget introducing service tax on hospitals and health check-ups, your medical bills are likely to get higher.
How India could be transformed into a tax haven
The key question is whether the finance minister can aim for this by saying 'No' to all or most of the special interests, many of them very vocal.
Dos and don'ts of post-Budget investment
Overhauling portfolios or making hasty investment decisions based on the budget will only hurt you.
Get ready for Android apps mania
The battle between Microsoft and Google in the tablet and mobile space is heating up.
Infy may have to hire a million, says report
It needs to revamp the growth strategy.
MNP not a game changer for dual-SIM mobiles
The group of home-grown handset manufacturers, who had tasted success with dual-SIM phones, had initially put up an opposition to the introduction of number portability, wary of losing out on business under the new regime.
Yamaha building scooter for India market in Japan
India Yamaha Motors India is gearing up to foray into the fast growing scooter segment in the country with an all-new product that parent Yamaha Motor Corporation is developing specifically for the Indian market.
IMAGES: Stunning beauties at the Geneva Motor Show
The Geneva Motor Show highlights the green vision of the world's biggest automibile companies.
IMAGES: 6 swanky cars that may soon be in India
Companies like Volkswagen, Renault, Jaguar, Mercedes et al are planning models against some successful existing ones.
Tablet war: Meet iPad's 12 biggest rivals
Media tablets are expected to displace around 10 per cent of PC units by 2014, according to Gartner.
Inflows may fall to a third of 2010, say FIIs
While inflows into Asia, including India, were expected to continue in 2011, there would be moderation.
Diesel price rise not likely till state polls
Rising crude oil prices have become a headache for the government, as they put pressure on inflation and fiscal deficit.
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| March 04, 2011 | | Card fraud costs Citibank Rs 1.89 crore
Citibank saw 92 cases of cloning of debit/credit cards or use of fake cards.
Govt must give Air India billions at times: Panel
The government should occasionally grant thousands of crores of rupees to Air India for its functioning as withdrawal of flights from profitable routes and unresolved issues relating to its merger do not augur well for the carrier, a parliamentary committee has said.
More opportunities for Kashmiri youth: PM
The government is aiming to reach out to nearly 1.50 lakh youth in Jammu and Kashmir based on a plan submitted by an expert panel highlighting the vast untapped potential for employment generation in the state, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said.
US Inc funded charity run by Bobby Jindal's wife
A charitable foundation headed by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's wife Supriya Jindal, has accepted around USD 790,000 from nine companies that funded the election campaign of her husband, a Washington-based non-partisan watch dog has said.
GM India to drive in premium segment with Cadillac
Operating in India for the last 14 years, automobile major GM India is eyeing the premium car segment with the possible launch of Cadillac in the years to come, a top company official said.
Here's why Indians are switching jobs
According to global technology and consultancy giant Accenture, about 37 per cent of employees surveyed by it are looking for job opportunities outside the company.
The Indian IT industry is coming of age
The Union budget marks a watershed in the life of the Indian information technology services industry, akin to a family's coming of age rites of passage!
It's raining job offers at the IIMs
The recently-concluded lateral placement process at IIM-B saw the emergence of management consultants as the preferred choice for more than 55 per cent offers.
Here's how to invest smartly in art
For many, art as an investment avenue does not work. All asset classes, such as property, stocks and bonds, help a person earn through rentals, dividends and interest, respectively. Art does not generate any such income. In fact, it incurs negative income in the form of storage and associated costs.
Charges against Rajat Gupta: The inside story!
Last week the reputation of Gupta, one of the most revered business and management icons for the Indian American community, came under a cloud after the Federal Security and Exchange Commission charged him with insider trading.
How to add more power to Google
Quick ways to enhance your online search results.
Why the Budget needs more clarity
Clarity of planning and conceptualisation needs to be hallmark of policy planning.
What the Budget means for the social sector
According to Human Development Report (HDR) 2010, the Human Development Index (HDI) for India was 0.519 in 2010 with an overall global ranking of 119 (out of the 169 countries).
Why the Air India Maharaja is in a mess
Air India's appointment and removal of three senior officers was a circus all the way.
If the Union Budget were a human being...
If the union Budget were a human being it would score high on body language.
IMAGES: World's 16 smartest computers
Today's supercomputers eventually turn into tomorrow's ordinary computers.
Why Yunus was sacked as Grameen Bank MD
Bangladesh Central Bank in an order on March 2 removed Dr Muhammad Yunus as head of the bank, which he founded, citing that he had violated country's retirement age.
IMAGES: World's 10 worst cities to live in
A recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit stated that the worst cities in the world are scattered around Africa and Asia.
Budget opens back door for black money: Experts
Tax experts said many would use this to bring black money and cash stashed in tax havens into the country.
Cybercriminals target mobile apps
Mobile attackers' main attraction is the personal information stored in the contact list
IMAGES: 110 years of automobiles!
To mark the 110th anniversary of the Salon de l'auto, the Grand Palais is staging an exhibition of vintage cars.
The world's 15 most hardworking nations
Believe it or not, but India has been ranked as one of the most hardworking nations in the world in a survey conducted by Ipsos Global and Reuters late last month.
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| March 03, 2011 | | Budget could bring good tidings, but . . .
There was an acknowledgement from the highest quarters that there was a need to "boost the delivery system".
What Porsche has in mind for India
German luxury car-maker Porsche aims to sell 500 cars in India this year and will introduce its Panamera Hybrid super car in the country within the next few months, a top company official said on Thursday.
TRIUMPH: Beating disabilities to be entrepreneurs!
Twins Sundar Ram and Sri Ram suffer from cerebral palsy and learning disability and are also spastic. But their venture Twin Twigs has set them free, making them independent!
Chevrolet Beat plans a diesel version
The LPG model was launched a fortnight ago. Chevrolet is now hoping to rev up the car's sales with a diesel option in June.
10 cars that are among the world's best
The winners for these categories will be announced at the upcoming New York International Auto Show on April 21, 2011.
How Indian trio won $5 mn from BMW for mobile app!
BMW has partnered with three Indians who have created a mobile phone application called MyCityWay, which helps people find everything from a place to eat to the closest park to relax in.
Indians paying real cash for virtual kisses now
mig-33, which offers a social entertainment platform for mobile phones, claims to have registered 100 per cent growth in India last year and most of this growth came from tier-2 and tier-3 cities of the country.
FM fails to provide defence details
This is a rather cavalier treatment of one of the most important items of the government's expenditure statement.
PSU staff pay increased by 100% in 4 years
A public sector unit employee on an average received an annual salary of Rs 6.09 lakh (Rs 609,000) in 2009-10, with total emoluments increasing more than 100 per cent in the last four years.
Buffett takes insurance route to India
The Sage of Omaha has finally arrived in India, just two days after the finance minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to further liberalise the insurance sector.
Investors turn to commodities
Among agriculture commodities, cash crops like cotton and castor are now emerging as asset classes.
Budget: This is the real benefit for you & me!
PwC analyses the impact of Budget proposals for 2011-12 on individuals and industry.
UNVEILED: The stunning iPad2!
The cheapest wi-fi only 16GB version costs $499. The most expensive version featuring wi-fi and 3G, and 64GB costs $829.
When two of the world's most powerful men met
Ambani played the role of a quintessential and successful Indian businessmen - confident, yet very meek.
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| March 2, 2011 | | Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
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| March 02, 2011 | | The 6 most preferred Indian cities for jobs!
Seven out of every 10 engineering students in India prefer Bengaluru as their 'first job' city, ahead of the capital Delhi or financial centre Mumbai, reveals a survey.
'India is more transparent than China'
Matthew M Smith, managing director, Abbott Capital, says that Indian general partners (GPs) are more willing to talk portfolios, both good and bad, in the initial meetings.
Indians have Rs 500 lakh crore black money: Ramdev
Claiming that black money to the tune of Rs 500 lakh crore (Rs 500 trillion) was stashed by Indians in foreign banks, yoga guru Baba Ramdev has advocated for bringing that money back home.
Budget '11 is an item number. By Sheila for Munni!
Budget 2011 merely reflects the drift in the central government. Perhaps never in the history of independent India, with the sole exception of the period during Emergency, has the central government suffered from such a credibility crisis.
Fiscal deficit: It's time to end stimulus
The truth about the deficit is that it is designed to serve political objectives, not economic ones.
Get cheaper loans for affordable houses
Sushil Munhot, executive director & head-personal banking, IDBI Bank, says, "Any housing loan of up to Rs 25 lakh will come under priority sector lending, as it is to provide affordable housing. But we do no know when will it come into effect."
IMAGES: Tata's stunning new concept car, Pixel
Based on the Tata Nano, the TataPixel - at just over three metres in length - is the most package efficient four-seater in the world.
Car sales soar in Feb as well
Last month, nine leading vehicle manufacturers sold 213,633 units, 25.8 per cent more than last year.
Budget: The math looks dodgy
The FM puts a positive spin on the Budget but the math looks dodgy.
FM's 'return' gift to cover all taxpayers
The proposal was announced in the Union Budget on Monday.
Is the Budget's fiscal strategy credible?
Premised on the 'best-case scenario' in terms of growth and revenue, the Budget seems unprepared for a possible slowdown.
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| March 01, 2011 | | Focus on socio-economic factors
Percentage of liberalization is yet to be seen, but this for sure will open inroads for significant developments in the industry.
Budget fever: Investors richer by Rs 2.3 lakh cr!
Stock market on Tuesday cheered the Union Budget for the second consecutive day with a record- breaking rally, taking the total addition to investors' wealth to over Rs 2,33,500 crore (Rs 2,335 billion) in just two trading sessions.
'Pranab is India Inc's Sachin Tendulkar!'
India Inc on Tuesday described Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as industry's Sachin Tendulkar saying the veteran leader was steering the economy "with ease of a seasoned player" in difficult times.
Prices may rise further, warns Pranab
Grappling with a high rate of price rise, the government on Tuesday expressed concern that increasing prices of crude and other commodities in global markets could add to inflationary pressure in the country.
Mixed bag of colours for the textile industry
Textiles: Slaps mandatory excise duty on RMG and apparels with 40% abatement on MRP
Onions may not be a good investment in 2011, if .
Oops, no, onions don't look tempting enough to be part of our investment portfolio for this year! Nor drumsticks!
How the Budget affects various industries
The finance minister's Budget Speech has come as a surprising blessing as he has maintained the rates as they were last year.
Refineries: No reduction in custom duty
Despite deregulation of petrol prices and a hike in retail prices of other regulated fuels in June 2010, oil marketing companies continue to incur.
Why markets are on fire post-Budget
After a strong opening this morning, following a fairly satisfactory Budget on Monday, and positive response from industry, the bourses clocked in gains, with the Auto index leading the gains, mostly.
How Infy, ICICI, Birla rate the Budget
India Inc believes that the FM has done a terrific job, but consumers may not have got their due.
Budget has no good news for pharma sector
Excise duty on formulations has increased from 4 per cent to 5 per cent.
IMAGES: Foreign cars cheap, Indian cars costlier!
While coveted brands like BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota, are going in for aggressive pricing, country's successful value-for-money trio Tata, Maruti and Hyundai are going horribly wrong.
Budget has little for pharma industry
While the strategic focus of the budget on various matters is explicit, the process by which it will translate into a tangible outcome is still to be made unequivocal.
2G scam: CEOs of 10 telcos under scanner
The central government, which is also party to the case, informed a bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly that it is in favour of setting up a special court to try the accused in the 2G case and the law minister has written a letter to the Delhi high court chief justice asking him to constitute a court and identify a judge for this purpose.
Budget fails to satisfy everyone
Overall the Budget seems to be neutral and shows a similar trend as shown in the previous year Budget.
Budget fails to address some issues
Some of the initiatives are aimed specifically at the poorer sections of the society.
Oil drilling: Industry glossed over by the Budget
Amidst sweeping changes expected in the customs and excise duties, the entire industry was glossed over by the Union Budget 2011-12.
DON'T MISS! All about the new tax proposals
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's Budget had quite a few tax-related proposals, although initially they did not appear to be too significant. However, read on to find out what are the proposals related to Direct and Indirect taxes that he has made and how the two affect you!
Hotels: Service tax levy spoils the party
The levy will be 10%, with an abatement of 50%, effectively bringing down the service tax levy to 5% on the tariff.
Best and worst thing about the Budget
Budget has a direct connection with worry, not happiness, says Jaspal Bhatti, Actor-Satirist.
A mixed bag for the FMCG sector
FMCG: Cut in excise duty on baby, clinical diapers, adult diapers and sanitary napkins.
Explained: Why it is the right time to buy cars!
Car and two-wheeler manufacturers have heaved a sigh of relief after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee proposed to maintain the excise duty at present levels while inviting companies to step up investments in the sector.
Budget has been positive for the auto industry
Auto: Retained excise duty at 10% on all automobiles except large cars.
How the finance minister defended his Budget
The forward process is on, the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee tells NDTV 24x7.
Corporate America goes ga-ga over India Budget
Corporate America has showered kudos on Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for his latest Budget, describing it as a 'very forward-looking confident budget'.
It's a growth oriented Budget: Industry leaders
The Budget is commendable, as without making any major tax changes it has targeted a 4.6 per cent fiscal deficit for 2011-12 by focusing on achieving 9 per cent growth.
Budget 2011 and the dilemmas of a taxpayer
I strongly believe that if the government does indeed have the mindset and launches the machinery to severely punish white collar criminals, my life will be easier albeit in a convoluted manner.
In GRAPHICS: Budget numbers, simplified
Here are the Budget numbers crystallised into graphics.
EXCLUSIVE! 'UPA has abandoned the aam aadmi!'
In an exclusive column to Rediff.com, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat explains what is wrong with the Union Budget 2011-12 that Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented in Parliament on Monday.
Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
How the FM plans to curb rising prices
The finance minister has shown a pre-occupation with controlling prices.
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| March 0, 2011 | | Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
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| February 28, 2011 | | Mixed reaction to the Budget
While some have praised the Budget, others have expressed their displeasure.
Budget: Of Pranab's quips and Rahul's absence
Finance 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 means
What does the Budget attempts to do?
India Inc gives thumbs up to the Budget
Overall 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 threats
The 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 rupee
In 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 class
an 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 note
The 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 income
In 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 more
Excise 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 him
Opposition 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 umbrella
The 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 menace
Expressing "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: FM
A 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 more
The 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 tax
Bringing 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: FM
Finance 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 down
Revenues 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 store
In 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 sop
The 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 2011-12
Finance 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 Dubai
Futures contracts of the rupee against the dollar listed on the Dubai Gold
FM's mission: A people friendly Budget
Rising food prices are pinching everybody and he would like to do his bit to increase purchasing power.
Budget: Prescriptions and wishlists
Bold 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 audit
Artificial scarcity and lack of clarity on available bandwidth blamed for scam.
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| 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 Mamata
Countering 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 Survey
How 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 really
India's food inflation was the second lowest among all emerging economies in the 2010.
Indian American to guide US manufacturing policy
Secunderabad-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 her
Though 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 rates
Presenting 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 trains
The Indian Railways will launch 56 new trains, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
This is what Mamata's rail has in store for you
Stating 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 growth
The 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 tougher
The 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 Didi
For 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 party
While 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 do
The 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 out
Can Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee save the day for his coalition government?
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| February 24, 2011 | | Sensex sheds 546 points to close below 18K
Sensex and Nifty lost about 3.0 per cent to end the day at nearly 2-week lows.
Budget: What are the govt's priorities
Combating 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 want
Will the finance minister deliver?
Implementation of telecom policy may be faulty: PM
Citing 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 fares
The 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 retorts
In 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 market
Going 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 FM
The 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 did
Budget 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 cities
While 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 see
Futuristic cars are set to take the world by storm.
Mumbai 6th most expensive office location
Key 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. . .
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| February 23, 2011 | | Allow export of wheat, rice and sugar, says Pawar
Making 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 courses
Plastics 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-industry
UK'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 say
The 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 Budget
Stability and efficiently meeting equity should be the objectives of the forthcoming Budget.
Hurry! You can still claim more tax deductions
There is more to tax planning than just Section 80C and infrastructure bonds.
Apple likely to unveil new iPad on March 2
The next-generation iPad, which is unofficially termed the 'iPad 2', is expected to be 'thinner and lighter'.
Check out these 5 stunning sedans
Big names in the Indian car market are strengthening their sedan segment.
Budget: What to expect, what not to expect
Amid 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 sector
Several of the proposals may be part of New Telecom Policy.
What the IT industry wants from the Budget
Small 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 plans
Banerjee 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 govts
The 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 leader
Defining 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.
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| February 22, 2011 | | 2G: CBI unaware of threat to national security
The 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: FM
Finance 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 abroad
Reliance 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 incentive
Through 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 conditions
While 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 Budget
A 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 & infrastructure
Restore macro economic stability
Budget: A heavy burden on Pranab Mukherjee
Economic growth should be accompanied by social and political stability.
Why govt borrowings may remain high in FY12
In our view, the overall fiscal consolidation could impart a negative fiscal impulse after 3 years of positive impulse.
Meet the key people behind the Budget
A look at the key members who make the country's biggest fiscal package.
How Budget may affect income tax, industry sectors
The 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.
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| February 21, 2011 | | 2G scam: CBI questions Videocon's Dhoot
The 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 bn
In 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 info
The 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 economy
The 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 Session
Parliament 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 apps
The 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 patents
In 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 India
The 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 jargon
Budget 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 approval
This 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 production
Aria 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 orders
The 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 policies
Most 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: President
Combating 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 India
Keeping 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, silver
Industry 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 trust
The 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 means
The far-reaching Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement serves a number of national interests on both sides.
Budget: Everything you wanted to know about it
The 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 less
There 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 Maharashtra
It 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 income
Urbanisation 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 rate
Move a step towards goods and services tax.
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| February 18, 2011 | | Cisco launches virtual meeting solution
Cisco's pervasive strategy aims at making video available on any device of one's choice.
Scams, high prices, pro-rich policy could maim UPA
As 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 jail
DB 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 years
The 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 CEOs
Executive take-homes touched a new peak, fuelled by companies' hunt for star talent.
Likely rollback of stimulus package
Vivek 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 Thar
The Thar is based on the classic MM540/550 design which was derived from the CJ-5 series.
Budget: Why the nation needs it
With 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 demand
Up 37% in December quarter, nearly 70 per cent over the year, a fourth of entire global intake.
The secret behind Titan's success
The 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 quarters
Lenovo 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 scam
The 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 fund
A 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 club
Mercedes-Benz' C200 CGI is a phenomenal engineering work.
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| February 17, 2011 | | HCL says no to $35 laptop project
HCL 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 charge
The 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 firms
A 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 EU
From 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 boss
An 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:Pranab
Driven 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 visa
US 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 deal
The 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 Hybrid
The 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 smartphones
Business-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 high
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has been rated the second-best airport worldwide for airports in the 15-25-million passengers category.
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| February 16, 2011 | | Why Anil Ambani met CBI officials in Delhi
ADAG, 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 Bank
Spiralling 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 India
There were 106 additions to the super-rich list in 2010.
Why pre-payment penalty should go
Banks in India have to live by the quality of their service, not anti-competitive practices
Infosys plans 5-fold rise in BPO workers
To 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 place
Dreams 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 invest
Stick 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 nations
External 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.
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| February 15, 2011 | | Black money: Swiss relax rules to share info
In 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: Minister
The 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 deposits
Finance 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 CEO
Twitter 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 profits
Thanks to the turnaround in JLR's performance, the stock has been the best performer in the large cap auto segment.
Waste turns into lifestyle products
What 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 enjoy
Railway 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 strategy
Back 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, inflation
Corruption 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 recipe
The 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 India
Led 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 reality
What 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.
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| February 14, 2011 | | Tata slams RCom as dual tech fracas hots up
Tata 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 subsidy
The 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 slashed
RBI in talks with banks to fix charges at 0.5-1%.
I told PM loot is happening in his name: Shourie
Former 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 costly
Inflation 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 2025
Cities, 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 India
With 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': RCom
Reliance 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 space
The world's first private commercial flight to space is set to take off in 2012.
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| February 11, 2011 | | Exclusive! DoT had opposed ISRO-Devas deal
In 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 years
Riding 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."
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 biz
The 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 firm
The 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 sale
Facebook 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: FM
Industrial 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 action
The 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 panic
We'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 banks
Seeking 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: Tata
Tata 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 lexicon
The 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 story
That 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 marketing
Prime 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.
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| February 10, 2011 | | Set up special court on 2G scam, SC tells govt
The 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 crore
The 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 Realty
Shahid 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 Gandhi
Spurred 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 told
The 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 it
Food 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 crunch
Political 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 lakh
Tax 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 frustrated
The 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 Budget
Come 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 V6
The 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: Govt
The 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.
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| February 09, 2011 | | Indian growth engine to slow down, says HSBC
India'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 widens
Anil 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 wants
The 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 price
In 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 Balwa
The 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 know
The 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.
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| February 08, 2011 | | End ISRO deal, urged law officer; govt waited
Even 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 holders
Despite 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 2020
Having 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 gain
Taking 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 report
Trashing 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 structure
Customers can expect nimbler, more pro-active delivery, says the Wipro CEO.
This is what the Budget may do for you
As 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 February
It'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 decide
The 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 success
Rahul Bhatia set up IndiGo and the Ibis hotels in India.
New pill offers relief from fever, pain for 12 hrs
Ahmedabad-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 producers
Steel producers have already increased prices by 3-5 per cent, which will consequently hit the construction and automobile industries.
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| 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: Bhave
C 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: Left
Terming 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: PM
While 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 PPF
PPF 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 areas
While 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 jugaad
Jugaad 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 king
India 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 more
The 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 hog
Harley-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 taxes
There's an interesting change sweeping through some real estate markets around Delhi.
Debt trap! Why builders are in a state of panic
With 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, promotions
Clouds of uncertainty continue to hover over the salaries of Air India employees.
I am against forcible acquisition of land: Mamata
Countering 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.
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| February 04, 2011 | | Black money in Europe: Tehelka reveals 16 names
Tehelka 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 market
The 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 policy
Telecom 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 crore
Executive 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' secret
US 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 help
Singchana.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.
How entrepreneurs can make India a superpower
Prof Bala V Balachandran talks about his plans for Great Lakes, on entrepreneurship and many other issues.
PM on how to fight inflation, corruption
Admitting 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 India
In 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 operators
Customers will have to pay a maximum of Rs 19 to an operator to change their network.
Relax norms on dropping women home: BPOs
Facing 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: US
The 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 bank
he 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 Budget
India has had 28 finance ministers since independence.
India Inc on hiring drive at Tihar jail
The 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 tax
The 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.
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| February 03, 2011 | | Taxpayers can adjust loss with less liability
One 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 India
The 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 failed
Many 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 360
After 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 cash
Government 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 lakh
Maruti 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 jobs
Realising 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: FM
Attributing 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.
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| February 02, 2011 | | Budget: Anil Ambani, Birla keen to set up banks
India 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 startups
Group 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:Railways
Railway 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 Budget
This 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 III
The 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 corner
The 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: Pranab
Concerned 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 Bajaj
Industrialist 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 roof
Most 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 cr
Bharti 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 employers
Here 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 corruption
Top 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 limit
Tax 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 openings
India 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 rate
For the last few years, the assumption in much of the economic discourse has been that India is on an assured path of rapid growth.
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| February 01, 2011 | | Why Internet freedom is under threat
As 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 income
India scores a pitiable rank at 127 in terms of per capita income.
China's wealthy building 'great walls' for safety
The 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 team
Sushama 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 classrooms
Harnessing 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 official
In 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 years
Strategic 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 LC200
Toyota 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 lose
Idea, 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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| January 31, 2011 | | End to pesky calls, SMSes? Now wait till March 1
Mobile subscribers looking for respite from unsolicited marketing calls and SMSes will now have to wait for another month, as telecom regulator Trai has extended the date for implementation of guidelines to check the pesky calls to March 1.
Budget on Feb 28, but will Parliament function?
The Budget session of Parliament will begin on February 21 and the General Budget will be presented to Lok Sabha on February 28.
Court slams ICICI Bank, fines it Rs 2 lakh
ICICI Bank, India's largest private sector bank, has been fined Rs 2 lakh (Rs 200,000) for knocking at the judiciary's door on false pretext by a Delhi court which asked it to have a sense of responsibility matching its size.
Now pay for groceries, etc via Airtel mobile
Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Monday launched its 'Airtel Money' service, which will allow its subscribers to pay for groceries, bills and other dues through their mobile phones.
Rs 8,000-crore subsidy for oil companies okayed
The government on Monday approved Rs 8,000 crore (Rs 80 billion) in cash subsidy to state-owned fuel retailers to make up for half of the revenues they lost on selling diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene below cost in the third quarter.
Indians richer! Per capita income at Rs 46,492
Per capita income of Indians grew by 14.5 per cent to Rs 46,492 in 2009-10 from Rs 40,605 in the year-ago period, as per the revised data released by the government on Monday.
Posco gets a conditional green clearance
After putting the project on hold last year, Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Monday granted conditional clearance for South Korean major Posco's $12 billion steel mill project in Orissa.
Number portability: How you can gain
Operators play a wait-and-watch game, as users take well-informed decisions while moving between networks.
Why Pakistan is South Asia's sick man
As they struggle to pull the economy from the edge of a precipice, policy makers in Islamabad would do well to learn from India and Bangladesh.
Upbeat govt revises GDP growth to 8%
The government on Monday revised the GDP growth rate for the 2009-10 financial year upward to 8 per cent from the earlier estimate of 7.4 per cent.
Panel on 2G spectrum gives report, names officials
The one-man panel that went into the procedures for giving 2G licences between 2001 and 2009 on Monday submitted its report and is understood to have held some officials responsible for improper spectrum allotment.
Infosys halts loan schemes for employees
Infosys Technologies, India's second largest information technology services firm, has discontinued some of its loan schemes for employees.
Why did govt buy 111 planes for Air India: CAG
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is understood to have questioned the government's reasoning to order 111 planes for Air India for almost Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion) in 2006.
Poverty: 20 alarming facts you must know
More than 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations.
Egypt crisis takes toll on market; Sensex plunges!
The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark index -- Sensex -- plummeted by over 300 points in opening trade on Monday as panicky fund managers and retail investors gave into selling pressure for the fourth consecutive session, prompted by weak global cues amid concerns over the unrest in Egypt.
PF war! This will decide interest on your savings
Labour secretary dismisses finance secretary's doubts, says there is enough in the account to pay 9.5%.
Gujarat is growing fast, and for a good reason
Gujarat is growing fast. The rest of India has to trust, verify, but as Maulana Vastanvi pointed out, grow up as well.
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| January 28, 2011 | | India to beat US to become No.1 in ACs: LG
Korean consumer durables major LG on Friday said it will invest Rs 800 crore (Rs 8 billion) in 2011 to add capacity and for other purposes in India, which it expects will become its largest air-conditioner market in the world by next year ahead of the current leader US.
Mercedes may develop small car for India
On the back of a thriving domestic economy fuelled by an increasing appetite for consumption, global auto giant Mercedes-Benz is looking at developing a small car for the Indian market, a senior company executive said.
Investors lose Rs 11,000,000,000,000 since Diwali
The stock market on Friday plunged to its lowest level in nearly five months after three consecutive days of fall -- a period during which the benchmark Sensex plummetted by about 755 points, including a 288-point dip witnessed on Friday.
Corruption? Biggest culprit is the Indian state
India is now wrestling with how to deal a decisive blow against corruption. The answer is plain: Deal a decisive blow against state interference in the economy.
Do politicians want to bring black money back?
Innocent anchors in the media, especially electronic, are guilty of raising expectations of a gullible nation without realizing how these accounts operate.
Why India was Obama's first stop on Asia trip
United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke speaks to in an exclusive interview.
Nations with the world's largest oil reserves
Although the world has enough oil to last it for some more years, it is not an unlimited resource. So which nations have the largest oil reserves in the world? Check this out . . .
Corruption rising: 20 facts you must know
India continues to be among the world's most corrupt nations.
Why PetroMin remedy may not beat the oil mafia
The petroleum minister's three-pronged approach does little to address the real issues of fuel diversion and adulteration, say experts.
WalMart says it can help India fight inflation
WalMart International President and CEO Doug McMillon said in Davios that the Indian government's concerns over allowing foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail were misplaced.
H-1B visa reaches mandated cap of 65,000
In a statement, US Customs and Immigration Services announced that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year 2011.
Why iPad launch will shake up tablet market
The Apple iPad, the iconic touchscreen tablet PC, finally makes it to Indian stores on Friday, after it was first unveiled in the United States nearly nine months ago.
Why Railways is incurring losses under Mamata
If the current revenue figures are any yardstick to go by, Railways could just about miss their target for the present fiscal ahead of the Rail Budget.
World's most over-regulated nations; India tops
India has topped a list of the most 'over-regulated countries in the world' in a survey on Asian business and politics by Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd.
Tourism: One of India's most neglected sectors
Over the years, a type of caste system has also made its way into the way the political (and bureaucratic) leadership looks at different sectors of the Indian economy and then allocates its attention.
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| January 27, 2011 | | PetroMin rules out decontrolling diesel prices
With food inflation ruling at uncomfortable level, Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Thursday ruled out freeing of diesel prices from government control, saying the move was not politically and practically feasible.
2G scam is linked to Dawood, alleges Jayalalithaa
AIADMK chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister on Thursday demanded that the telecom ministry immediately cancel all the 2G licences, alleging that the spectrum money trail had close links with mafia don Dawood Ibrahim.
Taj staff on 26/11, a case study at Harvard
The heroic response by employees of Mumbai's landmark Taj Hotel during the 26/11 terror attacks is now a case study at Harvard Business School that focusses on the staff's selfless service for its customers and how they went beyond their call of duty to save lives.
New hypercar from Pagani at $1.5 million!
For those who love hypercars and like to stay updated about what's coming up, here is some news. Italian carmaker Pagani has come up with a replacement of its supercar Zonda.
Indian ITs eye global automobile market
In-car connectivity demands and technology for interaction open various possibilities.
Black money: What have you done so far, SC to govt
The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the government again over the issue of illicit wealth parked in foreign banks, asking it to file a report on the action taken by it against people and firms that have stashed black money in tax havens abroad.
Food is now costlier! Food inflation at 15.57%
Snapping the downward trend of two consecutive weeks, food inflation inched up marginally to 15.57 per cent for the period ended January 15, on account of escalating vegetable prices, particularly, onions.
We are fed up with the West lecturing us: Premji
He particularly expressed his disappointment with the US seeking more market for its goods in the developing economies, while putting restrictions on its import of services.
China to build world's biggest mega city
In six years, China is set to build world's biggest mega city developing nine cities around the Pearl River Delta.
Mobike race: Mahindra & Mahindra off course
Competition in the two-wheeler market is fiercer than ever before and Mahindra's only motorcycle, Stallio, is bearing the brunt of it.
6 ultra-futuristic buildings that define new Asia!
Some of the weirdest, ultra-futuristic urban space ideas are being tried out in Asia for the first time.
The whens and hows of Budget preparation
Preparations for Budget 2011-12 are in full swing. Intelligence Bureau sleuths in plain clothes are watching each and every movement of the team which prepares the Budget documents.
Enough is enough, says Premji on corruption
Noted industrialist Azim Premji, who was named for the coveted Padma Vibhushan this year, has said he is 'extremely disappointed' with the performance of the government at the Centre.
The decade's biggest cyber crime attacks
Cybercrime has flourished over the last decade, growing by double digits year after year, and costing consumers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.
Key workers prone to highest stress
The study of 2,737 workers by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada found that 18 per cent of them reported that their job was 'highly stressful'.
NREGS: 60% rise in funding possible
The forthcoming Budget is likely to make a provision of Rs 64,000 crore (Rs 640 billion) for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in 2011-12, against Rs 40,100 crore (Rs 401 billion) in the current fiscal.
All-new Manza and diesel SX4 set to arrive
While the market awaits the new sedan Maruti Kizashi, there is some more interesting information floating in from the Maruti and Tata stables regarding a diesel SX4 and a face-lifted Tata Manza.
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| January 25, 2011 | | 'India is doing nothing to get back black money!'
Distinguished lawyer Anil Divan who is arguing the case related to black money stashed overseas discusses the legal details of the case and is optimistic that the illicit wealth can be brought back to India.
'We now know how to avoid a Great Depression'
An interview with Liaquat Ahamed, the 57-year-old author of Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke The World.
Will Railways suffer a loss this time?
If the current revenue figures are any indication, Railways could just about miss their target for the present fiscal ahead of the coming Rail Budget.
India faces money laundering, terror-funding risk
India, which has witnessed numerous terror attacks and still remains a potential target for such strikes, faces significant money laundering and terrorist financing risk, the IMF has warned.
Black money: Can't reveal names, says Pranab
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday that there are no reliable estimates of black money generated by Indians within and outside the country, but it is estimated at being between Rs 500 billion and Rs 1,400 billion.
Why RBI raised rates; how this impacts you!
The Reserve Bank of India in its quarterly monetary policy review has hiked rates.
Ferrari FF: The 1st 4-wheel drive Ferrari unveiled
For all the Ferrari fans out there, here comes the new Ferrari FF two-plus-two coupe: the first production four-wheel drive Ferrari!
Volkswagen Vento vs Honda City! Which is better?
Which car is better? Honda City Automatic or Volkswagen Vento Automatic? Honda City has been the favourite of the lot so far, but will the build quality and ride and handling capabilities of the German car manufacturer overthrow the current champion? Let us find out.
Will mobile number portability help? Users speak
Mobile number portability is a dream come true for over 680 million cell phone users in India.
Why rail budget, ministry must be done away with
The time is opportune for doing away with the practice of a separate rail budget, and for replacing the railway ministry with an umbrella ministry of transport.
Swiss info on black money: India may have to wait
India may have to wait till at least next year for information from Switzerland on possible black money trail to Swiss banks, as a treaty for the same might come into force only by the end of 2011.
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| January 24, 2011 | | RBI may hike key rates as govt can't curb prices
Indicating another hike in key policy rates in its quarterly review on Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of India on Monday said that containing inflation would be the top priority as high rate of price rise could hurt the economic growth.
Mahindra picks up stake in East India Company
Mahindra Group has acquired a minority stake in the East India Company, the global luxury brand owned by Indian-origin entrepreneur Sanjiv Mehta who relaunched the company here in August 2010.
Why the new minister may not be good for Air India
But if the minister signals that he is on the side of the unions on key staff issues, he reduces the management's scope of action as well as the likelihood of better service.
Why people from N-E excel in the services sector
Ronald Laloo, 51, who is from Meghalaya but whose work history runs from accounting in Pune to piano teaching in Delhi, explains that "There's no man's job or woman's job in our culture."
How to unearth Indian black money in Switzerland
The government of India took note about the money kept by the Indian tax eva-ders in Swiss Banks, which is estimated at around $462 billion.
How light combat aircraft Tejas was made
India's first light combat aircraft is the effort of 40 laboratories, 25 academic institutions and 300 companies.
Wipro CEOs on why they quit
"Three-five years is the ideal time frame for a CEO to continue in the same position in a company," says Girish Paranjpe.
How to build your world on the world wide web
Creating a website on your own may sound complex, but it isn't. There are hundreds of free programmes that let you choose templates (like a blog) to get going.
Indigo to launch Rs 10-crore Agera supercar!
Swedish super sports car maker Koenigsegg Automotive AB has joined hands with Rahul Bhatia-promoted InterGlobe Enterprises to launch a range of high-end, high-performance models in India.
Dear Mr FM, 7 suggestions for infrastructure
The Budget, by itself, has a limited ability to finance the country's infrastructure needs. However, its ability to create an enabling environment for raising capital and project development is increasing.
Jobs are back! IT, auto, others to hire thousands
Jobs are back with a bang in India, proving it to be the most optimistic nation in terms of hiring plans.
Now UK company sells samosas to Indians
Farsan, an Indian food company based in the east Midlands town of Leicester, has opened a new factory in Gujarat to produce snacks such as samosas and bhajis.
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| January 21, 2011 | | Who will bell the big banking cats?
This is the third and last part of a series on exotic financial derivatives, how they wreaked havoc globally, and why global financial institutions seem to resemble rigged casinos.
Planning to buy a car? Pay more now
Cars have just got dearer with major automobile firms, including Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai and General Motors, increasing prices this month in order to offset rising input costs.
RIL Q3 net up 28.14% to Rs 5,136 cr
The Mukesh Ambani-led company had a net profit of Rs 4,008 crore (Rs 40.08 billion) in the same period last year.
Trillions of dollars hidden in these tax havens!
The total amount of money stashed away in tax havens has been estimated at a whopping $11.5 trillion.
Images: Stunning cars at the Mumbai Auto Show!
The Mumbai International Auto Show kick-started has with a bang.
How Ravi plans to restore Air India's lost glory
The state-run airline is reeling under major financial losses and a plan of action has already been put in place to revive its lost status.
GoM on corruption meets today to fast-track cases
The meeting of the GoM, according to sources, will be attended by several senior ministers, including Home Minister P Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and Telecommunication Minister Kapil Sibal.
How Infosys plans to keep employees from quitting
Move is also aimed at increasing billing rate and margins.
SC slams Sibal, asks him to behave responsibly
The Supreme Court on Friday severely criticised Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal for making statements undermining the Comptroller and Auditor General of India's report on the 2G spectrum scam and asked him to behave with some sense of responsibility.
Govt works on money stashed abroad
The department is identifying tax evasion cases from the information it has got from various countries under the normal exchange route.
The story of Satyam's stunning turnaround
Two years after the scam broke, Satyam is almost back on track. Here is the story of the impressive turnaround.
Of reshuffle and the Indian economy
PM's new Council can have a macro-economic impact.
Larry Page to replace Schmidt as Google CEO
Schmidt who has been the CEO for a decade will continue on as executive chairman.
Wipro IT chiefs quit; Q3 net up 10%
IT major Wipro on Friday reported 9.75 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 1,284.9 crore for the second quarter ended September 30.
Number portability: Telcos offer special plans!
The new policy would force the operators to shift focus from acquiring new subscribers to retaining the existing ones.
Apple neglecting workers' health: Chinese groups
Dozens of environmental groups in China have accused Apple Inc for neglecting safety standards, indulging in labour abuses and polluting the environment as a result of which about 200 workers fell sick.
Disclose names of Swiss bank account holders: CPI
With a Swiss bank staffer handing over details of 2,000 secret Swiss bank accounts to whistle-blowing site Wikileaks, CPI demanded that names of Indian account holders be disclosed and their funds confiscated.
Road test: Toyota Etios passes with flying colours
So, how impressive is the Toyota Etios? We find out as we drive one.
IMAGES: Driving the fantastic Audi A8L!
The Audi A8L's pricing is yet to be disclosed, but we believe it will be close to Rs 80 lakh.
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| January 20, 2011 | | Obama calls for healthy competition with China
US President Barack Obama has called for a spirit of constructive cooperation and healthy competition with China, as differences with Beijing on key global and bilateral issues remained even after his meeting with President Hu Jintao at the White House.
Amazing success story of an Indian chip designer!
The story of Dasaradha Gude, better known as 'GD', is almost like a fairytale. Read on . . .
No proposal to hike diesel prices: Minister
There is no proposal on the anvil for an increase in prices of diesel, Reddy told reporters after taking charge of the new ministry.
'We expect India's sustained growth to continue'
We expect the Indian equity market to continue attracting interest from local as well as foreign investors. This is because India's economy is expected to continue to record sustained economic growth.
Mahindra's big plans to transform the company
Rise, the new branding initiative, is in tune with the group's growing global footprint, but experts say the real work has just begun.
Images: Watch out for great car upgrades this year
The overwhelming response to Toyota's recently launched sedan Etios hints at the rising buyer interest in sedans. In the wake of that a lot of carmakers have either updated their models or are planning to do so.
Malegam panel caps MFI interest at 24%
The committee said that to qualify as an NBFC-MFI, an NBFC should provide financial services predominantly to low-income borrowers.
No quick fix solution to tackle black money: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said there is "no instant solution" to bring back blackmoney stashed in foreign banks and that information with government cannot be made public due to treaty obligations.
MNP effect: Service providers alter gameplans
With over 600 million mobile subscribers set to get a choice to change their operators while retaining their numbers from Thursday by availing mobile mumber portability, service providers are using every trick in the marketing trade to retain their customers and woo new ones.
Illicit money outflows: Top 10 nations
India is Asia's fourth largest exporter of illicit capital with an estimated outflow of a whopping $104 billion between 2000 and 2008.
India's fab 20! Hidden engines of global economy
As many as 20 Indian companies have been identified, in a list of 100 firms from emerging markets in a report of 'BCG Global Challengers 2011', as businesses that can challenge existing Fortune 500 firms over the next five years.
IMAGES: India's 50 most trusted brands!
The research report titled, 'The Brand Trust Report, India Study, 2011', ranks India's leading brands on the areas of capacity to trust; perception of positive intention; and relevant competence.
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| January 19, 2011 | | Industrialists must act as whistle blowers: Jairam
Jairam Ramesh denied that he was going after the big fish to get into limelight.
Swiss par panel nods new tax treaty with India
The amendments to the treaty will now be placed before the Swiss Parliament for final approval.
FAQ: What are Swiss bank accounts?
This article aims at shattering some myths surrounding Swiss bank accounts by answering some very basic questions.
India's 20 highest dividend paying companies
As companies make robust gains, they hand out a share of their profits to shareholders.
Black money abroad: SC calls it theft; blasts govt
The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure over the government's reluctance in coming forward with full information on the black money stashed by Indians in foreign banks, saying it as a theft of national wealth and amounted to 'plunder' of the nation.
Images: India's 6 most popular airlines!
India's domestic air traffic continued on its robust growth path this winter recording the highest number of passengers carried between October and December last year.
How Munjals fell prey to the Citibank fraud
"The modus operandi was simple: Divert the money to the stock markets. It seems it was a structured product, which most people don't understand, as it could be a pure equity or blended product."
Is UPA govt a flop? Here's what the aam aadmi says
Be it inflation, petrol price, corruption or scams, the UPA's progress report has been dismal.
Honda hatchbacks for India in 2011-12
The year 2011 too has a number of hatchbacks ready to be launched.
Climate 2020: India to be hardest hit
The Earth will be 2.4 degree Celsius warmer by 2020 if the world continues with the business-as-usual approach to climate change.
Salaried taxpayers may be spared filing returns
Salaried taxpayers with no other income could get a respite from filing tax returns.
TCS to hire 37,000 freshers next fiscal
IT major Tata Consultancy Services plans to hire 37,000 professionals for its domestic and overseas markets through campus placements in the next fiscal.
Digvijay blames price rise on state governments
Speaking to mediapersons in Lucknow, he said, "There is no mechanism with the central government to curb the rising price of vegetables including onion; that can be done by the state governments."
Taxpayers may get refund within a month!
Delay in receiving income tax refunds has been a major complaint of taxpayers and the department is hoping to address the issue on priority basis.
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| January 18, 2011 | | TCS to hire 37,000 freshers next fiscal
IT major Tata Consultancy Services plans to hire 37,000 professionals for its domestic and overseas markets through campus placements in the next fiscal.
Why currency derivatives are like rigged casinos!
This is the second part of a 3-part series on exotic financial derivatives, how they wreaked havoc globally, and why global financial institutions seem to resemble rigged casinos.
Rail Budget: Mamata not likely to hike fares
The Indian Railways has called a two-day meeting of all zonal railway managers in New Delhi this month to review ongoing projects and discuss measures to improve the financial position in wake of a stiff rise in running cost and fears of the PSU missing earning targets.
Steve Jobs on illness, and death!
Jobs is again unwell and has taken 'medical leave' to deal with the problem.
Wanted: More information on public projects
With public has access to such info, it would become much harder for entrepreneurs, bureaucrats and political leaders to break the rules for their own gain, says .
IMAGES: The world's 15 tallest buildings
A look at world's 10 tallest towers.
The secret behind BMW's success in India
Within two years of entering the Indian passenger car market in 2007, BMW toppled rival Mercedes-Benz to become the numero uno luxury car maker of the country.
Reveal Swiss bank account holders' names: BJP
Claiming that about Rs 21 lakh crore (Rs 21 trillion) had been deposited in Swiss banks, the BJP said instead of trying to suppress fact, the government should publicise the names particularly after WikiLeaks report on the matter.
Meet Indian pharma's generation next
At a time when the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) is also celebrating its 50th year of inception, many mid-cap pharma companies like Indoco are seeing the baton being passed down to the next generation.
Cyber war? Not possible, says a study
Heavy lobbying, lurid language and poor analysis are inhibiting government planning for cyber protection, according to the new report on Systemic Cyber Security published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Silver may outshine gold this year
The past year saw some spectacular rallies in silver with prices rising 80 per cent on perception of it being a store of value, continuing shrinkage of above-ground refined silver and demand staying ahead of supply.
An open letter to our leaders on corruption
A group of prominent personalities, including industrialists Azim Premji, Keshub Mahindra and Deepak Parekh, have expressed concern over a series of scams leading to 'governance deficit'.
How Europe is learning to live with offshoring
Europe learning to live with offshoring, but Indian firms slow in riding the shift.
A bumpy ride ahead for Bajaj's low-cost car
Bajaj Auto's ultra low-cost car project may have a bumpy ride ahead, with partner Renault India still to take a final call on branding and marketing the vehicle.
IMAGES: The stunning Audi R8 at Rs 1.33 crore!
BMW and Mercedes now have a worthy opponent in the A8 for their models in the 7 series and S class respectively. Let's take a look at the various aspects of the new Audi A8:
Inflation woes: Desperate RBI may hike rates
Bonds slide on fears of sharper-than-expected policy rate hike.
Sibal's zero-loss claim carries zero credibility!
Maintaining the zero-loss claim, therefore, involves justifying the failure to do proper price discovery, as through the spectrum auction in 2010 for 3G services.
How to curb corruption? Scrap Rs 500/1,000 notes!
The government needs to announce a cut-off date (say March 31, 2011) about 2-3 months in advance for scrapping the big bills. In this 2- to 3-month period, people can go to banks (authorised for this purpose) with their existing bills of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500, and exchange them for the bills of Rs 100 denomination.
Why India needs to be afraid, very afraid
Beneath the feel-good is an environment that breeds bubbles.
How UPA policies have hurt farmers, agriculture
The farmer continues to be burdened by debts, both from banks and other institutions, says .
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| January 17, 2011 | | Swiss banker gives info on super rich to WikiLeaks
A former Swiss banker on Monday handed over documents of 2,000 high net worth people from the United States, Britain and Asia to WikiLeaks that he claims would expose attempts by these business leaders and lawmakers to evade tax payments.
Cameras to suit your style and pocket
The SH-100 is equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen that shows camera functions in "app-style" icons. It's very easy to control multiple camera functions by dragging and clicking the icons on the touchscreen display.
The mysterious case of missing $500 billion!
Here is the first part of a 3-part series on exotic financial derivatives, how they wreaked havoc globally, and why global financial institutions seem to resemble rigged casions.
IMAGES: These cars will steal your heart!
Check out the stunning beauties at the North American International Auto show.
Does Mamata have a useful business plan?
The Trinamool would do well to adopt policies that encourage economic regeneration.
'Metro Man' Sreedharan blasts private contractors
Known for implementing projects with precision, Sreedharan is critical of private developers and warns against their raising claims on the government in future.
Pesky calls: Stricter norms, a boon in disguise?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's decision to enforce stricter norms on unsolicited calls and text messages may well be a boon in disguise, feel organised mobile marketing companies.
Taxman plans super sleuth to monitor cash trails!
Under a blueprint currently being vetted by the I-T department, the directorate will house a centralised repository of data culled from telephone and Internet intercepts, banking and market transactions, cross-border deals and even your friendly neighbourhood ATM.
Why the worst may not be over for Indian stocks
Further downside seen amid high commodity prices, tight liquidity.
2G scam loss: Montek too says CAG was wrong
In an interview with Karan Thapar on the CNN-IBN channel's Devil's Advocate programme, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia explains why he faults the controversial report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on 2G telecom spectrum allocation. Edited excerpts:
Managing finance: Indians beat Americans
Majority of Indian consumers have better skills in managing their household financial budget.
Petrol rates soar, but IOC wants bigger hike
Facing criticism for increasing the retail price of petrol, government-owned Indian Oil Corporation has said the desired increase was actually Rs 3.72 a litre but it chose to "soften the impact on customer" by increasing the price by only Rs 2.50 a litre.
Here come the upgraded Altis, Dzire and Civic
A few days into the New Year and news about more car updates is doing the rounds.
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| January 14, 2011 | | Anil Ambani, 2 firms barred from markets till 2012
Market regulator Sebi on Friday barred Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infra and RNRL from investing in secondary market till 2012, besides imposing a charge of Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million) for settling a probe into alleged unfair market dealings by the two firms.
Most popular banks: HDFC Bank tops; SBI 4th
Private sector lender HDFC Bank has emerged as the country's most popular bank for the year 2010 in terms of online visits, says a BankingOnly.com report.
Black money abroad: Govt has info, but won't share
The court's remarks came after the government contended that it has got the information from the German government pertaining to the bank accounts of Indian citizens in Liechtenstein Bank there.
Maruti Kizashi to hit the roads soon
These cars are priced between Rs 12 lakhs (Rs 1.2 million) and Rs 20 lakhs (Rs 2 million).
'There's an incredible excitement about Mumbai'
As London gears up to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, tells what Mumbai can take away from London's plans for renewal and expansion.
World's most inventive companies: IBM tops
Global IT giant IBM said it received 5,896 patents in the US in 2010, topping the list of world's most inventive companies for the 18th consecutive year.
What the world envies about China
China could become the world's largest economy (by nominal GDP) by 2020.
Inflation shoots up to 8.43%; RBI may hike rates
Inflation shot up to 8.43 per cent in December, from 7.48 per cent in the previous month, as prices of certain food and non-food items continued to show an upward trend.
Govt plan to curb price? Set up another committee!
Measures announced in the past such as an export ban on onions, pulses, edible oil and non-basmati rice will continue. Restriction on the export of more commodities would be imposed, if required.
India, China must raise wages: US
"When wages rise in China, India, Brazil and elsewhere it helps relieve downward pressure on American wages," Labour Secretary Hilda Solis said.
Starbucks comes to India, courtesy Tata Coffee
Agreement includes opening cafes, bean sourcing and roasting.
Gujarat attracts Rs 20.83 lakh cr investment
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the state has been able to attract investments to the tune of Rs 20.83 lakh crore during the two-day long Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
The 27 highest paid executives in India
The salaries of some of the best paid CEOs rival earnings of top movie stars.
Good news! Housing prices to fall in Mumbai
Residential property prices in Mumbai are likely to fall by 10 per cent this year.
British royal wedding: China to mint money!
Chinese manufacturers are cashing in on the British royal wedding craze as they churn out tens of thousands of replica royal engagement rings for the world.
UPA has miserably failed to check prices: CPI-M
Indicating a scam in the export and import of onions and some other essential items, CPI(M) on Thursday said the prices of these commodities were rising even when there was more than enough supply in the market.
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| January 13, 2011 | | Ambanis seek settlement on separate probes
In what could be a coincidence, the two Ambani groups have separately approached the Securities and Exchange Board of India for settlement of probes by the regulator in two separate cases of alleged violation of trading regulations.
What's in a name? Bajaj Auto's mega change
In just three months from now, 'Hamara Bajaj' could become 'Hamara Pulsar' or 'Hamara Discover'.
10 riskiest and least risky nations to invest in!
India ranks as the 22nd riskiest sovereign country, seen as most likely to default on debt and unable to honour its debt obligations.
Patel on how Air India will regain its lost glory
The civil aviation ministry recently held a series of meetings to review the restructuring exercise of Air India, besides related issues.
Images: A day in an Indian farmer's life
Despite toiling hard for long hours, they hardly get the right price for the produce nor do they get timely assistance from the government.
Premium housing: Growth may be slow
The real estate industry will witness new launches in the premium residential segment in 2011, on the back of demand revival and good prospects in the economy, albeit at a slower pace.
20 exciting cars coming your way in 2011!
If 2010 saw a flurry of new cars, 2011 will only see more. Here are some that should matter, or just be eye candy:
Infosys hires 5,311 in Q3
The company reported consolidated net profit at Rs 1,780 crore (Rs 17.8 billion) as against Rs 1,737 crore (Rs 17.37 billion) in previous quarter, a growth of 2.48 per cent (based on IFRS - International Financial Reporting Standards).
What Montek told the Indian diaspora
At the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, organised by the government ostensibly to celebrate the country's connection with the 27-million-strong Indian diaspora living in 150 countries, Mr Ahluwalia said last Sunday that India was reaching out to NRIs not for their money, but because it valued the long, socio-cultural footprint all Indians living in India and abroad shared.
Food inflation falls, vegetable prices still high
Snapping the five week rising trend, food inflation softened to 16.91 per cent for the week ended January 1, 2011.
Dealivores love online deals!
Satish Madhira, managing director of the Hyderabad-headquartered Dealivore.com, says that although online deals and coupon sales are nothing new outside India, his start-up is a new concept in India.
Five investment products to suit your needs
It is important to set your goals from your investment so that your investment can work accurately for you. For example, one must know the time and amount of money that he / she will need in the future.
How to choose a car loan that's best for you
Most of the banks and NBFCs lure consumers with interest rate discount of 0.25 to 1 per cent on car loans. The dealers also offer good cash discounts and freebies at this time. However, you need to sift through the offers and bag the deal that ideally suits you.
Do you overspend? Here's how to save!
Planning your budget has nothing to do with conforming to set patterns. It merely makes you aware of your financial situation and helps you create a contingency fund to tap into, when in need.
Selling the Nano: Tata Motors gets into high gear
Company officials hope that a slew of recent measures will help revive sagging volumes.
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| January 12, 2011 | | IndiGo to buy 180 A320s; largest planes order ever
In the single-largest aircraft deal in global aviation history, no-frills carrier IndiGo will acquire 180 A-320s worth an estimated $15.6 billion from European plane manufacturer Airbus.
GM to launch 6 new cars; invest $100 mn in Gujarat
The company, which plans to launch three light commercial vehicles from the stable of its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation during the same time period, also said it has lined up to introduce 14 new variants of its existing car models.
Price rise: Pawar's NCP, BJP hit back at Rahul
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday hit back at Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi for holding coalition politics responsible for price rise, saying it was an injustice to blame Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar alone for the issue.
Big guns pledge over Rs 160,000 crore for Gujarat!
Heaping praises on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for not only driving industrial growth but also boosting rural development, Ratan Tata on Wednesday said the Tata Group will partner the state in providing transportation into the hinterlands.
Punish elite, white-collar crooks heavily: Murthy
Software icon N R Narayana Murthy has bemoaned that the 'elite' are going unpunished though they commit 'huge crimes' in the country and saw it as 'problem with this society'.
'Respected my elder brother, Shri Mukesh Ambani'
Anil Ambani on Wednesday produced much mirth at an investment meet here when he greeted his elder brother Mukhesh Ambani.
Sibal's 2G scam defence: Is the PM his target?
Whether Sibal has effectively defended Raja or not as a counsel is unclear, but his target seems to be the prime minister, feels .
Anil Ambani pledges Rs 50,000 crore for Gujarat
Anil Ambani said on Wednesday his Reliance Group will invest Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion) in Gujarat in the next 5-7 years on various projects as the firm looks to tap opportunities in the state.
AI to hire 700 to meet its shortage of cabin crew
In one of its largest hiring programmes since the Indian Airlines-Air India merger, the airline is increasing cabin crew by 700 to tide over the current shortage. New hires will be a mix of trainees and experienced staff.
Market falling: What investors must do
If 2011 is going to be a bearish year, traders could seek alternative investment and trading options.
FM not in the mood to cut income tax rates
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is not in a mood to cut taxes but may continue with stimulus in the budget for 2011-12, feel industry representatives who met him for Pre-Budget interactions.
20 stunning cars at the Detroit Auto Show
The North American International Auto show in Detroit completes 23 years in 2011.
Sebi warns of Iran money in stock market
In order to safeguard Indian markets from money laundering and terror financing risks from Iran, watchdog Sebi has asked market players to be cautious in dealing with entities and funds from that country.
What are the rights of a loan defaulter?
Defaulting on a loan is an associated risk that comes from borrowing and sometimes circumstances beyond your control can cause you to be dragged into a spiral of debt. n
Images: Sleekest, most stylish gadgets for 2011
The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas showcased smartphones, tablets, 3D- and Internet-enabled TVs that are expected to make the biggest splash in 2011.
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| January 11, 2011 | | Indian investors can now trade in global indices
Indian stock market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, on Tuesday paved the way for Indian investors to trade in large indices of 24 global exchanges, including that of the United States, Europe and Asia.
Market crash: India's 10 most valuable firms now
The market capitalisation (m-cap) of nine of the country's top-10 firms diminished by Rs 67,964.18 crore during the week, with oil and gas major ONGC bearing the maximum brunt.
Here come the car, SUV, mobike of the year!
Honda's economy motorcycle Twister was chosen Bike of the Year.
Phaneesh Murthy: On Patni and what lies ahead
In a discussion with Business Standard, Murthy shares the roadmap ahead.
Must read! How to manage credit card debt
Unfortunately not everyone is aware of the pitfalls of owning a credit card.
Once again, consumers lead the way
Tracking of consumers has helped shape many moves of Shoppers Stop - from merchandising and increasing the ticket size of purchases to opening of new stores.
How India can change its 'job taker' tag in the US
India's top IT companies need to open new facilities in the United States to create more employment opportunities for locals and to change the perception that they were job-takers, a leading US business forum representative has said.
Why Sahara paid Rs 3,300 crore for a London hotel
visits Grosvenor House to see why Sahara paid pounds 470 million for this pre-World War II hotel.
Why food is costlier and TVs cost less
Twenty years ago, a branded 1.5-tonne window air-conditioner cost about Rs 30,000; today, you can get a split AC unit for that price. Why has that not happened with vegetables?
Why BMW is king of India's luxury car market
In an effort to bring a new set of consumers on board, luxury car maker BMW recently launched its least expensive name-plate - the BMW X1.
It's all about 3D in 2011
It appears that 2011 will be the year of 3D again for the consumer electronics industry. While 2010 CES "was certainly defined by 3D" (included 3D content, hardware and services), 2011 CES will again play home to the entire 3D ecosystem, according to Shawn Dubravac, CFA, chief economist and director of research, Consumer Electronics Association.
Soaring housing prices: Demand to slow down
Housing demand is likely to slow down due to higher prices and increased home loan rates in the current year, rating agency Fitch said on Monday.
Images: India's hottest selling passenger cars!
The Indian passenger car market is booming like never before. With almost every car major already present in the Indian car market with various models, India is one of the hottest automobile markets in the world.
Secret behind successful firms? It's innovation
Companies with a continuous product development pipeline have been able to deliver sustained profitability and growth.
Sensex fall: Rs 500,000 crore lost in 5 days!
Investors' stock market wealth has plunged by nearly Rs 500,000 crore (Rs 5 trillion) in five straight days of trading, as the market continued its downslide on Monday with a 468-point plunge in the benchmark Sensex.
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| January 10, 2011 | | Rs 1.76 lakh crore loss: CAG stands by its report!
Amidst the controversy over its figures of revenue loss on account of allocation of 2G spectrum, government auditor, the Comptroller and Auditor General, on Monday said it stood by the report submitted to Parliament late last year.
Investment options for 2011
Even as investors may get worried over periods of uncertainty, one can expect volatility to give ample opportunities to maximise profits in 2011.
iGate seals Patni deal for $1.22 billion
US-based iGate on Monday said it has acquired nearly 63 per cent stake in country's sixth largest IT firm Patni Computer Systems for $1. 22 billion.
WB chief minister sells car dream at Singur again
The West Bengal chief minister did not have anything new to offer to Singur and its people, except that the site would be used for an industrial project.
IMAGES: Cars that will set your pulses racing
Here are some fantastic cars that will make you drool...
Growing economy: What's India's missing link?
No great economy is generated without innovation and invention, and embedding them in the growth process. This is India's missing link.
Onion prices to rise, I-T raids continue
In a move that could further push up Onion prices, traders in Nashik and adjoining areas today went on two-day strike against tax raids and disrupted supply to contracting traders from other states who are being forced to sell the vegetable at 'below the cost price'.
2G scam: Who's correct CAG or Sibal?
There is nothing sinister or diabolic about Union minister Kapil Sibal's latest argument regarding the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India pertaining to the loss to the exchequer from 2G telecom licences in 2007.
2G licence cancellation: SC notice to govt, telcos
The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the central government on the plea seeking cancellation of 2G spectrum licenses allocated during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja.
Why the Sensex crashed again
The indices had recovered from its lowest in four-weeks after investors took to bargain hunting in select sectors in mid-morning trades but dropped following weakness in banking space.
How Gujarat's urban push is attracting big bucks
From residential townships to solid waste management, urban development in Gujarat is set to attract big money during Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit this year.
Citi fraud: Puri played big bull, finds probe
Both the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Reserve Bank of India were trying to find if Puri was also involved in front-running and used his information on positions taken by Citi for placing bets, said an official with one of the regulators.
Home loan rates to remain firm for now
The central bank last year had raised key policy rates which resulted in tightening of liquidity, a step aimed towards addressing inflation concerns.
Budget: Will the govt tinker with income tax?
Currently, income between Rs 1.6-5 lakh (Rs 160,000-500,000)attracts 10 per cent tax; Rs 5-8 lakh (Rs 500,000-800,000)20 per cent and beyond Rs 8 lakh 30 per cent.
Votes are in! These are India's best brands
Please take the poll at the end of the slide show to select the one which you feel is India's top brand.
18 technology marvels that floored us in 2010
In this slide show, we present 18 breathtaking technological marvels.
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| January 07, 2011 | | 2050: India to beat US as second largest economy
India has the potential to supersede China to the top spot, says a report published by PwC.
Audi e-tron Spyder and the hottest gizmos!
The Audi e-tron Spyder is the centre of attraction at the Consumer Electronic Show at Las Vegas.
2G scam: No loss to the country, says Sibal
"The figure of Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) arrived at by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India is utterly erroneous," Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said on Friday while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.
I-T dept swoops down on onion hoarders
Though the surveys were still going, the IT sleuths said they are investigating the records and books of accounts of these traders to ascertain the mismatch between physical stocks of goods and stocks maintained in account books.
Karnataka, Gujarat best for investment: US
Gujarat and Karnataka are the "role models" of a competent and transparent government and a progressive leadership that can attract investors in the coming years, according to a leading US business forum representative.
Sensex crashes by 550 points; inflation to blame
The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark 30-stocks index -- the Sensex -- tumbled by over 500 points on Friday on fears that the Reserve Bank of India will increase interest rates to curb surging inflation.
Oil imports from Iran stop as SBI refuses payment
Afraid of US sanctions, State Bank declines payment facilitation for oil imports from Iran.
Meet the man behind India's Genome Valley
This is the amazing story of Dr Krishna M Ella, a scientist who turned into a serial entrepreneur.
Air India advised no hike, promotions for 3 years
The airline has an annual wage bill of Rs 3,100 crore (Rs 31 billion) and the report has said as many as 2,600 employees will retire during the period of freeze.
Interception solution: BlackBerry wants 2 years
Blackberry has asked for 18-24 months to provide a complete solution for interception of its Enterprise Mail, but with a condition that its services would not be banned, a guarantee that the government declined to give.
The 6 outstanding winners of the Infosys Prize
The Infosys Science Foundation on Thursday awarded winners of Infosys Prize 2010 recognising their outstanding achievements in scientific research.
World's 15 most valuable companies
After beating Microsoft to become the world's most valuable technology stock last year, Apple is now the world's second most valuable company.
Millions of cars, but where are the roads?
When the world's cheapest car was launched to global fanfare at the 2008 Delhi Auto Expo, a Singaporean journalist asked Ratan Tata whether he had considered the traffic implications once the Nano hit the roads.
Global IT spending to grow 5.1 pc in 2011
According to the latest outlook by IT research and advisory firm Gartner Inc global IT spending is forecast to a total of USD 3.6 trillion in 2011, a 5.1 per cent increase from the previous calendar year.
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| January 06, 2011 | | Govt can't control food prices: FinMin adviser
As food inflation surged to 18.32 per cent, a top adviser in the finance ministry on Thursday agreed with Home Minister P Chidambaram that the government does not have all the tools to control food prices since it is an enabling body.
Meet the man who lost Rs 32 cr in Citibank fraud
"I believe it is important for an investor to not put all their eggs in one basket, and also diversify in terms of asset class," says Sanjeev Aggarwal.
India to keep booming, but inflation a worry: IMF
The multilateral lending agency, however, expressed concern over rising prices and underlined the need
Pakistan bans export of onions to India
Pakistan has imposed a complete ban on the export of onion to India via Wagah-Attari land route, a development which may hit Indian government's efforts in rein in skyrocketing prices of bulb in the country.
The hottest gadgets at the top electronics show
With 2,700 exhibitors, this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcases some of the world's hottest gadgets.
Prices just keep rising! Food inflation at 18.32%
The rise in food inflation has been mainly on account of 58.58 per cent rise in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market.
Citibank fraud: Who is to be blamed?
In a startling development in the multi-crore financial scam in Gurgaon, investigators have now trained their guns on more local Citibank executives, and have decided to ask them to appear for questioning.
Sensex may hit 24,000 this year
The stock market is looking forward to a record-breaking year ahead in 2011, with hopes that the Sensex may trade above the 24,000-mark, given the economy is roaring, foreign investors are pouring money and scamsters will be kept at bay.
'Further rise in petrol prices likely'
With the government expressing its reluctance in raising prices of diesel and domestic LPG, the oil marketing companies may be forced to go for another round of increase in petrol price.
Vote: Which is India's best brand?
Please take the poll at the end of the slide show to select the one which you feel is India's top brand.
Graphics: What China will look like in 2015
China's rapid economic growth will continue to support its people to accumulate wealth.
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| January 05, 2011 | | Read this! New rules for using ATMs
Next time you go to a bank ATM, be ready to re-enter your PIN afresh for every transaction you wish to conduct, such as money withdrawal, balance enquiry and checking account details.
Fraud: Cops not to question Citibank CEO Pandit
The Gurgaon police on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of questioning Citibank's global CEO Vikram Pandit and other top honchos in connection with the Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion) fraud at a bank branch in Gurgaon, near Delhi.
In 3 years, India to be 4th largest car market!
India will become the world's fourth largest passenger vehicle market in the next three years, but will require an investment of about $20 billion to build up to nine new plants to meet the demand by then, according to global consultant Booz&Co.
Alarming levels of lead found in all paint brands
Officially-backed survey finds unacceptable levels of lead in paint brands.
IMAGES: Sedans to watch out for in 2011
If the year 2010 was the year of the hatchbacks, it appears that the year 2011 is all set to be big on sedan launches.
What to expect from the Budget
Ashok Chawla outlined the key thrust areas of Budget 2011.
Gujarat not an investment hotspot, says Congress
Modi's claims of Gujarat as an attractive investment have now been questioned by the Congress party.
How you can calculate your tax, plan investments
Here's a ready reckoner on how to calculate your tax dues so that you can plan your investments accordingly.
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| January 04, 2011 | | It's poor farmers vs Gujarat government and Nirma!
The story of land allotment in Mahuva in Saurashtra, Gujarat, is sensational even in this season of scams because here the government allotted its land to a private party, Nirma, and the place allotted was actually a reservoir!
NREGA employed 4 crore people in 2010
Nearing the four crore (40 million) mark in providing jobs under MGNREGA, re-launching the Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas scheme and reinforcing social audit in programmes on complaints of irregularities were the foremost tasks of the rural development ministry in 2010.
Now cars, consumer durables to cost more
With a 4-5 per cent rise in steel prices on January 1, cars and consumer durables are set to get dearer.
The riches that Shirdi Sai temple owns
The famous pilgrimage centre of Saibaba temple in Shirdi, one of the richest temples in Maharashtra, has ornaments and jewellery worth over Rs 32 crore (Rs 320 million) and investments running into Rs 427,17,02,929 (Rs 420.17 crore), according to official documents.
Singur wants Tata Nano plant back, offers help
The local people of Singur in West Bengal have assured Indian automobile major Tata Motors of full cooperation for setting up a plant, prompting the industrial giant to consider meeting the representatives in this regard.
India's fiscal worries: No change in 20 years
The finance minister today grapples with the same fiscal worries of two decades ago
Here's how you can avoid a double tax trap
The result is often sub-optimal, neither benefiting the taxpayer nor the chartered accountant preparing the tax returns - in fact, due to the sheer paucity of time, often one may end up underpaying or actually paying more tax than what was actually due.
Cars, bikes that you can look forward to in 2011
A glipse of what carmakers have in store for you.
How Wikileaks will change the online world
The total amount of data on the world's computers is thought to have crossed 1 zettabyte - a trillion gigabytes.
Here are some great tax-saving schemes!
Section 80c has plenty products for those wanting to invest and save taxes. A quick look.
Ramesh reveals how India pleaded at Cancun
Union Environment Minister wrote a letter to Members of Parliament on the Cancun climate conference outcome, explaining how the Indian delegation pleaded with the international body and why it was not a 'sell out' as was alleged by the opposition political parties to describe his stance.
Noise pollution! How it can harm the economy
India needs campaign against noise pollution with rising audible assertion of upwardly mobile, says .
Resolution for 2011: Get rich
This is not about the merits of financial prudence and abstinence. Rather, this is about just simple tips, whereby you can end 2011 a bit richer than what you were at the end of 2010.
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| January 03, 2011 | | The inspiring story of India's 'start-up guy'
Vijay Anand, vice president (new ventures), Rural Technology and Business Incubator, at IIT-Madras, is the man behind incubating new ideas for rural India.
Prime Minister: Rishyashringa or Dhritarashtra?
The prime minister's silence is not a virtue when his integrity is being questioned, says .
India to soon have navratna universities
In his keynote address at the 98th Indian Science Congress at SRM University near Chennai, Sibal said that this would be achieved by measures including generous financial support and access to external funding.
Good news! India rejects Abbot's HIV drug patent
India has rejected a drug patent application of a United States multinational pharma company, paving the way for easy access to an important life-saving medication for HIV patients across the globe.
A low-profile successor to Ratan Tata?
He has the reputation of being a stable performer, more comfortable with details than the big vision. looks at what could work for Noel Tata in the race to succeed his half-brother, Ratan Tata.
Citi case: Hero staff sent to 5-day police custody
The fraud is said to be the handiwork of Shivraj Puri.
How to start a business for less than Rs 50,000!
Two Delhi-based young women show how entrepreneurship can be unleashed even with as less as Rs 50,000.
Buying a car? Pay more this year
Due to rising input costs, Tata Motors on Saturday raised prices of its passenger and commercial vehicles by Rs 3,000-30,000 with immediate effect.
Jet rolls back salary cut, perks to be restored
Jet Airways, India's biggest airline in terms of the number of passengers carried, has decided to roll back the salary cut of its over 10,000 employees completely from this month.
Nano: It has been a topsy-turvy ride
Nano's sales have been sliding. How does Tata Motors plan to bring the excitement back?
Markets: Expect 10-12% returns in 2011
Focus will shift to midcaps/smallcaps and firms with lower leverage, believe analysts.
Infotech in 2020: The $300 billion question
A National Association of Software and Services Companies study done by McKinsey suggests that the industry has quadrupled its gross domestic product contribution to four per cent, contributed to 45 per cent of all incremental urban employment created in the last 10 years, employed over two million people and gave impetus to new entrepreneurs, and increased the number of tertiary education institutions in the country.
IMAGES: The closest rivals of Toyota Etios
With the sedan, Toyota has evoked concern in a number of existing players.
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| December 31, 2010 | | How Citibank fraudster duped rich investors
Shiv Raj Puri, the alleged mastermind behind the multi-crore Citibank fraud, displayed his credibility to his potential customers, but never pushed them.
A look at the world's most talked about nations
Rediff.com has captured the glimpse of this story and how some of the leading nations in the world, including India have bagged their place as the most preferred destinations in the year 2010.
How high prices spoilt common man's party in 2010
The inflation devil returned to haunt the government struggling to steer the country towards a high growth trajectory, but most of all higher prices of edibles ranging from egg to milk and fruits to onions in 2010 ruined even the most unrefined palate.
Scams notwithstanding, India heads for 9% growth
The year saw reform legislations stuck in the logjam between the government and the Opposition over constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the Rs 1.76- lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) 2G scam.
How courts protected consumers in 2010
With unrelenting consumerism throwing up varied schemes aimed at fleecing citizens, 2010 saw consumer courts enhancing their proactive role to protect people, often by even enlarging the ambit of consumer protection law.
The 20 most popular business slideshows
A glimpse of what happened in the world of business in 2010.
Chinese doubt superpower status for China
Majority of Chinese doubt China's status as a superpower, according to an annual survey which also showed declining trend even among those who believed their country to be the most promising among BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations.
2010 offered a mixed bag for tourism sector
With a double-digit growth in the foreign tourist arrivals, 2010 was otherwise a good year for the ministry.
Radia tapes: What must the House of Tatas do now?
In corporate or military warfare, the rules of the game are the same. An opponent could attack the General first in the hope that if he falls then the army gets demoralised.
Rs 3,300 cr gives Sahara keys to Grosvenor House
The deal, struck by group firm Aamby Valley for 470 million pounds (about Rs 3,300 crore), makes it one of the largest acquisitions in the hospitality space by an Indian company.
Realty back to pre-crisis peak in 2010
The property party would have been perfect had it not been for the service tax slapped on under-construction buildings and as expected, the burden was passed on to the buyer.
Gadgets get sleeker avatar in 2010
Slim is in, not only in the fashion world, but also in the tech world, with gadgets ranging from smartphones to personal computers adopting a sleeker avatar in 2010.
Digital revolution: India comes of age
India's digital world has witnessed tremendous growth in the past decade.
'India is net job creator for US companies'
The US has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian investment. In fact, India now ranks second, behind the UAE, in the list of fastest-growing foreign investors in the US, he argued in his article.
Will the political troubles impact the Budget?
As 2010 comes to an end, the mood in North Block is not that sanguine.
New Mercedes C Class to hit Indian roads in 2011
The battle in the high-end luxury segment is all set to get more intense.
How technology will beat poverty in a decade
The year 2010 has been good for India in terms of technology and 2011 holds the promise of taking the country one step forward in harnessing technology to make a dent in some of the problems that continue to challenge it.
IMAGES: A year in business, 2010!
Here are some pictures that defined the world of business in 2010.
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| December 30, 2010 | | Best advertising campaigns of the year
Here are some broad trends and communication themes that emerged this year.
What led to the onion shortage?
Diseases caused by unseasonal rains have ruined almost 70 per cent of the kharif onion crop in Maharashtra this year, which is responsible for the nationwide shortage of the commodity, a senior ICAR official said on Thursday.
2/3 of the cos listed trading in red: BSE survey
An analysis of the BSE-listed companies shows that as many as 44 out of the 69 stocks are trading below their issue prices fixed after their initial public offers.
India's global trade set to cross $500 billion
The value of India's inbound and outbound trade in goods is set to touch $550 billion in the 2010-11 fiscal, with imports expected to touch $350 billion, as against $288 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal.
Food now costs even more! Inflation at 14.44%
Food inflation surged to a 10-week high of 14.44 per cent for the week ended December 18 as prices of vegetables, particularly onions, fruits, cereals and protein-based products, continued to escalate.
IMAGES: Maruti Kizashi to hit Indian roads in 2011
there will be several new launches in the year 2011 from the Maruti stable.
Long-term measures for depositors, borrowers
While rising inflation eroded the real returns for retail depositors this year, there were a number of positive moves that will help you in the long run.
Europe's snowfall sends tourists Down Under
Countries like Australia and New Zealand are literally making hay while the sun shines, with a 40-45 per cent rise in bookings from India.
Silver outshines gold, Sensex in 2010
Prices registering a whopping 65 per cent growth in domestic markets and a 75 per cent jump in the US.
10 lessons from the stock market
Whether it was scams or the threat of recession, the market survived everything with aplomb.
Beware! The 9 top cyber threats for 2011
Google's Android, Apple's iPhone, foursquare, Google TV and the Mac OS X platform are all expected to become major targets for cybercriminals.
India's biggest scams; worth Rs 80 lakh crore!
Here is a check-list of some of the major corruption scandals and corporate frauds that hit the headlines and the estimated amounts alleged to have been involved
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| December 29, 2010 | | 2010: Of Supreme Court, and Tata, Ambani, Radia
Legal battles involving corporate czars like the Ambanis and Tatas figured prominently in the Supreme Court in 2010, but it was the Niira Radia controversy that threw the light on the corporate prowess in certain quarters of the government, already under fire over a telecom scam.
2010: Phone tap exposes telecom scam
All hell broke loose after the publication of the tapes, recorded by the Revenue Intelligence department between 2008-09, and the Opposition brought Parliament to a grinding halt demanding a certain probe.
Banning pesky calls: What the aam aadmi says
Telecom subscribers who were waiting to the results of the telecom regulator's crackdown on telemarketing companies from making unsolicited calls/SMSes will have to wait longer.
Sneak peek: Porsche Cajun, the Rs 25 lakh SUV
Manufacturers across the world are laying emphasis on developing models that appeal to the younger generation.
Politics v/s biz: The growing difference
From environmental clearance to regulatory approval, from land acquisition for greenfield projects to displacement of tribals, it's been a season of scams, deep mistrust and hostility among companies, bureaucrats, regulators and politicians.
2010 kept banks busy with interest, deposit rates
While the loans seekers may have to pay higher equated monthly instalments the depositors can hope for better returns on their savings in the coming year.
Votes are in! These are India's best banks
Indian banks have successfully weathered the mayhem that shook the financial world in 2008.
Want to be an entrepreneur? Don't miss this!
At the Gurukul session, Vijay spoke about 'managing your psycho-dynamics' (a phrase Vijay claims ownership to), various ways of managing it, and why managing it plays a crucial role in an enterprise's success.
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| December 28, 2010 | | BSE launches Islamic index; what is it?
The Bombay Stock Exchange, in collaboration with the Taqwaa Advisory and Shariah Investment Solutions -- Tasis -- has launched an Islamic index in a bid to woo more investors from India and overseas.
Hyundai may set up new plant in Gujarat
The company officials that visited Dholera will submit their recommendations to the company board for a final investment decision in this regard.
Jaya Desai, leader of 'strikers in saris', dies
Desai led a walkout of the Grunwick Film Processing Laboratories in the summer of 1976 in an attempt to convince managers to recognise a unionised workforce.
The top 10 mobile marketing trends for 2011
As 2010 comes to a close, MMA provides a guide to new and existing technologies that will dominate the market in the coming year.
Images: The conviction of an oil billionaire
The United States has slammed Russia over conviction of jailed tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his associate, saying "selective application" of the law to them will have a "negative impact" on Moscow's reputation.
Investing in stocks? 4 GOLDEN tips
Avoid these mistakes, and your money will be safe.
Sanjay Sachdev: Tata's new asset
Peers describe Sanjay Sachdev, new chief executive officer of Tata Asset Management Company, as a man who can form alliances with ease.
Can Bangladesh sand save Maldives from sinking?
The island nation faces a real threat of being inundated if the sea level rises by even one metre.
Stock exchanges: Why Jalan report is being bashed
The ban on listing and other roadblocks on ownership have tainted the Jalan Committee report.
The stunning Volvo XC60 at Rs 39.5 lakh
All Volvos carry a 2 year / 60,000kms free service.
Many good reasons why diesel price must be hiked
The empowered group of ministers on fuel pricing is to meet this week to take a view on the price of diesel.
Highs and lows mark 2010 India
If the economy revived with steady growth, inflation remained a concern and reforms were sluggish.
How momentum helps you trade profitably
Momentum indicators are the building blocks of a trading system as they help us firm up trading strategies and entry and exit points from a trade.
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| December 27, 2010 | | Air India likely to get Rs 2,000 crore
The Civil Aviation Ministry has recommended an equity infusion of Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) in Air India in the next financial year after the beleaguered national carrier gets Rs 1,200 crore soon.
Indian IT-BPO sector: What to expect in 2011
The level of the opportunity in hand can be gauged from the fact that India (domestic + exports) accounted for approximately 5 per cent of worldwide technology products and services related spend of $1.5 trillion in 2009.
Jobs are here! But fix a speed limit on hiring
India Inc has big recruitment plans in the New Year, but there are already signs of irrational exuberance
The inspiring, rags-to-riches story of a farmer
Dnyaneshwar Nivrutti Bodke is a farmer who hates subsidies and loan waivers. He also helps other farmers turn into businessmen and earn good income from their own farms.
Sombre market outlook for early part of 2011
Inflation, rate pressure and scams dampen mood, though demand remains strong.
Smartphones: The hottest gizmo in 2010
The field of technology in the year 2010 was quite exciting and eventful especially in the segment of mobile phones, which returned as status symbols in India in its latest avatar - the smartphones.
Images: The world's most hazardous jobs
This is by no means an exhaustive list of hazardous jobs, but it merely scrapes the surface of such risky jobs. Many other jobs -- like children engaged in dangerous jobs, soldiers and policemen who face injury to life and limb everyday -- have not been featured here.
IMAGES: The closest rivals of BMW X1
The Indian version of X1 is slightly different.
How old consumer brands are making it big
Iconic consumer brands are much in demand today.
Looking for an ideal portfolio? Read this
Stick to asset allocation, use tax-efficient instruments and invest in line with risk profile.
Pesky calls, SMSes will continue to disturb you
Operators to miss January 1 deadline, express inability to upgrade system before 4-6 months.
IMAGES: All about the Rs 38.70 lakh Audi Q5
As long as you don't take it for a serious off-roader, you're in great and safe hands with Audi's Q5.
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| December 24, 2010 | | Images: World's riskiest nations to do business in
The Global Risks Index by Maplecroft in 2010 measured a combination of strategic risks that are having an increasing impact on the global operations, supply chains and distribution networks of corporations.
Here's how retail store trials rooms are changing
Once they were just a hole in the background shabby, small and unimpressive. It was more like some leftover space was converted into trial rooms. But, as the Indian retail industry is undergoing a huge change, so are the trial rooms.
The rise and rise of mobile gaming in India
In October, Indian mobile users downloaded around three million games from the site. This growth has been largely due to strong localisation of games in this market.
Goldman may buy Bengaluru-Mysore expressway pie
May take 10-15% in Phase II of Bengaluru-Mysore road for Rs 500 crore.
Who'll rule? China, India or the West?
A great, new book suggests that history favours China's future over India's.
SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010!
So, let's take a look at the 10 most popular SUVs and MUVs in the country, according to data assembled by Cardekho.com throughout the year.
Rs 2,000,000,000,000! That's what India mopped up
The capital raised by Indian companies in the 2010 calendar year was over one-third more than the Rs 1,50,000-crore (Rs 1,500-billion) mop-up in the previous year and was a beacon of hope in a global economy that has been witnessing turbulence on account of the poor health of Western economies.
Airbus @ 40: A success story
As the European airplane manufacturer Airbus completes 40 years, few will doubt that it will continue to have its regular share of controversy.
IMAGES: 9 most popular sedans of 2010
Some newer names caught the buyers' fancy while some older ones held their ground firmly.
Why banks are against corporates in banking
"Banks were not in favour of the proposal due to the unsavoury past experience in India and abroad and that large capital buffer that would be available to the banks sponsored by industrial/business houses would create an uneven playing field with the existing banks," the Reserve Bank said in a statement.
Now, no big home loans over 80% of property value!
Concerned over excessive flow of banking funds to the real estate sector, the Reserve Bank of India on Thursday said lenders will provide loans only up to 80 per cent of the cost of property.
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| December 23, 2010 | | Zachariah freed of insider trading charges
Thiruvananthapuram-born Dr Zachariah P Zachariah, a prominent cardiologist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been exonerated of all charges in a long-standing US Securities and Exchange Commission insider trading case.
Why Indian entrepreneurs are stressed-out
The stress levels of Indian entrepreneurs have risen markedly in the last two years, but are still less than their global peers, a recent survey has revealed.
Onion saga: Of X'mas gift, imports and promises
A trader in Jharkand is offering free onions on purchase of tyres while a noted humourist in Punjab plans to give this essential kitchen ingredient as gifts to housewives during Christmas as a way to flag people's mounting concern on skyrocketing onion prices.
Tata Nano shines! Wins global design award
The award is conferred annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The onion sting: Here's what the common man says
We asked around people from every walk of life and culled their reactions on the present price rise.
Insatiable! India sealed $55-bn M&A deals in 2010
As the year 2010 comes to a close, a look back at India Inc's deal activity shows a splendid year, with the total deal value surpassing the previous record set in 2007 and big-ticket deals making a comeback as corporate India regained its deal-making appetite with nine billion-dollar-plus deals -- the highest-ever in a single year.
Bribery, corruption hit Indian manufacturing
Over 25 per cent of Indian manufacturing sector respondents have been victims of economic crime.
Crisis? Inform 3,000 people in just a minute!
ERCC is an inexpensive emergency alert system that can be installed in offices.
Mahindra launches 4X4 off-roader the Thar
The Thar CRDe 4x4 BS IV variant priced at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Thar DI BS III variant priced at Rs 4.47 lakh (ex-showroom Jaipur).
IMAGES: The world's 20 busiest airports
The world's busiest airports are ranked here by the number of total passengers, data for which is provided by the Airports Council International.
NREGA can't curb distress migration in Rajasthan
The government's flagship programme NREGA has created a source of additional income for families living below the poverty line in tribal areas of Rajasthan, but has failed to check distress migrations minimum 100 days of employment assured under the Act is not provided to all workers.
Commexes 2010 turnover will be at Rs 105trillion
It has been a year to remember for commodity exchanges in the country, with their cumulative turnover set to cross the Rs 100 trillion-mark in 2010 and the government also introducing a Bill in the Lok Sabha that aims to expand the futures market.
2010: A year of rebirth for India's IT
According to industry body National Association of Software and Service Companies, the Indian IT-BPO industry is well-poised to reach the $70-billion mark by the end of the current fiscal.
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| December 22, 2010 | | Onion prices could remain high till next Diwali
If you think that the government's steps to import onions and ban their export will lead to any significant drop in onion prices, then you might be mistaken.
Should diesel prices be hiked?
The increase in prices will impact prices of food and other essential commodities, but it is important if the oil marketing companies are to progress so that the country can meet its ever-growing energy needs
We aren't building roads for the future. . .: Nath
India and Malaysia have decided to work on a "price discovery mechanism," a new concept where both sides will arrive at an agreeable cost while undertaking road building projects, Roads and Highways minister Kamal Nath said.
Onions: Take hoarders to task, govt tells states
In a bid to cool the skyrocketing retail prices, government has abolished import duties on onion and banned its exports for an indefinite period even as wholesale prices started showing signs of decline.
How Kolkata Metro has suffered due to Railways
The country's first underground mass transit system has suffered by being part of Indian Railways.
10 most searched Indian cars of 2010
Apart from brochures and advice from friends, the Internet has become a fine source of information on cars.
India's most preferred investment destinations
India is set to become a potential goldmine on the back of investment announcements in the 20 major states that surged during April-September (H1) 2010 to Rs 10,097,472 crore.
Budget 2011: This time by two finance secretaries?
The government is not keen to give extension to Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla, a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, on his superannuation on January 31.
VOTE: The 20 best banks in India
Indian banks have successfully weathered the mayhem that shook the financial world in 2008.
Tata tests markets for Nano export
The rising prospect of the Nano doing well in international markets has prompted India's largest vehicle maker to hold customer clinics in several countries.
The world's fastest growing economies
Asia and Africa account for the world's fastest growing economies, says Economy Watch.
Working for rural India from IIT research park
Uniphore Software Systems is one of the companies incubated by Rural Technology and Business Incubator (RTBI) of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras.
India's 5 employers with the best image
More than half of fresh MBAs graduating from India's leading management schools in 2011 would like to work in the FMCG sector as it offers attractive growth prospects, according to a latest study by the Nielsen Company.
India still world's No. 1 BPO destination!
India is still the world's favourite destination for offshore outsourcing, but attractive cost structures in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia and the rapid growth of the business in China are posing tough competition, according to a new study by Gartner Inc.
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| December 21, 2010 | | Thousands stranded, but flights to Heathrow resume
Thousands of frustrated travellers remained stranded at airports across Europe on Tuesday, even as authorities warned that disruption could last until after Christmas, following the heaviest snowfalls in decades.
2010: Hospitality sector bids adieu to hard times
An over 10 per cent increase in tourist arrivals and rising hotel occupancies consigned the memories of the economic downturn and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to the far corner of the industry's mind.
Why onion prices will remain high
The government on Tuesday said prices of onions are likely to remain high for the next three weeks, but the situation is likely to improve thereafter in the wake of its move to ban exports of the commodity.
Soaring airfares? Airlines see record traffic
Despite rising airfares, the domestic aviation sector saw an impressive rise in passenger traffic.
12th Plan: Panel to set ambitious growth targets
Clouded by the global economic meltdown that began in 2008, the current Plan (2007-12) needed a lot of scaling down of the targets and the mid-term review was quite straight about it.
Can only GM crops ensure India's food security?
explains why a mobilisation like the Kisan Swaraj Yatra is significant and why it is opposed to GM crop.
IT: Will purse strings be loosened in 2011?
However, the biggest question for the Indian information technology sector is whether purse strings will be loosened for discretionary spending in 2011 or not.
Here are some options in tax-saving investments
PPF fits all portfolios, except those earning basic pay of over Rs 8.3 lakh yearly.
E-shopping sites: Get the best of online bargains
The festival season is here and it's a good time for bargain hunting on shopping websites. Whether you want to pamper yourself or buy gifts, these websites are a great place to avail good discounts on a range of products.
IMAGES: The 11 hatchbacks launched in 2010
It was not only a treat for car manufacturers as their sales figures rose, but also for the car buyers who were spoilt for choice.
A comeback year for India's retail sector
The debate over whether to relax FDI norms in the Indian retail sector gained momentum in 2010.
New editions of VW Jetta, Passat in India in 2011
"We will launch the new Jetta and new Passat in the Indian market in 2011," Volkswagen Group's Head of Marketing and PR (Passenger Cars) Lutz Kothe said.
Why indian aviation is missing the Asian boom
India, the second fastest-growing economy in the world, does not figure in the brighter side of the aviation picture, because Indian civil aviation industry has been hugely loss-making (a $1.75 billion loss in 2009-10) and showing no signs of consolidation.
India's FDI inflows dip in 2010
India received less foreign direct investment in 2010 than the previous year, courtesy a modest recovery in the global economy which reduced the risk and expansion appetite of corporates across the world.
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| December 17, 2010 | | Tatas dub Chandrasekhar's attack a 'cheap gimmick'
Dubbing the debate triggered by Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar with Ratan Tata on 2G spectrum as 'futile', a Tata Group firm on Friday said his attack on a former telecom regulator was a 'cheap gimmick'.
This is what threatens the Indian economy
Amid projections of up to over 9 per cent growth in Indian economy this fiscal, ratings firm Moody's has cautioned against overheating that can result in probable asset bubbles.
Get a health cover and have a relaxed holiday
A travel policy is not enough as most domestic ones do not provide health cover. On the other hand, only overseas travel plans cover hospitalisation, apart from travel-related risks.
Real estate prices soar before planes
With the environment ministry nod to Navi Mumbai airport, money is flying into projects in its precincts.
Mobile advtg to go beyond SMSes and flash messages
A recent study revealed that over 72 per cent of Indian consumers were at ease with mobile advertising and over 50 per cent were ready for personalised advertisements.
Jobs bonanza: 20% jump in hiring, fatter pay
Led by fast-growing sectors such as telecom, consumer durables and real estate, HR experts feel that hiring is most likely to jump.
Win Rs 25,000! Just solve this case
All you have to do is read the case, see the question you have to answer on the last slide, click on The Smart Manager logo below, and post your solutions by January 10, 2011.
Jobs in a jiffy: A startup for startups
Khinvasara decided that he wanted to educate people about the benefits of working in startups and in the process build a business.
Patent war: Nokia files 13 suits against Apple
Accusing Apple for using its technology in devices like iPod, iPhone and iPod Touch, the world's No.1 cellphone company, Nokia has filed 13 patent infringement suits in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
PIX: Move over MNCs, Made in India phones are here
Most India brands have started offering 3G-enabled phones with a starting price of about Rs 4,000.
New Google browser to map human body!
After its controversial Street View programme , Internet search giant Google is all set to unveil a new browser that can map out the entire human body.
Stats don't lie! China way ahead of India
The rise of the fastest growing economies of China and India has taken the world by surprise . . .
Failed joint ventures are normal in India
India has seen multiple instances of termination of agreements in joint venture contracts, most of which were formed in the early 1980's.
The secrets of loss-proof investing
During a stock market top, everyone thinks they can tolerate huge allocations to stocks and see no problem being invested 100 per cent in equity.
PIX: Despite Jairam's rap, SUVs become big hits
SUVs are increasingly becoming a rage amongst buyers.
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| December 16, 2010 | | Rajeev Chandrasekhar hits back at Tata
The MP asked authorities to keep focus of investigation on scam to weed out the lobbyists from the telecom sector.
Hero Honda splits; Hero to buy Honda's 26% stake
Breaking its 26-year-old joint venture -- Hero Honda, Munjals-promoted Hero Group on Thursday said it will buy the entire 26 per cent stake of its Japanese partner Honda in the company for an undisclosed amount.
Why petrol prices were hiked by Rs 3 a litre
The hike in petrol price was necessitated because of increase in prices of crude oil in the international market, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.
Cities, sectors that created most jobs in India
The organised sector in India generated 1.13 million jobs in 2010, says the Ma Foi Randstad Employment Trends Survey.
IMAGES: Ford Figo is Indian Car of the Year
The Ford Figo is a celebration of the best-in-class features, style, comfort and ownership.
RBI to infuse Rs 480 bn; raps govt for cash crunch
With the declining trend in inflation and amid reports of liquidity crunch, the Reserve Bank on Thursday announced pumping in Rs 48,000 crore (Rs 480 billion) into the system while keeping the key policy rates unchanged.
Sneak peek: The stunning Rs 22 lakh BMW X1
A number of carmakers have launched new products in the SUV/MUV segment within a span of few months.
'We can be a superpower if every Indian is happy'
D Udaya Kumar made history when his design was selected as the symbol for the Rupee. Manu A B profiles the brilliant creator.
Meet the man behind a Rs 4,500-crore empire
N Sankar, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award at the TiE Chennai Entrepreneur awards 2010, is the Chairman of The Sanmar Group. The turnover of the group is estimated to be around Rs. 4,500 crores. Sankar talks about how he built the empire.
Ratan Tata's cup of woes spills over
Questions raised on discrepancies in land rates in West Bengal.
Advance tax: This is what the big companies paid
India Inc seems to be leveraging well on the country's growth story and is poised to post better earnings if the corporate advance tax payments made in the December quarter are any indication.
Kolhapur bizmen book 180 Mercedes cars at one go!
Professionals, including doctors, engineers, farmers and industrialists, from various sections of Kolhapur, Sangli and Belgaum in Karnataka have made primary bookings for 180 Mercedes Benz cars from a Pune dealer, B U Bhandari, who was also responsible for the Aurangabad deal.
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| December 15, 2010 | | The Dragon is here! Deals worth $16 billion signed
Wen said, China is ready to work with India to increase the scale, and expand the scope of bilateral business cooperation.
IMAGES: Ducati to launch Diavel in India by April
It would also be launching two more models of its super bike series by Jan.
Radia is an economic terrorist, says Praful Patel
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, who was at the receiving end in the tapped conversations of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, on Wednesday wondered how she came to prominence and what was her claim to fame.
The zaniest, most jaw-dropping quotes of 2010
India, the year 2010, saw many an upheaval in the often mysterious, at times murky, and occasionally bright world of business, money and economy.
Private companies sitting on Rs 150,000-cr cash
Uncertainty on demand growth seems to be crimping investment.
The most loved advertisements of 2010
These advertisments struck a chord with people because of their creativity and innovation.
20 facts you must know about India's growth
The economy of India is the eleventh largest in the world by nominal GDP and the fourth largest by purchasing power parity (PPP).
Chinese auto makers bet big on India story
China's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Beiqi Foton, is understood to be considering setting up a greenfield facility in India shortly.
This Chinese invasion = Deals worth $20 billion
PM isn't expected to shy away from airing political differences.
India vs China: How the 2 giant economies compare
Wen is leading a high level delegation to India for a two-day trip, starting on December 16.
What's happiness? Earning more than your friends!
Money can buy you happiness, only if you earn more of it than your friends, scientists say.
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| December 14, 2010 | | Petrol price hiked by Rs 2.96
Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) on Tuesday hiked petrol prices by about Rs 2.96 a litre effective midnight tonight, and other state-owned oil companies IOC and HPCL will follow suit on Wednesday.
India Inc's 'lack of ethics' concerns PM
Amid charges for flouting environment laws by some influential business houses, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said there was a perceived 'ethical deficit' among some corporates which need to follow fair means in their pursuit.
Move over Visa, MasterCard. IndiaPay is here
The National Payments Corporation of India, the owner of IndiaPay, will fire the first salvo by charging only half what MasterCard and Visa levy on merchant establishments.
Booked a Toyota Etios? Delivery from Jan 2011
Japanese car maker Toyota on Tuesday said it will begin production of its entry-level sedan Etios in third week of December from its second manufacturing facility in India at Bidadi in Bengaluru.
Images: The great Indian consumer boom!
According to estimates, there are about 404 million consuming or aspiring consumers in India.
World's top 20 BPO hotspots
Bengaluru remains the top outsourcing hotspot for fourth successive year.
When personal loans outshine loans against gold
A personal loan can score over a loan against gold in some cases, if you compare the interest rate, tenure and charges for the two products.
Here are some special car deals for Christmas
Almost all car makers are trying to catch consumers' eyeballs by offering cash discounts, free insurance and paying registration charges of the car, distributing gift cheques, silver and gold coins and free accessories.
How Rao is building low-cost homes profitably!
Former Citibanker and MphasiS founder wants to provide affordable housing to low-income buyers. What's his business model?
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| December 13, 2010 | | Lower airfares further, govt tells airlines
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What Chinese PM's visit means for Indian business
China has emerged as India's largest trade partner.
The world's 20 most admired firms
Four Indian companies have been named amongst the world's 20 most admired knowledge enterprises by the MAKE research programme established by Teleos, in association with The KNOW Network.
MF investments by politicians under Sebi lens
Come January 1, 2011, all the new as also existing MF investors would need to disclose if they are or have been a head of state.
World's 5 most influential tech tycoons
When one thinks of technology, the first name that strikes us is that of Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Defect in newly bought car? Here's what to do
Newly bought cars often show defects which need to be attended. Here's how.
Tata vs Chandrasekhar: What corporates say
Business Standard got in touch with CEOs and corporate promoters around the countr. Is India Inc shocked? Surprised at the tone and tenor of the letters? Most shied away from a comment, some were diplomatic and only a few were ready for plainspeak.
How to get high returns from stocks
Highly priced stocks may be expensive but provide better returns.
More money in cyber crime than in drug trade now!
Symantec Corp, a global data security provider, has said that cyber attacks against critical infrastructure providers in India were becoming more frequent and effective in the recent past.
No laws for poor contract workers!
A new law for contract labourers intends to remove the illusion that they are cheaper and exploitable.
'Jewellery tops online product sales'
The Indian e-commerce sector is getting a good response from rural and Tier-III cities, Sharat Digumarti, head (operations), eBay India said at the launch of the eBay India census 2010 at Hyderabad.
IMAGES: What do Indians search for on the Web?
What 81 million Indian netizens have been searching for on the web?
Stock mkt probe:Sebi to snoop on Facebook, Twitter
Recently, a number of blogs have cropped up where members discuss stock market trends.
IMAGES: Check out the stunning Audi A7 Sportback
The luxury car segment of the country is likely to get a new car soon.
Plan for your tomorrow, today!
The average fund at the time of retirement is just Rs 52,000 per individual, people are still keen on contributing to a retirement fund, because traditional structures, such as the joint family, or children supporting parents, are changing.
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| December 10, 2010 | | More billionaires agree to give away wealth
Giving People asks its signatories to commit publicly to give away majority of their wealth.
IMAGES: Mahindra launches REVAi at Rs 310,000
The company plans to launch a slew of models in the domestic as well as overseas markets in the coming year.
Yamaha launches 998cc FZ1 at Rs 8.7 lakh
The wholly-owned subsidiary of the firm - India Yamaha Motor - also introduced a 153cc motorcycle -- SZ-R, carrying a price tag of Rs 55,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The 20 largest companies in India
Indian companies have become bigger and stronger in the last ten years with the average revenue of a company on the Fortune India 500 list standing at Rs 7,632.5 crore (Rs 76.32 billion).
IMAGES: The world's largest solar boat
The marvellous boat is covered in 5,300 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels consisting of 38,000 next-generation cells by SunPower.
Ramesh sold out India on climate issue: BJP, Left
Under attack from opposition parties and NGOs back home, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday admitted to 'nuancing' of the Indian position that it will not accept internationally legally binding emission cuts.
IMAGES: Rs 5.6-lakh Nissan Micra diesel is here!
With an overall length of 3780mm and overall width of 1665mm the car easily tackles traffic.
3 hot hatchbacks to look forward to
With the rapid growth of the Indian market many new carmakers are going to enter the country and the existing ones are going to come up with newer models.
GRAPHICS: The booming Indian economy!
Here's a graphical representation of the Indian economy. . .
IMAGES: World's 15 biggest malls
Malls have become an inevitable part of the retail boom all over the world.
Fiscal deficit in states:Maharashtra tops the list
Fiscal deficit is essentially the difference between what the government spends and what it earns. It is expressed as a percentage of GDP.
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| December 09, 2010 | | 2G spectrum: Govt to probe allocation since 2001
The government on Thursday appointed a one-man committee of retired Supreme Court justice Shivaraj V Patil to probe the alleged irregularities in the allocation of 2G spectrum since 2001, a period involving the NDA regime.
Why Ratan Tata hired Niira Radia's PR agency
Stating that Tatas did not have a 'captive' connection to counter a media campaign against it by an unholy nexus between certain corporates and journalists, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata on Thursday said that this necessitated engagement of external PR service provider Niira Radia.
Why the Sensex fell over 400 points
Several factors, like fear of FII withdrawals, high inflation numbers, telecom scam, RBI warning, etc, saw the markets plummet on Thursday.
3G tech vulnerable to cyber crime
As 3G mobile services are set to be rolled out soon in the country, cyber experts sound a word of caution about the high tech enabled mobile phones, which they say are more vulnerable in the world of technology related crimes.
The world's most corrupt institutions
As many as 74 per cent Indians believe that corruption levels have increased in the past three years. Globally, 60 per cent people hold the same view, and one in four people report paying bribes in the last year.
A 7-point plan to improve the govt's performance
Here are some ways the government's performance can be fine-tuned for better marks:
India says NO to legally binding emission cuts
The United States, India and China are not in favor of accepting a legally binding agreement.
Trade secret? How to protect it
Violations of business and intellectual property rights are on the rise and pose a huge challenge to corporations and innovators.
IMAGES: All about 4 stunning SUVs
How powerful are the four recently launched SUVs/MUVs.
Orissa: 10,991 villages lost over 50% crop
Mayurbhanj district has been the worst hit where a total of 2442 villages under 18 blocks have reported a crop loss of more than 50 per cent. Next is Sundergarh district where 1656 villages under 17 blocks have suffered a crop loss of more than 50 per cent.
Many telecom flip flops during BJP regime: Tata
Tata group chairman Ratan Tata has blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for many telecom flip flops that took place during its regime.
Special: Dollar's gain = Sensex's loss?
While the dollar's appreciation could influence the markets in the near term, experts suggest a look at the fundamentals and other macro indicators before taking an investment call.
India can grow faster than China: Roubini
Roubini said countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil and Turkey, with their increasing reliance on domestic markets, have a "distinct edge" over China which is still dependent on trade and a weak currency to spur its growth story.
China's fastest train aims to speed at 575 km/hr!
Aiming to break the 574.8 km/h speed record set by France, China has signed agreements with Thailand and Laos to build high-speed railways.
Images: India's 25 most competitive cities
According to the City Competitiveness report by the Institute for Competitiveness, Delhi is the most competitive.
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| December 08, 2010 | | Now, a common entrance test for bank jobs!
Aimed at reducing recruitment-time and the hassles associated with recruitment -- for both banks and candidates -- there will now be a common all-India entrance test from next year onwards for those seeking to join public sector banks.
China building super-cities, but what about jobs?
China's secondary cities are building infrastructure on a massive scale, but the factories that will generate jobs for the poor are still nowhere in sight.
Petrol, diesel prices to be hiked soon
State-owned oil companies may raise petrol prices by Rs 1.50-Rs 2 per litre early next week, while a Rs 2 a litre hike in diesel rates is under the government consideration, a senior official said.
Intel threatened Russia with sending jobs to India
Intel, the American chip giant, won a key concession from Russian government after threatening to shift research and development (R&D) work from the country to India or China, according to a United States Department of State cable leaked by the whistle-blower WikiLeaks.
Why Bengal is the most indebted state in India
Revenue deficit of the state is the highest among Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
Philippines, not India, is the world's BPO capital
The Philippines has become the BPO capital of the world, overtaking India as the number one player in the global business outsourcing market.
IMAGES: Inspired by Nano, TVS plans cheaper bikes
low-cost plans dovetail perfectly with the company's decision to make affordable new models.
Airtel: Spend on customer service or brand revamp?
Bharti Airtel says the makeover is in tune with the paradigm change the industry is about to witness.
Images: Toyota's stunning Rs 5-lakh Etios sedan
The Etios sedan will be available in four variants.
How to identify an operator-driven stock
Stay away from small companies that are easily manipulated.
Why we should take the Internet seriously
Is it time to consider the Internet as mass media? Maybe.
Is Indian basmati under threat?
The old farming practices will have to be changed to save the basmati export business.
2011: Could it be worse than 2010?
The year 2010 failed to deliver on the promises that it's first few months held. It might not have been quite the annus horribilis that 2008 was, but the last few months have shown some rather ominous trends. Let's just hope that these trends reverse in 2011. It certainly doesn't have the makings of a good year.
GST: A bullock cart stuck in the mud
The GST reform has virtually come to a standstill.
World's highest remittances: India is No.1
With a rising population of more than 215 million international migrants in the world, remittances received by developing countries, is estimated to be $325 billion in 2010, states a World Bank study.
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| December 07, 2010 | | Gold, silver at all-time high
Brisk buying for the ongoing marriage season and rising demand from industrial units resulted in this rise.
Jobless Indian ragpickers heat up climate meet
Vatsala Gaikwad and Supriya Bhadakwad from Maharashtra hopped on a plane for the first time to protest about the loss of their jobs to rubbish-guzzling incinerators.
Anil is building a mansion, but not for himself
Multiple residential units are being developed for housing senior executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group at a plot in Pali Hill of Bandra.
Europe crisis could hurt India, warns Pranab
The government on Tuesday attributed higher economic growth projected in the mid-year economic analysis for this fiscal than the Economic Survey to robust economic expansion in the first half.
Indian economic engine roars; growth to cross 9%
In its mid-year analysis of Indian economy, the government said high inflation, which was a major concern, has started declining and hoped that it may fall to 6 per cent by March, 2011 from over 8 per cent now.
Act, before we are all dead: Ramesh to US
Ramesh expressed deep concern about the US offer to reduce carbon emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels.
Spectrum scam: An MP's open letter to Ratan Tata
Chandrasekhar's letter seeks to convey the impression that the Tata Group kept quiet when it stood to benefit from violations of norms.
Top 10 IT predictions for 2011
2011 will be about the consolidation of disruptive technologies and customer segments.
How Nitish plans to make Bihar an economic power
After sweeping the Bihar elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar says that the main task before him is to tackle corruption and ensure fast economic growth.
Images: The world's largest employers
here is a list of 23 giant enterprises which are the world's largest employers.
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| December 06, 2010 | | Media: Of burying the 'paid news' report
It is time for all us, as citizens, to assert that newspapers and television new channels are fundamentally social institutions, says .
Govt must not dictate air fares: Mallya
Protesting against the government efforts to reduce high prices charged by airlines on tickets booked at short-term notice, Kingfisher Airlines promoter Vijay Mallya on Monday said that airfares should not be capped by the regulatory authorities, whether it is in upper or lower band.
SBI hikes deposit rates by up to 150 bps
The new rates will become effective from Tuesday.
IMAGES: This is Huaxi, China's richest village!
In this village of Huaxi, a booming market town of 36,000 in the affluent eastern province of Jiangsu, every family has at least one house or villa, two cars and $250,000 in the bank.
Do this first, then ask people for higher airfares
Whatever post-reform Indian capitalism is,
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