Popular Articles

Transport bandh hit some CAT students
A few students in Hyderabad could not reach the test centres in time to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) today, the penultimate day of the computer-based test, due to the bandh call given by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, a political outfit fighting for a separate statehood for Telanagana.

Search for Tejas engine nears its end
Decision likely before March 2010, price will determine winner.

News of the day

Riches to rags
Ten rich brats become slum dwellers for a new reality show on UTV Bindass.

Business Ideas

Tharoor maintains silence on visa remark controversy

After triggering a controversy by publicly questioning tightening of visa rules, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor today maintained a studied silence on the issue and evaded media persons who wanted him to comment on the uproar.

Snyder to take over as Dean of Yale School of Management

University of Chicago"s Booth School of Business (SOM) Dean, Edward Snyder will take over as the Dean of Yale School of Management in July 2011.

Key resistance at 5,300 level

The markets continued to display range-bound movement for yet another week. The Sensex touched a high of 17,777, but steadily moved lower to 17,276. The index finally closed the week with a nominal gain of 14 points at 17,554.

\'R-Infra bids for projects with 30% return\'

P B Jayakumar / December 30, 2009, 0:59 IST

Poems for the people

- Just imagine - Past speaking - Cool head in Eden - Would be nice - Epis-too-late - Comic history

Simple strategies for small investors

Meenakshi Subramaniam / Mumbai January 24, 2010, 0:03 IST

The momentum psychology

Momentum investing is a feel good factor that does more damage than benefit a portfolio.

Markets extend losses on Asian cues

After a weak opening today, the Indian markets have extended losses on subdued cues from Asian peers. The Sensex has dropped further to a low of 16,706 - down 160 points from the day"s high. The index is now down 134 points at 16,726.

Markets at a glance

A sell-off in global stocks and disappointing earnings numbers from a few big corporates pulled down the key indices during four out of five trading sessions in the week. The BSE Sensex fell below the 17,000 mark and ended the week down 695 points or 4 per cent to 16,860.

Political hardsell shortage

Is the Doha Development Round (DDR) dead, as the anti-globalisation activists claim? Not yet, said trade ministers of the 153 member-countries of the Word Trade Organisation at the seventh Ministerial Conference at Geneva last week. They ended the Conference with a general agreement to recommence the stalled negotiations of the DDR and take it to conclusion by the end of next year. Even such broad agreement was in sharp contrast to the acrimony and bitterness that characterised the earlier failed trade talks at Cancun and Hong Kong.

Would be nice

The zeitgeist builds itself; being right up close to events, we see at first only the separate bricks. At some particular moment, however, a precipitating event suddenly converts the soup of soluble doubts to a crystal of certainty. Bricks become house.

Weakness persists

The markets continue to trade weak. The Sensex is quoting at 16,435, weaker by 345 points, and the Nifty is at 4,893, down 114 points. Realty, metal, auto and banking sectors are weak; the FMCG space is the only silver lining.

Cost benefits will drive firms to seek environment sustainability

As energy costs rise ahead of inflation, awareness of potential impact of climate changes increases among organisation’s stakeholders. By 2014, strategies of at least two-thirds of organisations will exploit or risk-mitigate environmental sustainability, according to Gartner Inc, an information technology research and advisory company.

TCS plans to hire 11,000 this quarter

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

IIP numbers, Infy results fail to shore up market

The benchmark indices fell today despite robust industrial production data for November and Infosys’ better-than-expected results. Fears that the central bank will tighten monetary policy at its January 29 meeting dented the sentiment on the Street.

IIFCL takeout plan raises concern

The takeout financing scheme of the India Infrastructure Finance Co (IIFCL) has raised eyebrows. The Planning Commission has expressed concerns about the proposed scheme where the state-owned lending institution will take over some infrastructure loans of banks on its books.

India to again stress services at WTO ministerial talks

Movement on this seems stuck and linked initiative to defreeze progress needed, say analysts.

Govt may give sops to drug exports avoiding Europe

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

India\'s reaction to Mumbai attacks gets \'Brown\'ie points

On the eve of the first anniversary of the terror attacks in Mumbai, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today lauded the response of Indian government and the people to the strikes, saying they were "neither cowed nor provoked but stood resolute".

Euro zone jobless rate hits 10-yr high of 9.6%

The unemployment rate in the 16-nation euro zone soared to a ten-year high of 9.6 per cent in August, as the region continued to feel the tremors of the financial turmoil.

Outsourcing firms face challenges from new entrants: PwC

After being market leaders for a long time, outsourcing firms in India and North America are now faced with increasing competition from new entrants amid rising demand for services globally, a survey says.

Lupin\'s consistent growth continues

Higher margins and increased sales across regions helped Mumbai-based drug maker Lupin Ltd register 38 per cent growth in its consolidated net profit for the quarter ended December, to Rs 160.6 crore against Rs 116.5 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

VE Commercial Vehicles\' October sales up 65%

Auto maker VE Commercial Vehicles today reported 65.11 per cent growth in its total sales of Eicher trucks and buses in October at 2,257 units.

VE Commercial Vehicles\' sales up 37%

VE Commercial Vehicles today reported 37 per cent increase in sales in September at 2,558 units as against 1,865 units in the same month last year.

Millipore forks out Rs 270 cr for control of Indian arm

Life science company NYSE listed Millipore Corporation is understood to have paid out Rs 270 crore to gain full control of its Indian arm. The company during November 2009 struck a deal to buy out the 60 per cent stake held by pharma entrepreneur Subhash Bagaria in the Bangalore-based joint venture of the firm.

Bajaj Auto up on expansion plan

Bajaj Auto shares rose 6.52 per cent to Rs 1,304.5 on the proposed increase in its motorcycle production. Bajaj’s plan to raise domestic motorcycle production by about 25 per cent in August 2009 came as a response to stronger demand in the segment.

Devangshu Datta: Climate of change

One sidelight of the Climate Change Conference was the byplay between Copenhagen city authorities and the local sex-workers’ union (SIO). The Mayor’s office ran a postcard campaign exhorting delegates to “Be Sustainable: Don’t buy Sex".

Posco signs pact with OPTCL to draw power

After receiving Stage –II clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) for its 12 million tonne steel plant in Orissa, Posco-India has initiated various activities including infrastructure development to expedite the project work.

Ashok Leyland to open four outlets in Punjab

Hinduja Group Company Ashok Leyland would open three more outlets in Punjab including, one in Chandigarh in the current fiscal to expand its network.

Defiance Tech foraying into manufacturing and enterprise areas

Engineering services provider Defiance Tech, part of the multi-billion dollar Hinduja Group, today announced expanding its services to the areas of manufacturing and enterprise solutions, eyeing the markets of India, US, Europe and Middle-East nations.

\'Entertainment is a huge and interesting opportunity\'

Seema Sindhu / December 7, 2009, 0:37 IST

Colors gets record ratings among Hindi GECs in one year

For the first time in six months, the Hindi general entertainment genre has got a decisive leader in Colors. According to the latest ratings data provided by audience measurement firm TAM Media, Colors has got a record gross ratings points (GRPs) of 325 for the previous week — the highest since its launch in July 2008 and also the highest among all Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) in over a year.

RIP sweet child

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

Riches to rags

Ten rich brats become slum dwellers for a new reality show on UTV Bindass.

Pak assures seriousness in 26/11 probe

Terming as "unfortunate" the stalled Indo-Pak talks, Pakistan has advocated delinking of resumption of composite dialogue from the 26/11 probe, saying it was "seriously" pursuing all the leads provided by India.

Obama threatens to send troops to Pak to shut down Taliban

In a blunt warning, US has threatened to take "unilateral action" by sending its troops to Pakistan to shut down Taliban and other terrorist camps there, if Islamabad does not take decisive action against them. The Americans want the Pakistanis to target Haqqani network based in north Waziristan and Taliban supremo Mullah Omar and the members of the groups top Shura, believed to be hiding in Baluchistan.

Interest rates may not rise sharply: Rangarajan

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

Japan Airlines to slash 6,800 jobs: report

Japan Airlines will slash 6,800 jobs and suspend a number of overseas routes in an attempt to cut cost.

IATA forecasts deeper losses for airlines

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

Pranab to meet economic editors tomorrow

Finance Minster Pranab Mukherjee would interact with economic editors here tomorrow and provide them comprehensive view of the overall economy.

197 fresh cases of swine flu reported

Four more people succumbed to swine flu today as 197 fresh cases of the disease were reported from across the country.

LG India to spend Rs 500 cr on R&D and advertising this year

Electronics major LG India plans to invest Rs 500 crore on research and development activities as well as advertising home appliances this year.

LG to invest Rs 25 cr in home appliances category

Consumer durables major LG Electronics today said it will invest Rs 25 crore in promotional activities of its home appliances during the festive season, as it targets a 30 per cent share in the segment by next year.

FICCI seeks more sops to bolster economy

Industry body FICCI today sought more fiscal sops in the 2010-11 budget to prop up the economy.

Mercedes to sell 100 units in eastern India

Mercedes-Benz India Limited, a leading player in the luxury car market in the country is aiming at a sales volume of 100 units across all its models in the eastern region in 2009 out of which 20-25 units are expected to be sold in Orissa.

Lunch with BS: Tejbir and Malvika Singh

Kishore Singh / New Delhi November 10, 2009, 0:00 IST

TVS reports 12% increase in October sales

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

Ford launches special edition of Fiesta

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

Audi sales jump 8% in October

Luxury car maker Audi India today reported 8.41 per cent increase in its sales in October at 116 units over the same period last year.

Time for govt to roll back stimulus: Moody\'s

Global rating agency Moody"s today said large stimulus package provided by the government to perk up the economy and the consequent recovery has set the stage for it to roll back the measures.

Reva to launch two new cars by 2011

Upbeat on demand for electric cars, Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company will launch two new models globally by early 2011.

Credit growth of 18% possible, says K V Kamath

Indian banks might meet the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of an 18 per cent growth in credit, K V Kamath, chairman of the country’s second largest lender ICICI Bank said in Mumbai today.

Gammon responsible for metro mishap: probe panel

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

Nano fetches premium in used-car market

Second hand demand entirely for the top-end LX variant

Exporters want stimulus to continue

With an expected rise in the key lending rates the government should continue with the stimulus measures to support exporters, an industry body said today.

ICEX may go live from Nov 23

Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) is likely to launch operations on November 23 with 10 contracts in the farm and non-farm space, a source familiar with the development informed. “Most pre-launch formalities such as finalising the bye-laws and a few regulatory approvals are at a final stage, and the exchange may go live on Nov 23,” the source said.

FIIs hike holdings in 25 Sensex cos in Q1

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

\'275 mn 3G subscribers in India by 2013\'

With the availability of 3G spectrum, about 275 million Indian subscribers will use 3G-enabled services, and the number of 3G-enabled handsets will reach close to 395 million by 2013-end, estimates the latest report by Evalueserve, a provider of Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) services.

CM Narendra Modi tests positive for swine flu

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who returned from abroad two days back, tested positive for swine flu today, a doctor attending on him said.

Exporters happy with trade policy

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

Wabco-TVS to tap new export mkts

Wabco-TVS (India) Ltd, a provider of air brake actuation systems for commercial vehicles, is planning to tap new markets, including Brazil and Russia, during the current financial year to strengthen its export business.

Gold sets another peak at Rs 18,460

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

Suven Life\'s drug discovery achieves milestone

Hyderabad-based biopharmaceutical company Suven Life Sciences Limited announced that its drug discovery collaboration in central nervous system (CNS) disorder with the US-based Eli Lilly and Company yielded a positive outcome with lead declaration leading to a milestone payment to Suven.

Tatas to tighten management grip on JLR

Having secured the much-needed funds for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) without the UK government help, its Indian parent, Tatas, are now tightening their management control on the car maker, but are unhappy over the way their request for help was handled by the UK authorities, a report said today.

Tatas to tighten mgmt grip on JLR: report

Having secured the much-needed funds for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) without the government help, its Indian parent Tatas are now tightening their management control on the carmaker, but are unhappy over the way their request for help was handled by the UK authorities, a report said today.

Nirupam calls for political solution to Singur deadlock

The West Bengal government will not be able to bring any new investor for Singur unless a political solution is achieved.

Will be happy to do anything for West Bengal: Ratan Tata

The Tata Group would be happy to do anything that suited the state of West Bengal or the present government, said Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata , in response to Tata Tea share holders on Singur.

Ranbaxy gets Canada\'s nod to mkt anti-hypertension drug

Pharma company Ranbaxy Laboratories today said it has received the final approval of the Canadian drug regulator Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) to market and manufacture "Ran-Amlodipine tablets", used in treating hypertensions.

IT companies continue to reign at IITs

On the second day of placements at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), IIT Kharagpur saw IT biggies like Yahoo, Microsoft, and Adobe flock its campus, apart from companies like Amazon, JLLM, 3M and FICO.

Cognizant on recruitment drive

The US-software major Cognizant Technology Solutions today offered job offers for 700 students from Anna University. Last year the company offered 1,000 jobs and 500 a year before.

Speciality Restaurants plans Rs 150-crore expansion

Speciality Restaurants Private Ltd, which runs restaurant chains like Mainland China, Sigree, Oh! Calcutta, Machan and Flame and Grill, is planning to dilute its equity by up to 30 per cent to raise money for its expansion plans, besides planning an initial public offer (IPO).

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

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

Retailers mull new strategies for small stores

Reliance Retail looks at deep-discount stores, Spencer’s at franchisees

Indirect taxes see 22% fall

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

Gold to trade over Rs 15,000 level on growing demand

Gold prices are likely to surge further this week to rule over Rs 15,000 per 10 grams level amidst a weakening dollar and rising demand ahead of the festival season.

No variable pay for TCS campus hires in training

There will be promotions, but no increments this year

No variable pay for TCS trainees for first six months

The country"s largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) today announced that trainees joining it this fiscal would not be eligible for variable pay of about Rs 5,000 a month in the first six months.

TCS to use Chennai centre for e-passport service

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country’s largest IT services provider, will use the new data centre — which was set up by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) — in Chennai as a disaster recovery for its e-passport service.

Exports down over 33% in April, sharpest in 14 yrs

The global downturn has taken the wind out of the sails of India"s exports, which fell the most in 14 years in April, by 33.2 per cent, over the same month last year, while domestic slowdown led to imports dropping by 36.6 per cent in the same period.

Slumdog trust hires social worker for Rubina

The ‘Jai Ho’ trust by the ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ filmmakers has hired a social worker to ensure the welfare of Rubina Ali Qureshi after her father allegedly tried to sell her for nearly USD 300,000.

FCI to procure 2.6 million tonnes of paddy from Punjab this season

Food Corporation of India (FCI) would procure 2.6 million tonnes of paddy from Punjab in the ensuing kharif season, as compared to 213,000 metric tonnes it procured during 2008-09.

IBM launches new model for mid-sized clients

Information Technology major IBM today launched a new infrastructure service model targeting Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Gold futures trade low on reduced offtake

Gold futures prices traded lower by 0.27 per cent today on reduced offtake at existing higher levels.

Villages with 2,000 to have banking access by March: RBI

Commercial banks would come out with a plan for financial inclusion by the end of the financial year, RBI Governor D Subbarao announced here during a bankers’ meet on financial inclusion and promotion of financial literacy.

Dubai crisis not to impact domestic banks: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today said the domestic banks do not have much exposure to the debt-ridden Dubai World and hence their balance sheets will not be materially affected from the crisis.

No proposal to withdraw stimulus this year: Govt

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

Sunny side up

Business Standard / New Delhi December 02, 2009, 0:52 IST

Short-term support expected at 5,000, resistance above 5,200

The Nifty closed above 5,000 due to short-covering on healthy GDP numbers for the September quarter and easing of concerns about the debt default in Dubai. The Nifty December futures saw short-covering above 5,030 and there was long build-up below 5,010. In the end, futures shed 813,250 shares in open interest (OI) and closed at four points premium to the spot, indicating unwinding of short positions.

Strong global support for climate action: poll

Strong majorities around the world back action to fight climate change, with enthusiasm especially strong in developing nations including India, a World Bank survey said today.

Infy\'s Narayana Murthy to join NPCI board as non-exec Chairman

Infosys chief mentor, N R Narayana Murthy is likely to become the non-executive Chairman of the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) being set up to handle the retail payment operations of the Reserve Bank of India.

Maruti cashes its chips with some care, to analysts' approval

Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest manufacturer of cars, is also quite cash-healthy, markedly so in comparison to many of its competitors.

Toyota mulls price hike of Corolla Altis, Innova

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is considering a price increase in Corolla Altis and Innova due to rising input costs and fluctuation in exchange rates, the company said in a statement today.

Consumers shift focus from camcorders to digicams

Consumers in India appear to be shifting their focus from camcorders to digital still cameras. Camcorder sales remained flat in 2008, recording single-digit growth rates, according to industry estimates.

Centre calls meeting on Telangana on January 5

The Centre, in an attempt to end the imbroglio over Telangana, today convened a meeting here on January 5 of the eight recognised political parties in Andhra Pradesh for a discussion on the issue, a move welcomed by a grouping of all parties spearheading the statehood stir.

Infosys to resume work on 2nd campus in April 2010

IT major Infosys Technologies would start construction work on its second campus in the city in April 2010.

Force India releases Fisi, no \'financial settlement\' involved

After four days of vehement denial, Force India on Thursday announced that its Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella is joining Ferrari with immediate effect, while also insisting that there was no financial settlement involved in his move.

Mayday, mayday

Business Standard / New Delhi September 4, 2009, 0:00 IST

Mittal\'s Bhatinda refinery proj to start ops by June \'11

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the Rs 18,919-crore Bhatinda refinery project, being set up by the LN Mittal group, would become functional by June 2011.

Lupin buys cholesterol drug for $39 million

Buys US rights for Oscient Pharma"s Antara.

BSNL seeks exemption from Rs 3,000-crore licence fees

The state-owned telecom service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is planning to seek exemption from paying licence fees, stating a clause under the National Telecom Policy of 1999 (NTP ‘99). At present, the company pays around Rs 3,000 crore per annum as licence fee to the exchequer.

BSNL to provide bandwidth for SWAN

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) would provide bandwidth services for the implementation of the Orissa State Wide Area Network (OSWAN) project in the state.

It\'s discount season in jewellery mart

Jewellery makers and gold retailers are pulling out all the stops to bring back customers. The sharp rise in gold prices has meant dwindling sales and so discount offers have gone through the roof.

Gold prices may remain firm in 2nd half of 2009

China to remain the largest market, say analysts.

Standard gold hits Rs 16,700 level in early trade

Standard gold prices crossed Rs 16,700-level for the first time in the history on the bullion market in the early trade on hectic stockists buying triggered by rise in the global market.

Parsvnath Developers Q1 net dips 81% at Rs 14 cr

Real estate firm Parsvnath Developers today reported a net profit of Rs 13.81 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, a 81 per cent decline over the corresponding period a year ago. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 73.96 crore in the same period last fiscal.

Sukhoi listed as most rapidly growing companies of Russia

Major Russian aircraft manufacturer famous for its fighters, Sukhoi has been listed amongst the most rapidly growing companies of Russia by the Economic News Agency rating.

Indian telecom space to witness consolidation: Macquarie

The intensifying tariff war among telecommunication players in India is likely to result in consolidation of smaller, regional and startup operators in the telecom space, global research firm Macquarie says.

RCom\'s capex to decline starting this year: Anil Ambani

Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) company, Reliance Communications, today said its capex would decline significantly starting this year and continue on a downward trend in the future.

PM for simpler tax regime for processed food sector

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today regretted that the food processing sector was subject to "multiple levies" and said there is an urgent need to rationalise tax structure to replicate the success of the IT industry globally.

India to add 40 mn sq ft office space in 2009

With the economy regaining its momentum slowly, India will add up to 40 million sq ft of office space this year, which will be higher than many other advanced countries, but lesser than China.

Tata Comm launches mobile video telephony service

Telecom service provider Tata Communications today said it has launched its new mobile video telephony service for mobile operators and international carrier customers.

Sanjeev Sanyal: Radically rethinking agriculture

It"s time we busted a few myths and revamped our strategy towards the farm sector.

Farm growth could be down by 5% due to monsoon woes: Godrej

India"s agriculture growth could be down by 5 per cent due to deficient monsoon, a top corporate leader said today.

Markets near day\'s low

The Sensex is now at 17,082, down 145 points. The NSE Nifty is at 5,100, down 47 points.

Kerala may be given \'special state\' status for SEZs

The Centre plans to induct Kerala in the list of ‘special status’ states, which are given relaxation in their requirement for areas for special economic zones (SEZ). This is in response to a state government’s request to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the relaxation in an effort to promote exports and generate employment.

US markets end marginally lower

The US markets had an unspectacular day of trade. Dow Jones closed at 10,426.30, lower by 11.11 points or 0.11%, Nasdaq ended at 2193.14, weaker by 10.64 points or 0.48%, and S&P shut at 1109.8, down 0.52 points or 0.05%.

US markets close in the green

The US markets have ended on a positive note.

Akash Prakash: The coming bubble in power

Akash Prakash / New Delhi November 13, 2009, 0:14 IST

Volkswagen aims to sell over 300 Beetles in 2010

The company has an advance booking of over 170 cars

Cash-only deals bring firms higher returns: KPMG

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

Intel to pay AMD $1.25 bn, settle all disputes

Intel Corp agreed to pay Advanced Micro Devices Inc $1.25 billion as part of a legal settlement that ends a four-year dispute between the world’s two largest computer-processor makers. AMD stock rose as much as 27 per cent.

Big gap in demand-supply of skilled manpower: HR experts

Ruing over the lack of skilled manpower, human resource (HR) professionals said, during a management conference, that more interface between educational institutions and industry should take place. Organised by St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies (SKIPS), Ahmedabad, the conference focused on "Adding Lasting Value in Uncertain Times...through Human Capital Leadership".

What if?

Business Standard / New Delhi September 28, 2009, 0:36 IST

Going off track

Business Standard / New Delhi December 22, 2009, 0:30 IST

Support seen at 4,900 level

The Nifty closed below 5,000 on Friday due to unwinding of long positions and fresh shorts build-up by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). We had indicated in our December 10 report that the index might not hold the 5,000 level in near future. Technically, the market is trading in a bearish triangle pattern and fresh correction is expected next week with strong support around the 4,900 level. The daily Relative Strength Index has drifted below the mean level of 50, indicating caution. Any failure to rise from the current level could see the index drift lower to test the 4,940 level.

Insurers want exemption limit raised to Rs 1.5 lakh

Life insurers are pitching for increased exemption on investments in long-term policies. They have asked the government to consider raising the exemption limit to around Rs 1.5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh at present.

Shipping survives rough economic weather, poised for growth

Having survived the financial turbulence of 2008, India’s port and shipping sector appears poised to sail into good times in the new year, thanks to a slew of steps taken by the government in 2009 to remove bottlenecks.

'Interest rates will rise by only around 0.5%'

Shobhana Subramanian / Mumbai July 10, 2009, 0:36 IST

ICICI Prudential AMC eyeing Rs 250 cr biz under Child Care Plan

ICICI Prudential AMC is eyeing Rs 250 crore business from its Child Care Plan Scheme in the current fiscal.

N97 to hit Indian market by Diwali

To cash in on the festivity, the world"s largest handset maker, Nokia, today said it will launch new version of its flagship smartphone N97 in the Indian market by Diwali or middle of October this year.

India designs new atomic reactor for thorium utilisation

India today announced it has designed a new version of Advanced Heavy Water atomic reactor which will use lesser low enriched uranium along with thorium as fuel and having next generation safety requirements.

Abheek Barua: Being fair to Pranabbabu

Abheek Barua / New Delhi July 22, 2009, 0:45 IST

Brokers make most of carbon credits

India Inc sells a third of carbon credits to middlemen at low rates.

Govt may not move on bank mergers for now

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

Canada confirms four new swine flu cases

Four new cases of swine flu were reported in Canada, bringing the total number of people infected with the virus nationally to 285.

The revival is real

Business Standard / New Delhi December 10, 2009, 0:42 IST

Direct tax code: Com Min bats for SEZ developers

Batting for the worried special economic zones (SEZs) developers who fear withdrawal of incentives in the new direct tax code, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma today said his ministry would ensure that the sops continue.

Regional rural bank staff for more autonomy in opening branches

The All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association wants regional rural banks to have a greater autonomy in opening branches in the rural areas, and hence in the process of financial inclusion.

Bottoming out

Business Standard / New Delhi November 06, 2009, 0:36 IST

Govt examining debt waiver for coffee growers: Scindia

The government said today it is examining a proposal to implement a debt-relief package for growers to revive the coffee industry.

Srei Infra Fin PAT rises marginally

Srei Infrastructure Finance has posted a consolidated profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs 38.91 crore for the first quarter of the current financial year as against Rs 43.20 crore during the same quarter the previous year, a fall of about 9.93 per cent.

Govt proposes to compensate 50% of CST losses to states

With the economic slowdown hitting the exchequer hard, the Centre today proposed that the states accept half of the compensation on account of their losses due to cut in the Central Sales Tax (CST) for the current fiscal.

DoT nod for Russian govt\'s 20% stake buy in Shyam Sistema

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has "no objection" to the Russian government picking up 20 per cent stake in telecom service provider Sistema-Shyam Telecom (SSTL) for a little over $676 million (Rs 3,200 crore).

Kotak Mahindra Bank eyes acquisitions in India

Indian private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank is looking at acquisitions in the coming months in India, says a media report.

Govt to support public sector banks to merge

Government will support public sector banks to merge if they wanted, provided they fulfilled RBI and SEBI guidelines, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today.

Rel MF looks to offer more schemes on stock exchanges

Reliance Mutual Fund (RMF), part of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, has said it will look at offering more plans and schemes on the recently launched MF trading platform of stock exchanges.

Bank employees get 17.5% wage hike, pension benefit

SBI unions walk out of pact saying interests not served

More Mutual Funds line up to trade on NSE

No clarity yet on brokerage fee, securities transation tax yet.

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

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

Golden Tobacco board to mull Jain\'s open offer on Dec 1

Golden Tobacco today said its board will meet on December 1 for considering a proposal from Pramod Jain to acquire another 25 per cent stake in the Sanjay Dalmia-promoted company.

Petronet LNG eyes 53% growth in top line

LNG importer Petronet LNG is eyeing 53 per cent growth in the top line at Rs 13,000 crore during the current fiscal, Petronet LNG Managing Director P Dasgupta said today.

J\'khand not to issue any mining licences during Prez Rule

The Jharkhand government will not grant any mining and prospecting licences till the pendency of the President"s Rule, a top government official said.

KIT: Trends in healthcare

Technopak Advisors / New Delhi December 29, 2009, 0:03 IST

OVL joins hands with Raspol, Petronas for Venezuelan fields

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has replaced Reliance Industries with Repsol YPF SA, Spain"s biggest oil company, and Malaysia"s Petronas to bid for Venezuelan oil blocks next month.

Aban Offshore repays bonds worth Rs 800 cr

Offshore drilling services provider Aban Offshore today said it has repaid bonds worth Rs 800 crore along with accrued interest.

\'Cross-border deals will drive M&As\'

Shobhana Subramanian / Mumbai December 4, 2009, 0:53 IST

Did not facilitate access for gatecrasher: Indian Embassy

The Indian Embassy today said it did not facilitate the entry of a third gatecrasher to US President Barack Obama"s State Dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, after the Secret Service claimed that the individual sneaked in by boarding an Indian delegation bus.

Rio Tinto to sell Alcan Composites for $349mn

Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto today said it will sell building products maker Alcan Composites to Swiss firm Schweiter Technologies for $349 million.

US markets end flat; Indian ADRs surge

US markets ended flat on Tuesday.

LGS Global gets $2.8 mn from US AIDS bureau

LGS Global Limited, a Hyderabad-based software development company, has been awarded a $2.8-million (approximately Rs 13.44 crore) grant for developing a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant, web-based data entry and reporting platform, which is a nationwide initiative to enhance the quality of care to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Battling price rise

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

M&M erases gains, ends flat

Mahindra & Mahindra gave all its gains and slipped to a low of Rs 813. The scrip finally settled flat at Rs 820. The counter clocked volumes of 239,425 shares as compared to the two-week daily average traded volumes of 277,548 shares.

A practical strategy

Invest moderately in equities, and be ready to average down if market falls.

US to remove cap on intake of medical students

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

Lloyds to slash 5,000 jobs by next year-end: report

British financial service firm Lloyds Banking Group Plc will slash 5,000 jobs by the end of next year, a media report says.